Pray, Rain or Shine

On Feb. 1, several folks gathered to pray at East Lawn Baptist in spite of a storm moving into the area.While I believe it was prudent for many people to stay home during such horrible weather, I do appreciate those that ventured out into the severe weather. God protected us and the rally was a blessing. However, if we are to really “cover” Mississippi in prayer and, especially, Jackson County, we must understand that we have to do more than just attend meetings. We are commanded in the scriptures to “Pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17).” For me, this means to continually be in a state of prayer. So, with eyes and hearts open, we must prayerfully see our communities and obediently respond as God leads to the needs around us.

One prayer I am praying is that during our spring and Summer Ministries we will see many accept Christ. You can help us. Why not organize a “Prayer Walking Team” in your church and commit to praying over the ministry sites where visiting mission teams will serve? If interested, contact us and we, will connect you with a site.

Remember, we must pray, come rain or shine.

If...

In evaluating history, many “what if” scenarios have intrigued students and researchers. What if Hitler’s Germany had won World War II? What if John F. Kennedy had not been assassinated? What if Booth's bullet had missed Abraham Lincoln? What if Harry Truman's opponent, Thomas Dewey, had received one vote more per precinct in Ohio and California in the 1948 U. S. Presidential Election?

Sportswriters like to entertain the thoughts of what could have been. Repeatedly broadcasters have mused that if in the last football season kicker Kyle Brotzman had not missed a 26-yard field goal with 2 seconds left in regulation, and another from 29 yards in overtime, Boise State would have defeated Nevada, won their 25th straight football game, and possibly played for the national championship this year.

However, history is history. We cannot change the past, but the Bible contains a big “if” that, if we are obedient to the challenge, will change our future. The Lord appeared to Solomon and promised him that “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chr 7:14, KJV).” God keeps his promises. I believe his promise remains true. Will you commit to pray daily for yourself, your leaders, and your unsaved neighbors? Can you imagine what would happen if...

Happy 50th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for being incredible examples of faith, love, and dedication. You faithfully provided for your children, making sacrifices to see that we had all we needed to thrive in life. Mother I never remember you getting a new dress when I was younger. However, we always had all that we needed.

Memories of laughter are many. We had fun in our family. You patiently put up with a lot of silliness from me, but I have always enjoyed making you both laugh. Dad, thanks for giving me the love of a good joke.

Our trip to Arkansas will forever be etched in my mind. Even though I am constantly reminded of my strange choice to order a ham sandwich at every restaurant we entered, going to the amusement park, Dog Patch USA, in the Ozarks was quite a treat. Riding in the back of that not-so-spacious and “un-air conditioned” Datsun B210 with John and Gail was an experience I cannot believe our family survived. However, seeing the Passion Play, depicting the life of Christ in real life, gave me a visual setting of the scriptures that has stayed with me for these many years.

Dad, I never will forget the gathering of the family every night for our devotional time. Many times I resented having to stop watching television, but you faithfully saw that we spent time as a family hearing the scriptures read and praying together. You practiced what you preached.

Mother, when I was about 8 or 9 years old, I never felt more loved than the time you cared for me after I fell from a tree and was knocked unconscious. I have no memory of Dad carrying me from the yard and placing me on the bottom bunk in my bedroom. You took a cool cloth and lovingly wiped my forehead until I awakened. As I opened my eyes you were looking at me with so much love, a mother’s love. I didn’t want the moment to stop. So, I just closed my eyes and reveled in the warmth and comfort of the moment.

Dad you have faithfully preached and taught the Word of God. The call upon your life is so evident. You have always loved to preach. Hearing you singing on Sunday mornings while we were getting ready for church is a precious memory. You loved going to church.

Mother, I was born while you and dad were still enrolled in Mississippi College. I often thought my birth when John was just 18 months old, led you to stop pursuing your education. Your commitment to complete your college degree almost 30 degrees later was a great inspiration to me. Your example inspired me to complete my PhD.

Mom and Dad, thank you for being who you are. Two people who love Jesus, love your family, and love each other.

Be assured of my love for you,

Philip