Todd Agnew

Dear friends,

I am sure most of you are already in action, both in prayer and in deed.  The disaster in Haiti is monumental but I believe the church is up to the task.  We have been growing more and more active over the last few years.  I am excited to see what God does in this time.  If you would like to be a part, you can go to www.worldvision.org.  At their site, you can donate to an emergency relief fund or sponsor a child from to make a long term difference.  If you would like to look into something even more long term, there is always adoption.  There will be a huge need.  Haiti had one and a half million orphans before yesterday.  That number should climb astronomically this week.  You can look at this website, Heartline Ministries.  It is a beautiful ministry that helps adoption of these children.  I would also appreciate your prayers for a wonderful missionary family, the Livesays, Troy and Tara.  You can check out their blog to read more about them.

Also, please pray for our friends, the Iveys.  Aaron is one of the worship leaders at our church and they are an amazing family.  They have been in the middle of the adoption process bringing two children Amos and Story to the US from Haiti.  Story finally made it here but Amos is still there.  They have received news that he is okay, but this is obviously a difficult time for them.  You can read more at his blog, or check out his new record, Between the Beauty and the Chaos, which has a song, Amos Story, on it.

And last but definitely not least, here is one way you can make a difference right now.  And come out of it looking more fashionable.  There are tshirts on sale where all the proceeds go to relief in Haiti.  You can get yours right now.  Just click HERE.

Thanks,
Todd

Port-au-Prince, Haiti, January 13, 2010 — Christian humanitarian agency World Vision plans to begin assessing damage and preparing a relief response today after the major earthquake that hit Haiti Tuesday. The agency has worked in Haiti for 30 years and has some 370 staff in country.

Downed communications, blocked roads and continuing aftershocks slowed relief efforts overnight, with staff unable to leave the agency’s Port-au-Prince office for several hours due to fallen debris in the roadways.

“It felt as if a truck had hit a wall,” said World Vision staffer Magalie Boyer, of the initial tremor. “There is extensive damage in the city. People are getting ready to spend the night in the streets. They are not comfortable staying in their houses.”

“World Vision Haiti will distribute first aid kits to survivors, along with basic materials such as soap, blankets, clothes and bottles of water as an initial response,” Boyer added.

Meanwhile, World Vision staff from less affected regions of Haiti are mobilizing and the agency’s global experts are expected to arrive in the disaster zone as soon as possible. Crystal Penner, a World Vision aid worker, was in the central plateau region of Haiti when the quake hit: “There are relief goods prepositioned in various locations across the country, though the challenge will be getting those supplies swiftly to those in need,” she said.

“We would be very concerned about a quake of this magnitude anywhere in the world, but it is especially devastating in Haiti, where people are acutely vulnerable because of poor infrastructure and extreme poverty,” said Edward Brown, World Vision’s relief director in the United States.

Reaching hard-hit areas with supplies is expected to be a significant challenge due to damaged roads and infrastructure, including the main airport and government buildings.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

So, obviously there is a huge need in Haiti right now. If God moves on your heart to help, you can do so by visiting worldvision.org or by calling 1.888.56.CHILD. Thanks.

Todd

“If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator.
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist.
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist.
But since our greatest need as forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.”

- Roy Lessin

And… discuss.

Todd

Thanks to everyone who worshipped with us this week. It was a wonderful time. We’d love to keep up with you and your story. You can be a part if the community here at toddagnew.com and you can always follow me (@AgnewsDei) on Twitter.

As I promised, here are the songs we played this week and where you can find them on iTunes or wherever.

Song – Artist

Reign in Us – Starfield
Your Great Name – Michael Neale & People’s Church
How He Loves – John Mark McMillan
Hosanna – Hillsong United
Healer – Kari Jobe
Open The Eyes of my Heart – Paul Baloche
In The Secret (I Want To Know You) – Andy Park
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – Chris Tomlin
Here I Am To Worship – Tim Hughes
Let Everything That Has Breath – Matt Redman

Thanks a lot. See you somewhere.

Todd

I have been thinking about Mary. How the birth of Christ was the fulfillment of the promise of redemption for all mankind and yet it was also another fulfillment of the disciplining of Eve: “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children” (Gen. 3:16a ESV). The birth of Christ was like every other birth in the history of the world. It was dirty, bloody, and full of pain. But in that moment was birthed hope for all. Mary’s pain enabled the rescue of mankind.

These thoughts have brought to mind my friend Matt Chandler, his family, and our friends at the Village Church. If you don’t know yet, Matt has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, has had surgery to remove most of it, and is approaching his first round of chemo/radiation. Matt is one of the most powerful preachers I know. His family is a loving example of Christ in their world. And the church is one of the strongest churches around. And yet, they are going through great pain. Every person there is suffering through this time, especially Matt and his family. Even those of us connected from afar are aching alongside them.

Looking at the story of Mary, I begin to wonder what glory God has planned to be birthed through their suffering. How does He plan to glorify Himself through their story? Because He does. And as much as my heart aches for them, I can’t help but get excited about what God might be birthing through this. What will begin this Christmas because of their pain? May I be willing to walk the path that births the most glory for Christ in this world.

Todd

I’ve written enough on Promises and Christmas Tour for the timebeing. So I thought I’d share some restaurant info. I also don’t usually review restaurants in my own town for two reasons.

One – The whole point is that we travel a lot and therefore we share the restaurants we find on the road.

Two – I don’t want to give away my secret places at home. Then everyone will start eating there. But I do want these places to succeed. But recently two new restaurants broke through the veil. So here we go…

Mama Roux – this is a new Cajun place on the north edge of Austin on 35. The cajun food is awesome. And cajun is my favorite kind of food, so I’m pretty hard on those places. But the food was great. Gumbo was awesome. But what you have to try is the Tabasco cheesecake. Yes, you read that right. And it’s amazing. You need to try it. I could have eaten 7 of them.

Madam Mam’s – now, I know for most of you Austin folks, you’ve known about Madam Mam’s for quite a while. There is one right by campus. But I live about 10-15 minutes away. And they just opened a new one in the Village on Anderson. We ate there the other day and it’s great. It’s beautiful inside. I usually don’t care about stuff like that but my wife was with me so I noticed. And it’s really nice. But the food is the highlight. Great service, great thai.

So there’s two places for you to check out if you are a local or if you happen to be visiting our town this Christmas season. Just don’t go on the days I’m going. I don’t want to have to wait in line behind you.

Todd

A great week with Rush of Fools and Meredith Andrews. We had a great time with some wonderful folks. We played a show in Hardin, KY. Church in the middle of nowhere but what a great church. Then on to Morton MS which somehow was even smaller. We actually played in a state park. But the concert was awesome. We packed the place out and really worshipped the Lord in a powerful way that night. So thanks to all who came out. Now we’re back on the bus heading to AL. See you there.

Todd

Well, here we are on the bus driving across Missouri. We’ve done 1 show just the Agnew band, 2 shows with Meredith Andrews, and now two shows with Meredith and Rush of Fools. Maybe we should add an artist every two shows. In a few months we could have everyone in Christian music on the tour. Of course, then the ticket prices would be so high that no one could come to the show and then we would all starve, so maybe that’s not so good of an idea.

But this weekend has been great in Missouri. We started in Joplin and then played El Dorado Springs last night. I know you may not have heard of that town but they were wonderful and it was a really great church. It’s good to have the Rush boys back out and see how they have grown up. And Meredith may be new, but you need to check her out. She has a powerful ministry and a wonderful voice. I wish her husband Jacob could have come as well, but he is needed back at their home church. Which I understand and appreciate.

Now we are on the way to Kentucky and then on to Mississippi, I believe. This should be a great Christmas tour. We have really enjoyed it so far. Other than the bus getting stuck at midnight last night when it was 10 degrees outside. But I guess you have to have adventures. Hope to see you soon.

Todd

Okay, one show down, however many to go. Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but finishing the tour, Thanksgiving, and prepping the new tour have taken all my time. I will finish the Promises series, but for now, it’s on to the new tour. Joining Brian, Sam and I on bass for these weeks is Aaron Branch from Building 429. Great to have him. We have Ryan Lewis running the tour and running sound. Daina is doing World Vision and merch. And we pick up Meredith Andrews from the airport in the morning. Rush of Fools will join us next week.

You know, it’s always great to take some time and focus on the gift God gave us in Christ. I plan on slowing down just a tad tomorrow and trying to consider that a little more. Maybe you can do the same. Let me know what He shows you.

Thanks to Berean Baptist Church for hosting us tonight and letting us learn all our songs in your sanctuary. You were wonderful. And you took us to Pappasito’s.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the road. Later.

Todd

In the spirit of the holiday, what are you thankful for?

Todd