July 2007 Entries
Church Visit 7: Cocalico Community Chapel and Celebrate Life
Cocalico Community Chapel
Sunday took me to Denver, PA to visit Pastor John Miklas and Cocalico Community Chapel at their early service . I met John a few years ago. A matter of fact we had lunch with his staff and the NewSong staff, it was a nice time of fellowship. A couple of years ago John lead the church to move its services to Gehman’s Mennonite School and it is there that they live as a “church in the box” weekly. What a task it is to get the place set up and ready to receive people. Yet as I arrived I saw special signage for first time visitors and an active parking team. The way the building was set up looked really good. Still I could imagine that set-up and tear down would get old after time. This was an unusual Sunday, in that they were originally planning to have “Church in the Park” along with a church picnic but the call for bad weather tanked their plans and they had services as they normally would – two services at 9 and 10:45 AM. The service began with some simple praise and worship choruses led by the Worship Pastor and small band. I “guessed” by the songs that they were talking about evangelism or missions, but not because it was verbally communicated. My hunch was right! I figure that because of the change in venue, some of the morning was put together on the fly or at the last minute. Not that it was bad, but certainly you could tell people were not “in the rhythm” of the day! John spoke on “3D Living” taken from the Bill Hybels book – “Just Walk Across the Room.” I had read the book and knew of some of the principles. John did a good job of re-working the principles and presenting them in a personal way. I have to admit that this fall I am launching a major thrust on evangelism and living out the great commission daily, so it was good to “prime my pump!” He did a great job utilizing part of Hybel’s video of the same name of the book as well as had some people from the church give testimony of how they were building bridges in the lives of the lost. This was really good! As he finished, he called people to pray how they could reach out to the lost and had a man in the church sing a thematically connected song to tie everything together. The only disappointment was the lack of scripture or more so teaching from the scriptures. The Bible and various passages were mentioned but more so used as illustrations to the principles taught. I had to run out and get to the next church but I was encouraged that in Denver there is a church attempting to be outreach oriented in a non-programmatic way.
Celebrate Life Christian Church
The name says it all – “Celebrate!” – and this church certainly does that….and it should for a number of reasons. I first made contact with this church eight years ago when I ran into a dynamite soloist from CLCC and had her sing at NewSong. She has since left the area. Then this past January, one of the elders of the church took my Grad School class at LBC and we interacted a lot and especially about the history and nature of the church. The church began over tens years ago from a “Christian Church” denomination plant. Christian Church is evangelical but it has a number of interesting distinctive for instance baptism regeneration, having communion each week and a slight charismatic leaning. CLCC Has gone through some difficult times. It was mentioned that two years ago they were down to 58 people – today they are cruising in the mid 200’s. What is the difference? Very simple they have a tremendous new pastor. Steve Taylor came about a year ago and he is a go getter!! I really like him. He talks about repentance, the priority of prayer, by what I heard this Sunday – he is aggressively going after people. I have to tell you, he fits the exact profile of George Barna’s Turn Around Church pastor! He has single-handedly, breathed new life into the church and it is on the move! I had a chance to meet Steve this past week and was very impressed with him, that is why I changed my visitation schedule and went to CLCC. The church meets in a converted office complex on Oregon Pike. They have a small lobby, set of class rooms and a large group meeting area that fits 100-120 comfortably. They have three service – fantastic – they recognize the bigger the net, the better the chance to capture some people. The service starts with Pastor Steve welcoming people, praying and then encourage greeting people. Here is one reason they will continue to turn around – their people aggressively reached out to people and made every one feel welcomed. The hard-core seeker, wanting to remain completely anonymous will hate it! But my guess 85% of visitors will appreciate the authenticity and friendliness of the church. They had a fantastic worship team, which included a flutist, congas and a drummer who was off the charts. The worship time was lead by a woman – really three women singers but one was clearly in charge. I will tell you the most impressive thing was that the singers all SMILED!! They wore their joy on their face! Their exuberance was infectious. They bounce on the stage, sang with gusto and radiated joy! At the end of the worship they had communion. They do this each week, based on the idea, “each time you gather…” principle and I appreciated sharing the Lord’s Table but I also know that this could get old and lose its meaning . Again, like so many churches in the summer – Pastor Steve did not preach – its was “Change Life Sunday.” This meant five or six people gave testimony about what God was doing in their lives. But specifically what God was doing through the life and ministry of the church. I not only think it was appropriate and powerful, but try to tell pastors how important it is to get there people  to talk about how great the church is!! Some pastors think it is bragging – I don’t!! I think people need to be encouraged and it is important to demonstrate that all we do as a church is having an impact. The service ended with some upbeat music and the people’s batteries were re-charged for another week.
posted @ Monday, July 30, 2007 3:06 PM | Feedback (0) | Tags: Sabbatical Church Lancaster
Catholics have Clearly Stated Why We Can't Have Fellowship
One of my favorite Southern Baptist preachers is Al Mohler, president of Southern Seminary, Louisville, KY. Al is brilliant!! John MacArthur says that he is one of the great minds in the evangelical cause in the last fifty years….he also adds that “he is glad he is on our side!” HE is also someone who says like it is….I like that. 
Recently, the Roman Catholic Church re-asserted its position on the primacy of the Church and especially the authority of the Pope, or the “Papacy” as being the only true church. What that means is that if you don’t bow before the Pope as Christ on Earth, the vicar or substitute for Jesus as our mediator between God and man, then you are not a true Christian church. For some of you reading this, you just gulped and can’t believe that is what they really mean? OH YES THEY DO! The Catholic Church has always believed that the key to there denomination is that the POPE is the “way to Christ.” The catholic flow chart is a funnel which goes from “the confessional booth, thru the local priests, to the Cardinals, to the Vatican.” You get to Christ thru the Pope!
What is interesting is that Al Mohler is helping us as evangelicals how to answer such claims….on his blog almohler.com he wrote that this is a great thing the Roman Church has done for us as evangelicals. They have given us clarity on why we are completely different from their church and we have NO fellowship with them. We do not believe what they believe about the papacy and therefore we are preaching two different gospels! WOW that is brilliant – I told you he was amazing! Why didn’t God give me a sliver of his gray matter!
Mohler goes on to say, “we should together realize that such a matter is worthy of division. If the Roman Catholic Church goes so far to say that any church that denies the papacy is no true church, evangelicals should be equally as candid to assert that church (or Christian) that is defined by the claims or needs of a papacy is NO true church.”
You do realize that this is a profound statement in that you can no longer sit on the fence when it comes to trust CHRIST ALONE for salvation and still embracing the Catholic Church. Over the years I have heard people say, “you know that there are born again Christians in the Catholic church” and I have always questioned that statement. The reason is if being born again is trust in Christ alone for salvation and totally abandoning all other ways to God but through Christ – you can’t continue to give your loyalty to the Catholic Church! The Pope is demanding trust in him to get you to God – he considers himself and the rest of the Catholic Church believes, teaches and promotes that the papacy is essential for salvation. 
I think Paul would greatly differ with the Pope – “there is ONE God and ONE mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus.” It is Christ who is our High Priest and Intercessor and Advocate. When we come to Christ and we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit – we have direct access to God through the finished work of Jesus Christ! Praise to the One who gives us access!!! 
It is time that we speak the truth in love and tell some of those “possible believers” who still attend the Catholic Church to leave and show their allegiance to the One Savior of their soul, the Lord Jesus and no longer play with fire – still bowing to the Pope’s power and authority!
posted @ Monday, July 23, 2007 2:46 AM | Feedback (0) | Tags: Church The Bible Authority
James McDonald Rocks!

Saturday night, Kris, Alex and me travelled down to Philadelphia to attend an evening of Worship and the Word with James McDonald.  His name might not be familiar but this pastor can rock the flock!  He serves the people at Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows (Chicago) IL. It is a church of about 8-10,000 and it is a unique blend of expositional preaching, contemporary worship, serious prayer and is planting churches like nobodies business! I stumbled upon him in 2000 when a friend of mine was serving as his singles pastor and he encouraged me to join "Harvest Bible Fellowship."  I am proud to say that NewSong is the only HBF affliate in PA. But maybe that will change after last night.

James is on a 12 day/10 event tour promoting his radio ministry www.walkintheword.com  -- which now broadcasts in Lancaster on WDAC each morning. James is a no nonsense preacher - he just says what it means and doesn't mince words.  In a day when pastors are trying to figure out "what they should say NOT to offend" -- James lives by the code -- if its the truth it will offend - excellent!!!

This evening - after a wonderful time of worship - led by McDonald's son Luke - who is an awesome worship leader - James opened the scriptures for an hour and twenty minutes!  Let me say that again - 80 minutes of preaching.  And we could have kept going!!  He spoke on suffering from Acts 12.  This was the narrative about Peter being imprisoned and God miracleously delivering him.  It is also the story about Peter going to the house and knocking and Rhoda leaving him there!  When he acted that out - it was hillarious!

His message was right where I have been.  this sabbatical has been good but i have experienced suffering.  My surgery in May was supposed to take three days recovery -- it was two weeks.  We had a founding member die suddenly. We had a mission trip go south and faced all kinds of conflict. Did i mention on the return flight the airlines lost my luggage for five days?  Then I got sick - a sore throat like i was swallowing razor blades - that went into my ear and has lingered for three weeks. My editor is a month behind on my book. And then to top it off, our neighbor has been infested with flies this summer. 1000's of flies.  We change fly paper daily kinds of infestion.  I am talking Mosiac proportions.

Then James start taking about sovereignty and suffering -- his outline was this simple....

1. God is in control - even when I suffer....

2. .....even when it's midnight (when it seems all is lost)...

3. ....even when my faith is weak....

4. ....even when the wicked propser!!!

It was awesome - you know I can say that - my 15 year old son says so!  We had a great discussion as we drove home!  I would encourage anyone and everyone to check out James' website and read or listen to anything he does!  James rocks!!

posted @ Sunday, July 22, 2007 2:57 PM | Feedback (0) | Tags: Spiritual Growth Preaching Encouragement
Church Visit 6: Crossway Church

I think this my twelfth church during the sabbatical that I have visited and each visit is getting better. Not that the early ones were bad -- hence I have offended some of my pastor-brethren, but I am visiting some unique fellowships. Today I went to Crossway Church which meets at Manor High School in Millersville.  The history of this church is some what unique. I guess they are about 15 years old and was pastored by Ray Randolph for most of that time. A matter of fact I saw Ray today, he still attends the church, but now is a management consultant. The church is apart of what is known as "Sovereign Grace Ministries."  They would say that they are not a denomination, but you know the story...."if it walks like a duck, waddles like a duck, quacks like a ...its a duck!" Sovereign Grace is a network of churches that has an interesting blend of Reformed theology and Charismatic leanings. SGM's main players are CJ Mahany and Josh Harris ("I Kissed Dating Good-Bye" fame).

Today was a pleasant, but not total surprise -- in that the pastors of this church are some of the most geniune, gracious guys I have ever met in the ministry.  Let me say this, every Sovereign Grace Pastor I have met is a dynamite guy!  Peter Priviteria is the Senior Pastor. he took over for Ray a few years ago and is doing a fantastic job. The disappointment of the morning was not hearing Peter preach. Another guest preacher -- these guys known when i am going to show up??

The first observation I will make about the church is how many children they have - remarkable. And how many multiple child homes i saw?? Amazing??  Maybe i was sitting in the fertile parent section -- but I encountered families with 3-4-5 kids in tow! What is amazing about this is because they are in a rented facility and by observation they don't have a "big, complex, bells and whistle" children's ministry happening.  A matter of fact, the services starts at 10Am and all the kids - babies as well are in the praise and worship time.

The praise and worship is very similar to most contemporary worship style churches - band with some singers and of course power point on a screen. The difference at Crossway is that the people really sing out loud!  It might be from the acoustics of the auditorium -- but they sing out! that is really good.  After 20 minutes of worship and a few announces and the offering....they took an intermission!  About a 15-20 minute break before the teaching time. This afforded parents the chance to take their kids to the children's classes and the rest to fellowship. Kind of awkward for a visitor like me, but it does force people to say hello -- and the Crossway people did do that!

They gathered everyone up again and they got ready for the teaching time.  I was warned that the pastor preaches long - an hour or so!!  MY KIND OF GUY!!! Nevertheless, the pastor did not preach but a guest from a Sovereign Grace Church who had been doing training on evangelism spoke on Mark 1 and that "Following Christ mean your will be a Fisher of men!"  Simple - to the point - funny -- and very encouraging.  The poor fella had a cold and sore throat - I can relate with him recently -- but he did great!

I got to see a few people I know, but had to run after the service. People were milling around, talking, checking out books at a resource table and keeping their kids rounded up!!  But all in all it was a great day!  Thanks Crossway!

posted @ Sunday, July 22, 2007 2:40 PM | Feedback (0) | Tags: Sabbatical Church
Great Editorial on "Church-Hopping"
Recently someone gave me an editorial that Betsy Hart penned on the "saint shuffle" or when people leave on church and attend another for not real reason.  In today's church world there is a tremendous lack of loyalty to a local church.  This lady has some amazing insights.  I am not sure she is a believer -- but I hope she is and I would love to have her attend our church. Hope you are encouraged by her wisdom!!
Church “hopping” is the ultimate “all about me” experience.
 
I’m not talking about church “shopping” — say, moving into a new community, or deciding to start attending church altogether, and then visiting churches until becoming a member of one as soon as reasonably possible. And I’m not talking about leaving one’s church after finding unaddressed scandal in a church’s leadership, for instance, or when a person’s conscience becomes persuaded that something foundation-alto the belief system of that church is very wrong.
 
I’m talking about the growing tendency in America’s evangelical churches for folks who decide, after they have officially joined a particular church, that “Oh, that pastor down the street is a little more high-energy than mine,” or “Gee, the music here isn’t really meeting my needs right now,” or “I really am not crazy about that new children’s church director.”
 
They just up and leave, and go to a new church in their community.
 
Until they hop from that one.
 
Respected Christian pollster George Barna, The Christian Science Monitor and other publications, and any Protestant pastor will tell you that church hopping is an increasing and, it appears, insidious trend. Here’s where I really agree with my Roman Catholic friends when they say: “You Protestants are so focused on your ‘personal relationship with Christ’ that you forget it’s not all about you.”
 
Exactly. I see people come and go from my own (growing and vibrant) congregation. Sometimes I know the reason, and sometimes I don’t. But I do know that every time a person who has made a public vow of membership to the church body leaves for superficial reasons, he leaves a unique hole. The departure dispirits the pastor and often the children of the congregation and other members of the body. (“Mom, how come the Joneses aren’t members heir anymore? I saw Mrs. Jones at the store yesterday.”)
 
Moreover, hopping from a church when a desire, or even a real need, isn’t being met in the moment means that person can’t ultimately be held accountable in his religious life. He just hops if he doesn’t want anyone reaching out to him.
 
(One of the best ways to discourage hopping, by the way, is for the receiving church to discern a hopper and encourage him to return to his home church, but there are a lot of unfortunate disincentives to doing that.)
 
Anyway, unlike a job, or a neighborhood, or a school — for which there might, I suppose, still be prudent reasons not to easily hop — the sentiment of Christian Scripture is that, barring something extraordinary, church members really don’t have a right to hop. We evangelicals in particular may like to think otherwise, but news flash: The Christian life isn’t really “all about me.”
 
We have little sense anymore that we are to join a church body and, generally speaking, submit — doesn’t that word just make us cringe? — to its authority. Even when there are things that don’t suit our fancy in the church. Sure, we often can and should try to change those things for what we consider the better.
 
Submission may even entail suffering, like dealing with conflict with other church members instead of just walking away. (But don’t Christians preach that Christ’s willing submission to his heavenly Father involved real suffering?)
 
Actually, we treat our church membership a lot like we treat our marriages. Hey, if I’m not “happy” in the moment, just move on, right? The impact on others or a pledge to something bigger than ourselves doesn’t matter because “it’s all about me.”
 
The American Protestant church has, generally speaking, tragically normalized divorce and, essentially, spouse hopping. I don’t know if there’s cause and effect, or if church and spouse hopping are just symptoms of the same problem — our increasingly “all about me” culture.
 
But! do know hoppers are typically unsatisfied no matter where they hop — because perfection doesn’t exist in this world.
 
Many churches say they are seeking to be relevant. But the way to do that isn’t to accommodate or enable insidious cultural trends. It is to do what churches are called to do, and stand as a bulwark against such trends.
 
Betsy Hart is a Scripps Howard News Service columnist.
posted @ Saturday, July 21, 2007 3:09 AM | Feedback (1) | Tags: Church Meaningful Fellowship
WANTED: Church Leaders who Shepherd

Last week I sneaked into the Elder meeting for a short time. It was good to be with the brotherhood of leaders at NewSong.  This is a remarkable group of men who are particularly concerned about the people of the church much more then programs and facilities, finances and administrata.  We have from the beginning said that the most important aspect of the Eldering is shepherding the flock. A matter of fact, after I left, Pastor Jerry took time and work through the list of our constituency and highlighted those who we have not seen in a few weeks. Those names were divided up and the elders are now making phone calls over the next few weeks to find out what is happening with these families.

It might be that they have been away on vacation.  They might be visiting family. They might be home sick.  I have experienced all of those things in the recent weeks. But sometimes people are struggling spiritually and not coming to church because they are spiritually depressed. It is the job of the elder to shepherd, follow up, pursue and reach out to the struggling sheep.

For my birthday this year, i received the classic book, "The Reformed Pastor" by Richard Baxter.  Baxter was a pastor in England in the 1600's and he wrote a series of lectures to be read to a group of ministers on how they were to execute their office as pastors.  He wrote this: "We spent Monday and Tuesday, from morning to evening, in THE WORK (added emphasis), taking about fifteen or sixteen families a week, that  we may go through the parish, in which there are upwards of eight hundred families, in a year..."  The work he was talking about was shepherding, meeting with, visiting and talking with them.  One of the things Baxter did was ask each person in the home to openly confess Christ and openly confess any known sin -- that would be some pastoral visit.  Baxter wrote, "I think it is a healthy encounter for any believer to meet regularly with their pastor so that a spiritual course can be discuss."  He believed that sheep need a shepherd and need to regualrly interact with a shepherd!

When a church's leadership is so consumed in administrata -- they are on a downward slide of losing the razor edge of ministry -- "smelling like sheep!!" I am so thankful and "proud" (in the Lord) that our men see the value and importance for shepherding the flock.  I also hope that the sheep appreciate the work being do on behalf of them! 

posted @ Wednesday, July 18, 2007 6:31 AM | Feedback (0) | Tags: NewSong Church Discipleship
Church Visits 5: NewSong West and Faith Bible Fellowship

After a couple of weeks hiatus i was back visiting LAncaster churches this week and specificly, our church plant, NewSong West and the church to whom we purchase their facilities in 2000, Faith Bible Fellowship Church.

NewSong West continues to worship each Sunday at Trinity Reform Church at 9AM.  Just as when we planted the church in 2004, they meet in the fellowship hall, but the church is completely different from when we started this ministry. A matter of fact, it was funny on how many people did not know who I was??? The church still has many of the originals and it was great to see them. Pastor Bill Heistand did not preach this week; he had one of the men in the church Steve Musser share the Word and they are doing a series of messages on "Knocking down the Wall" in the church to expand their ministry.  I was very encouraged by what I saw -- namely the number of people.  There is a wonderful group of people worshipping together and this was a mid-summer Sunday! The service began with announcements by Pastor Bill and then a nice selection of worship music led by Brad Rhine. They have a good rhythm section, but could do with some additional worship singers to fill out the sound. The room is not made to worship -- instead it deaden sound...so you sing and the words drop to the floor.  No one's fault -- just the reality of the room.  Steve then preached on "Knocking Down the Wall of isolation." The idea of the message is that we live in a isolated world - where we are very independant and lonely -- but as Christians we are to be connected, involved and fellowshiping. There was no real exposition, great ideas but little Bible used to explain the concept. The one encourage I would have to Steve and other preachers that use "fill-in sermon notes" -- make sure it is clear when the listener is supposed to be filling in the blanks.  When it is confusing, it distracts from the sermon. Still he did a good job communicating with passion and concern about the topic.  I had to leave before the service was completely finished to get to the next service. Nevertheless, it was good to visit with our sister congregation.

The next stop of the morning was Faith Bible Fellowship and Pastor Dave Thomann.  I met Dave seven years ago when we were presented with the opportunity to purchase 609 Prospect Street facility.  He was so helpful in that process.  They moved to there new facility in 2002 -- a wonderful multi-use building on Donnerville Road, right behind Leisure Lanes. FAith has two services, 9am and 10:45am, and i am not sure what the early service was like, yet the one we attended was full.  It was a special morning in that they introduced their potential youth pastor. It just so happened that the youth pastor's wife is the sister of Jared and Josh Schnapf, members in our church! Everyone seemed excited with the fact of havinig a youth pastor -- they have been without one since 2002. Probably the surprise of the morning was that Pastor Dave leads the worship. A matter of fact, Faith was the most "pastor-led"  service I have ever attended. Every facet of the service, Dave is involved. He plays guitar very well and has a good voice, and most important his presence provides stability.  That is the word i wrote down on the bulletin - stability. Faith is a stable church. They have a number of gray heads in the congregation; middle age and young.  I did not see a lot of youth and college age - but they probably are there, they have a wonder new youth facility built on the property. There were a number of excellent special numbers and then Dave preached. He is preaching on the "Signs of the Lord's Coming." Today he was looking at the actual events that will give indication of the second coming of Christ.  I am not sure if Dave is an ammillenialist or a mid-tribulatist, but he did indicate that he was had a different position. Not sure what that meant? His message was simple and clear, which i really appreciated. the service ended with a worship song.

From both visits -- two observations -- both very friendly and both had good ushering. Those are two unseen but very necessary elements that either makes or breaks a visit.  Thanks to Pastor Dave for the kind welcome -- it was a joy to be with your congregation!

posted @ Wednesday, July 18, 2007 6:09 AM | Feedback (0) | Tags: Sabbatical Church Lancaster
Monday Night -- What a blessing!
This past week I got sick as a dog!!  fever, sore throat, the works! Sunday morning I was down and out and that meant that I had not been in church for four weeks! SIDE NOTE:  If you ever hear a person tell you that they have been out of church two or three weeks and its "no big deal." They are either deluded or in denial.  I was spiritually dying!  Then I remembered -- I can go MONDAY NIGHT to our Access Service.  Four months ago we began a service to minister to those who work on Sunday, miss church or to those away on vacation.... Everything we do on Sunday, we offer on Monday. I joined with 80-90 of my church family, worshipped, heard a great message and got some needed "lovin" from my brother and sisters.  When i left i was flying high!!  What a blessing!  If you are not in church on a Sunday and you are in Lancaster -- i would encourage you to check our our Access Service. You caqn find the info at our web site - www.newsongfellowship.com
posted @ Wednesday, July 11, 2007 3:16 AM | Feedback (0) | Tags: NewSong Church Worship Meaningful Fellowship
Follow the Spirit's Lead!

While in Macedonia this past month, we had experienced some difficult times of loneliness. What i mean is that it was just Kris and i in our borrowed apartment in a lnad where we understand little of the language and out of communication with those we love. Then i heard it - the tink on my computer that indicated that there was a new email. I clicked open an email from a brother in our church and it was one of the most encouraging words we had heard a number of days. I was overwhelmed!

This past Monday i saw this brother and told him how God used him. He commented how he really felt the Holy Spirit lead him to write me at that point. What a major blessing.  The thing that was so important is that this brother responded to the prompting of the Spirit in his life.  I was wondering today....is God prompting you to email a word of encouragement in the life of another person?  I mean....be silent for a moment and ask God to bring to mind one person who you could write a kind, uplifting word.  You may never fully know how crucial that word might be to that brother or sister.  Stoop reading this blog and go email right now!

posted @ Wednesday, July 11, 2007 3:09 AM | Feedback (0) | Tags: Meaningful Fellowship Prayer
Open doors when you least expect it!

Recently I was talking with one of the men at the church and he shared how one of his employees was going through a rough time with health issues and on top of that he was facing major marital issues. I don't know why i said it but of the cuff I commented -- "great opportunities for ministry!" He said something like - "you bet!"

I was so encouraged because that man doesn't see his job as a place to get a pay check but to minister for the Lord Jesus.  He takes literally what Paul admonished the church in Colossae to do....

Colossians 4:3-5 - "praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;  that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders,making the most of the opportunity."

Look around today - I guarentee you will start to see opportunities.  We may not some of them. They might be messy. They might take work and emotional energy. But they will be God given opportunities to share the love and gospel of Jesus with thos who need it.

 
posted @ Wednesday, July 11, 2007 3:03 AM | Feedback (0) | Tags: Outreach Prayer
Anonymous is not anonymous!
Recently we received two comments from someone who did not identify themselves and who went by anonymous.  Obviously when someone does that they are either trying to stir up trouble and disunity and usually does not have the courage to identify themselves which is a shame. The fact is we can identify those who log in and make a comment. However, revealing the mystery writer is not helpful. My only encouragement is that if you have a concern or have an opinion about something that is written, dialogue and discuss it.  That will bring about a great result for all involved. By sending a word of admonishment and not being willing to let people know who you are only discounts your thoughts and it paints you as a coward. Don't do that. If you believe you are right and what you are writing is a personal conviction, then stand behind == don't hide behind it.
posted @ Thursday, July 05, 2007 5:16 AM | Feedback (0) | Tags: Meaningful Fellowship
Stop Your Whining!

I finally got my luggage from the airlines on Saturday night at 6PM.  We had returned from Macedonia on Tuesday evening so a total of fivedays went by with us separated from our clothing, toiltries, medicines and an assortment of needed personal items. From Tuesday through Saturday, I logged hundrends of minutes of phone calls to the airlines trying to find my bags.  I called numerous times to "800-numbers" which led me to an endless trail of automated operators telling me to push numbers on my dial pad which lead me to waiting and listening to airline advertising and still not finding my bags.  When i finally got to talk with a live person, i was in conversation with people in Central America, Phillippines and New dehli, India where most of the outsourced call centeres are located.  Not until Saturday morning did i gat to talk with "Toni B." in Phoenix, AZ.  The problem with Toni B. is that she informed me that my luggae was in Philadelphia Airport, so i jumped in my car and drove their Saturday morning.  For the next two hours I engaged in lively discussion with baggage handlers in the city of "Brotherly Love." Only to discover midday that the bags had been flown to Harrisburg, PA on Thursday and that they had sat there for three days!  You can understand how frustrating all of this was and that I did not have a high view of airl;ines baggage handling by Saturday evening.

Once we received our luggage, we unpacked each suitcase, took inventory and started laundry.  And then started to repack for the next day trip to North Carolina, where we are recovering from the last few weeks ordeal.  About 9PM Saturday night I checked my email befopre checking out for the evening. It was then everything came into perspective.  A missionary friend of mine in Costa Rica wrote that he had been in Argentina doing some training.  While in a bus station, two men approached him and stole his briefcase. In the briefcase was his passport, all his credit cards, computer and Bible. he chased the guys and they disappeared into a housing project -- that not even a policeman would go into. Mark spent the next two days cancelling credits, applying for an emergency passport and praying that God would miracleously make his briefcase reappear! It did not!!

After reading the email i was so convicted by my self centered and insignificant irritation of a few lost bags compared to Mark's nightmare in Argentina. I was so broken and convicted in how much I had whined in the previous days about the incompetency of the airlines and how inconvenienced I been through my lost luggage -- then it hit me -- "Mark will never see that stuff again -- not to mention -- all the work and heartache to cancel and recover everything -- and he could not leave the country without a passport?"  God how could i be so stupid?

I wrote Mark and thanked him for sending me his prayer request -- instead of me praying for him -- God used it to convict me and cause me to repent! Certaining it is a good reminder to stop our whining and realize -- as bad as it might be -- there are others who have it worst!

posted @ Wednesday, July 04, 2007 10:25 AM | Feedback (0) | Tags: Travel Spiritual Growth Prayer