Full Circle

I've had an awesome week! Last week my dear friends from St Louis came to visit and stayed with me for a few days. They got to visit some of our HPC campuses, visited New Orleans and had fun hanging out in the south. Then on Saturday I had the opportunity to volunteer at a the 'Just Girls' conference that's put on by 'Yes I Can' ministries (Art and Gail Moore). Several hundreds girls showed up and were blessed by speakers and performers from across the US. They talked about purity, dating, and what guys really think. It was raw, real and powerful. I don't know how many dozens of young women dedicated their lives to Christ, but it was awesome to be a part of it.

On Sunday Pastor Dino did a slammin' sermon for Mother's Day. The coolest part was at the end when he asked all the men to leave their seats and stand around the perimeter of the room. Pastor Dino asked the men to join hands, encircling the women who were still in their seats. The women were asked to stand, and then Pastor Dino repented to us on behalf of men; for not being there, for not being faithful, for not treating us right and for not protecting us. Then all the men were asked to pray and to commit to looking after and serving the women in their lives. The spiritual climate was altered. The energy in the room changed as men cried out to God for their wives, their daughters, their mothers and the women in their lives. It was possibly the most powerful move of the Spirit that I have ever been a part of. It was life changing.

I believe that one of the greatest strengths of HPC is the value that is placed on men. Lots of churches complain about the lack of male leadership, but then complain when men try to step up and be men. God made men to be warriors...to lead, to fight and to conquer.

It was wonderful to be surrounded by God's warriors; to feel safe and protected. That circle of power and prayer is where I want to live, safe and protected by God and by the Godly men in my life. Kudos to Pastor Dino for teaching our men to be men. We ladies appreciate it greatly. All glory to God.