The Scandal of Grace!

No Photos Please.

2011-11-29T08:25:00.003-06:00

Seriously - there will be no photos from the meetings I'm in right now... As you read this, myself and key CMN allies are conducting an important summit in an undisclosed European location strategizing a major thrust into the Middle East. It is humbling to be among men who are risking their lives daily for the Kingdom – even to be here is a risk… as the man sitting to my right just confided – “I have spies watching me all over Europe”. Wow, this is really the frontlines we are on – you and I are part of a great harvest of souls, it is exciting, exhilarating - We are part of a strong, multi-denominational outreach, and we intend to RESCUE MEN! We will not back off.

I'll post photos later this week from the highly successful global Lions Roar in Dallas, and the UK Summit in London... also great stuff in Helsinki last week.

Today - please pray for this summit - and for these men as they go back to dangerous situations... and, for how CMN can help them build strong men and strong churches.

WE ARE CMN, WE RESCUE MEN!

peace
Paul

A Hero is Tragically Gone

2011-10-27T17:13:00.004-05:00

I've been kicked in the heart - a great man of God has just tragically lost his life in Uganda - Ps. Leo Godzich with three others have just been in a tragic wreck and gone to be with the Lord. Leo and his wife Molly have been Tommy Barnett's assoc. pastors for decades and founded a powerful ministry National Assoc of Marriage Enrichment. NAME. It's active around the world with over 8,000 trained counselors. They have three daughters.

It is inexpressible the depth of pain we all feel... Our friend Alex Mitala was on the scene, waiting for the ambulance when Joann, my sister called him and confirmed the terrible news.

Please pray for Molly and their family - and all the families, churches, ministries involved.
We have only one course of action, our resolve - to move forward with all strength and vigor - with all the power of the anointing of God Almighty and do damage to the enemy - RESCUE those who are lost and dying.
Leo was a wonderful friend - we just messaged each other last night.
He and my dad loved each other - Leo has been a close friend for 25 years.
He will be so very missed... this really hurts.
Deeply love your family and loved ones... and tell them often.

grace/peace
pc

Remembering Mike Bower

2011-10-25T22:41:00.003-05:00

Mike Bower - a commissioned man, was laid to rest today in Tacoma, Washington. Mike left thousands of friends, and his lovely wife Barb and daughter Jordan.
We loved Mike Bower. It is a deep sense of profound loss that grips us today, and yet we know the wonderful promise that one day, we will see Mike again.
He was a real man. A friend. A brother. He was a man who lived the truth, that Manhood and Christlikeness are synonymous.
Mike Bower was the man you want your son to grow up to be like.
A man of character, courage and compassion. He loved God, and God really loved Mike.
Mike knew what life was like on the fringes, so he lived to reach men in the margins of life.
An encouraging word, a smile, the hug of a brother, ready to help - that's how I remember Mike.
He was a man like David - a man after God's own heart.
While culture looks for better methods, God looks for better men... and, that was Mike Bower.
For all who may read this, for those who are listening to this note right now, there is one admonition I give to you today - it's your time to step up... Mike left a gap in the line, and it's your turn.
And, if you want to know how to do what's next - there's one powerful instruction I can give you...
BE LIKE MIKE.
I loved that crazy, wonderful man. I miss him. No matter where I was anywhere around the world - I knew Mike was praying for me. And, he was always the first to give to see the work increase.
For the rest of my life I will carry Mike in my heart. Every dusty road, every scattered village or high-rise city we walk into, every little church or brilliant cathedral... every time we travel through Germany, Peru or Indonesia or any one of two hundred nations, he will be with us.
And, in every meeting whether large or small - we will teach the men the truths of God's word.
And, then we will teach them this... BE LIKE MIKE.

pc

Prayer Conference Call for Lions Roar2011!

2011-10-24T10:05:00.003-05:00

PRAYER CONFERENCE CALL FOR LIONS ROAR!
Encourage Men To Pray and Pray Men Pray are partnering with Christian Men's Network to provide a prayer covering for the up coming Lion's Roar 2011 Men's Conference in Dallas, TX 3-5 NOV 2011.
We will host a prayer conference call this TUESDAY EVENING 25OCT11 and the following Tuesday evening 1NOV11 at 9PM CENTRAL-10PM EASTERN.
Call into prayer conference call number 712-432-0234 PassCode 9545870#.
Pass the word and Pray as you are prompted of the Lord with other men around our country and the world. Rev. Rick Lindsay and Rev. Paul Louis Cole.

CORRECTION - JUST GOT WORD - CORRECT PASSCODE IS 954580#

Thanks for joining us!

Keep fire burning!
Paul

Jim Garlow's personal letter on LR11

2011-10-19T15:41:00.004-05:00

Pastor Jim Garlow - great friend and brother just posted this letter to friends across the nation. Jim is a member of the CMN Ministry Board and Pastor of one of the largest Wesleyan Churches in the world in San Diego. He is a man of vast influence and global impact...

"May I be both frank and very personal?

As a busy pastor, I’m involved in many works. I serve as the Chairman of “Renewing American Leadership,” founded by Newt Gingrich, in Washington DC. I have a special needs child. And, I’ve just brought my beautiful bride home from a stay at a Houston medical center due to her ongoing fight with cancer. As the pastor of a wonderful church, I’ve been privileged to oversee building new facilities, which also meant successfully defending ourselves in a massive construction lawsuit involving 52 subcontractors and 80 insurance carriers.

But, I’m dropping everything I’m doing to be part of the Lions Roar Global Men’s Summit in Dallas, November 3-5, 2011. Why? Because discipling men is the surest method we have to impact culture, change families, strengthen churches, and transform our nation.

May I invite you to prioritize being part of this strategic event?

Discipling men is the model our Lord gave us. To disciple men everywhere is the command our Lord gave us. The fastest way to succeed in the pastorate is to be about what our Lord was about, and to do the first thing He told us to do—make disciples of men.

My denomination, the Wesleyan Church, was founded in 1848 with a goal to abolish slavery. Today, as then, we have evils in the world that we simply must fight. We need men who will lock arms to fight for our families and win more men to Christ.

Let’s not be too busy, or think our own lives are too full, to join with like-minded men, encourage each other to reach more men, encourage men to fulfill God’s call on their lives, and together make an impact on this globe.

I intend to bring a presentation at Lions Roar 2011 that God has forged deep within my heart through the battles of ministry and family life that each man faces. I trust it will touch you. I’ll see you there!

Your friend,

Jim Garlow"

Lions Roar 2011

2011-10-19T15:07:00.003-05:00

Lions Roar - the summit on the global men's movement is arriving soon... amazing who is calling and saying they want to be here! Leaders of major denominations - directors of global ministries... it's all awesome, and all very humbling.

Join us at Lions Roar 2011 in Dallas. Be the warrior...

“Of every 100 men, 10 should
not even be here. 80 are nothing
more than targets. Nine of them
are the real fighters.
We are lucky to have them,
they the battle make.
Ah, but the one.
One of them is a warrior
and he will bring the others back.”
Heraclitus, 500 B.C.

Check out the summit at www.lionsroar2011.com
And, pray for us, with us - as we make some strong new initiatives come alive.

Stay ready.
Paul

My dad... and, we're running FULL speed!

2011-08-30T19:07:00.004-05:00

Saturday, August 27 was a significant day...August 27 marks the nine-year anniversary of our father's home-going. General Patton wrote to his son on D-Day these words, "If I should go don’t worry but set yourself to do better than I have." Dad said over and over again to all of those who followed his ministry, "If I can raise up men to get their ten thousands where I’ve got my thousands, I will consider my life a success."

In the same spirit my dad put into motion... we're moving quickly – FULL SPEED!

The past few months CMN leaders from many nations have traveled over 150,000 miles around the world doing the ministry to men! I’ve personally met face to face with over 6000 leaders and men from Belize to Fiji to London to Lima. Thousands of men’s lives touched, challenged, changed—resulting in women, children, churches being healed, nurtured, released into their destiny.

And now—at our Dallas offices, the CMN Communications Center is about to become a reality. We’ve prayerfully taken a massive step of faith...we've signed a long-term lease on half of an executive building and yesterday we received the keys! We need a financial miracle to help us—every $100, every $250, helps turn on lights, buy desks, get accessed to high speed internet lines, install digital media platforms and much more. Please be involved - Thank you for your generosity.

Dad left nine years ago - and now, here we are still today—making it happen. Was Ed Cole’s life a success? Yes! You and I make it a success every day with what we do. Let’s not be weary in well doing—let’s reach men for Christ and never tire of the sacrifice it takes to experience the thrill of seeing a man’s life changed, or seeing the face of a child saying, “That’s my dad!” Nothing like it in all the earth. Nothing better. Let’s keep doing it!

Please pray about joining all the guys, your brothers from across the world, in Dallas at Lions Roar... this is a pivotal year for the ministry to men, and for the world.

The website is www.lionsroar2011.com

Love you my friend!
Paul

NZ, SYDNEY - 'SOURCE'

2011-07-08T17:30:00.004-05:00

Just had amazing week in New Zealand last week with Mike Parks, Richard Eames and team - tremendous momentum happening! Great CMN event in Auckland - guys from across New Zealand joined up... amazing.
Sydney has been tremendous this week - C3 OxfordFalls BONFIRE NIGHT with the guys was awesome! Over 300 men around a 20foot wall of fire - how great is that!? Photos coming... attended Hillsong Conference with great friends Robert/Karyn Barriger with Taylor and Chana - Brian and Bobbie Houston are stunning leaders, highly motivating conference - you must attend some year - 25 years now and going strong!

Here's a short devo note - I think you'll like it - on 'Your Source'

What is Your Source?

God promised Abraham a son – and, he finally had one.
Fourteen years too early.

The issue was Abraham’s impatience, his fear, listening to wrong advice and the son he produced was Ishmael...A child that would bring grief to Abraham’s lineage to this very day. He had a son, but the source was Abraham, not God.

When God is the source, our lives produce eternal results, are protected by His peace and contain the power of His promise.

When we are the source, the product is finite, subject to sin and out of sync.

Psalm 46 says to ‘be still (wait) and know that I am God." Micah 7 says “I wait confidently." It is a constant instruction to us from God’s Word...wait for His timing.

Abraham couldn’t wait and he produced a stressor, not a successor. For you and me, it’s one of life’s most difficult areas.

Check what you’re about to do next week – is it His timing, or yours?

Who are you listening to – is it wise counsel or just mere advice?

Are you the source, or is God?

Grace/peace
Go strong!
Paul

Whewww.....

2011-06-14T12:59:00.002-05:00

A LOT IS GOING ON!
Follow me on Twitter - paullouiscole - that way you'll stay current on what's happening... there isn't a day that something new doesn't happen!!
Since I last updated this blog we've been through Europe, Peru, Brazil and across the USA.
From Belize we went to Baton Rouge to be at the ARC conference, amazing group of leaders, then dashed over to Cleveland, Tennessee to meet with the dynamic leaders of the Church of God - great friends, and a new friendship utilizing the "Majoring in Men" curriculum!
Then it was two great Pastors training events in Dallas - with great results...
Brazil was an amazing week in April as 2800 leaders gathered with University of the Family - tremendous results - over 2500 churches now using our discipling materials!
From Brazil it was events in Orlando and Phoenix and then jumping on a plane for Europe.
WOW - England was amazing, tremendous breakthroughs - then Paris with a far beyond our expectation series of meetings with pastors and leaders... then Aachen, Germany with men from 8 nations attending a special strategy summit... then, Amsterdam and meeting with key leaders... from there - it was home for 12 hours and off to Peru...
Peru is an amazing place, what the men are doing is remarkable ... powerful, spoke at Robert Barriger's men's conference, met with key leaders from Argentina and Ecuador... tremendous!
Then, back and few days later (and a few hours sleep) we were off to Portland, Maine for a great weekend event and then back for last Saturday's D/FW men's event...
God is leading us into the greatest times of growth we have ever seen - a lot is happening...
please pray with us - please get on our email list - and follow me on twitter - that's really all the time I have to communicate - I get that done and I'm in another meeting... the average pastor would have spoken 22 times this year - we've done over 100 sessions in just 5 months!
THIS IS WHAT GOD HAS PUT INTO OUR HANDS! TOGETHER YOU AND I ARE GOING AFTER THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING IN CHRIST!!

Love you...
will try to get some photos up tonight...
be blessed!
Paul

DISPATCH FROM BELIZE

2011-04-05T14:16:00.004-05:00

The Belize outreach was a major success! We made strong inroads into the culture of this desperately hurting nation in Central America. Meetings with key business leaders, national political leaders and church leaders all gave us great hope that this beautiful nation can be revived! Thank you to all who gave financially to make this happen – it was a powerful time, and great results were seen.

Belize needs a men’s movement - over 80% of all children are born outside marriage, the average income level is one of the lowest in the Western Hemisphere (over 30% live in total poverty), the per-capita murder rate is 700% higher than the U.S. and drug usage is epidemic. This is a nation that has spiritually resisted most efforts to reform, restore and revive. It needs the RESURRECTION power of Christ to change the hearts of the men!

Rob Carman, international Christian leader, gave a passionate introduction to our mission at the Kiwanis meeting in Belize City, then followed that with dynamic messages all week. Ed Preston from Oregon, a ‘Gideon’s 300’ partner, was strongly received in the business event we conducted, titled “Creating a Motivated Team”. Omar Reyes, a Pastor from Forth Worth, introduced us to key business and church leaders from across the nation. We conducted meetings across the nation, and will hit the other key cities next time we’re there this year.

We had great discussions and a time of fellowship with the mayor of the national capital city Belmopan, met with business leaders in key cities and hosted an evening with key pastors from across the nation.

Our host, key connect is dynamic missions leader Scott Stirm. He’s been in Belize for over 20 years… a passionately dedicated man. His coordination and insights, key contacts and generous spirit made this a highly successful outreach. And, we will be returning to Belize regularly over the next three years.

Please pray for Belize, and go with us in 2012 for one of the three outreaches we will conduct. For friends in North America, it is a short journey – and one that you can do with some other men, young leaders and teens.

Belize can be a model for taking cultures from dysfunctional to healthy, from ashes to beauty. Pray with us for great wisdom, favor and protection… the enemy will not give up without a great fight.

Thank you for praying for this outreach, thank you for giving financially to the Lord, the men and families of Belize will forever be profoundly grateful to you.

Keep the fire hot!
Your friend, brother and ally,
Grace/Peace
Paul

5 Ways to Kill Your Men's Ministry!

2011-02-12T01:01:00.004-06:00

Here are five ways to guarantee your ministry to men will die this year.

Of course, you will want to make sure you don’t do them! Let me know what you would add to this list. We’ll make it part of a teaching section on the CMN website.

1. Make sure the senior pastor is not involved
The pulpit is the propulsion center of the church. What is celebrated from the pulpit will be part of the life of the church. What is neglected will have no energy, and many will see it as secondary in importance. The DNA of the pastor fills the life of the church, and the pastor’s commitment gives life to the ministry to men. We are taking men to a particular place—to a passionate, committed lifestyle of following Christ. This singular purpose is to be at the heart of every pastor, biblically. Discipling men was at the core of the life of Jesus, and it must be our center priority.

2. Make fellowship a priority
Fellowship is always the by-product of purpose, never the goal. The focus must be maintained. It’s about building men strong spiritually. Keep the main thing the main thing. Have fun, hang out, do fun events, but — make the process the center of your purpose…everything continually points in to that, building strong men. We do events to bring profile and energy to the men’s movement, but that’s not the focus of a ministry to men, it’s the highly visible place that introduces men to your ministry to men.

3. Try not to offend anyone
If you back off the passion of reaching and building strong men, you will not get anything done. Iron does sharpen iron. Sermons don’t set men free, truth does.

Confront men with the life of Christ! What is it to be a real man, to be like Jesus. Don’t back off calling men to a higher level of living. Don’t lower the ministry to the level of your men’s lives. Bring them up to the life of an overcomer. That challenge may make men uncomfortable, but it’s what they need to break out of a ‘normal’ life.

The pain of staying the same must become greater than the pain of changing to move men to decisions that will bring transformation.

4. Guys are busy, don’t ask too much from them
The best guys are always busy…that’s why they get stuff done. Men who are not busy are not men of vision and capacity. For some of your men, you will have to help them adjust their priorities, if they’ve made the smaller things larger in their lives. Jesus called men who were working. They were busy people. He never called a man who was just hanging out.

5. Just let things happen
The ministry to men takes hard work. Nothing just happens... if you wait to see what will happen, that's what will happen, nothing. Here’s a great timeline of how to create and sustain momentum: prayer, planning, preparation, perseverance and perspiration…then, you’ve got to repeat it again, and then, repeat again.

“The very greatest things — great thoughts, discoveries, inventions — have usually been nurtured in hardship, often pondered over in sorrow, and at length established with difficulty.” -Samuel Smiles, Scottish Author

Put a system for discipling men into place, equip your leaders, empower them, THEN — watch, measure, adjust, push, lead and encourage.

YOU CAN DO THIS!

And, it’s what we are about as followers of Christ.

Build men, Build churches, Transform nations!
Make it a great month!

grace/peace
Paul

2011 Strong start... January amazing.

2011-02-10T11:14:00.003-06:00

I'll post more in the next few days - but, the past 30 days has been amazing... events in South Carolina, Houston, Orlando - meetings on top of meetings - great stuff going on around the world! Strong reports from Europe, Argentina, Phoenix and Tulsa!
Events coming up soon in Jackson, Mississippi - Shawnee, Oklahoma - Christiana, Pennsylvania - Belize - and more...

Website for CMN has changed to www.christianmensnetwork.com - the www.cmnworld.com site will redirect - but, right now, they're working on that...

Found a great quote this morning...
“The very greatest things – great thoughts, discoveries, inventions – have usually been nurtured in hardship, often pondered over in sorrow, and at length established with difficulty.” -Samuel Smiles, Scottish Author (1812-1904)

So true.

Have a strong week!

Paul

THREE KEYS TO MOMENTUM!

2011-01-12T09:48:00.004-06:00

CONSISTENT. CONSTANT. CLEAR.

These three elements will help you build a powerful men’s movement in your church. To have a fixed focus, to stay engaged and to have a clear goal.
Men follow leaders who have a sense of where they are going. Focus gives us the space to put our full energy into something. If there is no clear focus, men tend to hold back. In the book “Daring” we talk about it in depth.
To stay engaged is the role of a strong leader…don’t give up, back off or waver in your commitment. Regardless of your own feelings, Proverbs 16 says it is the role of a man to commit his heart to a task, and then the answer comes from God. We commit, he fulfills. Success is the result of constancy of purpose.
Clarity is not a common thing in our world. There are a hundred opinions on every issue, and the obfuscation, manipulation of facts is a trademark of many national discussions. Clarity comes from the Word of God. The Bible provides a clear path for life… your men’s movement must be Bible centered, not fellowship centered. Fellowship is always the byproduct of purpose.

Minister to men where they are at… then take them where they need to go. Work with the men who are in front of you. Don’t look over their heads, looking for the ones you hope will be there. God has always used the man who was overlooked by the world, to do some of the greatest works for the kingdom.

Give your men clear goals that can be reached. Engage them for a 6 week course, or a 3 month study… it has an ending. Then have them do it again. It takes time to make a rugged disciple.
Your ultimate goal should be to get men studying God’s Word with other men. Small groups are the place where men can find the security to share what they are really dealing with.

Whatever you do… just start. It won’t happen until you do that.

Christian Men’s Network is here to help.

Grace/Peace
Paul

DISAPPOINTMENT.

2011-01-10T10:47:00.005-06:00

Disappointment in life is not based on where we are, or what we find… it’s based on where we expected to be, or expected to find. The size of the gap between expectation and reality is the degree of disappointment we carry in our hearts. Jesus came to cover the gap! He fills, heals and closes the gap. Fill your life with His life, and yesterday’s disappointment will become the fuel for your tomorrow.

Do not carry last year’s disappointment into this year. Forgive, release, look forward. Looking to the past, carrying your failures, thinking often about disappointments and hurts will narrow your vision, sap your energy and fog your focus.

God is all about new beginnings… the God who lives outside of time, created time so you would have a new year, a new month, a new week… a new day!

Take a moment, meditate on the Word of God;

Revelation 21: 3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”

Lamentations 3:22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Romans 5:3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

NOW, get up, get going. Make the phone calls, write the emails, run your business, love your kids, have food with friends… face your future free of the weight of the past, and live today fully alive!

YOUR BEST YEAR!

pc

(photo from Ps. Phil Pringle's early morning prayer)

GUTS - MEN.

2011-01-08T11:48:00.004-06:00

Bill Scheer and GUTS church in Tulsa just held their first Maximized Manhood meeting this morning... Pastor Bill wanted to start with his key leaders - then spread the men's movement throughout his church - then, to the region!
Started with 150 strong men! This is going to be epic in Tulsa!

Hearing reports from around the world of same thing happening this week and next...new groups starting - big fresh wind in the sails of the men's movement globally!

Old proverb - "When is the best time to plant a tree? 20 years ago. Second best time? Today." So - maybe you wanted to start something last year, or the year before... don't get down - get started now! It's not difficult... Jason Debus from Phoenix said it best, "Two guys, Two books, Two study manuals - you've got a ministry to men!"

Proud of Bill.
Awesome.
Let's crank it!
paul

Live 2011 under Wide Open Skies!

2011-01-01T20:55:00.005-06:00

Love this from 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 in the Message translation...

4-8But friends, you're not in the dark... You're sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.

9-11God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it.

His life is in you - let's take on hell with a furious love of freedom - for everyone.

ALIVE!
pc

Christmas - family.

2010-12-30T11:51:00.004-06:00

Christmas is an amazing time of year - friends, family, church, helping others - for us as believers, it is Christmas all year long... the same spirit we sense at this time of year, should fill our hearts throughout the year. Let's make that commitment, it's about Jesus, and He is about people!
A few photos of our family times... then, this blog will move more toward motivational, encouraging teaching in 2011, follow me on twitter at paullouiscole, which will include daily words of encouragement and news... my personal times with friends and family will be on facebook.

I pray 2011 will start full of fire for you!
That His love and grace will cover every step,
and that you will go for the fullness of God with reckless abandon!
Paul

Lions Roar goes Global! Press reports worldwide!

2010-11-11T11:29:00.001-06:00

The press reports on Lions Roar are swirling around the world! It was an amazing event - one that put things into motion - Swahili books! New outreach to public schools! Books being printed in Indonesia for entire Pacific nations! And, more! Here's the first press reports...

http://www.prweb.com/releases/Christian_Mens_Network/Lions_Roar_2010/prweb4776544.htm

We'll put more info on line - and, from the past weekend in Argentina - it was stunning! Commissioned 140 men in Buenos Aires... at same time John Arana was in Nicaragua meeting key pastors, setting up next year with over 300 pastors for conference on discipling men in Central America!

go strong.

paul

MOTORCYCLE WRECK

2010-10-08T21:12:00.004-05:00

Motorcycle wreck in Oregon Mountains - It was miraculous that I was not hurt worse than I am. I am able to speak/move but moving slowly with bruises and aching over my entire body. I took 25 stitches in my nose and mouth (I'll need plastic surgery in a year or so). I have facial fractures that cannot be mended surgically, so it's a time issue. My shoulders have torn muscles, I have cuts, abrasions and bruises in many other places... but I am fully functioning and operating. No one else was hurt, or involved.

THAT'S a photo of me just after surgery in the emergency room - got up and walked out hour later...

Ed Preston and I, with another friend had spent the afternoon riding up into the Cascade mountains outside Portland. Coming out of the mountains, I went wide on a turn that had a narrow pavement, my front tire caught the tarmac edge and I was propelled into the gravel and a field (this is the only area for many miles I would not have hit a tree or gone off a ledge/cliff!) - as I was slowing from 55mph - I thought I was going to make it - a perpendicular ditch I didn't see grabbed the bike, it stopped suddenly, then flipped, totalling wrecking the bike, I was thrown at around 40mph into the gravel and dirt - face first. The paramedics were sure I had a broken back, limbs, etc. The emergency doctors were certain I must have internal injuries, concussion, skull fractures, etc.
BUT
the ministering angels protected me from all of those things... The surgeon sewed me up, gave me some advil, and that night we went home - the next morning, I spoke at a men's event in Portland, that Sunday at the church.

Praise God for His protection! I pray for that in your family and in your life.
Great Lions Roar coming up!
www.LionsRoar2010.com

grace/peace
paul

AUSTRALIA!!

2010-08-21T10:55:00.004-05:00

WOW! An amazing tour through Queensland area - great new friends Byron Graham, Ross Davies and Erroll Buckle.
This has been a time of gaining new traction... and it was spectacular! Hundreds of men attended events, and the process of CMN materials being used for discipling was launched with great, fresh traction.
Thank God for Al Furey introducing us to great new friends... we've booked events next Jully (2011) for the Gold Coast, northern Queensland and Fiji... (as well as the Germany, Ghana, VietNam, UK, Paris and other events already booked for 2011)

This photo is the men of Highway Church gathering around Pastor Byron Graham and praying for him... committing to being those who carry the sword with him - it was an amazing time...

Join us on a road trip and,
Let's make this happen!

be blessed!
grace/peace
paul

Greater Chicago area

2010-08-21T10:43:00.004-05:00

At Merrillville right now with Pastor Larry Raftery - awesome team here...discipling men and doing the stuff. Larry is commissioned man who traveled and was close to Dr. Cole - it's part of their DNA!
Joel Brooks is laying is out strong right now - saying it with power! "When Adam sinned, he established his own kingdom, and we must be born back into God's kingdom... in God's kingdom, we get his help - if we stay in our own kingdom we only have our own help"
"Sometimes God will offend your mind, to reveal your heart."

Keep it cranking!
paul

South Pacific on Overdrive!

2010-07-17T00:00:00.003-05:00

FIRST NATIONAL MEN'S EVENT IN FIJI - Huge response... over 1,000 men and dozens committing their lives to Christ!
More details next couple days, but Global leader from Fiji, Pastor Suliasi Kurillo said it was an historic event... Told the 100 pastors in a private meeting, "...the CMN men's movement is seeing a new day - a fresh wind of God's presence!"
And, it was felt - now, to get the books printed in Indonesia for the Pacific Rim nations... breakthrough time!

Stay in the heat!

grace/peace
paul

p.s. took 32 hours to get here... had to go through Brisbane as we are returning there for meetings next week... this is pivotal tour. pray for us... and, plan on going on men's tour next year! There are over 30 nations that are asking for leaders/pastors to come and inspire the men's movement in their country! It's time! pc

Peruvian landslide - Paris rockin!

2010-06-17T11:23:00.004-05:00

Dynamic events in Peru - with Pastor Arturo Ramos and the great team at Catedral de Fe... it was awesome.
We've influenced over 300 churches with this new friendship! Ps. Ramos and Robert Barriger are long time friends, and this was their FIRST EVER MEN'S CONFERENCE!
It was a huge success, over 400 men registered from across the nation, Ps. Ramos heads up an organization that has 300+ churches in Peru and over 50 in other nations. Robert Barriger's team has been helping them with Ed Cole curriculum for a few years, and this was the powerful result!
We are excited to see this pivotal nation growing in influence around the world, and parallel is the strength of the men's movement!

Paris - over a dozen churches were involved in a men's retreat this past weekend, amazing... Eddy Leo from Indonesia led the event, which was hosted by Ps Joseph and Ps. Asien... dynamic leaders in Europe - BUT THIS IS HUGE... PARIS is 8% Moslem and only 1% Christian - so, this was huge breakthrough!

Rusty Greer is headed to Caribbean for men's events, Daniel Kwaku is headed to Ghana for massive men's movement launch!
Just heard from Janno in Estonia, tremendous response to our events there - he says over 45 churches coming on board - he's got his hands full and he's pumped!

Praise God for His faithfulness, and for amazing friends/allies around the world!
Go for it!
paul

AWESOME - Tallinn, Estonia/Klaiberg, Lithuania

2010-05-29T17:32:00.004-05:00

Two great days in Baltic nations! Lighting huge fires that will not go out!!

Friend and Pastor Janno Pensalu organized a massive men's event in Tallinn, Estonia - he has been keeping the flames alive for many years... and this night - it went large! Standing room only, men from over 40 churches gathered from across Estonia - one photo is me and Daniel Kwaku with Janno in the city square... then another is the start of praying for all the pastor present at the event... it was epic!

Then, a long.long drive to Lithuania, and a great all day Saturday series of meetings with key pastor Rv Nyila Ivanauskas - great day and huge breakthroughs... photo is Rv. Daniel Kwaku ministering in the event... it was tremendous..

I find it hard not to use superlatives over and over...but, repeatedly key leaders and pastors have told me it was an historic series of events... I believe that as men across the world network and pioneer and help each other build, this is going to be huge!! Already an event is planned in London for June - and the organizers told me it was directly the result of our meetings last week... and, tomorrow I meet key Lithuanian man in London (over 300,000 Lithuanians live there!) And, Daniel Kwaku is headed to Ghana for events in June, the Paris pastors are getting together for events in September... Eddy Leo is headed to Hungary next month and Moscow... Rusty Greer headed to Granada... Robert Barriger doing meetings across South America... it's an awesome season!

Stay in the fire of His presence!!

paul

Riga...

2010-05-27T08:19:00.002-05:00

Riga last night was great! Met great East European evangelist Dmitry Makarenko (on the left) who was there to launch one of Pastor Alexei Ledyaev's new churches in Riga... they literally launch - put a tent up... send out evangelists through the area - get dozens of people saved, and BANG! there's a church established... awesome!

On road to Tallinn Estonia... should be a great night!!!

Hit it strong!

paul

wow - Atlanta/Phoenix/London/Hamburg/Riga

2010-05-26T17:49:00.007-05:00

wild schedule... doing the men's movement! Highly effective season...

With Bishop Bronner in Atlanta, then men's retreat with new leader of the Church of God of Prophecy Georgia State men's team, Pastor Matthew McEachon... he's fired up, and cranking great directions on the men's movement in Georgia, USA - awesome Pastor Matt!!

Then home late Sat, for great friend, the legendary Harlem Globetrotter Melvin Adams at Hope C3 Church Sunday, then Sunday afternoon to Phoenix with awesome leader Clay Worthy to commission 21 men at Don Wilson's church, Christ Church of the Valley... megachurch with some mega men now! This is a huge new day for many in the north Phoenix area... the blessing of God is all over this men's team!!

Then, back to Dallas, change clothes, BBQ steaks for the family (son Bryce is home after dynamic 4 months in Peru! Glad he's home!) Pack and off to Europe...

WOW - AMAZING EVENT IN LONDON!! Over 20 churches involved... key pastors like Mark Van Gundy and others... the lead Pastor was Brazilian church planter Jose Carlos, and his lead men Rene and Vinny... IT WAS CRANKED UP!! WE ARE SO EXCITED ... A NEW DAY HAS BEGUN IN THE UK!!

Then, to Hamburg with heroic leader Daniel Kwaku and team... hit it strong in Hamburg... in fact hit it is right... with next heavyweight champion of Europe Alexander! He loves God - and he's huge...would not want that to hit me!

Now we're in Riga, leave in the morning for Estonia!

Europe is in a fight for its soul... the men are the key... it is a critical hour - and God has led us to the right leaders on every turn... I am not surprised, but my breathe is taken away at what God is doing... now is the hour to go full speed.

Crank it up where you are!! Let's light fires that will never dim!! This is the work of the Kingdom of Heaven!

blessings
paul

(BTW - Just read amazing story from Steve T. on his work with men in secret Islamic cities and places...awesome - men of CMN are dangerous men!)

European Invasion has begun!

2010-05-11T01:31:00.004-05:00

GERMANY, BUDAPEST, HELSINKI, PARIS ... We’ve rarely seen results in Europe like this in the history of CMN...it’s explosive! Amazing results, and headed back for more! We'll hit Europe hard four times this year, and next year we'll take teams...plan on going with me!

From Dr. Cole’s first CMN meetings in Europe with Rod Anderson and the team in 1982, our heart has longed to reach the men of Europe. And, while pockets of fire would flame up, we’ve not strategically gone after all of Europe in one powerful initiative UNTIL NOW! This is an ALL-OUT ASSAULT!

Europe has 755 million people – only 2% would say they are committed followers of Christ, but over 7% in Europe today are Muslim! The appeal of Islam to the young men is the perception of strong men – and the contrast of weak men in churches.

We are in a fight for the heart of Europe! We must start a strong, powerful, Godly men’s movement or the next generation is totally lost!

The Europe 2010 Campaign is our first strategic thrust – and it’s already producing huge results! We are headed back into former Communist countries May 19 – June 1 and we will need you to help us… this is a large fight, and expensive as Europe is, it’s very difficult.

We conducted strategic pastors and leaders meetings in Germany, Budapest and Helsinki and the results were overwhelming. Pastor Asien from Aachen, Germany proved a strong leader, with great influence – we are making great progress. Rv. Daniel Kwaku, our European Representative has been lighting fires across the region for a decade…and now the flames are growing!

We met with Pastor Joseph, Pastor Bong, and other leaders from Paris and confirmed that city as our new headquarters for CMN France! They are conducting a men’s conference this week with 14 churches involved! For France, that’s huge!

We taught hundreds of leaders in Hungary the principles of discipling men, key leaders in Germany committed to a higher level of engagement with the vision, and Helsinki pastors and leaders had an historic series of meetings. Brother Daniel Goncz, son of the former President of Hungary, heads up a powerful team of leaders and pastors who are ready to take the nation!

Please keep praying — we head back into Europe next month with key events in Estonia, Latvia, Germany and to the 120 Brazilian churches in London.

This is BREAKTHROUGH time for Europe men’s movement! We’re putting the pressure on — we’ll conduct Europe events every month this year!

We very gratefully thank you for praying for the Europe 2010 Campaign...our first thrust was hugely successful.

Thank you for praying, thank you for your friendship.
Grace and Peace,
Paul

p.s. Please join us! You are needed as a sponsor of the next Europe campaign outreach...go to the cmnworld.com website — click on donation — and immediately put funds into the fight — thanks, paul.

Men's Event - HotRod and Motorcycle Event!

2010-03-11T21:41:00.003-06:00

Well - Jason D and the gang in Phoenix did it up right!
A huge event - with great results... SON of one of the key men accepted Christ - hundreds of men attended and huge attention from the unchurched! Great stuff!!
Way to go Aaron, Jason, Jim, Bob and the gang in Phoenix!!

If we want results we've never had, we've got to try some things we've never done!

crank it up loud!

paul

From Arizona to Arizona in 86,000 miles!

2010-03-06T01:32:00.005-06:00

From men's event in Cottonwood, Arizona to men's event and car show at the Phoenix Dream Center tomorrow - this has been an amazing month - in between was FONTANA, CA. JACKSON, MISS. LIMA, PERU, TRUJILLO PERU and now in Phoenix after overnight flight from Trujillo, through Lima, Miami and then couple hours in Dallas to kiss Judi and pick up fresh clothes - caught flight to Phoenix... hot rods and motorcycles tomorrow - should be fun.
The guys in Fontana were awesome - Gary Holley - great time with Big Tommy - then, Huntington Beach action with friends - Paul/Kim - Robert/Dorothea - Rob Owens - Rick/Ann...
Cottonwood - Frank and the guys did awesome BBQ following the event - almost missed my flight!
Jackson - wow - Ps. Dwayne Pickett was commissioned with Ted DeBiase standing by his side- awesome... huge stuff about to drop on Mississippi - it will rock the South... planning, praying...!
Lima - Robert Barriger has it cranking! Taking the nations! Men's events coming up across that nation - men being commissioned, discipled - awesome! Trujillo was huge - great opening night ministering on the demon possessed man set free in Mark 5 - from no future to a bright future! It's a great word - I shared it again tonight at the Dream Center in Phoenix... one of the men who lead at Ps. Barnett's church had his son accept Christ tonight! Doesn't get any better than that!!
So much going on - it's wild - plans for Europe invasion are really cranking strong - we're believing a strong men's movement in Europe is what will keep young men from influence of Islam... strong men in following Christ!
Fiji event is set for mid July and events across Australia following that...
Boston area coming up - North Carolina set... Brazil spring of 2011 - Honduras with Guy Henry - and more...
I'll mention more about upcoming events soon... try to keep you posted... btw - listen to Brandon's message at our church site... "Overwhelming Victory" at www.hopechurch.tv - awesome word!

keep moving ahead! Focused on the goal!
paul

HUGE GIFT PLANTS HUNDREDS OF CHURCHES!

2010-01-28T11:37:00.004-06:00

Read the title - look at the photo and check this out...

My friend James Willougby's son Caleb and his friend Justin came to the Synergize/CMN event in Orlando. They met dozens of amazing leaders that just blew away these young warriors...

then, we found out that Suliasi Kurillo needed a cell phone... Caleb and Justin said they would help find one for him (younger guys just know all this stuff :) BTW - Caleb on left - Justin on right

They came back with an upgraded awesome global Blackberry mobile phone - AND - JUSTIN PAID FOR IT!!

So - here's what his gift will do - Suliasi has planted over 1500 churches worldwide... this phone will be used to help plant hundreds more - and JUSTIN will be a part of every church planted!! NOW THAT'S A RETURN ON INVESTMENT!

Let's be like Justin!

grace/peace
paul

Synergize Event - 1200 Pastors

2010-01-27T00:50:00.006-06:00

Key CMN leaders along with over 1,200 leaders from around the world attended a great event in Orlando hosted by 'Second Billion' Ex. Dir. Joann Webster and President Dr. James Davis - Synergize 2. Second Billion is a major church planting movement bringing together leaders from every major denomination and church planting group. The mission is to plant 5 million churches around the world in the next 10 years... a huge dream - and a lot of work... and CMN is in the middle of it!

Our key CMN leaders met in a very strategic meeting following the first evening at the conference - Alex Mitala from Uganda, Eddy Leo from Jakarta gave reports... small groups met on three key expressions of the men's movement and initiatives we are working at presenting in the Lions Roar event November in Dallas... 1. Next Generation 2. Emerging Nations 3. Pastoral Coaching.

I'm trusting over the next few months these conversations and forums will lead us into a dynamically productive era. Tractionablel projects that have sustainable and measurable results. We can do this by the power of His presence.

photos include times backstage with international leaders, our CMN leaders praying together, Joann with Eddy and Rose Leo...other great friends... these are some very powerful people in the work of the Lord - I love just being around them, it stretches me... they are so after the heart of God - humble giants of faith.

Keep it going strong!
paul

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!

2009-12-28T19:10:00.003-06:00

Follow me on twitter - it's a short burst blog - I update it once of twice daily - it's slices of life - prayer requests... stuff from my kids, awesome pix of my grandkids - notes about friends...

LET'S STAY CONNECTED!

either click here - or paste this link...

www.twitter.com/paullouiscole

or, go to twitter.com search name - paullouiscole

CLICK ON 'FOLLOW'

and, it's done!

thanks.
paul

Oral Roberts

2009-12-21T15:47:00.005-06:00

A great man left the earth last week - Oral Roberts. Today at his memorial I watched as Richard, his son, closed his comments by singing the song his dad made famous - "Something good is going to happen to you, this very day... Jesus of Nazereth is passing your way!" He was a man who sacrificed - he was willing to be on the 'wrong side of the tracks' to bring the message of supernatural healing to the world ... it is taken for granted today - but, he made the phrase. "Expect a Miracle!" one that is known and repeated around the world!

I was healed in an Oral Roberts tent meeting - at the age of 5 my left ear had only 10% hearing, 90% loss of hearing - my parents, after prayer and fasting, decided to drive to Oakland, California - I only remember walking a long plywood ramp - (later found out this was to facilitate wheelchairs) - and a man on a folding chair prayed for me - vehemently - and instantly I had hearing, and today - my hearing is still perfect (eyesight's fading - shoulders hurt/ankles hurt- but hearing is perfect!).

I met Oral years later when I was traveling with Demos Shakarian - was able to say thank you to him - he was an impressive man - when he entered a room, everyone turned - even if they didn't know who he was... he just had a large spirit - love watching the old films of his meetings - he was so strong - prayed for a guy, very strong, but no wild manipulation, just sitting on a chair - then when he was healed - hit the guy in the shoulder, "Hey brother, you're healed!" awesome! Always gave God all the glory - a Methodist man of FAITH!

I know that many have a problem with Oral's tv personality, his declarations on his school or seed-faith - BUT THIS MAN WALKED WITH GOD! The next generation owes him a deep gratitude. Pastor Jack Hayford said it best, he said because of Oral, ""If God had not, in His sovereign will, raised up the ministry of Oral Roberts, the entire charismatic movement might not have occurred,"

Oral Roberts is proof. a man sold out to Christ can change the world - he was born in a little poor farming town in the middle of Oklahoma - and impacted the world - HE JUST DECIDED AT A YOUNG AGE - IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE SAYS - I'M GOING TO BE RADICAL IN FAITH!!

He would not be detoured by the pressure of massive vision! He never quit, never backed off huge dreams - he finished strong - 91 yrs. old and still mentoring, teaching, exhorting, encouraging, pushing, dreaming...

Thank God for Oral and Evelyn Roberts... and may the Lord be with their children and family at this special Christmas season... Amen.

with grateful heart.
paul

TCB

2009-12-17T23:21:00.002-06:00

While in Manila - DiBiase got a little out of control - just had to snap him back into reality... took a second, then everything was ok.

Lions Roar Manila was Rockin'!

2009-12-16T15:49:00.005-06:00

One of greatest CMN launches in history of ministry - 800 leaders trained by top team of leaders... beyond ability to even express how significant this weekend was - Pastor David Sobrepena hosted and keyed the launch. It is without question, one of the most important events I've ever been involved in - key leaders committed to take men's movement to all Asia/Pacific region.

One highly placed leader told me, "Paul, this is just the start - these men here are connected to over 200,000 leaders throughout Asia and the Pacific nations, this is going to be huge!" wow - very humbling - getting the Ed Cole curriculum into nations we've never been to before - Praise God.

With us in Manila doing the training were a team of dynamic world-class leaders - Bishop Dale Bronner, Chairman of CMN, Pastor of one of the largest churches in the USA and leads a huge multi-national company/ Eddy Leo, Pastor of massive church in Jakarta and Board member of CMN, Eddy has taken the men's movement around the world from Moscow to Mongolia, his teaching in Manila was pivotal/ Pastor Dwayne Pickett from Jackson, Mississippi, he leads New Jerusalem Church, one of the most significant civil rights churches in U.S. history, a powerful minister of the word/ Mike Bower, men's leader and businessman from Tacoma, he was a valuable team member and anointed minister/ Frazer Rowe, business leader and leadership mentor from Sydney, Austraila with his team Phil Hoken brought powerful word on Biblical success to special business breakfast/ Pastor Don Brawley III, with Peter Richardson, came from Atlanta - and this man can preach - he tore it up!/ "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase brought a word on father wounds that was powerful and led to a tremendous anointing service for all the men/ Chuck Brewster, head of Champions Network brought a great word on living large, being trained for tough times.. it was great!

These are some of the top men's leaders/trainers in the world - what a dynamic team!
We are expecting to see great results - and another Lions Roar in November of 2010.

humbled by it all.
overwhelmed by His grace.
paul

Christmas - about family, church, friends.

2009-12-16T15:24:00.002-06:00

Spectacular Christmas program at Hope C3 Church past weekend - amazing time - huge attendance - great anointing - dynamic presentation of the love of God - "Unto Us: a child" It was great - Judi did awesome work directing - Bryce amazing music leader, Ryan made it all beautiful - what a creative wonderful team! Singers, musicians, tech, hospitality team - all worked together to honor Almighty God and bless His people... just truly truly awesome, inspiring, uplifting!!

hurt

2009-11-25T15:35:00.003-06:00

ok - there's a few rumors that I was hurt while riding motorcycles in the Andes... simple answer - yes.
and, put the first few scratches on Jimmy's new KTM...

BUT, they took me, on a road bike, into some tight off-road 'shortcuts' on gravel, dirt - between buildings, cars and such - so, a couple times the smooth back tire made for high speed road just came out from under me - need to ride street more - get used to it...

AND, as the pictures prove - though it's hard to see where Jimmy's bike got scratched, it's easy to see my forearm bruise, the deep exhaust burn on my leg, and sprained ankle... FINISHED THE RIDE! hey, you just gotta man-up play hurt sometimes!

(really did feel bad about laying Jimmy's new bike down - maybe send him a starbucks card or something :)

full speed!
paul

Ecuador and KTM1000!

2009-11-20T14:07:00.002-06:00

Ok friends – back to work on the updates… Today we’re in Ecuador, so I'll do that report now - then, tonight I’ll do reports from recent events and strategy meetings in Michigan, Tennessee, Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas…

Ecuador is cranking! – they have coordinated men’s centers in 20 of the 24 states in the nation! It is tremendous – and from here they are reaching Colombia, Spain, El Salvador and other key nations!

KTM1000 !! Yesterday – Pastor Jimmy Cornejo, with Ed Preston and Jimmy’s friend Fernando rode the winding mountain roads of the upper Ecuadorean Andes – it was awesome! I rode a KTM1000 – it was crazy, fast, bloodrushing, fun and scary – what a blast running through the mountain villages of Ecuador with great friends – and, then creating huge new momentum for the men’s movement across the north of South America!

READ THIS! DRAMATIC STORY OF GRACE! CMN board member, Ps. Eddy Leo and his wife Rose are also here in Cuenca, today he told the story of the village Duma, in Indonesia – only 3 years ago – Jihadist attacked church - 211 Christians killed including children – over 400 injured – wives/children captured and made into slaves… they started rebuilding the church two years ago – God told them to give the first offering – take it to the Muslims village that attacked them and give as a gift of love.
They marched singing praise songs – gave the money to the Muslim leaders - $5000! The Muslims were overcome with emotion, that God loved them, and God’s people loved them – then, the Muslims came to Duma, the Christian village – and rebuilt the Christian church!

These are the heroes in your family! The book of Acts continues!

Go fast!

paul

Heroes among us!

2009-10-14T18:05:00.003-05:00

Some people live life with such a vibrancy of faith, that whatever they touch, touches others - and these are the people who change the world! I spent afternoon with a man like that... amazing heart of compassion - wrote a book called "Red Letters - living a life that bleeds" - a hero to our family and great friend - Tom Davis.

Tom and Emily have 5 children and adopted 2 others - they're leaders of awesome ministry "Children's Hope Chest" http://www.hopechest.org - they've been rescuing orphans around the world - taking people/churches/groups to the most tragic areas of the world - and, they don't just sponsor one child - they adopt entire villages! It's an awesome ministry - he's a great young leader - and these are the kind of men... sold out to the heart of the Father... that helps me to fully embrace the dream - that the world can be a better place!

Awesome - proud of Tom - Emily and their team - be encouraged!

True success is to fully satisfy your personal design...
Go after your design with passion!!

paul

New Grandson!

2009-10-07T23:45:00.003-05:00

Born today, October 7, 2009 - To our wonderful kids - Niles and Lindsay Holsinger - an awesome baby son! He'll have a name by the weekend - but, for now we call him "Baby Tree" - so named by his 3 yr.old sister Reese... she was asked, 'what should we call the baby?' She thought for a moment, then said, "tree!" When Linds said, "Why tree?!" Reese replied, "because I like trees." And, since then, that's been his nickname... one I'm sure he'll keep for years!

Lindsay and Niles are great parents, and we are blessed with our second grandchild - 'Tree'!

Pray for Men in Combat!

2009-10-07T11:03:00.003-05:00

Whether US or UK or Indonesian, there are men and women around the world, fighting for your freedom right now - pray for them daily - here's a very special poem written by Mike, a gunner on helicopter - just prior to being shot down, KIA, over Cambodia 1971.

Look God
I Have Never Spoken To You
But Now I Want To Say
"How Do You Do"

You See God
They Told Me You Did Not Exist
And, Like A Fool
I Believed All Of This

Last Night From A Shell Hole
I Saw Your Sky
I Figured Right Then
They Had Told Me A Lie

Had I Taken The Time
To See The Things You Made
I Would Know They Weren't Calling
A Spade A Spade

I Wonder, God
If You Would Shake My Hand
Somehow, I Feel
That You Will Understand

Strange, I Had To Come
To This Hellish Place
Before I Had Time To See Your Face

Well, I Guess There Isn't
Much More To Say
But I Am Glad, God
I Met You Today

I Guess The Zero Hour
Will Soon Be Here
But I Am Not Afraid
Since I Know You Are Near

The Signal - Well, God
I Will Have To Go
I Love You Lots'
This I Want You To Know

Looks Like This Will Be
A Horrible Fight
Who Knows, I May Come
To Your House Tonight

Though I Wasn't Friendly
With You Before
I Wonder, God
If You Would Wait At The Door

Look I Am Crying
Me Shedding Tears!!
I Wish I Had Known You
These Many Years

Well, I Will Have To Go Now, God
Goodbye
Strange, Since I Met You
I Am Not Araid To Die

Shades Of Laughter... Shades Of Love
Circling All Of Us... With Arms Of Love

Don't Cry Momma... I Love You Still
I Always Have And I Always Will

When You Cross The Big Divide
I Promise... I'll Be The First One By Your Side!

CopyRight © 1968-2009
Mike Schafernocker
Used With Permisson Of Mike's Mom

Meditations learned riding my K2 'Attack' Bike

2009-09-27T00:10:00.002-05:00

What I learned this morning while riding my Mountain Bike…

1. Joggers grunt and grimace – men in tights on bikes, sweat and smile = addition/multiplication – use what easily works for you, that creates forwardness. Use who you are – not someone else’s pattern, you can learn from them, but be who you were made to be – it’s easier, cause it will come naturally (supernaturally!)

2. Trust your tires – where they go, you will go = always look for the points of traction. And, when found – throw yourself that direction. If you are hesitant when riding, you’ll lose traction – miss the turn, slide down the incline sideways and land in a creekbed full of boulders (personal experience on that one!)

3. Fuel up – hydration/nutrition will keep you going/healthy/strong = we need large intake of Word/HS to run strong…and keep it cranking.
Then – interaction/impartation = unless you’re burning the fuel – you’ll get bloated/heavy/slow!

4. Loose rocks… caution, they don’t look that dangerous, but be very careful = “We just love your church… have you ever thought of…” (loose rocks need cement to be effective) Loose rocks can be useful building materials if they will accept the adhesive of community – if they don’t, they will just be loose rocks, and no good for building anything of substance.

5. Helmet – always wear a helmet = guard your mind/heart/measure your words – don’t let the sweat become drops of bitterness/cynicism.
This is the greatest area of battle for most leaders… don’t let others create your world, they’ll always make it smaller!

6. Be alert, head up, look ahead, not just at the ground in front of you – anticipate/be ready to act/vigilant – no relaxing when moving…
We are at any moment in time, the target of evil – the thief/deceiver/enemy of our souls… watch, look, right now…!

7. Start – make decision - start - greatest energy needed is to take inertia to movement – but, once you’re moving - enjoy the ride. Easier to obtain than maintain – so, once you’ve made the decision to start, keep it in gear…

8. What have you learned recently in times of meditation?!
What would you add to the list of
"What I learned this morning while riding my mtn. bike?"!

WILD UGANDA Commissioning!

2009-09-06T12:55:00.001-05:00

Commissioning service in Kampala, Uganda was wild - amazing - powerful - crazy awesome!!

50 strong men were commissioned today in Uganda - great men of faith, some pastors, all leaders and hundreds of their family members were present... as soon as I can figure out (or have Niles/ryan help me) I will post some video of the event that will make you laugh cry shout yell...

Bro. Alex Mitala - one of the leading apostles of East Africa has developed a remarkable team of men who taught these men, took them through the curriculum - and today - they were commissioned as ministers to the men of Uganda - their families stood and shouted, yelled tribal screams, jumped in joy and it was a massive party... wow - I am totally messed up over the amazing powerful strong men God is raising up in this nation and around the world =- it is stunning ...

Praise God - I am still shakingly speechless... I hugged so many guys - families, had photos taken, slapped High 5's, it was fun wild crazy awesome - praise be to the Lord for what He is doing in this day.

Let's keep this thing cranking, a God moment in time for us all...

Loveyou
paul

KAMPALA -victory is never easy

2009-09-04T15:56:00.003-05:00

Victory doesn't just happen... it is slugged out on the acrid dirty streets of Kampala- in the manic college halls of Phoenix, in the backwater dens of Jakarta, in the slogging walks to frozen little homes in Mongolia - winning at the things that matter most - is never easy. It's hard work.

And the men in Uganda are doing the hard work - building the kingdom - one man at a time.

I just spent an amazing day - speaking to men in the most desperate areas of Kampala, finishing with top leaders in one of the great restaurants in the nation... a day of contrasts and the sound of victory - hundreds of men raising their hands in praise to God - in the middle of turmoil, tough times, conflict and tragedy - these men are headed to victory through and in Christ! It is awesome - it is humbling...

The pungent smells of the dusty smoke-filled streets of the slums of Kampala fill your nostrils with the aroma of greasy chicken, excreted waste and the smoke of garbage fires mixed with the smoke from the fires of chicken being cooked over open flames in the gutters... THIS IS WHERE AFRICA WILL BE WON FOR CHRIST!
Alex Mitala, one of the great Christian leaders in East Africa, with William Sempa, John Kayima, Ps. John Paul and others are doing the heavy lifting work of bringing Christlikeness and mentoring to the men of this nation... it's amazing.

Meeting with hundreds of pastors over the next few days... pumped.
Pray for us - give as you can - we need it. go to cmnworld.com and click on the donate button... thanks.

stay smokin hot for Christ!
love you
paul

It's Christmas every day!

2009-08-06T20:24:00.004-05:00

Christmas isn’t just a holiday event, Christmas is a lifestyle!

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (Luke 2:9-11)

Something so remarkable happened 2000 years ago in a small insignificant stable in the Middle-East, that because of that moment – Courage comes alive in our lives, Wisdom becomes fully accessible, Grace covers our hearts, Mercy rescues our souls – Joy, Life, Peace, become the center of our lives and Hope rises in our hearts!

IT’S CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY!

The birth of Jesus the Christ, the Anointed One, our Redeemer, our Deliverer, our Hope…
and forever we have everything we need to be set free from the pain, debt, sorrow, hopelessness of a broken, dying world.

IT’S A NEW DAY – IT’S CHRISTMAS!

Jesus Christ arrives to establish His kingdom,
defeat evil and give us life to the fullest!

I love Christmas, it’s a season of hope, and cheer, giving, joy, smiles, busyness, wrapping gifts, being with family, enjoying life, embracing love… taking a deep breath – and thanking God for His Son, the true center of our lives. But, Christmas isn’t just a holiday – it is the advent of life itself!

Now, here’s the issue…
THE WORLD CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS
BUT, DOESN’T CELEBRATE JESUS!

Today – DON’T LET THE WORLD PUT OUR FAITH IN A NARROW CALENDAR-BASED BOX! THE PROMISE OF CHRISTMAS IS ALIVE! RIGHT NOW!

IT IS THE SCANDAL OF CHRISTMAS – OF THE CROSS… THAT ANYONE CAN BE SAVED!! ANYONE!! NO PRE-QUALIFICATION … JUST ONE THING… FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST – EMBRACE HIS LIFE!

Everything that faith has laid hold of for the salvation of mankind is based upon the Righteousness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is the righteousness of Jesus Christ received that makes a sinner righteous before God the Father.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He gave up His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (John 3:16 amp)

LET’S CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS… EVERY DAY!
LET’S CELEBRATE JESUS – SAVIOR, FRIEND, REDEEMER!

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King,
Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven and nature sing!”

Our hope is in Him.

Stay close, celebrate His life right now… not just in December.

Grace/Peace
Paul

Savannah, Georgia!

2009-08-05T22:04:00.003-05:00

Great men's event with some wild guys in Hinesville, GA - just south of Savannah.... great guys led by a wild pastor - Rv. Tim Byler... they are awesome!

I mentioned it before - but never put the shot on of Tim and his wife Cindy - they are radicals for Christ!
Great group of people - and friends for life... amen!

East Texas!

2009-08-05T21:41:00.002-05:00

Great men's event deep in the piney woods of east Texas... Pastor Lee Welch and the great men of First Baptist Church, Rusk Texas hosted a great event... Wild Man for God Mike Myers headed up the local team - Mike did a great job.

Great segments from Shane Wadsworth on overcoming sexual sin, Brandon Cole on courage and Pablo Contreras on going to the next level in God - fighting through obstacles... it was all really good!

Blessed to hang with my brother-in-law Mark for a couple days - that was great... he's a super person, great friend - and my sister Lois needs to hang on to him!

keep it real!

14,047 Feet.

2009-07-14T23:35:00.004-05:00

Climbed my first 14 thousand foot mountain - Handies Peak in the San Juan Mountains, Southern Colorado.

Good friend Bob Andrews was my guide - he's climbed ten of these massive peaks!

It was an 8 mile climb, starting at 10,400 feet... really a great thrill.

We were close to the summit when a storm with hail and 50 mph winds chased us down - we waited in a safe area just below the snow line, then pushed up when we saw blue sky - with just seconds before another storm hit - it was closing in from below and above us - we summited and then with hail hitting hard, chased down the ridge line to a safer area until the storm passed... it was an awesome moment.

Thanks Bob Andrews -
and, blessings to all our friends -

keep climbing!

paul

WashDC - Dulles area Men's Event Cranked!

2009-06-18T11:55:00.004-05:00

WOW - what an amazing group of guys at Arlie Whitlow's dynamic church Community Church in Ashburn, Virginia - (Dulles area of Washington DC) - we had an incredible day - 12 men renewed or first time committed their lives to Christ! These were strong men - mature men - it was awesome!

Pastor Arlie and his son Pastor Charlie Whitlow - with Josh holding down the creative/music stuff are building a strong men's movement in the Dulles Virginia area - we'll meet again next year to commission some of his key guys - it will be AMAZING!

REally great to see Doug Clark -and had Lt. Col. Rob Hrabak (ret) give his customary "GET FIRED UP!" segment - it was great!

Came out of this day just buzzing - and what was equally great is there's a 'FiveGuys' hamburger place in the Dulles airport - wow, that was a blessing!

We are in an powerful season of the men's movement - I will post two testimonies tomorrow - from military leaders seeing spectacular results in their regiments... one is in Afghanistan - it's awesome!

WHEN is the right time to launch your men's ministry? IF you're in the Northern Hemisphere - START RIGHT NOW. Start in the middle of the summer - get it going with a few guys - then launch it in Sept to the entire church/group = If you're in Southern Hemisphere - START NOW!

will also post this week event we just did in Savannah area - amazing group -
follow me on Twitter - paullouiscole - lovya!

grace/peace
paul

Moral Failure is gunning for YOU.

2009-06-09T01:36:00.004-05:00

This post by Geoff Surratt is very important... using the example of what has just happened to one of our brothers in the Lord, Geoff lays out from his own perspective, the real war we face, and the safeguards we must put into place....

this is a timely and important article -

take three minutes, read it - then, send to some friends...

copy and paste this into your browser...

http://geoffsurratt.typepad.com/inner_revolution/2009/06/an-open-letter-to-pastors.html

grace/peace
paul

The Men's Movement

2009-06-03T15:30:00.002-05:00

Brandon sent me a link that was on the Ragmuffin site - it shows in detail the birth and exponential explosion of a movement... the pioneers, the early adopters, the large group of joiners in the middle of the curve, and the excitement generated by one guy who was willing to stand out - speak out, act out - what he believed in with enough passion, it pulled everyone else in...

The guy who started it was not trying to start a movement - but, the next guys in had a bit of an idea - they begin to wave to others.. motion..
It starts with you personal passion - infect others - then, get them to bring others - if you are trying to start it, and invite it wont grow - if you are trying to control it, it wont grow -

WE MUST MINISTER WITH OPEN HANDS - LET GOD TAKE THIS MOVEMENT OF MEN AROUND THE WORLD - AND, WHETHER WE CAN DANCE OR NOT - GET UP AND DANCE... BECAUSE, NO ONE CARES IF YOU CAN DANCE... ARE YOU PASSIONATE ENOUGH TO GET UP AND DO IT!? AND, KEEP GOING EVEN WHEN IT DOESNT YET LOOK SUCCESSFUL?!

PASSION OVER PERFECTION.

Keep dancin.

pc

LIONS Roar 2009 - Epic!

2009-05-28T23:13:00.003-05:00

WOW = still totally over the top about the strategy summit in Dallas...
Leaders representing 42 nations and over 60,000 churches met in Dallas at the Lions Roar strategy conference.

The Lions Roar conference has really thrust CMN into a new level of action, effectiveness, power and focus. The strategy sessions were highly productive... creating a high impact and increasingly effective men’s movement in every continent of the world. We went over the key areas of new initiatives, and what it would take to get there... it was awesome...

Doug Stringer said, “Human impossibility is Heaven’s opportunity!” That we must go after the men of our world, regardless of what it looks like, because, “we are the Church and we have taken the responsibility of reaching preaching the Gospel and establishing the Kingdom!”

Another leader said, “We have set into motion a new wave of the global men’s movement that will challenge the culture and change the hearts of men around the world!”

The key area of next generation was brought back to the front again - as we committed to The Timothy Project with strong resolve to get it done, on the web and in the church with a coherent strategy by the end of the year... very excited about this - this is huge...!

More reports on this... and if you subscribe to our emails - you'll get more... brilliant!

Feeling very positive... thanks for your friendship and for being an ally.

grace/peace
paul

Peru -Amazing Men's Conference!

2009-05-26T16:51:00.002-05:00

Just landed in Miami - 3 hours late - still rejoicing over the week - over 60 men commissioned in Lima, Peru - Robert Barriger and team taking the nations - talks centered on new intitiatives in Columbia and Paraguay...

It's an awesome time in the Kingdom of our Lord!

Listen - your future is so bright, a king died so you could achieve it!

Here's a couple photos from Lima - running to another plane - more tomorrow ..

Following up huge intiatives from Lions Roar - amazing... awesome.

stay strong.

paul

Whoaaa!

2009-05-19T12:35:00.002-05:00

man - had no idea I was this far back on the blogging thing... so, over next two days- we'll catch up the last month - IT HAS BEEN EPIC! From an amazing series of events in Honduras to a dynamically new level LionsRoar in Dallas - it has been simply spectacular!

The Lions Roar 2009 in Dallas was huge - the quality of leaders that were present - the numbers of churches they represented and the FORWARD THRUST that was the result of prayer, strategy and inspiration ... if you follow cmnworld on twitter or myself - Robert Barriger, Brandon Cole, Niles Holsinger or others - you saw the quotes flying out of the LionsRoar event - I still need to go back and rehearse what God did - it was so big, hard to digest in one moment.

Now, today at the United Pastors Network meetings in Maryland with Robert Barriger, Dale O'Shields, Dino Rizzo, Karl Barancik and other great friends and men of God - Stovall Weems hit great word -

"We are not leaders who serve, we are servants who have the opportunity to lead"

That's the spirit of the meetings...

AND - it's the spirit that kicked off our event in Dallas - ok - more blogs to follow with more details -
BOONVILLE, INDIANA was great - and other events have been awesome ...

HEADED TO PERU IN THE MORNING - PLEASE PRAY WITH ME OVER THE NATIONAL MEN'S EVENT - CHARLES NEIMAN, CHUCK BREWSTER AND OTHER GREAT LEADERS SPEAKING... COMMISSIONING OVER 100 MEN! CHANGING THE NATIONS - ONE MAN AT A TIME...

Lions Roar dates for 2010 - November 1,2,3 in Dallas!

strong toward the finish line...

pc

He is RISEN!

2009-04-12T21:44:00.004-05:00

What a spectacular weekend of loving Jesus! Hope Church was rocking Saturday and Sunday - it was great! The program was titled - "True Love" - the theme was 'Love has arrived and Love changes everything!"

An amazing day of music and drama - wow, our drama team hit it strong - and the videos, lighting - everything came together to glorify God on this special weekend - it was blessed!

We shared that love has given us four important characteristics - the Love of God brings - Hope, Wonder, Joy and Belonging - the presence of the nature and essence of God - awesome.

Then it was time with family and loved ones -- and especially my granddaughter Reese - how wonderful is this day - how marvelous His love for us - pretty overwhelmed by it all...

Wonderful to get messages from friends around the world on this special day...

Jesus is alive - He is love...
Love has arrived - and Love changes everything!

love you.

paul

Freedom!

2009-04-07T00:48:00.003-05:00

This is what freedom as a nation is about - opening day at the Ballpark in Arlington Tx. Great seats, great game, great fun!
This is former Pres. George Bush throwing out the first pitch - he received a huge standing ovation - announcer said "Mr. President, welcome home!" And, then Rangers killed Indians 9-1, great day with Bryce - we had fun - cold, very cold - but, fun...

Easter this week... gonna be awesome day at Hope - and, at your church!

lovya

pc

Jackson - CHAMPIONS!

2009-04-04T21:00:00.004-05:00

Hundreds of men from across Jackson Mississippi and surrounding cities - some from as far as Hattiesberg - seeking the presence of God and the power of the Holy Spirit - it was great - Pastor Dwayne Pickett and his mighty men started what they are calling now "The Gathering of Champions" !

It was electric as men committed to following Christ with a passion - let me tell you what will happen as they go hard after God - they will shock the nation - this is one of the poorest states in the nation - it has traditionally been filled with poverty, racial separation and a culture of 'this is the way it's always been' - BUT these men are going to shake it up! They are going to start a new culture of excellence, prosperity, harmony and strength - A NEW LEGACY IN MISSISSIPPI!

One of the most powerful moments of the day was as Pastor Pickett stood with his sons and nephew - stood in front of the men of his church and those visiting - and declared that from this day - when people ask - "Who will be the men who stand up for justice, against poverty and for righteousness?" - he said - "We will answer - WE ARE THE MEN!" It was awesome!

This is what the men's movement is all about!
This is the new thrust of reaching men around the world - one man at a time.

YOU CAN GET GREAT CROWDS WITH GREAT SERMONS - BUT YOU WILL NEVER CHANGE A NATION, UNTIL YOU DISCIPLE A MAN!

amen - stay at it strong - never quit - it's not where you are in the fight - it's how you finish - and, in Christ, you will finish it strong!

grace/peace
paul

Shrimp Boil in Mississippi

2009-04-03T00:23:00.003-05:00

OK - this is real living - out with Pastor Dwayne PIckett on the ranch - meaning - out in the mississippi sticks - country - outback .... and, his brother Charle boils up some shrimp, potatoes, corn, sausage, onion, and a bunch of spices, etc. - cooked out in the field on a propane cooker - also ate a mess of brim caught by the kids...

then, after this country potion is cooked for a couple hours - all sorts of spices thrown in during the cooking - then, it's all brought in - a big plastic cover put on the table - and, it all gets poured out on the table...

the word to me was - "preacher, if you don't help yourself, and get some food while it's out here, aint nobody gonna feel sorry for you"

I loved it... this is fun...real life - Mississippi is never gonna be the same again - God is raising up a new generation of warriors for the Kingdom!

stay hot!
grace/peace
paul

Nashville -strong men!

2009-03-28T22:57:00.004-05:00

What a great event with the guys in Nashville today! Already great feedback on strong results in the lives of the men - Pastor Andrew Wharton (related - he's my cousin) leads a great church = Life Assembly - strong group of men - great to see Bob Olson come from Huntsville Alabama to join us!

The finish was amazing as Andrew raised the sword and men from the area rallied around him to pray for the region - it was great...

highlight of the week - having my uncle Dave Wharton at the event - that's a shot with him, Andrew and me - he was like younger brother to my dad - when Dave was young marine at camp Pendleton - dad picked him up every time he had leave - led him into vibrant faith - and from my uncle Dave's life has come churches, Royal Rangers around the world, major ministries that touch millions - he was owner of a trucking firm his whole life - but, he has lived to be a blessing - what a great day - he sat in the back and just cried as he watched the ministry continue in his son and nephew - still reaching men around the world - THIS REALLY IS A GENERATIONAL MESSAGE!

what a great day . what a wonderful Saviour.

thanks for reading this - thanks for your friendship and continued support/prayer.

in His grace and peace

paul

Strong Men Events!

2009-03-27T23:25:00.006-05:00

Excited about the new artwork for our Strong Men in Tough Times events! As soon as I can figure out how to download from pdf to jpg - it'll be here... in Nashville right now - great event in the morning at aggressive missional church Life Assembly - will be awesome!

Coming up next week in Jackson Mississippi, April 4 then - April 25 in Evansville, Indiana.
May 11-13 is Lions Roar Summit in Dallas. May 3-7 Central America summit in Honduras... May 23-26 Lima, Peru.

For the details on the Lions Roar global strategy summit in Dallas AND TO REGISTER ON LINE - www.cmnworld.com

keep it crankin!

paul

phoenix-visual evidence

2009-03-24T23:52:00.002-05:00

Here is evidence that the guys in Phoenix are DANGEROUS MEN! We had a word first few minutes on capacity - "is the level of life you're now living, at the full capacity of your life?" - do you want to commit to being larger?
Based on the Word - that God gave Solomon what he asked for, and, what he needed to use what he asked for - God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding - then, because He knew what Solomon needed with the wisdom - and what the capacity Solomon would need to contain what God wanted to give him - God gave him 'largeness of heart' - capacity.
It was a word that came after one of our Hope elders called me early Saturday - prayed for me, said "God's gonna give you a word for the men!" - it was awesome - had great time with these guys!

Cranking preps for LionsRoar = May 11-13 here in Dallas- at ShadyGroveChurch - gonna be outstanding - just got word that 4 key leaders from Ecuador are coming - awesome! Hope to see you there - also, just got great hotel deal - outstanding - Radisson just four miles from church for 89/night - whether shared or not...tremendous in the Dallas market.

The men in Phoenix have had years of experience in training men, they will share it all at the Lions Roar! That alone makes it worthwhile to be here...

stay hot!

paul

Phoenix!

2009-03-21T19:27:00.002-05:00

Great group of men - of course, headed by the legendary Pastor Tommy Barnett - these guys are real men!
Jason Dubos - Daniel, Adam, Arnold, David, Dave, and great team made for an awesome men's event today at PHoenix first - pix soon... great lunch yesterday with Leo Godzich, Larry Kerychuk and great group of world leaders - they are strong - and it was lifting just to be around them -

now, at the airport headed home to greatest church in north america - HC3 = hope christian city church!
love our men, love our church -

Judi was at women's conference in Atlanta - wow, what a great report she gave me on phone - almost couldnt talk, presence of God so strong - it's awesome - we're gonna see the presence of God change the world!

loveyou
photos as soon as i get them
grace/peace
paul

AWESOME BatonRouge- Healing Place Men's Event EPIC!

2009-03-17T00:19:00.004-05:00

Amazing men's event at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge with dynamic leader and Pastor Dino Rizzo, pastors Mike Haman, Johnny Green, Derrick Smith, Jeff Rentz, Mark Stermer, the legend Marc Cleary, and the gracious Perry Morrow... a spectacular weekend of ministry - hard to even put into words - but, the Louisiana boys know how to throw a party!

Judi and I were so graciously hosted, treated like royalty (of course, my wife is royalty!) and blessed like crazy...

God brought a word to the men that rocked some of their worlds - it was great to see the lights turn on...to see huge decisions being made - tremendous...

the team at HPC was expecting 600 men, which is huge, BUT, it blew out with another 150-200 men extra showing up and packing the place, folding chairs, spanish translation in the balcony - and TONS OF FOOD! Brisket, sausage, chips, nachos with tons of bright yellow cheese - crazy...but, the guys had a blast =

This is how to do church - if you ever can, take a weekend and go to all their services...get it in your heart, in your system - God is doing some new things, innovative and powerful in His kingdom - and this is the leading edge!

came home - straight off plane to monday night men's connect at Hope - awesome - going through Courage book... powerful. then, coffee with one of the elders...great stuff...

heading to Tommy Barnett's church on Thursday for men's event - write to guys you know in that area= it's Sat. morning from 9a-11a...it's gonna be awesome...

love you brother.

paul

Tacoma, Portland awesome - reports

2009-03-12T17:00:00.002-05:00

Just finished great events in Tacoma and great time with friends in Portland ministering... had awesome Fort Worth event... now in Baton Rouge speaking for Dino Rizzo and men's event at Healing Place Church... and Hope Church is awesome - amazing single mom event Monday - more of that in next post...

REPORTS FROM TACOMA - great friend Mike Bower and his Pastor George Reed hosted men's event in Tacoma - it rocked! Mike sent me some feedback of the guys over next few days - here it is in his own writing...

Hey Paul, Here is some feed back from the evaluation forms in regards to the March 7 event, The speaker the real deal, 1st time at a men's conference. What growth! The 1st 10 min alone were worth getting up early and driving over an hour for...The fact that it dealt with the hearts of men I loved it...I Am Free! First ever men's only conference, What a Blessing...Not as hyped up, which is good, it was more genuine... Very good, powerful and profound. Much more meaningful than most seminars, Lets have more of these meetings for the men of God...Above the norm, on top! Loved being challenged by the presenter...Incredible teaching and honest discussions...One of the best conferences....Excellent, we all prayed and got release from our sins... Biblically based...Great speakers.

From the men of my church, two men approached me with tears in there eyes thanking me for what God did in their lives. Many others where so encouraged and shared positive things with me. A man named Conan (big dude) told me Sunday night, I am really free from my past. I feel like a new person. I know I did all those bad things, but I feel free from them the first time in my life. My past is not attach to me. Thank God! One man text me... thank you for not judging the outward man you see but challenging me to be the Godly man God purposed me to be. Another pastor text me...God did a great work in myself and the guys of my church. Big R of the Honor Bound motor ministry call me and said great job and Paul Cole was awesome! It just goes on and on. Pretty cool!

WOW - WHAT A BLESSING! HEADED BACK TO TACOMA/SEATTLE AGAIN NEXT YEAR!
WE SHOULD BE IN YOUR CITY!

stay strong
lovya
grace/peace
paul

Reese - beautiful!

2009-02-21T18:15:00.002-06:00

My Grandaughter Reese with Lindsay and Niles today after our men's event - at Southlake Town Center - splashing in the fountain - this is the freedom we were meant to live in! She's awesome!

Reese Splashing from Niles Holsinger on Vimeo.

Isnt she great!!

updates on the men's event later today... but, priorities first!

grace/peace
paul

From Peru to Prison!

2009-02-10T13:54:00.009-06:00

Amazing night in prison last night... humbling, powerful, huge, high impact...
Got in from Peru Sunday afternoon, did huge party for amazing granddaughter Reese - 3 yrs. old! Then Pablo and I drove 10 hours to southwest part of Texas...

We conducted meeting by invitation of great ministry to prisons - Boyd Harrell of C.O.O.L. prison outreach - 60 men from the Terrell Unit of the Texas State Penitentiary Correctional System crowded into a small side room last night and as the music hit, they raised their hands, began to sing - and I just about lost it... Some men in prison for over 20 years, some never to get out...but, there we were with hands raised, music loud, singing at the top of their voices "I have freedom in the glory of the Lord!" wow...

I must say I was humbled to be with them - Pablo gave great testimony, Boyd hit another homerun, some other men had some great testimonies, then they had me get up to speak - I think to balance the greatness of the others with something a little lighter weight - (having me speak makes others look really good) - but, what an evening!

These guys had Maximized Manhood memorized...We gave each man a Strong Men in Tough Times book and workbook... signed each one, and really had an awesome and blessed evening...

One man told me, he had committed terrible crime at age 50, never in trouble before- but, what got him there was no role model as a man - and now, at 53 and 5 years from getting out - now, he knows what a man is! Another had killed his girlfriend he found cheating on him - he's been in 14 years - he said Maximized Manhood is how he got saved... and now, if he never gets out, he is a REAL MAN!

This is what the men's movement is all about...THIS IS THE REAL GLOBAL MEN'S MOVEMENT! ONE MAN AT A TIME!
NO SUPERSTARS, BUT JESUS - NO AGENDA, BUT MATURITY - BUILD MEN, BUILD CHURCHES, TRANSFORM CULTURE!

Men's Event - Lima

2009-02-07T20:55:00.009-06:00

Great men's event in tough area of Lima this morning... awesome results - had one man who received Christ that was over 60yrs. old - rare thing - Hope Church laid out a breakfast feast for the men, some went through the line twice and again after the event - they were blessed!

Over one hundred men packed into Pastor Victor's Camino De Vida campus church - it was tremendous - so proud of them pulling that together, and building a strong church with strong men - Lt. Col. Rob Hrabak (ret.) kicked it off a couple years ago in this area with a strong challenge to the men - they couldnt get any guys involved in the men's movement - well, Rob kicked their butts into gear and now, under the great leadership of Victor and the strong covering of Robert Barriger - men filled the church on a Saturday! And... they didnt even know they were getting fed! Now, that says something strong...

Rob was there with me today to see what God has done over the past few years... and young Camino De Vida evangelist Nick Balcombe brought a strong word to the fathers and sons... "If you don't involve your son in what you are doing, he will resent what you are involved in" Then, strong time of young men being prayed for and then, the young men prayed for the older men - it was explosive!

We graduated 15 men from the Valor (Courage) studies and after today, I believe the next group will be larger.. it was awesome...

The men's movement will change the world, not by the stadium event, but by the enduring, strong, patient fathering spirit of local pastors like Victor and Robert Barriger who are willing to work the process.

"You can create great crowds with great sermons, but you will never change a nation, until you disciple a man."

thanks for praying for CMN around the world - somewhere right now, and 24 hrs. a day, every day, some men are meeting to go to a new level as Maximized Men!

loveyou
thank you
paul

Barrigers honored-BIG night in Peru!

2009-02-07T01:03:00.005-06:00

Wow - what a spectacular evening in Peru as Camino De Vida and pastors Robert and Karyn Barriger celebrated their 20th anniversary with a huge concert and then a huge surprise...

ON stage is Jordan Durso starting a special segment of the evening - with he, son Taylor and son in law Pedro presenting to the Barrigers a car from their church - it was huge! From a church in which the average person finds it difficult to give more than 75cents per week in the offering - it was a miraculous gift of love!

The wife of the President also made a special presentation to the Barrigers... then, she stayed and enjoyed the entire concert...it was amazing...the love she has for the people of her nation - and the recognition that the Barrigers and the church (God's church) also have the same heart...it was a huge night...

thrilled to have been here.... now - a great men's event in the morning... actually in a few hours - got sick, taking all kinds of meds - last night did 12 hours of chills and sweat...tonight cant sleep - wish the pills would make up their minds!

but, gonna be a great saturday with the guys!

be strong.
grace/peace
paul

Peru -social justice

2009-02-06T16:26:00.004-06:00

In Peru ministering at the Corazon conference - what a great group of leaders and servants of Christ... awesome!
We have received calls/emails for Portuguese church in London, from group of leaders in Nigeria, from a dozen other nations about the men's movement in their areas - while we're here in Lima... amazing how it's growing around the world!

Was sick for past couple days, but ministered today ok - seem to pick up something in Peru about every other trip...but, it's awesome conference with great connects for men's movement around the world...

Did session on social justice - that was their title - started it with observation that the greatest moment of social justice in human history is the moment that Christ hung on the Cross - set us all free, and made the wrong things right... then talked about the fact that most social justice is most often a moment of singular personal opportunity... that it is about one person doing something that affects another person - gave the example of Arland Williams - the 46yr old bank examiner that was one of 6 survivors of the crash of Air Florida flight90 - which crashed on take-off in snow and ice in 1982 - when rescue helicopter came and lowered rope - Arland helped the other five survivors onto the rope...at the cost of his own life... question was - "are you willing to be the last guy in the water?"

Effective... not about finely crafted sermons - it's about results.

grace/peace
paul

Peru-Great Opening!

2009-02-04T10:37:00.003-06:00

Last night was the first night of the Corazon conference in Lima, Peru - amazing open - strong - in one of largest stadiums in Lima... believing over next few years it will be packed... seeing great friends from Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala, Colombia and across the Latin nations... awesome - the men's movement being championed by Robert Barriger with stunning results...

Photo of Barriger and myself is with one of opening speakers - pastor of the huge and powerful Hillsong Church London Gary Clark... brought a great word - in fact, I will condense into an article and put on our new website...it was great...

Karyn Barriger led the praise and worship - what a miracle, leading praise just week after her last chemo treatment - overcomer - champion!

God is moving among the nations - all we have to do is get in his slipstream...then, work hard. Simple formula, faith with works.
That works - and I have faith we'll get it done.

grace/peace
paul

Robert/Karyn Barriger-the blessings of God!

2009-02-01T16:17:00.005-06:00

Had an awesome couple meetings at our church today - they were smokin hot... great presence of God! Love it when there's a buzz in the air that you can feel, and it catches everyone's breath away...

THEN - in the middle of the second meeting I get a tweet (twitter.com thing - you can follow me at paullouiscole -it's very cool way to stay in touch) - SO, I get a shout from good friend Robert Barriger in Peru - he's in the middle of their third service music section and BILL HYBELS walks in to worship with them (they knew he was in town, but weren't seeing him until Monday) HYBELS walks in and joins their service!

THEN - in the photo you can see BILL HYBELS (c'mon, you know, willowcreek, etc. huge leader...) and BILL prays over Robert and Karyn in honor of their 20th anniversary! IS THAT COOL OR WHAT?!

Then Nick Balcombe sends out this photo from his phone and here's the blog - a couple hours after it happened!

God loves Robert and Karyn and so do we... she is an overcomer and has battled and beaten illness in her body... Rob is great leader and ok surfer...:)

God is good - headed to Peru tomorrow...

stay close to the heat.

paul

LET IT CRANK!

2009-01-29T00:53:00.003-06:00

That's basically what happened when Dean Sweetman came to Hope Church for the close of our 21 day Daniel fast. It was explosive in the Spirit...and when you sense that happening, there is one thing to do - LET IT CRANK!

The 21 Day fast was powerful - lots of our friends made new decisions on direction, many found new dreams coming alive, for some it was the resurrection of dreams that had died - fasting is not a hunger strike directed at God - fasting is a God empowered system of cutting away the extraneous things in our lives - refocusing, pushing closer - in all of our lives, one of the greatest issues is ADJUSTING... we are so often waiting for God to do something, when it is our adjusting our own lives that is the core issue... if someone needs to move, it's not God, it's us.

Talked to Rick Lindsay today with Encourage Men to Pray - wild man for God from Goose Creek South Carolina...he's a totally messed up for Jesus sort of guy... he would have hung out with John the Baptist - he's got an awesome intensive this weekend, guys coming from across the nation to pray, strategize and kick each other's butts... now, that's a men's meeting!

Talked to Robert Barriger in Peru, Karyn is in hospital, in a healing direction! The Corazon Conference next week will be amazing, thousands from across South America coming to stadium in Lima - I'm looking forward to hanging with the big guys - Dino Rizzo, Gary Clarke, Jerry Huson, Marcos Witt, Jordan Durso, Nick Balcombe and the gang!

Dean Sweetman in photos at Wednesday night event..."Presence" - final night of 21 day fast that went from Jan. 1 to Jan. 21.
Then following the meeting, went to Chilis, had chicken fingers... funny.

If you know people in the Dallas area, tell them to come to Hope! website is www.hopechurch.tv

Hey, stay strong... keep it cranking!
There is no alternative!

paul

Lions Roar 2009!

2009-01-23T15:50:00.003-06:00

The global men's movement global strategy summit will take place MAY 11 - 13 in DALLAS! Men from around the world will spend 48 dynamic hours praying, strategizing, meeting - bringing greater level of momentum to the worldwide men's movement...

Eddy Leo from Indonesia.
Robert Barriger from Lima, Peru.
Alex Mitala from Uganda.
Bishop Dale Bronner from Atlanta.
Doug Stringer from Houston.
John Arana from Arlington.
Rob Hrabak from Virginia.
and other top leaders from around the world will meet in one of the most urgent meetings this decade... will we meet the challenge of a dynamically changing world, or lose ground to an everpressing enemy?!

We will meet from noon Monday to noon Wednesday. Fly into DFW international or Dallas Love field... the venue is just minutes from DFW airport.

International delegates - if you need a letter of invitation- contact us immediately at paul@paullouiscole.com - let's make it an amazing time! We're very excited about the leaders coming from across the nation. Powerful time of refreshing, learning, wisdom and power.

see you then.
be strong.

paul

Men's Groups

2009-01-22T05:18:00.004-06:00

Getting ready to launch a great part of the new CMN site that will help guys get their men's groups going, create and capture momentum... I think I've talked to at least 25 pastors in past two weeks whose opening lines are, "Well, we had a men's ministry going but, it sort of died out..." Then, comes the explanations - the guy leading it moved, we couldnt find a good time for everyone, ran out of pancake batter, etc...

There are some very key principles in making a men's movement work in the local church... and the first is the word I just used, 'men's movement' Eddy Leo from Jakarta was the first I heard who pointed out the difference... that a men's ministry is an event driven model, but a men's movement is a reproducible network of relationships. That's a huge difference - it doesn't mean we don't use events to spur the ministry to men, it just means the event must be pointed at a deeper focus.

I found a great album cover (Chicago Tribune had a 50 worst album covers chart, hilarious) that generally looks like most posters I find advertising men's stuff in churches where it doesn't work... in other words, strength attracts strength - strong men bring strong men - build your men to be strong, and more strong men will show up... don't let the dove guy lead music for your men!

Working on that site now...like building a house, takes longer than you think, and costs more than you can afford.

Keep it crankin'!

grace/peace
paul

running, twitter, houston

2009-01-19T01:56:00.003-06:00

Will be running this year...want to do something I've never done before...that's an every year thing - but, injury working out on Sat. will preclude my first 5K tomorrow... seems I may have run on street with wrong shoes...so, we'll sort that out...

Have you gotten into the latest social network thing? Twittering! go to twitter.com - sign up for free - then go to paullouiscole and click on following me, you'll get weekly updates that are just part of personal life, many friends doing this so I am able to keep up with them...kids doing it too, so I stay in touch with what's up...fun to hear Niles talk about taking Reese (granddaughter) on a walk with her little tricycle, and she says, "Let's go daddy, we're going far far away" That is cute and it's fun...

Great event in Houston this week with Len Sweet, James Davis, Joann Webster, Doug Stringer and over 500 pastors from across nation...report on that as soon as I get some photos from Paul Wharton who shot the event...

love you
keep it cranking!

paul

New Year

2009-01-12T09:51:00.002-06:00

Fasting to start new year... church fasting with us... 21 days of Daniel Fast - ends on Jan. 21 with awesome night of "Presence" event at Hope - Dean Sweetman is our guest speaker - the C3 leader for North America - leading great church in Atlanta...
also doing the 90 day Bible - so will read through entire Bible 4 times this year... leading church into reading the entire Bible this year, everyone very excited...it's just about doing it, we all want to, just need to be motivated...
Word is our source of life, strength, wisdom, power and His presence in daily life...
2009 shaping up to be difficult and amazing year...the best year of our lives!

Start strong... start in the Word, prayer, Position yourself for the promise... you can hear messages on this at the Hopechurch.tv website...powerful stuff...

Decide now to make 2009 the best ever - you have the choice.

grace/peace
paul

The Joy

2008-12-25T10:08:00.006-06:00

My beautiful granddaughter Reese and her mom, Lindsay - leaving a note and some candy for Santa and his reindeer - the beauty of childlike wonder and joy! (Reese has wonderful parents in Linds and Niles!)

This is the true beauty of Christmas!

Family, faith, joy and Santa Claus...

Saint Nick of Myra - (check it - Bishop in Turkey, well known as surprise giver of gifts, all year...300AD...the true Saint Nick - I think God has no problem with Santa- giver of gifts.)

What a joy - the Bible says, the greatest joy is to see your children following Christ...and this is that.

Have a wonderful and special Christmas! Let it be about new beginnings...2009 is going to be amazing!

grace/peace
paul

Christmas - about family, church, friends.

2008-12-17T23:47:00.004-06:00

Amazing Christmas celebration at Hope Church on Sunday.

Tuesday - wonderful family time at the mall...

God has blessed you and I so abundantly.
To Him be all our gratitude and praise.

be blessed!

paul

thinkin...

2008-12-05T16:43:00.002-06:00

Sitting at Barnes/Noble - reading, thinking - 'pondering' is a great word, friend Tom Dooley said, if people ask him question and want a weighty response of some sort, for which he may not be fully prepared, he can say he was 'pondering' - doesnt sound like un-spiritual 'thinking', and he may not have actually 'prayed' over it...but, he was 'pondering' - now, that's wisdom and I pass it on.

check out twitter.com - daily, sometimes hourly updates on your best friends... including me - join for free... put in my name and follow on... can show up on your phone... I follow some great guys (including Shaq) and get updates from family I might not have otherwise seen or known... very cool, very new.

photo of me and my fabulous wife Judi - at dinner with friends...

be blessed.
stop and ponder a bit... think, pray, read, rest in His grace.

crankin' it strong
paul

Juarez, Mexico

2008-12-03T22:38:00.003-06:00

Wow...what a rush last week was... and then, a powerful Sunday...

The kids at this center in Juarez have all been sheltered because of drugs, poverty or abuse...
Got back from Peru and Ecuador - from Manila to South America and home, did over 35,000 miles in 10 days...!
Home on Tuesday night - then did a wonderful little private wedding on Wednesday - then on Thursday (Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S.)

We drove to Juarez, Mexico with over $15,000 of shoes for the little kids of the wartorn border town -
Drug cartels are fighting over billions of dollars of the drug trade, over 1300 people have been killed in Juarez this year... a top official with Homeland Security told us to not set foot in Juarez...
So, we slipped over the border, across the main bridge, and met church pastors and elders...did a transfer of shoes into pickup trucks, prayed over them... and that afternoon they did the first of the parties handing out shoes to the kids!
It was 10 hrs. down, a little sleep, then meeting with the churches, then 10 hours driving back...

Then - Sunday was a great word - listen to it at www.hopechurch.tv - it's titled "The Christmas Gap" and it's not about a place to shop... already hearing of great results...God is so good to us!

"The measure of a man is based upon the dimensions of what he is willing to give his life for"

go for it.
lovya!
paul

Ecuador!

2008-11-22T23:21:00.003-06:00

Tremendous time with Jimmy Cornejo and the team in Cuenca, Ecuador. I left Manila on Wed. morning at 7am and arrived Cuenca on Friday morning at 9am - wow - what a trip - but well worth it! Here with amazing men of God, Tim Cross, Robert Barriger, Joaquin Molina, Jimmy Cornejo, Guillermo Aguayo - what an amazing time - more photos soon...commissioned 70 men, including over a dozen pastors...
Leaders from across Ecuador were there...it was tremendous...and the teaching team are all heavyweight guys - it was awesome...

Then, the ride back to Guayaquil to catch flight to LIma.. over the Andes mountains! Looking out right side of van, it must have been a half mile straight down at times... wild - fog, rain, gravel roads, one lane in area where mountain had collapsed a month ago, just another day doing the men's movement thing around the world!

Just arrived in Lima - ministry tomorrow will be great...and at home, Brandon is gonna rock HopeC3 church! It will be an awesome Sunday as we pray over the shoes we are taking to Juarez, Mexico next week for the little kids in the toughest areas of that broken city... that will be so very special... great way to spend Thanksgiving!

doin' the stuff!

paul

Manila was Rockin'!

2008-11-20T23:47:00.005-06:00

Over 3,000 leaders and pastors from all over Philippines, Guam, Solomon Islands, and many other places I cant spell...it was wild...and extremely productive!

We will conduct a Philippines National CMN event Dec. 4.5 next year 2009! Eddy Leo will be there and many others...tell friends now that you know have connections in that part of world!

blessings!
paul

MANILA

2008-11-20T10:16:00.002-06:00

WOW - what an amazing time with Dr. David Sobrepena, James Davis, Joann Webster, Eddy Leo, and other great friends ministering to thousands of leaders from across Philippines... over 300 pastors signed up to be part of the launch of CMN in Philippines and kickoff the men's movement in that troubled yet rising nation... this is historic.

just landed at LAX, caught some sleep and heading to Ecuador... I landed in Manila on Tuesday morning at 7am, and then spoke at 11am to the delegates! that was wild, then spoke again next morning at joint session and left wed. night - so, 3 days of travel but only one night in a hotel - flew to LA, slept at hotel for a bit, then back to airport to go to Miami, then to Ecuador where I will stay at hotel late night for a few hours, then catch flight at 6am to Cuenca and scheduled to speak at 11am. This is the glamor of travel and ministry... :)

loading my flight.
bye.
photos later.
pc

Awesome again...

2008-11-20T10:05:00.004-06:00

That awesome was an attempt to do blog from Manila - writing about AWESOME weekend with John Muratori and the men in Connecticut. Hosted regional event in Cheshire, CT and men from all over the area attended - great results - mens leader Thomas said that he is getting reports from other churches, as well as their men - Muratori is a gas to be with - wrote great book called "Rich Church, Poor Church" and it 's a hit - just got back from mentoring leaders in Aruba (Lord, send me to St. Thomas or Maui - if it's your will...) These guys really have it going on and we will do a larger regional event next year in the NewHaven area of Connecticut...

Hanging with John and men like him has convinced me it is time to launch a mens' movement coaching alliance - men who can help other pastors lead their men strongly and effectively - to lead men who are successful and lead men who are on the rebound and be successful at all levels --- think with me on this...and we will launch at May Lions Roar.

LIONS ROAR - MAY 11-13 DALLAS 2009.

Robert Barriger, Bishop Bronner, Eddy Leo, Doug Stringer and others leading this convocation. Plan now!

pray hard, live strong.

paul

Awesome

2008-11-18T19:56:00.000-06:00

cool video about fathering

2008-11-11T20:56:00.003-06:00

I'm watching you Dad!
The principle is -
Children may not always listen to you,
but they will always imitate you.

amen.

pc

Cincinnati - Argentina

2008-11-10T23:22:00.003-06:00

8 men saved in Cincy men's event with Paul Holland, Ps. Barry Clardy and great team. What an amazing thing to see men at 27, 35, 42 and 58 years of age give their lives to Christ! To see men standing there with tears in their eyes, nothing manipulative, just the awesome power of God hitting their hearts with a bang - truly amazing.

Same day Robert Barriger, Eddy Leo send me email of great event they are doing in Argentina at good friend Carlos Balart's church. How cool is that?!

Headed to NYC thursday, looking forward to great event in New Haven area with dynamic pastor John Muratori... then, back to Hope Church, leave after service to Manila - two days there, then Ecuador - two days, Lima for a day, then home for two days and drive hundreds of shoes to the little kids in Juarez, Mexico for Thanksgiving...

and, continuing to pray for Karyn Barriger - she starts chemotherapy in the morning. She is healed.

amen.

paul

Mariners Church - NB

2008-11-04T11:32:00.003-06:00

Starting FIRES! That's what this event was about - Men's Pastor Jerry Huson has got a huge passion to see the men of his region on fire for God - and this event was about that... Jerry is a former baseball coach, college president and now taking on the task of leading the men of this dynamic huge church in Newport Beach California... had great times with dear friends Paul and Kim Forrest, Robert Kalatchan, my awesome inlaws Rick and Ann -
...and great times with Jerry just passionately beating each other up about reaching men around the world!
Robert Barriger flew in to hit it with a strong word about 'nothing', and CMN Chairman, Bishop Dale Bronner came from Atlanta to create a larger vision for the men who attended from the region! When I grow up, I want to be just like Bishop!

This is what being 'allies' is all about - networking with passionate brothers in the Lord! Creating momentum for the global men's movement!
a love for good coffee always helps - problem with Jerry is he works out 5 days a week - so, he's irritatingly healthy.

Let's do the men's movement around the world - take it to new levels!

fire up!

pc

OSHKOSH!

2008-10-30T18:51:00.002-05:00

Great time with the men in Oshkosh, Wisconsin-Pastor James Willoughby and men from surrounding area - started getting cold as I got out of town - just in time to miss the snow flurries...
Photo of some of the guys who are "DangerousMen!"
They are running with the curriculum and building a men's movement in upper Wisconsin - just south of GreenBay - great area - they have four seasons, a month of summer, a month of autumn, month of spring and a year of winter.
Brandon did our services at Hope - Robert and Karyn Barriger surprised Hope as special guests - they had a great time of prayer over Karyn - what an amazing couple...they have done more than will ever be known, Robert doesnt trumpet it...but they are tremendous.

headed to Newport Beach to be with wild man Jerry Huson and the guys at Mariners Church! Bishop Bronner, Robert Barriger coming in to speak - will be epic!

stay hot.
pc

Reggie White

2008-10-17T12:46:00.004-05:00

Big Tommy sent me photo of the first time I met Reggie... (I was giving him workout pointers :)
Miss this guy. What a larger than life man...yeah, he was an amazing football player (Hall of Fame), I will never forget him throwing Larry Allen out of the way so he could sack the quarterback, Allen was a huge guy that could bench press 700 pounds - and Reggie just moved him out of the way with one arm, it was astounding -
but
what Reggie really was, was a passionate pursuer of the presence of God - he was obsessed, passionate, wild, misunderstood, loving, loud, gentle, really funny, great dad, great husband - everything you want your sons to emulate.
He is with Jesus now, and I miss him. The world is a much better place that he was here, and heaven is more jubilant with him there - he may be telling some stories with crazy sound effects right now...and everyone's laughing, enjoying Jesus.
Just before he left, he was intent on learning the Bible in Hebrew, had started to study the Jewish roots and, of course, like anything else in his life, he was passionate about it, and if you weren't, it didn't make sense to him...

THE WORLD IS CHANGED BY THE LIVES OF THE RADICALS.
What are you radical about? anything? Read the Bible - get obsessed about Christ, love, compassion - you'll be misunderstood, you won't be satisfied to live a safe little life, and you'll change the world you live in.

May we all live with the same reckless abandon that Reggie did.
Pray for Sara and the kids, Jeremy and Jecolia.

amen.

paul

Building some Strong Men!

2008-10-15T04:57:00.003-05:00

Great event with Ps. Don Brawley and the men and women of Canaan Land Church International in Atlanta. Great vision, getting it done... and to hear Ps. Don talk about their new building and the need for a 'third place' was so cool... 'third place' is a conceptual philosophy that Starbucks has used, which is that everyone has the need for a 'third place' the first two being work and home, - it would be like the tv show 'Cheers' a place in which everyone knew your name...
Leonard Sweet hits it best in his book "the Gospel according to Starbucks" , in fact, Leonard just nails it...his best book... and a must read for anyone wanting to build the church.
So, to hear Ps. Don talk about that in relation to his new building was great, refreshing, he's a man on a mission, and I am thrilled to be on the same path with him and his guys...it was great.

Headed to Wisconsin, Newport Beach, Cincinatti, Connecticut, Peru and Ecuador over next five weeks...awesome!

keep it cranking!

paul

Rockin' Atlanta - the JOURNEY!

2008-10-08T20:40:00.004-05:00

What an amazing event with the men of Atlanta Christian City Church! amazing, strong, powerful, life altering... Dean and Jill Sweetman pastor this dynamic church - Dean has trained two great men to lead a dynamic men's movement - Eric Tymchuk and Jim Crumbley lead a men's movement that is awesome! WE did our event, then they took 100 guys into the wood of north Georgia and did war games, mud-rugby, team building events and found time to pray the power of God over each man!
These guys are nuts...in a good way... they really believe we are called to be warriors for God - and they are training themselves to be highly influential in every part of culture = THESE ARE THE GUYS I WANT WITH ME IN BATTLE!

CHECK out the video from the Journey men's ministry at www.christiancitychurch.com and click on the men's ministry area, then to the Journey button to see the outrageous video...

This is what discipling men is all about.

Took my son Brandon with me, he closed the Friday teaching sessions with a masterful discourse on being an aggressive follower of Christ...he was awesome... some of you need to book him, not just for young men, but for your church!

Photo - Brandon, Eric, Jim and the old guy.

never give in.

paul

Pastor's Conference C3 International

2008-09-19T02:51:00.003-05:00

Over 1,000 lead pastors and dynamic church planters from around the world gathered for a week of refreshing... Strikingly anointed, deeply personal, intensely powerful heart shaping moments, refreshing, inspirational, provoking...what an amazing global conference with Phil Pringle and Christian City Churches International. This is the covering movement for my pastoral ordination...and they are rockin'!
We met dozens of leaders from every continent and most major regions of the world, powerful men and women who are going after it!
Phil Pringle is my covering, an amazing motivator and leader - listen to his messages at www.ccc.org.au - they will fill you with faith and create spiritual momentum.
It was great to spend some time with good friends from around the world - Kong Hee, pastor in Singapore (they had 46,000 for Easter!) - Pastors Art and Kuna Sepulveda, who make all their men read Maximized Manhood - great leaders in Hawaii, Pete Sumrall with Harvest Television Network on his way to seal deal for shortwave station that reaches all of Russia - Mark and Gail Smallcombe crankin a great church in San Francisco - Frazer and Tam Rowe from Sydney, these guys are awesome! and so many more - and new friends...some amazing people - living lives that make us feel like we are standing still!

These are the special moments of life - when the refreshing presence of God creates new waves of energy and effectiveness in your life, surrounded by good friends and deeply in love with my wife...how good can life get!
- actually, it can get really good, when we returned home and my granddaughter Reese sees us and comes running yelling "Papa, Gami!!" now, that is truly the remarkable life...

More stuff on the conference coming...and a note on 'patient endurance' - what does that really mean to you and I?

warmest blessings

paul

India next year

2008-08-21T10:33:00.003-05:00

Meeting here with Pastor Jacob from southern India - his son and daugher-in-law are interns at Hope Church.
He has a national television program in India and along with many other friends are ready to host a series of men's strategy summits and events in India next year... praise God!
We will let you know the dates...

crankin'

pc

Baptism at Hope

2008-08-21T00:00:00.002-05:00

Wow - how amazing is it to baptize people who are going to the next level in their walk with Christ!!
Spectacular evening at one of our elders' homes - the Hicksons, a festival of joy! So many had such great stories, God is so good.. that's Brandon ministering with me, the pool is surrounded by friends and loved ones, it was awesome...
I love pastoring Hope Church, what a joy! Check out our website - www.hopechurch.tv - you can listen to messages and follow the journey of Hope.

amen.

paul

East Africa Going Strong!

2008-08-07T09:31:00.004-05:00

Just receiving new reports from Uganda and the team...men headed into Kenya and Rwanda - over 200 leaders in Maximized Manhood monthly training classes... tremendous impact. Thank you to all who helped make this trip happen, my Pastor Phil Pringle, Rusty Greer, Mike Bower, our friends in Finland, friends in Indonesia and many others! Thank you! The impact is huge and ongoing.
These are photos of meeting with the Prime Minister of Uganda, who came to the Saturday men's event, and a shot of over 300 pastors praying for the men who were at one of the events in Kampala.
Plan on going with us again next year to Uganda for tremendous meetings across the nation - it will be sometime end of August next year - most likely around the U.S. labor day holiday.
great stuff!

grace/peace
paul

MEXICO

2008-08-02T13:06:00.002-05:00

Pastors meeting in Juarez last night - mens event tonight!
Tremendous time with key leaders, imparting the vision of reaching their city - shared Hombria al Maximo (Maximized Manhood) and gave copy of book to each man- it really hit strong... we have been coming to Juarez for years bringing shoes to the poorest children every Thanksgiving (U.S. holiday in November).
It has been a high impact outreach for our church (Hopechurch.tv) and very important to churches here - every church we brought shoes to last year added people during the outreach - one man told me that 8 families joined the church due to the shoe outreach - this year we hope to take 1500 pairs of shoes to the children!
Now the doors are open to bringing the men's movement - amen! John Paul Infante is speaking at the men's event tonight - he'll do great! I'm back to Dallas - JohnPaul was just in Colombia ministering last week - heard from Giullermo Aguayo, he was there last month - awesome - Pastor John Arana is in Guanajuato next week - let me know what you're up to! Alex Mitala and team of men are headed to Kenya next month - I am in events in U.S. - headed to Europe and South America in October/November!
Stay in touch!

Focus on the goal - stay in motion!

grace/peace
paul

Uganda - Child Soldiers

2008-07-09T02:13:00.002-05:00

Two young men, who have seen the very worst side of evil that could ever be imagined...see earlier story on them...
God is reclaiming their very precious and powerful lives for Him.

plc

Uganda - photos

2008-07-09T00:52:00.003-05:00

Here is one photo of the amazing event Saturday in Kampala - men from across the nation, and what was tremendous, over 300 pastors were at this event - of course, many didn't bring their men, they were "checking out" what this men's movement thing really was...and then the constant comment was..."I should have brought our men" So, next year they will!

More reports soon from Amsterdam...let's keep the momentum going around the globe!

stay healthy

grace/peace
paul

Amazing Results Uganda!

2008-07-07T07:19:00.002-05:00

Over 400 pastors, thousands of men, 5 amazing days of ministry - the Saturday LionsRoar event was attended by the Prime Minister, covered by national news, GREAT MOMENTUM!
And, to top it off - 31 Men Commissioned!

The CMN team is now planning regional institutes for leaders and pastors, going into Kenya in the Fall, and a great series of events next year! There is a great sense of breakthrough - what so many men have labored toward for 20 years is now going to the next level! Next year will be larger, covered on national television and it is underway...Praise God!

Alex Mitala, William Sempa and all the team have done a tremendous job bringing the men's movement to this place, and what they told me today, is that is was all worthwhile!

AT the event Saturday, hundreds of pastors attended and at one point they were all up praying for the men,,, it became a deeply moving extended time of worship, praise, prayer, changes, things shifting in Uganda, it was amazing.

Much more to report - soon...load some photos when I get to Amsterdam - too slow here in jungle.

grace/peace
paul