It’s time to Celebrate! Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. turns 10 years old! Happy 10 Year Anniversary!!!!!! Wow! Ten years ago, on June 1st, I began working full-time in ministry. The day before, I’d fearfully and tearfully left my CPA job behind, along with the financial security that came with it, to launch full-time into what I strongly sensed God calling me into. I was uncertain how it would work out or if I could survive … [Read more...]
Book Recommendations
These books are great tools for personal growth and development, and wonderful mentoring tools. I generally try to recommend books I think everyone (or at least every Christian) should read at some point. These three books fit that distinction. Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home by Richard Foster This is the best book on prayer I’ve ever read. I’ve been re-reading it recently and am reminded what a rich, heart-felt book it is. As I … [Read more...]
Who Is Allison Barton?
Who is Allison Barton? “I was born and raised in an amazing Christian family who always supported me in all facets of my life. Having experienced healthy relationships throughout my twenty nine years of life has left me feeling beyond lucky. “In 6th grade I asked Jesus into my heart. “I went to the Dominican Republic on two mission trips with my family in high school and was involved in the youth group. I attended Azusa … [Read more...]
Randy On Video? Yikes!
Blocks and Barriers Illustration on Video: Last September, I had the privilege of being part of a Mentor Training class at Mission Church in Roselle. The staff made a video of each session. Here is a clip of me sharing one mentoring tool I sometimes use in the work I do. I hope you’ll take some time after watching it to identify some of your own blocks and barriers to receiving love and letting love flow freely. Note: It’s so hard for me … [Read more...]
Belated Christmas Letter!
Oops. I nearly had this finished at Christmas time. Then time got away on me. Better late than never? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I haven’t written a Christmas letter in many years. It’s often hard for me to write another letter after writing monthly ministry updates throughout the year and mailing all those year-end ministry support letters. This year, I have some extra energy, so here’s a sneak peek into my life … [Read more...]
Jason’s Take Down
When I first met Jason, he was part of a core group of people who were planting a new church. He oversaw and led small groups, greeted people in the lobby, and worked in the insurance field (not his passion). I could always count on Jason to provide me with a laugh whenever I visited the church. He was outgoing, playful, passionate, loyal, truth-telling, and had a big heart for God’s adventurers. I could tell he would be a leader worth … [Read more...]
Michael Breaks Free!
“My name is Michael Swalley. I serve full-time in Break Free Ministries, a ministry that uses breakdancing to reach out to young men in urban areas, most of whom are fatherless. "This ministry is based upon building relationships. Breakdancing is an effective way to enter into the lives of a very diverse group of young men. "It is our desire to see disciples made by putting ourselves in position to invest in people one-on-one. It is … [Read more...]
The Red Zone
The Red Zone (in Kevin’s Words): “Seven years ago I started hanging out at a rundown apartment complex in my neighborhood. The local police had labeled it a ‘red zone,’ because it had the highest concentration of crime and poverty in the area. “God showed me something different. I saw a neighborhood and a group of people loved by Jesus—a place where God was about to do something new. “I will never forget the day God gave me a prayer and a … [Read more...]
Mentor Training Session
Mentor Training: Wow! The above brochure/advertisement looks pretty official, especially with my jacket-cover-like pose! I had the honor and privilege of leading an hour long session at a mentor training event at a local church, near the end of this month. It’s such a joy to be able to pass on some of the things I’ve learned over the years to kindred spirits whose hearts beat strong for spiritual mentoring/discipleship. I believe … [Read more...]
Passing It On – 4 Generations!
Passing It On! One of the keys in disciple-making is equipping people to pass on what they have received. It’s the hope of this ministry that the people we are investing in will go out and invest in others, who will in turn go out and do the same. A Real Life Legacy Example – Four Generations…so far! For a number of years, this ministry invested in a woman name Andrea. Andrea is a natural spiritual mentor, who invests regularly in … [Read more...]
Infertility and Miscarriages
When God’s Plans Aren’t Our Plans: There has been a recent wave of young people I meet with who have been struggling with infertility issues or miscarriages in their marriages. It is heart-breaking for couples who deeply desire to raise a family (and who would be great parents, in my opinion) not to be able to have children. It’s an extra sting when they see people all around them getting pregnant easily and having healthy babies … [Read more...]
A Young Man’s Father Wounds
"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21) "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) Erick’s Father Wounds: Erick grew up with a loyal, committed father who made his family a priority. His dad camped, fished, and spent time with his children regularly. It had the potential of being ideal – a … [Read more...]