Speaking To a Roomful of Powerful People

I was recently introduced to the work of Eric Metaxas.  Eric is a Yale educated author, who came to know Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord while in his 20's.  In the last couple of years he has grown in fame in both Christian and secular circles thru his biographies of William Wilberforce ("Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery") and Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy").  I am currently reading his Bonhoeffer Bio and really loving it.

Metaxas also recently took over the radio ministry of  his friend Chuck Colson, who passed away last weekend.  Metaxas writes about Colson's passing here.

I also like Metaxas' interview with Tim Keller
and you can more about Eric on his website, www.ericmetaxas.com

But what really impressed me about Metaxas was the way he spoke to a roomful of the most powerful people in the world at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC a few months ago.
Here is a great photo from Eric's website of the Vice President of the United States taking a photo of Eric and President Obama with Eric's iPhone!

Metaxas, in the presence of so many United States and World leaders, didn't wilt under the spotlight of pressure, but instead spoke about Jesus with humor, humility, winsomeness and with authority.  I loved it!  When you get a chance, watch his 30 minute message, courtesy of CSPAN and Youtube below...

Now It's My Turn To Get Baptized

I am sure police officer's children play "cops and robbers" and Doctor's kids play "hospital" and maybe school teachers sons and daughters play "school",  but what do Pastor's kids play in the backyard?  Baptism's of course, hahaha.  Here are my 2 oldest, pretending to baptize each other the other day...

Caine's Arcade

There is a wonderful grassroots story that has emerged out of Boyle Heights (East Los Angeles) over the past year.  It is about a 9 year old boy and his arcade. I dare you to watch this short film and not cry!




To find out directions to the arcade or for more info: Caine's Arcade
To give to Caine's college scholarship fund: Caine's College Scholarship Fund

Want to support and get involved in similar inspiring stories of inner city kids living right here in Orange County? Check out 2 organizations in Santa Ana that I have come to love and support:
KidWorks
Santa Ana Boxing Club

Attention All Hipster Pastor's

I came across a great website for Church creative types today while looking over Ryan Roehl's shoulder at his laptop today in a meeting at Church...It called Church Stage Design Ideas..

Also: My friend and co-worker, Victor Estrada showed up to lunch today with a thing called a "bookbook." It is basically a wallet and an iPhone holder/protector in one!
It is amazing!  It is now on my wish list for Father's Day.

Up From the Grave He Arose!

The tomb is empty.
The cross is vacant.
Death could not bury Him.
Sin could not defeat Him.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ is alive!!

Check out this You Tube video of 2 boys singing their hearts out to the wonderful truths
of the classic hymn, "Low in the Grave He Lay."