“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

Tony's Foodland

I remember when I was younger, dreaming about performing in big concert halls and under the big top.  I dreamed of being a guest on the Tonight Show. I imagined having best selling videos of my live shows.  One venue that was never part of my show business daydreams was the meat section of a grocery store, but for the last seven years, this has been a regular part of our annual schedule.

It started when the daughter of one of our worship leaders was a cashier at Tony's Foodland, in Naples, Maine.  Somehow, this teen got the store manager and her mother to discuss the team singing Christmas carols for the store's annual Christmas open house.  Alan, our worship team leader, asked if I'd consider performing between their sets, and a Christmas tradition was born.

Yes, it's a cramped space.  Yes, the occasional shopper who is unaware of this yearly event gets awfully confused when they have to walk past a 13 year old girl juggling machetes in order to get the package of bacon they came in for, but it always a lot of fun.  It amazes me how many folks from the community, young and old, come out to this party, but this year it was busier than ever.  Hundreds of people came through the automatic doors of Tony's Thursday night to celebrate the season.

The worship team (BAWT) played Christmas carols.  when they took breaks, Rose and I did our Gospel juggling show.  We did two half hour sets of different material each time (in case there were repeat customers).  My wife Sue was there enjoying the fellowship of the musicians and others from the church who came to support the event.  It always amazes me that presenting the Christmas story in such a secular venue is always well received.  Not to sound boastful, but I suppose the fact that we're having fun with it, doing it in an entertaining way, and not being pushy might just help people to respect what we're doing, whether they believe the same way about the holiday or not. 

As for the rest of the event, there was free pizza, ice cream, egg nog for everybody.  There were costumed characters including Rudolph, Frosty, Winnie the Pooh, elves, and, of course, Santa himself.  Like a Dickensian scene from a twenty--first century Christmas Carol, everyone was having fun, striking up conversations with friends and strangers alike.  I ran in to two of my former students and has a chance to catch up with them.  I also met another man - a familiar face, but not someone I knew - who talked about his conversion to Jesus... while he was serving a 15 year sentence for murder.  and that conversion is exactly the grace that we celebrate in the birth of Jesus Christ so long ago.  Even if we celebrate in the meat aisle of Tony's Foodland!

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A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

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