I heard the series started awesome and that Carly’s story really affected a lot of people. As with the story of Hosea and Gomer, and with Carly, our heart gets stolen so often because of lies. I think it’s been a great place to start, and I hope everyone will continue on this journey to expose how our heart gets stolen away from God.
This week I spoke at a youth conference to a group of young adults, and was able to speak at 3 different churches. Tonight I am getting ready to go have dinner with some pastor friends from Hillsong Church, and tomorrow I'll be speaking at the college ministry of C3 church called "Change". Thursday I fly to Adelaide to spend some time with my friend JD. I’ll speak to the pastors of that city on Friday morning, and we are doing a city-wide gathering on Friday night. On Saturday I’ll fly to Perth and speak at Riverview church on the weekend, and begin the journey back home Monday morning, arriving Monday night in Portland.
I love being in Australia for so many reasons.:
First, God speaks to me so much when I’m here, differently from when I am home.
Second, I get to be in a serving capacity rather than leading, and I love that.
Third, I get to meet and spend time with very close friends in a country that I feel very connected to.
Fourth, it allows so many opportunities for people back home (like Carly and Michelle) to speak at Living Hope Church.
Although I love being away at different times, my first responsibility and calling is to be home, and I look forward to getting back.
Continue to allow God to speak to your heart, and allow him to expose what steals your heart from Him. Love pirates is real.
Can’t wait to see everyone.
JOHN
p.s. Mainly can’t wait to see my wife
330
I'm actually in LAX thinking about God and all that He is doing in our lives. As of tonight with Living Free and all our campuses, there have been at least 327 people baptized. This past weekend was one of the highest in both attendance and baptisms in our history. I want to say a quick thank you to everyone who invited their friends. I met SO many people who were at Living Hope for the first time, had their Jesus Moment and were baptized. It never ceases to amaze me that when we do our part, God does what only He can do.
- Continue to invite your friends and simply watch God work. It is completely a heaven-focused partnership.
AUSTRALIA
I am tired but excited to be on my way to Australia. Outside of salvation, God has done the biggest things in my life personally when I have travelled outside the country (India). I have a pretty intensive preaching and teaching schedule, meeting with leaders and praying with pastors. I just got off the phone with one of the lead pastors at Riverview Church, and I'm really excited to see my (our) friend Phil Baker.
This Friday and Saturday I will be speaking at a conference called AWAKEN THIS LOVE. It is predominately college age students and I have been looking forward to this for almost a year.
NEW SERIES
I'm excited about the new series "Love Pirates". This series will take us through to Easter weekend, and will simply focus on the things that steal our heart from God. The message you will hear this weekend, I promise will change your life. Invite your friends - their lives will be changed too.
Thanks for your prayers. Over the next 8 days I will have the privilege of speaking 13 times in 3 cities and 4 churches. I'll spend around 45 hours in the air. A whole work week on a plane! Thanking God for a church that is making a local and global impact.
SPEAKING ITINERARY
Thursday Arrive Sydney
Friday & Saturday AWAKEN THIS LOVE CONFERENCE, 3 sessions
Sunday C3 Church, 2 services - Click Here to watch John speak streamed live Saturday 2pm PST
Mt Annan Church, 1 service
Wednesday Change, 1 service
Thursday Fly to Adelaide
Friday Coastlands
Pastors and leaders gathering
City wide event
Saturday Fly to Perth
Speak at Riverivew
Sunday Speak at Riverview , 3 services
