Making the Connection

Seeing My Father in The Mirror

Cole — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:00:36 +0000

Yes, it’s true, in so many ways, I am a reflection of my dad. Sometimes, it’s a good thing, like my work ethic and great looking bald head. And sometimes not so much. But it does remind me that the way I lead my family will impact my daughters throughout their lives.

Sometimes, instead of taking the time needed to pour into our kids lives, it’s easier just to substitute material things. Men, I promise you that what your family really wants more of is the MAN, not his MONEY.

I read about a young boy whose dad was always working. One day he asked, “Dad, how much money do you make an hour?” The dad said, “I don’t know, I guess I make about $50 an hour, now don’t bother me I’m busy.” After a couple of weeks of doing odd jobs around his neighborhood, the little boy came up to his dad and said, “Here’s $25. Can I buy 30 minutes of your time so we can play together?” Now that’s convicting!

Psalm 39:4 says, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.” Don’t let this most important time in your kids life slip on by without investing your time leading them to know God.

One of the major differences you can make in your kids’ life is through your acceptance and approval. We all want our dad to be proud of us and approve of us. Dads, you have a great responsibility and opportunity to give your kid what only you can give them. And even though you might think it, you still need to put words to it and say it. Not just once, but regularly. And that blessing from you doesn’t need to be based on what they do or don’t do, but you bless them because you are their dad. After all, that’s the way God, our Heavenly Father, blesses us.

What do Superman & Men of Steel have in common?

Cole — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:24:27 +0000

Once again, the Man of Steel is coming to the theaters this summer. In fact, we’re going to be talking about that movie during our upcoming God on Film series. But just how similar are Supes and the Men of Steel at The Connection Church?

They both listen to their Father’s voice. Superman regularly goes to his Fortress of Solitude where his Kryptonian dad gives him direction for his life. As Men of Steel, we regularly spend time alone with God and listen to His voice for guidance.

They both have supernatural strength. Superman is “faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.” All powers given to him by the sun. Our Men of Steel’s true power and strength comes from the Son of God who gives us “the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him.” (Eph. 1:19)

They both desire to live an excellent lifestyle. Superman has traditionally been pictures as someone who sees the best in people and lives an upright life. We also want to strive for excellence in everything we do, offering grace and being an example for others to follow.

They both have a great life mission. Superman has a defined purpose of protecting and saving the Earth. That’s the mission of Men of Steel: to be salt and light in our world and lead others to know God through a personal relationship with Jesus.

The Men of STEEL are meeting this Saturday morning, June 15, at 9am to eat some good grub, sharpen each other, grow closer to God, and do other manly things. All men are invited to join us.

The Proof of God’s Love – Video

Cole — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:48:53 +0000

There Really Is An App For That

Cole — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:55:19 +0000

Did you know there are around 300,000 apps available in the app store? Yes, there are lots of examples of useless apps (like the one where you push a button and it says “Wooo!”), but there are a couple that I literally use every day. Now, add the newest essential app to the list: The Connection Church Mobile App! Yes, it is here!

With more people carrying smart phones around the world with access to the app, this big step puts our message into the hands of people literally around the world. Now we can take The Connection Church experience with us wherever we go. This app features life-applicable teaching, notes with discussion questions, videos, up-to-date news, ways to connect, directions to TCC, online giving, and more! We can even use it as a tool to share the love of Jesus with our friends and introduce people to what God is doing through The Connection Church.

Of course, it’s a FREE download. It’s available on iPhone, Android (GooglePlay), and should be on Windows soon.

Go ahead and download it now and spend a few minutes checking it out. I think you’ll be as excited about it as I am. Help us spread the word about this great resource by talking it up and using social media to let your connections know about it.

If you have any suggestions for this new app, feel free to post a comment and let me know how we can make it the best and most used app on your phone.

Loving Well in Guatemala

Cole — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 03:23:44 +0000

Sunday was a different kind of day for us in Agua Zarca. One thing that’s always true when you’re on mission with God is that it can be “hurry up and wait.” In other words, we’re not on our own schedule. God can always interrupt our plans with something better. Here’s a couple of thoughts from the day:

We started off the day with a flat tire on our people mover bus, which put us at the village later than we expected.
Our youngest member, Nic Williams, was feeling the effects of the high altitude, so he and Trey didn’t get to go with us for the morning hours. He did make it out to the village for the Fiesta, but I took his place back at the hotel because I was feeling puny. He’s still struggling but we’re praying he’s on the mend. Tomorrow, we want to be back to full strength.
There was still a big pile of sand that we need to move to the top of the hill so we used the assembly line/conveyer belt system again. Which is cool because we got to serve right along with the people from the village.
The little guy, Christopher, who wants to be a pastor, wanted me to see his house, and I got to see firsthand where he lives. Needless to say, it’s not much but a roof over his head. I’m praying God uses that guy to do BIG things!
The party was a huge success. The highlight probably was Buck busting out some smooth dance moves. The team gave out lots of goodies and everyone had hot dogs. There was a big turnout for the Fiesta and we’re developing friendships with the people here.
We closed out the night with a worship service at the Calvary Church in Cuilapa. The church was waiting for us to arrive with a big welcome and sat us right up front. They also asked me to get up and introduce our team. It was cool getting to worship with believer from another culture.
I heard a great report about the kick-off of Summer Vacation and am so proud of the leadership back home that can make the Connection Church experience happen even while we’re out of the country!

Building the Kitchen and the Kingdom

Cole — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 03:15:44 +0000

Today was a very good, full day of work in Agua Zarca. Some of the highlights included:

The people were ready to greet us when we arrived, with welcome signs for The Connection Church, and some firecrackers for an explosive greeting!
We met a young boy named Christopher who wants to be a pastor when he grows up
The village now has a 2-room schoolhouse for the kids and we’re trenching out the area for the new kitchen in some thick, rocky clay
The women of the village were working hard right beside us, carrying cinder blocks up a long, steep hill. Most of the men have to work six days a week to be payed their wages and were at work in the fields today
It rains nearly everyday during this season and we had a couple of good showers today that slowed us down a little but were also very refreshing
We got to see some of the food that we have provided for the kids including frijoles and fruit loops
Trey did manual labor but also took time to connect with the kids, which he is incredibly gifted at. You should read Trey’s blog where he’s giving some good insight into what’s happening on the trip.
Check out the movie to see some great pics taken by Charity Estrada.
I’m so proud of our whole team! They’ve had great attitudes and are pouring all of themselves into the people and the work!
We are all worn-out from a long day’s work and should rest well tonight. Tomorrow, well, I’ll wait ’til tomorrow to tell you what’s happening.

The Road to Cuilapa

Cole — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 02:46:59 +0000

It’s been a long day for the Go! Team. We’ve safely arrived, made it to Cuilapa, and have eaten some great local food: pizza in Guatemala City and mexican at the hotel. Most of the group is a little shellshocked at the amount of poverty and are finding it a bit hard to adjust. We’ll be getting up early to start work in the village in the morning. God is already starting to move in the hearts of the team. I can’t wait til we get to see the people in Agua Zarca! Pray that everyone adjusts to the different surroundings and that we get a lot done tomorrow.

Are You Ready For The Summer?

Cole — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:36:43 +0000

Are you ready for the good times? Because, summer is here and the sunshine is indeed coming down. We all want to spend a little extra time by the pool, floating the river, and spending a little extra time with the family. But for me, it seems like the summers pass by too fast and if we don’t plan to make the most of them, they’ll be gone before you know it.

This Sunday, we’re kicking off our new message series: Summer Vacation. Whether or not you’re going on a road trip over the next few months, these next 3 weeks at The Connection Church will give you the strategies you need to have the best summer ever.

So if your summers are filled with drama and if you need a little rest, then spend part of your Summer Vacation with us this Sunday at 9am, 10:30am or Noon.

The Go! Team is on the Go

Cole — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:08:03 +0000

I can’t wait to see these kiddos in Agua Zarca!

When it comes to letting the world know about new life in Jesus, there’s really only one option. In Mark 16:15, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” At The Connection Church, we take Jesus at His word.

So this Friday, 13 connectors are going to Agua Zarca in Guatemala. Since December, we have been providing meals for the kids of the village every day they’re in school. Now, we’re going to build a kitchen especially for the meals to be prepared in.

The members of our Go! Team for this trip are:

Charity Estrada, Tiana Hull, Buck Fitzgerald, Trey Williams, Nic Williams, Mitch Smith, Isay Cruz, Danny Shelton, Mike Gaszczynski, and me and my family (Pam, Kenz, & Bethanie). We’ll be commissioning this team during First Wednesday tonight.

As we go, we are representing Jesus and The Connection Church family. Pray for us: for effectiveness, safety, boldness, and health. And if you want to give to our work in Guatemala, go here.

Of course, all of us are always on the go, so be on the lookout for ways you can share God’s love wherever you may go.

Take Your Marriage From Good to Great

Cole — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:48:27 +0000

Good is the enemy of great, even in marriage. It’s too easy for us to settle into what we think is a comfortable marriage and before you know it, your marriage is so much less than it can and should be. And nobody’s got time for that!

So we’ve got to make time for what’s most important. We have invited marriage ministry leaders, Justin & Trish Davis, all the way from Nashville, to be with us next weekend, April 12 & 13, to challenge us to take our marriage to the next level. They’ve got an incredible story that you’re going to want to hear.

I know it’s going to be amazing. But here’s the deal, you will miss it if you don’t register very, very soon.

Register by April 7th and pay for the conference online. Registration is $50 per couple, and childcare is available for $5 (1 child) or $10 (multiple children).

Click here to register.

Click here to pay.

Online Payment instructions:

Set up a user ID using the “Get Started” button.
Click on “Get Connected” at the top of the page.
Click on “Events”
“Refine Your Marriage” is the only choice you have from there, and the site will walk you through the rest of the procedure.

Let’s do this!