Day 9 – Denver, CO to Grand Junction, CO

The 9^th day fell on a Sunday, so we went to church in the morning. We ended up going to a church called Centennial Community Church just down the street from the Ryan’s house. When we pulled up, we noticed that most people were wearing shorts and many were not carrying their Bible. Mr. Ryan recommended the church, so we figured we would give it a chance. When we walked in, we were handed a bulletin by a guy who looked as though he had just been rock climbing (gym shorts, tight t-shirt, and sandals) and the pastor was instructing everyone to move up a few isles b/c they were too far back. They started the service off with the message (which was a great message I will add), and then moved to worship through music and the offering. At the end there was not an invitation, which I thought was also pretty cool. Overall, it seemed like a sound church based on Biblical principles. Many of the techniques used were similar to Mark Driscoll’s emergent church (which I had never experienced before).

After church we ate at a place called “Hops”, a restaurant and brewery (where they actually brewed their own beer). We were able to talk to the host (Alex), who said that he would be interested in reading Mark Cahill’s book. When the waitress came, all 3 of us ordered an ice-cold beer…root beer that is, b/c it was also brewed there…and it was good!

When we got ready to ask the blessing for the food, I asked the waitress (Audrey) if she wanted to pray with us; she said that she didn’t b/c she “is not religious anymore.” I asked her what she meant, and it turns out that she used to go to church on her own will from 8-16, then quit going for a number of reasons. Our conversation with Audrey was interesting and worthwhile. As we left, I complimented her for the good job she had done, and she reminded me of a comment I had made earlier (when she mentioned something about us not tipping her, I replied “Oh you’ll get a good tip; we’re Christians.”)…she said, “When you said that, I walked away thinking, ‘That doesn’t mean anything.’”

Just a quick note here: If you claim the name of Christ, LEAVE A GOOD TIP—I would recommend at LEAST 20% (if you truly believe what Jesus says in Acts 20:35) ESPECIALLY if you plan on leaving a gospel tract. If the service was poor give CONSTRUCTIVE feedback to let them know how you think they could improve, but make sure to give at least 15% b/c even Jesus came not to be served but to serve…always remember that when you go to a restaurant.

Audrey said that she probably wouldn’t read the book, so I gave her the link to Cahill’s audio message “It’s Not Blind Faith”. While I was talking with Audrey, Austin and Brad went to get Alex a book, and when I was walking out I noticed a hostess reading the back. Take time now to pray (b/c if you’re like me, you’ll say you will later, but forget) for Audrey, Alex, and the hostess at Hops. The dirt has been plowed and seeds have been planted. Praise God for His unfailing love!

After lunch, we hit the road again. On our way, we stopped at a rest area to take pictures. There we met a death metal band called “As Blood Runs Black” from L.A. Austin and Brad talked with the lead screamer (Chris), who claimed that he didn’t believe in hell…but when Austin mentioned that Jesus spoke about hell, Chris replied, “Well, I can’t say anything against that.” I was able to talk to Brett…the drummer who holds the world record for double bass—290 beats per minute. Brett was open to religion, but I explained that truth by definition is very narrow and cannot contradict itself. I gave him a Cahill book, and one of the other band members showed interest in reading it as well.

From there, we hit the road and didn’t stop until we got to Grand Junction. We ate at Dairy Queen (where Austin and I found out that Brad has never eaten a chili-cheese hot dog) then set up our tent at a local KOA campground, and we hit the sack soon after that.