Notes from Minneapolis

Marlene and I flew to Minneapolis yesterday for the Love INC national conference. I met Robert Odom, the president of Love INC, when he attended Calvary in the late 90s. Originally Love INC was part of World Vision, but since 2003 it has functioned as a separate organization. Robert says this is the largest conference they have had, with well over 200 attendees from all across the United States. I’m one of the main speakers, along with Dr. John Weborg from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago.
Last night’s opening service featured worship by Heart of the City, a multi-racial, multi-ethnic group that performs music from many different cultural backgrounds. Marlene and I thoroughly enjoyed their upbeat worship style. They sang a number of original songs, including “Resurrection Chant,” “With One Voice,” “We Can Do Together,” and “Let Us Go Then.” You can listen to samples of their music on their website.
This is my third time to speak at a Love INC conference. I told the folks this morning that I keep coming back because Robert Odom is a man who moves “in the Spirit” in a way that seems utterly unique to me. I like being around him because what you see is what you get. The people at the conference are first-rate servants who spend their days encouraging churches to help the poor and needy. I’m glad for the honor of ministering to them and being ministered to ourselves.