Good Morning Friends!

So many people have asked about this video that I thought I would share the story of how it happened.

The bottom line - it was some combination of dumb luck and the Holy Spirit.

See, I wasn't the first person they asked. CNN had reached out to another pastor who I am friends with, and when he was unavailable he referred them to three other pastors in Centerville (of which I was one).

I responded saying I was willing to help. The original plan was that all three of us on the email would be doing the interview, but apparently, I was the only one who responded.

On the day of the interview I reached out to a couple of people to go down there with me, mostly because I felt like I was going to puke. And, naturally, with such a last minute request no one was available. I went down there by myself, and the moment I walked up to the media tent I found two of my friends from seminary already there, they had been there all day praying over the entire district. They laid hands on me and prayed throughout the entire interview. They were a small part of the prayer team that was happening in the background. The prayer over that moment was palpable.

One of the other things we did that many people don't know about is we prepped for the interview. Watched film of Brooke’s interview style, we even brainstormed "tough" questions and how we would respond. Make no mistake - this was a complete team effort .

One other final story about this moment: CNN never posted it to their website. For whatever reason CNN didn’t make a clip or post it on their media outlets. The video on Facebook is the video we took using my cell phone to record the screen from my television at home. We wanted to share what God had done, but didn’t know how to do it. Since posting it to Facebook the video has gotten over 16k views.

This has been such a humbling experience, and I’m blown away by the support. Clearly, the message of disciple making is one that the world needs to hear. I’m thanking God for the opportunity and praising Him for how He is using it.

So, how does this apply to you? Good question! I would say this: If God is giving you an opportunity (or you are looking for an opportunity) there are a couple things I would recommend

1. Create relationships with people who do the same kind of work as you. It will help you grow.

2. Say yes, even when it is scary. And respond to people’s emails!

3. Nothing beats good preparation, especially with a team.

4. Pray, and find people to pray for you.

5. Tell the story of what God is doing.