A day in the life of...Mark Williams

thoughts on life and other musings

I'm not even sure where to start.  I haven't blogged in a while.  Oh....there's been plenty happening.  It's mainly been a matter of not having time.  So...most of my time over the last few weeks has been devoted to getting our new facility ready for move-in.  Today, "Main Street" opened up at ABC.  It was great to see all the people enjoying the new WIDE hallway.  It's the realization of a vision that God had placed in our hearts years ago.   It hasn't all sunk in yet.  I'm not sure when it will.  Maybe when we have a chance to breathe. 

The rest of this week, we'll be working diligently getting the rest of the rooms ready for our S.S. to be in the new facility next Sunday.  Lots still to be done. 

Revival at ABC started this morning.  Wayne Marshall, pastor of Longview Heights in Olive Branch,  is our guest speaker/evangelist.  God is already using him to bring some great messages to us at Agricola.  I'm looking forward to the rest of this week as God breaks us and molds us to who He wants us to be.

Soccer has begun.  I'm coaching Micah's U-10 boys team.  We had 2 games yesterday to open up the season.  We won the 1st game 9-1.  Micah had 2 goals in the game.  We won the 2nd game 6-3, after falling behind 2-1 in the first half.  They didn't quit, and fought back hard.  Micah had 2 goals in the 2nd game as well.  So, that's 4 for the season so far.  I love those little boys.  They play so hard, and are so fun to be around.  It also gives me an opportunity to have influence in their lives. 

We're going to Disney World!!  We're going to take a much-needed family vacation over Thanksgiving, and visit the most magical place on Earth.  This is part of Malaree's dance lessons that we're going.  She'll get to be in a parade while we are there.  Super excited about that!!

Analyzing

I never saw myself good at math growing up.  I think that is why I studied harder in math, because I didn't "think" I was good at it.  I actually was pretty good at it.  God wired me to think with numbers, calculate, and just look at things from that perspective.  This has been a good thing with my new position.  I would say that I have done A TON of analyzing numbers with my position as equipping pastor.  We look at space numbers (square footage) per person, number enrolled vs. number attending, averages, percent increases from one year to the next. 

Right now, Misty is doing some AWESOME spreadsheets for us to better keep up with everything in regards to Dual Sunday Schools.  You should see some of the formulas and spreadsheets that she has put together.  Everything that I have asked if it could be done, she has done it.  We are getting very automated in some of these areas.  It's great to see this come together.

In saying all this about analyzing our info, it all boils down to relationships and people knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Numbers are people.  And people need to know Jesus.  It is my thought that God wants to have a relationship with everyone.  And that means more people!!

The liftoff

I used a metaphor a few weeks ago when referring to Dual S.S.  I talked about how we were on the launching pad waiting for liftoff.  Well, we lifted off alright.  At the rate of 407 in Duals.  This is only the beginning of the mission.  We haven't even made it into "space" yet.  We are still basically in liftoff mode with things to be done, kinks to be worked out.  Overall, though, we are pressing forward with a tremendous amount of momentum!! 
I get excited just thinking about all the great things God has done and IS DOING!!  I'm telling ya, God is using the people at ABC.  As we look forward to this coming Sunday, the 2nd week of Dual S.S., we have an exciting mission ahead of us.  Be there and be a part of what is happening!!

+5

This is what God is placing on my heart right now. 

Doing Duals!! Yes!!

Our first Sunday of Dual Sunday School and Worship went excellent.  We had 401 in bible study!!  I am really ecstatic about our first Sunday in Duals.  Tons of work went into Duals from our staff.  Countless hours trying to make sure that everything was just right paid off.  Balancing classes, choirs, times, and many, many other things all have to be considered.  As I said yesterday at our deacons' meeting, This is only the beginning!!  Check out Tommy's blog here for lots more info on Duals. 

We have a commission from God to reach people with the gospel.  I believe that this is just one way we can do that.  Duals don't reach people.  People reach people.  People make up Duals.  Therefore, we are on our way to reaching more for the kingdom of God. 

I like to be a forward thinking person!!  I believe that we always have to think AHEAD rather than thinking just for the moment.  I believe that God has some really HUGE goals for us at ABC through Dual Sunday School. 

The down side to yesterday was that I picked up a stomach bug/virus from someone yesterday, and spent the better part of yesterday afternoon and all night being SUPER SICK.  Let's just say it wasn't pretty.  I even missed the welcome fellowship for Dusty.  Dang...I missed out on some homemade ice cream!!  Oh well, I'm starting to feel better now!!  Bring someone to church with you Sunday!!

24

It is right at 24 hours before dual Sunday School starts at ABC.  I have been a little silent on the blog the last few days.  I needed to take a break from posting.  Also, we had lots of things going on with Duals.  My mom came down to visit on Thursday through today.  She's going back after Micah's soccer game.  This is his first game.  He's pretty excited.  Malaree seems to be feeling better.  It's been kinda crazy with her not feeling good at all.  Anyway, I will probably post again later tonight.  I've got a full day of family time and putting the finishing touches on Dual Sunday Schools. 

T-Minus

It is T-Minus 123 hours until Dual S.S. officially starts.  I feel like we are on the launch pad, many switches have already been turned on.  Everyone who is on board is strapped in and ready for liftoff.  There are signs of last minute checks being run by people in different areas.  Making sure we have enough literature, enough supplies in the preschool and children's room, making sure the choir knows which hour of worship they are in, the audio/video guys who have responsibility, making signs for outside the new rooms where people are meeting.  There are also those who will be greeters (still need some) to help people find their classes, making sure we have ushers for both worship times, working out a few kinks, making sure that students know which hour of worship they are to go into, and trying to explain to some that it's OK that you go to worship before Sunday School!!  We are on the launch pad.  The countdown clock is ticking.

Click Here to see it!!

More forms turned in...

We received another 26 family survey forms for our upcoming Dual Sunday Schools.  We are closely approaching 150 families that have turned in surveys.  That is outstanding!!  As we continue to organize Duals, I get more and more excited about what God has in store.  I am going to have a post later on today about what I got to do this morning.  Let's just say it had to do with something that can fly.