Freedom Chapel- Long Island, NY

My son Joseph and I spent a few days in the New York City area last week. While there, I had the privilege of preaching God's Word at Freedom Chapel in Amityville, NY (Long Island) for my good friend Jimmy Jack. The service and response time went very well.

Jimmy has done a fantastic job reaching people for Christ all over New York City. And this has been his heart from the moment he came to the Lord. I don't know very many people who are more authentic and genuine in their relationship with Christ than Jimmy and his wife Miriam.

Jimmy grew up as the youngest of nine children in a household devastated by drug abuse, alcohol and violence. After graduating from Brooklyn Teen Challenge in 1985, he went to Central Bible College in 1986 and graduated in 1989. That's where I met Jimmy. We played on the CBC Spartans Basketball team together for two seasons. We hooped it up in our short shorts! Jimmy was a power forward, quick scorer & rebounder. He was the master of the finger roll lay in! Jennifer got to know Miriam, as they had several classes together on campus and drove to the away games together. Good times.

The Lord led Jimmy and Miriam to establish a Teen Challenge coffeehouse outreach on Long Island, reaching those whose lives had been ravished by drugs and alcohol. This became Long Island Teen Challenge. Then in 1992, he pioneered Freedom Chapel Assembly of God. Today, both ministries are thriving under his leadership.

I encourage you to get Jimmy's new book and to pray for the new building program that they are in. Thanks, Jimmy, for the opportunity-- I had a wonderful time and God blessed greatly!

Extreme School Makeover- Day 2

Click here for Day #1 info. & pictures

Today I joined with volunteers from the community as we worked at Van Horn for Day 2 of the Extreme School Makeover. Van Horn is looking much better. I worked on demolition and moving furniture. Some of the people that I worked with were Marcus Miller, Jerry Snelling, and Ryan Bales. Pastor Brad Oyler has been at Van Horn all week and is doing an outstanding job.

The Independence School District is very pleased with the turnout of volunteers and the way things are shaping up. A big thank you to Pastor Brad and all the Englewood people who worked very hard, very long, in very hot conditions. Great job!

Day 2 pics:

Extreme School Makeover- Day 1

By all accounts, Day #1 of the Independence School District's Extreme School Makeover community project was a huge success. Englewood Ministries was assigned to Van Horn High School. Our own Pastor Brad Oyler is leading the Van Horn project. There were around 150 volunteers from our church and over 400 total at Van Horn, including Sen. Victor Callahan and Independence City Councilmember for District #1, Marcie Gragg.

Click here to watch the KMBC-9 report

Here are some pics:

New York Dream Center

The Church That Never Sleeps Meets The City That Never Sleeps!

Pastor Matthew Barnett and the L.A. Dream Center are launching a second location in New York City. Grand Opening services are Monday, August 11-2008. Joyce Meyer will be the guest speaker at the American Airlines Theater in Times Square.

We've taken several missions trips to the New York area over the years. In fact, the first trip Brian & I took as youth pastors was to help a church plant in that area. I'll never forget the young people we took (now adults!) and how God moved in our lives that week. You know, most of the time, missions trips seem to grow the people on the trips more than help the church or ministry host. That's kinda just the way it works. I believe God is pleased both ways. All that being said, maybe we'll get a chance to take another team to NY one of these days. It's an amazing experience.

Here is a great video clip of Pastor Matthew talking about being a "Risk-Taker" and how God brought about the opportunity for the NY Dream Center:

Top 10 Ice Cream Places in KC: Stop #6- Tropical Sno

We found one! We found a Tropical Sno on 7 Hwy. in Blue Springs. Okay, so it's not ice cream, but it's our list :) At least it's ice. This is a simple spot, with simple flavors and it's one of our all-time favorites. The portions are great and the prices are even better.

Gotta love their sign too:

New Ricardo CD- "Oh What A God"

Hey, just a heads up that our friend, Ricardo Sanchez, has just released a new CD. Ricardo is the worship leader for Pastor Jentezen Franklin at Free Chapel in Gainesville, GA. Check it out:

Forward Conference in Atlanta

Tonight at church, our youth pastor, Brad Baker, spoke to us on commitment and shared about the Drive Youth Ministries trip to the Forward Conference in Atlanta, Ga. It was an awesome service and it was so great to hear what God is doing in the lives of our young people. Here's a summary of the conference that Pastor Brad shared with us shortly after returning from Atlanta:

Forward '08 was probably the best big event like this we've ever been to. Many times in big arenas w/thousands of people it can seem kind of impersonal, and difficult for personal connection or impact. That was definitely not the case this year.

The theme of the conference was basically to have a personal encounter with God so that you can live out your purpose and impact and bring life-change to the world around you. It's pretty cool because we're in a series right now in youth called Encounter that goes right along with the theme of the weekend.

We stayed in houses this year which made it tons more convenient to hang out and chill with each other. Each night after the services we had a time of reflection back at the houses and allowed our group to share what God had done in their life during the service. It was awesome to hear how each student personalized the messages and the worship times and to hear what was being stirred in their hearts. It wasn't the norm where students talked about their struggles and how God set them free (not that that's a bad thing)...but this weekend it was more outward focused...it seems that the students are starting to get it...that God changes them so that then they can go and change their world. --Pastor Brad Baker

Top 10 Ice Cream Places in KC: Stop #5- Murray's

Recently, we checked out Murray's Ice Cream in Westport. Really good. It is generally regarded as the best in KC. The ice cream is homemade. I ordered a "Brown Cow" because it reminded me of my grandmother; she used to make them all the time. Do you know the difference between a root beer float and a brown cow?? I found out at Murray's.

We loved Murray's and will definitely go back. Interesting fact: they weighed the ice cream before charging us. Yes, it is priced by the ounce. Different, but good!

Sports: The Building & Revealing of Character

Opening cermony

This has been a hectic week for the Ross family. Joseph has been participating in the regional USSSA Little League World Series at 3 and 2 Park in Lenexa, KS. So we've been traveling across town everyday at least once to see the Swingbuilder Saints play their final tournament of the season. Things didn't turn out the way we had hoped, but we always enjoy watching the games.

Athletics have played a big part in my life and many of the life disciplines I have learned have come through sports. So when Joseph starting playing competitive baseball this year, not only did we get into it, but looked forward to what he would learn through playing.

I had a coach one time say, "Sports doesn't build character, it reveals it." Actually I think its both. If you are teachable, you will notice that participating in sports puts you in many life-learning situations. How you respond and what decisions you make will help build your character. But, it also reveals it.

With the pressure of performing well and winning, emotions can get involved. Really involved. It's during these times that character is revealed. These are some of the best learning moments for kids (and parents!).

George Barna, in his book, Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, says that one of the best ways for a postmodern generation to learn is in these real life shared moments. Formal teaching is o.k., but pointing out life lessons while engaged in activity sometimes has the biggest impact. I know our children don't always appreciate it. And it takes a degree of discernment to know the right moment for sharing/teaching. But I have noticed that they also recall those lessons better than others.



Our teaching moments always come after practices and games in the car ride home. We discuss attitudes, actions & non-actions, strategy, successes, failures, wins, losses...they all get dissected. I love these moments. I pray that God will continue to give me wisdom as a father, and I look forward to more character building moments --both the enjoyable and the difficult.

base hit vs. Hi-Boy

Me and Chuck

Chuck E. Cheese, that is. What we won't do for our kids. A few weeks ago we went to the kid friendly pizza play place for a birthday party. Of course we had a great time with cake, presents, fellowship and lots of games. Birthdays are great opportunities to build memories for our children.

But they are also wonderful ways to celebrate kids. Think about it. When you were a kid and it was your birthday, you felt special all day long. The attention, gifts and the party all focused on you. And that's just the way it should be. Outside of Jesus Christ, children are the gresatest gifts God has given us. Don't forget today to make a child feel special. Maybe do a little hanging out with Chuck.

Branson Getaway

We took a little break last week and stayed in the only hotel in America that doesn't have internet connection! Maybe it was God's plan. I don't know, but here's a litte bit about our getaway.

For 15 years now, my wife's family has been gathering for a family reunion we call the "Ash Bash" (Jen's family name). We have done a lot of incredible things together. We have gone to Walt Disney World and Disneyland. We traveled to Washington D. C. and Williamsburg one year. And last year we went to Hawaii (dream come true). Thanks grandpa & grandma!

It's been fun watching all the nephews and nieces grow up and catching up on all the family news. Many of them we see only two or three times a year. No matter where we go, the greatest times are being able to stay involved in the lives of our extended family. We love all of them so much.

This year we went to Branson, MO and did the entire Branson thing (Silver Dollar City, mini-golf, outlet shopping, traffic, an evening show, and swimming). Developing memories, sharing time together, and connecting with loved ones is the best part of the "Ash Bash."

Here are some pictures:

Kids in Worship

Pastor Brian is doing a series on God's Passion for CHILDREN. Below is a video of what Pastor spoke about this past week.

Personally, I love to see kids in a worship service at church! One reason is because sometimes they scream, laugh, or cry out loud letting me know at least someone is alive! Honestly, I think it's cool to see kids worship. They may not understand everything about worship - neither do I - but they are willing to give their all! Many times they will watch someone else to see what they do. Once they see someone raise their hands, the kid's hands go in the air; if someone is not afraid to sing out, soon you'll be able to hear the kid's voice. (By the way, don't you wish you could memorize songs as easily as kids do!) I enjoy watching them worship with everything they have. No matter who has picked on them, if their friends still like them, or what kind of clothes they are wearing, kids tend to be all in the moment! Remember that we are setting an example for our kids in everything we do.

Lord, remind us that we are teaching our children what it means to be a Christian even during our worship services. Help us to teach our children to worship You no matter what!

Top 10 Ice Cream Places in KC: Stop #4- Balsano's Gelato

Wow-a-licious. Balsano's is fantastic! A bit on the pricey side though. I guess that comes with a plaza address. Did you know the plaza has the distinction of being the country's first shopping center?

The Reese's gelato melts in your mouth. Get one and stroll alongside Brush Creek. There's nothing like the Country Club Plaza in the summer.

Can Chiefs' Tony Gonzalez Get Any Cooler?

The future NFL Hall of Famer, and the favorite in our household, goes and saves a man's life. Tony G is totally cool.

Read about it here.

Independence and Kansas City School Districts

Well, if you're a local reader, you know all about this. If you're an out of towner, here's the quick version:

• A long time ago (early 70's), City of Independence, gives a number (7?) of schools within Indep. city limits to Kansas City School District (KCSD). Not sure why.
• KCSD goes on to set a new standard in futility by becoming one of the worst educational organizations in the entire country, losing it's accreditation in 2000.
• Fall of 2007, citizens of Independence AND Kansas City vote to return original 7 schools, to be run by the Independence School District (ISD). Now Independence residents will go to Independence schools. Makes sense.
• Possession of schools to be transferred July 1, 2008. KCSD locks ISD out. Let the legal circus begin.

So...at the moment, ISD has their resident students back, but with no school buildings to put them in. That's where we come in. We recently closed our private school after 33 years. You can read about it here.

We hope the ISD can reclaim and refurbish these buildings in a timely manner for students to start in August. But if not, Englewood Ministries is ready, willing, and able to assist the community as a temporary school facility until things can get worked out.

Here's a news piece Fox 4 KC's Bob Stepanich did on our church Sunday regarding this situation. And thanks Bob for the message series promo!! :-)

Happy 4th of July

I love fireworks, food, fun and fellowship. So the 4th of July allows me to enjoy all my favorites. We sincerely hope everyone had a tremendous and safe holiday.

For us it was easy going in the morning, but finished strong. We were invited over to some friends house for dinner. We BBQ'd hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken and served up some homemade ice cream w/strawberries, blueberries & brownies. Got to watch Albert Pujols hit his 300th career home run on TV! Afterwards we shot off some great fireworks that were purchased at our Royal Ranger tent in Odessa.

Enjoy the rest of your week-end and I'll see you on Sunday for the start of a brand new message series focusing on kids.

Preparing Little People for a Big World message series

One of the greatest responsibilities and Biblical roles that I have as a pastor is that of a shepherd. It's one that I don't take lightly, and one that I have grown to love over the years. Working for the Great Shepherd is an amazing adventure.

Well this past spring, I felt a tug on my heart to do a message series on kids. I have done series in the past on parenting or families, but not children alone. Everyone believes and even says that "children are our future," and "children are gifts of God to us." And I firmly believe this! The problem is that we don't always show it.

You see, I have found that the simplest things are the things we take for granted. And what is more unassuming and innocent then a small child. God places great emphasis on children and so should we. I hope you will join me this Sunday for a special series about our children entitled, "Preparing Little People for a Big World." We will talk about what it means to capture God's passion for kids. See you there.

Top 10 Ice Cream Places in KC: Stop #3- Paleteria Tropicana

What took so long to get to stop #3?? We went back to stop #2 again!

This time we checked out a popsicle place called Paleteria Tropicana on Southwest Blvd. in Kansas City. We had heard that Tropicana had the best popsicles in KC. It's probably true, because we loved them! They must have had over 50 flavors. For the record: Brian-chocolate; Jennifer-strawberry; Joe-orange mango; Braeden-bubble gum.

There was one idiot moment though, because after driving all the way down to SW Blvd. to get popsicles, we saw a sign in the store that said they had a location in Independence not far from our house. And we thought we were being so adventurous. Oh well. Check 'em out sometime.

Fellowship Church New Camp

Wow. This is incredible! I thought you might like to see the new camp that Fellowship Church just opened in Texas:



Allaso Ranch Dedication from Fellowship Church on Vimeo.

Top Viewed Posts for June '08

1. New Satellite Church


2. ECA Lasting Legacy


3. Swing Builder Saints


4. One Prayer


5. Deal or No Deal Sermon Series


6. You're Gonna Miss This - ECA Tribute Videos


7. One Prayer Devotion #2


8. Top 10 Ice Cream Places in KC


9. Kansas City Dream Center Video


10. Laminin

And in the "if anyone even cares" category: 1,249 total hits for June. We have no idea if this is bad or good :-)

The Cookout

Okay, we're trying something. Holiday week; summertime; ready for some variety. We're doing an all church cookout this Wednesday night in place of our regular service/activities. It will start at 7:00pm in the church gym. Stay as long or as little as you like! We're serving grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, chips & dip, potato chips, BBQ baked beans, lemonade, & root beer floats. Cost is only $3.00 per person or $10.00 per family. There will even be a few fun activities for the kids.

Events like these are important for fellowship and creating community. Not real sure what the response will be like for this, but we're willing to try it anyway. Our Wednesday night volunteers and ministry leaders will get a break and everyone else will get to enjoy some great food.

Wear your shorts, bring some friends, and come on out Wed., July 2!