Join us for the Rescheduled Grace Adventures 3rd Anniversary Celebration

 

When:

7:00PM

Friday, April 4th, 2014 

Where:

The ROC

(Bright colorful building on

First Baptist Church Campus)

16333 Louisiana Hwy. 1085

Covington

Please join Michael and Donna Sprague for an evening of thanksgiving and celebration of God's good works in our community and state. 

So few people ever hear anything good happening in Caesar's household. It seems like nothing ... or at least nothing good is happening in government or among leaders. Many are deeply troubled about our country and its future. Indeed, one would have to be blind to not see the Storm Clouds pressing in.

Grace Adventures, my nonprofit, has given me a different vantage point and I would like you to get a glimpse of what I see weekly.  The problems in business and government are real but God is always at work.

I would like to invite you to join me on Friday, April 4th at 7pm for a little over an hour. I have asked some Louisiana elected leaders, business leaders, and a former New Orleans Saints player to share how their lives and leadership have been impacted by their faith.  I will share a little how there is hope for our country and where Grace Adventures is headed in the future.  I am so thankful to be serving in this community and this state and want to share this with you.

Please invite guests. Dessert social following the celebration. 

PLEASE RSVP

to 985-502-4265 or

MDSprague00@bellsouth.net

This is NOT a fundraiser or political event.

“Follow Me” ~ Jesus

I just returned from my now annual trek to Washington, DC for the National Prayer Breakfast with the Louisiana delegation. The Thursday morning breakfast included  all the visible amenities including dignitaries like President Obama, First Lady Michelle, Vice-President Biden, the Presidents of Albania and Haiti, Senators and Congressmen, Religious and Political Leaders from 130 countries, Bethany Hamilton (evangelical surfer who lost an arm to a shark) and gospel singers Yolanda Adams and Steve Green. There was no talk of Health Care, Immigration, or Elections. A humble dependence upon God was sensed. Partisanship, Polarization and Division were set aside for 90 minutes.

“Let us not seek the Republican answer, or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” ~ John F. Kennedy

What intrigues and motivates me about the three-day event is not the breakfast but the unmistakable message in conversations behind the scenes in small groups and one-on-one which are invisible to C-SPAN. Our country is in trouble. Everyone senses this. Perhaps we are as divided a nation as any time dating back to the Civil War. Does anyone think that Organized Religion or Disorganized Politics can save the day? Every four years our best candidates debate and share the best solutions they can devise. We invest significant money and technology into solutions. Despite these efforts we have more crime, brokenness and problems. Perhaps the root problem in America and the World is deeper. Perhaps it is a Spiritual and Heart issue?

The unmistakable solution that was offered last week was an invitation to follow Jesus. Knowing Jesus, loving Jesus, following Jesus, depending upon His grace, trusting His guidance, and dying with Him in our everyday lives is the greatest opportunity ever extended to a human being. It wasn’t Christianity that was lifted up. It wasn’t Religion lifted up. It wasn’t Republicanism lifted up or a Democratic Brand. It wasn’t Catholicism that was lifted up or Baptist, Methodist or Pentecostalism. It was Jesus! Jesus wasn’t a Christian and He never asked someone to become a Christian. He said, “Follow Me.” There is a power in this unique gospel, unique person and unique gift that changes lives and in time can turn the world upside down. There is something about Jesus that transcends religious and political barriers. Samaritans who were regarded as heretics and Romans who were thought of as barbarians found themselves around Jesus saying, “I want to follow that man!” Isn’t this the need today for our country and world?

One of the leaders told me a personal haunting story as to our world’s predicament. He was in a South American country and the Ranking National Religious Leaders infighting was front page news. This leader was begged to meet with the Religious Leaders. When he arrived there were five older Religious Leaders present and 25 younger emerging leaders. He started by asking, “Do you have any questions for me?” One of the younger men asked, “Why don’t young people go to church anymore?” He said, “You will probably throw me out of here. They don’t like you and after three days in your country neither do I.” He told them that a new commandment had been given to love one another, that all men will know you are my disciples by the love you have for one another, that oneness will demonstrate to the world that God sent the Son. He said that young people are sick of political and religious infighting and though they don’t understand it all theologically…young people are attracted to unconditional love and people who die to themselves. He talked about Jesus and His words, “Follow me.” The older leaders weren’t moved but the younger leaders said, “This is the most exciting thing we have ever heard. We have never heard it before. Where can we get this material?” The answer my friend spoke, “Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.”

“He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.” ~C.S. Lewis on Aslan, the Christ-figure in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Revitalization in our country starts with me and you. Will we re-hear the call of Jesus, “Follow me”? I’m devoting 2014 to sink my teeth into Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I’m going to pray and focus on Relationships. I want friends near and far away to meet Jesus. Grace Adventures is committed to inspiring a network of leaders who are committed to friendship with Jesus and each other.

Praise and Prayer

Praise for personal time last week with three Senators and four Congressmen. We had great conversations about spiritual things.

• The Bible studies at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge with Representatives and Lobbyists start on March 13th. The session runs from March 10-June 2. Pray for open doors.
• Pray for key speaking opportunities this month with the New Orleans Leader Forum and the Christian Legal Society.
• Pray for the rescheduled (due to ice) Third Year Grace Adventures Anniversary Celebration on April 4th. All are welcome to attend. Speakers include a State Senator, two State Representatives, several businessmen, a former New Orleans Saints player and Michael Sprague. Pray God is glorified and people discover there is hope for America.
• Pray for Donna. Last year’s knee surgery has not repaired the problem and she is going in for another MRI.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

POSTPONEMENT OF 3rd ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

After getting some feedback from Emergency Management in St. Tammany Parish, due to predicted bad weather, I am postponing the 3rd Anniversary Grace Adventures Event tonight at 7pm. Please help me get the word out. This event will be rescheduled. Be safe everyone.

Merry Christmas from our Family to Yours!

Merry Christmas from Michael and Donna

Our new calling is almost three years old now. GRACE ADVENTURES sprouted with a dedication to reach Political, Business and Spiritual leaders for Jesus, one leader at a time. This ministry is like a tiny, tiny, tiny mustard seed that gets planted in the ground. No one says, “Amen” to a mustard seed. Nobody says, “Yeah, slow organic growth.” So many want the Kingdom style to be swift, forced, visible, and powerful, but Jesus says go with the mustard seed approach, emphasizing slow, steady, stealthy, healthy planting, watering and cultivating. In time the Kingdom bursts forth with fruit 30, 60 or 100 fold. The grand vision is to serve behind the scenes to reach and train up leaders so that these Christ-followers from the political, business and spiritual arenas become fruitful in the community.

The Kingdom is bursting forth in 2013: 

A new Bible study started at the State Capitol for members of the House of Representatives.  Imagine some of the most influential leaders discussing how the Word of God relates to life and work.

Many new friendships among Legislators, government leaders, lobbyists, staffers, political operatives, journalists and security staff.

Michael with Gov. Jindal

A new study was just approved at the State Capitol for year-round staffers in the House, Senate, and Jindal Administration.

A study for Lobbyists. Yes, Lobbyists.

A lawyer who, last year put faith in Jesus, is now teaching the Bible and preparing for seminary.

A business man is sharing his faith hundreds of times and leading a seeker investigative study.

Outreach event where over 200 people registered a faith decision for Christ.

Leadership St. Tammany

Business leaders received training in apologetics and how to share the good news.

Military leaders encouraged, invested in and then sent out to impact their world.

Open doors to share the Gospel with atheists, agnostics, seekers, skeptics, irreligious and religious. The mission field is white unto harvest.

New one-on-one appointments with leaders all over the state. What a spiritual feast. Only God!

Numbers of divine appointments with national leaders in Washington: with the Senate, House, Christian Embassy, The Fellowship and Prison Fellowship.

Just this week, a businessman attending his first Bible study ever commented that he wanted to learn “anything and everything” he could from the Bible.
 

Abraham Lincoln famously said, “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side.”

Our Message

Our message simply put is JESUS. Our interest is not for people to love Christianity but to love JESUS. Our focus is not so much to get people to heaven but get people to a personal relationship with God and then heaven gets thrown in. We cannot fix anybody, but we can bring people to the real JESUS and allow Him to do what we could never do – transform a human life. We desperately want to learn from Richard Halverson, former Chaplain of the United Stated Senate, “In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece, where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome, where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America, where it became an enterprise.” GRACE ADVENTURES exists to introduce leaders to Jesus Christ and disciple them so that they may effectually impact their sphere of influence for the glory of God.

Community Speaking Opportunities in 2013

Louisiana Legislative Retreat

Building Dedication

Veteran’s Hospital Staff

 

Praying at LA House of Representatives

LA House of Representatives

New Orleans Leadership Forum

Leadership St. Tammany

LA Dental Association

Officers’ Christian Fellowship

Urban Impact

Touch Global

Christian Legal Society

Channel 10, Cable Television

Pulpit Supply

Men’s Retreats

National Day of Prayer

Leadership Revisited

Colorado Disaster

 

North Carolina Adventures

North Carolina Adventure

Commissioning Address

 

Forcey Missions Conference

Missions Conference

Christian school

Financial Update

I have not mentioned finances since last December.  For a man who has been called “pathetic” at fundraising, God gave us enough to get started. The core of the ministry has been supported by people making monthly commitments to GRACE ADVENTURES, and this has been supplemented by one-time gifts. I am grateful. As a faith-based ministry, I am responsible to raise all of my monthly support.

Please pray for:

New monthly commitments to join the team.

End-of-the-year special gifts for projects.

End of the year project:

No emotional appeals. No fundraising tactics. If you are looking for a Kingdom place to invest, if our work registers in deep ways, c’mon and jump in and move Grace Adventures forward. Last year’s end-of-the year giving allowed our lean ministry budget to do additional outreach and free up Donna somewhat with some strategic bookkeeper help. Thank you.

Thank you

Donna and I would not be able to strategically focus this way without friends who partner with us in prayer, encouragement and support. We are most grateful. YOU play a huge role in every business person who finds faith … every lonely leader who is encouraged … every person who is reminded not to quit … every seed sown … every political leader who discovers Jesus is worth following … every revitalized soul who discovers their purpose. Paul put it this way in Philippians 4:17, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”

2013 Special Memories

Spent Mother's Day with Jonathan and Patricia

Enjoyed a Baseball Game while on Vacation

 

Patricia received her Master's Degree

 
 
 
 

Coach Joe Gibbs spoke at a Men's Event in Mandeville

 

Donna ran into Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas after the National Prayer Breakfast.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

North Carolina Adventure Report

One hundred and eighty people gathered in North Carolina for four days in October to go three- by-three to meet with state leaders in every county in the state. This Adventure was modeled after Luke 10 where Jesus sent out the sometimes scaredy-cat 72 disciples two-by-two to every town to pray and lift up Jesus’ name. Wow ... what an opportunity and privilege.

I met with leaders in Surf City, NC

I flew in from New Orleans and didn’t know anyone. I left North Carolina understanding the power in multiple bands of three brothers stepping out in faith. I expected we would be handed a script to use with our conversations … we were reminded the Holy Spirit would give us the words. I expected we would have pre-arranged appointments set up for us … we were led only by God in every town and to every person. I thought we would sleep in hotels ... God provided the home of a man and woman of peace (and we didn’t have to shake off the dust from our feet). I expected to see North Carolina … but Jesus led us to see the plentiful harvest and not look through, past or by human beings … to truly see them. Jesus blew up all of my expectations and I was left with nothing … but Jesus. Guess what? He was enough.

The power of three going out in Jesus’ name yielded open doors in every town … mayors, county managers, half-way houses, Indian reservations, jails, police chiefs, parks, college presidents, churches, etc. Leaders and people were asked, “What is your biggest problem?” The reoccurring themes were - Racial division, lack of housing, the churches are divided, Meth, lack of peace, and people complaining. Everyone sensed the trouble in our nation and local communities was bigger and deeper than what Republicans, Democrats or Organized Religion could solve. I met the head of the North Carolina Supreme Court. In response to the problems in the state, he said, “We are just putting our fingers in the dykes, and we are running out of fingers to plug the holes.”

Our message of hope to every leader and person was that there is a solution for our human predicament. The solution is in the only Leader who can transform a human heart and bring about real reconciliation. His name is Jesus. We didn’t say the answer was in Christianity but in Christ. The answer is not throwing stones, demonizing, endless complaining, but lifting up the name of Jesus and learning to love God and love people in a Jesus fashion. This has the power to bring about a great awakening of one or even a nation. One young 6’5”, rough around the edges, country boy said it this way, “Everybody just read the book with red letters and everything will be OK.”

We didn’t get booted out of any public official’s office. People were intrigued, curious and drawn to Jesus. Leaders everywhere were exhorted to start little groups in their offices, or a coffee shop, and get to know the real Jesus. A fire got lit in North Carolina. May it spread? Now I will go out two-by-two in Louisiana. How about you? Check out Luke 10 yourself.

Divine Appointment

You never know when God will bring a divine appointment. This happened the other day:

Stranger: You look familiar. Where are you from?

Me: New Orleans

Stranger: I’m from New Orleans, too.

(It turns out we didn’t know each other. He asked what I was doing and I summed it up in a sentence.)

Stranger: I don’t want to talk to anyone about Christianity!

Me: It sounds like you have had a very bad experience with Christianity.

Stranger: When I was 12 years old my parents divorced and all three of us got excommunicated from the church!

Me: Sometimes I don’t like talking about Christianity either. Would it be alright if I talked to you about Jesus?

Stranger: Oh, that will be okay.

Me: One thing I know for sure … Jesus would never have excommunicated a 12-year-old boy from His church. I’m so sorry that happened to you. I know Jesus cares about you and wants to have a relationship with you.

(Off we went into a wonderful conversation about Jesus. Jesus wasn’t a Christian; he was a Jew. We don’t pray in Christianity’s name but in Jesus’ name. The gospel is the good news of Jesus, 1 Cor. 15:1-4)

Prayer for Colorado

Leaders from Estes Park and Longmont

A couple of weeks ago eight leaders who have faced devastation from the recent floods in Colorado, flew in to Louisiana. The leaders from Estes Park recounted the damage, and leaders from the Longmont area spoke of a town being washed away and losing their entire church building. They asked me to come preach and meet with community pastor/leaders. My aim was to encourage these leaders by sharing our Katrina story and put a copy of my book in their hands. Pray. May God work His exploits and faithfulness like He did in our times of anguish.  I am still convinced that God works great works in the middle of disasters.

Estes Park, Colorado

Betting the Farm on God,

 Michael