“For this reason I kneel before the Father, for whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name…[Our Father] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine… To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen!”
Ephesians 3:14, 20-21

Before Sunday Service in Chicago, Chris Broom, his son Austin and Kip celebrate Kip’s 55th birthday, entitling him to the“Denny’s Senior Discount!”

This past month has been spiritually exhilarating, yet Elena and I have had an extremely rigorous schedule! Upon our return in early May from our around-the-world missionary trip, we celebrated six birthdays – my daughter, my sister, my dad, my mother-in-law, my father-in-law and my birthday! I was blessed to enjoy my 55th birthday – and for the very first time take advantage of the Denny’s “Senior Discount Breakfast” – while participating in a Spiritual Enrichment Weekend with our sister church in Chicago! Elena and I also attended two graduations, one of which was my niece’s, who graduated from her high school as one of the valedictorians! Though we celebrated Mother’s Day with a great deal of fanfare, Father’s Day has snuck up on me.

Through the years, as I have had the opportunity to interact with so many wonderful families from so many countries, I have become all the more grateful for my father – Thomas Wayne McKean. Dad was born in Montpelier, Indiana on May 18, 1928. His character was molded through the Great Depression and through being away from his parents during much of WWII, as his father – who was in the US Army – was stationed in Texas. After graduating from Indiana University, Dad entered the US Navy and served our country for 32 years. His valor and organizational abilities propelled him to the rank of a two star Admiral! His last tour of duty was as Operations General for the entire US Navy Medical/Dental Corps – overseeing and inspecting Naval hospitals and ships around the world.

My father became one of my heroes! I not only tried to imitate my dad’s integrity and code of ethics, but also his deep love for his family. Dad and Mom have been married for almost 57 years! As a child, I realized that I could “slide by with things” with my mother; but if Dad found out about it, then there would be consequences! Yet, he always disciplined me, as well as my younger brother and sister, looking out for our well being. Many years later, this allowed me to understand Hebrews 12, which guided me during my most challenging and painful years as a Christian. The Scriptures teach, “Endure all hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons… Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our Spirit and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful… It produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Now at 81 years old, my dad is one of my closest friends, advisors and confidantes. In these ways, I strive to “honor [my] father.” (Exodus 20:12)...

“Go into all the world” was Jesus’ last challenge to the faithful eleven. Before most of them would die for the cause, the Spirit – through Paul – confirms their obedience, “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing… This gospel has been proclaimed to every creature under Heaven.” (Colossians 1:6, 23) The great commission was not only the motivating vision for the first century church, but also it is our dream for the twenty-first century church! Biannually, the SoldOut Movement Churches celebrate a Jubilee where all the disciples in God’s new movement from all over the world strive to come together in Los Angeles. In the alternating years, a Global Leadership Conference convenes in different cities. (Lord willing, in 2011, we will meet in London, England!) This year, we are focusing on campus ministry and have called a special Campus Congress. Prayerfully, our college students worldwide will draw closer to God and to each other, thus forging relationships that will last a lifetime, and knit God’s movement with the bonds of love. For Sunday Worship on August 2, 2009, the Global Leadership Conference and the Campus Congress will meet with the City of Angels Church. In the evening, there will be a delicious banquet for all the participants of the Conference and the Congress. Monday, we will meet in separate seminars. Tuesday morning, we will all be back together for the Men’s and Women’s Programs and the concluding inspirational charge to “go into all the world!”

Registration for both the Global Leadership Conference and the Campus Congress is $95. Registration for most participants will be administrated by the church leadership in each of our congregations. However, if you are not a member of one of our congregations and would enjoy attending, please email Michele Williamson for more information at michele@caicc.net or call 503-320-7760. Accommodations for these days, is the responsibility of each participant. The Sheraton is offering an incredible deal of $129 per night for the nights during the conference, as well as three days prior and three days after this event. To receive this discount you may register online at: Click Here for Reservations or call 1-800-325-3535 and ask for the Global Leadership Conference rate. Let us pray that this historic gathering will greatly accelerate the evangelization of the nations in this generation! And to God be the glory! - Kip McKean

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Michael and Michelle Williamson

Our brother Paul hammers home the point that losers quit when they are tired, but winners quit when they have won! Paul makes 11 references to athletics in his letters. This would have been especially meaningful to the Corinthians, because their city was the center for the Isthmian Games, second in prestige to the ancient Olympics. In the 1 Corinthian 9 passage, Paul illustrates his points with analogies from arena competitions – runners, gladiators and boxers. The thrust of Paul’s teaching was that to win in sports it takes everything! How much more so spiritually?...