My inbox is PINGING off the hook with Happy Birthday Facebook notifications. Better get this post done!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0cHKraQh5o

First of all, I feel pretty amazing for forty two years old. I ran a mile today with a pace of 7mph, which isn’t too shabby for an old fart like me. But let’s get into the good stuff.

1. My greatest accomplishments in life.

What am I most proud of? It’s easy to figure out the list toppers:

My family.

By the grace of God, Shauna and I have built a Christ-centred, loving, creative, fun, and intimate marriage. Over the years we’ve raised three amazing kids. We aren’t perfect, by any stretch—and neither are our chillun’. But the way we talk stuff through, fight stuff out, cuddle, laugh, play, and learn together is far more than I prayed for before this all began.

My ministry.

We’re currently in the thick of good things at Dalhousie Community Church, and what’s closest to my heart is the rich community we’ve built with so many other amazing people. Our Life Group (and several others at DCC) have multiplied into two groups since we began. I think we’re poised to multiply both groups this coming year, Lord willing. I love you guys so much!

Second, our nine years at Winkler M.B. Church. When we arrived, there were about forty-five youth. When we left, there were forty-five leaders. Kids came to Jesus. Countless kids baptized. Married. Their children dedicated. Many of the youth serving as youth leaders after graduation. God helped us build a community of serving and Jesus-loving that blows my mind, even today.

My writing.

My first published book, Take the Plunge: Journey Into Prayer was really exciting. I wrote it for my youth group and it was picked up by our denominational publisher and had a decent run in our Mennonite Brethren Circles.

Finding Home: A Parable of Kingdom Life came next, a self-published novella that did fine here in North America but was picked up by Neufeld Verlag, a German Publisher. It’s now in it’s third printing over there without any help from me. I never dreamed I was writing for Germans, but I’m thankful to Jesus for the crazy opportunity this has given me. I’m still hearing stories of lives being changed.

2. My dreams.

I dream of catalyzing a kingdom movement here in Calgary that leads thousands of people to Jesus. I dream of DCC “taking off” and planting clusters of satellite churches that plant more churches.

There are currently seven books in my brain waiting to be written: A sci-fi, two speculative fiction thrillers, a classic thriller, a fantasy, and two non-fiction books revolving around my time travel concept. I dream of getting those books published and more I haven’t thought of yet. I dream they will change countless lives and engage people with Christ in deeper ways than they could have ever imagined.

I dream of the Geek Faith Tribe numbering in the thousands, becoming a place where Geeks of faith find a home and encouragement for being themselves wherever they are.

3. My Tribe.

Since it’s my birthday, can I ask you for a favour? Or two?

1. Pray for me today. whatever God lays on your heart. I’d love it if you posted the prayer as a comment.

2. Share this blog or the Geek Faith Tribe on Facebook. It will help my dreams come true.

Have a great day. I know I will.