For the past two weeks, we have been in Dallas, Texas at Dallas First Church.  Under the leadership of Pastor Tom Foster, the great people of DFC are on the move.

Throughout our stay, we have placed a large amount of our focus on effectively setting up, as well as restructuring a few ministries.  I would like to honor Pastor Foster for believing in us enough to take on such a task. 

Working with people whose lives have been negatively affected by drugs and/or alcohol, has always been a burden for this church.  The Lord has shown us favor in the initial phases of establishing this much-needed ministry.  We have met with the County Commissioner, as well as the Supervisor of Assessment Services for the entire Dallas County.  He is the lead supervisor of all 17 courts, and hundreds of employees.  As of September 1, 2008, they will be looking for a faith-based program to sanction within each of their courts.  Help us pray for this great opening.  We have several meetings scheduled in the near future with other agencies, and we need the help of the Lord in each case.

We have established a mentorship ministry, as well.  This ministry will be the lifeline between the A.C.T.S class and the church body.  The mentors are being taught a series of lessons, and will continue to do so for the next several weeks.  Each mentor has a job description, and is committed to transitioning their mentee from where they are to where God wants them to be.  This ministry has been well-received, and there is a multitude of participants already enrolled.

Along with the mentorship ministry, we have begun the Hospitality team.  This ministry team is a group of sweet women that are committed to supplying food, snacks, and beverages for each A.C.T.S class.  They are already doing such a great job at setting the environment, and making the students at ease.  What a group of people that are working together!

Next, we have had the privilege of designing the Community Relations (Ministry) Team.  Working vigorously, along with many other people, we have already seen a tremendous level of success.  This ministry has a broad foundation that involved many people in many areas of ministry.  However, the ultimate goal is to reach outside of the four walls of the sanctuary, and "personalize" the community.  In doing so, a large harvest will be reaped. This will be one of the most organized outreach-related ministries that I have ever seen.  We are so proud of the leaders, as well as each individual team member that has stepped up and served/ministered.

Each member has his/her personal name badge, and t-shirt.  They are serving on specific teams, with specific goals, and they are doing so with a spirit of unity that's unparalleled.  From re-establishing previous church contacts, to establishing new ones, this team of soul winners has a heart for the work of the Lord.  From door knocking and passing out fliers to block parties and street services, their hands are full, and they love it!  This ministry will be strategically used in the fulfillment of many prophecies spoken over this local assembly.

Last week, the Sunday School department hosted one incredible Vacation Bible School!  With over 100 children every night, Sis. Jodi and her staff performed at such high levels of leadership!  The kids loved it, as well as the parents! 

On the final night of VBS, the entire staff and group of kids decided to end the successful week with one more laugh!  The children took turns at dumping slime on the heads of each staff member, and anyone else in the way.   Sis. Jodi secretly arranged for a mystery person to be slimed! The children did a great job of keeping the secret all night, but at the very end a little boy walked up to Ken and asked, "Are you Bro. Cook?" When Ken responded, "Yes", he said, "You're going to get it!"

Always one for a practical joke, this time the tables had been turned on him! The children had a great time, sliming Ken!!

Saturday night, Bro. and Sis. Billy Cole arrived and spoke at a dinner for DFC's leadership and ministers. We were so thrilled to ride with the Cole's and their team to John and Dana Marlin's beautiful home. Bro. Cole shared testimonies of amazing miracles and spoke about the power of intercession. The evening ended with a powerful prayer meeting.

Bro. and Sis. Cole and their team were in service Sunday morning. What an incredible presence of God as this apostle spoke from his heart! 

This weekend was also spent in the neighborhood and apartments close to Pecan Grove Park, in preparation for our street service on Sunday night. Several members of DFC Community Relations Team braved the 100-plus degree weather to "personalize" the residents.

On Sunday night, God honored our efforts with an enormous crowd!  The CR Team served hot dogs, and gave away several prizes to area residents.   The crowd was very responsive, and the atmosphere was wonderful.  Many were moved by the singing and preaching. What an incredible time we had in the presence of the Lord.

With the mobile baptistery on site, seven were baptized in the name of Jesus and at least one (1) of our guests received the baptism of the Holy Ghost during the altar service!

What we appreciate more than great swelling crowds, is the "personalization" that must take place when we are in their presence. Not allowing them to feel as though they are simply a number, or part of a statistic. Rather, ensuring that we know each person's name, and treat them as though they are important to God, and to us.    

The wonderful results from this street service are as follows: 

*a total of 410 people were registered.

*177 adults + 127 boys + 106 girls: 410 people!

*11 prayer requests!

*6 signed up for end-time prophecy classes!

*7 baptized, 1 received Holy Ghost!  

The overwhelming majority of each of these guests were personalized.  Therefore, this week will be filled with discipleship, follow-up, and a continued "personalization." 

Please keep Pastor Foster and this local assembly in your prayers, as they are in the process of achieving great things for God!  Pastor Foster has a tremendous insight into leadership, and he is doing some incredible things for the kingdom of God!  

For more pictures of DFC's VBS, Bro. Cole, and the street service, click here!