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I will be there. How about you? D6 Conference 2011 - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Well, today marks the first day back to work after Holy Week. It has consisted of several busy weeks preparing for Family Night on the Passover, Palm Sunday, & Easter. Each of these celebrations went well and I was excited to be a part of each one. But today I am dragging just a bit. I hope to catch up on things before I get busy again with summer planning. Because the reality is that in a month and a half, it is VBS & camp time. In less than a month, our family activities begin for the summer. But I don't want to get focused on those things yet. So, God gave me an opportunity last night to bring things into focus. Last night, I had the privilege to hear several testimonies from individuals who are being baptized or becoming members at Hesston MB this Sunday. It was a great time hearing how God had brought each one to Himself and how each are gifted in unique ways to be active participants in the Body of Christ. Even though I was tired, this was a great reminder wh...

This is one of my favorite Easter hymns, Christ Arose. Enjoy as you worship Christ!

This is one of the most powerful Easter songs I have ever heard. We had the privilege of seeing them in person while we lived in Iola. As you listen, I hope you are moved to worship. He is not here! Jesus is Alive! Go & worship at a local church tomorrow.

Listen as Darren Whitehead of Willow Creek shares about church & home at D6 Conference 2009:

I'm sitting at the Perk reading my newest book, Sun Stand Still, by Steven Furtick . Here are a few quotes from first chapter: If it's necessary, and it's never been done, she assumes that's because God intends for her to do it. You'll understand that God has much more in mind for your existence on this earth than merely surviving. This book is not a Snuggie . To inspire you to ask God for the impossible. And in the process, to reconnect you with your God-sized purpose and potential. If the size of your vision for your life isn't intimidating to you, there's a good chance it's insulting to God. If you're like most Christians, audacity is not a word you use to describe your faith. God has no Plan B. You're about to discover what happens when you dare to believe God for the impossible, ask God for the impossible-then act in audacious faith for his glory.

Tonight our Family Night at Hesston MB focused on the Passover. As we walked thru a few aspects of the celebration, I was reminded about how it all points to Jesus. Here are some of the items used: Salt water-to remind them of tears shed while in Egypt & how God rescued them by letting them walk on dry ground thru the Red Sea. Bitter root-to remind them of the bitterness they experienced at the hands of the Egyptians. Blood above doors-reminding God to passover their home because of the blood of the lamb. Do you know where I am going? Jesus shed tears for us as he was beaten & tortured & killed in our place. He experienced bitterness from the people who insulted him, gambled for his clothes, & ultimately took our sins upon Himself. His blood has allowed us to be rescued & saved from death. He died in our place & took the punishment we deserved. He is the Lamb of God & He was the ultimate & final sacrifice. Even as I led this Family Night, I was rem...

It's Palm Sunday! I don't know about you, but I get really excited as Easter Sunday approaches. But for me, I get real excited about Palm Sunday at our church. Maybe even more than the kids. Because for us that means live donkeys and little kids processing into the worship service waving palm branches. It is a lot of work and headaches at times, but it is well worth it. I am exhausted right now, but it is so fun see the children eyes light up as they see the donkey. It is great helping them to act out what the Bible says happened on Palm Sunday. It is fun playing games and reading books and singing songs that all capture the meaning behind this Sunday. Again, it takes a lot of help, but the payoff is seeing the kids "get it." Check out the Hesston MB page or my facebook page for pictures later. In closing, I highly recommend Heidrick's Promotions out of Nickerson . They have provided our donkeys for the last 3 years. They are great to work with. John...

The Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church is looking for people in need of a change, an oil change, that is. The Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church is once again partnering with Lords Lubers of Valley Center to provide free oil changes for the Hesston community. In partnering with the Lords Lubers, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Valley Center which provides free oil changes as a non-denominational Christian ministry, the church will be helping cover costs. “When people are in need, the first place they should look is the Church, but unfortunately that isn’t always the case,” said J.L. Martin, Associate Pastor of Family Ministries. The Church has hosted the Lords Lubers in October and received an incredibly positive response from the Hesston community with 21 cars serviced at the last community oil change. “The first time we didn’t now what to expect, but we were very pleased with the results from October. Several people within the church and the community thou...

I have experienced wonderful blessings the last several weeks. They were all related to being the church rather than just going to church. Now, do not misquote me and say that I have given you permission to not got to church. Church is important and is God's plan for saving the world. We have the privilege to hear God's Word taught and preached and to use our gifts in service and to encourage fellow believers. But if all you do is show up on Sunday and go on with the rest of your life the rest of the week, you are missing the blessing of being the church. Remember the activity in Sunday School where you hold your hands together and say, "this is the church, this is the steeple, open the doors and see all of the people." Thanks Aunt Kay Jean! But this simple children's activity reveals that the church is not a building, but the people. We are the church! I cannot tell you how many ways I have seen God use people in the last few weeks.We have the great opportu...

Hesston Elementary Service Project by Hesston MB Church families by Jackie Nelson The Hesston Mennonite Brethren Church’s children and parents came together to serve the Hesston Elementary School Saturday, April 2. A group of 32 parents and children gathered together to host a service day with J.L. Martin, Hesston Mennonite Brethren’s Associate Pastor of Family Ministries. Martin said the day was a positive learning experience for both parents and children. Martin said when most church members hear “service project,” many associate such projects with older youth, young adults and adult church leaders. “It’s important, and my belief, that we need to help kids understand that they can serve now rather than when they are teens or adults,” said Martin. Martin said children and parents working together in service helped reinforce the children’s ability to be active members of the congregation and gave their parents a chance to talk with children about being good stewards. “I...