The Calling To Awake

Mission Restoration is a property that has been winterized since 2016 and is beginning to be reclaimed by the Sumter National Forest in Newberry County, South Carolina. This 1.78-acre property includes a small home constructed in the 1940s, which requires major restoration. My desire is to utilize this serene retreat in nature to create a space where small groups can regain their confidence through creative and ever-evolving opportunities.  However, Mission Restoration is about more than just restoring the home and property; it is also about restoring our spirits. Here, we will work alongside the tranquility of nature while engaging in the physical restoration of the land and home. Each application of our efforts aims to foster a sense of healthy pride and confidence that individuals may have been lacking, helping them take the next step in their lives.  The ultimate goal is to make Mission Restoration a continuously growing initiative. Each visitor carries a lost dream or sup...

Many people have suffered awful spiritual abuses within religion. Affairs, misuse of funds, not taking care of congregants, ministers making advances on new attendees, shaming and casting aside a newly divorced woman, shaming an un-wed pregnant mother, causing the gay man to feel so uncomfortable and unwelcome he'll never look towards his Creator again. Hundreds of scenarios are playing out in our churches today.  Here’s the secret, though… God is waking us up. Men and women who have been abused by the man-made religious system are coming to this understanding. Through social media, I am seeing an awakening of precious souls that have been tested under extraordinary temperatures, who are now embasissors and warriors for those left behind, those left blind, those still lost in hopelessness. This understanding is what brings us healing. Often our healing is even shamed, because those who truly heal through understanding and tell the hard truths are.  If healing is done through t...

Did you know that approximately 5,627,000 Americans are intersex? This would be a biological feature that an individual is born with. That cannot be helped. Sometimes it is not discovered until late in life. Maybe never. But it might account for someone you know being attracted to the same sex. A female might naturally produce testosterone unknowingly. A boy might produce more estrogen, causing him to have more feminine features.  But since the science conflicts with religious law, and an uncomfortable conversation when "chosen" to not take the time to understand, we find a way to shame them for being naturally wired? They are already embarrassed. They are already confused and scared of assumptions and judgments. Christians really need to be on the forefront of that lifelong battle they will face? You're keeping them from peace and joy when you openly judge this community (in His name...) who commanded us to love our brother, sister, neighbors, and even enemies. Oh and we...