Report from Brazil Ministry Team

I received the following email from Karen Gray, missionary in Brazil. Karen and her husband, Tony, are members of our church and missionaries through Pioneer Missions. Please pray for the team as they will begin the long flight home today. They are scheduled to arrive in Gulfport, MS just before Noon on Sunday.

FBC was well represented this week. The 1st pic is Mr. Woody sharing the gospel through the interpreter. The 2nd and 3rd pictures are Clarrisa, Tony and Karen giving out reading glasses. The 4th picture is Clarene with part of her VBS team preparing for an impromptu session. Don't know how I missed a picture of Bro. Jimmy. But I'm sure they have several.

It was a great week. The Rustins did a great job!

Remember us in your prayers as we fly to the North tomorrow night to meet FBC Hattiesburg to build a chapel and have a medical clinic.

Blessings on you and yours.

Karen Gray

Plans for Saturday

Well, we went to Bay Minette, AL, this afternoon to visit my in-laws. Then, we ate at the Stage Coach Cafe in Stockton, AL. Our good friend, Joyce Overstreet, runs the restaurant. I had a Shrimp Po Boy.

At the restaurant, we saw Terri's Aunt and Uncle, as well as some cousins there. Also, we saw the young man who was the Ring Bearer in our wedding. He's 26 years old now. He graduated from Georgia Tech about 4 years ago.

Tomorrow, Abbey plans another yard sale. The last one was a success.

Jared and I will be attending his end of the season T-Ball party. They plan to have one of those inflatable water slides. This should be fun.

USM's Spring Break BSU Trip to Baltimore

As I was searching the Embrace Baltimore website, I found the following article on the Baptist Student Union Trip to Baltimore. They assisted the same church we will be working with for a second year, July 7-11. The University of Southern Mississippi is only 50 miles from our church.

University of Southern Mississippi BSU Spring Break to Baltimore

By Theresa Sassard

BALTIMORE — Most college students think of beaches and partying during Spring Break, but the Baptist Student Union of the University of Southern Mississippi had another idea. A group of 25 students and leaders, led by Kris Walters, associate BSU director, decided to partner with The Church on Warren Avenue, a Baltimore Baptist Association church in the Inner Harbor section of downtown Baltimore. During the week of March 8-13, 2008, the team did ministry projects at the church and in the neighborhood.

Warren Avenue had a number of tasks for USM missionaries. One of their jobs for the week was to reorganize and inventory the stuff that had accumulated in their church.

With no job being too big, according to Kris, probably their weirdest task was to take a piano apart the church didn't need anymore. A new sign was built for the front of the church. The team also went into the neighborhood and spent some time with kids at the local rec center.

After finishing their tasks at Warren Avenue, the team was able to assist two other local churches. At Catonsville Baptist Church, they tested out their painting and balancing skills; and at Gethsemane Baptist Church, they cleaned out an old storage area.

Rounding out the week, this terrific group of hard-working students worshipped together at The Vine on Sunday before heading back home to Mississippi. Great job … good and faithful servants!

Playground Equipment Installed

Starting at 7:00 AM and ending at 3:30 PM, we completed the installation of the playground equipment we purchased from Gametime. While it was a hot day, the attitudes of all the folks present help make the day a lot of fun.

Several men and women spent the day at the church. I appreciate all that went into completing this project. This will be a blessing to our children's ministry. Kudos to our Children's Ministry Team and the Properties Committee. Also, all the men who helped did a super job. The women served a great lunch.

Beautiful Day to Install Playground Equipment

Well, looks like we will be able to install the playground equipment. This will be the third scheduled effort. Praise God for a beautiful day.

Debtors to God

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.--Romans 8:12-13, NKJV

The Boy Who Lost His Boat

Tom carried his new boat to the edge of the river. He carefully placed it in the water and slowly let out the string. How smoothly the boat sailed! Tom sat in the warm sunshine, admiring the little boat that he had built. Suddenly a strong current caught the boat. Tom tried to pull it back to shore, but the string broke. The little boat raced downstream.

Tom ran along the sandy shore as fast as he could. But his little boat soon slipped out of sight. All afternoon he searched for the boat. Finally, when it was too dark to look any longer, Tom sadly went home.

A few days later, on the way home from school, Tom spotted a boat just like his in a store window. When he got closer, he could see -- sure enough -- it was his!

Tom hurried to the store manager: "Sir, that's my boat in your window! I made it!"

"Sorry, son, but someone else brought it in this morning. If you want it, you'll have to buy it for one dollar."

Tom ran home and counted all his money. Exactly one dollar! When he reached the store, he rushed to the counter. "Here's the money for my boat." As he left the store, Tom hugged his boat and said, "Now you're twice mine. First, I made you and now I bought you."

Our Responsibility to God

The preceding story is illustrates what God has done for us. He created us, but, due to our sin, we were separated from Him. Then, by sending Jesus to pay the price for our sins, he bought us back. God redeemed us, because he loves us. That makes us special. Because of the price he paid to forgive our sins, we are debtors to Him. We are obligated to respond in faith to His free offer of eternal life.

Today, do something to show God your gratitude for the price He paid for your sins.

Plane Tickets Have Arrived

The plane tickets for our Mission Trip to Baltimore, July 7-11, 2008, have just arrived by Federal Express. I am getting excited.

Yesterday at First Baptist Leakesville

Yesterday was FBC, our Bible Study attendance was much lower than usual. The attendance at our Morning Worship Service was lower than usual. Probably, to folks being out of town for the long Memorial Day Weekend.

Mike Smith, the Minister of Music at FBC, was out of town with his family for the weekend. He deserves to get away. He and his wife are incredibly dependable. We missed them.

David Chatham led our music in the morning service. He played his guitar and Patti Zehner played piano. Also, David sang "Amazing Grace" with his acoustic guitar. He is very talented. David teaches at Greene County High School and has coached baseball. He will be going with us on our mission trip to Baltimore.

Thanks to Ricky Dickson, Malcolm Eubanks, and Dillon Zehner for trouble shooting our technical difficulties before the AM Service. We showed two videos paying tribute to our Veterans and those who died in the line of duty.

I taught the Sunday Bible Study Class at the Greene Rural Nursing Home. I substituted for Woody Rustin who is on the Associational Mission Trip to Brazil. I always enjoyed teaching out there.

Last night, Boo White, the FBC Youth Minister, preached. He did a great job. He has a wonderful way of connecting with the congregation. He uses great eye contact and he always uses humor appropriately. His sermon was based on John 3:16. For me, it amazes me that no matter how many times you have heard a scripture preached, God can still use an individual to bring out a nuance to the passage that sparks renewed inspiration. Boo is doing a super job.

We Tend to Forget

My brother is pastor of First Baptist Charleston, MS. He wrote, what I think, is a great newsletter article on the importance of Memorial Day. I share it here.

Just because something is important doesn't mean that I will remember it. Because I tend to forget, I need reminders. I write myself notes (A short pencil works better than a long memory). I set my cell phone to sound alarms before important events. I tell other people to remind me. I place letters I need to mail in front of the speedometer so that I will see them when I get into my car. I send myself emails and call and leave myself messages on my answering machine. I must do these things because I tend to forget

It is important to remember those who have sacrificed themselves in service to our country. Because we must remember and we might forget, our nation observes Memorial Day each year.

Don't forget to say thank you to those who have served our country. Freedom is never free.

Field Trip with Charlee

Yesterday, our family went with Charlee's class at the Univ. of Southern Mississippi Child Development Center on a field trip. We visited the 3 J Farm, just outside Petal, MS. This was a lot of fun.

In the pictures above and below, the large horses are Percherons, both the black and gray equines.

Cowboy Jared

This is Charlee's first time on a horse.

This is Charlee with her teacher, Deanna.

Team Headed to Brazil

This morning, around 7:15 AM, I prayed with Woody Rustin, Claressa Rustin, and Nell Gray, before they left from our church, headed to meet the rest of the Brazil Mission Team at the George-Greene Baptist Association Office. They were scheduled to fly out of Gulfport, MS this morning. They have a long trip ahead of them. Please pray for them.

Thanks to Fred Hight for driving our church van for the team.

God Does Not Share His Glory

I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.--Isaiah 42:8

For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.--Isaiah 48:11

In reference to God, the Hebrew word for "glory" refers to the reality of his presence as the supreme ruler of his people manifested in power, splendor and holiness. Also, the "Glory of the Lord" is essentially another name for God.

Ed Stetzer, in Comeback Churches, states "Many spiritual problems and barriers exist, hindering a church's growth through evangelism. Then, Stetzer cites thirty growth barriers that he believes cannot be overcome by "accepting statistics or adhering to strategies."

The first barrier is "Churches aren't concerned about God's glory, believing the church is just for them."

When a church's major focus is within the confines of a building, the congregation can morph into a religious country club. While on earth, Jesus was focused on those individuals that the "Religious Elite" considered to be unclean, unholy, profane. However, in truth, the attitude and hearts of the religious leaders were unclean, unholy, profane.

My favorite story that illustrates the importance of staying focused on reaching people for Christ is below. This modern parable was written originally in 1953 by an Episcopal priest named Theodore Wedel.

"A Crude Lifesaving Station"

by Theodore Wedel.

On a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks often occur there was once a crude lifesaving station. The building was just a hut, and there was only one boat, but the few devoted members kept a constant watch over the sea, and with no thought for themselves went out day and night tirelessly searching for the lost. Many lives were saved by this wonderful little station, so that it became famous.

Some of those who were saved, and various others in the surrounding area, wanted to become associated with the station and give of their time and their money and their effort for the support of its work. New boats were bought and new crews were trained. The little lifesaving station grew.

Now some of the members of the lifesaving station became unhappy, in time, however, because the building was so crude and so poorly equipped. They felt that a more comfortable, suitable place should be provided as the first refuge of those saved from the sea. And so they replaced the emergency cots with beds, and they put better furniture in the now enlarged building, so that now the lifesaving station actually became a popular gathering place for its members. They took great care in decorating it beautifully and furnishing it exquisitely, for they found new uses for it in the context of a sort of club. But fewer members were now interested in going to sea on lifesaving missions, and so they hired lifesaving crews to do this work on their behalf, and in their stead.

Now, don’t misunderstand, the lifesaving motif still prevailed in the club’s decoration and symbols — there was a liturgical lifeboat (symbolic rather than fully functional) in the room where the club initiations were held, for example — so the changes did not necessarily mean that the original purposes were totally lost.

About this time a large ship was wrecked off the coast, and the hired crews brought in boatloads of cold and wet, half-drowned people. They were dirty people and they were sick people, some of them with black skin, some with yellow skin. The beautiful new club, as you might imagine, was thrown into chaos, so that the property committee immediately had a shower house built outside the club where these recent victims of shipwreck could be cleaned up before coming
inside the main clubhouse.

At the very next meeting, there was a split in the club membership. Most of the members wanted to stop the club’s lifesaving activities for being so unpleasant, as well as for being a hindrance to the normal social life of the club. Some members insisted upon lifesaving as their primary purpose, pointing out that, indeed, they were still called a lifesaving station. But these few were finally voted down and told that if they wanted to save the lives of all the various kinds of people who were shipwrecked in those waters, they could begin their own lifesaving station down the coast. And so, they did just that.

Now as the years passed, the new station down the coast came to experience the very same changes that had occurred in the older, initial station. It evolved into a club, and yet another lifesaving station had to be founded to restore the original purpose.

Well, history continued to repeat itself, so that if you visit that seacoast today, you will find a great number of exclusive clubs along that shore. Shipwrecks are frequent in those waters, but most of the people drown!”

Charlee's Cameo

Each week, take our daughter, Charlee, to the University of Southern Mississippi's Child Development Center. Yesterday, a group of students from England were observing her class. A WDAM News Crew filmed their class.So, at the very end of the video (at the 46 second point), you can see Charlee in the blue "Sailor's Dress."

End of School Party

Wow!! Starting at 4:00 this afternoon, our kids and youth had a party to celebrate the beginning of Summer Vacation.

Joe and Allie Sue Errington, members of our church, have started an inflatable business. Their inflatable water slides are awesome. These aren't your average slides. Check out their Kids Zone blog here.

Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs were cooked for the kids. For the more adventurous, Boo White bought 100 lbs of crawfish and they were spicy hot. I had a few of the boiled potatoes and my mouth was burning all during the prayer service. We had a lot of help with the cooking and supervision of the kids. This was a great night. Thanks to everyone who helped. Especially, we need to thank Joe and Allie Sue for use of the inflatables.

Plug In

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (John 15:5, NKJV).

For approximately six months, our family desktop computer has overheated and shut down after 30 minutes of use. This has caused the family a lot of frustration, because it would always "crash" right in the middle of balancing the checkbook or finishing a especially creative email.

I have a laptop. So, in the evenings Terri (my wife) and Abbey (my teenage daughter) have used my laptop to stay in touch with the world. However, life is a lot easier when the desktop works.

For several weeks, I intended to carry the unit to the Leakesville Computer Center, which is less than a mile from our house. However, I just didn't get around to it. Last week, I was prepared to take it in, but, then, I discovered the Computer Center had closed.

Obviously, one of the fans was not operating correctly. Thus, the overheating continued. I needed to check it out, but...I didn't.

Finally, yesterday, I opened the CPU and discovered that one of the fans was not plugged into the board. While I didn't know where to connect the plug, I discovered the problem. Bruce Walley, the pastor of the Leakesville Assembly of God, is a computer expert. So, I called him and in a matter of seconds he connected the fan. Consequently, the computer ran for several hours yesterday without overheating.

Today, I feel stupid. Why didn't I look "under the hood" sooner? I could have eliminated a lot of tension in the family and fights over equitable use of the laptop.

Jesus said, "Without me you can do nothing." However, we are busy doing a lot of nothing. In our own strength, we "overheat" and "burn out." If we would just make sure we are connected to Jesus through prayer and daily surrender to Him as "living sacrifices," our lives would be more peaceful, more fruitful.

Do you feel yourself overheating? Well, respond to the invitation of Christ, "Come to me all Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28, NKJV)."

He offers relief from feelings of inadequacy, because he is adequate.

It Should Not Surprise Me

To me, one of the most miraculous and amusing passages in the Bible is found in Acts 12: 5-19.

Peter had been placed in prison. His life was in danger. So, a group of believers gathered to have an intensive time of prayer to pray for his release. While they were praying, an angel came to Peter and led him from the prison.

At first, Peter thought he was seeing a vision, but, after being led near the gathering of believers, the angel left him. Next, Peter knocked on the gate of the home in which the believers were praying. A young girl went to the gate and, when she saw it was Peter, she ran and told everyone that he was at the gate.

In response to the young girl's announcement, those present told her she was crazy. When she repeated the news, they said, “It is his angel.” Eventually, they went to the gate and were astonished to discover Peter was really there.

Peter spoke with them briefly and instructed them to "Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” Then, Peter left.

I am amused by the shock of those who were fervently praying for Peter's release. Why were they so surprised?

Well, yesterday, I had an experience that shocked me, but, after I thought about what had happened, I realized I was simply experiencing an answer to my prayers.

Almost two weeks ago, I posted (read it here) my intent to pray Matthew 9:38 for our mission trip to Baltimore and for our church. Since that time, God has answered this prayer by providing for the mission trip and for the ministry of the church. The last two Sundays, I know of at least two instances in which I believe individuals have been led to commit to serve Him. However, none of these were as shocking as yesterday.

I don't feel at liberty to share all the details, but a man who, since I moved to Leakesville, has been a good friend of mine sent word for me to visit him. He has had some health problems and has been unable to attend church. In response to his request, I went to his home. He shared some encouraging words and, then, he said, "I'm coming to church Sunday and I want to serve the Lord. If there's anything I can do, just let me know."

God answers prayer. As recorded in Matthew 9:38, we should pray "the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” What an encouragement it has been to see him answer this prayer. He provide for His harvest.

14 Tons of Oreos Slow Traffic

I thought this was an interesting article from the AP. Can you think of a spiritual application?

By the Associated Press

Monday, May 19, 2008 7:39 AM MDT

MORRIS, Ill. (AP) -- Got milk?

Police say a trailer loaded with 14 tons of double-stuffed Oreos has overturned, spilling the cookies still in their plastic sleeves into the median and roadway.

Illinois State Police Sgt. Brian Mahoney says the truck's driver was traveling from Chicago to Morris on Interstate 80 around 4 a.m. Monday when he fell asleep at the wheel and slammed into the median.

"The boxes came out of the trailer and boxes were ripped open," he said.

The crash about 50 miles southwest of Chicago remains under investigation. Mahoney says no charges have been filed but both lanes of traffic remain closed while authorities remove the cookies.

Prayer Requests from Baltimore

This email came from Rev. O'Berry this morning. Please pray for these requests.

Dear Friends,

Please pray for the following two opportunities where we will be engaging the community and intentionally sharing the gospel:

1. On Tuesday night, beginning at 6:30 PM, our CONCERT IN THE PARK at Robert Baker Park in Federal Hill.

2. On Friday afternoon at 4pm, SHOWING OF THE MOVIE , “CHRONICLES OF NARNIA” with a gospel presentation following. This latter event arose from the request of the Rec Center Director who specifically asked that we do this.

Please pray that God will honor our prayer that souls will come into the kingdom and people brought into the life of the church.

Lyn O'Berry, Pastor
THE CHURCH ON WARREN AVENUE AT
FEDERAL HILL

Yesterday at FBC

Yesterday, in the AM service, I preached a sermon entitled "No Condemnation" from Romans 8:1-11.

When I preached my "Trial Sermon" at FBC Leakesville on November 6, 2005, I preached from Romans 8:31-39. Two members told me they had made a note in their Bibles that I preached from Romans 8 on that day. Well, I plan, if the Lord is willing, to preach the same sermon I preached on that day in a few weeks. I wonder if they have my outline.

At the conclusion of our morning service, we brought one of the couples from our church to the front and said a special prayer for them. The Rustins are going to Brazil on a Mission Trip supported by the George-Greene Baptist Associations, May 23-June 1. At the conclusion of the evening service, we prayed specifically for Clarene Holcomb, our Area Director of Missions' wife. She is going on the trip to Brazil as well.

The Bridge, the Praise Ensemble from the First United Methodist Church of Lucedale, led in worship last evening. Eric Smith, the son of the Minister of Music here at FBC, directs the group. They did an awesome job. Their praise songs were from Hillsong's Mighty to Save CD.

One of the ladies in the group, Amanda Jones, was a member of Wade Baptist Church when I served as Associate Pastor there. Her husband, Lee, is a good friend of ours, as well. He served as a chaperon on some of our student trips. After the service, we invited them to come to our home and visit. Lee completed a tour of duty in Iraq a in 2005. He shared some stories about how God protected him while he was there. It was good to see them.

A Beautiful Day to Ride a Crocodile

Jared and I took a walk to the City Park this morning. He loves the playground there.

They have a "two-seater" rocking crocodile. He insisted that I ride with him. So, I did. Then, He said, "What a beautiful day to ride a crocodile." Now, that's a classic quote.

Today is gorgeous. It's cloudless, with temps in the 70's. The kids are enjoying our blule "globular" pool.

Tonight, I'll be preaching at the South Mississippi Correctional Center. They have a nice chapel. Usually, there will be 150 inmates present. The choir is fabulous. I really enjoy being out there.

Update: Tony and Karen Gray

I received an email this morning from Tony and Karen Gray. They are members of First Baptist Leakesville. Currently, they are serving in Brazil through Pioneer Missions. Please continue to pray for them. I've included their email.

Bro. Philip,

Hope you, your family, and the church family are well. Karen and I are in Rio making further preparations for this years projects and meeting with the leadership of the Brazilian Home Mission Board about plans and strategies. We'll be going to Sao Paulo next week to meet the George/Greene Association team.

Tomorrow we'll be in 3 churches here in Rio following up on chapels that were built last year and visit another church that is a partner with the project that we're doing with Dr. Cecil Taylor of University of Mobile and volunteers from around the Mobile area.

We certainly appreciate the prayers and COUNT on them.

Regards to all,

Tony & Karen Gray

Priceless

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.--Hebrews 11:24-25 (NKJV)

Moses spent 40 years in the luxury and safety of Pharoah's household. However, he left it for the wilderness of Midian. There he spent another 40 years as a shepherd. This sounds like a unwise vocational choice. He definitely took a pay cut. However, the Bible says he would rather "suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin."

Many times our decisions do not make sense to people who are self-absorbed. However, believers live "by faith" and take a eternal view of their choices.

So, today remember disobedience to God's will may be enjoyable for awhile, but it is only a "passing pleasure."

If a Master Card commercial was made on the life of Moses, this could be its message.

Living in the Palace of Pharoah- $Millions
Living as a Shepherd in the Wilderness of Midian- Poverty
Living in the center of God's Will- Priceless

Game On

This afternoon, I spoke to the Greene County High Football team, including their Junior Varsity, as well as 8th Graders. My subject was last Sunday's sermon, "What's in your hand?" They played their Spring game at Vancleave, MS. The varsity tied 0-0. I understand GCHS had two TDs "called back" due to penalties. Greene County is in 3A. Vancleave is classified as 4A.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Well, from around 9 AM to 11 AM, we experienced heavy rain. So, cancelling the playground equipment installation was prudent.

I am supposed to speak to the Greene County Football Team at 2:00 PM. They are scheduled to play a spring game tonight at Vancleave High. I haven't heard if it is cancelled or not. I'll go out to the school around 1:00 PM to see if the plans have changed.

The Struggle Within

Baseball is a challenging sport for many reasons. One reason is that an expert batter will only get a hit 30 to 35% of the time. If a player bats .300 in their career, they have a good chance to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Imagine going to bat time, after time, after time, after time, and only getting a hit 1/3 of the time. I know I would be tempted to quit. But, quality ball players are able to put their failures/strike outs behind them. Don't get me wrong. They care. However, they don't quit. They press on.

Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times, but he hit 714 home runs. If he had focused on the strikeouts, he would have never been known as the "Sultan of Swat."

For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice (Rom. 7:19, NKJV).

O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom. 7:24-25a, NKJV)

Last Sunday Night I preached a sermon entitled, "The Struggle Within." The sermon was based on Romans 7:13-25.

In this passage, Paul admitted his shortcomings. He was transparent. He admitted that at times, he didn't do all he should. Also, at other times, he didn't do the right thing. Then, Paul expresses his frustration by exclaiming "O wretched man that I am!." In other words, "I am so miserable! Who can get me out of this fatal mess?"

This has always amazed me. Paul was zealous for the cause of Christ. He was a superficial sort of guy. How else can you explain the perseverance he demonstrated after being persecuted ruthlessly for his faith? However, in spite of overwhelming evidence that God was blessing him with a fruitful ministry, he felt sinful...wretched.

I agree with folks that say something like "The more I learn the more I realize I do not know." While I have a "terminal degree" in Christian Education (It is called "terminal" because it almost killed me. Others say Ph.D stands for "Piled High and Deep."), I still feel incredibly uneducated in the scriptures and in the practice of them.

So, I guess that's what Paul was feeling. Even though he was a spiritual giant, he yearned for a deeper relationship with God. The closer he drew to God, the more inadequate he felt spiritually. Then, he reminded himself that he did not need a new deliverance. He had already been delivered. Consequently, he offered thanksgiving to God for the fulfilling redemption Jesus provided through His death, burial, and resurrection.

Yes, you and I sin. We fall short. However, we need to take the sinful acts to the Lord and ask his forgiveness. Then, we just need to get back into the batters box and remember that the "battle belongs to the LORD."

Playground Installation Rescheduled...Again

Well, with the threat of strong storms tonight and most of the day on Thursday, we were advised to cancel the installation of our playground equipment, which was scheduled for tomorrow. On Friday, representatives from the playground company will call and verify that they can come either on May 21 or May 29. My prayer is that we can get this installed in time for Vacation Bible School, June 16-20.

In light of the natural disasters in Chile, Burma, and China, a few "rain outs" are not that big of a deal.

Busy Wednesday

Our NEW projectors had not worked properly since last Wednesday. Last Sunday, we were really disappointed that we were not able to present a slideshow honoring our graduates. This morning a tech came and replaced the "switcher,' which had never worked properly. Tonight, it seemed to work fine.

More benevolence requests are coming into the church. I guess, with the price of gas soaring, folks with limited income are having to choose between gas and food. We've had 2 or 3 requests a week.

After attending Rotary, I visited some folks in a hospital in Mobile.

Our Prayer Service crowd was down, but we had more prayer concerns than usual. However, we did have a major "Praise the Lord." A five year old girl in our community recieved good news today when she was called to travel to Birmingham to complete a liver transplant. This is an answer to many prayers.

We are looking forward to the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis. We'll take the entire family. Terri has already researched our route. She found a guide that lists the restaurants and sights at each exit along I-65. We plan to stop and explore some caves in Kentucky. Jared is excited about going to see the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Our plans were drastically changed when we learned there were no rooms available at the Wigwam Village Hotel #2 in Cave City, Kentucky. These "Tee pee Style" Rooms seemed to perfect for a family. Well, maybe next year. The convention is in Louisville, KY next year.

The Death of a Prominent SBC Pastor

Forrest Pollock, 44, Senior Pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, FL, was killed in a plane crash. The church's website reports that at approximately 11 AM this morning search and rescue teams found the aircraft of Pastor Forrest Pollock in the mountains outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Pastor Pollock and his son Preston, 13, did not survive the crash. His son, Preston, was one of six children.

Pollock gave the nominating speech for Frank Page at the 2006 Southern Baptist Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina. I was present when he gave the speech and was impressed with the zeal in which he spoke. He was an ardent support of the Cooperative Program, which is designed to support the ministries of Southern Baptists.

Watch a video of his sermon The Blessing of Brokenness here.

What's In Your Hand?

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water? " Answers called out ranged from 250g. to 700g. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it." "If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."

Yesterday morning, I preached a sermon based on the encounter of Moses and the "burning bush." This is recorded in Exodus 4:1-5.

The first 40 years of his life, Moses lived in the finest environment the world had to offer. Even though Moses was a Hebrew, he was adopted by an Egyptian Princess when he was an infant. At the age of 40, he killed an Egyptian, who was abusing one of the Hebrew slaves. He was forced to flee Egypt when he realized his actions were known.

Moses escaped to the wilderness. He married and lived for an additional 40 years as a shepherd. At the age of 80, he had an encounter with God. Through the miracle of a burning bush, God called him to go to Egypt and lead the Hebrews out of captivity. He would have to address Pharaoh, who would not be pleased to let such valuable human resources go.

Moses made a lot of excuses. He said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you (v.1).’”

I. Look in Your Hand

God asked, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod (v.2).”

For Moses, the rod or shepherd staff that was in his hand represented his identity. He supported his family by taking care of sheep. The staff was a valuable tool. He would use the rod to protect the herd from wild animals. He used the hook at the end of the staff to pull sheep from danger. At times, he would lean upon the rod as he watched the sheep.

What’s in your hand?

· Future
· Faculties
· Friends
· Family
· Finances
· Fame
· Faith

Everything in your hand determines your influence. Whatever we have in our hand can be used for good or evil. Rick Warren has said, "God never blesses us with affluence or influence just for the sake of our egos." Warren challenges people to be good stewards of their influence.

II. Lay it Down

Next, God instructed Moses, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it (v.3).

Whatever we have, whatever we hold dear, we must surrender it to God. Our identity is to be wrapped up in Him.

Recently, my daughter shared a quote that she found a friend's MySpace page.

"A woman should be so buried in God that a man has to go to Him to find her."

The things in our hands shape who we think we are, but our true identity should be based on whose we are. We belong to God.

III. Live in Obedience

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), 5 “that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you (vv.4-5).”

Moses had to exercise incredible faith in obediently reaching out and taking hold of the serpent's tail. However, he was obedient. Consequently, the serpent became a rod. Now, God showed Moses how a common possession removed from his hand was a powerful supernatural sign in the hand of God.

What's in your hand today? What do you need to lay into the hand of God? What step of obedience do you need to take?

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. - Corrie Ten Boom

Honoring Moms and Graduates

Since the Greene County H.S. graduation is later this week, we will honor the grads today. This is the only Sunday they will have their cap and gowns. So, we'll recognize them today.

Also, since it is Mothers Day, we will recognize all of the ladies of our church. I will give a gift to all of the ladies because, even if they are not mothers, they have a special role in the family of God. It breaks my heart that some ladies who were not blessed with children stay away from church on this day. I try to be sensitive to their feelings.

Developing a sermon that would be fitting for Grads and Moms wasn't easy. Yet, I feel God led me to a special passage in Exodus 4. My sermon will be based on the question God asked Moses.
"What is in your hand?" I'll share a post summarizing the sermon later.

Party Day

Today, we wrapped up Jared's Birthday week. Terri's parents and my parents all came over for the celebration. Jared wanted "Army Stuff." So, G.I. Joe was the honored guest.

Also, Terri's dad and mom bought him a big swimming pool. It is one of those "globular" blue things. The pool was not that hard to set up, but our ground is not level in the back yard. So, the pool is more oblong than round. However, this did not slow Jared and his friends at all. He swam all day. He even conned us all into getting into the pool just before the sun descended. Man was it cold.

Boo, Missy, and their two kids, came over the the get together. They have become family to us.

This was a great day.

Jared's 6

Today, Jared Price is six years old. About 9 months ago, he said he was going to get married when he was 6. Well, his prospects are slim. He's unemployed.

Tomorrow, my parents and Terri's parents are coming for a big party. He wanted an "Army Cake." I'm glad he's too young to enlist.

Tech Wonders Cause Me to Wonder

Yesterday, Adam Sherwin, Media Correspondent for The Times in London, discussed an amazing application of wireless technology. His article began with these pronouncements:

The Blue Tooth wireless technology that allows people to use a hands-free earpiece while making a mobile telephone call could soon alert the emergency services when someone has a heart attack, Ofcom predicts.

The communications regulator said that sensors could be implanted into people at risk of heart attack or diabetic collapse that would allow doctors to monitor them remotely.

If the “in-body network” recorded that the person had suddenly collapsed, it would send an alert, via a nearby base station at their home, to a surgery or hospital.

However, Ofcom also gave warning in its report, Tomorrow’s Wireless World, that the impact of such technology on personal privacy would require more debate.

While I still consider myself relatively young at the ripe old age of 43, technological advances have, at times, facilitated ponderings of my childhood days that leave me feeling rather antiquated.

My parents did not purchase a color television until I entered college in 1983. Not a single term paper or assignment I completed in college was inputted into a computer. Yes, I earned my Bachelor Degree the hard way--I typed my work on a typewriter.

Consequently, when I hear about the ability to place an "in-body" wireless communication device, which can dial 911 if the "body" is in distress, I wonder where will this all end.

Don't get me wrong, anything to save lives is worth investigating. However, I do wonder if such technological safety nets have the capacity to lull us into a false sense of security.

Certainly, there are health issues that can go undetected by the person in the skin of the ailing body. Yet, we must never leave the monitoring of our health to others. Consequently, the focus on technological wonders leads me to wonder how these advances impact our spirituality.

As humans discover ways to communicate and evaluate individual health data at warp speed, have such scientific advances led people to trust in science more than in God?

Recorded in Isaiah 43:7 are words affirming our creation, "Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them (NLT).’”

We must never forget that, while we can implant tiny microchips or sensors into our bodies to monitor the heart, we cannot create life. Researchers can develop an artificial heart to keep a person alive for a time, but the body's network and the initial heartbeat was birthed by God. Also, only through God's Son, Jesus, can we have the fulfilling life He desires for us.

Life is about more than just heartbeats. We were made for God's glory.

So, my question for you today is what does your Spiritual Heart Monitor report? If your report is flatlined, remember, God is not called automatically. You must make the call.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV)."

Rotary Student Recognition Luncheon

I've been a member of the Greene County Rotary Club for the past two years. Rotary International engages in some very worthy humanitarian efforts. For example, numerous projects are underway in India to prevent blindness.

Our local club actively seeks to help our county with beatification efforts and school projects. A significant focus of the club is providing two David Dearman Rotary Scholarships each year. So, most of our fundraising activities seek to raise funds for these scholarships.

Since our community center is unavailable due to major renovations, the FBC Leakesville Activities Building was the site of the Student Recognition Luncheon, which was held today. Our club gave Certificates of Recognition to the students with the Top 10 Grade Point Averages and to the students who scored in the Top 10 on the ACT college admissions exam.

The two students who will be awarded the David Dearman Rotary Scholarships were recognized. I sat with both of these students and their moms during the meal. Both of these young men impressed me with their attitudes and dreams.

All of the students were given an opportunity to share their plans for the future. It's fun to hear them share their educational goals. Some of the students have specific goals, while other expressed real apprehension and confusion. However, they all were impressive and I am glad our church was able to host this significant community event.

Praying for the "Pushed Out"

Monday Evening, we had a planning meeting for our Mission Trip to Baltimore, July 7-11. We had a solid group of individuals present that are excited about this opportunity. Currently, we have at least six spots available for additional team members.

Last year, we had an amazing team of guys who were unified and flexible. I know God will provide the same type of individuals for this year's trip.

Once Jesus looked over a crowd and he was moved with compassion. The reason he was concerned about the individuals he gazed upon was that they were "weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." A.T. Roberson states this is a picture of sheep “torn and mangled by wild beasts.” The reason cited for the pitiful state of the flock was that they did not have a shepherd. People who do not have a relationship with Jesus are hurt and misguided. They are "looking for love in all the wrong places." They lack the leadership of the Savior. We should grieve over their wounded condition.

Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few." So, what did Jesus tell us to do in order to fill these job openings?

Jesus said, "Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest (NKJV)." A. T. Robertson states the literal translation is “to drive out (push out) the workers.”

Jesus saw prayer as the answer to fulfilling the need for Christian workers. These workers must not go in their own strength or to satisfy their own curiosities. Workers are sent by Jesus.

Consequently, as I prayed Monday night, I asked God to push out the individuals he wants to use to impact Baltimore. Also, in regard to FBC Leakesville, I pray believers would be driven out of complacency and apathy to do what God is calling them to do in faith. There are 4000 people within a 5 mile radius of our church. Yes, the potential for "harvest truly is plentiful."

Please join me in praying Matthew 9:38 for our Mission Trip and our church as a whole.

My prayer is this:

O, Lord, you really are the Lord of the Harvest. Please send people to accomplish your will. Specifically, Father, I pray that you will send six Godly individuals to work your "field" in Baltimore. Also, please drive out and push out the people you want to serve you at First Baptist Leakesville in Vacation Bible School and the ministries we offer in the community. God our Student Ministry needs workers who love teens and passionately want to lead them to a deeper relationship with you. O, God, provide adults with integrity and a consistent walk of faith to demonstrate the victorious life of faith you desire for them. Push out Godly teachers to serve you. Recognizing that the harvest is yours, may we live by faith trusting that you will provide everything needed to accomplish your purposes. God, drive away the excuses that hinder people from surrendering to you. Push away the sin that "so easy entangles" people. Convict them of sin and, as they repent, may they rush to work where you are working. Thank you for the privilege of serving you. In the Name of Jesus I pray, AMEN.

The Blue Angels

Yesterday, I took some time off and went with the family to the Pensacola Naval Air Station to see the Blue Angels practice and visit the National Aviation Museum.

Our son turns six on Friday. He loves planes. So, this was a perfect birthday outing for him.

The Blue Angels are spectacular and the museum was amazing. It is state of the art and they do not charge admission. The Blue Angel practices are almost as good as the real show. Since the weather was perfect, we saw the "High Show." The pictures above are the best a Canon PowerShot A75 can do.

I am blessed to be an American.

A Lot was at...Steak

Last night, the ministers from the George-Greene Baptist Association gathered for a fellowship meal at Agricola Baptist Church. Tommy Mitchell, the pastor at ABC, has done a fabulous job at planning our ministers conferences this year. I have really enjoyed them.

While serving a Wade Baptist Church, my pastor, Bill Barton, and I would drive by Agricola Baptist occasionally. Every time we passed the church, Bro. Bill would say something like, "That church has some All Star Leaders." At the close of our time last night, each couple stood and introduced themselves. I shared Bro. Barton's statement and added, "Not only does Agricola Baptist have All Star Leaders, they have All Star Cooks."
The church served us an incredible meal with steak, baked potatoes, and salad. To top that off the meal was complimented by several dessert selections. The gathering was a lot of fun and I felt encouraged when I left.

Tommy and Agricola Baptist deserve a lot of credit. I appreciate their investment in the lives of the ministers of George and Greene County. Read Tommy's Post about the meal here.

Tony and Karen Gray Leave for Brazil

Tony and Karen Gray have served as missionaries in Brazil for several years. Currently, they serve through Pioneer Missions. They are members of FBC Leakesville.

They spend a few months each year in Leakesville. The Grays are a great encouragement to our church family.

Today, they leave to return to Brazil. Tony will not be back until November. Please pray for their safe travel.

Article On Min. of Music at The Church on Warren Avenue

Tonight, I found this article (click here to read it) discussing the new Minister of Music at The Church on Warren Avenue. This is the church we will be conducting sports camps for this Summer, July 7-11, 2008.

Is Your Church Indigenous?

Last night, our Sanctuary Choir presented the worship musical, How Great is Our God. This musical is similar to the popular musical, Evidence of Grace. The musical featured some powerful video of testimonies that celebrated the faithfulness of God. These testimonies led to a honest expression of worship.

For me, the musical was used by God to remind me that everyone, Christian or non-Christian, has troubles and worries. So, worship services should allow people an opportunity to worship in "spirit and in truth." People should not be constantly chided to smile. Yes, as Christians we have a lot to celebrate, but, throughout the sciptures, at times when God was encountered, people were overwhelmed and cried "Woe is me."

In Comback Churches, Ed Stetzer writes, "It's ironic that most evangelical churches are filled with people who live very much like the world but look different from it. It should be exactly the opposite. We should look similar to those in our community but act differently... In other words, we look different to the world, yet live the same as the world. How ironic that many churches have chosen to live the opposite of the biblical commands."

Paul wrote, "to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (I Cor. 9:22, NKJV)."

The message many unchurched folks have received is that they don't measure up and should not attend church until they get it all together. The hard truth is no one measures up. Church is not for people who are perfect, but for people who realize only through faith in Jesus can we ever get it together.

The Kingdom of God was designed for broken, grieving, hurting, confused, weak people. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." So, let's be real and honest about who we are...sinners saved by grace.

Playground Installation Rescheduled

Due to heavy rain, we had to cancel the installation of our durable playground equipment. The reps from Game Time were here, but the site was under several inches of water by 9:30 AM. We had a lot of guys willing to help, but...

So, the rescheduled date for the installation is Thursday, May 15. The supervisor said he could complete the job with 4 to 5 volunteers. We had several guys present who said they could help.

Praise Band Moved Indoors

The students were ready to sing at the Relay for Life, but it began to rain. They were concerned about their new equipment. So, they decided not to sing. However, since they had worked so hard this week, they invited everyone to come to our activities building for a concert.

Over 50 people showed up--mostly students. The band did a great job. I was really proud of them. Well over 2/3 of the crowd in the activities building tonight were not affiliated with our church. So, whenever you have that many folks from the community not connected to your church, it has to be a good thing.

Busy Weekend/Great Opportunities

This weekend there will be many opportunities for service, worship, outreach, and fellowship.

Morning Visits

Well, I started the morning by leaving around 7 AM to go visit some of our folks at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. On the way back, I stopped by the Greene County High School to visit with Scott Bray, the GCHS Assistant Principal. In the Fall, Scott will be the Principal. I know he will do a great job. He is a master of "interpersonal relationships."

Later in the morning, I attended the funeral of Shorty Sowell. He was deeply appreciated in this community. He was a faithful deacon at Pine Level Baptist. He was a committed Wildcat fan. He never missed a baseball or football game. Jimmy Holcomb and Jeff Byrd did a great job with the funeral service.

Praise Band at Relay for Life

Tonight, our newly formed youth praise band will be on stage at this annual event. In our county, this event is a big deal. Many folks in the community come together to raise funds for this worthy cause.

The band will present their music at 9:30 PM. My daughter is one of the members of the group. Yesterday, they practiced from 3:30 to 6:30 PM. Really, I could hear them while I was in my office. They have worked hard to make the best of this opportunity.

A Mega PTL

Yesterday, while talking to the students in the praise band, they mentioned they needed some new microphones, as well as better equipment. Just a little while ago, Boo White, the FBC Student Minister, called and mentioned that anonymous donors had given the youth an amazing amount of quality sound equipment...including mics. Praise the Lord.

Boo said the youth were stunned. They have learned a great lesson. When you faithfully seek to do the Lord's will, He will provide what you need to accomplish His will.

Also, I am so thankful for the individuals who were sensitive to God's will and gave from their hearts to support this ministry. God is so good.

Playground Equipment

The representatives from Game Time, Inc. are scheduled to be at the church at 7:00 AM in order to supervise the installation of our new playground equipment. We will need a lot of guys to help. Rain is predicted. So, I pray we will be able to complete the project tomorrow. We have had an amazing amount of help in preparing for the installation. Many guys have donated their equipment for this project. The ladies are providing lunch.

Mug and Muffin

The ladies are meeting at 10:30 AM tomorrow in our activities building for a time of fellowship and missions emphasis. This is the second gathering of this kind in 2008. The last Mug and Muffin the ladies had a great time.

Guest Preacher in AM Service

Kenneth Ball will be preaching in our Morning Worship Service. He is originally from Greene County. He graduated from William Carey University and served as pastor in California for several year. He currently lives in Petal, MS.

Baptisms in Both Services Sunday

We plan to observe baptism in both services. This will be the first time we've baptized in both services.

Praise Musical

Our Sanctuary Choir will be presenting their Praise Musical in the Evening Service. They sound great. This will be a memorable time of worship. They will utilize our new video projector and screens in presenting some moving video testimonies.

Mike Smith, our Minister of Music, told me he is removing all the chairs from our choir loft in order for all of the singers to have a place to stand. We've outgrown the choir loft. What a great problem to have.

The choir is practicing tonight at 7:00 PM.

Also...

Sunday, we will have our monthly Deacons Meeting and our Stewardship Committee Meeting. At least this weekend will not be boring.

The Furnace

Many years ago, five young college students were spending a Sunday in London. So, they went to hear the famed C. H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked, “Gentlemen, let me show you around. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?” They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they didn’t want to offend the stranger, so they consented. The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, “This is our heating plant.”

Surprised, the students saw 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon.

Hallesby once said, “Neglect Prayer. Neglect God.” Also, Murray once stated, "Prayerlessness for the believer, is sin." We can't claim to be close to God if we never talk to Him.

In Stetzer's book, Comeback Churches, he states one of the three primary faith factors that led to the revitalization of the 324 stagnant and declining churches examined in the study was "Strategic Prayer."

Stetzer quotes Thom Rainer, who stressed, "Prayer is the power behind the principles. There simply is no more important principle in church growth than prayer. The prayers of the early church unleashed the power of God to add thousands to the church. It happened then. It is happening in some churches today and it can happen in your church."

A major topic of discussion today is the dependence of our country upon foreign oil. The potential for an energy crisis in this country is enormous. Many people contend our country has more than enough natural resources to meet the needs of our people. However, we are not making enough effort to utilize America’s resources.

Spiritually, our nation has become too dependent on ourselves. We need God. We have neglected the real source of America's strength.

National Day of Prayer

Today, at Noon we will gather at the Greene County Courthouse to pray for our community, state, and nation. (For a prayer guide from Psalm 122:6-9, click here.) Today, wherever you are, I encourage you to make prayer a priority. May our nation be a nation of praying people seeking the will of God.