the Refuge

Hello folks,

Isn't that a cool color on top? Yea, i think so too, truly a random thought. Now that we have each other's attention can Debby and I share part of our journey with you? Ok for those that said no, you can hit delete now hahaha. For those that said yes, keep on reading.

It is difficult to know where to start, especially with this type of communication. God has stirred us for over 2 years to stretch out within Rutherford County. Did you know that there is a huge population of folks that are not part of a church (not a building, but the people of Jesus Christ)? You did know that, some didn't...Yea and did you know that a major portion of this population at one time said yes to God yet do not participate in life with fellow believers.

Debby and I have a wonderful opportunity to sit with folks from all walks of life each week, and the majority of people that God places in our lap, at one time or the other went to "church" a building, yet the local body "church" (people following Jesus) were burned, or maybe did the burning. Or the local body has turned and looks too much like a fortune 500 company, or their thought about themselves(dirty) keeps them away from a place where they "think" everyone has it together (clean). In our conversations, Debby and I persistently encourage folks to join in with a local body of believers in Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter to us the address, just get immersed with some folks that love Jesus and are keeping their masks off. Some go for awhile, then pull the rip cord on it and go back to life.

Trust me we understand and have heard most, not all of the reasons/excuses for bailing. God knows our heart (all of ours) and He wired Debby and I in the same manner, where we love to help folks find out what is under the should. What?... Yea the should's that we place on ourself. For example we ask folks how are they doing spiritually? The majority of the responses come back, "well I/we don't go to church (building) as much as we SHOULD" "Or i/we don't pray as often as we SHOULD"...ahhh I feel heads nodding now, you do it too? hahahaha...It does pose the question, who are you comparing yourself to and why.....and if we KNOW or SAY we should, then why not?

Did you know that Paul said the very same thing? Sure did check this out Romans 7:15 (NLT) I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate..
Sounds like a different way to say should uh? Debby and I are experiencing, that when we take the time to find out why people don't or won't engage with a local body and we take the time to walk/discuss/love/encourage/teach/let them learn, the should's start to vanish, one should at a time.

Hence the Refuge was formed. Our two year wrestling match with God is over (at least on this yes hahaha). First of January 2011 we began organizing our thoughts through prayer and God is bringing several folks that desire to live intentionally with each other outside of the walls of a building. The people God is wooing are folks that are starting to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ through their uniqueness and giftedness. We are learning, we are establishing Refugee camps (homes, places of work) throughout Rutherford County. The central piece of the Refuge is not the time we gather weekly, but the time we spend in each other homes throughout the week. It's the time we spend inviting that population of folks that are not part of body of believers into our homes, inviting folks into our Bible study at work; inviting them into our small group at whatever type of practice you are watching.

Then we come together and celebrate like crazy, rejevenuate, encourage one another and recharge through Jesus Christ. We have started to meet informally at Siegel High School. Some say we haven't "officially" started. Well i disagree, anytime two or more gather in His (Jesus) name, well that's church folks. The church is me and you living out the gospel (GOOD NEWS) of Jesus Christ in our homes, at our vocation and in our communities.

Disclaimer; if you have received this and not part of a body, you come on or let us know where you are and we will put in touch with the closest Refugee camp (home, or work). If you are part of a body, will you pray with us, as we are on the same team JC (Jesus Christ). Because as God places folks in our lap, we just may find your worship barn is a better fit and we are going to send em to you. Let's show our community how the body of Christ can serve and love together for HIS GLORY!

love em up!

oh yea, you can receive updates via facebook. Since Debby and I are not facebookers we don't know how to tell you to get there on the page so you can like it, spike it, comment on it, or whatever hahaha...but it's out there. help us spread the word and send to your fellow facebook friends.