When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He said we would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. I praise God for the opportunity to serve Him in my Jerusalem and Judea. But I want to take a moment and ask you to join me in prayer for a brother in Christ who is serving God at the ends of the earth.
Jim is currently in overseas in a country which I can't disclose to you, but God is using Him in some powerful ways. I have been getting his emails for a couple years now, but have never met him face to face. I trust that God will cross our paths one of these days. Recently, Jim and his team put together this video for their prayer warriors: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnnRoqhzBBq
So check it out, pray for them, and continue to seek the Lord as to where He may be calling you.
Until next time,
ZB
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Burgers and Revival
On February 3, 1970 a chapel service started on the campus of Asbury College in Wilmore, KY. On February 10th, after a week of repentance, sharing, testimonies and worship the chapel service came to a close. So what happened to a few hundred Bible College students and professors that week in the winter of 1970? One word—REVIVAL!! God showed up in ways that week that brought salvation and deliverance to those who didn’t even know they needed it.
On November 12, 2010 I was with four other guys who are involved in our FUSE high school ministry. That night we watched a documentary on the Asbury revival. As we scarffed down our monster cheeseburgers that night, we were blown away by the power and love of God that we saw in that documentary. It challenged us to pray more, and pray harder.
So pray we did. We were awake until 3:00am that morning! It was an incredible night together before the Lord, and now we, like the students of Asbury, have committed ourselves to praying for 30 minutes each day for 30 days asking God to reveal himself in new and powerful ways.
Now, the vision has been shared with the rest of our FUSE group and many other high-schoolers in the area who are committing to the 30/30 challenge. Students are making phone calls, sending text messages, emails, and facebook posts holding each other accountable. It’s amazing to watch God capture the hearts of these teens.
In Awe,
-ZB
On November 12, 2010 I was with four other guys who are involved in our FUSE high school ministry. That night we watched a documentary on the Asbury revival. As we scarffed down our monster cheeseburgers that night, we were blown away by the power and love of God that we saw in that documentary. It challenged us to pray more, and pray harder.
So pray we did. We were awake until 3:00am that morning! It was an incredible night together before the Lord, and now we, like the students of Asbury, have committed ourselves to praying for 30 minutes each day for 30 days asking God to reveal himself in new and powerful ways.
Now, the vision has been shared with the rest of our FUSE group and many other high-schoolers in the area who are committing to the 30/30 challenge. Students are making phone calls, sending text messages, emails, and facebook posts holding each other accountable. It’s amazing to watch God capture the hearts of these teens.
In Awe,
-ZB
Thursday, November 4, 2010
2 months in review...
Hey Gang,
Wow....I apologize for not keeping this updated better. So allow me to summarize it for you...
September - Student ministry launched in Teays Valley, began seeing Hebrews 12:25-29 come to life. God really began speaking into our lives and shaking the shakeable things. Then, in His love, these students have begun to see addictions, depression, and anxiety demolished by His consuming fire.
October - Home group launched in our apartment in Huntington. We're studying the book of Acts and trying to figure out how we are suppposed to live as the church. The book of Acts raises a bunch of questions and has been challenging us in our faith. My prayer for our group is that we would fully embrace the great commission (1:8) and, through a fullness of the Holy Spirit, reach out in love and grace to those in our Jerusalem.
Most recently, I've been traveling a lot in order to raise support. God has blessed us and we are currently at 44% of our goal. We are excited about the opportunity to be in full time ministry - it really is a dream come true. But the reality is that we can't do it alone. So thank you all for praying for us and for being a part of our journey. We love and appreciate you all more than you know.
-ZB
Wow....I apologize for not keeping this updated better. So allow me to summarize it for you...
September - Student ministry launched in Teays Valley, began seeing Hebrews 12:25-29 come to life. God really began speaking into our lives and shaking the shakeable things. Then, in His love, these students have begun to see addictions, depression, and anxiety demolished by His consuming fire.
October - Home group launched in our apartment in Huntington. We're studying the book of Acts and trying to figure out how we are suppposed to live as the church. The book of Acts raises a bunch of questions and has been challenging us in our faith. My prayer for our group is that we would fully embrace the great commission (1:8) and, through a fullness of the Holy Spirit, reach out in love and grace to those in our Jerusalem.
Most recently, I've been traveling a lot in order to raise support. God has blessed us and we are currently at 44% of our goal. We are excited about the opportunity to be in full time ministry - it really is a dream come true. But the reality is that we can't do it alone. So thank you all for praying for us and for being a part of our journey. We love and appreciate you all more than you know.
-ZB
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
FUSE in the Valley
That's the name of our new high school ministry that just got kicked off at our church. We have begun doing middle school ministry during the Sunday morning worship service and high school of an evening at one of the local parks. Within the first two weeks we have crossed the paths of over 20 kids and have seen them engage the word with their inquisitive minds. I've even had a couple conversations which have started with a high schooler asking me, "So, I was talking to my Atheist friend about Jesus and...." It's awesome to see the heart that God is building in these kids for their friends.
Our vision is to see these youth connected to God, growing in community, and serving on purpose. They have adopted that as their vision and a core group of them are passionate about reaching out into their schools with the same transforming love that has changed their life. When taking prayer requests this past Sunday, I heard "I want God to be ever-present in my life." From another I heard, "I want to stop going along with the crowd." And yet another asked through tears, "Can we pray for my relationship with my friends?" Then humbly admitted, "I want to forgive them, but I'm not really sure if I can."
God is powerfully at work in the lives of these teens. Please continue to pray for them and for the volunteers who have given of their time and energy to make this ministry possible.
I pray also for you, that you would see the power of God in your life because the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power (1 Cor. 4:20).
Humbly,
ZB
Our vision is to see these youth connected to God, growing in community, and serving on purpose. They have adopted that as their vision and a core group of them are passionate about reaching out into their schools with the same transforming love that has changed their life. When taking prayer requests this past Sunday, I heard "I want God to be ever-present in my life." From another I heard, "I want to stop going along with the crowd." And yet another asked through tears, "Can we pray for my relationship with my friends?" Then humbly admitted, "I want to forgive them, but I'm not really sure if I can."
God is powerfully at work in the lives of these teens. Please continue to pray for them and for the volunteers who have given of their time and energy to make this ministry possible.
I pray also for you, that you would see the power of God in your life because the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power (1 Cor. 4:20).
Humbly,
ZB
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wrapping up the Summer
Hey Folks,
The past couple weeks have flown by. Medical School is as busy as everybody said it was going to be. Our student ministry kicks off next week when the kids head back to school. I was introduced as the new "Director of Student Ministries" at the church here in Teays Valley when I had the opportunity to preach last Sunday. That was my first time preaching here. If you want to listen to the sermon, it should be online soon at www.riverridge.org
God has been blowing open doors and challenging me in some new ways. As I continue to grow my ministry and walk with the Lord, I was confronted with this question from Oswald Chambers the other day. "Are you more devoted to your idea of what Jesus wants than to Jesus Himself?" The question floored me. Was I so worried about doing exactly what I thought Jesus wanted that I didn't even spend time with Jesus himself? This is ironic because my entire sermon was based around the idea that we, as fallen sinful creatures, can know God in all His majesty and power - and that this knowing God, this relationship, is only gained through Jesus Christ. So after spending two weeks trying to figure out the best way to tell people to know God....I needed a change of focus myself. I needed to hear that it was Mary's heart that Christ wants in us. He appreciates all the works Martha did and that we do...but he longs for much more than service or blind obedience. We are relational people created in the image if a relational God. Some times I get so wrapped up in seeking what God wants that I don't really seek Him...nor do I allow Him to find me.
Oh Lord, bring each of us to a place of intimacy with you. Help us to walk in loving obedience. We want to know you and hear your voice. Thank you for your desire for us. Thank you for your desire for the least of these. Teach us to love, to shine, to know you, and to know your heart for those around us. We want to see your kingdom come...so light up the darkness in us. And through us, light up the darkness in this world.
Amen,
ZB
The past couple weeks have flown by. Medical School is as busy as everybody said it was going to be. Our student ministry kicks off next week when the kids head back to school. I was introduced as the new "Director of Student Ministries" at the church here in Teays Valley when I had the opportunity to preach last Sunday. That was my first time preaching here. If you want to listen to the sermon, it should be online soon at www.riverridge.org
God has been blowing open doors and challenging me in some new ways. As I continue to grow my ministry and walk with the Lord, I was confronted with this question from Oswald Chambers the other day. "Are you more devoted to your idea of what Jesus wants than to Jesus Himself?" The question floored me. Was I so worried about doing exactly what I thought Jesus wanted that I didn't even spend time with Jesus himself? This is ironic because my entire sermon was based around the idea that we, as fallen sinful creatures, can know God in all His majesty and power - and that this knowing God, this relationship, is only gained through Jesus Christ. So after spending two weeks trying to figure out the best way to tell people to know God....I needed a change of focus myself. I needed to hear that it was Mary's heart that Christ wants in us. He appreciates all the works Martha did and that we do...but he longs for much more than service or blind obedience. We are relational people created in the image if a relational God. Some times I get so wrapped up in seeking what God wants that I don't really seek Him...nor do I allow Him to find me.
Oh Lord, bring each of us to a place of intimacy with you. Help us to walk in loving obedience. We want to know you and hear your voice. Thank you for your desire for us. Thank you for your desire for the least of these. Teach us to love, to shine, to know you, and to know your heart for those around us. We want to see your kingdom come...so light up the darkness in us. And through us, light up the darkness in this world.
Amen,
ZB
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Back from Haiti - off to Med-School
Well folks, she made it back! Last Friday at about 12:15pm, Carly and her team touched down at Ronald Reagan Airport in DC. And after a 3 day support raising trip, I was there to meet them with a fully functioning 15 passenger van (that had previously been broken down until some great mechanics from Afghanistan spent two days fixing it).
Many members of the team found that they had caught some type of food poisoning or E
Coli while in Haiti making the trip home quite a stop and start kind of trip. Carly too was sick for the rest of the weekend, but I believe that the whole team has made a full recovery.
While there they saw nearly 500 patients at the eye clinic and were able to repair or reconstruct a few of the buildings in the village that had been damaged by the earthquake. To quote Carly directly, she said, "I saw some of the most beautiful people and country side you could ever imagine, but I also saw some of the most horrifying things and heard of the most terrible stories." She then went on to say about the spiritual state of things, "I've never felt God's presence so powerfully, but I've also never felt an evil presence so strongly either." With Haiti being a very real stronghold for voodoo and witchcraft, the team was on their toes and in prayer regularly for God's protection and provision.
So after getting healed up from her intestinal ailments, Carly began her orientation at medical school yesterday. She's a bit nervous, but far more excited.
There's also a lot going on at the church with the fall coming up, the student ministry ball has really gotten rolling. Lots more details to come later, but praise God for the team's safe and fruitful journey to Haiti and back. To God be the glory for His work, through His people, to care for and love on His sheep.
After His Heart,
ZB
Many members of the team found that they had caught some type of food poisoning or E
Coli while in Haiti making the trip home quite a stop and start kind of trip. Carly too was sick for the rest of the weekend, but I believe that the whole team has made a full recovery.
While there they saw nearly 500 patients at the eye clinic and were able to repair or reconstruct a few of the buildings in the village that had been damaged by the earthquake. To quote Carly directly, she said, "I saw some of the most beautiful people and country side you could ever imagine, but I also saw some of the most horrifying things and heard of the most terrible stories." She then went on to say about the spiritual state of things, "I've never felt God's presence so powerfully, but I've also never felt an evil presence so strongly either." With Haiti being a very real stronghold for voodoo and witchcraft, the team was on their toes and in prayer regularly for God's protection and provision.
So after getting healed up from her intestinal ailments, Carly began her orientation at medical school yesterday. She's a bit nervous, but far more excited.
There's also a lot going on at the church with the fall coming up, the student ministry ball has really gotten rolling. Lots more details to come later, but praise God for the team's safe and fruitful journey to Haiti and back. To God be the glory for His work, through His people, to care for and love on His sheep.
After His Heart,
ZB
Monday, July 26, 2010
A word from Haiti
Last night at about 8:00pm, Carly called from Haiti with a good report. It was only a three minute report because the team had bought one 20 minute phone card and were taking turns making 3 minute phone calls. But her spirits seemed high, she said her health was good, and she said God had been doing some really cool things with them there. I obviously couldnt get too many details out of her in three minutes, but praise God for the surprise contact.
Thanks for all of your prayers, folks. It's those prayers and the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit that keeps us going.
I will leave tomorrow for another four state road trip raising support that will finish with me picking up Carly at the DC airport Friday at noon. WAHOO!! Catch ya later, team.
-ZB
Thanks for all of your prayers, folks. It's those prayers and the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit that keeps us going.
I will leave tomorrow for another four state road trip raising support that will finish with me picking up Carly at the DC airport Friday at noon. WAHOO!! Catch ya later, team.
-ZB
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Haiti Update
They arrived in Port au Prince, Haiti Thursday morning at roughly 9:00am only to find that 5 of their most valuable bags had been lost. One of the main focuses for this trip was to set up clinic to provide Haitians with prescription glasses restoring sight to the visually impaired. The bags that were lost contained all the prescription lenses and the other equipment used to set up this clinic. The team was terribly discouraged because this clinic was to be their ticket into the mountains and the villages. How could they show up and not provide the services they promised?
So Thursday was spent connecting with missionaries in Port au Prince and getting adjusted to the climate and culture. Many members of this team are 1st timers to Haiti and needed a little time to adjust. It was Friday morning before they could go back to the airport in an attempt to find their lost luggage. It's hard enough to reclaim lost luggage in the states, and almost impossible to do so in Haiti, but they had to try. With almost no hope at all, a couple members of the team went to the airport while the rest of the team set up a make shift clinic with only reading and sun glasses at the mission house/boys home where they were staying. They didn't have any prescription lenses and were terribly worried they would have to turn masses of people away.
We've heard it said that "nothing is impossible to God"....well, sometimes we don't really believe that until we are faced with a situation like this. But around 10:00am Friday morning, there were tears being shed and shouts of praising being sung to our God because the luggage had been found!! Praise God! We don't know how, but we know who!
I got an email from Carly late Friday night depicting the excitement, "but we didn't have the suitcases yet. Then, as the first person was beginning to be seen at our makeshift clinic, the truck got back. I was so scared to know the answer I didn't even go out and look; I just listened.....They got all 5!!! I was so happy I started crying and had to go to the back room pretending I was working on setting up."
So the team worked all day at providing glasses and loving on those who came to the clinic. Later, after dinner, the team began packing everything back up because today (Saturday the 24th)they are headed to the mountains bright and early. There wont be any more contact from them until the middle of next week sometime, but they have all the luggage, and a restored hope that it truly is God and God alone who is leading and providing for this trip.
Praise God for His direction and protection. Praise God for His immovable plans and unchangeable will. Praise God for His sovereignty and mercy. Praise God for...well, just for being God! Thanks for your prayers folks - keep em rollin!
With praise in my heart,
ZB
So Thursday was spent connecting with missionaries in Port au Prince and getting adjusted to the climate and culture. Many members of this team are 1st timers to Haiti and needed a little time to adjust. It was Friday morning before they could go back to the airport in an attempt to find their lost luggage. It's hard enough to reclaim lost luggage in the states, and almost impossible to do so in Haiti, but they had to try. With almost no hope at all, a couple members of the team went to the airport while the rest of the team set up a make shift clinic with only reading and sun glasses at the mission house/boys home where they were staying. They didn't have any prescription lenses and were terribly worried they would have to turn masses of people away.
We've heard it said that "nothing is impossible to God"....well, sometimes we don't really believe that until we are faced with a situation like this. But around 10:00am Friday morning, there were tears being shed and shouts of praising being sung to our God because the luggage had been found!! Praise God! We don't know how, but we know who!
I got an email from Carly late Friday night depicting the excitement, "but we didn't have the suitcases yet. Then, as the first person was beginning to be seen at our makeshift clinic, the truck got back. I was so scared to know the answer I didn't even go out and look; I just listened.....They got all 5!!! I was so happy I started crying and had to go to the back room pretending I was working on setting up."
So the team worked all day at providing glasses and loving on those who came to the clinic. Later, after dinner, the team began packing everything back up because today (Saturday the 24th)they are headed to the mountains bright and early. There wont be any more contact from them until the middle of next week sometime, but they have all the luggage, and a restored hope that it truly is God and God alone who is leading and providing for this trip.
Praise God for His direction and protection. Praise God for His immovable plans and unchangeable will. Praise God for His sovereignty and mercy. Praise God for...well, just for being God! Thanks for your prayers folks - keep em rollin!
With praise in my heart,
ZB
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
And she's off!
Well Gang, I sent my bride off to the airport today. I had lots of mixed emotions, but there was certainly an over-riding sense of assurance that God has ordained and planned this trip. I'm excited to see what He does with Carly and the team while they are in Haiti. They should be gone for about 10 days, and during those 10 days, they have asked that we all keep them lifted in prayer for protection and direction.
- Protection from anything the enemy would do to thwart God's plans for this trip. Protection from lies that will become easy to believe while there such as "I'm not making any difference." or "I should have never come." Lies like this will come up in the hearts of the team members. So please pray for God's assurance and steadfastness to anchor them in the purpose and vision for this trip.
- Direction from the Lord and open ears to hear His promptings. Direction for the team to know what to say and when to say it to be the most fruitful as possible in sharing Christ's love. Direction for the Haitians to find their way to the clinics set up in order to receive the medical and visual aid the team is bringing. Direction for the hearts and minds of the team members that they would be ever set on Christ, the great commission, and Jesus' passionate pursuit of His people in the country of Haiti.
I'll keep you posted when I hear that they have landed safely and do my best to let you know how you can be praying, but I'd say this is a good start.
Thanks for your interest in us and God's work in/through us. Thank you for your prayers and devotion to seeing His kingdom come.
Prayerfully,
ZB
- Protection from anything the enemy would do to thwart God's plans for this trip. Protection from lies that will become easy to believe while there such as "I'm not making any difference." or "I should have never come." Lies like this will come up in the hearts of the team members. So please pray for God's assurance and steadfastness to anchor them in the purpose and vision for this trip.
- Direction from the Lord and open ears to hear His promptings. Direction for the team to know what to say and when to say it to be the most fruitful as possible in sharing Christ's love. Direction for the Haitians to find their way to the clinics set up in order to receive the medical and visual aid the team is bringing. Direction for the hearts and minds of the team members that they would be ever set on Christ, the great commission, and Jesus' passionate pursuit of His people in the country of Haiti.
I'll keep you posted when I hear that they have landed safely and do my best to let you know how you can be praying, but I'd say this is a good start.
Thanks for your interest in us and God's work in/through us. Thank you for your prayers and devotion to seeing His kingdom come.
Prayerfully,
ZB
Monday, July 12, 2010
Back from the Carolinas
After spending over 3,000 miles on the road the last two weeks, I'm looking foward to having a week at home where I can reorganize and get my feet back under me. Support raising has been incredible, but it has been trying. Our faith and patience is being tested, but God has proven faithful over and over again. Please pray that the Lord would raise up a ministry team around Carly and I so that we might be able to commit more of our time to the ministry.
Speaking of ministry, today starts our week long Big Kick Soccer Camp that River Ridge is doing in the community. Instead of doing a Vacation Bible School, we're doing a soccer camp with the hope of reaching families and children in the community. Carly is the lead skills instructor and I'll be doing goofy skits and working with the kids through the week. We're really excited about it and are trusting God to use us as lights in our Jerusalem.
Also, as you are praying for us, please lift up Carly and the team she is helping to lead to Haiti next week. They will be gone for 10 days and hope to minster to people through grief counciling, by providing perscription and reading glasses, outreach among earthquake victims, and construction projects.
I can't tell you how much your prayers and support mean to us. All praise belongs to my King www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE check it out!
-ZB
Speaking of ministry, today starts our week long Big Kick Soccer Camp that River Ridge is doing in the community. Instead of doing a Vacation Bible School, we're doing a soccer camp with the hope of reaching families and children in the community. Carly is the lead skills instructor and I'll be doing goofy skits and working with the kids through the week. We're really excited about it and are trusting God to use us as lights in our Jerusalem.
Also, as you are praying for us, please lift up Carly and the team she is helping to lead to Haiti next week. They will be gone for 10 days and hope to minster to people through grief counciling, by providing perscription and reading glasses, outreach among earthquake victims, and construction projects.
I can't tell you how much your prayers and support mean to us. All praise belongs to my King www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE check it out!
-ZB
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
From the Road
We're on the Parkersburg leg of this road trip and currently sitting at a Panera Bread borrowing their wi-fi.
God has been so good to us this past week. Each stop we have made has been full of encouragement and divine appointments. I can't tell you how blessed Carly and I have felt as we've been puttin the miles on this little red car over the past few days. Family, old friends, and new friends alike have opened their homes, guest bed rooms, and kitchen tables to us in an incredibly loving fashion.
My lap top battery is nearly dead, so I have to make this short, but I just wanted to get a note up to thank all those along our journey and praise God for His goodness. His ways, His plans, His timing is far better than anything I could come up with. May His kingdom come and His spirit move freely...
-ZB
God has been so good to us this past week. Each stop we have made has been full of encouragement and divine appointments. I can't tell you how blessed Carly and I have felt as we've been puttin the miles on this little red car over the past few days. Family, old friends, and new friends alike have opened their homes, guest bed rooms, and kitchen tables to us in an incredibly loving fashion.
My lap top battery is nearly dead, so I have to make this short, but I just wanted to get a note up to thank all those along our journey and praise God for His goodness. His ways, His plans, His timing is far better than anything I could come up with. May His kingdom come and His spirit move freely...
-ZB
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Road Trip
Hey Folks!
The past week has been awesome, and the week ahead looks like it's gonna be a fun one too. It looks like it's shaping up to be a great road trip full of support raising appointments. God has already lined up a lot of these appointments, but I'm sure there will be more added as the week goes on.
Tonight, we are headed to Greenbrier County, WV for the evening. Then on Friday we're traveling through southern VA visiting family. On Saturday I'm hoping to connect with some old friends from Washington, DC followed by a friend's wedding that afternoon. Saturday night we'll travel to Damascus, Maryland where we will stay with a couple we have been friends with for years. Sunday morning we'll have church and lunch there and then drive to Ellwood City, PA where we'll be until Monday morning when we have some great connections to be made in Pittsburgh followed by a few other stops on the way south to Buckhannon, WV. Tuesday and Wednesday we'll be in Buckhannon, before heading towards Parkersburg Wednesday night. We'll be in Parkersburg until Thursday night when we go to Charleston and wrap up our week next Friday before heading to SC for a week of beach fun, weddings, and more support raising.
In the midst of this packed week, God has continued to teach me about humility and His desire to work through His body to reach the nations. So here are a few questions I've been chewing on lately...
- How can I as a member of the Body of Christ help other members get more involved?
- How can I as a member of the Body of Christ work to see His body unified?
- He is the maker and creator of all...if so, what did He create in me that He wants to use that I'm not using yet?
Thanks for praying for us folks. Keep it up, we know that we can't move forward without them.
Until next time,
ZB
The past week has been awesome, and the week ahead looks like it's gonna be a fun one too. It looks like it's shaping up to be a great road trip full of support raising appointments. God has already lined up a lot of these appointments, but I'm sure there will be more added as the week goes on.
Tonight, we are headed to Greenbrier County, WV for the evening. Then on Friday we're traveling through southern VA visiting family. On Saturday I'm hoping to connect with some old friends from Washington, DC followed by a friend's wedding that afternoon. Saturday night we'll travel to Damascus, Maryland where we will stay with a couple we have been friends with for years. Sunday morning we'll have church and lunch there and then drive to Ellwood City, PA where we'll be until Monday morning when we have some great connections to be made in Pittsburgh followed by a few other stops on the way south to Buckhannon, WV. Tuesday and Wednesday we'll be in Buckhannon, before heading towards Parkersburg Wednesday night. We'll be in Parkersburg until Thursday night when we go to Charleston and wrap up our week next Friday before heading to SC for a week of beach fun, weddings, and more support raising.
In the midst of this packed week, God has continued to teach me about humility and His desire to work through His body to reach the nations. So here are a few questions I've been chewing on lately...
- How can I as a member of the Body of Christ help other members get more involved?
- How can I as a member of the Body of Christ work to see His body unified?
- He is the maker and creator of all...if so, what did He create in me that He wants to use that I'm not using yet?
Thanks for praying for us folks. Keep it up, we know that we can't move forward without them.
Until next time,
ZB
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Humility
While "transition" may be the word to describe the past few months of my life, "humility" is the word of the week this week. God has been using the beautiful union known as marriage to teach both Carly and I both a lot about the word humility.
I have been stuck in Psalm 8 and John 13...humble humble humble. I even stumbled across a series of sermon notes I have from a time a mentor of mine had preached back to back sermons entitled "Humility." God's doing a work. That's for sure, and it's one that is drawing us closer to Him and each other.
With this humility has come opportunities to love our on neighbors. We have met a lady on our street who lives alone and have had her over for dinner. She reminds me a lot of my older sisters and after some visiting she and Carly found a lot in common. They have even gone running a few times together. Another of our neighbors stopped by asking for money, and after a long conversation, he is planning on coming to church with Carly and I on Sunday. We've been praying for opportunities to reach out, and God has been providing them. It's incredible to begin making these initial steps into our community and our role God has called us to.
So praise God for His work, and please be praying for us, for our neighbors, and for humility to reign in our household.
Until next time,
ZB
I have been stuck in Psalm 8 and John 13...humble humble humble. I even stumbled across a series of sermon notes I have from a time a mentor of mine had preached back to back sermons entitled "Humility." God's doing a work. That's for sure, and it's one that is drawing us closer to Him and each other.
With this humility has come opportunities to love our on neighbors. We have met a lady on our street who lives alone and have had her over for dinner. She reminds me a lot of my older sisters and after some visiting she and Carly found a lot in common. They have even gone running a few times together. Another of our neighbors stopped by asking for money, and after a long conversation, he is planning on coming to church with Carly and I on Sunday. We've been praying for opportunities to reach out, and God has been providing them. It's incredible to begin making these initial steps into our community and our role God has called us to.
So praise God for His work, and please be praying for us, for our neighbors, and for humility to reign in our household.
Until next time,
ZB
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Married and Moved in!
Hey everybody!
I can't believe it's already June, but praise God for His sustaining power. Carly and I had an aweosme wedding, a phenominal honeymoon, and have been having a blast moving into our apartment this week. We arrived here in Huntingon, WV on Sunday, June 6th and hit the ground running. I'm currrently sitting at a Steak Escape with wi-fi because we can't get our internet connected in our apartment until next week. One step at a time our new life is coming together, and God's work is evident with each new day.
We are both really excited about getting into the church plant here. (River Ridge Church - Teays Vallley) There are so many exciting things that we are going to be stepping into over the next few months, but we aren't going to bite off more than we can chew. The mentoring relationships that we're going to have with my new pastor and his wife - Chad and Sarah Cobb - have got us really excited. They are amazing couple with four beautiful children, and Carly and I have truly been blessed by God's providential work in bringing our paths to a point that we can labor along side the Cobbs for this season.
There's so much more to share and tell, but more will come later. In the mean time, please be praying for Carly and her mom (Rhonda Stout) who are in the middle of planning a mission trip to Haiti for 10 days at the end of July. So with less than two months left, they are anxious and busy getting details worked out. A heavy prayer covering is essential for them and the team going with them.
You'll be hearing from us again soon, folks. Thanks for your interest and your prayers.
Over and Out,
ZB
This journey that
I can't believe it's already June, but praise God for His sustaining power. Carly and I had an aweosme wedding, a phenominal honeymoon, and have been having a blast moving into our apartment this week. We arrived here in Huntingon, WV on Sunday, June 6th and hit the ground running. I'm currrently sitting at a Steak Escape with wi-fi because we can't get our internet connected in our apartment until next week. One step at a time our new life is coming together, and God's work is evident with each new day.
We are both really excited about getting into the church plant here. (River Ridge Church - Teays Vallley) There are so many exciting things that we are going to be stepping into over the next few months, but we aren't going to bite off more than we can chew. The mentoring relationships that we're going to have with my new pastor and his wife - Chad and Sarah Cobb - have got us really excited. They are amazing couple with four beautiful children, and Carly and I have truly been blessed by God's providential work in bringing our paths to a point that we can labor along side the Cobbs for this season.
There's so much more to share and tell, but more will come later. In the mean time, please be praying for Carly and her mom (Rhonda Stout) who are in the middle of planning a mission trip to Haiti for 10 days at the end of July. So with less than two months left, they are anxious and busy getting details worked out. A heavy prayer covering is essential for them and the team going with them.
You'll be hearing from us again soon, folks. Thanks for your interest and your prayers.
Over and Out,
ZB
This journey that
Friday, May 21, 2010
A week of mixed emotions
Hey Folks,
With 8 days left until the wedding, I am getting crazy excited!! Things are coming together and we're praying for good weather. The stress levels aren't too high, but the anticipation levels continue to climb! Family is flying in, friends are making road trips, and this is shaping up to be one big celebration of God's work in our lives.
However, in the midst of all the excitement, Carly's grandfather passed away two nights ago. He had been in a nursing home for a while, and in God's grace, He took him home. He was a great man who was said by many to be able to do anything and make a lot of something out of a little of nothing. He raised a daughter (Rhonda, Carly's mom) and a son - Uncle Marty. In the few years I've known Pawpaw, he has been nothing but smiles. His face would like up when Mawmaw, Rhonda, or Carly would speak to him. He knew he was loved, and it was amazing for me to watch such love be shared by three generations. I am a blessed man to get to be a part of a family so full of love for one another. Mawmaw has been prophesying for better than two years now that I would be Carly's husband some day, and sure enough - here we are.
So as we celebrate the start of a new season for Carly and I, we also celebrate the life of Pete Belcher - Pawpaw - a man who could do anything. Thank you all for your love, your prayers, and your support.
With 8 days left until the wedding, I am getting crazy excited!! Things are coming together and we're praying for good weather. The stress levels aren't too high, but the anticipation levels continue to climb! Family is flying in, friends are making road trips, and this is shaping up to be one big celebration of God's work in our lives.
However, in the midst of all the excitement, Carly's grandfather passed away two nights ago. He had been in a nursing home for a while, and in God's grace, He took him home. He was a great man who was said by many to be able to do anything and make a lot of something out of a little of nothing. He raised a daughter (Rhonda, Carly's mom) and a son - Uncle Marty. In the few years I've known Pawpaw, he has been nothing but smiles. His face would like up when Mawmaw, Rhonda, or Carly would speak to him. He knew he was loved, and it was amazing for me to watch such love be shared by three generations. I am a blessed man to get to be a part of a family so full of love for one another. Mawmaw has been prophesying for better than two years now that I would be Carly's husband some day, and sure enough - here we are.
So as we celebrate the start of a new season for Carly and I, we also celebrate the life of Pete Belcher - Pawpaw - a man who could do anything. Thank you all for your love, your prayers, and your support.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Beginning
Everything has a beginning - our lives, our relationships, our education, our careers. In Genesis 1:1, we find "In the beginning God..." So before the first beginning, there was God. He is a God of beginnings. As a follower of Christ, I've experienced God's grace in some powerful ways and experienced new beginnings when I thought I had come to a dead end.
So here I am, at the beginning of the most exciting journey I've ever taken. It's a journey that I don't necessarily feel "ready" for, but I suppose if we always waited until we were "ready" we might be waiting around forever and miss the boat. However nervous I may be about this journey, I believe whole-heartedly that it is one that I have been called to and equipped for. Also, on this journey, I have been blessed with a team-mate, a partner, a best friend.
Carly Stout will become Carly Brady on May 29, 2010, and, by God's grace, we will walk into a new beginning together - hand in hand (details at www.ewedding.com/sites/bradystout). I am blessed beyond belief by this relationship that God has granted to me. Our dream is to take the light and love of Christ to the ends of the earth through medical and church planting missions work.
After our marriage, she will begin medical school at Marshall University while I serve a local church (http://www.riverridge.org/) in Teays Valley through Great Commission Ministries. God has layed out the foundation for an amazing life together serving Him, and it is for Him that we will both love and labor.
For His Glory,
ZB
So here I am, at the beginning of the most exciting journey I've ever taken. It's a journey that I don't necessarily feel "ready" for, but I suppose if we always waited until we were "ready" we might be waiting around forever and miss the boat. However nervous I may be about this journey, I believe whole-heartedly that it is one that I have been called to and equipped for. Also, on this journey, I have been blessed with a team-mate, a partner, a best friend.
Carly Stout will become Carly Brady on May 29, 2010, and, by God's grace, we will walk into a new beginning together - hand in hand (details at www.ewedding.com/sites/bradystout). I am blessed beyond belief by this relationship that God has granted to me. Our dream is to take the light and love of Christ to the ends of the earth through medical and church planting missions work.
After our marriage, she will begin medical school at Marshall University while I serve a local church (http://www.riverridge.org/) in Teays Valley through Great Commission Ministries. God has layed out the foundation for an amazing life together serving Him, and it is for Him that we will both love and labor.
For His Glory,
ZB
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