Sometimes, There Is A Bow!
It’s been three years since I was introduced to Ashley Akinns… and I have spent much of the time since introducing her and her amazing story of grace to the world. Her first email arrived on this day in 2007:
January 22, 2007
Hi, I feel kinda weird writing this email. And i doubt if it ever gets to Mr Louie Giglio. I am a Senior at The University of Florida. I got a new roommate this semester and she is a Christian and I have never really been into the whole Christian thing because every pastor or speaker that I have ever listened to didn’t speak in a language I could understand. I have believed in God and Jesus, but never really understood it because the preachers at the church that I have always been forced to go to every Sunday of my life. They speak all high and mighty and I never really felt connected, and I felt like God was only for the perfect people.
Well my roommate went to this Passion Conference over winter break. And she came back and moved into my apt and she was real and genuine about all her Christian stuff, like I have never seen before in a person. She said that God changed her at this conference, so i was like what are you talking about. And she told me. She told me about how God was cool, and how God really wanted a deeper relationship with her, and she wanted to really love God the way he loved her, so of course I was like well huh? She then said you need to listen to Louie talk about God, so I asked who Louie was, and she put on the Indescribable talk, and then we watched the Passport talk. And in the Passport talk you said that Christians do not have to just hope for the best at the end, that they do not have to do enough good stuff. You explained how to get to heaven in a simple way, in a way that I have never heard before. I actually got it, I got it that it is not about being so good, cause I am not a good person. I have screwed up a lot. But then you said grace, and talked about how it was different than other religions. Because God is a loving and a kind God who wants to forgive me. My roommate then explained that he wants to forgive me.
Now for one of the reasons I am thanking you. One, I am now a Christian. And two, my roommate said that she had never really cared about telling others about how much God loved her before she went to this conference. So though I am not sure who will ever read this. Please tell Louie thanks from me, for talking about Christ in a way that a college kid can understand. I know that Jesus has changed my life and as I get ready to graduate college in May, I am gonna be a different person. I am sorry this is kinda rambling but I just had to tell you that I now know about the Grace of God, and I have life for the first time in my 22 years
Ashley
I can remember exactly where I was sitting (tour bus, Phoenix, AZ) when I read Ashley’s email. We were on the heels of Passion 07, and 22,000+ people had just left Atlanta with the idea that we were going to SHINE in this world for Jesus. That always sounds like a grand idea in the moment, but you always wonder when and where the power of the event (what we have all experienced with God during our time together) is going to touch down back in the world we come from. Reading Ashley’s message (and knowing of Christa’s shine-factor!) I said out loud, “That, is what Passion is all about. This girl wasn’t even there, and God has changed her life!”
Obviously, if you’re reading this Blog, there’s a good chance none of this is news to you. I shared Ashley’s email here a few days after I received it (with permission) and her story has since circled the globe and been heard by countless people. Her love for Jesus and new-found faith, coupled with the car accident that took her home to heaven a few months later, have touched people in their dark hours as they try to make sense of circumstances that assail their faith and seek to dampen hope.
In the end, I’ve talked a lot about Ashley’s family (her mom, step-dad and brother), all hurting and struggling on different levels, and about her dad, a self-professed atheist who lost his only child and the love of his life. In his first email to me shortly after Ashley’s death Mike was incredibly kind, yet decidedly opposed to faith. But, he wrote to thank me for Passion and said he couldn’t deny the difference he had seen in Ashley’s life since she became a Christian.
As I shared this message of hope in the midst of pain, I would always end by saying something like, “I know, if this was a good “preacher story” there would be a nice bow on the end and Ashley’s dad would walk out and close our time in prayer….but life doesn’t work out that way and I don’t have a bow. Often, in this world, we don’t get a bow.” People would always laugh. Yet something powerful would settle over the message that rings true. Life doesn’t always end up working out the way we plan. You know it and I know it, but it doesn’t take one ounce of power away from our message, or the cross of Christ which immovably anchors our hope in a God who loves us no matter what, and who paints on a canvas bigger than we can see or imagine.
Mike and I would often write and talk back and forth about the life his daughter found in Christ. After hearing the Hope message he wrote, “I’m not sure you’re ever going to get your bow.”
After three years, I sometimes wondered if he was right.
But, as I say after sharing Ashley’s journal and story of faith, “Never count God out!” A few days ago an email came with the subject: New Year. New Life. It reads in part (with permission)…
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:29 PM
All week I’ve been moved to tears because of the horrific images coming from Haiti. Today, I’m moved to tears again … but it’s tears of joy! Thanks, Mike, for letting your story be told and sharing the bow with us all!
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:36 PM
Hallelujah!!! Wow! God you are awesome! This is so good, I love it! What a wonderful testimony bringing glory to our amazing God! This is such an encouragement and faith builder for myself as I continue to pray for my family’s salvation. God you are the giver a life, you make all things new, you can heal the broken and mend them back together by the power of the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, and I ask you would do that for my family and others who are in the same situation. We love you Jesus!
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:40 PM
simply amazing!!!!! mike, have been one of many praying for you….
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:55 PM
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:56 PM
Wowza! I love seeing how God works everything so intricately in so many people’s lives including my own. Glory to God forever!
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:57 PM
Mike, as loud as we are likely rejoicing as a community right now, there is a great cloud of witnesses at home with the Father that is rejoicing even louder! We are so excited for you!!! Welcome to new life! And thank you again for sharing the story of your sweet Princess Ashley; she has touched so many of our hearts and fueled in us a desire to be loud about this great Love.
Praise God for another precious awakening!
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:58 PM
I’m crying in my cubicle at work right now… This is just amazing…
God is SO GREAT!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 2:18 PM
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January 22nd, 2010 at 2:28 PM
Tears flowing is a perfect description – our God is awesome!! What an amazing story from Jan 22, 2007 until now.
And this gave me a renewed hope for the people in my life who is seems like there will never be a bow. Yay Jesus that He is big, awesome, powerful and love!
January 22nd, 2010 at 2:37 PM
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:03 PM
AHH PRAISE GOD!!!!! Our God is MIGHTY TO SAVE!
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:07 PM
I have gotten chills 3 times while reading Mike’s “story”… Wow! Our GOD is so BIG!
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:08 PM
…and there was much rejoicing in heaven… and on earth
A nice reminder that God uses everything, everything, to bring Him glory. It may take awhile and we may never see it but it is coming.
Awesome news! Thanks for sharing.
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:09 PM
He never leaves business unfinished. Thank God for His patience and thank God for His LOVE!!!! This is a good reminder never to give up on people and never to give up on God.
The BEST news that I have had all week long. Amazing.
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:10 PM
Absolutely UNBELIEVABLE!!! Our God is a mighty redeemer!!! A merciful rescuer! My heart is overwhelmed with joy!!! Praise God. Praise His holy Name! What an answer to prayer, and glory to our Savior! Wow!!!!!! (Just a tad excited =)
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:10 PM
sitting at my desk weeping. so blessed to see God work, and to see so many grasping surrender and grace, and he’s calling us individually to himself. there is nothing sweeter. Nothing.
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:19 PM
WOW!!! God is amazingly faithful. He is real. He makes the impossible possible. Tears are rolling down my eyes.
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:23 PM
I’m in tears!
Totally in awe of how He works…
this is truly amazing – thanks for sharing.
~T
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:33 PM
YESSSSS!!!!! God is so awesome! SO AWESOME! It just proves that we have no idea what God is doing in someone’s heart. Glory to God!
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:33 PM
I have tears streaming down my face at work. Wow, what a testimony. Praise be to our Father. Mike, welcome, we have been praying and hoping and are grateful for your willingness to share your daughter’s story.
I’m a fruitcake, have been for 15 years and I want so desperately to know that my mother and father and the rest of my family will be with me with Jesus forever. You have given me hope. Thanks for your authenticity and openness in your struggles with faith. We rejoice with heaven over you.
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:37 PM
Prayers answered. I have worked with Mike for the past 4 months and it was my living room that he said yes to Jesus. The very first thing he said through his tears, was I have a bow. He had to explain and I have to say it was one of the most amazing stories I have ever heard. I am a Passion attender and long time blog reader. I attended Passion 2007 in college. I had no idea and never made the connection with Mike a single man who lost his daughter and to Ashley and Fruitcake, whose stories I have shared for a few years now in different Bible Studys and Youth Activties. To be a part of of this amazing story really has changed my world. Louie thank you so much for following and listening to Christ when He gave you a vision to Make Jesus Famous on ever college campus in the world!
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:44 PM
absolutely incredible!!! OUR GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:46 PM
Incredible! I am just like all of these other people with tears streaming down my face!! Yes, Louie we have been praying… thank you for sharing this with all of us… what a tremendous testimony to the AMAZING God we serve and love.
I am encouraged, for my own family to some day come to the same decision Mike has!
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:51 PM
Ashley would be so proud of her precious daddy! Glory to God!
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:51 PM
Gosh, that’s incredible. Glory to God!
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:54 PM
Tears of joy flowing down. Shouts of praise coming out. Glory to God. Glory to God.
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:55 PM
Woohoo!!!!! All glory to God!
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:58 PM
I remember praying for Mike with all of my strength the first time I heard Louie was going to meet him. Knowing that God would grant that! Praise a God who calls his children back home. I can’t wait to see them in heaven hand in hand glorifying God. Welcome to the family Mike :)
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:59 PM
shut up…..that is so incredible!!! i like bows.
mike, i’m so, so excited for you.
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:05 PM
I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E!
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:05 PM
I prayed when I first heard the story back in 2007 of Ashley’s dad mike and of Matt. I am completely stoked to know that Mike has decided that Jesus is it for him!! Awesome!
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:11 PM
PRAISE GOD!!!!!!! crying tears of joy…
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:29 PM
THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN’ ‘BOUT!!! HIS NAME is WONDERFUL–Amen!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:38 PM
man- things don’t always work on our time.. but they do work. God works.
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:43 PM
PRAISE GOD!!!! My heart cries out with JOY, JOY JOY, I am one of those who has both tears flowing and praises singing!
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:49 PM
Tears of JOY…overwhelming love & Praise be to GOD! He is Mighty!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:53 PM
O PRAISE THE ONE WHO PAID MY DEBT AND RAISED THIS LIFE UP FROM THE DEAD, O PRAISE THE ONE WHO PAID MY DEBT AND RAISED THIS LIFE UP FROM THE DEAD, O PRAISE THE ONE WHO PAID MY DEBT AND RAISED THIS LIFE UP FROM THE DEAD, O PRAISE THE ONE WHO PAID MY DEBT AND RAISED THIS LIFE UP FROM THE DEAD…..JESUS! JESUS! YOUR THE ONE, YOUR THE ONE, THE SON OF GOD, THE CONQUERER OF DEATH, THE KING OF KINGS, THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB…..O PRAISE THE ONE WHO PAID MY DEBT AND RAISED THIS LIFE UP FROM THE DEAD….JESUS!!! YEAH!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:54 PM
Mike, amen. Please know that you have been prayed for and loved by many of your (new) brothers and sisters since ‘07. I am so excited for you, Jacob and Anna! And right now Ashley is celebrating with Jesus. Thank you for sharing with us the wonderful news. The journey has only begun – blessings to you!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:03 PM
Wow! Our God is a loving God.
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:05 PM
I saw the title “Sometimes there is a Bow” and lost it before I even read it! Thank you Jesus! Mike we never stopped praying for you and your family and never will!
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:06 PM
wow///God is amazing
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:09 PM
That is absolutely incredible! I am so overwhelmed by our amazing GOD! Speachless right now….praise God!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:22 PM
i’m glad i’m at home reading this…AMAZING!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:28 PM
OH HOW MARVELOUS, OH HOW HE LOVES US! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!! OUR LORD IS FAITHFUL!!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:29 PM
WOW!!!!! Praise God! So happy to hear that Mike has awakened to Grace, the One and Only. :D
Thanks Louie for sharing and for reminding us of how God paints on a canvas so much bigger than we can see or ever understand.
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:29 PM
I, too, have been praying for Mike in the 3 years since you first shared Ashley’s story. I have learned that often in life you don’t get a bow and honestly didn’t know how this story would end. Yet, somehow, I thought God would want to encourage His kids with one and I’ve been waiting for this news for so long. Praise God!! What a great way to end my afternoon. Thanks for sharing with us God’s never ending faithfulness.
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:34 PM
can’t stop singing Chris’ song, “my Saviour, he can move mountains, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE…..’ Halelujah to the Eternal One.
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:59 PM
Wow!!! There are no words that can humanly express how awesome God is, and to explain His faithfulness in Christ. Truly, it takes Jesus to wake up a dead man. And Praise His Name, He is still in that business!
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:03 PM
Mike!!! Praise God!!! So excited to see you and your daughter one day!
Louie, thank you for your love and example!
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:10 PM
The moment I read the title of this post tears began to well up in my eyes hoping that indeed this would be news of Mike’s awakening to new life in Christ! How absolutely thrilling to see him cross over from death to life!!! The tears of joy stream now as I think of the indescribable majesty of God and the glory of His grace in rescuing lost sinners for Himself, including me! Thanks SO much for sharing this news. I’ve been praying and wondering and waiting for this day, and I am so, so, so happy for Mike and can only imagine how all of heaven is rejoicing. Our God indeed is mighty to save!!
~Ft. Myers, FL
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:15 PM
We just watched Fruitcake & Icecream for the first time with our small group this past Sunday, we picked up the DVD at Passion 2010…. AMAZING! To God be the Glory!
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:25 PM
Wonderful news, Mike! I just shared Ashley’s story via “Fruit Cake and Ice Cream” to nearly 30 people within my company (in Jacksonville) for Life Lessons Over Lunch and it inspired so many. I can hardly wait to share this incredible news about you coming to Christ with all of them on Monday! Very happy for you Mike!
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:37 PM
Praise Jesus! I’m so glad that he came to Christ.
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:39 PM
Dear Louie, I remember reading the blog post that you put up about the email you got from Ashley. My wife and I were at Thirsty when you got the email message from Ashley’s mom about her funeral and you shared that with all of us. We were at the regional DC event when you talked about Mike’s contact with you. And now he’s a brother. It doesn’t surprise me that Christ would so move in his life. I truly believed that God was going to save him. And in His great mercy and love He has done so. Tears of great joy! Our God Is Mighty To Save! Thank you Lord Jesus.
Welcome to the family Mike!
January 22nd, 2010 at 7:07 PM
God is so good!! The saints are rejoicing!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 7:27 PM
The Lord tied the bow — He does truly more than we ask or even imagine. Amazing, wonderful, blessed … and the great thing is that the story is not over! Thank you for sharing this! Wow wow wow.
January 22nd, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Hallelujah! Just read the story aloud and our whole house is rejoicing and celebrating for Mike and Ashley!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 7:40 PM
Praise God!!!
Thank you Jesus!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:07 PM
tears flowing are exactly right! Praise God!
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:20 PM
Wow. That’s all I can say. God, you are amazing. Thanks for sharing Louie.
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:27 PM
The tears are flowing here! Just last month we took our college students on a retreat and watched these videos! We were all so moved and ever since I have wondered if her dad had come to know Christ yet. I just recently linked this blog to mine and happened to see the “sometimes there is a bow” and my heart leaped hoping this is what you were talking about!! I can’t believe it is!! Wow! I’m so excited to hear this. God is amazingly faithful!! Thanks for sharing!
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:34 PM
I so want to hug someone right now!
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:39 PM
There is party heaven tonight. Jesus…YEAH!
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:51 PM
saw a RT and thought… no way… NO WAY! In tears… celebrating… believing afresh that God performs miracles even when we sometimes lose hope! Praise God!
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:10 PM
This is incredible! We have been following this story and my roommates and I just read the blog. Tears came to my eyes as I read Mike’s email to Louie. What an amazing testimony to God’s love for us and the hope we have in Christ. Ashley’s life has affected so many others, and now most importantly her fathers…Christ in You, the Hope of Glory!
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:14 PM
I am sooooo excited!!!!! To God be the glory!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:30 PM
Oh man, the tears are flowing now….I am pretty much blown away at this post. I cried with sadness as Louie shared of Ashley’s passing and then to read about her dad?? Wow. I’m so glad Chris Tomlin recommended this blog because my faith has just taken a huge leap after reading this. God, you are so awesome and indescribable, and I, too, am so glad that someone shared Christ with me so that I can have that same peace that Mike now has.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:33 PM
CELEBRATING!!!!! Never-ever EVER count God out!
Mike, I am rejoicing with you as you rest in this new and amazing LIFE.
Yay!
EV
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:42 PM
WOOHOOOOO!!!!*eyes brimming with tears of joy!!*
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:46 PM
amazing. love is alive.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:46 PM
Tears indeed! Our God is greater!!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:54 PM
I was holding back tears reading this.
Our God is a God of Grace, and He prays for us.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:57 PM
Awesome. God is Good!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:10 PM
GOD IS SO AMAZING!! MY family has been praying that you would have a BOW on the end of your story! When I read your email tonight all I could think about was how excited Ashley must be!! The heavens are having a celebration just for you and I am sure Ashley is praising the loudest! I can not wait to meet both of you one day and spend eternity praising our AWSOME GOD together!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:15 PM
Yes! Praise God! Tears of joy!!! I’m so happy – don’t know what to say! Awakening!! Mike – I am soooooo rejoicing with you! This is a decision you won’t regret! Louie – thank you for sharing….and I have renewed hope for my dad….I will not give up praying for his salvation….God is mighty to save!!
On another note…..My husband and I were volunteers at Passion 2010 for the first time (greeters at Philips). Wow! We are sooooooo thankful to have been able to serve! It was an amazing experience and we thank God that we could be there. God worked out lots of hurdles for us to be there and I pray that we are never the same! One of the things that impacted me the most was the emphasis on worship and justice. I want to be more generous, more aware, and more prayerful for Kingdom work and help make a difference in people’s lives. Jesus is King!! BTW, we are loving the AllAccess and I love watching my kids running around singing Kristian’s song, “The Stand”! Looking forward to the CD…
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:18 PM
Praise the Lord!
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Praise the Lamb, our God is good! Mike, welcome to the family.
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:52 PM
PRAISE THE LORD…..way to go Mike….I am so proud of you and welcome home. Just know we all have been praying for you and will continue to pray for you. Just know you will never walk alone again you will always have someone walking with you. Keep focused on God, stay in the word and stay in prayer….the rest God will take care of.
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:54 PM
I was also a volunteer at Passion 2010, in the 268store, and I am so grateful to have been in that part of the process! I had kept up with Ashley’s story through the blog and I picked up the Fruitcake & Icecream DVD while at the conference.
The story began to resonate with me differently after one of our team leads connected the dots between the resources we were making available and Ashley’s story. As I handed out those Digital AllAccess passes, it would cross my mind “There could be another Ashley on the other end of this!” I pray that God will do just that after this conference.
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:55 PM
ThankyouthankyouTHANKYOU my glorious God for hope for my own family! Not one is unreachable to Him, and He will use ALL of our very purposeful circumstances to His glory in the end!!! Trust in the Lord always.
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:02 PM
OMG!!! I was at Thirsty07 when Louie read from his Blackberry and told the story about Ashley. I wept…. And then have been following Ashley’s story as it went around the world. I have kept a copy of Ashley’s email to Louie in my bible since then. I was at Atlanta Regionals when Louie told the story of Ashley and her father Mike. Now, to read about the bow brings tears to my eyes again because I know that God is Glorified!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:09 PM
This absolutely makes my day!!! So happy to know I will get to meet Mike in Heaven, whom I have never met on this earth. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Liberty and Freedom! Fist Pumps all around! Keep raising the roof Jesus! Woohooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:20 PM
I heard Ashley’s story twice before, one of them in World Passion tour 2008 and following Ashley’s story ever since.
As I got to her father Mike’s email, I had a simultaneous pain, wail, outpour of “ugly cry” tears. It’s like letting out a burden and laying it to rest. After this sense of mourning pass, I felt a sense of joy (still crying), but peace.
God uses all things for His will!
Thank you, for offering hope. My own father is not yet saved, and I’m praying for my dad to seek. Thank you for the encouragement here of Ashley’s story.
Since, I’ve also become a fruitcake in Ashley’s story too!
God is Mighty to save!
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:21 PM
Praise the Lord!
I am in awe of what God is doing! I attended Passion 2010 and God is moving in some mighty ways in my life, my heart, and my community of believers! I am a Young Life leader and on Sunday night I had a sleepover with 4 seniors in high school. I have been having a bimonthly bible study and discussion group with these girls since September 09. We have had some conversations about Jesus…but a lot of it has been more on the surface conversations. Before the sleepover, I felt the Lord put it on my heart to watch one of the 4 Louie videos I bought at Passion. I had only seen Indescribable but had heard briefly about the Fruitcake and Ice Cream description. Because of the story of Ashley I wanted to share this video with the girls – hoping they could relate. And I trusted that God put that video on my heart for a reason. Watching the video opened up some awesome conversation about God, Jesus’ death, sin, grace and forgiveness, and many other great questions. The girls minds were spinning and I was excited.
I am overjoyed that I now was just able to send them a fb message with Louie’s post and pray that this will be further encouragement for them to take the leap of faith and follow Jesus with all their heart!!! I am praying and have faith that God will move mountains in their lives.
2 Peter 8:9 – The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
PRAISE THE LORD FOR THIS TRUTH! All Glory to the Almighty God!
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:39 PM
Tears! Joy! Renewed hope in the greatness of the grace of our great, great God!!! Nothing is impossible…
January 23rd, 2010 at 12:03 AM
Tears welling.
Heart exploding.
Thank you for letting Louie share this with us, Mike.
Thank you so much.
Praying for you, dear brother.
January 23rd, 2010 at 12:30 AM
it was so good to just read that! in the midst of searching for any info on a child in haiti we’re sponsoring, i ran across ‘the bow’. Jesus is still doing today what He’s always done…seeking and saving the lost. all glory to HIM!
January 23rd, 2010 at 1:35 AM
HOW AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
Praise our great GOD!!!!!
I sure needed this encouragement today!!!
I know our God is SO Great…I just sometimes need to hear it in a fresh way…!!!
WELCOME to the Family Mike!!!!!
***Our God “IS MIGHTY” to save!!!***
Louie, Thanks so much for posting this; it gives me a renewed hope for all those I’m praying for (I sure have needed it this whole week)!!!!! Thanks :)
January 23rd, 2010 at 3:59 AM
[...] Read This Blog If you’ve been listening to Louie Giglio and have been following the story of Ashley, you must read his blog entry. [...]
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:16 AM
Everyone needs compassion,
Love that’s never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Been praying for a long time. Praise YOU Jesus ,
Gail and Keith
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:40 AM
God is so utterly gracious! Thanks for sharing this. God bless you, Mike!
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:28 AM
Just last weekend, I made a fast trip from Athens to Charlotte….which was just the right amount of time to listen to “Anchor of Hope,” “Megaphone of Hope” and “Fruitcake and Ice cream” again. This story has touched my life tremendously and I’ve shared it with several folks. And now….there is a bow!
Praise to our awesome and mighty God!
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:35 AM
Mike has been part of my daily prayers since I irst heard the story. One of three, along with my dad and brother, that I have prayed for God’s grace to soften their hearts. I will joyfully move Mike to a different section of my daily prayers and hold on to the hope (for my dad and brother) that anything is possible with God
Thanks for sharing
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Wow, praise God! I’m so happy for Mike! May God keep blessing and guiding him through it all!
God is great! :-)
:-)
Rodrigo – Sao Paulo, Brazil
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Held back the tears just long enough to finish Mike’s email. Praise the God of second chances!! Surely He loves His children and all things come together for the glory of His name!!
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:51 AM
YEAH-A!!! WOO-HOO!!! PRAISE GOD>>>PRAISE GOD>>>AND PRAISE HIM SOME MORE!!! :) HIS ARM IS NOT TOO SHORT TO SAVE!
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:59 AM
YAY GOD with tears in my eyes. Oh how He loves us – so!!
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:30 AM
WOW! Praise the Lord! He loves us so much! What an awesome testimony to the Savior’s love for each and every single one of us!!!!
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Wow, it’s so amazing how God is always at work even in the seemingly darkest of situations! God has truly been using Passion as a vehicle through which many have & will come to know the grace & love of Jesus Christ!
January 23rd, 2010 at 12:19 PM
OUR GOD IS HEALER, AWESOME IN POWER, OUR GOD, OUR GOD!!! Praise our King Jesus, Louie you are so right, fists are pumping, jumping up and down and shouting (well, not as I type, but just a minute ago)! Mike, WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF GOD! I was at Passion ‘07 and have followed this whole story, praying from time to time as the Lord would bring Mike to my mind. Today, I rejoice with thousands of others who have also prayed that this would be!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:30 PM
I have been holding onto the Fruitcake and Ice Cream DVD for a year now since I received it at a passion event last December. I saw an update on LG’s twitter about F and IC and decided to finally watch it. I was blown away. I have a roommate who is not a christian that I have been praying for a long time about. I may not ever get the bow on my story, or I may see the bow years from now like Ashley’s father but I pray that I can shine my light for my loved roommate to see and maybe one day I will have an amazing story like this one. Thanks be to our awesome God.
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:05 PM
wow!! For God all things are possible!!!! he is mighty to save!!
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:27 PM
The song: Amazing Love is blasting in my heart!
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:43 PM
Our God is Might to Save!
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:44 PM
Ooops, I meant “Mighty to Save!”
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Tears, fist pumps, snaps, everything! Praise Him for pursuing His sons and daughters to come Home… AWESOME!
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:52 PM
Tears of joy here as well. God is soooooooooo good! So good! I needed to hear this!
January 23rd, 2010 at 6:31 PM
Oh the beauty of it all! amazing how God can leave us speechless and feeling the need to shout out praise all at the same time!
He is so Worthy!
January 23rd, 2010 at 6:43 PM
It will always amaze me how God works with all situations and have them benefiting eveyone in the end. Praise God!
January 23rd, 2010 at 7:14 PM
No se si seria bueno comentar o no comentar.
Pero solo queria decir que
Nunca el trabajo que an llevado solo a terminado en un lugar.
Eso es una de las tantas cosas que me gusta de Dios .
Y de el trabajo que an llevado para la obra de Dios. Ashley y muchas mas personas que llevan a sus casas el mensaje de Dios se reparte en mas lugares. Me alegro mucho de Ashley y su familia. Y su historia me hiso lllorar. No se si tiene la continuasion de lo que hablo en Tokyo o es otra
historia. Pero no se imaginan la felisidad que tuve cuando vinieron a Tokyo
y mas ahun despues de la conferensia. No era alegria mia no mas sino para
todas las personas que fueron y escucharian.
No solo en las conferensias sino en live link tambien seguro
Dios movio a muchas personas. Y me alegra mucho al verlo y escuchar.
El trabajo de Dios siempre esta en todas partes y eso es lo
admirable y grandioso del Todopoderoso.Sea en grupos pequenos o grandes siempre Dios esta alli.Como dice su palabra que Dios esta aunque seamos 2 o 3.
Yo siempre e apresiado mucho su trabajo el Hillsong y de todas las Iglesias.
Las maravillas que hase Dios en cada lugar son hermosas.
Y de con todo lo que soy les deseo que Dios siempre les guie y les bendiga como siempre lo a sido y sera. Siempre amare mucho a toda la hermosura
de Dios y atodas las partes de su cuerpo de su Iglesia.
Porque pueda que me crean un poco tontita pero creo que hasi como
Dios nos hiso a todos diferentes con diferentes cosas todos tenemos halgo espesial que son una parte del cuerpo y sin una parte estamos vacios.
Y que todo ese cuerpo en el cielo estara completo y unido.
Por eso aunque paresca un poco un pensamiento no adulto o como un nino
se que algun dia todos estaremos unidos serca aunque ya estamos unidos
por una persona Dios y el que nos aserco que es Jesus y el espiritu de Dios que nos ayuda a no separarnos de la union de Dios. Que es Dios amor que
nos une en todo lo que es El.
January 23rd, 2010 at 8:29 PM
GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Praise God! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!! Like so many, I have been praying for Mike since hearing the story. As he always does… IN HIS TIME God answers prayers! I couldn’t contain myself while reading this…. Arms raised to God and shouts of praise to the “Author of Salvation!” Tears flow and arms open as we all welcome Mike to the Family of God! Praise God! PRAISE GOD!!!!
Louie, May God bless your ministry. I know this has given a new strength to my faith. Thank you for what you do and for letting God work through you!
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:21 PM
My eyes are filled as well….glory be to God forever and ever.
January 24th, 2010 at 12:21 AM
I never tire of reading/hearing about Ashley but it’s always good to see that the story isn’t over! I am so thankful for Mike’s decision and ask that everyone continue to lift him up as he begins the greatest journey of his life.
January 24th, 2010 at 12:30 AM
Praise be to the God who mends hearts, restores our lives, and awakens love. A love for the the Father and Savior who has given everything to us that we may find freedom, redemption, and a resounding peace in Him. May He be that resounding peace that you have been ever searching for!
January 24th, 2010 at 1:16 AM
I am so touched by this story! We serve such a mighty mighty God! Praise the Lord! Louie, thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing! :)
January 24th, 2010 at 2:21 AM
WOW!!! so many thoughts are running through my head…. Ultimately I’m just speechless at how amazing our God is. Oh praise the ONE who paid my debt and raised this life out from the dead!!!! Our God is mighty to save!!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 3:51 AM
Read this at 1 am last night in Belfast, where I live, rejoiced in tears. Isn’t it true..? So many of us often count God out of rescue situations-Mike’s story proves again the faithfulness of a God who is faithful.
Praise God!
Steve Caldwell
January 24th, 2010 at 12:44 PM
Grace and Peace be with you, Mike. I have been praying for you and your family and hurting with you. Sharing the joy today. Tears streaming.
Thanks for sharing what matters most, Louie. For the glory of God.
Lise
in Norway
January 24th, 2010 at 2:17 PM
Praise God for this great news! A friend just told me to come read this and I confess that I am one of the fist pumpers! This news makes my day! Mike, you have been in our prayers ever since we heard ashleys story. What a celebration that you and Ashley will have in Heaven one day!
January 24th, 2010 at 2:41 PM
SAVIOR, HE CAN MOVE THE MOUNTAINS, MY GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. FOREVER, AUTHOR OF SALVATION, HE ROSE AND CONQUERED THE GRAVE, JESUS CONQUERED THE GRAVE! SAVIOR, HE CAN MOVE THE MOUNTAINS, MY GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. FOREVER, AUTHOR OF SALVATION, HE ROSE AND CONQUERED THE GRAVE, JESUS CONQUERED THE GRAVE! SAVIOR, HE CAN MOVE THE MOUNTAINS, MY GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. FOREVER, AUTHOR OF SALVATION, HE ROSE AND CONQUERED THE GRAVE, JESUS CONQUERED THE GRAVE!
January 24th, 2010 at 2:57 PM
Hallelujah! Welcome to the family, Mike! Been praying for you, and I celebrate your new life with tears of joy! Praying for the Lord to take you deeper and make you stronger in Him with each day, from now on.
January 24th, 2010 at 3:08 PM
God is so amazing, and this absolutely makes my day (understatement!).
January 24th, 2010 at 5:25 PM
“…it makes me want to shout, ‘HALLELUJAH! Thank You, Jesus…”
Simply amazing. Shouts of joy and tears flowing here.
Never, ever, EVER count God out! =D
January 24th, 2010 at 6:43 PM
Such an incredibly, touching story. (Thank you so much for sharing it.)
Thank you Jesus for what you’ve done for us.
January 24th, 2010 at 6:57 PM
Mountains move and seas part by God’s power and grace – AWESOME!
January 24th, 2010 at 9:51 PM
crying. that’s all i can say. . . joyful tears toward a somekind of wonderful God.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:32 PM
I was there at Thirsty when you told us of Ashley’s death and I got to be there tonight to hear of Mike “birth”. Thanks for letting us play/pray a part in the story. When will we ever get to meet “Christa”?
January 24th, 2010 at 11:59 PM
At first my heart was breaking for Mike because he didn’t know Jesus and was suffering at the loss of his daughter Ashley. When I read his message telling Louie he had accepted Christ, I rejoiced with tears of joy! Thank you Christa, Louie, and Ashley for being true to God, and sharing your faith with others. Our God is amazing and the power of Jesus is real! Share the Love:)
January 25th, 2010 at 2:44 AM
Wow! Best news of the day/month! Hallelujah, what a Saviour!! I can just imagine Ashley with all the countless others in heaven rejoicing like crazy at this very minute just as we all are scattered across the globe.
Mike, thanks for giving Louie permission to share your wonderful news with us all :) simply awesome. Welcome to the family!
~Priscilla from New Zealand
January 25th, 2010 at 2:49 AM
P.S. Now everytime I sing Mighty to Save I won’t just be thinking of Ashley as I have been doing since I was at Passion Sydney, but now her dad as well :)
January 25th, 2010 at 3:40 AM
WOW!!! Looks like it’s all been said! What a wonderful God we serve!!! Mike I’m so happy for you and just remember how much God loves you!!! Go and be a shining light in this world!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:22 AM
God is so so good.. he works everything for good. its awesome there is a ‘bow’ but even more so that there is now a father who has the hope of Jesus and the promise of seeing his ‘princess’ again. this story has not been far from my mind and continues to make me marvel at the wonder of God.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:52 AM
Weeping with tears of joy! I am a 48 yr. old who has brought kids to Passion including my own 3 different times. When we heard the story that Louie gave at the regional in Atlanta in 2008 we couldn’t stop talking about it. My oldest son (24 yrs) & I at the time were talking about it & how we had prayed for Mike. We often wondered & felt that Mike would come to know Jesus. We chuckled about how we talk about Mike like we know him & wow…we do for sure now because he is our brother. I called my son as soon as I read this & e-mailed my daughter, & had my 17 yr. old read it as well as e-mailed some of the ones who were there with us in 2008. Oh yea, Louie…we talk about you like we really know you, too! Heaven is going to be so glorious! May God continue to be glorified around this globe as we live our lives for JESUS!
Until all have heard His name,
Kim
January 25th, 2010 at 9:20 AM
It feels awesome to type on keys wet with tears, tears of JOY!
I remember praying for Mike when you shared his part of God’s story, and when I would watch the DVD’s, or give one to someone and give them a 15 second primer of why they should watch it.
Our God is so Indescribable!
GO Jesus!
Mike, you are so starting your life as a worshiper, declaring that God’s love and power can turn the darkest days into SonRises! Not nullifying the incredible pain of loss, but transforming darkness into His Marvelous Light! I love you.
paul
January 25th, 2010 at 10:25 AM
Fist pump here in NC.
My wife and I have prayed for you, Mike.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Glory to God!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:06 AM
No matter how many times I have read this since it was published, I weep and weep. Traveling down this road with you and so so many othr students as you have intoduced us to Ashley and her coming to Grace, her abrupt passing, Jacob, Anna, the stories on the regionals (Passion::Boston), and explaining about Mike… I have faithfully lifted up their whole family for these few years. For Jacob and Anna, comfort. For Mike, God to whisper to his heart. Even though I know none of them personally, my heart and spirit do…
I can hardly see the screen right now, but I look forward to hugging now ALL of them in heaven.
God is amazing.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:16 AM
God is truly amazing. I can only imagine how many prayers have been said for Mike over the last 3 years since his daughter’s story has reached so many people all around the world. God answers prayers! This is awesome news. GO MIKE!!!!!! Very excited for what lies ahead for you.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:22 AM
I never thought I would hear the end to this story. I figured the Hope message was the last I would hear of it. But, after so many people praying and God’s amazing love, this is why we worship HIM. Mike, there is an overwhelming amount of support for you and to quote Louie at Passion City Church “God is praying for YOU!” as well as everyone else around the globe! Congrats!
January 25th, 2010 at 12:02 PM
LG & Mike –
I’m trying to work here. Now my tie is stained.
Jesus:everything.
TC
January 25th, 2010 at 1:04 PM
Wow!! Our worship leader gave us “How great is our God” For Christmas..When we drove from Seattle to Vancouver WA (near Portland Ore)I didn’t realize that I packed the video with my clothes in the suit case.Mom and Dad were sitting in the living room when I asked if they would like to watch what I thought was a worship video.Wow!!! What a surprise it was to find that we were watching not a worship video, but an incredible anointed video..My Dad is a minister and he volunteers at Teen Challenge in Portland Ore..I took the video with me and loaned it to one of the pastors at Teen Challenge..Pastor Dan and his wife couldn’t wait to tell me they sat and wept on the couch taking in all the video touched them so much..Dan gave me back my video and said he ordered the set of 4 so he could let the “guys” at teen challenge watch them…Not only has my husband and I purchased the set of 4 I posted links on my face book page.I told everyone that their prospective of our God and who he is will forever be changed..What a blessing the lives that have been touched because our worship leader gave us the best gift ever!! We have invited friends over to watch the video’s we did warn them that a tissue might be helpful when watching the one on Hope..After my 4th time to see it you would think I wouldn’t cry so much..My Mother begged me to loan her my How great is Our God video…Translation send her mine and order me a new one…I mailed her how great is our God and the one on Hope…I called last night to ask how they liked it?? My Uncle is visiting from Phoenix. My Mom said he is so overwhelmed and touched he can’t speak yet… Today I am beyond touched that Mike has accepted the Lord Jesus as his savior..Wow!! My first time on the Passion Web Site and the blessings!! Just keep coming…If I could I would hug Louie and his entire team!!
Not sure where to add a prayer request..Hope this ok..My son is a Homeland Security boarder Protection agent (Dwight) is in Saipan training other agents..He tells me to get outside the box..He is not sure there is a God…I am positive that God will make himself real to Mr.Stubborn..I would hate to be the guy with a warrant and go through my son’s area he takes his job very serious…My daughter Angela needs Jesus she is in the Army since 2000 diesel mechanic single mom..One more please!! Lynette lives in Texas with her husband and my grand daughter..Son in law Mark has decided he read the bible through ONCE!! several years ago so he is good to go.Doesn’t need church or anyone to tell him anything..He has all the answers..Lord please give me patients with that one….Thank You for Listening a Grandma of 5…Brenda (Seattle) 425-361-1864
January 25th, 2010 at 1:35 PM
Mike, This is my first time blogging…..just not enough time or priority for it in my life. However, you have been in my thoughts and prayers since I first heard Ashley’s story in 2007. I cried when I heard her story. And my heart jumped to hear that your family was communicating with Louie. I just HAD to blog to welcome you as a new creation in God’s kingdom…..like what you saw in Ashley when she accepted Christ. I wanted to let you know that after three years, I still think of Ashley, her brother, and you. You were such an integral part of her story….her life.
I held out for decades before I accepted Christ on Feb 4, 2003. I knew all of the rationalizations for not accepting Christ, but those rationalizations didn’t lift me up and give me the life that I now have. Welcome to an incredible journey. I have learned that being a Christian doesn’t mean that my life is always filled with peace and no bumps in the road….which I initially thought. However, I embrace the bumps because they build my character and draw me closer to God and deepen my peace.
May you know and celebrate all the blessings that God has for you every day!
Thank you for giving your permission to share your story with us.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:46 PM
I heard the story about Ashley for the first time at Passion 2007. Last night at Passion City Church I heard the news that Ashley’s father accepted Jesus!! I just cried with tears of joy! What a life she lived for just a few short months for Jesus! And because of making the decision to live for Jesus, so many lives have been changed as a result!
January 25th, 2010 at 4:16 PM
Our GOD is an awesome GOD—HE reigns!!! Tears of joy here, and overwhelming praise for Mike’s new found joy and peace! Thanks for sharing Ashley’s story of faith with us!
January 25th, 2010 at 4:23 PM
It is well with my soul!
January 25th, 2010 at 5:32 PM
A big praise to our saving God of unlimited mercy and grace!!!!
Welcome to you Mike, into this amazing journey you have begone with now your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the road rise up and be filled with all things new and true around every corner and each step of your way.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:22 PM
tears and a fist pump!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 10:49 PM
There aren’t even the right words to express just how incredible this journey is!! Mike, I don’t even know you and probably will not here on earth but we will all be celebrating together in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! You have made my year!! Christ, through you, grew my faith tenfold! All Glory, Honor and Power is yours Jesus!! Thank you Mike for sharing your story! I will be praying for you!!
Tears flowing and fist pumping!!
January 26th, 2010 at 9:19 AM
So encouraged by this. :)
Heard the story of Ashley during world tour in Malaysia. And now I hear the story of Mike. So glad that you are part of the kingdom.
God is alive and moving today!
Thank you for allowing God to move. And thank you for letting us know Ashley’s story and now yours.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Wow! It reminds me of the verse that says, “You’ve turned my mourning into dancing.” Praise and glory be to God who brings life out of death.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:33 PM
sometimes we get a bow
. . . :)
January 26th, 2010 at 1:17 PM
God’s desire, that all would be saved! For His Glory and our Joy.
He allows us to participate in prayer, for our Joy too…
so who are we not praying for?
who are we not waiting for God to save?
is it worth the effort? time?
Passion 20 10 is now!
so that the lost are saved and the saved are changed…
January 26th, 2010 at 5:07 PM
OMG! I watched your dvd series last year and decided to do this study with my little group that meets bi-monthly. We finished with “Fruitcake and Ice-cream” last week. We live in a little town called Kinburn, ON and we all wondered last week whatever happened to Mike! I said that I would do some digging and that we all came to the conclusion that he didn’t have a chance because we as well as many across the globe has been been praying for his salvation. HALLELUJAH! and welcome to the family Mike! Your story is so similiar to mine.
January 26th, 2010 at 9:51 PM
P.S. I’ve only been on your site once and that was 2 years ago to purchase a DVD for my dad in the US (I’m still praying for this salvation). Here is the kicker, if Mike came to the Lord 3 days before your blog entry (19th) that was my dads birthday. The only reason why I was searching your site today was for a Mike update, but I think I worded that differently in my other post. I’M SO EXCITED FOR MIKE! YEAH GOD!!!!!
January 26th, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Hey Louie,
I went to BCM tonight at GCSU and heard Ashley’s story for the first time. I was really struck by this story because my roommate is not a Christian, and guess what her name is? Ashley. I know sometimes I might seem like a fruitcake to her, but I pray that God will give me the courage to tell her about God’s love and grace. I really loved that message and how you boiled it down to the basics. I hope that you and other Christians who read this will pray for my Ashley and that I can witness to her like Christa did.
P.S. How cool is it that the night I heard Ashley’s story, I come to your blog and the most recent post is about her dad? God’s timing is perfect!
January 26th, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Desperate for prayer!!! please! This is not a joke or a prank..Ashley Aven is a 17 year old she has been sent home by the doctor’s to die.She has cancer and there is nothing more than can do..She is with her family on a tremendous amount of pain meds…I wrote a friend on face book to ask her how she like the Louie Giglio 4 pack…
We are watching the videos AGAIN right now! I love all four but my girls love them even more! Jess offered to loan them out to a family that’s not Christian, our old neighbors. The grew up with the kids and the 17 year old was just sent home from the hospital to be comfortable and pass away. Cancer.
God bless you richly my friend!!!!
Tammie
Thank You!! Please put this on a prayer chain..My daughter’s are 27 & 24 can’t imagine what this family is going through…They are not Christians..Thanks, Brenda
January 26th, 2010 at 11:23 PM
YEEEEAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
SO much joy in my heart in hearing this news.
January 27th, 2010 at 12:00 AM
OMG!!! God is so AMAZING!!! I was Bawling while I read this. It is Awesome to know that now Mike and Ashley will spend Eternity together. God you are MIGHTY TO SAVE!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 10:10 AM
AMAZING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 1:53 PM
Wow that is truly AMAZING!!!! It’s so Amazing how God works in our lives and works everything out for his amazing will and his amazing love!
God Bless You all! God Bless you Mike and God Bless you Louie!
It’s so amazing how God has created this awesome movement of Passion through you Louie! I am truly honored and blessed to be a part of it and hear and see stories like Mike’s of how God is truly working and moving in AMAZING WAYS!
God Bless and Thanks for letting God use you both Louie and Mike is BIG BIG WAYS!
Matthew 5:14-16!!!! A CITY ON A HILL AND A BRIGHT AND SHINING LIGHT WHERE PEOPLE WILL SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND PRAISE GOD IN HEAVEN FOR IT!!!
THANK YOU GOD!!!! YOU ARE SO AMAZING!!! THANK YOU GOD!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 5:42 PM
My husband and I have been WAITING FOR THIS DAY!!!! We knew it would come because THAT’S HOW GOD WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy………
January 27th, 2010 at 6:01 PM
Welcome to the family Mike!
January 28th, 2010 at 9:21 AM
[...] But nevertheless, 3 years later, Louie posted a very cool update to this ongoing story… [...]
January 28th, 2010 at 11:40 AM
wow! I was there when Louie told the whole story of Ashley and read out of her journal and I have never forgotten how powerful it was! God is so good! And I thank God that Mike has found true life!
January 28th, 2010 at 3:36 PM
Yay Mike!
This made me cry tears of joy.
Ashley would’ve been so happy! :)
January 28th, 2010 at 9:02 PM
yip…fists pumping, a tear definitely…and some hairs on my arms standing straight up! YEAHHHHHHHHHH!!!
January 29th, 2010 at 2:50 AM
Thank you for sharing this! It is such a beautiful testimony!!! My eyes are filled with tears!
January 29th, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Mike, welcome to the family brother. OUR God is GOOD!!!
January 29th, 2010 at 5:13 PM
Yes, I definitely had to get the Kleenex for this one! I remember reading Ashley’s email the first time you posted it and being so encouraged by it. I am encouraged again as it gives me hope that my dad will also come to Christ.
What a beautiful testimony. Thank you for sharing!
January 30th, 2010 at 12:41 AM
Our God is an Awesome God !
January 30th, 2010 at 1:45 AM
You bet the tears are flowing! Wow! Just WOW! My God is a God who saves!!! I’ve known about Ashley’s story for these years, of course. But seemingly out-of-the-blue about two weeks ago Mike popped into my head and my heart and I began to pray for his salvation!!! Wow! God is so AWESOME. Praise Him!!!!
Mike, I’m so thrilled for you and I look forward to meeting you and your precious Ashley in eternity!!!!
January 30th, 2010 at 9:03 AM
Hallelujah! God is so great!
January 30th, 2010 at 4:13 PM
God gave LG and the rest of the Passion family his BOW!!!! Praise God. Continue to pray for other “bows” that each one of us have!! This is a story of how God’s grace is always at work!
January 31st, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Glory to God!!!
Let Your Kingdom come,
Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
January 31st, 2010 at 2:54 PM
Praise God from who comes ALL great things! What a blessing! Our God is a God who SAVES! Let God Arise!
February 1st, 2010 at 1:00 AM
PRAISE JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Words cannot describe how I am feeling right now, Fist pumping like a mad man right now
February 1st, 2010 at 3:06 AM
Praise the LORD! He’s might to save!
Impossible not to be moved to tears by reading this… I’ve been going through so much lately and reading this is really encouraging! As I’m sitting here and reading about Ashley’s dad conversion, I think about the same change that happened in my dad’s life as he truly received the Lord as his Savior and started walking with him. I was blessed in watching both of my parents, Maria and Leon, receiving the Lord and going home in heaven a short time after that. I keep trying to walk in faith, knowing now that I have a family in Christ Jesus – and not the parents God had given me as I was born. I can say that I still struggle with that, with feeling alone – I moved from Brazil to here responding His calling to my life two months after my dad passed away in April 21st of the last year, just a week after preparing the details of the trip for me to be here and meet the man my dad knew God was going to give me as a husband – but I’m keeping my eyes on the Lord. We cannot lose heart… that’s all I can say. Never cease praying… never cease believing…. remain obedient to the One Who has called and redeemed us.
I watched a huge change in my dad’s behavior in the last two months of his life – he was deeply moved by the breaking up that came to my relationship with my fiance – he was praying for me and the man I love, trusting my life in his hands to the point of sending me to an unknown land, just trusting the Lord Who had put that desire on his heart, humble… so different from the abusive dad he had been in the many years I dedicated my life to him. I’m writing this and it’s impossible not crying… I just pray that I’m not moved by the circumstances and keep my eyes on my Lord, faithful to what He has called me to do here in Atlanta – working with Passion is one of these things, dream that God placed in my heart back in 2001.
Being honest, there were times that I felt really discouraged, and at the age of 27 and with no family left, watching myself without my mom and my dad, I was praying to the Lord take me home – all I had around me were people trying to turn my dad into numbers while trying to get money out of his death and people trying to destroy my reputation and the legacy dad has left. As I arrived here in Atlanta, got involved with Passion City Church and many other college ministries and went to a Passion Conference… so much has changed in me. I thank God for placing that dream in your heart, Louie – the Lord is using you to change lives and bring them closer to Him. God has become the center of my life. All the years following Him… everything makes sense now. It was never about me… it was always about Him. It was never for my glory, but for His. My life is all about knowing Him and making Him known!
May the Lord continue to bless you and the precious ministry He has placed in your hands! May more and more fruits come from that!
Much love in Him from your Brazilian sister! =D
February 1st, 2010 at 11:57 AM
When I read this I felt like Mike is someone I actually know! This is great news, I cant beleive how happy I feel about a perfect stranger.
February 1st, 2010 at 8:51 PM
Mike if you read this. God has already used your family to bring Glory to His name. You becoming a Christ follower continues to do this and I hope that the life you live and the testimony you can tell will continue Glorify God in ways we can only imagine.
Louie if you read this, AWAKENING!!!!!
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:40 AM
~Grace is Amazing~
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:43 PM
I first heard of Ashley story and her Dad a year and a half ago at Student Life Camp…tears filled my eyes while reading this…I read the title and was just like…can it be? Praise God for Ashley’s life and how it has been used. Praise God for Mike finding life.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:44 PM
Oh, and when I read this, I let out a huge, “YESSSSSS!!!!!” :) this is what it’s about!
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:25 PM
I just watched the DVD of Ashley’s story twice today…I needed to hear once again how there is hope when trouble comes. The first time I heard this sermon was 2 1/2 years ago and I thought…this sure doesn’t apply to me…my life is great. The next day my brother was diagnosed with colon cancer and life has been full of trouble every since. Now my 88 year old mother is dealing with depression and anxiety and it is very hard on all of our family. So I watched this today to find strength and something to hold on to. Then tonight I remembered about your blog and decided to read it…what an incredible uplift to my spirit to read about Mike finding the Lord! I am praising God tonight for this incredible answer to prayer.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:33 AM
Amen!!!! I so needed this today. Mike I know the heavens are rejoicing. When I first heard your daughters story a couple of years back it brought me to tears but now the tears are of joy and praise as I hear your story. You are not alone Mike…not only do you have brothers and sisters here but the full backing of heaven.
Thank you so very much for having the courage to follow that tug in your heart and to share your story.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:24 PM
Mike, waiting to see how GOD is going to use you to continue the story that he gifted to Louie to broadcast to the world. GOD has given the world this story for his GLORY, in order to bring many to him. Your beautiful “Princess” and you. How Ashley must be jumping for JOY with Jesus. Knowing that one day her Daddy will be joining her, to sit at the feet of “OUR LORD” and sing in praise and worship. He is an AMAZING GOD.
Louie I want to thank you and your staff for allowing me to volunteer this year at Passion 2010. I was honored to work the info booth in GWCC and met so many young, wonderful adults. I was on the High most High when arriving home. I could not speak enough about the wonders that the LORD was doing in each of these 22,000 flaming arrows that had just left the conference. I could not help but think about that one flaming arrow, Christa that went out to make Jesus famous. What amazing results have come from that one FLAMING ARROW.
May this story set the world ABLAZE with the love of JESUS. Praise you my LORD.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:16 PM
Louie – I attended the K-Love cruise this past week and wept with joy to heart the story of Ashley and her dad.
I also was weeping with tears of sadness and burden. I teach young people in our church from Grade 4-12 in a program called “Bible Drill”. It is a Bible memory program. One of “my kids” is now a senior in high school. She is from a troubled family background and I have watched her blossom through this program into a beautiful young woman. HOWEVER, several years ago, her family placed her with another family. The “man” of the family repeatly abused and raped her over a four-month period. Just before we left for our trip, the case finally went to trial. Monday during our trip we got the results – NOT GUILTY! I have been unable to contact this child since her text as the jury went to deliberate. I found out the verdict from a friend.
Your message of hope touched me deeply. Please pray for me that I will be able to encourage JD in putting her life back together. That God is FOR HER regardless of trial outcomes.
Thanks!!
February 8th, 2010 at 8:08 AM
Wow. Praise God – THE One and Only!!
February 9th, 2010 at 4:49 AM
I watched LG’s talk titled ‘Hope’ on a DVD. And ever since, everytime i hear or see death, the talk just runs in my mind in a zippy and i remember mike and ashley and the entire story.
ONe thing that God’s always taught me. He never never lets His children go away from his sight and hold. no matter how far we go how adamant we are. He will make us take the Bow!
February 10th, 2010 at 10:12 AM
I just starting crying when I read this. Our God is indescribable. O Mike, your life has changed forever. The best is yet to come.
February 10th, 2010 at 1:34 PM
I’ve never really responded to a blog so this is a first for me. I have always been a huge fan of LG. I remember years ago his Nine Inch Nails sermon at Falls Creek, OK, gosh I was about 12. I just watched the Hope sermon through New Spring Church’s website and I sat here crying like a baby at my desk. I actually was trying to find where I could send a message to LG and found this update… that “Sometimes there is a bow!” and again cried. I’ve since then sent the message and blog to several friends. Thanks LG for being so good at what you do and never failing to show Christ’s love in a way that just works. This story is absolutely amazing, God is amazing, and if there was ever a message to never let go, this is it.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:59 AM
Truly, Mighty to Save.
February 11th, 2010 at 6:24 PM
This moved me to tears. Thank you for sharing this Louie. Indeed with God nothing is impossible. It took only 3 years of prayer but God knew 2010 would be the year that you would finally have your bow…and ultimately His glory given back to Him.
You are wonderful, Jesus! <3 The stories that You make are truly the stuff of legends.
February 15th, 2010 at 5:11 PM
Just this weekend we played the “Hope” message at our services. We were all affected so deeply by Ashley’s story and thankful for the role that you, Passion, her roommate and friends were able to play in her life that brought her to trusting Jesus as her Savior before her death. I was anxious during that talk and hoping that it would end with Mike having received Christ and was disappointed, but hopeful at the end. This morning, I was shocked to see an email by another attender stating that she had done some research since the message and came across your blog dated Jan. 22! It’s circulating through our church like wildfire and we here in Cincinnati, Ohio are CELEBRATING the salvation of Mike!!! Thank you Jesus, that he WILL see his baby girl again one day and more importantly that one more person has accepted the gift of salvation and can now be an image bearer of Christ so that others will experience the same gift. PRAISE GOD!!!
February 15th, 2010 at 8:42 PM
Add me to list of those who cried tears of joy. God is so good.
February 17th, 2010 at 12:11 AM
wow. I love that story. I have watched the video Fruitcake and Icecream several times now. The first time i saw it was at camp last summer and I was so moved. I think more of us need to be like “fruitcake” so that the example of our life can move others to live a life for God. I thank God that there are always people working to live for God each day of their life and I desire to be one of them even though it is tough to live a Christian life in a public school sometimes. That video is such an inspiration :)
February 21st, 2010 at 5:31 PM
Amen! Just want to thank you Louie, for being so obedient and sharing this message&story. When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, my life’s bottom fell out… the only thing that kept me afloat was Jesus.
I have listened to your dvd tonight (supposed to be sleeping, got work tomorrow) and your message: HOPE When life hurts most has really confirmed for me the realisations I had on this difficult journey. I guess its a bit back to front, but I got to see this, after the fact… and it was still a blessing.
1. Somehow I felt better knowing that Jesus took the cup – He was the only one that knew exactly how I felt and that comforted me
2. Not what I want, but God’s will be done. At the end this was the only prayer that felt right. Higher purpose.
3. He is true to His word… He knew what my limits were and when I finally reached that point (although I thought I’d reached it many times before), He was there to see me through.
Please pray for me: some days I feel so far away, even with knowing all of this.
Kind Regards
Tabita
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:33 PM
Read this post on Saturday afternoon, an hour before our Saturday evening service which I preach at…ending a series on the four soils and talking about how the good soil requires patience and perseverance. This story is all about that patience and waiting on God’s timing. I love it when God just opens the door for us!!! Thank you to God above and welcome to the family MIKE!!!!
Louie, you are such an example of what the good soil exemplifies, and I thank you so very much for all you do for the Kingdom!
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Praise God! That is a beautiful thing! I remember first hearing Ashley’s story and tears rolled down my face – now, reading this, again tears roll down. God is so good! Thanks for sharing!
February 25th, 2010 at 1:51 PM
Our God is truly mighty to save!!! This is a powerful and moving story of how God works in our lives even in the midst of the toughest circumstances of life. Louie, thanks for lifting the Son of Man up so He can draw all people unto Himself (John 3:13-15)!
March 1st, 2010 at 1:41 PM
I have been showing the 4 video series to my men’s group. The group is filled with new believers and guys who have been saved for a while. We prayed for Mike last week. I realize our answer was answered well before we prayed, but there are a few guys that will be amazed! Thank you LG! I would love to share some of the stories from these guys and the insight that your study has been to them. I will try to get you an email soon! Thank you for being obedient to God and Praise God Mike is in the Kingdom!!!!!
March 1st, 2010 at 7:22 PM
Mike, get ready for a lifetime of being blessed.
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:13 AM
Angels rejoicing, celebrating in heaven! I am joining in. I watched Fruitcake and Ice Cream for the first time on the anniversary of my brother’s death. So powerful – our hope is anchored in the love of God demonstrated by Christ’s death on the cross. Hope, Love, Life, Peace, Joy, Healing! Zephaniah 3:17 “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
March 5th, 2010 at 3:46 PM
GOD IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!, He answered our prayers!!!. My wife and I had a burden for Mike for the last 3 years. Now is pure REJOICING!!!!… I’m so happy with so many tears of joy that I can’t even type!!!!!!!… PRAISE BE TO OUR LORD JESUS WHO SAVES!!!!!!!!
March 9th, 2010 at 11:34 AM
I just read this while listening to the song “Awakening” in the background. I am undone. Mike, so happy for you. Jesus is the best thing ever to happen to me, He’s just so awesome to know. Enjoy that! Praise God!
March 10th, 2010 at 9:03 PM
Hallelujah…what else can I say but that? Hallelujah.
March 11th, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Hallelujah! One soul saved! Just, Glory to GOD!
March 18th, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Louie, you gotta get Mike to come to Passion 2011. He would be blown away and LOVE IT!
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:16 AM
Amazing beyond words!!!!!!!!!! Gives me so much hope for my son, (also named Mike), who desperately needs a bow! Thank you God for extravagant answers to our deepest cries!!
March 22nd, 2010 at 10:40 PM
Praise God…only He can work like this…amazing story of His grace!!!!!! I pray that more stories like this will reach our ears so that we can continually rejoice and continually be encouraged in what God is doing in our lives. I love you God!
March 23rd, 2010 at 6:42 PM
I would like to get hold of Louie Giglio e-mail addres pleas, I have something I want to share with him. Pleas can some one help me. Mail me on dawid.cilliers8@gmail.com Thanks may GOD bless you all
March 27th, 2010 at 12:29 PM
I am another one that has prayed for Mike…and also cried at reading of his accepting Christ as his Savior, and finding peace from the Prince of Peace. What a Glorious, Compassionate, Loving God we serve! Thank you Jesus!
March 31st, 2010 at 10:47 PM
This is such an amazing story. I saw one of LG’s videos; the How Great Is Our God one, at church camp in 2007, since then i have watched it probably between 100 and 200 times..such an amazing video. So, i wanted to see more of Louie’s videos, so my family ordered the one entitled “HOPE”, and i watched it about 4 or 5 days ago, and the story about Ashley, and her family, what they went through, and all that happened in the 4 or so months past when the video was put out in 2007. I had never heard of the Passion Conference, this site, or sixsteprecords ever before, and it has blown my mind all of the stuff that Louie has done through Christ. And i just watched the video and then came on here and saw that Mike had come to know Christ. It is such an amazing story and i have been praying for Mike and his family since a couple days ago when i watched the video. So to Louie and everyone else involved in the things he has done: its amazing to see what God has done through you and what he still has in store of you guys, keep up the good work! it is truly amazing!
April 4th, 2010 at 3:47 PM
Glory to God in the Highest!! – I have been touched by the story of Ashley and her family through Louie’s talks….Life on this side of heaven is indeed tough even more so as a Christian BUT there is hope in the Cross for all of us – God is indeed in control of all things and His kingdom is far reaching. Truly he unites all those who are in Christ and I look forward to the day when Christ returns and we will all be rejoicing in heaven, where there will be no more sorrow or pain. This will be a party like none other – not even one from the University of Florida or any college for that matter could ever compare!! By the way I’m not even American I am from Vancouver BC, Canada!
April 6th, 2010 at 10:36 AM
i am sooo happy! The first time i saw fruitcake and ice cream i cryed tears of joy! and i wanted to tell people more about God! and now i am reading this at my library at the college i go to and i look crazy because i am smiling at the screen.. I am so happy mike decided to accept christ! Good things come to those who wait! :) Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord! God never ignores our prayers he just does it on his own time.
April 8th, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Mike,
Welcome to the Kingdom!
All the blessings of GOD’s Love and Grace are irreversibly yours.
And Jesus is forever with you.
He’s always loving you right where you are.
And He’s always within the reach of your heart.
Celebrating with you!
Grace and peace!
April 9th, 2010 at 3:01 PM
God does answer prayers!
April 14th, 2010 at 2:04 PM
just listened to louie’s talks again this morning – AMAZING! Our God is real. Welcome to His family. “The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty, let all the earth REJOICE…….”
April 18th, 2010 at 4:32 AM
What a victory. I will be sharing the DVD “Fruitcake and Ice Cream” with my Sunday School class today. How exciting to tie a bow around the story. You have an amazing ministry Louie Giglio. I am thankful to enjoy your fabulous work with others. As one of our friends says: “we are only specks on a golf ball…” What an awesome God we serve… such a fabulous message of hope. God Bless you.
April 23rd, 2010 at 1:58 AM
Praise be to God whom all blessings flow! Welcome to the family of God, Mike!
Your princess is rejoicing in heaven that she & you will be spending eternity together!
Thank you Louie for your obedience to God’s calling & for your single passion
To make His Name & Fame known! Thank you for the Indescrible & How Geat
Is Our God DVDs, they have encouraged & ministered to me so much as it
Has me focus on God’ s glory instead of my earthly circumstances.
I was listening to the Podcast of Louie’s sermon on” God is for us” today & could not stop crying tears of joy & Praising God for his absolute goodness & faithfulness in bringing Mike into his family in his absolute perfect timing.
spiritual Insight : Whatever trials we are going through , our testimonies
Are mightier because in spite of our circumstances, we choose to praise & worship the Almighty God!
As God is the same yesterday, today & forever, He who is so very able to put
A bow in the testimonies of Mike & his princess, Ashley is also the same God who can tie a bow to your season of difficulty.
He Is Mighty to Save!
Isaiah 61: 3. ” He gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that we might
Called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he
He might be glorified!
April 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 AM
Today I listened to the pod cast where Louie made the announcement about Mike’s decision to follow Christ – what can I say? Here I am sitting in traffic in Wollongong NSW Australia tears running down my face with joy for a man I’ve never met and am not likely to see this side of eternity. GOD IS GREAT!!!!
Hey Louie thanks as well for reminding me that God loves me even more than I love myself.
April 24th, 2010 at 6:04 AM
Tears flowing… Halleluja to our King!
April 26th, 2010 at 2:14 AM
God worked His way into Mike’s life through what was Mike’s biggest struggle. But He never let’s us down, we can never give up hope. And now Mike is a child of God and will rejoin his daughter in Heaven. Praise be to the Lord and to Jesus for allowing this man to be saved. Truly, Hallelujah in His holy name. Praise Him Praise Him Praise Him, Hallelujah.
April 27th, 2010 at 10:09 PM
words cannot describe. praise you Father.
I listened to “the podcast” yesterday at work. (Louie, you are such a instrument of God, thank you for your willing heart and your love for people.) 5 feet in the air on a ladder, applying poly-urethane to a ceiling in a new house, tears stream down my face and run over my mask. The podcast ended and started again, I listened to the whole thing twice in a row( and yes the tears flow a second time), and just now part of the video. ISN’T GOD THE COOLEST. Thank you Father for answering our prayers for Mike. Praise you Jesus! Please give us the same courage as Ashley’s room-mate to share our faith with whomever YOU put in our paths… AMENNNNNN!!
Can’t wait to meet Ashley and Mike and find out how many people this story has touched, in heaven someday… someday..
May 3rd, 2010 at 11:42 AM
[...] If you’re a long-time, well-read believer, you’re likely going to read insights similar to those you have heard dozens of times before. Given his extensive use of quotations from other authors, it’s even possible that Wilson will quote one or more of the books you’ve read. As I was reading, there were several instances in which I thought that I had heard this ― or something similar to it ― before. Even the concluding section in which Wilson talks about how the subject was one that couldn’t be wrapped up neatly with a bow sounded familiar. [...]
May 25th, 2010 at 7:22 PM
LOL that movie looks awesome
June 7th, 2010 at 9:39 PM
I just finish watching THE HEART OF PASSION, four disc DVDs and I heard Ashley’s story. Our God not only moves mountains, but also the hearts of men (I know that must be harder than moving a land mass). Everyone will come to know God, and I pray it is for His love and forgiveness, and not His judgement. God received His bow, but He knew He would all along. How great to know our God is so much more intelligent than we are, and sees the big picture.
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:06 AM
all of the above and more!!! amen amen amen…!!
November 27th, 2010 at 3:55 PM
[...] certain that I serve a God who “paints on a canvas bigger than we can see or imagine,” as one prominent college speaker once said. We have such a limited perspective on our lives and the lives around us; we cannot see or [...]
December 27th, 2010 at 11:37 AM
RIP TEENA MARIE WE WILL MISS YOU!