The Beacon and Eggs

Friends, we have to share with you one of the most thrilling experiences since arriving in Houston. This morning we were able to be a part of Beacon and Eggs. No, we haven't forgotten how to spell!

The Beacon is an outreach program run by the Episcopal Church for the homeless around the city of Houston. Chris Kennedy, who was the vicar at Christ the King last year, began to work with this incredible ministry. The beacon is open only on the weekends (one of the few who are) and serves lunch for about 500 people. Those who come to the beacon have the opportunity to launder their clothes and can take a shower. It is amazing to see what a church can do when they put their hearts and souls into it. The community in the city with which we are part, volunteers their time to help serve lunch, launder clothing, wash dishes, bus tables, pick up trash, etc. Pretty much whatever they need. For three hours we get to serve those society has cast aside. God is good and this morning we were reminded that we are extremely blessed.

Before heading over to the Beacon, we went to our dear friends Andy and Lanetta's loft for eggs and biscuits (ah, Brian loves the South). It was a great time for our city community to spend time together and then to serve those less fortunate. We are looking forward to our next trip to the beacon this Labor Day...they are hurting for volunteers since most people want to spend their Labor Day with friends and family grilling the burgers and brats. We'll be spending ours with the homeless of Houston.

Go salt the earth!!

Our New Home

Well, we have officially been living in Houston, TX a week. In many ways the week has both flown by and crawled at the same time. We've spent a lot of our time simply recouping from the craziness of the move.

For those of you who don't know, we bought a three story townhouse in downtown Houston. Alright, it's actually in a part of town called Mid-town, which if you ask true Houstonians, would tell you that it's NOT actually in downtown. For those of you who have ever been to New York City...think uptown and downtown: it's the city. We know that some of you have been worried about our safety living in such an urban area, but we assure you that we live in a very safe neighborhood. In fact, we've been getting to know our neighbors...most are involved in business. So when they ask what it is Brian does and he replies, "I'm a pastor." They simply exclaim "OH...wow...that's interesting." The subject usually changes rather quick...or they apologize for the profanity they were using.

Anyway, the house is a three story townhouse with three bedrooms and three full baths. The second level (the living, dining and kitchen) is entirely hardwood floors. We are especially thankful to have a washer and dryer so readily available. For the past couple of years, Erin's parents have been kind enough to allow us to use theirs. It will be nice to have our own so that we can wash all the baby's clothes. YEP...

Erin is pregnant and due in mid February. We are both overjoyed and humbled that God has blessed us with the opportunity to raise children to serve Him. We can't wait to see what God has in store for this child of His. As pictures arrive, we will make sure to get them up so that you can see. Also, many of you have cried out to see the house...well, for now you only get the front door. But don't worry...there are more to come (when the boxes disappear).

A Change of Seasons

Well, the day has finally arrived. It is a day that marks the end of one season and the beginning of a new one. On August 19th, 2007 Brian was officially ordained into the ministry of the Lutheran Church. It has been a long road...a good one...but a long one nevertheless. Brian's days as a student have finally ended (we think...and hope) and he has begun what God has called him to do.

Brian will be serving as an Associate Pastor for Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kingwood, Texas (a Northeast Suburb of Houston). However, Brian's role on staff is to begin a missionary movement in the city of Houston; connecting people through a network of house communities. None of it makes perfect sense yet, but we're following the leading of the Holy Spirit. As soon as the website goes live we'll let y'all know.

Thanks to all of you who have prayed for us over the past four years! Those prayers have kept us sane and healthy. It's our prayer that you would know more and more the grace of God found in Jesus.

For those of you waiting for pictures of the house, don't worry they will be up shortly. Below are a couple of pictures of Ordination. Enjoy.

It's Moving Time

Greetings y'all! The time has come. It's hard to believe really. Moving to our first call has always seemed so far down the road. But no longer: we move on Saturday to the lovely state of Texas. Now, for all our friends and family who are worried that we will catch whatever disease it is that forces all people from Texas to exclaim their state better than any other...don't worry. It's nice...but it isn't better than every other state. And for those of you who are worried that we'll turn to the Stro's? Really don't fear...they're worse than we are this year!!!

All things considered, it has been a joy to see the ways that God decides he wants to use His people. Have you thought about how God is using you where you are?

The National Youth Gathering

Well, it's been a long time coming...and it's come and gone. For the past week and a half, we have spent our time in Orlando, FL volunteering our time for the High School youth of our church.

Brian has been working since November of 2005 on the Mass Events planning team. He along with four others were responsible for the content of the Monday night Mass Event. This is when all 25,000 Youth get together and rock out the Orange County Convention Center. You can imagine the amount of time that it takes to plan 75 minutes of high energy programming for 25,000 youth. Needless to say, but the event went incredibly well. The theme for the night: "What's on YOUR card?" When someone is chosen in Christ, it changes everything about their life...including dirtly little secrets (check out the video by the All American Rejects @ itunes). The answer to what's on one's card? Nothing! Because of what Christ has done for us on the cross. At one point, the emcee's for the night asked what's on your card and 25,000 youth screemed back in reply NOTHING! It was pretty powerful. To be sure, it was long days and short nights.

Erin has been working for the Registration office for the past year. It's an incredible job! She, along with two others, are responsible for housing every person who attends the gathering...including adults and volunteers. It's a detail job: not something Brian could do!!! When in Orlando, Erin is responsible for checking in each congregation and the oversight of backpack stuffing. That's right, people must stuff 25,000 backpacks with Bibles and gathering books. Awesome right? It's a good time.

All in all, the gathering was a success. God's Spirit was certainly working and touched the lives of youth from across the world. Thanks to you who have kept us in your prayers and thoughts. Enjoy some of the photos.

A Little Jaunt in England

As many of you know, Erin and I will soon be heading to Texas. But before we could there...we were privileged to attend a conference in Sheffield, England with two of our close friends David and Ally Saxe.

In preparation for the work that we'll be doing in Houston, we wanted to experience the DNA of St. Thomas' (go to the website if you want to know more about St. Thom's) in Sheffield. What an awesome time. We stayed with members of the church in their homes for the entire week. It's always wonderful to sit over some tea (think black tea with milk) and chat about what God is doing in the lives of his people. Sean and Alison were incredibly wonderful to Erin and I. And we just want to say hello to Joshua, Issac and Lydia: the three children who allowed us to invade their home for a week.

The week was full of all sorts of adventures: including a walk through the peak district (which, if you have ever seen the newest version of Pride and Prejudice, is where Keira Knightly stood overlooking the valley), time at Chattsworth (which is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Yorkshire and was used in the film as Mr. Darcy's home), plenty of time at English pubs, and even an afternoon at Starbucks. The best part of the week was spending time at the two churches and learning from others who want to see God's kingdom come. Cheers to the incredible staff at St. Thomas'!!

Below you will find all sorts of pictures from our trip. You will note that there is one picture that appears to be nothing but fog...that's what it is. A great view of Sheffield...wouldn't you agree?!?!

A Friend Turned Pastor

It's been a journey...and one that I never want to forget. After four years, one looks back and wonders where the time has gone. No doubt...God has used the time to shape and to mold future pastors of His church. After four year, two of my dearest friends are being placed into the church as pastors...while I take the summer off to retreat and relax and to prepare for a move to Texas. I was privileged to see my dear friend Ryan ordained at his home church in Wisconsin. A Friend turned pastor...God's Peace RPM!

A Weekend Wedding Whirl

Erin and I spent most of our Memorial Day Weekend in the car...traveling to two weddings; both of whom are very dear friends!

The first wedding was in Kansas City (the home of Hallmark)and we were treated to old friends, many of whom we have not seen in quite a while. It was so good to see all of you this past weekend. It has made our hearts glad. Might I also say...the KC BBQ was absolutely wonderful (for those of you from Texas who are reading this post...it's just different than Texas BBQ). The highlight was watching one of our dear friends marry a Godly man and committ to one another their lives. Really, really great!!

The second wedding was for our dear friend Daniel. Erin and I met Daniel while we were still living and working in Slovakia. He was a fellow missionary. This wedding took us to Omaha (somewhere in middle America) and treated us to wonderful food and good company. The highlight was seeing someone so important to us marry a Godly woman and committ thier lives to one another. Really, really great!

Congratualtions to you, our friends!!! Below are a few pictures of the trip (there is one picture of Erin and Kari that appears multiple times...they were never really satisfied with any of them). Enjoy.