Unless you saw the smiles on the kids faces or you heard them ask when we'd visit them again. Unless you heard men speak from their hearts about how much this positively impacts the rest of their lives. It's hard to understand what's happening here. I was there, and I've been there many times - I still struggle to describe what God does to people through simple things. How can children and water balloons change the hearts of men? 
          The kids requested water balloons. The folks who take care of the kids asked for fresh fruits and vegetables. There's always the unspoken desire to bring the Bouncy House. All of those desires are simple and easy to fulfill, but it wasn't any worldly item that brought fulfillment. The desire to serve was met by a powerful surge of smiling gratitude and laughing children. 
          Guys from the Sunshine Rescue Mission bring their generous hearts to the NAOMI House on the last Saturday of every month. They look forward to it. Last week there was only three of us, but there's no way way to count the number of satisfied smiles on the NAOMI property. Danny and Edwin are "Extra-Mile" guys. They always go beyond what's necessary. They enlarge the smiles on kids faces.

• With their own money they buy what's needed.
• They plan and set goals.
• They wash and clean the grill.
• Load, unload and set up the Bouncy House.
• Make fruit salads.
• Donated the grill (with the help of Danny's Mom!)
• Grilled brats - bratwurst :-)
• Bought and filled tons of water balloons.
• They got soaked by kids with big water guns!
• Sat down and shared a meal with a lot of kids.
• Sometimes they do service projects.
• The greatest thing they do is form relationships with kids and make them feel loved and valued.

          They do all these things because of the way God reaches through these kids to fill their hearts. One man said that, "One day with the kids at NAOMI can help me get through a whole month worth of aggravations." We think more guys would be a part of this outreach if they knew how much peace they'd feel afterwards.
          Here's a few comments from guys who've served at NAOMI over the last year and a half. We hope these words will serve as a light to other men and women looking for ways to feel fulfillment in their lives.

• "Really enjoyed Naomi and can't wait to go back and paint."
• "Thx! I had a blast! Today brought  PEACE back in my heart and soul! Those kids hold a special place in my heart and I pray for them often. Thank you, Pastor Bob." 
• "They probably won't ever remember me, but it's a good thought and I always remember them. They did a better work to me and what I did in them. I was blessed to be a part of that and extremely privileged."
• "This will make my month believe it or not, it just does something for me." 
• "Yes sir it is good, glad the guys came. A little bit of volunteer work makes for a good and happy soul. And are excited about coming again."

          Lives are being changed in extraordinary ways by simple actions. We'd like to thank all of the organizations who helped collaborate and make these life changes possible. Sunshine Rescue Mission, Church For The Nations Flagstaff, NAOMI HOUSE, Compassion Ministries and Youth With A Purpose.
          The hallmark of success in a mentoring program is the ability to build healthy and sustainable relationships. We do that at SRM through our Mentoring Class. We teach Biblical knowledge as a Mentoring Application Tool. Please pray that we can continue to reach new men who come into the program and give them life changing opportunities like NAOMI.
          Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

           Just when you think life can't get any worse, it does. Bitter and better seem to be close relatives who tarry in each other's company and flip flop frequently. Some folks have been hurt so many times they've hardened their hearts as a means of protection. The nature of their lives has evolved into a survival of the bitterest. They live by a platitude that says, "Be bitter unto others before they're bitter unto you." There is a better way of living than living bitter.
          As an old head, I've had many bitter experiences. You don't need to hear about all my bitter tales of woe. You don't get to be an old head without being burned and back-stabbed many times. Bitterness, loneliness, anger, anxiety, misery and a bunch of other ugly words could easily describe my emotional state on many occasions. I've found a way to beat bitterness.
          I can't take any credit for this revelation on how to relieve the emotional indigestion of bitterness. Something happened to me when I wasn't prepared for it nor was I seeking it. I had been burned big time and I was carrying a grudge. One sunny morning, the grudge went away. I'll never forget the day, it was Sept 11, 2001. You probably recognize that date which lives in infamy alongside our Nation's worst historical events. Almost 3,000 people were killed as 19 hijackers committed murder-suicide. On the same day that terrorists attacked our country, I learned one of the secrets of removing the burden of bitterness.
          My pickup truck was cruising along near 70 miles per hour on the New York State Thruway. I was on my way to Chautauqua High School about 90 miles outside of Buffalo for a speaking engagement with the Freshman Class. The radio started giving surreal reports of planes being flown purposely into buildings. At first I didn't believe it was real, but as the reports continued, the savage facts of lives brutally lost hit hard. Then I began having thoughts about the brevity of life as the number of casualties mounted. Sometimes our greatest life revelations come in the midst of cataclysmic destruction.
          As I was driving, the name of the person who had burned me came to my mind and three things happened simultaneously. It's important to note that I did nothing to make these things happen. 
1. His name came into my thoughts.
2. I instantly felt forgiveness toward him.
3. There was a physical release in my body. So much so that I felt a burden released from my shoulders and thought my head would go through the roof!
It's hard to describe the physical part. The release affected every part of my body. I drove the rest of the way to the school with peace in my heart - even as I was deeply saddened by what I was hearing on the radio.
          Only God can bring about forgiveness when we're not asking for it. I do believe we have to want it, but I don't remember any actions on my part to ask God to help me forgive. He took the action and I accepted the results.
          The life of Jesus on earth could be viewed as a continuous journey of bad to worse and then worse still. They put him on a cross and then mocked him. Here's what He said in the midst of torture and agony, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) 
          Jesus doesn't sound like he's holding a grudge or has a bitter heart. Every person has many reasons and opportunities to forgive. I personally believe that we all have an equal amount of opportunities to seek forgiveness for the times we've wronged others.   
          When God gave me the gift of forgiveness, my heart condition was examining the brevity of life. My empathy and compassion were heightened. It may be that God wanted me in a vulnerable place where I could be teachable. Here are some one-liners to dwell on as you seek your own revelation that will release your burdens of resentment.

• Be Prepared - Expect God to move no matter how long it takes.
• Seek Wisdom - In all situations ask God what He wants you to learn.
• There's Always Pride To Release - One can never be too humble.
• Pray For Change - When things go wrong or people do you wrong, pray for patience to wait for God to act. He always takes care of injustice.
• Foster The Desire To Be A Forgiving Person - If Jesus can forgive murderers, torturers, liars, traitors, backstabbers, cheaters, adulterers, thieves and all the rest of us, we should go and do likewise.     

Thanks for your time, Go do something nice for somebody (like forgive them!) Jesus loves you and so do we.  
          "And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!"
John 16:33 The Passion Translation
The pictures below all have Bible verses to help you reflect on the Jesus Way of forgiveness and peace.

          It was a Grill & A Prayer Event that began in a strange way. Actually it was only strange to us, but God has ways of directing people that appear unconventional to earth dwellers. The first car pulled up on the corner with folks looking for directions to a wedding. Thanks to the diligence of Amelia they got both physical directions and spiritual directions!
          There were many reasons this was a special day. We had some visiting evangelists from Sedona who walked the streets around our prayer corner. Parents brought their children who became actively engaged in the prayer experience. The food as always was superb and our gift tables were full of free giveaways including Bibles and Jesus Wristbands. On the day, 25 food boxes were given away on the streets and in the neighborhoods.
          A Mom contacted us through social media and asked if we would like to have her son's clothes to give away. (He's growing faster than chicken wings are eaten in Buffalo! She brought the clothes with her son and asked for prayer. Thanks to the generosity of a lady from a local thrift shop, we always have lots of clothes and other items to freely give away. We couldn't display them as we'd like to, but people were happy to sort through bags for what they needed.
          Marvin and Teresa from Compassion Ministries and Church For The Nations Flagstaff served up delicious Taco Pies and drinks. It was a downright beautiful and prayerful day in the mountainhood!
          If you're feeling a hankering to get involved in sharing Christ-like love in the streets, please call us. 716-830-8240. Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

          Years ago in Buffalo, NY, young men were being murdered at an alarming rate. Many of the guys hung out at our Holy Cross Youth Center. Young men dying or going to jail was a sad part of our ministry. We poured our hearts into guys only to watch them get wasted. Times have changed, but mentoring stays the same. Guys still walk out of our lives on an all too often basis.
          The Sunshine Rescue Mission in Flagstaff, Arizona is a great place for guys to start new lives. They come here from jail or off the streets. Some are desperate for help to get free from addictions. I'm not sure what the statistics of success are, but it doesn't matter to me. God desires that none should perish and so do I.
          Guys leave the Mission for many reasons. Some have an opportunity to get a job and live on their own. That's the best case scenario. Many times guys fall back into addictions or don't like the rules of being in a program. I know it's a normal part of running a program that some guys will leave. Mental illness can play a part. It's not worth the time to list all the reasons why guys walk out on a program and the people who can help them. As a mentor, it hurts whenever anyone leaves.
          Letting go and giving up are two totally different actions. A mentor should never give up, but it may be wise to let go. When a guy decides he'd rather live in the woods and have his freedom to drink himself into oblivion.- you have to let go. Visiting him in the woods is a way of letting him know you haven't given up on him.
          Guys who leave the Mission usually have a phone. If the phone stays on, it's a great tool to maintain connections. Even if a guy never comes back you can still be a voice in his life. Peter Drucker wrote a management book called "The Effective Executive." Here's a phrase that stood out in my mind that I believe came from his book: "A good plant manager takes the time to walk the entire plant everyday." What that means to me as a mentor is this, "A good mentor takes the time to be present in a person's life as often as possible." 
          I know guys will leave no matter what you do. I have found that the greatest success stories come from the greatest challenges. The guys that are the hardest to deal with often become leaders with experience in dealing with rough characters because they've walked the walk.
          As long as I'm the Director of Youth With A Purpose, we won't give up on anybody - even when we have to let go for awhile. Sometimes we threaten guys in a good natured way. If a few phone calls or text messages go unanswered, we tell guys we will hunt them down! A mentor genuinely gives his or her heart away and believes in the best for everyone.
          Here's a few more Drucker quotes followed by some life-changing Bible verses to finish up this story. Seize the day my friends and never give up on anybody including yourself. Thanks for taking the time to read it. Jesu loves you and so do we.
          “If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old” 
          “The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said.”
          “Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.”
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Colossians 3:23-24 Amplified Bible
Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.
Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Jeremiah 29:11 
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Psalm 37:24
Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

          It's impossible to think of Jane Voss without picturing her contagious smile lighting up over a group of happy children. Her warm demeanor with kids is as natural as an Arizona sunrise. God gives all of us gifts and Jane is a "gift-maximizer." She pours out every ounce of energy in finding more excellent ways in showing God's Love to children. 
          Many people are gifted with the ability to teach children, but Jane Voss is an "extra-mile" kind of teacher. She is extremely well organized and exceptionally intuitive when it comes to teaching. You can't just call her a teacher because that wouldn't begin to explain the value of what she does for kids. She may plan a lesson, but she adjusts seamlessly to the shifting emotional needs of her students. 
          Jane drives farther than most people do to come to church. She serves as a Youth Ministry Leader several days every week. Most of the things that Jane does in life require extra effort, perseverance and resilience. She's an "energizer-lady" who relentlessly pursues excellence. Jane sees the opportunity to lead and jumps right in.
          Sunday School is special and Jane's been doing that for many, many years. Celebrate Recovery on Friday nights is an extra-mile activity. Every lesson has a valuable life message to help kids learn how to become overcomers in the struggles of life. 
          Generosity is one of the greater things that Jane gives from her heart. Whatever is needed for the children she serves, Jane will find a way to make it happen. Obstacles and adversities are only greater opportunities to reveal God's glory in the heart of Jane Voss.
          People who create Bright Spots in Life are folks who do the Greater Things that Jesus spoke about in John 14:12 (AMP) "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father." The extent of Jane's outreach is the enlarged Love of God in the children she reaches. 
          Thank you Jane Voss for doing greater things for Jesus. The impact created through your actions not only trains up children in the way they should go, but you're also shining the light of Christ on the whole church. People see what you do and want to get involved. You are God's gift to the children and the church. Jesus loves you and so do we.

It was a beautiful day in the Prayerhood!
We had the honor of praying for several Veterans yesterday. Before we prayed for them, we shook their hands and thanked them for serving our country. Any time you see a Vet, take the time to stop and show them your gratitude.
A Grill & A Prayer happens on the 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of every month.
Free food boxes. Free Grilled sandwiches. Free Bibles, clothing & books.
Best of all - Prayer freely given!
#cftnflagstaff #ywap4Prayer #ywap4Christ #JLYASDW

​          There are times and seasons in life when God uses a moment and a person to speak to a generation. Through Genevieve Dawn Skidmore, God moved into the neighborhood at Church For The Nations Flagstaff.
          Her life story is a testimony of redemption, resilience and rejuvenation. Hard times given to God opened new opportunities to enlarge God's territory in the hearts of children. Genevieve is the Director of NAOMI HOUSE - a safe home for children experiencing hardship.
          Some of the NAOMI Staff and children came to the church on Sunday (4-18-21) to support Genevieve. The men and women who serve and sacrifice their lives for children at NAOMI are among God's elite. They're a special breed who are loving children in greater ways on all of their days. Jessica, Robert, Kendra, Charlotte and Jason are rock stars for Jesus!
          The Spirit of God moves strongly through surrendered hearts. Jesus said we would do greater things and greater surrender and repentance are greater things that bring about freedom in Christ. Genevieve has a new book coming out soon called, "Send Me I'll Go." We know it will be a life changing read. You can contact her to order your copy.
          There is another story behind the scenes here that has changed lives in an enormous way. Men and women from the Sunshine Rescue Mission and Hope Cottage visit the children every month through a YWAP Mentoring program. They serve, do some work, but most importantly they spend time with the children making them feel special. God moves through the hearts of men and women through the children. It's a beautiful mosaic of redemption, resilience and rejuvenation.
"It is a testimony of resilience because of the sovereignty of God. If the enemy has tried to silence you, it is only because it is your voice that carries a unique sound that has the potential to unlock spiritual freedom." - Genevieve
For more information about the NAOMI House please contact them. Genevieve@thenaomihouse.org
or Check out her website: https://www.preparingforthecall.com/book-sendmeillgo
DONATE TO NAOMI HOUSE

INCREDIBLE!
     OFF THE CHARTS!
          KNOCKED ARE SOCKS OFF!
          There’s no way we could describe how much fun we had with the kids at the NAOMI House! The guys did some work as they always do, but thanks to some gifts of squirt-fish from Miss Debbie at the Sunshine Rescue Mission and Hope Cottage Flagstaff we all got soaked!
          Some folks would call these special fish - squirt guns, but we have a kinder, gentler name for them. We affectionately refer to them as "squirt-fish." Whatever you want to call them, they were the launching point for a day full of heart-smiles! 
          After lunch, the kids surprised us when they came out with super-soakers (super-sized squirt guns.) We each found increasingly creative ways to throw water at each other! The smiles were as wide, high, deep and long as the blue sky above us - and Christ’s love within us! We can’t wait to do it again!
          We're so grateful to Danny, Dave, Ryan and Leslie for sharing their hearts and making kids feel loved and making them smile. The more we work together in unity, the more we become family.
          We there as part of the YWAP Mentoring Program at the Sunshine Rescue Mission. The program is a collaboration between YWAP, SRM, Church For The Nations Flagstaff, Compassion Ministries. Some of the guys also attend Celebrate Recovery at CFTN.
          Mentoring and serving are lopsided cousins. You might think you're going to serve somebody, but the God turns the tables and the blessing falls onto your own head and your heart overflows with joyous gratitude. Only God could have envisioned this scenario.
FYI - SOMETHING TO PRAY FOR.
The gas grill bit the dust and they need a new one. We had to cook the sausages we brought for lunch in the oven.
(Bob doesn’t know how to cook on an oven - only a grill.)
Let us know if you have an extra or would like to help support the kids with a new one.
Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Jesus loves you and so do we.
#ywap4Revival #ywap4Christ #JLYASDW
#CompassionMinistries
Church for the Nations - Flagstaff
Sunshine Rescue Mission
Youth With A Purpose Inc.
Celebrate Recovery Church For The Nations Flagstaff
Danny Hurst
Ryan Musgrove

          Many people summon up the courage to leave their old lives behind. Folks who've been rescued from afflictions, addictions and abuse have taken a great first step to becoming whole in Christ. One thing remains and that's healing. Without healing the wound that caused the original need for deliverance, an open wound grows through emptiness.
          I want to begin by reading Scripture - a good place to begin, don’t you think? After the Scripture I will tell you a true story. Maybe it applies to me or you. For me - I know it applies.
Matthew 12:43-45 KJV
     “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”
Matthew 12:43-45 MSG
     ““When a defiling evil spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn’t find anyone, it says, ‘I’ll go back to my old haunt.’ On return it finds the person spotlessly clean, but vacant. It then runs out and rounds up seven other spirits more evil than itself and they all move in, whooping it up. That person ends up far worse off than if he’d never gotten cleaned up in the first place. “That’s what this generation is like: You may think you have cleaned out the junk from your lives and gotten ready for God, but you weren’t hospitable to my kingdom message, and now all the devils are moving back in.””
          Let me repeat the line:
      "That person ends up far worse off than if he’d never gotten cleaned up in the first place." 
          Last year I was heading out for a hike. At the end of my road were two people laying against a log appeared to be resting.  I smiled and waved as I walked by. The next day I walked by the same place, they were gone, but where they had rested was strewn with garbage including liquor bottles. There was also a letter indicating one of them had just been released from a court mandated rehab clinic. I felt sad and prayed. Whatever trouble they had been in, they had quickly returned to.

• The Devil searches for delivered folks who aren’t healed.
• Folks who’ve been delivered and not healed feel empty.
• The Devil sends his evil agent who caused the need for deliverance to check out the condition of the delivered one.
• Returning to the good heart where the deliverance occurred, he finds strewn with garbage unhealed, empty and vulnerable.
• The demonic agent grabs seven of his evil buddies and plans his vicious comeback.
• The seven workers of iniquity have been schooled in the evil arts of sinful persuasion.
• They are more evil than the first demon of possession; more hideous, more malicious and more likely to enlarge the emptiness of the delivered one.

          Enlarged emptiness creates a hunger and thirst for unworthiness and self-defeat. Sometimes we get to a place where life is good and troubles seem so far away. We go through life singing happy songs. “My hands are workin and my mind is clear. I got no trouble on my own two feet. What would you think about having such luck. It ain’t luck - Yeah - I’m all blessed up!” (Cheap Elvis imitation!)
Life is good.
And then suddenly...
Here's a few lines from a song by the Beatles called “Yesterday”
     "Yesterday, All my troubles seem so far away, Now I need a place to hide away
     Oh, I, I believe in yesterday, Suddenly, I ain't half the man I used to be, no
     There's a heavy, heavy shadow hanging over me, Yesterday, came suddenly."
Has your yesterday returned?
 
          Years ago I had a fear of failure, falling and not finishing. Falling backwards every time I neared the top - on a bridge, on a bike or in a car. This went on for years until one day I felt God speaking to me.  
Then God said, “I am at the top. I will bring you up and over. You cannot get to the top on your own power, but by My power I will climb the mountains of life.”
          God wants all of you to know that Jesus is the greatest Overcomer in the history of mankind. He was delivered from the cross to heal our sinful condition. Deliverance and healing go together.

• All of you are mountain climbers.
• If one of you falters along the way, I will leave the 99 and go help you.
• You are never alone, I will never leave you or forsake you. 
• You are a child of the most high God and I invite you to the high places.

           There are times in life when we don't feel worthy to accomplish all that God has called us to do. Gideon felt that way. The Lord answered him, "I will be with you."
Judges 6:11-16 ICB
“The angel of the Lord came and sat down under an oak tree at Ophrah. (fawn.) The oak tree belonged to Joash,(given by the Lord) who was one of the Abiezrite (my father is help) people. Joash was the father of Gideon (hewer, cutter down, a laborer) . Gideon was separating some wheat from the chaff in a winepress. Gideon did this to keep the wheat from the Midianites (strife). The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” Then Gideon said, “Pardon me, sir. If the Lord is with us, why are we having so many troubles? Our ancestors told us he did miracles. They told us the Lord brought them out of Egypt. But now he has left us. He has allowed the Midianites to defeat us.” The Lord turned to Gideon and said, “You have the strength to save the people of Israel. Go and save them from the Midianites. I am the one who is sending you.” But Gideon answered, “Pardon me, Lord. How can I save Israel? My family group is the weakest in Manasseh. And I am the least important member of my family.” The Lord answered him, “I will be with you. It will seem as if you are fighting only one man.””
          We finished our class with a story and wisdom about boundaries from our Workbook, "Strong Men Great Dads." You can find those in pictures posted below. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Seek healing or your latter days may be seven times worse than your former days.
          If you need healing, seek it. Begin in the Word, seek counseling and join a group like Celebrate Recovery. click on this link to - FIND A CELEBRATE RECOVERY NEAR YOU.
         Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

          It's Comeback Week! The greatest comeback in the history of mankind is the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The greatest comeback in NFL history was led by a Quarterback for the Buffalo Bills named Frank Reich. The men at the Sunshine Rescue Mission are crafting their own comeback stories.
          The Crucifixion was a horrible form of torture and death. God used the worst the world had to offer and turned it into the best He could offer the world - His Son - Jesus Christ. God used His own Son to pay the price for our wrongful actions. Sometimes we call them sin. Our selfish behaviors hurt other people and cause us to be separated from God's love. 
          Jesus had to die so he could have a comeback. Being born again is like dying to yourself and accepting new life in Christ. The guys in the Sunshine Rescue Mission Disciple Program are learning how to die to themselves. Here's a great verses from the Bible that describes the process, 
          "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you,
          Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
          it remains [just one grain;
          it never becomes more but lives]
                              by itself alone.
          But if it dies,
          it produces many others and yields a rich harvest."
John 12:24 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
​          The Frank Reich and the Buffalo Bills comeback story is based on the Jesus comeback story. Frank was pacing the sidelines as his team was being beaten badly by Houston Oilers. He wasn't studying a playbook. He had a song in his head that was carrying his heart. The song is called In Christ Alone by Shawn Craig, (music by Don Koch)
You can watch Michael English perform the song by clicking on this link: IN CHRIST ALONE
In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I've been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone, I overcome

Oh, I could stop and count successes
Like diamonds in my hands
But these trophies could not equal
To the grace by which I stand

In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope is Christ alone

In Christ alone will I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
And only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness, to my need

Now I seek no greater honor
Than just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses
And to the glory of my Lord

In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope is Christ alone.

          We're all in different stages of redemption. We're all in different seasons of comeback lives. We don't get to the mountain of perfection with God on this side of heaven. Our source of hope and strength as we go through trials and temptations is Christ alone.
          SRM is acronym for the Sunshine Rescue Mission. In our Program called Strong Men Great Dads, we changed the acronym. SRM means Strong Resilient Men. We help each other when we fall. We hold each other accountable. We celebrate victories won. In Christ alone we stand as Strong Resilient Men. We help each other walk on the Comeback Trails of Life.
          Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.