The Church as Community

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19
PASTOR TO PASTOR

The Church and (the) Community
When I grew up ( and some of you reading this) everything was done in the neighborhood. We went to neighborhood schools, attended neighborhood churches, shopped at neighborhood stores, and even played ball in the neighborhood vacant lot. Not only that,,,we actually knew our neighbors. In fact, on more than one occasion it was a neighbor who yelled at me to correct my behavior or clean up me language.
This small community within the larger "world" community, made life easier and less overwhelming. Everything was connected; the neighborhood was an eco-system. I believe that I am better for having grown up in this environment or "village".
It seems that all of society has become more segregated and polarized. The smaller, more intimate community has been replaced with bigger institutions, i.e, box stores, supermarkets, campuses.
When I go to any of the aforementioned places now, I get in my car and drive out of my neighborhood. I only know two of my neighbors first names. We are not connected in any way, shape, or form. I believe I am weaker for having so few connections.
The church is a place of community. Or it should be. It is a place where life is meant to be lived together. Jerry Appleby writes in the book "Live Compassion", "An ekklesia was not a voluntary association or a corporation. Its members were seen as children in the same family, parts of the same body, and citizens of the same colony. In other words, the church was a true community that was more than the sum of its members."
This is how life was meant to be lived. Especially for the Christ follower. God created us to be relational beings, to live in community, and to share our faith and the revelation of God with each other.
I am so glad to be a part of the ekklesia. It is one of the things for which I am most thankful. That in a world that has become disjointed, where our most intimate contacts are through Facebook, I am glad that I can be a part of a family, a body, a colony that strengthens me, values me, and holds me accountable.
In short...I am thankful for the church because it allows me to be a part of your life, and you a part of mine.
LET'S TRADE PRAYERS

EXCELLENT ADVENTURES
We have most recently visited Tupelo (MS), Clarksdale (MS), New Orleans First (LA), Rosebloom(MS) We look forward to visiting the following churches:

November 21 -- Rosebloom (MS)
November 28 -- Houlka (MS)
December 5 -- Meridian Northside (MS)
December 12 -- Monroe First (LA)
December 19 -- Available
December 26 -- Vacation
January 2 -- Available
January 9 -- Available
To schedule me please contact Pam. I would love to come to your church.

SPECIAL NOTES

Rev. Nathan Middleton has resigned as pastor of Natchitoches (LA). He and Kelly will be relocating to the Kansas City area. We will miss them and their precious family.

Rev. Paul Decker has resigned (retired) as pastor of New Orleans Westbank Church. He and Micky will be relocating near children in Canton, OH. We appreciate their ministry on our district.

Rev. Rev. Edwyn Carias and his wife Ligia, are pastoring our newest church in Gretna (LA), the Inglesia Del Nazareno Adulam. They will be serving under the direction of Rev. Murillo. They currently have a congregation of 25.

Rev. Byoung Cho (Issac) has joined the staff of Red River Korean (Bossier, LA) as associate pastor. He and his wife Rebecca come to us from the Chicago Central district.

Dr. Ray Easley, District Secretary in Mississippi has resigned his position at Wesley Biblical Seminary and will be starting a business as a consultant to Christian Educational institutions around the world. He has been a wonderful servant of the district. His wife Dianne served as district office secretary for a time and helped with the Katrina office administration. We will miss this outstanding couple.

Rev. Steve Holtz (Cleveland First, MS) and Rev. Eric Nelson (Slidell, LA) both had outstanding reviews.

DaySpring (MS) Community celebrated their 10th anniversary with a weekend that included their teens helping to clean up a worship space for Jackson Northeast New Start.

Most are aware of the passing of Rev. Doug Reid, Sr. at the age of 84. Rev. Reid was an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, and had pastored an independent holiness church for many years. He was a mentor to several of our current Mississippi pastors and will be deeply missed.

Open Churches: (MS) GraceWay, Meridian Northside
(LA) Kenner First, New Orleans Westbank, GracePointe, Natchitoches

Important Prayer Requests:

Rev. David Kelly (Crystal Springs, MS) continues to face cancer treatments.
Continue to pray for Rev. Mike Howard (Westlake, LA)Rev. Alvin Clay (Laurel Bresee, MS) was recently hospitalized and needed to have two stints put in his heart.
Rev. Scott Howell (W. Monroe Faith) has had significant kidney damage as a result of earlier kidney stones. Pray that several things will work together to restore his kidney function.
We are saddened to hear of the death or Mel Surges of Baton Rouge First. Mel pastored for many years in various places and had most recently been an active member of BR. He was a great help in pulpit supply. Pray for his wife Audrey.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

DISTRICT CHRISTMAS PARTIES
MISSISSIPPI
December 3, 2010 7:00pm Jackson Emmanuel

LOUISIANA

December 10, 2010 7:00pm Rocky Creek

LOUISIANA/MISSISSIPPI PRAYER SUMMIT
January 21-22,2011
Rocky Creek Campground, Pineville
Cost: $25 per person (Includes 2 meals/snacks)

Lodging: $20 per person (dbl. occupancy) - Lodge

$10 per person - Dorm

Ministers and Laymen Invited to attend

Book I am Recommending: "Primal, A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity" by Mark Batterson. Wow, what a book. Batterson wrote "In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day" and "Wild Goose Chase". However, I find this to be the best book. Like several I have read lately (Deep Church, Who Stole My Church, Radical, and Crazy Love) this book draws us back to the heart of the gospel and the essentials of the Christian faith. It reminds the reader that we have diluted or perverted the call of God to Christlikeness. Batterson affirms that the depth of Christian life is found int he Great Commandment. Then he spends a section of the book on each of the components of the Commandment- the heart (compassion), the soul (wonder), the mind (curiosity), and strength (energy). This is a must read.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: (From Rev. Chet Bush's Weekly E-Newsletter to the Oxford Church)
"Earlier this week Levi (soon to be 7 years old) wanted me to drive near some curious woods so he could get a closer look. We were on our way somewhere and I did not want to diverge so I argued it wasn’t a good idea. “Besides, it’s a dead end,” I replied motioning to the yellow sign and the lack of paved road. He was quick to respond. “But there is a little path after every dead end,” he said.

I was impressed. His attention to the insignificant, yet universal, detail had caught me off guard. Each time he had seen a dead-end street he had also seen a dirt-worn trail trickle from it. When I see a dead-end street I immediately think of how to turn around. Evidently, he wonders how he can keep going. He sees dead-ends less as stopping points and more as starting points for adventure.

The story of the people of God is marked by dead-ends, u-turns, road-blocks…moments where it seemed the God-directed journey had come to an end. The Red Sea stood in the way of deliverance. The dry desert stood in the way of quenched thirst. The fortified walls of Jericho stood between the people and a Promised Land.

But the journey is not all about geography. Sarai’s barren womb seemed a dead end to the Blessing. Wayward children seemed an end to David’s stable kingdom. The cross seemed a certain end to a revolution of healing and wholeness. But each obstruction served as gracious occasion. God made a way.

And your life? Have you hit a dead-end? Do you stand before an obstacle that is too big to overcome? Do you nurse a wound that is too painful? Do you carry a burden too heavy to bear? Do you face an intimidating task? Look for the thin trail that continues on. God’s way is seldom a broad path.

Dead-ends do not keep us from moving forward, but they do demand we travel differently. Your daunting obstacle may be God’s gracious occasion for renewal."

The Renewal of the Pastors Heart

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" (Isaiah 26:3-4)

PASTOR TO PASTOR

PRAYERS FOR PASTORAL RENEWAL

What is our specific work? For what purpose are we raised up? The one reason for our church's life is that holiness may be preached and conserved in the earth. Any great continuous religious movement depends quite largely upon it preachers. Ordinary preachers cannot do this work. They must be men [and women] burning with holy fire, ... who have come to their Pentecost, who live under the anointing glory of the Holy Ghost, whose vision is so clear - looking through pure hearts - that God in Christ redeeming the world means salvation from all sin. ... who preach so that whatever their subject and whatever they say, people realize they are being led to the bosom of God, into the abundance of His life and fullness of His love.
There is no place in the Church of the Nazarene for ordinary preaching. It is
not learning nor eloquence nor education; it is only lofty thought with climaxes of intellectual power, but God speaking through His servant beseeching men to be reconciled to God. For him to preach anything less than the transforming fullness of God is to quit the heights and shut his eyes to the vision of God.
Phineas Bresee
With this charge in mind, I pray these prays for our pastors:

1. God sensitize and convict the hearts of our pastors to the threat of conscious or potential sin in their lives.
"Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 . . . 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap." I Timothy 3:2-7
"If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9

2. Father give every pastor a renewed understanding of your Holiness.
"But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness." Isaiah 6:3
"Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?" Habakkuk 1:13
"Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders . . . Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns
before the throne and say: 11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:4-11

3. God, give us a renewed awareness that Holiness is your will and provision for all people... of all ages.
"And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way;" Isaiah 35:8
"It is God's will that you should be sanctified . . . 7For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you His Holy Spirit." I Thessalonians 4: 3, 7-8

4. Lord give unction to our pastors to encourage believers to seek the Holy
Life
"10 . . . God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 14Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Heb 12:10

5. Lord give each pastor a renewed understanding of the meaning of the Sanctified life.
"Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.l2May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. I Thessalonians 3:10, 12-13
"May God himself the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." I Thessalonians 5:23

6. Help our Pastors to preach that holiness is a transformational act of God's grace
"For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will
put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." Ezekiel 36:24-27

7. Father I pray that every pastor will desperately seek the anointing presence and power of the Holy Spirit as they proclaim God's Word to their flock. Enable all Clergy will preach the Word of God with power, conviction and authority.
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm 23:5
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. . ." Isaiah 61:1
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.
1 John 2:20
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit just as it has taught you, remain in him.
1 John 2:27
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness." Matthew 9:35
'As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 10:7
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Romans 10:14

MAKE THESE PRAYERS YOUR OWN

EXCELLENT ADVENTURES
We have most recently visited New Iberia (LA), Oxford (MS) and Oxford Hispanic, Sulphur (LA), Meridan Fitkins (MS) Revival, Moss Bluff Trinity (LA), Crowley First (LA), GracePointe (LA) Revival, Shreveport First (LA), Many (LA).

We look forward to visiting the following churches:

October 17/24 -- Vacation
October 31 -- Tupelo (MS)
November 7 -- Clarksdale (MS)
November 14 -- New Orleans First (LA)
November 21 -- Rosebloom (MS)

To schedule me please contact Pam. I would love to come to your church.

SPECIAL NOTES

Rev. Daniel Lowe of Many (LA) had an outstanding review.

Sulphur (LA) under the leadership of Rev. Ron Sherer celebrated their 75th anniversary on September 26th.

Cenchrea (LA) had over 150 in their recent homecoming service.

New Iberia (LA) is nearing completion of an addition to their building.

Rev. Marvin Bonner has accepted a call to pastor the Waynesboro Trinity Church. This is his second time to pastor the church.

Many churches are planning special Fall Festival events for their communities. Several churches are reporting outstanding revivals.

Open Churches: (MS) GraceWay, Meridian Northside
(LA) Kenner First

Important Prayer Requests:

Rev. David Kelly (Crystal Springs, MS) continues to face cancer treatments.
Rev. Steve Holtz (Cleveland First, MS) had recent back surgery.
Continue to pray for Rev. Mike Howard (Westlake, LA)who was in the hospital earlier this week. He is having a hard time and the doctors are having difficulty diagnosing his problem.
Rev. Alvin Clay (Laurel Bresee, MS) was recently hospitalized and needed to have two stints put in his heart.
Rev. Scott Howell (W. Monroe Faith) has had significant kidney damage as a result of earlier kidney stones. Pray that several things will work together to restore his kidney function.
The daughter of Rev. Jim and Darlene Norcross (Bossier, LA) is suffering with kidney stones.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT'S PRAYER MEETINGS (Prayer Tour)
We continue to have our DS Prayer Meetings in lieu of having the DS Tours. I have felt led to simply come to each area of the district(S) and have a night of prayer with pastors, associates, and spouses. These prayer times will last from 7-8:30 pm each evening and will include a brief video from Jim Cymbala followed by a significant time of praise and prayer. The remaining schedule is as follows:

October 26 -- Grenada
October 28 -- Gulf Coast Family
November 8 -- Houston Fellowship
November 9 -- McComb (LifePointe Community)
November 15 -- Jackson Emmanuel
I hope to see you there if you have not yet attended a prayer time.

Book I am Recommending: "Radical" by David Platt. This book was recommended to me by several friends, and it is well worth it. Platt, who pastors a mega Methodist church in Birmingham is calling the church to reevaluate its prosperity, consumerism, and selfish style and calling the church and the Christian back to an authentic discipleship characterized by the serious teachings of Jesus.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: "In a culture where bigger is always better and flashy is always more effective, Jesus beckons us to plainly, humbly, and quietly focus our lives on people." David Platt

Prayer Power

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:15

PASTOR TO PASTOR

I have been reading through Jeremiah the last couple of days. Tough book to read! It is filled with judgement, wrath, anger...mostly God's. But it is peppered with hope. Plowing through these hard places I get a sense that God is hoping, begging, the people of Israel and Judah to return to Him. To call out His name. To obey His commands. To seek His face.

I am drawn to God's hunger to be Lord of His people. As a means of drawing them back to him, he calls upon people like you and I. He calls us shepherds. Look at the verse above. Shepherds are a gift to the people that God is seeking to reclaim. Shepherds who will feed His sheep. It is obvious from the book that shepherds feed in numerous ways...teaching, convincing, encouraging, nurturing, pleading, rebuking, and caring for.

The tragedy is that the shepherds fail. Not as in, fail to have success. Not as in fail to convince. But they fail.

I was convicted by Jeremiah 10:21. Buckle your seat belts. "For the shepherds have become dull-hearted, and have not sought the Lord; therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered." Whoa!

The message is pretty clear. God hungers to deliver a troubled (and stiff-necked) people. Toward that end He gifts them with a shepherd. But according to Jeremiah, the shepherd becomes dull-hearted, out of touch with God, and the flocks scatter.

I hope this speaks to you as it does me. Shepherds are important. They are God's gift to the people. We cannot let them, or him, down.

Would you join me in praying...praying that God might return in power and majesty to His church and His people. Will you determine to seek His face, and to connect with His heart.

Who will shepherd His beloved people?

EXCELLENT ADVENTURES
We have most recently visited DaySpring Community (MS), Shreveport GracePointe (LA), Victory Praise and Worship (MS), Iglesia Donde Dios Vidas (MS), Crossroads (MS), LifePointe (MS), and New Iberia (LA)

We look forward to visiting the following churches:

September 19 -- Oxford (MS)
September 16 -- Sulphur (LA) 75th Anniversary Celebration
October 3 -- Moss Bluff Trinity (LA)
October 10 -- (Tentative- LA)
October 17/24 -- Vacation
October 31 -- (Tentative-- MS)
November 7 -- OPEN (MS)
November 14 -- OPEN
November 21 -- Rosebloom (MS)

To schedule me please contact Pam. I would love to come to your church.

SPECIAL NOTES

Rev. Don Wedgeworth (Joyce) has resigned as pastor at Meridian Northside (MS) due to health reasons. He has had a wonderful ministry there and has prepared the church for further leadership.

Rev. David Garner (Jackson Emmanuel) and wife Pam (District Admin. Asst.) welcomed a new baby granddaughter today in Bloomington, IL., Samantha joins two sisters and a brother.

The Union (MS) church led by Rev. Donnie Carpenter had over 70 in attendance for homecoming services. Wow!

The Crossroads (MS) church led by Rev. Keith MeGehee was highlighted on television for their relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina on the 5th anniversary celebration.

Crowley First (LA) led by Rev. Bob Bradley, has made significant progress on their new Family Life Center.

Gulfport First Church is hosting a prayer seminar entitled, “Prayer Warriors: The Power of Prayer and Spiritual Warfare” on Saturday, October 9th from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. The seminar is being presented by Rick Huguenin of the Galion (Ohio) First Church of the Nazarene. A brief bio for Rick is included below. The seminar is FREE!! However, because we are serving dinner, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Anyone can register by calling the church at (228) 539-4188 or by e-mailing the church at gulfportnaz@att.net. There is no childcare for this event, and due to the nature of the discussion on spiritual warfare, it is recommended only for young people who have reached their teen years.


Open Churches: (MS)Waynesboro Trinity, GraceWay,Meridian Northside
(LA) Kenner First

Important Prayer Requests:

Rev. David Kelly (Crystal Springs, MS) had very difficult surgery last month but is recuperating at home. He continues to face cancer treatments.
Cathy Ferris, pastors wife at Monroe First (LA) lost her mother this past week. Pray for Cathy and the family.
Rev. Lisa McClesse, Gulfport First pastor, will have significant surgery on Sept.20. Please pray for her complete recovery.

Dr. Charles Johnson (Meridian Fitkins, MS) had shoulder surgery last week. He is home and recuperating.
Rev. Steve Holtz (Cleveland First, MS) has been suffering with his back in recent days.
Rev. Dustin McDavid (Pineville, LA) lost his uncle in an apparent suicide this week. Pray for his family.
Rev. Stephen Deese's (Gloster, MS) mother is battling cancer.
Rev. Keith Matthew's (LifePoint,MS) mother has been very ill and had recent surgery.

Continue to pray for Rev. Mike Howard (Westlake, LA)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT'S PRAYER MEETINGS (Prayer Tour)
Instead of having the DS Tours as usual this year I have felt led to simply come to each area of the district(S) and have a night of prayer with pastors, associates, and spouses. These prayer times will last from 7-8:30 pm each evening and will include a brief video from Jim Cymbala followed by a significant time of praise and prayer. You have been emailed a schedule. I anticipate that every pastor will do his/her best to be at one of these prayer events. For many there may be more than one within driving distance of you, making it possible to participate somewhere.

MINISTER AND MATES RETREAT is next week. Every pastor has received info. If money is the only reason you are not coming please let the office know. We do not want anyone to miss this great event because of finances. Dr. Eddie Estep, a great leader in our church will be speaking for us.

Book I am Recommending: "Radical" by David Platt. This book was recommended to me by several friends, and it is well worth it. Platt, who pastors a mega Methodist church in Birmingham is calling the church to reevaluate its prosperity, consumerism, and selfish style and calling the church and the Christian back to an authentic discipleship characterized by the serious teachings of Jesus.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: "This is how God works. He puts people in positions where they are desperate for His power, and then he shows his provision in ways that demonstrate his greatness." David Platt

Just Church

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. (Acts 10:27-29) (READ the Entire Section)

PASTOR TO PASTOR

“Feeling clearly called of God to the carrying of His work in the conversion of sinners, the sanctification of believers and the building up in holiness of those who may be committed to our care we associate ourselves together as a church of God under the name The Church of the Nazarene. We seek the simplicity and the power of the primitive New Testament Church. The field of labor to which we feel called is in the neglected quarters of the cities and wherever else may be found waste places and souls seeking pardon and cleansing from sin. This work we aim to do through the agency of city missions, evangelistic services, house-to-house visitation, caring for the poor, comforting the dying. To this end we strive personally to walk with God and to invite others so to do.” (Phineas F. Bresee)

There is much talk about the church these days. Much of it is angry, divisive, and judgemental. It is littered with labels and name calling. It is the "worship wars" on steroids. Everything the church does or does not do as come under scrutiny. If a pastor wants to introduce a new song he is labeled an "emergent". It is the similar to being called a communist and can have almost as tragic an effect as being called a philanderer.

On the other side, if a pastor believes in the authority of scripture he or she might be called a "fundamentalist", which is like being accused of burning witches.

I want to scream, "Can't we all just get along?" But I don't. I would rather say,"Shut Up"; all of you. In other words, let's quit picking at each other with a fine tooth comb, and let's start being who we say we are..."The Church of Jesus Christ".

We, you and I, would do well to be The Church of the Nazarene. Read Bresee's words again. Who can argue with this declaration, made at the very first gathering of a church that would be called the Church of the Nazarene. It would make a good mission statement.

Look at some of the identifying and profound phrases embodied in this text:
1. Clearly called...
2. The conversion of sinners...
3. The sanctification of believers...
4. The building up in holiness...
5. Neglected quarters...
6. To this end we strive personally to walk with God and to invite others so to do...

How are we doing? What are we doing?

When I was a sophomore I played on the JV Baseball team. We only had one field so we were always competing with the Varsity for field time. If they were practicing we had to use a smaller field that could not be used for games. It was impossible for both of us to have games on the same day. We were in the north so we had a short season. We hit, fielded, pitched. We took fly balls and ground balls. Coaches drilled us on the fundamentals; bunting, stealing, pick-off plays, running the bases. I say all of that to say that we practiced alot but had very few games.We would go two weeks without having any games. It got boring and was demotivating. We were there to play and we wanted to play.

We ought to quit talking, going over the plays ad nausem, and get in the game.

Dr. Bresee once stated, “Let the Church of the Nazarene be true to its commission; not great and elegant buildings; but to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, and wipe away the tears of sorrowing, and gather jewels for His diadem.”

Amen!

EXCELLENT ADVENTURES
We have most recently visited GraceWay (MS), Hazelhurst (MS), Baker (LA), and the Fort Jesup Camp Meeting.

We look forward to visiting the following churches:

August 15 -- GracePointe (LA)
August 22 -- Victory Praise and Worship (MS)
August 29 -- Crossroads (MS), Pascagoula Hispanic New Start
September 5 -- Available
September 12 -- New Iberia (LA)

To schedule me please contact Pam. I would love to come to your church. (I am especially available on Sunday nights. If it looks like I am in your area on Sunday morning or might be passing through, and you would like me to come, please contact Pam)

SPECIAL NOTES
Rev. Jim Norcross (Darlene) has accepted appointment as pastor of Bossier City CON (LA). This is his second stint as pastor there. Jim and Darlene have been enjoying retirement in Homer, LA, while running an Antique store there. We welcome them back to the LA team.

The following have had successful reviews: Rev. Derek Catron (Lake Charles First, LA), Rev. Chris Rego, (Brookhaven First, MS), and Rev. Kaye Shelley (Philadelphia, MS)

Open Churches: (MS)Waynesboro Trinity, GraceWay
(LA) Kenner First and Bossier


Important Prayer Requests:

Rev. David Kelly (Crystal Springs, MS) has begun treatments for cancer. So far the pancreas has been ruled out, but the oncologist wants to look at it one more time. Please pray for him.
Rev. Don Wedgeworth (Meridian Northside, MS) is in need of our prayers. He is suffering serious heart problems and is on oxygen.
Rev. Stephen Deese's (Gloster, MS) mother is battling cancer.
Continue to pray for Rev. Jerry Cole, McVay Memorial (LA), and Rev. Mike Howard (Westlake, LA)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

BOARD LEADERSHIP SUMMITS 10am - 3 pm Cost $10 per person

Mississippi - August 7 at Bridgepoint Church in Brandon, MS Louisiana - August 14 at Rocky Creek Camp

Rev. Corey Jones, pastor of the Crossroads Tabernacle CON in Ft. Worth will be our guest speaker. His church is known for its very strong prayer ministry. He will be talking to us about prayer, a praying church, and the subsequent results of having a praying church. You will not want to miss this. Bring your church board and leadership team.

Everyone present will receive gifts, snacks, lunch, and materials. The whole district, one day, under one roof.


It is Nazarene Pastors night at the Mississippi Braves game on Friday night, August 27th in Pearl, MS. (Outside Jackson). Fireworks after the game. Tickets are $7. Call or email the District Resource Center to reserve your tickets. Your whole family is invited. Game starts at 7. Coming from a distance? We may be able to help if you want to stay overnight.

Pastor Lisa McCleese reports: The Gulfport (MS) church hosted an appreciation luncheon today for Gulfport City workers who have been working on the road widening project on Three Rivers Road (the road the church is on). They had around 20 workers come and the local news station, WLOX out of Biloxi, took some video and did a short interview with the pastor.

Pastor Joe Talhelm reports: Just thought I would let you know how the Lord blessed our church this past week in our Vacation Bible School - it was incredible, averaged 135 (81 kids) each night (altar services three nights) with a baptism service on Fri night - baptising 32 (28 kids and 4 adults). VBS Program on Sunday had 253 in the service with a great program and the Lord moving. It was, by far, the best VBS ever here in Ebenezer!(LA) God is to be praised!!!

Kenner First (LA) reports: Just a note to tell you about our Aug. 1 Sunday Service. It was a memorial to Hazel Blanchard Duxworth who passed away Sept. 20. It was a wonderful service with approx. 60 people attending. The church looked very full. We had 42 from our congregation and Filidelfia joined with us with at least 20 more people. Rev. Henry Siems, who formerly grew up in the area, pastor now at Stillwater, Ok, was our special speaker. He also brought his 6 boys with him to share in the service. Dale Adams, hosted the service. We had good music and a good service.


Book I am Recommending: "Deep Church" by Jim Belcher. I bought this book because of all of the "controversy" over the traditional church and the Emergent, Emerging, PostModern Church. Unlike the book above that is largely about style, the battle between the traditional and the emergent is more theological and more ecclesiological. The venom that is often used by adherents to both groups borders on the absurd. This book, according to Belcher is for people like me who aren't quite sure what all the fuss is about. It is a textbook on the Emergent church but it also calls for a reconsidering of the traditional church. It is first and foremost a call for a third option..."Deep Church."

Book I Am Reading: "Be Holy" by Joseph Coleson, et al. A book out of the Wesleyan church, it is compilation of writings on holiness. By the admission of the author it is written to stir a new flame for the subject of holiness and to do so in a way that is engaging for a new culture and generation.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Holiness is and always should be an identifiable trait of God's people. Holy people are called to be set apart for God's purposes in the world. " Thomas Armiger, General Superintendent, The Wesleyan church.

Holy Brothers (and Sisters)

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. (HEBREWS 3:1-6)

PASTOR TO PASTOR
The passage above speaks of Moses faithfulness, as well as the faithfulness of Jesus.
They both, according to this word, were faithful over the house of God. What a thought! We too are called as faithful servants over the house of God.

I don't think this means the building, but the collection of people and ministries that make up the church. It is an awesome and heavy responsibility. It is also a blessing.

The writer suggest a few things that we need to be reminded about.

1) Fix your eyes on Jesus. Faithfulness is a virtue of patience, persistence, and progress. None of these is possible in our own strength. Some of the enemies of faithfulness are weariness, criticism, lack of results, and frustration: to name a few. These war against our patience, persistence, and progress. The only way to stay faithful is to keep our eyes on Jesus. He is the One who called us. Our calling...his calling, must sustain us before the afore-mentioned enemy. I recently taught a seminar and was reminded of the number of preachers who quit or give up. In the CON we have 14,000 ministers and less than 6,000 churches. That's a lot who have given up. When days get tough keep your eyes on Jesus.

2) This is God's house. This verse is a reminder that for all we do for the church, and all that happens in the life of the church; the house is not more important than the One who built it. We can be tempted to worship the church, as opposed to the God of the church. We can worship the rituals, the traditions, the new stuff, even the preacher. But God is to be lifted up and worshipped. We can never believe that we or our work are more important than the Father.

He built this house. It is his. It is not mine. This congregation belongs to Him. This is not my assignment. It belongs to him.

3) Christ is faithful. I have been preaching a message lately asserting that God is in the building business. He wants to build us. Remember the kids song..."He's Still Working on Me". That's what he does. He is building us into a spiritual house.
Friends, Jesus is faithful. he will never forsake you or leave you. When ministry hurts, or when it is filled with joy, Christ Jesus Himself will be with you.

EXCELLENT ADVENTURES
Since our last blog we have preached at Blanchard (LA), Cleveland First (MS), Jackson Emmanuel (MS), McCoy (LA), and the NWIL District Camp Meeting. I have also attended the MS District Teen Camp at Table Rock Lake, the LA District Family Camp Meeting, the LA District Teen Camp, PALCON at SNU, and to LA District Children's Camp.

We look forward to visiting the following churches:
July 11 -- GraceWay (MS), Hazelhurst (MS) afternoon installation
June 18-- Baker (LA)
July 25 -- Fort Jessup Camp Meeting (LA)
August 1-- Available
August 8 -- DaySpring (MS)
August 15 -- GracePointe (LA)
August 22 -- Victory Praise and Worship (MS)
August 29 -- New Iberia (LA)
To schedule me please contact Pam. I would love to come to your church. (I am especially available on Sunday nights. If it looks like I am in your area on Sunday morning or might be passing through, and you would like me to come, please contact Pam)

SPECIAL NOTES

Rev. Kelvin Boone (wife, Rhonda) has accepted an appointment to pastor Hazelhurst(MS). Kelvin has most recently served as youth pastor at Bridgepoint and before that at Jackson Emmanuel. He has long served on the NYI Council in MS. The Boone's have two sons. We welcome them to this first pastoral assignment.

Rev. Jason Faminoff (wife, Melinda) have accepted and moved to Leesville to reopen the work there. The church will be called the Leesville Grace Community Church. Melinda is from Leesville. They have been pastoring in Kirbyville, TX. they have a daughter.

Rev. Robert (Bob) Lanier (wife, Carolyn) has moved from Meridian Fitkins to Jackson, MS to plant a new church in the South Jackson area. Re. Lanier has pastored in Alabama, Ohio, and Washington D.C., and feels led to start this church. His daughter, son-in-law, and two kids have moved here as well to help in planting the church. We are grateful for this church.

We are in the final stages of trying to get a Religious Workers Visa for Rev. Alberto Vidal to come and help us with our Hispanic work, particularly with the Vicksburg Hispanic. Please pray as we complete the necessary arrangements.

Rev. Gustavo Santos (wife, Susan) and their congregation have voted to join the Church of the Nazarene. They are located in Pascagoula and began working with Rev. Myron Hairston and most recently have been working with Rev. Rick Free.

Dr. David Smith has resigned as pastor of GraceWay (Summitt,MS). Dr. Smith started the church several years ago and has done an outstanding job establishing this new work. Pray that God will help us find a suitable replacement. He is available for pulpit supply. I have appointed Rev. Greg Beatty as the interim pastor.

Rev. Gary Houston as resigned Waynesboro Trinity(MS). Gary started this church many years ago and is completing his second term as pastor. He will continue to work for YET and for NCM. Pray for he and wife Kim as they seek God's future. He is available for pulpit supply.

Vicksburg First (MS) and pastor Chuck Parish have announced that they have put on staff Rev. Ron Ray and Rev. Kuhrman Cox. Both men will be unpaid associates. Rev. Cox has been given the title Pastor Emeritus. Congratulations.

GracePoint (LA) and Rev. Wayne Stallings have announced the hiring of Rev. Allen Kelly, Jr. as associate pastor in charge of discipleship and small groups.

Open Churches: (MS)Waynesboro Trinity, GraceWay
(LA) Kenner First and Bossier


Important Prayer Requests:
Rev. David Kelly (Crystal Springs, MS) has been diagnosed with what is believed to be cancer. It may be pancreatic. He was to have a biopsy today and will receive results on Thursday. Please pray for him.
Rev. Don Wedgeworth (Meridian Northside, MS) is in need of our prayers. He is suffering serious heart problems and is on oxygen.
Thanks for praying for Rev. Larry Ferris (pastor at Monroe. LA. First church) who had triple bypass surgery on June 3. He is recovering well.
Brenda Teston, (pastor's wife at Moss Bluff, LA) recently had gall bladder surgery. After some immediate complications she is doing better.
Linda Sherer's (pastor's wife at Sulphur, LA) mother had open heart surgery this past week.
Rev. Stephen Deese's (Gloster, MS) mother is battling cancer.
Continue to pray for Rev. Jerry Cole, McVay Memorial (LA), and Rev. Mike Howard (Westlake, LA)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Fort Jessup Camp Meeting July 20-25 7 pm Each Evening Speaker: Rev. Bob Lothenore Music: Marcus Whitworth

Bring a van or a car load. Take the beautiful drive out to Fort Jessup. Have a great time at this century old campground.

BOARD LEADERSHIP SUMMITS 10am - 3 pm Cost $10 per person

Mississippi - August 7 at Bridgepoint Church in Brandon, MS Louisiana - August 14 at Rocky Creek Camp

Rev. Corey Jones, pastor of the Crossroads Tabernacle CON in Ft. Worth will be our guest speaker. His church is known for its very strong prayer ministry. He will be talking to us about prayer, a praying church, and the subsequent results of having a praying church. You will not want to miss this. Bring your church board and leadership team.

Everyone present will receive gifts, snacks, lunch, and materials. The whole district, one day, under one roof.

GracePointe (Shreveport, MS) is hosting a training seminar for any churches interested in implementing Dare To Care in your church. The dates are Friday, July 23 - Sunday, July 25th. This program has revolutionized the Pearson Chapel church (MS). You may want to send a lay person to get this information and bring it to your church. Cost is $10 per person. For more info call the church at 318-686-8802.

It is Nazarene Pastors night at the Mississippi Braves game on Friday night, August 27th in Pearl, MS. (Outside Jackson). Fireworks after the game. Tickets are $7. Call or email the District Resource Center to reserve your tickets. Your whole family is invited. Game starts at 7. Coming from a distance? We may be able to help if you want to stay overnight.

Book I am Recommending: "Who Stole My Church" by Gordon McDonald. This book is about the disconnect between two generations in today's typical church. It is written in a narrative style about a small New England church that is struggling with the generation gap. The younger folks want to make some changes that will attract new people to the church. The older folks, while wanting to reach new people, feel like their church is being taken from them. Pastor Gordon McDonald leads these groups, and the entire church, through a series of discussions to assess how both groups can be ministered too and find some common ground. The pages of this book are filled with the all to present reality that many pastors face today. Whiles some of it is unavoidably painful, it is also enlightening and helpful.

Book I Am Reading:
"Deep Church" by Jim Belcher. I bought this book because of all of the "controversy" over the traditional church and the Emergent, Emerging, PostModern Church. Unlike the book above that is largely about style, the battle between the traditional and the emergent is more theological and more ecclesiological. The venom that is often used by adherents to both groups borders on the absurd. This book, according to Belcher is for people like me who aren't quite sure what all the fuss is about. It is a textbook on the Emergent church but it also calls for a reconsidering of the traditional church. It is first and foremost a call for a third option..."Deep Church."

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: When God touches on person it is renewal. When he touches a group of people it is revival. When he touches the larger community it is an awakening. David Felter (Last Month's Holiness Today)

SUMMER RENEWAL AND REVIVAL

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.

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.

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.

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

He Is Risen!

VERSE OF THE WEEK: While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:4-6

PASTOR TO PASTOR
The women were downcast. They were afraid. They had been through the worst, and they could not conceive of it getting any better. Their faces reflected their mood. Their postures were instructive. They could only ask themselves, "When will this ever end. They have killed, Him, and now they have stolen His body."
They came out of respect and out of duty, but they could hardly believe that anything profitable would occur. And then the angels spoke. "Why do you seek the living in the land of the dead? He is not here. He has risen."

Well, Praise the Lord. It is true. And it is permanent. And the good news of the first Easter is the same today as it was then. Why do we hang our heads? Why to stoop at the shoulder? Why do we anticipate the the bad will get worse? Why do we swim in the muck of defeat, discouragement, and disillusionment? And death?

These ladies, faithful and good, went to the trouble of securing expensive and costly spices to dress the dead body of Jesus. They thought the Cross was the final word. Even thought they had seen Him raise others, they could hardly believe that He could raise himself. And don't forget, He was there last and best hope for victory over the oppression they had experienced all their lives. And now that hope was gone.

This Sunday you will preach to people just like these dear women. They are perplexed. They are absent of hope. Things are bad for them, and they expect them to get worse. And there will be some who are still searching for life, and for peace, and for joy. But....you already have seen it....they are looking amongst the dead.

And the God of heaven, Jesus' own Father, has selected you to tell these and others, "He is Risen." Hallelujah! Some are ignorant and don't know what this means. Others have forgotten. Don't assume that it is redundant. I am praying that all across Mississippi and Louisiana churches...we will hear people say, "today, I found what I have been looking for". He is Alive!

EXCELLENT ADVENTURES
On the 14th of March we were at Hattiesburg First (MS). What a thrill. Great time of worship. Enjoyed seeing lots of new faces at this church and visiting into the afternoon with Pastor Kermit Hudson, wife Wendy, and the girls.
On the 21st I preached at Vicksburg First (MS) both services. I took a vote on their new pastor in the morning service and was able to return that night and report that he had accepted.
Last Sunday, with a touch of the stomach crud, I preached at Prentiss (MS). This small group of dedicated folks were so kind to me. Enjoyed being with Pastor Pamela Epps.
This Sunday I will be preaching in Science Hill, Ky. where my daughter has just relocated. Looking forward to being there.

SCHEDULE
April 11 - McVay Memorial (LA) am
April 18 - Crystal Springs (MS) am
April 25 - Vivian (LA) am, Ruston (LA) afternoon
May 2 - AVAILABLE am, Vicksburg (MS) Installation Service afternoon
May 9 - Pineville First LA) am

SPECIAL NOTES

Rev. Charles (Chuck) and Renee Parish have accepted a call to Vicksburg First (MS). Chuck has served at the Global Ministry Center in NYI and Renee has served as Secretary in the General Secretary's office for a number of years. Prior to these assignments they were missionaries to Papau New Guinea. We welcome to the district. Their first Sunday is April 25 and installation is set for May 2 at 2:30.

Open Churches: (MS) Jackson Emmanuel and Union
(LA) Kenner First and GracePointe

Important Prayer Requests:
Please pray for Wanda Howard, pastor's wife at Westlake (LA). She had knee replacement surgery this past week.
Please pray for the 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.
Pray for the mother of Pastor Keith MeGehee, who will have a heart cath this Friday. She has been very ill over the past several weeks.
Rev. Darwin Enicks (Baker, LA)is home recovering from hip surgery in Baton Rouge. Rev. Derek Catron, pastor at Lake Charles First (LA), continues to recover from staph infection.
Continue to pray for Rev. Scott Howell (West Monroe Faith Community)who has been suffering from kidney stones for months. He had a procedure to get rid of the final remnant that has caused so much trouble.
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 PRAISE REPORTS
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.
MS had an outstanding NYI Convention. congratulations to Rev. Michael Ford on his reelection as NYI President.

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.


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

DISTRICT ASSEMBLY DATES

Mississippi (at Emmanuel)Dr. Eugenio Duarte GS, Vance and Jeannie Sharp, worship
NMI Convention -- Tuesday, April 13, 7:00 pm - Wednesday, April 14, 5:00 pm
SDMI Convention -- Wednesday, April 14, 7:00 pm - Thursday, April 15, 5:00 pm
District Assembly -- Thursday, April 15, 7:00pm - Friday, April 16, 9:00 pm

LOUISIANA 100TH ANNIVERSARY DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
LOUISIANA (at Rocky Creek)Dr. Eugenio Duarte GS, Vance and Jeannie Sharp, worship
SDMI Convention -- Tuesday, May 4, 7:00 pm - Wednesday, May 5, 5:00 pm
NMI Convention -- Wednesday, May 5, 7:00 pm - Thursday, May 6, 5:00 pm
District Assembly -- Thursday, May 6, 7:00 pm - Friday, May 7, 9:00 pm

Book I am Recommending: "Forgotten God, Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit" by Francis Chan. I have just discovered this writer, a pastor in California, who seems to inspire me and encourage me. His first book of note was Crazy Love. This particular book is about the Holy Spirit, and how the church has largely neglected Him, not only in our speech and our polity, but in our practice. Chan says, "From my perspective, the Holy Spirit is tragically neglected and, for all practical purposes, forgotten. While no evangelical would deny His existence, I'm willing to bet there are millions of churchgoers across America who cannot confidently say they have experienced His presence or action in their lives over the past year. Wow. What a challenging thought. So far, well worth the read.

Thought For The Week: "If I were Satan and my ultimate goal was to thwart God's kingdom and purposes, one of my main strategies would be to get churchgoers to ignore the Holy Spirit." Francis Chan

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

Living (and Working) in the Flat Land

VERSE OF THE WEEK: We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing,... Colossians 1:3-6a

PASTOR TO PASTOR
I have been reading the Torah as the new year as unfolded and been deeply touched by the relationship between God and His people, from Adam and Eve through Moses and Aaron. When I say deeply touched I mean deeply moved, deeply troubled, deeply confused, deeply thrilled...you get the picture.
I have been particularly enthralled by the relationship between God and Moses that begins in Exodus 3. I have been preaching from it some. I have called it Living on Flat Ground. The burning bush incident takes place at the base of the mountain. We all would like to live on the mountain...we hunger for and desire mountain top experiences. But the truth is most living is lived on flat ground...routine, ordinary, normal ground. It is where most of the birthin', breathin', workin', playin', bill payin', dien', and buryin'...takes place. Here are some things the Lord has shown me here:
1) This is holy ground. Just because it is ordinary and routine does not mean it is not to be treasured as special. The factory, the neighborhood, the grocery...holy ground.
2) It is holy because God is in the midst of it. We need to recognize him. He said to Moses, "I will be with you". Moses said, "Who are you?" He replied, "I Am". I don't need any other identifier, description, adjective, definition, or reference point. I Am
3) Faithful obedience in the flat land will breed an invitation to the mountain top. God said to Moses, "you will know that I have delivered you when you worship me on this mountain."

As pastors we often feel like we are stuck in the mundane, the ordinary, the common. We watch people repeat the same stuff over and over again. We feel like we are wading through sand. Yet it is in this land of the common and the ordinary, that God calls us to walk and work with Him, and as we are faithful He will enable us a few mountain top moments where we shall bask in the shadow of His shekinah glory.

EXCELLENT ADVENTURES

I have not published for a few weeks so here is a run down of where we have worshipped most recently:
Jan. 31 - Morning service at Slidell, LA where Pastor Eric Nelson was celebrating his 40th birthday with a number of friends who had gathered for the occasion. Lots of fun.
Afternoon rally of African American church in Hattiesburg (see below)
Feb. 7 - DS's Meeting in Florida. Morning service we listened to Dr. Eugenio Duarte and in the evening service we heard Dr. David Graves, two of our newest General Superintendents.
Feb. 14 - Got to preach in the morning Lake Charles First (LA) where Pastor Derek Catron was recovering from major surgery. Had a wonderful lunch with the Catrons and then preached Sunday night at Westlake (LA)and conducted the review of Pastor Mike Howard.
Feb. 21 - Preached at Ebenezer (LA)and conducted the review of Pastor Joe Talhelm. Had a wonderful dinner with the Talhelms. Sunday evening conducted the review for Pastor David Hoffpauir and preached at Trout (LA). Had a wonderful food fellowship afterwards.
Feb. 28 - Preached at Hazelhurst (MS) yesterday morning. Had a great dinner around the big round table and then met with the church board.

SPECIAL NOTES
Open Churches: (MS) Union, Vicksburg First, and Jackson Emmanuel
(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), continues his recovery. He is now back to work.
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. The Dr.s have tried many procedures and while some have given relief there is still much to be concerned about.
Brenda Teston, pastors wife at Moss Bluff (LA) continues her recovery from foot surgery.
Rev. Diane Adams, (associate at Meridian Fitkins, MS) is having surgery this week.
Continue to pray for Rev. Jerry Cole, McVay Memorial (LA), and Rev. Mike Howard (Westlake, LA)

Good News Reports

Congratulations to Rev. Dustin and Laura McDavid on the birth of a son, Silas Thane on Feb. 20. He was several weeks late and God was gracious in protecting baby and mother. The baby will be in the hospital for a few weeks. He joins brother Noah.

Congratulations to Rev. Sherrill Stiles (Vivian, LA) who was named Man of the Year in North Caddo. What a great honor.

Yesterday was a great day at Vicksburg First (MS). They took in a new member, had a new convert in the morning service, baptized 11 in the afternoon service, two were Hispanic, and elected a Hispanic member to the church board. Praise God.

Crossroads (MS) has seen over 50 people saved since May 27 of last year. Wow! PTL.

Wonderful reviews have been received by: Rev. Reggie Gilmore (NO First, LA), Rev. Joe Talhelm (Ebenezer, LA), Rev. David Hoffpauir (Trout, LA), Rev. Mike Howard (Westlake, LA).

On January 31, we enjoyed a wonderful celebration of our African American churches when all of our churches from MS and LA gathered together in Hattiesburg. Several from other churches came as well. Dr. Charles Johnson, our Assistant to the District Superintendent, coordinated the event and preached. Special music and mime performances were shared by the other churches. Each of our pastors attended. It was a glorious day in the Lord. We appreciate Rev. Kermit Hudson and the Hattiesburg church for hosting us.

PALCONS are scheduled for Trevecca (TNU) Region May 11-14 and Southern (SNU) Region June 28-July 1. 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 http://www.nazazrenepastor.org/

Book I am Recommending: "So Beautiful" by Leonard Sweet
Sweet is like a lot of preachers, he doesn't quite know when he has said enough. He will drill a point home again and again often jumping from one metaphor to another. That can make for a tough read. However, the points he does make are meaty and resounding. In this book (as I mentioned in an earlier blog) he describes the life God intends for us as a Missional Life, a Relational Life, and an Incarnational Life. There is a lot of truth here that can help us to not only define our own lives, but to know what to expect in others.

Website I am Recommending: http://www.sermonaudio.com/

One of the best ways to become a better preacher is to listen to others. Here is a good way to do it.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: “Faith is the opposite of control” Leonard Sweet

Let's Trade Prayers,

Greg

WHO DAT?

I promised the Louisiana pastors (Specifically Reggie Gilmore of New Orleans First) that I would put WHO DAT? as my blog title this week if they won. They won, sending Mississippi icon Brett Farve back to Hattiesburg for a time.
I think Who Dat is a question. Who Dat gonna beat those Saints? It is brash, confident, and faith-filled. The fans are believers that their team can win. Perhaps it could be our theme as well. The Bible says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength... Who Dat?

Verse of the Week: Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; Psalm 37:3-5

Pastor to Pastor

I must confess that I have a hard time reading Leonard Sweet, a very meaningful and popular writer to the Christian church these days. In a little while he is going to be speaking to DS's and we were given the task of reading his newest book prior to our session. It is deep stuff for a simpleton like me. Good, but deep. In the book, entitled "So Beautiful", he introduces the concept of the MRI shaped church (Mission, Relationship, and Incar-national). (He also uses this in a book I recommended earlier entitled, "Postmodern and Wesleyan".) In this book he says the following:

"The crisis of the church today has little to do with dwindling numbers, aging congregations, outdated facilities, financial crises, and lace-by-day, leather-by-night priests. Today's church crisis stems from one thing: Jesus Deficit Disorder. The church's narrative is biblically, theologically, and spiritually bankrupt." The church has been busy telling stories other than God's story, dreaming other dreams than God's dream as revealed in Jesus."

Finally, he says, "Are we 'up to' what God's up to?"

What do you think he means by this? It really makes me think. It challenges me. I want to know what the crisis is, and how to fix it. The challenge is to know how to move our congregations, our districts, through this crisis.

I know this, it will take

• loving leadership: the people of your congregation are the people to whom God has called you to shepherd, and as difficult as they may make it for you, you can lovingly lead them to find a better way to live for and serve Jesus.
• patient persistence: it takes time. Habits are not formed over night and they are not changed overnight.
• masterful modeling: we are to set the example, not give the orders. We cannot expect our people to put Jesus first if we are not, to make disciples if we are not, to win people to Jesus if we are not. I can tell you this...until I get someone to come to church, I'm going to quit expecting my people to get someone to come. Until I am personally discipling someone, I am going to quit expecting my people to disciple someone. Until I start praying for, meeting, and engaging my neighbors for Jesus sake, I am going to quit expecting my congregation to.

We have a Jesus problem. What are we going to do about it?

Excellent Adventures

Last Sunday I had a terrible case of laryngitis. Haven't had it much during my life but after teaching all day at POPS in LA, I woke up horse in MS on Sunday. However, God helped us to push forward and the people were gracious enough to listen to our scratchy voice. We were at Bridgepoint in Brandon, MS in the morning where we helped to dedicate the new sanctuary and the remodeled facilities. It is lovely and Rev. Pocai and his team have done a wonderful job of turning a factory into a church. Following the service Elaine and I had wonderful fellowship with the Pocais, and staff members and wives, the Newmans and Boones.

Sunday evening I preached at Vicksburg First and followed the service with a meeting of the board.

This week we are at Slidell, LA in the morning (helping Rev. Eric Nelson celebrate his 40th birthday) and will be attending the African American church's rally in the afternoon at Hattiesburg First.

Special Notes

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


Important Prayer Requests:

• Brother Kuhrman Cox's brother passed away this morning. He and his brother Norman will share the funeral duties in Florida. Pray for him as he travels and assists.
• Continue to pray for Lynn Witbeck (Starkeville, MS) who lost her father, Cheryl Bradley (Crowley, LA) who lost her mother, and Rev, Mike Whitten who lost his father.
• Rev. Derek Catron, pastor at Lake Charles First (LA), is recovering for surgery at home. Because of the extent of his surgery recovery will take some time.
• Rev. Ruby Walters, pastor of Lucedale, has suffered paralysis of her vocal chords due to some recent surgery. She cannot speak and obviously cannot pastor/preach. She is taking a leave and the Dr's. are hoping she will regain use of her voice in about 6 months. Please pray for this precious lady.
• Brenda Teston, pastors wife at Moss Bluff (LA) had surgery today. She is home recovering.
• Continue to pray for Rev. Jerry Cole, McVay Memorial.

Good News Reports

• Received good news reports from Rev. Wayne Williams at Laurel (MS) First, and Rob Pocai at Bridgepoint (Brandon, MS). Also from Reggie Gilmore at New Orleans First (LA) Praise the Lord for what He is doing in our midst.

• This Sunday, January 31, is the date for a wonderful time of celebration with all of our African American church from both district at Hattiesburg First at 3:00 pm. If you are within driving distance why not cancel your evening service and come to Hattiesburg to support this great service of inspiration and encouragement.
• PALCONS are scheduled for Trevecca (TNU) Region May 11-14 and Southern (SNU) Region June 28-July 1. 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 http://www.nazazrenepastor.org/

Book I am Recommending: "Making Disciples" by Sondra Higgins Matthaei
This book is a study of the writings of the Wesley's, including Charles and Susanna that reflect on the discipleship model established by John Wesley that served as a model for Methodism. One of the benefits of the book is that it reflects on helping someone "know they are a Christian." It also focuses on the community of faith and how it provides opportunities for accountability and responsibility and how both of those are marks of making and being disciples of Jesus. This book was recommended by Rev. David Ching. Very well worth the read.

Website I am Recommending: Pastor For Life www.pastorforlife.org I just discovered this site. It is more like a blog, but it has some helpful writing, some interesting resources and a section entitled, Pastors Gotta Laugh.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: “Today, by the Spirit’s power, I’ll do the best I can with what I have out of love for Jesus. That’s my definition of success.” Rick Warren

Let's Trade Prayers