Look how big Elijah has gotton!

He's back!

Sorry it's been so long since my last post but life's been pretty crazy lately with all that's going on in Dville and the newest addition to the melancon family. Elijah Ethan Melancon was born on February 21st at abput 6 in the evening after my incredible wife labored for about 20 hours. He was 20 inches long and weighed 6 lbs and 9 ozs(although he already weighs over 10 lbs) What an awesome experience, its indescribable. God is so awesome.

Any way I have made my way back to the blogosphere.

Take a Timeout!

Do this. Do that. Run here. Run there. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life, especially in ministry, we can get so busy doing things "for God" that it's easy to lose your enthusiasm for the simple things like climbing up in you Heavenly Father's lap and soaking in His presence.

As the clock ticks away in you busy life, it's easy to begin to implement your own game plan and getting off the one He layed out for you. Take a timeout. Set aside some good rejuvenating alone time and let God draw out the plays. I and assure you the pace of the game and the outcome will end up a win.

Be Pepared

I was reading last night in Luke 4 about the temptation of Jesus and it especially caught my eye this time more than ever that the devil came to him at the end of a long hard fast. The enemy does come to steal, kill, and destroy so what better time to attack than when you are tired and hungry. It is when he perceives you are at your weakest he will surely strike.

It is so important for any of us out there that are participatng in this fast to be prayed up. It is interesting t note that when the devil came to tempt Jesus he was prepared with scriptures to knock down every thing that was thrown His way. Only through much prayer and study in this time will you be prepared for all that comes into your path. And be alert, just because you are seeking God more doesn't mean the enemy will back off and make it comfortable for you! He is the father of lies and will never play fair!

Discovery

The day is finally here! We have talked about, prayed about and waited for the 21 days of prayer and fasting about all we can and now it is finally here. I am personally so excited to see the things God is preparing to do in me over this period. This will be the longest fast I have ever committed to and I know that anytime you step out in faith to experience all that God is trying to do in your life, He is quick reach out and make sure you find Him and His will.

I will definately keep everyone updated on all that I discover about His greatness in this time.

When in Rome! 

This one must belong to Bro. Pete 

Does that look tasty or what? 

NECKBONZ ANYONE??

In our quest to remain relevant to the different cultures we represent as One church. Many locations. we are often called to do some things we are really not accustomed to. Last night we had our second NeckboneExtravaganza. For those of you cajuns like me out there, it's something like the good ol' fashion crawfish boil we're used to only the crawfish are replaced with turkey and chicken neckbones and pig tails and basically anything else you can find to eat! Let me tell you you've never experienced anything like it. Hey, don't knock it till you try it. These events have really been an awesome outreach opportunity to the men of this community.

Hey maybe Pastor Dino can get Bro. Larry to boil up a few NECKBONZ on the 17th???
I'll post a few pictures later today.

Fellowship

I've been thinking alot about how important it is to have a good group around you for prayer and accountability. At the end of our Knights in God's Armor (Dream Center men's ministry) leaders meeting we had a great time intercession for the group and for the individual needs of our leaders. I feel strongly that God is speaking to us that if we can't open up and be true accountability and prayer partners with each other as leaders, we will never get the men in the community to trust us enough to do it.

I got an email from one of the guys that said, "Most of the brothers from the meeting at my house have called and checked on me. What an awesome feeling knowing that you are supported and loved without any motive or angle. This is the true love of God. Thank You
Man how powerful is that. I got to thinking and wondered what kind of power we could possibly see in the body of Christ if we could begin to foster this type of love and fellowship among even half of the people that fill the seats of the churches. With this type of love, accountability and prayer I think we would begin to see a move of God unrivaled since the Book of Acts.

Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready!

Tonite we kick off 2006 at Dream Center Campus with our first Refuge service of the year. God has used HPC in such an incredible way over the past year in the lives of the people of Donaldsonville and I can't wait to see what He has in store for us this year. We have been through so much transition since our shelter experience and I believe that God has been gearing us up for a spiritual explosion in this city in '06. Strap on your seatbelts this year is going to be the ride of our lives.

I thank Pastor Dino and Pastor Mark for having the vision and faith to step out and risk investing in a place that really had nothing to offer back in the natural. Oh but the treasures in heaven are stacking up quicker than you can count. I am honored to be allowed to be a part of such a kingdom building experience.