​As I begin my mental preparation for Mission Possible, I began thinking about the MP concept and our MP theme song “God of This City.”  The lyrics reflect our work and mission.  Consider the lyrics: ”You're the God of this city.  You're the King of these people.  You're the Lord of this nation.  You are.  You're the light in this darkness.  You're the hope to the hopeless.   You're the peace to the restless.   You are.  There is no one like our God.  There is no one like our God.  For greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city.”  In the middle of the song, it talks about the very people we attempt to reach, those in darkness, the hopeless, and the restless.  There are so many lost in this city, and as much as we would love to see this city with everyone living for Jesus, the truth is - it’s not going to happen.  We have no national religion in this country, as a result we have no cities where everyone is devoted to God.  Therefore, there is a two-fold reality we must embrace.  First, there are many who will reject Jesus regardless what we say or do.  Secondly, our evangelism happens one person at a time.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could win the entire city all at one time?  Since that is not our reality, if our desire is to see those in darkness brought into the light, it will happen as a result of our caring and loving the lost, by doing all we can to introduce them to the cross.  Some wise person observed and then vocalized the popular saying that “actions speak louder than words.”  How can we tell our neighbors that we care about them?  What words can we use?  Action!  Instead of telling about the love of Jesus, Mission Possible takes that love and puts it into action, by serving them as a demonstration of love.  Will they all get it and surrender their lives to Jesus?  No.  Some might.  Our job, our task, our directive is to be seed spreaders, not baptizers.  As Paul reminded us in 1 Corinthians 3, the increase comes from God.  (Continued next week).
 
Blessings.
Lamar

​As we peek just around the corner, we notice Mission Possible is coming very soon.  We are asking everyone to join us in this season of giving through this great act of service.  If you cannot participate for one reason or another, then choose to support the workers by joining us daily for dinner, as well as our nightly devotional.  Once again this year, Jason Masteller will be leading our song service, and there will be a number of speakers throughout the Mission Possible event.  If you are new to Mission Possible, there are many things to do, in addition to our nightly games, fellowship, snacking and cheering the corn hole champions onto victory for the second straight year.   All in all, it is a great time for the Port Huron family, so please make a decision to either participate as a worker or as a supporter.  Either way, through your presence with the family, all will be blessed.
 
And that reminds me.  If you are planning to participate and have not signed up yet, please make it a point to do so as soon as possible.  We have a few shirts left from last year, and I will make them available for anyone who is a first year participant.  Unfortunately, once these shirts are gone, there won’t be anymore, so sign up and come talk to me about your shirt.
 
One final Mission Possible thought.  Mission Possible is designed to be a blessing to the community, and to shine the light of Jesus into the lives of our homeowners.  This project is a “no strings attached” offer.  I agree, it is great when someone responds to our efforts by surrendering their life to Christ, but that is not how Mission Possible is to be measured.  Mission Possible is measured by the number of people in the congregation who step up and say; “here am I send me out there.”  The Bible reminds us in 1Corinthians 3:6 that God gives the increase.  He will touch the hearts of those whom He will; ours is to keep being Jesus to our neighbors.  I hope we can count on you this year, as we take to the streets with the song on our lips “I know that my redeemer lives.”
 
Blessings.
Lamar

It’s still hard to believe.  Every time I think about the way you responded to the call to help the new Christians in Africa, I am overjoyed.  It reminds me of Paul’s words to the church at Macedonia; who in an hour of need, gave to the cause of the church in Jerusalem to such a degree, that it is obvious Paul was not expecting such a response of heart from them.   I know we serve a great God, and I know we have wonderful hearts in this family, so it stands to reason, the incredible is very possible, and now I can say highly probable.
 
July has been designated “A Zeal for New Zealand.”  Again, I am asking you to allow God to speak to your heart, and let’s band together one more time to bless this ministry.  Although the challenges in New Zealand differ greatly from those in Africa, there is still a great need in New Zealand, and I am asking all of us to thrust our love and support for Elijah and Kristen and to help fuel the work in New Zealand.  As I have mentioned in the past, God doesn’t ask us to give what we don’t have or can’t afford.  He only asks us to give that which he has placed in our hands and prepared our hearts to give.  So, as God guides your heart, I ask that you listen, trust him, and together let’s pour out a great blessing on our family in New Zealand.  I’m eager to watch the Lord work, not only to the benefit of the work in New Zealand, but especially in blessing those who answered the call to glorify God in this special way.  To all of you, I proudly say thank you in advance for your abundant generosity. 
 
Blessings.
Lamar

​If the city sounded different this July 4th, there was a good reason for that.  Obviously, something was missing.  It didn’t feel quite the same, and it certainly didn’t SOUND the same.  For many years there was a distinctive “boom” in the air that seemed to be missing this year.
 
It was in 2012 that the city of Port Huron would gain a moniker that would define it for the next 7yrs.  “Boom Town” was the name conceived by an ambitious Art Welsh whose singular goal was to see to it all the inhabitants of Port Huron (and the surrounding areas), shared his passion- Fireworks.  This was Art’s favorite time of the year.  He was in his element as he could be seen in ”his spot” on Lapeer selling fireworks.  Art was the kind of person that always did things with an “angle” in mind, and Boom Town Fireworks was no different.  He went out of his way to see to it that his prices were the lowest in town.  Not because he wanted to use low prices to draw business, but because he wanted to make fireworks affordable to everyone.  He actually did this even to his own detriment, because he knew it meant he would not make as much profit as his competitors.  But that didn’t matter to Art.
 
When I met Art five years ago, I had no idea the impact his fireworks would have on me.  Not as a customer (personally I don’t indulge in shooting fireworks), but it was the sounds of the city last night that left me thinking about Art and mourning our brother who has brought so much joy to so many during the 4th of July holiday.  I am convinced from this day on, every time I see fireworks, they will make me think of Art.  Art has seen many impressive displays of color and awe in fireworks over the years, but nothing compares to the awe that he sees today.  Rest easy Art, we love and miss you.  You have left your mark on this city, and now have gone from Boom Town to your new home in “Heaven Town.”
 
Blessings.
Lamar