A Cannonball of Biblical Proportions

In the movie Ghostbusters, Bill Murray says that the New York City is headed for a catastrophe of 'biblical proportions.' I always loved that line. It recognizes the fact that the Bible has some crazy, unimaginable, supernatural stuff going on in it, and everyone knows it.

We’ve been praying for a Cannonball of Biblical proportions – AND THAT’S WHAT WE GOT. If you missed the announcement, our projected total for our Cannonball Generosity Initiative over the next two years is $27,597,427

And this weekend we collected a record offering of $610,251.48.

Cannonball, Cannonball, Cannonball!

We figure that if we hadn’t done this initiative, we would have maybe given $15 million in the next two years. But because our people saw a vision for what could be – we will be able to do so much more. Planting churches in Cuba, Indonesia, Ireland, and the States. Saving kids out of the slums of Nairobi. A safe house for girls caught in sex slavery. Helping kids out of the gangs of the inner city of Chicago. Adding a service at Lockport. Adding another “Lockport-type” campus. Adding a foyer and chapel and more parking and seats at Orland.

I want to thank the people who worked the hardest. My assistant, Jenny really ran point. She is amazing. Bill did a lot of extra work on this, as did Wayne and his finance team. Debbie Burk led the charge for the creative side. Karyn Purvis and her communications team made sure we communicated everything in a clear and compelling manner. In reality, everyone took on more work and responsibility to make this happen.

My initial response to the number was one of elation.

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” I Chronicles 29:14

I would like to tell you that I had nothing but faith that the people of Parkview would see this vision and come through. But it’s a hard time for generosity right now. So no one is happier than me!

My next emotion was humility. I can’t believe that God has allowed me to be a part of this miracle.

And all that turned to a deep sense of responsibility. “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Luke 12:48.

That means I just got 27.5 million new responsibilities.

I left Sunday night to spend a couple of days with my spiritual director\counselor and a few pastors. We’ve spent the entire time talking about finishing well. Now that I have 27.5 million new reasons to finish well, it was a great conversation. I want to be Billy Graham. I want to be my dad\uncle\father-in-law\mentors who have lived a pleasing life for God all the way through.

It all comes back to this…

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8

I’m walking on air right now, but that’s why this past weekend’s sermon was so important. I need your prayer, we need your prayer. The Dragon is waging war because of Christmas. Go here to watch it if you weren’t there – one of my favorite Christmas sermons ever. The Untold Story – A War Story

WE HAVE TO REMAIN IN JESUS – NOW MORE THAN EVER.

There are some great stories on the Cannonball website - Share Your Story

And we want to keep making December a big first splash. You can give here – Online Giving. Do what you can to help us get a head start on this first wave.

And if you haven’t made a Cannonball Commitment, it’s not too late to Jump In and Make Waves. You can make your Cannonball Pledge online here – Cannonball Pledge Form.

The Dragon is real, but OBVIOUSLY!! Jesus is the King!!

Tim

Comments

[db]

can you say S.P.L.A.S.H!?!?! Praising the giver all good things for working in the hearts of His PCC peeps. Chills & tears and a grateful heart that we get to be a part of this. Thank you for leading us.

[Jill Shea]

Your sermon last weekend of 'The Untold Story - A War Story' is my absolute favorite! Why? Not your typical Christmas story and never heard it taught like this before. I'm sharing with others, thank you SO much!