The Week In Brief(s)

Every Sunday I’m sharing a recap on some of what happened that week. It will be quick (in brief) and I’ll write in my underwear (in briefs). Here ya go:

1. After 40.5 hours of driving we arrived in Vegas last Friday.
2. Unpacked our truck on Saturday.
3. Sunday we went to church at The Crossing.

4. The rest of the week mostly I:

  • a. Tried to serve my family, which mostly meant unpacking boxes & putting stuff together
  • b. Met with Vegas locals (mostly pastors) to start learning about life and ministry and the needs of people in Vegas.

5. Here’s some of what I’ve been learning:

  • a. Most people in Vegas are from somewhere else. Someone told me to ask everyone I meet, “What brought you to Vegas.” He said the top three responses will be: (3) A job. (2) Running from something. (1) Needed a fresh start, and Vegas seemed like a good place for that. That makes me think people in Vegas know (even if they don’t realize it) that they need God and His grace. Exciting!
  • b. One major need here is children/parenting help. I heard lots about struggling single moms, a foster care system in shambles, moms who put their kids in bed and then go for work leaving their kid(s) to sleep alone all night in the house, etc.
  • c. Many people in Vegas work 2, 3, or even 4 jobs.
  • d. People here are looking for: (1) a foundation for their lives, (2) something real and authentic. If you ask them they’ll tell you that.
  • e. Non-denominational Christianity is considered much more normal here than on the East Coast. In the East, if you’re not Catholic or Baptist it’s kinda like, “Huh? Then what are you?” Out here, not so much

I’ve learned a lot more. It’s been fun.

This week, please be praying for:
1. Monday is my kid’s first day of school. They are nervous.
2. Tuesday I’m very excited about meeting with a woman who is the booking agent for the shows at a couple of casinos on the Strip and owns/runs a dinner theater on the Strip.
3. Wednesday I fly to Alabama where I’ll be speaking at a Youth Convention.

Okay people, you’ve been briefed.