Our New Addition

We got the exciting news today that our next grand baby will be a little girl! We are ecstatic! 

I was in Alexandria at Presbytery meetings. Donna watched Ezekiel for Robin and Eli while they made her appointment. They came back to the apartment, brought him into his play room to share the news with him first while Donna got me on a FaceTime call. When Zeke came into the room, he had his Pooh Bear with him wearing a bow to let us know he's having a little sister! 

They are naming her Elsie Willow and Lovey and I are already smitten! 

The Jaquas

There are so many examples of how God has used our Leadership College to shape the lives of world changers, but none is more up close and personal than Paul and Michelle Jaqua. They came to us as teenagers and ended up staying with the program for over fifteen years - first as students, then as staff and ultimately as directors. They have poured their heart and soul into this school and I am forever indebted! 

The Jaquas have decided to step off the Lead Team and take a break from ministry. I am so thankful they will still be here in Lafayette and still be a part of the Crossroads family. I am going to miss having them around day-to-day - they are like family to me. 

Matthew and Mariah Ackman will be taking over as directors of the college in addition to their role as Student Pastors and I believe we have a bright future! Even in this succession, I see the fruit of Paul and Michelle's ministry as Mariah was actually introduced to Crossroads through Michelle. I love how God works. 

April Overview

Lots of great things happened in the month of April!

We had an incredible Easter weekend. We are still not quite back up to our pre-COVID numbers, but we had over 2,800 in attendance with 40 people responding to the gospel! We shared an illustrated message called The Seven Statements Jesus Made From the Cross. We combined clips from the Jesus of Nazareth movie with preaching and music for a true old school Easter Production! Many have described it as the best Easter message they've ever heard. 

We hosted the Louisiana Assemblies of God Lead Conference. It was a wonderful time and my friend Scott Holmes was elected Superintendent for a third term. It is always so good to get together with old friends and meet new ones at this annual conference. Each time we host it, all the district office personnel tell us they wish Crossroads could host it every year. So proud of our team that makes it happen. Our network is getting stronger and healthier all the time and I am so thankful. Louisiana has been through some rough times the past few years but better days are ahead! 

I got a new Jeep Grand Cherokee! I love it! It took some patience - I ordered it in January and it didn't make it in until the end of April - but it's here! It is crazy how the supply chains have everything backed up. I traded in my 2018 Ford Explorer and got a great price for it. Used cars are selling for unbelievable prices in this economy. I had a Grand Cherokee before the Explorer and loved it. I knew I wanted to go back to the Jeep product. It really was my favorite vehicle I've ever owned. So grateful for God's blessings in our life. 

Most importantly - We found out we are going to have another grand baby! Robin and Eli are expecting and Dumpling - that's what we are calling the baby until we find out what they're having - should arrive mid-December! We are ecstatic! Without a doubt, becoming grandparents has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. Donna and I are crazy about our little grandson and we enjoy him so much. We can't wait to have another sweet baby to fill our days with fun and have another sweetie to dote on. I know Ezekiel is going to be an incredible big brother. I can't wait to see if he's going to have a little brother or a little sister. I think Lovie is hoping for the sister! 

A Continuing Legacy

This week we said “goodbye” on this side of eternity to one of the greatest men I’ve ever known - my dad’s youngest brother and last surviving sibling, my Uncle Vernon. 

I was extremely honored to be asked to officiate his home-going service along with another cousin, Rusty Blan. Rusty and I both emphasized the spiritual legacy Uncle Vernon has left us with. He was married to my Aunt Carolyn for sixty years and pastored for forty-one years! I pointed out the fact that this legacy makes us more wealthy than we could ever realize. 

About ten years ago, I brought Uncle Vernon down along with his son Greg, who is also a pastor, to share a message on Father’s Day about spiritual legacy. It was one of the most powerful messages we have ever presented at Crossroads. At Uncle Vernon’s home-going service, at the end of my message, we played an excerpt of the sermon he had preached that Father’s Day - It was like hearing him from beyond calling us to commit ourselves to such a legacy. 

I am so thankful for the spiritual heritage I have and I sure hope I can inspire the next generation to follow the heart of God like those who came before me did.