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Weekly Updates
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WB Core Value: 2. “Faith-based partnerships represent Kingdom building opportunities not threats or competition!”
We don’t have the perspective that if, "we didn’t think of it, it isn’t a good idea!" God breathes Kingdom Vision and Life into many different men and women. When we find someone who is engaged in some aspect of ministry that is aligned with our vision and mission we eagerly join that activity viewing them as partners.
February 03, 2012
ADVANCE - 2012 - March 9th and 10th:
It’s time that the Waterboyz got serious about discipling the next generation of believers... Will you have a part of the action or will you be on the sidelines? Come to this year's Advance to find out what your role might be in "Raising Up the Next Generation." Register now for the 2012 Men's Advance at www.waterboyz.org. Register by 2/13 and save $10 off the cost of the registration! See attached flyer for more information.
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.
- Psalm 71:18
Every year we plan for one 24 hour ADVANCE as a part of our God-Adventure. If you haven’t decided yet, take a look at this 4 minute video. It might help you with the decision - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl-Mv0CbdNE&feature=related
Raising up the Next Generation – Living in God’s plan for each of us is loving Jesus with our whole heart, living a life that brings glory to God, and passing legacy into our kids and the next generation. CLICK HERE to get the benefit of early registration.
STRATEGIC PAUSE – 4 WEEKS:
This week at the 10MAN tables we will be starting the 4 week strategic pause to get clarity on foundational understandings as disciples of Jesus. Are you clear on what salvation is, are you certain of your salvation, what does it mean to be transformed into a mighty warrior, if someone asked you to help them accept Jesus as their lord and savior could you do that, are the men at your table all in?
My prayer is that at the end of this 4 weeks our hearts will be soft, our resolve will be rock-solid, our future certain, and our life purpose crystal clear. Let it be so Lord Jesus!
Grace & Peace - Paul
A SPECIAL NOTE
Yesterday me & Kathy had to go to Baltimore to meet with the Funeral Director pay him $800.00 we raised so far an sign some papers for Chuck's Funeral. while we are there my phone rings, normally I wouldn’t answer my phone while doing something but its Paul Foss so I answered it - Paul tells me he has a check for $1,100 to help pay the expenses of Chuck’s funeral - I turn to Kathy an tell her and she starts to cry an says Thank You - The Director then says - Kathy I see you struggling to come up with the $6,800.00 - Nobody knew the Insurance company was going to do this, but you've come up with a good amount already, would you like to take Chuck's ashes home with you today -- we both cried - We are just so overwhelmed by the love given to us by the Waterboyz. Chuck now sits on our mantel on top of the Fireplace, with his Bible, Waterboyz picture, and Funeral book--- Thank You so much Paul an thank you to all my brothers in the Waterboyz and sisters in the Waterlilyz daveberg63@yahoo.com
January 27, 2012
Dear Boyz,
ADVANCE 2012 – March 9th & 10th:
In 6 weeks the Waterboyz will be hosting our annual 24 hour ADVANCE (March 9th & 10th). Remember the cost of ‘ordinary man becoming transformed into mighty warrior’ is 7 minutes a day; 1 hour a week; 4 hours a month; and 2 weekends a year. This is one of those ‘2 weekends a year’!
This year two young men – Blake Dunlevy & Michael Yudt are taking the point in planning this ADVANCE. The theme for this year is ‘discipling the next generation’. I am SO excited about the lineup of speakers and the pray and planning that these young men have done. We are in for a treat!
The ADVANCE will be held at Sky croft http://skycroft.org/ in Middletown, Maryland. They have asked us to give them our final count for the ADVANCE by the 24th of February. So with that in mind we are offering an early registration fee of $65. This includes 3 meals, overnight accommodations, and the materials needed for this event. If money is standing in the way of attending let us know that and we will work with you.
I am praying for 50 men younger than 35 and 150 men older than 35 to attend this event. Go to our website TODAY and register at http://www.waterboyz.org/2012_advance.php - Let’s commit to being part of an uncommon thing together in 2012!
Look around your table and ask “How many guys are coming that are in the 20’s and 30’s?” It’s time that the Waterboyz got serious about discipling the next generation of believers. Will you have a part of the action or will you be on the sidelines? Will you stay in the comfort zone or only connecting with men your age? Everyone has a role to play! Maybe yours is discipling a younger man. Maybe you first need learn about how to be an effective disciple. Maybe you are looking for a wise and Godly man to mentor you. God is doing a miraculous thing through the Waterboyz ministry. Let’s not let it die with us. Let’s pass the torch to the next generation! “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18
STRATEGIC PAUSE – Feb 5th – March 3rd:
Just a ‘heads up’ – the Strategic Pause is not a four week vacation, it is a four week ‘call to arms’! Together during this 4 week stretch we are going to go to a new level. The two-fold ‘ask’ each week is 1) To spend an hour reading and studying the hand-out. 2) After spending the hour reading and reflecting on the handout to then read and SOAP the assigned chapter. I have a sense that God is going to take us into a deeper place of relationship and freedom during this four week stretch. This will only happen for you if you invest in this. There is blessing in sacrifice! It’s a Kingdom principle!
Grace & Peace – Paul
January 21, 2012
Dear Boyz,
If you haven’t heard yet, tomorrow morning we are having the first of three “Breakfast of Champions” in 2012 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Frederick starting at 7:30am. We have a pretty intense schedule starting at 7:30 so come early, hang out with other men. Get a cup of coffee and jump into community.
This morning Michael Wipf, Wayne Kotanko, and I went to the Frederick Rescue Mission and handed out 60-70 invitations to the poor, working poor, and homeless men of Frederick. Our invitation was simply – “There is going to be great food, great music, and a great Word tomorrow morning at All Saints Church. You are invited and you will be welcomed.” Most of the men said they were coming………… they won’t. It is the nature of addition………… but some will! If you find yourself sitting next to one of these men tomorrow morning, introduce yourself, make him feel as welcome as he would if you literally saw him to be Jesus. “If you do this to the least of these you are doing it to me!” We are ALL ‘the least of these’ – that is just the truth!
After the breakfast Big Bernie Thompson has asked for volunteers to help finish two of the four projects we started on MLK day. Many of you were unable to help because Monday was a work day for you. Tomorrow will give you the opportunity to get a piece of this God-Adventure. Pastor Ken Mitchell and his church have been energized and encouraged. Men of Frederick are increasingly seeing themselves as part of a bigger picture – a Kingdom view. So let’s continue to live in the glory of being both hearers and doers in Jesus name!
‘Raindrops will NOT be falling on my head’ - Middletown- Tina's House 4512 Pinewood Trail, Middletown, MD: Don needs 4 men some with experience with putting in a door (2). Need extension ladders to work on the roof.
‘A Cold Wind isn’t going to blow’ - Sunnyside New Life 4521 Mountville Rd, Frederick, MD: Need about 10 men to finish windows, gutter, metal ducting (Lou Stavely) and putting seals on doors.
It’s Friday but Saturday is coming!
Paul
January 15, 2012
Dear Boyz,
This upcoming week is full of Kingdom potential! I say Kingdom potential because unless you engage that’s all it will be. Here are the places you could engage. Be prayerful, listen carefully, and see what part of this feast God has prepared for you:
Monday 10am-2pm Serving with your family in the MLK Serving Celebration (see previous email). Digging more ditches and building new bridges!
Tues/Wed 7pm-7pm Day of fasting for 1) Men who need jobs 2) Men whose marriages are under attack 3) The Breakfast of Champions on January 21st
Friday 6am Hand out flyers for Breakfast of Champions while sitting with the homeless men at the Frederick Rescue Mission breakfast & Cold Weather Shelter
Friday 5pm Hand out flyers for Breakfast of Champions while sitting with the homeless men at the Community Action Center
Saturday 730am-930am Breakfast of Champions – guest speaker Pastor Ronnie Henry – “God’s Way or NO Way!”
During a recent 10MAN Table leadership meeting we asked for suggestions to how we could make the Waterboyz for Jesus a more transformational ministry. One of the suggestions was to soak in a memory verse for longer than one week. The thinking in the suggestion came from the difficulty in getting men to commit to making memorization at priority. I came across a great video titled “Why memorize Scripture?”
Here is my ‘ask’ – listen to this (4 minutes) and see whether what John Piper has to say resonates with you - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2ph6zKxJDk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Grace & Peace
Paul
January 6, 2012
Dear Boyz,
There are two events coming up in the next couple of weeks that just might be a God-appointment for you:
Participating in the MLK Birthday Celebration on January 16th:
On January 16th the Waterboyz for Jesus are joining the local Frederick county chapter of the NAACP along with several city agencies and non-profit partners to help celebrate the life and work of Dr Martin Luther King. As part of the day’s activities we will be coordinating community based serving projects on that day from 10am until 2pm. We are inviting all the men from the 10MAN tables to join us in providing serving project opportunities and volunteers to accomplish these projects.
If you know a family or if your family would like to be considered for a serving projects please let me know:
Here are some ideas about what that could look like: 1) elderly visits – trip to the mall; hair appointment; reading a book and keeping them company 2) Single moms – ‘to do’ list needed to make their lives less stressful 3) Church repair and cleanup 4) Painting; yard cleanup; minor home repairs. This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list – just to help you get the juices running. If you have someone in mind send me their name; phone number; and brief description of how we might be able to help them. If you have a recommendation for a serving project please send 1) Project description 2) Contact Name 3) Phone number to paulfoss777@comcast.net and we will contact the family to see if we can serve them.
If you and/or your family who would like to serve as volunteers on January 16th please register online at www.bgcfc.org or contact Nichol Means at 301 600-1875, via email at NicholM@bgcfc.org
Once a volunteer has registered they will receive an email next Thursday –January 12th with all the information needed for them including a) What time to show up b) what they will be doing and c) where they will be serving. If an individual or family doesn’t get pre-registered then they can should up at the Burnette Brown Building 629 North Market Street, Frederick, MD at 9AM on January 16th to register, attend the opening ceremonies, and then serve.
Let’s come together as THE church to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King and even more importantly Jesus by serving outside of ourselves together! Let’s build new bridges and tear down old strongholds!
The Waterboyz Breakfast of Champions on January 21st:
On January 21st at 7:30AM the Waterboyz for Jesus will be hosting our quarterly Breakfast of Champions at All Saints Episcopal church in downtown Frederick. The Waterlilyz for Jesus (our sister ministry) is preparing an unbelievable feast that includes 3 types of Quiche; Hash Browns; Creamy Grits; Muffins; Bacon; Fried Fish; Fruit Cups; Coffee; and Juices. Promptly at 8AM, Andy Knight and the Boyz will lead us into a time of worship followed by an anointed word from Pastor Ronnie Henry, Associate Pastor at First Missionary Baptist Church in Frederick.
We are a ministry that is intentional about caring for those who live at the margins, or as the bible says, “the highways and byways”. With this in mind on January 20th we will be visiting all the hidden places in Frederick where the homeless live to invite them to come and join us at this feast. If you find yourself sitting next to one of these favored sons of God I know you will love him in Jesus’ name.
The Waterboyz for Jesus pray that this gathering would allow the members of THE church to devote themselves to the Apostle’s teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42) Further we are trusting that as a result “everyone will be filled with awe”
December 30, 2011
Dear Boyz,
Here is it – the last weekly update of 2011! Have you taken the time to reflect on where you’ve been this past year? The high points – the low points – the places where it was SO clear to you that living inside God’s will was the place of perfect freedom? For the last few weeks I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. Here is my ‘take’ on 2011 – Just look at what the Lord has done! With a lot of help from Doug McFee and Ron Maxson I’ve prepared the Waterboyz 2010-2011 Annual Report. Please take a few minutes and read through at least the first couple of pages. Here is the link – Annual Report
This morning I woke up and spent over an hour thinking about all the men and women who have been part of my life over the last twelve months. I first thanked God for my wife, Jeannie and her relentless support and sacrifice in releasing me to this ministry. I praised God for my kids and for all the evidence in their lives that God is forming and fashioning Himself in them day by day. A wife and family will either half a ministry or double it. My family more than doubles mine! Jeannie, Jodi, Jill, & Brittany – THANK YOU!
I thought about the Mt Zion-Warren EXTREME Church makeover that Bernie & Becky Thompson lead as over a hundred Waterboyz & Waterlilyz poured themselves into restoring broken walls and repairing damaged streets for no reason other than out of a response to what Jesus has already done for them. Bernie & Becky – THANK YOU!
I remembered all the ways the Waterlilyz came alongside us, breakfasts, serving projects, Christmas at the Margins, our 200MAN Choir, the Convoy of Hope launch – the list just kept growing and growing. The Water people are a perfect example of how men and women working together give a lost and dying world a much more complete and compelling picture of who God truly is than we could on our own. Waterlilyz – THANK YOU!
Cam Overs, As I thought of all the ways you’ve poured yourself out in 2011 I was almost too tired to get out of bed. Last December we had no sooner finished our Christmas at the Margins than I received an email from you asking ‘what next?’ That attitude of excitement to tackle the next project, and there were lots of ‘next projects’ held all year long. Managing all the details as our choir grew from a 100 MAN choir to a 200 MAN choir; figuring out how to make the first Convoy of Hope happen in Frederick county; overseeing three ‘Breakfast of Champions’; and then casting the vision for blessing 100 families with our Christmas at the Margins love fest and organizing a dream team to make it happen, Cam, I don’t know how to adequately say – THANK YOU! My favorite memory of Cam was an encounter with him right after the tornado had blown through the Convoy of Hope complex late in the day on Friday. Tents were down, canopies were twisted and ruined, the place was a mess! I found Cam and said, “Cam are you alright?” Cam sat back in his golf cart, got a great big grin on his face and said, “Paul, We’re winning!” That sums up who Cam Overs is. When you see him over the next few weeks – give him a hug and speak a blessing into him.
Doug McFee, I can’t even adequately rehearse all the ways you’ve served me and the Waterboyz ministry. As we planned out our ministry year you teased out all the details we needed to think about. Especially with the 200MAN Choir, the Convoy of Hope, and developing our ministry operations manual but really the list just goes on and on. In 2011 I’ve seen you operate with a bias towards grace and mercy in so many ways. When living your life with that framework was tested to the maximum you humbly and consistently just kept living it. I am a MUCH richer man for having you as my friend and partner in leading this ministry. Doug McFee – THANK YOU!
I thought of Roger Franks helping us begin to see how prayer can be an integral part of every meeting, activity, and planning session. I’ll cherish the memory of the Executive council’s time at the Fairgrounds as we listened for God’s instructions regarding our 200MAN Father’s Day event. Mark Schaefer brought his mega passion to organizing our ‘Warriors in Training’ discipling plan and asking all the tough questions that need to be asked on a regular basis. I think about all the table leaders faithfully leading their ‘band of brothers’ week after week and of course those of you who have sacrificially supported the ministry with financial resources. I am a grateful man.
At the end of our lives we will look back and judge our lives rich or poor based on how many relationships we have built. I can tell you that at the end of my days I will count myself a very rich man. My prayer for you in the upcoming new year is to have a Christ-filled and Abundant Life year. Let’s all be an overwhelming force in our sphere of influence for the King! When we walk into a room let’s splash so much Living Water around that ‘ordinary’ will running screaming from the room. 2011 was rich in Kingdom spoil – but on the authority of God’s Word – I’m certain that the best is yet to come!
Grace & Peace,
Paul
December 23, 2011
Dear Boyz,
Are you feeling a need for more of Jesus? Do you find yourself praying that God will take you to the next level? In my SOAPing this week about Noah entering the ark with his entire family I found myself writing “God help me become like Noah and have an overwhelming force influence on my family, church, and community.” We all are familiar with the “Iron sharpens Iron” and “We ARE our brothers keepers!” phrases right? But are we committed to living our lives in a ‘rubber hits the road’ kind of way?
Over the last couple of months I’ve been inviting you to go to a quiet place with only a pad of paper, and a pen, and just ask God one questions – “What are your plans for me in 2012?” This isn’t a New Year’s resolution deal, this isn’t a try harder, do better, or work smarter exercise. If it were I’d fail. This is a seeking to hear from God about each one of our futures. God does this sort of thing all the time. The only thing He needs from us is to ask, and listen. Have you been listening?
As I’ve been asking God what his plans for me are in 2012 I’ve heard four things really clearer.
Here they are:
- Dig more ditches (2 Kings 3) – every decision I make will be evaluated against this principle. Will my next appointment, opportunity, or activity help dig more ditches in the Kingdom? If not – my answer will be NO! If it will I’ll grab my shovel, put on my work boots, and I’ll yell “SEND ME!” as I head out the door.
- Build new bridges – all the opportunities that come in 2012 that will help tear down racial misunderstanding, prejudice, or division I’m coming to that decision with a “YES” as my default, my reset. This assignment started in 2011 and it is clear there are many more adventures to be had in 2012.
- Soak in the Word – I’m going to get really intentional about soaking in Scripture in three clear, measurable ways: a) mediate on 3 chapters of scripture a day (Self-leadership) b) raise up an altar every evening with my family by reading 1 chapter of scripture out loud to my family every night before going to bed (Priest to my Family) c) Memorize every week’s memory verse. (Preparation for being used to win some for Jesus)
- Explosive Growth of 10MAN tables - Sometime in 2012 the 100th 10MAN table will start – this is simply God giving me something tangible to get pumped up about. It isn’t about getting bigger, it is about having an increase of places that lonely, frustrated, and overwhelmed can come because they are hungry for the Bread of Life. Because they are thirty for a drink of Living Water. Just like Starbucks there ought to be a 10MAN table on every street corner.
As I’ve talked about what I’m hearing to many of you I’m getting the sense that God is planting this vision for 2012 in many of your hearts as well. Especially #3 – Soak in the Word! I’m building a list of those Waterboyz who want to be held accountable and are willing to hold fellow Waterboyz accountable for taking this step together. If you are longing for a deeper relationship with Jesus and need help (see Mark 2) going there let me know. In real and measurable ways we will help each other go places that alone we haven’t gone before.
MERRY CHRISTMAS WATER CARRIERS FOR JESUS!
December 17, 2011
Dear Boyz,
There are three Kingdom events going on this weekend you might want a piece of:
1. Walk Through Bethlehem – Friday, December 16th starting at 6:30pm:
Every year the ‘Walk through Bethlehem’ keeps getting more and more inspired. Come and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas complete with a live nativity and live animals - our actors will give a realistic snapshot of the time of Christ's birth including: angels, shepherds, Roman soldiers, rug merchants, blacksmiths, carpenters, town gossips, King Herod (in a rage!), the Innkeeper ... and of course, The Manger Scene.
There will also be hayrides, refreshments, music and fun! This is a REDLETTER – DON’T MISS THIS – event! Friday, Dec 16, 2011 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at 12120 Rosswood Drive, Monrovia, MD 21770
2. December Serving Saturday – Christmas at the Margins!
For those of you whose table adopted a family (or families in many cases) make it a priority to come with your family to help deliver the goodies tomorrow. You and your family will be blessed. Here is just one of the 125+ stories we will be entering into tomorrow:
This is from Brian Deyaert – “This past week we were blessed to receive another family for Christmas at the Margins. I made contact with them and it turns out that it is a husband and wife who are 72 and live in Damascus. They are reaching out because he just lost his job and they cannot afford to put food on the table. We will have a chance to feed those in need on Saturday!”
If you weren’t part of a table or couldn’t afford to participate with funds this year – COME ANYWAY!!!! We have several families who have been adopted but whose adopting family can’t make the delivery – stand in the gap for them. As 1 Corinthians 12 says – there are many parts of the Body, each part needs to being contributing for the Body to be healthy.
Here are the details:
We are meeting at Monocacy Valley Church @ 9861 Old National Pike December 17th @ 9AM. If you would like to enjoy the fellowship of believers get to the church early – maybe 8:30am – grab a cup of coffee, eat a donut, and have some wonderful conversations. Promptly at 9AM (we start on time!) we will have a short worship service (you will NOT want to miss this) lasting 20 minutes. As soon as this is over you will load up the food boxes including either a Christmas turkey or some Christmas steaks and off you will go on a guaranteed God-adventure!
When you arrive at your family here are some suggestions:
- Sing a Christmas carol for them – they will love it and hopefully will join in. This serves as a great ‘ice breaker’
- Engage in conversation encouraging them to share some of their story with you. Be sensitive. If they want to talk, listen. If they don’t, respect that.
- Look for some way that you and your family might be able to go back and serve them. Maybe it would be to take them to a Christmas concert; festival of lights; or some other relationship building activity. Maybe it would be to identify some ‘Serving Saturday’ idea for your 10MAN table to take on in January.
- Ask if they would be OK with you taking their picture with the rest of your group. Keep it light and fun. If there is any hesitation DON’T do it. (BRING A CAMERA)
- Ask if they would like some help finding a Christmas worship service to attend
- Provide a Bible & devotional in their native language (DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY NEW BIBLES THEY WOULD LIKE TO DONATE?)
- Ask if you can pray for your family before you leave. Don’t let this get ‘preachy’ – make it a blessing and encouragement. Be humble and gentle. Don’t have a haughty attitude. We are merely beggars who have found some bread (Jesus) and would love to share some of it with our adopted family.
- Keep your visit short – 10-15 minutes would be a good rule of thumb
- After the visit please send me the pictures and a few paragraphs about your visit (the good, the bad)
3. Fundraising Bazaar for Burmese orphans – Saturday, December 17th
Attached is the flyer regarding the fundraiser for the children of the two Frederick Burmese mothers who were killed on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. All proceeds go to the children. Any donations of new or gently used items or financial gifts are also appreciated. Please let me know if you need anything else to get the word out. Thank you.
Blessings, Mike (301) 524.0947
December 9, 2011
Dear Boyz,
As of today we along with our partner churches have adopted 111 families in our Christmas at the Margins initiative with only 10 families left. Well done! Many of you have stretched and even surpassed your means. (see 2 Corinthians 8:3) A Kingdom principle is that in sacrifice there is blessing. That doesn’t necessarily mean a financial windfall for you, but it does mean a blessing. Our Heavenly Father will bless you and your family, so prepare to receive it – it is coming!
For those of you who have adopted one or more families remember you need to contact your family to get all the particulars. Then make sure you have the gifts wrapped up and make plans to come to Monocacy Valley Church next Saturday, December 17th, at 9:00AM. There you will pick up the box of food for your family (provided by the Frederick Rescue Mission and other ministry partners) and a Christmas turkey or a steak for each member of the family. The Lilyz will have a refreshment spread for us to enjoy. We will have a short worship with last minute instructions and off we will go.
The table I’m attending on Tuesday morning is planning to sing a couple of carols for each of our 6 families. Sarmento Silva, our table leader is bringing his accordion to provide the accompaniment. How cool is that? A bunch of guys with their families, being the hands and feet of Jesus singing Christmas carols accompanied by an accordion. Yes indeed!
I sent an email out earlier today with a few stories about the ways God is already providing a Christmas blessing to us. (It is more blessed to give than receive) If you have a story or find yourself in a story on the 17th please send them to me – paulfoss777@comcast.net It is so much fun to rehearse all the ways God moves into our willingness. He often takes our breath away and we love it.
Our hearts desire in all this is “that they may see our good deeds and praise the Father in Heaven” – Matt 5:16.
December 2, 2011
Boyz,
As Paul continues to serve in Nicaragua, let us continue to lift him up in prayer.
There are still 45 plus families in need of adoption for Christmas at the Margins this year which means over 70 families have already been adopted. Let’s not stop there. Read through the following email from a Waterlilyz:
Hey Paul.... I did this, don't know if it's an idea any of the boys might respond too... I just sent it to the lily leaderz. "I just adopted 2 more families on FAITH! I did one for my family and one for my office and I'm sending out emails today asking for help from people with faith that the Lord will provide it. --- I know we're nowhere through our 120 families and EACH one has a heart wrenching story, and each one deserves to eat and celebrate our Lord's birth. Can you step out a little further on a limb too?? "
Let’s find a way to adopt every family on the list!
Doug McFee
Colorado has been very active in growing the Waterboyz ministry. Please read below some of their recent adventures in serving:
Dear Waterboyz,
This Saturday December 8th is our service project. I sent out the information last week and the information is included again below. As of today 14 people have signed up to help. I want to encourage you to sign up by clicking here, it takes 30 seconds to do, type in your last name, confirm your email address and your done please REGISTER
This will be a project that is very worthwhile. For those of you who helped with the Willow Place project, we are re-connecting with those families again to create another touch point as well as with the families from the LION'S ministry. We are going to love those who have been marginalized or forgotten, those who are unloved and defeated, as objects of a sovereign God's pursuing love.
Every one of these families has a story. God is giving us the privilege of entering into their stories. We do so with the realization that we can offer the hope of the world - Jesus. Let's lift Him up so He can draw all men to Himself!
As Living Water bubbles up and out of us a thirsty and lost world finds hope and life. Be part of a miracle - join us!
December Service Project (Colorado’s)
Greetings and blessings to all of you, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I'm excited to announce that it's time for another Service Project! The Waterboyz Ministry will be purchasing (with your scraps) and delivering Christmas trees and tree stands to 70 needy families on Saturday, December 3rd.
Saturday morning, December 3rd, we will all meet in the parking lot at Kidz-Place, 602 2nd street in Berthoud at 8:00am for coffee and donuts.
Then we'll load the trees into your vehicles for delivery to the families. We'll do our best to group the deliveries by location, and have a Map Quest to each home ready for you.
Whether you're delivering one tree or twenty, your help will be a blessing.
November 25, 2011
Dear Boyz,
Six years ago the Waterboyz for Jesus adopted 12 families for our 1st ‘Christmas at the Margins’. Individual Waterboyz with their families bought gifts for each member of these 12 families and in partnership with 2nd Street and Hope, who provided food boxes, we loved these forgotten families as the hands and feet of Jesus.
A few weeks later we received a thank you card from Angie. In the card she said, “when you came to my place and gave me and my kids the gifts I heard God Himself telling me He hadn’t forgotten me, He still knew my name, and He loved me! Because this is true I’ve got hope again. In fact, you so inspired me I’ve enrolled in college so pray for me!”
During one of this year’s planning meetings Juanita from 2nd Street and Hope asked me if I remembered Angie. I told her I remembered the thank you card and asked her how Angie was doing. She said, “Angie finished college and just last week moved into a house she just purchased.” Kingdom victory!!!!
This year the Waterboyz for Jesus and the Waterlilyz for Jesus are stepping into a place of true God-adventure! We are stepping past our means and are depending on Kingdom resources as we make plans to adopt 120+ families. In partnership with several local churches, several local businesses, and three faith-based community ministries we are going to love those who have been marginalized or forgotten, those who are unloved and defeated, as objects of a Sovereign God’s pursuing love.
Here is a portion of an email I received just yesterday about one of our families.
“Friends - This is actually Sandy's husband, Paul Leathery, writing this post. Some of you may know me and some of you may not. I determined that this was the quickest way to reach most of you with some devastating news. Sandy passed away in her sleep Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. She was 47 years old. I found her unresponsive at about 9:00 am Wednesday. The paramedics determined that she had died several hours earlier. It was determined that she vomited in her sleep and choked to death. We have 2 children, Matthew 10 and Laura 7. They are doing their best but are understandably grief-stricken at the loss of their mother. Sandy has had many health problems over the past few years, but her death was not expected and came as a shock to me, our kids, and the whole extended family. Services are likely to be next Thursday December 1 at Millian Memorial United Methodist Church in Rockville at 3:00 pm. God bless you all. Please feel free to send me a message at my Facebook account”
Every one of our families has a story. God is giving us the privilege of entering into their stories. Whether we get to celebrate with Angie or mourn with Paul we do so with the realization that we can offer the hope of the world – Jesus. Let’s lift Him up so He can draw all men to Himself!
If you would like to get a piece of this action let us know by contacting Cam Overs at camovers@comcast.net . The King has prepared a feast for us. All we have to do is RSVP. In giving, we receive! In blessing, we are blessed! As Living Water bubbles up and out of us a thirsty and lost world finds hope and life. Be part of a miracle – join us!
1. Respond to camovers@comcast.net Include the family ID number, your name and your cell phone number
or
2. Call 301-663-3873 and leave a message with the family ID number, your name and your cell phone number
You will receive directions and contact information about your family. This is to be kept confidential.
Waterboyz & Waterlilyz
Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
November 19, 2011
Dear Boyz,
Many of you have meet Dave Berg. His is an awesome story of redemption and of God ‘making all things new’ in his life. God isn’t finished with Dave but then, He isn’t finished with any of us, is He? Anyway, this Saturday Dave is moving from his place on Hines road. Dave has significant health issues starting with a bad back and including severe respiratory problems. Chuck his future brother-in-law has advanced cancer that causes him to live in significant pain all the time with no strength or stamina.
Dave Berg has helped in whatever way he could in almost every serving project we’ve done in the last several years. Often he was the first guy on the scene and the last guy to leave. It’s time for us to step in and serve him! Who can help out for 2 hours? We are starting at 8:30am and our goal is to be done by noon. Please identify which two hour block you can help with.
Let’s blow Dave and Kathy’s socks off by loving them by serving them together as the body of Christ this Saturday!
8:30-10:30am ____________________
10:30-12:30pm ____________________
OLD -- 5517 Hines Rd Frederick, MD 21704
TO:
New -- 5143 Shookstown Rd Fred, MD 21702
Downtown Frederick -- 70 to South St. -Exit 56 turn left at stop sign turn left -- Reichs Ford rd go 4 miles on Reichs Ford -- Hines Rd is on Left before dump go 1/2 mile -- Road turns to left - My Dirt driveway comes straight back to house Call Dave for directions if needed -- 240-357-5854
November 11, 2011
So give me the hill country that the LORD promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the LORD is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the LORD said." Joshua 14:12
Three weeks ago Dave Schaefer launched a new 10MAN Table in Frederick. He had been attending Don Freitag’s table on Monday night (the 3 C’S table – Crooks; Cops; & Clergy) and felt a calling to start his own.
Dave has a number of men in his life who needed the kind of community he had found on Monday night. He began to ask, badger, cajole, and invite these men to join him in this table launching adventure. The first night 9 men showed up, several from his home table. The next week 12 men came, most of whom had never been to a table before. The adventure continues…………..
Don’t miss this………… Dave is 75 years old. He has been asking God for his next assignment for a while now. His prayer has been “God give me the hill country! The descendants are great but I will drive them out just as the Lord said!”
What is the audacious ask God is making of you? Is it to invite another beggar to come to the table for the food you have found? Is it to launch your own table? Are there men in your life that need relationship with Jesus and with other men? What’s holding you back? Is it something you lack? Are you 75 years old? Do you have trouble speaking? What is it?
Four or five years ago, Dave Berg invited me to join him at the annual Polar Bear plunge. One year I actually accepted his invitation but backed out at the last minute…. but he kept asking……… it’s for a good cause – Special needs kidz. He asked again this year, then his brother-in-law Chuck asked. This year I’m going to take a dip in the bay on January 28th. I’m going because of the power of the ‘ask’.
What is the audacious ask God is making of you? I’m heading to Nicaragua in a few weeks. I can’t speak Spanish, the Washington Nationals catcher was just kidnapped in Venezuela, I don’t know anyone I’m going with, and I can’t wait! There is nothing like the sense of knowing you are headed for absolute disaster unless God shows up! Because here is the punch line…………… HE ALWAYS SHOWS UP!!!!
In HIM,
Paul
November 04, 2011
Dear Boyz,
Last Saturday James Veres and four or five Waterboyz helped a lady move. This lady was having to move because of a divorce she didn’t expect or want. In spite of the weather James and his merry men showed up and cheerfully and carefully started loading her stuff onto the truck. At some point in the move the lady stopped James and said, “You guys have been awesome. You’re all so friendly and taking such great care of my things. Thank you!” I LOVE the way James responded. He said, “All I can say is ‘We are the Waterboyz for Jesus!’ This is what we do.”
We are the Waterboyz for Jesus! We are the hands and feet of Jesus! It is what we do and it is who we are! “This is pure religion, that you help a woman who had promises made by a man that weren’t kept!” James 1:27. “This is the fast I desire – to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke!” Isaiah 58:6
Yesterday the 56th 10MAN table started in Phoenix, Arizona. In a short time another table will get started in Rockville with several others in the works. The end of November I’ll be traveling to Nicaragua to talk to over a hundred pastors about starting 10MAN tables in their churches. Sometime in 2012 we will be celebrating our 100th table. This isn’t about how big we get – it is about how we as beggars have found bread that satisfies and are telling other beggars who this Living bread is – We ARE the Waterboyz for Jesus! We ARE bringing drinks of Living Water and we ARE offering a feast of Living Bread. Praise God!
In HIM
Paul
October 28, 2011
Dear Warriors!
Yesterday morning one of the men at the table told me a story that serves as a perfect example of why we meet in public places. He said that a man in his church came up to him last weekend and said “I really need other men in my life! I was getting something to eat the other day and I saw a table full of men with open bibles. I heard them saying scripture out loud to each other. There was lots of laughter and it just felt like I was missing something big in my life.” My friend told him that no doubt he had stumbled across a 10MAN table meeting. He pointed this man to the website to find a place that works with him schedule. ONE MORE FOR JESUS!
This week the Waterboyz have begun a 4 week journey of ‘Warriors in Training’. We were born into a real war with a real enemy who really wants to kill, steal, and destroy us. The good news is that we are on the winning side – Praise God! So what spiritual discipline are you enjoying in your life? It isn’t too late to sign up for one of the 5 classes being offer. http://waterboyz.org/wit_fall_2011.php
Every Thursday morning eight local pastors are attending the same 10MAN Table at the Panera’s on Rte 26. They are bringing men from their churches. They are telling the truth about where in their lives they need a savior. They are setting the bar for life transformation – laughing; crying; and telling the truth. Does your pastor attend a 10MAN table? Have you invited him to come with you?
Digging more ditches and building new bridges!
Paul
October 22, 2011
Dear Boyz,
Last Saturday the Waterboyz for Jesus in partnership with First Missionary Baptist and New Dimension Worship Center participated in an unprecedented gathering of men in Frederick County. 45 young men under the age of 18 came with their fathers to learn about living victorious lives as warriors for the King. They were joined by over a 100 additional men giving life to a vision God gave me 7 years ago about THE church becoming a living color view of TOGETHER to a lost and dying world. To all those who helped make this event a success – thank you for your investment of time and energy!
So what’s next? Every year at this time we began to focus on our ‘Christmas at the Margins’ adventure. The need for help in the poor and working poor community is at an all-time high. After conversation and much prayer we are stepping into a BIG vision – the Water people (Waterboyz & Waterlilyz) are going to adopt 100 families this year. Cam Overs and his team have already arranged for enough steaks and/or turkeys for every family along with a huge food box. Waterlily Kara Chickering has a team of photographers ready to take professional family portraits for the families. All that’s left is for you to talk to your family about scaling back Christmas so you can bless another family. “It is more blessed to give than receive” – a Kingdom principle right?
Digging more ditches & Building new bridges!
Paul
October 14, 2011
Dear Boyz,
What if you knew for certain that Jesus was going to be at a specific place at a specific time? (I know what scriptures says… but go with me for a second ok?) Would other ‘good’ things would prevent you from being there? Is there ANYTHING that would prevent you from being there? What if you had cancer or worse yet what if your child had cancer, would ANYTHING keep you from that appointment?
Jesus tells an interesting story about a King’s invitation to a feast. The first wave of invited guests had all sorts of ‘good’ reasons why they couldn’t make it. No doubt they had been invited to other feasts and frankly it just wasn’t that big a deal. They all pulled out their day timer’s, one found that he was buying some oxen, another that he had a pressing business appointment, a third that he had a football game to coach, and the list went on. A solid block of “no thank you’s!”
The King’s response was………. OK……… let’s invite everyone, even those from the highways and byways. In other words, the Frederick Rescue Mission, the tents out by South Street, the work-a-day people, all those who would let nothing stop them from getting there. And they came and they ate with the King.
Tomorrow starting at 7am (breakfast will be served from 7-830am) the King has prepared a feast. The invitations have gone out, each of you have a decision to make. Are you part of the 1st wave of invitations or part of the 2nd? An overflowing bus is coming with men from the Helping Up mission in Baltimore. I can already see the 2nd wave of men eagerly waiting for the alarm clock to ring tomorrow morning.
What about you? Will ‘busy’ or ‘good’ keep you from an uncommon opportunity to fellowship with Jesus and men from all colors, creeds, and nationalities?
The address that was initially distributed is wrong. The REAL address for the Men’s conference is:
First Missionary Baptist Church
6430 Jefferson Pike
Frederick, MD 21703
Digging more ditches and building new bridges!
Paul
October 07, 2011
Dear Boyz,
“Helping ordinary men be transformed into mighty warriors in the Kingdom while engaging in ministry at the local church!” This vision statement of the Waterboyz is for such a time as this! If not now than when? If not us then who?
My daughter sent me this article discussing the state of manhood……………… NOT GOOD!! My plea to each of you is to read this article and make a commitment to being at next week’s Father-Son Conference – October 15th – 7am-3:30pm. I can promise you that you won’t leave the same man!
In HIM,
Paul
For the first time in history, women are better educated, more ambitious and arguably more successful than men. Now, society has rightly celebrated the ascension of one sex. We said, "You go girl," and they went. We celebrate the ascension of women but what will we do about what appears to be the very real decline of the other sex?
The data does not bode well for men. In 1970, men earned 60% of all college degrees. In 1980, the figure fell to 50%, by 2006 it was 43%. Women now surpass men in college degrees by almost three to two. Women's earnings grew 44% in real dollars from 1970 to 2007, compared with 6% growth for men.
In 1950, 5% of men at the prime working age were unemployed. As of last year, 20% were not working, the highest ever recorded. Men still maintain a majority of the highest paid and most powerful occupations, but women are catching them and will soon be passing them if this trend continues.
The warning signs for men stretch far beyond their wallets. Men are more distant from a family or their children then they have ever been. The out-of-wedlock birthrate is more than 40% in America. In 1960, only 11% of children in the U.S. lived apart from their fathers. In 2010, that share had risen to 27%. Men are also less religious than ever before. According to Gallup polling, 39% of men reported attending church regularly in 2010, compared to 47% of women.
If you don't believe the numbers, just ask young women about men today. You will find them talking about prolonged adolescence and men who refuse to grow up. I've heard too many young women asking, "Where are the decent single men?" There is a maturity deficit among men out there, and men are falling behind.
This decline in founding virtues -- work, marriage, and religion -- has caught the eye of social commentators from all corners. In her seminal article, "The End of Men," Hanna Rosin unearthed the unprecedented role reversal that is taking place today. "Man has been the dominant sex since, well, the dawn of mankind. But for the first time in human history, that is changing—and with shocking speed," writes Rosin. The changes in modern labor -- from backs to brains -- have catapulted women to the top of the work force, leaving men in their dust.
Hanna Rosin: Are women leaving men behind?
Man's response has been pathetic. Today, 18-to- 34-year-old men spend more time playing video games a day than 12-to- 17-year-old boys. While women are graduating college and finding good jobs, too many men are not going to work, not getting married and not raising families. Women are beginning to take the place of men in many ways. This has led some to ask: do we even need men?
So what's wrong? Increasingly, the messages to boys about what it means to be a man are confusing. The machismo of the street gang calls out with a swagger. Video games, television and music offer dubious lessons to boys who have been abandoned by their fathers. Some coaches and drill sergeants bark, "What kind of man are you?" but don't explain.
Movies are filled with stories of men who refuse to grow up and refuse to take responsibility in relationships. Men, some obsessed with sex, treat women as toys to be discarded when things get complicated. Through all these different and conflicting signals, our boys must decipher what it means to be a man, and for many of them it is harder to figure out.
For boys to become men, they need to be guided through advice, habit, instruction, example and correction. It is true in all ages. Someone once characterized the two essential questions Plato posed as: Who teaches the children, and what do we teach them? Each generation of men and women have an obligation to teach the younger males (and females of course) coming behind them. William Wordsworth said, "What we have loved, others will love, and we will teach them how." When they fail in that obligation, trouble surely follows.
We need to respond to this culture that sends confusing signals to young men, a culture that is agnostic about what it wants men to be, with a clear and achievable notion of manhood.
The Founding Fathers believed, and the evidence still shows, that industriousness, marriage and religion are a very important basis for male empowerment and achievement. We may need to say to a number of our twenty-something men, "Get off the video games five hours a day, get yourself together, get a challenging job and get married." It's time for men to man up.
September 30, 2011
Dear Boyz,
God told His people to ‘dig more ditches because the water was going to come’! Lately God has been telling me, “Paul – dig more ditches AND build new bridges!” This hasn’t come as a suggestion or a piece of helpful advice, it has been a command. Pray over this expanded vision for the Waterboyz ministry.
From the moment God gave me the vision for this ministry – August 5, 2005 – there has been a clear ‘Living Water’ theme. We find ourselves in a world dying to believe in something that matters. “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living waters will flow from within them.” In an ‘ever getting better way’ this is happening in our ministry. Thirty-five soon to be thirty-six 10Man tables are meeting all over the metropolitan area. 250-300 men are regularly laughing together, crying together, and telling each other the truth about their lives. We are diving into God’s word, memorizing it, soaking in it, and listening for God to speak a ‘Living Word’ into our today.
Last June, 5,000 poor and working poor were blessed with extravagant gifts through the Convoy of Hope. The Waterboyz were the catalyst for helping launch this event. At Faith night in July, Doug McFee prayed that we as a mighty army of men would be able to speak to the city of Frederick. In a miraculous way God sent our songs miles away and drew men to seek Jesus in unexpected places.
A couple of years ago two Waterboyz helped purchase two rickshaws in Calcutta for $175 each. Contracts were drawn up, accountability was put in place, and both rickshaws were paid for over time. Now there are five rickshaws providing five Christian men with a Living wage. (see attached pictures – notice what is written on the back of each rickshaw). A sustainable model for helping meet felt need in a place of overwhelming need. A place where hope is barely hanging on. Digging more ditches!
As we dig more ditches God is bringing the Living Water! Increasingly we are sensing a momentum with a sense that ‘for such a time as this’!
So what about ‘building new bridges’? On October 15th we are partnering with several area churches, many of whom are primarily black churches, for the 9th Annual Father Son Conference. The Waterboyz leadership have invested hundreds of hours of prayer, preparation, and planning into being ready to offer our best. The foundation is laid, and all that’s left is for YOU to come. If you have sons older than 8 years old, bring them. If you don’t have son’s COME YOURSELF. If you only have a half day – COME! From 7-830am there will be check in and a continental breakfast. The Waterboyz band with some men from the partner churches will bring a white-hot praise and worship experience. Doug Clarke will share the vision of ‘raising up Godly men’. You will not want to miss this!
Building new bridges! On October 15th I see over a hundred white men, many with their sons, and over a hundred men of color, many with their sons, gathering at First Missionary Baptist Church. I see an unprecedented gathering of men declaring with one voice that they are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work in the Father’s vineyard. Is one of those faces yours? I really hope so!
Digging more ditches & building new bridges!
Paul
A special note from Dale Parkhurst:
Hi Brothers,
Tomorrow, September 29, will be my 2nd anniversary home and no one knows how good this is to me. Praise the Lord. Because most of you were there when I was released with the others are from the Monday night table, I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done for me and all that you have become to me. I truly cherish your friendship and Brotherhood. But most of all, I thank you for your love and support that you have shown and given to me over the past 24 months. First to Rusty for he was the first Waterboy I met, then Paul as I’ll never forget our first meeting together. Then Justin Frazier – what a godly example this man is and God has truly blessed me with his friendship. Clark, I will never forget our Baltimore adventure and I still wonder if that young man you witnessed to ever thought about what you told him. Doug, you have helped me in so many more ways than you can imagine and I love you for being such a good friend and help. Berg – you da bomb! And finally, to my wonderful friend and Brother – Don Freitag. You are such an amazing friend even though you once belonged to the “other side” J. God bless you all and again, thank you in the name of Jesus!
Dale L. Parkhurst
Dear Boyz,
This coming Saturday, October 1st, you have two opportunities to engage in Kingdom-adventure. Both of these opportunities can be done with your family.
Kingdom opportunity #1: (see the attachment ‘Adoption Fundraiser-Merica’ for the whole story)
Jason and Sharon Merica opened their home to some kids from Uganda who were in the area as a part of a visiting singing group. Little did they know that they were also opening their hearts to a young man named Mark. During the time Mark and his friends were guests at the Merica home Jason and Sharon feel in love with him. God planted this crazy impossible idea in both their hearts to adopt Mark. Because of Jason’s past which included trouble with the law, inadequate funds, and a very full calendar this seemed like a ‘mission impossible’ assignment.
Jason and Sharon did what any follower of Jesus would do, they began to take steps of obedience. Each obstacle was eliminated or overcome in Jesus name! Finally against all odds the approval came through. YEAH GOD!!!! But………………….
There is one more obstacle that needs to be demolished, with all the resources they have available they are still financially not there yet. That’s where we as the ‘body of Christ’ come in. The first Kingdom opportunity comes in three flavors:
1) If you are willing to join Jason and Sharon as a prayer and/or resource partner (one or both) to the level of $20 they will take your name as a ‘Partner with Mark’ and by mid-November or when they have 500 partners they will give a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT as a gift to one of these partner’s. To participate please contact beach.angel@comcast.net,.
2) They are offering a raffle in partnership with Jon Davis for a week’s stay at Jon’s Bethany Beach bungalow (2 bedrooms; 2 bathroom; living room, dining room, kitchen – BEAUTIFUL). Each raffle ticket is $20 contact beach.angel@comcast.net for the particulars.
3) Finally, next Saturday, October 1st from 9am-6pm the Waterboyz are hosting a GIANT YARD SALE to help raise funds to help in the adoption process. Do you have items laying around your house that could be donated? We need your donations at the parking lot of Christ United Methodist Church on Ballenger Creek Parkway by 9am on October 1st. See attachment ‘Yard Bake Sale Flyer’ for all the details.
Kingdom opportunity #2:
A few months ago I had the privilege of attending a prescreening for an upcoming movie – Courageous. This movie was made by the same folks that produced ‘Facing the Giants’ and ‘Fireproof’. The movie is about men embracing their destiny to become men of God to their wives, kids, and in their community. POWERFUL MOVIE! I laughed and cried, sometimes at the same time. The national release of this movie is next Friday, September 30th. MAKE IT A POINT TO SEE THIS MOVIE!! The Waterboyz have bought a block of tickets for the Saturday, October 1st, at 4pm in Germantown and October 1st, at 410pm in Frederick. If you would like to join us in experiencing this movie together please contact Tom Skinner - LamboMan54@aol.com or Dan Short - silenciopjs@gmail.com for ticket information. PLEASE DON’T LET BUSY STEAL THIS OPPORTUNITY!
Resting in Him,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
When the enemies of Daniel went looking to convict him of serving the one true God they knew exactly where and when to find him. Every day Daniel went to the same place at the same time to pray. It wasn't a hidden place, it was a place of declaration! Three times a day Daniel would stop the busy of his life, go to the window of his room and enter into relationship with God.
So here is the question for you................. would the enemies of the gospel know where to go in your life to find evidence to convict you? If you were on trial would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a follower of the King?
I'm calling for two days of fasting for the upcoming Father-Son Conference. These two days are October 5th & October 12th. Whether you have a son or not make attending this all day event a priority. I'm calling for these days of fasting to both soften and prepare each of our hearts for what God is planning to do in us. I'm also calling for days of fasting to bring us into agreement on what God is intending to do in His church. We will be praying that strongholds will come down. That unity will be built. That the Kingdom will be advanced.
Dear Boyz,
Where did the summer go? The kids are back in school, and our local churches are beginning to ramp up their Kingdom building plans for the upcoming ministry season, how is your soul? Do you have a 'mission critical' piece of your local churches plans? Are you filled full of vision and hope? Are you rested and ready to go 'full throttle' in planning Kingdom rescue as you pursue an increasingly passionate relationship with Jesus? Is it well with your soul?
First a celebration! A little over a year ago Waterboyz for Jesus - Colorado was birthed. This is the first fruits of what I believe is going to be an increasing harvest of ordinary men from all over the world raising up and determining to pursue a relationship with Jesus in such a way that they will be transformed into Mighty Warriors in the Kingdom. AMEN? Please take the time to read the following 'Front Line Dispatch' as Hollis Hunt rehearses the Kingdom Victories from the last year: http://www.waterboyz-co.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Front-Line-Dispatch-September.pdf
Yesterday I received an invitation to travel to Nicaragua in November or December to help raise up a Waterboyz for Jesus - Nicaragua. I am asking the Father if this is in His timing. “First Jerusalem, then Judea, then Samaria, then the ends of the earth”. I want to be an Isaiah 6:8 man - "Here am I. SEND ME‼‼" We aren’t a purpose-driven ministry nor are we a program-driven ministry – we are a PRESENCE-DRIVEN ministry – Jesus when you go we will follow!
Second an invitation! The creators of the movies ‘Facing the Giants’ & ‘Fireproof’ have made another movie – Courageous. If someone had asked any Waterboy to create a movie script describing our vision and supposing we had the gifting and talent to do something like that, it would be this movie! Please take 6 minutes and 30 seconds to listen to the Casting Crowns song and movie trailer at this link: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FJ0121NU (I’ve had 5 or 6 people call me and say “Paul, I just heard the theme song for the Waterboyz!”) We have purchased 50 tickets at the Germantown theatre (4:00PM showing) and another 50 tickets at the Westview Theatre in Frederick (4:10PM showing) for October 1st in the early afternoon. These tickets are available on a first-come first-served basis. Contact Tom Skinner LamboMan54@aol.com or 301 728-1387 to get enough tickets for you and your entire family. Let’s experience this movie together in community!
Finally a challenge! The Waterboyz for Jesus have been invited to partner with New Dimension Worship Center and 1st Missionary Baptist Church of Frederick in their 9th annual Father-Son Empowerment Conference. This one-day event is scheduled for October 15th starting with a GREAT breakfast at 7:30am and finishing up with an afternoon of activities ending at 3:30pm. For years we as a ministry have been praying that we would become a men's movement that would happen in Living Color, not black & white. This event presents an opportunity to dig some new ditches, build some new bridges, and break down some old strongholds that have existed in the church for far too long! Imagine with me a gathering in Frederick of over a hundred black men (with their sons if they have sons) and over a hundred white men (with their sons if they have sons) coming together to learn how to become even stronger warriors for King Jesus. Can you envision this?
There will be anointed teaching, inspired worship, a three on three basketball challenge, and the sound of walls of separation crashing down. Don't miss this! Don't let ordinary or good steal the chance for greatness and significance. This event is going to be free. But more than that it is going to be FREEING! Please click on the following link to register http://waterboyz.org/fsc_2011.php (if you have sons aged 8 years old and up BRING THEM! If you don’t have any sons or they can’t come – YOU COME!) Waterboyz let's represent - OK?
Resting in HIM,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
For the last several years we have held our annual ADVANCE (Because Waterboyz DON'T retreat!) in late October. This year we had planned to host it on October 20th & 21st. After much discussion and even more prayer the leadership of the Waterboyz realized that God has a even better plan for us this year. As a direct result of the 100MAN choir singing at the Weinberg center two years ago we have experienced a growing relationship with many area churches. As a result of these growing relationships we have been invited to partner with New Dimension Worship Center, 1st Missionary Baptist church, and several other area black churches in hosting a Father-Son Empowerment conference at 1st Missionary Baptist on October 15th.
For years we as a ministry have been praying that we would become a men's movement that would happen in Living Color, not black & white. This event presents an opportunity to dig some new ditches, build some new bridges, and break down some old strongholds that have existed in the church for far too long! Imagine with me a gathering in Frederick of over a hundred black men (with their sons if they have sons) and over a hundred white men (with their sons if they have sons) coming together to learn how to become even stronger warriors for King Jesus. Can you envision this?
You will hear more about this event in the near future but for now - set aside October 15th, from 7:30am until 3:00pm. There will be anointed teaching, inspired worship, a three on three basketball challenge, and the sound of walls of separation crashing down. Don't miss this! Don't let ordinary or good steal the chance for great significance.
This event is going to be free. But more than that it is going to be FREEING! Waterboyz let's represent - OK?
Paul
Dear Boyz,
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” Hebrews 3:8 “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today.” Hebrews 3:13 “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” Hebrews 3:15
What is God calling you to Today? What is your plan Today to love your wife in such an overwhelming – self forgetful way that she feels safe? What are you going to do Today to build value and worth into your kids? What generational wounding from your past do you need to break agreement with Today? What appointment does God have for you Today?
What a powerful word Today is! In fact I have a new favorite name for God – TODAY! Whatever you need – whatever the question – whatever the crisis – God is a god of TODAY!
Today a hurricane is bearing down on us. God isn’t surprised or unprepared. He knows about the Family Funomenon tomorrow……. He knew about it before the foundation of the earth was laid. We simply need to listen and obey His plan for Today. When we wake up tomorrow morning we will listen and obey His plan for us in that new Today. AMEN?
Resting in His Goodness………. Today!
Paul
Dear Boyz,
As you read the parable of the talents you notice that the man who buried his talent paid a high price. That’s because in God’s eyes the greatest failure of all is the failure to invest the time, talent, and treasure He’s given you into His purposes.
Paul writes: “Everyone’s work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. 1CO 3:13-15”
What kind of work is your life accumulating? How are you leveraging your talents in the Kingdom for the King? Let’s seize the day! Let’s be on-time, real-time, big-time ‘for such a time as this’ men!
“Sin only goes out of your life by the way of the mouth” Ed Cole
In Him,
Paul
Dear Boyz!
Yesterday Doug McFee and I attended the annual Willow Creek Leadership Summit. Every year God gives me a ‘word’ …… in fact I was at a Willow Creek Leadership Summit August 5th, 2005 when God gave me the vision for the Waterboyz. I go expecting a miracle and because this sort of thing is in His nature He always comes through! Here are the two things I’ve heard so far this year, “just do SOMETHING!” and “Dig more ditches!”
Yesterday’s last speaker preached on 2 Kings 3:16:
“Dig ditches all over this valley. Here's what will happen—you won't hear the wind, you won't see the rain, but this valley is going to fill up with water and your army and your animals will drink their fill. This is easy for God to do”
As Waterboyz we have been called to ‘bring drinks of Living Water (Jesus Christ) to a lost and dying world’. Only God can send the water! Our part is to dig some ditches and God’s part is to send the water.
Saturday, Bryan Chaney, Will Maier, and Brian Detzel setup a sound system for a fundraiser that St James AME held at Baker Park. Bridges were built, ditches were dug, and God sent the water. On Tuesday I received two phone calls from small African American churches saying, “We’d love some help but mostly we’d like to know who you guys are and why you keep pouring into St James.”
Saturday, Roger Franks and some boyz meet in Frederick to join with Governor Perry in praying for revival and healing and restoration. Roger and the men dug some ditches and God is sending a Tsunami…. I can feel it!
Sunday, 8 young men and their father’s arrived at Mark’s Schaefer’s place for a ‘purity weekend’. For 48 hours Mark dug some ditches and we all saw Living Water bubbling up in each of those young men!
Wednesday night I spent a couple of hours brainstorming with two leaders at ICOG, our emerging partner church in Gaithersburg. We wrestled with how to inspire and challenge and invite men who are walking dead men into the miracle of resurrection, transformation, and significance. Anthony, Cleveland, and I dug some ditches Wednesday night!
Yesterday I looked around Bridgeway Church during an early session and saw dozens and dozens of Waterboyz from several area churches listening and writing, dreaming dreams and seeing visions. Ditches were being dug yesterday and I’m certain God will be sending what only He can—the water….. Living Water……. Water that satisfies, water that changes from the inside out, water that will carry us from glory to glory. AMEN?
DO SOMETHING – Grab a shovel – Dig a ditch today – know you aren’t alone - we are in this together, shoulder to shoulder until our last breath and we will dive into the Kingdom with skinned up knees and calloused hands and soft hearts and a multitude of trophies - BECAUSE WE ARE GOING TO DIG SOME DITCHES TODAY BOYZ – WE ARE DIGGING SOME DITCHES!
Paul
Dear Boyz,
Tomorrow – August 6th two VERY important events are taking place:
10am-12pm When a governor of a very large state like Texas boldly calls Christians to:
- recognize the wake-up calls God has been sending the nation (2 Chronicles 7:13), and
- respond by gathering with God's people in a spirit of humility and repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14, Joel 1 & 2),then it would seem appropriate to provide an opportunity to respond locally. So this Saturday, August 6, from 10 am until 12 pm at Cornerstone Fellowship Church (66 Waverley Dr # 630 behind the Fredericktowne Mall on Route 40, the Golden Mile in Frederick) there will be a gathering to pray in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at the Reliant Stadium in Houston.
Please ask the Father if He wants you there.
2pm-6pm St James AME, the church we served last November is hosting a Gospel Fest at the Baker Park band shell from 2pm-6pm. Come and enjoy an afternoon with worship leaders Rev Derrick Shecklford , Kavonte Duckett, Terrence Boyd and Mrs. Tracy Ambrush Scott – several area gospel bands - praise dancing – even some Waterboyz performing. Build community and enjoy worshipping together!
Resting in HIM,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
For the next seven weeks I’m going to talk about the seven Waterboyz core values. These core values aren’t just some arbitrary list of good ideas or nice sounding ideals. Every time the Executive Council gathers together we use these seven reminders of who we are as a ministry to help guide us in making decisions about ministry direction, scope, and assignment. Each core value says something foundational about us!
Here is our first CORE value:
“Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the local church is the best vehicle for telling a lost and dying world about this hope. With this in mind we see our ministry as a resource of the local church.”
This is our first core value intentionally because this is crucial to how we see ourselves as a ministry. We AREN’T the local church! We AREN’T going to take on any ministry, engage in any Kingdom activity, or accept any money that belongs to the local church! PERIOD!
As we partner with any church in resourcing their group of ordinary men who are becoming increasingly mighty warriors in the Kingdom, as they engage in a growing relationship with Jesus, we would count our ministry a success if:
1. Each Waterboyz committed increasingly to ministry in his local church – serving and be served! Knowing and being known.
2. On Sunday morning as you look around at where ministry is taking place you would increasingly see Waterboyz fully engaged there.
3. If Waterboyz didn’t show up ministry wouldn’t happen – something would be missing – he would be missed!
4. The local church would increasingly become a prevailing, Kingdom-building, momentum-building force for good in the community.
Each member of the Executive council is engaged in some aspect of ministry in their local church. I am on the setup team, am a Sunday school teacher, and serve as one of the elders at my local church. The senior Waterboyz leadership is modeling by our lives a personal commitment to this core value. What about you? Where are you engaging in your local church? MAKE THIS A PRIORITY!!
Last night I sat down and wrote out a list of all the pastors who are coming to our 51-10MAN Tables (soon to be 53 tables as two new tables are starting – one in Thurmont and another on Saturday mornings in Mt Airy). 14 Pastors from 11 churches are currently regularly attending a table. PRAISE GOD! We are building trust, ministry currency, and Kingdom partnership standing with our local churches. God is up to something unique and fresh. Let’s make sure we live this CORE value out in each of our lives – deal?
Resting in HIM,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
Daniel was prime minister in a kingdom that included most of the known world. His day was an endless scramble from one meeting to another, business trips to this country or that, in fact it seemed from the minute he woke up in the morning until late at night he was on a dead run………………. except that somehow this powerful, exceptional incredibly busy man developed a life-time practice of carving out three times a day to stop the fire drill, step outside the immediate, and enter into relationship with Sovereign God. What about you? Do you hear yourself saying “If I just had more time I would come to a table.” Or “If I didn’t have this business trip I’d spend more time in bible study and prayer!”
My prayer mentor, Roger Franks challenged me to make 21 boxes (3 per day for 7 days) on a piece of paper and fill out those times in the day when I just stop and enter into intimate relationship with Jesus. It has been a very interesting exercise. I hear many of you saying, “Well I don’t read the bible as much as I should but I pray all the time.” Do you really? Do you stop all the busy and have a conversation with God? Praying as you rush from one appointment to the next is good, but do you carve out places in your day where you just stop and enjoy quality, uninterrupted time with God. Does this sound like crazy talk?
One of the core values we have as a ministry is “Prayer is foundational to building God’s Kingdom.” Let’s be intentional about making that a core value in our individual lives as well – OK?
Resting in HIM,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
Tomorrow morning at 7:27am the Waterboyz for Jesus will be hosting our quarterly ‘Breakfast of Champions’ at All Saints Episcopal church in downtown Frederick. The Waterlilyz for Jesus (our sister organization) will be preparing the meal so come expecting over-the-top greatness! After our meal we will experience God’s pleasure in worshiping Him together as Andy Knight and the boyz lead us into His presence. Doug Clarke who is an anointed pastor to men will then speak to us about GODLY MANHOOD. He will talk about what true godly manhood is and what it isn’t. He will challenge us to action as only he can. This gathering will end no later than 9:30am so you’ll have the rest of the day to invest in your family. (one of our core values!)
DON’T MISS THIS!
God as made it clear that the next stretch of our journey will be spent growing in our maturity as men of God. We are going to identify those things in our lives that are holding us back (father wounds), get intentional about fathering our sons well, learn our mission-critical role in the local church, and engage in cross-generational mentoring in a way that we will increasingly become a 2 Timothy 2:2 ministry in every glorious way God intends.
DON’T MISS THIS OPENING SALVO IN THE BATTLE FOR MEN’S HEARTS!
The breakfast is free so invite your friends, co-workers, and neighbors………. (Maybe even your dad and brothers)! I can promise you this, this wouldn’t just be another ‘meeting’. This is going to be an encounter with Jesus, the Living Water! Come prepared to be challenged, inspired, and dressed and ready to serve!
Resting in HIM,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
THIS ONE THING I DO……… If I were to ask you to finish this statement what would your answer be? This one thing I do – work and provide for my family! This one thing I do – coach my son’s baseball team! What is the truth in your life about “This one thing I do”? Look at your day timer, examine how you spend your time and what instantly comes to your mind when you read “This one thing I do”. What do you suppose God planned for your answer to be? If God’s plans are not our plans and His thoughts are not our thoughts then what better ‘One Thing’ does He have planned for you?
‘The Word for Today’ devotional today poses this question by asking two questions 1) Do I want God’s Best? 2) How strong is my desire? I love the way it draws the analogy between a long-distance runner and how we live our lives. “Long-distance runners take steady strides and focus on endurance not just speed. They run each lap, stretch to their limits and give themselves to one thing – winning. Perspiration pours out of them. The taste of exhaustion is in their mouths. As they near the finish line a final burst of energy kicks in. It’s the last lap. No excuses, it’s now or never! At least one time before they lay you in your casket, you owe it to God and yourself to experience that last-lap feeling of giving it all you’ve got. Victory doesn’t come cheap. Paul writes, ‘Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.’ Eph 6:13-15”
This one thing I do………………. Forgetting what is behind I press toward the mark of His High calling for my life today! Let it be so in each of our lives!
Resting in Him!
Paul
Dear Boyz,
My family and I have been vacationing in Myrtle Beach the last couple of weeks. Last Friday I went to the Myrtle beach 10MAN table. It was awesome to meet Bobby Finley and the beachboyz! This past Tuesday evening I went to the other Myrtle beach table lead by Eric and was a witness to a real God-moment. Eric had his right arm amputated several years ago and he was telling me about it when the waitress came up and started listening. After a few minutes she said, "This is a real God-thing! - I've always wanted to serve as a thearapist those who have lost a limb. Recently I lost a close friend and was wondering if God really cared about me and my dreams. Now having meet you men I have hope again. SALT & LIGHT - SALT & LIGHT!
Early this morning I received a text from Brian Detzel - Jackie and he are celebrating the arrival of another 'little warrior for the Kingdom'. Can you imagine how lucky this little guy is? From his first breath Brian knows that his job is to teach his son that he was born into a war but on the winning side. He can raise him up in a community that sees itself as continually - daily - being on a God-Adventure! What mighty deeds with this little warrior accomplish for the King?
One last note - make getting to the Frederick Key's faith night event - July 10th - 3:45pm - a priority! The Waterboyz for Jesus have a chance to continue to speak into Frederick in a singular unique way. Together we can go places that alone we would never dream of going! ATTACK! VICTORY!!!!
In Him,
Paul
Boyz,
Since Paul is away, my message may be just a little shorter.
The past couple of weeks have been tremendously busy and exciting time for the Waterboyz for Jesus, but more importantly, it has been a huge gain for the Kingdom of God. Let us maintain the momentum as you read through the many opportunities below and engage where you can and as you can. Encourage others to join the adventure.
The 200 Man Choir and Convoy of Hope at the Frederick Fairgrounds last weekend made the hands, feet, and face of Jesus real to thousands as they served the community of Frederick in so many capacities. Well done to all! The Convoy organizers created a video which captures a nice overview of the Convoy. Please go to the following link to view this under 5 minute video. It had gone down off the site, but it should be up and running.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYjHQ8q6eSU
Looking forward to see what is in store next!
In HIS Name,
Doug McFee
Dear Boyz,
For those of you who are participating in the 48 Hours to Meet the Need fast – press in! press through! Seek God with ALL your heart, with ALL your mind, with ALL your strength. If you would like to be encouraged by praying with someone, go to the fairgrounds. Roger Franks is there in his RV waiting to pray with you. Be sure to get on the website site today www.frederick48.org and make your donation. Remember it isn’t equal giving it is equal sacrifice!
If you volunteered (even if you didn’t you can simply come and serve) for the Convoy of Hope event at the Frederick Fairgrounds be sure to attend the rally tonight at 7pm at the grandstands! As an added bonus the 200MAN Waterboyz Worship choir will be singing a song to start the fun. You will hear the national director of Convoy of Hope cast the vision for Saturday as well as get a clear understanding of what to expect tomorrow. Bring your family, support the choir, and catch the vision God has for us as we change the landscape of Frederick by serving!
Father’s Day! As a Waterboyz the only place that makes sense for you to be on Father’s day is at the Frederick Fairgrounds at 10:30am for our 200MAN Waterboyz Worship Choir! The choir has prayed up, practiced up, and are ready to declare an end to ordinary living as we allow God to transform us into His mighty warriors in His Kingdom. This is a rain or shine event – but of course God is planning for plenty of SHINE! Invite your friends, family, and co-workers – this is an EASY ask!
What a weekend! Don’t let this slip by in the rush of ‘busy’. Don’t choose to do something good instead of something ‘once in a lifetime’ – there are plenty of chances to go to games, attend recitals, or any of dozens of other ‘good’ things. This is a singular chance to influence the city, county, and community we live in. We can’t do it without you!
God is mustering an army! Listen you can hear the bride of Christ stirring!
Paul
Dear Waterboyz,
A week ago the manager of Mamma Angela in Mt Airy told our Wednesday 10MAN table they were no longer welcome. He told them he had received some complaints about the bibles and had made the decision to not allow any bible studies to take place going forward. Eric Closs met one-on-one with him early this week to make sure we hadn’t done something to offend him or his staff………… we hadn’t. He did say that if someone came in with a bible he would serve them, but would seat them in the back of the restaurant.
This represents a first for the Waterboyz movement. After talking over all the possible responses 1) legal action 2) boycotts 3) simply shaking the dust off and moving on, the Waterboyz Executive Council determined that the best response was a Kingdom response. We are asking you to prayerfully consider the following recommendation. Stop by the restaurant next week alone, with your family, or with your 10MAN table to eat a meal. Tell the manager you are there representing the Waterboyz for Jesus and that you have stopped by to have a meal as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for hosting our 10MAN table for the last two years. This of course is an upside down response. We would be blessing him in response to a slight on his part. If you go there in Jesus’ name DON’T offer any ‘but’ in your thank you! Just bless them, eat, and leave.
God knows the full story with this man’s life. God has a plan for him and who knows, maybe unexpected kindness will soften his heart for Jesus. OPERATION – UPSIDE DOWN WARFARE!
This next week will be THE most influential week of our 6 year run. The leadership of the Waterboyz believes that this upcoming week will change the landscape of our community, county, and region. Now is the time to clear the calendar – tell the soccer coach you have a more important appointment and tell him why! If you are going to join the leadership of the Waterboyz in the 48 hour fast to help cover funding shortfalls please let me know. We can find encouragement in doing this together. For more information on the fast please take a look at www.frederick48.org . I am going to support the Religious Coalition but there are several great choices available on the web site.
Then as the catalyst for the Convoy of Hope event happening on Saturday, June 18th the 200MAN choir will be singing one song at the event rally Friday night at 7pm (the time we will all break our fast together). Even if you aren’t in the choir come to the rally, hear the vision for the Convoy of Hope, enjoy the song we as a choir are going to sing, and begin to listen to where God wants you to serve the next day. Then come on Saturday at 7am and serve 5000+ poor and working poor guests together with members from 50 other area churches.
Sunday, June 19th – Father’s Day! Plan to come to the Frederick Fairgrounds for our special 200MAN Waterboyz Worship Choir. Print out one sheet of the attached handout and invite 4 family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers. If we all did this thousands would come to hear, be blessed, and many to move from death to life. Please make this a priority for the week – OK?
Resting in Him,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
One of the men who come to the Tuesday morning 10MAN table was on vacation with his family over Memorial day weekend. They happened onto a healing service in their travels and although my friend has a really bad back (surgery hasn’t helped completely) he dismissed the prompting to go up and be prayed over. As he and his daughter were leaving and walking down the boardwalk she asked him why he hadn’t gone to be prayed for. He mumbled some answer and then under strong conviction asked his daughter to pray for healing right there. As they prayed he said he felt nerve endings being healed, as soon as they said AMEN he said “let’s run!” – he hadn’t run for over a year because of the pain. They ran and he ran pain free – Our God is ABLE! I talked with him yesterday – still pain free. Is the enemy lying to you about the present power of the Holy Spirit? Remember my friend George and risk a miracle!
We are 15 days away from Father’s Day weekend 2011 and all the events happening at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Are you and your family praying daily for this landscape changing weekend?
Here are some things you can engage as a family starting right now:
- Daily – as part of your family devotions lift the 18th up in prayer – pray for the 1500 volunteers and pray for the 5000+ guests (poor/working poor). We want to meet felt need as a way of building currency to talk about their heart need – a relationship with Jesus Christ!
- Weekly – On Saturday mornings from 7-8am a band of prayer warriors are meeting at the Frederick Fairgrounds to pray over the grounds and into the event. This event will only go as far as we pray – are you in? We will be meet at the grandstands – 1 hr.!
- June 16th & 17th – 48 Hour Fast – A coalition of churches in the Frederick area have called for a 48 hour (7pm on the 15th until 7pm on the 17th) www.frederick48.org for two purposes a) soften our hearts as we prepare to serve the unserved and forgotten. This needs to start with confession of sin and repentance by us – The Church. Revival starts in the church not in the world. Revival starts when the people of God confess and repent – then God will heal our land – AMEN? b) contribute through the website to one of the non-profits listed as they step into a 300K shortfall needed to prevent 1200 families from becoming homeless and countless others from getting the help they need – in many cases it is LIFE & DEATH! Please don’t read this and think it is for someone else! If 5% of the families in Frederick county engage in this call the need will be meet and THE Church will step back into its rightful place of caring for those at the margins.
- June 18th – Convoy of Hope – as a family sign up to serve all day at this event. For the rest of your life you will be able to say as part of your life legacy that you helped lift the inaugural Convoy of Hope off the ground along with 50 local churches after fasting together in a Isaiah 58 way.
- June 19th – Father’s Day 200MAN Waterboyz Choir Celebration – come to the fairgrounds at 10:30am on Sunday morning and be inspired by 200 men from 30+ churches as they raise a battle cry of men reclaiming their proper place of true manhood – Christ likeness – Together! If you aren’t in the choir – start inviting your friends, neighbors, and family. If you are in the choir – continue to invite everyone you can think of. We believe God is going to do something singular and magnificent! Don’t let this day pass you by – God is going to show Himself in a real and powerful way!
So There – that is the outline of how God is going to blow up Frederick county – Please don’t miss this one! PLEASE!!!!
A couple of nights ago God gave this to me. I think He is beginning to show me what being ‘Firebreather’ is increasingly going to look like. You see Firebreather is the name God gave me during the Wild at Heart boot camp. It is God’s plan for my life. What is your name? Have you asked God to tell you? Let God do with this whatever He intends!
NOT TODAY – maybe someday but NOT TODAY! Today when I hear the trumpet call to arms – I’m running to the battle. Today when the enemies fiery dart pierces my heart I won’t ask ‘why me’ I’ll know I was the target. I’ll remember it was meant to take me out, but it won’t - NOT TODAY!
NOT TODAY – maybe someday but NOT TODAY! Today I’ll guard my words, I won’t give room in a careless moment for the enemy to use me to take a brother or sister out with friendly fire.. NOT TODAY. The enemy reminds me of all the times in the past where a well-intended day went south, where my determination was just a rope of sand, he whispers in my ear that today will be ‘business as usual’ but NOT TODAY. Today only Living Water will flow out my mouth, providing healing and blessing.
NOT TODAY – maybe someday but NOT TODAY! Today I will risk ‘stupid’ if God asks for it. I’ll venture into brilliance trusting that the Spirit will be my wisdom! I’ll reject ‘good enough’ and risk greatness today to advance the Kingdom. Whether I’m leading thousands or standing alone I wouldn’t hand over my joy, peace, or hope.
Today I’m all in – I’m going for broke – I’m past the point of no return – the die is cast – I’m not tapping out – I’m going to rebuild wall’s with one hand on my sword – I’m going to stomp on the snakes head – I’m going to wear all the armor – drink every drop of blessing – laugh at the enemy, seek out a brother and bind up his wounds – today the enemy is going to admit defeat and my marriage, my kids, my church, and my community will notice the difference. They’ll dare to hope again, dare to dream again, dare to fly again, they’ll begin to breathe pure air again and they’ll sing just because, and their feet will tap for no apparent reason! The birds will sing a little louder and the sky will look a little clearer and the flowers will smell a little better because Heaven will draw near, creation has been groaning for today and it won’t be contained.
NOT TODAY – maybe someday but NOT TODAY! Someday I’ll wake up and hit the snooze button – but NOT TODAY! Today – I won’t look back I’ll only look up, I won’t watch my back because I’ll be too busy having yours, I’ll work til I drop – I’ll give til it hurts – I’ll guard my anointing by splashing it over everyone that comes in my path. I won’t back up, let up or give up nor will I back down, let down, or give back!
Today I’m only moving in one direction – forward and upward. I may walk with God so far today I won’t come back, I’ll just dive into glory, I’ll hold on so tight He won’t be able to shake me, nor will He want to. Someday I’ll settle for ordinary – but NOT TODAY!
NOT TODAY – maybe someday but NOT TODAY! Because today only one word will do – unconditional – total and complete – listen the fat lady IS singing – VICTORY!!!!
Dear Boyz,
Last Tuesday night the leadership team for the upcoming Convoy of Hope gathered to compare notes about all that the Lord is doing. WOW!!! Report after report was given showing how we are simply joining a God-activity. At least 45 area churches have signed on as partners in this event. Of these only 7 churches have turned in their volunteer sign ups so far but we already have over 500 ‘all in’ volunteers. Yesterday I was talking about this at my table and one of the men said he had just received a mass text message about the event. The word is going out – God is on the move!
After the 2010 100MAN Waterboyz Worship Choir event at the Weinberg one of the leading local pastors contacted me and asked if the Waterboyz would be the catalyst to launching this event. As a leadership team we prayed about this and clearly heard God saying, “This is my appointment for you!” This is clear fruit from last year’s choir run. I wonder what God will do in us and through us this year?
Here is the Waterboyz ‘ASK’ – 1) Join us in a 30 day prayer focus for this upcoming weekend (see attached - maybe you could use this to start having family worship………..) 2) As a family decide to join the 48 hour Isaiah 58 fast for the poor of Frederick. Go to the webpage www.frederick48.org and get all the details. 3) Fill out the attached volunteer sign up form and return as a pdf file to paulfoss777@comcast.net 4) Participate (if you have already been attending the choir practices) and/or attend the Father’s Day celebration at the Fairgrounds. Send the attached invitation to your friends and family. Tell your wife and kidz that coming to this event is all you want for Father’s day (several men did that last year). COME – deal?
REMEMBER – SERVING SATURDAY TOMORROW – 8AM-12PM – HAVE YOU RSVP’d YET?
Resting in HIM,
Paul
If there was ever a time to soak in Matthew 6:33, that time is NOW! "Seek first the Kingdom and His Righteousness…………" So often we can become overwhelmed with the immediate, tamed by 'good' rather than risking great, rarely do we sacrifice good by doing evil, but more often we are blinded and taken captive by busy. I pray that each of us stays at our station with a sword in one hand as we rebuild our section of the wall!
Tomorrow you have the opportunity to bring your family to our annual paintball fellowship event while engaging in Kingdom building. We will have 10+ 'at risk' kids from the Frederick community there as our guests. The purpose is to position those kids to receive some of the overflow of Living Water from us, the Waterboyz. If you can make it - this is a rain or shine event that starts at 10:30am and will go until around 1pm or so. If you need more information (see previous emails) send me an email - paulfoss777@comcast.net
Last Monday night was another anointed time at the 200MAN Waterboyz Worship Choir! There are a number of men there with their sons (12-15 for sure). Every time I look around and see the two, or three of them singing and worshipping the King together, I cry Kingdom Tears! What a beautiful sight!
Next Saturday, May 21st is 'Serving Saturday'. Bernie and Becky Thompson have prayed over and chosen a great family serving opportunity. Here are the details:
The Service project for May for the Waterboyz and Lilyz is going to be for Susan and Mary Smith (in their late sixties or early seventies). They are sisters that need help in fixing up the outside of their house. They were referred to us by Carol who works at a PNC bank (Carol learned about the Boyz from Doug McFee as he was making WB deposits) . Susan has recovered from surgery on her hip and Mary is pretty much confined to the house with a care taker when Susan is working.
Address is 417 Birmingham drive off of Pearl street which is off of Jefferson street in Frederick.
Here are the following areas we need help:
- Trimming some trees and mowing the lawn - need a leader
- Planting some flowers - need some to take lead and buy some flowers and mulch.
- Power wash the siding on Wednesday 18th in the evening - need someone to help, I have one power washer.
- Painting outside of a rancher house siding - I will have paint and rollers. need some step ladders
- Painting trim and posts - I will have paint and brushes and need some step ladders or stools.
- Need someone to take donuts and coffee
- Need someone to get lunch provided. We'd say pizza and soda.
Bernie & Becky
We will start at 8 am and target to be done by 2 pm.
We are in the middle of our 'busy stretch' with the Convoy of Hope and 200MAN Choir coming up fast! Not coincidentally (I believe it is a scheming) this ends up being a busy stretch with yards, work, end of school, sports, there seems to be an endless supply of 'good things' competing for our attention. As you look at your day timer please put the eyeglasses of Matthew 6:33 on before trying to sort it all out! Don't sacrifice significance on the altar of the immediate. Don't allow good to steal great. Go to your quiet place with a blank piece of paper, pen, and your day timer and listen. Really listen!
Here are some dates to consider as you are listening:
- May 9th 7:00pm-9:15pm 2nd 200MAN Choir Practice
Last week was a great beginning! Our choir has never been more racially diverse. In addition many of the men are bringing their sons with them (10 yrs. and older). So far this year 9 churches have decided to close their doors on Father's day and join us at the Fairgrounds to worship as The church. DON'T MISS THIS! God is doing something fresh. He is taking us to a new place and giving us an increase in influence in our community. We all have a chance to be part of something we will treasure for the rest of our lives.
- May 14th 8:30am-10am Breakfast in Hagerstown
Hagerstown Christian Church located at 336 Linganore Ave., Hagerstown Md. (Several area churches are exploring the potential of partnering with the Waterboyz ministry & it would be great to have some boyz there with me as I cast the vision of the ministry)
- May 14th 10:30am-1pm Annual Family Paintball outing (10yrs and older)
The cost per person is $20 - this gets you a) paintball marker b) mask c) all day air d) field fee e) 500 rounds of paint.
Directions - 1221 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702 - This will take you to the gate. Go through the gate and make an immediate left. Follow the gravel road (15MPH please) all the way to the construction trailer. Once you pass the trailer make an immediate right and you will be in the parking lot.
- May 16th 7:00pm-9:15pm 3rd 200MAN Choir Practice
- May 21st 8:00am-12:00pm Serving Saturday - Painting for an elderly lady
- May 23rd 7:00pm-9:15pm 4th 200MAN Choir Practice
- June 2nd 8:30am-1230pm Annual Waterboyz Golfing Tournament
- June 9th 7:00pm-9:15pm Dress Rehearsal for 200MAN Choir
- June 18th 7:00am-5:00pm Convoy of Hope at the Frederick Fairgrounds
- June 19th 10:30am-12:30pm Father's Day Celebration with 200MAN Choir at Frederick Fairgrounds
- July 10th 3:45pm-5:00pm Faith Night at the Keys Stadium with the 200MAN Choir
Dear Boyz,
God continues to surprise! This past week four new 10MAN Waterboyz Tables started - 2 in Maryland; 1 in South Carolina & 1 in Colorado bringing the overall number of tables to 55. (35 in Maryland, 2 in South Carolina, 5 in West Virginia, and 13 in Colorado). On May 14th I have been invited to speak at a multi-church men's breakfast in Hagerstown. The express purpose of this breakfast is to plant the vision of the Waterboyz into the churches in the Hagerstown area. This breakfast will start at 8:30am and will be over by 10:00am. It would be VERY cool if A LOT of us could attend this breakfast. Are you ready for a road trip?
Here is the email that was sent out to the Hagerstown churches:
“Please plan on attending the next Fourstate Christian Network meeting on May 14th- 8:30am – at 336 Linganore Ave. - Hagerstown Md. Paul Foss of Frederick Maryland - will be our guest speaker. Paul has been instrumental in growing the Waterboyz for Jesus Ministry (www.waterboyz.org) in the Frederick area and will be presenting how we can also become one body in Washington County serving our Lord Jesus. Come and hear this exciting opportunity for the churches here in Washington County to serve our brothers and sisters together. Breakfast will be served - donations accepted. Please reply with the number of persons who may be attending from your church - so we can plan on breakfast”
This Sunday, May 1st, Haven Universe www.havenuniverse.org is holding a Good News Celebration event at the Mt Airy Fairgrounds from 2pm-5pm. The Waterboyz for Jesus are helping with the setup and tear down for this event. If you can help with the setup starting at 7:30am please let me know paulfoss777@comcast.net . Breakfast will be provided and you would have a chance to help setup for an event that will clearly show the love of Jesus to a segment of society that is often ignored or overlooked. Please RSVP to me today!
This coming Monday night at 7:00pm God is mustering an army of men for this year's version of the 100+MAN Waterboyz Worship choir. Have you signed up yet? If not go to our website right now and do that! This year we will have the opportunity to speak to thousands about our determination to stand up as men of God and take back our true manhood in Jesus name. At the end of our lives wouldn't it be cool to have had the chance to speak to thousands about who Jesus is and how that has changed who we are? Don't let busy, good, or any other excuse stand in your way - DO THIS THING!
One final VERY COOL THING - On May 14th from 10:30am-1pm we are having our 3rd annual Paintball Saturday at Ft Detrick. This is a family event - if you have some things you need to 'settle' with your wife - perfect opportunity (just kidding………) - if the kids have been asking for you to do something fun with them (Boyz and girlz alike) this is it! Here is an added bonus - the Waterboyz have invited 20 kidz from the community who have a really bad family situation to join us. The vision for the day would be to have these kidz see Christians in a safe and fun atmosphere as we begin to build a cross-generational mentoring spirit into our ministry. In other words, bring your family, come and have fun, at the same time be intentional about reaching out to these 20 kidz as the hands and feet of Jesus. Pretty cool right?
When Men change, villages change. "Wait on the Lord." "Be still and know that He is God." "The Holy Spirit will teach you all things." How true! How Wonderful! Yes! Change begins with me. Where do I need to change right now? "When man comes right, the world will come right." "If anyone comes to be in Christ, he is a new creature." Missionary to India describing the transforming power of Jesus
Dear Boyz,
There is lots to celebrate! Here are a few of them:
Mt Zion Celebration Sunday (April 17th):
This past Sunday, Bernie and Becky Thompson along with a few other Waterboyz and Waterlilyz celebrated with Mt Zion-Warren UMC the completion of the joint Waterpeoplez (Waterboyz & Waterlilyz for Jesus) EXTREME Church Makeover. Those of us who were in attendance enjoyed the Life-filled worship service lead by the Mt Zion choir. The blind young man on the keyboard was particularly awesome. He told us during a 'praise report' that he had just returned from New Jersey where he made it all the way through the first three rounds of competition for the new TV show - X-FACTOR and was waiting to hear if he had qualified to become a contestant on the show. He was full of joy, played the keyboard with great talent, had a beautiful voice, and lead us in a real time of worship and praise. You could feel Life in the place! The music was followed by a Spirit-filled sermon by Pastor Fleet, titled 'Neighbors and Fences', where he pointed out that too often fences separate and divide. He asked us what fences we had built in our lives and challenged us to allow Jesus to sweep them away by the power of His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection.
At the end of the service Pastor Fleet invited Bernie, Becky and the team up to accept the gratitude of the congregation for the gift of serving love we had offered them. The pastor was very gracious and kind with his remarks. The congregation rose to offer an applause of thanks. All of us felt blessed, loved, and thankful to have had a part in rebuilding broken walls for this dear group of Saints.
Waterpeoplez - I am so thankful for each one of you who willingly gave of yourself during this project. I am especially grateful for the sacrificial efforts of Bernie and Becky Thompson. They both invested hundreds of hours of service sometimes working late into the night as they persevered and battled a project that was bigger than any of us could have imagined. At the end of the service we all agreed that we had experienced the privilege of once again being part of a Kingdom-Adventure of the EXTREME kind. Thank you Jesus for allowing us the pleasure of serving and our prayer is that You would use this 'good work' for Your Glory and Honor. AMEN!
West Virginia Tables (didn't see this coming!):
Last Saturday at our Quarterly breakfast Paul Henning introduced me to his brother-in-law from West Virginia. He told me that Drew had come to a previous breakfast, caught the vision for 10MAN Tables, went home found a band of brothers and together they have launched 5 tables. They have already done a Serving project - building a significant addition to a local addiction recovery mission. Drew and his table leaders came to our breakfast and were inspired by the vision of the Father's Day weekend and have decided to join the 100MAN Choir. It makes me wonder how many other churches out there have found the Waterboyz ministry and are using some part of it as a model and are experiencing Kingdom fruit as a result? We serve a VERY BIG GOD!!
Myrtle Beach Beachboyz:
A second Myrtle beach 10MAN table has just recently started with Eric Westover leading it. Join me in praying for God's continued favor and blessing. My family and I will be vacationing there in June and I look forward to visiting Eric's table then.
Colorado Waterboyz Father's Day Choir: (Report written by Hollis Hunt the leader of the Boyz in Colorado)
Normally we do a single service in the park "freedom celebration" on the weekend of the fourth of July. This year however the space we use is all booked up and amazingly the only weekend it was available is Father's day weekend. Through Gregg the church asked if the Waterboyz would sing! God is funny! My plan was to be with you and participate in your choir and get the opportunity to see how it is organized and pulled off, and then plan an event here, but God has a different plan.
So the plan right now is for the Waterboyz to sing two songs on Father's day in front of the Grace Place congregation, and guests along with the homeless people we invite. This day is usually a half day or better celebration where there is praise & worship through song, a teaching by pastor Clay, and free food, fellowship and lots of fun!
The great part about this for me personally, this will be my seven year anniversary of the day I walked through the doors of Grace Place an angry, bitter unloving man who didn't care about anyone or anything else but the next best thing for me! It will still be a freedom celebration for me, and will be a real Father's day as I have accepted my role as my Fathers son and am enjoying being fathered by HIM! It may only be five of us on stage or it may be 200 in any event it will be a God sized choir and I will make a joyous noise praising Him and His glorious name!
When Men come right, villages change! AMEN
In HIM,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
The Waterboyz for Jesus are about helping ordinary men become transformed into mighty warriors in the Kingdom. If you give us 7 minutes a day, 1 hour a week, 2 hours a month, and two weekends a year you will increasingly become the mighty warrior for God you've always wanted to be in your heart of hearts.
One of those two weekends is Father's Day - appropriate right? This Saturday at All Saints Episcopal church in Frederick we will be casting the vision for Father's Day weekend 2011. Last year the 100MAN Waterboyz Worship choir (actually 150+ men) worshipped with over 2000 people at the Weinberg in downtown Frederick. We have seen much fruit from this both in our ministry and in the community at large. As a result of the Church coming together, collectively we are hosting the 1st annual Convoy of Hope this year where we will feed, clothe, and love 5000 of the poor and working poor of Frederick on June 18.
So bring your sons, invite your pastor, and make sure you start your Saturday morning with us at 730am as we tell you the rest of the story for Father's Day. By 930am you will have eaten a great meal, worshipped God through praise, and been filled with a God-sized vision. The table is set - all we are missing is YOU!
In HIM,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
This week two new 10MAN Tables were launched - one in Thurmont and the other in Frederick. There are two or three more in the works. The Waterboyz for Jesus ministry is definitely in a season of growth. If you don't currently attend a table take another look at http://waterboyz.org/meeting_locations.php to find a location that would work for you.
Last week at the Tuesday morning 10MAN Table in Germantown Jon brought a child hood friend of his as his guest. During the introduction Jon told us that this friend and his family had often brought him to church as a kid. Then he told us that every Sunday he felt like he wanted to raise his hand and give his life to Jesus but was too afraid. This totally caught Jon's friend off guard because from his perspective Jon hadn't been the least bit interested. Our job is to plant seeds! It is God's job to cause those seeds to grow. Where are you casting your Kingdom seeds today? Who are you inviting to your 10MAN table?
We are starting our 2011 200MAN Worship Choir campaign today. If you have sung in the choir in past years then enough said. You will find the commitment form you need to fill out attached (or go online www.waterboyz.org and sign up there. If you haven't participated in this before, talk to one of your friends who has. Ask them about the experience. God has BIG plans for us this year and I can't wait to see what kind of harvest He causes to happen.
In HIM,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
Last Friday and Saturday there were three 'Serving Saturday' events going on. One lead by Hollis Hunt with 40+ boyz in Colorado (go to our web page to see the story), another lead by David Kull (former Waterboyz 10MAN Table leader) with his home church, and of course the continuing EXTREME Church Makeover at Mt Zion lead by Bernie and Becky Thompson. There is A LOT of Kingdom-building going on around here!
Here is a note Jodi Foss wrote to her Waterlilyz about this event. ENJOY!
"Oh, the blood of Jesus washes me. Oh the blood of Jesus shed for me. What a sacrifice that saved my life. Yes the blood, it is my victory." As I sang those words in church today, I felt renewed and empowered in my identity. It's been a hard week and lots of things have been competing for my attention. But, at the end of a hard week or a hard day or even a hard conversation, we remain in victory. Jesus is still risen. Amen. I also thought about how lives (including mine) would look different if we lived daily in the truth that the blood is our victory. To my joy, what came to mind was not a vision, but a memory. I saw a group of men and women serving at a small church in Maryland on a Saturday. I saw paint rollers and garden rakes. Last Saturday, the Waterpeoplez came together to rebuild and restore a local church. The project continued into this week and you continued to come (except for Becky and Bernie Thompson, who actually never left!). We are a community connected by victory and working from victory. This week, sing it out! Live it out! "Oh, the blood of Jesus washes me. Yes the blood, it is my victory."
Love Being a Lily!
Jodi Lynn Foss
Dear Boyz,
What a week!
A few weeks ago I told you the story of Randy Wolfe and his miraculous healing during the Colorado Waterboyz Wild at Heart Bootcamp. Here is Randy telling his home church the story last Sunday. I could listen to this over and over again. ENJOY! Here is the link 4
Tonight and Tomorrow there will be TWO Service projects going on - 1) Mt Zion UMC home stretch here in Maryland and 2) The FIRST Colorado Waterboyz Serving Project (check out the story on our home page www.waterboyz.org ). As you have already seen earlier it is an 'all hands on deck' call for tonight and tomorrow morning - we ARE in the home stretch and need to finish well. Please take a look at the Colorado serving project story on our web site - we have birthed something that is beginning to happen all over! VERY COOL!
Please lock in the following dates:
- April 4th-Redeemer-Lutheran Dinner and program 630-9pm, Let's Go To War! Waterboyz are leading the program
- April 16th Quarterly Breakfast-All Saints Episcopal in Frederick-730-930am-THERE is better than HERE
- Mondays in May-All Saints Episcopal-7-9:15 PM Redemption 200+ Man Choir
- June 18th: Frederick Fairgrounds-Convoy of Hope
- June 19th: Frederick Fairgrounds-Father's Day Celebration 200+ Man Choir
- July 10th: Frederick Keys Stadium-Faith Day at the Ballpark 200+ Man Choir
Can't wait to see what God is going to do next!
Paul
Thanks
Thank you everyone for your prayers for my job search. The Lord came through big time with a great fit with a GSA veteran-owned small business called 270Net Technologies. I have already had great success and really love what we do and it's only been one week. Many on our team are Christ-followers...incredible. While we do most anything IT related, our specialty is web site builds, re-designs, and web marketing through Search Engine Optimization, aka search engine rankings. (If you are looking to spend literally a fraction of your traditional advertising budget on something we can prove works, call me.) 240.422.0987.
Thanks so much for your time.
Chris Miller
Dear Boyz,
Tomorrow - Saturday the 19th - we are going to Mt Zion-Warren United Methodist church as the 'rebuilders of broken walls' army! Our sister ministry - The Waterlilyz for Jesus - will provide a healthy breakfast of donuts, coffee, OJ, and who knows what else .. Sandy and the members of Mt Zion will be providing a FEAST for lunch so the banquet is set!
Each year we will step into one of these 'rebuilding' the local church as THE church projects. Community will be built. Small churches will be encouraged to dream big dreams again. Lost people will be drawn into relationship with Jesus and the darkness will be pushed back. For such a time as this we were born! Going places together we can't or won't go alone!
Thank for you for being so full of Jesus' love that you are willing to overflow into the Mt Zion community as Living Water! Let's continue to spur each other on to 'good works' already prepared for us in advance to do.
Address: Mt Zion-Warren United Methodist Church
21000 Beallsville Rd (note correct address!)
Dickerson, MD 20842
Contact: Bernie Thompson at 301 639-5943 or Jodi Lynn Foss at 240-601-8142
Last Minute 'ask': We need 3 manual post hole diggers, shovels, leaf rakes and regular garden rakes.
Black bags for trash and landscaping debris
Someone to take pictures - before, during, and after
Soft hearts to serve and bless!
Dear Boyz,
It seems like once a year God brings us a small, racially diverse church whose building is over a hundred years old to serve on a Serving Saturday (3rd Saturday). A few months ago, I received a call from Sandy, the head trustee at Mt Zion Warren United Methodist church in Dickerson, asking if we were the 'church' that had helped out St James AME. I told her we had helped St James as THE church not A church. She told me they had a lot of things that needed fixing, but had no money, and wondered if we could "come and do for them what we had done for St James"? Bernie and Becky, our 'Serving Saturday' directors meet with Sandy and did a survey of the needs, prayed over this project, and feel strongly that God is in this! So even though it is pretty expensive we are taking a step of faith and we are going to answer the call (see Jesus' question in Mark 10 - "What do you want me to do?"
When I meet Sandy she told me how she had given a contractor $1500 of her own money to get some of the more pressing things fixed. He took the money and hasn't been seen or heard from since. Shame on him! So we will GO! and tear down walls of separation by restoring broken walls. We are becoming known as 'repairers of broken walls, restorer of streets with dwellings'. How cool is that?
Here is the Plan: (if you can get there during the week and do any of the prep work - please let Bernie know and he will make sure you have access!)
March 18th: Any time during the day, caulk & paint the sanctuary ceiling (5-6 men) Move the pews to clear room to paint, Wall prep
March 19th: 8am-3pm
Paint Church Sanctuary, choir area, Paint downstairs eating area and kitchen, Paint Nursery wall, Tear up kitchen and dining room floor, Raking leaves and stones outside.
Supplies Needed: Step ladders for those working on the windows - you will need an extension ladder for the back windows, Painting supplies (lots will be provided but bring what you can), Yard work tools and supplies
SIGNUP:
March 18 TIME? ______________
March 19 8-10am ________________
9-11am________________
11-1pm________________
1-3pm________________
Financial help ______________________
Provided: Donuts, Coffee, OJ/Lunch/Fellowship and community
Address: Mt Zion-Warren United Methodist Church • 2100 Beallsville Rd Dickerson, MD 20842
Contact: Bernie Thompson at 301 639-5943
Here is some VERY exciting news! Five new tables have either started so far in 2011 or will be starting shortly. Three new tables have already started in Jefferson on Friday morning (Ingrams - 615-715am); New Market on Friday morning (McDonalds - 645-745am) ; Rt 26 in Frederick on Thursday morning (Panera’s - 7-8am) and two more will start within the next month or two - at the Pizza Hut on the golden mile in Frederick and in Thurmont by the Cozy Inn. If you aren't currently going to a table and one of these would work for you contact me - paulfoss777@comcast.net and I can help you take the next step. Pray for these tables - more men will experience the power of pursuing relationship with Jesus together - families will be healed; churches will be invigorated; the Kingdom will be advanced! CHARGE!!!
On March 18th and 19th we are going to serve the Mt Zion United Methodist Church in Dickerson (Serving Saturday). This small black church is over a hundred years old and is a force for good in the Kingdom. They need help with some painting and general repairs for both their church and their parsonage (a primary source of income for their ministries). A few months ago they paid a contractor $1500 to work on some of the repairs and that was the last time they saw him. NOT COOL!
Once a year we are going to serve a minority congregation as a strategy to break down walls of separation. Last year we served St James AME here in Frederick and the fruit from that day is continuing to ripen.
Here is the 'ask': On Friday we need some help with getting the pews moved in the sanctuary and other prep work done. On Saturday we need lots of landscaping and painting help PLUS four or five teams of skilled workers to do specific repair projects. We've looked at all the needs and feel it is going to cost a lot more than we have in the budget for our projects. If you feel lead to participate in giving that would be great. (see option 4 below)
1. I am a skilled worker and would be glad to lead a small team (2-3 hour) _____
2. I am a skilled worker and would be glad to serve in a small team (2-3 hour) _____
3. I am an unskilled worker and would love to be part of this adventure (2-3 hour) _____
4. I can't help but want to contribute some resources to this project! ______
(Send to 5310 Sovereign Place - Waterboyz for Jesus - in the memo "Serving Saturday")
Dear Waterboyz:
This morning a table was supposed to launch in Jefferson at 6:30am. I arrived to experience the pleasure of being at the first table only to learn that there was a plumbing problem which had closed the restaurant. Jefferson is a REALLY small town and this restaurant is THE only show in town. So we rescheduled for next week. Not to get too 'mystical', pipes break, but we ARE engaged in a WAR! There is a REAL enemy who fires REAL bullets and who REALLY wants to kill, steal, and destroy us. Of course the men starting this table wouldn't be deterred and they aren't discouraged. Ground will be taken! The Kingdom will be advanced!
I jumped back in my car and headed to the 'flagship' 10MAN Table at Mountain View Diner. I arrived late but just in time to hear all the men's SOAP's. It was SO good to give Fran the waitress a hug and to see all the guys. Scott Pattison was unable to attend the table this morning but the six men were being well lead by Gary Hicks.
When the Mountain view Diner table ended I raced across town to the Frederick Coffee Company 10MAN Table. I arrived just in time to hear the last few SOAP's and to hear Paul Maxim, today's table leader ask this 'God question', "What specific steps are you going to take this week in response to what God spoke into today?" One of the brothers told us about a practice he has had for about six months now. Every evening he goes to his den, opens his journal, closes his eyes and he listens. As he was telling us about this, his eyes got watery just rehearsing in his mind what this has come to mean to him. We all agreed to take a stab at this between now and next Friday. We are going to set aside 5-10 minutes every day to just listen. This man told us some day's he hears nothing, particularly at first, but increasingly he is hearing from God. He is getting familiar with His voice. And these times alone with God, listening, are increasingly becoming something he can't live without. It is becoming the air he breathes.
Here is the challenge for each of us this week. Get your day timer or appointment book out right now. Write a 5-10 minute appointment in each day between now and the day your table meets. Another man at the table said this, "I have nothing to lose. I waste hours every day in so many ways I can't even keep track of it. I'm in!" Are you in?
In HIM,
Paul
Tomorrow - "Serving Saturday" - we are going to serve Nellie, an 87 year old lady who has very bad eyesight. Her caregiver stole all her money and then backed a truck up to the house and stole all her stuff, down to the silverware and dishes - ALL OF IT. They left her sitting on a broken recliner chair in a dark laundry room and drove off. THIS MUST NOT STAND!
So tomorrow at 8am we will arrive at 2176 McKendree Road, West Friendship, MD 21794 and we will "rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; we will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Rebuilders of broken walls and restorers" - Is 58:12.
As I was thinking about our God-Adventure tomorrow I remembered receiving this devotional. Enjoy!
Above all else, the Christian life is a love affair of the heart. It cannot be lived primarily as a set of principles or ethics. It cannot be managed with steps and programs. It cannot be lived exclusively as a moral code leading to righteousness. In response to a religious expert who asked him what he must do to obtain real life, Jesus asked a question in return:
"What is written in the Law? . . . How do you read it?" He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." (Luke 10:26-28, emphasis added)
The truth of the gospel is intended to free us to love God and others with our whole heart. When we ignore this heart aspect of our faith and try to live out our religion solely as correct doctrine or ethics, our passion is crippled, or perverted, and the divorce of our soul from the heart purposes of God toward us is deepened.
Boyz,
Tim Honchel, a Waterboyz, a Kingdom Builder, and a Disciple Maker, gave a 10 minute talk at his college chapel last week. Load this podcast - go to the 8 minute 30 second spot and listen. Cry some Kingdom Tears in gratitude that God is raising up this kind of next generation warrior.
http://www.asbury.edu/podcasts/12574
Here is my prayer for each of you "God - YOUR Kingdom COME! YOUR Will be done! Now and past time - AMEN!
Paul
Dear Boyz,
Last night four men had the God-adventure of becoming the four men in Mark 2. Remember the story? Four friends carried a paralyzed man past all obstacles into the presence of Jesus. These four men did this because they cared more about their friend than any impossible next step. This paralyzed man was unable to move - sick and without hope - he couldn't get to healing on his own so these men - these warriors carried him physically and they carried hope for him to the only place they could - into HOPE'S presence - into HEALINGS presence - into the wellspring of LIFE - JESUS!
Yesterday afternoon I put a call out to a few men to 'come to arms'. There was a rescue to plan and a battle to fight. Don't make the mistake of thinking I'm exaggerating the situation. Because the war often doesn't come to us as we might think it should so we miss it all together.
So here was my 'ask' yesterday:
Dear Mighty Warriors,
On Monday I received a phone call from a lady I've never meet - it happens often! She told me her husband was losing battles in such a way that their marriage was in shambles, she was at the end of hope, and wondered if the Waterboyz for Jesus had anything to offer. I told her that her husband was our 'sweet spot' - it was why we existed. She somehow thought I said "NO we can't help" - the tone in her voice when she said back to me "You can't help?" was despair. I quickly told her WE CAN HELP!
She told me her husband was a good man but was alone and hurting. After several phone calls over the next couple of days she called to tell me her husband would be calling to talk. Wednesday night he actually did! VERY COOL! Over the course of that conversation I got the distinct impression that he is going to come to the Wild at Heart class in Mt. Airy.
Here is the rub - no one else has signed up for that particular class. If this man comes it will be a miracle. (All day today Mark Schaefer tried to get a hold of him to confirm - fighting for his "YES" to be his YES. At 6:02pm he confirmed he was on the way! PRAISE GOD!!). If he comes and it is just Steve and him - I'm afraid he will lose hope and give up. Will you walk this Wild at Heart experience out with him?
Would you make a commitment to coming to the class tonight? Steve Trischman and Mark Schaefer will work out combining the Tuesday night and Thursday night sessions if necessary once we see how this shakes out. Read Mark 2 about the four men who carried the paralytic man and placed him in front of Jesus for healing. That is your assignment for tonight. Who is willing? Who is able?
So here is the rest of the story………….. Four men showed up last night. The battle has begun and a strong first blow has been struck - PRAISE GOD!! We can and are going places together that we couldn't go alone. Thank you men of God! The adventure continues………..
Dear Boyz,
The Waterboyz Manhood MBA program is starting on Tuesday, February 2nd. We don't drift to the top, we climb. Either we choose to grow in our biblical world view or we will drift. This three year discipling plan will help you in all areas of your life - relationships; purity; & finance. When God gave me the original vision of the Waterboyz He put His finger on these three areas as the places we as men hand over our spiritual eyes to be poked out and our spiritual hair to be cut off. Just like Samson we are taken prisoner. This needs to stop!
I have had too many conversations with men who have made a mess of their money, screwed up their relationships, and handed over their purity. We don't need to try harder, we need transformation! Scripture says we need to "study to show ourselves approved, workmen rightly dividing the Word of Truth" The leadership of the Waterboyz have invested a great deal of prayer, planning, and preparation. The table is set and the feast is ready - are you hungry?
Your Brother in Christ,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
Mark Schaefer and I decided to visit 15 of the 10MAN tables this week to personally invite the Boyz to join us in participating in the Manhood MBA program. So with that in mind I went to visit the Wednesday evening table that meets in Mt Airy. The purpose of our visits was to explain the purpose of the Manhood MBA program which is to take the next step in helping ordinary men to become mighty warriors in the Kingdom. I was intending to stop by the table - talk about why the leadership of the Waterboyz believe this program is a response to a God prompting, to explain how we believe that we are simply joining a God-activity. Shortly before the 'start' time Kevin O'Neill, the 10MAN Table leader, called in and said something had just come up and he wouldn't be able to make it. The boyz asked me to lead the table. I agreed and for the next hour God's presence was thick in the place. THICK!
The God-question was based on the memory verse "WHOEVER does God's will is my brother, sister, and mother" - here is the God-question, "What commitment are you going to make this week to open yourself up to God's will?" Although I asked the question I hadn't come up with the answer for myself yet - this often happens when God gives me the question - He is probing MY heart along with the men. Anyway - when it was my turn I saw that my answer was to give a piece of my heart to my daughters every day and to love my wife extravagantly.
The gathering ended and as I was driving home God said to me, "No time like the present - give Jil a piece of your heart!" So I texted her this "I am so proud of you!". A couple of seconds later she responded "WHAT??????", so I say it again, "I am SO proud of you!" and then "I am proud of who you are". A while later she responds this way, "I was in the middle of an intense God-moment - I was telling Him that I will do whatever He asks no matter what and almost immediately I get your text."
So I went to the table with my agenda - a GOOD agenda, a worthy agenda. But God had even more He wanted to accomplish. He orchestrated me staying, prompted me to ask the right question, showed me the right answer, and then directed me in a perfect timing way. GOD IS GOOD!!!!
PLEASE - I'm begging you to give the tables a chance - 4 weeks. My story isn't unique, I hear these sort of stories ALL the time. Our one act is simple obedience - we need to put ourselves in the middle of God's will - "Do NOT forsake the gathering together!" and He will do the rest. See you at the table!
One more story - this one comes from our Colorado boyz (10 - 10MAN Tables are meeting on the front range - 80 men every week are doing exactly what we are doing - HOW COOL IS THAT?)
So here is a story from out west:
When I married my husband, he wasn’t a Christian…more of a recovering Catholic. The Spirit got a hold of my husband a few years into our marriage and has grown him into a wonderful Christian husband and father. I’d already witnessed him changing over the years, so when he started the men’s table, honestly, I really wasn’t expecting a major change. But over the last few months, I have watched the light inside of my husband get brighter. He has a new passion and determination that I haven’t seen before. Since guys aren’t normally the relational type (like women), the weekly time with his groups has really allowed him to go deeper with other men…even friends he’s had for years. Whatever you men are doing…keep it up! Our church and our families need strong men to lead us. I can’t wait to see the good our church will do with these men stepping up, united together in the name of Christ.
Last night Johnny O said he was praying every day for the "Waterboyz movement" - I say AMEN and AMEN!!
In HIM
Dear Boyz,
Tomorrow morning at 7:27am our Quarterly Breakfast will start - Restoring Warriors! I am certain that this is going to be a significant event in the life of the ministry - I wouldn't miss for anything. How about you? The breakfast is at All Saints Episcopal church in Frederick (go to the courthouse on Patrick Street - just past the courthouse is a parking garage on the left - park there. walk across the street and follow the signs - don't be late!) This morning some of the Boyz went to the Frederick Rescue Mission and invited 40+ homeless, poor, and working poor men to the feast. My favorite comment of the morning was from a man who said, "Restoring Warriors? That is what this world needs!" Many of you have joined me in fasting today as an act of spiritual warfare. We are praying for the hearts of men! We are praying that 20 Pastors and 50 Homeless men will join us in the morning. I got word yesterday that the Colorado boyz have joined in our fasting today. God is mustering an army!
Last Thursday I flew to Colorado to spend three days with Hollis Hunt (the Paul Foss of the Colorado Boyz), Randy Wolfe (Hollis' right hand man), and Pastor Gregg Chaddic (the men's ministry pastoral overseer) to talk through the vision of the Waterboyz for Jesus. I was able to attend two 10MAN Tables (there are 9 up and running and 2 more being launched soon). It was SO cool to experience the same life transformation at those tables as is happening here at ours. We've added the locations of the 10MAN tables on our web site - check it out. On Saturday morning 16 men came together to have a Waterboyz for Jesus - Colorado leadership training and vision casting meeting. There was a high level of excitement, buy-in, and passion among the men. They are doing exactly what we are doing and each table leader was able to tell us about life transformation stories happening at his table. I was 'mile-high' all weekend long! Plus Hollis, Gregg, and I had a great time skiing together on Friday - an added bonus!
One last note - the Colorado boyz are having their own Wild at Heart boot camp on Feb 10th-Feb 13th. 28 men have already registered for this life-changing encounter in the battle for the restoration of their hearts. Our own Kevin O'Neill is going to experience the pleasure of seeing God continue to expand his life-calling. Kevin - well done and have a blast, I know you will!
Boyz,
Paul is away this weekend serving in Colorado.
We are all gearing up for some Kingdom impact in 2011 and excited about being a part of the story. We are already planning for the Choir and looking at potential songs. I was listening to the lyrics to a new Chris Tomlin song and the words keep resonating. I can’t get them out of my head. Thought I would share this one refrain so you too could also be stuck with this encouraging message….
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
He truly is awesome,
Doug McFee