The Pick Two Menu

There are many things I enjoy in life. Frozen Ice Pops. The Gravitron at carnivals. Harrison Ford in a Fedora. But there are few things I enjoy more than the Pick Two Menu from Panera Bread. It is a simply brilliant concept. Instead of simply getting a sandwich, a bowl of soup or a salad, you can actually get two of these items, albeit smaller portions, for almost the exact same price. So not only can you indulge yourself in a juicy Asiago Roast Beef sandwich, but you can couple it with a tangy Fuji Apple Salad and not break the piggy bank. Not only does this provide for a multitude of tastes during one’s meal, but it also gives one reason to rejoice after hitting all six food groups in a single meal. I was experiencing this exact feeling of illation last Friday afternoon as I chomped into my delicious sandwich. But this wasn’t the only reason I was excited.

Nick and I were currently in Cincinnati, Ohio. We had spent the previous night with our friends Bill and Justine. They were totally awesome. Not only did they let us crash at their apartment, but they had also recorded the season finale of “The Office” which we eagerly watched until 1 in the morning. Their hospitality was amazing and we really appreciate their help!

The next morning Nick and I headed over to Panera to get some grub and use their free wireless. It was Friday, which for youth pastors, is the beginning of their weekend. So with no meetings lined up, we tried to catch up on other work we’ve been forced to ignore with our busy schedule. It was during this time that Nick started up a phone conversation with Chris, a regional manager of K-Love, the largest Christian Radio Network in the country with over 600 stations. Chris really dug what we were doing and wanted to talk more in person. Being that we were already at Panera, Chris decided stop by for some lunch. Which as you probably have gathered by now, lead to a scrumptious Pick Two combination that I’m still dreaming about.

We had a really exciting meeting with Chris and his wife Leigh. Chris had previously been a pastor for a number of years, but had recently changed careers and become involved with K-Love – positive and encouraging. K-Love isn’t only radio station, but a real ministry tool that has led thousands of people to Christ and averted thousands of possible suicides. The K-Love team is doing some really amazing work.

We talked with Chris about Next Step Ministries and how we could possibly team up with K-Love to promote both of our ministries. Music has always been an incredibly important aspect of our organization. Every night on our mission trips we have some really talented musicians lead our students in worship. It is during this time that students begin to stop seeing themselves as individuals and start to see themselves as one under Jesus Christ. In an effort to provide the best worship experience possible, Next Step Ministries has teamed up with Quick Artist Agency, a Christian music label, to bring professional Christian bands to Hancock County, Mississippi. These bands will lead worship throughout the week work along side the students. We thing it will be a unique and inspiring experience.

We also talked with Chris about the long-term vision of Next Step Ministries. In the coming years, we hope to start a Christian festival with bands and speakers. This would provide another opportunity for students to strengthen their faith and bond in fellowship. Chris was really into our vision and had a number of awesome ideas for us.

Nick and I are very thankful that Chris and Leigh took the time to meet with us and we are super excited to see where God will take this relationship in the future.

After Chris left we packed up belongings, waved goodbye to Panera and hit the road for Nashville, Tennessee.