Best Lemonade in Houston at Irma's Southwest Grill

Irma's Southwest Grill Entrance

After the Men at the Cross event in Houston we had a Victory lunch at Irma's Southwest Grill. All I can say is that it was the best Mexican food I've ever had. Shrimp tacos, enchiladas, Salsa that just makes you want to cry when you have to leave, and the absolute best lemonade in the world. Great atmosphere and just a fun time with the Leadership of MATC and the Houston regional team. Great guys and gals who truly have a heart for the men of Houston.

Irma's Southwest Grill's, now famous to me, lemonade.

Enjoy the pictures. Hopefully I'll get around to getting all the names right at some point. Feel free to jump in there and help.

 Joe White with Jeff, Bruce, and Louie Owners of Irma's Southwest Grill

 Joe White with Kampers and friends at Irma's

As a side note, all you Tim Oliphant, American Gladiator fans might like to know that Tim threw out the beginning pitch at the Springfield Cardinals baseball game last night. Then he competed against the crowd, the dominoes pizza guy, etc. in between innings. I didn't get to go because I was standing in a 3 hour line for getting one of my sons fitted and signed up for football.

The only way I made it through that ordeal was talking to Kamp Dad, Dana Barnett [hope I spell the names right] and his son Brandon. It was great to get to know them. We have such great parents at Kanakuk. Huge fans of what we are doing. It's so encouraging to hear and see from you first hand the impact Kamp has on your kids. In my position at Kanakuk I don't get a lot of time with the kids and parents. So, when God puts me in those situations I always feel blessed.

I've been very busy the last few days and appreciate your patience as I get caught up on my blogging. I love these conversations with you. Thanks for checking back.

This week and last I have had lots of conversations about connectersations that the Director's want to have with you and your kids. I haven't seen the Director's so hungry for time communicating with the kids they met this summer. They clearly miss the Kampers and want the summer to last. One of the ways they hope to share more of the year with you and your kids is through blogs. Watch for them to get started in the next month or so. It's going to fun.


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American Gladiators, Tim Oliphant on stage with Joe White and Bishop Larry Jackson

 

Tim Oliphant is entertained by questions from Joe White 

At this past weekends Houston, Texas Men at the Cross event Kanakuk's very own Tim Oliphant, winner of this year's American Gladiators show took the stage with Joe White and Bishop Larry Jackson.

It happened at 9:45 on Saturday morning. Joe and Bishop Jackson got up and did a little "Who's on first" skit and then Joe talked about it taking a lot of people to make an event like this happen. Joe then invited one of the "video guys" up on stage and it was Tim. Joe and Larry started peppering him with questions. So you do video stuff? You're not a very big guy are you? Tim tells them that he's like 5'8" and 145 pounds. (can't remember the specifics there but that's close) They ask him, "You ever get in any fights?" Tim says well kind of. this goes on for a few rounds of the big guys that Tim's been in a tussle with and ends with him saying that he beat one of of them twice and that he had three of his friends with him and he beat them too. Then they started saying "Prove it." Then Tim played a video montage of scenes from the Gladiator show.

After the video, Tim shared how the American Gladiators experience has shown him how important it is to be prepared. Using the David and Goliath story from the Bible Tim shared that David had spent a life being a shepherd, relying on God and practicing his slingshot skills. Tim commented that the show was physically, emotionally exhausting and that he spent a lot of his time during the taping of the sho on his knees. Getting strength from God. He emphasized that we can't go into life's battles not prepared to battle the evil one and that the way to do that is through a relationship with Jesus Christ through reading his Word and meditation on it.

It was a great segment of the event and I was glad Tim did it. Even though he got hassled by security everytime he showed up at the event! It didn't help that my phone went dead and he couldn't call to get any help! My bad. Sorry Tim. I hope you had a great time. It was awesome.

If you were at the Houston event and have comments or questions for Tim post them here and he'll see them. Tell us what you thought of the Houston Men at the Cross event.

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Houston Men at the Cross with Joe White

View from were I sat stage side at Men at the Cross - Houston

I got home mid afternoon today (Sunday) from an amazing weekend traveling with Joe White to the Men at the Cross event in Houston, Texas. The event was held at the Toyota Center and approximately 5000 men attended. I've spent time with my family, taken a short nap and watched some Olympics. I have pictures from back stage at the event and stories to tell from the trip. The photo above doesn't say much about the event. Call it a teaser if you will, much like this e-mail. Tomorrow I will try to post first about the things I saw God do at the event.

Other topics on the list:

American Gladiators, Tim Oliphant on stage with Joe White and Bishop Larry Jackson
Men at the Cross speakers for Houston
Meal at Irma's Southwest Grill
3 services at 2nd Baptist of Houston
Brandon Heath Concert
The Kanakuk Booth
Kampers Spotted in Houston
99 Balloons video
Coffee in a Cabinet
Views from the Omni Hotel
Notes on my trip buddy Greg O'Dell.
"Houston has the best restaurants anywhere!" - Doug Goodwin

Seriously, you have got to check in here the next few days.

I love being home with my wife and kids.

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Tim Oliphant American Gladiators Winner Gives God the credit

After an exhausting week, Tim Oliphant is finishing his summer duties strong. Tim has a lot of video work to do to get ready for Kanakuk Kamps coming to your town later this Fall and Winter.

The media coverage of Tim has been pretty fun to watch, but it wasn't until this article in the Branson Daily News that Tim felt like "This is what it is all about, finally, a media outlet got it right!!!!"

Branson Daily News - Faith, family, friends fan the fire.


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Tim Oliphant Wins the American Gladiators Competition!

I just got home from being at the American Gladiators watch party at the IMAX. Tim was a great host and an extremely gracious winner. He did awesome and took home the big prize. You could tell that he has just loved every minute of this thing. It seemed like a great big burden lifted when he won and was finally able talk about everything. How you saw Tim behave on TV, even a little of the over the top comments, is really Tim. He's a fun guy, and so positive about every area of his life. I'm so glad he got to do this.

I did blog from the party but am just now getting to post. See below. In the craziness of the after show festivities I forgot to get a picture of the inTimidator post win. Maybe something in the morning after his interviews??

Tim opened the Watch Party with a hilarious Conan O’Brian style “Welcome to the IMAX!” video that he created. I don’t know if it will ever go public.

The Theater was almost full as the 3rd semi-finals portion of the show started.

KY3 TV News out of Springfield, Missouri is here shooting some footage. It’s not 7:30 yet and just about every seat is full.

During one of the commercials Tim tested the I’m Third commercial on the audience and there was big applause at the end.

As the finals begin, there is only seating space available on the stairs. The theater is full.
As final contender introductions are made Tim encourages the crowd to cheer for female contender Ally. He later told us that she goes to Watermark Church in Dallas.

Tim took on the contenders in the Gauntlet. he dominated the Gladiators breaking through the wall in just over 20 seconds. At the end, Tim, out of breath and peeling off his protective neck brace he announced, “It’s like a car wreck everytime”

He announced at the next commercial break that when he took on Beast in the Gauntlet that when he was shoved against the wall he cut the palm of his hand open and ended up getting 5 stitches. First injury report of the night.

Shouts of encouragement ring out as Tim is announced for Side Swipe. Tim is out of control!! He gains a 7 point lead after Side Swipe and gets a large laceration on his left forearm. Injury report #2!

Between show segments, commercials for the Beijing Olympics are running. I look forward to watching the games, but it won’t be the same fun as being here for the inTimidator’s competition.

Tim took on Titan for the third time on the Pyramid. 3 attempts, 3 victories!! I overhead Tim talking behind me and he said he changed his strategy this time.

When Tim scrambled towards the button at the top the crowd just went absolutely nuts, jumping up and down, screaming, and pumping their fists. Tim announces there was no injury on that last event, but…

Tim takes the Wall, his eye still bloody from a previous events damage (Injury #3). The crowd is going crazy as the Tim 36, Mike 11 scores are displayed.

Tim announced that the cut on his eye took 6 stitches to close and that a plastic surgeon from Beverly Hills did the work. The Doctor had been on the show “Extreme Makeover”.

Before the Eliminator the best quote from Tim was: “I just can’t wait to get out there and pound that course!”

After the show was over Tim walked to the front of the theater, everyone cheering. Shared some things about the show and took questions.

Tim talked about the filming of the events and how compressed they were.

May 6th was the day that he actually won.

Tim will be on the Ozarks Today show in the morning. If you want to e-mail Tim Oliphant you can leave a comment and I will make sure he gets the message. He reads this blog too.

I'm hoping to sit down with Tim Oliphant now that this is all over and get his reaction to winning and find out what he plans to do with the money. What's left of it after the taxes. Like it's any of my business! If he wants to share you'll read it here. Tim we'll see you at coffee! Unless LA calls!


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Tim Oliphant American Gladiators Finals Watch Party is minutes away

Thank you IMAX theater! We are having a big watch party with Tim Oliphant from American Gladiators to finally find out if he won. It all starts at 7:00 on NBC. Tim has been in interviews pretty much all day and I know he's got at least one "win or lose" interview in the morning. I'll update everyone here at Inside Kanakuk after the show.

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Tim Oliphant American Gladiators Finals Watch Party Planned

Tonight is the big night! We find out if Kanakuk's very own Tim Oliphant will be the American Gladiators champion. A watch party is planned at the IMAX theater tonight starting at 6:30pm in one of the elite cinema theaters. If you would like to attend get a hold of Tim. Seating is very limited.

I still have no idea if he is going to win or not. He's done such a good job of keeping the outcomes on the DL. Either way it will be fun to be there when Tim is finally able to talk about the whole experience and to see him be excited to win or excited for the other guy's victory. Tim more than anything seems to have enjoyed the process, the people and the experience. He says that he continues to keep in contact with the other contenders.

So don't forget to set your DVR or watch it live 7:00pm - 9:00pm on NBC. Tim will be in the second hour of the program. I'll be at the watch party!


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Tim Oliphant American Gladiator Spotted at Starbucks

I went to Starbucks this morning with my wife and her aunt who was down from Canada. While there, Tim Oliphant, from the American Gladiators show, came in. He noticed that the place was full of flies, which it was. He grabbed a Branson newspaper and started whacking the flies. It was crazy! Here are some pics.

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Tim Oliphant American Gladiators Watch Party Recap

Tim on the big screen at the American Gladiators watch party Monday Night.

Atlasphere being announced.

Ashley Robbins (blue), Jason Arellano (sitting far left) and Joe White (coming up the stairs).

Tim taking questions after the show.

Tim Oliphant talking to some of his youngest fans.

I couldn’t get a web connection at IMAX so here is a quick recap of the watch party.
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Friends of Tim filled the IMAX Cinema III theater. Tim played bouncer at the door.

As the show started the crowd began to cheer. With the first muscle flex the room erupted. Friendly “boos” rang out when Tim’s competition was introduced.

Tim taunted the Gladiators and announced that, “He’s ready!”

As Toa collided with Tim the crowd groaned, but Tim took the win in Rocketball.

Tim stood in the back with Kris Cooper during the show, laughing and critiquing his performance. He greeted people as they came and went.

Of course you know the rest because you watched the show…

After the show, the lights were brought up and Tim thanked IMAX for allowing the use of their theater. He mentioned that IMAX is thinking about doing other TV type showings in their theaters.

Tim answered questions about the show. Almost slipping up about the results of future shows. He held it together though and the future remains sealed.

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Tim Oliphant American Gladiators Watch Party Planned

Coming tomorrow...

Kanakuk Kamps, Media Director, Tim Oliphant will be on the NBC program American Gladiators for the beginning of the Semi-Finals. There will be a watch party with Tim in attendance at the Branson IMAX theater's, Elite Cinema.

If I can get an internet connection at the theater I will be blogging again, live. 7:00 PM

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Live blog on Tim Oliphant American Gladiator

REFRESH OFTEN!!! minute by minute updates.

It's 6:47 on Monday night and I'm at the Tim Oliphant American Gladiator watch party! Tim's friends and co-workers are here eating, catching up and watching the last few minutes of Wheel of Fortune in anticipation of the big event. Tim is stirring some queso.

Tim just screamed the 10 minute announcement.

Tim quote: "After the months of waiting its about stinking time. It's been a busy day."

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6:54 - Tim just screamed the 6 minute announcement.

6:59 - It's at a fever pitch now. Tim is dressed in his American Gladiator T-shirt and playing host.

7:01 - Tim quote. "I've gotta prove that I'm the man and that I can take it!"

7:05 - Tim is eyes locked on the TV screen.

7:07 - The room went absolutely nuts as Tim talked about his parents and as his famous quote came on.

Here is a picture of Tim with his "littlest fan"

7:09 - The room went crazy as Tim jumped up and down after beating Titan on Pyramid. After the celebration Tim promises to show a video Journal of that day of competition after the show is over. "If you want to see it" he says. Someone in the room says "if Tim is in it we want to see it!"


7:17 - Take the poll on the right.

7:18 - 7 seconds was not enough. The room goes quite as Tim takes a swim off the climbing wall and then erupts when Tim declares on screen that "the pressures off now I'm ready to go"

7:20 - Tim shared Rocket's trash talk just before the climbing wall: "You got your route? I got mine." "You're pretty light weight. I've gained 15 pounds since last season."

7:26 - Snapback. Tim on the show, "I'm gonna step my game up..." The crowd here goes crazy enjoying the Tim quotes.

7:30 - Tim says that ...[edited]

7:41 - Tim says that Sideswipe was the most fun event and that we should get that event at Kanakuk. He also said that the platforms have some wobble to them.

7:49 - Tim's living room is full of friends.
7:51 - The part of the show where Tim is kneeling down praying was ...[edited] Tim's response, "I'll pray where ever you want me to!" ...[edited]

7:56 - Everyone in the room is on their feet, arms pumping, screaming, laughing as Tim finishes the Eliminator in 1:24, a course record!

8:00 - As the show ends the room joins in a "standing O" for Tim.

AFTER THE SHOW

Tim says the next episode he's on is in two weeks on the 21st.

Tim's getting ready to show his video Journal after the first day of shooting.

Tim shows off his Gladiator "tats"; wounds from the first round.

Tim says that he doesn't know what happened on the Pyramid but he just went for it and made it to the top.

Tim says he keeps in almost daily contact with all the other contenders.

Typical day of shooting: start at 9:00am with van ride to studio...[edited]

[edited]

Tim said it was hard to sleep because of the adrenaline and the thinking about having to do the events.

He said there was lots of talking between contenders, playing games and stuff while waiting on the set.

When Tim went for training they took him to a Hollywood doctor and gave him a thorough physical.

Tim has two uniforms a red one and a blue one. He traded for the blue one.

Tim says there is a new event in the semifinals. He said they put the slowest guy against the fastest guy in the semifinals.

Tim says that the fun thing about Titan is that he and Tim have a rivalry, he says ...[edited]

8:37 - Joe White shows up at Tim's house during the encore showing of the episode.


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