Michael Catt

I’m writing to explain why this conference is such a part of my spiritual DNA. We started ReFRESH® in 2001 after the death of Ron Dunn. I had always leaned heavily on Ron during an annual Bible Conference at Sherwood. When he died, I had to go before the Lord and figure out what was next on His agenda…and He birthed in my heart a conference on revival.

Having been saved during the days of the Jesus Movement, I have a taste of what revival is supposed to look like. And having been in ministry now for over forty years, I also have a taste for what promotion, games, gimmicks, methods, and programs can’t accomplish. They can’t produce Holy Spirit power. They can’t convict of sin. They can’t convince your members to walk in the fullness of the Spirit. Continue reading →

God has given me many gifts in my lifetime. I was adopted into a Christian home. I was raised in the church. I had a youth minister who poured into my life. I’ve been blessed in multiple ways, and I’m grateful for every one of them.

But the greatest gift God has given me, outside of my salvation, is my wife. Terri and I were married at a very young age. She was 19, and I was 21. We were both in college and were very much in love.

Tomorrow, July 31, Terri turns 60. There’s no way I can top what she did for my 60th birthday. She’s the ultimate extra-mile, party planner. She never approaches any holiday or party with a “how little can I do” mentality. She’s all out and all in. Continue reading →

Last week while driving to the memorial service for Jeannie Elliff, I got a call from a church member. I could tell by the tone that the conversation was serious in nature. The member said they felt led to give $100,000 in memory of Jeannie to the International Mission Board’s offering, praying this gift would be a catalyst for other members and churches to engage in financial support of missions on a whole new level. Continue reading →

Words are inadequate. Even the best words seem to fall like rocks on the ground. When you know that someone you love is gone, it’s hard to put into words the memories and emotions that swarm your heart. You’ll have to forgive my rambling thoughts as I try to find the words to express the deepest places in my heart.

On Monday, July 20, Terri and I had the privilege of flying to Oklahoma City to see our dear friends, Tom and Jeannie Elliff. Jeannie battled cancer, off and on, for nine years. Yet she marched through this battle like a graceful warrior. Terri and I tell folks that watching Tom and Jeannie on this journey was an experience in watching how believers are supposed to live life, face death, and overcome it. Continue reading →