VERSE OF THE WEEK: For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Acts 20:27-29 (New International Version)
PASTOR TO PASTOR
In the book "Crazy Love" (see review below) Francis Chan shares the brief stories of a number of Christians who live out "Crazy Love" for God. One's name is Nathan Barlow. Barlow is a doctor who chose to serve in Ethiopia for more than 60 years. He gave himself particularly to helping people with a debilitating foot disease that was similar to leprosy, especially socially.
The story is told that one time Nathan got a toothache, the pain of which was so intense that he had to fly away from the mission field to get it taken care of. He was so upset that he had to leave his work for this cause that he told the dentist he never wanted it to happen again. So he charged the dentist with pulling out all of is teeth so God's work would never again be slowed down by his teeth.
Jesus said we are to be His disciples. And He defined that as denying oneself, taking up a cross, and following Him. We all know that. But many of us draw a line somewhere that is more convenient, more normal, or makes more earthly sense.
Many Christians come to a place where sacrifice or submission interferes with their normal, commercial-minded, safe lives.
Let me ask you a question...What is one thing you would do to today, if safety, common sense, comfort weren't a deciding factor? When you decide what that is, you will discover that trusting God is the issue.
In every church I hear someone say, "They are a faithful bunch." "He is a faithful pastor." But there is a difference between being faithful and "faith-filled". Paul said, "I pray continually ... that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." II Thessalonians 1.
Acts prompted by faith...that's what Nathan Barlow did. May God bless our "acts prompted" by a deep and profound commitment to Him.
EXCELLENT ADVENTURES
It has been weeks since I sent out a blog. Two District Assemblies, Easter, and one Palcon have come and gone since my last report. Both District Assemblies were blessed. I was particularly moved by each of the Ordination services. 7 ministers in all were ordained and it was glorious.
We have had an incredible time worshipping with several of you.
I have visited at:
April 4 -- Science Hill, KY.
April 11 -- McVay Memorial (LA)
April 18 -- Crystal Springs (MS)
April 25 -- Vivian (LA) and Crosspointe (Ruston, LA)
May 2 -- DaySpring Community (Clinton, MS), and Vicksburg (MS)
May 9 -- Pineville (LA)
May 16 -- Way of the Cross (Calhoun City, MS)
May 23 -- Grenada (MS) Revival
We look forward to visiting the following churches:
May 30 -- Blanchard (LA)
June 6 -- Cleveland First (MS)
June 13 -- Family Camp Meeting (LA)
June 20 -- Available
June 27 -- Available
July 4 -- Family Camp Meeting (NWIL)
July 11 -- GraceWay (MS)
To schedule me please contact Pam. I would love to come to your church.
LOUISIANA FAMILY CAMP
June 8-13
Please fast and pray for this important time. Services at 10:30am 7:00 pm. Prayer time at 9 am each morning. SUNDAY 10:30am and 3:00pm
SATURDAY FAMILY FUN DAY
Including Wild Horse Ministries at 4 pm. See Paul Dailey train a Wild Horse and present the gospel while doing so.
Speakers: Rev. Norman Moore and Rev. Gary Bond
Musicians: The Gene Wells Family
Children's Worker: Rev. Pat Ulmet and Greeno
Youth Speaker: Rev. Greg Wells (Friday and Saturday Late Night)
Come one come all.
SPECIAL NOTES
Rev. David and Pam Garner have accepted a call to Jackson Emmanuel Church following a unanimous nomination by the church board. David has served on District Assignment on both he Louisiana and Mississippi districts for the past three plus years. Prior to that he pastored churches in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. Pam is the District Administrative Assistant for Louisiana and Mississippi districts. We welcome them to this new assignment.
Rev. Wayne and Priscilla Stallings have accepted a one year appointment as Interim Pastors at Gracepoint (LA). Wayne has a rich background in Interim church ministry, as well as having served the church in a number of ways, including as a pastor and college administrator.
Open Churches: (MS) Union and Hazelhurst
(LA) Kenner First and Bossier
Important Prayer Requests:
Please pray for Rev. Larry Ferris (pastor at Monroe. LA. First church) who will have at least triple bypass surgery on June 3.
Please pray for Wanda Howard, pastor's wife at Westlake (LA). She had knee replacement surgery.
Dr. Charles Johnson (Meridian Fitkins) recently had rotator cuff surgery.
PASTOR TO PASTOR
In the book "Crazy Love" (see review below) Francis Chan shares the brief stories of a number of Christians who live out "Crazy Love" for God. One's name is Nathan Barlow. Barlow is a doctor who chose to serve in Ethiopia for more than 60 years. He gave himself particularly to helping people with a debilitating foot disease that was similar to leprosy, especially socially.
The story is told that one time Nathan got a toothache, the pain of which was so intense that he had to fly away from the mission field to get it taken care of. He was so upset that he had to leave his work for this cause that he told the dentist he never wanted it to happen again. So he charged the dentist with pulling out all of is teeth so God's work would never again be slowed down by his teeth.
Jesus said we are to be His disciples. And He defined that as denying oneself, taking up a cross, and following Him. We all know that. But many of us draw a line somewhere that is more convenient, more normal, or makes more earthly sense.
Many Christians come to a place where sacrifice or submission interferes with their normal, commercial-minded, safe lives.
Let me ask you a question...What is one thing you would do to today, if safety, common sense, comfort weren't a deciding factor? When you decide what that is, you will discover that trusting God is the issue.
In every church I hear someone say, "They are a faithful bunch." "He is a faithful pastor." But there is a difference between being faithful and "faith-filled". Paul said, "I pray continually ... that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." II Thessalonians 1.
Acts prompted by faith...that's what Nathan Barlow did. May God bless our "acts prompted" by a deep and profound commitment to Him.
EXCELLENT ADVENTURES
It has been weeks since I sent out a blog. Two District Assemblies, Easter, and one Palcon have come and gone since my last report. Both District Assemblies were blessed. I was particularly moved by each of the Ordination services. 7 ministers in all were ordained and it was glorious.
We have had an incredible time worshipping with several of you.
I have visited at:
April 4 -- Science Hill, KY.
April 11 -- McVay Memorial (LA)
April 18 -- Crystal Springs (MS)
April 25 -- Vivian (LA) and Crosspointe (Ruston, LA)
May 2 -- DaySpring Community (Clinton, MS), and Vicksburg (MS)
May 9 -- Pineville (LA)
May 16 -- Way of the Cross (Calhoun City, MS)
May 23 -- Grenada (MS) Revival
We look forward to visiting the following churches:
May 30 -- Blanchard (LA)
June 6 -- Cleveland First (MS)
June 13 -- Family Camp Meeting (LA)
June 20 -- Available
June 27 -- Available
July 4 -- Family Camp Meeting (NWIL)
July 11 -- GraceWay (MS)
To schedule me please contact Pam. I would love to come to your church.
LOUISIANA FAMILY CAMP
June 8-13
Please fast and pray for this important time. Services at 10:30am 7:00 pm. Prayer time at 9 am each morning. SUNDAY 10:30am and 3:00pm
SATURDAY FAMILY FUN DAY
Including Wild Horse Ministries at 4 pm. See Paul Dailey train a Wild Horse and present the gospel while doing so.
Speakers: Rev. Norman Moore and Rev. Gary Bond
Musicians: The Gene Wells Family
Children's Worker: Rev. Pat Ulmet and Greeno
Youth Speaker: Rev. Greg Wells (Friday and Saturday Late Night)
Come one come all.
SPECIAL NOTES
Rev. David and Pam Garner have accepted a call to Jackson Emmanuel Church following a unanimous nomination by the church board. David has served on District Assignment on both he Louisiana and Mississippi districts for the past three plus years. Prior to that he pastored churches in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. Pam is the District Administrative Assistant for Louisiana and Mississippi districts. We welcome them to this new assignment.
Rev. Wayne and Priscilla Stallings have accepted a one year appointment as Interim Pastors at Gracepoint (LA). Wayne has a rich background in Interim church ministry, as well as having served the church in a number of ways, including as a pastor and college administrator.
Open Churches: (MS) Union and Hazelhurst
(LA) Kenner First and Bossier
Important Prayer Requests:
Please pray for Rev. Larry Ferris (pastor at Monroe. LA. First church) who will have at least triple bypass surgery on June 3.
Please pray for Wanda Howard, pastor's wife at Westlake (LA). She had knee replacement surgery.
Dr. Charles Johnson (Meridian Fitkins) recently had rotator cuff surgery.
Pray for the brother of Rev. Nathan Middleton (Natchitoches, LA). He is near death and unsaved. Nathan has gone to him to try to comfort him and talk to him about the Lord.
Please pray for family of Angela Ching, pastor's wife at Houston Fellowship (MS). Her father had a mini-stroke, her aunt had a heart attack and her grandmother was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, all in about a day and a half.
Continue to pray for Rev. Jerry Cole, McVay Memorial (LA), and Rev. Mike Howard (Westlake, LA)
GOOD NEWS PRAISE REPORTS
Dustin and Laura McDavid welcomed home Silas Thane a few weeks early. I had the privilege of dedicating him on Mother's Day.
Please pray for family of Angela Ching, pastor's wife at Houston Fellowship (MS). Her father had a mini-stroke, her aunt had a heart attack and her grandmother was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, all in about a day and a half.
Continue to pray for Rev. Jerry Cole, McVay Memorial (LA), and Rev. Mike Howard (Westlake, LA)
GOOD NEWS PRAISE REPORTS
Dustin and Laura McDavid welcomed home Silas Thane a few weeks early. I had the privilege of dedicating him on Mother's Day.
David and Phyllis Hoffpauir are the proud grandparents of a new baby boy. Jason Edward was born on March 23 and was 7 lbs. 10 oz., and 19 inches long.
Paul McCleese, pastor's husband at Gulfport First (MS) found a good job at a hospital in Gulfport. This is an answer to prayer.
Nine prisoners were baptized this past week at DaySpring (MS), and a baby was rescued at the abortion clinic in Jackson. Thanks God for this "Takin It To the Street' model ministry.
Paul McCleese, pastor's husband at Gulfport First (MS) found a good job at a hospital in Gulfport. This is an answer to prayer.
Nine prisoners were baptized this past week at DaySpring (MS), and a baby was rescued at the abortion clinic in Jackson. Thanks God for this "Takin It To the Street' model ministry.
Congratulations to Rev. Gay Bosley, (Columbia, MS) who graduated from Wesley Biblical Seminary, and Rev. Debbie Morgan (McCoy. LA) who graduated from Nazarene Bible College.
Congrats to Christopher Rego (PK at Brookhaven, MS), Chelsey Hudson (PK at Hattiesburg, MS), and Brooke Hunt (PK at Friendship, LA) on their high school graduations. If there are any we missed please let us know.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Mississippi Pastors- the Southeast Region is looking into a Health Insurance program through Blue Cross Alabama. It looks like whoever wants to join will be able to. The cost for a family is a little over $1,200 per month, and for a single it is $560. There is a dental policy for $71 per month. The policy looks pretty good. If you are interested let me know and I will pass along the contact information.
PALCON at Trevecca (TNU) was outstanding. PALCON for Southern (SNU) Region is June 28-July 1. Register at www.palcon2010.org. I will be presenting one Seminar entitled "Halftime" - Practices that will help us avoid Burn-Out, Bail-Out, and Bomb-Out, and will be moderating another, A Discipleship Roundtable.
This should be an incredible event.
Book I am Recommending: "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. This may be the best book I have read in 10-20 years. I know that sounds like an over hype, but I believe it is true. It is also one of the most challenging. This is no book for the casual or faint of heart. Pastor, if you think you are the only one who is serious about Godly things, wait till you read this book. I read most of it on a plane, and felt I should get out of my seat and make it an altar. I was convicted most by the incredible call of Christ to be a serious. loving, consecrated disciple and what that looks like.
While I am not sure whether Chan is Wesleyan or Calvin, he sounds familiar. His call is to live out every day the serious call to be Christlike.
At one point in the book Chan asks, "besides going to church, how is your life really different than that of an unbeliever?" The section on Lukewarm Christians is worth the price of the book.
How much do I think of this book...if you want to read it, and can't afford it, please drop me a note and I will have it mailed to you.
Books I Am Reading:
The Longview by Dr. Roger Parrott, president of Belhaven College. Good book on Leadership.
Crucified With Christ: The Life and Ministry of William Martin Greathouse by Dr. H. Ray Dunning and Dr. William Strickland. Great book about this wonderful man.
The Last Founding Father, James Monroe by Harlow Unger; I am reading Biographies of Presidents this year.
Thought For The Week: "Are we in love with God, or just His stuff?" Francis Chan
IMPORTANT NOTE
Mississippi Pastors- the Southeast Region is looking into a Health Insurance program through Blue Cross Alabama. It looks like whoever wants to join will be able to. The cost for a family is a little over $1,200 per month, and for a single it is $560. There is a dental policy for $71 per month. The policy looks pretty good. If you are interested let me know and I will pass along the contact information.
PALCON at Trevecca (TNU) was outstanding. PALCON for Southern (SNU) Region is June 28-July 1. Register at www.palcon2010.org. I will be presenting one Seminar entitled "Halftime" - Practices that will help us avoid Burn-Out, Bail-Out, and Bomb-Out, and will be moderating another, A Discipleship Roundtable.
This should be an incredible event.
Book I am Recommending: "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. This may be the best book I have read in 10-20 years. I know that sounds like an over hype, but I believe it is true. It is also one of the most challenging. This is no book for the casual or faint of heart. Pastor, if you think you are the only one who is serious about Godly things, wait till you read this book. I read most of it on a plane, and felt I should get out of my seat and make it an altar. I was convicted most by the incredible call of Christ to be a serious. loving, consecrated disciple and what that looks like.
While I am not sure whether Chan is Wesleyan or Calvin, he sounds familiar. His call is to live out every day the serious call to be Christlike.
At one point in the book Chan asks, "besides going to church, how is your life really different than that of an unbeliever?" The section on Lukewarm Christians is worth the price of the book.
How much do I think of this book...if you want to read it, and can't afford it, please drop me a note and I will have it mailed to you.
Books I Am Reading:
The Longview by Dr. Roger Parrott, president of Belhaven College. Good book on Leadership.
Crucified With Christ: The Life and Ministry of William Martin Greathouse by Dr. H. Ray Dunning and Dr. William Strickland. Great book about this wonderful man.
The Last Founding Father, James Monroe by Harlow Unger; I am reading Biographies of Presidents this year.
Thought For The Week: "Are we in love with God, or just His stuff?" Francis Chan
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