August 4th Heart Update and Miracles!

First let me apologize for not updating sooner.
I was waiting to see the Thoracic Surgeon and allow him to confer with my Cardiologist for their plan of action.
I continue in A-Fib with heart rates at 140-160 for highs and in the 30’s for the lows. There is no rhyme or reason as to why they jump around. I am taking it extremely easy. I feel like I’ve run a constant marathon without ever having left my chair! And this has continued since the end of April.
I did manage to preach in big church last Sunday. Check out the sermon at http://www.cotrmelbourne.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=29126&PID=351697
Click on “Sermons-Audio Form” and then Click on the Sermon entitled “Carry It Well.”
There are some other cool things God is doing in the midst of all this. I mention them in the opening of my sermon.
Miss Chris and I met with Dr. Mark Malias last Monday. He is a competent and confidant Thoracic surgeon in his mid to late 30’s. A real low key kind of guy. That is extremely good for a Thoracic guy!
In our interview I discovered he has not done the suggested procedure and that I would be his first. He has learned the procedure from its inventor, Dr. Randy Wolf in Cincinnati.
Called the Wolf MiniMaze it is an extremely less invasive procedure from what is left available to me. (Open Heart Surgery) Learn about it and A-Fib Tachycardia at http://www.wolfminimaze.com/tab08.htm Just click wherever you might like to research! There is a great video of the ACTUAL PROCEDURE! Shades of CSI.
After I learned that Dr. Malias had not performed it yet, I began praying for some direction as to what to do. Just to make sure this was what God wanted for me. It didn’t really bother me that he had never done the procedure. Besides, Miss Chris say’s “I always like to go first!”
As he asked me more questions, he asked “what would I like to be able to do after the surgery?” I of course answered that I wanted to continue performing and even do my strait jacket escape again.
He looked at me a little strange and Miss Chris told him it was fact.
He then told me that Doctor Wolf, who invented this MiniMaze Procedure, was himself a semi-professional magician! God getting my attention big time!
I left the interview agreeing to go through the procedure, waiting to have 2 tests done to prepare for the surgery. Both tests, as I understand it; are new to the Melbourne area. They are tests to measure and map the electrical systems of the heart. It’s called a Contrast Cat Scan and Contrast MRI that covers some specifics whose explanations are beyond me.
As of today (Friday the 4th) they have postponed these tests till next Friday (the 11th) when they receive a special Software Certification to perform them.
The interesting thing to me in all this is the fact that the Doctor who came up with this procedure is a magician.
When I found that out, I sent him a copy of a book recommended to me my good buddy Tony Brent.
A gift, to thank him for all his hard work in research and development for this particular procedure which looks like it cures my specific condition.
This might be the fix I need!
Well along comes Wednesday evening and I receive a call from Dr. Wolf himself!
We have some mutual friends in the magic world. We both perform with our families.
Our boys ride unicycles! He offered to call my Doctor and fly down to be a part of the procedure if it could be arranged. (Know that I fully trust my Thoracic Surgeon and Cardiologist. Dr Malias and Vicari are great guys)!
His description of the procedure and the things I would be able to do again gave me a much needed boost. According to Doctor Wolf he believes I should be back to “a little normalcy” by September and back in full in October!
I have a “must do” wedding reception that I am looking forward to greatly in October. I have done all of the receptions for this family thus far and can’t miss the last one. The doctor says it shouldn’t be a problem at all!
I will try to keep everyone who desires in the loop.
I am still struggling with shortness of breath, chest pains and a really bad headache. It makes it difficult to be on the computer much or even read. Tough on me!
We thank everyone for their prayers and ask that you would continue for God’s will and healing to be completed.
Pray for the insurance company to allow all the things the Doctors are doing to be covered.
On a more personal note, many of you have heard directly, that while on vacation Bethany’s boyfriend Chris Bonner (studying to be an EMT/ Paramedic-works with Beth at Smokey Bones) drove to Tennessee to ask me for Bethany’s hand.
He is a great guy with much potential. He is loved by the family, especially Miss Chris. He is quiet and polite and says he digs our family for its “normalcy!” Bethany and he have been inseparable since they met.
He will be done with EMT School in a few months. Bethany is planning a degree in Entertainment Business Management.
Malachi just turned 9 and we had a great party at the church last weekend. Over 50 folks showed up. (Malachi’s friends numbered 10)! The others were like family that always seems to be around. : )
Joel has been working extra hard on his juggling skills and is now using large knives. He wants to be on “America’s Got Talent” so he has been listen to the criticisms of the judges when it comes to the jugglers. Funny to watch him processing it.
Micah is 6’ 1” and is working hard as they start the school year. He and Joel are presently at the “In the Fire” Youth prayer conference. The best way to contact them is thru their MySpaces!
Will let everyone know what is going on as it goes.
Blessings to you all and thanks again!

Love ya!
In His Grip

Greg, Chris and the Kids

July 20th Scare after Vacation

Greetings all.
Chris and I want to thank everyone for their prayers and cares!
God has been great and we continue to feel His hand upon us.
Vacation was great.
A whole lot of NOTHING!Hills, Water Falls, Fishing, Ducks and a Cavern thrown in.
Got back home at the beginning of the week.The Thoracic Surgeon contacted me while we were away and has set up the consult for surgery on this coming Tuesday.
He has met with Dr. Vicari and they will meet again on Tuesday.
Today we had a scare that we have found out could continue to be a threat.
I have been having bad headaches and lost peripheral vision in my left eye for several
minutes last night. Vision returned but the headache has continued.
Both blood pressure and Heart rate have sky-rocketed.
Went into the Doctors late this afternoon and he did and EKG and also a Cat Scan.
He thought I was bleeding in my head. (Effects of both the condition and the medicine).
I told him I was praying that it wasn't.
He said keep praying.
They did the Cat Scan and it came back semi-negative.
While there is something in the vascular system, it IS NOT bleeding. Praise God!
The heart continues in major A-Fib.
They will not cardio-vert me (put the heart in regular rhythm) because they want me in A-Fib for the surgery.
The doctor has requested I take it easier. (Like I have been doing anything, anyway)! : )
We appreciate your prayers, patience and concern.
May God continue to bless you all!
In His Grip,
Pastor Greg

June 20 Update Jupiter and Beyond

Greetings All!
I want to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support.
You have blessed Chris and I and the kids.
I just finished with a Kids Crusade in Jupiter, Florida with Pastor Rick Volpe.
The doctor wanted to admit me once again prior to Friday and the crusade, but we
worked out a deal where I could do the crusade if I stayed close to the hotel and
near a hospital when I wasn't crusading!
Miss Chris didn't let me take my computer so that I would just rest.
This is the first opportunity I have had to touch base.
It was very restful.
I took my son Joel and Danny Van Sandt with me to help.
Poor Joel was bored to tears from a sleeping dad, but he did learn to juggle clubs!
They guys worked well together and covered the juggling and unicycling and all lifting
and loading duties.
We saw a bunch of kids make first time decisions for Christ.
It was a great time at a neat church.
I visited my Nutritionist/Chiropractic Doctor, Brian Walsh and he discovered an
Iodine deficiency in my system. This particular condition is also a cause for Arrithymia.
I have begun Iodine Therapy to see if this helps as well naturally.
Remember for all your Chiropractic and Nutrition needs see Care Chiropractic and
Wellness Center! : )
Today was also a visit with the Cardiologist.
My heart is beating more regularly than it has been.
He has increased the anti-arthymatic drug to triple it's normal dose.
This is an extremely toxic drug that needs to be regulated to make sure it doesn't
cause my heart to... to...
The easiest way to describe what could happen is my AC could become DC and my DC
could become AC.
Weekly trips to check for this in my blood and EKG will go on for several months.
I will continue for another 2 weeks to see if the heart stays in a regular rhythm.
Then the doctor will continue to assess and determine what course of action we will
move towards. No surgery yet! Pray for healing!!!
Other side effects with the meds are shortness of breath (symptom of the Arythmia
too!)
No/Low energy with an average heart rate of 40 to 50 beats per minute.
Others include Headaches, extreme dizziness and a feeling of cobwebs on the brain.
Am not processing things in my brain well.
I am also having to watch the continued numbness and tingling in the left leg.
Doc says its a circulation problem that is attributed to the meds.
A case of the cure being nearly as bad as the condition.
I appreciate everyone asking to be included in updates and for your prayers.
The doctor has nearly cleared me for an upcoming vacation with Miss Chris and the
boys in Tennessee July 6 thru the 16th. Please pray that all the rest of the things
go smoothly.
That's all for now...
Be blessed...
In His Grip,
Greg Phillips

Camp and the Cardiologist

Greetings all,
First let me apologize for not writing sooner but it has been a long couple of weeks.
Last week I was able to attend and make it thru our 14th annual Kids Camp (with much help!)
We had a great time with the kids and youth. Many of the helpers were kids that grew up in Camp. My daughter Bethany assisted her mother and Robert Mathews covered all my labor intensive stuff. They have learned to delegate well.
Miss Chris and her assistant Jeannette Stiers had things running like a well oiled machine.
Miss Chris took over as director and I basically was only allowed to do services for the kids.
The rest of the time I was in my bunk resting. How weird is that?
Thursday during camp my heart began acting funny again and I went to the Doctors this past Monday. The EKG was weird and the Doctor requested that I cancel my trip with the Bill Glass Prison Ministry, to the Dominican and Puerto Rico. He said he didn't want me far from an Emergency room.
He elevated my meds and scheduled me again for more tests and stuff on Wednesday. On Wednesday I found out my heart was in A-Fib AGAIN. The doctor had an emergency and I had to reschedule the rest of the appointment for today. Friday.
Today I learned my heart is getting worse by the doctors report. He is talking me out of the ablation procedure first mentioned because of my risk for stroke. I thought it was interesting that he talked me out of it because on Wednesday the Elders and I prayed for some clear direction as what to do. I just wasn't having real peace about the ablation procedure. Now I know why. God is good!
The doctor increased the dose of my anti-arrythmia drug and has scheduled me for a June 19th final check. There are many side effects with the number of meds I am on and as a result I am moving at a much more subdued pace. If the medicine doesn't kick me out of A-Fib by June 19th (The Doctor says it isunlikely) we will consult with another specialist from Shands in Gainesville and discuss a new experimental procedure.
It is called a Pulmonary Vein Isolation.
I continue with my Nutritionist/Chiropractor and see regular results. My diet is strict with many foods and seasonings cut out. I have lost about 10 pounds on my way to losing 20 more. Get to fighting weight!
I continue to struggle with shortness of breath and some pretty strong chest pains.
But God has been good and has allowed me to press on.
I would ask for your continued prayers and thank you for your prayers so far.
I have heard that Church on the Rock, Melbourne will be asking the congregation to observe a day of fasting and prayer on my behalf on June 12th. (How humbling is that!)
I would ask that along with the complete healing, you would also pray for Miss Chris and the kids, direction for me, peace, and finances (between, meds, appointments, deductibles, plus the loss of programs things continue to be tight).
I thank those who have been great blessings!

Our love to you all and know that God is in the distress!
His words are true and we stand on the Rock!
Be blessed and know we love you all!

Home from the Hospital

I have just returned home from the hospital.
Taking the next couple of days to rest up.
I appreciate all your prayers and concern.
It has been a long 3 days but the end result to this point is this. The doctor and I spoke about the ablation procedure and the closest date is at least three weeks away.
He decided to try a medicine to see if it would convert me (bring my heart into rhythm).
The medicine has slowed my heart rate to almost normal and I have energy that I haven't had in a while. (The heart is able to pump more efficiently giving me more oxygen in the blood).
The medicine alone did not bring me into rhythm though.
He went on to step two this morning and shocked my heart again. (burned my chest and back again too! Feel like I've been kicked in my chest and back by a mule! : )
The heart is in regular rhythm!
The doctor is going to keep me on this med to see if it will now hold the heart in rhythm.
As long as it stays in rhythm no procedure!
I am continuing to work with my Chiropratic and Nutritional Specialist, Dr. BrianWalsh. Chiropractor to the stars! He and his wife Ann at Care Chiropractic have truly been a blessing in taking me through this naturally as well. I Praise God for all he has done.
Please stand with me and the Lord as well in agreement that this thing is done!
(Thanks again Lord!)
The next step would be the Ablation procedure and the doctor has told me that it comes with a mortality rate . He didn't go into to much detail about this fact the last time he and I talked about it. ( http://www.medtees.com/AFibTutorial.html )
We don't want to go there and God doesn't want us there either!
Again thanks, and I humbly ask that you would please continue to pray for myself and my family!
You guys are the best.
Please also remember Camp Pardise is coming in just a week and a half. Pray for all the stuff to get done and a few more kids to join us!

Tuesday May 16th from a Hospital Bed

Day Two in Holmes Regional
Hasn't really registered that I am going into the second day of being "in the joint" and it looks like I will be her thru tomorrow at least.
Doctor Vicari is using a medicine called Flecainide (Tambocor).
It is an anti-arrythmic and has some major side effects. The side effects are the reason I'm here. TO see if there are adverse reactions to the medicine.
THe doctor has informed me that before I can be released that his desire is to build the medicine up to level in my sytem and then to do another "hard reset."
That's what is called Cardio-Aversion, the paddles! It was what they did a month ago. (See the pictures at the bottom of my blog!)
It should put the heart into regular rhythm and then the medicine should maintain the rhythm.
If it does, then I shouldn't need the RF Ablation procedure. That would be great.
Cardio-Aversion is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Taking it easy today as it was a rough night last night. (One side effect is sleeplessness, another is a terrible metal taste in my mouth). Yeech!
Appreciate the prayers and concern.

Banquet

Working the Bill Glass Banquet Saturday Night!

2 days to Graduate and new heart update!

Hey all,Want to give a quick update of where we are at.
Remember you can keep tuned in at www.GregPhillipsFile.blogspot.com Sometimes I even stick a picture in!
I just returned from morning appointments at the lab for blood work, then to the leading Chiropractic Nutritionist in the nation, Dr. Brian Walsh at Care Chiropractic. He is taking me through my nutritional and supplemental end of things and then the Cardiolgist, Dr. Vicari.
They are trying without success to schedule the procedure (Radio Frequency Ablation). This gives us more time to pray for healing!
There is a Doctor Gonzalez at Gainesville who my guy prefers. His schedule is pretty full. What is going to happen if I understand it correctly is that they are again admitting me to the hospital Monday morning. (After Bethany’s graduation! I made it!)
Graduation is Saturday morning and the party is at the house at 4.
What will happen is that I will be given a toxic medicine to try to regulate/prolong regular rhythm. I will remain in the hospital for 2 to 5 days.
If we don't find an appointment for the procedure next week, they will do the same thing with the meds the following week and so on. Doc says the heart is in too much distress to shock it again into regular rhythm. I continue to be in A-Fib.
I hear people tell me I need to slow down. The doctor says this really isn’t about doing too much but about a “bad electrical system.” I appreciate everyone’s concern. Please remember I am trying hard to do just the things God gives me direction to.
I was recently reminded about the first time my heart acted up a number of years ago. I was talking to a dear friend of ours about “obsession!” I said if people couldn’t see what you’re obsession was you most likely didn’t have one. Miss Chris and I try to live that out.
Between Family, Kids Ministry, Missions, Evangelism and performing, those things obsess and possess us. I think God has created each of us for an “obsession possession!” Something that grips and pushes you. I pray you find what yours is. I know when things are “back to normal” and God has taken care of this current heart issue we will continue pressing on!
I thank everyone for their prayers and support. You guys are the best.
Remember the biggest thing the Doctor is telling me to avoid is stress. Get your kids signed up for camp, soon! : )
Pastor Greg

Monday Heart Update and Schedule

First I want to say thanks everyone for their prayers! Miss Chris and I really know you are there!
The skinny from the Doc today is this... Not wanting to put any more undo strain on the heart he wants to hold on getting it back in rhythm until we do all the procedures around the same time. This just means as long as I continue to be in A-Fib, I'll feel "off".
They have no answers from the Doctors in either Tampa or Gainesville yet. Should know later today. He would like to proceed as soon as we can. Not sure what the other doctors shedules would be like.
I am still talking with my Chiropractor/Nutritionist to see what can be done.
My Cardiologist has talked that he doesn't believe that the damage can be restored through the natural means but that it would be good to continue withit once the heart is back to regular rhythm.
My cardiologist pretty much told me that I wouldn't be back in time for Graduation on Saturday if we were able to schedule the ablation procedure this week. So if we proceed it would be at the beginning of next week. Daddy has to see his little girl graduate! : )
I will return to his office Thursday to make sure things are at an even keel.
Again I thank you for your prayers and will keep you updated if you like.
If not just drop me a note and I'll take you off the list.
Love to all and be blessed!In His Grip, (Now more than ever!)
Pastor Greg

Heart to Hart!

Have been preparing for the big Bill Glass Prison weekend in Orlando.
I had a stop to make before the National Day of Prayer Service, Thursday night; at our church and then on to Orlando for the Prison weekend.
The stop was at my Cardiologist's office for another check up. Thursday afternoon.
While there during the check we found that the pain I continued to experience was my heart in distress (Again!)
A-Fib. Doc says it is deterioating. Worse than a month ago for the last A-Fib marathon. He wanted to admit me and get thing normal but, I told him I couldn't because I had to be in Orlando for the prison weekend. He told me if I went I would just continue to feel lousy. And that it would get worse. Man was he right! I ended up really whacked out today. (Sunday)
The Prison weekend was great! THere was an open-ness among the inmates like I have necer seen before. There were 1600 first time decisions. I led over 130 to the Lord myself. We were really short on counselors. Had to do a lot counseling myself after my shows.
Want to bring you up to date on my heart situation. My a-fib is getting worse. Meds are not working, the shock treatment can't continue, so the doctor is wanting to admit me on Monday. They will bring the heart into normal rhythm.
He will begin using some medication to prepare the heart for a type of a procedure called an radio frequency ablation. They will then send me to either Shands or the Tampa Heart Institute for this procedure. He doesn't want to do it here because his confidence in the local guy is minimal. The ablation is a procedure where they burn (kill) the part of the heart causing the Tacycardia. It seems to be fairly successful. http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/106/25/e203
The only thing that will change the schedule is if they can't have me back by Friday for Bethany's Graduation. I'm really hoping to put it off till next week. Either way he is going to get me back to normal rhythm tomorrow and Tuesday.
Pray for the procedures, graduations and more shows. The last couple of weeks of health stuff and car stuff has killed my savings account.
Kind of a weird deal. The doctor tells me to watch my diet, no over the counter drugs, lose weight and NO STRESS. Then I get the bill! : )
Love ya!
In His Grip,
Greg

Mars Hill April 30th Sunday Impressions

As Sunday morning began there was a drizzle in the air. It was the first rain in weeks, from what I understand. It’s called for today and tomorrow.
At 7:30 AM a pick-up truck unloads the orange cones in what has been a parking lot for the local Brann’s Steak restaurant, The YMCA, and the Gym-boree which is part of the Mars Hill Mall Complex. But this morning it seems like all traffic is moving towards Mars Hill.
As parents checked their kids in for children’s church, I wandered toward the main sanctuary called “The Shed” for the 9 AM service. I noticed there was canned pre-service music, kind of up-tempo but unobtrusive. I watched the video guys run thru the morning slides which included several of what looked like a nasty car wreck. Wondered how these pictures would play into a church service.
Noticed the area for the musicians and even on the upper platform was covered with drums of all kinds. Bongos, snares, a huge floor drum, even plastic 5 gallon pails with sticks. There was another large instrument covered with a black cloth. The mystery instrument. (Bet it’s a gong!) The folks arriving noticed and commented as well. (Remember the stage is in the direct center of the room with a 2 level platform. Stage is 32’ x 32’. That’s an 8 foot apron around the outside with a 16’ x 16’ raised platform on top of that.
At ten minutes till 9 there was only around a couple of hundred folks but in just a few minutes all 3000 chairs were filled with folks. All with that mid-western kind of friendliness. You know, when you smile they smile. When you extend a hand they will too. The music increases slightly and the conversation continues a little more loudly as well. Are we anticipating God or good times?
A slide appears on the screen announcing a Nissans with its lights on in the south parking lot. As I look up to notice the slide, I notice a house full of JBL speakers and the semi church/ semi theatrical lighting. Real area specific.
By outward appearance there is no way to notice that it is a church. No cross, no remembrance table, no flags, no banners. Just people with their Diet Sodas in hand. Several others (hundreds others) with their coffee thermos clutched close. Around the outside perimeter of the room is what looks like aluminum colored mailboxes. These are Joy Boxes for the offering and any correspondence for the office.
Three musicians take the stage. Guitar player was young with the expected chopped kind of new wave hair do. The drummer was about 15 with a great touch, and the bass player was across the stage from where I sat. They began to play an instrumental gathering kind of song. As they were coming to the close of this piece, they were joined by a piano player (upright piano on one corner) and the singers. A guy and 2 girls, again young. The piano player was the worship leader and begins with an invitation for a dozen or so volunteers.
An equipment note… Hitachi projectors… XP on the Computer… Wired ear buds with individual controllers. 1 music stand for 2 people…Drummer with headsets.
Back to the Worship Leaders invitation. An invite for a dozen or so people who “like to hit stuff for God!” A throng of mostly young guys and a couple of girls took positions at the various instruments. The Worship leader gave some instructions on the rhythm to use and a little practice ensued.
As the worship began the audience rose to their feet to sing,
“Let Every Thing That has Breath Praise the Lord”... Then the hymn “All Creatures of our God and King” “O Most High by J. Wilbur Chapman” then Psalm 92. The people banged away till the last song where some further instructions were given. 2 other volunteers were invited up and the black cloth was removed from 2 other instruments. Guess what they were? Cymbals and A GONG! Instructions on what were wanted were delivered in a “smash this as hard as you can” kind of way. After the rousing Gong Crash to finish the worship set, the audience went crazy in applause.
Lead pastor Don got up in his Jeans and Black rock concert t-shirt, to explain who he is and what is job is as lead Pastor. He gave a couple announcements about upcoming meetings. June 13 was the Annual Church Meeting. He looked up what was supposed to happen at church meetings and he advised people not to show up! ; )
He mentioned at the Annual Church and at 2 Vision Orientations Meetings that they would be looking at the Vision of Mars Hill, its mission here and to the world and some changes they believe God is leading them into. They would, at these next couple of meetings give opportunity for discussion from the body into revisions to their Constituting Documents. These documents have been labeled as functional reductionist documents.
He then introduced Rob by talking about the fact he is the Apostle/Teacher/Prophet of Mars Hill given to prayer and preparation. He also said Rob fancies himself a writer. After all he has sold 100,000 copies of the “Velvet Elvis”. Audience was applauding greatly.
Then Rob got up to teach. Laid back with confidence. Rob is about 6’ 3” tall.
He made an announcement about Baptisms next week and how it is his favorite service of the year, where story after story is told of what God has done in the lives of people wanting to be a part of God’s greater kingdom at large.
He then showed some pictures that had been emailed to the church of a nasty car wreck. The people had walked away with just scratches but the reason for the pictures were a church bumper sticker on the back end of the car hit by a semi.
Ushers were asked to pass out the Blue Bibles (Today’s NIV) and a copy of the notes.
Great word, great teaching.
For the close of service the Piano Player came up and asked the congregation to sing the benediction from Scott Baker and Ear Reverant Music, the hymn entitled, “Psalm 20” or “May He Grant You Peace”
Service was 70 minutes long. As was the second service.
People congregated in the huge area in what would be the center of the mall for coffee and conversation. There was a transitional crowd happening as people came in for the 11:00 service.
Congregation is made up of 60% people under 35 and the other 40% would be considered grey hairs.
The folks were very much there to see and hear Rob. Many had traveled to get a picture, which he did between services.
Second service started right at 11am in the “Shed”. I was going to wander between Club 56 and the Kids Cove to see how things worked in the children’s and pre-youth ministry.
I started in Club 56 where the kids were hanging around playing pool and air hockey and things got started at around 12 minutes past. Doors were locked and no in or out at 15 past. Walls are plain except for a painted square with a circle painted in the center. This was being used as a target as some kids tossed bean bags at them. About 17 past a guitarist and drummer led the kids in 3 songs after a Napoleon Dynamite-like Camp Video Clip was shown. Then the Leader got up and read to the kids from scripture, talking about Jesus saying he said some weird things. After the message and prayer the kids were allowed to hang out but not to leave the area.
I wandered down to the “Fishbowl”. This is the area where worship for the kids groups was going on. Kids were divided into classes by age where they did their cut and paste, color and cut out copier pages. They were then shuttled into the Fishbowl for a short teaching (lecture) and some songs. No creativity just sit and listen, stand and sing.
Songs for kids were: My God is So Big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do; Lovely Noise, I’m Gonna Walk In the Light of Jesus and then a prayer.
I understand they have raised up a new Children’s Director and she will have her work cut out for her if they want more than just maintaining the movement and control of kids.
I will be attending the 6:00pm service tonight to round out the day. I am under the understanding that tonight is the service they record for the internet and it is a mostly college aged service. There are no children’s services in the evening.

Mars Hill First Impression

After the Heart Stuff it has been a little while trying to get back to normal.
I had a plane ticket I needed and used it to take a few days away in Michigan to take a little
"R and R".
I have been impressed with a writer and videographer at large Rob Bell. His Nooma videos are a great conversation starter and his book the "Velvet Elvis" is a must read. 100,000 people can't be wrong! I listen to their sermons on-line at www.MHBCMI.org and really like Rob's style. I was listening to a burned CD one day and felt the Lord tell me to go see what was up.
I arrived on Thursday evening on Friday morning took the tour of what some call the fastest growing church in America, Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids Michigan. Pastor Rob Bell leads a congregation “pushing 15,000 people” in a remodeled 35 + store mall that was built in the 1960’s just outside Grand Rapids, Michigan.
On the Taxi ride from the airport, my Ethiopian Christian Taxi driver brought me up to speed on Mars Hill. He after all, had taken his Gifts of the Spirit Class there. He mentioned that Pastor Rob was a Pastor at Calvary Church (not affiliated with the Calvary Chapels of Chuck Smith renown). He went on to say that Pastor Rob left and took the church with him. While on the tour I got the “rest of the story”. Pastor Rob was the Saturday night Pastor at Calvary. He felt a call to start his own church and was sent out by Calvary Church and people that were felt called to go with him were given the Calvary Pastor’s blessing. On the first Sunday as Mars Hill met in a pole barn, 700 people showed up for service.
What struck me first as I looked around, was the fact that there was no sign or designation that it was a church. This unassuming building isn’t tagged because Pastor Rob doesn’t want to advertise that it’s a church. “If people want to come, let them find out where they need to go”.
I arrived through the glass encased office overlooking the entrance halls. Directly across from the office is the student or youth area. This free flowing, no ceiling room has several couches by the entrance way, 4 computers with swipe card terminals at the registration area just inside the door. The stage area is kind of in the middle of this banana shaped configuration and has home-made bleachers that surround chairs placed on the floor. The bleachers are a really cool set-up. In the “tip of the banana” are the usual pool tables, foosball tables and air hockey set-ups. Just off the banana is a separate room for the youth café and lounge. 4 top tables and chairs fill most of the space with a wet bar and prep area in the corner.
The rest of this “wing of the hallway” is made up of the “Children’s Area”. Mostly this area is made of rooms where the kids gather by age and name designation. The ages for the kids area is through 4th grade. The 5th and 6th graders are part of the Junior High Group. In the “Children’s Cove” is a larger unadorned room with a boat on the front wall used for worship for the kids. The take turns in the worship room and then back to their classrooms where they start service and finish. Then another group is ushered in to worship. Most of the rooms have a kid friendly picture of a Noah’s Ark or Teddy Bears painted on them. No real theme or designation other than a sign. I found on the tour that their biggest problem for the children’s department is space and trying to accommodate all the kids and their needs.
Outside the children’s area and next to the main sanctuary is an overflow room with Video Projector that looks to accommodate another 250 or so folks. It’s mainly used for families with kids. For those who don’t want to put their kids into the children’s area, which may be overwhelming because of the sheer size or numbers. Then there are those families who want their children to be under Pastor Rob’s teaching.
The main sanctuary I thought was most unique. There are about 3000 chairs surrounding the stage. Yup, the stage is in the center and “in the round!”
There is a large stage about 2 ½ feet off the ground. On top of this is a smaller stage adding another 2 feet in height. The Musicians are on the lower stage set up so they are completely circling the entire lower stage area. The interesting thing here is the musicians have their backs to the congregation. They face in to the center. Pastor Rob has this done so “the focus is on God, and not performance.”
The Pastor preaches from the upper platform. There are four large screens in a box shape above this upper platform so everyone can follow the Pastor as he preaches. It was kind of like being in Madison Square Garden.
Mars Hill seemed like they are still in transition. They have been in existence for 7 years and in the mall for 6. After the tour I found they are trying to identify the specific calling God has for them and who they are truly supposed to be.
This is just the facilities and tour report. I will fill in the rest after Sundays Services.
I will see 2 of the three main services. Observe the children’s area and attend a youth service while I am here.
After the initial tour I can see things many things we are already doing right at COTR, but can see where the differences are as well. There are things from Geographic differences to just philosophy differences. I will meet with Pastor Rob on Sunday between services and post more later.

Pictures worth at least $30,000

Well as you can see by the pictures, the heart cath in combination with the new medicine, Coumidan left me with some good color! The look now a few days later is similar except that it is a little more black blue and yellow and spread out between the pictured area and by thigh by my knee.

I have been at church yesterday and today for a couple of hours and then home for the afternoon to rest. I am preparing for an Easter Egg Hunt Show on Easter, a beach Sunrise Service, and upcoming kids camp lessons. That's really where I am focusing my energy. What little there is of it. The doctor had a good report for me on Monday reminding me about what I just went thru when I asked why I felt the way I did. Miss Chris has been the absolute best picking up my slacker ways! She'll need a good vacation!

I am also sticking in the pictures of the burns from the Florida Power and Light hook-up!