Mike Stallard continues his explanation of the importance of creating a “connection culture” in any organization (even in a family), as well as practical steps on how to make a difference by caring. We were designed by God for relational connection, and humbly loving and serving others creates a connection. From Nick the “hugger” at Memorial Sloane-Kerring to the supervisor who gets to know her employees, Mike uses examples to bring the concept home.

-uploaded in HD at http://www.TunesToTube.com

Mohammad Yamout is a former Sunni Muslim who is now a Christian pastor ministering to Shiite Muslims in Tyre, Lebanon, a 95% Muslim city. Pastor Mohammad believes God presents us with “Open Doors”–opportunities to serve and give and share the name and love of Jesus. We either choose to go through those doors or we pass by. Mohammad shares about the miracles that God is doing in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria when the name of Jesus is shared and lifted up and when people are cared for in His name. Mohammad also urges us to go through the open doors–and witness God’s glory.

-uploaded in HD at http://www.TunesToTube.com

Gerard Placide’s story is one of those stories that defines the category “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up”. God gave Gerard the gift of an angelic (tenor) voice, and Gerard’s story is a story of how God has miraculously protected the vessel of this gift (over and over) while using the numerous hardships Gerard has encountered to draw that vessel closer to Him. It is after one of the times God saved Gerard’s life that he understood “purpose”–God had a plan for Gerard’s life and He would not allow even Gerard to derail it.

Without God’s intervention, Gerard says “I should be dead”. Without the hardship that drew him to God, Gerard’s talent is so extraordinary that he might well have become a superstar recording artist chasing riches and fame. Instead, Gerard Placide is a precious man of God–a brother in Christ who just wants to use his gift to spread the word of Jesus. Do not miss Gerard singing “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” in the middle of his talk.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely, and long for Heav’n and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;

Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

-uploaded in HD at http://www.TunesToTube.com

Jason Locy shares some of the “narratives” that have made him who he is today and asks the question: “Who am I apart from my history and the roles I have played?”. Jason wrestles with those narratives and the need for forgiveness. He also explores the difficulty in forgiving and why it can be so hard, seem so foreign and feel so painful. In looking back on his experiences in trying to forgive, Jason identifies and explores three lessons he has learned:

–You have to begin to work at forgiveness and then wait for God to take over.

–Forgiveness is ongoing

–Grace serves as the reminder of our past not the pain.

We love because God first loved us, and in that love we find forgiveness, which allows us to forgive.

-uploaded in HD at http://www.TunesToTube.com

George McGovern shares his journey from being a “typical” and “average” kid growing up in New Jersey and “following” men to “following” Jesus and becoming a spiritual advisor to champions as Chaplain for the New York Giants and the New York Yankees (and previously the Mets and Jets). The turning point was a crisis in his life that God used to draw George to Jesus. George also talks about the ways that God has used him to impact the high visibility lives of professional athletes.

-uploaded in HD at http://www.TunesToTube.com

Congratulations to our brudders at NCS Winston-Salem for "showing up" and being a "faithful presence" for 10 years. Winston-Salem and Lebanon and Uganda are not the same thanks to you.

Tim Keller shares why brudders should "show up" at the 2015 NCS New England Regional Retreat on November 20-21, 2015 in Lenox MA. This years theme is "Freedom Changes Everything". For more information, visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eb6067stf0747132+&llr=f69c8jnab

Gerard Placide sings "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" at NCS New Canaan on October 9, 2015.