Introduce Yourself to the Missional Community!

Matt Brunk, my good friend from Liberty, MO, suggested that we introduce ourselves, since this site is drawing together people from various backgrounds and parts of the country. This will help us to know one another better.

You may introduce yourself here, or, perhaps even better, put down this information on your "My Page." On your "My Page," where it says "Text Box," click on "Add Text." Make the title of the text box "About Me" or something like this and write about yourself..

I would suggest telling us:
- Name,
- Vocation
- Any family information you would like to share
- What missional or spiritual topics you are interested in, experienced in, or are working in
- Any websites you would like to link to that would help us know you better (to link, type a site name, and then click on the paper clip looking link (next to the bold, italics, etc.) and then paste the site's "URL" (web address)
- Anything else you would like to share!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by James Nored on December 11, 2009 at 5:45pm: Cherie, God's richest blessings upon you. We are glad that you have come our way. Five children--that must be a blessing! So glad that Christ has helped you overcome alcoholism. May we be a source of encouragement to you and you to us!

Cherie said:
Hi all! My name is Chérie (Shur-Ree), and I am an office manager in a local leading industrial gas a welding supply company in the repair department. I am a single mother, in a relationship, with 5 children ranging from 24 to 14. Currently My middle son (17) and my youngest daughter (14) reside with me. I am a grateful believer restored from the insanity of alcoholism and struggling with co-dependency. My home groups are Celebrate Recovery and a non-traditional spiritually backed AA group title U.I.R. (unsuspected inner resource). I enjoy sharing my Experience, Strength, and Hope in a Christ-centered environment - and am working daily on walking in God's will and minstering to my family, friends, and co-workers.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gerald Mwebe on February 4, 2010 at 6:54pm: My Name is Gerald Mwebe, a graduate of Dallas Seminary, a church planter from Uganda, Africa, speaker and author, my passion and vision is to stir up the American church to walk into their redemptive Heritage, which is world missions.Our ministry organizes and facilitates short term mission trips to Africa. I will be more than happy to speak to churches that want their members stirred up for missions.. Tel contact # 972 681 0707; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Phillip Smith on February 15, 2010 at 3:37am: Hello, fellow Disciples!

My name is Phillip Smith and I reside with my wife (Deanie) of 43 years in McKinney, Texas. McKinney is approximately 30 miles north of Dallas.

My wife and I have one son that lives about 30 minutes away in Denton, Texas. He and his wife Rachel just shared with us one of the greatest gifts of all time…Margaret Dove (Maggie), our first granddaughter and only grandchild. Both sets of grandparents were allowed to witness the entire birthing process. We will never be the same and are truly blessed in that mother and baby are doing extremely well. Being retired, Deanie and I intend to spoil Maggie as often as allowed. Gammy and Poppy will become our new monikers.

My life has been full. I was reared in McKinney and became a Disciple of our Lord when I was 13. After high school I was drafted into the Army during the Viet Nam era. I became a Captain and commanded one of only two elite Airborne Ranger Special Forces companies in operation. It was all by mistake but I will save that comedy for another time. It was, however, a defining time in my early life experiences.

I have been in and out of the Word more than I like to admit. How one can be so in discipleship at one given time and, out just as quickly? It is so very hard to comprehend. I dare say it happens all too frequently. I know I must be more consistent in living what I teach.

Following the service I entered college and graduated with a degree in economics. I then spent 35 years managing in the corporate world of insurance. It was during those years where I found myself struggling to balance worldly things with spiritual. Like oil and water…they just didn't mix for me.

In the past decade I have been granted great favor in teaching bible studies with adults and teenagers. Both groups present rewards but much differently. Seeing a teenager finally “get it” about the Lord is an amazing transformation. Seeing adults return to the Word is equally wonderful.

I am extremely fortunate to attend the Church where the founder of our group, James Nored, is minister. What a motivator for the Gospel he is! I hope you are able to view some of the wonderful sermons he tapes. Harvest Sunday 2010 is high on my list of recommendations. I look forward to visiting with him soon about Missional Outreach and other projects he has ongoing.

Stay in touch. I would love to have each of you as friends. Deanie and I just acquired a 37 foot motor home and will be traveling as time permits. We will stay in touch. I plan to begin a bible study group at selected RV sites where we plan extended stays. Lord willing, I will be able to begin monitoring substance abuse classes not only to help those who are dependent but, for my continuing sobriety, as well.

In Christ,

Phillip Smith; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joshua Nichols on February 15, 2010 at 3:20pm: Hello, my name is Josh Nichols. I am a licensed marital and family therapist. I am currently in private practice in OKC (www.AOFCLLC.com). I am also serving as the college minister at the Wilshire Church of Christ in OKC.

I have been married to my wife, Amanda, for a little over 9 yrs now. Amanda is a professor of Chemistry at Oklahoma Christian University. We have two little boys - Casen (3) and Liam (7 wks). I have the pleasure of knowing James from my college years at OC. He took me under his wing when he was the Youth minister a Wilshire about 10 yrs ago now. I thought he taught me everything he knew, but apparently he was holding out on me. :)

I have a passion for working with marriages and families. I have especially like working with parents. I also like working with couples who have experienced infidelity in their relationship. They need someone who give them hope that the marriage can still be saved if that is what they want. I do a little preventative work in the area of pre-marital counseling. As far as the individual goes, I have a passion for helping men (males) overcome pornography addiction.

It's great to be a part of this wonderful network.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by James Nored on February 15, 2010 at 3:25pm: Hi Phillip. I didn't know that you were a captain in Vietnam. That must have been some experience.

Glad to hear of your plans to help with missional outreach, and with your RV Bible study plans. We should be used by God wherever we may be.

The Celebrate Recovery group of guys has really bonded. I think that you saw this video? They would love to have you there on a regular basis. We are always looking for new leaders!

So glad to have you join the site, Phillip, and I'll look forward to getting together with you soon. God bless.

Phillip Smith said:
Hello, fellow Disciples!

My name is Phillip Smith and I reside with my wife (Deanie) of 43 years in McKinney, Texas. McKinney is approximately 30 miles north of Dallas.

My wife and I have one son that lives about 30 minutes away in Denton, Texas. He and his wife Rachel just shared with us one of the greatest gifts of all time…Margaret Dove (Maggie), our first granddaughter and only grandchild. Both sets of grandparents were allowed to witness the entire birthing process. We will never be the same and are truly blessed in that mother and baby are doing extremely well. Being retired, Deanie and I intend to spoil Maggie as often as allowed. Gammy and Poppy will become our new monikers.

My life has been full. I was reared in McKinney and became a Disciple of our Lord when I was 13. After high school I was drafted into the Army during the Viet Nam era. I became a Captain and commanded one of only two elite Airborne Ranger Special Forces companies in operation. It was all by mistake but I will save that comedy for another time. It was, however, a defining time in my early life experiences.

I have been in and out of the Word more than I like to admit. How one can be so in discipleship at one given time and, out just as quickly? It is so very hard to comprehend. I dare say it happens all too frequently. I know I must be more consistent in living what I teach.

Following the service I entered college and graduated with a degree in economics. I then spent 35 years managing in the corporate world of insurance. It was during those years where I found myself struggling to balance worldly things with spiritual. Like oil and water…they just didn't mix for me.

In the past decade I have been granted great favor in teaching bible studies with adults and teenagers. Both groups present rewards but much differently. Seeing a teenager finally “get it” about the Lord is an amazing transformation. Seeing adults return to the Word is equally wonderful.

I am extremely fortunate to attend the Church where the founder of our group, James Nored, is minister. What a motivator for the Gospel he is! I hope you are able to view some of the wonderful sermons he tapes. Harvest Sunday 2010 is high on my list of recommendations. I look forward to visiting with him soon about Missional Outreach and other projects he has ongoing.

Stay in touch. I would love to have each of you as friends. Deanie and I just acquired a 37 foot motor home and will be traveling as time permits. We will stay in touch. I plan to begin a bible study group at selected RV sites where we plan extended stays. Lord willing, I will be able to begin monitoring substance abuse classes not only to help those who are dependent but, for my continuing sobriety, as well.

In Christ,

Phillip Smith; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Katherine Gould on March 5, 2010 at 10:23am: Ni hao!!

My name is Katherine Gould and I currently serving as a missionary in Beijing, China. I am a life-long Texan who fell in love with the people of China and heard the call to move here with some of my friends after we came here last March for a Let's Start Talking project.

I have been involved in youth/campus ministry for the last 12 years in some capacity and that is my passion...I am hoping to be able to get connected back into that after I return from China. I am loving being here and a part of what God is doing-they are definitely seeking Him and I feel privileged to walk this journey with them.

My B.A. is in Family Studies from Lubbock Christian University and M.A. is in Christian Ministry from Abilene Christian University. (I was going for the MDiv-TOO long!! I am just thrilled I finally graduated last year!) ;)

I guess my biggest challenge here is this...it is easy for them to come consistently to our seeker's groups during the week, but has been a challenge to get them to come or connected with the local church. My group is always on Saturday nights, so we invite them to come the next morning...but many of them never do. They really want to learn more about the Bible, but some think they have to be baptized or somehow understand it all/be perfect before they can come, and of course there are other reasons...but I really want to help them get connected with more Christians...especially so that these connections and studies will continue long after we are gone.

Here is my blog, which I am trying to blog more regularly on!

I look forward to being involved in this community, seeing how we can learn from and encourage each other!!

Blessings from Beijing~

IN HIM, Katherine; ▶ Reply to This