No Greater Love Ministries

2010 Mardi Gras Men's Ministry!

2009-10-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Gentlemen,

We are nearing the time to begin preparations for our 2010 Men's Ministry Trip to Mardi Gras! If you want to be spiritually challenged and have your life changed forever you will make plans to attend this event without delay!

Who can attend:
Men and young men (ages 17 or older)

Ministry Dates:
February 12-16, 2010

Kick-off Meeting Location:
Heritage United Methodist Church
3 Barracuda Dr.
Hattiesburg, MS 39482
Friday, February 12th between 12:00-3:00PM

Registration Donation:
$175.00 if received by February 1st, 2010
$225.00 if received after February 1st, 2010

For more information or for specific questions on the event you may click here to contact our office staff.

** Please note that the earlier you register the better. For your convenience you may register on line at

http:// www.nogreaterlove.org

Courageous Leadership

2009-07-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

by Bill Hybels / Zondervan Press

I made a presentation at the July NGL Advisory Board meeting from the outline below. I highly recommend this book as a tool for the development of your life as a Christ-honoring leader in your family, your church, your career and in No Greater Love. - Roger Lipe

Chapter 4 – Building a Kingdom Dream Team
§ Character
§ Competence
§ Chemistry

Chapter 6 – Developing Emerging Leaders
Process -
§ Identify emerging leaders.
§ Invest in the development of emerging leaders.
§ Entrust responsibility to emerging leaders.

Chapter 7 – Discovering and Developing Your Own Leadership Style

§ Visionary Leadership
§ Directional Leadership
§ Strategic Leadership
§ Managing Leadership
§ Motivational Leadership
§ Shepherding Leadership
§ Team-Building Leadership
§ Entrepreneurial Leadership
§ Reengineering Leadership
§ Bridge-Building Leadership

Process –
§ Identify your style.
§ Does it fit?
§ Review your team members’ styles.
§ Commit to development.

Chapter 11 – The Leader’s Pathway

§ The Relational Pathway
§ The Intellectual Pathway
§ The Serving Pathway
§ The Contemplative Pathway
§ The Activist Pathway
§ The Creation Pathway
§ The Worship Pathway
Process -
§ Identify your pathway.
§ Lean into your pathway.
§ Appreciate the other pathways.
§ Help others find their pathways.

Gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES...... THE TIME IS NEAR!!!!!

2009-05-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

CALL FOR MEN OF GOD TO STEP UP FOR THE INDY 500 FROM ISAIAH 6:8

“WHOM SHALL I SEND AND WHO WILL go for Me…” God is calling! “Are there not others who could be doing what you are doing Memorial Day weekend so that you could go forth to serve the Lord!”

My life’s calling with NGL is to put the gospel in the hands of “faithful” men so you men can give it on to others. God has honored this calling through the years. Many of you have been faithful and gone on to start ministries and obey the Great Commission to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. I feel God’s pleasure because of many of you. My goal is to reach faithful men in every denomination we can and just focus on lifting up the Lord and then Jesus promises that He will do the drawing. Someone said that I like people who go with us and don’t like people that don’t go with us. “HELLO?” Is that a trick question? That is simple and obvious to me with Isaiah 6:8 I pray for all the States where people are working with us and am so thankful for each State’s contribution. At each event I give a State roll call at the opening meeting and have those men to stand!

Our administrative team met again yesterday and the next one will be this coming Wednesday when we will line out our two camps and put people in groups. Right now we have 55 registered, but there are States that still have not registered and that makes it tough on the Administrative team. We need to have over 100 men with us for this event. We must have faithful LEADERS in each State, Region and Church to realize that Mathew 6:33 is the plan the Lord has for taking care of our needs as we put Him first in all our ways. My son in law, Craig, is my example of what that Scripture is all about. Craig and his family are going to Italy for their vacation. However he wouldn’t leave until Memorial Day because he was not going to miss serving the Lord at the Indy 500 first, believing the Lord will then take care of the vacation. God has already honored Craig’s priority for this vacation. He checked his frequent flyer miles from his Visa credit card use and he will only have to pay $250.00 for the plane tickets for Craig, Jill and Josie! God is good! All the time!

Please pray for the Lord to raise up men from each area to assume the responsibility of getting the others going in their areas. Years ago, I used Paul’s missionary journey’s as my example for ministry. I would travel to Nebraska, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and Georgia each year to work with the men and enlist them for the ministry. However, now that I am older and many men have been trained, I am counting on them to “man their stations” for the Lord. We sent out promo video’s for the Indy 500 to aid some of you we thought would be willing to lead out for your areas. If you did not get one, let me know in the future that you want to enlist others and we will put you on the “LEADER” list.

Remember that if you think you are a leader and not one is following you, YOU ARE JUST TAKING A WALK!!!!

I am looking forward to seeing many of you with us at the Indy 500. Register ASAP at www.nogreaterlove.org

Love ya’s,

Fred

Exodus 33:14

GOD IS CALLING FORTH MEN OF GOD FROM ALL THE STATES!

2009-04-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Mighty Men of God,

Our nation is in a mess in more ways than one can shake a stick at!!!!! We are losing in Pakistan, Afghanistan and the bombing is getting bad in Iraq. North Korea is close to having nuclear weapons. Many have lost their jobs, homes and families. Companies like Chrysler and GM are going under. We are giving out more bail-out money than our annual production output. Now we have the Swine Flu epidemic and fear is gripping many people around the world. Many countries are ready to close their borders. However, it is a little too late to close the borders as it would be to close the gate after the cows have gotten out of the field. Cases of the flu are now in many states and many nations as well. Egypt has panicked and slaughtered hundreds of thousands of hogs trying to keep their people safe.

I remember an old story that told of a man who did not come out to stand when the enemy came against the Jews BECAUSE he wasn’t Jewish or against the Latinos BECAUSE he wasn’t Latino or the African Americans BECAUSE he wasn’t African American. So I am writing to men of God from many STATES to come forth for SUCH A TIME AS THIS. Maybe all of our training could be for this very time.

The Indy 500 has all the ingredients for a great NGL encounter. We have a night crowd on Friday and Saturday nights, a great parade for the clowns to work on Saturday and a great place to tract and preach to the people as they go to the race on Sunday. We have great worship and great time in our small groups for the Lord to bring about accountability in our lives. All the Indy 500 Outreach would cost you, work wise, is just Friday. From all over the Central US, South Eastern US and North Eastern US, we can all get to the Indy in time just by leaving early Friday morning and we will all be home with our families for Monday, Memorial Day. We have men signed up from Florida, Nebraska, Kansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

If there was ever a time to call forth for repentance in our nation, it is now. Our Lord is able to hold in check the enemies in all the nations and to rebuke the devourer in the Swine Flu. He just needs laborers to go forth and lift up the Lord for His salvation to be poured out. NOW is the day of SALVATION and NOW is the accepted time.” II Corinthians 6:2

We have a promo video for you to use to help enlist men for this event. Let us know if the video would help. You can view a “fuzzy” promo on line at www.nogreaterlove.org you can get a production quality copy from us here at the office: 618-542-4503

Love Ya,

Fred

Calling ALL Mighty Men of God

2009-04-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

It is time to REV UP YOUR ENGINES for the greatest spectacle in racing at the Indy 500 May 22-24. I love it when I hear of the leaders from the different States stepping up and leading out enlisting men from their areas. Tony David from Florida, is on board and ready to lift the Lord on high. TJ Conwell, from Alabama is on board and bringing guys. Nebraska is recruiting and will be with us. Tom McDonald, from Kansas is on board and ready to go. Max Vick, from Tennessee, is on board and ready to go. Howard Madden, the witnessing machine, is always ready to win souls for the Lord.

Look at our Promo Video for the Indy on our website at www.nogreaterlove.org

I remember seeing a sign that had Uncle Sam on it and it read-----“Uncle Sam NEEDS you!” That is where we are today with the Indy 500. We will have a roll call of the States and then see who was willing to have an ear to hear the Lord saying----“Whom shall I send, and who WILL go for me?” Will you join with me and say with Isaiah-----“Here am I, O Lord, SEND ME?” “Many are called, but few prove themselves to be chosen.”

I was reading in I Chronicles about how the Lord gave David victory fighting against his enemies. Then David replied that the victory was not about him, but about Israel. The Lord spoke to my heart that No Greater Love Ministry is not about me, but about all of us who are willing to answer the call to go forth to do battle for our Lord. We make such little use of what the Lord is willing to do in and through us. He said that we can ask Him and He will give us the nations for our inheritance.

Today, Sarge and Sue are in Vietnam, Mark Krupa is in the Czech Republic, Sylvia Reinmiller has her team in Honduras, Marvin and Karen Steinke are leading a group from Christ Church and Trinity UMC in Honduras. Common Ground Ministries is also in Honduras. All of these have faithfully “paid their dues” in the “ranks” and then gone on to follow the Lord heading for the ends of the earth. The Great Commission for all of us! The song lyric that continues to challenge me is “But the question comes to me as I think of Calvary, IS MY MASTER SAITISFIED WITH ME?”

Let’s be like Andrew in the Bible, who was not satisfied to just know Jesus for himself, who went to get his brother. Let’s all who claim the Name of Jesus, bring every man we can to experience the Lord and feel His pleasure as we lift up the Lord together at the Indy 500. Each event we go to, allows us to build on the previous event. I am so thankful for all of you who work with us faithfully realizing that as we love and trust the Lord we get closer to the Lord and to each other.

The Indy 500 is a great place to bring men who might not be able to get off work long enough to go to Mardi Gras. Yet the Indy 500 experience is like a mini-Mardi Gras. We will have the great parade to work on Saturday and the party crowd to march in on Saturday and then the great day of tracting and preaching on race day on Sunday. Let’s go out for our Lord together at the Indy 500!!!!!

Love ya’s,

Fred

Start your engines!!

2009-04-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

2009 Indy 500 Ministry Trip
May 22-24, 2009

The roar of an Indy car engine, the howls of drunken partiers and bass licks pulsating from every stereo. Yet, there is another noise beneath the sin, chaos and confusion. It is the still, small voice of God. As you sing, clown and share Jesus, God's voice becomes audible, then familiar. You still hear it when you go home. Come join us for a weekend you won't forget.
(Recommended for all men over 16!)

Event Location: Covenant Baptist Church
Address: 4201 W 30th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222

Registration will be from 3:00-4:00 PM
Opening meeting will begin at 5:00 PM

** Please remember that Indianapolis is on EASTERN time! **

Indy 500 Ministry Donations:
$75.00 per man
$30.00 per dependent child

To Register please CLICK HERE!

Christian Life Center Bus
Contact Dave Munson to register and reserve your seat!
Please call (618) 967-4966 or e-mail: Dave Munson

The bus will leave Christian Life Center at 8:00 AM on Friday, May 22, 2009. Bus donation amount is $25.00 per person.

Departure address:
Christian Life Center
1901 N. Park Ave.
Herrin, IL 62948

Mardi Gras 2009 Testimony

2009-03-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

MARDI GRAS 2009

We were on assignment in Jackson square in New Orleans when an old friend, Wayne walked up to me. We embraced and he asked me "where are you staying," we miss you at Veau Carre, no one will get up with me to go prayer walking in the early morning. I told my friend Wayne that he would be welcome to join our small group from Gentilly Church for prayer walk in the morning. Wayne said that he would love to and we coordinated with our small group leader, Steve, to meet the following morning, which we did.

The following morning, Sunday, our group met with the group of three men from Veau Carre Church. We met at Café Dumonde and then prayer walked Jackson Square and then up to Royal and Bourbon streets and then on to canal street. Later in the morning our prayer group from Gentilly was given the assignment of witnessing and passing tracts at a parade downtown. When we got to the parade route our group leader drew a blank as to what area along the parade route we were to work. Another member of our small group spoke up and told us that he had stayed at "The Way" facility last year and maybe that was what we were today. Confusion set in and also Spirit of Offence came into our midst and said something to the effect of "how many leaders do we have and who is actually in charge now", as our group leader could still not remember our assignment and area of operation. We prayed and bound the spirit of confusion and offense but our group leader started calling out "chaos, chaos, chaos, everything is chaos. I then took him aside personally and prayed for him and told him that we had prayed over and bound the spirit of confusion and offence and to be at peace and forget about it and quit saying chaos, which he did. That was my mistake for telling the group leader to forget it as the event should have been discussed at the next group leaders meeting. We wound up working way out of the territory assigned to us. Our group leader later admitted that when we would get out on assignment he would draw a blank as to what our assignment actually was at the time. Later that afternoon our small group to the man asked if we could bow out of the evenings march downtown in order to get some rest for the final push on Monday and Tuesday. We were given permission and stayed in our facility for the evening and prayed for the men out in the field and had a very long small group meeting.

The next morning, Monday, we met with a group of four men from Veau Carre for a total of nine prayer walkers in 2009, I just love it when the Lord does something like that. We met at Canal street and then headed down Bourbon and Royal streets to St Ann street. We reassembled at the corner of Royal and St. Ann street where we prayed and then our brother Fred read some declarations and decrees

I am somewhat slower than the rest of the group of men and as they moved off towards Jackson Square I was still standing at the corner. All of a sudden an awesome outpouring of God fell on me, it kept coming and coming just like that energizer bunny only this outpouring was refreshing and exhilarating all at the same time. This was not one of those short blasts of heat energy that the Lord sometimes does, this was cool and refreshing and rejuvinating and I believe the Spirit of the Lord said, "tell the men, thank you for being faithfull men of God." We then gathered at Jackson Square where I told the men what happened and what I believe the Holy Spirit told me to tell them. I later asked dear Holy Spirit why this had taken place for it seemed like there was just more meaning regarding this event. Then Holy Spirit brought to my rememberance, That morning around 5:00A.M. I was in the common area with my bible and flashlight opening to Proverbs but my bible opened to Psalm 133 which I had already highlighted sometime in the past. It was still dark in the common area and Ps 133 almost seemed to glow in the dark. "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. It is like the precious oil poured on the head running down on the beard, running down on Aarons beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mt. Zion For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore." {NIV}. I had been asked why I had come to Mardi Gras and had answered all I know is that Father {Heavenly Father} just calls me down there and I always am so blessed, and I like the T Shirts. However the outpouring on the corner of St. Ann and Royal was this. To bestow His blessing upon us. How awesome is our God.

That afternoon however confusion arose on the streets regarding our praise and worship group and the time and place they were to perform. They actually took up time from a group which made their living performing at the same spot. Spirit of offense manifested. Later that evening this was discussed at length at our Gentilly large group meeting. I was very disturbed as the knowledge was being manifested to me, I believe by Holy Spirit, and that knowledge was that He had warned our prayer team the day before that these spirits, "confusion and offence", were assigned against us by the enemy. I prayed to the Lord "what am I to do, I am just a member of our small group, would I be out of order if I got up in front of our large group , many of these men are highly esteemed pastors whom I greatly respect. I know authority and chain of command having been a squad leader in the Army in Vietnam but the fact remained that dear Holy Spirit had warned us the day before and I had told our small group leader to "drop it, to forget it," I was the one responsible, I had been out of line the day before. Holy Spirit is too precious to me, if you have read my book you would know why.

I decided I would walk toward the front of our large group trusting precious Holy Spirit to either stop me or to make the way and help me to speak not what I thought needed to be spoken but what He wanted spoken and probably just as important how to speak it. As I walked towards the front of our large group I slowed as I started to pass our small group leader and quietly the gift of my prayer language came forth from me and as I reached out to touch his shoulder the power of God flowed thru me thru my left arm and out to him. He looked up to me and kind of smiled and slumped down somewhat as if peace had just engulfed him. I then walked on and approached the front of our large group still not knowing what to say or how to say it.

I looked to Steve McKewon and motioned that I needed to speak. He assented and then I knew to speak "in defense of Holy Spirit, He had made it clear to us the day before, that the enemy was coming against us with the spirits of confusion and offense and that I was the one who was out of line when I told our small group leader to drop it that we had dealt with those spirits. I should have encouraged our small group leader to bring this up with those in authority over him." Whew, the shaking I had been experiencing was finally over. We then went out for the evenings ministry. Our assistant small group leader, Marvin Stanke, by mutual agreement, took authority in our small group. Everything went well that evening and the next day. We got our assignments done with no problems, everyone in our small group was at peace and in total agreement with our new small group leader. Marvin had remarked in our first small group meeting that he didn't know why he was with us at Mardi Gras this year. I felt impressed of Holy Spirit at our last small group meeting to confide to Marvin that his taking over the leadership of our small group was why the Lord called him to Mardi Gras 2009. I asked the Lord "doesn't it get easier, all these awesome Holy Spirit filled men with all of these years of experience." I believe He said,"No, it gets harder, we are to near the end and the enemy is thrashing around like a roaring Lion, he knows his time is short. Thank you Lord for the interssors at Community of Faith and Adat Ariel, Church on the Way, Southern Illinois Interssors, and Prepare the Way Ministries International. Thank you Lord for all the other intercessors represented by all the other men who showed up "in the season when Kings go to war."

Love in Christ, Myron

Mardi Gras 2009 Testimony

2009-03-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

We needed and felt the prayers of many on this trip. But how was I to know that this trip would be as much for my growth as for the people to whom God was sending these more than two hundred men of God from eighteen different states.

Your writer left Lebanon Kansas at 6:00 AM SHARP to be at the bus in Lincoln, NE at 11:00 A.M. Although I would not then admit it, my attitude was wrong as I believed that these people at Mardi Gras were so fortunate to have us mighty men of God coming down to witness to them and tell them about Jesus. And although the message of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His salvation, deliverance and healing power are of great importance to all men, HE can only use a vessel who is surrendered and fit for HIS use. My attitude was so bad, I now confess, I was not ready for His use. I was needing a Spiritual ego-ectomy.

I arrived at the bus location at 11:15, fifteen minutes later than my target time as I had gone to the wrong location by putting in North instead of South 84th. (Oops) But, "I" was here before most of them. So after reacquainting with many and meeting some new ones, we left for our other pickup spot near Kansas City, Kansas. The trip was rather uneventful for the first day as we talked and got to know each other, we sang some songs and we had some "cross training." (Prayer , Fellowship,Witness, Study)

Now here I was with my "attitude" and a tall quiet man (Brother Dave Porter) had agreed to teach on prayer. But, he taught me "attitude change." He started:

"We are going down to New Orleans. You will meet drunks, sexual perverts, homosexuals, drug dealers, murderers, ex-convicts, child molesters and hard core criminals."

Then he paused and looked up at us with a mixture of hurt and stern discipline as a father speaking to his children and said:

"These are the people I love and work with every day. These are people for whom Christ died. And many of us think we are doing them a big favor, coming down to New Orleans. But if you go with that attitude, you might as well not go at all. They are not stupid. If you think they are scum, they know it. You need to have the heart and mind of Christ. These men are sinners . . . just like . . . you and I. You are just one sinner talking to another sinner. You need to share the good news of Jesus. And to do that effectively you need to pray and be prayed up so that you can have the mind and heart of Christ."

Except for the quiet whir of the diesel engines and the tires turning on the pavement, you could have heard a pin drop in that Silver Eagle Bus with 22 men sitting silently. And at least one, was beginning to have a major "attitude adjustment."

Dave Porter is a stalwart, venerable man of God. God has used him to speak into me on previous trips. Just a few powerful words. Now he was pleading with me (and others) to have a proper attitude. Yes, he continued and taught the A.C.T.S. prayer acronym: A=adoration; C=confession; T=testimony; S=supplication, but I did not hear, I was stuck on attitude change. I respected this man. He was my close Christian Brother who had been coming to Mardi Gras for more than ten (10) years. He was worthy of my attention. If he loved them. I should love them.

That first night (Thursday) we had stayed in a church in Missouri where there were two men who experienced attacks from demons. We prayed for them and cast the demons off the bus as we were leaving the next day (Friday) we continued on to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where the big No Greater Love group met. After a meeting, we would be dispatched to our locations.

Friday: My first choice had been Vieux Carrie Baptist. My second choice had been Algiers United Methodist. I wondered at which camp I would be placed? I was sent to Gentilly Baptist Camp in New Orleans. (More teaching on humility and submission to those in authority). But at least, I thought, Gentilly had the prayer walkers who go out at 5:00 AM and pray over the French Quarter and anoint the streets with oil. I had always been a part of that and had led that group for more than five years. We were the point men. We walked down to the French Quarter of New Orleans, anointed the streets and prayed over them before most of the men were up. You had to be in good physical and Spiritual shape for this. We were the macho men. But I was NOT leader of that group or any group this year, but an assistant leader in a group that would not be able to walk any morning through the garbage of the night before.(WOW LORD WHAT ARE YOU UP TO IN MY LIFE?) Therefore, as an Assistant in another group, I would not be a prayer walker

Gentilly Baptist Camp

Leaders: Gentilly Camp had a good Chaplin, Brother Dave Maragni (Mo-ron-ee) an assistant pastor at a large church and a former coal miner (age 4?) who was laid off some years back when the coal mines in Southern Illinois closed. The other leaders, I had heard of, but had never served with directly. Our Senior Advisor Brother Charlie Houston, had led base camp. But I had been moved to advance group before he ran base camp. I had seen his good preparation of the men. Brother Steve McKeown was our Director. He was always talked about positively among the NGL people, but I had not served under him. We met the praise and worship leaders the Brother Steve Miller band. The Steve Miller praise and worship band was a conglomerate, some of whom had not ever played together. Yet, we would not have known that had not Brother Steve Miller told us. (And these were not our Okies-smile). Our Street Co-ordinator, was Rich Henry, a man with a good heart and one for the people on the street, we would serve. BUT, I did not know what to expect. (The leaders turned out to be virtuous leaders of integrity) We met and were going to the street the first night, but, I thought are we prepared for this?

The next day was to be our first full day in the New Orleans outreach and we were going to a parade route on Canal. We tried to arrive, at the least, two hours before the parade started so we could minister to the gathering and already waiting crowds. (The people do not want to talk to you or watch you after the parade begins)

No Greater Love trains men to do five basic things: 1. Clown: Be a clown for Jesus, 2. Tract: pass out Big Question (fn¹) tracts to strangers. 3. One-on-one: After the person has the Big Question Tract, you ask them: How would you answer the Big Question? 4. Street preach: Take a Scripture and read it to the people on the street and tell them what it means to that person (fn²)and 5. March into the enemies camp to take back what rightly belongs to our Creator and Redeemer. Not the ground, but the people who are each created in the image of God. We march in ranks of three We sing Christian songs, we tell the people God loves them and wants to save them from hell. We emphasis love, not hate. God hates sin and has already judged satan who is sin’s author. BUT God does not hate the people who have fallen into sin. No Greater Love was shown when God the Son took on human flesh and died on the cross to pay your sin penalty that you have earned (the wages of sin is death). HE pled guilty to your sin-crimes. Then when the death penalty was announced, HE, your Creator, Who had become a man, died in your place. Do you understand? (smile)

Saturday: Although many of the men were up earlier reading their Bibles and having private prayer, that first full day (as every day) began at 6:30 AM with prayer. Breakfast followed at about 7:00 AM. That was followed by a large group meeting (preaching along with praise and worship) of all men assigned to Gentilly camp. After that meeting, one of the groups was made up as clowns. The rest of the six groups would "Tract". (Pass out gospel tracts to the awaiting crowds) I really wanted to talk to someone about Jesus, BUT knew I was under authority of the camp and was going to hand out tracts. We were transported down to within a few blocks of the parade and walked into St. Charles and Canal. The clowns stopped once or twice to minister to children, but because of our two slow walkers, always caught up with us. As we arrived at the parade route, I was about to hand a tract to a young man about 25. A No Greater Love clown stepped in front of me with a "Smile Jesus Loves you" sticker. He asked the man, "Wouldn't you like one of these?" And as the man took it, the clown said, pointing to me, "This man wants to ask you a question." Well, I knew that meant, I was to ask him the Big Question. He looked at me expectantly. I said, "Sir, if you were to die this minute do you have the assurance that you would go to heaven?" He said, I do now. I asked, "How do you know, sir?" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Big Question tract and said, "Some man just gave me this, minutes ago, I read it and I prayed the prayer on the back." I almost fell over. WOW! GOD DID IT ALL. Someone gave him a piece of paper, then God the Holy Spirit, took over, I asked him to tell my witnessing partners in the Group 2B. We all rejoiced with him. Now the attitude adjustment and seeing the power of God working in New Orleans was enough for me. If I had to go home after that first hour out, my Mardi Gras 2009 AD trip would have been a success. We asked the young man his name and address for follow-up. His name is Andrew Hornsby. If you would, please pray for Andrew and for every other person who received a tract. Pray, they might be truly converted AND the devil’s agents would be rendered powerless from stealing the seed planted in each heart. Thank you.

As we passed out tracts and had a few conversations, we found that the vast majority of the people (that day) were glad to take our tracts. Very few were being thrown on the ground.

Then when I went with another Brother to get everyone lunch, I set my Bible down and walked the three blocks back to the men, gave out the food, ate my salad and then realized I had left my Bible at the fast-food place. Well the Mardi Gras crowd is known for taking everything that is not nailed down, but I returned an fortunately for me (unfortunately for any thief that passed it by, not knowing its eternal value) my Bible was there.

Soon it was time to return to camp, we didn't really want to go. We asked our two slow walkers to lead and keep going if we stopped, we would catch up. My witnessing partner handed a Big Question tract to a young, very beautiful, clear skinned, dark complected young woman who looked to be about 25. She was reading the Big Question. Although, I do not generally witness to ladies (especially not to one who might tempt me) before I realized what I was saying, I asked, "How would you answer that question" (If you had been with me, you could have asked-smile). She said she goes to church, but she did not know if she would go to heaven. So, why discuss it any further? She needed Jesus. So, I asked, "Would you pray with me?" I reached out my right hand and took her hand (as if in a hand shake) and asked her to repeat after me. The young lady made a very genuine prayer, she wanted God in her life. I asked her for her name. She said Juanita Johnson. When I asked her for her age, the 25 year old lady said "14". Whoa!!!

She confessed that she had sin in her life. We prayed to God and she admitted to God her need, her willingness to stop, but her inability to stop without God’s help. Please pray right now for Juanita Johnson. She will be a target for older men, especially because of her appearance some will even consider her "totally legal" BUT GOD CAN KEEP HER. Please pray for Juanita.

As we left there, I turned to my witnessing partner, (who has served with me before and knows that I do not talk with women) and asked Brother Bill what happened. He had a great big smile on his face and he said, "The Holy Spirit." I smiled and nodded and felt so blessed to have been used of God. IT IS ALL ABOUT HIM.

We had a meeting when we got back to Gentilly Camp and then small groups. In small group we learned that one man had a new job and God was blessing. Another had an eBay business and asked for our prayers. One man who has been married more than 30 years wanted to know how to love his wife more. The group leader, who has been married 50 years had some wisdom to share. Three of us were without wives. One man (who had never been married to this point) asked me how it was going for me. He knew how much I had enjoyed being married and I suppose they were seeking the "details." All I said was I had learned a lot and the things that would benefit my new wife (if God was willing to give her to me). One of the men prayed a powerful prayer on my behalf. It was so powerful that in the midst of it, my eyes popped open and I looked at him. Was he praying for me to hear? He was praying, head down, eyes closed, to God.

That evening we would march through the French Quarter and part of the time on Bourbon and Royal the two most decedent, party streets. But I wanted to meet people. I was on a high. Maybe God was going to continue to give me joy after joy. This was going to be FUN. And then, along came Justin.

Oh what a clever, tearful (sometimes), (other times) yelling BUT, always confrontational man. He said, Yes, I am a homosexual, but I had no choice. I just am a homosexual. I really don’t want to be one, I just am one. And at first, "I" tried to figure out Justin, Was he a man who wanted out? Was God going to deliver this young man (about 25ish)? You see I began to think and reason, not pray and submit. Justin’s ability to affect ones emotions and (most likely) his demons were too much for me, but "I" resisted and reasoned in my own strength. I told him his homosexuality was a choice, but he could be set free. Justin and I could not agree on a thing. My witnessing partner, Brother Bill Harris and Justin’s homosexual buddy, each had one of us by the arm. I responded to Brother Bill as I knew that "I" was losing the Spiritual battle. After a mountain top experience, I was back relying on me. If only I had recalled the words of A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD. That hymn warns us, we are no match for the devil we need to call on Jesus, BUT for a few moments that night, I was totally in my own strength, I lost that battle.

Brother Bill walked me over to Jackson Square near the Cathedral and there were some Christ For the Nations youth and we talked to them and two of their young men prayed for us. One of the people who impressed us was named "Audre" She has just been set free from a druggie life style. Please pray for Audre that she will stay strong and that any devils trying to pull her back will be defeated by the Lord Jesus Christ or His dispatched angels.

As we returned to the homosexual area, I found myself defending a homosexual musician against a ‘straight’ party goer, about six feet eight 280 pounder. The 5'8" musician pushed the big man away from him and his space and the big man pushed back. The other homosexuals seemed a little frightened to go to the aid of their fellow. So I stepped between the two pushers and thought WHAT AM I DOING? I finally got the big man’s attention. He realized I was a "peace maker" and he settled down. ~ Thank You, JESUS! It may have been at that point that I began again to trust God and not try to do things in my own strength. I was giving away ten inches and one hundred pounds. And this guy looked like he may still be playing basketball for some team.

A few moments later four college aged people came around the corner. They had just come from Bourbon Street (we were on Royal and St. Peter). On Bourbon, there was a "God hates you" sign. After we talked a few minutes one young man asked, "Does God hate?" I said, "Yes." And he looked disappointed. I continued:

God hates sin. But, God loves you, even when you are sinning. God the Father allowed Jesus Christ, the Son, to come and pay your death penalty. The death penalty which you and I earn when we sin."

Okay, but God doesn’t hate us? He asked hoping I would affirm him.

And I smiled and said, "RIGHT. There is No Greater Love than this that God would allow His Son to lay down His life in your place." Well the four of them and I were having a good discussion when it was time to go back to camp. They did not want to pray, but they all took tracts that they had earlier refused and promised to read them. Pray for them. Three young men and one young woman, college aged at Mardi Gras who are seeking Truth.

As we marched back to the buses in ranks of three the singing was not good and I said to myself, Lord, this is not good. They should sing the same song over and over when they get to the loud crowd noises in the French Quarter. Hope someone tells them.

We returned to the Camp. Oh, by the way, our camp was in part of a larger church complex, gym and kitchen area. Along one side of the gym were rooms with bunk beds. On the other side of the gym floor was a full commercial kitchen. There were bathrooms and eight showers. On the second floor, over the gym were more rooms with cots in them. So whereas most NGL slept on floors in sleeping bags, not Gentilly. (Please pray for the other men in other camps)

Sunday: The next day was Sunday. We got up had prayer and breakfast. Large Group was to be our Sunday Service. Brother Pastor Dave Maragni spoke on our need for an Enema. (Spiritual ectomy?) So if someone asks what was the Sunday message at Mardi Gras, Gentilly Camp, most men will probably say they would rather not say. After the worship service two groups of men were made up as clowns. The other five groups were to talk to people one-on-one about their need to repent of sin and ask Jesus to come into their life as Savior and Lord.

This was one-on-one day. We were to engage people in conversations about their need for a Savior. As we arrived at a parade site, I was still not totally repentant, but was trying to do things in HIS strength, I now realized I needed to allow God to arise (in me) and be His hands, feet, mouth. Only then would God’s enemies be scattered. We talked to one man who assured us he was going to heaven. He invited us over to "his mansion" when we get there. We also talked to a man who identified himself as a Christian wiccan. Let’s see Christian wiccan (pagan-witch). So that would be like a Doctor performing a Christian abortion? The wiccan assured me you could be both a Christian and a witch. (Wonder who wants him to believe that lie?) This crowd of party goers and parade route people were not as open and receptive as the crowd the day before had been.

That evening, we marched into the French Quarter. Again there was not good order in some groups and the singing was strained. When we were on the street we were to continue one-on-one. But the night crowd was a little different. They are more confrontational and they are controlled by spirits, not God the Holy Spirit. They were drinking, drugging and showing. Brother Bill walked up to an age 30-something lady who had on a badge that said, "Bead Whore." But, she assured him that she was alright, after all she said, she was an elementary teacher. Please pray for her students.

Later that evening after a few discussions that did not lead to people praying to receive Jesus, we were leaving to re-group and march out. As we waited on the corner, I saw a young man on the street heading our way. One of the newer guys went up toward him without his witnessing partner. A huge no-no. I told my partner I would be right back and pointed at the man going by himself. He nodded and motioned for me to go as he would stay with the group by the corner. As I approached the NGL man was trying to do one-on-one. As he handed a tract, he asked the prospect, "How would you answer this question?" I was now close. The young prospect said, I don’t know for sure. The No Greater Love man must have then realized, he did not know what to do next. So, I asked the prospect, Would you like to know for sure? The prospect said, Yes. Then the No Greater Love man started to pray. After he finished, I took the hand of the prospect (as in a handshake) and had him repeat a prayer after me. It was very similar to what is on the back of the Big Question tract. After we had him tell the No Greater Love man what he had just done. He said the right things, "I just prayed to have Jesus in my life." But God the Holy Spirit was allowing me to discern that there was something not quite right. So after we got his name. Joseph Smith (no he is not a Mormon or a relative of the founder of the Mormon religion). I asked him, "Joseph may I ask you a question? I do not want to know what it is, but, what is your favorite sin? You know, the thing that you do most often that you know is wrong." Have you got it in your head?"

His head slowly shook slightly up and down. "Now," I asked, "Are you willing to turn from that sin and turn to Jesus? . . . Are you willing?"

He finally looked me in the eyes and said. "Yes"

Now Joseph was ready to be serious with God. So we prayed and his face and countenance changed. I gave his name and address that he gave me to the other No Greater Love man and told Joseph this other man was his Spiritual father. Joseph was 17. The man told Joseph, he had a son about the same age. Then the men on the corner called us and told us we would have to join the march out.

Well I was feeling good, but as the March arrived, there was only one of the band to lead singing. Rich, our Street Director stated, Brother J.R. You have done this before. Can you lead the singing on the way out? I said I do not want to take someone else’s position. He said, (with a smile) "Its either you or no one." I nodded okay and whispered, Lord HELP!

As we marched out, we sang Amazing Grace, ~ Jesus Loves You, ~ Oh How I Love Jesus and Lord Prepare me to be a Sanctuary OVER and OVER and OVER. And I was amazed. It went very well. THANK YOU JESUS. It even worked out that as we were finishing Lord Prepare me to be a Sanctuary, there was a group coming in that joined us in our prayer-song.

Monday: After private time, group prayer, breakfast and Large Group meeting, we were told that we would street preach. We were to go to the French Quarter for our small group as it was a beautiful day with the sun shining and the temperature in the mid to higher 60s Fahrenheit. They would drop us off by the French Market. We would walk down to Jackson Square passing the famous Café DuMond, the home of the very strong coffee and the world famous beignet (ben-yeah") [fn³] a doughnut’s cousin, covered with powdered sugar. Of course one of the slow walkers chose me to walk over to a church and see a pastor he wanted to visit. We left our group standing in line, and although gone forty-five minutes, we arrived back in time for a hot chocolate and beignets. And then we were on the street preaching.

We were careful not to take anyone else’s spot or to purposely hurt a business. But, shortly after we started someone behind us opened up her balcony and was tossing (giving away) beads. But, we continued to preach to the gathering crowd. Each group member spoke three times from an elevated portion of the pavement at the corner. As we finished and were walking away, an older man (60-70)rushed up to us and gave us an offering of $5.00. Which at first we refused but was prompted to accept as it was, to him, an act of worship. We turned in the offering to No Greater Love.

One of the men, (Brother Bill Harris) wanted to walk and sing hymns. We did. We had several people join us as we sang old hymns that they knew. As we finished a hymn, I noticed a young father watching his two sons and listening to us. His boys about ages 4 and 2 were wearing MSU Green and White sweat shirts, so I asked, Michigan State University? And he said, Yes and smiled. So I began to sing the Michigan State Fight Song. He walked over and joined me at the final chorus "Fight! Fight! Rah-Team Fight! Victory for MSU" So we were smiling and began to introduce each other all around. His name is Jacob Pitre, he had graduated from MSU Law School. His sons names are Jacob and Jude. His wife, their mother, is a very stunning brunette lady, whose name I do not remember, but God had us pray for the family and God gave me special and heartfelt words. I had tears in my eyes and she had tears rolling down her cheeks, as God had me explain to her how important she was to her husband. How he could not be the man of God, God wanted him to be without her. That she was so special that God had created her to complete Jacob, her husband. Oh, it was a Godly time, a Divine appointment.

Her husband (Jacob) said, with a smile, You’ve got my wife crying. But she was crying with Joy in her heart which Jacob recognized. He also gave us an offering of $20.00 which was given also to No Greater Love. When we preached: $5.00. When God helped us pray: $20.00. (smile).

We then had time for a snack before the Christian Raven Group’s Christian Concert. We joined them and sang with them. The Raven Group was allowing everyone to join them. There were fifteen or twenty Christian signs. ONLY ONE had the God hates: nonsense on it. And this "God hates" man was not with any of the other Christian groups who had permission of the city to be there. He was just a loner with a sign. His sign said God is supposed to hate everything including Used Car Dealers and Methodists. You will never guess which one of the fifteen to twenty signs and banners got all the attention. OH! You guessed! One of our NGL leaders (Brother Kent Lewis) is a Methodist. He went down to confront the man and there was a TV camera right there.

Before our group arrived our praise and worship band, (the Brother Steve Miller Band) had played (we did not know that was going to happen) He thought that he was on right before the Ravens, but there was a tumbling group between the two. They may have been hurt because of the delay. Please pray for them and that they will come to know the real blessing: Jesus and His Joy.

When we arrived back at the church Brother Rich Henry came up to me and asked me if I would lead the singing in the combined march of Gentilly Camp and Algiers Camp. At first I refused as I did not want to offend my brothers who were doing it before. He said they do not want to do it. They want ANYONE ELSE to do it. We really have no one. I said let me think and pray. I thought and I said, Lord You know I do not know exactly what I am doing. And I need help to do this correctly. Who would I get to help? (Rich had told me we needed at least one other from our camp). As I thought I was directed to mid twenties Lowell Vosser and forty-ish Steve. I thought, Okay, if they will join, I will agree. I asked them both if they would help, if they still wanted me to lead. They agreed. So Brother Rich came back and I said, Okay, but I need two guys. So I went to the Group leaders of the two and they released them. Steve would bring up the rear, Lowell would be in the front, I would be in the middle. We would put the two men from Algiers into the mix in the middle. I instructed them on how I did it and what I expected of them.

We three had started on the bus Lowell up front, me in the middle and at my request, Brother Steve in the back read the Whole Armor of God sections at the beginning before we sang and shortly before we got off the bus and well GOD showed up and led singing.. Our first song was Lord Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary. And we ended the March with Hallelujah, Hallelujah! And I thanked God that the next night would be the silent march.

Now here I was, a mighty man of God. Coming back after a GREAT VICTORY in the singing. Would we be praised for our great contribution. (Remember my Spiritual attitude problem?) The leadership (in appreciation) said, Group 2B (that includes me) you have Kitchen Patrol in the morning! You will scrub and wash out pots and pans, mop floors and help the cooks. BUT, . . . but, . . . didn’t they realize that I just led . . . . (Smile-Thank You Jesus)

Fat Tuesday: We were on the last day, so we became the final inspectors of dirty pots and pans. However there is a problem. IF we find some dirty pots and pans that another group did not wash properly, guess who gets to clean them up? YEP. US! Well we found quite a few that needed cleaning. Some NGL had not used, but NGL would probably be the ones blamed, so we clean them. And when we were done there, we cleaned the kitchen. AND when that was done, we were given toilet duty. Hooray! And because it was the last day, two of us stayed back and made sure that the pots, pans, kitchen and bathrooms were clean for our host church.(Gentilly Baptist). That just is the No Greater Love men’s ministry way. We always strive to leave it cleaner than when we arrived.

The men came back a little early from the day time outreach to the French Quarter, since we had the big final rally and the silent march of all the five camps together that night. We had been here several days. We had given them tracts. Our men had clowned for their children. We had talked to them about Jesus, We had preached on the street. We had sung Christian songs as we dragged a large wooden cross as it scraped along the paved streets. We had carried signs telling people Jesus Saves. Jesus Loves You. Jesus Delivers From sin. We had given them opportunity after opportunity to accept Jesus Christ and escape the lake of fire for which they were headed (Revelation 20:12-Rev. 21:8) Now we would walk through the French Quarter 220 strong, in ranks of 3 men wide. We would no longer talk or sing. We would plead with our eyes and pray in our hearts for them. We were silent. God would convict those ready to receive Him.

The buses left to carry the men to the edge of the French Quarter at 6:00 PM SHARP! Then we walked from the edge of the French Quarter in New Orleans to our rally location, about a mile farther in at Jackson Square. There was the Christian Band that had been the main stays for the last ten years, Common Ground, from Oklahoma. We (the five camps) joined as one and sang together. The Director and Founder, Brother Fred Bishop, preached then spoke, then revealed a contest between the camps. One camp had a banner. One camp had made up a song that they sang. Our camp had a motto and a salute. The motto was Strength through Humility. Our Battle cry was revealed when the Director Steve McKeown said, MEN OF GENTILLY, ATTENTION. WE responded: YES SIR! Then when he said GENTILLY MEN GIVE US YOUR BATTLE CRY. We followed the lead of Senior Director Charlie Houston. Our hands went slowly up as if to salute. Then we took the bill of our cap, took it off of our head, placed it over our heart and dropped our head in a respectful, reverent, prayerful manner.

We received tribute for our proper attitude by Director Fred Bishop. Then the call.

MEN LINE UP FOR THE SILENT MARCH.

Silent March: We lined up three abreast from the front camp Vieux Carre to the last camp Algiers. As we heard Common Ground in the background singing, we began our long march to and along the full length of Bourbon Street from the homosexual and voo doo section to the block just before the parade route street of Canal Street, New Orleans. The streets were crowded with wall to wall party goers asking woman to flash for beads, most had beer or something stronger in their hands. You could not move without pushing through a roaring, indignant, sea of people. There were more than ten thousand people on each block.

As we marched some of the crowd asked, Not talking tonight? Some sang Jesus Loves You to us. A couple sang Amazing Grace. We marched silently, in order our arms locked so that no one could breach our lines and separate our groups.

The balcony people did not like our silent witness and began throwing beads. Sometimes bags of beads. A row behind me, Brother Marvin, an assistant leader who had been educated as an attorney was hit hard in the chest. Then a financial advisor in front of me. Brother Terry was hit. I silently, prayerfully asked the Lord Why was HE allowing this? And was impressed of the Lord that HE was allowing those who needed more humility to be hit. So, as I thought, I thought, "Well Brother Marvin. Yes, I can see how he may need it as an attorney. And Brother Terry? Hmm. Well I wonder, which one of them needs more humility. And just then (God is my witness) I felt a group of beads SMACK me on the right side of my head. (Okay Lord!) But it was a silent March. I could not even cry out in pain. (smile). Down in the midst of this angry crowd, who did we see in the middle of the worst part of Bourbon street? Brother Fred Bishop, our Director and Brother Carl Horn smiling and urging us on.

Well, I thought, we had finally escaped the angry crowds and the flashers and so forth. That had been a rough crowd. Good! It is over. I thought. Then the leadership passed the WORD. We have time, we are going to double back and go onto Bourbon again. (Joy to the world, I silently thought). But back, under authority, we went. Again we pushed and shoved our way through the raging ocean of people who were there for a big devil’s party. Only occasionally did we see some who were touched. And so I reminded myself of a man who had come to a Mardi Gras about ten years before. He had not gotten a tract. No one had tried to lead him to the Lord. But he saw the cross going down the street. The Lord used that visual to get his attention and convict him so much that he left immediately. A few years later, he had found out who we were and joined No Greater Love mission trip to New Orleans, Mardi Gras.

As the second foray onto Bourbon Street ended, we thanked God that no one was hurt. No one had anything stolen. We had not sung or even carried the cross. We had prayed: Oh, God Arise and let your enemies be scattered. The enemy is not the people for whom Christ died. No we had not wrestled against flesh and blood, but against principalities, the powers of darkness. (Hear us O spirits of darkness, so you will know where we stand. We are HIS people, the children of God, bought with the Blood of the Lamb, the Blood of the Lamb. We’re the people of God, called by His Name. Called from the dark-ness delivered from shame. One holy race, saints everyone, because of the Blood of Christ Jesus, The Son: because of the Blood of Christ Jesus, The Son)

As we silently left the French Quarter, we went through the homosexual section. They were surprisingly quiet. No heckling. No vulgar words. We pray this was because GOD was working on their hearts and minds. We thank God for His many answers to prayers and

May God bless all who prayed for us,

Brother J.R. Hughes

Servant of the Only True God

P.S. You may have heard of a shooting on a Parade route in New Orleans, Mardi Gras, where eight were hit and taken to hospitals. It happened in a place where we had ministered and because of the silent March that was to follow that night, one NGL group had left that location, about twenty minutes before the shooting.

Got a testimony? Got a story? Got a photo?

2009-03-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

To the Mighty Men of NGL who just returned from the Battle in New Orleans:

Following a spectacular Mardi Gras ministry trip this year, NGL would LOVE to hear your stories and testimonies that we may share them with others through the website or the blog.

Things to consider sharing would be:

What did God do that amazed you?

How were you changed?

Did God give you a new vision/direction for your life?

And of course, meaningful pictures you might have of the event!

Please send your testimonies to tconwell@nogreaterlove.org and we will gladly post them up for you! Let's hear, see, and experience what God did in and through each other!

Love ya's,

Fred
Matthew 16:18

Hello Mighty Men of God

2009-02-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

What a tremendous year for our Mardi Gras experience.

Everyone did a tremendous job. We had four camps last year and we added a fifth this year. Mardi Gras is the place where boys become men and men become God's Mighty Men. Many of the boys and men of the pastare now missionaries, pastors, and church leaders. This is the place where God speaks to us through each other. We get to hear and see how the Lord is working through each other and then realize God is challenging us to feel His heart for a lost and dying world.

We come here to "sharpen our swords” and "inspect" the new equipment being used by others. We tell our "tales" of mighty adventures and whet the taste in others. Phil Nelson just returned from Europe. Troy Benitone just returned from Africa. Sarge is still in Vietnam. Marvin Steinke is getting ready to take a group from Mark Jordan's church to Honduras. What exciting times we are living in for our Lord.

We plan to dig in with our campsites. We have encouraged each camp to get an identity and a "war cry." Next year it is our goal to have banners for each camp and march in the French Quarter as the Lord's army. Next Mardi Gras we will compete with each other on the "results" of our witnessing. There is nothing like a good identity and a strong challenge.

I pray we were all "tested" in areas and have allowed the Lord to get rid of some of the dross in our lives and listened to the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who WILL go for Me?" God says that we can ask Him for the nations.

Let's all go home "holding tightly to the rod of God" with increased desire to serve our Lord and to bring back every man we can for a mighty catch in 2010.

Love ya's
Fred
Philippians 4:13

Time is drawing close!!

2009-02-10T07:30:00.001-08:00

We have never had a time for sharing Christ like we have this year. The state of the economy is in horrible shape. Many have lost their jobs and many have divorced their wives or committed suicide. Yet, some will not stand up in such a time because the “bad” news has not yet touched them. The Scripture the Lord laid on my heart in a dream was II Chronicles 7:14. In this Scripture, we are the ones who need to humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face and turn from OUR wicked ways, THEN God will hear from heaven, and will forgive our sin, and will heal our land.

That puts the pressure on us the people of God to bring about a change in our country. With Mardi Gras, we have an opportunity to go forth and share with the people the only thing that is solid in this world and that is Jesus. Jesus promises that if we will go forward and lift HIM up that He will do the drawing and draw all of us to Himself. I know God always keeps His promises.

Now the real question is whether or not we will be willing to join up and go forth to share the Lord at the Mardi Gras. No matter how bad the situation is in our country or in the world. It is God’s will that NONE should perish. Since we know this is true, we just need to be like Isaiah in Isaiah chapter six and hear the Lord saying,

“WHOM SHALL I SEND AND WHO WILL GO FOR ME?”

Let’s be like Isaiah and realize we all need to be touched with the tongues of the altar to forgive our sins and answer,

“HERE AM I; SEND ME!”

SEE YOU AT THE MARDI GRAS!!!!!!!!!

Fred

Who can Attend?
Men and young men ages, 17 and older.

When:
February 20th-24th, 2009

Where:
Arrive between 12:00-2:00PM
Friday, February 20th
Heritage United Methodist Church
3 Barracuda Dr.
Hattiesburg, MS 39482

Registration Donation:
$175.00 if received by February 9th, 2009
$225.00 if received after February 9th, 2009

Questions?
Contact N. G. L. at 618-542-4503
Fred Bishop, fred@nogreaterlove.org
Abby Emling, nglabby@yahoo.com

The earlier you register the better.
For your convenience you may register on line at: http://www.nogreaterlove.org/

Are you registered yet?

2009-02-02T16:02:00.000-08:00

It won’t be long ....

Register NOW before the discount ends -- in 7 days!!!!

I know of no place in the world that God moves in men’s lives like He does at Mardi Gras. Jesus said that if He is lifted up that He will draw ALL men unto Him. It is also God’s will that NONE should perish. We just do simple tasks in presenting Jesus to the people and God does the work.

The process of purifying silver reveals to me how Mardi Gras changes so many of our lives at Mardi Gras. The metalworker placed the silver in a metal container over the hottest fire possible. The silver begins to melt and bubble in the heat. The impurities would rise to the surface in the form of a scum, known as “dross.” The metal worker would patiently skim off the “dross” until the metalworker could see his own reflection in the pure silver. Then he would know that all the “dross” was removed.

Mardi Gras produces in us that same effect. As we go out each day to lift up the Lord in the “furnace of affliction” otherwise known as getting out of our “comfort zones,” certain insecurities and problems come up like the “dross.” We then have small group meetings each day to share, confess and “skim off the dross.” This happens each day and each year as we are willing to go forth for the Lord. So we leave a little of ourselves behind and become a little more like our Lord.

Some of us have been going to Mardi Gras for many years and it still has that same effect on our lives. The sanctifying, “purifying” process will continue for all of our lives. As we confess and forsake our sins, God is faithful and just to give us another chance. Proverbs 28:13 Many have gotten closer to the Lord through the Mardi Gras experience and come home better fathers, husbands, men of God. I am inviting you to join us in the process of leaving the “dross” behind and becoming the men God created us to be.

God will be there. Jesus will be there. The Holy Spirit will be there. NGL will be there. Join up TODAY!!!

*** Special Note: Check out Mark Jordan and the Trinity Boys singing their new Mardi Gras Song on our web site http://www.nogreaterlove.org/

We have also included our Blessing Song Lyrics on our home page!!! Check it out!!

Love ya’s
Fred
Philippians 1:6

Who can Attend?
Men and young men ages, 17 and older.

When:
February 20th-24th, 2009

Where:
Arrive between 12:00-3:00PM; Friday, February 20th

Heritage United Methodist Church
3 Barracuda Dr.
Hattiesburg, MS 39482

Registration Donation:
$175.00 if received by February 9th, 2009
$225.00 if received after February 9th, 2009

Questions?
Contact N. G. L. at 618-542-4503
Fred Bishop - fred@nogreaterlove.org
Abby Emling - nglabby@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.nogreaterlove.org/

** The earlier you register the better -- Only 7 days left for the discount!! **

Almost ready to go?

2009-01-28T19:02:00.000-08:00

Hello Mighty Warriors,

ONLY 12 DAYS LEFT BEFORE THE DEADLINE, “FEBRUARY 9,” FOR THE REDUCED DONATION FOR MARDI GRAS!!!! SIGN EVERYONE UP YOU CAN FIND BEFORE THE DEADLINE AND DO IT ON LINE AT http://www.nogreaterlove.org!!!!!

Pastor Mark Jordan has written a song for recruitment and he and his group leads it every Sunday morning and adds a verse each Sunday. It is on the home page and you can listen to it at http://www.nogreaterlove.org It is a “hoot!”

Momentum is going well and we need for you to continue enlisting men of God for this trip. Every year I know that I need to get ready for the trip. I know God is holy and wants us to be. Since none of us are in our own selves holy, we need to get down to business before the Lord. So I am giving three of the things I am going to do for this trip.

1. God says prayer and fasting are essentials of the Christian faith. We can start by just giving up a meal a day or by just cutting out sweets for a day which is part of my regimen. Then progress according to your level.

2. We have included two special downloads on our website. Look at the left side and check under “DOWNLOADS”, and then click it.

a. The “Prayer Preparation” has been a staple for me for many years. I was first introduced to it by an old missionary many years ago.

b. The “Warfare” prayer is one that I have used for many years and will be a help in your preparation for this Mardi Gras.

Who can Attend?

Men and young men ages, 17 and older

When: February 20th-24th, 2009

Where: Arrive between 12:00-3:00PM

Friday, February 20th

Heritage United Methodist Church / 3 Barracuda Dr. / Hattiesburg, MS 39482

Registration Donation:

$175.00 if received by February 9th, 2009

$225.00 if received after February 9th, 2009

Questions?

Contact N. G. L. at 618-542-4503

Fred Bishop (fred@nogreaterlove.org)

Abby Emling (nglabby@yahoo.com)

Website: http://www.nogreaterlove.org

** The earlier you register the better **

See you then!

Fred

Why do we need one another?

2009-01-27T03:09:00.000-08:00

A man was having a conversation with God one day and said, 'God, I would like to know what the difference is between The Light of your Truth and The Darkness of Satan? ' God led the man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the man's mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

God said, 'You have seen The Darkness.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The man said, 'I don't understand.'

It is simple,' said God. 'It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'

MORAL:
We need our brothers and sisters in these last days to help build each other up and stay spiritually strong. We may have our differences, but in order to remain in God's love and continue the flow of spiritual food to ourselves, we have to put aside those differences, resisting our tendency to harbor resentment, and search out ways to help each other. Otherwise, we will become so consumed with only helping ourselves, that we may be inadvertently cutting off the only food that can keep us alive in this starving world.

Saddle up your Horses!!

2009-01-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

As Gene Autry would say... it’s almost time to be “BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!!!!!!”

The devil is coming against us on making our way to the battle front at the Mardi Gras. God’s Word says “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world!!!!! “

Or as Emeril would say---------“Kick it up another notch!!!”

When I started witnessing on the streets back in the early 70’s, I dreaded winter because it was not good for witnessing on the streets. Then one day, I read that if we don’t “sow” when it is cold, we won’t “reap” when it is warm. That changed my attitude on winter. Let’s get on the ball in this winter time of sowing, getting the men together for a great trip SOUTH where it is warm, to “reap” a crop of souls for our Lord.

Can you believe that I have a story that explains the situation? A group was going out witnessing in the winter and dropped by to ask a friend to go with them. He said that it was too cold and that he was just going to sit by the fire. On several other witnessing opportunities they asked their friend to go out with them, but he said that it was too cold and that he was just going to sit by the fire.

Later the friend died and some folks say that he went higher, but if it was like it usually was, he’s STILL sitting by the fire!!! Nough said!!!!!!

THE DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING!!!! REGISTER NOW!

The deadline for the discounted Mardi Gras registration is February 9. You save $50.00 if you have both your application AND your payment in the NGL office by that date.

Mardi Gras: $175 (if paid before Feb 9, 2009) $225 (if paid after Feb 9, 2009)

To register – go to http://www.nogreaterlove.org/application.html and complete the form.

You can pay by Pay Pal on-line with a credit card or you can mail your Check to:

No Greater Love Ministries
P.O. Box 263
DuQuoin, IL 62832

MARDI GRAS INFORMATION

Who can Attend? Men and young men ages, 17 and older.
When: February 20th-24th, 2009
Where: Arrive between 12:00-3:00PM, Friday, February 20th

Heritage United Methodist Church
3 Barracuda Dr.
Hattiesburg, MS 39482

** The earlier you register the better. **

Thanks, we’ll see you in February!!
Fred Bishop

A Call to Action!

2009-01-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

Hello MIGHTY MEN OF GOD!!!!!!

This is the FIRST CALL OF THE NEW YEAR for Men of God to enlist in the fight for the souls of men at the Mardi Gras. The Harvest will be great. We have plenty of room at our five camps. So let’s get on the ball and enlist every man we can as there will be enough heathen to go around.

We are seeing great momentum so far and we need your help to REGISTER as soon as possible as we are already putting men in positions. You can pay on line and fill out your registration there. We have a 2009 promo videos to send out if that will help in your enlistment of other men to come with you.

REGISTER NOW!

The deadline for the discounted Mardi Gras registration is February 9. You save $50.00 if you have both your application AND your payment in the NGL office by that date.

To register – go to http://www.nogreaterlove.org/application.html and complete the online form.

You can pay by Pay Pal on-line with a credit card or you can mail your check to:
No Greater Love Ministries
P.O. Box 263
DuQuoin, IL 62832

MARDI GRAS INFORMATION

Who can Attend? Men and young men ages, 17 and older.
When: February 20th-24th, 2009
Where: Arrive between 12:00-3:00PM
Friday, February 20th
Heritage United Methodist Church
3 Barracuda Dr.
Hattiesburg, MS 39482

REGISTRATION DONATION

$175.00 if received by February 9th, 2009
$225.00 if received after February 9th, 2009

To register – go to http://www.nogreaterlove.org/application.html and complete the online form.

QUESTIONS?

Contact N. G. L. at 618-542-4503
Fred Bishop: fred@nogreaterlove.org
Abby Emling: nglabby@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.nogreaterlove.org/

Thanks, we’ll see you in February!!
Fred Bishop

Mardi Gras Ministry

2009-01-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

NGL Brothers,

Please remember that the kick-off meeting for this year's NGL Mardi Gras trip has changed locations from previous years. The meeting will begin at 5pm and is located at:

Heritage United Methodist Church
3 Baracuda Drive
Hattiesburg, MS 39482

The 5 camps for the ministry outreach are as follows:

1) Gentilly Baptist Church Camp - 5141 Franklin Avenue / New Orleans, Louisiana

2) Algiers UMC Camp - 637 Opelousas Street / New Orleans, Louisiana

3) Mobile / Gideon Church - (On I-10 take exit 17A South (State Highway 193, Rangeline Road) for two miles, crossing three bridges. Turn right at Rabbit Creek Drive. Camp Christian is on the right.)

4) Mississippi / Marrerro UPC - God Cares Ministries McHenry, Mississippi /// First Pentecostal Church / Ames Boulevard, Marrero, LA

5) Vieux Carre' Baptist Church - 711 Dauphine Street / New Orleans, Louisiana

Please register as soon as possible for the trip at: http://www.nogreaterlove.org/

The deadline for discounted registration is February 9. Don't be late (save $50.00)!!

See you then!!

Disciplines of a Godly Man

2008-12-06T05:49:00.000-08:00

NGL Brothers,

This book will provide the focus for our 2009 Mardi Gras Outreach. We highly recommend that you get a copy of the book and give it a thorough read so as to be well prepared. This is particularly important if you'll be in a leadership position. Book details are below.

Disciplines of a Godly Man R. Kent Hughes

Our churches and homes need men willing to follow the path of godliness no matter what the cost. This inspiring, popular book has been speaking to the hearts of men for the past 10 years, and its words are still relevant. Using engaging illustrations, scriptural wisdom, practical suggestions and study questions, Kent Hughes offers a frank biblical discussion on major areas of Christian manhood: family, godliness, leadership, ministry and more. This newly revised edition is for every man who wants to know what it means to be a Christian in today's world.

Australia Trip Journal

2008-10-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

October 5-15, 2008 - Roger Lipe

Sunday October 5 – I was up early this morning after having conducted the wedding ceremony for former Saluki Baseball player, Nathan Emrick, and former Saluki Softball player, Krystal Stein, the previous afternoon and evening. I stayed the night at the Ramada Inn North at I-270 and Lindberg Road in St. Louis so I could take advantage of their parking and shuttle service.
I drove to Fairview Heights, IL for church at Christ UMC where my friend, Shane Bishop, is the pastor. He graciously introduced me to the congregation and prayed for my trip. After church I picked up some lunch and ate it in my hotel room. I prepared my bags for travel and watched some NFL pre-game shows, then met the shuttle at 12:50 to go to the airport. I checked in very early and waited while watching 3 different NFL games on the gate’s TV monitors.
We boarded the plane to LAX on time, arrived on time and I then made my way through the airport and aboard another shuttle to the Quantas Airlines gate and waited to depart. The flight to Melbourne was very good with excellent food, lots of snacks and refreshments, video on demand, a great CD collection, and more. I took my Advil PM and slept all of 8 hours. I awoke to more good food for breakfast and a beautiful view of Sydney and the Opera House. We had a clear view of Canberra as well and soon touched down in Melbourne.

Tuesday October 7 – (You’ll notice there is no Monday. It disappeared at the International Date Line.) Once on the ground the whole process slowed down. Immigration was easy, but it took a good while to get my bags and then there was a line at customs which must have had 500 people in it. Once through there I began looking for Gary Speckman who was to pick me up. I didn’t see him so I had him paged. I bumped into Terry who is a chaplain for a life saving club along the Gold Coast of Australia. We talked for a bit and he called Gary who was just arriving. We gathered two more chaplains from other parts of Australia and then loaded the car for the hotel. When we got to the hotel, we jumped right into the conference session already underway on suicide awareness.
We had lunch together and I met a lot of new people. I then did my first presentation at 2:15, introducing “Transforming Lives in Sport” and discussing Relationships. It was very well received. After the afternoon session, I showered, shaved and prepared for the evening.
The Sports Chaplaincy Australia Chaplain of the Year Award banquet was held in the evening and included a number of donors, athletes and others who support and are served by SCA. I served on a panel for discussion with Rodrigo Vargas, a professional soccer player and Dave Swarz, a retired Aussie Rules Footballer and present radio/TV announcer. Dinner was great and the program was fine as well. After the program was over I turned in. I roomed with Cameron Butler, SCA’s CEO for the last 3 years.

Wednesday October 8 – I was up in time for the 7:30 am breakfast in the hotel restaurant. I ate with a couple of motor racing chaplains and we compared notes re: their racing circuits, NASCAR and Indy car racing. At 9:15 I did my second presentation, this time on Attitude and Presence. It was also well received and the discussion was quite good. My having dropped photos of Australian sports into my PowerPoint presentation helped them connect in a tremendous way. After lunch we heard from other speakers for the conference and then visited the Victoria Institute of Sport in downtown Melbourne. It was in the middle of one of their sporting districts right by the Rod Laver Tennis Center. It was a very nice training facility and we had a meeting with the people who run their athlete development program called “ACE.” I was impressed by their holistic approach to sport and their hearty acceptance of the role of chaplains in their athletes’ development. We also took a walk to the training facility for the Richmond Football Club, which is no better than most high school facilities in my area. While there we heard from the head coach of the club and had a meeting with a former AFL footballer who is now an administrator for the AFL Players Association. I was impressed at the amount of services they offer their players, both during and after their playing careers.
After these meetings we had a dinner of pizza outside the Richmond Footie Club and then returned to the hotel for an evening of fun and relaxation. We played an Aussie Sports Trivia game which paired chaplains from various sports vs. other pairs of chaplains. After this was completed I went straight to bed.

Thursday October 9 – I was awake early this morning, showered and prepared for the day. Cameron and I had a very good talk about the future of sports chaplaincy globally and how we could each be influential in its development. He and I met two motor sports chaplains for breakfast and then moved to our meeting room. At 9:15 I did my third presentation, this one re: Strategies, Methods and Resources for Sports Chaplaincy. At the end of my talk, they presented me with some gifts: an Aussie Rules Football, a scarf from the Melbourne Football Club, some puzzle/post cards and a jar of vegemite. I was thrilled with each of them.
After my talk and a break we heard a presentation re: Adrenalin and Stress. Later we heard from Motor Racing Legend – Peter Brock’s widow. We asked her questions about ministry with high profile sports figures and their families. It was quite enlightening. Cam gave her a copy of “Heart of a Champion” and had me autograph it. After we wrapped up the conference, I rode with Jeremy (SCA State Director for Victoria) to his home where we had dinner and soon hit the sack.

Friday October 10 – I was up early and went to the dining room table to read and to have breakfast. A little later, Ruth, Isaac and I went to a nearby mall to exchange US $ to AU $ and so I could buy some souvenirs. It took me a long while to find what I was looking for, but found most all of it at the Australian Geographic store. $1.00 US traded for $1.46 Australian. After we finished that task we met Jeremy at the church, I downloaded email and sent out my weekly Sport Chaplain / Sport Mentor notes as well as updating my blog and the www.teamchaplains.org site. Then we went to a small bakery for lunch. I had a meat pie and lemonade. We then drove up into the mountains near Melbourne and looked at the panoramic view down onto the city. While there we enjoyed good coffee and Isaac had an ice cream bar all over his face.
After we returned home, I went out for a 40 minute workout, trying not to get lost. I then showered and prepared for the evening’s youth meeting. Jeremy and I drove to the church early, so I walked around the corner and had a boiled egg and lettuce sandwich on white bread with some potato chips and a Coke Zero. The youth meeting kicked off with some games and then I was interviewed on a number of subjects. Later we played more games and then we heard an interview with a young lady from Melbourne who competed in Table Tennis at the Paralympics in Beijing. She played table tennis with some of us while others ate ice cream and other snack foods. After the meeting broke up I went with the group’s leaders to the Pancake Palace for a late night snack and good conversation. We got home at midnight.

Saturday October 11 – I was up at 7:30 to read and for breakfast. I shortly loaded up my stuff and went with Ruth and Isaac to the Melbourne Cricket Ground so she could pick up info for tomorrow’s Melbourne Marathon in which she is running. We then took a long walk through downtown Melbourne to see the sights. We drove across town and met Cameron at his daughter, Holly’s, net ball game. We transferred my luggage to his car and then made the trip to his home. I met the family and settled into Holly’s room for the next several nights. A little later in the evening Cam, his son Lachie and I went to church together to see one of Cam’s footballers being baptized. We sat right beside Rodrigo Vargas the pro soccer player. He seemed thrilled that I would converse with him in Spanish. We sat right in the middle of the Latino section of the church congregation.
After church was over we went to dinner with Brad Miller, his wife and son. Brad was the player who was baptized during the service. He’s 23 years old and in the 5th year of his playing career. He has been reading “Heart of a Champion” for several months and loves it. We had a great conversation about sport, faith and fatherhood. After dinner was over we made our way home around 10:00 pm and I was soon in bed.

Sunday October 12 – I was up early to follow the Saluki Football game on Game Tracker on my computer. We won 60-7 and I also watched game progress for several of my friends in coaching around the country as well as the games for some of my chaplain friends. I had breakfast with the family. Cameron, his wife Merryl, son Lachie, daughter Holly and I all packed into the SUV and drove east of Melbourne into the bush. We went to a wildlife preserve which was much like a zoo, full of animals indigenous to various parts of Australia. I bought lunch for our crew in the bistro and we continued to see the animals.
After that we took a drive into the mountains, through a rain forest, across mountain peaks, through valleys full of vineyards while the kids slept most of the way. We played some of the icebreaker mind games which I have cluttering parts of my brain. On the way back into town we stopped for dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant. I enjoyed the food, which was unlike anything I had eaten before. We returned home, watched a movie on DVD and went to bed.

Monday October 13 – I was again up early to read, to send email (including my weekly devotion and notes to FCA huddle coaches) and to have breakfast with the family. We took the kids to school as we went to Cam’s office. I made three presentations to the SCA certificate training class over a three hour period bridging the morning and afternoon. At lunch I had a great conversation with one of the trainees. After the day wrapped up I returned home with Cam for dinner with the family and we watched “The Bourne Identity” on DVD. Upon its completion I went to bed.

Tuesday October 14 – I was up early to read and again had breakfast with the family. Cam and I took the girls to school, and then we took Lachie with us to another mall to shop for opal jewelry for my wife, Sharon. I finally found one at an antique jewelry store. We then drove to the Melbourne Football Club’s offices and training facility. Cam gave me a comprehensive tour and we talked with several people including some players and some of the coaching staff. We had lunch in a Melbourne Harbour downtown shop and then we went to the Melbourne Sport and Aquatic Center to meet the certificate trainees. We conversed with them over their lunch and then met with Pipper of the AFLPA for a discussion of sport, psychology and chaplaincy.
We then returned home for dinner with the family, cooked by Cam on the barby, and good conversation with another motor racing chaplain, Darryl. After dinner we watched an AFL video of great “Marks” and a recent game involving the Melbourne Football Club. I went to bed as soon as the game was over.

Wednesday October 15 – I was up this morning at 5:15, anticipating the day’s travel. Coach Darrell Wimberley from Marion High School called me asking if I could recommend a speaker for an upcoming event at their school. I read, had a cup of coffee and then said my goodbyes to Cam’s family. We were on the road by 8:00 and headed for the airport. We continued our conversation about sports chaplaincy around the world during the ride and then he dropped me at the terminal. I breezed through check in, customs and security and then waited for a good while. I was at the gate by 9:00 and we boarded at 10:40. While waiting I continued my reading of “Lincoln on Leadership.” I began reading “How Football Explains America” at the beginning of the trip and completed it a couple of days ago.
The flight from Melbourne to LAX was 14 hours and 50 minutes. I slept about 6 hours on this flight and watched a bunch of movies to occupy time. I also did some brainstorming and strategizing re: sports chaplaincy and my future in it during the early part of the flight. The food and service on Quantas was very good again.
Our flight arrived on time in LA and as soon as we touched the ground I called Sharon and Jason. It was good to hear their voices. I had already queued up a bunch of text messages which were sent upon our touching down. I walked through the maze to immigration, which was very simple and then I waited a good while for my bags. Once they were collected I waited in line for customs which was also very easy. I rechecked my bag to STL and walked outside to change terminals. I stood in a very long line to go through security yet again. Once through that process I walked to my gate and had some Burger King breakfast. I made some calls and sent some text messages to friends while I waited and then heard that our gate had changed from 46B to 40, so I trooped down there to wait to board.
The plane boarded a little late and the flight was an easy 3 hours to St. Louis. My bags arrived shortly and I was on the phone to the hotel for the shuttle. I waited outside for 40 minutes and the shuttle finally arrived. The shuttle driver took me to my car and then I bought some gasoline, got some McDonald’s to go and headed for Carbondale. 28 hours after I left Cam’s house, I arrived at home, showered, shaved and collapsed in bed.

This was a most productive trip with the highlights being the investments we were able to make in the sports chaplains across Australia in every type of sport. At several points along the last 10 days I have been aware of the tremendous privilege I have been given to serve our Lord in this way and with such people.

July 2008 Jamaica Trip Report - Roger Lipe

2008-10-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is a brief report on my 2008 vacation trip to Jamaica to train sport chaplains and sport mentors. Thanks for your prayers and invaluable partnership in this endeavor. It was a great success.

Saturday July 5 –
I was up early this morning and took the hotel shuttle to the airport, arriving at 4:30 am. I checked in and my plane took off at 6:05 am. I changed planes in Miami. We arrived in Kingston, Jamaica just before noon and began the immigration process. I had to pay $35.00 in import duty for the 120 books which we’ll use here in our training sessions. My friend and colleague, Andre Virtue of Whole Life Sports, picked me up at the airport and took me directly to a radio station where an interview was already underway with Percival Palmer. Percy is the director of Caribbean Sports Reach, a sports ministry across the Caribbean islands. I joined in the interview at 1:15 and it concluded at 2:00.
Percival took me to my lodging at the trade school where his wife serves as a nurse. I moved into the rather Spartan accommodations (no hot water, no windows, but I did have a fan and 3 channels on television!) and watched football (soccer), cricket and athletics (track and field) on television as I tried to get my sinuses to calm down.
At 8:00 in the evening I joined Percy for dinner at Wendy’s in downtown Kingston and then we picked up some grocery items so I could make breakfast in my room.

Sunday July 6 –
I was awake by 6:00 this morning, made breakfast and did my devotional reading. At 8:00 we left for church. It started at 9:00 and we finished at 1:45. 1:45!! Our friend, Al Miller, preached the service. Al is now the chaplain for the Jamaican national football team and has a great deal of influence with the sport community. After church I rested in the room and watched the West Indies vs. Australia cricket match on television.
At 4:00 dinner (fried chicken, rice and beans) was brought to my room and I relaxed for the remainder of the evening and made final preparations for my presentations which begin on Monday.

Monday July 7 –
I was up early for breakfast and devotions and then Percival picked me up for the first of our training sessions in Kingston at Family Life Ministries. We had a small, but well represented group. One was a prominent soccer referee, one a representative from the Jamaican Education Ministry and another was a pastor. After wrapping things up we went to Percy’s office and visited his friend, Raphael’s gym. We did some more grocery shopping and went home. I rested a while and then took a cold shower. I turned in early as I’m still trying to get my health back to 100%.

Tuesday July 8 –
I was up at 3:30 am this morning to prepare for our long, winding, perilous, pot hole dominated drive all the way across the island to Montego Bay for today’s training session. We left at 4:30 and arrived in Mo Bay at 8:30. We again had a small group for training, but it included a businesswoman, an Anglican priest and an influential coach from the area. After we finished, we visited a Boy’s and Girl’s Club and I got to take a few swings playing cricket with the kids. I was not very good.
We visited with one of Percy’s friends at her store and had a Coke, and then we made the drive back to Kingston. We had some jerk chicken at the Island Grille upon our arrival. I was back in my room at 8:00 and shortly fell asleep.

Wednesday July 9 –
I was up and making breakfast at 5:00, then I did my devotional reading for the day. At 6:30 we left for Mandeville in the central mountains of the island. We arrived at 8:45 and a slightly larger group of people arrived for training. The group included a teacher, a pastor, a netball team captain and her husband who is the captain of his soccer team. One coach was also there. It was again very warmly received and while I was there, I received a call from Southeastern Illinois College for a reference on Scott Gilpin’s candidacy for the Head Softball Coaching job.
After the session, we drove to Percival’s in-laws’ home and then bought some fresh pineapple and roasted yams at roadside stands. We ate the yam with butter and roasted, salted cod fish in the car while it was hot. We continued down the road and stopped by a practice facility for the Reggae Boyz – the Jamaican National Soccer Teams. We watched a practice for the under 17 and under 20 teams, speaking with a number of the coaches and players. After practice was completed we drove back home and went to bed shortly thereafter.

Thursday July 10 –
I arose at 5:45 this morning for breakfast and devotions. At 8:00 Percy took me to his children’s (ages 11, 8 and 22 months) school to pick up their report cards. While we were there I ate a Jamaican apple (like a pear in consistency and taste) and I drank the water from a fresh coconut.
We did our final chaplain training event today with the strongest results and largest group. We had 16 attendees and they were a very sport oriented group including some involved in sports ministry and one who is already serving a team as a chaplain. This was our best and most productive day.
After the session was over we drove to Fellowship Tabernacle and did a ½ hour interview for Love Television. Percy and I took his three kids to Pizza Hut for pizza and bread sticks. We then went to the home of Grace Jones, a 1988 Olympic Silver Medal winner in the 200 meters, for a visit and to talk ministry in sport. She lives and works on the campus of the College of the West Indies in Kingston.
We then went to Power 106 Radio for an 8:00 pm live interview to discuss our week of training sessions and ministry in sport. I was back in my room at 9:15 and soon in bed.

Friday July 11 -
I was up and ready for breakfast and devotions at 5:30. At 7:15 I did a radio interview by phone from the room on FM 102.9. I rested and read for a good while this morning and then at 11:45 we gathered up the kids and made the drive to Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Falls for a day of fun.
Ocho Rios is on the northern coast of Jamaica and Dunn’s River Falls is a 600 foot waterfall which cascades down like a stairway from the mountains right into the Caribbean Sea. We were able to enjoy the beach and the warm, salty water as well as to climb the falls in the cool, fresh water of the river. It is a unique, beautiful place.
Upon arrival, we had another telephone interview with a prominent sport talk radio show at 2:45 in the afternoon. After our fun in the sun, we took the kids to dinner at KFC in Ocho Rios. At 5:45 we left for home, arriving at 7:45 and just in time for a cold shower and bed time.

Saturday July 12 –
I was up for breakfast and devotions at 5:30 this morning. I completed my packing and rested. Percival stopped by and left the training session comments with me as well as an honorarium and a very kind letter. He had to lead a training session for a local university and had arranged for a friend to take me to the airport.
I was picked up at 10:30 and we stopped at the Craft Cupboard for some souvenir shopping. I was at the airport at 11:00, checked in, went through security and got some lunch. Our plane was a little delayed in leaving and then late in arriving due to some storms in Miami. After immigration, baggage claim, customs, rechecking a bag, going through security again and walking to my next gage, I relaxed for a while.
The flight from Miami to St. Louis was delayed 25 minutes, but we were soon on the ground and I picked up my bag, took the shuttle to the hotel, claimed my car and sat in a huge, downtown St. Louis traffic jam. I arrived home at 1:00 am Sunday. It was great to be home with my wife.

Summary –
This was a very productive trip because I was able to enhance my friends’ ministries and to help catalyze some new avenues of ministry for them. They kept the left over books and will use them to further train more sport chaplains and sport mentors around the Caribbean. I will look forward to return trips to this beautiful, but greatly challenged country.

The Starfish and The Spider – The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations

2008-09-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some notes from a book I read recently. I was given the book by a dear friend and colleague. It has some remarkable ideas for ministries like No Greater Love as we work with people on the fringes of our networks of relationships. “The Starfish and the Spider” is a good read with sharp insights. These are selected points from the last chapter followed by some thought provoking questions. Thanks.

1) The network effect. As our network grows by a person or a team, the whole network gets stronger. Each one who joins makes the network stronger. How does each of your people, churches or organizations make all the others better?

2) The power of chaos. In a decentralized world, it pays to be chaotic. Sometimes it will appear that no one is in charge. That’s okay. “Good ideas will attract more people and in a circle they will execute the plan.” Ever been to a ministry event where the big shots are not in charge? Chaos Central. They love it!!

3) Knowledge at the edge. “The best knowledge is often at the fringe of the organization.” I certainly believe that the ones who have the best ideas about serving people are the people being served. It’s not necessarily in the minds of the pastors or ministry organization people.

4) Everyone wants to contribute. In a decentralized organization, there is not only knowledge at the edge, but willingness to contribute also. Give those at the edge a chance to contribute and we’ll get their best.

5) Catalysts rule. “Although they don’t conform to the CEO role, catalysts are crucial to decentralized organizations.” This is because they inspire people to action, not because they run the show. Who are the people in your organization making things happen?

6) The values ARE the organization. “Ideology is the fuel that drives the decentralized organization.” Without the shared beliefs and core values, the organization would crumble. How clearly do we communicate what is most important to volunteers, ministry board members, staffers, etc…?

7) Flatten or be flattened. The authors see the trend toward flatter (less hierarchical) organizations continuing to gain momentum. There are also ways to shape an organization into what they call a Hybrid – a flat, decentralized organization with some central leadership, provided they understand the value of networking. How responsive are we as leaders to those at the most remote edges of our organization?

Submitted by Roger Lipe – lipe@earthlink.net

Welcome!

2008-09-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the No Greater Love ministries blog! From time to time, thoughts, devotionals, and/or NGL news will be posted here for you to comment on, share, and meditate upon. It is our hope that God blesses you as you continue to study His Word and allow it to change your life.

Also, you can find us on the web at: http://www.nogreaterlove.org