The PF Women Team at our Annual Team Retreat ~ 2018 Today on Seth Godin's blog, he said: It's tempting to decide to make a profit first, then invest in training, people, facilities, promotion, customer service and most of all, doing important work. In general, though, it goes the other way. Yes, it does. If you are waiting to make a profit before you do these things, in my experience you're not going to make a profit. So many organizations, ministries and churches are struggling with financial issues. I know your pain. As anyone who follows our story knows, our ministry was in a ton of debt four years ago when I came on as director. Since that time, we've gotten out of debt and turned a profit every year. God has done amazing things through out team, for which we give Him the glory! I find that what Seth is saying here is absolutely true, with one disclaimer. For Christian leaders, spiritual disciplines must always be first. Before we started i...
They served as our Assemblies of God Pen-Florida District Youth Directors for 24 years, and are now headed to Europe on the missionfield. It was such a blessing to have them share about their new direction, as well as have Tom preach. Many people received a touch from God at the altars at the conclusion of the service. Phyllis's book was such a hit they ran out of them and had to go get another box from the car to make available to the people! I began reading it this morning and it's just wonderful.
The best thing for Larry and I was the opportunity to publicly thank them for all they have invested into our kids. They have invested in all of Pen-Florida's kids for 24 years, but I am particularly grateful for what they have poured into our three children.
My husband shared with the church that there was a time in his life that Dustin was really hurting and in need of healing. He had experienced mistreatment from a few members of another church we pastored. It was Tom and Phyllis' ministry that really made the difference in his life. (Read Dustin's story here about his healing. He wrote about it in this essay for college.) Today, Dustin is no longer a hurting young man. He is serving in ministry and touching countless lives himself.
Year after year the Benigases gave tirelessly to make youth and PK camp life changing experiences for our kids, and reached out to them through e-mail and facebook and all sorts of ways, to encourage them. They still always hear from them on their birthdays.
It is important to give honor to whom honor is due. I'm so glad we had this opportunity. Pray for Tom and Phyllis as they fulfill their mission to Europe.
Comments
I have always viewed Pastor Larry as a hero because of his personal interest in leading students, and yesterday, participating in the hotdog eating contest to raise funds for the youth center, bumped my opinion up about ten notches. He ate 10 hotdogs in 15 minutes (I prayed for him today). I think he said that about $10,000 would be raised and I pray it comes in.
If a great student awakening comes, and it will, it will be because church leaders believe in them, and it is evident, you and Celebration Church does.
Thank you for the opportunity to be with you in the service yesterday.
God Bless!
Tom Benigas