As the title of this blog has changed to reflect a change in direction, so one might surmise there are changes in our lives.
Through a series of events, the Lord has laid upon my heart a church congregation in Clinton, Arkansas. This young church has seen in its short life, God working in amazing ways, but they have also faced some serious trials in the last few months. The series of events and doors opening can only be described as a "God thing", as He has led me and my household to follow Him to serve in that community with a group of folks who really want to make a difference in God's Kingdom, and who desire to see lives changed.
I thank Brother Paul White for being willing to discuss this ministry opportunity, for the good people of Park View Baptist Church in North Little Rock for their grace as I began my full-time ministry, and their loving prayers. A particular thank-you to some who have been particularly encouraging and supportive in my time at Park View:
- Bro. Harrel Herring - who was willing from the beginning to visit, to listen, and to encourage me in many ways. I pray for your health, for your ability to continue to witness of Christ to this lost world, and for your strength as you confront the health issues before you. (Also a particular prayer for Mrs. Kathy.)
- Bro. Charles Dodson - your words of wisdom from your own time in active ministry, your quips and songs, and your desire to see God work through me have been a great encouragement. I know we have not always agreed on each and every fine detail, but our discussions and conversation have been edifying and a real benefit to me.
- Ed Waddell Sr. - The first Deacon I have ever met to take such a personal interest in the well-being of his pastor and the pastor's family. Your advice, your strength, and your heart have been a great help.
- Mrs. Hazel Waddell - There are no words to describe the heart that you pour out into those around you. While some may not be able to grasp why you do what you do, or how much you take on, I know it comes from a heart for the Lord that is equalled by few. I hope and pray that the Lord will send another for you to lead and disciple to have the love and dedication to the Lord (and family) that you have. Thank you so much for your prayers and constant words of encouragement.
- Ed Waddell Jr. - My only disappointment in our relationship is that it took so long to really develop. When I needed to talk, you were there. Thank you for your efforts.
- Mrs. Leah - How can one person get into your heart so completely? What a blessing you have been to my and my family. You are an unforgettable character who will live forever in my heart!
- Bro. Charles Grisham - You shared a great deal of your life with me. You are a treasure that this world will be sore missing when you depart from this life. Your "regular stories of life" that reveal your faith in God, your love for Sue, and the testimony of Christ in life are worthy of preserving.
- And the rest of our Park View family - who put up with me, with my "teaching", and the shortcomings of a young pastor. I pray that I have done some good. I pray that the Lord will bless you and lead you in great things for Him. Please be attentive to God's call and direction - and say "Yes Lord, send me" when He does.
But most importantly, I would like to give thanks and praise to my Heavenly Father who provides the ways and means for His people to carry out His purpose and plans. I thank God Almighty for giving me peace about this change in my life and that of my family's.
I also covet the reader's prayers for us as we move forward - both for our changing ministry as well as the physical move, and for our friends at Park View Baptist Church (www.parkviewonline.org) as they too seek to move forward. Many of us know all too well how stressful the search for a pastor can be, but if we will rely upon the Lord, He will move the right man to take the reigns of Park View and lead her to do great things in the community for the Kingdom.
And to the congregation at Clinton Missionary Baptist Church - I thank you for your prayers, and for your willingness to step out in faith. It is my personal prayer that we remain motivated and encouraged to be about the Great Commission, equipped to do the work of ministry, and ever vigilant to protect the truth of God's Word in our hearts and in our community.
I hope to continue this blog, and maybe even have more to say in the coming weeks and months as the transition unfolds. I pray that there will be great news to report, but most importantly - I pray that much is made of our Savior!
I would like to take a moment to give a review to the drivers of North Little Rock and beyond of a couple of apparently forgotten items drivers encounter:
The image on the Left is called a Stop Light (sometimes called a traffic light). It is called a STOP light when the light is red. Contrary to comedians and Hollywood, it does not mean "hit the gas". It does not mean go anyway because you are late for work, school, church, or to be first in line at the Golden Corral! It means stop. Period. Indeed - it is pretty evident that you have blatantly ignored said red light when the light for the other direction has already turned green and people begin to move.... It is only a matter of time before you cause an accident, injury, or even death if you continue to blow through those lights. Indeed - if one will go back to the Arkansas driving manual that you were suppose to actually study, learn, and follow as a driver when you received your license, even a YELLOW light does not mean "hit the gas"! It means prepare to stop.
As far as the image on the right - it is called a "Stop Sign". It's red color should be an indication that it means something pretty important. In this case - it means to STOP. PERIOD. It doesn't matter if you can see from a mile away that there is no-one coming from the other direction (that you can see) - you still are suppose to STOP! It is not a suggestion. It is not a subtle hint. The Red color plus the bold white word "STOP" should be a pretty clear indicator of the intent of the municipality or other authority who placed the sign. It isn't there to inconvenience you. It is there for safety and traffic control. I have been awfully thankful for good brakes lately - because many of you apparently believe that such a sign is only for everyone else - and that you are entitled to just cruise right on through. Again - you are a disaster waiting to happen.
I'm all about loving my neighbor and demonstrating brotherly love and understanding. I am really thankful for grace... But when the day comes that you cause property damage, injuries, or even death, because you chose to ignore the law (just because police don't dedicate a lot of resources to enforcement does not mean it isn't still the LAW!), don't EXPECT grace and mercy to be poured out for your careless and selfish decisions.
END OF RANT...
And I give permission to anyone reading this to call me out if you witness me violating either of the above!
Some thoughts on the current situation in Syria...
Bashar Hafez al-Assad is an evil dictator who has oppressed his people for a long time, who in all his evil is little more than a puppet for the regime in Iran to be an antagonist to Israel. Assad has and still uses terror to try to keep his people under control. There is no "freedom of religion" in Syria - indeed, Christianity seriously oppressed.
Syria is dangerous. Syria is evil.
And then you have the ongoing "revolution" that is part of the so-called "Arab Spring" (along with the recent revolutions in Libya and Egypt). This revolution, though billed as an "uprising of the people", is actually an internationally-funded front by the Muslim Brotherhood. IF there is a group worse than Assad and his cronies, it would be the Muslim Brotherhood. And if we want a preview of what will come in Syria if the Muslim Brotherhood wins, just look to the Southwest... to Egypt.
Most Americans are relatively oblivious to what has come about in Egypt since the Muslim Brotherhood overthrew Hosni Mubarak (with US aid and lots of Taxpayer $$) You see, Mubarak was one of the more "friendly" Arab leaders towards Israel - a sort of "tolerance"-based relationship. Indeed, trade had picked up between the two nations.
Pre-overthrow Egypt saw Christians able to worship mostly openly with relatively isolated persecution, that coming from fringe radicals.
There was a degree of freedom in Egypt for the citizens (though nothing we here in the US would consider real "freedom"). Still, the country is more free than most of their heavily-Muslim controlled neighbors.
Along comes the US/Obama-backed Muslim Brotherhood.
Today in Egypt - women are brutalized int he streets. Christians are under very heavy persecution. Daily, Christian women and girls are kidnapped, raped, "married" to muslim men, then returned to their families where the family then must decide if they will allow that woman or girl back in the home. The radical version of Sharia Law now marks these women who are "marked" as now "Muslims", but rejects will bring with them into the home - a mark for death for the entire household. Conversion at the sword is "alive and well" in Egypt - thanks to the Muslim Brotherhood.
In addition, The Muslim Brotherhood-led Egyptian government is now openly supporting anti-Israeli groups/terrorists. They are moving up the Sinai Peninsula, carrying out terrorist attacks in what were peaceful Israeli tourist/resort towns.
So - what do we do? It is now looking like Assad has been using chemical weapons (WMDs) against the rebels and civilians. Our President drew a "red line" regarding Assad's actions - first was assaults in certain areas, then it was the use of chemical or biological weapons, now its.....????
Yet any support of the rebels - aka - the Muslim Brotherhood - only brings an even more Israel-hating, US-hating, women-hating, Sharia Law-using dictatorship that likely will pose an even bigger threat to us than the Assad regime.
It seems we are in a "no-win" situation, regardless of which side we might choose. So should we even get involved? I submit that we would be better off giving Israel the "green light" to handle it in the way that is most beneficial to their safety and security. After all, Syria is their neighbor. Who better knows what would be the "best course of action"? What I do know, the Muslim Brotherhood is NOT in their best interest as yet another neighbor.
And let us take a much more practical look. Can the US really afford to sponsor yet another terrorist front, when we are supposedly in a "War on Terror"? Further, can we afford the cost in tax dollars (borrowed from our unborn grandchildren)?
