We knew the week would be wonderful at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama as we were invited to be a part of their Global Impact Conference (GIC) as Epic is one of their mission partners. We just didn't know how good!

Epic Church was on display in the missions expo as we got to share our story one on one with so many.

Wednesday night the church family hosted a pep rally as they wildly cheered on all 34 missionaries/church planters serving around the world. I was moved to tears to see the encouragement and support!

Wednesday night just got better as we got to share Epic Church, San Francisco with children in first through sixth grade. We did a slideshow full of images of companies and products that started in the Bay area. We left one challenge with the children: if Facebook, Levi's, Chevron, and Old Navy are known all around the world, why can't we take the Gospel to San Francisco and it too be taken all around the world!?

The GAP class of Shades (young professionals) hosted us for the week. Steve and Lydia, along with Kaylie and Ashley, served us and blessed us in so many ways. We can't wait for this group to come to San Francisco in October and serve alongside us at our first preview service. Our church looks forward to how God is going to use Shades and our other partnering churches to serve the people of San Francisco.

Yep! That's what happens when we go, go, go and never stop! Elijah crashes!

An added blessing to being in Alabama was a quick afternoon drive over to Tuscaloosa (former ministry) to see friends. Sweet Nanny dropped what she was doing to come and give hugs and kisses. She delights our boys and prays daily for our family. She is a student of His Word and loves the church deeply. She is one of my heroes of the faith.

Oh, my! Too many added blessings! Our sweet Ashley and Andrew came over for breakfast one morning to get their 'Pilgreen fix!' We laughed so much and thank God for friends and memories.