I remember my first date with Leah, who is now my wife. We attended a speech recital (long story) together at the college from which we both graduated. There was a lot of nervousness, uncertainty, potential, and anticipation before that first date. Prior to that first date, I had picked up the phone to dial her room number many times before chickening out and quickly hanging up before I finished punching in the last number. Finally, I mustered up the courage to ask her out and the rest is history. We have been married almost eleven years and have two wonderful children. I have always viewed dating as a risk, but one you must be willing to take if you desire to be married. Now, I’m going to make this transition carefully…yesterday I had the same type of feelings - nervousness, uncertainty, potential, and anticipation. This time it was not out of love for the most wonderful woman in the world, but rather a love for a group of people who were gathered together for a common purpose - reaching the lost with the gospel. It was kind of like that “first date moment” minus the relationship factor (or do I give her a kiss on the cheek at the end of the night). Last night we had our first launch team meeting comprised of many people who had never met each other. It was an amazing experience because our backgrounds or appearances did not matter, but only the passion in our hearts to see God do something miraculous in the city of Green and the surrounding community. I had the chance to present our church’s vision for opening up a second campus in Green and expose the need for us to reach out to those who are far from God. I have to admit I was slightly nervous about the meeting, but I walked away knowing that God has provided us with the right people. And another thing…I am so thankful I am not doing this alone. I am quickly reminded of the verse in Ecclesiastes which declares “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” There is something to be said when a group of people join together for a common purpose. Sure…it is awkward at first, but the potential is so great! Over the next few months I am convinced that we will grow to love each other. There will be good and bad times, but we are there to lift up the other. And when we have bonded together for good, we’ll experience a wonderful reward for our work. Thanks for a great meeting last night - I look forward to many more times together.