On January 26, 2004, I spent my first night in Bridgeport as the new lead pastor of Grace Fellowship.  As I reflected on the 6 month journey of faith that brought us here from The Woodlands I sat in the recliner in our the apartment we’d moved into that day and wrote a few words.  A photo of that journal sheet is attached.  Since it’s difficult to read my writing, here’s a transcript of the journal page.

Jan 26 First Night Bridgeport

How gracious these folks have been to us.  They have already shown us an outpouring of love – flowers for Janet at Lyon Elementary today – baskets of goodies at the apart – milk cereal – (words I can’t make out) – unload & set up – whatever we need

Some of the 1st things I read sitting in the recliner tonight   Col 1:6 TM Everything finds its purpose in Him.   Eph. 1:11  He has his eye on us for glorious living

Lord, I do see a church of over 1000 – hundreds of students radically changed – hundreds of children begging to go back – families saved & restored – marriages put back together – a rural church w/ a regional draw – 100’s are saved & baptized – church with plenty of acreage to have a great multipurpose worship center – children & student building & ample parking for 1000 people – where 1000+ people are connected in small groups.