Pastor's Blog

Activity in November & December, 2011

2012-01-11T18:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Looks like I've gotten behind on posting pictures from some of the events in the past couple of months. Before they get outdated here they are:

The Andreasen Family Christmas Pic - Dec.2011
The Andreasen Kid's Home for Christmas - Dec.2011
Servolution Outreach Group Pics - Nov.2011
Pastor's Staff & Board's Christmas Party - Dec.2011
"We Like Sheep" Children's Christmas Program - Dec.2011
"Christmas Through the Ages" Adult Christmas Program - Dec.2011

Lot of excitement these past 2 months. Looking forward to what will unfold in 2012!

Love to all!

God's Marching Orders for the Andreasen's: Columbus, Indiana to O'Fallon, Illinois

2011-10-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Columbus First Assembly

Final Sunday @ CFA

Farewell Lunch with Staff

Moving Day

Surprise welcome guests to our new home!

O'Fallon Assembly of God

Worship Experience

Worship Center

O'Fallon Assembly's Transition Team

Surprise 50th Birthday Party!

Wheeling the "Old Man" around in style!

The last several months have brought our family through a transition in ministry. We had guided Columbus First Assembly for 8 1/2 years...weathered the flood in 2008...completely renovated and rebuilt the entire church facility...and watched our kids grow up and two graduate from high school. Then the Lord brought to us His marching orders for a new assignment: Lead and pastor the congregation of O'Fallon Assembly of God in O'Fallon, Illinois!

For the last several months we have been settling in to our new assignment. The transition team has been amazing. The boards have been wonderful. The people have been so loving and kind. The staff has been helpful and gracious. We hit the ground running...and have been running ever since. The church is about to explode with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. They are ready to touch this community with the love of Jesus Christ!

We have been declaring a NEW DAY @ O'FALLON ASSEMBLY OF GOD! Can't wait to see all that the Lord has planned for this people and this church!

God is ready to take us all to a new level and a new place...and we are eager to follow!

If you are ever on the Metro East side of the St. Louis area...let me invite you to come for a visit!

Love to all.

General Council 2011 - Phoenix, AZ

2011-08-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

US Airways Center - site of evening services

Huldah Buntain of Calcutta Mercy Ministries

R. Messner Construction booth

CBC ministry booth...my alma mater!

With my sister Ruth and her girls,
Stacey & Kristin @ AIC booth

Builder's International booth...
where my mom volunteers in Nixa, MO!

Convoy of Hope booth

Teen Challenge International

Evangel University booth

VFCC

Latin America ChildCare (CFA supports this)

With Dr. George O. Wood,
General Superintendent of the A/G

Chi Alpha booth

MAPS RVers

Royal Rangers climbing wall

With my doubles partner...we dominated!

Here it comes...

Friday night altar service...awesome!

Doug Clay was the guest speaker

With Tammy (and our youth)...
we celebrated our 24th anniversary
@ General Council!!

Phoenix First Assembly

Pastor Tommy Barnett greeting people after service

Tammy at a beautiful garden area @ PFA

American Indian College - Phoenix, AZ

Tammy with Dr. David DeGarmo & Kristin

Let me share some more pictures with you from our recent trip in attending the 54th General Council of the Assemblies of God in Phoenix, Arizona.

Once again it was a powerful time of ministry, business, and meeting tons of friends both from CBC, as well as over 28 years of pastoral ministry in the Assemblies of God (connected with lots of people from previous churches and also Districts). It is realistically our national convention that convenes once every two years in a different city across the United States. Tammy and I love participating in all of the activities of GC!

We were also able to visit American Indian College there in Phoenix where my brother-in-law Dr. David DeGarmo is the President. It was a great connection with where my sister and her family are serving through an A/G U.S. Missions appointment.

On Sunday we worshiped @ Phoenix First Assembly and heard Pastor Tommy Barnett preach a message entitled, "From Generation to Generation." This is one of our flagship churches in the Assemblies of God numbering more than 4,000 people in weekly service experiences. It deeply touched my heart to witness around 30-50 people respond to the salvation invitation at the end of the service. Pastor Barnett is passionate about winning souls for His kingdom!

Trust this photo journal provides you with a birds-eye view into the activities of our A/G General Council.

Love to all!

CFA/GC'11 - Phoenix, Arizona

2011-08-04T23:28:00.000-07:00

Pastor Clint & Kelly and the gang

Figure this one out and you win the prize!

Dr. James Bradford preaching

Ethan Steinbach - FAF Male Piano Solo

After a GC business session...

Dr. George O. Wood, General Superintendent presiding...

My view during the business sessions...

GC Display

You guessed it...I played one of my favorite games too!

With Missionary Bill Snider

Amazing display!

Interactive art areas...

Buddy Barrel - BGMC!

Tammy and I are attending General Council 2011 for the Assemblies of God in Phoenix, Arizona. Thought I would post a few pictures to allow you a glimpse of the activity, displays, services and Fine Arts Festival presentations that fill this GC '11 week. Tonight we caught up with our youth team participating in the AIM event/FAF. We snapped a few pictures after the service tonight with Pastor Clint & Kelly and the Refuge Missions Team...our kids are having a blast!!

Keep the GC '11 remaining business sessions, services and outreach activities here in Phoenix in your prayers!

We love the energy and passion of the Assemblies of God global family...what a dynamite fellowship!

Things are looking up!!

Love to all.

"I Lift My Hands" - Chris Tomlin

2011-07-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Pacesetting Church Leadership School

2011-06-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Mount Hope Church, Lansing, Michigan

The church with all the flags!!

MHC - A Church with a Huge Vision Plan!

Gilead Healing Center

Valley of Blessings

Global Prayer Center - MHC

Cafe Hope

Fireside Room

Kidz Connect Room

Countdown Clock...

Pacesetting Church Leadership School Worship

PCLS Sessions

Awesome Event & Media Center

With Pastor Dave & Mary Jo Williams

Some new friends @ Mount Hope Church

With my new friend, Len Hill

This past week I participated in some top-notch continuing education for Pastoral Church Leadership. I drove up to Lansing, Michigan and spent the week at Mount Hope Church with about 300 other students.

The school was called Pastor Dave Williams' Pacesetting Church Leadership School. Pastor Dave has led Mount Hope Church and International Outreach Ministries for the past 30 years. The church has grown under his ministry from 225 to over 4,000 members and attendees today. There are 40 daughter churches that have been established in Michigan, the Philippines, the Ivory Coast, and Zimbabwe. Including all branch churches, over 20,000 people are affiliated with Mount Hope Churches all over the world. Pastor Dave has authored over 80 books and is also the president and founder of Gilead Healing Center, which is a multi-million dollar medical ministry located there on the church campus.

Leaders need continuing education. This past week was a powerful time of education, inspiration, motivation, application and impartation. The school was an amazing, outstanding, practical, spiritual, enriching and fruitful time of ministry training. There were 32 individual sessions, along with several luncheons, night services & events and the culminating graduation ceremony. Each speaker and presenter was gifted, articulate and anointed. The times of worship were moments of heaven kissing earth...powerful scenes of intimacy with God!

Thank you Pastor Dave and Mount Hope Church for your incredible faith and life-changing visionary leadership! You have imparted into my life and ministry a deposit that is eternal. You have stretched my faith to believe for the impossible. You have encouraged me to finish this race with perseverance and excellence. You have "enlarged my tent" on all sides.

"Do you see what this means— all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running— and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus , who both began and finished this race we're in." Hebrews 12:1-2 (Message)

Friend of the faith, keep running this race for Jesus and never, never quit!

Love to all!

Jordon Graduates from Evangel University!

2011-05-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

Evangel University Chapel, Springfield, Missouri

Brent & Jordon @ Baccalaureate Service

Receiving the Outstanding Student Award

Trenton, Jordon & Devon (The 3 Amigo's)

Jordon, Neena & Mom

Outstanding Computer Science Graduate

Papa, Mom, Mr. Mitcham (Jordon's advisor) & Jordon

Graduation @ James River Assembly

President Spence awarding the diploma

The place was packed!

Grandparents and Family

Mom, Neena & Grandma

Jordon's favorite cake - Chocolate!

Recently we made a road trip down to Springfield, Missouri for our oldest son's college graduation. Jordon graduated from Evangel University on May 5th with Magna Cum Laude Honors. Plus, he was awarded the Outstanding Computer Science Graduate from the Science and Technology Department. The whole family was together to celebrate this very special moment...even the grandparents were there to witness it!

We are very proud of our son and the dedication that he demonstrated with his studies over these past four years (where in the world did those four years go?). He sure has set the bar high for his brothers and sister to follow in his footsteps.

Tammy and I have been blessed with four great kids...smart, gifted, talented, good looking, and in love with the Lord. God has been so good to us!

May God help us all as parents to "train up our children in the way they should go" so when they are older and on their own they will stay on the straight and narrow path. It is God's charge to all Christian parents...let us take heed and follow it.

Love to all!

CFA's 2011 Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday!

2011-04-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Love Your Neighbor

2011-03-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Tom Richardson

Since my last blog entry we have participated in our Winter Revival Services with Evangelist Jimmy Russell. God met with us in those four services in a powerful way. Several lives were transformed because of an encounter with Jesus Christ...awesome! There was such liberty and freedom in the worship services and a hunger for the preaching of God's Word.

Following the Winter Revival it was a joy to witness five believers obeying the Lord and getting baptized in water. The vision of spiritual propulsion among our fellowship is definitely taking hold. Each vision step is moving followers of Christ into a closer and and more consistent walk with Jesus.

This past weekend we sponsored a relational evangelism teaching event with Rev. Tom Richardson from People Reaching People Ministries. Tom taught and ministered in three separate sessions on leading Christians into soul-winning opportunities in everyday life. The evening session focused on "Neighborhood Evangelism." This was especially meaningful as our church, Columbus First Assembly, will be launching out soon on prayer walks throughout our community. The power of prayer combined with the personal invitation will be a tremendous force for God in our city. One of the verses and also statements used in that evening session centered on:

"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement "you shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)
Intention (100%) + Mechanism (method) = Results!
What are you doing that is more important than obeying God's command, "Love your neighbor as yourself"?

Several key opportunities have been presented to our fellowship to put this verse and this strategy into motion. Together we will be looking for fresh opportunities to love our neighbors and demonstrate the awesome love of Jesus!

Our 9th Annual Easter Egg Hunt with over 10,000 eggs is scheduled for Saturday, April 23rd @ Noon. Registration has started @ columbusfirstassembly.org!

We are committed to MAKING IT COUNT IN 2011!

P.S. We caught coon #3 up in the attic!

Coons in the Attic!

2011-02-25T13:17:00.000-08:00

Attic above church office

Caught you little fella...

Rocky the Raccoon

Rocky's daughter Rachel...or so we think!

Cage turned over into ceiling insulation...

Leaving CFA...no more home for you coons!

Devon with his sax before a concert

Devon and the CEHS Jazz Band

Have you ever heard of Bats in the Belfry? Bats are those erratically flying mammals and belfries are the bell towers, sometimes found at the top of a bell tower on a church, where the bell is placed.

We experienced here @ CFA something of a different nature...raccoons!!! And these coons weren't in our belfry either...they were in our church attic. In fact, these little critters had made quite a mansion of a home in our spacious and sprawling attic. We believe they had been residing up there for the better part of a year.

Well, when Rocky clawed and chopped his way through the ceiling in the hallway (literally!)...we knew it was time to act...and act fast! We called the Animal Control in our city and they brought over one of their cage traps and some bait food (cat food no less!). Guess what? Rocky and his family (or his friends) were extremely smart. Somehow they were able to get inside the trap, grab the food and get out of Dodge! They did this for about 4 or 5 times...simply wearing out the Animal Control officer. Would you believe they came to expect our call every morning?

First we caught Rocky and a week later we caught Rachel (I'll give her this name because I assumed she was female...small and petite!). I think they were just glad to finally be caught and then released out into the country. You don't think they are built with a GPS device in their brains, do you? I'm not looking for them to return any time soon!!

The opening was closed up on the soffit underneath the roof...thanks to Ted, our handyman. Plus the hole in the ceiling was repaired by Kevin, our janitor. Thanks guys for your help!

My son in High School recently played in a special event at his school to raise funds for their band program. We attended this function and was very proud of his accomplishments. Devon has grown tremendously with his saxophone since starting before the sixth grade.

This coming Sunday begins our WINTER REVIVAL with Evangelist Jimmy Russell. Looking forward to these special services. In fact, why not come and join us!

Service schedule is Sunday @ 10 am and 6 pm. Monday and Tuesday nights @ 7 pm!

Come on, let's "Make it Count!"

New book - "Soulprint"

2011-01-25T08:58:00.000-08:00

There never has been and never will be anyone like you. But that isn’t a testament to you. It’s a testament to the God who created you. The problem? Few people discover the God-given identity that makes them unlike anyone else. Mark Batterson calls this divine distinction our soulprint.

God would like to introduce you to yourself.

In Soulprint, Mark pours the contagious energy he’s known for into helping you experience the joy of discovering who you are...and the freedom of discovering who you’re not. The wonderful fact is that your uniqueness is God’s gift to you, and it’s also your gift to God.

A self-discovery book that puts God at the center rather than self, Soulprint encourages you to recognize and explore the five defining moments in your life that will determine your destiny. Along the way, you’ll find that you’re not just turning the pages of a book. You’re turning the pages of your remarkable, God-shaped, world-changing life.

About the Author: Mark Batterson serves as the lead pastor of National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) in Washington, D.C.

Disclaimer. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Download Chapter One.

Purchase "Soulprint."

December Drama...

2010-12-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas Family Photo

Ashlyn's 13th Birthday

Pastor's Staff & Board Christmas Party

Annual Christmas Quiz

Lori was the Christmas Quiz Champ for another year!

My wife...amazing cook, amazing woman!!

Team 1 Competition

Team 2 Competition

Ping Pong Tourney...Brad and me

Pastor Clint & Mike

Kevin & Roger

"The Plane Truth" Kidz Christmas Program

Caitlyn...missionary kid

Kidz Christmas Choir

Joseph & Mary

C3 Service - Tammy reading a story

C3 Candlelight Service

What a busy month so far...every December usually is, right!

My daughter Ashlyn celebrated her 13th birthday at the beginning of the month. My baby has grown from a little girl into a beautiful teenager. She brought tears to Tammy's eyes...as our last child has entered middle school...there are no Andreasen children left in elementary school any longer!

Then we hosted the annual Staff & Board Christmas Party at our home. Every year this is one of the highlight's for our leadership team. They enjoy this special night that we prepare for them...in their honor for all they have helped to provide in servant leadership throughout the year.

Then there was adult caroling one Wednesday night to the shut-ins of our church. We receive such a blessing when we share the Christmas carols with them...and give them a warm hug with lots of love before we leave.

Our church's children's ministry presented "The Plane Truth" Kid's Christmas Program! Wow...they knocked it out of the park...literally! They did a fantastic job ministering to a packed auditorium the message of the Christmas story...told from their perspective....very cute and funny too! It was amazing!!

Next we celebrated our annual church family gathering called C3....Carols, Communion and Candlelight. This was another powerful service sharing songs, videos, special music, stories, scripture readings, communion and also the candlelight service too. Anointed night with some very special people gifted in ministry. We have a wonderful church family here at Columbus First Assembly.

Love having my two older sons home for Christmas. We gathered around the tree for our annual family picture.

We send love from our family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,

Pastor, Tammy, Jordon, Trenton, Devon & Ashlyn

Monday Night Football: Colts Win!

2010-11-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

It was Monday Night Football in Indianapolis. The Colts were at home playing the Houston Texans. This game carried serious ramifications for the AFC South Division. The Texans were leading the division heading into Monday night's game. Another note of concern...the Colts were dismantled by the Texans at their first contest together early in the season.

Guess what? Instead of watching the game from my man cave in the basement I had the opportunity of watching the game live from Lucas Oil Stadium, thanks to a friend! Wow, what an experience! It was my first NFL game. Plus, I was able to bring my ministry associate along with me. Pastor Clint and I had an awesome time together enjoying this football experience on Monday night, November 1st!

Not only did the Colts get revenge on their first loss to the Texans, they beat them pretty handily from the get-go (30-17). Now...they are a half game up on the Titans in their division...not too bad!

Next time I watch the Colts play I'll remember this special night. Thank you Lord for giving us your gifts and special blessings.

Live for God. Love Him wholeheartedly. Lead others to Him!

October Activities

2010-10-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

Devon in Columbus East Marching Band

Before CEHS football game

On the road again...

Time with Trenton @ CBC

Time with Jordon @ Evangel

Chapel Service @ Evangel University

Newest building @ EU

A/G Headquarters

Ashlyn in her mobile game room

CBC team getting ready for soccer game

Trenton practicing before game

CBC wins 6-2!

Ice cream with three of my kids

Ashlyn with Grandma

With mom

3 Generations of Andreasen's

Kid's visit with Neena & Papaw

CFA Missions Service

CFA Missions Dinner

This past month has seen a flurry of activity both in my family and at the church...

We conducted our first CFA Block Party to reach out and grow relationships with our neighbors around the church...awesome outreach!
Tammy, Ashlyn and I went to watch Devon play in the marching band for Columbus East High School. They looked and sounded great...very proud of my son and his accomplishments!
Started and finished our Fall Membership Class @ CFA!
Attended my Growth Group with Lois Noblitt...great fellowship!
Visited my two boys along with mom down in Springfield, Missouri...my daughter drove down with me!
Opened up our Annual World Missions Convention with a bang...literally! The Holy Spirit marked this service in a powerful way!
We plan on finishing up the events of our Missions Convention this weekend...gonna be awesome!

If you are ever in the area come and visit us for a service @ Columbus First Assembly of God, 2100 Tenth Street here in Columbus, Indiana; Phone 812-376-7833; Website - www.columbusfirstassembly.org

Blessings and love to all!

Celebrating Marriage @ CFA!

2010-09-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

John & Mary Lou Washler
Married 61 years

Tim & Judy Dill
Married 23 years

David & Shari Yeley
Married 39 years

Brad & Allison Stidam
Married 8 years

Eddie & Tammy Robinson
Married 7 years

Kevin & Martha Kennedy
Married 23 years

Bugs & Jennifer Thayer
Married 1 year

Phil & Debbie Steinbach
Married 30 years

Temi & Erica Akingboye
Married 1 year

Rob & Carla Mills
Married 9 years

Shawn & Jennifer Patterson
Married 19 years

Randy & Mary Bailey
Married 11 years

Mike & Candy Taylor
Married 23 years

Phil & Buffy Shelton
Married 19 years

Jeff & Terri Hurd
Married 20 years

Bill & Trudy Zimmerman
Married 27 years

Ramiah & Shanna Cavanaugh
Married 11 years

John & Bev Wampler
Married 28 years

Scott & Anna Seiple
Married 5 years

Steve & Debbie Buckner
Hot Marriage Founders
Married 15 years

Clint & Kelly Walker
Married 10 years

Don & Tammy Andreasen
Married 23 years

This month we have focused on the God-ordained institution of MARRIAGE here @ Columbus First Assembly. Each Sunday we have been in a sermon series entitled, "One Flesh." This past Sunday we hosted the founders of HotMarriage.org, Steve & Debbie Buckner. On Sunday night they put on a special event for couples that they've called Marriage Rocks! It was a great evening devoted to growing and celebrating the marriage covenant relationship.

Here are some other couples who attended the event but I wasn't able to grab a picture for:

Roger & Vera Collins - Married 36 years
Greg & Shelley Dill - Married 1 year
Ron & Jane Ferril - Married 30 years
Delos & Iris Maxwell - Married 60 years
Rob & Kathie Warner - Married 13 years

'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Matthew 19:5-6

May God bless, anoint, protect and strengthen the marriages of Columbus First Assembly!

Honey, our family just shrunk!

2010-08-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Trenton with Grandma before leaving for CBC

In a long 4+ hour line during CBC's registration

Meeting a new friend in the line

Photo ID the last stage of the registration journey!

Parking the car behind his dorm...new home for 4 years!

New student activities

In his dorm room...

Mom in Jordon and Brent's room @ Evangel University

Sunday lunch with the family!

Our family with my sister Marlene and her daughter, Genelle

I've been trying to process the events from this past weekend. Last Thursday I drove down to Springfield, Missouri with my son Trenton. He is enrolled as a freshman @ Central Bible College, the same school that I arrived at back in 1979 (some 31 years ago!!). We drove down together...Trenton in his car and me in the family van.

Then on Friday we pulled into the CBC parking lot. This would soon become more realistic in a few days when Trenton was not coming home with us...he would be staying! First, there was a general meeting in the chapel...then off to a long registration line...and finally moving all of his stuff into the dorm room at Horton Hall (the same hall I spent 3 years of my life in!). As we spent time together I quickly realized my boy was growing up...right before my eyes. He was eager to arrange his new room...meet his new roomie...connect his new laptop up to the school network...and get settled in.

Throughout the whole experience Trenton amazed me. He was ready for this next transition in his life. He was excited about what God was doing to prepare him for full-time ministry. He was thrilled at God's provision to enroll at CBC. He was happy to meet and make new friends. He was even ready...to live on his own...without any help from his parents. Wow...that one kinda stung a bit!

Our son is maturing into a fine young Christian man. We have raised him to love God. We have trained him according to the holy scriptures. Now he has responded to the call of God on his life...we are so proud of Trenton...and every one of our kids. God has blessed me beyond comprehension as I sit here and consider all that God has accomplished for us in our family.

Trenton will have his older brother just about 8 minutes away as well. Jordon is gearing up for his final year at Evangel University. He just completed his summer internship with Cummins Inc. on Friday and drove down to Springfield with his mother on Saturday. One more year to go...before you know it, we'll be driving back down for his college graduation!

Yes, my mind is racing with memories of our two sons growing up. There are pictures in my mind of Jordon on the drums or Trenton in the mud...that's right, the mud! Each one has grown into a responsible and respectful young man. They are great students. They work hard. They love to have fun!

Now, our home is a little bit quieter. Two cars are missing from the driveway. Two kids are absent around the kitchen table. Two gone...and two to go. Please, let's not even discuss the empty nest syndrome just yet...I still have about 6 more years before that dreadful day!

Final thought...love your kids every moment of every day. Cherish your family. Love your spouse. Build special family memories. Enjoy what God has given to you...I know I have.

Thank you Lord for all that you have done for us. You are an awesome and amazing God!

Love to all!

Missions Trip to Gateway A/G

2010-07-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

CFA Work Crew arrives @ Gateway A/G

CFA's drawing on Gateway's sanctuary floor

CFA Missions Team along with the Pastor & his Wife (far left)

On Saturday, July 24th we traveled to Ashland City, Tennessee for a one-day compact Missions Trip. Our destination was Gateway Assembly of God. Mission: To work on getting their building back for worship services!

You see, Gateway Assembly of God and Columbus First Assembly have a lot in common:

Gateway Assembly of God was flooded out on May 2, 2010 with the enormous rain they received in the Nashville area. Columbus First Assembly was flooded out on June 7, 2008 with the enormous rain we received in the Columbus area. Gateway Assembly of God is using Faith Community Church of the Nazarene for their temporary worship home. Columbus First Assembly used Memorial Baptist Church for their temporary worship home. Gateway Assembly of God revised their worship schedule to services on Sunday @ 2 & 3 pm and on Tuesday @ 6:30 pm. Columbus First Assembly revised their worship schedule to services on Sundays @ 12:30 pm and on Tuesdays @ 7 pm. Gateway Assembly of God lost a huge amount of equipment, resources and supplies, plus major damage to their facility…final amount not complete yet! Columbus First Assembly loss was almost a million dollars! Gateway Assembly of God is experiencing wonderful miracle after miracle from God’s divine favor and blessing. Columbus First Assembly experienced wonderful miracle after miracle throughout our entire restoration and recovery phases. Gateway Assembly of God is receiving work teams from churches outside of their local area and outside states too. Columbus First Assembly received work teams from churches both in Indiana and also from many other states as well.

It was a joy to connect with our sister church in Tennessee and see our team work hard on the many projects that remain in Gateway's reconstruction.

Lift up a prayer for Gateway A/G! They are anxious to return back home to their worship facility. Yes, I remember those days very well!

Love to all!

LADC Missions Trip!

2010-07-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today was the day that our youth missions team was scheduled to leave on their 7-day missions trip. They had been planning this for about 6 months...everyone was eager and excited to go.

They left CFA before Noon today and headed for the Cincinnati airport to catch a 4:10 pm flight...(I was their driver!) Stopped on the way to grab some lunch at Arby's!

Proud of our students and leaders for embarking on such an ambitious missions endeavor. They will be working with the L.A. Dream Center and living there too! They will serve and minister in a mix of ministries. Their hearts will be greatly opened to the many needs of inner-city work.

Sunday they will be going to church @ the historic Angelus Temple.

Keep them in your prayers all this coming week! I'm sure they'll have plenty of testimonies and trip experiences to share with all of us when they get back.

Love to all!

Summer Vacation!

2010-06-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Views of the Gulf

Scenic Beach Views

Beautiful!

Sand art by Devon & Trenton

Ashlyn caught this rainbow on our road trip!

Boys in Cozumel...3 Amigos!

Chillin in Jaimaica, Mon!

June was the right time for a family vacation. We planned this getaway for quite some time and were thrilled to be together. We drove hundreds of miles...traveled through 6 states...witnessed some incredible sights...and visited some amazing islands. Thank you Lord for my precious wife and four fantastic kids!

This summer will be over before you know it. This fall brings more changes to the Andreasen family...two kids will now be at college and two kids will be at home! Not so sure that I am ready for these impending changes! But with God's help we'll navigate through the curves in the road together.

At church I have just started a new sermon series entitled, "The Blessed Life." This past Sunday was a great launch for this new series. If you can join us here @ CFA, great...but if not, you can still listen to each message online: "The Blessed Life!"

Put God first in everything you do. Have a blessed summer.

Love to all!

Graduation for Second Son

2010-05-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we witnessed Trenton receiving his diploma from Columbus East High School. Three years ago we gathered in the same gym to watch Jordon receive his. Three years have literally flown by...where did the time go?

Tammy and I are very proud of Trenton's accomplishment. It is so rewarding to see him grow up and mature into a fine young man. He has a level head on his shoulders and the life of Christ in his heart. This fall he enters the ranks of those studying at college to further their education. We pray God's best for our son as he follows God's will for his life!

We held a Graduates Reception at our church for those graduating from high school. Congratulations to all: Trenton Andreasen, Bethany Ferril, Jacob Kennedy, Lizz Nauert, Ethan Steinbach, and Rachel Warner. We are very happy for each one! God bless you as you cross this threshold and begin a new transition in your life!

Now the summer kicks off with June beginning tomorrow. Gonna be exciting!!

Love to all!

National Day of Prayer @ Columbus City Hall (5.06.10)

2010-05-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Our community gathered on the lawn of City Hall yesterday to call upon God during the National Day of Prayer. The Bible Reading Marathon concluded and the service began at 12 noon. Weather was sunny and beautiful. Participants added such a tremendous depth through prayer and song. God gave us a good crowd to practice the scripture verse found in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

One thing for sure...God was listening and shining His face upon us!

Special thanks to all who attended, to my NDP Task Force members, to the 360 bible readers and 24 captains, to Mayor Fred Armstrong, to the pastors and laypeople who were involved in the service and to those who were listening by radio (thanks to Matt Bond and WYGS for broadcasting on site).

Keep praying for America...land of the free!

NDP in Columbus

2010-05-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

The National Day of Prayer Task Force is once again leading the charge in sponsoring two main events here in Columbus, Indiana.

Currently, we are leading a Bible Reading Marathon which started on Monday, May 3rd @ Noon and runs through Thursday, May 6th @ Noon. That's 72 solid hours of sewing God's Word into the fabric of our community...priceless!! This translates into 360 readers reading 12 minutes each from over 40 different churches. This requires 24 captains to organize their teams into a well-oiled reading machine. This is a huge project that blesses the heart of God with each believers' commitment and dedication to the cause of Jesus Christ.

The Bible Reading Marathon culminates into the Community Gathering Service on the steps of City Hall from Noon to 1 pm on May 6th. Our committee has been planning this special community gathering for several months and we look forward to what God has in store for us. Over 120 churches have been contacted in Bartholomew County to participate in such an event. Wouldn't it be awesome to witness hundreds of Christians gathering at City Hall to pray for our city, our country and our world? Let me encourage you to put this event on your calendar and join us for this powerful prayer service!

The pictures captured above reveal the sights of our Bible Reading Marathon going on right now. If you live in Bartholomew County or surrounding areas come on by and show your support for the proclamation of God's Holy Word!

Love to all!

CFA Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

LARGEST EGG HUNT in Columbus! Sat., April 3rd

2010-03-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Make plans to attend our 8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Columbus First Assembly!

Date: Saturday, April 3rd
Time: Noon to 2 pm
Where: Columbus First Assembly
2100 Tenth Street
Columbus, Indiana 47201

There will be plenty of fun inflatables, tons of candy, lots of cool prizes, games, popcorn, food and an awesome speaker who juggles, rides a unicycle and loves kids! You don't want to miss this.

BUT you must be registered by going to our website: columbusfirstassembly.org and clicking on the banner at the top. This will direct you to register your children for the event!

Love to all.

First Sunday of March

2010-03-07T16:32:00.000-08:00

Growth Group meeting in our home

Devon and the saxophone girls

It's been a month since I've blogged...better catch you up.

Our area had quite a bit of snow in the last month (mostly gone now)...but the kids got out of school for several days. It was such a welcome sight to see and feel the sun today and know that Spring is on the way!

We hosted the first meeting for our Growth Group. Wow...what a fantastic night we shared together! Our church is focused on growing relationships this year through seven different Growth Groups. By tonight all seven groups will have met for their first meeting...three more to go in this semester.

Last Sunday was 100% Day @ CFA. It was a great service plus a wonderful fellowship dinner for all of our workers serving in the many ministries of our church. I loved preaching the message "Next Man Up," which used the sports message that the Indianapolis Colts used in their run to the Super Bowl. One man goes down...the next man is up! Check it out.

Today was a powerful service at church...such a strong presence of the Lord from the beginning. Great worship experience...special celebration of communion...lots of guests...my son home from college...and a great time ministering the Word through the message, "Spiritual Earthquake." Two souls were added to the Lamb's Book of Life this morning! PTL!

Looking forward to another great month with Spring on the way...and Easter just around the corner.

We've opened up the registration process for our 8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Date for this community-wide event is Saturday, April 3rd. Visit our church website and click on the banner with the Egg Hunt listing to register your children and family.

Blessings and love to all!

New Pictures!

2010-02-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

Andreasen family!

Family Prayer Service!

Grandma Andreasen & family

Grandma Andreasen & Tammy

Andreasen family!

Trenton being Trenton!

Zeiler family!

Ashlyn and her bucket band!

Ashlyn's Video of her Dad!

2010-01-26T17:36:00.001-08:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

New Book: "Primal"

2009-12-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

Author and Pastor, Mark Batterson

In Primal, Mark Batterson strips away every distraction and complication, focusing on the essence of Christianity, the Great Commandment. Batterson explores the foundational elements of loving God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

And when you learn how to love God with everything you have, it'll drastically transform your life...and probably your world. So start 2010 with a bang - grab this new book and start your journey right away.

This book is an invitation to become part of a national and global movement. Why not rediscover the compassion, wonder, curiosity and energy that turned the world upside down two thousand years ago. Listen...you too can have primal Christianity!

You can locate this book from WaterBrook Multnomah:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421319

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Special Moments in December, 2009

2009-12-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Tammy, my award-winning sweetheart!!!

Annual Christmas Quiz...

John, Winner of the Quiz...and his prize!

Kristy and Candy...Tied for 2nd Place!

Intense ping-pong games...

Check out Eric's competitive form!!

Jonathan & Myric

Bride & Groom and part of the Andreasen Clan

December is one of the great months of the year. This one is no exception. Plus, it has been highlighted with several great moments thus far as well.

First of all, I am very proud of my awesome wife Tammy! On December 2nd she was presented with the Professional of the Year Award by the Arc of Bartholomew County. The Professional of the Year Award is presented to an individual employed in the field of serving individuals with developmental disabilities and whose work has resulted in improvement in supports and services for people with disabilities and their families. Tammy was honored for positively influencing the attitudes and thinking of other professionals as well as the general public.

My wife is the Autism Coordinator Assistant for BCSC and has worked in this position for the past 3 years. These comments were included by the staff and students that Tammy works with and was included in the presentation of the award:

She was described as "an amazing individual. She truly implements person-centered supports to achieve the most inclusive outcome possible for all BCSC students she works with."
"The students call her Mrs. A and smile every single time they see her."
"Tammy can think and act on the spot like nobody you have ever seen...the hours spent on planning are endless, but she NEVER complains...her ability to remain calm in all situations is invaluable."
"Tammy's professionalism rises above all issues...she inspires me to want to be better at my job and to be a better person!"

As you probably have already guessed, I married "up" when I married Tammy back in August of 1987. She is one of a kind and I am so happy to be her husband...even after 22+ years!! I love you babe!

December is also the month Tammy and I host my "Staff & Board Christmas Party." This past Friday night we welcomed all of our staff members and their spouses, plus our board members and their wives too! What a wonderful night we enjoyed together! There was awesome food, lots of laughter, great times of fellowship, loads of fun with my annual Christmas games, plus the Annual Pastor's Scavenger Hunt (you gotta ask who won this year!)...and Tammy's custom-created gift for every member too.

Since we've recently finished our basement off it was also great to enjoy some competitive ping pong games as well (and no, I wasn't on the winning doubles team either...you'll have to ask who won that too!). I'm blessed to have some great leaders working with me. Only 12 more months until we host the next Christmas Party...

Lastly, we just returned from attending our nephew's wedding in Lincoln, Illinois. This is the first wedding on the Andreasen side for one of the grandkids. Jonathan is the oldest Andreasen child and he married Myric this past Saturday @ 4 pm. My mother was escorted down to the front pew for her first "grandmother's seating"...many more will follow, I'm sure!

Another special moment was to sit next to one of "my boys" in church this morning. No, I'm not referring to Devon...even though it was a special joy to sit with him and my family today. As a pastor it is a rarity to be sitting in the congregation instead of preaching behind the pulpit. I miss only a few Sunday's every year. But one of "my boys" is Ethan Jones who is attending college there in Lincoln and attends Faith Assembly where my brother pastors. Ethan was 7 years old when I left the pastorate in St. Elmo, Illinois (now he is 20 years old!). He and my oldest son Jordon were buddies there growing up when we lived and served in that community. Great to see him and learn that he is adjusting well to the college life.

There are several more "special moments" to finish out this month and this year of 2009. Hope to share many of them with you!

Love to all!

December...already?!?!

2009-12-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

Today turns the calendar page for the final month of 2009. It's hard to believe that it's already December 1st!

Thanksgiving brought our oldest son home from college. He was ready for a good break and we were ready to see him. It was a great week with Jordon. Since we've been working on our basement Jordon slept upstairs. He didn't mind...he was just glad to be at home! My wife cooked an awesome meal for Thanksgiving. You can see the picture before everyone dug into the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls....hmmmm, hmmm, good! Relaxing time with family and friends!

My second oldest son was recently in a wedding for a friend. It was his first time to serve as a groomsman. Trenton looked sharp in his tux! It's exciting to share these experiences with your children.

Our church van recently was loaded down with teenagers as they took off for Youth Convention. Great to have the CFA logo and name put on our new van!

I've attached a couple of pictures from our new World Missions wall off of our church lobby. This has been a project in the works for several years. Appreciation goes to Jeff, Ted and Dave for finishing this good-looking oak display for us. Missions is a major thrust here @ CFA!

This past Sunday I preached a message on the ten lepers entitled, "Thanksgiving: Nine or One?" It was a message that stirred the slumbering heart towards gratitude and praise. I hope you will stop to listen to it!

Have a great start to your December. Jesus is the REAL REASON for this amazing season!!

Love to all.

God's Chisel

2009-11-17T20:51:00.001-08:00

Welcoming the Walkers!

2009-11-13T17:41:00.000-08:00

Pastor Clint & Kelly Walker

We recently welcomed our newest staff pastor, Pastor Clint Walker. Pastor Clint and Kelly Walker have accepted the position of Associate/Youth Pastor here @ CFA.

The Walkers moved from Michigan and have served in youth ministry for the last 6 to 7 years. They have three children ages 4, 6 and 8. We helped them move into their new home recently and they are slowing getting settled both at home, church and with the kids at school.

We invite you to meet Pastor Clint and Kelly soon at a Sunday Morning service or at one of the youth services where he will be ministering God's Word to students. You will love the passion and heart of Pastor Clint...that is sure!!

We all have been blessed through the series on Sunday mornings entitled, "Making Room for the Spirit." God has been stirring our hearts and the hunger for Him is growing each week. The altars have been life transforming where believers have opened up to the Holy Spirit in fresh and dynamic ways.

This past week we conducted the Memorial Service for Mary Ellen Cook here at CFA. She suddenly and quickly was promoted to glory. Mary Ellen was 92. We remember her passionate devotion in worship and the love she demonstrated in serving and teaching. May the Lord give strength to each of her family members!

Looking forward to seeing what God will do this Sunday, as we continue to make room for the Holy Spirit's powerful ministry among us!

Love to all!

Traded in the Old for the New!

2009-10-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Saying "good-bye" is so hard to do...

..new and old...together for the last time...

Say hello to the new CFA van!

On the road again...

CBC, Springfield, Missouri

CBC Chapel

Standing in front of Horton Hall

Zimmerman Hall

Dining Hall

Breakfast with Jordon & Brent before leaving!

The old CFA church van has been replaced with a much newer model!

Recently, we traded in our old 1993 Ford Van for a newer 2007 Ford Van. Everyone who has ever driven in the old model would be thrilled about this news! The old van rattled and roared...plus groaned when driving on the highway. It had simply seen its better days!

Now we are happy to have the new van when taking trips and picking up guests for church. I had the task of breaking in our new van when we took a road trip recently to Springfield, Missouri for College Days. What a huge difference 14 years will make between the two vans!

Our students spent time visiting Central Bible College, my alma mater where I graduated from in 1983. Once again, what a difference time will make on the grounds and facilities of the place I spent four years preparing for full-time ministry....26 years ago.

It was great to visit Jordon my son who is a Junior @ Evangel University and his roommate Brent. Plus, my mom is only 25 minutes away too. Great to be with you Mom...although it was too short a time together.

Preparing for our Hallelujah Night Outreach on Oct.31st. If you live in the area, come and join us @ CFA from 4 until 7:30 pm. Loads of fun and lots of candy!

Love to all!

'09 CFA Missions Convention

2009-10-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

Brenda Smith (far left)

Brenda's display table

Learning more about Togo...

Registering for the banquet...

Kevin Beery's display table

Jeff Alexander's display table

Jason Morrison's display table

Banquet dinner...delicious!!

Chef Mike!

Morrison's with Helen and Malorie

Sara & Jeff Alexander (far right)

Jason & Andrea Morrison (middle right)

Kevin & Eric Beery (right side)

I love Missions Conventions!!

We have embraced the call of God to reach out to the ends of the earth and share the gospel with every creature. It is a high calling. It is a holy calling. And it is a honored calling!

We were happy to have several missionary guests with us this year:

Brenda Smith - Togo, West Africa
Jason & Andrea Morrison - Czech Republic
Jeff & Sara Alexander - Indiana Chi Alpha Ministries
Kevin Beery - Southeastern Europe

Each one warmed our hearts with their reports of ministry and testimonies of God's power and faithfulness. It is amazing to hear what He is doing in various parts of the world...today...not 10 years ago, but right now in our world!

We had three simple goals for this convention:

Raise the awareness of great missions needs today.
Raise a cash offering for the Asia's Little Ones project.
Raise our new missions budget for 2010.

One new feature to the schedule this year was our International Dessert bar on Wednesday night. All of the ministry groups were gathered into the fellowship hall @ 8 pm where we fellowshipped and enjoyed delicious recipes from around the world! Which one was your favorite?

Yesterday in the Morning Worship Service my son Devon played a sax duet with Missionary Kevin Beery. It was really amazing. Together they played "Amazing Grace" fueled on by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Devon, I am so very proud of you for the way you used your instrument to glory the Lord. You have grown tremendously since starting in the 6th grade. Keep learning and keep progressing...the Lord is pleased with you!

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped us this year.

Love to all!

Extraordinary

2009-10-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

Check out the new book by John Bevere: "EXTRAORDINARY - The Life You're Meant to Live."

About John's new book: Isn’t it true that we long to see the extraordinary, experience the extraordinary, do the extraordinary? Yet, so often we settle for mediocrity when greatness is within our grasp.

Why are we drawn to stories of heroic triumph over seemingly impossible circumstances? In our fascination with adventure movies, superheroes, and tales of incredible human feats, do we reveal an inherent desire for something larger and greater in life? Maybe what we think is a need to escape or be entertained is actually a God inspired longing…for the extraordinary.

Best-selling author John Bevere reveals how all of us were “meant for more,” extraordinarily created and intended for a life that is anything but ordinary. Here is the roadmap for your journey of transformation. You are marked for a life that far surpasses the usual definitions of success or fulfillment.

Isn’t it time to pursue your extraordinary life?

“In Extraordinary, John Bevere does a wonderful job of showing what God created us for and how that applies to all areas of our lives. As a professional athlete, I am constantly dealing with the balance of being extraordinary for God, as well as in my career. This book has shown me that there is no separation between our spiritual lives and our everyday lives. God has called us to live extraordinarily, every minute of every day. This book is a must read for those who are looking to live fully immersed in the greatness of Jesus!”
–Kurt Warner, NFL quarterback and two-time league MVP

“Extraordinary points us to that spot on the horizon–the place that could be ours to live. In his book, John gives us a glimpse of what God has for us in that place so that we will chase after it and allow God’s Spirit to take us there.”
–Chris Tomlin, lead worshiper, Passion City Church, Atlanta, and sixstepsrecords’ recording artist

“John Bevere shows from the Word that everyone who wants it can live a life with impact. This book hits hard with truth. No more boring, watered-down, weak spiritual life for the body of Christ. Let’s do it! We can all release God’s power and do the extraordinary!”
–Shaun Alexander, former NFL MVP

“In Extraordinary, John Bevere examines and inspires the heart to realize God has called us all to abundant life. Each of us knows we are meant for more. This book will help you leave mediocrity behind and enjoy the great adventures God has for you.”
–Tommy Barnett, pastor, Phoenix First Assembly and Dream Centers: Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York

Get a copy of your new book today! www.randomhouse.com

New Study Bible: The Transformation Study Bible

2009-09-22T13:17:00.001-07:00

Acclaimed Pastor Brings Experience, Wisdom to Transformation Study Bible

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX—As pastors seek to make the Word of God more understandable in an age that is unfamiliar with the Bible, and as growing disciples seek to discover the truth of Scripture in a skeptical culture, there is a great need for guidance in both the preaching and study of God’s Word. Whether you’re a pastor, a seminary student, or a truth-seeking disciple, an understanding of the Bible can be made clear to you with the help of one of the most influential, in-depth, and practical Bible scholars in modern history.

For over thirty years, millions have come to rely on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s “Be” Commentary series. Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary and insights on Scripture have helped readers understand and apply God’s Word with the goal of life transformation. According to Dr. Wiersbe, “It isn’t enough for us simply to read assigned portions of the Bible each day, as helpful as that is. A truly transforming experience involves meditating on what we read (Ps. 1:2), studying it carefully in the light of other verses, and then obeying what God tells us to do (Josh. 1:8).” Now available for the first time, The Transformation Study Bible offers the full text of the highly readable New Living Translation with accompanying notes and commentary from the 50 books in Dr. Wiersbe’s “Be” series.

“The Transformation Study Bible will better enable readers to appreciate, appropriate, and apply the Word of God, which will result in ‘purity, joy, right values, hope, comfort, freedom, new life, peace, guidance, wisdom, integrity, encouragement, and effective prayer,’” states Wiersbe. In other words, if you want to be a new person, knowing and obeying the will of God and becoming more like Jesus Christ, there is perhaps no finer tool to encourage that process than The Transformation Study Bible.

One of the most anticipated and comprehensive study Bibles of the year, The Transformation Study Bible has been a lifetime in the making by a man who is widely known as a prolific and trusted writer and theologian. The former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago, an internationally known Bible teacher, and someone who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, Dr. Wiersbe lends his vast experience and scholarly insight to the most beloved and revered book of all time. This effort is to encourage believers of all levels to know and love the Bible and to experience the same transformation that has radically changed his life. The result is a Bible that is clear, understandable, and applicable to the lives of its readers.

Dr. Wiersbe writes, “The remedy for discouragement is the Word of God. When you feed your heart and mind with its truth, you regain your perspective and find renewed strength.” By providing a new set of tools for Bible students of all levels, David C Cook and Warren Wiersbe have partnered to provide an essential tool to help bring the “perspective” and “renewed strength” that comes from a life transforming study of God’s Word. This fantastic and long awaited resource will bring more clarity than ever before to the study of God’s Word.

The Transformation Study Bible with General Editor Warren Wiersbe

David C Cook September 1, 2009

ISBN-13: 978-1434765307/2100 pages/$24.99

www.davidccook.com

Cry Out America Prayer Rally

2009-09-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

People gathered together at our City Hall in Columbus at Noon today to participate in the National Cry Out America Prayer Rally on 9.11.09.

It was an honor to coordinate such a united event on the steps and lawn of City Hall. A special word of appreciation goes out to Mayor Fred Armstrong for allowing us to assemble there.

Representatives from the following churches took part in the Cry Out America program:

Crossroads Community Church
Westside Community Church
East Columbus Christian Church
East Columbus United Methodist Church
Columbus Free Methodist Church
St. Peters Lutheran Church
Petersville United Methodist Church
First Lutheran Church
Northview Assembly of God
Columbus First Assembly
Memorial Baptist Church
Seventh Street Church of God

People from all over strolled into the area to hear what was going on. Workers took their lunch breaks to come and pray with us. City Hall workers watched us from their offices inside. Cars and trucks traveling into Columbus honked their horns as if to communicate to us...whether positively or negatively. This event of prayer and praise was having a powerful stamp upon our community and nation.

The name of Jesus was broadcast powerfully from humble hearts and broken vessels.

The pictures with our hands raised outwards was prayers of blessing to the community of Columbus and surrounding areas.

Thanks Lord for hearing us as we cried out to you according to your Word. We look to you to have mercy upon our nation and look with grace upon our people! Forgive us for we have sinned. Forgive us for our misplaced priorities. Forgive us for failing to seek you with all of our hearts. Change us O God and transform our lives and our communities!

May the Lord hear us all as we CRY OUT TO HIM in desperation!

Love to all.

A special thank you goes out to David Tayes for his help with transporting the equipment from CFA to City Hall. Also, appreciation goes out to Martha and Josh Kennedy for their help with set up and tear down. Special thanks goes to Allison, my administrative assistant, for taking these pictures today!

ATS Sunday!

2009-09-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

Leisurely sitting at home working on the computer in our basement...

Enjoying a day off...even though I had to meet an appliance repairman at the church this morning. It appears that we have purchased a couple of new commercial appliances that have had their fair share of difficulties and malfunctions. Several of the ladies in our church who work in the kitchen passed along the news that the freezer wasn't freezing. What's a freezer good for if it can't freeze? Might second as a good frig back-up...but we need a good working freezer. Just another of the many details in this flood rebuilding project...and I thought we were finished!

Tomorrow we host "Cry Out America" at Noon on the steps of City Hall downtown. This is a national prayer rally designed to turn our attention heavenward and call upon the Lord on 9-11. This one day brought such devastation and tragedy back in 2001...a nation-wide movement is preparing to make a huge spiritual investment through prayer just eight years later to the day. We have about 10 local pastors involved in the program through prayers, readings and music. If you are in our area why not come and join us. If you live outside of Columbus find your own C.O.A. rally either at your local county courthouse or city hall: Visit this site - Awakening America.

This Sunday, Sept.13th we have scheduled our annual ALL TOGETHER SUNDAY. This is our back-to-church rally that is scheduled the Sunday after Labor Day. It's our call to everyone @ CFA to get back into the regular routine of worship attendance and service. This year we've planned to assemble our 1st CFA jigsaw puzzle. Everyone has been mailed a piece of the puzzle. Each member will bring their piece to put this great picture of CFA together. Unique and different...should be a lot of fun. Our special guest this year is Kim Tabor. Visit their website @ Tabor Ministries.

The Annual Church Picnic follows ATS @ Clifty Park. Activities start @ 3 pm and runs through around 7 pm. Grab your lawn chairs, picnic food, softball glove, basketball, frisbee, volleyball and of course your entire family for an absolutely great fellowship time!

Love to all.

Celebration Service!

2009-09-03T07:08:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday night we hosted our first Celebration Service.

This service featured three churches that were connected to each other through the Flood of '08.

7th Street Church of God - flooded out completely after the waters of Haw Creek raged through their church facilities.
Memorial Baptist Church - generously loaned us their facilities to use for both Sunday and mid-week services.
Columbus First Assembly - our church was completely flooded out with close to a million dollar price tag on damages and restoration.

We met in CFA's church sanctuary to give joyful praise to God for bringing us through one of the most difficult years in our church history. We joined with these two congregations to express our appreciation and love for each other. We gathered to celebrate God's faithfulness and goodness. You might say that we were joined at the spiritual hip through the events that hit our community last summer!

It was a great service. Each church contributed to the success of the celebration service. There was unity. There was love...lots of it. There was joy. There was fellowship...great times around the table. There was favor...God's favor extended to three churches who trusted in Him to guide them through uncharted waters...literally!

A special thank you to each one who made this service special. Your participation and passion coupled with God's power and the Holy Spirit's presence was refreshingly exhilarating!

A DVD of the entire service was recorded live. If you would like a copy of this amazing service you can call our church office @ 812-376-7833 and request one.

Thank you Lord for the wonderful things you've performed through difficult circumstances and an unbelievable tragedy!

To God be all the glory great things HE HAS DONE!

Love to all.

Third Year...Roller-Coasters...Softball...and an Amazing Cruise!

2009-08-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Jordon packed and headed out for Evangel

CFA softball players

More pics from our awesome cruise...

Delicious chocolate anniversary cake!

Another busy but fulfilling weekend...

Jordon, our oldest son, packed up his Jeep and headed out to Springfield, Missouri to begin his Junior year. I missed the trip this year to travel with him and help him get moved in. Hard to believe this is his third year in college already...where did the time go?

Sunday was a great day @ CFA. Worship service was blessed of the Lord. I preached a message entitled "The Ups and Downs of Life" from Philippians Chapter 4. Used the roller-coaster theme as the illustration to tag this sermon. God always anoints His Word!

We met at one of the local parks for our monthly church softball game. Always a great time of fellowship and playing the great game of softball. You know what...we've got a lot of awesome talent @ CFA. Thanks Coach for your faithful help and support of our players!

Memories of our amazing vacation cruise to the Caribbean continue to linger. Thought I would share some more pictures with you. It was one of the most enjoyable vacations Tammy and I have shared together!

Treasure your mate...treasure your children! God is so good!

Just a cruising...

2009-08-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

My bride on the top deck!

Mandatory US Coast Guard Boat Drills!

Beautiful sunsets!

Evening dinner with our friends the Jackson's

First port of call: Cozumel, Mexico

What's up with this guy?

Beautiful gardens flanked by the ship in the background!

Taking a transport boat from the ship to the Belizean port!

Belize dock

Costa Maya

Before dinner @ night

Remember the ping pong tourney...I finally won the 3rd one!

Towel art creations each evening

Starbucks in the Bahamas!

My sweetheart with Atlantis in the background

SeaWorld across from our hotel in Orlando

The famous trolley ride each morning in Orlando

Thought I would share a little more about our recent 25th Anniversary in Ministry cruise that we took before General Council. This was a gift from our CFA family...totally enjoyable!

We loved every minute of our 7 day cruise. So many activities...so many decks...so many shops...so many pools...so many shows...so many restaurants...so many elevators...so many workers...and around 3,600 passengers, not including the crew (that's more than twice the size of the city where I first pastored!).

Of course, there were things available on the ship that we chose not to participate in: bars, casinos and dancing. Many were up to the wee hours of the morning. They delivered a daily copy of the Carnival Capers, which was our ship's guide to all the fun. That's where I discovered the ping-pong tournament and free-throw contest. Plus, they also had putt-putt too!

It was our dream trip that we had looked forward to for so long. Thanks CFA for making it happen. We sincerely appreciated your action of love back in May of 2008 celebrating my 25 years in pastoral ministry.

Now it's back to work and back to running a different ship...the CFA ministry cruise liner!

Love to all.

Meeting Rick Warren in Orlando!

2009-08-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

Great chance to connect with Rick Warren!

Fascinating Pastor and Renowned Author!

One of the speakers we heard at General Council this year was Rick Warren.

What a powerful and inspiring communicator. He spoke for about 2 hours and then answered questions. I learned that his book, "Purpose-Driven Life", was the 2nd most published book second only to the Bible. WOW! He had no idea that this book was going to have this much of an impact on not only the United States...but the world!

This book has opened up a highway of influential opportunities all around the world.

He has had the opportunity to pray for two incoming Presidents on their Inauguration Day. The last one made much more of a "media splash" than the first one. Something pretty cool...Billy Graham sent him the black hat that he used when he prayed for countless Presidential Inaugurations. It appears the hat has been passed!

Thank God for men to lead and teach others to achieve great things for God!

Side note: Would you believe that I didn't even have my digital camera on hand when Rick Warren spoke...a pastor from Orlando took these photos and emailed them to me. How cool is that? Thanks Pastor Gary Rice!

Trip to the Caribbean and Big O!

2009-08-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Arriving in Port Canaveral, Florida

Checking out the sites before setting sail...

Tammy and I before evening dinner...

With our friends, Joe & Tammy!

Tammy at one of our port stops

Me dwarfed by the mammoth vessel of the Carnival Glory!

Celebrating our 22nd Anniversary on the cruise!

53rd General Council in Orlando

We just returned from a fabulous 7 day cruise to the Caribbean and also attended the Assemblies of God General Council in Orlando, Florida. Wow, what a trip!

These last two weeks were awesome...especially after a 13 month long journey of rebuilding our church worship center after the Flood of '08. You would have thought I wanted anywhere but where there was water, but this cruise to the Caribbean was amazing. Tammy and I had such a wonderful time...relaxing and refreshing! We even took this journey with some of our ministry friends. There was so much to do and so much food to try out...we're talking tons of food here.

We ported at four popular vacation locations....

Cozumel, Mexico
Belize, Central America
Costa Maya, Mexico
Nassau, Bahamas

Each city had its own rich traditions and tourist attractions. Shopping at each port city brought great opportunities for some great deals (it's just in my Andreasen blood!).

I even entered the Carnival Glory's ping-pong tournaments. We played out on deck 12 under a partially covered deck 13. One day the wind was just blowing ridiculously and we still had to play each match in that weather. Ask me how I did and I'll pass along the inside scoop...

The 53rd General Council in Orlando was packed full of business, elections, leadership conference, luncheons and dinners, speakers, services, reports, exhibition booths, National Fine Arts Festival, college reunions, meeting and catching up with friends, trolley rides to the motel and convention center (an average of about 30 minutes each way), etc. etc. We were extremely busy...but enjoying this once every two years opportunity for ministers, delegates and friends.

I'll write more later but wanted to post something quickly to share a few memorable pictures and thoughts from our trip.

Guess who I got to meet? Check back soon for the picture that captured my rare opportunity in shaking hands with a nationally known Christian pastor, best-selling author and world leader.

It's great to be home.

Love to all!

Carpet Job Complete!

2009-07-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

The amazing dream team carpet crew!!

The last piece of the flood rebuild puzzle has been filled in. It was rather late in coming...but the job is done nonetheless.

If you've been a follower of my blog you know the troubles I have endured with our carpet company. From the beginning and all the way through to the end I have had nothing but difficulties, delays and disappointments. Well, this past week the carpet guys were here and finished the job!

Something to note...it took a team from Columbus, Ohio to get in here and do what had to be done. We had defective carpet that was delivered to our church (months ago) and then it was installed. There were bubble-like areas all over the place where the glue never adhered to the carpet. So a large portion of the carpet had to be demoed out and removed. Some areas were already glued down...but they got r done...what a messy job!

This hard-working crew that worked about three 12-hour days finished up the last piece of our rebuild project. How do I spell r-e-l-i-e-f?? Carpet---DONE! With this last carpet project completed I can now rest a little easier with the tasks on the check list completed and behind me!! Thank you Jesus!!

Now I'm looking forward to traveling with my wife to Orlando, Florida and embarking on a 7-day cruise. I hope to sit back and unwind a little after 13 long months of renovation and restoration on our church facilities after the Flood of 2008. The cruise is something that we've wanted to do for a long time but always put it off. Well, tomorrow morning we fly out of Indianapolis and head down to Orlando, then on to Port Canaveral. Following this relaxing getaway, we will be participating in our national church's biennial business schedule called the General Council.

Next time I post a new blog you should be hearing and seeing a little bit more of our trip to Florida.

Love to all.

Give Me Your Eyes

2009-07-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

Take me out to the ballgame...NOT!

2009-07-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, what a day! It was July 4th up at Victory Field in Indianapolis.

The event was sold out. It was supposed to be the busiest day of the Indians baseball schedule. Volunteers were positioned at every station in the ballpark. My group, representing Columbus East Band Boosters, was lined up to work in the Rowdies South pavilion.

We started out in the rain...a good steady rain...as we made our way up Interstate 65. We arrived at the ballpark...in the rain. We set up...with rain still falling. We saw the gates opened up...in the rain. Fans arrived with all the gear...amazing. Families came...with babies and toddlers and children of all ages. They waited...and waited...and waited...and waited!

There was hopes that the rain would stop and the game could be played...albeit with a delayed start time. That didn't happen. Little by little the fans left...with their umbrella's and jackets (it got pretty cold!)...and coolers...and kids!

Then they shut our booth down. I think it was around 7:30 or 8 pm. We cleaned up...counted our money...and discovered an error. We were short $50. Later, we learned they gave us $50 less than what they thought they gave us at the start.

Guess what we sold all day in the rain?? A grand, spanking total of $76!!! It should have been at least $5,000 or maybe even closer to $8,000. WOW...what a day. Could have been at home with the wife and family...but duty called.

Lesson learned: Into every life and scheduled activity the potential for rain exists. Make the best of every opportunity and keep a good attitude. You never know who is watching!

I'm Watching You Dad!

2009-06-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

Celebrations!

2009-06-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Taking a road trip...

...St. Louis Arch...

...Crossing the Mississippi River...

...Missouri roads...

CFA's New Steeple

Dedication Day Worship Celebration

Greeting Mayor Fred Armstrong

Introducing my mom

Doug Clay making a point

Dedication Altar Time

Karl & Cindy Fleig, Tammy and I, Mom, Doug Clay

Fellowship Time over Lunch

Judy Hanson, great volunteer

Deyo and more workers

Marcia and a plate of sandwiches

My CFA Dedication Ball with CFA Member Signatures

Found a visible spot on my office booksheves!

It's been over two weeks since my last blog. In all reality, it's been a flurry of activity around here, both home and at church...plus I needed a little "blog" break too!

Two weeks ago my daughter Ashlyn and I took a road trip to Nixa, Missouri. We were headed for Grandma's house to pick her up for our Church Dedication Day. Our mini-van was turned into a little RV, according to Ashlyn, as we removed two of the captains seats which provided her her own space. She loved the room to lay down and watch videos and eat her munchies. Trip took about eight hours and before you knew it we were pulling in to Grandma's house; spent the night and then did it all over again the next day to return back to Columbus! Great time with my daughter and on the return trip with my mother. Those moments were priceless!

Sunday, June 7th was the much anticipated Dedication Day for CFA (Columbus First Assembly). It was exactly one year ago to the day that our church was completely flooded out by the Flood of 2008. The flood washed out a good portion of our city and wreaked tremendous havoc too. But in the last twelve months we have learned to trust God for each new day and for each provision needed in this long journey of faith in putting our church back together. June 7th was a day of celebration! It was a great day as we recognized the faithfulness of our Great God, as we honored all the companies and workers that labored on our facilities, and as we rejoiced in the completion of our fully rebuilt regional worship center. I was honored to have a classmate of mine at CBC, Doug Clay, serve as our Dedication Speaker. Doug presently serves our fellowship as the General Treasurer and sits on the Executive Leadership Team as well. His message was a great challenge to our church.

Sunday, June 14th launched the next big event here @ CFA: a Kid's & Family Explosion with the Jubilee Gang. It was an outreach that replaced our normal VBS annual outreach, since all our VBS supplies were washed away in the flood of last year. The three nights were enjoyed by children and parents too. The greatest thing that occurred this week was that 18 kids gave their hearts to Jesus Christ and were born agin. Nothing better than that!

Sunday, June 21st is Father's Day. Gonna be another great service with the people, and especially every father, here @ CFA.

The summer is here and my family has been going here and going there. Work, summer school, school band practices, youth camp and ministry activites are flying around. Each one is staying busy. Got to schedule a family get-away real soon. We look forward to our mini-vacation every year.

Remember the bird nest on my front porch? Well, each little one has grown up and flown out already with a quick flight lesson from their mother. We were amazed at the rapid growth of these little babies bodies that overtook their tiny nest and quickly were deployed out to who knows where...

Take care and be blessed.

Much love to all!

Dash to Dedication Day!

2009-06-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

CFA one year later...

...we've experienced many transformations...

What little detail has been added?...

...here as well...

...and also here!

Remember our robin friend from last year?

She's back...and her family is growing too!

All systems are a "GO" for the flood rebuild DEDICATION this coming Sunday, June 7th!

It's going to be an awesome celebration and also a holy time of consecration. We are planning to dedicate this entire regional worship center for the glory of the Kingdom of God. One year ago our church was leveled by the floods that hit our area. One year later, on the exact flood anniversary date, we have scheduled our Dedication Sunday. What was meant to destroy us has instead rebounded toward a renovated, restored and renewed worship center!

Our church master theme is "2009: The Year to Rebound!" Yes, we're going up!

There are a ton of details in getting ready for the BIG DAY. Lots and lots of preparations are being handled by my dedication committee and also staff member team. Each one is working their check list off. Each one is excited about the BIG DAY. Each one is eager to see what God will do in this service.

Invitations have been mailed out. Calls are being made. Schedules are being set. Food has been ordered. Fellowship Hall will be ready. Our Guest Speaker Doug Clay will be traveling soon from Springfield, Missouri. Worship set and worship leaders are anxious to bring us into God's presence. Greeters and ushers will be at their posts. Children's workers will love on your kids. Guests will be coming from all over to witness this historic occasion with us!

Let me personally invite you to attend this momentous dedication. YOU ARE INVITED TO CFA ON SUNDAY, JUNE 7th @ 10 am! Our goal is to point our praise upward to the One who helped navigate us through the uncharted waters (literally!) from Flood Date all the way through to Dedication Sunday. Lord, you are more than wonderful to CFA! Thank you for everything. We love you and look forward to honoring you this coming Sunday!

This past Sunday I preached a message entitled, "The Day of Dedication." It set the stage for what we will experience this Sunday. One part that I am inviting everyone in our church to be involved in is the DEDICATION DAY OFFERING. David and Solomon gave their best for acts of worship at the temple of God's dedication. We can do no less! Plus, do not forget that we are believing God for a DEBT FREE MIRACLE the size of $200,000! Let's do our part to witness a miracle the initial size of 2 loaves and 5 fishes, but ended up with 12 baskets of leftovers! If you want to get in on this miracle blessing please visit the online giving site @ www.columbusfirstassembly.org.

One very special guest that I am thrilled to have in attendance at the dedication will be my mother. She has been a constant source of strength and encouragement during this trying and difficult year. Thanks Mom for all you prayers and words of blessing spoken to your son. I love you and am happy to have you share this big moment with us!

I can't wait until Sunday. Hope you will be able to be in attendance. If you can't, please leave your words of congratulations as "comments" left at the end of this blog post. It's real easy to do. Thanks for following along with us in this most amazing race of faith this past year!

Love to all!

District Council Trip

2009-05-25T05:51:00.000-07:00

Fort Wayne First Assembly

Driving into the parking lot

3 Crosses, fountain and pond!

Flags of the nations

Covered walkway

Beautiful landscaping

Coffee Cafe

Ugly Mug coffee

Worship service

2,000 seat auditorium

Dr. Wood preaching

Ordination Service

Took a trip to Fort Wayne last week for our District Council meetings.

District Council is our annual ministers meeting set aside for business, services, a missions banquet and ordination. This year our speaker was Dr. George O. Wood, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God. His pulpit ministry was powerfully anointed for all that attended.

The host church, Fort Wayne First Assembly of God, was an amazing facility. It was an expansive facility that had space for children, daycare, youth, coffee cafe, bookstore, gym, offices and a large spacious sanctuary. The church was right off a major street and also had three large crosses with a water fountain as well. The brief story on acquiring this new facility was given in one of the services. We were told that Fort Wayne First Assembly was able to purchase this entire complex for only $3 million dollars. The neat part to this miracle was that the building was worth $20 million dollars. Now that's what God will do when you place missions as a high priority in your church. Fort Wayne First Assembly is one of the leading missions giving churches in our district!

There were 19 ministry candidates on Ordination Night. What a sight to behold as the laying on of hands was extended to all of these ministers receiving ordination credentials. It was a much larger group than we've had in years past. It was greatly encouraging to witness this addition to our ministry ranks!

I attended the Missions Banquet which featured almost 25 of our World and US missionaries. Our church was recognized for our support of missions giving both in World Missions giving, as well as giving to Speed-the-Light too. Had the wonderful chance to connect with many of our precious missionaries and visit with them. Indiana has a great group of awesome missionaries!

Good to be back home. Missed my lovely wife who had to work at her job, plus all my growing children. Each one is growing up so fast.

Dedication Day on our Church Rebuild is coming soon: JUNE 7TH! Let me invite you to come and join us if you live anywhere within 3 or 4 hours of Columbus, Indiana. You won't forget this very special day!

We are still believing for a DEBT FREE MIRACLE. The need is great, but we have a GREAT BIG GOD. Don't forget you can donate on our church website: www.columbusfirstassembly.org

Much love to all!

Mother's Day Weekend

2009-05-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was packed and awesome!

It started out with our Mother & Daughter Banquet on Friday night. A large group of ladies and girls came out for this special night. In fact, they had Mike and I serving from behind the food tables. Later, we were helping to clean up and put things away in our new kitchen. All the ladies were encouraged by this ministry event.

Then on Saturday morning a group of men met for our Men's Breakfast. It was another great time of fellowship and ministry among the men of our church. Good food and a great devotional!

After the breakfast we divided and conquered the list of work items prepared for our Spring Work Day. A group started with the mulch to be spread outside the church building and in our landscaping beds. Plus the digging of a natural edge separated the mulch from all the green grass. Another group emptied out our storage container that stored a ton of storage after construction began on our flood rebuilding project. Another group removed the stumps from old bushes out on the edge of our property. Others worked on individual projects inside the church. It was a successful and needed work day! Thanks to everyone who pitched in that day.

On Monday the SAM's storage container was finally picked up...after about 7 or 8 months of use. It feels great to have that container and our trailer removed now from off of 10th Street! We can now see the church.

Mother's Day is always special. Family members join in attendance to honor their mom. We had several special gifts to give away. The featured speaker for this service was my lovely wife Tammy. She always does a fantastic job but the Lord really used her in a great way to minister this year. I've had so many people tell me this message really touched their heart. They were impacted by the theme. They were blessed by the challenge from God's Word. Thanks babe for your willingness to speak for me! God used you in a definite way.

Most of the work on our rebuild is now complete...but still not the carpet. We still do not have this part of the project finished; however, we wait for the word that this will be a go real soon. We have only a little over 3 weeks to go before Dedication Day. The pressure is on...

Gonna enjoy my day off today. Everyone needs a little relaxation and rest.

Let me hear from you...post a little note below.

Love to all!

Driving on toward June 7th...

2009-05-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Disconnect box for the oven...

Running the wire through the mechanical room...

...wires ready to make a 45 degree turn...

One word...DONE!

The answer is in on the commercial refrigerator door (read last post if you haven't been keeping up!).

Our service tech guy arrived this past week and opened up the third refrigerator door shipped to us. Would you believe...can you really imagine...so what do you think happened with this third door? OK...enough for the drama and suspense! The 3rd time was the charm...it was free of dents and it was installed. What a nice feeling to have the long claim ticket project checked off my never-ending check list!

It seems like this check list just keeps dragging on and on and on and on! So many details have been discovered since moving back in, and jotted down and passed on to either the contractor or the installer responsible for parts of the rebuild.

One other item that we were working on is now completely checked off my to-do-list too. The new commercial 6-burner oven that we purchased required more than the 50 amps that we had initially serviced (for the small residential unit). Since we were just about maxed out of the 200 amp panel in the basement, the next available option was to run a line from the main panel on the east side of our building...some 150 to 200 feet away! This required some major work...up and over one part of the building...down into the church courtyard area...down into the mechanical room...and up into the church kitchen. One word gives me great joy...DONE!

I'm sure you're wondering about the next never-ending project on my list...the carpet! Still no definitive word on when the remainder of the install job will be completed, but you can be assured that I've been ringing their phone off the hook! Pray with me that we will conclude this difficult situation by the end of the month.

Last night, or should I say early this morning (12:01 am), I participated in the Bible Reading Marathon on the steps of City Hall. Every year our community sponsors this marathon which provides God's Word being read constantly over our community. My assignment...Luke 14 to 16.

This weekend is Mother's Day. We have several events that our church is sponsoring. Let me invite you to worship together as a family with your mother this week. Let the children rise up and call her "blessed."

Let me send a SHOUT OUT to my mom. She lives in Missouri and is the mother of 5 children. All five are involved in Christian ministry in one facet or another. My older brother and I serve as Senior Pastors. My younger brother is a youth pastor. My older sister plays piano in her church. My next sister is married to the president of American Indian College in Arizona. Each one of us have been mentored to love and serve people. We have watched our parents lead in pastoral ministry for decades. We have been blessed by their faithfulness and steadfast commitment. Mom, here's to you this Mother's Day. Thank you for your sterling Christian example. Thank you for your exemplary witness. Thank you for your never wavering dedication to training us up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Thank you for all the little blessings over the years. Thank you for the major sacrifices made so that we could experience life more fully. I love you and thank my God for you!!

Keep this date before you: JUNE 7TH, 2009. That is the date we will dedicate our church from the complete rebuilding project from the Flood of 2008 aftermath. Mark it down. Let me invite you to attend this momentous occasion. It will be a one of a kind event.

We remain committed to praying for a DEBT FREE MIRACLE either on or before Dedication Day. God is a God of miracles and can use "whosoever will" for His glory and honor. I wonder how God will perform the answer to our prayers. Don't need to know all the details. It just requires that faith is active and present in Almighty God (Heb.11:6). Visit our church website to make a valued donation: www.columbusfirstassembly.org

Love to all.

Three's A Charm

2009-04-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Three boxed up doors.

The seemingly never-ending saga for our refrigerator door continues!

Several items remain in the Flood Rebuilding Project here @ CFA (Columbus First Assembly). The replacement for a refrigerator door in our newly updated church kitchen drags on. Let me bring you up to speed...

Over a month ago we received the shipment of our new commercial appliances. One by one they were unpacked and placed in their position in our newly redesigned kitchen space. However, when the large refrigerator was unpacked from its crate an unseemly corner dent appeared. The process was initiated to have the restaurant supply company replace the door. A claim ticked was opened and an order processed.

First door arrives and is unpackaged and guess what...more dents discovered. Back to the drawing board...more calls...more delays...and more waiting.

Second door arrives and is unpackaged and guess what...that's right, at least two more unsightly dents are found. Calls to my supply rep are made...more emails...more calls...and more waiting!

Third door arrived yesterday and is waiting for the repair rep to unpackage and inspect it. What will they find? Will it pass the scrutiny of all eyes involved? Will this mysterious case be solved soon? Guess you'll just have to come back next week to find out the answer. Come on...all you 24ers (TV Show) have to do it each and every week...so what's a little wait! You can do it!

My carpet nightmare is another long distance journey. This grueling marathon has lasted for months and months...I'm ready to hop off this numbing merry-go-round!! In case your memory has failed you, let me refresh it: The final phase of the project (toddler wing, nursery, S.S. office, storage areas, and hallways) received a bad batch of carpet. The carpet backing would not adhere to the carpet glue, causing a bubble-like look across the spaces. The claim for this problem has gotten snagged in commercial red tape...once again delaying the final completion date. I pressed my carpet rep with "pastoral pressure" and declared that this job must be finished before DEDICATION DAY...no if's, and's or but's about it!! Let's GET R DONE!!!

Yesterday they sent a few installers to carpet the new stairs leading to the basement, plus put up the stringer molding and also cove base. Looks a lot better than those wood stairs!

I still have other odds and ends to wrap up before June 7th's DEDICATION SUNDAY, but I can honestly see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our regional worship center is really shaping up beautifully and functionally too! This one year long distance run has been one for the CFA History Books. It will record God's faithfulness, man's perserverance, the body of Christ's participation and the church's diligence!! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

We are praying fervently for a DEBT FREE MIRACLE orchestrated by a Loving God and witnessed by our amazing church. Not sure how God is going to work this miracle out, but that's not my job. My responsibility is to trust Him and lead our members into seeking Him for supernatural provision and blessing. We BELIEVE God! We are waiting upon Him (Isaiah 30:18, LB).

You can join in for this miracle by contributing on our church website. Click the following link to make your secure online donation: CFA's FLOOD FUND.

By the way, I've got a couple of nice aluminum refrigerator doors I won't be needing...although slightly damaged. How about let's auction these off to the highest bidder? Anyone want to make me a good offer?? (Smile : - )

Pressing on to see the Kingdom of God advance right here at home in Columbus, Indiana, as well as moving forward through our missionary partnerships around the world.

Anxious to give God the glory on Sunday, June 7th....DEDICATION and CELEBRATION SUNDAY!

Love to all.

Reclaiming Our Regional Worship Center!

2009-04-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

How about a cold drink or delicious cookie?

Getting ready for our 7th Annual Egg Hunt...

Record crowd...

The mad dash begins...

Liz helping out a young egg hunter

Father and son opening up their eggs

Helen faces the library move with a smile!

Library shelves filling up

Church van dropping off riders

Classrooms ready for students!

New cabinets and counter in nursery

Pastor Joel right after the flood...

Now after the reconstruction!

Basement storage receives 8 new shelves. Thanks David Holman!

Another milestone was made this past week as we resurrected our Sunday School program.

That's right...as a result of the flood for over 10 months we had to do without our Sunday School classes. It was painful. It was difficult. However, we just didn't have the classroom space from which to conduct our small group discipleship classes. But that all changed last Sunday when we opened up all 12 of our newly restored classrooms, plus other spaces used for our Christian Education program. SUNDAY, APRIL 19TH WAS A GREAT DAY!

Help me in getting the word out to our CFA family all over the Bartholomew County region. It's time to get up earlier on Sunday mornings and bring the family to Sunday School. In fact, EVERYBODY OUGHT TO GO TO SUNDAY SCHOOL! What is the time for Sunday School? Glad you asked...9 am. Come a little earlier and you can enjoy some soft and delicious donuts, plus a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of orange juice. What an awesome way to begin the Lord's Day. I'll see you this Sunday in Sunday School!

Last night we enjoyed our 2nd Wednesday back for mid-week services. The place was buzzing with activity and a crowd of people headed to their respective ministry areas. My class was filled up...in fact, we had to get more chairs. The youth held their Blow-Out Bash service in the fellowship hall. The children were filing into their new classrooms. What a beautiful picture: Everyone was studying God's Word...PRICELESS!

The Dedication Day ministry team met for the first time on Tuesday. Plans and preparations are being laid for the next BIG milestone event in CFA's 57 year history: DEDICATION OF OUR NEWLY RESTORED REGIONAL WORSHIP CENTER! Don't forget the date: Sunday, June 7th @ 10 am!!

There are only about 5 weeks left till Dedication Day. Let me remind you to pray about our DEBT FREE PRAYER that we are asking everyone to pray about. We are faithfully praying that our Great God would graciously provide the funds (about $200,000 remaining) to pay off all costs associated with the flood rebuilding project. If God is nudging you to help us let me direct you to go to our website and make an online donation. Never forget: WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

www.columbusfirstassembly.org

I've left you with some more photos of our recent Egg Hunt outreach event, plus some more photos of our restored facility.

Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep watching. Keep expecting!

Love to all!