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The Lens of Scripture

Often I am asked, “Where does the name ‘Third Lens’ come from?” The answer is an ongoing, evolving story of where we, as individuals and a ministry, came from and where we are going. The name “Third Lens” originally comes from the book Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg. In the book, he writes: “While it is fashionable in our times to analyze world events merely by looking through the lenses of politics and economics, it is also a serious mistake, for it prevents one from being able to see in three dimensions. To truly understand the significance of global events and trends, one must analyze them through a third lens as well: the Lens of Scripture. Only then can the full picture become clearer.” Epicenter and this passage spawned the vision for what Third Lens would become: an organization where the worlds of construction and design intersect with ministry. A ministry model where the principles of construction management, planning, engineering, and architecture would overlay and disrupt … [Read more...] about The Lens of Scripture

Fishers of Men

A couple of weeks ago, I was in Haiti visiting our friends at myLIFEspeaks, one of our amazing ministry partners, to work on the design and construction of a new school campus in the village of Neply. I was joined on the trip by my good friend, Tom Rhodes, an accomplished architect, photographer, Third Lens board member and all-around good dude. At the last minute, I thought to throw my fly rod in my bag as Neply is a stone’s throw from the beach. I had heard rumors there was a fishing camp where boats launched twice daily from its sandy shores into the Port-au-Prince Bay. Maybe I could find a break in our schedule to wet a line, even if for just a moment. Tom and I were able to adventure to the beach on our last afternoon in Neply. What we found on the beach was nothing short of spectacular. Boats lined the shore. They were handcrafted decades ago. All adorned masts with sails resembling those of the ancient Greeks navigating the Aegean. No motors to speak … [Read more...] about Fishers of Men

Progress In Patria

Demolition has begun in Patria! Towards the end of last year, Third Lens began a partnership with Auburn UMC and the Methodist Church of Patria on the Isle of Youth in Cuba. The Methodist Church of Patria is growing rapidly and has torn down every interior wall possible in their current building to make room for more people. The church also has 5 mission churches throughout the Isle of Youth. The goal of these mission churches is to take the gospel to the people. They meet in homes for missions as well as for weekly small group prayer meetings. God is adding to their numbers daily and as the Lord moves and the church grows, they have had the vision to construct a new church building to provide enough room for worship services, Sunday School rooms, and a small apartment upstairs to house guests. The church has acquired the cement needed for the foundation of the new church building and the congregation has come together to start demolition of the existing building room by … [Read more...] about Progress In Patria

The Next Chapter

I just recently got back from two months in Cuba. I was blessed with an opportunity to serve the Lord in Patria on the Isle of Youth working with the United Methodist Church of Patria and its ministries. I experienced the Holy Spirit movein ways that I never had before. I learned more about what the love of God looks like within his family of believers. I received more blessings than I can count. My Spanish improved a lot. I learned more about their culture and way of life. God showed me ways that I am weak and just how much I need him as well as ways in which he has given me strengths to bring glory to his name. God showed me his goodness and faithfulness in many different ways. I learned how to farm tomatoes and how to navigate the guagua (public bus). I ate more sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and ice cream than I ever had before in a span of two months. And I became part of a family that will forever be on my heart because when people seek after the Lord with all they have, the Holy … [Read more...] about The Next Chapter

New Partnership Announcement: Lecraw Engineering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 10, 2018 Brian O’Neil Third Lens Ministries 334.246.3900 info@third-lens.org  New Partnership: LeCraw Engineering Atlanta, GA:  Third Lens Ministries is pleased to announce its newest Industry Partnership with LeCraw Engineering, an Atlanta-based engineering firm. A civil engineering firm providing a wide range of civil engineering, landscape architecture, and land surveying services to clients throughout the US, LeCraw Engineering, Inc. will provide Third Lens with various design and engineering services and actively participate in several projects per year. “I couldn’t be more excited to have LeCraw Engineering join the mission of Third Lens with their contribution of resources and employees volunteering to work on several of our projects.” said Brian O’Neil, Third Lens’ Executive Director.  “Mark and Jeff are leaders in their church, community and industry. It’s an honor to partner with this great company.” “From day one, … [Read more...] about New Partnership Announcement: Lecraw Engineering