ABC/USA BIENNIAL IN PORTLAND

This past weekend Karen and I had the privilege of attending the ABC/USA BIENNIAL in Portland, Oregon.  My desire is to share JumpStart with as many people as possible.  I believe the combination of OIKOS, DISCIPLESHIP, AND RELATIONAL INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY will encourage, challenge, and help individuals and ministries to grow!

Mike and Debra Boyd rode their Harley from the coast to see what Karen and I were up to.  We joined Dave and Meg Wilson for a great dinner at Podnahs Barbecue.  It was awesome.

Let me share a few of the amazing things that happened in Portland:

I walked over to the Palmer Seminary table to visit Ruth McFarland.  Two ladies walked up.  Class of 2015 and 2017.  Ruth introduces us and I asked the recent graduate, "Where are you serving?"  She answers, "Camden, N.J."  Wow.  I asked her if she knew Rev. Renee McCleary.  She asks "Why?"  I tell her my story from early 1992 when Renee preached at Eastern.  When she finished she poked me in my chest and said, "The Spirit of God is all over you and if your not at school here in the fall it will be sin."  My new friend became very serious and emotional as she shared how Renee McCleary had challenged her to attend seminary and serve.  Then my new friend shared she was supposed to be at the Black Caucus Dinner.  But they were still setting up the room, she came over to the seminary table while she was waiting.  Random chance?

Then I was showing JumpStart to the Portuguese Language Caucus.  When they asked who translated the books I began to say, "Dorival."  Before I could finish my sentence the couple interrupted with, "Nascimento?"  Turns out the people representing the Portuguese Language Caucus where old friends of my translator!  Small world, filled with coincidence.

Then a gracious Spanish speaking woman came by the JumpStart booth.  We began to share and eventually it came out that she and her husband had been part of the ministry at First Baptist Church of Downey.  She continued to expand my understanding of the people, the history, and the church.  We ended up having a great time of prayer with she, Karen, and I.  More fortuitous moments.

Then I had a chance to visit with Charles Revis who is Executive Minister of the Pacific North West.  He helped Gary Neilan in his move to Hanford, CA from San Bernardino.  Did I mention Gary served in Downey before he came to Calvary Baptist, where I followed him in 1995.  More random points of connection on the compass of God.

So, the trip to Portland has been awesome.  Our time with the Wilson's and the Boyd's has been great.  And now their are more copies of JumpStart in the hands of pastors, missionaries, regional leaders, and military chaplains.  Did I mention that Mike and Debra are friends of the Regional Leader for the Assembly of God churches in the N.W.  They are taking him a set of JumpStart.

I need to be done for now!  But let me say another thank you to all who have prayed, shared, supported, encouraged, and otherwise helped me present JumpStart to new people, places, and ministries!  I can't wait to see what God does next!

I love you all,

Paul