on the road

Tonight I am spending the night on the opposite end of the state. I am blogging from Louie Weber's house in Wauseon (northwest Ohio). Just getting ready to get a few hours of sleep. Had some great conversation and coffee with Louie, Vic, and Brian this evening. I'm looking forward to sharing time with their staff meeting tomorrow morning.

There are many things I want to communicate in the next few days... exciting things. Things the Lord is laying on our hearts for Athens. Some very wise and affirming words Louie shared with me this evening regarding focusing on "giving life/bringing life" to people wherever you are, rather than focusing so much on "planting a church." The very same idea and vision you've heard me reiterate many times of "BEING the church" instead of "going to church", or even, "creating church." Basically living with open eyes and a readiness to have church wherever you may happen to be. Of course, these also may be planned times and places... but the heart of the matter is giving life... not creating an order of service.

More on that later.

I also want to say that I had a very cool visit this morning with a new friend and brother, Les Hayman. I was in Pomeroy and so I wanted to stop in and introduce myself and affirm him in his vision for "Common Grounds," and we ended up talking for almost an hour. Our hearts beat very much to the same drummer. I anticipate a continuous relationship between his fellowship and Oasis. We have much in common.

There is so much to be excited about this week. This Sunday's gathering at the Legion Hall will be a perfect time for testimonies and open sharing... which is precisely what we are planning to do. The majority of our time will be hearing from those people who went to the CIY conference in Cincinnati last weekend... but I may have to share what God is doing in my life as well.

If you come, bring your story... if you want to share it you are certainly welcome to. Either way, we'll have a good time together.

Comments

[Jared]

Les is a cool guy. I know him pretty well. Years ago when I used to work the Sunday morning shift at WMPO, Les came in and did a program. I always enjoyed talking with him. That's cool that you hooked up with him.

[Des]

I echo Jared's comments regarding Les. I have known him for a long time and he really does have a heart for God and people. Glad to hear that you hooked up. I too believe we can do some things together with his ministry. Cool. Looking forward to Sunday, and having a great time of sharing testimonies. Enjoy your time with Louie and crew. Behave... (Who am I kidding)......

[chris]

We're behaving... ;)

Getting ready to go to staff meeting this morning. Gonna talk about some Oasis network of churches stuff. Several new Oasis church plants popping up all over the place, and we are discussing the best ways to have consistent communication about what's going on in "Oasis country." Making plans for a publication much like the one we read from the Vineyard called "Cutting Edge." This will be a periodical-like publication with articles, stories, testimonies, news, etc. of the "bigger picture" of Oasis. It will be very encouarging for all.

[chris]

Another note on my meeting with Les. We actually discussed the idea of playing worship music now and then on a particular evening in his coffee shop. Just opening it up and letting peopel come in and drink coffee, worship, or just listen.

I love the idea.

[Des]

I'm there. Coffee, conversation, praise and worship. Sounds like a great time to me....

[Jared]

I'd make the drive down for that! Sounds like a great time.

[brock]

Chris hope i didn't miss you see u fri. maybe?
brock

[chris]

oh man... sorry Brock. It was just a quick visit. I am back home already. I do want to come up for a longer stay, though... perhaps over a Sunday.

Love you bro.