New Life Atlanta...

Sorry its been so long since I've posted. I never thought people would actually read this but after two requests for an update (taffy and Carrie baker) I thought I should post something.. About a month ago, I got the opportunity to lead worship at a New Life Ministries event in Atlanta GA, with Steve Aurterburn and his team, which are now my second family. The event was an intensive for Lose it for Life (an amazing program that deals with the heart aspects and the source of over eating) and Healing is a Choice (practical steps to healing). Steve came to Saddleback this last summer to talk about Lose it for life. It was right about the time when walk and worship was established. With that came the infamous song by former ambrosia rock star, David Pack. That song is now up for a Grammy :). Anyway, I've battled being overweight my whole life and I thought this program was just another quick fix and I would be back on the Cheesecake highway in no time. I was wrong, I started this program and learned that its not about food at all, its about comfort. I was eating for comfort and had my whole life. I have since lost 30 lbs (265 then, 235 now) and feel GREAT! Enough back story, I got a call from Joe Franklin at new life and he said, "John I was wondering if you might be interested in leading worship for an event in Atlanta", I said sure, he said, there's one catch, its next weekend. Which didn't surprise me all that much, after you are a part of a ministry at Saddleback Church, flexibility becomes everything to you. I agreed and was off to Atlanta. The whole staff kept giving me warnings about the way the people have responded to the worship at the first meeting in the past. These people look like they have lost all hope and are at the end of the road... I took their advice, but wasn't completely worried, After all I toured Germany with a group of singers in fall of 03' and nothing can be as bad as the crowds in Germany. They invented "straight face". The first session started and I shared a little bit about what I had gone through in my battle with weight loss and how Lose it for Life has helped me so much! There was an immediate trust built on both sides, which helped them be free in their worship... I think that its completely necessary to show a level of transparency from the platform so that people get to know you quickly and to keep them from feeling like you think your above them in any kind of way. Especially when its the first time you have seen them. Which we aren't above anyone at all, we are all the same, we've all got junk, so why act like you don't, its a waste of time!! The new life team made me feel right at home. They were so gracious with me. They really do feel like a second family and I cant wait to work with them again. The event was a huge success. I love the way that God brings things together, he planted something in me this last summer to try this program, little did I know I would be leading worship at an event for that exact thing 5 months later. for more info about new life ministries visit; www.newlifeministries.org