Darryn's Blog

This Sunday with Leslie

For everyone who heard me this past week, I shared an update on Fishers Police Officer, Leslie Hulse. If you don't know her story, watch the background video at the bottom of this post.

Several of you have asked for the text of the letter Leslie wrote me this past week when she discovered that the cancer had returned, this time in her brain. I asked her permission and she has gladly consented to let me share her powerful words of faith and abundance with you.

This is what is means to have confidence in God, gratitude in your mouth, and generosity of spirit. Leslie is an "abundance thinker!" Feel free to share her incredible faith.

Hi Darryn,

I've been meaning to write for a week to tell you about my last CT scan but I keep procrastinating.  I've gotten to know my oncologist so well that I can read his body language before he gives me the "bad news face".  I knew when he walked in the door I wasn't going to get the news I wanted [...] I told the doctor that I was surprised because I have been feeling better, besides the pain.  He is starting a new drug to go along with the current treatment.  I felt disappointed by the news but I didn't get upset.  I think it's harder on the doctor.  He once said he hates giving me bad news because I take it so well.  He badly wants to give me good news.  I think I've only had good news once in the last year and it only lasted 6 weeks.  I wanted to share what I learned from God after the news that day and share some of what I wrote in my journal. 
 
Not coincidentally, I came across 1 Cor. 2:9-16.  ...

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"- 'but God has revealed it to us by his spirit.  The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.  For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him?  In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.  This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.  The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.  The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 'For who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct him?'  But we have the mind of Christ."

Bad news came today.  I was hoping for healing but learned the lesions are growing and the cancer is appearing in different locations.  More cancer drugs.  The doctor told me not to give up hope.  I have been praying for healing .  I have no doubt that God is able to heal me.  I don't know what God is doing.  I know the message was "to get up" and I'm trying to do that, but feeling good is day to day and I sure don't feel like I'm accomplishing anything.  I don't want to waste the time God is giving me.  I know God cares about my obedience.  How can I not trust God?  What darkness would I be in without Him?  Will I finish out my life in a few years as a sick person?  Will I recover and have good health again?  Are we prolonging my life with these drugs or will God heal me?  Only God knows.  I don't dwell on these questions.  I know God will use it for good and to glorify Himself. "
 
I've been a Christian exactly half of my life.  I believed in Jesus 18 years ago when I was 18 years old.  I sometimes think about the years I have wasted learning the same lessons over and over again and I realize why God is so patient with us.  It takes us that long to "get it".  I was looking back at my prayer journals when I was a brand new believer and I saw that I have the same struggles all these years later.  It took "The Great Crushing" to finally make me mature. 

"The Great Crushing" is what I call the last 3 years.  The one question I frequently ask God is not why? but why so long?  How long will I continue to suffer?  The verse I go back to for comfort is Joel 2:25, "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten..."

I know God is using me through my suffering.  It matters how I respond.  I don't think most people realize I'm still suffering and still in the middle of my trial.  Most people see me on Sunday and of all the days of the week, Sunday is almost always my best day.  I know it's because God wants me to go to church.  I look forward to it each week.  I have never been more excited about going to church than in the last year since I started going to Heartland.  And I've been going to church my whole life.  I've been to about every kind of church there is. 

I hope I'm giving and not just taking from it. 
 
One thing I've learned to do in the last year is to recognize the small blessings and not focus on the bigger picture.  That's God's job. I have a quote taped to my computer monitor that says,

"Spend more time considering God's promises and less time looking at my circumstances." 

I have another quote taped inside my car that says

"Take comfort that even though situations may seem bleak, our God sees our end and intends our good." 

Recently I went through a discouraging time and every night before I went to sleep I read the Psalms out loud and didn't stop until I was comforted.  I never went to sleep during that time without comfort. When I get discouraged I remember the promises God put in my heart and I know I won't die until He fulfills them . So, I don't worry about bad news. [...] Though, it is hard to imagine the future.  I guess the blessing behind that is that I really can live day to day and see what God will do.  I know God loves me.  I know what it's like to have constant pain and I know what it's like to be the kind of tired that even sleep can't cure, but God always always shows up and somehow encourages me and lifts me up. 

I'm grateful for "The Great Crushing" because it brought me into a right relationship with my Savior.  John 10:28 says,

"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." 

I believe that once we believe in Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit that nothing can snatch us from His hand, not even ourselves.  I was hiding from God before "The Great Crushing" but I started seeking Him.  He made me choose between Him and my sin at the time and I chose Him.  God knew what was coming and He has never let me be alone even when I was in despair.  That's why I know that how I respond is my witness.  That's how I know God will restore the wasted years. 
 
 I still feel sad and discouraged sometimes, but I believe I am an abundance thinker.  I hope my message says the same thing to you.  
 
 I want to thank you for your faithful prayers for me over the last year.  I appreciate that you are a prayer warrior on my behalf.  I believe God has heard our prayers and answered them; we just haven't received the answer yet.  Daniel 10:18-19 "Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength.  'Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed,' he said.  'Peace!  Be strong now; be strong.'"  This was one of my comforts from God when I was despairing last year.  I remember at the time wishing God would send His angel to talk to me like that.  That's why we have prayer and the Word, right?
 
I have chemotherapy in the morning early.  It's just one drug so hopefully I will recover quickly like I have been.  I'm looking forward to Sunday. Have a great rest of the week!
 
In Christ,
Leslie

P.S.  I think my friend [name deleted] would like to say hello to you sometime [...] You've been introduced.  I don't know if you remember him.  I see that the Holy Spirit is at work in his heart.  He's tough on the outside, but I believe he desires God. 
 
I think this is the longest email I've ever written. 

Overcoming Cancer!

Watch this powerful, inspirational story of Officer Leslie Hulse of the Fishers Police Department & SWAT team.  In 2006 at the age of 33, Leslie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through that ordeal and came back determination.  Less than a year after her initial diagnosis, a blood test for cancer revealed some devastating news, the cancer had returned. 

Leslie is one of the strongest people I know! Hear her story and spread the word of hope abou the strength she has found in Jesus Christ. I shared a message around Leslie's story this past weekend at Heartland Church. Send this to anyone who has ever asked the question, "God, why are you letting this happen?"

This is Heartland Video

Here is a link to a video we showed at the Grand Opening our our new auditorium this past week.

Desperate for Leadership

Friday evening on the NBC Nightly News broadcast, anchorman Brian Williams asked financial expert, Maria Bartiromo, about a graphic he saw on CNBC pleading for CEOs to come on the air with whatever ideas they have to solve the current economic crisis. Brian said, “It seems there is no government figure who can speak with towering amounts of credibility on this issue.”

Maria responded “That’s true …Everybody is looking for leadership. Everybody is nervous … and people want to feel like somebody is in charge. Now that we still haven’t seen confidence restored, people want to hear from people who are running businesses who will be able to say the world is not falling apart.”

With stunning accuracy, 3,000 yrs ago the prophet Isaiah predicted that a time is coming when the world will become desperate for leadership.

Isaiah 3:6-11, "In those days a man will say to his brother, “Since you have a coat, you be our leader! Take charge of this heap of ruins!”  But he will reply,   “No! I can’t help. I don’t have any extra food or clothes. Don’t put me in charge!"

We’re living in unprecedented times and people of the world are becoming desperate for leadership. If only someone would rise up who could lead the world out of the mess it is in? If only someone could bring peace in the Middle East? If only someone could solve the world’s economic problems?

Isaiah spoke of a Godly nation who had drifted away from God that had stumbled and what God said would happen to the wicked; how they will get what they deserve,

But also prophesied how all will be well for the Godly and they will enjoy the rich reward they deserve.

Now more than ever we need to know what the Word of the Lord says about the times we live in. It could not be more relevant than right now. You should read your Bible.

For example, in Proverbs 11:14 it says, “Without wise leadership a nation is in trouble.” 

Right now, we have an unprecedented, incredibly opportunity to LEAD! Those who have placed their hope and confidence in the Lord should take advantage of it.

Stay tuned … more to come.

Where is your church?

This is another question I get often. For me it’s getting a lot harder to answer.

I think there is a big difference between WHERE we are and WHO we are. It’s an important distinction. Is the church just another place in the community. I say no.

The church is not an address. It’s not a location. It’s not a place where people sing songs; a place to go to feel better about yourself; a place where people learn about God; a place where some people go on Sunday mornings; a place where most people don't go.

Heartland is not a building. It’s a family. We are people, a community of Christ-Followers. A "presence" in our community, rather than merely a place off Hague Road.

Yes, we have made sacrifices and worked hard on a building (the place), but the reason we've built it is to encourage people in their relationship with Christ so that they can be a great presence in the world.

The place exists to increase the presence. A lot of churches get that backwards.

If we are truly living out God's design for the church, then we shouldn't be content with having a presence that is merely 1.9 acres big. Having a bigger "presence” means that our community begins to change because people are being changed in this family.

• Office environments become different because people are changing to be more patient and forgiving.
• Charities and social agencies see a bump in generosity because people are being inspired to be more responsive to the needs of the less fortunate. 
• Families find that kids work harder to make wise choices.
• Schools notice students working to positively influence their friends.
• Servers hear more people talking about "the deeper side of life" over lunch and coffee.

Most importantly, this new presence in offices, schools, restaurants, and homes is leading people into a transforming relationship with Jesus Christ ... the Savior who rose from the dead and wants to them to know Him.

That is what it means to have a presence in our community. It is what Jesus modeled for us. The Scriptures show that wherever Jesus went, things were never the same because of His presence.

Indianapolis doesn't need another church "place." Now more than ever our world needs more of Christ's presence modeled through those that passionately follow Him.


“Where is your church,” you ask?  It’s everywhere!

The Empty Chair

On October 14th, 2001 we held our first public worship service in this environment. It was just a room full of empty chairs on a very cold, rainy day.  To our great relief, about 150 people showed up and Heartland was off and running.

"When are we moving into the new auditorium?" This certainly seems to be the most popular question around Heartland Church these days.

I can hardly believe that this coming Sunday is our last Sunday in the old room. Next week, we’ll begin previewing our new environment that we designed with one thought in mind:

The Empty Chair!

The Empty Chair is the reason we're building. The Empty Chair represents those friends, co-workers and neighbors who have yet to embrace the truth of who Jesus is and what He did on their behalf.

We’ve always existed for the people who are not here yet and each empty seats represents a life that will be changed here. Every time one life is changed, it has a ripple effect to every surrounding life.

Our Grand Opening to the community is Sunday, October 19th. I invite you to start thinking now about this question: "Who are you praying for and planning to invite to fill an Empty Chair at Heartland Church?"

I'm sure you'll agree that's the most important question of all.

The Ministry of Fishing and Listening

Randy McFarland is an active follower of Jesus Christ and member of Heartland Church. He is also a Fishers Police Officer assigned to Hamilton Southeastern Schools. Several years ago, he had a God-inspired idea that at-risk young men need to have positive experiences with law enforcement officers, and not just be seen as disciplinarians.

On June 25th, the Indianapolis Star devoted a front-page story in the Fishers section to cover the impact he is making. Here's a great quote Randy made in the article.

"I am a Christian who also happens to be a police officer," he said. "No matter how reticent a child might be at first," McFarland said, "they always open up, at least a little."

Randy's life demonstrates a key value we hold that we're all called us to be ministers of Jesus Christ through our domain in society. Real ministry is simple meeting needs with love.

A LITTLE LISTENING CAN HELP
Program is about more than fishing
By John Tuohy
Posted: The Indianapolis Star, June 25, 2008

Randy McFarland's a cop, so he'll leave it to the academics to study why youths get into trouble or lack guidance.

But McFarland has a gut feeling about what to do with those kids. Sometimes, it's as simple as putting a fishing pole in their hand and listening to them, he said.

Read the whole article here.

Conflict: It's Worth the Fight

I'm beginning a new message series this weekend at Heartland on the subject of resolving conflict.

Opposites attract, but before too long, opposites attack. When we are hurt, the normal tendency is to go on the attack or withdraw from the relationship.  Both responses come with high consequences and complications.

I'm going to be talking about how there is an opportunity in every conflict.  There is a third option: Trusting God can free us to respond to conflict the right way.

I'll be sharing many of the dumb mistakes I've  made and how to avoid them; how to tell the truth in love; what running away really accomplishes; why you are never always  right; what blows are always below the belt; what are the steps to peacemaking ... and much, much more.

One of the wisest people I know, Bill Blew, will be my special guest for this series. He has 25 years of legal experience both as an attorney and a state trial court judge. A few years ago, Bill got frustrated of presiding over divorces and lawsuits and decided to make a difference by starting a practice to help people to seek reconciliation instead. He is a master at the process and has helped literally hundreds of people successfully resolve conflict.

Faithful Peacemaking requires a big God, but the path of trust is well-marked and choosing to trust Him is not a hard decision to make.  Don’t run away from conflict. Pick up the gloves and start fighting. Some relationships are worth the fight.

The Process of Forgiveness

This is a story of Adam & Alatha Johnson, a couple at Heartland who have lived through the process of forgiveness. Against the odds, their marriage survived what nearly everyone would say was a truly hopeless situation.

Their story answers some of the particular questions that come up when we think about the complexities of forgiveness in real life situations.

So often the barrier to forgiveness comes in the form of a question, "Am I supposed to just pretend  nothing ever happened?" Listen as they explain the decision they made to forgive each other, and how that decision led to eventual healing.

NOTE: The video file had audio problems ... it will be reposted as soon at it is fixed.

Songs We're Singing at Heartland

Here are some songs we're currently singing at Heartland.

1. Everlasting God: Northpoint Worship

2. No One Like You: David Crowder Band

3. Marvelous Light: Charlie Hall

4. Stand In Awe: Vineyard

5. Glorious One: Northpoint Worship

6. I Stand Amazed: Northpoint Worship

7. O Praise Him: David Crowder Band

8. Creation's King: Paul Baloche

9. Love The Lord: Lincoln Brewster

10. How Can I Keep From Singing: Chris Tomlin

11. Not to Us: Chris Tomlin

12. I Am Free: Newsboys

13. Jesus Paid It All: Northpoint Worship

14. How Great is Our God: Chris Tomlin

15. Friend of God: Israel Houghton