Thanks to everyone who made it to SW Hills Baptist Church in Beaverton, OR this past weekend.  And thanks to all who prayed for us!

We believe the Lord is using this 2-day conference to AWAKEN His people to the beauty and truth of God’s distinct design in manhood and womanhood…AFFIRM the institution of and honor due marriage…and issue a call to AMEND our lives accordingly on the courtship road…

If any of you RS 08 alumni had forgotten or were wondering about the RockSolid 2008 Memory Book, I just flipped through it again and was so blessed.  It’s exciting to dream about where the Lord is leading RockSolid into the future…and how faithful He has been to us in bringing us this far.

Just the quotes from some of the teaching during the week brings back such powerful reminders of how the Word of God and the passionate teaching that gets dumped on you during the week of RockSolid…is still affecting my life today.

Here’s a taste:

“God, in His sovereign goodness, has placed you here in this time and place in history for a specific purpose.  He has Creator rights on your life.  ‘Come and share in your Master’s joy’.  You want to live your life to hear those words.”

- Josh McPherson, Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church and Founder of RockSolid, RS 08

“The root of sin is desire for something or someone other than God himself….Sin management always leads to sin magnification.  Christians must view sin accurately to fight accordingly.”

“God is the perfection of everything a good father should be.  What you do not find or receive in your earthly father…can only be found in God — the Perfect Father.”

- Adam James, Director of RockSolid, RS 08

“Holiness is the thread that flows through everything God says and does…Holiness is the standard by which God loves people and judges sin…What difference could it make in our lives if we experienced the presence of a Holy God?”

- Greg McPherson, Founder & President of Life-Trac Family Ministries, RS 08

“You need to preach the gospel to yourself everyday…You cannot hope to be authentically Christian without being meaningfully worldly…Our life is not to be an experiment in self indulgence.  We are here for the accomplishment of a mission.  Apart from that orientation, life does not make sense.”

- Dr. Art Azurdia, Western Seminary, RS 08

RockSolid 2009 is taking place June 14-20 at George Fox University in Newberg, OR.  Early registration discounts are still available!  Sign up by February 28!  Get a friend to sign up by March 31 and double your discount!  Help us spread the word…

MORE INFO HERE

Here’s a prayer request for all our supporters and those interested in the growing ministry of the RockSolid Conference:

• Pray that the Lord would help us spread the word about RS.

• Pray that the Lord will draw the young men and women and families to apply who He intends to affect through this ministry.

You can help us spread the word by sharing this website/blog and RS Conference information with those you know.  Point them to the “Catching Up with RS Alumni” series here on the blog for testimonies from students.

The early registration deadline is December 31, 2008.

Don’t wait to have conversations or make plans, start today!

What a great weekend!

Thank you to everyone who made the journey to Cashmere.  The entire Life-Trac team was greatly blessed by the fellowship with you all.

In addition, I feel it appropriate to hand out a few more “thank you’s” to some of the folks behind the scenes who made it all possible.  Inevitably, I’ll leave someone out I shouldn’t - so I’ll apologize in advance if that’s the case.

These all put in a ton of time and work into making everything happen (in no particular order):

• Bev Patrick - thanks Bev for all your extra work with FF!  It was a joy working with you on this!
• Greg & Candy McPherson - loading/unloading, attention to detail, general oversight, Q & A, the list goes on!
• Carey & Tarah McPherson - thanks Carey for leading us in worship!  thanks Tarah for helping behind the scenes!
• Caitlin Peterson - My sister-in-law who was taking the pics - thank you so much!
• Mike & Linda Bushy - the RS reunion was perfect - tons of work - thanks so much!
• Ray McPherson - the all around amazing tech/sound/servant…wow…thanks Ray.
• The Bierlinks - kitchen/snack/drink - thank you!
• Mary Haehl - set up, book table - we’re not even scratching the surface of your interior design expertise!
• Leanne & John Stewart - thanks for helping load/unload/set up!
• Julie Mugg - thanks for volunteering in the office during the week and at the conference!
• Becky Eichler & Susan Martin - collate, copy, staple, stuff, repeat!!  (or something like that, right?!)  Wow, thanks!
• Kent & Patty McMullen - Q & A, mc, comedic relief! Love you guys, great job…
• Kyle McMullen - thanks for helping lead us in worship and for swinging into town for us…
• Stennes Orchards - two boxes of delicious apples!  Thank you!
• Heidi Jones - thanks for helping with registration Heidi! (and for the “if women controlled the world” email forward I was able to work into the Friday night manhood/womanhood lesson!) 
• The many others who helped by making cookies, cleaning up, and serving in other ways - THANK YOU!

I’ll be posting pictures and more follow-up info in the coming days and weeks.  Keep checking back and leave comments so others see who’s hanging out around the RS Blog!

aj

We are very excited for this coming weekend’s Finding a Mate - Forging a Love Conference, followed by a RockSolid Reunion for our 2008 alumni and families!

Here are five reasons why I’m excited:

1. The Content

It’s hugely important.  And It’s a lot of fun.  It affects everyone, everywhere on planet earth.  Men & Women, Boys & Girls - you’re one or the other and that’s the God-designed truth.  It’s critical, front line stuff for the Church, Family and our surrounding culture.

2. The People

I’m excited to re-connect with old friends and meet new ones.  Young people, parents, families - great conversations, real questions, real needs.  I love events like this, where we gather around stuff that matters and share our lives, prayer and the Word of God with each other.  It’s amazing that a sense of community can emerge so quickly when united around shared convictions.

3. My Friend Josh

Ok, I won’t get sentimental here, and no, Josh didn’t put me up to this.  But the truth is I love doing ministry with the guy.  He’s a good brother.  And I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now, if he hadn’t kicked the ball off center and got RS and FF going.  Attending conferences, and now putting them on with Josh have produced some of the greatest memories and made a significant impact on my life.

4. The Place

Cashmere is a great place.  The Riverside Center is a cool facility.  I just like it here, feels like home.  And I like sharing it with folks from out of the area (Portland, Tacoma, Arkansas!!).

5. The Time of Year

The Fall Season in Wenatchee, Cashmere, Leavenworth and the surrounding area is tough to beat.  For those of you traveling over Hwy 2 and Steven’s Pass - every mile is a brilliant postcard of beauty.  Soak up the wonder of God’s glory in creation with the changing of seasons.

Please pray for all involved and if you’re coming, come hungry for the Word!

aj