This is What the Love of God Looks Like...

Dearest Discovery Family,

Where do we begin to tell you with our hearts thank you? Our journey with you in some ways feels like it has only just begun and in others it feels like we have been with you a lifetime. Let us begin by saying thank you for showing our entire family the love of Christ in so many ways. Our Discovery Church family has shown us what being a part of the family of Christ is to look like: community, service, sacrifice, love, and commitment. When many of you first learned of Scott's deteriorating health and wondered what could be done, many of you came forward and said, "I want to be a donor, by giving part of my liver." That spoke to not only us, but our extended family in so many ways by saying this is what the love of Christ looks like, feels like, and acts like. Thank you, our hearts are forever filled with deep love and honor to know and be a part of such a beautiful body of believers. The countless meals and sweet love and labor that went into that, or the maintenance around our home to pulling weeds in our garden (isn't that a beautiful picture of Christ's love for us!). To the deep love for our children, Noelle and Noah who alongside us have seen and felt what it is to be literally held up by fellow believers when we have little strength left. Thank you for the countless ways you have served and loved us!

Secondly, we want to say we are incredibly thankful for your most generous love offering taken on our behalf. We have seen God in so many ways through each of you as we have walked through the waters of Scott's liver transplant and continued recovery. God is so faithful and He has proven to show us new mercies every day. the words we type are only a small piece of what our heart feels for the body of believers at Discovery that we are blessed to call family!

Discovery, it is a blessing and honor to be a part of you, to call your our family, to serve and grow right alongside of you as a community of believers seeking to serve our Heavenly Father! We desire the opportunity to serve you as we move into a new beginning in our lives.

We are blessed!

Much Love,
Scott, Angie, Noelle & Noah Sullivan

Keith Johnson - My Story. My Journey.

I grew up Roman Catholic. I was baptized when I was little, so I didn't even really understand what was happening. Growing up, my mom took my sister and me to Mass every Sunday at 7am. We also attended CCD classes - Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. My dad was mostly absent through all of this and would exercise, rather than attend church. Except on Easter and Christmas. We call him a Creaster. I didn't find out until much later in life that he is an Atheist. Throughout my childhood, I learned a lot about the Bible, faith, and the story of Jesus Christ, but wouldn't say that I really believed or that I had a relationship with Jesus. I was going through the motions to appease my mom.

Growing up our family had our fair share of issues. My childhood wasn't all peaches and cream. Why isn't essential to my story. The what happened is. I was 14. I was depressed. Life ceased to have a meaning for me. I wanted to escape yet I couldn't figure out a way to run away. I couldn't drive a car. I didn't have a passport. My options were limited. I decided that the only viable option for escape was to end my life. I use a razor blade and made 23 lacerations on my wrists, my arms, and my neck. Yes. My neck. I took pills. I did everything I could to end my life that night. I left a note. I prayed. I prayed to God that He would not send me the hell for committing murder. Premeditated murder at that. I felt a sense of peace and warmth even as my hands shook and did their work. I prayed again. And again. To let this be the end. To not send me to hell, but to forgive me for what I have done. I passed out. It was over. Finally.

Then something amazing happened. The next morning, my alarm clock went off. I woke up. I was astonished to find myself alive. I won't go into details here but it is truly a miracle. God saved my life. There is no way I should have lived after what I did.

Being alive, waking up was the scariest moment of my life. I had to face my parents. I wanted to be dead. I confessed everything to them. What I had done. Why. I cried. They cried. There was anger and confusion. I was rushed to a medical hospital. Then I was taken to another hospital where other teenagers lived too. I wasn't allowed to have shoelaces or pens. I could only see daylight through a window. For 30 days. I worked through my issues with my parents. I refused medication because I knew in my heart that my healing could not be done with a pill. I opened up a piece of my heart to God and allowed Him into my life. I started to live my life. For me. Not for anyone else. I no longer cared what my parents thought. I no longer strove for perfection. To please them. I came to grips with the fact that I was imperfect and that it was OK.

I will never forget the day I left the hospital. How blue the sky was. White clouds floating by like big tufts of cotton. The warmth of the sunshine on my face. Birds chirping. A slight breeze. I had no idea why He saved me, but I knew in my heart that He did. I prayed to God that moment in the car. I promised Him that I wouldn't let my life be a waste. That I would follow him wherever He leads. I said that same prayer and thanked Him for the gift of life every morning for a year. I quit keeping track how long I said that prayer after that. I had no idea why He saved me. All I really know it is on that awful night, God had a different plan for me and He turned a tragedy into a miracle. I tried to take control but He reigned supreme. He wanted me alive and because of that, every time I looked at a blue sky, I am reminded that I owe my life to God. This is not my life. Each new day is a gift given to me to fulfill His purpose.

Fast forward to college. I moved 1000 miles away from home and went to college in Colorado. God inserted an amazing Christian woman into my life. She is the love of my life. My friend. My partner. She is my wife, Heather. God put Jeff Clark in my life. God put a LOT of people in my life who were good Christians. Much better people than I. They helped me make decisions for myself and begin my personal journey with Christ. I wasn't sure what to believe but knew that God existed and things started to change.

I fell in love with Heather, the daughter of a pastor, in a big way. My best friend, Jeff Clark, was attending Wheaton college in Illinois where he was expanding his knowledge of the Bible and Christ. Heather introduced me to her friends. Good people who believed. Jeff called me regularly. He sent me "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. We talked about Jesus and the Bible. I questioned everything. Jeff sent me more books. For a long time Heather worked on my heart and Jeff worked on my mind. Heather bought me my very own Bible. A student NIV bible. She encouraged me to write in it. Growing up Catholic, I thought that must be some sort of sin. It isn't. I will never forget the trip I took back to Chicago during college and made a stop at Wheaton college to spend time with Jeff and meet some of his professors. A revival broke out on campus. For days people were praying and coming to know Jesus Christ in the middle of their auditorium. Sins were confessed. College kids slept there. Miracles happened. It was truly amazing. You can Google it. Wheaton College, 1995. It was one of those moments in life that you place a mental marker in your brain and say to yourself, "don't forget this day." Up to that point, I had no doubt that God existed, yet I still had not fully accepted Jesus is my personal Lord and Savior, but I knew then. I knew Jesus was the answer.

I waited a long time to say the prayer. A LONG time. If I said it, I wanted to be sure I meant it. It was early 1998. I lay in bed and I silently dedicated my life to Jesus Christ. I acknowledged that he was my personal Lord and Savior. I confessed my sins. I prayed for forgiveness. I prayed for strength. I prayed that I would follow him wherever he led. No matter what. I meant it. I still do. Yeah, it's scary to place your entire future in the hands of God, but really what better option is there? He has a plan for me. I don't always know what it is, but I am willing to go. To serve. To follow. I will do anything he calls me to do. That is what was in my heart on that night and what is still on my heart to date. The hard part for me is that I don't know his plan. Here I am. Waiting. Ready. Willing. In the meantime, I try to be content finding ways to do his work in my day to day life.

I also have been blessed to witness the other miracles in my life.

In 2000, I found out that I had a tumor in my inner ear that had eaten away almost all the bone and much of the nerve tissue. There was some risk than half of my face would be paralyzed for life. Six surgeries and four years later in 2004, that tumor returned. The CAT scan showed it clear as day. Other tests were done. There was no doubt whatsoever the tumor was back. I booked an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. We pray for healing, for comfort, for his will to be done. Our family prayed. Our friends prayed. About two weeks later, I went in for surgery and the tumor was completely gone. Gone. My doctor, one of the best surgeons in the country, perhaps the world, could only say this to my astonished wife post-op: "I don't know what you believe, but there are some things that only God can explain." He had no idea that we were Christians or that we had been praying for healing.

If you don't believe, just noodle on that for a while.

Tyler our son is truly a miracle baby. You should ask my wife Heather to tell you that story sometime. Holy wow.

In September of 2007 Pastor Steve gave a sermon reminding us that we need to keep coming back to the cross. Later that Sunday night I woke up in the middle of the night. It hit me that I needed to get baptized. This was a step I had never taken for myself. I needed to come back to the cross. My urge to get baptized right then and there was overwhelming. I told Heather the next morning about my experience, about my decision. On September 30, 2007 I was baptized at Discovery Church by my father in-law.

It was a great day.

Since becoming a Christian, I have enjoyed having Him walk by my side. I'm constantly reminded of my failures, of my sin, but also of His goodness. Yes I am a good man. But I am no better and no worse than anyone else who joins us on Sunday morning. There are many days I still fall short, but I recognize it when I do. The real beauty is that every time I fall down, Jesus is there to pick me back up. He is the Redeemer. I know I am imperfect. And I have a strong desire to be the best father, husband, and servant of the Lord that I can be. His purpose gives me purpose. I love Him.

Before I close, it is important that you know a lot has changed over the years. I love my parents both very much. The past is past. Although they are now divorced, they're wonderful grandparents and good people. I am honored to have them in my life. I owe them both a great deal. I also continue to pray that my father would come to know Christ.

That's my story. My life. My heart poured out on these pages for you.

My Passion & Gifts

I believe I have been given a gift for serving others. At any given moment, you may find me serving Discovery in a variety of roles or our children's school, Cornerstone Christian Academy. I also find that doing the little things such as shoveling our neighbor's sidewalk on a snowy day can provide joy. Manual labor with a purpose is nourishing for the soul! If someone need help moving, I am right there. I also have a gift for giving. At times my heart leaps ahead of my mind. Heather and I work together on many of these endeavors. We consistently support my cousin, Patrick and his wife Amy, who are missionaries in China. We give to other missionaries, local charities, our-reach programs and of course, Discovery. We try to put our time and our money where our heart lies and teach our children to do the same. I also have a burning desire, a passion to use my business skills to help other non-profits build sustainable business models. I have done some work with Cornerstone Christian Academy and Healing Waters in this regard. My hope is someday I would be able to work part time and dedicate my remaining time to non-profits that further God's mission here locally and around the world.

My Weaknesses & Strengths

One of my weaknesses is in my not being able to perform exacting recall of Biblical passages. Memorization has never been my thing. The stories resonate with me though, and finding ways to connect them to modern life comes easy for me, but ask me to quote anything other than John 3:16, and I am at a loss. Another weakness is not being able to loudly broadcast my faith with strangers. I will never be one to stand on a street corner with a sign and a Bible, not because I can't do it, but because I don't think it is effective. I think it makes a spectacle out of the Christian faith. I try to share in my own ways like listening to worship music in my office. Most recently, God has answered a prayer by opening up my brother in-law, Joaquin's, heart to listen, see and learn about Christianity and my faith. I pray every day for him and try to share my story in a nonthreatening way. Bit it doesn't always come easy for me.

One of my strengths is a really strong connection to the Holy Spirit - with God. It is hard for me to share with nonbelievers and even some believers until I am close to them, because I don't think they understand. But here's the deal: many times when I sing praise and worship songs, I feel totally overcome with the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it is so overwhelming that it is all I can do not to fall down on my knees and cry. The feeling is so completely overwhelming that it seems like all my emotions - joy, sadness, happiness, pain are all hitting the meter at 100%. The only word I have to describe it is overwhelming. Completely and totally overwhelming. I just want to fall to my knees and let it all out - I hold back. And it's very hard. I can't really explain it yet I know that I am filled with the Spirit and for that I am truly thankful. I wish everyone could have this experience. If they did, they would believe. There is no other choice. For me there is no doubt. I know I will never understand how everything works or why this happens and I'm OK with that. All I can say is a prayer of thanks and offer up my heart, my soul and my life to God.

Theology:

Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Spirit are all one. Three persons. One being. How does this really work? To be totally honest, that's a question I need to save for God himself. And I'm OK with that.

The Bible: It is an historic document and also the inspired word of God. Different books are written by different authors and each have a different purpose. Sewn together this is a resource, a manual, to provide education to Christians about our faith, our history, and how to live a godly life.

Gifts: Everyone is blessed with different spiritual gifts. Together as a church, Discovery becomes a body of Christ - each person having a different strength so that by working together - we may fully serve His needs.

Salvation: Salvation is only possible through Jesus Christ. We are imperfect. We sin. We will never measure up to God's standard. Jesus paid the ultimate price. He was the ultimate sacrifice. He's our Lord and Savior. He died on the cross so that all of our sins may be forgiven. Through Him, the slate is wiped clean. We are pure in the eyes of God and can be united and have eternal life together.

Discipleship: God works within us to create a desire to follow Him. To strive to be more Christ-like. Discipleship is this natural process of learning from Christ, God, the Holy Spirit and other Christians as we seek to become closer to God. This is a natural process for all Christians. We're all on our unique walk, each has a different path, but we share a common goal.

Baptism: Is an outward expression of an inward condition of the heart. It is the public declaration that you are committing your life to Christ and believe that Jesus is the son of God and our one and only Savior. There are numerous examples of baptism in the Bible including that of Jesus being baptized. This is something we are called to do as Christians.

Missions: The lord commanded his disciples to go and share the good word. That is our job. That is what missionaries do. Missionary work is important to grow the Christian faith and to bring others to salvation and to embark on their own personal journey with Christ.

Questions:

1. Define "the church." The church is the body of Christ on earth. It is singularly unique. It is made of people, of a community of people who seek to accomplish the work of Jesus. Every member is a part of the church that has an important function. Like parts of the body. The hand, the foot, the mouth. No one part is more important than the other. Who was to say the little toe was not as important as the eye? All the members become one body.

2. Where is the line between sacred and secular? Sacred is holy. Secular is apart from religion. I will quote the bible here because I think Jesus made it pretty clear in Mark 12: 17 "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." I would add that the real wisdom is in knowing the difference.

3. What are some compelling books that you have read in the past year? Why did they intrigue you?

a. White Blindness by Jose Seramango. This was impactful because it showed how quickly the human condition, heart, and ethics can evaporate under extreme duress. I think it proves that people can be good but that it may not come naturally. In that respect it was a bit saddening. You wish more for people. It also made me wonder how would Christians act in that situation? Would they others? Would they lose their faith? Ultimately, humans are different from animals and we do have the ability to choose.

b. The Road by Cormack McCarthy. I was completely inspired by this man's love for his son. The extraordinary lengths he would go through in the bleakest conditions to put his son first. To provide. To protect and ultimately to give everything.

c. Boomsday by Christopher Buckley. Okay so now you're probably wondering what I read, but this one is one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. The satire was on a whole other level!

d. The God Illusion by Richard Dawkins. To be totally honest it made me think. But is also made me realize how weak most Atheist arguments are. While it is easy to poke holes in faith, it is equally easy to poke holes in Atheism.

e. The next 50 years by John Brockman. I found this book very interesting from an intellectual point of view about what may be possible in our lifetime from a scientific standpoint.

Practical aspects:

1. Availability. I travel for work. Typically every other week for a couple of days. While that shouldn't interfere, it is a fact of life that my job is somewhat demanding. To a large degree, I can schedule around leadership meetings, but I'm sure there may be a time that I will need to prioritize my day job.

2. Willingness. I'm all in. I feel like I've been praying to God about a lot of things and this is one way to force me to "step up." I'm ready and I am willing.

3. Decision making. Well, I've served as VP in 3 different roles and 2 different companies and am currently the General Manager of the division that is set to dwarf our current business. So from a professional standpoint, I have a proven ability to make good strategic decisions for both the companies I work for and for our clients.

4. Leadership style. I want to encourage, equip, and to train others so that I am not really needed. I am honest. I also tend to be very direct. This can be good and at times can also be challenging because others may not be able to take direct feedback. I'm very conscious about the fact that I need to be sensitive to other personality styles. I will stand up for what I think is right. I strive to treat others with respect at all times.

5. Contributions I can make. Serving. Giving. Passion. Energy. Big ideas. Business skills. Running an organization. Marketing experience.

Titus & Timothy:

These passages clearly describe the requirements for being a church elder. I've no doubt in my mind that while I am completely imperfect, and continually strive to improve (i.e. having well behaved children who respect him) there's nothing written here that would prohibit me from serving on our leadership team. What would change? I take this role very seriously and I am acutely aware that if offered, and if accepted, I need to work even harder to step up and work even harder to set a good example 100% of the time. I would no longer be representing just myself with my actions, but also Discovery. I don't take that responsibility lightly.

Leaders engage service.

Indiana bred Joe Eades is a landscape architect who with his wife, Becky moved to Denver to pursue job opportunities. Fly-fishing is one of Joe's passions.
Joe: Fly-fishing is complicated but not difficult.

Is that how you would describe leadership: Complicated but not difficult?
Joe: Leadership is simple to describe. Execution is difficult. Leadership is tied up in service. When I was approached to be a leader of Discovery, I said, "I'm not qualified." They responded, "You're a servant. That qualifies you."

How did Discovery develop her vision of leadership?
Joe: Tom Morris led us in a study of the scriptures. We asked questions. What are the characteristics of the church leader? How do both men and women fit into this picture? The questions grew and we discovered we could run down many rabbit trails with this study. Our leadership structure is on our website.

So how is Discovery's leadership practice different?
Joe: Leadership is not a top down thing. Leaders look around and see the gifts of people around them. They give the tools people need to fulfill their gifts. You have to look at what you are doing through the eyes of people.

How would you describe a healthy church?
Joe: The word that comes to mind is "engaged." When I was 18-26 years old, I couldn't reconcile my faith with that behavior. I returned to church, but couldn't find a place. I felt guilty, unworthy. Reading C. S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters helped, particularly when the apprentice devil was taught that if he merely distracted Christians, he would succeed in destroying them. We get past destructive obstructions by engaging people and serving them. We are free to show the grace of God.

When did you become a Christ follower?
Joe: I was eight when I committed my life to Jesus. My heart was more pure than any time since. A 16 I discovered drugs and alcohol. AT 20 and was in a dorm room and prayed, " God, I'm on the wrong path and I don't know how to get on the right path." Soon after I stopped by a mall kiosk in tore off the phone number for people in crisis. Donna Flannagan talked to me. She said I needed to deal with my substance abuse and recommended that I go to an AA meeting. I went to a renegade meeting (atypical for AA), got sober and went back to college. I was more comfortable in an AA meeting than in a church. I started attending the 10th Presbyterian Church in heard the expository preaching of Dr. James Boyce. It finally sunk in. I'm loved and accepted by the grace of God in spite of who I am or what I've done.

Introducing Kim Hagel: Leadership Team Candidate

My Journey So Far - I was raised Presbyterian. Was taken to church on Sundays but that was about the extent of religion in my growing up years. When Cameron was born, it was important to me to get back to church. About that same time I hired Larry to work in the mail room. He began witnessing to me. One day he prayed with me in my office and I accepted Christ. I visited several churches and finally landed at Hillcrest Christian which later merged with Shepherd of the Hills in California. I've learned a lot about the Bible, who God is, and who I am in Christ since that time. I still have a lot to learn. I have been with Discovery since the beginning. Have been active in small groups and women's groups for several years. I'm constantly learning more and more about God and my relationship with Him.

Your Particular Giftedness and Passion - My gift is service, it is definitely where I am most comfortable. My passion is children. I feel God put me on this earth to take care of kids.

Weaknesses and Strengths - Weaknesses - saying no and delegating. Strengths - good listener, lots of energy, comfortable taking charge. Guess that is a weakness as well

The Time of Suffering and How it Resolved - My son was diagnosed with cancer at age 16. Throughout it all we were surrounded by prayer warriors both from Cameron's school and Discovery. When there were times throughout the illness that I was scared, worried, etc.. I also had a certain peace that all would be well. Only those that truly know God can understand that peace. Cameron is 25 now and healthy.

What do Titus 1:5-9 and I Timothy 3:1-7 mean to you? - These passages set the expectation and define the traits of a leader. In order for church to be effective in spreading the gospel and sharing the good news of Christ, the leaders of the church must be an example of Christian life.

I have read through the passages and do not believe that there's anything in my life that would prohibit me from serving in a leadership capacity. I am divorced and remarried. If the statement of "the husband of but one wife" conflicts with that, then perhaps I am not fit for the team. I am in no way perfect. I do enjoy a glass of wine but am not prone to drunkenness.

Theology and Trinity - bible/gifts/salvation/discipleship/baptism/mission -

Trinity - The clear understanding of and belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father is the creator and there is only one God. Jesus is God's Son and it is through our belief in Him that we receive salvation. The Holy Spirit lives within us to guide, encourage and comfort us.

Gifts - God has equipped each of us with different gifts or strengths. One is not better than the other. All are needed in the church. Our responsibility is to understand what our gift is and use it.

Salvation - No one goes to the Father except through the Son. Salvation is our reward for following Jesus. It is a gift. It is not something that can be earned. We are saved by confessing our belief in Christ and making Him the Lord and Savior of our life.

Discipleship - We are disciples of Christ. We must be sure we are leading a life that represents Him and we are responsible for sharing our faith so that others may come to know Him.

Baptism – This is an expression of obedience. When we get baptized we are dying to our old self and being resurrected a new person in Christ.

Mission - As a body of believers we are tasked with the responsibility of sharing the gospel to all parts of the world. By partnering with and supporting missions locally and globally we are fulfilling that responsibility


To know you more deeply, please comment on at least three of the following questions.

1. How you define the church? - I define church as a body of believers. It is not a building or the rituals, it is the people. Throughout the life of a congregation, members will come and go, but the church still remains. It remains because the central focus is God. It is a blessing to celebrate, cry, learn, and grow with a body of believers who love God.

2. " Nothing happens without risk." How does this statement hit you? Discuss what risk is in your mind. Refer to a time in your life you took a risk. What happened? In your writing, talk about how your faith plays a role in decisions that demand risk.

If you are risk avoidant, then you will not grow and will become stagnant. One must be courageous enough to step out in faith and know that even if you make a mistake, it is OK, you will have learned something and you will have moved forward. In my mind, risk is not negative, it is an opportunity to stretch yourself as well as demonstrate that you are confident that God will see you through it.


Time in my life when I took a risk: I was in the middle of a union organizing attempt at a plant in Wisconsin. The CEO of the company wanted to fly to Wisconsin and, "talk to those guys" before the vote. Allowing him to go and address the troops was too dangerous. During a union organizing attempts, just about anything an employer does has the potential for turning into an unfair labor practice. I knew the CEO would speak his mind, and that could really cost the company. I prayed and asked for wisdom and guidance. I told the CEO he could not go. Needless to day he was a bit taken aback at my boldness in telling, the founder and CEO of the company that he could not visit one of his manufacturing plants. His response to me was, "Fine. I won't go, but if we lose the vote, it is your job." I continued to pray for a positive outcome for the company, for the election, and had a sense of peace. I knew before I received the phone call on the day of the election that we had won and the union lost.

When faced with decisions that have risk associated with it, I seek guidance and wisdom through prayer. I have learned the importance of that "little voice" (Holy Spirit). I realize that there is a bigger plan that what I can possibly comprehend and I need to rely on the one that is much wiser than me.

3. What are some compelling books that you have read in the past year? Why did they intrigue you?
Influencer - Intrigued me because it addresses the important capacity we possess to influence ourselves and others. It talks about changing the toughest of circumstances by changing behaviors. Using praise versus the use of punishment. There are several stories in this book that demonstrate how significant change in prisoners, diseases, etc. were positive changed by identifying the vital few behaviors and focusing on them, and by honoring choices and trusting in people.
No Complaining Rule - Focusing on ridding ourselves of mindless complaining and working on identifying solutions to legitimate complaints. The results that can obtained when your shift from focusing on the numbers and begin focusing on people, and providing positive reinforcement.

Considering the practical aspects of serving on the Leadership team, please comment on your current life situation in regards to:

Availability - I do not have children at home, and currently do not have to travel with my job. I have recently been recruited to be part of the women's leadership team. There may be occasions where I have to juggle meetings.
Willingness - I am willing to serve. I am viewing this as an opportunity to grow and learn.
Ability to make decisions - I am a decisive person and do not get stuck in the cycle of over analysis.
Leadership Style - I believe that leadership is a partnership process. I am responsible for letting people know what I expect of them., and what they can expect from me. I set the example and am willing to get my hands dirty. I would not ask anyone to do what I myself would not be wiling to do. Leadership is a matter of heart. My joy in leading people is helping them grow and see what potential they have. I also believe that leaders must be willing to learn from those that they lead.
Contributions you could make to the team - Not sure, as I do not know what the current needs are. I have 30+ years of business experience with over 23 of those years in management. My HR experience will lend itself to any people issues that may need addressed. I have overseen the construction of a facility as well as overseen the several moves of equipment and people.

All the Continents

The son of an Iowa church planter, David Frakes grew up in the Midwest and graduated from Ozark Christian College. There he met Loretta, a Casper ,Wyoming girl. Their three daughters, Bethany, Rachel, and Karissa, learned the love of travel from their parents. David's heritage, gifts, and heart are in ministry. A three-year youth ministry in Michigan prepare them for a twelve-year youth ministry with the Broomfield Christian Church. David is a swing courier for FedEx serving as a player/coach/supervisor and Loretta is a literacy teacher at Birch Elementary.

What brought you to Discovery?

Tim Dally started the church and they were already staffed. I was ready for a change, so I volunteered to help.

You were in charge of setting up and tearing down the worship/education setting for 10 years. Why did you get involved in this area? What makes it hard or easy?

First, it's necessary since we're renting the school. Second, organization is my gifts set. Recruiting, organizing, and shifting people is what I do. It is time consuming - about 1 hour each night of the week. Our volunteers do this because of our common mission and purpose. I learned to rely on people. When I couldn't recruit others, I ended up securing my family to help out. It's better when more are involved. We build relationships as we work. We always need people. It takes coordination.

You also coordinate Discovery's role with the Denver Rescue Mission. Tell me about that.

Kristin Cage, who now serves in Indonesia, was the first to go to Denver Rescue mission and we went along. The Knoetgens and then the Barbers took over for Kristin and I took over when the Barbers moved. Why do this? I enjoy offering a helping hand to the less fortunate. I like the camaraderie. These are good people.

What appeals to you about Discovery church?

Relationships with people. I like the chance to help out. The spirit and expectation of service.

You are still in charge of ushers and servers. But what is next for David and Loretta?

We like baseball and want to visit all the major league ballparks. We love to travel. More seriously, Loretta and I want to visit every continent in connection with our global partners.

Do you have a travel schedule?

We've been to Europe and Australia. We went to China and Asia to visit Aaron Carmichael. We want to go to Kenya and Egypt in 2010, Paraguay and Antartica in 2012.

Turning the Page

Lauaren Longwell's military father moved the family to nine states during her school years. A graduate of the University of Richmond, she has a Master's degree in Business, IT, and Project Management from John Hopkins. She and her husband Jason, have two sons Tyler and Josh.

What were the events that influenced you to become a follower of Christ?

I went to parochial schools. Religion was a comforting tradition, but impersonal value system in my life. In my senior year of college, the Navigators' pursued me. I thought, "I'm doing all right. Why do I need this?" Then it hit me. I was successful but not truly joyful. And they were successful and joyful. The aroma of Christ rolled off them. Interestingly, Jason, whom I was dating at the time, was making his own commitment to Christ at the same time in Delaware.

How did you grow from there?

Married in 2000, we attended Grace Fellowship Church, where we were connected as Young Life leaders. We had the honor of hearing and obeying God's call to love the "unchurched" high schoolers exactly where they were, on their walk and on their home turf. Through our experiences at Young Life and committing to daily disciplines, our hearts transformed producing true fruit in our lives.

How did you get to Discovery church?

Jason's job was transferred here. I asked God for a playground nearby where I could get to know young mothers and for a community bible study. Laura Brasov and Marlan Muller came to my door 10 minutes after I moved in and invited me to both events. They connected us with Discovery. When Tyler and I were ill on different occasions, they brought meals, baby sat, prayed, and sat with us in the hospital. Steve called. We hadn't run long and deep with these people, but they loved us as if we had.

Your oldest son Tyler was bullied in day care?

Tyler was three when we put him in a good daycare/preschool. The principal called to say that my son was being beaten, pushed, and pinched by another child. Tyler was afraid to enter a room of children for fear that a bully would be there. We removed him from the daycare. I told Discovery's Children's Director, Kim Koole. Her husband, Dan and other Adventure Zone leaders explained to Tyler about God's strength, his shield, and protection. Tyler followed him into class. They gave me reinforcement ideas for the following week. Tyler wasn't afraid to go into the classroom at Discovery. My sons love the kid's program

Jason has been transferred back to Maryland. What piece of Discovery do you want to take with you as you turn the next page of life?

Reprioritization. God and family are first with financial and time margin built into our daily lives. Impactful life. Challenges will occur so we pray our joy and contentment are not due to circumstance.

The Journey. The Discovery.

They both came from very conservative, legalistic Churches of Christ. Blake Hill was born at Ellsworth AFB outside Rapid City when his father was in military. Ministry followed military and Blake's family moved off and on - typical for their church fellowship.

Kimberly grew up in Pleasanton, CA in the East Bay Area. A five-year friendship developed into courtship and they were married 11 years ago. Blake, a CPA, works for Summit Integrated Systems. Kimberly, an accountant, is a stay at home mom, caring for Griffin - 5, and Adam - 3.

Tell me about your journey. When did you become Christians and "own"your faith?

Blake: I became a Christian at age 9. Church was never optional, but it always felt right to go. I went to Bible camps and youth rallies and was actively serving land leading at a young age.

Kimberly: I became a Christian when I was young. Our churches were good and developing knowledge - based relationships with the Lord, rather than anything spirit lead.

Both: We always " owned" our faith. It just wasn't full.

When did it become personal - full?

Kimberly: We ventured outside of the Church of Christ fellowship after we were married. Legalistic churches exhausted us. We found a church that emphasize relationships, was less judgmental, and developed community. I wanted to worship with people who knew we were all broken and would help each other along. I wanted a place I could bring my neighbors.

Blake: we were in Portland, and started worshipping with a Vineyard church.

What brought you to Discovery?

Kimberly: We came to Colorado for the 300 days of sunshine per year. Brad and Angie Black lived close. We both had infant children. I asked her about church and she told me about Discovery.

What is appealing about Discovery?

Blake: It's an easy place to bring new people, long-time disciples or seekers. The preaching is honesty and down to earth. And no one acts like they have it all figured out. We're all on a journey, moving closer to God.

Kimberly: Discovery doesn't get hung up on longstanding tradition or petty issues that divide rather than unite. Strong emphasis is put on connecting with others and journeying together.

What excites you about Discovery's future?

Both: Our youth group will be amazing! There's so many little kids here who will be teenagers in 10 years. They'll have great potential to impact their schools and the community for the Lord.