I've spoken with Pastor Renatus several times since my return from Africa.  He never fails to say thank you numerous times for all were doing to make the dream of 5 Point in Africa a reality.  As I was leaving Tabora Renatus had these words for our people.

One of the coolest things I experienced while in Africa was watching the church burn a witch doctors tools.  She had given her life to Christ and burning the tools signified Satan had been crushed.  It was some kind of powerful.  Following the fire I show the actual church in Tabora.  You can see the orange tarp attached to the house with many people sitting on the ground or standing up.  Due to the generous giving of our people the money for 200 plastic chairs has been sent to 5 Point of Tabora.  How cool is that?

I also added some good footage of the village homes.  These homes are what the majority of people live in. 

Some random thoughts:
* 4th of July is this Saturday and we're using it to our advantage.  We'll be GIVING away hot dogs, cotton candy, soft drinks & water, snow cones and have a bunch of inflatables of the kids to enjoy.  We have over 150 people signed up to help reach into our community.  The activities will get started around 4:00 but we have a lot of people showing up much earlier to set up.  We still need water.  If you can bring some by the church it would be greatly appreciated.  If you still haven't signed up to help and want to, give the church a call at 850-0580.
* I am as excited as I've ever been about what God is doing at 5 Point.  Why?  Because people are starting to get it?  They are serving others and giving to grow another church.  Hold on people, we got good things around the corner waiting on us.
* Start a new series this week called Dean Works.  Just a bunch of random messages God has given me.  Hold on everyone, we gonna have fun.
* This Sunday we have a new singer breaking out singing I'm a lucky man.  Have to come and see for yourself.
* Went fishing last night form 8:00 pm until 2:00 am.  Caught one fish.  But let me be honest.  I had a blast.  Saw the sun set, the evening was beautiful and got to hang out with some good friends.  But the truth remains, I suck at fishing.
* Invite a unchurched person this week, promise you they'll enjoy it.
* See you Saturday and Sunday.

This past Sunday was an awesome day for 5 Point Fellowship of Easley and Tabora, Africa.  The money for the chairs will be wired to the church today and we already have over $2,500 towards the land.  Close to 70 people have signed up to give $1.00 or $2.00 a day towards our first church plant.  I'm convinced next June we'll finish the building and have our first worship service together.  Thank you Lord Jesus for opening the hearts of your people to reach others.

A bunch of people showed interest in going to Africa next year.  We'll have a meeting in August to start the progress.  Please know up front it will cost $3,000 - $4,000 a person.  The majority of that is spent on air fare, lodging and food.  If your serious about going you need to start saving up and praying now.  Please understand, the church doesn't raise your funds, you do.

I've already received questions about where we stay in Tabora.  Here is a video showing the hotel and airport.  First time I've landed on a dirt run way in that big of a plane.

I also included a video of me handing out tootsie rolls to the kids and adults.  It was a very special treat for them.  I don't think of a tootsie roll as a treat but as an every day sweet.  We take so much for granted in America.

Hope you enjoy!

The purpose of my blog has never been to impress people with my writing skills (I couldn't if I tried) or train pastors.  Simply put, my blog is a look into the life of Dean Herman and our church, 5 Point Fellowship.  This is a great way to keep up with events in my life and our churches.  So in saying that, several people have asked about our vacation in Mexico.  A picture is worth a thousand words so here we go:

The pool and ocean.  You can see the mountains in the back ground.


On the boat ride to an island where we snorkeled I got sea sick.  After snorkeling I was really sick.


A picture of the coast and the houses built into the mountain.  The coast line is so different to ours here is SC.




Jacob has his eye on making a great catch at the pool. 



We have an all inclusive package which means you just show up, order and they keep bringing the food. 
We ate every meal in the resort because it was so good!  I had a rib eye steak on three different occasions.  Now you see why I'm trying to lose weight again.  Gaining is sooooooo much fun but losing sucks!



The Herman clan chilling after dinner one evening.


After a hard day at the pool and ocean a man needs some relaxing time.


Andrew finally found his perfect mate, the store mannequin.



Me and my baby doll enjoying the moment!

It was great to be back at 5 Point yesterday.  I missed the people, the worship and teaching God's Word here so much.  After being gone for a month I was more than ready to get back into the swing of things. 

Yesterday was an awesome start to the summer.  I spoke about what God did in my life and how He used me in Africa.  A very emotional and heart felt message.  I spent a great deal of time on the vision God has given me for planting our first church.  5 Point of Tabora, Africa is up and running.  Much more about this in the days to come. 

Here are some of my thoughts on yesterday:
* Awesome to be back again.
* People were locked in to every word.
* Had no idea I spoke over 40 minutes.  Don't want to apologize but I don't want it to become the norm.
* Worship was good.  I missed worshiping with Tim and our band.  Glorious one was incredible.
* Tears of the Saints with the video Corey made really brought home the message.
* Sharing the story about not healing a leper was by far the hardest thing I've ever had to share form the stage.  It wasn't that I claim to be super spiritual but that I had missed out on doing something super natural for Christ.
* I asked people to help buy 200 chairs for our church in Tabora.  Each chair would cost $10.00.  I prayed God would lay on the hearts of our people to help.  We had over $3,500 given.  The other $1,500 will go towards buying the three acres of land we're looking at. 
It will cost $7,000. 
* Watching people bring their money and lay at the base of the chair on the stage was incredible.  I was broken both services.
* I also asked people to give $1.00 a day.  $30.00 a month for a minimum of one year.  I had been praying for 50 people.  Over 60 have signed up already and that doesn't count any of the staff.  Many people signed up to give more than one dollar a day.  We'll be able to buy the land withing two months and begin saving for the materials.
* My vision and hope is to have this church built and people worshiping within one year.
* Not sure how many signed up to make the trip to Africa next year.  I'll have a meeting in August to get things started.
* I'm sure people some people want to know why were raising money for a church in Africa when we need money here.  Fair question with a great answer.  Jesus is very clear about giving.  The more you give the more you receive.  Were not doing this to receive.  Were doing this because we are a church that wants to reach people for Jesus.  But, I can't wait to see how God uses this to bless our church here in Easley.
* Spoke with Renatus this morning.  He was overwhelmed with what God was doing here for their church in Africa.
He also sent me an e-mail thanking the church.  Read below:

Dearest Pastor Dean,
I am greeting you in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior. I hope that you are doing fine in the Lord. My family and the church and I are doing fine also. I received your text message regarding your speaking about our church.  Thank yo so much.
 
I want to take this opportunity on behalf of my church and as a pastor to say thank you so much for your effort and everything you are doing for 5 point fellowship of Tabora. I love to see what God has started to do just in a short while. I know it is because His servant Dean (Big sexy) is a man of God.
 
I promise you that we will buy the chairs and do as you will ask us to do. Our joy as a church is beyond of normal. This has shown us that though we are facing muslims circumstances, we have brothers and Sisters who pray for us. The chairs and land will be bought and can show that we are serious and that we are preaching God who is able.
 
Again thank you so much. We will write  a thank you email to your church also about this. Thank you so much for everything you have done.
 
In Him

* If that don't get you jacked up, well I'll leave my opinion unknown.
* Had some great friends from West End (church I served in Gaffney) here for our worship.  So good to see them.
* Dwain spoke at one of his former churches. 

Some other thoughts:
* The rest of the week I'll be showing some videos of Africa.  Some of these things will rip your heart out. 
* Tomorrow I'll show the video of me singing The Gambler in Mexico.  I didn't realize I sounded that bad.
* Really excited about the future of 5 Point.
* Read in the paper that Wal-Mart is building a super center.  I want 5 Point n the existing Wal-Mart building.  Pray with me.
* Going to see Transformers 2 with my 10 year old tonight.
* Confession - I gained way too much weight on vacation.  Will give you weekly updates, but I WILL LOSE ALL MY FAT!
* I'll be blogging Monday - Friday from now on. 
* Just finished our staff meeting.  We're all willing to make changes and do whatever it takes to win people to Jesus.

My Dad has been gone for several years now.  When he passed he gave me his Lincoln Navigator.  Every time I drive it I think of him.
There are many days through out the year I draw memories from my heart and reflect on all the good times my Dad and I had.  Dad gave me my love for the outdoors.  Some of my fondest memories with Dad come through fishing and hunting.  Since I was old enough to hold a fishing rod or a gun Dad had one or the other in my hands.  Every time I'm sitting in a tree stand or zipping across the lake thoughts of Dad cross my mind.

I played football, basketball and baseball through my freshman year of High School.  After that just football and basketball.  Dad missed one football game due to unavoidable consequences and that was it.  My Dad owned his own company, he built houses.  Every summer I worked on one of Dad's jobs.  We spent a lot of time together hanging out just being buddies.  I loved my Dad dearly.  I miss him and wish he was still here today so I could give him a call and tell him thank one more time for all he has done for me.  I wish I could call him this Sunday and say, "Happy Fathers Day." 

Below is a picture of me, my Dad and Grandpa.  Three generations of Herman's doing something we all l loved dearly.  The picture was taken in the mountains of Washington where Dad and Grandpa lived.  Both of them are gone but their memories can never be erased from my heart and mind.


My Dad wasn't perfect by no means.  There were a lot of things he and I completely disagreed upon.  But, he was my Dad, he loved me, he provided for me and he stood behind me regardless.  I love you Dad.  I miss you.

If your Dad is still living today don't forget to give him a call and let him know what he means to you.  IF your one of the many who has a Dad but haven't spoken to him for years due to whatever why not pick up the phone and give him a call?  The day is coming you'll wish you had.  IF you have the money, buy something nice for your Dad.  I know from personal experience, ain't nothing like getting a hug and kiss (gifts are pretty cool also) from the most important people in your life.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY to the many Fathers I have the honor of hanging out with.

Few random thoughts:
* Heading to Mexico in the morning and can not wait.
* Won't be blogging anymore until June 29th.
* Going to the lake today with the family & some friends.  Little pre-Mexico sun.
* I have missed teaching God's Word at 5 Point.  Can't wait until Sunday after next.  Message is already finished.  I can promise you it is going to be an awesome Sunday.  Make plans to be there and bring a friend.
* Praying for Randy Nichols as he speaks this Sunday. 
* Have a lot to do today.  I haven't packed yet and we leave early in the morning.

See you June 28th.

Below you will find some of the pictures taken in Africa with a brief description of each:

Here I am giving the kids tootsie rolls.  They loved them.  You can see my video camera in my hand.  They also enjoyed me taping them and allowing them to watch it.  You can see a house in the background.  The bushes were standing in were used for food (ate the root( leaves for tea and burnt to cook with.



Renetus Cosmos, the young man I fell in love with.  He is the pastor of the church we worked with.  Great man who loves Jesus, his family and the people of Tabora.




Here is a picture with some of the pastors I was teaching.  The house in the background is the meeting place for the church.  Sits in the center of the village.  The house is an excellent example of the majority of homes.  Bricks with a tin roof.  Also pictured are the seats for the church.  Some rocks or bricks with a piece of scrap wood. 


A very god picture of a normal home.  Some will have tin on the roof instead of the straw. 

The children will literally break your heart.  So many children.  Here is a very good picture of a young boy and girl in front of their house.  Notice the 5 gallon bucket of water at their feet.  This weighs 40 pounds and they have carried it from the public well to their house.

On Friday we visited the leper colony and delivered the food.  Here is a common resident.  I will be sharing much more about the leper colony on June 28th.  There are no words to describe what took in place in me during our visit.



On Saturday morning we left our African friends and headed to see some other sights.  Safari bound.  We saw thousands of animals including zebras, elephants, rhinos, hippos and lions.


The last picture doesn't do justice for the beauty of the mountains and crater we were in.  The flat land in the bottom was a 17 by 20 mile
crater which we drove around in watching the animals.  It was awesome.  Great way to finish the trip before heading home.




 

I'm not sure what I was expecting as I headed towards another continent.  I knew the people and surroundings would be completely different from America.  I knew the living conditions and roads wouldn't be anything close to what we have here.  But I wasn't sure what God had in store for me.  I had been praying for several things to happen:
1. I wanted to teach God's Word and make a difference in the lives of other pastors.  So many pastors have helped me.
2. Asked God to rip my heart out and give me a new love for others.
3. I begged God to let me see and do some super natural things.  Things only God could do.
4. Asked for safety there and back and protection while gone or all of us and our families.
5. Lastly, just asked God to do whatever HE wanted in me.

I don't want to share some things until June 28th.  But let me share how God answered several prayers.

First, my heart was ripped out for these people.  Jo Anne Case organized the trip and she told me she had prayed for God to speak to me about doing something for these people.  This was her second trip to Tabora and she knew the hurt and pain involved.  Her prayers were answered.  I'm praying through exactly how God wants me and our people to help the village of Tabora.  Much more of this on June 28th.

I've already begun writing the message for the 28th.  I want it to be completely done so I can enjoy vacation, but I already know there is one portion that could be the most difficult thing I've ever shared with our church about me.  I don't want to say anything else because it is too difficult.  Please pray for me as I give this heart felt message.

Second, God did some stuff in me I hadn't asked for but He knew needed to take place.  I think of myself as a very giving person.  We tithe 20% and give to other ministries and people as needed.  I truly want to bless others as God has blessed me.  I'm not a rich man but I am debt free (except house) and live very comfortably.  The thing God worked on me and I wasn't asking for or ready for is the finances God has given me.  Do I want to invest into heavenly things or just earthly?  Please hear me, I'm not going all psycho on you.  I will continue fishing and going out to eat.  Heck, I'm heading for Mexico on Saturday.  But heres the deal, I can make a difference in the lives of many others with some of the finances God has entrusted me with.  I'm praying through exactly what God wants the Herman family to do financially. 

Third, God helped me to understand just how much I take for granted in regards to my family.  I love my family so much, but there are times I wish I was 100 miles from them.  And being honest, its usually because I'm in a bad mood and has nothing to do with them.  But when you are thousands of miles away and sitting in a room all by yourself you begin to wish you were holding those you love most.  Jacob, my ten year old, is just like me.  In fact many call him dj (dean junior).  He can literally drive me about nuts at times.  (Mom always told me she hoped I had a son like me one day, thanks Mom).  Getting off the plane Jacob was the first to run and meet me with open arms.  12 days away from Deb was hard.  She truly is the woman of my dreams.  Sunday night was the first time I got to see Hudson and he didn't want me to put him down and just kept hugging me.  Isn't it amazing how easy we forget about some of the most important things in life?  I can't imagine life without my wife, kids and Clary's.

Fourth, God knows I'm a man of action.  God knows my personality, he created it.  He knew once I saw Tabora I would have to do something about it.  I'm so excited about the 28th as I share what God has stirred in my heart.  Action will be taken, question is, will you be involved or worried about buying a bigger house and another car?

Tomorrow I will put up a bunch of pictures from the trip.  You know the old saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words."

I know this is a day late but I wasn't around a computer until after 5:00 and didn't feel like writing.  And yes, I realize I didn't speak at 5 Point but I did speak in Virginia and I was on the phone with several people quick as I was out of my service checking in on 5 Point.  Truth is, I've missed being with all of you the past three weeks.  And let me be honest up front, I won't be there this Sunday either.  I'll be in Mexico with my family and the Middleton's on vacation.  We're leaving this Saturday and we'll return Saturday the 27th.  Our very own Randy Nichols will be teaching God's Word for us.  In fact, he is my personal coach in the ministry and pastored for many years.  He is an awesome man of God and public speaker.  You'll get some more good preaching for a change!

I also realize this is my fourth Sunday in a row of not being at 5 Point.  This was planned out months ago.  The Africa trip, family reunion in Virginia and vacation were purposely planned in that order.  All my mentors, personal ministry friends and coach advised me to get away from the church so that I could lead our church for many years to come.  I'll share more about this later.  Right now I want to talk about Sunday morning.

I had the honor of speaking at the church Debbie and I were married in.  They put on their sign that I was speaking.  I had former teachers, coaches, friends, best man in our wedding and a lot of family attending.  There were 100 people there just to see how in the world God could have changed a self absorbed, wanna be jock into a pastor.  I was a little nervous (as usual before I speak) but once I got going, I was ok. 

Here is the sad part.  I've been gone from Wise, Virginia since 1980.  The church had a lot of the same faces and not many new ones.  My heart aches for this church because if change doesn't take place, they will slowly die off.  They we're singing the same songs, had the exact same order of service, a lot of the same choir, etc.  A beautiful auditorium that holds over 500 and only 100 or so come each week.  The church seemed crowded with all or folks.  I said all that for this, I love 5 Point Fellowship.  I love the way our people enjoy being in God's house and I love the freedom you give me to teach God's Word.  I am so excited about teaching again Sunday after next.  I'll be sharing about what God did in me while in Africa.  I truly believe this will be the most heart felt, God led and emotional message I've ever taught.  Make plans to be there and bring a friend. 

Something really cool did happen while in Virginia.  At least 50 people came forward during the invitation.  All ages came.  Tears were flowing and God was moving.  The Pastor stood up and told his people he was glad to see there wasn't seat belts in the pews because it had been so long since anyone had moved.  I can only pray the people meant it.

Heard everything went great again at 5 Point.  I rally appreciate Lawson and Clark filling in for me.  I plan on watching their messages on line.  I spoke to several people I trust and all of them bragged on both of them.  Thanks guys.

I got home form Virginia Sunday night just in time for the youth service.  I seldom get to attend one of their services so I took the opportunity to do so.  WOW is all I could say.  Dwayne concluded a series on sex and it was awesome.  The best message I've heard on sex from a youth pastor (except for me of course when I was in youth ministry .  They had naked mud wrestling and it was great.  Seriously!  The band did awesome and I felt the teens left better understanding God's Word.  I was so impressed with Dwayne I asked him to speak for me the next time I'm gone.  But that won't be for a while.

Couple of thoughts:
* I know this is long but it for Monday and Tuesday.
* 4th of July is REALLY close.  Have you signed up to help serve our community?  Have you brought water?  We need both.
* The 4th is an awesome opportunity to let our community know we want to serve them.  We want to love on them just because.
* I continue to think about how fortunate I am to live in America.
* For those of you that don't know, my wife rocks.  I missed her so much and I'm glad to be sleeping with her again.  Nothing personal to Chuck Finley, I really do love the guy.  We had a blast in Africa together.  But, I'm just saying.
* Really looking forward to leaving for Mexico on Saturday.  By the way, the entire trip is paid for.  We put money back every week for our family vacation.  We even have the cash put back.  I have full intentions of having a great time.  As of know we plan on:
  a. scuba diving
  b. zip lining across the jungle
  c. laying by the pool & ocean a lot
  d. para sailing
  e. renting a jet ski a couple of times
  f. eating a lot of Mexican food
* Mexico may never be the same
* Staff meeting in a little while.  Love those guys.  I've been gone a month and everything going fine. 
* Heard about another pastor falling.  One of, if not fastest growing churches in Gaffney PAstor had an affair.  PAstors, keep your penis in your pants unless with your wife.
* To all the wives, please understand how important sex is to a man.  You can help your marriage greatly by pleasing your man!  Really!

More on Africa in the morning.

    

Please know there is no real order in the things I learned while in Africa.  I just began writing some down while flying. 

2. I love living in America.
A lot of discussions are taking place right now about our country.  The economy, the President, etc. etc. etc.
After spending 8 days in Africa, I'm proud to be an American.  I will look at America differently.  I will look at the liberties we have differently, for example.  Women in Africa have no rights.  If a man wants to have sex with a woman and she declines.  He will follow her and rape her.  No big deal.  No charges, no consequences.  That just ain't right.

Here are just a few things we all take for granted on a daily basis:
1. Running water.  I was amazed at how women could carry a baby on their back, a 5 gallon bucket of water on their head (which by the way, weighs 40 pounds) and sticks for the fire in their arms.  This was just part of their life.
2. Electricity - the majority of Africans do not have electricity.
3. Paved roads - I've never been so glad to see pavement.  We landed on dirt run ways twice in two different air ports in Africa.  The trip from the hotel to the village was always an adventure. 
3. Toilets - wish I had a picture (will have on Monday).  The majority of Africans that live in the bush stand and squat. 
4. Police man - we need order to service.
5. Air conditioning - I enjoy sitting at my desk and being cool right now.
6. Food - the majority of Africans just try to survive day by day.  They are recession proof because they have nothing. 
As we were getting ready to leave the lepers colony I saw men and women crawling over to the area we'd been giving out the corn.  They were picking up the spilled kernels.  This would give them something else to eat another day.  As Americans, we don't think that way.  Africans can't imagine one trip to the buffet bar at Golden Coral.
7. Vehicles - you are considered wealthy if you have a bike in Africa, much less a vehicle.  They walk everywhere.  Some of the people walk miles to come to church.  Here, some people complain if we ask them to park across the street allowing visitors a parking spot.  In fact, some refuse to walk and park here anyway.
8. Health care - America may not have a perfect plan, but there is medical care for everyone here.  Not so in Africa, you get sick, you lay on a dirt floor.

The list could go on but I think you get the picture.  America is by no means perfect, but she is a great place to live.