Vacation Bible School 2008 was a blast! Here's a video with some highlights.

Sunday June 29 at the end of the service several people gave "cardboard testimonies" of what God has done in their lives.

Terry and Darlene Wildman of RainSong Ministries (based here at Heartland) write:

Please pray for us as we plan our first trip to the UK.

Over the past few years we have received invitations to travel with other groups to the U.K. but didn’t feel that the timing was right. Many of our prayer partners and others have said that they believe Creator was sending us and the time was getting close. Well, the time is now here! Read the rest (114 words)

Andy continues his series looking at the things we do.

I frequently drove my flute teacher crazy! On one occasion he was desperately trying to correct a figuring technique that I had wrongly learned several years earlier. Although he tried multiple ways over months to explain the problem, I just couldn’t overcome it. One day he said, “follow me” and led me into his bathroom. He told me to play the flute and to look at what my fingers were doing in the mirror. Immediately I saw it; I was raising up my pinky at the wrong times, in the wrong way. I could finally see it – I had a revelation! I corrected it immediately and while there were occasions I reverted back to the old habit, the problem was in the past. We both breathed a sign of relief. If I hadn’t figured it out, he might have used my flute as a weapon on me!

Revelation changes everything. Read the rest (1009 words)

Andy continues his series looking at the things we do.

I was reminded last Wednesday why I am so excited to be a part of this church. I saw a community of people express a passion for the presence of God and a passion for the poor. Just as a Father encourages a child, it was one of those moments when I sensed the pleasure of God in what we are doing. Our Fire and Rain gatherings have been quietly growing in momentum and intensity and last week’s gathering was no exception. These have been precious times of seeking God’s face in worship and asking for His refining and refreshing in our lives [note: the next one will take place on Sunday June 29th, 6pm].

As I talked to some of the food pantry team that night I could see their passion for God expressed in their compassion for the poor. Not only do the gospels teach us that compassion releases the supernatural, but there is something so good and right about hospitality, generosity and dignity being expressed in the way we treat the poor and vulnerable. All of us are feeling economic pressure in one way or another and the opportunity before us to help those who are struggling is greater than ever. We can all help. Not all of us can be in the food pantry, but all of us can give items to it. At the end of this article there is a list of items you can donate.

Fire and Rain and the food pantry are diverse in action, but share the wonderful unity seen in the heart of our God. In fact you can clearly trace the thread of worship alongside justice and mercy for the poor and oppressed throughout the Old Testament, proclaimed by Jesus and modeled in the early church. Read the rest (562 words)

Dr Gary Greig, a spiritual advisor to Mark Virkler has written a scholarly defense of Lakeland. You can download it here.

It had never rained at a Superbowl before, but on February 4th, 2007 the heavens opened and the Colts were champions! It was a good game, but it could not compete with the AFC championship game 14 days earlier. The Patriots were the Colts' nemesis, always stopping them fulfilling their destiny of lifting the Vince Lombardi trophy. The air was sucked out of the RCA Dome as the Patriots jumped out to a 21-3 lead and led 21-6 at intermission. It seemed like history would repeat itself again. Read the rest (931 words)

Jon Youse and Mike Fox are leading a team to the Doctor Arroyo region of Mexico. They will be leading a VBS, teaching and praying for the sick as well as leading services and outreaches.

Dan Utz is leading a youth team to the Reserves in Canada. They will continue to build on the relationships established over the last few years and will be leading concerts, services and outreach events.

Dan Utz and Clearwater Ministries (based out of Heartland) schedule of upcoming events, for your info and prayer: Read the rest (121 words)