David Perkins' Blog

DAVIDPERKINS.ORG

2010-07-02T13:51:00.003-06:00

Friends, I moved my blog to WWW.DAVIDPERKINS.ORG

Same Time. Same Place. New Name. New Space.

2010-06-09T14:52:00.000-06:00

Desperation Student Ministries(_DSM) is the name that will encompass all ministries to students at New Life. Tonight, we will launch a service for Junior High students and a separate one for High School students.

Prayer will be at 5:30 in the Activity Center.
Service starts at 7pm for both age groups.
Late night party starts at 8:30pm.

Worship. Pray. Bible. Play. Should be fun. See you tonight.
www.WeAreDSM.com

Boomer Sooner

2010-06-06T17:31:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the random post about sports...but I'm liking this!

Pray For The Prayer Summit

2010-04-19T14:35:00.007-06:00

On Thursday, comrades from across the country are arriving in Colorado Springs for a few days to pray together. I'm surprised by the stirring in my heart right now. These leaders represent thousands of teens. Please pray for our time together.
1. Pray that we are united around Jesus. It's easy to unite around similar occupations, creative methods and innovative ideas. There is nothing wrong with those things. Yet, I am believing for a time together where Jesus is what we talk about and the reason for gathering.
2. Pray that comparisons wouldn't appear. It's so easy for events like this to be filled with comparison and discouragement. That's the opposite of what we are aiming for. Pray for unity and camaraderie.
3. Pray for a spiritual awakening in America. May that be the heartbeat of our gathering. We need a genuine move of God in our student ministries across the nation.
Thanks for your prayers. Stories, ideas and initiatives from the prayer summit will be posted soon.

Turn Seminar: For Parents of Teens at New Life Church

2010-04-14T11:49:00.002-06:00

Dear Parent,
Thank you for sending you teen each week to New Life. Thank you for dropping them off and picking them up. Thank you for trusting your student to NLC worship leaders, pastors and volunteers. As a parent of four children, I understand the importance of each evening. We are grateful that you trust us to encourage, equip and challenge your son or daughter.

When I was a teenager, my father sculpted a strategy to make disciples of his four children. He possessed a core conviction that he must carry out the great commission by making disciples of his family, city, etc. As a result, I possess a similar conviction. One of the most strategic ways to equip your teenager to be a wholehearted follower of Jesus is to encourage you. Therefore, Desperation Student Ministries will be hosting a “TURN” seminar every few months to serve parents. We aim to assist you in raising remarkable teens by providing an environment for you to connect with other Christian parents, point you to great resources, provide Biblical teaching and keep you updated with the vision of Desperation Student Ministries.

The name “Turn” comes from Malachi 4:6. We hope to see God turn the hearts of parents to students and students to parents. Pastor Brady Boyd will speak at our first seminar on Saturday, May 22nd. We will also worship together and pray for the teens of our church and city. I will share on some upcoming events and groups aimed at effective evangelism and discipleship. We will start at 10am and conclude noon. Join us a little early for a light breakfast and to connect with the Student Ministry staff. Call or email Jeni Mason at 265-3149 or jmason@newlifechurch.org with any questions.

I’m excited about the days ahead. May God give us strength to raise up an army of young men and women that live as fully devoted followers of Jesus.

1K Campaign_Destiny Rescuing Destiny

2010-04-12T10:18:00.000-06:00

Heartwork from Desperation Band on Vimeo.

Launching this summer at Desperation Conference.

Joy Unspeakable

2010-04-06T21:43:00.004-06:00

Today, my son was born. Justus David Paul Perkins was born at 2:44pm on April 6,2010. He was 8 lbs and 2 ounces.
My heart is beating so fast. It's hard to keep from smiling over and over again. Few words describe the unspeakable joy I feel tonight. Renata and I are so thankful that God has blessed us with our little family.
My older son, Dawson (age 5), sang spontaneous songs on the way to the hospital about his new brother. The girls were happy, but Dawson was giddy tonight when he held his brother that was only hours old. He kept saying, "I've got a brother, ya, ya, ya." We are all overjoyed. As this glorious day comes to a close, my heart is dancing in my chest.
Of course, I'm pondering the delight our heavenly Father takes in His children as well. It's an impossible parallel to ignore on a day like today. I'm so thankful to have a Heavenly Father that loves, delights, sings and rejoices over His children. Truly, we have a glorious Father that feels delight and spontaneously sings over His children.

For Senior Pastors Across the Midwest...

2010-04-02T15:04:00.002-06:00

Brady Conference Blog from Desperation on Vimeo.
Brady Boyd | New Life Church

Out Of Ashes

2010-04-01T15:07:00.001-06:00

This is a moment that I believe God is doing something far bigger than we can see. Last night, as we prayed for Lewis Palmer High School, students wept, prayed and took over 200 tickets to give to friends. Each ticket represents someone from LPHS that will see the story of Jesus. Each prayer is heard by God (Daniel 10). Every tear was collected by God (Psalm 56). Last night, God worked in our tribe.
TAG, I'm excited to believe and contend for a move of God at LPHS and the other schools in the city. The greatest way to remember Levi is to run hard after God, love your friends, and pray for a move of God in your school...like Levi did. Let's honor God and remember Levi with our lives.
God makes things beautiful that seem like ashes (Isaiah 61). He's up to something beautiful right now.

Proud of you guys. Honored to serve Jesus with you.

Memorial Service and Facebook for Levi Patrick

2010-03-31T08:21:00.002-06:00

Memorial Service for Levi Patrick:
Tuesday, April 6, 2010. 3pm.
New Life Church
11025 Voyager Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Also, leave a tribute for Levi on Facebook.

Sadness

2010-03-29T11:26:00.002-06:00

Over the weekend, a young man of God passed away in a car accident. Levi Patrick was a phenomenal young man, homecoming King, athlete and Christian. He will be missed and remembered.
Yesterday, I prayed with his family and became overwhelmed by their faith in the midst of tragedy. They are true saints that trust in Jesus, love their family, and possess a future hope.
Today, as a New Life family, we stand with them in prayer. We are asking for peace that passes understanding. Like the song we always sing to the Lord... "In the chaos and confusion, You are sovereign still." We trust in our Father. We stand in prayer for the Patrick family. We will remember Levi and look forward to the day that we all see him again.

Youth Leader Prayer Summit

2010-03-26T09:29:00.003-06:00

When youth pastors pray together, God works. God grants the greatest new ministry ideas from the place of prayer. The greatest friendships are formed through uniting in prayer. If you are a youth leader in your local church, consider coming to pray in the World Prayer Center at this year's Youth Leader Prayer Summit.

April 22-24, 2010
FREE registration.
Register at www.desperationonline.com

Jon Egan of Desperation Band talks about Desperation Conferences June & July 2010

2010-03-23T19:13:00.001-06:00

Jon Conference Blog from Desperation Band on Vimeo.

For Conference details: www.desperationonline.com

I AM GOING TO DESPERATION CONFERENCE.

2010-03-08T19:08:00.001-07:00

Are you?

The Young Church That I See

2010-02-12T22:06:00.006-07:00

I see a generation in desperate pursuit of God. I see young adults that long to know God and spend time daily in His Word. I see passionate, student-led prayer meetings on high school campuses across the city. I see a band of holy young people that forgo cultural pleasures in order to know God. I see young people that declare the gospel fearlessly with words and deeds. I see a generation gripped with the personality of God and enjoying the rewards of seeking God with everything.

Thoughts For TAG Seniors

2010-02-06T19:24:00.003-07:00

Fifteen years ago, I chose where I would go to college while sitting with my dad at a little bagel shop in Oklahoma City. As a senior in high school, I had spent many hours devouring stacks of college information packets, taking tests and talking with my friends about where to go to college. I remember a surge of relief and excitement intermingled as I finally came to a conclusion. Many TAG seniors already know their next step, but some are still wrestling with it. I wish you great success and offer you a few thoughts as well.
Make sure you connect with a passionate community of faith. Today, one’s college years are the primary season that Christians become disconnected from the local church. Thus, it’s easier to slowly lose fervor and faith. Your college years are pivotal years to grow deeper in Christ and not allow your relationship with God to cool. Make your college years good to you by choosing an environment where you will grow in authentic passion for God.
When I went off to college, I was aware of a church over three hundred miles away that seemed to be alive with worship, prayer and discipleship. As I prayed about where to go to college, I felt that I desired to connect in that church. Yet, I really wanted to start chipping away at my education too. So, I found a college twenty minutes from the church and enrolled. I became heavily involved in that church while still going to college. It was a great season for me. Consider heavily which local church you will be a part of before you decide where to go to college.
Trust sages that love you and are authentically trustworthy. Over the years, I have asked so many older men for counsel. Since I have always known that I wanted to be a pastor, I asked pastors what they thought I should do. Yet, I have found it almost comical how most of them encouraged me to do whatever they did. If they went to Seminary, they encouraged me to as well. If they went straight into ministry out of high school, they encouraged me to do the same. If they received a degree from a state school, then I should too. I have found this to be true of friends too. Often, friends want you to do what they are doing. It’s almost funny how often this happens! I encourage you to really listen to those people that you believe love you the most and that you really trust. Their counsel will probably be the best.
Finally, your late teens and twenties will be the easiest time in your life to go to college. It’s just the way American culture works. Sure, exceptions exist. Yet, this window of time is a season where many are single and able to take classes and study. I believe wholeheartedly in taking a season out to pursue God and grow deep in Him through a discipleship program like Desperation Leadership Academy or Honor Academy. Yet, you don’t want to take too long out of school either. Both of these programs and many like them have ways for you to earn college credit while in the program. That’s great. However, in my nearly ten years of being a pastor, I have watched some students not return to college. They are often allured by the opportunity to be independent and go do new and exciting things. In principle, I would encourage those who do discipleship programs to return to college after the conclusion of your discipleship program.
Of course, listening to the Holy Spirit and being obedient to God remains the most important thing. Where God leads, you follow! I’m praying for God to direct each of your paths as you pray and trust in Him.

A New Season: TAG

2010-01-30T09:02:00.005-07:00

Worship, Prayer, Communion, Gifts, and Passion for Jesus…..marked our first tag gathering last Wednesday. “God, be our focus. God, be near us and in us. God, lead us.”
Thank you TAG for your overwhelming welcome to me, my family and the Desperation staff. Thank you for cheering for my little kids. Thank you for introducing yourselves after the service. Thank you for trusting a new leader.
Our team considers it a wonderful honor to partner with you in reaching students in our city and nation.
This Wednesday night, we will talk about prayer and intercession. I lead a prayer meeting before the service in Tag chapel at 6pm. You are welcome to join the Desperation Leadership Academy, theFurnace and tag leadership for that prayer meeting.
See you Wednesday.

Live the Vow

2010-01-11T15:44:00.005-07:00

Jon [Desperation Band] and I talking about the history of Desperation and how to live the Desperation VOW.

Desperation Conference 2010

2009-12-26T10:08:00.002-07:00

New Life Church | Colorado Springs, CO | June 24-26 & July 15-17, 2010 | A youth movement for local churches | register at www.desperationonline.com

Join us for World Prayer Week at the World Prayer Center: Jan 4-8, 2010 6:30am and 6:30pm each day

2009-12-22T11:04:00.002-07:00

$25K Raised For Orphans in Uganda!

2009-12-17T13:25:00.002-07:00

I'm buzzing with excitement today. Desperation Band joined with SouthGate church in Fort Collins to raise $25K for orphans in Uganda! So cool! Shout out to our friends up in the Fort! Way to go Southgate!

Here is how the senior pastor, Kevin McGinley told the story:
"God gave us a vision to help build a Village of Hope for orphans in Africa, inspired in part by our participation in the Desperation conferences at New Life this summer. To help us raise the funds, the Desperation Band willingly accepted our request to hold a Night of Worship for Orphans here in Fort Collins. Jon Egan and the band agreed to come at no charge and helped us raise over $25,000 to build a dormitory for 133 orphans in Uganda!

We were deeply touched by the band's heart to serve, their humility, their vision for the work in Africa, and their anointed ministry in worship. Hundreds came and were stirred by God's heart for the fatherless and willingly gave of their resources to help AIDS orphans in Kampala. We will never forget their kindness in coming and not charging a fee so we could raise as much money as possible for this project.

We thank the Lord for you and for New Life Church and for the Desperation ministry! You have meant so much to us and have helped produce lasting fruit in our staff and young people. I had the privilege of attending the Ascent conference this summer and we bring close to 100 students every summer for the Desperation events. They have been life-giving and life-transforming."

Love it!

Desperation Leadership Academy will be accredited through The King's College

2009-12-11T13:35:00.004-07:00

In the last two years, two staff members have graduated from the King's college and two have graduated from The King's Seminary. All had a great experience and were grateful for their Christian education experience. The friendship with the King's College continues to flourish as we announce that the the Desperation Leadership Academy will be accredited by the King's College.

The King's College was founded by Dr. Jack Hayford and is located in Van Nuys, California. New Life Church serves as an extension campus here in the Rockies. Students will receive up to twenty-seven credit hours through the course of eight months.

To learn more and apply for DLA: www.desperationleadership.com

Benjamin Martinez talks about DLA.

2009-11-14T15:06:00.005-07:00

Benjamin is the coolest. He busted up his shoulder a few weeks ago. Most guys would lay on the coach and look for sympathy. Benjamin swings a hammer with his good arm and still goes to work everyday. Plus, he shows up to Revivaltown every week and uses his good arm to hold the mic and lead everybody in prayer. He's the real deal man. I'm hoping for more young leaders like him at DLA in January.

Fall Tour Time: Nov 4-9, 2009

2009-10-20T10:14:00.001-06:00

We are sending out two worship and prayer teams on tour November 4-9 for our fall tour. The fall tour is free and open to all. We call each night, a "Night of Desperation". Each evening contains powerful worship and prayer with students and leaders from the Desperation tribe. Please take a look at the following days and destinations, and if you're in the area, we'd love to have you join us!
November 4 - Roswell, NM and Manhattan KS
November 5 - Flagstaff AZ and Pella IA
November 6 - Los Angeles CA and Canton OH
November 8 - Sacramento CA and Quad Cities IL
November 9 - Ogden UT and Paola KS
November 10 - Colorado Springs (Revival Town at the World Prayer Center)

For specific information about times and locations please visit www.desperationonline.com and click "tour" under the "Conference" tab.

DLA Connect

2009-10-17T10:48:00.002-06:00

Are you looking for a way to serve the next generation? All you need is a room and a love for young people. We have lots of students coming to our campus in January. Adopt one for seven months. It's a great way to impact future leaders! Go to www.desperationleadership.com

Crush Your Idols. Pray For Revival.

2009-10-14T10:06:00.001-06:00

Pastor Brady!

2009-10-10T19:11:00.003-06:00

Hey Everybody,

Tyrel and Marybeth have landed in Colorado! That means that the new DLA year is around the corner. In fact, we are showing a video at New Life tomorrow about DLA too.

We just launched a new prayer room in the World Prayer Center where college students are praying for 18 hours every day, non stop. For more, check out theFurnace.

Everyone that enrolls in Desperation Leadership Academy will also pray with theFurnace.

Many of you have heard Pastor Brady speak at the Desperation Conferences and know that he's a great leader. Well, he really enjoys investing in emerging, young leaders. A lot of the executive staff invests in DLA students while they are here in Colorado. Anyway, here is a tidbit from Pastor Brady about DLA. He's an LSU fan, thus, the yellow border.

Desperation Leadership Academy

2009-10-06T16:17:00.004-06:00

Tyrel Koenes was here all of last week. We are crafting DLA to really be built on devotion, intercession, consecration and mission. I am so thankful for his leadership and wisdom. Our team laughed and prayed a lot while we met in the World Prayer Center last week. Please be praying for him because he is selling his moving and having a baby in the same month! Yikes! Can you even imagine trying to do that? DLA will be fantastic next year. We start in January with students that are between 18-25 years old that want to take a the spring and summer to pursue God, pray hard, and reach a generation.
Also, we are partnering with the Watchman Training Center to build night and day prayer here in Colorado Springs! It's so much fun!
If you are hungry to take a season to really seek after God and meet other young leaders in your generation then DLA may be your next step. Here is a snapshot of Ron Luce talking about DLA.

Desperation Conference Recap

2009-09-16T18:05:00.001-06:00

Desperation Conference from Desperation Band on Vimeo.

Guest Blog: Jon Egan of Desperation Band.... New CD hit yesterday!

2009-09-16T17:23:00.002-06:00

This is Jon Egan from the Desperation Band. We just entered a very exciting week! The Desperation Band's first ever studio worship album, Light Up The World, hit the streets! The project launched on iTunes yesterday and we're already overwhelmed at what God is doing with it. The testimonies are flooding in!

As many of you know, this project reaches out like never before. For years our roots have been in deep intercession and prayer. We see God raising up pockets of revival in different locations on the earth and it's always where people are gathering as ONE...to pray. More than ever we are receiving reports of young people launching prayer meetings in their churches and schools! The desperation VOW is being lived out in real ways! Our commitment to prayer has grown immensely in the last year and it is reflected strongly on the new album.

Throughout history, prayer movements turn into missions movements. We are seeing this exact transition take place in our lives. We've seen a phenomenal move within our young people in the last year that has turned us all upside down. God has drawn the gaze of thousands of young people here in America to orphans in Africa. From the hearts and commitment of our youth ministry, we raised enough money to build 4 orphan homes in Africa! Then, in the June and July Desperation Conferences, we raised enough money to build 3 more! The new album is a vehicle to tell this miraculous story and, God willing, inspire youth ministries around the world to get involved.

This project is prayer and intimacy colliding with compassion and purpose. I think so often believers are waiting on a move of God when God is waiting on man to move. We are realizing now more then ever that God's love and power is inside us. We have what we need to impact the planet. We just need to act!

As our friends and family of Desperation, I wanted to personally invite you to partner to see God move through this project. It's more than music. It's much, much more. With all humility, I believe God has big plans for the album. The journey to get it done was unlike any other project so far. The spiritual war over us has been intense. It all highlights God's purpose!

Light Up The World points people outward, not inward. It highlights the heart of God, not the talent of man. It's a voice for those who can't speak for themselves. I'm proud to release a project with such focus.

Pray with us to see God use this tool for His Glory and intention!
Together we are better. May His kingdom come!

Jon Egan
Desperation Band

Introducing Tyrel and Marybeth Koenes

2009-09-14T08:59:00.005-06:00

Tyrel and Marybeth Koenes will be returning to Colorado Springs to serve as the directors of the Desperation Leadership Academy. Tyrel and Marybeth were faithful leaders in theMILL and theFurnace during their college years at New Life Church. Tyrel went on to serve as youth pastor at City Christian Fellowship in Ft. Smith Arkansas for over three years.
Tyrel possesses a deep rooted passion for God and has worked diligently to reach the next generation. The Koenes’are expecting their first child in October and we are excited for them to join the Desperation Leadership Team.

Radiant Church in Richland, Michigan

2009-09-07T15:25:00.003-06:00

I had the honor of preaching at Pastor Lee Cummings church after the Radiant Youth Conference.

Persistent Prayer from Radiant Church on Vimeo.

Desperation Band's "Light Up The World" video

2009-08-17T18:35:00.002-06:00

I know it's getting close to Desperation Season when....

2009-06-15T15:45:00.005-06:00

1) The office gets filled with boxes full of merch
2) There is no snow on the ground in Colorado
3) I receive daily emails about graphic art
4) Butterflies of spiritual expectation start to flutter at new levels
5) Tents in tent tent city
6) Buses in the parking lot
7) Teenagers packing out every eatery in town
8) Prayer huddles in the parking lots
9) New Life's stage gets a makeover
10) Friends everywhere! It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!!

Conference season is almost upon us. See you in a few!

Peashooters and Bazookas

2009-05-25T13:08:00.002-06:00

Years ago, I ran an internship in Kansas City where one of the girls in our internship that deeply loved Jesus decided to quit the internship. As a leader, I was deeply saddened by her decision to pursue ministry training and opportunity elsewhere. The other leaders and I began to challenge her to stay in the internship. In so doing, we started using strong words like, “selfish and rebellion.” Of course, we felt those words were true. We called it tough love. In retrospect, it was not tough love. It hurt our pride.

Our friend and senior pastor stepped in and challenged us to see the young lady from a different perspective. He talked about what God was doing in the girl. He kindly rebuked us for using such harsh words. In a flash of unforgettable wisdom, he said, “Men, you carry peashooters. Stop shooting with bazookas.” He was right and I’ve never forgotten it.

Over the past two years, I have been amazed by the bazooka carrying parishioners, bloggers and pastors over the Ted Haggard scandal. Some point and shoot at Ted. Others fire away at church leadership. Most claim to know more than “the average person.” Many think they have “inside information.” As a pastor at New Life since June of 2000, I’m sad too. However, let’s put the bazookas down.

Ted admits to weaknesses. New Life leaders don’t think they are perfect. They did a good job in a hard scenario. Overseers worked hard to demonstrate grace and truth. There’s only one Jesus. He’s the only perfect one.

So, put your bazooka down and pick up a shovel. I’m a peashooter. So are you. Let’s build the Kingdom of God instead of shooting at each other.

Pray For The Desperation Leadership Academy Mission Trips

2009-05-16T09:43:00.004-06:00

Honduras

This team will be working with our contact doing a variety of community outreach projects and ministry to local peoples. It is primarily a labor trip with a nice twist of children’s ministry and local church relationships. Their objectives will include the construction of a water tank, latrine system, care packages to local villages, community renewal (clean up process), painting, church building improvements, and children’s ministry. They will all be staying at the beach in a home in La Ceiba (nearby town from the airport).

Germany

This team will be working with our contacts at the largest church in Berlin (it holds nearly 3000 people, but has a weekly attendance of around 500-700 people – the spiritual environment of Germany is in a very desperate state, though ripe for salvation). This trip will primarily involve a lot of prayer, focusing on the Seven Spheres of Society (Arts and Entertainment, Education, Politics, etc…). They will be visiting significant spiritual sites that designate strongholds over the land, and praying through them. Additionally they will visit the location of the 100year Moravian prayer movement (Read about the 100yr prayer meeting in Herrnhut, Germany online)…about an hour and a half from Berlin – from which much of our history as a school stems in our structure and design. This too will be a powerful experience.

Prayer Points

- There will be a prayer meeting for those who are going on the trip Sat evening at 10pm, in the World Prayer Center here on campus (anyone local is welcome to join us!)

- Unity: amongst team members, between teams and contacts, and in the vision and purpose for us being in these locations

- Focus on the strategic objective of the trip, relationships, and ministry, and not to be distracted by menial things the enemy would send our way

- Strength and health: long hours of work and long hours of prayer can be tiring and really depleting

- That God would allow us to be genuinely used as His hands and feet in the places that we are going

- That the Lord would radically alter the hearts and lives of all students and staff that are going

- Safety and protection in our environments and travel

First Registration Deadline

2009-05-15T09:16:00.003-06:00

Session 4

2009-05-11T11:40:00.003-06:00

Session 4 (5/2/09) 10am

Worship -Joe Couch

Prayer:

-Eph 3:14-19 prayed for might and strength, to be rooted and grounded in love -David Perkins

-Romans 8:13 prayed for a spirit of discernment between the flesh and the Spirit
continued through vs 14-17 prayer for us to live in the Spirit and to know that we are heirs
-Michelle Vette

-Luke 10:17-24 prayer for Mark and Jill Pettus as they are moving in faith to put on the Motion Conference. Prayer for God to move in this mightily -John MacDonald

-Colossians 1:9-12 prayer for everyone us in the room, for knowledge and wisdom, to live a life worthy of the Lord, to please God in every way, for our lives to bear fruit, that we may be strengthened in God's power and not our own, that our love may abound and grow more and more, for endurance and patience, for a great harvest in this generation, for true worship, for salvations
-Dan Perkins

-Romans 12:9-12 prayer for Gods love in us to be sincere towards others, that we would hold each other accountable, to keep each other alive in spiritual fervor, for our hearts to be filled with joy, for patience, to increase our desire for a greater level of prayer. -Anelise Couch

-2 Tim 2 Prayer for Derek, that he would endure hardship and persevere -Chris Blankenship

-Romans 15:1-6 prayer for every ministry represented, that as we head home we would rise up in unity and in a brotherhood with others around our own perspective communities, to function like the body of Christ. -Daniel Webb

-Prayer for 3rd years and Detroit interns... Open up opportunities for them... That they would truly be world changers. Open doors for them and favor. To truly lead this generation. They would move in such faith, with such boldness. That they would be anointed with authority and power. Shake them and draw them close to you. May they be consecrated and set apart for you. Call them out by name. Give them ears to hear. Faith to move mountains. Willing hearts and service. Their intimacy with you would be above any activity they do. Your scripture would reign in them. They would have the blessing of Elisha...double blessing. When they seek you with their whole heart they will find you. Their one desire would be to know you. Your commands would reign in their hearts. They would link hearts and arms and take this world together. Spiritual mothers and fathers would come up behind them to support them. Angels to be around them and about them. Angels to be assigned to them. Renew their minds. They would speak forth your Word and truth. Faith that is unshakable and perseveres. Faith and understanding to command the darkness to flee. They would walk in Your power and Your authority. Increase their knowledge and understanding.

-Prayer with David for the Desperation Conferences this summer. That this generation would rise up and become mighty men and women of God. That they would take this planet. That they would live in , Desperate Pursuit, Diligent Prayer, Consecrated Hearts, and Focused Lives.

-Prayer over the Map of the US and a movement in our Nation. For a youth prayer movement that would move in the local church, sustained by young people. That students who go to the conference would go home and ignite their cities. For Motion Conference to impact the entire eastern sea board, that it would launch new conferences and thousands of kids would go home and live holy lives, that it would be a spring board, an awakening in Birmingham. For senior pastors to have desperate hearts and to lead the way for this generation. For the entire nation of youth pastors to have endurance and that they would press through and not quit, that it would be an example to students. For California, San Fran and LA, that youth ministers in that area would have hope and fresh revelation, that their lights would shine, that God would be glorified through them. To raise the level of discernment in the youth and the church, that truth would reign there. That youth pastors would be joined together in unity and vision, that authenticity would rise up in the bible belt area. For student leaders would rise up and answer God's call and be willing. For God to get into the churches, every church. For people that have been hurt by the church, that they would come back.

Worship: Hear us from Heaven!

Psalm 113:3 -Daniel Webb

END

Session 3

2009-05-11T11:29:00.001-06:00

Session 3 (5/1/09)

Worship: -Joe Couch

-1 Kings 19:9-14 “What are you doing here? What does God want to do?” -Mark Pettus

-Justin Chandler shared about how he gathered with other youth leaders from his from His city and how they planned and prayed together to reached their city. It is so important to gather together to pray

-David Perkins, followed up by saying that it’s not all about talking method, but also praying

-Joshua Meyer wrote a love letter to his wife, to reaffirm his relationship with his wife and to keep it a priority over ministry.

-Curtis Chance shared about his refusal to lose heart in the hard times.

-Ashley Hochhalter shared about mobilizing the youth in her city to reach out to their own in the city and not just reaching out when it comes to doing a missions trip.

-Chris Blankenship shared the verse in Exodus 33:7-11 and about how God put it on his heart to cultivate hearts for prayer in all of life not just before dinner.

-John MacDonald shared a quote from Smith Wigglesworth. He wants a fire to be started wherever his students go, because there is a fire inside of them and the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to be a part of the body of Christ, not part of a certain denomination.

-We prayed over David Perkins and Brent Parsley for continued favor and the power of the Holy Spirit.

-Shirley Chance got a picture of the run off water from the Rocky Mountains, and how the ministry from David P and Brent P at New Life will spill out everywhere like that water. She also got the words, “you can have the gold but don't touch the glory.”

-John MacDonald prayed for everyone for more of God, for more fire from God, for a fresh anointing on us all and a passion and fervor for more of God, for the gift of healing, prophecy, for the spirit of boldness, for a great understanding of our identity in God. That we would move like a mighty army. That we would move by the Spirit and by the power of the Spirit.

-Steve Harmon shared about how God challenged him to have belief, and to no longer operate in a spirit of fear over his youth group.

-Michelle shared to Steve that he is in rhythm with God's timing. God will never leave him or forsake him and that God sees his heart.

-We prayed for Steve that he would have a spirit of boldness and courage. We prayed that the spirit of fear would be broken.

-Beth Diehl prayed for Steve to be bold like a lion.

-As we need the air to breathe, are we living our lives the same way with God, that we would breathe His presence in everyday of our lives. Shared by Derek Jerome

-Daniel Webb shared Haggai 2:6, 7. To speak it over this tribe that is here.

-David Perkins followed up more with verses after and how it speaks of the end when Christ returns. He was convicted from last night on how we don't long for Christ's return.

-Joe Couch prayed for us, that we would have that longing in our hearts.

**after each person shared we prayed for them as a group

-Michelle read Hebrews 11:10. She sensed that God is beckoning us to look to God and to have faith like those in the Bible, we have more revelation then they ever had. That we would have a love for God like they did, that nothing would stop us from pursuing that. She prayed that over all of us.

-Ashley H felt like we should pray for God visit each of us individually, as a group and for His presence.

-Samantha Covert gave a word to Michelle Vette, Justin Steinhart and Joe Couch.

Session 2

2009-05-11T11:11:00.004-06:00

-Jon Egan
-Counting on God
-My Savior Lives
-Overcome

Prayer and Scripture:

-Job 38-42 (read various parts) -Joe Couch
-followed by silence and soaking in God's presence

Scripture Reading:
-Ephesians 3-18-21 -Steve Harmon
-Romans 11:33-36 -Brent Parsley
-Isaiah 62:12 -Josh Meyer
-Isaiah 52:1-3,7-8 -Mark Pettus
-1 Thess 1:5-10 -Michelle Vette
-Psalm 65 -David Perkins
-Psalm 101 -JD Swilley
-Isaiah 49 -Daniel Webb
-Isaiah 55 -John MacDonald
-John 6:41-51 -Chris Blankenship
-Revelations 5:9-13 -Joe Couch
-Matthew 6:19 -David Perkins
-Isaiah 40:28-31 -Jill Pettis
-Galatians 5:22-26 -Josh
-Ephesians 4:11-13 -Michelle Vette
-Psalm 77:12 -Jerry Jamison
-Ephesians 1:1 -Justin Chandler
-Psalm 17:15 -

End in small group prayer.

Notes from Desperation Prayer Summit: Session 1

2009-05-06T19:48:00.007-06:00

We had an amazing prayer summit in Vail last week. I'll post some of the prayers | thoughts | ideas.

Session 1 (4/30/09) 7pm
Worship- Jon Egan

Prayer Direction:

Acts 2:17-21 this generation -David Perkins
Joel 2:12,13 brokenness and willing hearts, fasting -Joe Couch
Prayer for God to do what He wills -JD Swilley
Habakkuk 1:5; 3:2 -Anelise Couch
Isaiah 54:2-4 enlarge our tents and ministries -Mark Pettis
Matthew 7:7,8 -Curtis Chance
Daniel 12:3 that we will shine Christ -Beth Diehl
Psalm 89:1-17 exaltation of the greatness of God -Daniel Webb
Matthew 6:33 prayer for God's power to move -John MacDonald
Prayer against the generational curse of a spirit of defeat and fear; focus on Christ and His power; for a spirit of Victory -Jon Egan
Prayer to stand on the promise that the Spirit of the sovereign Lord is on us; send us; may revival start in our lives first -Jerry Jamison
Isaiah 61:1 -Jon Egan

Song: Light up the World

Prayer for Specific Bullets of God's Glory:
• for miracles -David Perkins

• for young people's faces to be set like flint towards God; for a generation that walks with God -Michelle Vette

• for dreams and visions; for fathers in the church; and for the fatherless to be healed; for a fearless generation -Michelle Vette

• that we would be obsessed with God and His will for our lives -Michelle Vette

• 1 Cor 6:17 Raise up a generation that glorifies God with their bodies; -Daniel Webb

• Righteousness; break immorality and bring forth Holiness and Purity -Daniel Webb

for the fatherless; that they may be given hope and that Gods light would shine into their darkened lives -Beth Diehl

for the Elisha anointing; that we would far surpass movements of the past; raise the spiritual ceilings -John MacDonald

for Faith
-John MacDonald

for the Thoughts of the young people; that they would not worry but be filled with peace
-JD Swilley

• that young people would fix their thoughts on heavenly things and the promises of God -JD Swilley

• Psalm 63 Anointing of power; for the help of God; declaring we cannot do without God -Kurt Chamberlain
• Romans 12:11,12 to never be lacking in fervor; for prayer to erupt by the Holy Spirit; that young people would be known for prayer -Joe Couch
• that we may know the hope of our calling; for God to show us His ways; illumination of God's word, that it may be life -Chris Blankenship
• Jeremiah 1:6 prayer against fear; break bondage of fear; that we would have the fear of God not man -Anelise Couch
• to have the glory of God shining from them; for people to walk in boldness and courage -Anelise Couch
• Romans 1:16 crush the spirit of shame among youth pastors; that they would stand boldly and not be ashamed of the gospel -Daniel Webb
• that the god's of this world would fall in the eyes of the youth; that God would fulfill them and raise them up -Steve Harmon
• 1 Cor 12:12 that we would be Christ’s hands and feet; that we would reach out to the lost of this generation; to know Gods call -Jacob Wheeler

Song: Light up the World

Repentance from our wicked ways: 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Repentance for:
◦ wrong motives
◦ laziness; apathy
◦ for trying to please others; let us stand firm and please God
◦ for overlooking the unloved; for playing favorites
◦ for wanting to be seen before men
◦ for looking upon and listening to things that are not of God
◦ for just looking for numbers and results and not being personal and comparison
◦ for divisions we have created
◦ for our poor examples; may we be called back to a holy lives
◦ for our freedoms being a stumbling block
◦ for creating an atmosphere of hype instead of just simply God
◦ for being just busy
◦ for letting things get in the way of spending time with God
◦ for wasting our time
◦ for believing false doctrines
◦ for judging to quickly; for looking to status
◦ for lack of preparation in sermons
◦ for just settling to do just enough; for not being excellent
◦ for not saying the hard things
◦ for living mediocre and not calling students to fullness in Christ
◦ for putting God in a box
◦ for being selfish
◦ for finding identity in ministry instead of God
◦ for searching for our own attention
◦ for just feeding ourselves and not others
◦ for not reaching out to our own families
◦ for jealousy of others becoming greater than us
◦ for not focusing on the task, but focusing on the wrong things
◦ for abuse that has been afflicted to others
◦ for forsaking our first love
◦ for not decreasing that God may increase
◦ for holding on to the little things
◦ for pride; self sufficiency
◦ for mockery
◦ for giving up
◦ for lack of passion
◦ for not supporting our pastors
◦ for talking about God but not pursuing God
◦ for being in love with ministry and not God
◦ for believing in the worlds standards and listening to it
◦ for hypocrisy; calling others to a standard but not living it ourselves
◦ for not leaving the flock to go after the one
◦ for not believing God's word
◦ for resting in the world instead of God
◦ for not choosing joy in all circumstances
◦ for relying on our own strength
◦ for having secret ambition
◦ for making promises that we can't keep
◦ for doing ministry as a job
◦ for reading the bible for sermons
◦ for forsaking the least and choosing the more lovable
◦ for forgetting where we came from
◦ for forgetting of the great price you paid for us
◦ for not functioning in excellence in everything
◦ for self righteousness
◦ for making converts rather than disciples
◦ for not believing in who God says we are
◦ for putting a lid on God
◦ for living with condemnation
◦ for not being prepared for the harvest
◦ for not asking for dreams and visions
◦ for not longing for God's return
◦ for living in religion instead of relationship
◦ for being frustrated with others
◦ for quitting before we start
◦ for not going with faith
◦ for doubting God's promises
◦ for not staying in God's authority
◦ for living on yesterdays revelation

Song: I Exalt Thee
Greater

Word:
-God wants to remove us from slavery and wants to make us as His sons and daughters. Romans 8:14. -Michelle Vette
-God wants to bring a spirit of Adoption
-Prayer to receive that -David Perkins

2009-05-06T19:48:00.001-06:00

Summer Conferences Are Around The Corner!

2009-04-27T14:52:00.001-06:00

If you were able to join us for any of the nights of Desperation last week, I hope that you were as blessed as we were. I have received several emails that give God all of the glory! It's always humbling to see God move in this generation...I love being apart of what He is doing!

As a reminder, the pre-registration deadline is May 1st which is less than five days away! If you have not registered, you can register with a credit card online at desperationonline.com or if you need to pay by check please call 719-234-7789 to lock in the pre-registration price. After May 1st the conference price will go up twenty dollars per registrant so please make sure to register soon!

This year's conference theme is going to be highly engaging as we focus on our role as Christians to light up the world. The war between light and darkness has such an impact on our generation and if we have the light in us how great is that light? We need to be a light to this world not shinning dimly but with the power of the Son! I am so excited for all of you to be a part of what God will be doing at this year's conference...see you this summer!

Tour | Pete Greig

2009-04-08T13:17:00.001-06:00

In just a few short days, the Desperation Band, our students, and I will be heading out on tour. Each night we plan on starting at 7 p.m. and here are the stops:

April 15 - Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo, Texas (tfchurch.org)

April 16 - Gateway Church (North Richland Hills Campus) in Dallas, Texas (gatewaypeople.com)

April 17 - Hope Community Church in Springfield, Missouri (hopechurch.net)

April 19 - Life Church in Olathe, Kansas (getlife.info)

April 21 - "Revival Town" at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado (newlifechurch.org)

If you're near one of these churches, these nights are open to anyone of any age in the area desiring to attend. Every night will be dedicated to prayer and worship and I hope to see you there!

I am so happy to announce to all of you that Pete Greig will be speaking at the June Desperation Conference! Pete Greig is one of the founding champions of the 24-7 Prayer movement, the Director of Prayer for Holy Trinity, Brompton in London, and a facilitator for the Campus America initiative. 24-7 Prayer has grown rapidly and unexpectedly from a single night-and-day prayer vigil into an interdenominational movement of prayer, mission and justice that has touched more than a third of the nations on earth since 1999.

You can still register for the Desperation Youth Leader Prayer Summit by simply clicking on the "conference" portion of the website and then "prayer summit." Please register soon, as registration for the Prayer Summit ends on April 17. The June and July conference price break expires on May 1st which is less than three weeks away, to register simply go to our website and click on the "register now" button. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us by simply responding to this email.

Spring Tour with the Desperation Band

2009-04-06T12:09:00.002-06:00

Tour is Coming. I'm stoked. My whole family is going! theFurnace is ready....

Top Ten Ways You Know You Married a Woman With a Faster Metabolism Than You:

2009-03-25T19:37:00.002-06:00

10) You pick where to go on date night based upon the dessert menu.
9) You keep buying scales and she keeps throwing them away or putting them in the cupboard.
8) She perceives a Taco Bell Fourth Meal commercial to be a good idea and not merely a marketing campaign.
7) You spend more money at the concession stand than the ticket stand.
6) People bypass you to ask her about her exercise routine even though she doesn’t workout.
5) She orders chocolate milkshakes at McDonalds and you order water.
4) You look worse than she does after three pregnancies.
3) You have a special list of items from the grocery store while she eats what the kids are eating.
2) The photographer constantly asks you to tilt your head a different way in the pictures while she remains picture perfect.
1) More than 20 friends have said, “Thank God your kids look like her!”

Saints- young and old.

2009-03-24T21:52:00.006-06:00

REVIVALTOWN is the Tuesday night prayer meeting at New Life. I'm amazed at the number of faithful intercessors that show up to pray each week. Desperation Band leads worship. We unite each week asking God for unity, faith, salvations, humility, strength, and miracles. It's a joy to be a part of.
Tonight, I was taken back by the unity between young and old. Bruce, an older brother, introduced himself to my four year old son as one of "David's friends." I loved that! I've worked with students for the past eight years at New Life. So, I'm finding it fun and refreshing to pray and connect with young and old at REVIVLTOWN. I watched an older man pray with a young man. I saw middle aged women praying with college girls. My son, Dawson, asked Renata if he could pray for the people of Colorado Springs to know Jesus. Anyway, I'm overflowing with enthusiasm tonight because of the authentic unity around Jesus. The Tuesday night crew may be diverse in age, but they are united around Jesus....

Prayer movements are Missions Movements...

2009-03-23T20:12:00.003-06:00

I love this! The House of Prayer in Kansas City fills the prayer room and the streets! Check it out!

Murray and Deborah Hiebert

2009-03-10T21:50:00.004-06:00

Great News!

Murray and Deborah Hiebert are moving to Colorado Springs to serve at Every Home For Christ. God has called and directed them to move here and I'm so excited! Murray will be the director of prayer at Every Home. They have 3 precious little girls. I'm very exited.

Oh, Deborah is my sister, but I am 8 minutes older! (triplets)

Matt Pitt & Chris Tomlin at Desperation 09! Plus, Desperation Tour Info......

2009-03-09T09:41:00.003-06:00

God is good and faithful! As we have been praying about Jesus being our light and salvation, our anticipation for the '09 summer conferences has been building. I firmly believe that God has incredible plans for this summer and I look forward to seeing you here in Colorado!

Matt Pitt from the Basement in Birmingham, Alabama will be speaking at the July conference! The Basement was literally started in Matt's basement, where people would gather to worship, pray, and seek God. He has a major heart to see a generation in desperate pursuit of God. Check out Matt and his ministry at www.thebasementonline.com

If you are coming to the June Conference, you can attend an evening worship session on Wednesday, June 24 with Chris Tomlin for FREE! All you have to do is register for the June Desperation Conference by May 1st and wear your wristbands that night.

In April, the Desperation Band, a bus load of students, and I will be making five tour stops. Each night we plan on starting at 7 p.m. and here are the stops:

April 15 - Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo, Texas www.tfchurch.org

April 16 - Gateway Church (North Richland Hills Campus) in Dallas, Texas www.gatewaypeople.com

April 17 - Hope Community Church in Springfield, Missouri www.hopechurch.net

April 19 - Life Church in Olathe, Kansas www.getlife.info

April 21 - "Revival Town" at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado www.newlifechurch.org

If you're near one of these churches, these nights are open to anyone of any age in the area desiring to attend. Every night will be dedicated to prayer and worship and I hope to see you there!

You can still register for the Desperation Youth Leader Prayer Summit by simply clicking on the "conference" portion of the website and then "prayer summit." Please register soon, as registration for the Prayer Summit ends on April 17. The June and July conference price break expires on May 1st which is less than two months away, to register simply go to our website and click on the "register now" button. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us by simply responding to this email.

Light it up!

Welcome DLA First Year Students!

2009-02-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

Chad- Welcome man! I love Warren Woods Naz! John Mac is my brotha.
Jessica- Welcome from Augusta! I loved being at New Hope. Glad you are here.
Anna- Welcome to Southern Colorado..your trip wasn’t too far J
Kylie- Nebraska? Hmmmm…I think we are football rivals. Welcome!
Josiah- Bro glad you are in DLA…It may have taken me 13 years to get you here, but we got the job done!
Jacob- Napa is so B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. Give REVEREND Daniels my appreciation for sending you!
Brandon- Welcome to DLA from Iowa..hmmm, don’t know much about Des Moines other than Yonkers department store and the Ground Round restaurant on Merle Hay…
Morgan- you are so tall bro! maybe we can be on the same bball team at Gold’s gym.
Sarah- boomer! Welcome to a more beautiful state without a good football team…
Jessica- Wow, thanks for coming all the way from Florida…wow, that’s far.
Nick- From Adventure church….welcome bro
Abby- Ohio? So far away..Very cool. We are so glad you are here!
Jaylynn- that’s a super cool name. welcome to DLA…
Sean- glad you are in DLA…one of the few Springs people..
Jennifer- Canada eh? Awesome! DLA is global now!
Andrea- California….wow, lots of those! Welcome!
Leah- Marshfield! Home of the super cool movie theater downtown!
Meghan- Welcome to the Springs! Short drive for you…
Alyssa- Glad to have a Texan…like my sister-in-law.
Alana- Welcome! You are gonna love being at New Life and DLA!
Jeremy- Kansas? Wow…2 in a row. Welcome man.
Kenneth- Thanks for all of your help already bro! Welcome to the DLA tribe!
Jordan- Dude, you look like an ad from American Eagle man…cool hair!
Alyssa- Welcome from Life Church! Real. Relevant. Revolutionary! Oh ya!
Megan- Michigan! It’s even colder there than here!
Melissa- Welcome from Iowa!
Aaron- Short drive from the west side of Denver…welcome man.
Ryann- Welcome from Dallas! Brady Boyd, our pastor, is a huge Cowboy fan… you two should talk.
Jana- Maine! Wow! A Maniac! That’s amazing! Welcome to Colorado…
Abree- Welcome from Trinity! Glad you are here!
Kacee- This may be a delayed welcome, but welcome none the less. It won’t be much warmer here than Wisconsin
Kenzli- That’s a cool name. Welcome!
Carter- Welcome from Steam boat! Glad you are in the Springs for DLA man.
Jessica- Crown Point!!! Dr. Ron Johnson is the man!
Charity- Welcome! So glad you are in DLA!
Hailey- Tulsa….wahoo! Welcome! Glad you made it to DLA!
Josh- You are a preacher man! Welcome to DLA bro.
Jacob- Garden City…that was a great night of desperation….love it!
CJ- So glad you are here, a lot of years in the making, thanks for coming to DLA bro!

Cool Factor

2009-01-31T13:18:00.002-07:00

Relating with culture gets most of the hype, but relating with God is what matters.

On Thursday, I spent time with Britt Hancock, a missionary that reaches small villages in the mountains of Mexico. He drives a truck, wears a knife, and sounds like he’s; well, from the mountains of Mexico. Yet, he oozed phrases that pierced my heart. They were not ideas he had read on the latest blog or ministry conference, but ideas he had wrestled with in prayer. An hour with him caused my heart to soar with faith.

There’s a lot of emphasis on being culturally cool in youth ministry these days and I’m for it. I’m for wearing hair over your ears, shirts from the Buckle, and really cool jeans. [That’s cool in suburban Colorado Springs. I’m not sure what is in your context.] Yet, I’m more and more convinced everyday that knowing God in a dynamic way trumps being culturally cool. People are thirsty for spiritual reality and desperate for God in their lives.

We have to fight to keep our priorities in the order right:
1) Faithful to Jesus [Word of God alive in the heart, praying, fasting, righteousness, etc.]
2) Fresh in our times [culturally cool]

Desperation Youth Leader Prayer Summit

2009-01-29T10:27:00.003-07:00

God continues to do exciting things as His people pray and I'm eager to share with you about our upcoming youth leader prayer summit.

In September, Brent Parsley and I met with youth leaders from across the nation at the World Prayer Center in Colorado Springs. As we talked about effectively reaching a generation, we felt compelled to unite as youth leaders in friendship and prayer. Each of us brings incredible skills and resources to the table; yet so often many of us find ourselves yearning for authentic relationships and more of God's presence in our lives and ministries.

With that in mind, we invite you to join us and others in Vail, Colorado for the Desperation Youth Leader Prayer Summit. Held April 30 through May 2, it will be a time of worship with the Desperation Band, prayer, relationship-building and dialogue about ways to influence youth for Christ. Space is limited so please register as early as possible by clicking on the following link. http://www.desperationonline.com/prayersummit.jsp?ID=3

Living Lights in a Dark World

2009-01-03T11:49:00.003-07:00

Life Church in Olathe, KS has grown significantly since it began. On Sunday, I had the privilege to speak there. They were super receptive. I talked about the socially “awkward moments” that authentic Christianity will create.

Jesus invited us to be His light to a broken world. American culture is cluttered with materialism, hedonism, and narcissism. . Truthfully, it’s difficult to be steer clear of those “isms.” Even more, it’s challenging to lead others to Jesus who was poor, did not pursue worldly pleasure, and was the greatest servant. It requires going against the flow.

As Christ followers, we daily choose to be light in the midst of darkness. Some are drawn to it, but others resist. As we represent Christ, we must be authentically “different.” It’s a burden and a delight at the same time.

While I was in Kansas City, I spent time with my parents their closest friends, Daniel and Carol Ketchum. The two couples were friends in college and went to seminary together. They have followed Jesus closely for over forty years. I mean….closely! Like, they have dug their noses into His shoulder blades. The four of them sat together on the front row as I talked. It’s easier to preach that idea when there are people on the front row that have lived it.

May Jesus grant each of us strength to live as “peculiar people” that go against the cultural flow.

Desperation Conference 2009....Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T09:51:00.002-07:00

Desperation Tribe,

Happy New Year! God is doing great things here and I'm believing that He is also doing great things at your church too. I love the fresh start of a new year and I'm excited about the Desperation Conferences!

Jesus told us that we are the light to the world. The righteousness, compassion and truth of Jesus is greatly needed among this young generation. As Christ followers, we must really know Jesus and visibly shine His light to our friends in complacency, confusion and pain. This is why this year's conference theme is Light Up The World. My friend Jon Egan, leader of the Desperation Band, has also written a song based on these concepts and I really love it and think that you will too!

Our promotional packets that include information on the conference, a poster, and a DVD with the conference promo are now available. If you are a youth leader and have not received one, please visit the website to sign up to receive this packet. You can also access this information and register for the conference by visiting our website, http://www.desperationonline.com

Desperation will be staying at home in 2009. However, we are offering two conferences here in Colorado instead of just one! The first will be June 25 - 27 and the second conference will be July 16 - 18. The June Conference is a part of the New Life Conference Week that will also feature a pastor and worship leader conference June 22 - 24; for further details on those conferences, check out http://www.newlifeconferences.com

By offering two conferences, we hope to better accommodate you, not only by giving you more freedom to plan your summer but by giving everyone a little more seating space. Desperation Band and LEELAND will be at both conferences, along with Kari Jobe, Charlie Hall in June, and Starfield in July!

I am so excited about what God is doing in local church youth ministries across the nation. So many are praying fervently and aggressively reaching young people! I look forward to gathering together this summer at New Life Church in beautiful Colorado Springs. See you soon!

Light It Up.

Redeeming Family Christmas

2008-12-24T13:43:00.003-07:00

Merry Christmas Eve!

I drank some coffee and a little egg nog already today! Oh yes, the festivities are upon us! I love Christmas. Today, my little family will go to Christmas Eve service, read Luke 2, eat Christmas eve Italian food, and open one present before bed! Oh yes, Renata and I have begun our first round of Christmas traditions!

Speaking of traditions, I'm in need of a good round of gift giving this year...especially to my mom. When you are a triplet, you can't help but notice what the other two siblings of the exact same age and upbringing give. Last year was a debacle. Dana gave my mom a huge canvas with their family picture on it. My mom kneeled over and nearly cried with gratitude. She looked at Dana with eyes that said, "oh Dana, you are so thoughtful, creative, and resourceful." Then it got worse, Deborah handed my mom a card. This seemed to be good for me. I thought, "a card?" Did Deborah forget my mom on Christmas? My mom actually yelled as she read the card...why? Deborah and her husband, Murray wrote that they would like to drive to my parents house (3 hours away) for a weekend to remodel their living room. Oh yes, paint the walls, redecorate, the whole nine yards! (They followed through and actually did it too)

Reluctantly, I handed my mom my gift to her.... a poorly wrapped board game from Toys R Us that i had purchased the day before. I feel small most of the time, but for about an hour, I felt like a wee hobbit. To make matters worse, we decided to all play the game and it wasn't that great of a game.

Sometimes, I feel like the Oklahoma Sooners when it comes to being a son. Like the Sooners, I do great all year. I'm awesome in the regular season. I call my mom, make visits, remember her birthday, pray for her, and help coordinate family gatherings. However, the big game...the big BCS moments...like the Sooners...I've crumbled under the pressure!

However, this year will be different for me and the Sooners! This is the year! I've spent four hours today working on my mom's gift. It's going to be great! I'm expecting a Sooner victory over Florida too. This is a new day! I've been thinking about it in the offseason and I'm not going to mess it up this year!

If you want to pray for me, that would be great. If you know how to sabotage Dana or Deborah's gifts to my mother...that's equally good!

Merry Christmas and here's a picture of the mom that's going to be screaming when she opens this year’s gift!

Desperation Conferences 2009

2008-12-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

theMill & RevivalTown

2008-12-13T08:59:00.002-07:00

Aaron Stern does a phenomenal job leading theMILL here at New Life Church. Last night, I had the privilege to speak there. It was the last talk on a series about the life of Jesus. Also, we announced that Revival Town will be starting in January.

Dana talks about Psalm 27:4

2008-11-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

HungryGeneration.net

2008-11-22T02:14:00.002-07:00

Vlad, the leader here in Pasco, WA of Hungry Generation is a dynamic follower of Jesus. He's leading an passionate tribe of young people. He's only 22 and preaches like he's been in the Word for 20 years. We had a powerful night tonight.

Night of Desperation in Loveland

2008-11-22T02:12:00.001-07:00

The Furnace had a great night with JD at Resurrection Fellowship in Loveland. Here's a brief recap.

Prayer in Colorado

2008-11-03T21:12:00.004-07:00

I am very excited that over the next few weeks the Furnace is going to be doing nights of worship and prayer with some local churches here in Colorado.
On Wednesday, November 19th, we will be headed to Resurrection Fellowship in Loveland, CO. Then on Saturday, December 6th, we will be headed to Pueblo, CO.
I hope you can come an join us!

Desperation Podcast

2008-10-30T15:48:00.002-06:00

Friends, messages from the Colorado conference have been posted on iTunes under "Desperation Podcast." You can download the video or audio file. Hear Dana Candler, Brent Parsley, Aaron Stern, Brady Boyd, etc.

We are excited to unveil the 09 Desperation Conference information soon. One fun thing: Kari Jobe will be at both summer conferences in Colorado.

Desperation Youth Leader Roundtable

2008-10-03T06:14:00.002-06:00

This week, Brent Parsley and I spent a couple days praying and discussing youth ministry ideas with some of the greatest youth pastors in the nation. They flew in from all over the country and stayed in the hotel rooms at the World Prayer Center. Hanging was fun. Discussions were good, but the highlight was praying together.

Each of these youth ministers carries a heavy load at their local church youth ministries. Like an ox pulling a load, they lead prayer, confront sin, preach, set up systems, etc. Thus, I expected that conversation about youth ministry methodology would be the central theme. However, in the short time we had, the highlight was praying together. Brent and I had scheduled a little prayer at the beginning. Yet, we found ourselves tweaking the schedule because the guys were hungry to pray.

E.M Bounds wrote, “The church is looking for better methods, but God is looking for better men.” We discovered that first hand this week and I am massively encouraged about the ideas that were generated to facilitate that hunger to pray.

Living the Vow

2008-08-23T14:19:00.002-06:00

My friend, John Mac, from Warren Woods Church of the Nazarene sent me this picture yesterday while I was on vacation with my kids in California. It fired me up with excitement. Students put this in their prayer room at the church. It's easy to take the Vow, but it's work to live the vow.
Right now, I'm overwhelmed how easy it is to live for self and not serve others. It's easy to be a skeptic when it comes to eternity, prayer, and fasting. That's why I'm so excited that we are all going against the cultural norm together by living this vow. Sure, we have good days and hard days. However, we are going to fight to keep our heart's alive in God, fast, pray and fulfill the dreams of God on our lives. Don't waste your life. Spend it on Jesus, His church, the poor, the nations and those that have never heard about Him. Don't give up. The church's best days are yet ahead.

theFurnace

2008-08-19T14:02:00.004-06:00

God does amazing things through broken college students that start to follow hard after Him. He transforsm their lives. He grants meaning, nourishment to the weary, and fresh zeal to those that have lost their fervor. A program can't change your life, but God can. He has transformed many through the Furnace over the years.
In just a couple weeks, we begin the 8th year of theFurnace. God has used the prayers of the young saints in theFurnace in powerful ways over the years. We believe that it's merely the beginning. Furnace applications are due this Friday, Aug 22! Drop off completed applications in Dan Perkins office [First right when you walk into the World Prayer Center].

Watch or Read and Apply before Friday!

The After Party

2008-08-16T13:58:00.003-06:00

Following the wedding, my family stuck around Colorado for a few days. We had so much fun. Of course, the little kids dominated our time together, which is fabulous. Who needs the Olympics when you have 7 kids 4 and under to entertain you?! Triplets may have been a shock to my parents in the 70's, but who knew that round 2 would be this much fun. My kids talk about their cousins all of the time! This Christmas, we will have 8 grandkids in the family and Dawson will be the oldest (age 4). Here's the tribe [Eliana, Dawson, Madison, David, Liv, & Ema...Adelyn(not pictured)]. Deborah has Eden on the way. Oh yeah, the party has just begun!

The Wedding Celebration

2008-08-16T13:09:00.002-06:00

Dan and Amy designed an epic celebration. Everything was beautiful. May favorite moment came while they prayed together during communion. Both of them prayed quite fervently for each other during the ceremony. It wasn’t pious little prayers. No, they prayed with passion over their marriage. After prayer, they turned and lifted their voices and hands in worship. Essentially, they led the congregation in worship as we sang “Here is our King” by David Crowder. Of course, each part of Dan’s wedding was done with excellence (that’s how they are). However, I loved when they led the clan in worship. I’ve talked to lots of people since the wedding and all of them talk about that moment…and my dad. He led the ceremony really well. He’s so serious about following Jesus. It’s magnetic. Congrats Dan and Amy… what a great wedding guys.

Rethinking Bachelor Parties

2008-08-16T11:58:00.005-06:00

Bachelor parties for fervent Christian men usually present an awkward scenario. Wicked men use bachelor parties as an excuse to engage in lust and immorality before a man marries. Most “Christian” bachelor parties that I have attended settle for stupidity and sophomoric behavior. Thus, the common approach to a Christian bachelor party is to get together, have fun, and not do bad stuff. Inevitably, this usually creates an awkward night where guys get together and walk up to the edge of sin without jumping in. I’ve been to my fair share of bachelor parties over the years and have usually been conflicted. So, after receiving some ideas from my friends Brent Parsley and Jon Egan, my buds and I went a different route for my brother, Dan Perkins, bachelor party. Honestly, it turned out to be a fun, epic and memorable.

We built the whole night on 1 Peter 2:17: “Love the brotherhood, Fear God, Honor the King.”

First: Love the Brotherhood
We took Dan to a basketball court (he loves basketball). Once there, we talked out of 1 John 2:16: “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” Each of us told part of our journey to avoid pride, lust and greed. Then, we had three of Dan’s buds there wearing t-shirts each with one world across the chest. Jon, Matt and Jasen represented lust, pride and greed. They played, 3 on 1 against Dan. Lust, Greed and Pride beat Dan 7-1. Actually, Dan made a spectacular hook shot over lust for his one basket.
Following Dan’s loss, all of his groomsman took the court alongside Dan. We defeated lust, pride and greed 7-1 together. The symbolism is obvious. We need accountability. Together, we are stronger. Isolated, we lose. My brother in law, Murray, made a great point. He talked to Dan about the one basket Dan did make. Sometimes, we can have a small victory on our own and think that we can win the war on lust, greed and pride. However, in the long run, we always lose unless we are in relationship and accountability. For long term victories, we always need each other.
We loaded up in the van and went to garden of the gods. Once there, we blindfolded Dan and each verbally instructed him as we hiked to the top of a rock overlooking Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. After taking the blindfold off, Dan talked about what it was like to trust his brothers as he hiked and climbed.

Second: Fear God
As we sat on top of the rock, Cole McCord led us in worship. Matt Candler talked about the necessity of fearing God in our inner man. Matt led us in communion. Spontaneous prayers erupted as we sang worship songs. I’ll never forget it.

Third: Honor the King
Murray read the vows that Dan had written Amy. As we read them, it was amazing all that Dan had put into the vows. They were so dynamic. We talked about honoring the King by loving our wives all of our lives. One of the greatest ways to honor God is to simply serve and cherish the wives God gave to us. After reading Dan’s vows, all of us signed Dan’s vows saying that we would help him keep his vows…always. We ended our time on the rock in prayer for Dan and Amy. Dan wept. Finally, we handed him a large sword with 1 Peter 2:17 engraved in it. Love the Brotherhood, Fear God, and Honor the King.

We went to dinner and told stories about Dan for the rest of the night. John McAllister had my brother in laws, Matt and Murray, howling in laughter. We told stories from childhood to present. What a night!

Dan's getting married!

2008-08-07T13:29:00.003-06:00

My whole family drove in last night from all over to be a part of Dan and Amy's wedding! We had a huge BBQ here at my house to celebrate them! I can't believe all of the things that they have planned. It's going to be EPIC! Move over big phat greek wedding and make way for Dan and Amy!
We had a full house of kids here! Matt and Dana have 2 kids (3 & 1). Murray and Deborah have 3 kids (2, 1 and one on the way). Renata and I have 3 between 10 months and 4. So, it was fabulous! I love all of these kids! Dawson Johnathon, Alivia Faith, Adelyn Grace, Madison Clairvoux, David Cairo, Eli Sophia Grace, Ema Jordan and Eden Kate is on the way.....
Thanks for all of your emails about desperation conferences. I'm overjoyed that God moved in so many people's lives. Thousands are living the vow. May Jesus be our all in all. I'm so thankful for all that God is doing and this is only the beginning!

Birmingham, AL- Desperation Conference @ Church of the Highlands

2008-08-05T10:00:00.003-06:00

God is faithful and we are batting 1000 this summer. 3 for 3. All three Desperation conferences were great. I'm thanking God for the power of His presence. That’s what matters and that’s what transforms young people. He remains so faithful to all of us.
We had a great turnout in Alabama and I love my job right now! Saturday night was a powerful night. We somberly took the Vow and then blissfully celebrated Jesus in worship with DBand and Leeland. This has been our biggest summer to date and I’m so thankful for the Desperation tribe that worked so hard this year. Actually, we have been celebrating them the past few days. Following the conference, we took the Desperation Interns and Desperation staff to the lake for a few days. We feel refreshed and connected. We feel like comrades right now because of accomplishing the mission that Jesus gave us in the fall. Jesus is sooooo awesome!

Desperation Alabama. Church of the Highlands. July 31-Aug 2, 08

2008-07-28T14:46:00.005-06:00

Youth Leaders, Thank you for bringing your students to Desperation this weekend at Church of the Highlands !
God has transformed the lives of thousands of students at the Colorado and Michigan events this summer and we anticipate this weekend to be a powerful, passionate weekend. We have been praying for you and your students as you make the journey to Birmingham. I’ve been so pleased with how many students are choosing to become sincere Christ followers, worshippers, and diligent intercessors. Thousands have taken the Desperation Vow so that we can put feet to our prayers following the event.
God has given each of the speakers’ powerful messages for Desperation this summer and I’m so excited that they will be able to hear Pastor Chris Hodges this weekend. He has a unique ability to call lethargic young people to be diligent in the call that God has on their lives. Our updated schedule has him speaking on Friday morning. So, make that session a priority! Additionally, Ron Luce will not be able to make this year’s event. Due to some conflicting events, he needs to be in Texas this weekend. However, Layne Schranz oversees all of student ministries (college, high school and junior high) at Church of the Highlands. He has grown it from a handful of students to a thriving youth ministry with hundreds of students and an excellent internship program. Furthermore, he is a race car driver and connects with students in a great way. At our Colorado event, I had multiple students raving about the session that he did here. It will be great!
Finally, I am so excited to have Leeland with us this year. They are authentic, your worship leaders with a heart to encounter God and declare His greatness to a generation. Leeland and Desperation Band together are a perfect fit.
I can’t wait for our time together! May Jesus be near you as you travel! See you Thursday!

Church Shooting in Knoxville

2008-07-27T20:39:00.002-06:00

Friends, please be in prayer for the people in Knoxville that are injured and for the family of the man that lost his life. Tonight, New Life had a special prayer time for the church. Pastor Brady did a fantastic job leading our church through it and offered wise counsel to the pastor in Knoxville. Let's all pray that:
* The church would turn toward Jesus in this tragedy.
* The wounded would turn toward Jesus.
* God would bring super natural comfort.

I was telling a friend recently that our story at New Life caused me to really believe that God turns ashes into something beautiful. He is faithful. Moments like this are impossible to understand. There is evil in the world. However, He's making all things new again...through it all... He is God alone and we must continue to Count on Him.

Tribute to the Desperation Interns

2008-07-24T13:17:00.003-06:00

The Desperation Interns are the ones that are making the conferences so great this summer! No doubt, the speakers and bands are suberb. God is faithful to transform lives when we draw near to Him. I know that it's about Jesus and no one else. However, it takes a lot of work too. I can not say enough about how much I live this year's DI tribe. Guys, thank you for all that you do. I'm so thankful that God has sent us a passionate, diligent, and competent team. You guys are really amazing!
I hope that your rafting trip went great yesterday. Thank God for Colorado in the summer time!

When the Music Fades...

2008-07-23T11:59:00.004-06:00

The stage lights are gone and tent city is merely a field again... It's like the day after Christmas... but now the journey begins for all of us.

I'm sitting at my favorite coffee shop and praying for the thousands of students that came to desperation this past weekend. Now is when the conference matters most.. how do we live? How hard will we follow Jesus on the days like today, no lights, no famous bands and no screaming intercessors or preachers... it's a macaroni and cheese day today.. it's not a prime rib day...

As you go back, may the fire in your hearts burn bright. Spend time with Jesus. Start a prayer meeting. Fast a day. Write your purpose. Live the Vow.

These days before school starts matter. You have a little window of time to really spend a lot of time with Jesus before school starts. Don't settle for wasting your days on myspace and movies when you have the God of the ages longing to reveal Himself to you. Get your heart good and fiery before you head back into the busy school days.

Love to you all... Our God is awesome.

Desperation Conference 08 Colorado

2008-07-22T08:16:00.003-06:00

Hopefully, last weekend will live in each one of us for the rest of our lives, but a small recap video can be fun to see. This is what we showed at New Life Church on Sunday morning after the conference. I'm sure I'll be writing about what God did for months to come. Thanks for all who came. Jesus is awesome...

Now Is The Time

2008-07-17T10:08:00.002-06:00

Today!

Come, Lord Jesus! Grant us revelation to be completely Yours and may we live in desperate pursuit of You. May these days not be about us, our gathering, out tents, our lights, our fun....may it be about how awesome You are.

Come quickly to meet us for we are in desperate need. Amen

7.5 hours to go... see you guys soon!

The Stage Is Set!

2008-07-14T14:41:00.003-06:00

It's beginning to look a lot like....DESPERATION CONFERENCE! It's the most wonderful time of the year! The stage is set. The lights, staging and risers are in place. We are three days away.

May God meet with each of us so that we are never the same! See you in 3 days...

6 Days

2008-07-11T09:24:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, our staff at New Life spent some time praying for everybody coming to Desperation. Truthfully, it was one of my favorite staff meetings in all my years at New Life. It wasn't long, but we really pressed in and prayed for God's presence and power at the conference. As Jon Egan and Jared Anderson led in worship, it just seemed like a holy moment. Young and old alike asked God that these few days would change the lives of young people. It was a great start to the Desperation season that is in front of us...
I know that many are already on buses and driving across the midwest right now to the beautiful Colorado Rockies....and we are praying for you! Thanks so much for making the journey. Powerful days are ahead of us!

Another Reason You Gotta Love My Brother...

2008-07-09T16:24:00.002-06:00

My brother, Dan , started on the Desperation team in the summer of 2001. He started and ran DSI for years. He spearheads theFurnace these days. So, he's a pretty important part of our team. Well, recently, we had a little office move in the World Prayer Center and he lost his office. Then he lost his desk. Now, he works off of a mini-fridge. He's never complained. He just keeps getting the job done and making due till he gets an actual desk. He's the man! So, friends, here is a little look into the Desperation offices and the rock star/team player that my brother really is:

Brady Boyd Hosting a Breakfast for Youth Pastors at D08 in Colorado

2008-07-09T10:03:00.001-06:00

Youth Pastors! Our senior pastor, Brady Boyd, will be hosting a breakfast at Desperation in Colorado. I'm excited for everyone to meet and connect with him. He has guided the New Life tribe really well through some difficult times. He's extremely excited about Desperation this year and in future years. So, make sure and meet him on Friday morning during his main session or on Saturday morning at the youth pastor breakfast.

See you in 8 days!

Desperation DVD Will Be Available at D08 Colorado Next Week!

2008-07-08T21:21:00.003-06:00

Great news! Jon Egan, Jared Newman and Andy Caterisono have finished the DVD and we will have it at Desperation Colorado! It's awesome too! We had a company come shoot the night of desperation awhile back when we recorded. Plus, we have over an hour of extra footage of testimonies, conference footage, etc. I'm so excited about it. It's been a long time coming, but it will be packaged and ready to go at Desperation Colorado!

See you all in 9 days!

Father

2008-07-08T08:49:00.002-06:00

Our family is closer than ever because of the little surgery that Dawson had yesterday. He is recovering well, but is homebound and must stay in bed for a few days. Nothing grips a dad’s heart like seeing his children in pain. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine God as distant and aloof when you think of Him like a father. I’m quite confident that His love far surpasses mine. So, He must really love us because I sure feel for my son right now.

I picked up little Alivia at Jared and Megan's late last night. She was waiting for me in her jammies with her bag by the door and yelled "daddy" when I arrived. There's nothing like being a father.

Thank you to all that have been praying. May God be close to you, like the Father He is…

Scooters

2008-07-06T21:34:00.003-06:00

Dawson had a great line tonight. He loves to ride his little scooter and I just got one at Walmart so that we can ride them together. Tonight, I was commenting on how to brake. I said something to the effect of, "that's kind of weird." Dawson responded, "it's not weird dad. That's just how Jesus made scooters."

Psalm 23

2008-07-06T14:37:00.005-06:00

Pastor Brady Boyd is exegetically preaching through Psalm 23. This morning, I was in both services. Plus, I'm on a creative team that comes up with ideas for sermon content. So, I've really meditated on Psalm 23 with him this week. Here are some great points.

1. The Shepherd's ability to lead us is stronger than the enemy's ability to deceive us. The devil looks pretty small when compared to the magnitude of Jesus
2. Psalm 23:3b reads, He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. It's easy for us to focus on the path instead of the Shepherd. When our eyes are on the Shepherd, we don't have to spend our time worrying about the path.
3. The Shepherd doesn't change even when the pastures change. Outward circumstance changes, but God does not. Even when we go through seasons that are far different than expected, our Shepherd's voice remains the same.
4. The Shepherd is often leading each of us to a new place. Sheep will destroy the land if they stay in the same spot. Like a Shepherd leads sheep to new pastures, God leads us to new places. It's tempting to stay where things are easy, but that's not usually God's way.
Most Christians have Psalm 23 nearly memorized. Sometimes, familiarity becomes the biggest hindrance to connecting with the Scriptures. Psalm 23 is a good text to dust off and meditate on a bit.

4th of July Parade with the Andersons

2008-07-04T12:45:00.004-06:00

There's nothing like hanging with Jared and Megan Anderson.

Why? Not only are they great friends, but when we all get together...it becomes kidfest. Here are the ages:

Dawson 4
Everett 3
Alivia 2
Beckett 2
Francie 1
Adelyn 9 months

Oh ya! Let the good times roll! We all went to the parade this morning. Our kids yelled for free candy. Dawson had gum for the first time. Beckett and Alivia may get married one day. Who knows? Anyway...you can't ask for better weather on the fourth than what we had today in fantastic Colorado! Happy 4th! God bless America.

Pastor of Prayer

2008-07-03T16:55:00.002-06:00

God's doing some fun things around New Life.

A few weeks ago, Pastor Brady brought me into his office and invited me to become the Pastor of Prayer at New Life Church. Renata and I prayed about it and sensed it was right. We have held prayer meetings for the last seven years through theFurnace. Now, we are asking God for strategies for our church, World Prayer Center, and the nations. Honestly, I get butterflies because I'm so stoked about it.

Obviously, we will continue to lead Desperation with great passion and fervor. God placed the desperation dream in our hearts a long time ago and it is firmly embedded within us. God is great. We are looking forward to serving the prayer movement at New Life.

Kzoo Recap

2008-07-02T22:17:00.002-06:00

D08 Recap from AV Geek on Vimeo.

Here's a little recap video from Desperation Conference in Michigan.

Kalamazoo

2008-07-01T10:22:00.004-06:00

OH! I couldn't have dreamed it up any better!

God moved powerfully at the desperation conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan. On Thursday night, Glenn Packiam wrote a spontaneous song during the ministry time. We focused on Christology (JESUS IS AWESOME) and prayed a lot. Powerful! Friday was too. In fact, after Ron Luce's session on Friday night, I couldn't end the meeting! Students began to pray and worship when I would try to end. Ah, so good.

Okay, huge confession: I love LEELAND! They are the real deal. They pray together before they go on stage. They love Jesus. Their conversation in the back room sounded like authentic Christ followers. Oh, and they are awesome worship leaders too...

Aaron Stern's message felt like David Hogan missionary stories in a Louie Giglio style. He sat on a stool and told story after story of God healing people on theMill's trip to Africa. I was moved. Of course, Dana Candler (my sister) brought amazing depth and insight. She's an amazing follower. Brent was a riot. He's all the kids favorite. Lee Cummings, the theologian, talked about the most valued real estate on the planet being one's heart. Dan Perkins had the men laughing their heads off as he broke down images of Jesus throughout the Scriptures. As you can tell, I'm still buzzing about the whole thing!

I'm home now with my family. Love that! The Desperation staff and Desperation interns went to water ski at a lake. Colorado Desperation is coming...and i can't wait!

Jesus is awesome...KTD.

Here we GO

2008-06-25T22:53:00.003-06:00

Well, the buses are rolling in. The Michigan summer is beautiful. The stage is set and the expectation is high! Tomorrow night, we get under way for Desperation Conference here in Michigan. May God move in the heart of a generation! Here we go...

Desperation Team Driving To Michigan

2008-06-23T16:58:00.001-06:00

Desperationland,

Resurrection Life Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan is a phenomenal local church impacting young people in a powerful way. Lee Cummings and Jon Zondervan are young leaders that deeply love Jesus and sacrificially make young people a priority. We are stoked to partner with them this week. It looks like it’s gonna be a packed house!

Our team is currently just east of Chicago and making their way to the desperation destination. May Jesus be exalted and lots of young people choose willingly follow Him. I’ll keep you posted on what God does!

Lunch with Joe Couch and Pastor Thomas [From Kenya]

2008-06-22T21:42:00.003-06:00

Great Sunday!

Joe and I interviewed David Works for a Desperation video today. He lost two of his daughters in the shooting on December 9, 2007. Wow! His faith is supernatural. Most would think that he would be dealing with the problem of evil or mad at God. However, he trusts in Jesus in a way that can only be described as miraculous.

After service, Joe and I took a pastor from Kenya to lunch. They have a "prayer chain" in their church that goes 24/7. Plus, they have a "fasting chain" as well. So, someone in their church is always praying and someone is always fasting too. They have planted a few HUNDRED churches in Africa. Pastor Brady has been to visit this pastor many times in Kenya. So, they have a long history and friendship.

He talked about prayer being the basis for every activity of their church. He's not impressed with our big buildings. He's not moved by our productions. He encouraged me to build the prayer ministry at New Life. It must be the crux of all we do.

8 Years

2008-06-21T14:05:00.003-06:00

Today, I'm reading Jim Cymbala's book called "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire." These phrases moved me:

Cymbala: "From this day on, the PRAYER MEETING will be the barometer of our church. What happens on Tuesday night will be the gauge of which we will judge success or failure because that will be the measure by which God blesses us."

Spurgeon: "The condition of the church may be very accurately gauged by its prayer meetings. So is the prayer meeting a grace-ometer, and from it we may judge of the amount of divine working among a people. If God be near a church, it must pray. And if He be not there, one of the first tokens of His absence will be a slothfulness in prayer.

I feel sense a burden to increase the level of prayer at New Life Church. God has so much more for those that pray. It's heavy on me today. Who knows what God will do?

8 years ago today, Renata and I drove into Colorado Springs to start at New Life Church. We had been married for 25 days. Time is flying. Oh, the brevity of life!

He loves us, oh how He loves us!

2008-06-20T22:10:00.002-06:00

Tonight, I was at theMill where Pastor Aaron Stern gave a great message on viewing ourselves through the lens of Jesus. As always, he had a creative bent which included a massive picture of Jesus hanging from the ceiling at the conclusion of his talk. Following the message, I went to pick up my kids in the nursery. I was talking with a college student as I walked toward the nursery. In the distance, I saw Dawson through a window and vocally yelled "there's Dawson!" I just blurted it out while in the midst of the conversation with this other guy. I couldn't help it. I just got so excited to see my boy!
You know where this is going...surely, God blurts out delight over each one of us all of the time. He blurted out His love for Jesus (Matthew 3). He love us. He really does. In the last few years, I have learned more about the love of God than any other time period of my life. Now, I'm a father. Surely, God's heart leaps over us, delights in us (Psalm 18:19), and sings over us (Zeph 3:17). It's so good to be a son!

Fathers Day

2008-06-15T15:43:00.003-06:00

This morning my little tribe gave me presents before we went to church. They hugged me and said "Happy Fathers Day!" Although, a few times, Alivia said "Happy Birthday" instead. I love being a dad.
It's crazy to me when I meet guys that don't want to be a dad because of the extra work it takes. Truthfully, the rewards far outweigh the labor. There's nothing like a tiny tribe that wants to play with you and be like you.
Some guys have to learn how to be a great dad on their own. However, I feel like I have a huge running start because of how much my dad, Hal Perkins, loved me.
Dad, thanks for your support, love and example. You are dedicated to making followers of Jesus beyond any man I have ever known... Happy Fathers Day.

The Joy of When He Returns...

2008-06-14T05:49:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, as I drove home from the church, my stomach almost had butterfies because of my excitement to get home to see me kids. Dawson (3) runs to me full speed when I walk in and screams "Daddy!" Alivia smiles huge and comes running slowly behind him with a high pitched little scream. (She does everything that Dawson does)... And Addie, my little baby, smiles and claps when I get home. Honestly, it's the highlight of my day.
So, I was driving home thinking about walking in the door and I just told God how much I enjoyed coming home to see my tribe (family). On warm days, they are usually sitting on the porch waiting for me...

As I drove, I began to think about how excited Jesus must be to return to see His tribe (the Redeemed). There is a crown in heaven for all that long for Jesus return (2 Timothy 4:8), but imagine His joy to return for us. That will be the greatest day...

Night of Desperation in South Africa

2008-06-04T08:02:00.002-06:00

God moved at our night of desperation in South Africa.

Doxa Deo church facilitated us. They were awesome and I loved connecting with their many youth pastors. What a great vision and church. I think there are going to be great times with them in the future! Our DI's did awsome leading worship too... way to go guys.

Great trip. It was the best Furnace missions trip we have had in the last 7 years. Thanks to Tim Middlebrook and everyone at Every Home For Christ that facilated the event.

Carpe Eternity...

AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-31T16:09:00.002-06:00

God is doing great things with our Furnace team here in Africa.

I was so excited to meet up with the team in Botswana where they have been cleaning, painting, and teaching children. Yesterday, I saw the school that they transformed and the kids that have fallen in love with them.

Tomorrow, we are doing a night of desperation at a church in South Africa.

May Jesus shine bright in beautiful Africa...

Wow...16 days since last post. yikes!

2008-05-26T15:05:00.005-06:00

Fantastic Furnace banquet last week. It's really fun to see parents drive a long way to see thier son or daughter graduate from theFurnace. These students have been so faithful to pray | seek God | be accountable |serve over the past year. This was our 15th banquet. So, I'm starting to feel a bit old. God's been faithful to bring young worship leaders and intercessors over the years.

My brother in law, Matt Candler, spent last Sunday with me. He's a dear friend. I always feel challenged to be a better intercessor and theologian after hanging with him. He's awesome. We took my kids to the park and just talked for hours. I'm so glad he is speaking at the Desperation conference in Colorado this summer. He will be a sure hit.

This past week has been a "staycation" for me. Renata and I decided to take advantage of beautiful Colorado this year instead of loading up the kids in a van. So, we have found many little amusement parks, vacation spots and parks around here. It's been a blast actually. I've had a great week just being a dad. Playlands, coffee and diapers... c'mon!

Finally, i spoke at theMill on Friday night. Aaron Stern was in Canada with the Desperaiton Band. So, I took the reigns. We had a great night. The Mill is an incredible tribe. I enjoy hanging there.

Well, our Furnace team left for Botswana last week. I'm flying out tomorrow to join them. We are working with the poor in Botswana and hosting a night of desperation in south africa. Should be good..

Until next time...

Prayer Meeting

2008-05-10T08:36:00.002-06:00

Lastnight was a thrilling event. At the prayer meeting, we attempted a different angle. Worship and Bible. Worship and Bible. It was awesome. I felt like God was simply renewing us as we marinated in the Word.
It was the last Friday night prayer meeting of the year. Thank you to all that come out for such a late event each Friday. Jeremy Reyes and his band are amazing. Thanks guys. I look forward to the fall!