I Don’t Know
Wouldn’t you like to hear at least one of our politicians or doctors or so-called experts and specialists simply admit that they just don’t know?
Is shelter-in-place really working? “I don’t know.”
Are masks effective at limiting the virus? “I don’t know.”
How does this virus actually spread? “I don’t know.”
What is needed for businesses and churches to open up again? “I don’t know.”
Will we ever get the economy back close to what was normal? “I don’t know.”
Why does everything have to be so political? “I don’t know?”
This pandemic has reminded me of how much I—and we—don’t know.
I don’t know how effective online services are. I don’t know how many people are actually watching. I don’t know if the Zoom meetings or webinars I’m involved in presenting really are meeting a need. I don’t know if anyone is reading the articles I write. I’m not even sure what day it is! I simply don’t know.
One of my relatives was known for ending conversations with, “THAT I do not know…” I’d walk away mumbling to myself, “Then what DO you know?”
Here is what I know:
I do know that I am very grateful for the support the Excel Leadership Network has received the last seven weeks. Giving to our organization has been strong. We’ve felt your generosity deeply.
I do know the church has not shut down. I’ve seen, read and experienced so many stories of churches in our network serving, giving, sacrificing, creating and making a difference in our communities and our world. Keep it up!
I do know that we are still working it. Excel has signed several planters during this pandemic. How many? I don’t really know! I do know we are working on multiple signings with our partner NAB including our first church planter in Canada! I do know that we’re completing agreements with planters with Excel and our partners at Transformation Ministries and Beyond Borders. We are talking to new and potential planters regularly. Keep praying!
I do know that Jeff Snodgrass told a group of us on a Zoom Connection call that Unite Pasadena Church’s trailer had been stolen, and after insurance they’d lost about $24,000. I do know that Paul Mints, of The Community at Lakeridge, was leading our Zoom meeting, and he declared that his church would match anything the churches represented on the call would donate toward Jeff’s loss. I do know that Mac Shirley immediately pledged a ridiculous amount, then everyone chipped in with their gifts. I do know that Jeff was blown away. After the Zoom Jeff called me and asked, “WHO DOES THAT?” I do know that—Paul Mints, Excel Network, YOU!
I do know that Renovate Church in Long Beach (planted by Chris and Brianna Kirish) and Revive Zoe Church in Arlington, Texas (planted by Luis and Vanessa Torres) launched their churches on Easter. Guess how many people watched their services? I don’t know.
I do know we’re planning on continuing regular Zoom Connection events - email us for more info!
I do know we are still planning on having a Discovery Center June 1-3 in Mansfield, Texas! Contact Mary Beth for info: discoverycenter@excelnetwork.org
I do know we’re here for you. We want to help, support, pray and encourage in any way we can.
I don’t have a lot of answers these days. But I do know that it is a privilege to partner with you at Excel, and I do know I am so grateful for all you do.
God Bless!
JD