Recent Connections and Reflections

RECENT CONNECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS: On May 20th many family and friends gathered in Denver, CO for a wonderful memorial service for James Boulware. James impacted several thousand people with his life and ministry. He was pastor of Aurora First AG when I was a young man growing up in Englewood, CO. Though my family did not attend Aurora First, I became acquainted with James and his ministry early on, and observed his life and ministry for several years. He combined the qualities of a loving spirit, great strength of character, and effective ministry. He built a great church in Aurora. He then went on to serve on the Mission field and in various ministry positions. He was a man ahead of his time. While some were preaching against sports he was buying uniforms for their church softball team He was a student of the bible and built a ministry that was anchored in the timeless truths of God’s word and reflected through contemporary methods. His influence was instrumental in my willingness to answer the call to pastoral ministry. James Boulware will be missed and is another reason to look forward to heaven.

On May 21 and 23, Friday p.m. and Sunday a.m., I had the privilege of speaking for Pastor Myke Crowder at the High School Graduation of Layton Christian Academy in Layton, UT and in the Sunday a.m. services at Christian Life Center in Layton. The school is impressive and provides a powerful influence in Layton for Christ. The church has grown large with about 1,000 people in attendance and is making a significant impact in the area. God bless you, Myke in your continued ministry. God is doing great things in Utah; may He continue to anoint and use our pastors and churches.

On May 26th I spent the day in beautiful Avon, CO with Pastor Dan Matney discussing future developments for New Life AG. Many congregants have suffered the loss of jobs. These circumstances present opportunities for churches and challenges. We are believing God for His blessing in this unique place of ministry. Dan we appreciate your 14 years of ministry there.

On May 27th I met with Pastor Bryan Sederwall and he shared an update on the Denver Church which was planted in 2007. They had to leave the school they were meeting in due to a remodeling project. God in His goodness provided an unexpected and unique venue for ministry in a nearby boxing gym. The boxing ring will be the platform for the worship band and pastor. The owner of the gym is a committed Christian who is not only providing the location but also encouraging his boxers to attend; another first in God’s creative solutions.

On Sunday, May 30th I had the privilege of speaking for Pastor Ted and Tami Miller at the dedication of the new Victory Life Church (formally Grand Junction First AG) facility in Fruita, CO. The facility is wonderful and signifies a great legacy in the church, a “men of Issachar” (who understood their times) ministry, a passion to reach more people for Christ, and excelling leadership. Relocation is a major step and I pray the Lord will meet all the needs of this church and use Pastor Miller and the congregation in greater ways than ever before. Our churches in the Grand Junction area are making a significant difference in the Kingdom of God.

On June 3rd I stopped in on Sox Place, Doyle Robinson’s ministry to homeless kids in downtown Denver. The place was overrun with kids receiving help and being loved on by God’s people. Gareth Unruh (who ministers to young people in jail) was there with Doyle, and I forgive him for colliding with me on a borrowed skate board.

On Friday, June 4th I was Loretta’s driver and accompanied her to Peggy Vawter’s Women Reaching Women conference at Abundant Life Christian Center, in Arvada, CO. Many of our WM leaders from across our district gathered and received encouragement and valuable teaching. Thanks for your leadership Peggy. Also, the women recently completed a successful missions trip to Costa Rica.

On Sunday, June 6th I was honored to install Justin and Megan Atchley as the new Pastor of New Hope Community Church in Golden, CO. Justin had been serving on Pastor Steve Curry’s leadership team at Foothills AG in Fort Collins, CO. Congratulations Justin and Megan, and may God grant you a flourishing ministry in Golden, CO.

PRAISE REPORTS: Pastor T. J. and Robin Harris, Englewood First AG, Englewood, CO reported the first ever Love Englewood community worship service on Sunday, May 23rd. Eight churches participated with about 1,500 people in attendance at the Englewood High School football stadium (my alma mater). The city council was present along with the Mayor and other city officials. T. J. was asked to speak and many responded to an invitation. Some were baptized in horse troughs on the spot. City leaders subsequently asked T. J. to set up a meeting with the City Fathers and the Faith Community to discuss ways to work together to see Englewood whole and restored.

Pastor Rex and Amy Adams, Ordway AG, Ordway, CO had a Grand Reopening of the church on Sunday, June 6th. After preparing the building and canvassing the community they experienced a wonderful Sunday of outreach to the community. The district had funds available for church revitalization to assist with upgrades to the building and we are excited about what the Lord is doing in this ministry.

I am also thankful for the opportunity to provide coaching for some of our pastors who are working toward the revitalization of their churches. There are praise reports yet unexperienced I believe God will bring into reality as we work together faithfully with Him.