Forest Gump Was Right!

To quote my dear friend, Forest - Forest Gump, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get." As we set out on this weekend in Birmingham and Austin, we had no idea what was going to happen.

In Birmingham snow fell most of the day but the reports from Donnie and Cliff have been good for TEAM 413 at the Mercedes Expo. They anticipate tomorrow will be a big day as a lot of people stayed clear of the snow today. We pray that folks will be able to venture out tomorrow in order to go to the expo, pick up their packets, and visit the vendors.

Deep in the heart of Texas in Austin, the Palmer Events Center was abuzz today during the first day of the Austin Marathon Expo. We met people who have followed us on the web, on Facebook, and through our blog. This Social Media thing works! And, we got a chance to hang out with some folks who've been representing TEAM 413 for years. My wife, Kiki, and I set up the booth and then Josh Miner from San Antonio drove up to help us on this first day. Kevin & Sheila Beermann from South Dakota also stopped by to offer their help. They'll be back tomorrow.

Each time we go into an event, we never know how God will show up! Then, in the blink of an eye, it is revealed. Today's gift was through the generosity of people who only know us through the ministry. Folks like Josh, Kevin, and Sheila are the backbone of our ministry. They keep us moving forward. They hold us accountable because we know they expect us to be there for them each day through a word of encouragement or through prayer. I cherish those moments when God's "show up" is revealed. It makes me pause and reflect on why God has called us to do what we do with TEAM 413.

Wonderful folks like Cliff Buck and Donnie Maner make our life easier because we know that things are being taken care of back in Birmingham. We know that the gospel is being shared and that God is being glorified. I praise God for these fine people who have been placed in our path.

So, today --- we knew what we were gonna get! We got blessed because wonderful volunteers are helping us share the love of Christ from coast to coast. God bless all of you!

Under HIS Grace...

Chris