ἐκκλησίαν – THE BELOVED BODY OF CHRIST
On and Off Road
Conversations That Matter
In my travels, I have the privilege of meeting incredible people—believers, seekers, and truth-chasers—many share a hunger for something more than their tradition or experience. A few of these “gatherings at the trailhead” are here captured in snapshots, and the resulting montage represents a small slice of real dialogues, tough questions, and warm connections—great memories. Whether around a campfire, at a confab, odd event, after meet, in a coffee shop, or at a home gathering, all these encounters are a special part of my great adventure.
So, I’m not one to name drop, but the snapshots do tend to indicate I am not a total weirdo—trail stalker!
Scroll through merely a few the faces of those who’ve joined me in discussing The Gospel, The Milk, The Keys, and The Song. If I included every encounter you’d be browsing all day. But maybe one day, you’ll be featured?
(Reviewing these myself, and I note my beard has grown out as well as my head of long grey, so I really ought start adding to the mix.)
Eric Baugus
Meet my ‘Partner In Rhyme’. One morning we applied his revelation to concept my second book, Kingdom Access! It is a companion to The Milky Way! my first and a work needed by 90% of believers today. Eric also suggested the latter title and approved the former. I’m blessed to have a brother like Eric. He is always sharing and living a life of faith in Christ. His insights also initiated my Draw Me Away! series.
Norina Leyde
Meet my talented pro Photographer daughter, “Dad, my feet are on fire!” ~ Mid August Las Vegas photo shoot. Hahaha fun! Thanks honey! Norina is my secret inspiration. She also leads a blossoming group of wise women up in the green PNW. It’s a true move of The Spirit. I like to visit her during the summer, camping in her forest-yard and seeing the grandsons. Her inspiration to me is like the period in this phrase, indispensable! I’M DONE. WAITING ON GOD! Get it?
Teresa Kae
Meet my artistic friend. She’s a modle with a life-story that needs to be published. I’d call it, From Ashes To Sand Drawing (she creates these on back lit glass, it’s impressive. She’s was enrolled in a Precepts course at her local church but also felt The Milky Way! was what she needed. I agreed, and explained how Isaiah 28:9-13 encourages every believer to drink The Milk first!
Carmen Toscano
Meet an enthusiastic dear reader with a large and full bookcase I wanted my books on. Carmen plans to “pay it forward” and share the message of The Milk and The Song.
Jeremy Martin
Meet the Pastor/Founder of Downtown Faith, a very brave soul. It’s a courageous endeavor, because he’s following God’s call to engage the hearts of the area residents in a long conversation about Christ, in which all opinions are welcomed. One of those suggestions is now that The Milky Way! is a very good devotional resource. I’m thrilled! Jeremy has written a book about his approach, Build A Bigger Table. Try it. Good read.
Jeni Sjoquist
In Memorial: She was reading them all, and had this to say of Draw Me Away – Hear The Song; “sitting with favorite coffee and an excellent book!” Jeni was an deep lover of Christ with only two desires, bringing people to the Lord and spending eternity with Him. She left for home before we could get a pic together. I’ll get one when we catch-up in heaven.
Kevin Jemmer
This young man is a church planter, look him up at Reconciled Church, Las Vegas. Kev has read some of my books and we’ve enjoyed fellowship over coffee. Need to reconnect because he is now shepherding that church.
Sharon Walling
Meet my Editor. She’s ruthless, exactly what’s needed. Loyalty is her flip-side, stuck with me through six books! Seven if she can stand it! Indispensable. #WritingCoach! Currently advising on latest draft – Close Encounters Of The Christian Kind! While editing, when she jotted down an honest “WOW!” I knew my message was clear and true. Our main goal is to write it for the average reader.
Kristine Romney
Meet my Stylist, a believer of many years, and she mentions to me, of ‘not ever taking the time to just be a babe in Christ.’ Went straight to ‘saving the world’. Her review of The Milky Way!, “Thank you for writing this important book. Essential learning for every believer!!!” Watching her gain ‘sip-by-sip’ a much needed nurturing and wholeness from The Milk was my best reward. And now she stands stronger on Christ.
Jennifer Henderson
Meet my wife. I wish she was my business manager; keep me on task, create opportunities, and still put up with me. Hahaha. She was among the first who became interested in the Draw Me Away! series – unveiling a prophetic message called The Song. Or was she more interested in me? We were dating at that time!? Curiously enough, she has a prophetic connection to The Shulamite, the main character of The Song, through a prophetic word received at a unique event called The Sound. Hmmm?
Nyla Williams
Meet my ultra intelligent Aunt. Watching her bloom as a believer did my heart good. Here we stand in the church where it all started for me, as well as for her. I visit Nyla whenever I pass through the hometown we share. She’s read all of my works, and is a consistent witness of the saving message of Christ. I suspect she might also share my books, because she knows believers must continue in and grow in the faith. The Milky Way! and Kingdom Access! certainly help one grow, and the Draw Me Away! series reveals a bright future worth any believer’s effort at continuing in Christ.
Staci Bradford
Meet an enthusiastic gal who allowed me the privilege of introducing my books to her Bible study group. It was well received, but I talked for too long by covering all my works rather than honing down a concept, mia culpa. She hoped to get me introduced to her church’s home fellowship pastor who cares for spiritual infants and their need to be fed. But I moved to Costa Rica. I still think The Milky Way! and Kingdom Access! are a good fit!
TBD
Maybe you’re my next reader? Let me know!
Victoria Hart
Meet my creative Graphic Designer. From book covers to logo to branding, she makes each communicate the core message. Of those … the logo art is an invitation for all our flavors to talk about Christ, The Milky Way! cover illustrates the perilous pilgrimage of babes in Christ, Kingdom Access! depicts attention toward applying the keys of the kingdom, and the Draw Me Away! series is a merger of mystery, revelation, and hope for the future Christ promised. Wait until you see the Close Encounters! final cover. It’s as wild as the life of a modern believer.
Chaplain Dow
Meet Tamia, chaplain and movie maker. We both attended a holiday pop-up market by Empower Kingdom at Groundswell Legit Coffee, and yes it’s legit, plus good fun with the board-games. The Chaplain interviewed me about my books, and she parted with The Milky Way! in her hand. She’s considering if The Milk may be a subject other Chaplains should hear. I hope so.
Roger Hill Jr
Meet my evangelist friend who walked the Las Vegas Strip sharing Christ, planting seeds, seeing redemption. He’s moved back to the mid-west now, working on a biography. Roger knows believers need The Milk.
Mark Mraz
Meet a city friend I sought out for marketing advice early on a book launch. He operates DTLV Marketing and introduced me to Relationship Marketing which fit perfectly with my values and goals. Mark left our first meeting with a copy of The Milky Way! and in his report to his pastor, he suggested it be used in home fellowships. I think that’s a great fit too!
David Davis
Meet the Director of the Las Vegas chapter of Teen Challenge, “At Starbucks right now. Just finished the first 40 pages of The Milky Way! Love the progression so far. I spent quite a bit of time thinking about the progression through the devotionals on building a foundation. I liked it a lot. So far I could see chapter 1 being a great tool for men coming into Teen Challenge at any level, believer or not.”
Max Griffis
Note from Max who is a Navigator sharing Christ at UCCS. He sees value in The Milky Way! and plans to share the concept. Support Max at Navigators.org/staff/23834923/
TBD
Maybe you’re my next reader? Let me know!