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Come and Look What God Has Done!

The good Lord is pouring out a blessing that we can't contain, so we have added a new page just to share all the awesome things that He is doing in and through the game of Redemption.  If you have a story or experience that you would like to share, please feel free to send us an email, and maybe we'll post it.  We can't post everything, so please allow us the freedom to choose when and what to post. 

Thanks and may God continue to do a mighty work through us.

NOTE:  Please excuse the formating issues below. Apparantly, www.20fr.com recently made an update to their website development tools and it threw much of the text in this website out of wack. I will try and clean it up, but it might take awhile. Thank you in advance for understanding...  Todd <>< 


 

Praise Him! For He is Worthy of Our Praise!
 
 
Submitted: January 14, 2008  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude  
Greetings & Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas Holiday and I pray that the new year brings great tournaments, great fellowship and a refreshed love for God for you and your family.
Our next Omega "Local" is scheduled for this Saturday January 19th from 12 Noon to 6pm. The promo card for this event is the "Wings of Calamity". I also wanted to let you know that the January Tournament will be my last tourney for a while as God has opened a new door that I must go through in my faithfulness to Him. However, I am planning to return at some point in the future and I am also planning to attend the 2008 Nationals (where ever that might be) in order to keep my promise to help out and to continue my personal support for this awesome Christ-centered card game.
If someone would like to step up to the plate and take over the Omega tournaments, I'm sure Jerry Cline would be happy to speak with you. I will also personally be available for additional insight via phone and email to help out with as much as I can. In the meantime, we do have some other groups in the Kansas City area and surrounding counties who have some tournaments lined up. Please keep all of this in prayer and try to attend as many events as possible to help keep the game alive and well in the midwest. 
Thanks again for your continued support over the past couple of years and I look forward to seeing many of you this weekend and at the 2008 Nationals. God bless each of you and I'll be sure to stay in touch.
Together in HIS Service,
Todd "Holy Ghost Dude" Gordon <><
UPCOMING TOURNEYS NEAR KANSAS CITY
Kansas City, MO--January 19, 2008
Local (Open) Tournament. Host: Todd Gordon, holyghostdude@yahoo.com. Location: Omega Bookstore - Metro North Mall, 400 NW Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO 64155. Type: Type 1 2-player ($3.00), Type 1 multi-player ($3.00). Time: 12:00p.m.
Lee's Summit, MO--February 9, 2008
Local (Open) Tournament. Host: David Stockard, redemptiondad@yahoo.com. Location: Lee's Summit Community Church, 1440 SW Jefferson St., Lee's Summit, MO 64086. Type: Type 1 2-player ($2.00), Type 1 multi-player ($2.00), Type 2 2-player ($2.00). Starts: 9:00a.m.
Clinton, MO--March 9, 2008
Local (Open) Tournament. Host: Michele Parks, redemptiondad@gmail.com. Location: First Baptist Church of Clinton, 209 E. Jefferson St., Clinton, MO 64735. Type: Type 1 2-player ($2.00). Starts: 12:00p.m.
Clinton, MO--May 4, 2008
Local (Open) Tournament. Host: Michele Parks, redemptiondad@gmail.com. Location: First Baptist Church of Clinton, 209 E. Jefferson St., Clinton, MO 64735. Type: Type 1 2-player ($2.00). Starts: 12:00p.m.
END
 

Submitted: September 2, 2007  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude  

A few generous comments from NATZ 07 Participants: 

Todd,

Thanks for all you did.  I had a great time and enjoyed the fellowship...when I left, I left filled.

One thing I do want to especially thank you all for the consolation prize for the lowest placing Type A player.  He's new to my Sunday School class and wanted to come with us, but was clearly disappointed not to have one any games.  After receiving the FooF pack he lit up and called his Mom on the way home telling her that it was a "Great Day".

I'm very excited about this game and its use as a new ministry in the church.  It's improved our knowledge of the Bible, our fellowship with God and our fellowship with each other.

I'll also mention that I experienced the best fellowship when I was playing at the lower tables; the higher in the rankings..the more competitive the game.  I think I'd prefer to loose 
 Parks 
 Thanks Todd for everything you and your team did to make Nats a huge success!  I would put a dollar in your guitar case any day... uthminister
 
 Thanks for having this. You made my day when we learned Nationals was so close, and it being my first Nationals, I can think of no better place to have had it.

Eli 
 shastastwin
 
 Thank God for all the awesome reports about everything that happened at Natz.
I'm really stoked about the future of the game, yes, but also of the community that this game is helping to build. That's where my heart is. I'm just so thankful that there's a way to get the life changing Word of God into the hearts of young (and not so young) people that they are really having fun at, as opposed to alot of youth stuff I've been apart of that they would gladly chew through their arm to escape!
 metalpsalm
 
 Todd,

Thank you for putting together a great tournament!  My family had a wonderful time.

Rob
 CactusRob
 
 Thanks Todd,

I'll always remember your place as my first nationals.  I especially appreciate how you kept putting the focus back on Jesus Christ.  Keep it up!

Mark
 Prof Underwood
 
 Todd, thank you.  And thank you for giving me the trust and opportunity to pay forward.  It's your, rather, our turn to both pay forward and support the next host for 2008.  Chris B. has been paying forward each year as he emcees each Nats.  John M. (my co-host at Nats06) has been paying forward himself for the longest by doing all these exciting Redemption® pick-up games.

Blessings!
 Global Moderator Hero

 
Submitted: August 8, 2007  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude   
Greetings Redemption Warriors!

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to EVERYONE for making this event a great success. I started working on it back in December of 2006 and just started praying about it every day and as Rob has said in his recent report... God is Good. I can absolutely testify to that. Everything fell into place and several long time redemption guru's offered their support in coordinating various aspects of the tournament so really all I had to do was nail down the location, hotels and the food and then communicate the information through the registration link that Chris Bany so graciously posted for us. I believe that God was truly honored with this event and I thank everyone who was able to participate.

With that said, I would like to personally thank...

Jesus Christ
Cactus Game Design
Covenent Games
Omega Bookstore
Redemption Central
The River of Life Church
Life Christian Academy
Oak Street Cafe
The Bands (AZ-U-R and Barjudah)
Rob Anderson
Susan Anderson
Chris Bany
Jerry Cline
David Stockard
Roy Cruz
Mike Berkenpas
John Michaliszyn
Stephen Schaefer
The Judges (Mike, Bryan, Stephen, John & Roy)
Cliff and Josh (from GA) for showing up early to help set up

And everyone who helped get things cleaned up on Saturday afternoon. You Guys (and gals) are AWESOME!  Please forgive me if I left anyone out. Thanks again and God Bless each of you and the game of Redemption!  The battle continues... CU@NATZ08!

Together in HIS Service,

Todd (HolyGhostDude) Gordon <><
NATZ07 Host

 

Submitted: March 15, 2007  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude   
Redemption Players!
Just wanted to give you a quick update about this weekends "District" Tournament at Omega Bookstore. It's going to be awesome. Our special music for this weekend includes two local artists from Kansas City who both have a real heart for God. They will be performing acoustic sets on Saturday March 17th from 10am to 6pm. Tell your friends and family and come on out and support them as they share their God-given talents through original music and worship.
Here is a little info about each artist.    
Jason Watson from Cross Eyed Records  Saturday 10am-2pm
Jason has been performing Christian music professionally since 1998, leading worship at several different churches and playing for various church functions. He has played a variety of styles of Christian music with many different groups over the years. His most committed endeavor has been with the praise and worship band Cross Section, for which he has been “front man” for the last five years. Jason has traveled with this group to provide ministry at many churches in the Kansas City area and beyond. Now Jason is stepping out with his solo career, trusting God to lead him in his passion of reaching others for Jesus.

Whether it’s from his home congregation, his family, his dearly devoted fans, or his Lord, Jason Watson has been blessed to receive more support, love, and encouragement then he could ever have imagined in sharing his music. Check out Jason's personal website at
www.jasonwatsonmusic.com

Roy Dodson Phillips  Saturday 2pm-6pm
Roy Dodson Phillip's debut CD features guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy on 3 tracks, former members of the group Waterdeep, and Kansas City Jazz greats Hal Melia on sax and Stan Kessler on trumpet. Roy's debut album includes 11 original songs ranging from jazz to blues to pop, and was produced by recording veteran Paul Clark.
Roy's musical career started when he was 9 years old with the violin. By age 15, he had copyrighted and recorded his first song. Roy really loves the Lord and has a great testimony. Read Roy's full bio on his website at www.roydodsonphillips.com
Thanks again to everyone for their continued encouragement and support for "The most played, most collected, Christian Card Collecting Game on the Market." Looking forward to seeing you on Friday for the Sealed and Booster Draft Closed Categories. And as usual, we will be playing all the Open Categories on Saturday. i.e. TI-2P, TII-2P starting in the morning and then in the mid-afternoon we do the TI-MP & TII-MP.  
Friday Mar 16th 5pm to 9pm
Saturday Mar 17th 10am to 6pm
Omega Bookstore @ Metro North Mall
(Saturday Deck Check In Starts at 9:00am )
About My Father's Business,
Brother Todd <><   
 
 
Submitted: Feb 28, 2007  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude   
 

We had a really small group at our last “Local” at Omega. The low turn out is primarily due to sports, sick kids, really BAD weather, and other tournaments that are starting to take off in other parts of the city. The Lee’s Summit group hosted by the one and only "Redemption Dad" is attracting more participants than the Omega group which is a great problem to have, but we have lost a little momentum. But God is faithful and I know that we will recover quickly and get back on track no problem.

 

The low attendance at the Feb Local was a little disappointing but God had a better plan. Not only did it free me up to attend a Valentines Banquet with my wife that I would have been late to, but it also allowed me to hang out at the mall for a little while with a good friend of mine and share the Gospel with about six different people who were there shopping. No one accepted Christ, but a few seeds were definitely planted so we just left it with God to give the increase.  Amen?

 

Todd <><  

 
Submitted: December 1, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude 
   
'07 NATZ IN KANSAS CITY AUGUST 2 - 4, 2007
Greetings! Hope you are having a blessed day. Rob Anderson of Cactus Game Design (owner and creator of redemption) has officially made the announcement on the Redemption Message Board that we WILL be hosting the Nationals in KC next year. We have already had a flood of positive responses and I am really excited about this awesome opportunity. 
We will have a great tournament lined up for you which will hopefully include a Youth Leader Summit on Saturday morning/afternoon ending the evening and tournament with an Alternative Christian Rock Concert. My vision is this...  while the players are busy with the tournament, I will be working with Pastors, Youth Leaders, Chaperones, Parents and Youth Workers on various issues facing our teens today providing them with some Bible based solutions and resources that are current and relevant to today's youth. I am in the process of lining up some great speakers for this venue which will also include a brief segment on how youth workers can implement redemption playgroups into their youth ministries.  And then at the end of the tournament on Saturday evening, we can all come together for a concert to give God honor and glory for what He has done. Some will want to hit the road, or catch a flight, but many will want to stay a little longer and rest a bit before they go. We will also provide the opportunity for those who want to stay another night to do so with an invitation to join us for church on Sunday before they go. Thanks again for your continued participation and prayer and I look forward to giving you more details as we strategically and prayerfully finalize our plans.  
In HIS Service Together,
Todd <>< 
 

 
Submitted: November 15, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude   
 
Here is a copy of my little mini-sermon on why we need to leave the evil cards in Redemption.  Enjoy...and praise God for He is good! 
Todd <><
___________________________________________________________________________________
Oh yes, the evil cards...  God gave me peace about this early on because the Bible does not exclude evil. As a matter of fact it talks quite a bit about it.  Without evil, there would not be a battle.  That's the whole point. Good vs Evil  God vs Satan  The Kingdom of Light vs the Kingdom of Darkness. Only Christians can rescue lost souls so you can't win the game if you focus on the evil side. All you can do is delay your defeat. Part of the strategy in a victorious life in Christ is all about knowing what your enemy is up to and how he attacks and how we should respond.  Just like the Bible, Redemption teaches kids that you have to be a good guy to win the battle in the end. Hiding your kids from evil only gets them to be even more curious about it. Of course the Bible does say that we should not imitate evil and that we should be ignorant of it. That means blameless not ignorant of the tactics of the devil. If God didn't want us to know about evil, he wouldn't have revealed it to us in such great detail. He also shows us how to stand firm with the full armor of God. I think many Christians don't even realize that we are in a battle. Spiritual warfare is very real.
In any case the Bible has good examples and bad examples for every siutation, so to remove the evil cards from the battle would not be realistic and could not be used to help kids choose the right paths in life on their own. I have found that the evil cards in Redemption actually show me the true heart of the kid. If I see him or her focusing in on the evil characters and sort of bragging about how strong their evil brigades are it tells me that their heart is not right with God. So I begin to minister to them in a positive way and help them see where they are going by thinking that way. God says to meditate on what is good, noble, praise worthy.  I also pray for them that their eyes would be opened to the things of God and be cleansed so that they can make right choices in life based upon what pleases God and not self.  Now on the other hand if I see a kid who has true Christ-like behavior, I usually see them talking more about how strong their good brigades are then I know that they are headed in the right direction. It becomes very evident when you watch them play where their heart is. Just listen and ask God for discernment.
I have more but I will end with one final thought about why evil cards need to stay in the game....  It attracts the worldy unsaved kids to take a deeper look. They don't want to see a bunch of silly Christians playing a game. They come to do battle and many times they start out liking the evil cards more because that is natural and pleasing to the flesh. But then hopefully, they start to get the Word of God in them because they read the Bible passages on the card and then you begin to see a transformation from the inside out as the Holy Spirit begins to speak to them in their heart. 1 Timothy says that ALL scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking and training in rightousness.  Even the scripture that defines and reflects evil has a purpose.
Others have asked about this very thing, so I pray for you what I pray for them and that's for wisdom that comes from above. In Jesus' name!  Amen!
Todd <>< 

Submitted: October 27th, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude   
Just a quick follow up note about Steve the hitch hiker. It was kind of bugging me why Eric never called back until much later.  I believe that God put him on my heart to call at that time so that I would turn my phone on (I leave it off sometimes when the battery is running low) so I could get the message that my appointment was running late.  Also, I remember glancing at the Redemption card that I gave Steve as I dropped him off at McD's. It was a Gold Brigade Hero called Boaz. A couple of nights ago, my son Levi and I searched through a bunch of our redemption cards and found another Boaz so we could look the scripture up in the Bible.  It was pretty cool...  the Special Ability on the card read..."Ruth, Naomi and Boaz are Immune to Hunger without Food while Boaz is in Play". The Scripture reference was from the Book of Ruth 2:1. Just a little added touch from a God who loves us..
Todd <><
P.S. During my appointment, we ended up talking more about God than we did about business which made it even more fruitful.

Submitted: October 25th, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude  
I do not write this to boast in myself but to Glorify God and to give Him Praise. I must decrease and He must increase!  I believe that stuff like this happens all the time...
Yesterday (October 24, 2006) was an awesome day!  My truck passed inspection and I was able to get my tags renewed for another two years, we got our propane tank at home refilled in 24 hours instead five days and later on in the day God used me to lead a hitchhiker named Steve to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Here is how it went... on the way to get my truck tagged yesteday morning, Steve Manville (good friend and church member) came flying over the hill with the propane to personally refill our tank. Perfect timing, because my truck would have been in the way if I had been there. I thanked God that we did not have to spend another night without heat in the house. It got a little chilly the night before even with the sapce heaters.  I guess Steve decided to take care of us first, which wasn't even on his route because he is a great friend and true man of God. After I got my truck tagged I came back home and Pastor Jeff from Mt Zion Baptist Church picked me up and we went to Dave & Busters over by Kansas Speedway to attend the annual Dare 2 Share luncheon. The main dude (who kinda started D2S) named Greg was the speaker and he was excellent. We had a great lunch, prayed, learned more about D2S, set some ministry goals and heard some really cool testimonies.  I even made some great contacts for our Redemption tournaments.
So all of that was pretty cool. I also slipped in some ESD work and helped two clients and an associate at work get some things done using my laptop from home. Here is the cool part.  I had a business meeting at 4pm scheduled over off 45 highway at Rancho Grande. It was a meeting to develop a potential strategic alliance with a company that can help our company take our Leadership Program to a higher level. Anyway, I decided not change my clothes and just left my blue jeans on and went casual so I wouldn't be late. On the way, on I-435 South, I passed a hitch hiker just standing there on the side of the highway. He did not indicate that he wanted a ride but after I passed him I immediately pulled over anyway. I don't even think he saw me, so I honked my horn and he looked up and saw me. I backed up about 30 feet and put it in park with my hazard lights on and got out to lift my tailgate up (which had been down to better gas mileage) so he could put his bags in the bed of the truck. As he approcahed I lifted the tailgate and once it was up, bigger than life, the Jesus symbol on the back of my tailgate stood out and shined in the sunlight. I thought that was kind of cool. We got in and started headed down the road so I asked him where he was headed. He said Joplin MO to stay at a shelter. He said that he didn't want to stay in a homeless shelter in Kansas City because he was scared of the crazy people that he heard about. I held my hand out and said that my name was Todd.. and he said "I'm Steve." I was thinking to myself, I got a lot Steve's in my life today. I got two Steve's at work, the propane guy's name was Steve and now I just picked up a hitch hiker and his name is Steve. Then he said that he had been praying to God in that same spot for 7 hours. I asked him if he was a religious man and he said yes, that he had grown up sort of going to a small Baptist Church near Fort Meyers Texas. He looked a little rough and smelled a tiny bit like smoke, but he was very polite in his manners. He had a baseball cap on and his bags looked brand new.  So I asked him, "Let me ask you this...if you died today, do you know where you would spend eternity", and he said I think so, and I said "Would you like to know for sure and remove any doubts?" and he said yes, I said Ok, praise God. Things were moving fairly quickly on the highway and I was approaching my exit soon and I was wondering where I could pull over to pray with him. I was trying to figure this all out and then it all came together in such an awesome way. He said that he wanted to avoid going through Kansas because of the No hitch hiking laws but he also wanted to avoid the homeless shelter in downtown KCMO.  I just happened to put a specific card in my portfolio of a guy named Eric who was the Director for transitional housing for the homeless in KCMO. I pulled his card out and called him but had to leave a message. A couple of minutes later my cell phone rang but it wasn't Eric. It was my business appointment calling me to let me know that they were running late. I thought.. "Cool"  that gives me a few more minutes. Then God's wisdom kicked in and I realized that I could go ahead and take the exit that I was planning on and take my new friend East to I-29 and then he could catch a ride over to 71 highway, by-passing both the State of Kansas and the KCMO homeless shelter. And how convenient, there is a McDonald's right next to the exit that he would need to catch a ride. So I took my exit on 45 and headed East.  I passed the Rancho Grande wondering if my business appointment was near. We had a really good talk about life and God and about what got him to where he was at that moment. He said that he recently separated from his wife. Divorce hadn't entered the pitcure yet and he said that divorce wasn't really an option, which made my heart glad. He said that he just needed to get away, because she was dragging him down somehow, so he was just going to go stay with his brother in Texas for a while to get things sorted out in his mind. I asked him if his brother was a good influence and he said that his brother was a recovering Alchoholic and had been clean for 15 years.  I said Amen... Then I asked him if he had been drinking and he was honest with me and said yes, because I've been depressed, but I haven't drank anything today. I asked him if he realized that the drinking would only take him deeper, he said yea, I know.  I asked him if he was willing to ask God for help, and he reminded me that he had been praying for the last 7 hours so what do you think. I said praise God because I believe that God is using me to help you. I'm nobody but God is everything! He is answering your prayer Steve. He seemed humble and ready to try to get it right.  I asked him if he was hungry and he said yes, that he hadn't eaten since yesterday. The whole time he hadn't asked me for anything. Not for food, not for money, he was just worried about getting to the shelter in Joplin by nightfall and then to Texas to sort things out. I asked him if he like McDonalds.  He said sure... so we made our way to the McDriveThru. I was short 2 cents and I asked him if he had two pennies and he said kind of sadly... no...  I opened my door a little and found exaclty two cents that had fallen down on floor board of my truck near the driver's side door. I said I got it just as I pulled up to the window. I was just going to ask them to let us slide, but God gave me wisdom to open the door and look. I bought him 4 double cheesburgers and an order of fries. I drove around the buidling back to a parking spot with an out door table nearest the highway.  I parked and said let's pray... I prayed for Steve, his wife, his relationship, I praised God for the opportunity to be able to help. I prayed for his saftey and protection as he made his way back to Texas. That he would get a ride to Joplin MO by night fall and that God would help him and give him wisdom to do the right thing no matter what going forward. Then we prayed again, this time I asked him to repeat after me... we did sort of a sinner's prayer type prayer...  it was awesome...  I believe that God was interceding on his behalf and using me to communicate to Steve that He loves him and things were going to be all right. We ended the prayer in the name of Jesus with confidence that He is real and that He has heard our prayers. 
I said to Steve "you may not have a ticket to Joplin, but you got one to Heaven now brother".  I handed him a Redemption card with my website on it. I told him to look this website up when he got to Texas and to call me or send me an email and let me know the amazing things that God did and is doing in his life. We got out and I hugged him and told him not to eat those cheesburgers all in one place and to pray to God in faith for his next ride and get on that exit expecting it.
I praised God all the way to my business appointment who was now probably waiting for me because I was now running late.  All for the Glory of God.  My meeting lasted about an hour as planned and it went excellent and on the way home, I backed tracked the same way I came and then the twilight zone music came on as I looked across the highway and in nearly the exact same place I picked Steve up I saw another tall skinny hitch hiker with a beard and a baseball cap walking down the side carrying his back pack. I immediately thought of Steve and felt a peace come over me that everything was going to be all right for him. And then I thought, I wonder if he just got his ride to Joplin.  
 

Submitted: August 16th, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude 
Yo Redemption Players!
Wow what a season!  God has been so good to us this year. HE is AWESOME and Worthy of our Praise!  It sounds like the Nationals went very well in NY.  I believe that Kansas City was well represented and I just want to say THANK YOU to those of you who made the journey. Congrats to Josh Pearson for taking 3rd place in the Multi-player category at the Nationals which gave him enough points to take 1st Place in the Multi-player RNRS points for the year. And to Craig Fountain and Josh Pearson for taking 1st place in the new "Partner" category. Congratulations guys!  We are really proud of you!
I have spoken to several people who went to NY and they have all indicated that we are a serious candidate for next years National tournament. That's what we have been working for so thank you for your continued participation. Let's give them a real "Christ-Like" reason to come here!  God does indeed answer prayer!  But if it wasn't for your dedication to this really cool card game, it would not be possible to host a  NATIONAL tournament here in Kansas City. So thank you very very much!  While I am on the "Thank You'" wagon, I would like to take a moment to thank some others who have contributed to our venture thus far.
A special THANKS goes...  (please excuse any typo's)
To Jerry & Ron at Omega Christian Bookstore
To Metro North Mall for the tables and chairs 
To Janet at Kelso's Pizza for supporting our tournaments from Day One 
To Jim at McDonald's for their support
To Topsy's Popcorn and Orange Julious (spelling ?)
To TBJ Sports Cards in Riverside for the sports cards donations
To Ranger Trophies in Riverside for their awesome medals
To Redemption Central for co-hosting the tournaments with Omega
To the one and only "LOSHMAN" Mr. John Losh from KCXL 1140AM
To John Nesfeder for his heart for redemption in the Kansas City area
To Nick Goodner for helping with the tournaments
To Jason O'Rourke for doing some of our devotionals
To Josh Pearson and his family for their continued support
To Alan Rouse for always being their to help with the bigger tournaments
To our brothers from Independence and Lee's Summit
To Dave Sergeant at Pittman Road Baptist Church of God for hosting a tournament
To David Stockard at Lee's Summit Community Church for hosting a tournament
To Pastor Jeff at Mt Zion Baptist Church for hosting a tournament in Edgerton
To Camden Point Baptist Church for hosting tournaments in Camden Point
To the parents and loved ones who have volunteered their time at tournaments
To Zach Jennings of Camden Point Baptist Church for his annointed guitar playing 
To Cactus Game Design for their AWESOME support - they make it so easy!
To Rob Anderson for always answering our questions and comments
To Doug Gray for his help and advice on certain situations thoughout the year
To the AWANA Clubs who have allowed me to speak to their kids about Redemption
To our Type II Redemption Warriors from Hot Springs Arkansas!   
To Harmony Vineyard Church and the YMCA for their hospitality and support
To my wife Donna for allowing me to sacrifice our personal time to do God's work
To my son Levi for putting up with me and being their at almost every tournament 
To ALL the redemption players who have helped with the beginners whenever needed 
To ALL those kids and young teens out their who traded in their Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic, Tarot cards and other worldly cards for the game of Redemption! (we collected over 15,000 cards in less than 16 months! - WOW!)
To JP from the JPEG Show, KCXL 1140 AM and 1430 AM for his continued support
To GOD ALMIGHTY for allowing us to serve HIM in such a mighty way!  
I'm sure that I have a missed a few, so please accept my sincere apology if I have overlooked anyone. THANK YOU so much for making it happen!  I believe that God is just getting started... so put on the Full Armor of God and Join the Battle! 
DON"T FORGET!  We are starting a new season this Saturday August 19th from 12 Noon to 6pm with our first Local tournament at Omega!  Unfortunately, Levi and I will not be there. We are going to the Promise Keepers event at Kemper Arena. David Stockard and Josh Pearson will facilitate the tournament so please respect their decisions and help them out with whatever they need. Let's kick off the season with a GREAT tournament this weekend and I'll see you at the next one!  And for those of you who are going back to school (public and homeschool). Glorify God in ALL you say and do and stand firm for what is right and He will use you in a mighty way.
Thanks again and GOD BLESS YOU!
Always About My Father's Bizzzzness,
Todd <><
Redemption Central


Submitted: August 15th, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude and Redemption Dad  
Greetings! 
Just wanted to pass along an email that I recently got from David Stockard of Lee's Summit. You may have already received it via David's original email. For those of you who didn't, keep reading...  it's pretty exciting stuff!   Thanks!  Todd<><  
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Hey, are you ready for some serious Redemption Card Tournaments??
My Son Joel and I just got back from our first trip to Nationals and we had an awesome time. The chances are very high that we will have Nationals here in Kansas City next year (wow!!!!). Also, a new Booster pack card line is coming out very soon called the Priests. It will be out is mid to late September. We had the chance to buy some at Nationals, they are really awesome and will have a big impact on the game.
So as you can see there is a lot to get excited about with the Redemption Card game!!!
Now for the exciting news here in Lee's Summit/Independence. We have not 1 but 2 Local Tournaments Scheduled for the upcoming months. The 1st Tournament will be Saturday, September 16th from 10:00 to 4:00 (deck check in starts at 9:00). We will be playing Type1 2 player and Type 2 2 player. Also, the Christian Bookshelf will be on hand to sell cards at a 20% discount and also give a $20 gift certiticate to each category winner! The tournaments will be at Lee's Summit Community Church, 1440 SW Jefferson. For those of you who came to the tournament in April, it will be at the same place. I have attached a flyer with details and a link to the church website for directions. The other tournament will be Saturday, October 14th same time and place.
Please let me know ASAP if you can come and make sure and pass the word on to your other Redemption Card playing friends. I may not have their email so I am counting on you to get the word out.
I'm really excited about this new season. If we get a good size group coming maybe we could have a Distict tournament in November!
David Stockard
Redemption Dad

Submitted: June 28th, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude 

 

Greetings Redemption Warriors!

 

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who participated in our first annual Missouri State tournament!  And thanks for volunteering to help make it a great event. It wasn't a real big crowd (only 30 or so plus 3 or 4 beginners) but it was definately a quality crowd. There is no doubt that GOD was in the HOUSE the whole weekend.

 

Metro North Mall allowed us to use the vacant store next to Omega Bookstore. It was perfect. We even had a huge murual on the wall that had green pastures, a church and even had some sheep. How cool is that? And Zach Jennings (local musician) came down on Saturday and played some awesome Christian tunes for us. Thanks Zach!

 

Don't foregt that we are only doing locals once a month now. Our next official tournament at Omega will be on Saturday July 15th, 2006 from 12pm to 6pm. Let's keep it going over the summer so we can stay strong. The July 15th tourney may be your last chance to try out new decks and strategies before the Nationals.

 

I also wanted to extend a personal invitation to everyone to attend the 14th annual Camden Point Freedom Festival this Saturday July 1st in Camden Point Missouri. We will have a big parade at 5:30pm and then kick off the festival about 6:30pm with a huge fireworks display at 10pm. For more information, please visit our website at www.camdenpointfreedomfestival.20fr.com

 

Thanks again for your continued prayers and support. Hope to see you at the festival!

 

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!


Submitted: June 14th, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
Hello Good People!
Just a quick reminder about our first Missouri State Redemption Tournament this weekend on June 16th & 17th at Metro North Mall in front of Omega Christian Bookstore. The volunteer response has been outstanding. Thank you so much!  I really appreciate everyones willingness to serve.  If you are a volunteer, just show up as early as possible and let me know you are there to help out (even if you are also playing) and I will get you plugged in somewhere.  The event is scheduled for Friday from 12pm to 8pm and on Saturday from 10am to 8pm. I will be there about 10am on Friday morning to start getting things set up. 
These are full day events so please bring some extra cash for food & snacks and stuff.  McDonalds is going to give us a $3.00 deal on Friday evening and Kelso's is doing something for us for lunch ($2.00 + tips) on Saturday, plus we get special redemption discounts at a couple of the food venors at the mall. Omega will have a bunch of snacks as well so we should be good to go all weekend. And as always, ALL REDEMPTION PRODUCTS are 20% off during the tournament!  
So let's have some fun, and lift up the name of Jesus together with Christ-like behavior at all times so that when mall shoppers and other spectators stop by to check it out, they will experience God in a new and refreshing way.  Thanks again for your continued participation and support!
In HIS Service,
Todd <><
cell: 816-419-7335

Submitted: June 6th, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude 
  
Greetings!
As you may know, we have our first Missouri State Redemption Tournament scheduled for June 16th & 17th at the Metro North Mall in front of Omega Christian Bookstore. We are really excited about it and are looking forward to a GREAT event!  We are expecting 50 to 75 participants which is not a huge number, but it will be the biggest number we have hosted thus far.
The event is scheduled for Friday from 12pm to 8pm and on Saturday from 10am to 8pm. I am, at this time, asking for adult volunteers to help with the event. Whatever time you can provide will be much appreciated. Referenced below is a basic outline of what I see might be needed to really make this a smooth operation. I'm open to ideas and suggestions so please feel free to share your thoughts and let me know when you would be available and I will try and coordidate our efforts throughout the entire event. Thanks in advance for your cointinued support and participation in this AWESOME Christian based card game!  
Friday June 16th 12pm to 8pm 
2 Set Up (help with tables & chairs)
1 Greeter (just smile & say... "Welcome")
2 Sign In (Collect the registration fees & distribute the Promo Cards & lunch tickets) 
1 Vendor Discount Passes (We have discount badges to lend out as needed) 
1 Mall Traffic Person (Help keep the mall traffic areas clear for store shoppers)
2 Beginner's Tournament (help facilitate the tournament process) 
1 Entertainment Liaison (We will have some special guests playing live music)
1 Sealed Deck Event Helper (prepare & distrbute starter decks & booster packs)
1 Booster Draft Event Helper (prepare & distribute the booster packs timely)
1 Tournament Tracker (Keep track of start/end times, scores, rankings etc...)
Saturday June 17th 10am to 8pm
1 Greeter (Welcome)
2 Sign In (Collect the registration fees & distribute the Promo Cards & lunch tickets) 
2 Type I Deck Check In (Qualify Decks and help facilitate the process)
2 Type II Deck Check In (Qualify Decks and help facilitate the process)
1 Vendor Discount Passes (We have discount badges to lend out as needed) 
1 Mall Traffic (Help keep the mall traffic areas clear for store shoppers)
2 Beginner's Tournament (help facilitate the tournament process) 
1 Entertainment Liaison (We will have some special guests playing live music)
1 Tournament Tracker (Keep tract of start/end times, scores, rankings etc...)
2 Break Down (help with tables & chairs)
I'm sure that there will be other tasks that we will need to take care of (lunch etc.) but this is basically what I see happening and where we might need the most help. Some of us may need to toggle here and there but I do know one thing... WE ARE GOING TO HAVE SOME FUN and lift up the name of Jesus together in Christian love and fellowship!
Please let me know via email or by phone so I can start coordinating our efforts prior to the event.
Thanks!
Always in HIS Service,
Todd <><
cell: 816-419-7335

Submitted: May 25th, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude 
 
Greetings Redemption Guru's!
Just wanted to touch basis with you on a couple of things. I have been praying a lot about this and I recently spoke with Cactus Game Design and I have decided to cut our local tournaments back to once a month.
This will become effective immediately which means that our June 3rd tournament is now officially cancelled. We will still have the Missouri State Tournament on June 16th & 17th and I am still expecting 50 to 75 participants. I recently got word that the players from Arkansas are really excited about it and will be returning to Kansas City to do battle with the Type II players. So I said Yea!  BRING IT ON!  They are an AWESOME group of believers and a great witness for Christ so I'm really looking forward to seeing them again.  
I will update the tournament schedule and create a revised flyer for the on-going locals which will be available at the MO State Tournament. As for the Nationals, no one has really stepped up to the plate to help coordinate an honest effort and it's getting really close so if you plan on going you need to start making your hotel or dorm and travel arrangements. Here is the website for more information: http://nats06.com
Also, you may not know this but Jacob Pearson is currently in FIRST PLACE in RNS points Nationally in the Type I two-player category. He and is family will definately be going to Nationals. Congrats to Jacob!  And Josh Pearson is currently in 2nd place in the Type 1 multi-player.  Let's cheer Josh and Jacob on as they represent the Kansas City play groups.  Note to Josh & Jacob...  remember, strategy wins the card game but Christ-like behavior wins the game in life... so go getter dun in Jesus' name!   
Unfortunately, Levi and I will not be able to attend the Nationals this year due to a three day 25 Year High School Reunion that just happens to fall on that weekend. But I spoke with Doug at CGD and they are still excited about the possibility (99.9% chance) of having the Nationals here in Kansas City in 2007 so I'm really looking forward to working on that. In the meantime, mark your calendars for June 16th & 17th for our first Missouri State Tournament at Omega Christian Bookstore. 
And don't forget about the North Central Regionals in Emporia Kansas at Nat's game store on June 9th & 10th. Here's Nat's info:     

Emporia, KS--June 9 - 10, 2006

North Central Regional Tournament. Host: Nat Pearson, rpgdirector@hotmail.com. Location: Sporadic Games, 1638 Industrial Road, Emporia, KS 66801. Type: All. Closed Categories ($10.00), Open Categories ($3.00). Starts: Friday: 6:00p.m., Saturday: 10:00a.m.

Thanks again for your continued support and participation and I look forward to a great summer.  If you have any questions, or need help with anything, let me know. May the good Lord continue to bless our efforts as we lift up the name of Jesus together in Christian fellowship.
In HIS Service, always
Todd <><

Submitted: May 17th, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
Greetings Redemption Warriors!
Are you ready for school to be out?  I know...  I know...  dumb question...   but you never know!  Some kids actually enjoy going to school.  Anyway, I just wanted to touch basis with everyone so we can stay on track with the upcoming Redemption tournaments. The good Lord continues to do great things with this awesome christian card game and I hope that you all stay plugged in over the summer. 
Our next Local at Omega is scheduled for this Saturday from 12 Noon to 6pm.  Please plan to be there so we can start building momentum again for our first MO State tournament in June. We are also trying to coordinate a trip to the Nationals in July so if you know of a BIG Church, with a BIG Bus, and a BIG heart for GOD and for the YOUTH, then let me know. Maybe they would be open to supporting our effort to go to the Nationals. In the meantime, please start really lifting this up in prayer because the adversary is on the prowl.  And please keep our friends in Arkansas in your prayers. After their return from our last District, their youth group got split up and they are struggling to keep their redemption game going. They may or may not be able to make it back for our State tournament. I pray that they do, but if not, that's ok. Either way, we need to lift them up in prayer as they seek the Lord in all of this.          
Below is a schedule of the remaining Redemption tournaments at Omega for this tournament season so please try to make it to as many as you can. We also need adult volunteers to help with the State tournament.  I also want you to know that I really appreciate each and every one of you and I pray that God uses you in a mighty way this summer for His honor and for His glory. Times are changing fast and we need to be strong for the Lord and remain in the battle and not be wishy washy about our relationship with God and Redemption is a great way to stay plugged in and fellowship with other believers in the body of Christ.
I also want to encourage you to try and make it to the Regional tournament in Emporia Kansas on June 9th & 10th.  Nat really needs our support to help make it a great tournament. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it because of our deck building workshop at Omega on Saturday the 10th. But I hope that you can make it and if you do I pray that you would be a good example and witness for the Lord with Christ-like behavior as you represent the Redemption players in the Kansas City area.   
Thanks again for your continued participation in our tournaments at Omega and we'll see you at YOUR next tournament.
Remaining Tournament Schedule for Omega
05/20/06  Local
06/03/06  Local
06/10/06  Deck Building Workshop (need players to help teach)
06/16/06  State
06/17/06  State
07/01/06  Local
07/15/06  Local
In HIS Service, forever...
Todd <><

Submitted: April 30th, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude

A special thanks goes out to David Stockard of Lee's Summit Christian Church and to David Sergeant of Pittman Road Church of God. These guys both held their first Official Local Redemption tournaments. That's AWESOME!  

I had a busy morning that day. First, Levi and I cruised over to Glennwood Baptist where my good buddy John "The Loshman" Losh attends. We set up a Redemption display at their Awana Grand Prix and then we had to head south east to help kick off the tournament out in Lee's Summit. There were several Type II vets out there ready for battle. I helped a little with a small group of beginners (about 6 or so) and then I had to head over to Raytown for their tournament. Things worked out for Levi and I so we got to stay for the entire event. God is good. The Lee's Summit group had 11 participants (in addition to the beginners) and the Raytown group had 10.  It was a great day and I believe that God was glorified with our efforts to give Him praise thanks to two young men willing to step up to the plate and be used of God in a mighty way for the kingdom kids. 

We also have a new record for the oldest Redemption player in our neck of the woods. His name is Dick Kerr and he is 67 years old. (I got his permission to blog this by the way...) He seemed to me to be a very humble man with a sincere heart for the youth and a pretty good redemption player at that.  Way to go dude!  We welcome you and look forward to seeing you at future tournaments. 


 

Submitted: March 31, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude

I am excited to announce that two individuals from our recent tournaments at Omega are hosting their own "Locals" in April.  Check this out... They are both name David, they both have a last name that starts with an "S", they are both located East of Kansas City and they both picked the exact same day to have their first "Local" tournaments (April 29th).  Weird huh?  I was really curious to see which Promo Card they were going to dish out. I am happy to say that they selected different promo cards. I guess it wouldn't matter, because you can't be in two places at once. Can you?  

As previously stated, they are both on Saturday April 29th. One is out in Lee's Summit from 10am to 4pm and is hosted by David Stockard (Joel's dad). The other one is in KCMO just on the other side of Royals Stadium from 12pm to 6pm and is hosted by David Sergeant.  Thanks David... and... thanks David!  


Submitted: March 23, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude

I said I would blog it so here it is!  Our most recent "Local" tournament at Omega was very interesting. It was a small group of 8 or 9, but we had a great time never the less. When I walked into the mall to start setting up tables, I noticed that where the surveyers usually hang out there were three huge boats.

I thought to myself... "How appropriate...  todays devotion is out of the book Matthew when Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew to become fishers of men.  After the the devotion, I said to myself, "man I should have gotten up in one of those boats and did the devotion from there", but I didn't think of it until afterwards... oh well...      

That was cool... but check this out.  Right before the tournament actually started Nick Goodner decided to purchase three Patriarch Booster Packs. He opened up the first one and got an ultra rare "Destruction" card.  Then he opened up the next one and got an ultra rare "New Beginnings" card... opened another and got a "Joseph in Prison" card... The next thing you know I start hearing all the excitement and as I look up I see Nick and everyone following him like a swarm of bees headed over to the booster packs. Before I even knew what was going on, Nick picks up the entire box of Patriarchs and takes it to the Omega Store counter to purchase more booster packs.

Apparantly, that particular box of booster packs was what some call an "error" box because it had a pocket of ultra rare cards mixed in. Usually the ultra rare  sheets are separated during the booster pack assembly at the manufacturing plant so they are spread out among many packs.  That's what makes them rare. Anyway, Nick bought twenty more packs and ended up with 7 or 8 ultra rare cards valuing well over what he had to pay for the packs which he also happened to get at 20% discount on because of the tournament.  Way to go Nick!  

It seemed like we had the whole place looking over to see what all of the excitement was about.  It was really fun and we had an awesome time the whole day!  Jerry, the Owner at Omega said that there was another box of Patriarchs that were delivered in the same shipment. He quickly put it aside and we are going to break it open at the Missouri State Tournament in June.  

Please remind me so I don't forget!  It will be AWESOME!


Submitted: March 20, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude

"Bubble Bubble Boil and Trouble"... said the witch as she stirred her caldrun of evil spells and magic. That's the Hollywood version, and it sounds kind of silly, but did you know that witchcraft really exists?  It existed in Bible times and it is still practiced today. As a matter of fact, it is one of the fastest growing non-for-profit organizations in the world and is rapidly increasing in populartity in the United States of America, which was orginally founded on Christian principles. The gate to Heaven seems to be getting more narrow...  for narrow is the gate and few find their way... 

God has never said that it doesn't exist, He just said DON'T DO IT!  Look it up in your favorite Bible and read
about what God has to say about divination, sorcery and witchcraft. Then look up wicca on the Internet. There are 10 times more pagan websites on the net than there are Christian websites in spite of the fact that over 80% of the American population claim to be Christian. It's a little baffeling to say the least.  Here is an interesting article on the craft...

I’m just like any other teen girl," Kaytee says. "I’m 16. I struggle with homework, argue with my parents and dream of being an actress someday."

Kaytee also wants the part of Peter Pan in her high school’s annual musical. And right here is where we draw the line in being "just like any other teen girl." Many other teen girls would rehearse a little harder or rely on past acting experience to land the coveted lead role in the school’s drama. But Kaytee’s going a different route. She’s decided to cast a spell to get what she wants.

"Everyone at school knows I’m into witchcraft," she says, "but most people don’t understand it. "The spell I’ll cast is like a prayer. I’ll project that I’ll get the part of Peter Pan. There’s a lot more to it elimination, etc. but the basic spell will be ‘harm me none and for the good of all.’ "

Kaytee’s Not Alone

What do Kaytee’s parents think of their daughter’s involvement in Wicca? Well, they’re first-degree witches along with Kaytee’s 8-year-old sister. "I’m not a first-degree witch yet," Kaytee says. "I’m still practicing for initiation."

Kaytee, like thousands of other teens, are searching for power, power to make their dreams become reality, power to be successful, power to get what they want out of life. I get to speak in tons of high school assemblies around the nation, and I meet countless teenagers” just like Kaytee who are desperate to find something real to depend on.

If you’re thinking a witch is an ugly woman wearing a big, black hat, think again. Kaytee is a beautiful 16-year-old girl who looks like any other teenager. I even meet lots of teens who are active in a church and youth group, yet they’re turning to Wicca for power.

That’s the big draw of the craft power to get what you want. Hey, life’s not easy, is it? School’s tough. Mom and Dad don’t seem to understand. Friends are flaky. The environment’s a mess, you’re pressured with unrealistic expectations from the opposite sex, armed guards patrol your camps and a balanced life seems impossible to achieve. You need power and lots of it to survive!

The Craft

The reason so many people are turning to Wicca is because it’s being presented as a powerful and glamorous religion and something out of the norm. Those involved in Wicca claim to have a depth of power far greater than the average person. But where does this power come from?

Wiccans say their power comes from several sources: Spirit (they define this as God), the Elements, the Ancestors and the Angels. Witches use their own power power of the mind to manifest what they need. They believe that through the centuries, humans have suppressed many of their innate talents, including the power of the mind.

They’ll tell you that we’ve become lazy and access only what we think we need, and that we don’t bother to use a huge portion of our mind power. It’s from this unused mind that abilities such as clairvoyance, telekinesis and extrasensory perception (ESP) are found. According to Wiccans, everyone has these abilities, but most people don’t use them. But witches strive to strengthen these natural gifts.

The Cone of Power

Where do witches get their power? It actually comes from Satan, but Wiccans describe it differently. Picture a three-sided witches’ hat. It resembles a triangle, and that’s representative of the "cone of power."

According to Silver Ravenwolf, in her book, Teen Witch, witchcraft encompasses three sides (angles) of belief: Love, Positive Creativity and Spirit. The bottom of the hat, or the foundation of the Craft, is love. Love can soothe the soul, open a door and make us all one. The witch does her best to love all creatures big or small.

The second side of the hat is Positive Creativity. Wiccans believe the main purpose of being human falls under the art of creation or how you invest your time. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you create in a positive way.

Spirit makes up the third side of the hat. Witches believe that God in whatever form exists, is within us and around us and is willing to help us if we only ask. God is often called the Lord and the Lady, because witches see God as both masculine and feminine. Allah, Jesus and Buddha are all faces of the masculine side of God.

Wiccans also give equal importance to the feminine side of God. By putting the three sides of the hat together Love, Positive Creativity and Spirit Wiccans create a cone of power from which their magick (real magick vs. illusionary magic) energy comes from. Witches believe they can perform miracles for themselves and others through a cone of power. This is their source of power for living in the 21st century.

Confusing Thoughts

If you’re confused, you should be! Trying to combine these elements of love, creativity and some kind of divinity to cope with the stresses of life is ultimately impossible. And when you step back and look at the big picture, you realize the power Wicca offers is very self-centered, self-dependent and limited. In reality, the power for living that we need in the midst of our human weakness must come from outside ourselves. This power must be unlimited, or it’s of no value to us. You already know what I’m getting at, don’t you? This power can only be found in one place.

It’s described in a book and is available to all who desire it. This power is unlimited and it can overcome even the most seemingly insurmountable problems. The source of this power is the living God  the God of the Bible.

God is all-powerful, and His infinite power is demonstrated in several ways. He’s the One who formed the unborn child (Psalm 139:13-16) and created the heavens (Jeremiah 32:17). Nothing is too hard for Him, and He does as He pleases (Psalm 115:3).

In biblical times, God’s power over nature was frequently demonstrated in miracles everything from the plagues in Egypt to stilling a storm (Mark 4:35-41) to walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33).

God’s power is also obvious in His control of the course of history. In Acts 17:26 we read, "From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth, and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live."

God’s Power Reigns!

One of the most amazing demonstrations of God’s power is in human life and personality. In many ways changing a person’s personality is far more difficult than creating or lifting a large rock. It’s not easy altering human nature, but God does it every day. In respect to power for this life and securing our eternal destiny, Jesus said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible" (Matthew 19:26, New Living Translation).

Yet, by far the greatest display of God’s power was the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Bible speaks of this power in 2 Corinthians 13:4: "Although he died on the cross in weakness, he now lives by the mighty power of God. We, too, are weak, but we live in him and have God’s power" (New Living Translation). This same power that brought Jesus back from the dead is available to help us live life today and give us hope for tomorrow.

Wicca’s Power Falters

The power that Wicca offers is limited and bogus. Keep in mind that Wicca is a man-made religion of preferences that was started in Great Britain in 1952. Part of Satan’s plan is to deceive us and counterfeit all that God is and does. Satan loves to disguise himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Because he is a created being (Ezekiel 28:13, 15), his power is limited. Satan and his demonic servants work at deceiving us by appearing good and attractive. Many unsuspecting teens and adults looking for power are following sincerely deceived religious-sounding people into Satan’s snare of Wicca.

Think of the search for power in another way: If you really want the kind of power that can change your life and help you face the pressures of living in the 21st Century, why would you want to rely on another created being with limited power, or on yourself trying to use a cone of power?

The wise thing to do would be to find the source of unlimited power and plug into it. When you decide to follow Jesus and establish a personal relationship with Him, you plug into all the power of the universe. The search for power begins and ends with Jesus. Rely on Him to give you the strength to overcome any struggle you may be facing today. Let this promise found in Philippians 4:13 encourage and guide you: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

 This article appeared in Brio magazine in 2001 by Steve Russo. 
Some of you who have heard part of my personal testimony know that my mom died when I was 19 years old as an alcoholic and a practicing witch. I had just starting walking again after several months of rehab. You see, before I knew the Lord, I had a car accident while drinking and driving and I rolled a 1956 Chevy about 8 or 9 times doing 140 miles an hour (it was supped up with a 455 Buick engine and a turbo charged automatic transmission) while crossing over a bridge in Turner Kansas. 
Back then they use to call me Hot Rod Todd and Flash Gordon. They don't call me that anymore. Witnesses say that I hit a construction barrel full of sand, and my car did six rolls in the air and three on the ground end over end and that I had flown out of the windshield and flew nearly 75 feet over an overpass and landed in the middle of the highway (K-32) curled up like a ball. They say I died three times that night. I came back twice on my own in the ambulance and they had to bring me back with the electro-shockers (or whatever they are called) the third time. I woke up in the hospital 24 hours later with a severe concusion, a string of stitches in my head, cuts and bruises all over my body and ALL of the legiments in both knees torn to shreads. I was 18 years old at the time and had been a full blown teenage alcoholic since I was 15.  That was my first promise never to drink and drive again and I had to spend about 6 months in two full leg casts. Ten years later I found myself in a treatment center wondering why I couldn't stop drinking on my own and 14 years later here I am typing in a blog in AWE of God. 
As stated earlier, my mom died a practicing witch. She wasn't in a coven or anything and she didn't really consider herself to be a wiccan. She was more like a witch rebel wanna be. She was actually a great women and would do anything for anyone when she wasn't passed out on the couch drunk on Vodka. There was another witch that lived up the street and a warlock named Bill who stopped by on a regular basis. They use to get together and conjure up spirits and cast spells and stuff. I witnessed many strange rituals and cleaned up the mess a few times. I guess because I was so numb from the drinking & drugging in my own life, that the rituals and the other stuff that I accidently walked in on became sort of normal. I even tried dabbling in it on my own as well by reading my moms "Man, Myth & Magic" books. There was absolutley no doubt in my mind that there was a spiritual world that could be accessed if you knew what you were doing. Needless to say, it was a very dark time in my life. Then when my mom passed away when I was 19, I went into a deep depression and tried to drink the pain away and like I said, finally ended up in a treatment center. There is a lot more to the story of course, but I want to try and stay on track. 
I guess what I am trying to say is that my life was NOT NORMAL and that something was incredibly wrong with my family. My dad was a drunk, me and my sisters drank, did drugs and skipped school, and my mom was an alcoholic witch who knew just enough about the spiritual forces of darkness that she allowed the devil to use her as his puppet one time too many and she died without knowing the the true source of power, through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So "DON'T BE FOOLED" by the devil's schemes!  He is real and he doesn't play fair.
After I became a born-again believer in my early 30's, I believe that the God of the Bible, by the power of His Holy Spirit, revealed to me in a way that only I could understand, what had happened in my past and why He allowed it to happen the way that it did. Today, I have perfect peace about it and know that I am suppose to share my story in God's good timing and use it to encourage others to seek the truth and not be fooled into believing the lies of the one whom He created and cast out of the heavenlies long before man was ever formed from the dust of the earth.      
I know now that JESUS IS MY TRUTH and not even Satan himself can take that away from me...  ever... 
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."  Ephesians 6:10-13

Submitted: March 19, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
Did I tell you about Edith?  She recently gave me permission to tell everyone that she is no longer practicing wicca and has turned in her tarot cards and her dream interpretation cards for Redemption cards.  Amen Edith!  I call her the Witch that Switched!  We giggle about it but we are extremely serious about it and are grateful and truly thankful to God for opening Edith's eyes to the dangers of practicing any type of sorcery. Apparently Edith is a born-again Christian who, at one time, thought it was ok to claim to be Christian and be a wiccan too. She now knows that there is no such thing as a born-again christian witch.

The Bible says that we cannot serve two masters. As stated in the book of Joshua Chapter 24 verse 15, Edith has chosen this day whom she will serve... I praise God for Edith and for her testimony...  
Here is a quick word search on witchcraft from the Bible...
Deuteronomy 18:10
Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,
 
Deuteronomy 18:9-11 (in Context) Deuteronomy 18 (Whole Chapter)

2 Kings 9:22
When Joram saw Jehu he asked, "Have you come in peace, Jehu?" "How can there be peace," Jehu replied, "as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?" 2 Kings 9:21-23 (in Context) 2 Kings 9 (Whole Chapter)

2 Chronicles 33:6
He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking him to anger. 2 Chronicles 33:5-7 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 33 (Whole Chapter)

Micah 5:12
I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.Micah 5:11-13 (in Context) Micah 5 (Whole Chapter)

Nahum 3:4
all because of the wanton lust of a harlot, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft.
Nahum 3:3-5 (in Context) Nahum 3 (Whole Chapter)

Galatians 5:20
idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions Galatians 5:19-21 (in Context) Galatians 5 (Whole Chapter)


Submitted: March 15, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
As a follow up to my previous entry.  I am still at awe at what the Lord is doing with Redemption. HIS timing is ALWAYS perfect.  Here is a brief snapshot of what recently transpired. As you all know, we had some special guests here from Hot Springs Arkansas. We had an awesome time over the weekend and it was evident that Pastor Jerald of Linwood Baptist Church has a true heart for the Lord and for the youth in his community.  
Prior to their arrival, as we were coordinating the trip, I had originally planned for them to stay at my home church at Camden Point Baptist church overnight and attend our service on Sunday morning. Then I found out that they would have a group of ten to fifteen coming. Well, that changed the dynamics a little so I prayed about it and while I was praying, I believe that God layed it on my heart to ask Harmony Vineyard if we could stay there, which seemed to be located fairly close to the tournament and also directly on their way back to Arkansas. The cool thing is that the very week that I began to pray about it, I was also scheduled to meet with part of their Awana group (T&Tr's) to do a presentation about Redemption.  God is soooo good...  to my surprise, the Awana Director, Mr. Brad Boyd, just happened to be the very man that I sat next to on the bus when we went up to Washington DC for the Stand in the Gap Promise Keeper's event back in 1997. I spent 36 hours (18 to DC and 18 back) sitting next to Brad on the bus and I hadn't seen him since the event back in ' 97.  So I thought that was pretty cool. 
Anyway, the Redemption presentation for the Awana group went even better than I had hoped, and the kids seemed really excited. So a couple of days later, I called Harmony to ask them if they would allow us to stay the night and worship with them on Sunday. The very day that I called, I got a YES!  And not only did the good folks at Harmony say yes, Ms. Deborah Shanks, their Childrens' Pastor suggested that we call the YMCA to arrange for us to use their facilities to change and get cleaned up on Sunday morning. I called YMCA and explained the situation and the Executive Director at YMCA did not hesitate to give me approval to do so at NO Charge. Then I called YMCA the next day to thank them again and to finalize the times that we would be there and Mr. Jeremy Medlin answered who just happens to be our Youth Pastor from my own church in Camden Point Missouri. I immediately recognized his voice and said, "Hello Jeremy, I didn't know you worked at this YMCA".  I knew that he had been working part time for YMCA, but I didn't know it was THAT one.  Another cool God thang...    
So Saturday morning the crew from Arkansas shows up for the tournament. We had a record number of 47 that weekend and just had a great time together in true Christian fellowship. That night we stayed at Harmony (in their huge fellowship hall) which was conveniently located just three or four miles from the tournament. We woke up the next day, and had to drive nearly a half a block just to get breakfast, then we had to go a whole two blocks to get get cleaned up at the YMCA and get back to the church. Then at lunch, we had to drive all the way across the street, almost a whole block down the road just for lunch.  Man, all of this long distance traveling was really wearing us out. Are you getting the picture?  God is Soooo AWESOME!  Everything was so convenient. He arranged this to happen just the way it did so that He could get ALL the Honor and ALL the Glory.  And HE DID TOO!  I'm still praising HIM!  Just before lunch, after the service, we made a really big circle out in the church parking lot and each of us said a "goodbye/safe travel/thank you for all you do/you are so awesome in my life" prayer and lifted up a quick thank you for the lunch we were about to have and when I looked up and saw Harmony Vineyard from the other end of the parking lot I said, "now that's a REDEMPTION CHURCH if I have ever seen one!" Man, it looked like a Fortress right off of a redemption card. It was perfect! 
And as some of you may know, I was able to get a picture off of their website at www.harmonyvineyard.com (check it out) and created a sample redemption card called "Fortress of Harmony" and dedicated it to Pastor John and the congregation at Harmony as a token of appreciation for their prompt obedience to God in allowing us to fellowship with them and use their facility on such short notice.  
Believe it or not, I have a lot more to tell you, but I just don't have the time to write it all down at the moment. But I will try and add to the story as soon as I can so please check back in a couple of days. Ok, I'll tell you one more thing... then I gotta go... During the tournament on Saturday, and at every event, I always say that we are Christian's first and Redemption card players second. Well, on Sunday at Harmony, Pastor John's sermon was about being Christian first, and American second. Of course, the sermon went into a lot more detail and expanded into other related topics, but I thought that was pretty cool and God's timing again, was absolutely perfect.  Go a head... Praise HIM... for He is Worthy of our Praise!   
  
Todd <><

Submitted: March 6, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
WOW!  What  a weekend!  We just had our March 2006 District at Omega Bookstore...  and I believe that God was well represented there. We had a record number of participants, a record number of trade ins, a record number of Redemption presentations given to spectators and parents interested in learning more. A record number of experienced redemption players from other playgroups that have never attended one of our tournaments before. We even had a huge group of Type II players come all the way up from Hot Springs Arkansas just to fellowship with us and play redemption. God was indeed in THE HOUSE this weekend. We also broke the record on the number of starter decks sold during a tournament hosted by Omega and Redemption Central. It was totally awesome to witness and experience the power of the Holy Spirit do what only He can do.
We had 47 participants total, collected over four thousand six hundred and twenty Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, we had 18 new experienced players that have never played with us before, did 3 individual redemption presentations and sold 8-10 Starter Decks (includes 2 from the sealed draft on Friday) for Omega Bookstore, not to mention all the booster packs that were purchased over the weekend.  We also started accepting booster wrappers and collected  390 wrappers in about a 15 minute period.  
To date, exactly 12 months from the date of our first official tournament back in March of 2005 in a small country town at Camden Point Baptist Church, we have collected TEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN POKEMON AND YU-GI-OH CARDS!  Give or take a couple of magic cards... That's what happens when you put on the Full Armor of God and not only stand your ground, but as God gives the increase, move forward in Jesus name to take back territory that belongs to the Kingdom of Heaven!   
Are YOU excited yet?  I am!  Stay tuned... I'm not done sharing... I'll be back to share more about how God has totally blessed us this past weekend. It has to do with Harmony Vineyard and my new brothers in Christ from Hot Springs Arkansas and a Wiccan who gave up her tarot cards and is now playing redemption.  I tell you the truth my friends, I continue to be amazed... daily! 
In HIS Service, Always
Todd <><

Submitted: January 11, 2006  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
    
Greetings Crazy Redemption Fanatics!
GOD IS GOOD!  All the time!  ALL THE TIME!  God is good!
We have an exciting year ahead of us. Omega Christian Bookstore has agreed to start doing regular tournaments at the mall twice a month. Our plan is to try and do as many locals as we can, do three Districts and one Missouri State tournament this year. We were going to try and tackle a Regional but decided to wait until 2007. 
Doing the locals twice a month will help us build consistentcy and increase our momentum and hopefully help us bring a NATIONALS back to Kansas City in 2007. We already have the much needed support from Cactus Game Design and they are really excited about what we are doing. We also have several redemption vetrans in the area coming on board to help facilitate the process. God does indeed answer prayer. We have Nick Goodner, who will facilitate the locals, and act as tournament Official at each event and Jason O'Rourke, part owner at Cactus Game Design and true Redemption guru. We also have others that will be joining us later that I know some of you will be excited to see again!  More about that later...
The locals will start on Saturday February 4th, 2006 from 12pm to 6pm. We will try to have one every 1st and 3rd Saturday going forward and toggle in the Districts and the State tournaments as needed. Please see the attached schedule for 2006 for more information. Also attached is the flyer for our next District which is scheduled for March 3rd and 4th. We had originally scheduled it for March 10th & 11th but decided to move it up a week so it would fall on a regular play date. We will also continue doing the pre-tournament "Deck Building" workshops before each District and above.
Please start telling your friends about Redemption and plan on attending as many tournaments as you can this year (especially the bigger ones) so we can reach more kids for Christ and make a real difference for the Kingdom of God one soul at a time!  Thanks again for your continued participation. Without you it just wouldn't work... so thank you so much.

Submitted: December 16, 2005  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
Greetings Redemption Snow Warriors!
Our recent District tournament at Omega Bookstore went very well!  God is good!  Thanks again to each of you for making it a great tournament. And thanks to Kelso's for the pizza and to Zach Jennings for coming out and singing a few songs for us. Zach is a very talented and gifted musician/guitar player from Camden Point Baptist Church.
      
We had 37 participants over the weekend. Ten of them were new to the game of Redemption so we had a great beginner's tournament going on the side both days. We also collected another 700 Pokemon/Yu-Gi-Oh cards which brings our current collection total to about 4700 cards since March of this year!  
Our next Omega "District" tournament is scheduled for March 10th & 11th at Metro North Mall with a pre-tournament deck building workshop on Saturday March 4th (10am-1pm). The deck building workshop is designed to introduce Redemption to your friends and to help beginners understand the game better and get their decks ready for the official tournaments. I encourage everyone to attend whether you know everything or not because believe it or not, your personal presence alone makes a HUGE statement to those just getting started. I'm also working on a "Local" for February and will email you the info once I have it available  
Are you ready for some really exciting news?  We are now in a position to seriously contend for a bid in 2006
to do a State and Regional Tournament. But we are not stopping there. We are going for the NATIONALS bid for 2007!  Is that exciting or WHAT?!!!
So in 2006, we will shoot for our next District in March, a State in May, a Regional in July, take a trip to the Nationals in August, come back and do another District in October at Omega with as many locals as we can do through out the year. If we do this, we should have plenty of momentum to bring a Nationals here in 2007. It's aggressive, but NOTHING is impossible for GOD!  Amen?  I am praying for the attendance at the Nationals to double or even triple by August of 2007. That would be 1,000 participants in one three day event. I had the privilege of going to a Promise Keepers event in Wahsington DC in October of 1997 with over 1.5 million men on the mall at the same time. Now that's a lot of participants!  Having that kind of experience has definately expanded my perspective, so 1,000 participants at a Redemption tournament in 2007 is not hard for me to see in my spirit, never the less, that is what I am praying for in the mighty name of JESUS who is my Lord and my King, who was and is and is to come!  God's will be done...    
Thanks again for your continued participation in this AWESOME Christian based Trading Card Game!  Let's continue to lift up the name of Jesus together and He will do the rest!

Submitted: November 5, 2005  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
MT ZION JOINS THE BATTLE!
Had our first official Redemption Tournament at Mt Zion Baptist Church. We had over 20 participants!  Praise God!

Submitted: October 25, 2005  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude

IMPORTANT NEWS FLASH!!!!

REDEMPTION on the Radio!

On behalf of Redemption Central, Omega Bookstore and Cactus Game Design, we just wanted to say thanks again to the listeners out there and to the "Loshman" for allowing us the opportunity to join him on his radio broadcast at KCXL 1140 AM on Sunday evening October 23, 2005. The show went extremely well and the redemption players and I had an awesome time. We shared about Redemption, a little bit about our own personal testimonies and even shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. John Nesfeder, Josh Pearson, Cody Lee and Levi Stillwell all did a really good job. Thank you guys!  And John Losh (Loshman) also did an excellent job as well and we really appreciate his sincere heart for the Lord. 

Submitted: September 29, 2005  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude

We just wanted to say thanks to everyone who was able to participate in our recent Redemption Tournament at Omega Bookstore. We had 23 participants over the weekend including our good friend and brother in Christ from Emporia Kansas Nat Pearson.

It was a great success and we could not have done it without you. We also want to say thanks to Omega for hosting the tournament and to Metro North for providing the tables and chairs to use and to Kelso's Pizza. And thanks to John, Luke and Alan for helping us judge the tough calls and to those of you who helped with the scoring. And of course a special thank you to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because without HIM it would all be meaningless. THANK YOU so much!

We sure had a good time! We even had some parents playing. What a great way to hang out with your kids. We gave out extra prizes, ate pizza, shared testimonies, and played a Christian based card game in a very public atmosphere. We are very proud of each of you. You displayed Christ-like behavior and we believe you were a great witness for the Lord. We even converted one YuGiOh player. In the last two tournaments, we have collected over TWO THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED YuGiOh & Pokemon cards. WOW!  That's awesome! 
Our next event will be a one day "Local" at Camden Point Baptist Church in Camden Point MO on October 15th. See attached flyer for details. Following the October event, we will have another local at Mt Zion Baptist Church in Edgerton MO on November 5th which is a little further out then Camden Point, but we are trying to establish a play group out that way so it's important to have a couple of tournaments in that area for added reinforcement.         
We will have another "District" in December at Omega and in January of 2006, we can start moving the locals back toward the mall. It's an open schedule at this point so please lift it up in prayer and ask God for direction. If you would like for us to do one at your church, just let us know and we can talk about it.
Thanks again for your continued participation in this awesome endeaver for the Lord. Keep an eye on our website for updated pictures of our tournaments at www.redemptioncentral.20fr.com
In HIS Service,
Todd <><

Submitted: June 06, 2005  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
Greetings from Redemption Central !
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who was able to participate in our first official Redemption Tournament at Omega Bookstore. We had 27 participants over the weekend. It was a great success and we could not have done it without you. I also want to say thanks to Omega for hosting the tournament and to Metro North for providing the cool room to use and to Kelso's Pizza. And thanks to John, Christian, Alan, Greg and Luke for helping us judge the tough calls and for those of you who helped with the scoring.  And of course a special thank you to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because without HIM it would all be meaningless. THANK YOU so much!
We sure had a good time! We even had some parents playing. What a great way to hang out with your kids. We gave out extra prizes, ate pizza, shared testimonies, and played a Christian based card game in a very public atmosphere. I am very proud of each of you. You displayed Christ-like behavior and I believe you were a great witness for the Lord. We even converted 2 or 3 YuGiOh players and collected ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND FORTY EIGHT YuGiOh & Pokemon cards. WOW!  That's awesome! 
Our next District Tournament at Omega will be in August right before school starts so stay tuned and start inviting your friends. I will have a solid date for you by the end of next week. In the meantime, I believe that several of us are going to the State Tournament in Emporia Kansas next weekend. A couple of kids might be going down on Friday, and several of us (including me) will be driving down on Saturday. If you want to go, send me an email to let me know and I will get you some more information. Here are the some of the details...   
Emporia, KS June 17-18, 2005

State (open) Host: Nat Pearson, rpgdirector@hotmail.com. Location: Sporadic Games, 1638 Industrial Road, Emporia, KS, 66801. Type: All. Closed Deck Categories ($10.00), Type 1 & 2 Categories ($3.00). Starts:TBA. More info can be found here:

http://www.covenantgames.com/2005ksstate_schedule.htm

Thanks again for being part of the recent Omega Redemption Tournament and I look forward to getting you a flyer for the one in August. Have a great day and keep winning souls for the Kingdom of God.

   

Submitted: April 21, 2005  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
OMEGA JOINS THE BATTLE!
Good afternoon. Just wanted to give you a quick update. As planned, John Nesfeder and I recently met with the owners of Omega Christian Bookstore and they are excited about promoting Redemption. They were already selling Redemption products, but they have never had anyone come along side and help them promote it. Our meeting went very well and I am happy to announce that Omega will be hosting their first tournament on June 3rd and 4th 2005. We decided to skip the local tournament and kick it off with a DISTRICT, which will attract more Redemption Players as far out 2-4 hours away. We are really excited about it.  Attached is a flyer for your viewing pleasure. I have also made some updates to our "Redemption Central" website. Check it out at: www.redemptioncentral.20fr.com
Also, John and I recently attended the Acquire the Fire event at Kemper Arena with a church group of 215 kids. The ATF event was awesome!  We passed out 200 flyers, had 2 or 3 games of Redemption (with 4-6 kids playing) during lunch and dinner and as Kids were stopping by to see what was going on, we tried to talk to them and invite them to the tournament. I was also able to talk to 3 or 4 youth pastors who were very interested and said they would mention the tournament to their youth group.  I gave each of them a few flyers. It was kind of cool. The theme for the weekend was "Get Real with God" and it ended with a great message about enlisting in God's Army and to "Join the Battle" which is what Redemption is all about. We are working hard to promote the event and look forward to it. We will also be doing a pre-tournament "Deck Building" workshop for beginners on Saturday May 28th from 1pm to 3pm.   

Submitted: March 18, 2005  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
Yesterday, I created a redemption website using a FREE online sitelet process to help get the redemption word out here in our neck of the woods. I guess the word is spreading fast about the "Trade In" offer and I'm already starting to get emails asking about it.  I'm excited and I look forward to using it as a tool to reach kids for Christ. Attached is the "Trade In" form I used in my recent Redemption Tournament at Camden Point Baptist Church. So far we have collected almost 600 Yu-Gi-Oh and Poke'mon cards as a result of our "Trade In" idea.   

Submitted: March 17, 2005  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
Our website is under construction and should be up and running soon!  We will callit Redemption Central.

Submitted: March 12, 2005  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
Had our first official Redemption Tournament at Camden Point Baptist Church. We had 8 participants!  Praise God!

Submitted: March 11, 2005  
Written by: The HolyGhostDude
REDEMPTION BREAKS OUT IN CAMDEN POINT!
Camden Point Baptist Church is hosting their first Official Redemption Tournament. Redemption is a Christian card game which was introduced in 1995 by Rob Anderson of Cactus Game Design. Today, there are over 1300 different Redemption trading cards available with local, regional and national tournaments scheduled across the US.  Redemption is a collectable trading card game that uses biblical principles to cast Hero's against Evil Characters to strategically rescue lost souls for the Kingdom of God. 

This is sort of where it all began.... for Redemption Central...


 


 


 


 


 

 
   
 

God is Good... All the Time... All the Time... God is Good...