On the Brink...Expecting and Attempting

None of us are rich. But 24 hours from now we get to -- one by one, dollar by dollar, giving sacrificially -- participate in making a difference. "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God," a missionary said 200 years ago facing a similar situation. 

I wish we were all independently wealthy and could, each one of us, with one stroke of the pen bless Pendleton Place by writing them a check for $10,000. That's not where we are though. So tomorrow I need you to join God in his miracle before our eyes. Join me in three ways:

1. Pray. With your family, on your own, with friends, however you do it. Pray out loud. Be bold in prayer in asking God to raise the $10k, bring awareness to Pendleton Place and to Origins
2. Give. Bid on a piece if you can or bring an item from the needs list or just a $5 cash donation
3. Bring others. Blow up Facebook, Twitter, and any other way -- including and especially personal invite -- to get people through the door

None of us will donate $10,000 but God can use us all in little ways to get it done. Even more, the money wasn't and isn't the point. The point always was making a difference, making sure every man, woman and child in our circle of accountability around us gets to hear the Good News of Jesus. I hope we are embodying that story well. Come flesh out the Gospel with me tomorrow, joining me in the mission that is far bigger than any of us. And know that I love you guys, love being your pastor, love the journey we are on, and can't wait to see what God is about to do among us. Expect great things and attempt great things!

Art Auction Prayer Guide

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand upright" (Psalm 20:7-8)

Scripture repeatedly speaks of a God who, in love, supernaturally provides for his people. He gives because he loves us. He also gives for his own glory and namesake. When he shows up and we speak up -- turning the praise back toward him -- people see and give him the credit. We aren't parting the Red Sea, inhabiting the Promised Land, slaying a giant, or shutting the mouths of lions, but we do need God to provide for us with our Pendleton Place Art Auction. Join me in praying for the following in the 10 days leading up to the auction. Invite people, spread the word, be there that night, bid on art... but more than all of that, join me in asking God to do what only he can do. 

Ask God...

Tuesday 10.12.  To give us $10,000 and sell all paintings  

Wednesday 10.13.  For no glitches in collecting money at the event

Thursday 10.14.  For our local artists helping with event to be intrigued and follow-up with Origins

Friday 10.15.  For the staff of Pendleton Place to see Christ in us and drawn to him and to continue to love these kids well 

Saturday 10.16.  For our local businesses and media to be intrigued and follow-up with Origins

Sunday 10.17.  For downtowners to come to and support the auction by bidding on art

Monday 10.18.  Whether or not he wants you to attend, bid, and give

Tuesday 10.19.  For downtowners to hear of Origins going forward and to join us in God's mission in Downtown Greenville

Wednesday 10.20.  For 10 artists, business owners and community leaders to serve as sponsors, advocates, and advertisers at the auction

Thursday 10.21.  For the kids of Pendleton Place to be loved, safe, healed, and to encounter Jesus and for God to bless their work