I got a new car this week. It's a Hyundai Santa Fe. It's very cool. And it goes forwards and backwards.

I just got back this week from our annual Whitewater Ranch summit. This is where all the board members and camp leaders get together to critique last years camp and start working towards next year's camp. This year we've decided to add a new Middle School camp in the Texas hill country during the third week of June. 250 Middle School kids for week of craziness---Oh yea! Big time FUN!!

It was great to have Brandon, Joel, Randy and Brent with us this year. It was not so great without Shannon. You were definately missed my friend. Without you, at times it seemed more like a 7th grade locker room than a planning meeting.

Yea, I know some of you have tried this before, but for those who haven't...this really does work. It's a legit advertising business that's been around for about 5 years. They are sending out about 300-500 Ipods a week. You can read more about it if you want to:

http://wired-vig.wired.com/news/mac/0,2125,64614,00.html

Just click on this site to get started:
http://ipods.freepay.com/?r=22354166

And remember, if you already have an Ipod, it's time you get one for your spouse.

You've got to read Wayne Bernard's letter posted on Mike Cope's blog:

Here's a sample-
".....By 10:00 a.m., 22 of our finest undergraduate students arrived on the ACU bus to help play with and take care of the children while others of us interviewed their parents and began helping families with their plans and expectations. At one point during the morning, Bob stopped me and asked if I had noticed what was happening. We stood in the middle of the dining room and marveled at our students playing with children, holding children, changing diapers, sweeping floors, serving drinks and food to families, interviewing parents, showing concern for peoples’ experience, and ministering God’s grace and mercy to a tired and devastated people. All I could do was weep. It was an overwhelming experience that I was missing because I was equally caught up in the sheer pleasure of being used by God to bless these amazing people. Their stories of survival, loss, and triumph were astounding. Their faith and hope were riveting. I was blessed beyond measure. Our students were literally connecting with people, spirit to spirit. I wish you could have been there. I wish you could have witnessed this awe-inspiring scene...."

Now go read the whole thing HERE.

I am so proud of my alma mater and the current ACU students who are being the real deal, the real Jesus to others. I am inspired.

A new need regarding evacuees from the Gulf Coast has come my way, and I thought I’d check to see if you or your church would be interested in helping out.

Julie Wisdon, who works at the Tipton Group, has asked me to help her coordinate an effort her company is currently working on to help evacuees get resettled in the DFW area. The Tipton Group is placing families from the Gulf Coast in apartments with first month rent free. So far she says they have opened up spaces for 60 families. However, these families are moving into completely empty apartments, and some of them have left their homes with nothing. Therefore, we are looking for churches or other groups who would adopt a family to help them get back on their feet. This would involve furnishing their apartment with furniture, household goods, food, etc. I believe this is an opportunity to develop a long-term relationship with families who need help. If you, or your church, is interested in this, please contact me asap. I currently have 18 families set to move into an apartment complex in Carrollton in a week or two. I also have two families moving into Arlington, and two moving into Ft. Worth. There are opportunities to move families into other complexes throughout the DFW metroplex, if there are churches willing to join us in getting these families situated. Feel free to call or email me with any questions or suggestions.

Also, pass this request on to other friends and minister leaders.

Thanks for your willingness to help others. This is what church is supposed to be about. Grace and peace.
-Brad

I haven't been blogging in awhile. Frankly, I just didn't have much to say. I know that sounds strange, but I've just been working and spending time with family and trying to keep my nose out of trouble.

The disaster in LA and MS has shook me up. This is unbelievable. I can't believe some of the things I've seen and heard. For those who are interested in hearing from someone who is not in the media that is hold up near downtown New Orleans, you should read Michael Barnett's (Interdictor) Blog. **Warning** Some of it is very shocking.

On the positive side, there is a site out there trying to match up those needing housing with those willing to provide housing, mostly free. Check it out and pass it on. It's at www.katrinahousing.org

The question I keep asking myself and would ask you is....what are communities of faith going to do? The government is doing their best or worst depending on your perspective. There are people desperate for help. It also seems to me that American Christians have some of the deepest pockets, most resources and most able-bodied people of any group in the whole country. Are there any organized or non-organized efforts to get Christians to do exactly what Jesus called us to do....namely feed, clothe and house those who need it? This is the time for action. No more talking. No more politics. No more pretending. Churches right now either need to put up or shut up.

I am beginning to organize an effort to get a group of regular, caring people to the devistated area as soon as it is opened up. We will help pass out supplies, we will help clean up, we will work on re-building, we will do whatever is needed. I don't have details yet, because I don't know how long it will be before volunteers are allowed into the area. If you are interested in joining this effort, send me an email or comment on this post, and I'll include you in the communication loop as plans come togther.

God help 'em. These people are desperate.