Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/985049
Page 10 | www.BlackSheepHDFC.org Marty Edwards I was especially proud to be a part of this ministry when earlier this month I looked out over the audience at ILS2018. So many had worked so hard, planned so long and given so much to be there. Airline ckets are expensive and ge ng me off from work is never easy. The motels in "Silicon Valley" were more expensive than in previous years and many of our members and friends road or drove hundreds of miles to be together. Some told me, "This is our annual vaca on every year!" It cost me over $200 just to board my dog while I was away, but it was all worth it because we were TOGETHER! So, what's so great about being together? Seeing old friends and hearing their stories. Mee ng new friends and telling them all about what the ministry looks like in our part of the country. I enjoyed hearing Jamie Lea preach for the first me. I was encouraged to see David and Angela Leth from Australia. It did my heart good to hear Teresa Nielsen pour out her heart with vulnerability as she shared her story alongside of her husband Jonathan. I also really enjoyed Dave and his li le dog "Mr. Blue" – telling the tale of how he lost his leg and lived to celebrate the grace and goodness of God anyway! Listen - I totally understand that there were some who could not be there due to work, finances or illness. I get that. Some mes life just gets in the way – but I need to let you know that you were missed. This isn't about chas sing anyone, it's about celebra ng the gi of one-another and the sense of being something bigger than the local chapter – and le ng you know we SINCERELY missed you. We Were TogeTher in San JoSe In San Jose, we were together in Christ and in Spirit. We were together in mission and purpose. We were united in the business of changing up the way we do ILS, introducing zone rallies and adding background checks to our mentorship process. We were together when we heard Laz Alba tell us about the Mexico trip and the need to reach out in a more comprehensive way to reach a HUGE Spanish speaking popula on. We were together as we said, "AMEN!" to every speaker's point that we needed to get along be er and love one another more in spite our differences. (I think this me – we got it!) It will be two years before we gather again for an Interna onal Leadership Summit. Next year we will meet in five different towns at five different mes of the year for smaller "zone rallies." The zone rallies will be less business and more fun, fellowship, food and riding. They will also be more conducive to invi ng our HOG friends and local church folk. Un l then – be together. Stay together. Focus on JESUS and the mission we have been called to. Keep the main thing (bringing people to Jesus) the main thing. Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't be distracted by the tricks of the devil. Love one another. Bear with one another. Work together for an eternal purpose. We were together in San Jose, but we'll be together again – soon! God bless you all!