The past few days have been tough. The news of Pastor Ted Haggard's resignation from the NAE and New Life Church as well as all of the accusations flying and his confessions to some "sexual indiscretion" have left me sick. The only category of shock that I can compare it to is the way I felt watching the twin towers come down. I know that Pastor Ted's moral failure is in no way as terrible as all of those who perished in the 911 attacks. The similarity is in the way that both events felt like a punch in my stomach. It has consumed my thoughts the last few days. We have several students that have graduated or are currently attending leadership programs at Ted Haggards church, and my heart goes out to them. We pray for them to find peace in this storm to find their center in the presence of God and allow Him to bring forgiveness and healing. Dorie and I have been praying for Ted's wife Gayle and their children and I would ask you to pray as well.
Two things the Lord is speaking to me as I pray through this:
1. Bryan, there is never a time in your walk that you become immune to sin. Satan is crouching at the door and you must stay on guard and maintain a "battle" mindset lest you relax and are devoured. But know that My Spirit will give you a way out in every temptation, and the strength to take it!
2. Be quick to actively forgive him. Honor the work God has done through him, and focus on that rather than the sin.

The church is known for shooting its wounded, in order to change this mindset we must actively seek to forgive and restore those who have fallen. We must err on the side of love instead of punishment.

Well it is late and I am getting ready for service tomorrow. Tomorrow, Ted's church will be reading a letter of explanation and apology as well as a letter of encouragement from his wife Gayle. The church website will probably publish it: http://www.newlifechurch.org/

Just want to brag on the interns for a minute. We did our first few services together today as a whole team, and they did great. I was very proud of Randa, Christina, Sarah, and Elizah for being so clear and passionate while sharing their testimonies. They held a prop in their hands while they spoke about what kept them from really pursuing the call of God on their lives and then when they finished sharing they broke the prop and threw it into a metal trash can...the shattering glass got everyone's attention.
Manny-Fresh and Shank (Sean), you guys will forever be the audience "thrillers"-no one can get the kids dancing like you did.
Angela, your demon was particularly menacing today during the skit-maybe that is why you attacked me with your water bottle today...I think you need to see our campus counselor Dave.
Everyone had a great attitude overall and served well. One example I observed was after lunch. We had done two high energy services and just ate a filling lunch so when enterd the chapel for our third service we pretty much all just wanted to sit around a little. Instead of just relaxing, Elizah offered to take over vacuuming for one of the school janitors. We have been talking about serving others and your actions personified the heart of our team and Global Passion--Great Job.