Sunny South Florida

I'm in sunny South Florida today (April 2, 2008) with Jim Fries and the forecast is breezy and a cold 83 degrees. We had lunch yesterday at a Dominican Restaurant and then went to the famous "Robert Is Here" fruitstand. Check out his website at www.robertishere.com It is incredible, the freshest fruit around. Jim and I both got to meet Robert yesterday as I sipped on a Mango milkshake and Jim had a papaya/key lime milkshake. WOW! It was an awesome experience. We'll have some pictures and video of it at church the next few weeks or month.

Your asking why we are down here. For about three years I have been praying and burdened about the need for us to be missional at LifeBridge. It is easy to become inward focused. We have bought land and are in the planning and dreaming stages of a building and what all that entails. It is all about us and one thing we constantly say is that we are NOT just about us. We want to constantly stay focused on those who have NOT yet walked through the doors. So a way to keep our eyes focused on God is to serve outside of LifeBridge. We have established a great relationship with Trinity Church in Canton where we will partner alongside of them to influence that city for Christ. We also feel God leading us in a powerful way to work with Haitians in Homestead, Fl but also in Haiti. So we are down here meeting with Pastor Frank, Reggie and Alex about the possibilities.

Last night we shared stories of God's faithfulness and calling for all of us. Pastor Frank is an amazing guy. He has a real heart for his own people in Haiti. They have a mother church that has planted five churches. Some meet in a simple thatched hut and others meet in homes. They have schools in a few of the churches and they have established an orphanage. WOW! There is so much to be done. Today we talk through more details about the partnership.

Jim and I plan on putting on our thong bikini bathing suits and heading out to South Miami Beach with all the other freaks. Pictures to follow in a day or two:)

Philip Thurman