Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.  Philippians 1:27

On Thursday, September 27^th, the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns took the field to play a National Football League game. The crowd burst into a standing ovation - but not for the teams. The crowd was celebrating the return of the regular officials to referee the game. During this year's preseason and first three weeks of this season, NFL games were officiated by "replacement referees," hired when the NFL owners locked out the regular officials in a contract dispute.  What's the big deal, you might ask? They wore the same uniforms; they threw the same flags and used the same rule book.  The bottom line was that the players, coaches and fans had no confidence in them or their abilities.  They were not the "real deal" and those who follow football believed that the very integrity of the game and the season was threatened.  In a previous Monday night game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks, a game-ending call by the replacement referees resulting in a Seattle victory, while most commentators and fans hotly disputed its accuracy. The ensuring furor seemed to be the defining moment when the owners moved to end the lock out.

About a year and a half or so, the Dallas Emmaus Community commissioned Men's Walk 242, which will occur October 11-14^th at Sabine Creek Ranch. The conference room and support teams have been formed, oriented and trained.  The talks have been written and previewed. An outstanding and very loving Fourth Day Team has assembled and is more than ready to be His hands and feet to serve the conference room team and the pilgrims. As of this writing, 18 pilgrims have been called by God to attend this Walk; by the Walk date, more will most likely have been called.

After being graced by spending four Saturdays in team meetings with the conference room team, I can accurately and confidently report that they are in fact, "the real deal."  One of the characteristics of a Disciple is that his witness is authentic. While some may not be able to give you scholarly discourses on Christianity, this team lives and breathes it.  As Saint Frances of Assisi is quoted, "Preach a great sermon and, if needed, use words."  They do so with their lives, demonstrating a living, breathing faith. They have committed to the Emmaus Cannon, to make us servants of the pilgrims, putting them first.  They have committed to putting aside their pride and egos to give the Spirit room to work in the table discussions and interactions with the pilgrims.  They have committed to the Emmaus model, not their agenda or mine. 

My late Uncle Bob, when he described what he considered a good man, would say that "his feet stink and he loves his Jesus." I cannot attest to the former but I can affirm the latter without hesitation.

But, friends, don't take my word for it.  I strongly urge you to "quality check" us and our work. In true Emmaus fashion, hold us accountable.  You can do that by attending Candlelight on Saturday, October 13^th or Closing on Sunday, October 14^th at Sabine Creek Ranch. We as a team, in every sense of that word, are honored by the trust and confidence that the Dallas Emmaus Community has placed in us. Even if you cannot attend Candlelight or closing, keep us and our work on His behalf bathed in your prayers and thoughts that weekend.

De Colores,

Chuck Rohre

Community Lay Director

Walk #186

Table of Paul