Half Pipe Dreams!

I have one of the neatest guys in the world working with us at the church that I am planting/pastoring. His name is Larry Williams, and truth be told there is not another man that I would rather have on a team planting a church with me. I have known Larry for a number of years and when we first met let's just say he was still a little unsavory. However it is neat now to watch how God has transformed his life in a very real way. I could go on with story after story of how God is working in his life but I want to share one simple story today that is very profound. I want to share with you Larry's half pipe dreams!

Larry is diligently working to become a youth Pastor with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. One of the things the Alliance looks for is evidence that God has really called this person into the ministry. For me Larry in youth ministry is a no brainer. When I first met Larry he had a strong dislike for kids, except his own kids, but God has really changed his heart. The Lord has led him into some very creative ministries to reach the kids of his neighborhood with the gospel, and most recently the Lord has led him into the most creative endeavor yet. This past weekend construction was begun on a new half pipe in Larry's back yard. Now for those that don't know, a half pipe is a ramp that looks like a pipe cut in half. The kids ride their bikes, skateboards, roller blades, etc back and forth across it doing tricks at the top. Half pipe riding is becoming very popular among the kids and teens in today's world.

So Larry has prayerfully stood back and asked the Lord how can a half pipe bring God glory. Feeling led of the Spirit he undertook to build one in his own back yard, and he paid for it out of his own savings account. He figures if the kids will come to his house to ride the half pipe he can build relational bridges with them, and that in God's timing he can share the gospel with them, and begin discipling those who come to Christ. But this isn't going to be your typical youth group, the pipe will be open several days a week, sometimes Larry will just have fun with the kids, sometimes he will speak the truth to them in love, and eventually God will be glorified in these young people's lives. Larry is even going so far in this as to buy a special full face motorcycle helmet that the front part can flip up on so as he rides his motorcycle through the neighborhood he doesn't have his face hidden by a helmet when he is inviting the kids over to his house.

All of this is so that souls can be won into the Kingdom of God, and that the name of Jesus might be proclaimed throughout our city, state, country, and planet. Larry would never ask this of anyone, but I would like to extend the opportunity to you all to partner with Larry in this endeavor. The ramp alone has already cost him over $2000 to build. As you know there will be numerous other expenses related to trying to reach these kids in this neighborhood through this ministry. If you would like to partner with Larry and his wife in this ministry you can contact me for information on how by emailing me at jdbreedlovejr@bellsouth.net , or you can send a tax deductible contribution to Crossroads Fellowship of the C&MA at 2687 Tiny Town Road Clarksville TN, 37042. If you wish to keep your support anonymous please let me know and it will be as you desire.