“I’ve learned that trusting and following the heart of God is the most beautifully risky thing you’ll ever do. It requires much risk, much sacrifice…but it is the most satisfying and fulfilling thing you’ll ever do. In many ways, we know that this story we’ve been a part of is just beginning…and we are thrilled that God chose us to be a part of such a magnificent story.”

::Aaron Ivey

These words are so true, they reflect the struggles of adoption and the struggles of life. You can read the full post here.

We have been lifting up organizations such as Real Hope for Haiti and Compassion International in prayer and rightly so. We have been lifting the people of Haiti and all those who have come to their aid in prayer also. I would encourage you to continue to lift your voices to God for those in Haiti, to continue to give finically and sacrificially.

“God burden our hearts for the widow and orphan. Burden our hearts for this hurting country, for the people of Haiti. Amen.”

Subject:: Hangin’ with Friends
Camera:: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Aperture:: f11
Shutter:: 1/80
ISO:: 200
Focal Length:: 64mm

excited to release this video, especially with ALL that is going on to get Amos home these past few days… share it with friends!

::Aaron Ivey

To those who read my blog be in prayer that Amos will come home soon.

Real Hope for Haiti

Compassion International

The first clip is from CNN this morning featuring the Ivey’s, a family that is in the process of adopting another child from Haiti. I found Aaron’s blog a few years back and have actually got to meet him face to face and I have to tell you God has burden his heart for the people of Haiti. Aaron and his wife give of themselves to those in Haiti without restraint and to the glory of God.

The second clip again shows the Ivey’s in their home town community of Austin, TX and their desire to help raise money and awareness for the situation in Haiti as well as other local artists. A local Non-Profit called Music for the City is onboard for a concert Monday. Also of note is Steven Bush, another guy I have meet. Bush is a amazing photographer and plays bass with Aaron. He is selling prints at the concert, some of which where shot in Haiti, they are also available online here. The concert is going to benefit Real Hope for Haiti

Man I encourage you to pray for Haiti, but more I encourage you to step out and make your faith an action of love for God by donating money to the cause. I know of one church that just launched last week that is taking their tithes this week and donating 100% to help in Haiti. That amazes me and I hope it inspires you.

Follow Aaron on Twitter @aaronivey
Follow Bush on Twitter @stevenbush
Follow Compassion on Twitter @compassion
Follow Help Haiti Shirt on Twitter @helphaitishirt
Follow Music for the City on Twitter @musicforthecity

Jeremy Copeland, a close friend and church planter moved his family to Durham North Carolina from Southern California about the same time we moved here. Jeremy is the lead pastor of story church and this Sunday marks the official launch of their church plant here in Durham. Another friend I meet through Copeland, an Irishman named Alastiar Vance is leading worship for Story Church and does a brilliant job. His family moved here from the UK awhile back.

If you’re new to the area or have been here awhile, or maybe you have tried other churches or given up on church all together I would encourage you to check them out. Service starts at 10AM, below is the address, but don’t trust your GPS the school where they meet just opened this year.

Spring Valley Elementary School
2051 Northern Durham Parkway
Durham, NC 27703

So I’m asking those who read my blog to take some time this weekend and over the next few weeks and months to commit to pray for Story Church and the ministry God has already allowed them to do in Durham. You can follow Jeremy on twitter @pastorcope, Story Church @storychurch, and Alastair @alastairvance to keep up to date on what God is doing.