“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

Family Day, Hopkinton, Mass

Debbie Dean was our associate pastor in Bridgton, Maine for 15 years before moving back to Massachusetts to serve at a Vineyard church in her home state.  She has had us down twice in recent weeks, most recently for the Hopkinton Family Fun Day.  This is a citywide event that included lots of fair-food, concerts, displays by many community groups, and a Robin Williams impersonator who made me do a double take he was so realistic.

The Vineyard Church's had a display and also held an event-wide scavenger hunt, in which people traveled around the area taking pictures of certain assigned things. The ones that came in with all pictures taken were put into a drawing for a prize.  I went to juggle by their display to draw attention to what the church was doing. Interestingly, the church booth was directly next to the Islamic Community Center's display.  While I was warming up just prior to the 2:00 start time, a couple of the guys from their display were clearly intrigued.  I invited them over to try their hands at diaboloing a day three ball juggling.  As someone who has taught a lot of people to juggle, it was a pretty typical first lesson except that these guys were probably around 35 or 40.  But what made it intriguing was that we were of two different cultures ( they were clearly Middle Eastern immigrants, as evidenced by their heavy accents) and faiths, but we were sharing a brief laugh together.  I'll stop short of saying that juggling is the great United of humankind, but it was a neat moment, and I hope it was for them as well.

The day was full of those types of moments.  Not doing an actual 'show' there were many opportunities to interact a bit more with the crowd- and there was quite a crowd that day. There was an 11 year old Russian girl who came to the states two years ago. I tried to teach her juggling and she tried to teach me so,e basic Russian. There was the group of 12 year old boys who were too cool to admit they couldn't figure out some of my illusions.  And there was the father and daughter from India who also tried their hands at juggling. 

Of course, I did my share of promoting the Vineyard's display as well. After all, that's what I was brought down to do.  Gigs like this are unique because it's somewhere between a show and a practice.  I juggled until my arms could barely juggle any more, and I had a memorable day doing it.

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A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

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