Praising God

Praise God! The New Leaf Cafe' ended up being a tremendous success. Although the attendance was not as high as some of the other Cafes we've had in the past, the spirit was tremendous. The baked good were yummy and the fellowship was terrific. Everyone seemed pleased with the evening and really seemed to enjoy Aspire.

Also, I want to thank everyone who worked to make things possible. Several board members were very helpful to even get the thing off the ground in the first place. Months of planning and working on details. Also, Aspire for their willingness to be our featured group this time. Last time, they sang only a couple of songs and several people had said they had come especially to hear them. This time, I had specifically asked them to be the feature group, not knowing at the time of course that I would end up being the "fill-in" for rest of the evening. I pulled several songs out of the hopper that I enjoy singing and I think others enjoyed the time as well. A special thank you to Brian, the sound man. He faithfully does this time after time and he is appreciated so much for what he does. A special thanks for Betty and Kathleen who baked goodies for the evening. Apple pies, no-bakes, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, Boston cream pie, along with other goodies, made up the menu for the baked goods.

Lastly, a very big thank you for all of you who were so generous when the basket was passed. New Leaf Cafe' is one of our main fundraisers during the year. A total of $238 was donated on Saturday evening. Praise God, and thank you all for your generosity

Twists and Turns

Just when I thought everything was all set for the New Leaf Cafe', I get a telephone call from Brian, the man who's leading up the sound for tonight, telling me that Dan, the trumpeter for the first part of this evening's time of entertainment and worship, is not going to be able to make it. Later that same day, I found out that Liz, our soloist is going to be working and not able to make the evening either. I thought I was going to be playing a bit part in this evening's event. I was planning on introducing Dan, setting back watching a few moments then filling it for a little while giving Dan's lip a chance to rest then he and Liz were going to be filling out the rest of the time until Aspire begins their performance. Now, however, it looks like I'm going from "Fill-in" to "Fill-up". I've been practicing various songs both praise songs and many I've written, pretty much material that is already in my head, just needing a bit of spit and polish... and all the time doing a lot of praying.

I know the evening is going to be fun. I know God will be glorified through this time, but it's turning out very different than what was planned or anticipated. My prayer is that those who come will find it enjoyable. My prayer is that the changes will not hamper, but enhance the evening, making it fun yet worshipful and ulitimately giving praise, honor and glory to Almighty God. I don't know how many people will read this before this evening's Praise Concert/Cafe' but if you happen to, I also covet your prayers. God be glorified.

Mark

Working Out the Details

Well, it's all set, at least as far as what I can do. New Leaf Cafe' is coming on Saturday, September 27th. The flyers are in place. Churches have been informed. It's been on the website for months. The night is organized, people have been contacted for baked-good items and everything should be in place. Now, with the exception getting some soda and a few things to have on hand incase there's people who don't want coffee, tea or water, we're all ready to go. The rest pretty much is left up to the Lord. He will move and motivate those who are to come. I have a struggle with this time though. Is it a trust thing? Is it because I lack confidence in the abilities of myself and others? What is it? Part of me struggles with whether I've done enough and if there's going to be anybody that shows up. I find at times it plays heavy on my heart. Am I afraid people won't like what we're doing or that people won't want to come? Am I afraid of failure?

And yet, these are all wrong fears. Who is to be glorified in all of this? Almighty God. We are coming together to worship Him, to glorify Him. Ultimately, this isn't for New Leaf Ministries, or anything or anyone else. It's just for God. Pray that God will be glorified in our time together. He is almighty. He is amazing and worthy of our praise. Let this be our prayer and our focus.

Amen and amen.

Mark Hurst

New Location for New Leaf Cafe'

Praise God for the Lander United Methodist Church. We were in a huge bind. Because of delays in construction at the Wiltsee Community Church, where we were originally set up to have the New Leaf Cafe', it was necessary to scramble around and look for a new location for a church to host the event coming on Saturday, September 27th. There was some thoughts of cancelling the event but I hated to do that, since this is one of our main opportunities for worship and fellowship in the community and because it should also prove to be a good opportunity to help spread the news about the upcoming Divorce Recovery Workshop.

Once again, I ask for your prayers. We seem to be hitting snags along the way this summer and we believe God is going to reward us for our diligence and faith. We covet your prayers as we continue to press forward. Our God is awesome.

Mark Hurst