Can you help the lower room?

Please head over to the lower room blog to see how you might be able to help us out.

George Barna on "the Revolutionaries"

This mp3 is "hijacked" from Keith Broadbent's podcast "Peaceful Turtles." It's an eyeopening look into what is going on in the church.

Link to mp3

iStar 16 - January 22, 2006

Ray Renner - "Rebuilding and Re-engaging"

Download rebuilding_and_reengaging.MP3

iStar14- January 8, 2006

Ray Renner - "Design and Destiny"
Download design_and_destiny.MP3

iStar 15 - January 15, 2006

Some observations by Ray...
Download istar_15_jan_15_2006.MP3

iStar-13 - Christmas Eve, 2005

Rather than just bring you the message, we'd like to share our Christmas Eve service with you, complete with music. May you know the reality of Jesus' love for YOU this Christmas.
Download christmas_eve_2005.MP3

iStar-12 - December 18, 2005

Ray Renner - "The Coming of the King and His Kingdom"
Download istar12_december_18_2005.MP3

iStar-11 - December 11, 2005

Ray Renner - "Unto Us A Child Is Born"
Download istar11_december_11_2005.MP3

Missionary Kidnapped & Released

This past week was eventful to say the least in the life of Phillip Snyder, co-founder and president of GLOW Ministries, International. Glow is a missionary organization serving Haiti, the poorest nation in the western hemisphere as well as other nations around the globe. Phillip was in Haiti on a mission to bring a young Haitian boy (Shelton) back to the states for a much needed eye surgery. On Thursday Dec. 1st Phillip and Shelton were kidnapped while on their way to the American Embassy in Port Au Prince to obtain a medical visa for Shelton. During the kidnapping Phillip was wounded by gunfire directed at his vehicle by the kidnappers.

Philip's son Chad, also serving in Haiti as a missionary, was immediately thrust into the role of negotiator/intermediary in conjunction with the FBI. The kidnappers were demanding a ransom of $300,000.00. After 36 hours or so of negotiations Phillip and Shelton were both released late on Friday afternoon.

As it turns out a small ransom was paid and was delivered by my long time friend Emmanus. After arriving at the kidnapper's location Emmanus had a gun put to his head until he retrieved the money from a sock where he had been hiding it. Thank you Emmanus for your courage in risking your own life for your Christian brother Phillip. 

Details of the actual kidnapping and release are slowly beginning to emerge. Today's Grand Rapids Press contains an article with the latest details.

We are rejoicing and thanking the Lord that Phillip and Shelton are safe. They both arrived in Michigan this week, Phillip to be reunited with his family and friends and Shelton to receive the eye surgery he needs.

Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

Blessings,

Ray

iStar-10 - December 4, 2005

Eli Renner -
Download istar10_december_4_2005.MP3