he is moving fast right now

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We almost restarted the live three times.

Camera blurry. Audio low. Could not find our own channel. Classic.

But honestly, it felt fitting, because that is kind of what life feels like right now. A little chaotic, a little funny, and somehow still locked in.

Big update.

On February 8, I got back from California. I went out with my boss and co-workers to attend a church planting conference in Rancho Cucamonga. The original purpose was simple: build relationships, meet pastors, and represent the work we do. But what happened was bigger than a work trip.

The conference felt like a reunion and a divine setup at the same time.

Two of my friends and mentors were teaching, Wade Joye and Swebb. I also realized several other people I know were there too, including Ryan Straarup, Nick Pulley, Dustin Stradley, and Greg Basch. A lot of us have the Elevation Church connection, so it was genuinely good to reconnect, sit in sessions, and catch up.

At one point, Swebb introduced me to Mark Neal, who helps lead Aspire. Mark invited me to a private pastor and donor gathering after the conference. I almost did not end up there, but I did. And that one invitation opened the door to a moment I will never forget.

At that dinner, I met a pastor named Mauricio.

We had crossed paths earlier while I was in a chips and dip line, but I did not give the moment the attention it deserved. Later that night, he found me again and said he wanted to hear my story. We ended up sitting outside on the porch, and once the others walked away, it was just me and him.

Then it clicked.

Mauricio is Nick Pulley’s pastor.

Nick has talked about this man for over a year. How much he honors him, loves him, and how supportive their church has been in helping plant what they are building. So when I realized who I was sitting with, I leaned in. I wanted to honor him, but I could also tell there was something God had put on his heart.

And then Mauricio began to speak.

He said, “You went through that season so you could learn to depend on God, and so He could learn to trust you.”

That hit me straight in the chest.

Then he started describing what he could see coming in New Orleans. He spoke about thousands being in our services, people being delivered, people being freed from captivity through the power of the blood. He spoke soberly about spiritual opposition, but with clarity. Not fear. Not pressure. Just awareness. He said we would not have to force this. That God would go before us. That we would walk into opportunities with power, strength, and a sound mind.

He also said something that surprised me.

He kept seeing influential people being freed and delivered, even people who did not realize they were oppressed. He said they would become real friends and would help expand the reach of the gospel through the community God is building in this city.

I do not even know how to explain it other than this.

It felt like God choreographed the whole thing.

The conference, the introductions, the dinner invite, the timing, the porch conversation. It felt like I was in that moment on purpose so a man of God could speak faith over what is ahead.

And then, right in the middle of it, Mark came back and introduced me to Chris Hall, Aspire’s church planting director. The next day I sat down with Chris, his wife Sierra, and another leader named Damian. We talked through what it would look like for us to potentially partner with Aspire as church planters. They shared about financial support, relational support, family support, and their focus on healthy leaders and long term multiplication. Their range of church expression is broad, but their emphasis is clear. The health of the leader matters. The health of the family matters.

We have not made a final decision yet, but I think we are going to apply. And if we do, the next few months are going to accelerate fast. We have travel coming up, and Aspire has an in person assessment in California soon. We are praying through the timing and what wisdom looks like.

Then I came home.

As soon as I got back home, we had another big moment with our landlord. She is ready to lock in a five year lease, and she gave us the green light to fence in the backyard so we can host families with peace of mind. So that is where we are: doors opening, faith rising, and God giving us stability so our home can become a real hub for the harvest.

Next newsletter we’ll share all about our first Open House! Stay tuned!

Love y’all,
Zack and Naomi and the crew