Kamel...

I dont think I have ever felt the Spirit of the Lord so present as I have tonight. As I write, it is 1AM, and I have just finished up an hour and a half conversation with a man named Kamel. Kamel is hurting. Spiritually. Physically. Emotionally. As I approched him at the front door of Amelies, he was stumbling. I had just got done speaking with a distraught homosexual guy that was really unreceptive to a conversation of any kind. He had just had a huge fight with his friend, and had his head down crying outside at a table alone. We briefly talked and as the conversation went nowhere I asked him if I could pray for him, and he responded with "no, I'm good." I was a little down, as I was really praying that this would be an opportunity to share the gospel. Thats when I saw Kamel, looking to me as a typical drunk man trying to hold himself up. Not really looking to get into deep conversation with him, but to lend a helping hand and make sure he didnt fall, I asked if he needed help. As we chatted, I suddenly realized that I was in for a supernatural encounter...

Kamel is a Muslim man from Lebanon. He loves American football and enjoys playing basketball. He has lived in Charlotte for most of his "American life" but has also lived in Toledo, New York, Indiana, and Detroit. His favorite food is Subway, and although he loves salt, does not put it on his food anymore. Kamel also suffered a crippling stroke about two weeks ago, which is why he was stumbling trying to  walk to his car, which by the way, is also his home right now. A 50 something year old man completely broke down in my arms and brought me to tears. His parents are dead, and he has no family whatsoever. He was at the end of his rope, and had contemplated suicide. He has very little money, and works where and how he can to afford gas to keep his car running on hot days/cold nights. He could barely move his left arm, but was so happy to show me his progress, and the fact that he defied the doctors and was able to even walk. He broke down in tears every few minutes and thanked me for stopping to talk to him, as I had been the only person to talk to him all day. Throughout the conversation, I was able to sharte the fact that I was a believer of Christ, and was able to share the gospel message to him. He was so open and receptive to what I was saying, and just kept thanking me for caring enough to show concern for him. He said that he was afraid to die, and I got the share the hope of Christ, and the way He conquered death. I cannot tell you how amazing this time was just pouring myself into a person with no hope whatsoever. Before he left, he gave me the opportunity to lay hands on him and pray over the stroke-crippled arms and hands of his, and sobbed as I asked Christ to heal him through His power, and that He would restore hope in him through physical and emotional provisions. (this was such an awesome sight at the front door of Amelies) This was the power of the gospel.

I pray that as you read this, God is laying on your hearet to help me reach this man. I dont know what is going to happen, but I am meeting him back here tomorrow night, and told him that through Christ, I was obligated to help him. I need help you guys. I want to provide him with a Subway card so he can buy some meals, and a gas card so he can have a little to run his car. I have no clue about the medical bills, as I'm guessing his bills are probably going to be written off, but I asked him what needs I could meet for him, and the first thing he said was a gym membership. A little taken back, I finally got what he was asking (through his broken English) and he was self-rehabbing, and the medical rehab place had kicked him out after the second day. All he wanted was a membership of any kind to a gym off Central Avenue so he could rehab his arms and legs. He later broke down and admitted that any place to stay was a need of his as well, although he was grateful to have a car to live in. My heart was broken, as I saw the result of years and years of hopelesness finally taken a toll on his spirit and soul. This was why I was sent here tonight. This is why the gospel exists.

I ask for specific personal prayers for Kamel, as the seed of the gospel has been planted in his heart. I pray that Christ uses me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to show him His love, and the hope of salvation through Him.

This is the power of the gospel...

                                                      -Trey

Change of plans...

I sit here writing this right now from the atrium at Amelies Bakery in NoDa. I'll be honest, it was a rough day for me personally, and after a long time of prayer and reflection on the way home, a little time spent with my family, a hard workout at the gym, and a long conversation with my freind Zack, I came up here to reflect, read, write, and recharge myself (with help from a large espresso roast French press I might add...) As I sit here, observing the people around me, I can't help but notice that the creative juices have been completely wiped out tonight, and I am wrestling with some things. I feel compelled to share the gospel, and connect with others. It is not something that comes natural for me, but it is something that, as a follower of Christ, and a recipient of unmerited grace, I am called to do. My heart is racing right now as I think about what God has been orchestrating in my life, as well as those around me, to bring me to this exact place in time, for His sake. I would ask that as you read this, you not only pray for my boldness and obedience to the great commision, but that the conversations that I have in the next few minutes/hours would be fruitful and Christ-centered. Pray for the seed of the gospel to penetrate broken, hurting lives and reconcile, by His merit, sinful souls to the holiness of the Father. He must increase, I must decrease...

                                                                                                    -Trey

A renewed vision...

Where do I even start with this one? It has been very long since my last post, and a lot has changed in my life. Looking back, I haven't posted anything since before we had our second boy, Mack. What a blessing, (and lifestyle change) he has been! Everyone said that having multiple children changes everything, and were they ever right. We have moved houses (again), and Julie has a new job. You don't realize just how much your life has changed, and how God has brought you through so many circumstances, until you stop, look back, and reflect on just where you are...It's funny how you worry about change, and through the good and the bad, you just "live life" and God works out all the details without you even realizing what is happening. Being a father to two little boys has been incredible. The joy that they bring to both my life, and Julie's is overwhelming. God has truly blessed us beyond measure with their presence, health, and laughter. It is hard to even remember what it was like with just one, much less without both of them. (I vaguely recall more money and more free time...) Julie has been such an incredible mother, friend, and champion in our household through everything. I truly don't know how she has the strength and will to do all she does most days, and she has such an amazing spirit through the good, as well as the challenging times. I thank God every day that He brought her into my life, and that through His providence, He has made us one in Him.

As for me, recently God has been challenging me in ways like never before. Through a lot of the changes I listed previously, as well as some other external factors, I hate to say, but I (some necessarily) had buried many of my passions, desires, and cast visions. Although just a season, it was still difficult to go through. Music, worship, artistic outlets, service to the church and community, discipleship, etc... they all were put on the back burner of priorities in my life. I think in the name of being responsible, I abandoned my First Love. I still struggle with what a healthy balance looks like between my professional career, personal life, family relationships, and marriage, but recently, I have given everything, including the "plan" I had mentally for my life, a re-evaluation, and have re-examined everything in light of the gospel, and how it hold up to the authority of scripture. What I have found is that it is both the scariest, and most freeing action you can take. As the leader of my household, I want nothing more than stability and comfort for my family, but as a child of God, I know that the pressure and weight I was putting on myself, and my vision for our family, while seemingly healthy, was not the radical faith-based vision that God has for us. A tough pill to swallow, but how awesome our God! I am currently in the middle of vision casting, praying, and sorting through God's will for my life, as well as my family's. I would covet your prayers during this time, as I seek God's direction for me.

On a side note, Julie and I have really focused on our health, lifestyle, and eating habits, and by support from family, friends, discipline, and encouraging each other, we have made the first steps in getting ourselves back healthy for both ourselves and our children, but also to glorify God in everything we do. We feel better than we have in a long time, and as we continue our journey, we ask for prayers and support as well. (just don't send brownies...)

God has burdened my heart with so many things, and many more topics, and I plan to blog on a more frequent basis, as to keep everyone up to date with what God is doing in my life, and in the everyday life of my family. We love each and every one of you, and look forward to what God has in store for us...

-Trey