Hey friends,
Tax season is over and I am very thankful. I am thankful for the employment over the last 3 months and also thankful that the tax season isn’t 12 months out of the year. This experiencing was way more…well….taxing….than I imagined. However, in God’s goodness, he gave me the opportunity to share the story of Hope Church with two or three individuals or families per day. This kept me motivated throughout the spring.
Where we are heading….
I am praying about utilizing a men’s outreach called “Quest for Authentic Manhood” as a way to reach men over the summer and then full-force during the fall. Please join me in prayer about this. Some of you are familiar with Quest and have already expressed your interest. I will share more in the coming days.
What about now…
We are now meeting twice a month. Our gatherings will be on the first Sunday and the third Sunday. The first Sunday of the month will be “Meal at the Malsons.” We will gather on the third for a time of worship, prayer and Bible Study.
OK…what about this week….
This Sunday, May 2nd, Vivian and I would like to invite all of our local friends and families to a picnic at Christina Park at the corner of 540a and South Florida Ave. Vivian and I will be there at 4pm to secure a picnic area (hopefully close to the playground!) and we will eat at 5pm.
What to bring:
Bring your own… (whatever you want on a grill)
Bring drinks to share (enough for your family plus one or two other individuals)
We will supply the sides and the ice (and cups and plates and utensils).
See you Sunday!
Paul
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Hope Church Gatherings
Hey guys,
Just wanted to drop you a quick note about our upcoming schedule. This Sunday, March 21st 6:oopm, we will have another Meals at the Malsons. As for a theme, we thought we would stick with St. Patrick’s Day and plan Irish things. This, then, is the problem. We don’t have too many Irish recipes. So, the pressure is on you. I’m sure we can come up with something, or punt and have burgers.
The following Sunday, March 28th, at 6pm, we will gather at our house for a time of worship, prayer and Bible Study.
See you next Sunday. And as always, invite your friends. Everyone's welcome.
Paul
Just wanted to drop you a quick note about our upcoming schedule. This Sunday, March 21st 6:oopm, we will have another Meals at the Malsons. As for a theme, we thought we would stick with St. Patrick’s Day and plan Irish things. This, then, is the problem. We don’t have too many Irish recipes. So, the pressure is on you. I’m sure we can come up with something, or punt and have burgers.
The following Sunday, March 28th, at 6pm, we will gather at our house for a time of worship, prayer and Bible Study.
See you next Sunday. And as always, invite your friends. Everyone's welcome.
Paul
Monday, February 22, 2010
Motivate
What a great gathering last night. As always, Brett Durbin inspired us by give updating us on the work of the Trash Mountain Project. I am so thankful that we can partnership with such an amazing organization. Anyone want to go to Honduras to build some homes?
Jack Weekley demonstrated his grill-master technique with simply awesome Pork Fajitas. Far and away the best fajitas I’ve ever eaten….and eaten….and eaten. Robby and I just kept giggling as we ate. Thanks Jack. Everyone kept coming back for more.
We had sixteen adults and kids with us with a few last minute cancelations. Our next Meals at the Malsons gathering is planned for March 21. I am stoked about our future.
Vivian and I would like to begin meeting the first and third Sundays of each month. The first month would be a worship and teaching time. The third week of the month will be "Meals at the Malsons" as a fellowship and vision casting time. What do you think?
In the next few weeks, we will be walking our neighborhoods with our “Canning Hunger” food drive. Here’s the deal:
1) Most people are generous if you make it easy to give.
2) We will be placing plastic sacks on the doors of our neighbors with a simple note telling them that Hope Church is collecting non-perishable food items for a local food pantry to help the poor and homeless. We will return at an appointed date and time to retrieve any bags left on the porch.
3) We will have a Hope Church Brochure also attached to each bag inviting them to join the movement.
I am open to any suggestions on the most appropriate neighborhoods in which to kick off “Canning Hunger.” And, yes, I’m looking for some willing partners to walk the streets with me.
Motivated,
Paul
Jack Weekley demonstrated his grill-master technique with simply awesome Pork Fajitas. Far and away the best fajitas I’ve ever eaten….and eaten….and eaten. Robby and I just kept giggling as we ate. Thanks Jack. Everyone kept coming back for more.
We had sixteen adults and kids with us with a few last minute cancelations. Our next Meals at the Malsons gathering is planned for March 21. I am stoked about our future.
Vivian and I would like to begin meeting the first and third Sundays of each month. The first month would be a worship and teaching time. The third week of the month will be "Meals at the Malsons" as a fellowship and vision casting time. What do you think?
In the next few weeks, we will be walking our neighborhoods with our “Canning Hunger” food drive. Here’s the deal:
1) Most people are generous if you make it easy to give.
2) We will be placing plastic sacks on the doors of our neighbors with a simple note telling them that Hope Church is collecting non-perishable food items for a local food pantry to help the poor and homeless. We will return at an appointed date and time to retrieve any bags left on the porch.
3) We will have a Hope Church Brochure also attached to each bag inviting them to join the movement.
I am open to any suggestions on the most appropriate neighborhoods in which to kick off “Canning Hunger.” And, yes, I’m looking for some willing partners to walk the streets with me.
Motivated,
Paul
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Update
Vivian and I are worshiping with the folks at Centerpoint Church in Winter Haven, FL while the Sr. Pastor, Duane Hunt, recuperates from Mitral Valve surgery. Duane called into the service today and sounded great. We look forward to having him back in the pulpit shortly. Until then, I’ll continue to preach the Word.
Next Sunday, February 21st, we will host our next Meals at the Malsons as we build momentum for Hope Church. We are anticipating more than 20 people for our second gathering. The menu will be Mexican food with Jack Weekley grilling fajitas. We’ll send out an email this evening requesting help with the remaining items.
Even if you have not joined us before, come make new friends and enjoy a meal. We’d love to host you.
We are receiving resumes and inquiries for the Hope Church Worship Leader/Worship Band. The excitement is starting to building.
Do you feel it?
Paul
Next Sunday, February 21st, we will host our next Meals at the Malsons as we build momentum for Hope Church. We are anticipating more than 20 people for our second gathering. The menu will be Mexican food with Jack Weekley grilling fajitas. We’ll send out an email this evening requesting help with the remaining items.
Even if you have not joined us before, come make new friends and enjoy a meal. We’d love to host you.
We are receiving resumes and inquiries for the Hope Church Worship Leader/Worship Band. The excitement is starting to building.
Do you feel it?
Paul
Friday, February 5, 2010
Invited!
The next “Meals at the Malsons” gathering is on the horizon. We will gather again on February 21st at 6pm for a meal and an update on Hope Church. As we get closer to the date, we will email everyone with a dinner menu.
Please invite your friends. Everyone’s welcome.
We have some special things planned following dinner so you won't want to miss it. Please block out Sunday evening, February 21st on your calendar today and let me know you are planning to attend.
See you soon,
Paul
Please invite your friends. Everyone’s welcome.
We have some special things planned following dinner so you won't want to miss it. Please block out Sunday evening, February 21st on your calendar today and let me know you are planning to attend.
See you soon,
Paul
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Opportunities
Last night, Vivian and I had the opportunity to enjoy a meal with the Gartz family here in Lakeland. What a wonderful meal and conversation!
We are so thankful that God continues to put new people in our midst with whom we can share the vision for Hope Church. Last night we shared about Hope Church, the Hope Center and HopeFest. God continually expands our vision as to what this new ministry will look like. But though we plan for the future, we are committed to growing one step at a time. Now, we are continuing to meet and assimilate new people every day until we publicly launch our worship service in the fall.
The overarching theme for the ministry is transformation: transformation of people and community. We know that God desires to make himself known to our area and world. We also know that this area is in need of a touch from the Lord. The more we pray, the more we are convinced that God is ready to move through us, and Hope Church, in new and tangible ways.
Thanks for praying for us. For those outside the area, why don’t you pray about moving to lovely central Florida to join us? And yes, I’m kidding of course…but only sorta kidding.
Paul
We are so thankful that God continues to put new people in our midst with whom we can share the vision for Hope Church. Last night we shared about Hope Church, the Hope Center and HopeFest. God continually expands our vision as to what this new ministry will look like. But though we plan for the future, we are committed to growing one step at a time. Now, we are continuing to meet and assimilate new people every day until we publicly launch our worship service in the fall.
The overarching theme for the ministry is transformation: transformation of people and community. We know that God desires to make himself known to our area and world. We also know that this area is in need of a touch from the Lord. The more we pray, the more we are convinced that God is ready to move through us, and Hope Church, in new and tangible ways.
Thanks for praying for us. For those outside the area, why don’t you pray about moving to lovely central Florida to join us? And yes, I’m kidding of course…but only sorta kidding.
Paul
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Unanticipated...
I love it when God shows up in unanticipated ways.
When we moved to Lakeland, we thought we could see the very near future, at least how God seem to orchestrate jobs, people and the birth of a new church. Most of those things never came to pass.
However, God never quit moving.
Let me share two examples.
First, Due to David and Andrea Wright’s connections with Liberty Tax Service, a local franchisee offered me an opportunity to help run one of his locations. At first, this appeared at odds with being in the community developing relationships to plant the church. However, God has orchestrated conversations so that every day I can share the vision of Hope Church. Imagine that, the conversations begin with your W2 and tax refund and end in a conversation about how God is moving in Lakeland. Very cool.
Second, as we drove around sharing the vision, the question kept coming up, “Where do you want to launch the church?” I have continually stated that a vacant facility (built 5 years ago) which is centrally located on the primary north-south route through Lakeland is the ideal location for us. Unfortunately, that building has been in litigation for a few years after a car dealership abandoned the location. This week, however, the “For Sale” signs were mounted on the exterior of the facility. Now, I have no way of knowing whether this facility will be available when we need to occupy it. I do know what it costs and it would require a miracle to purchase or lease it. But whether it is this facility or another, I am excited about what God is providing for us.
Either way, God is moving in unanticipated ways.
Paul
Hope Church
When we moved to Lakeland, we thought we could see the very near future, at least how God seem to orchestrate jobs, people and the birth of a new church. Most of those things never came to pass.
However, God never quit moving.
Let me share two examples.
First, Due to David and Andrea Wright’s connections with Liberty Tax Service, a local franchisee offered me an opportunity to help run one of his locations. At first, this appeared at odds with being in the community developing relationships to plant the church. However, God has orchestrated conversations so that every day I can share the vision of Hope Church. Imagine that, the conversations begin with your W2 and tax refund and end in a conversation about how God is moving in Lakeland. Very cool.
Second, as we drove around sharing the vision, the question kept coming up, “Where do you want to launch the church?” I have continually stated that a vacant facility (built 5 years ago) which is centrally located on the primary north-south route through Lakeland is the ideal location for us. Unfortunately, that building has been in litigation for a few years after a car dealership abandoned the location. This week, however, the “For Sale” signs were mounted on the exterior of the facility. Now, I have no way of knowing whether this facility will be available when we need to occupy it. I do know what it costs and it would require a miracle to purchase or lease it. But whether it is this facility or another, I am excited about what God is providing for us.
Either way, God is moving in unanticipated ways.
Paul
Hope Church
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Meals at the Malsons
Tonight we held our first Hope Church gathering which we call “Meals at the Malsons.” Three other families joined us (another family had a job conflict) and we gathered for food and friendship. What a great time.
I laid out the plan for the next eight months including monthly “Meals at the Malsons” and monthly opportunities to reach out to our community with servant evangelism. We also shared the Lakeland 10for10 challenge which we will roll out in the next few weeks.
Our public launch date is September 26, 2010. Please begin to bathe that day in prayer. In fact, please join with me in praying for all the people whom God will bring to Hope Church.
We thank God for all of you. We love you all and appreciate all you do to ensure God is moving in our lives.
Paul
I laid out the plan for the next eight months including monthly “Meals at the Malsons” and monthly opportunities to reach out to our community with servant evangelism. We also shared the Lakeland 10for10 challenge which we will roll out in the next few weeks.
Our public launch date is September 26, 2010. Please begin to bathe that day in prayer. In fact, please join with me in praying for all the people whom God will bring to Hope Church.
We thank God for all of you. We love you all and appreciate all you do to ensure God is moving in our lives.
Paul
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Connecting with BBQ
Today I stopped to buy some firewood from a man selling logs from the bed of his pickup (It will reach 22 degrees tonight in central Florida!!!!). He had parked his truck next to a BBQ grill so, of course, we had to sample the pulled pork as well. The chef stuffed one pound of pork onto a bun. The sandwiches came with your choice of sweet or Habanera sauces. I heard the pork was fantastic. I wouldn’t know. Robby devoured it before I returned to the car.
The chef introduced us to Chris, better known as “Smokin’ Tater,” who is the proprietor of both the firewood stand and the BBQ. Chris participates in regional BBQ events and works with local non-profits as well as run a local restaurant.
I’ve been praying and looking for someone to partnership with us as we reach out to the community at some upcoming events. Chris suggested that we do some work together. He’d provide the BBQ (at $4 per plate) if I would provide the event and the people. I shared with Chris some of the events in which we were considering participating. He said he would provide the smoker and BBQ if I would provide the event. By the way, Chris’s smoker is a 500 gallon propane tank mounted on a trailer. He has a separate hot grill mounted on the side, which was pretty cool, but River City’s “Grilliath 500” dwarfed Lakeland’s version.
This is a partnership made in BBQ heaven. Chris’s website is http://www.smokintaters.com. Contact him for your next event. You will not be disappointed.
Blogging in Lakeland, FL
Paul Malson
Hope Church
The chef introduced us to Chris, better known as “Smokin’ Tater,” who is the proprietor of both the firewood stand and the BBQ. Chris participates in regional BBQ events and works with local non-profits as well as run a local restaurant.
I’ve been praying and looking for someone to partnership with us as we reach out to the community at some upcoming events. Chris suggested that we do some work together. He’d provide the BBQ (at $4 per plate) if I would provide the event and the people. I shared with Chris some of the events in which we were considering participating. He said he would provide the smoker and BBQ if I would provide the event. By the way, Chris’s smoker is a 500 gallon propane tank mounted on a trailer. He has a separate hot grill mounted on the side, which was pretty cool, but River City’s “Grilliath 500” dwarfed Lakeland’s version.
This is a partnership made in BBQ heaven. Chris’s website is http://www.smokintaters.com. Contact him for your next event. You will not be disappointed.
Blogging in Lakeland, FL
Paul Malson
Hope Church
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year!!!! - from Vivian
I thought I would take advantage of the quiet house to write and wish all of you a Happy New Year. Amber and Robby were at a lock-in last night so they are passed out and Paul has taken the puppy with him to run errands. I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and that you are ready for this new year. I am so excited about what is to come! Paul and I have been spending a lot of time praying and laying a foundation for Hope Church. We have had some time to experience Lakeland and have a better picture of the church culture here. We have really sensed God's leading in the direction He wants us to take and we are anxious to be in the middle of the crazy, busy, WONDERFUL life of ministry. :)
This morning when I woke up I breathed a great sigh of relief knowing that 2009 was over. We enjoyed some very special moments but there were many difficult ones as well. Amber left for Nashville and Paul and I were forced to let go and put her in God's hands in a very real way. Her seven months at Mercy were a beautiful mixture of tears, decisions, and freedom for her. She has 40+ sisters that she misses much more than she expected. I always know when she is talking to Ashley (her roomie) because there is a sparkle in her eyes and I see peace come over her again. The girls and staff at Mercy share more life and Jesus with each other than most of us do in a lifetime. The adjustment to life outside of Mercy has been particularly hard for Amber, though. She left a life where she was focused on her relationship with God in every area of her life and a 24 hour staff of ladies that challenged and encouraged her to see the world through HIS eyes 24/7. Now she is in a different culture where all of her beliefs and her freedom is openly challenged by life and the world and those 40+ sisters are not here for her. We love and encourage and sometimes challenge her but for a 19 year old it just isn't the same. She will begin college in 10 days and we are very excited for her to begin this new journey. She is a very gifted young woman with so much to give the world. I know she doesn't recognize it, but we see it in the way she interacts with the children at church and recently I observed her interacting with some residents at an assisted living facility. I was in awe of how comfortable she was and how she loved on the residents.
Robby is doing really well in his classes and has a girlfriend. Courtney is a sweet girl and we have become friends with her grandmother so we know a little about how she is being raised and the kind of person that she is. Robby seems to be head over heels and I am proud to say is being an honorable young man and treating her like a princess.
Paul has searched for a job ever since we moved to Florida. He worked for UPS during the Christmas rush and will be taking a class next week to be certified to do taxes. That should take him through April. I will be playing chauffeur to Paul and Amber and keeping Robby on track with homeschooling. I have been enjoying creating a vision for our future children's ministry and women's ministry. We have settled on a logo and theme and we are launching Hope Church with a vision and understanding that it will take all of us to accomplish the work that God has set before us. I have had so much fun looking at different websites and learning new things and getting totally psyched about all of it. It has been a long time. Paul and I have found such a freedom and excitement in being the people that He created us to be and able to do the things God has called us to do.
In 2009 the River City pastors led us in a series called "Heroes." I have not been able to get their messages off my mind and they really were a confirmation to me that it was time for us to do what He has called us to do! I have also thought about my own heroes of the faith. Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife MaryBeth are such an inspiration to me. They are very real and open about their journey and I have been blessed by their testimony and faith in the midst of horrible tragedy. They aren't perfect but they encourage me to hang on and to believe that He is who He says that He is. Jim Cymbala is another hero of mine. Again, he is not perfect but he followed through with his calling and God has done something amazing through him. Beth Moore. I know many people are rolling their eyes but I have found her to be very real and a woman after God's own heart. She encourages me in that we share some things and she won't let me rest in my pity party but leads me to truth and most importantly always points my heart to Him. I have watched so many of you grow and you spur me on in the faith and make me want to be more like Him. Ms. Esther you will always have a special place in my heart. Your faith and godliness ministered to me in so many moments when I missed my own mother so much. Andrea, your mom made a permanent impression on my life and I pray that when I close my eyes for the last time on this earth that my children will be able to see that smile on my face and be comforted that I see Him face to face! There are so many things that God has laid on my heart for so long and now I feel like He continually tells me: O.K. it is time! Be my hands and feet with freedom and know that I am carrying you where I want you to go. The last six years have been very difficult for my family but I believe that it has been a time of preparation for the work that He has for us. He has been so faithful and we have learned a lot about HOPE and have seen how the world is in desperate need of HOPE. I wish you could all come join us on this adventure!
We enjoy reading about what is going on with all of you on Facebook and I hope that you know how much we miss all of you. I pray that this year you feel His hands upon you guiding you in the way that you should go. I pray that you experience His love, His peace and joy that can only come from Him. There are many lessons that I have learned in the past few years but the most important is that it really is ALL about Him and I can do nothing without Him.
I am very blessed to be married to Paul Malson and to be a mom to my children. They are the "icing on the cake" and they are blessings that I once believed that I could never have. My wildest dreams could not compare to the wonderful reality that they are. I am also blessed to have wonderful family and friends. "Malson Mom," there are no words to express to you how wonderful the two weeks were that we shared in October. The laughter, the talks and just the way you loved on us was the perfect medicine that we needed during that time. We left Texas at peace. I want to thank you and dad for the that gift. You are loved very much!
May God Bless You All!
Vivian
This morning when I woke up I breathed a great sigh of relief knowing that 2009 was over. We enjoyed some very special moments but there were many difficult ones as well. Amber left for Nashville and Paul and I were forced to let go and put her in God's hands in a very real way. Her seven months at Mercy were a beautiful mixture of tears, decisions, and freedom for her. She has 40+ sisters that she misses much more than she expected. I always know when she is talking to Ashley (her roomie) because there is a sparkle in her eyes and I see peace come over her again. The girls and staff at Mercy share more life and Jesus with each other than most of us do in a lifetime. The adjustment to life outside of Mercy has been particularly hard for Amber, though. She left a life where she was focused on her relationship with God in every area of her life and a 24 hour staff of ladies that challenged and encouraged her to see the world through HIS eyes 24/7. Now she is in a different culture where all of her beliefs and her freedom is openly challenged by life and the world and those 40+ sisters are not here for her. We love and encourage and sometimes challenge her but for a 19 year old it just isn't the same. She will begin college in 10 days and we are very excited for her to begin this new journey. She is a very gifted young woman with so much to give the world. I know she doesn't recognize it, but we see it in the way she interacts with the children at church and recently I observed her interacting with some residents at an assisted living facility. I was in awe of how comfortable she was and how she loved on the residents.
Robby is doing really well in his classes and has a girlfriend. Courtney is a sweet girl and we have become friends with her grandmother so we know a little about how she is being raised and the kind of person that she is. Robby seems to be head over heels and I am proud to say is being an honorable young man and treating her like a princess.
Paul has searched for a job ever since we moved to Florida. He worked for UPS during the Christmas rush and will be taking a class next week to be certified to do taxes. That should take him through April. I will be playing chauffeur to Paul and Amber and keeping Robby on track with homeschooling. I have been enjoying creating a vision for our future children's ministry and women's ministry. We have settled on a logo and theme and we are launching Hope Church with a vision and understanding that it will take all of us to accomplish the work that God has set before us. I have had so much fun looking at different websites and learning new things and getting totally psyched about all of it. It has been a long time. Paul and I have found such a freedom and excitement in being the people that He created us to be and able to do the things God has called us to do.
In 2009 the River City pastors led us in a series called "Heroes." I have not been able to get their messages off my mind and they really were a confirmation to me that it was time for us to do what He has called us to do! I have also thought about my own heroes of the faith. Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife MaryBeth are such an inspiration to me. They are very real and open about their journey and I have been blessed by their testimony and faith in the midst of horrible tragedy. They aren't perfect but they encourage me to hang on and to believe that He is who He says that He is. Jim Cymbala is another hero of mine. Again, he is not perfect but he followed through with his calling and God has done something amazing through him. Beth Moore. I know many people are rolling their eyes but I have found her to be very real and a woman after God's own heart. She encourages me in that we share some things and she won't let me rest in my pity party but leads me to truth and most importantly always points my heart to Him. I have watched so many of you grow and you spur me on in the faith and make me want to be more like Him. Ms. Esther you will always have a special place in my heart. Your faith and godliness ministered to me in so many moments when I missed my own mother so much. Andrea, your mom made a permanent impression on my life and I pray that when I close my eyes for the last time on this earth that my children will be able to see that smile on my face and be comforted that I see Him face to face! There are so many things that God has laid on my heart for so long and now I feel like He continually tells me: O.K. it is time! Be my hands and feet with freedom and know that I am carrying you where I want you to go. The last six years have been very difficult for my family but I believe that it has been a time of preparation for the work that He has for us. He has been so faithful and we have learned a lot about HOPE and have seen how the world is in desperate need of HOPE. I wish you could all come join us on this adventure!
We enjoy reading about what is going on with all of you on Facebook and I hope that you know how much we miss all of you. I pray that this year you feel His hands upon you guiding you in the way that you should go. I pray that you experience His love, His peace and joy that can only come from Him. There are many lessons that I have learned in the past few years but the most important is that it really is ALL about Him and I can do nothing without Him.
I am very blessed to be married to Paul Malson and to be a mom to my children. They are the "icing on the cake" and they are blessings that I once believed that I could never have. My wildest dreams could not compare to the wonderful reality that they are. I am also blessed to have wonderful family and friends. "Malson Mom," there are no words to express to you how wonderful the two weeks were that we shared in October. The laughter, the talks and just the way you loved on us was the perfect medicine that we needed during that time. We left Texas at peace. I want to thank you and dad for the that gift. You are loved very much!
May God Bless You All!
Vivian
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