Change is hard

Wow.... I guess this old blog is still running. I honestly thought it had expired, but I guess not. Well, for those of you who still read it, thanks for stopping bye. I have to tell you that the last 3 months have been a living hell. However on the flip side, I am seeing a vision that God gave me 9 years ago coming to pass. The crazy thing is I had no idea the cost.

I have lost partners and friends that have been in my life for many years. I have allowed my reputation, as a man of God, to become suspect to people that I have invested years in. But what I realize is that God wants me to be completely dependant on him and not on my friends. I have spent many years developing friendships at the cost of my calling to be a Pastor Evangelist. I have learned that it is a selfish thing on my part to spend God's time on developing more and more friendships, while more and more people in our generation suffer from a lack of leadership and discipleship. It's time for me to focus on reaching and teaching our generation the truth of God. I'm sorry If I hurt anyones feelings, it's not personal. I truly do love all the people that God has allowed me to become friends with. I wish you the best and am comfident that God is leading you.

The bottom line is.... Change is hard. But the reality is without change, things stay the same. And unfortunatley I am not comfortable with the way things are right now and I'm willing to make the changes necesarry to attain the bigger picture. There are thousands upon thousands of people in need of Christ in the world and God has asked me to start with the ones I know best..... The knucklehead 19-45 year old party crowd....and San Bernardino is full of them. That is the heart beat of 777 church. There will be no compromise. We will learn to love each other and to know God. We will commit ourselves to the teaching of the word, the fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (acts 2:42) and will see God add to the church.

I want to thank anyone who has been part of 777. God has used your hard work and involvement to get us to this point. You are appreciated. I also want to thank Pastor willie dalgity "set free yucaipa" for sponsoring us, Don overstreet "sbc church planter" your 40 years of experience has been a light in our darkness, Pastor flo "new generation church, mo valley", for going through the same crap as me (: it's good to have someone who understands, Deryl Lackey "sbc missions director" the rock of wisdom and leadership in my life and financial support, Our whole financial board, those who are contributing financially, everyone who is continueing on in the battle at 777 church and special thanks to: Richard Bohlenius, Erin and Jason Karpenick and Rod and jen Merritt, more than friends... more than ministry partners. indiscribable relationship. We love you guys so much. and above all.... My family..... The Ultimate Pastor's wife "Kim O'Donnell" My best friend, lover, mother of my children, Ministry partner, life partner, most precious gift. My beautiful Children Steven, Allyssa, and jessica... you are the best kids any dad could ever ask for. Jesus Christ... Lord and Savior, I love you. Help me to take care of your things. peace.

Comments

[Rod Merritt]

Let's do this.

Rod

[Karen Erickson]

I'm happy to see that you are commited to hold steadfast in the storm. Loving our brothers and sisters in Christ is in my opinion the most difficult commandment He gave us and yet it only makes sense. If we can't love each other with the agape love of God. Then how can we love anyone? I don't know any details of what's gone down at 777 church and I don't need or want to, but I do know that Satan's favorite tool to use against us, is us. It's a sad that it is so easy for him. Loving our christian family when we feel hurt and betryed by them can only be accomplished by denying our flesh and allowing God to love them through us.

[Mikko Sivonen]

T.J.

Love you and praying for you! God is faithful. Stay with Him!
Mikko

[Hale-Yeah!]

Hey bro, we were at Sandals last night for Carlos' last night and I missed you not being there. Hope you are doing good with the new gig.

[friend]

I would like to invite you view this movie: http://zeitgeistmovie.com/

Peace

[Auto glass chandler az]

Thank you for sharing your story...

[São Paulo Para-brisa Reparo]

Incredible experience.