It was 25 years ago this weekend in the middle of a snowstorm that we gathered with

40 or so very passionate people and we started in a little two-car garage. It was

the roughest and ugliest of circumstances. We didn't have anything that you

would think that you would need to make for a great church except we did have

the living Word of God. We had the power of the Holy Spirit and we had some

faith-filled big thinking that the farm risk takers who believe that God had

called us to start a different type of church. Of those people there are many

that are still with us and I've got a group of them. I'd love for you to make

some noise. Those of you in this section who are with us this is your cue to

make some noise and honor and welcome you all. It was on that weekend that we

gathered with a mission. If you know the mission you can say it aloud this has

been our mission for 25 years. It will be our mission forever and ever. We are

called by God to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. At 36

locations today and around the world you can type it in the chat. I'd love for you

to say it aloud. Who are we? What are we called to do? We are called by God,

equipped by God, empowered by God. Say it with me to lead people to become

fully devoted followers of Christ. That's who we are. To give you just a little

bit of history I did the math. I've preached now over 1000 weekend

messages. That's why I'm so tired. Over 1000 weekend messages and 25 years ago

I was 28 years of age. Amy was 25 years of age and we only had two

children who happened to be in this service now. Katie is here and mandius here.

Thank you, Mandy, for not having your baby during the service. If you could

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