I just wrapped up six speaking engagements and want to say thanks to those of you who are letting God use your lives to love the poor of this world. Thanks for letting God write a risky, but transformational story through you! And the reason I want to say “thanks” to you is because everywhere I’ve gone, people want to know if the rumors are true…are we really providing free health care to 1,100 people in our city…are we really rescuing women out of the exotic dance industry…are we really feeding hundreds of hungry elementary students in our city each week…are we really inviting homeless men to live with us? And everywhere I’ve spoken I’ve been able to say, “Yes! God is using Southland people to do these things and more for the sake of LOVE!” 26 more churches across the U.S. have started a Dollar Club in their community! Over 17,500 people listened intently and responded at Ichthus as I challenged them with Paul’s simple but beautiful words from Galatians 5:6—“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love!” Last week in Colorado, I had the joy of speaking to high school students about spending their lives on behalf of the poor and 20 of them surrendered their lives to Jesus and were baptized in the coldest mountain lake you’ve ever stepped foot in! Today I met with a local business man who shares our passion for the people of Haiti about building sustainable business, educational, medical, and agricultural models that will transform impoverished villages. And if that’s not enough, just think about the little girls you rescued out of the child prostitution ring in South Africa this past week! While the world was watching the World Cup, your hard earned money was going to liberate little girls who didn’t have, but now have hope! This past week alone I received letters and e-mails and phone calls from prisoners, single moms, former addicts, juvenile offenders, widows, and college students whose lives have been forever altered by your compassion and generosity. It’s simple…IT is love! So continue to keep IT simple as God continues to write his story on the pages of your heart.
 
I love you! Thanks for letting me serve with you!