Beading To Beat Autism

(Evan loves Michala and she loves him! They were playing shortly after arriving in Loveland on Saturday)

What a weekend. I was blessed to spend a lot of time with Michala Riggle and her family. I cannot believe what started out in the fall as an article in the Southeast Outlook Newspaper about a cute girl sharing faith and helping her brother became a weekend I will never forget at LCC! I want to thank everyone at LCC, Loveland Christian Preschool, JF Burns Elementary & Loveland Intermediate School for all the bracelets purchased as well as the donations made. When all was said and done this weekend we raised $4800 for Beading to Beat Autism! Praise the Lord.

(Michala talks to Courtney Temple and Abby Burton at the Miller's home)

I want to say a special thanks to my discipleship group for pitching in to help in so many ways. First of all, you sold bracelets for many weeks at church. We gathered at church early on Saturday morning to decorate and prepare the church for the potluck dinner. The Millers opened their home and many folks came to share dinner with the Riggle family on Saturday night. You supported the swim night at Coco Key Resort. I love my D-group!

(Sydney Miller gives Michala a check for $80 after selling her own homemade bracelets)

Thanks to Jen Wise and Jamie Isaacs for working so hard at their respected schools promoting and selling bracelets. I also appreciated all the work done to make it possible for Michala to come to both schools, speak and share with the students.

(I was sharing with Michala how nervous I was to meet her, but then we found out we have a lot in common - like weird food combinations)

I want to thank Julie O'Neil from Channel 9 for doing such a great story about Michala and her visit to Cincy. Thanks for adjusting your schedule to make sure this story was a priority. It was awesome to hear a message of faith on the newscast. Keep up the great work. If anyone would like to see the news stories, follow these links...

short version (6 pm news)
long version (11 pm news)

(They were amazed at their room! Way to go Sheraton!)

Thanks to the Sheraton in Sharonville and CocoKey Resort for your support of Michala and her cause. I strongly recommend both the hotel and resort for you and your family! Thanks Gretchen for working with us!

To the Riggle family...I have already shared my thoughts with you in my e-mail. I love you guys! You are an inspiration to so many of us. It is an honor to serve in ministry with you. Michala, you and I are kindred spirits (french fries and ice cream)! I am a better person for knowing you. You have inspired me and encouraged me. Thanks for being YOU! Thanks for the great birthday presents! You all made my 38th one I will never forget!

What now? Well, as Michala told us on Sunday during service... 1. donate money to the cause, 2. Make your own bracelets and sell them and send the money or 3. PRAY! Church, lets do some of all 3 of these. Here is a little hint. Jennifer and I have purchased booth space on behalf of LCC and BEADING TO BEAT AUTISM at the North American Christian Convention in July! This will take place at the Duke Energy Center downtown. We will need folks willing to work several shifts during that week. Please contact me if you are interested!

Like to know more about Michala or would like to order bracelets, follow this link

There is so much more I could say about this weekend, but I already miss the Riggle family so much, that I will stop now. Keep up the great work Michala! Let's all remember the most important lesson from this weekend. GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ALL OF US! FIND IT AND DO IT! ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE!

B OUT!

HOOSIER HOME!

I returned home (just before the winter storm) yesterday from my trip to Brazil, Indiana. Despite the fact that Dellmo and I played 24 games of ping pong, it was a work trip. I arrived on Tuesday afternoon and spent some time running around town and meeting with some folks. I got a chance to take a walk in the park (it was soooooo cold). I was invited to a LIVER AND ONION dinner at the home of Frank & Patsy Rader. Not only was the food YUMMY, I also got to see most of the family. Thanks guys for a great time
On Tuesday night I led a meeting at FCC about our mission trip to the Gulf Coast. I was pleased to see that almost 10 folks showed up and many others showed interest. We are going to have a great trip. If you would like to go, check out my last posting. I got to Dellmo's house about 8:30 and we met to "brainstorm" some summer camp ideas. We started our PING PONG tournament around 9:45 or so. 12 games were played, and I narrowly kept a 2 game lead.
Wednesday I got up to speak and headed to Cornerstone Christian Academy to speak at chapel at 10 am. Well, the problem came when I got there to find out that chapel was at 8:45. UGGGHHH! I did chapel for like 2 years, where did 10 am come from? Thanks Corinna for being so understanding and thanks Bob Witte for filling in. I ate lunch at a wonderful place in Brazil called Simply Decadent, I would suggest if you live in that area to try it out. Finally, I arrived at Harvest Prayer Ministry for an afternoon of prayer, worship, study and sermon prep. What a wonderful experience. Here are just a few pics from that place...

Wednesday evening I stopped by to see Matt, Kathy, Shane and Logan Boor. We got Wendy's for dinner and enjoyed a great time of "catching up". Thanks Boors! I then returned to Dellmo's to meet with Dellmo and Jimbo to put some final touches on the early plans for camp. It was a great time. We also checked out the Lunar eclipse from time to time...
Then the final 12 games took place. I have to admit, Dellmo was better than he has ever been and many times I figured the Trophy would end up staying in Ohio. Well, I think it was my afternoon of praying that finally paid off and sure enough, I squeaked by with a victory. Final score: Mr. Brian 13, Dellmo 11! Here is the proof...

Thanks to everyone for a great visit. It is so cool to have a second place to call home. I love each of you.

B Out!

MISSION TRIP IN THE WORKS!

First of all I apologize for not blogging for such a long period of time. THE FLU GOT AHOLD OF ME! Wow, it has been a while since I have felt that badly for that length of time. Thanks for your prayers, concerns and well wishes.

UPDATE... We had around 25 people attend our first informational meeting concerning the Gulf Coast Relief Mission Trip taking place in July of 08'. On top of that great turn out, our "other church" First Christian in Brazil, Indiana is also planning to join our group and work with us. I will be in Brazil in a couple weeks and will lead a meeting at FCC on Tuesday, February 19th at 7 pm. Check out their website for more info www.fccbrazil.org

Would you like to hear info? Would you like to consider going with us? Drop me a comment here, or go to our church website at www.lovedtolove.org and e-mail me.

B. Out!!