Soccer For The Least of These?

The Chris Campbell Memorial field at Ikusi Primary School is a small slice of recently-opened soccer heaven, located somewhere inside the maze of dirt roads and shacks [seen on the horizon beyond the grass] that make up the Khayelitsha township on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. Franklin & Marshall College [USA] donated the field to commemorate deceased friend and college soccer star Chris Campbell, who passed away just before touring South Africa with his soccer team.

They have people there entrusted with ensuring that the newly donated football field is maintained and put to the best possible use for the local community. Where they run crime prevention and gender equity soccer tournaments, teach HIV/AIDS prevention to teenagers, and business skills to young adults.

As a result, small businesses are emerging from the local community using the Campbell facility to generate income and hope is coming to Khayelitsha. Not from a church. But a soccer field. All because some soccer players in America decided to honor their friend and bring hope to some of the least of these. Shouldn't that be every Christian's g-o-o-o-o-o-o-a-a-a-a-a-a-al? CLick the triangular play button below to see the children's reaction to this unique gift.
Find more videos like this on Chris Campbell Center

Who Is Invited to Christian Education Day?

Toledo Junior Academy invites YOU to Christian Education Day on Saturday, August 22, 2009 @ Toledo First. ALL of those who attended TJA [formally named Goff Memorial School] are welcome to join us for a day of reacquainting and reminiscing. Bring your old pictures and yearbooks to share!!! [click pic to see the Facebook page!!!]

Schedule of Events

11:00 am ~ Church Service
Pastor Mike Fortune, speaker
Kid Connect Children's Church
12:30 pm ~ Luncheon provided
Tours of the school after lunch
2:30 pm ~ Walk/Recreation at Wildwood Park
5:00 pm ~ Connections worship, Free hot and cold beverages!!!
7:00 pm ~ Fall Film Fest Premiere, Free quesadillas and nachos!!!

For more info, call the school at 419-841-0082 or email Janica Peppard at janicakp@gmail.com

No Impact Man?

Author Colin Beavan, in research for his new book, began the No Impact Project in November 2006 [click pic for more info]. A newly self-proclaimed environmentalist who could no longer avoid pointing the finger at himself, in his new movie Colin leaves behind his complacency for a vow to make as little environmental impact as possible for one year. What does that mean?

No more automated transportation, no more electricity, no more non-local food, no more material consumption no problem. That is, until his espresso-guzzling, retail-worshipping wife Michelle and their two year-old daughter are dragged into the fray. Laura Gabbert and Justin Scheins film provides a front row seat into the familial strains and strengthened bonds that result from Colins and Michelles struggle with this radical lifestyle change.

Could you lose 20 lbs without going to the gym once? Could you become better parents by not watching TV? Could eating locally and seasonally reverse pre-diabetic health issues?

Ordinary Outreach?

Some of you watched the 17 second video of the reaction to our free lemonade give away to all the walkers, joggers and bikers in the park recently. But you haven't seen the 2 minute recap video [BIG thanks and WTG to Shawn for putting this together!!!] So press the triangular play button below to see that and please consider this your personal invitation to join us one more time on August 15 when we do this ordinary outreach again!!!

Why August 6, 1999?

Dear Joshua,

Ten years ago, five days late, but right on time, you were born. We remember lapping the neighborhood for days hoping lots of exercise would encourage you to arrive earlier! But God had other plans.

We think He wanted you to arrive when you did, one year to the day of your Grandpa Fortune's debilitating stroke, to remind us that God can turn any awful day into an awfully awesome one [Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28]. When we celebrate your birthday, we remember that!
We hope you have a great 10th birthday!!! We're SO glad God gave you to us!!! Thank you for being you!!! Lots of love, Mom and Dad

[Joshua and his "Grumpy" caught this whopper near Drummond Island. To see more Joshua pics, see the sideshow to the right.]

Do Hurt People Hurt People?

Because we're people, we are all hurting [and often hurting others] in either small or great ways. That's the premise of Sandra D. Wilson's book Hurt People Hurt People [click pic for more info]. Wilson's theory is based on the idea that change and healing are a lifelong process. There are no quick fixes. It is in the process of recognition of hurts and a continually growing dependence on God that we find healing.

Of all of the books that I have read on this or similar subject, this is by far the most Biblically clear and useful. Wherever you are in life's journey [there are chapters on help for hurting children, spouses, leaders, followers, worshipers, forgivers, and parents] you will benefit from reading this thought provoking little book that's easy to read but hard to digest. It's permanently messed me up in a good way!!! Here's a few reasons why:

• Estimates suggest that one in four girls and one in seven boys will be victims of sexual abuse before the age of eighteen. In well over 90% of the reported cases, the abuser is a family member or trusted authority figure. So warning your children about "stranger danger" is not enough. There are numerous hidden dangers we've ignored since childhood still effecting us.
  
• If as an adult you are controlling any part of me, I am a volunteer not a victim [unless I'm a literal prisoner or hostage or otherwise impaired].
  
• We can learn to base our esteem and worth upon what God thinks of us. See Appendix A "Discovering Your True Identity."

Who Cares About Big Screens?

Who cares about big screens? Well, many men do. Including me! I just bought a gently used, one year old, 65" inch Mitsubishi TV on Craigslist. I’m making a "man cave" in the basement so I can DVR or watch the Redskins in stunning high def this fall. I call it my "Four Weddings and a Funeral" tv because that’s how many "extras" it took for me to save up enough money to buy it!

But you know what I found when we moved it the other day? A big old scratch on the screen! At first, I was upset about that. Because when the TV is off, you can see it. But you know, when the TV is on and I’m focused on something else, I don’t notice the scratch at all!

Maybe that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Since it’s okay to watch appropriate TV on a REALLY big screen if you’ve already put first things first. Jesus said it this way in Mark 10:29–31 [MSG], "No one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land—whatever—because of me and the Message will lose out. They’ll get it all back, but multiplied many times. And then the bonus of eternal life!" That's what that scratch reminds me of now.

What If You Can't Feed A Hundred?

Mother Teresa once said, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." For Sean and Kevin Dolan, a father and son in Houston, Texas, that meant getting to know Tim Edwards and creating the provocative website "Pimp This Bum" to do so.

Tim was an office manager with a home, a car, and a future but a long battle with alcohol and depression had dropped him under the I-10 overpass at Highway 6 in Houston, panhandling for money in a perpetual, semi-drunken haze for five years. But with the help of donations and the love and support of PTB fans, he has taken his first gigantic steps toward a new life.

Following a lifechanging stay at the Sunray Treatment center in Washington State, he's sober, optimistic and thoroughly enjoying life. He's been reconnected with his long-lost family, made countless new friends, and has given a face to homelessness around the world. Click here for another article about Tim, the pic above for more about PTB, and the triangular play button below to watch a moving 10 minute segment about his journey.

What Can't You Do?

Aimee Mullins was born without fibular bones, and had both of her legs amputated below the knee when she was an infant. She learned to walk on prosthetics, then to run -- competing at the national and international level as a champion sprinter, and setting world records at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta. At Georgetown, where she double-majored in history and diplomacy, she became the first double amputee to compete in NCAA Division 1 track and field.

She's a passionate advocate for a new kind of thinking about prosthetics, and recently mentioned to an interviewer that she's been looking closely at MIT's in-development powered robotic ankle, "which I fully plan on having." In her 20 minute talk, she compared prosthetic legs to eyeglasses saying in the same way that we wear designer eyeglasses she has designer legs!!! Press the triangular play button below to enjoy!!!

Who Loves Mike's Soft Lemonade?

We met this family in the park last week. Who gave us permission to shoot and use this 17 second vid clip of their reaction to our church Lemonade Stand. The weather forecast said thunderstorms and hail! But God shined down upon us as teams of volunteers [BIG thanks and WTG!!!] gave away 8 gallons of lemonade in 16 oz cups [who knows how many lemons that takes since we put half a lemon in every cup?].

When the incredulous walkers, joggers, and bikers asked why we were giving away for free fresh squeezed lemonade that sells for $5 to $7/cup at county fairs, we were happy to tell them its because "God loves you like crazy!!!"

Why Should Churches Innovate?

According to the Adventist Church’s Center for Creative Ministry [we actually have one!!!], the median age of an Adventist American is 52 while the median age of the average American is 35. If for no other reason, we should host annual Innovation Conferences [IC’s] just to talk about these constantly changing demographics and their implications. But another reason people in the church need to be innovating inside and outside it is because according to The Barna Group, 71% of those average Americans won’t be attending any church on any day this weekend. The good news I suppose if there is some is that 78% of those unchurched Americans are willing to have a spiritual conversation. Just not in church. Now or maybe ever.

Over the past 4 Innovation Conferences, I’ve met and stayed in contact with numerous Adventist pastors and speakers and teachers who have either attended or made presentations at an IC [such as Ryan Bell, Dave Jamieson, James Tucker, Samir Selmanovic, and Julius Nam] that are currently reaching that 71%. They have greatly encouraged me and the leaders in my church to keep trying to reach this continuously growing mission field of people where I live.

The fifth annual International Conference on Innovation happens this October in Columbus, Ohio. Last year they had about 180 registered participants, and they anticipate having more this year. Will YOU bring a team from your church? I hope so! Click here or the banner ad to the lower right before August 6 to secure the early bird pricing or click the pic above to read the very thought provoking Spectrum Magazine article about how how the conference began and what keeps it going.

Step Into Africa?

Everything you knew about the AIDS crisis in a continent with 12 million children orphans is about to change. Step into Africa with me without leaving the state of Ohio! On Monday August 10, 2009 the church bus will be driving to Kettering, Ohio to participate in an unforgettable journey of tragedy and triumph by touring the World Vision Experience hosted by the Kettering Adventist Church.

I hope a full bus [YOU are invited!!!] takes advantage of this very special field trip opportunity. Please contact me if you're interested in going. You do not have to be a member of TF to participate. Admission is free. But you may want to bring some cash for lunch. Will be leaving @ 8am and returning to church by 5pm. Click pic for more info or the triangular play button below to watch a 2 minute preview.

Calling All Kidz?

Dash plaques to first 50 entrants. All makes and models welcome. Over 20 categories of trophies. Kidz bring your fave Matchbox or Hot Wheels car [limit one per person] to submit for the Kidz Car Show award. Food court. Live music. Park like setting. Help spread the word!!! We especially need YOU to give employers, vendors, or anyone you do business with a Sponsorship Form!!! Click pic to download and print a sponsorship form or stop by the church for hard copies. Go to www.kidzcrazycarshow.org for more info.

Girl Power?

Wanna watch live updates from Puyo, Ecudador where Pastor Rachel and some TF youth are on their Ultimate Workout mission trip? The crew will highlight events and happenings from this annual mission experience for teens ages 14 to 18. The broadcast will air online at 9 pm EST from July 16 to 25 with the exception of July 19 and 23. The goal for the live broadcast is to not only highlight what the kids are doing each day, but to portray what Ultimate Workout means, what it’s about, and how it can change lives for teenagers. Click pic to tune in starting July 16 @ 9pm EST!!! Go girls!!!

Is Picking Jesus Crazy?

To some people, it is. That's what this picture and cartoon reminded me of this week. Enjoy!!! [And pick Jesus anyway!!!]

Do Fries Come With That Shake?

Trish Ramos likes to shake things up at the drive thru windows by paying for her meal and for the meal of the customer in the car behind her. Doing so reminds the employee and customer that God loves them both like crazy!!! Click the triangular play button below to see what I mean. And then comment below on whether YOU would ever try this!!! Or if you were the recipient of such kindness in progress, if YOU would read the little card it came with!!! Click pic for more.

Will You Be There?

Multitudes, from Hollywood to the music industry, lined up to perform musical and spoken tributes to Michael Jackson this week including Justin Timberlake, Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey who performed the Jackson Five hit "I'll Be There." And while "Man In The Mirror", "We Are The World", and "Will You Be There" are a few of My Michael Faves [click playlist on right for more], the overwhelming response to Michael's death reminded me of a text.

"Though he [Jesus] was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross" [Philippians 2:5-8 NLT]. And one day because He did, "At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" [verse 11]. The death of the so-called "King of Pop" reminds us this week that one day the multitudes on earth will bow before Jesus the King of Kings [Revelation 19:16]. So why not start now? It's as simple as ABC.

1. Ask - Ask Jesus into your life [He loves you like crazy and would rather die than spend eternity without you!!!]
2. Believe - Believe the truth about yourself and Jesus [There's nothing you can do to make Him love you more / There's nothing you can do, to make Him love you less!!!]
3. Come - Come and keep coming [John 6:37 says "All who come will never be driven away."]
   

Would you think about these things for at least the seven minutes it takes to watch one of the more thought provoking music vids Michael Jackson produced? Feel free to comment below or email me [mike4tune@gmail.com] if you have want more info about how to become or stay Christian!!!

Gimmick Or Staple?

According to Donald Scott's essay "Evangelicalism, Revivalism, and the Second Great Awakening", Charles Finney [1792 – 1875] was a Presbyterian minister known for his "new measures" [called by his supporters] and "gimmicks" [by his critics] to "provoke" conversions and to "shock, scare, badger and persuade the hearers into a change of will." His techniques included placing ads in the newspaper for "protracted" revival meetings that were held each night for two or three weeks, singing hymns [something John Bunyan rejected as secular poetry that split his church just 100 years before Finney was born], having women pray in public meetings of mixed gender [gasp!!!], the development of the "anxious seat" [now known as the "altar call" — a place where those considering becoming Christians could come forward to receive prayer], and public censure of individuals by name in sermons and prayers [maybe I should try that just joking!!!]. Most of which are staples of traditional evangelists today.

But just a couple years ago, a group of Toledo First folks participated with YWAM's [Youth With A Mission] Impact World Tour [IWT]. Their martial arts experts, body builders, skate board, BMX bikers, and various dance teams captivated audiences while volunteers [like me] prayed with the people at the end of their presentations and wrote down their contact info to be passed along to the closest participating local church [21st century altar call!!!] Recently, I got an update on the IWT from my friend James and here are the staggering numbers of its impact in Ohio so far:

Total Attendance - 96,474
Total Decisions - 14,819
Total First Decisions - 5,822
15% Total Response
82% Under 18 years old

In one Ohio town 6 months later, over 75% of these young people remain active in the churches to which they were referred. PTL!!! All of which reminds me that today's "gimmicks" could be tomorrow's staples. Is there anything evangelistic any church is doing today yielding a 15% response rate and 75% retention? Maybe brick breaking body builders and extreme home makeovers and car show winners will be among them. Click either pic for more info on Impact World Tour.

Does The World Still Need You?

Dikembe Mutombo, the 7'2" Houston Rockets eight time All-Star center and father of six children [four adopted] originally intended to become a doctor. But Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson recruited him to play basketball for the Hoyas instead—even though Mutombo at the time spoke almost no English [he now speaks English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and 5 African languages]!!!

Throughout a career that ended in the 2nd game of the 2nd round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs due to a knee injury, he has used his influence as an athlete for good. Before he retired, he even built in his native country of Congo [formerly Zaire] it's first new fully equipped medical facility in 30 years. The hospital cost $14.5 million and Mutombo still travels there to teach HIV/AIDS awareness to young people.

But the other reason I really like him is because one summer while he was interning at the World Bank in DC, he took time from his lunch hour one day to snap this photo with me as a teenager [we rolled jeans back in the 80's LOL!!!] and later autographed it [his hands are behind his back because college athletes aren't paid and he couldn't afford to purchase a shirt with sleeves that would reach his wrists!!!]

Get well soon Dikembe!!! The world still needs you!!! And the world still needs YOU too. Isaiah 58:12 [NLT] says, "Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes." Please pray for Pastor Rachel and a few members of Youth Operate as they leave for Ecuador soon!!!

Did The Lord Fast?

For months we've been looking and praying for a place to do ministry outside our church walls. And we thought we finally found one with a great owner. Who was as excited about us moving in as we were. It has a new roof. Furnace. And a big bay window on a corner. Even more amazing is that God provided outside of our church budget full payment of the entire first year's rent!!!

But for a variety of reasons, we are unable to proceed with this outreach. So we are confused. Why has God seemingly led us to this storefront and provided the resources needed to convert it into a worship and mission outpost but is not arranging for our immediate occupancy? Moving into the storefront and renovating it was supposed to be our Mission Trip to Toledo this summer. But it looks like God is saying "no", "wait", "look somewhere else" or maybe simply "I want more of you to see the significance of praying and fasting."

Which shouldn't surprise us because Jesus talked about this [cf. Mark 9:29]. And is actually fasting right now [cf. Matthew 26:29 ]. So this month, we're asking you to pick any 5 days and start fasting. Not just to develop a hunger for serving the less fortunate [cf. Isaiah 58:6-7], but to grow closer to God. Choose one of the options below that Pastor Rachel introduced in church last week [click any pic to read her message in its entirety]. If you have any blood sugar or health issues, please proceed with caution only after consulting your doctor first!!!

1. Non-food fast [abstaining from TV, music, video / computer games / online networking, time with friends, or an hour less sleep]
2. Partial-food fast [no sodas or desserts, only fruits and vegetables, raw foods, no animal products, only two meals per day instead of three]
3. Daylight liquid fast [no solid foods between sunrise and sundown, but during night hours food is okay]
4. Total liquid fast [five 24-hr days of only liquids with no solid food]

If after 5 days of fasting this month you hear God saying "no", "wait", or "look elsewhere" please email me: mike4tune@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for helping seek God's will for us!!!