Where is the Church?

The weekend is finally here and the Centerpoint electricity trucks have finally made it to my area of my zip code. For the last 6 days, because of the challenge of Hurricane Ike, there are still more than 2 million people without electricity (the last report I heard).

But the people of Houston, overall, have been patient and helpful... not all of them though.
I got flicked off at a streetlight because I didn't go when it was my turn to go. It's kind of confusing to treat those traffic lights that don't work as 4 way stops, because there are soooo many cars. Ahhh!

Anyway, I got an announcement and an invitation to make.
Although, we all have suffered in varying degrees this past week from the devastation of Hurricane Ike, we still have a mission.
While some may think that their mission is to sit in a pew all their life, I believe that we were created for a bigger purpose.
We see the behavior of the Church in the book of Acts and there is a strong need to restore that picture of Church.
Sometimes, the church looks to help with an intent to get something back. I am glad that tomorrow, the only thing that you will get back is the satisfaction that you are helping your community.

FEMA has stationed PODs all over the city of Houston and surrounding areas. PODs are Points Of Distribution where people that need ice, water, and a meal can come and get what they need.

I am asking all of my friends and family members to get together and volunteer at a POD tomorrow. Maybe some of you have already done so and you have made a difference in people's lives.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Sept, 20 at 12:oo (Noon), I will be at the Church Without Walls parking lot. The address is 5314 Bingle Rd. Houston, Tx. 77092. (Click on the address to get a map).

Mapquest it and try to make it out there.
We will be there for a couple of hours... so wear comfortable shoes and bring that bright smile of yours.
Let's impact this city and be the Church that God called us to be.

If you need more info, you can call me or text me at 832-309-0312.
God bless you guys.

Hurrican IKE Update 2!

Well.. I am tucked away in a small couch with my lovely lady by my side at a Panera that is open for business. After a hard day of work, I decided to take my girlfriend out to eat. We decided to hit the Fuddruckers that was open in 1960, right next to the Willowbrook Mall. I had a Chipotle BBQ Specialty burger which tasted D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!

But after getting in the car to come to Panera to relax and get online, it did not feel so good. Apparently, eating a hearty meal after eating "hurricane food" since Friday, is not a good idea. Hehe.

I love my girlfriend. She is amazing and I am grateful that she has been there for me at my lowest points in life. I believe that marriage will be fun (when the time comes) with our 6 kids. Ha. I'm not joking. Maybe the Lord will change my mind after the first one.

I still don't have power at my house, but thank Jesus that I can open all my windows and let the cold breeze in...
I cannot complain. There are people that stand in long lines for hours at the gas station to get gas and at FEMA's PODs (Points of Distribution) just to get a bag of ice and 2 water bottles.
I hope things get back to normal soon.

Galveston will not be the same. They will have to rebuild that city.
We will have clear blue beach water after this is over. I guarantee it. Hehe.

This too shall pass.

Hurricane IKE Update!

Ok... I finally could get to a computer at work. My job warehouse office complex has electriciry and thats why I HAD to come to work. Sucks! At least its better than staying home without electricity and food.

It has been a crazy 4 days. Here we go:

• Crazy winds on Friday night.
• Electericity goes out on Saturday around 2 AM.
• My cell phone does not have service, so I cant get ahold of no one. Sorry guys, if you called me. I'll get back with you as soon as I am able to.
• Saturday, during the daytime, it was HOT!!!
• No. You do not understand how hot it was.. I literally slept outside my balcony.
• I reread Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll... Hey, no TV, no Internet, no ANYTHING!
• Can you sense my frustration?
• It rained Sunday night... so I started to feel the cool breeze coming in.
• Thanks Jesus for the cold front.
• I went out a couple of times to McDonald's, gas stations... and its amazing to see how people act when they are in need.
• It was pitch black on Sunday night. Not even one streetlight on!
• Monday? We had some good weather. I felt like I was in San Diego... but no electricity or gas or comida (food).
• Apparently, we did not stock up on canned goods.
• Oh, I also smelled B-B-Q, and for once, thought I was going crazy... just to find out that my neighbor accross the hall was cooking B.B.Q on his grill. AAAAHHH!
• I really miss my lovely lady. I have not seen her in 5 days. I love you babe.
• Why am I at work?
• About to go hunting for food and maybe end up standing in line for 1 hour at a Panera somewhere... maybe in between a lady that has not showered and a smelly old man.. Way to be community minded, Tony. Hehe.

Through all this, I am thankful that God would not allow my situation to get worse. I think of the people that had homes in Galveston and other parts of this great city of Houston that got more damage. I ask that Jesus helps them and gives them peace.

God, I am thankful in everything. Thank you.
I smell... Pizza?