Do reach out with a big warm welcome for our newest member @Ahmed Salem hailing from Glasgow in the UK!

I had barely unpacked. Just moved my young family across the country, fresh into my first role as a pastor. Boxes still sealed, books not even on shelves yet. That’s when a stranger walked up and told me:“You’re doing my wedding.” I blinked. “Excuse me?” He didn’t mean it as a request. He was insistent. And the wedding? It wasn’t at a church. It was at a bar. Here’s what I quickly learned: - He was 44. - She was 24. - And yes, she had once been his high school student. Not exactly the picture-perfect start for a young pastor hoping for a tidy ministry. But what could I do? I said yes. That day taught me two things right away: 1. You don’t get to choose where God asks you to serve. 2. Faithfulness starts before you feel ready. The wedding itself was … unconventional, to put it mildly. I felt in over my head, wondering what I had gotten myself into. But it planted a seed. Over time, I built a relationship with that man. We talked - We debated - We prayed. Slowly, he found his way back to church. Years later, he wasn’t just attending — he became a lay leader. When I look back, I see it clearly:That wedding in a bar was the doorway. The start of a long journey that ended in real transformation. Leaders, here’s the takeaway: 📌 You don’t always choose your assignments — sometimes they choose you. 📌 The most unorthodox doors can lead to the deepest fruit. 📌 Your “first” step of obedience often sets the tone for years of ministry ahead. Reflection for You:What was your first unexpected assignment? The one that didn’t fit the mold but ended up shaping your calling? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your story.

My wife told me this morning she is going on a journey. I told her I will go with her knowing the journey is primarily for her. Next Tuesday, Aug.18th?? she has to visit a specialist at the Cross Cancer Clinic. As you can imagine the word Cancer ushers in fear that can be debilitating. Please pray for her to know the comfort of God our healer!

I've updated the logo and header pic. Thanks to @Janine Wooten for your helpwith the logo!