mercy falling in Carolina

Today was one of those days that you dream of in ministry. God showed up in gracious ways and opened doors that I could not open myself.

From being on campus and in the right place at the right time today at Wake Forest I was able to have some divinely appointed ministry. I feel God's hand in favor with everyplace I go whether it's on campus in Westwood or even here on the East Coast. I know I am meant to live this way, in his favor and mercy, but don't always feel like I deserve it. But that's the thing about the character of God, he gives grace and mercy because he loves us, because he loves us, because he loves us. And his heart is to give and to love. He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 

Tonight I sat in the first ever, to my knowledge, UCLA men's soccer away game Chapel. I sat across from a men who have a powerful influence in college soccer and in our nation. I believe each one in the room and on this team can make our world a better place. I also believe each one can come into a love counter with the Creator of the universe.

I'm so thankful to be where I am tonight. Even though it's another night alone on this journey of mine in ministry, I know I'm not alone. I am staying in another city on an adventure with the King of Kings. God is taking me all over this world as a single man to cultivate the authority that he is given to me. The authority to bring healing, hope, and life to the lost. A healing that would run so deep in them to help people become aware of God's presence in their own lives. A healing that would shift the very course of their life. Sometimes I wonder if The Holy Spirit can top the experience of today but I know He will. With his sweet and delicate grace He always does. He brings his presence to those who seek it everytime (Psalm 104).

I have no idea of where God will continue to take me in my adventures with Him but I know the places I go will never get old and they will always be good. His love story over my life is one that will not end.

I may be 31 but I feel the journey is just beginning...

2013-14 Team Eppes Recap Video is here!

Wrecked by Grace

 Listen here to my talk from UCLA AIA.  I spoke in our Ephesians series on being "Wrecked by Grace".

Hope you enjoy it!

a special intro video from the Philippines

One of the days we were in Tacloban we had a morning outreach cancelled.  We found this out right at the time where it was about to begin.  With that new window of time we had we decided to make a video introducing our team and lets just say we had some fun with it.  I hope you enjoy!

Also check out the end of trip video in my older post as well!

Phillippines Recap Video

Maundy Thursday...

Today is Maundy Thursday... the day we remember when Jesus and his disciples broke bread together and it became the first communion. What a powerful night in the history of our faith.

Jesus knew the cross was coming. Maybe you have some amazingly hard tasks in front of you. David knew opposition was coming for him in Psalm 13 but he pressed in and ended his Psalm like this:

5 But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6 I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.

Remember today that The Lord sent his son Jesus on the most purposeful mission of all time: the redemption of the world. Give him praise today. Give him all of you today. Plan today to find a Good Friday service tomorrow if you can. Give your heart time to rekindle the flames of fire that burn to make him known.

my talk from Biola university

Final Thoughts from the Philippines

This trip to the Philippines was breathtaking on so many levels. From day 1 to the last day my heart was violently dealt with by the Lord all week. He had work to do in me. 

But that work started many years ago. Shortly after I saw the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans my heart was burdened for those who encountered significant disaster. This trip to the Philippines was a culmination of the call that had been on my heart for many years.

Arriving in Tacloban with this team was sort of a dream until reality hit after seeing the wake of Typhoon Yolanda. This storm shredded this city and left massive holes in the landscape and in hearts. Families we're taken. Homes were annihilated. Boats were transplanted on shore. The scene was heavy. Our team however was ready for the task and despite the shock and awe God helped us hit the ground running.

Through sport clincs, food distribution, and some group time with local middle and high school kids we truly helped bring God's presence to those who were not experiencing it. 

"God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit"  David writes. That verse rang so true while we were there. We saw God comfort kids and bring them joy almost without hesitation. Most kids competed at first with backpacks on as they had just come out of class. Hope is rising in Tacloban. 

One of the more sobering memories of the week for me was visiting a mass grave and makeshift morgue the last day in Leyte. We so often have our world and culture today hide death making it seem like a distant reality. But this visit to this "cemetery" made it seem very real. The smell of death permeated the air. It was so pungent that our team had to cover their noses with their shirts and even with that we could only stay a couple minutes because it was so tough. But seeing death made me also see my life and the opportunity I still have to make a difference for Jesus. By his mercy I am still here and I want to make the most to life a life worthy of his death for me. May you also live a life taking advantage of every opportunity to make an eternal difference in our world.

Andrew Eppes

UCLA AIA staff

More Pictures from the Philippines

Last day in Tacloban

It's been an incredible week with outreaches and seeing the sights of this amazing place. The people here are so resilient but pain is still evident. God is healing this land in his time and revival is stirring. 

Landed in Manila

My team and I are landed in Manila, Philippines for an amazing week of outreach.

Pray for us that we hear from God and speak life and comfort over the hurting people especially in Tacloban where Typhoon Haiyan hit in early November.

Thank you all for your partnership in the gospel


#ekballo

I got Seoul

We have made it to our first layover in Seoul, South Korea. This place is strategic for the gospel in Asia. I have a good feeling I will be back here someday on mission.

I can't help but also feel the weight of the country to the north: NK. The burden is so heavy on my heart as the heartache and life altering circumstances are an everyday challenge there for citizens. Asia has it's dark spots for sure but I believe there is a deep hope in this place as well.

One more flight in an hour to Manila with a 14 layover there before finally heading to Tacloban.

Goodnight from Korea...

                                      

Headed to the Philippines tomorrow

Tomorrow is the day! 

6 other fabulous people and I are headed to Tacloban, Philippines tomorrow to help our AIA staff recover from Typhoon Haiyan.

Helping in trauma debrief and putting on sport clinics will be our main roles. I am expectant of God to show up in mighty ways through this time! So Holy Spirit would you come in a mighty way!!!

Pray with us for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that many lives are changed forever in Jesus name.

February Newsletter is here!

Feb 2014 update - Philippines trip!

The latest newsletter for Team Eppes

USA National Team Chapel vs South Korea

Happy 2014.  I hope its been a great start for all of you!

Once again Friday night January 31 I have the honor of doing the chapel service for our USA National Team in Santa Monica.  This roster here in Los Angeles brings in many players who will feature this summer in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.  I am hoping to launch them in to a great year with words of life in our time together. 

If you would pray that these men would 1.) attend chapel as its optional 2.) be drawn to the Father in love 3.) be marked for a lifetime by Jesus 4.) pray for the others that don't attend that they would radically encounter Jesus as well.

As you watch these men compete Saturday against South Korea I just ask that you would pray for them as you watch them play and compete that they would be swept up in the love of Jesus to be a mouthpiece of his redemption for nation and a world looking for hope.