"Seeking to be a bridge of God's love to all people so they may experience His purpose for their lives." I've been preaching that, teaching that & living that for the last 3 years at Ridgeview. I had breakfast this morning sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship here in Greenville. They wanted to thank pastors whose churches are sponsoring Good News Clubs in the various public schools. Our church sponsors a club that meets after school on Thursday at Mountain View Elementary. That's where we meet for church on Sunday as well. We've been sponsoring a club now for 3 years. This year our coordinator is Liz Niles. She's doing an excellent job! I got word last week a young boy named Joshua placed his faith and trust in Jesus. I understand he has no church home. I am following up with him. That's a beautiful picture of the church in action. I'm so glad I get to be part of a church like Ridgeview. I thank the Lord everyday!

Some things I've read this morning. Great reminders! 1. Application is very important in communicating, especially preaching. One must think about the entire audience when applying the principle and how it applies to them. Really get specific. Don't just broadbrush- "You need to practice integrity at your job." Apply a specific example.

Children's Ministry

Last summer our children's leaders started a ministry called C4C (Champions For Christ). They met at Rock's Country Store in the patio area and then headed over to the field across the street for sports activities. As the school year has rolled around, we've moved the C4C over to our home and gone with a more in depth discipleship time with our kids. It is really going well!

I love children! They are so real! They tell you what they're really thinking. That's always refreshing. I am enjoying studying the Bible with them each Wednesday at our home and hanging out and having a good time. We have some incredible people working with our children on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. I thank God for them!

This Sunday I'm sharing a message entitled "Planting gardens and taking walks." In Mark 4, Jesus shares a parable about sowing seedings of the word of God. I'm convinced now more than ever that we as churches (including Ridgeview) have got to do more seed throwing. We can have the best of the best things on Sunday morning in worship, but if no sharing, investing, and caring in the lives of those who don't know Christ, what effect is it having in our community? I like how Neil Cole describes it: all we have is a mudpit and not a garden if we haven't planted seeds. I am planting each week. I always can do a better job. But, I can't make seeds in a garden grow no matter what I do or how I work. There are some things only God can do.