Faithful, Fruitful, Fulfilled

VERSE OF THE WEEK:One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:4-9

PASTOR TO PASTOR
I have often prayed for you that you would be Faithful; that you would be Fruitful; and that in ministry you would also be Fulfilled. I pray the same for our churches. I read yesterday of a an elder who has lost confidence in the viability and relativity of the local church. I of course, disagree completely. the church can be faithful, fruitful, and participation and dedication to it can be Fulfilling.
I recently heard General Superintendent Dr. Stan Toler preach a message entitled % Factors in Faithfulness. Here is the outline from Acts 2:
1. THE WORSHIP FACTOR: An openness to obey the Holy Spirit in worship and service to others. Casual worship is an oxymoron. You cannot sing Amazing Grace and be casual.
2. THE FIRE FACTOR: A passion to do the will of God regardless. The Holy Spirit always breeds a passionate fire in us and through us.
3. THE FELLOWSHIP FACTOR: An ability to give ourselves to deep, Christ-centered relationships. You can do somethings if you love one another. Love is the key. People are desperate for fellowship.
4. THE GENEROSITY FACTOR: A commitment to be generous with God through demonstrating His love locally and globally.
5. THE FAITH FACTOR: A definite, unswerving response of faith. A belief that God can do anything.

EXCELLENT ADVENTURES
Last Sunday Elaine and I visited the Prentiss (MS) church. We had never been here so we were looking forward to it. Heard a good message from Rev. Pamela Epps. Sunday night we visited Jackson Emmanuel. Each Sunday evening they have testimony time and the testimonies were fresh and exciting. Interim pastor Dave Garner preached a great message on Essentials of a Healthy church.
This weekend we are attending the Mississippi District NYI Convention in Hattiesburg and will be preaching at Hattiesburg First Sunday morning.

SPECIAL NOTES
Open Churches: (MS) Jackson Emmanuel, Vicksburg First (in process), and Union
(LA) Kenner First and GracePointe

Important Prayer Requests:
Rev. Darwin Enicks (Baker, LA)is recovering from hip surgery in Baton Rouge. Please pray for a complete and quick recovery.
Rev. Derek Catron, pastor at Lake Charles First (LA), had surgery this week to remove staph infection. He has five incisions that are now healing. He is home from the hospital.4 weeks recovery await him.
Rev. Ruby Walters, pastor of Lucedale, has suffered paralysis of her vocal chords due to some recent surgery.
Continue to pray for Rev. Scott Howell (West Monroe Faith Community)who has been suffering from kidney stones for months. Brenda Teston, pastors wife at Moss Bluff (LA) continues her recovery from foot surgery.
Rev. Diane Adams, (associate at Meridian Fitkins, MS) is recovering from surgery.
Continue to pray for Rev. Jerry Cole, McVay Memorial (LA), and Rev. Mike Howard (Westlake, LA)

Good News Reports
Louisiana had a good Winter Retreat. Thanks to all who contributed. Our speaker was very impressed with our district.

Kenner (LA) church is voting this week to build a new Fellowship/Family Life Center.

DaySpring Community (MS) is voting this week to purchase land for a relocation. They have outgrown their parking area.

Rev. Nathan Middleton (Natchitoches, LA) received a wonderful review.

PALCONS are scheduled for Trevecca (TNU) Region May 11-14 and Southern (SNU) Region June 28-July 1. Register at www.palcon2010.org.
These are going to be incredible events and you are encouraged to start planning now to participate. As we enter a new year please put this in your budget. If one doesn't work in to your schedule try another. Dates of the other events are at www.palcon2010.org

Book I am Recommending: "Real Time Connections" by Bob Roberts. This is a book for laypersons. It is a book about fulfilling the Great Commission in everyday life. It is full of suggests and insight in how "ordinary Christians" can reclaim their share in God's transforming work around the globe.

Book I am Reading: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin - It may seem unusual for me to write about this kind of book, but I learn a lot about our country, and often about early American religious leaders by reading these kinds of books. As many of you know B. Franklin was no enamored with religion or the church for much of his life, yet warmed to the gospel message under the preaching of George Whitfield. His own words give insight to the spiritual convictions of the American founders.


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: “No accountability: No change” Paul Borden