I am so proud of Matt and Kristen Gersonde. They ventured from Monterey to Salinas over a year ago - to plant Refuge Salinas - and they are heroes to me for it. I know it has been a challenging year plus, but every conversation I have with them is so uplifting. They are tenacious in their zeal. They will not back down.

My prayer for them and Refuge is that God would open doors for them no man can shut. I know Jesus has appointments for them there. Jesus is looking for that one lost sheep, and He is using Refuge for that task. I pray the fruit of salvation continues to land upon the church there.

One of the things I love about Matt is his gift of exhortation. He is an encouraging man. Unswervingly, he will build you up. He believes in God, so he believes in you. In an age of cynicism, he is refreshing. I pray this only grows stronger over time.

If you think of it, pray for this couple and this church. Jesus loves them.