Thanks Jesse

I appreciate the friendship that I have with Jesse Kankowski. He is someone who always encourages me and also someone who I know will pray for whatever I ask. This has been a tough time for him especially in his job. I wanted to pass along this testimony I received from him while I was at camp (I was given permission to share)

Hey Brian: I wanted to give you a testimony of Tamara and I over the last couple of months.
It was in September 2007 when we found out about that the company I am working for would be closing within one year. I started putting in applications and resumes immediately and have been doing so ever since. In this time, I have had only two interviews. It has led to a lot of stress and also a lot of changes this year - two kids in counseling and a new baby - but I think we have taken it all in stride. We were there for each other, and most importantly, so was God. We also relied heavily on prayer with our AMAZING small group who has been so supportive, Landa and Mel, and so many other wonderful church family to talk and pray with. We kept remembering Howard Wakefield saying "If you are going to pray, why worry? If you are going to worry, why pray?" I have said that so many times, I cant even tell you. We have put in Gods hands and he has came through!!
As I write this on Monday morning, there is a 95% chance that tomorrow will be the last day that the company will be open. So, the good part, I went on an interview last week. I was told that I would have to go through two more interviews. Not the case, as of this morning I officially accepted an offer they gave me to join Taylor Bean and Whitaker (a mortgage company) doing EXACTLY what I do now. Tamara and I could not be happier. They pay is lower (but pays all the bills), I get vacation time again, better insurance, better hours, more opportunity for growth and it is only about three more miles from where I am (very important with gas prices :)). So that updates you. It has been a very, very, very, very long months. There are times that I have driven Tam up a wall, but she has been by my side every step of the way. So, just another reason God is good all the time... and all the time God is GREAT!!!!!!!

I got the opportunity to have breakfast with Jesse this week and enjoyed our time together. He shared more of his testimony and life and I got to share life and prayer concerns. It is so good to get together with other brothers in Christ, especially at IHOP! Anyway, I also received the following e-mail today from Jesse in response to my "disappointment" in the memorization of Proverbs 1:7 as a church:

Brian,
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

That is actually, only half of them, but you get the point!!! Jesse, you are sooo funny!
Thanks for your friendship! I will be praying for you, Tamara and all those kids! I am so glad that you guys are part of the family of God here at LCC!

B. OUT!!

lots of stuff

Okay, time to catch up...

Father's day Sunday was awesome at LCC! It is always a special day because of our annual "Dirty Golf Ball Awards". This tradition began following the passing of my mentor Marty Herbert in 2005. I always wear a "Marty tie" and share a short testimony about Marty's influence in my life. This year was a little more special because Marty's son, David flew in from Phoenix to assist me during all three services. The message was well received, attendance was great, new faces seemed to be everywhere and the band was on! I was also blessed to have my two Brazil, Indiana buddies DELLMO & JIMBO in the second service!

Following a nice lunch at TOOTS it was off to Woodland Lakes Christian camp for MIDDLER 1 camp. I am the dean. I am assisted by Holly Kern and Tony Miller as co-deans. I also have an incredible staff of some 30+ people. We were greeted by 74 third - fifth graders on Sunday evening. It was a great week in so many respects.

• Only one camper had to go home.
• I saw lots of kids really grow spiritually.
• I made a lot of lifelong friends.
• Our staff grew in spirit.
• The kids beaded 68 bracelets for Beading to Beat Autism.
• Ron Vance shared a great program about his special ministry.
• Gene Hatmaker shared a wonderful evening of Illusions.
• Each of the family groups shared a song they "worked up".
• We had a fun skit/cheer competition.
• The kids had a blast swimming, doing archery, climbing the outdoor climbing wall, using the inflatables, experiencing the Teeter Tauter and Trampoline in the lake.
• We had amazing worship and lots of fun with Dellmo and Jimbo.
• We raised over $1200 for Holy is the Lord Ministries.

Here are a few pics, but to see a ton of pictures, go to MY FACEBOOK page.

Finally, one camper and one counselor gave their hearts to Jesus and were baptized at camp. Congrats to Aaron Young (camper) and Vicki Charles (Counselor).

I love all the kids and staff that God blessed me with this year. I am already looking forward to "Da Jungle" next year! Would you like to help next year? Let me know ASAP if you would like to return or be a first time counselor!

This Sunday was another God day at LCC! While attendance was down just a little due to family vacations, the experience was second to none. Once again there were several new faces and many returning new friends at each of the services. It was great to begin worship with Jared playing a piano solo once again. The sermon really fit well and there was a lot of laughter in the building. I know that everyone could hear the disappointment in my voice when so few had memorized Proverbs 1:7, but please know that it is not personal or meant to be guilt. The Word of God is just so precious and the verse is only 16 words, so I expected to hear a greater applause. Overall I am very excited about the numbers of people reading through Proverbs and the positive comments being made and experienced by LCC! Keep up the good work. By the way, on Monday evening I got a call on my voice mail at church and it was a whole family (adults and kids) quoting the memory verse together. THANKS! It made my day!!

Our softball game was cancelled on Monday night, so we took an impromptu family day to Skyline and Kings Island! Guess what? Caleb and Lauren both rode "Fairly Odd Coaster". I was so proud of them. We actually road it as a family and we have a picture to prove it. Also, the guy running the ride was Ross Miller, a former member of LCC. It was good to see him.

Finally, look at these pics! My wife has turned into a really cool Martha Stewart and all with stuff we have grown. She made this pie from scratch with cherries right off our tree. Tonight she made a delicious dish using the very first Zucchini grown from our garden (in Caleb's hand). It has only just begun... I love growing and eating!

Oh, thanks for your prayers with Caleb. We got a diagnosis and some direction today and will share that in a blog really soon.

B. OUT!!

Daddy Son Day!

Today I took a few hours and worked outside the office. Dan Ponchot and I talked "work" in the car, over lunch and yes around the pond. It was a great opportunity to spend some quality time with my son. Today was a historic day, it was my son's first real fishing experience and it was a victory (for us, not for the fish)! Caleb actually caught a fish before I did. In total, he caught 3 fish. He did so well. He was so patient. I was so proud of him. His little spiderman pole was perfect. A special thanks to George Cornwell for allowing us to fish in his pond. He and Margaret actually live on the same street (Bray Rd.) that I grew up on in Goshen, Ohio. I actually used to ride my bike to the creek in front of their home. Now I am their pastor! It is such a small world. Anyway, make sure to check out the pics below. Dan and I also caught several fish, including one bass a piece (mine was bigger) :o) We finished the morning with a lunch at, you guessed it, SKYLINE!

In case you are wondering, yes, I did go into the office and yes I did get a lot of "work" finished today. However, the most meaningful and most important thing I did today had to do with lawn chairs, docks, hooks, worms, bobbers, water and CALEB! I love you son! Thanks for a great day!

DADDY OUT!

View Beyond the Pew

It was a great Sunday at LCC! Here are a few highlights...

• A great crowd and evenly spread out through all three services. I think everyone forgot it was summer (LOL)!
• A great offering! WOW! I actually had someone ask if there was a misprint on the offering sheet in the office. I am happy to say there wasn't. Over $10,000! And it wasn't even the first Sunday of the month! A heartfelt thanks from this preacher for your "faith in action" even during a very tough economic time. I am amazed and humbled once again! To God be the glory!
• A great sermon! Now, before you think I am blowing my own horn, it was NOTHING about me! God took this one and ran with it! "Train a child" as both parents and the church. What a win/win! Thank you God for showing up and taking charge!
• A great time of worship through song! Dan did a great job leading our band and leading us to the Throne of God. It was so cool to hear everyone singing out and to watch everyone in the band play their hearts out for God!
• A great testimony of healing! Wasn't it great to get the report that Dottie is cancer free! It was a total miracle since she has not started medicine! WOW! God rocks!
• A great response to Proverbs! In all three services there was a loud applause when asked if everyone was current on their reading! It was a sweet sound to this preacher. Keep up the great work even if you are a little (or a lot) behind! Praise the Lord we also had more families sign up to read with us!
• A great job with Memory! In each service folks raised their hands to say they had memorized Proverbs 1:7. We had folks in every service share the verse from memory, way to go! I also heard later that several people didn't raise their hands because they knew I would call on them?! You sure know me well or did Julie Gregory talk to you! LOL!
• A great Recognition! I love Graduate Sunday! It is always so cool to "stroll down memory lane". It is a special time for a church to honor and celebrate with our High School and College Graduates. The video tribute was awesome! Congrats to all our graduates. I love you and am very proud of your accomplishments on this earth and for the Kingdom of God!

It wasn't a perfect day, but it sure was a great day! I just love my LCC family! I am honored to serve as your pastor! Can it get better? Will it get better? YES and YES! I can't wait to see what God is going to do next week, and I don't even have a sermon ready yet! :o) Pray for me!

B. OUT!!

PROVERBS CHALLENGE

As part of the June Sermon series and our "SUMMER SMARTS" here at LCC, we challenged everyone to commit to reading the book of Proverbs during the month of June. I am excited to share that nearly 80 families signed up to share in this fantastic book of the Bible. I know that several folks didn't actually sign their name for prayer and accountability, but are still planning to read. I also received an e-mail from someone in Oklahoma who listened to the sermon online and wanted to be added to the list, PTL! It is my intention to post a couple times a week from my reading in the book of Proverbs. I hope if you are reading this post, you will also join us as we read the book of Proverbs during the month of June.

In closing, I wanted to share this e-mail I received from Mel & Landa Conover:

Just wanted you to know that Melvin is “THRILLED” with Proverbs. We are reading from The Message and 3:7 says: "Don’t assume that you know it all." "Oh that’s not what it says", he said. Then he read it again, "Don’t assume you know it all, Landa." He thought that was SO funny. Then he got to 3:24: "You’ll take afternoon naps without worry." Of course, he highlighted that, too, and off to bed he went!! Proverbs will look like we smashed a lemon between the pages before we’re done.

JAM THE STANDS

Tonight was the night that LCC friends and family were challenged to come and "root" on our softball teams against Eastside Christian. Our goal was 100 people. While we didn't hit that, Jared counted over 60!! AND IT WORKED! WE WON! WE WON! WE WON! The women played a great game and ended up winning 3-2. My wonderful wife also hit in the winning run, way to go hon! Angie Miller also caught the final out with her bare hand after it fell out of her glove, WOW! Oh, I almost forgot, the ladies turned the first double play of the 08 season! What a game.

The men also played very well. We DID NOT have a "Loveland Inning". That is an inning when we look more like the Bad News Bears than a church softball team. We ended up winning 6-2. Keith Wrassmann and Nate Hirsch both had home runs.

The best part of tonight was the fellowship. It was like the softball games of old. In the 90's softball games were the highlight fellowship activity of the week. People would pour in and root on our teams. For many reasons, there are several weeks when we don't have but one or two folks watching and they are usually related to someone playing. Tonight people were everywhere and the cheers were motivation. IT REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE! Thanks to everyone who took time to be there tonight and if you couldn't make it, we play almost every Monday night. Simply check out our schedule HERE.

Vicki Charles said it best: "LCC ROCKS!"

B. OUT!!

View Beyond The Pew

If today is an example of what God is going to do at LCC this summer, I can't wait! Here is a small view from beyond the pew...

• Crowds were up once again!
• Doran was "Rockin it for Jesus" on the new drum set!
• There were lines of people at ALL 3 SERVICES coming forward to pray and commit to reading the book of Proverbs in June!
• "He Lives" sounded better than I have ever heard it before!
• I met several new friends attending service at LCC for the first time!
• More people said they found our church because of our web page!
• We gave above and beyond our budget for the 3rd week in a row! The generosity of people in their giving despite the tough economy is AMAZING! Thanks for your faith!!
• I saw several new faces that continue to come back and worship with us week after week!
• I got to pray with someone in tears as they were leaving church today!
• I was able to hug a mother who just lost her adult son to a heart attack.
• Vicki Charles gave a testimony about Larry almost drowning and how we all need to make sure we are ready to be with Jesus!
• Several people and families who have been missing came "home" today!
• The Air Conditioning worked perfectly all morning!
• Finally, Jared tells me that we had nearly 80 families commit to the Proverbs reading challenge! GO GOD!
• The sermon was well received. Didn't get to hear it? Be sure to check it out HERE!
• The EAGLE Ministry had a great "Kick-off" lunch and 19 individuals signed up to be a part of this special needs ministry at LCC!
• NP-3 had a great morning as they concluded their 7 ways to praise. Check out the kids ministry at their special WEB PAGE!
• A special lady walked into the building and whispered in my ear: "I am so glad to be back here!"
• We started off our SUMMER SMARTS (June - August 2008) with a series on the book of Proverbs entitled: Word Smarts! Don't miss a week, it is going to be a POWERFUL SUMMER!

Next Sunday is Graduate Sunday and the second sermon in our Word Smarts Series. I know God is going to show up, what about you?

B. OUT!!