This is Joel's Old Blog

from detroit

my wife and i both spoke at an AG church (Assembly of God) in west Atlanta last night, Church at Chapelhill, I spoke to the men's group and my wife to the women- It is about a 3 year old church and it was a real blessing. Men just out prison, professionals, men covered with tatoos.. a real diverse group -- The pastor, Dave, and I just met a month or so ago over lunch through a mutual friend, Matt Bullard, who goes to the church-- It was a great night of ministry and God is really working in the lives of those I met.

We are in Detroit in route to Hawaii! Yes, That is right! Both of our first time to the islands. We have a free trip, thanks to frequent flyer miles and a friend in California who is letting us stay in his house- Pray for my wife, as it is her first time away from Zayd -- I know he will be fine and we will enjoy our time together-

back in atlanta

We returned from Harlem, Ga and had a good time this weekend - I spoke 3 times on Sunday and felt a good response from folks -- my brother pastors in a small town and his church has about 200 folks-- good grits, southern hospitality, and smiles!

Spent the day yesterday with Steve Nicholson. We had the whole day dreaming and talking about him and his wife joining ServLife and moving to Africa to intervene in the HIV/AIDS problem -

Last night, our friends, who are our dentists, Bob and Nancy Eberbaugh came over for dinner and they shared their story of how their 21 year old son was killed in a car accident -- THey share with such hope of how God used this tragedy in so many people's lives who came to or returned to faith through the experience-

Had lunch today with Shane Wheeler, a church planter, at All Souls Church in Decatur - Had good fish/chips at a nice little pub in downtown Decatur - It is always great to hear stories of how guys start churches out a calling from God --- Check out there site and visit them if you are looking for a church in Atlanta...

The Giglios for dinner

Our highlight for the week has been having Louie & Shelly Giglio over for dinner at our home here (temporary home) - Louie is the main vision and guy behind One Day / Passion conferences - I knew Louie when I was in college in Texas and he encouraged me a great deal when I first starting going overseas and taking people with me (on my own)-- in fact, one semester, we met weekly in a mentoring relationship -- he spoke many wise things to me during those college years that i still remember today - they have supported our work in north India/Nepal and other places and have been a great encouragement to me personally- God is using them in mighty ways for the Kingdom to influence how thousands experience, worship, and meet their creator! Louie shares such a pure and intense devotion to Jesus and His purposes on the earth of seeing ALL know and worship him!

We are heading to Harlem -- No, not to see Bill Clinton's office but Harlem, GA - where my brother pastors a church there - I will be preaching for him this weekend and speaking to a men's breakfast -- Also, sharing in the evening service about ServLife - Please pray for our time together - Zayd loves his cousins and they love him --- You can see photos of them together on 'cousins' entry -