Currently, we are in Champaign, Illinois, with Bro. & Sis Rogers, and the great people of Apostolic Life.

This weekend, we helped celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Lifeline Connect. What an incredible weekend it was!

The church building was packed, and the environment was exciting.  Numerous guests from the community came out to show their support for this life changing program.

Presently, Lifeline Connect houses six men whose lives have been negatively effected by substance abuse.  Each of these men have incredibly "moving" testimonies of how this program, and this local church, have positively impacted their life.

After meeting the Rogers during General Conference of 2007, we were convinced that this program and the ministry that they were involved in was absolutely inspired by the Lord.  So many times, when we meet people who are using drugs and/or alcohol, we feel as though we have very little to offer them outside of three church services a week.  This is a ministry that offers so much more!

Please remember the Rogers in prayer, as they are envisioning even greater things just ahead.

We are enjoying our time here in Illinois, and have had such a tremendous time with the guys from Lifeline.

With a chance to relax, meet up with old friends and make some new ones, General Conference 2008 was fantastic. (We also discovered that we are getting too old to hang out in the lobby until the sun comes up)!

The highlight of the week was the Sunday night crusade. Doug Kleindinst delivered a powerful message and when the week had closed over over 300 received the Holy Ghost and 125 were baptized in Jesus' name!

Throughout the conference, each message was moving and challenging.  We enjoyed the week away from the normal stresses, and had a nice time being with our pastor and his wife! We love you Pastor and Sis. Scoggins!

We have made some wonderful friends at Dallas First Church over the past several months. Every visit brings new faces, powerful services, and of course…a few practical jokes!

As always, we want to recognize the tremendous leadership team of Bro. & Sis. Tom Foster.  While setting the pace at the local assembly, and pastoring the large congregation, the Fosters are involved in so many wonderful things. Whether speaking at conferences, or other leadership meetings, Bro Foster has dedicated his life to the ministry. Sis. Foster, well, she has to be one of the all-time greats in music ministry, as well as writing. She never seems to slow down, and is always working with people to help them reach their fullest potential!   

On the first evening of our most recent time with DFC, we enjoyed a relaxing evening with Shannon and Deborah Behan, DFC's Community Relations leaders. While enjoying an amazing meal at Texas de Brazil, we discussed the progress that had been made in the CR department and possible "tweaks" to better reach the community.

This couple is driven by a burden to reach souls and organized beyond anything we have ever seen. They have "adopted" three apartment complexes close to the church. In addition to weekly visits, they also coordinate transportation schedules and serve a hot breakfast to the children every Sunday morning.

Weekly, they prepare a report for Pastor Foster and the members of the CR team, to track their progress, number of contacts, upcoming events, etc. The Community Relations Team is to be commended for an outstanding job in this new endeavor!

Saturday was spent in a special training seminar for the CR team. We discussed much-needed topics that will assist in the recent, and on-going influx of souls.  Sessions included: 1). How to offer/teach/and maintain bible studies. 2). Altar ministry.  3)Working as a team with bus ministry.  Ways to effectively involve and adequately implement new children into the mainstream of the church's activities, and established programs.

Sunday was a special DFC Harvest Festival. After a dynamic service, everyone enjoyed a time of fellowship complete with games and food. This gave the church family extra time to personalize the guests in a casual setting.

From jumping houses to pumpkin decorating contests, chili to cake walks, everyone had a fantastic time. 

To the great people at DFC, "We love you guys!"

AS THE 2008 YEAR QUICKLY APPROACHES ITS' FINAL MOMENTS…. WE ARE LOOKING TO OUR FRIENDS, AND MINISTERIAL CONNECTIONS IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD, TO ASSIST US IN CLOSING OUT THIS YEAR IN THE BLACK.

IF WE HAVE BEEN A BLESSING TO YOU, AND/OR YOUR LOCAL ASSEMBLY, WE ARE ASKING YOU TO PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER MAKING A ONE-TIME DONATION, AND/OR BECOMING A MONTHLY SPONSOR IN THIS MINISTRY.

THE MOBILE BAPTISTERY IS STILL APPROXIMATELY $3,000 FROM BEING PAID IN FULL.  ALSO, WE ARE IN DISCUSSIONS WITH A PRODUCTION COMPANY FOR OUR NEXT VIDEO THAT WILL BE CENTERED AROUND THE "PERSONALIZATION" SOUL WINNING SERIES.   

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A BLESSING TO US, YOU CAN MAKE YOUR DONATION VIA PAYPAL, OR VIA U.S. MAIL, AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:  KEN OR JULIE COOK, 21486 FOREST COLONY DRIVE, PORTER, TEXAS 77365. 

WHEN MAKING A DONATION, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, AS WE WOULD LIKE TO SEND YOU QUARTERLY UPDATES ON OUR TRAVELS, AND HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTION WAS A BLESSING. 

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

"Time flies when you're having fun!"

September was such an incredible month for us.  We were in "revival" with BEC, and Pastor Ken Colegrove.  We love this sweet group of people at Brownwood Evangelism Center.    

Each service was explosive, as the Lord was so kind to visit with us! Many received the Holy Ghost, and many were baptized throughout the month! What an exciting time! 

From a Howard Payne football player to one of the local city favorites…. we were blessed to see so many amazing conversions. 

Far greater than a swelling number of people in attendance, far greater than how many were baptized or filled with the Holy Ghost…a tremendous momentum has taken place, and the people of BEC are poised for an astounding harvest, in the days ahead.

We love large crowds, and appreciate staggering numbers; however, we believe the foundation must be sound, and the people must be ready to retain, assimilate, and disciple each new convert. Therefore, we find it refreshing to say that BEC is actively implementing concepts that will significantly impact each guest.

Pastor Ken Colegrove and his lovely family have long since been some of our favorites!  He has such a passion for souls.  He does such an incredible job of "living" the message that he has preached effectively for years.  If you're looking for a pastor that you can count on to be in his office (five days a week), then don't look here! (Try the halfway houses, coffee shops, & neighborhoods).  

On Tuesday evenings, the LIFELINE ministry team heads out to the local "success" houses, and visits with the men and women who have had difficulties with substance abuse. This team is dedicated to loving, befriending, and helping others get their lives back on track, and establish or re-establish a relationship with the Lord!

The results over the previous year have been astonishing, as it is obvious they have found favor with the people of each "success" house.  Many conversions have taken place, and a multitude have been reacquainted with their families in other cities. To God be the glory!

On Wednesday nights, they are teaching a class that helps provide immediate tools for people who are experiencing substance abuse issues.

If you are ever in Brownwood, TX, please stop by and visit.  You won't be disappointed!  For more pictures of this great church family, click here.

BEC, we miss you already!