On weekends when I am available, I work at my church’s Adopt-A-Block ministry. We reach out by providing free food in the form of a grill-out, some fun and games for the kids, and offering school supplies and bikes for children. While meeting some basic practical needs, we hope to also have the opportunity to share God’s love and grace to the wonderful people we meet each week.

During most of the event, I make balloon sculptures. (And you thought I just did magic!) At the end I do a brief magic presentation with a message.

We’re receiving a great response from the people in the neighborhood. We have had great support from local schools and community organizations. Other schools in the surrounding area have invited us in to do the program in their area as well. It is great to be able to take part in this ministry. 

The season for Upward Basketball Award Night events was shorter than usual this year, due to the early Easter holiday. I was still able to do quite a few of them.

I’ve said it before, but I really love Upward. It’s an amazing and effective ministry to kids and families. If you aren’t familiar with it, you owe it to yourself to learn more about it. 

Here’s some feedback I received from one of them:

 I have been asked by numerous people in attendance that night, “Where did you find this guy, he was great!” 

Brad did an amazing job both in his performance and relating to the kids.  There are a lot of really talented performers out there but it takes a special talent to be able to entertain kids and keep their attention for an hour.  Brad Brown is that kind of talented performer!

I recently completed a series of programs on and around the Ft Belknap Indian Reservation. It was cold, but not bad as Montana Februaries go. (Why is it I always seem to go north in the winter and south in the summer?)

I was brought in for the Mid Winter Fair and Powwow. I performed several times at the Fair. I also did a number of school assemblies, working in partnership with Miss Indian Nations, Shere Lynn Wright. Finally, I finished off the week with a church show.

It was a great week. This was my first powwow, I learned a lot about Native American Culture, and enjoyed the trip.

I just came across a great post in the “Swerve” blog at lifechurch.tv.

The kids in our children’s ministries are more than just a mission field, they are missionaries. They are not just the church of tomorow… well, you get the idea. Below is an exerpt from that article:

Do you embrace the potential within your Children’s Ministry?  Or do you dismiss their significance based upon age? 

Consider this… A child at the age of 6 is just as capable of following Jesus as I am. The bible is just as applicable to a Christ follower at 8 years old as it is to me at 35 years old.

What does that mean?

[Read more]

I’ve decided to further my education. No, I’m not joining Harry Potter at Hogwarts; I’m pursuing a seminary degree. This is something I have wanted to do since I went into full-time ministry about three years ago, but I never had the time and money. (I’m not sure I have the time or money now, either, but I’m going anyway.)

I am in the process of enrolling in Liberty University’s distance learning program. I’ll be pursuing a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. My first class starts next month. I’m only taking one class initially, so I can see how well it fits in with my touring schedule. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a little more aggressive with my class load in future semesters. (Either that or I’ll graduate sometime next decade.)