xxxchurch, Las Vegas

Date 1.19.08

We at tides proudly support a ministry called xxxchurch.com.  It is an internet based church that helps people with pornography addiction by providing free accountability software.  One of their ministries is attending adult entertainment conventions with the intention of handing out Bibles and sharing the good news. 

Last week Deb and I set out to meet the folks from xxxchurch in Las Vegas.  Our church staff loaded 4,000 Bibles into the back of our car and then prayed over them before we hit the road!  Our prayers consisted of asking God to put each one of the bibles into hands that would read them.  We also prayed for God’s word not to return Void. 

We knew we would have a target on our backs as we drove to Las Vegas with so much precious cargo.  So we continued to pray the whole way that we would arrive without incident.  Well….  we made it!  They don’t call me the miracle man for nothing. 

The stage was set the Bibles were stacked in the booth, just one thing left, Go!  I was reminded of Christ’s words in Matthew 28 when He said GO into all the world proclaiming the good news!  Did He have the porn shows in mind?  He must have because He was right there with us. 

We had the most amazing conversations with those in the industry along with conference goers and consumers.  A lot of people ask me is it hard to be in the show with all of the scenery around you.  The answer is, at times.  I am afraid no one would believe me if I said no.  I am reminded of quote from J. Vernon McGee, “He said I can preach to naked people just as easy as I can clothed people.  It’s my responsibility to share and God’s responsibility to put their clothes on”.  Mind you he said that about a youth summer camp that he spoke at in the 50’s when they started letting the girls wear one pieces.

The fact of the matter is when you ask God to see through His eyes He shows you all of the brokenness and sadness that these people are feeling.  The outer facade quickly fades away and your heart starts to break with the things that breaks Gods heart!

I was the most impressed with my wife who showed such a compassion and tenderness for these girls.  I would look over and see her in engaging conversations and in prayer and then watch her defend her faith to a bunch of heretics!  Pretty cool!

By the end of the week we were exhausted physically and spiritually but our stack of Bibles was gone!  We had done it 4 days and 4,000 Bibles!  The word was scattered all that needs to happen now is for the Holy Spirit to complete the work. 

Thank you for all of your prayers.  It feels great to be home and sleeping in our own bed again.  We take so much for granted.  There are so many others out there who have no hope!  We should never stop thinking of new ways to bring those who are far from God near to Him!