In 1983, Deborah was told for the first time that she had cancer. Sadly, she would be told this awful news four more times throughout her lifetime. At the time of her first diagnosis, she didn’t know she was pregnant. The doctors recommended chemotherapy, without checking for pregnancy. Deborah refused, because she sensed God telling her not to go through with it. If she had gone through with it, it would have killed her unborn son, … [Read more...]
Where Is Justin Now?
Where Is Justin Now? I first highlighted Justin in my June, 2009 update. At the time, Justin considered himself a nomad, who had spent two years in Afghanistan, two years in Taiwan, and one year riding his bicycle from his home in Oklahoma to the southernmost tip of South America (approximately 12,000 miles). Wow! Then he ended up in Chicago, where he got an even tougher workout through Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc.! Five years … [Read more...]
Louis Is Set Free In Prison!
How could Louis be set free in prison? Louis Dooley's Story: “When I was fifteen years old, my father was murdered – a drug deal gone bad. Suddenly, the street life of East St. Louis seemed to be the only thing that fulfilled the hurt inside me. I started smoking up, selling drugs, fighting, and carrying guns. My life was spiraling out of control. “When I was 19 years old, I was convicted of armed robbery and attempted murder, and … [Read more...]
Check Out Legacy Shepherding’s New Web-Site!
Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. has a new web-site! Rather than have you spend time reading an update this month, I'd love to have you take a look around the new site. Check it out! Special thanks to Brian Steck and Kolten at Steck Insights Web Design. I'd definitely recommend them. They are incredibly helpful and responsive. They made this process flow like a warm knife through butter. In His Love, Randy … [Read more...]
Legacy in the NFL, an African Adoption, and a Career Change
Mentoring in the NFL: Mentoring in the NFL? Is Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. expanding into the NFL? I’m not sure what God’s up to. Back in August of 2013, I began meeting with a young man, named TJ Moe, who had recently been signed with the New England Patriots as a wide receiver. TJ had been a star at the University of Missouri. He had three of the top times in the 2013 Combine, as well as the most bench press reps of any wide … [Read more...]
Peep’s Are Published!
Two Legacy Alumni have recently had their writings published! Wow! It’s heartwarming and inspiring to watch God continuing to grow and flourish the people we have invested in over the years. I believe that some of what is currently happening in their lives is due in part to the work The Lord started in the past through this ministry. Way to go, God! And way to go, You, for your prayers and support that made it possible. Uma Girish's … [Read more...]
A Transformational Men’s Group
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” – James 5:16a Undefended, Vulnerable Sharing: Over twenty years ago, I heard Becky Pippert speak. In her talk that day, she shared about an experience she’d had of attending an AA meeting with a friend of hers. In the meeting, people shared the worst, most ugly things about themselves. Somehow through their undefended, vulnerable sharing and … [Read more...]
The Kingdom of God/Heaven is like…
One week this past month I did a spiritual exercise I haven't done before. It's inspired by Jesus' use of the statement, "The kingdom of God/heaven is like..." Whenever Jesus used that phrase, he finished the statement using an analogy related to ordinary things or occurrences from everyday life. The Kingdom of God/Heaven is like... A man who sowed good seed in his field...(Matt 13:24, Mark 4:26) A mustard seed...(Matt 13:31, Mark 4:31, … [Read more...]
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Breaking News: I recently received some exciting news: Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. is now an enrolled organization in Thrivent Choice! And you may be able to help Legacy Shepherding receive a contribution. What is Thrivent Choice? Thrivent Choice is a charitable grant program that allows eligible members of Thrivent Financial to recommend where Thrivent Financial distributes part of its charitable outreach grant funds each … [Read more...]
Mentor Training
A Heartfelt Testimonial: One evening, while he was leading a gathering of around 70 people, Tommy Bowman was brought to tears as he described the impact that being the recipient of spiritual mentoring has had on his life and ministry; how he wasn’t sure he’d be able to do the work he’s doing without that sacred space - just for him - to be known, loved, and challenged. The room was hushed as he paused and openly wept. There seemed to be a … [Read more...]
Time Magazine Wrote An Article About My Friend In Prison
William David Linley served his country faithfully in the military for seventeen years, now he struggles with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and is serving sixteen years in prison after being in a 10 hour stand-off/shoot-out with the police on September 22, 2006. Time magazine is telling his story in their recent publication. You can click on the cover picture or link at the bottom to read the Time article. A Brief History: I met … [Read more...]
A Christmas Surprise!
The First Update of 2014: I hope you are having a wonderful start to the new year. For me, there is something life-giving about a new start each year, like a blank slate with endless possibilities. What will we choose to co-create with God in 2014? I’m excited to find out. A Christmas Surprise: A couple I know surprised me around Christmas time with the personal gift of a new camera, as well as the accessories that go with it! I was … [Read more...]