One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one Spirit, one God, one Father of all, one Body. One Body with many members. One with God. One with Jesus. One with each other. These are all Biblical references concerning oneness in the Church of Christ (Eph. 4, 1 Cor. 12, John 17).

I recently finished a paper on the unity of the Body of Christ and am in the middle of crafting a sermon on the same topic. Needless to say, I feel immersed in the topic…in a good way. Over the last couple of years the Lord has placed in me a burden for oneness in the Church. The research and biblical study that I have done recently has served to boost my enthusiasm as well as better equip me to understand the passion God’s given me.

I have discovered unity in the Body isn’t just a nice ideal that we can think about and implement when we get around to it. Instead.....

Person to Person October 2010

“I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” ~John 17:23

A few weeks ago, as part of our 2010 Portland alumni chapter event, I invited Multnomah alumni to partner together with downtown area churches in order to help provide a day of free basic health care and social service networking for Portland's homeless, under-insured, and those otherwise in need. 718 guests were cared for, through a variety of medical specialties—chiropractic: 76, vision: 40, dental: 127, medical: 150, immunizations: 200, and haircuts: 125. Hundreds of others were provided for as well with close to 1,500 meals being served and over 2,000 lbs of clothes distributed. A considerable undertaking and noteworthy effort for sure, and yet as impressive as the numbers are in retelling the day’s events, the significant meaning that continues to impact me is the remarkable demonstration of seeing the church be the church that day.

• Please continue to pray for God's leading as we seek ways to both create opportunities for fellowship as well as opportunities to deepen existing relationships
• Please pray that God paves the way for additional site team members here at Stonecreek.
• Andrea Lowe, who many of you met at the BBQ, is interested in relocating here from Virginia but needs to solidify employment before she makes the move.  Please keep her in your prayers as she is seeking God's direction in what is next.
• I have talked to two residents here in the past week that have pending surgeries.  I know they are representative of many more here struggling with health issues.  Please pray for the health of our neighbors here, many of whom are without insurance.

Although I've been an enthusiastic supporter of Compassion Connect since their inception, the opportunity to experience a clinic firsthand drove my appreciation for their organization to new heights.  From a brief read of their website one learns that Christ is the center of all that they do. Additionally, their financial statements attest to the way they admirably account and steward all of their finances. However, true appreciation for the impact and success of their ministry can't be understood until one participates in a Compassion Clinic. During the Downtown Clinic this past weekend I had the opportunity to walk alongside Milan Homola, their Executive Director, in a tour of the services to be given throughout the day. It was impressive. Portable dental units delivered dental care to near one hundred guests, medical screenings played precursor to appointments with multiple different medical specialties and a social services fair allowed people to avail themselves of valuable information and resources while they waited.

Despite the clinic's impressive scale, scope and efficiency, excitement at what was happening grew exponentially when I had the opportunity to sit with those waiting to be seen.....

Read the "To Serve is To Suffer" Article Here

It was spring of 2006 and I remember sitting in our small one bedroom apartment at my desk looking out the window.  I was in a wrestling match...not as cool as Jacob's wrestling match.  It was a wrestling match with myself inside my head and heart.

I was exhausted.  I was worn down and thinking to myself I don't want to do anymore.  We were nearing the end of the first Compassion Clinic event.  It was the first year...nobody knew what they were doing...there were 5 or 6 of us planning the entire thing with no manual, no money, and no idea if we would get in trouble with the law.

I was sitting near that window reflecting on the things I was learning in seminary about leadership development, spiritual development, and avoidance of "burn-out".  The thought came through my mind..."This isn't how its supposed to be, I'm tired, I'm constantly busy, worried, and worn out." Then a revelational concept came to me..

On September 7th the Georgine Rice Show invited Compassion Connect to share about the ministry, how it started, and whats on the horizon.

It was a great conversation that highlited churches working together, Multnomah University, and the upcoming events.   Check it out.

Dear LORD,
I’m an intern! I just started a new internship with Compassion Connect, and I am so excited. You know I’ve been interested in this organization for a long time, and now I am actually getting to be a part of what You’re doing through the ministries of Compassion Connect. I feel so privileged! LORD, thank You!
It’s truly amazing all the little things You’ve used to bring me to this place....