Heroes at Life Impact

It was such a blast being at the Life Impact Conference for 700 collegians the 1st week of January. Sort of like the icing on the cake to a great holiday time in Tampa. To learn, be blessed, be challenged, network, have coffees and meal times with many new & old friends from OU (and beyond) was a major breath of fresh air. Jim Peterson is a speaker & author (the “Insider” which I’m reading now in German and “Evangelism for Our Generation”) and calls tons of seekers his friends. He’s been my hero for years. Only heaven knows how his books have impacted my life and ministry! I got to meet him in person!

I delighted to see some of my heroes in the faith, in general, and also heroes in ministry (church planting & in campus ministry from various states & overseas). See fun friends Jen and John Kelsey ("Kels") right with son Josiah, from OU. I guess we all need that—time with heroes who inspire us, who’ve led a blameless life for years and walked with Jesus consistently. Who have the “big picture.” And also to spend time with those who are running the race, boldly-- maybe newer at this race, or a few strides behind (?), but still taking big, exciting steps!

Here are new friends Lauren Cottle (who has a b-day today! Congratz!) and Stefanie Hash, who are boldly sharing their faith in the dorms and/or hosting a Bible study.














Aren't these gals just great? Rita (from OU) & Natasha (Kansas State) came over to Germany for 5 weeks, with FOCUS, the summer of 2004. We had a fun dinner on Thursday night (thanks for the idea, David!) as a "reunion" for those who've been in Germany or are thinking about going in the future. This spring Natasha will be serving several months in Africa! You go, girl!

Here are Alex, Susanne and Anja. Alex is too cool and thinks deeply about life! Susanne was also a blessing with the FOCUS team & loves God totally. Anja, my teammate on staff & great friend, and I got to re-connect as she's just moved to Ft. Worth to study at seminary there. (I miss ya!)

Ok... photo a bit dark (and sorry, Jenny, but it cut you off) -- more super cool friends who love God-- Jenny, Amy & Dan (engaged to be married!), David (our fall intern on staff) and Beck.

I couldn't get all my heroes in here... but last, but not least, are Bev Brandon (from Hope Church, in Ft. Worth), Marilyn Fine (writer of discipleship materials), & amazing Sandra Barnett (she can challenge the 'socks' off of me!). Ok guys... let's keep runnin' the race, keep each other accountable, take the BIG risks and be HEROES for one another!