WHO CARES - AS LONG AS I'M OK

I've just finished reading Isaiah 36-39.  King Hezekiah was a good ruler.  He listened to God and honored the prophet of God.  He prayed privately and in public.  He worshiped regularly.  He put his trust in God and led the people to do so as well. 

He lived in a tough time.  The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, came against Jerusalem with a massive army.  Sennacherib was a bully who had conquered many other nations and expected to easily roll over Jerusalem.  However, King Hezekiah called on God to deliver him and his people.  God sent a angel through the Assyrian army and killed 185,000 soldiers.  Sennacherib packed up and left!

Around this time, Hezekiah became very sick.  Isaiah, the prophet, visited him and told him:  (38:1  LB)

"Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die;  you will not recover from this illness."

As Isaiah left, Hezekiah prayed:  (v.3)

"O Lord, don't You remember how true I've been to You and how I've always tried to obey You in everything You said?" 

God heard Hezekiah's prayer and immediately sent Isaiah back in to tell him that he would live for another fifteen years. 

Soon after this the King of Babylon sent ambassadors to visit Jerusalem and Hezekiah.  Hezekiah foolishly showed them all of his riches. 

Isaiah came to visit again and told him that because of his unwise actions all of this wealth would eventually be carried off to Babylon - including his own sons. 

Hezekiah's response is the low-point of his life:  (v.8)

"All right.  Whatever the Lord says is good.  At least there will be peace during my lifetime!"

Those are his last recorded words in the Bible!

At this stage of the game, Hezekiah had quit caring about others - even his own family.  Instead of repenting, he acquiesced.  Instead of calling on God for forgiveness - he caved. 

Finishing well is SO IMPORTANT!!!  Don't give up!  Stay faithful!  Be quick to repent!  Keep caring!  God has done great things in your life - AND HE'S NOT DONE YET!!!!!!

TWO-WAY CONVERSATION

I'd estimate that 95% of my time with God is me talking. 

In my head I know I should be listening, but listening to God is harder.  It's easier to talk. 

I can quote (or find) the scriptures that advise us to "wait" on the Lord.  I'm familiar with the passages that say, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the church."  I realize that I'm missing out on a lot of God's best counsel by failing to practice just being quiet in His presence.

When I do take the time to wait before the Lord, I usually benefit from doing so.  But it's hard to get quiet in our world! 

I go away on retreat three times a year;  usually for four or five days.  Mt. Zion is off the beaten path;  I have lots of silence and solitude there.  Still, it usually takes me until the second night to get quiet before the Lord.  We're pummeled with noise and distractions in our culture;  it's hard to break away from it. 

I wonder how often God shakes His head thinking, "I wish Hal would just stop and spend some quality time with me.  I want to help him, but he won't let Me."

Marlene Smith was a life-long friend.  She attended our church for the last several years of her life.  During these years, she experienced a wonderful, spiritual renewal that resulted from spending time in silence before the Lord.  She spoke of it to anyone who would listen!  It had transformed her!  She encouraged it so much at our church that people got tired of hearing her admonishments.  She led a prayer group and forced them to wait in silence before the Lord for twenty minutes on many occasions.

Early in her experience, she wrote me the following  note:

Hal,

Waiting on God for twenty minutes each day has transformed me, my life, my thinking, my faith, my family, and all with whom I come in contact!  Glory be to God!!

Forty-five years of being a Christian has not matured me as much as this one month exercise.  It has turned me on my head.  No longer am I trying to live a godly life…God is living thru me.

Marlene

Could the spiritual transformation that all of us long for really be enjoyed for the simple price of twenty minutes a day? 

Does God really want to download His thoughts into my mind and heart?

Does God long to talk to me?

Am I missing the most powerful link in my life, simply because I'm too busy?

FRIENDS WE HAVEN'T MET YET

The process of going to China has been full of challenges and new experiences - and we haven't even left the U.S. yet! 

In January, I decided to leave the pastoral ministry and pursue the possibility of some kind of overseas ministry.  I filled out an extensive profile with a ministry that serves as a broker with scores of mission organizations.  However, responses were sluggish and non-specific.

In mid-February, I contacted the Volunteers In Service Abroad (VISA) Department of the Free Methodist Church.  They were immediately excited about our desires and began to guide us in the process of application and resume preparation. 

Deb ... and Amy ... - of the VISA Department have been particularly helpful every step of the way.  They have literally been just an email away during this whole process! 

Jason and Wendi ... and their family have been in G..., China for the last year.  They corresponded with us to answer our practical questions about living and working in China!  They were SO encouraging!

Then we were connected to Lena ... (and her husband, Mark).  They are currently serving in China..  She has been an invaluable helper by submitting our information to the universities and advising us.  Our first 'skyping' session was two weeks ago with them;  what an amazing experience that was!

Rie ... is currently teaching in the university where we are heading.  She has answered so many questions for us and even sent pictures of what our apartment will look like!  She has also assured us that she'll walk with us through the early days in Changchun to help us get settled!  Randy .... - also a teacher in Changchun - has also corresponded with us to answer questions and offer encouragement!

Dana ... is a veteran teacher who speaks fluent Chinese.  She is flying in this Thursday to spend two days training us for our new experience  (Jason will also join us via skype)! 

Recently, my nephew (Lee Haire) connected me to Julie ... who is currently teaching English in Korea. I worked with her dad the summer after I graduated from high school.  Although much younger than us, Julie has encouraged us and counseled us and has shared her vibrant spirit for God with us.  She's also made a connection for us to a teacher in Changchun who speaks fluent Chinese!

WE HAVE NEVER MET ANY OF THESE PEOPLE (with the exception that Deb ... visited our church for a Sunday about two years ago)!  

These folks have befriended us and sacrificed on our account.  They have encouraged us and guided us.  We have come to love them all before we even meet them!  We're so grateful to God for them and the part they are playing in getting us to Changchun!

We see the hand of God in all these relationships.  These people are heros to us!  We're so grateful that God is allowing our paths to cross with theirs!  And all of this assures us that we are working in concert with His sovereign plan. 

We can't thank these new friends enough - AND WE CAN'T PRAISE GOD ENOUGH!!!!

SUNDAY IS...

Sunday is:

• a day for free donuts and coffee at your local church.
• a great time to put the boat in the lake.
• an opportunity to see friends that you only talk to once-a-week.
• an excellent time to plan your week.
• a chance to hear someone read from the Bible.
• a day for cutting the grass.
• a good time to try out some new clothes.
• a day for reading and relaxing.
• a great day for a pinic.
• nap day.
• a super day for watching movies.

Sunday is also:

• a wonderful day for reading your Bible.
• a special time for talking with God.
• the perfect time to evaluate your priorities.
• a good day for serving others.
• a natural time to join others in worshiping God!

I recently spent three Sundays in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh.  Starbucks was crammed - not a seat available!  People were out in droves riding their bikes and jogging.  Couples meandered from store to store and enjoyed meals at outdoor cafes.  Massive cathedral-like churches had their doors open to a trickle of nicely-dressed people. 

I've been kind of sheltered, so I was shocked at the lack of spiritual activity in the city.  I've been burdened about it ever since. 

I know my Chinese students will want to learn about American culture.  I know they will drill me about our values and priorities.  They will be curious about all aspects of our lives.  I'm concerned about how to respond.

People are coming to Christ at an unprecedented rate in their country.  Missiologists fear that their development will be tainted by American ecclesiastical influences. 

May God continue to foster genuine, spiritual renewal in China and in the United States.

COMING IN SECOND

We've seen it over and over again in the last week;  someone is devasted because they came in second place.  They're broken.  They weep.  They cover their face.  They're devasted and their dreams are dashed.

Some are missing first place by one one-hundredth of a second!  One one-hundredth of a second!!!  And they have to settle for a silver medal instead of a gold!  That's tough! 

They've been taught to win!  Gold is all that matters!  No one remembers who came in second.  The person on the top riser is the only one that matters!  They only play his/her national anthem.  No one goes through all the pain of training in order to win a silver medal! 

However, there are other scenarios.  Occasionally we've seen a swimmer that may not have been expected to medal.  But, circumstances were such that they had an amazing performance and came in second.  They're elated!  All smiles!  Can't seem to believe that they achieved a silver medal. 

I feel for those who just missed the mark of best!  I think I can undersand their high expectations.  That's a good thing!

At the same time, I'm happy for those who did surprisingly well and ended up with medals they truly didn't expect.  I feel their joy!

Competition is a good thing.  It brings out the best in us. 

I won two trophies in my life;  they're both long gone now.

The first was a trophy for winning a basketball tournament when I was in junior high school.  'Chugger Lowry' was our coach;  he played on the varsity team.  He was patient with us and taught us the basic skills.  Somehow, to his surprise and ours, we won!  None of us were outstanding - all average.  The wind blew in our direction, and I got my first trophy!

The second trophy came much later - on our honeymoon!  We were at THE SUMMIT in the Poconos.  At the evening meal we were called up front and presented a trophy for being "The Best In the Sack At the Summit".  We were embarrassed in the crowd of other newlyweds.  Together that afternoon, we had won the 'sack races'.  That was 1973 - thirty-nine years ago. 

Trophies and medals are nice.  But eventually, they gather dust or get lost in attics. 

I Peter 1:3-6 (TLB)

All honor to God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; for it is his boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God’s own family. Now we live in the hope of eternal life because Christ rose again from the dead.  And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.  And God, in his mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting him. It will be yours in that coming last day for all to see.  So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.

FIGHTING THE WOODS

I sat last evening talking with my brother-in-law, Jeff Diddle.  It was after dark and we had just taken a dip in his backyard pool.  In the light of a full moon, we talked on a number of topics. 

Jeff is getting ready to host a family reunion on his property and spoke of the ongoing battle to keep the woods from encroaching on his property.  He wondered how long it would take for the woods to overtake his property and home if he was to just walk away from it.  We both agreed that it wouldn't take long!

I believe this is true of our spiritual lives as well. 

Years ago I learned to drive a 'stick shift' while working for my brother's father-in-law in Philadelphia.  When I drove one of his trucks out of the driveway and headed up the hill I prayed that I would get a green light!  If I got a red light, I always had difficulty getting the truck going forward without drifting backward first!

Drifting backward and being over-run with past sinful practices is a reality for all of us!  If we're not diligent, we'll find ourselves back in former patterns of sin.  We will have lost the blessing of God in our lives. 

We must be vigilant!  We must maintain momentum in growing spiritually.  We cannot afford to ride on past knowledge.  We cannot slack off without paying a price! 

Being "disciples" implies disciplines!  This is not for "rules" sake.  It's not about "legalism".  Disciplines are a hedge of protection!  They open channels of grace that can keep us growing and connected to our Lord!  They are our way of hacking down the encroaching trees, vines, and bushes that would overtake our lives!  If we ignore our disciplines for even a short time, it can feel overwhelming to gain back the lost ground! 

WHEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE LIVED?

Have you wondered this?  Is there some period in history that you've glamorized?  Perhaps if you had a time machine, you'd go back and visit that time period?

I've often thought the time around the turn of the twentieth century would have been an interesting time to live.  Cars were just beginning to hit the scene.  An explosion of manufacturing was soon to hit the country.  The "roaring twenties" was a period of prosperity and expansion.  But two World Wars were on the horizon that would change the world forever - one way or the other!

Recently, I've wondered how far back one would have to go to find a fervent faith in America?  How far back would we have to wind the clock to find the culture saturated with a deep faith in God? 

Historians record three "Great Awakenings" in America.  The last of these was from 1850 - 1910.  It was characterized by the founding of new denominations and zealous missionary outreach!  It resulted in over one million new converts for the churches of America!  It produced institutions like the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and great leaders like Dwight L. Moody.  It carried the nation through the desperate days of civil war and the issues that divided the nation!

Some historians are claiming that there was a fourth "Great Awakening" in the late 1960's and through the 1970's.  This period was characterized by the weakening of the "mainline" Protestant denominations in membership and influence while conservative denominations like the southern Baptists and Pentecostals thrived!  There is no general consensus that a fourth "Great Awakening" actually occurred.

I would like to live in a period known as a "Great Awakening"!  I would love to see a massive turning to Christ for salvation!  I would love to see a willingness to sacrifice for the cause of Christ.  I would love to experience a church where there is a desire to participate in the sufferings of Christ.  I would love to see a boldness and courage that is willing to pay whatever price is necessary to see the Kingdom of God flourish! 

Regretfully, I have NOT experienced this in my lifetime - as yet.  But from what I'm reading, the Spirit of God may have plans to bring me into contact with such a church over the next year...

WAITING TIME ISN'T WASTED TIME

The first half of our summer had purpose.  After I retired from being a pastor, we took several weeks vacation to visit our kids and travel the east coast. 

Upon returning, we participated in the Tri-State Family Camp in East Liverpool.  This ten days always brings us meaning and pleasure as we spend it with family and friends.  After camp, I still had to finish a TESL Class in Pittsburgh.

But since then it seems that we've been playing the waiting game.  We are having to meet meticulous requirements established by the Chinese government;  this occupies some of our time.  We have lots of reading to do in preparation for our 'orientation' - set for the end of next week.  A missionary (who speaks Chinese and has been there for over ten years) is being flown it to spend two days training us.  In addition, I have been asked to preach for three Sundays as a supply for a pastor on vacation.

But to be honest, we feel like we're temporarily on-the-shelf. 

We hope to soon receive our coveted "Letter of Invitation" that will allow us to BEGIN the process of applying for our visas.  We hear that's an arduous process that usually culminates in a last-minute-approval and a hurried flight to our destination. 

I think we'd both just like to get there - tomorrow (or maybe after one last visit with our grandkids). 

So, is this just wasted time?  All we seem to be doing is waiting to go.

No!  No!

I'm aware of God doing essential work in my life!

1. I am learning a great deal about China!  The books I'm reading are filling in vital gaps about the history of China, facts about Chinese culture and behavior, and the vital emergence of Christianity in China!
2. Debbie and I eagerly anticipate our 'orientation' with Dana Weld.  We know God is going to use this veteran to teach and coach us in vital areas of knowledge!
3. There is also a spiritual work going on in my heart and life as I fast, pray and wait before the Lord.  God is teaching me about humility and depending on Him through prayer!  I am grateful for His supreme patience in working with me.

Years ago, Henry Blackaby's book, Experiencing God, made a massive impact on my life and theology.  One of the big things I learned from him was that when nothing seems to be happening, when there is no clear assignment from God, use the time to draw near to God and work on your relationship with Him!

So, our waiting time is NOT wasted time!  It is, rather, a vital time of education and preparation!  And we're maximizing it to the best of our ability!!

HOME

How do you define 'Home'? 

• It's the place where you keep all your stuff.
• It's where you live.
• It's the place from which you orient your life.
• It's where you eat and sleep.
• It's where you rest and relax from your work and other activity.
• It's where your family connects meaningfully and interacts.

In American culture, our homes range from shacks to mansions.  When we lived in Kentucky, I remember seeing homes where the chickens wandered in-and-out of the house the same as the people. 

Sandi Patty used to sing, "Home Is Where The Heart Is."  By this, I think she meant that it is where love is cultivated and exchanged among family members.

Debbie has always been so good at making a house into a home!  We've almost always opened our home for groups and other guests;  they quickly attest to the warmth they sense when they walk into our living room.  What's that about?

Our homes have never been extravagant.  Debbie's decorations, although nice, are not expensive items.  Our furniture has often been worn and uncomfortable from much use.  Our carpets have had unfortunate stains from a wide variety of 'accidents'. 

Yet, our home has always been a respite to me from the stresses and pressures of being a pastor.  She's consistently created a 'safe zone' for us. 

Since our marriage (almost exactly 39 years ago) we have lived in at least twelve different places.  Each one has been a comfortable haven.

Our kids have returned to our various houses to visit us;  they've never complained.  Even though the place may have changed, it's still HOME! 

Right now, 'home' is Travis' cabin on the Tri-State Campground in East Liverpool.  It's a humble place to live.  No AC - but a good supply of fans.  We walk across the drive to use public restrooms;  however, since camp ended we each have large private bathrooms!  :-)  We've been hot.  Most mornings we're cold and damp.  We cook on a grill and in a microwave.   We have a small, flatscreen TV that we watch DVDs on.  My biggest inconvenience has been not having TV reception;  I really do miss watching the Olympics.
We've been here for a month and we probably have another month before we move on. 

Then, Debbie will face the challenge of making a small apartment in Changchun into our new 'home' for the next year.  And I assure you, we'll entertain LOTS of Chinese students while we're there!  And beyond that - who knows?  Maybe more China.  Or a year in Europe?  Or Africa?  Or back to the States? 

But, no matter where we are, my wife will turn it into a HOME!

WIDEN MY CIRCLE, LORD

There seems to be a tendency in us to find friends who are similar.  We like people who share our point-of-view.  It makes us comfortable.  If their backgrounds are similar to ours, all-the-better. 

This has been true for me much of my life.  For me, the church has actually served a somewhat evil purpose;  it has created an abnormal circle of "fellowship" that is dissimilar from the culture. 

I remember reading a book in seminary titled, God's Colony.  It spoke of this proclivity to create a barrier of protection between people of faith and lost people.  What is it in us that makes us do this?

We didn't learn this from Jesus!  Rather, He infiltrated the circles that lost people had created!  :-)   He invited Himself to their homes!  He chased them down at the pools.  He included, rather than excluded.  He knew no strangers.

We are so unlike Him in this regard. 

Perhaps when I find people who agree with me, are similar to me, and share my values, it confirms that I'm right.  Am I that weak and uncertain? 

On occasions when I have reached beyond my normal circles for friendship - I have been surprised and delighted.  Getting to know someone connects us to them.  Why am I afriad of this process? 

I recently spent time with ten people who were VERY dissimilar from me.  I was more drawn to some than others.  But when our marathon of time together ended, I was able to say to the whole group:  "I'm glad I had the opportunity to spend this time with you!" 

When we lived in Akron, I became good friends with several homeless men.  I knew them and they knew me.  I spent time with them almost every Saturday morning.  I miss that!  They added value to my life!

I want to have a broader assoication of friends.  I want to have friends who are very different from me.  I don't want to live my life in a clique!  I want to be more like Jesus in this regard...

WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU THOUGHT ABOUT HEAVEN?

The following is from Paul's second letter to Christ-followers in Corinth, 4:17-18 (NLT):

...we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

It is to our detriment that we ignore (or deny) the realities of Heaven! 

It seems to me that the only time Heaven is considered in this culture is when a friend or loved one dies.  Then, we state, "They have gone to a better place."  These words ring hollow.  They mock us.  Little in our lifestyle indicates that we really believe in "a better place."

Universalism reigns.  Not only do all dogs go to heaven, but so do all people.  It really doesn't matter how you lived your life.  It doesn't matter if you claimed Christ as your Lord.  The assumed reality is:  when you die, you go to heaven.

Scripture encourages believers to think about Heaven as a reality that impacts our daily lives.  The way I live my life impacts my eternal destiny!

Most of us, admittedly,  live in a way that at least looks like it's all about this world.  We get caught up in accumulating things and enjoying pleasures.

On rare occasions (perhaps now is one of them), when we actually think about what God's Word says about us and Heaven, we wonder if maybe we're mis-spending our lives.   

· Perhaps I should be more generous?

· Maybe I should care more about the desperate conditions of the global poor?

· Should I give myself to some cause that goes beyond myself?

· Am I fulfilling the purposes of God?

· What would it look like if I was to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow Christ?

· If "true religion" is caring for widows and orphans, how am I helping with that?

I remember hearing a story many years ago.

Two men arrived in Heaven at the same time.  Saint Peter led one to a large, well-built, handsome home and handed him the keys.

Then he walked the other man to a small shack.

The man, obviously shocked and disappointed, asked Saint Peter why his heavenly home was so small and poorly built.

Peter replied:  "We did the best we could with the materials you sent ahead!"

---

Lord,

Help me to be more conscious of the realities of Heaven in my day-to-day living.  Help me to curb my appetite for self-satisfaction and creature-comforts.  Teach me to care and to share! 

Enable me to see the wisdom of sending lots of building materials ahead.  By Your Spirit, remind me frequently that it's not about this world - it's all about the next!

Amen. 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

His name was Ahaz;  he was king of Judah.

One day he got word that two kings had joined forces and were going to attack him;  they were Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, king of Israel.

Isaiah 7:2 (LB) reports:  ...the hearts of the king (Ahaz) and his people trembled with fear as the trees of a forest shake in a storm.

The Lord sent Isaiah, the prophet, to king Ahaz to tell him to not be afraid.  (v.7)  This plan will not succeed.

But, God - who knows all things - saw that king Ahaz didn't quite believe Isaiah.  So God said:  (v.9)  You don't believe Me?  If you want Me to protect you, you must learn to believe what I say.

Then, in an effort to convince Ahaz, God said:  (v.11)  Ask Me for a sign, Ahaz, to prove that I will indeed crush your enemies as I have said.  Ask anything you like, in heaven or on earth.

Wow!  What a golden opportunity!  ...anything...in heaven or on earth!

• "God, let me visit Heaven for one hour!"
• "God, heal my sick friend or relative."
• "God, take away that mark on my neck!"
• "God, bring great wealth to my family."
• "God, make it rain on our vineyards."
• "God, give me a brand new chariot with chrome wheels and four-horse-power!"

(v.12)  But the king refused, "No," he said, "I'll not bother the Lord with anything like that."

WHAT?  Are you kidding?  What a fool!

But wait:  maybe God knew what He was doing.  Maybe God was orchestrating a bigger plan and simply using Ahaz's reticense to accomplish it. 

Then, Isaiah spoke for God:  (v.14)  All right then, the Lord Himself will choose the sign - a child shall be born to a virgin!  And she shall call Him Immanuel (meaning "God is with us").

And now you know THE REST OF THE STORY!

PS  -  God went on to promise that before this child was weaned, both Rezin and Pekah would be dead!  And so it was...

SOUR GRAPES

Isaiah 5 tells a metaphorical story about God.

(vs.1-2)  My Beloved has a vineyard on a very fertile hill.  He plowed it and took out all the rocks and planted His vineyard with the choicest vines.  He built a watchtower and cut a winepress in the rocks.  Then He waited for the harvest, but the grapes that grew were wild and sour and not at all the sweet ones He expected.

Imagine God's disappointment!  After all His work and investment, He got sour grapes!

Later in the chapter, the metaphor is unpacked.

(vs. 7-8)  I have given you the story of God's people.  They are the vineyard that I spoke about.  Israel and Judah are His pleasant acreage!  He expected them to yield a crop of justice, but found bloodshed instead.  He expected righteousness, but the cries of deep oppression met His ears.  You buy up property so others have no place to live.  Your homes are built on great estates so you can be alone in the midst of the earth!

I wonder what this would sound like if we applied it to the current state of the Church in America.

The one, true God, out of His compassion for the spiritually lost around the world, moved the minds and hearts of some of His people to establish a new land across the sea.  This land was established as a place of refuge from persecution and freedom to worship God without fear.  God deliberately prospered this people and this land until it became the most prosperous place on the whole earth!  God did this with the hope that His people - in this new land - would be a source of provision and blessing to the lost around His globe.

The coherent among us can see where this is heading...

But this new land and people gradually became enamored with their newfound wealth.  Rather than use it to extend the Good News of God around the world, they used it to buy bigger and better homes and more and more toys and conveniences.  Their passion for spiritually lost people waned until it barely existed.  Their captivation with entertainment and self-satisfaction ruled their lives;  meanwhile God's purposes for them became long-lost and quickly fading memories

BECOME A GOOD REPENTER

I read those words in a book:  Secrets of the Secret Place, by Bob Sorge (recommended to me by Robin McFarren - thank you SO MUCH, Robin). 

Although I've lived immersed in the life of the church for most of my life, I must admit that I've seen very little repentance in the church.  It seems to be something done only at the point of an initial salvation experience. 

But think of it this way:  the closer you get to a holy God, the more you become aware of your imperfections!

If that statement is true (and I believe it is), then the growing believer will find him/herself repenting with ever-increasing frequency. 

Sorge writes: 

"I so very much long to please Him and to know His will, so my spirit diligently searches the recesses of my heart to see if there might be anything in me for which I need to repent."  He adds, "The only way to move forward in God is through repentance."

For those of us who have grown past the blatant, outward sins, we then begin to explore the deeper recesses of our fallen nature.  We move into the realm of thoughts, motives, feelings, responses and desires.  Sins in these areas are far more subtle.  It often takes silence, solitude, and the finger of God to point them out. 

I once heard an evangelist state that he hadn't sinned in seventeen years
...........................................................Liar, liar, pants on fire!

The crafters of the Westminster Confession believed that we sin in thought, word, and deed everyday.  I don't care to debate that here and now, but I do know this:  I am "...prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;  prone to leave the God I love."

I have a sinful nature and I have an enemy of my soul.  These two realities are turning me into A GOOD REPENTER!  How about you?

A NEW WORLD FOR ME

I've been sheltered.  To some extent, all my life.

For the last forty years, I have lived in a Christian context.  People have tended to be on their best behavior around me.  They curtail their language in my presence.  They ask questions about the Bible, assuming that's my favorite thing to talk about.  Over years of being a pastor, I have increasingly become cocooned from the real world.  I've realized it.  I've even tried to combat it;  but it happened in spite of my efforts. 

This has been a big part of my motivation for going to China.  After living surrounded by Christians for most of my life, I want to flip it.  I want to live in a culture where I'll be exposed to large numbers of spiritually lost people. 

I've spent the last three Saturdays and Sundays taking a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Class at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.  The class has been a 'cultural shock' experience for me. 

The instructor was 42.  There was one middle-aged student.  All the rest were in their early twenties.  Two of the young women were Korean.  As we got acquainted, I could tell that at least two of the students were probably Christians.  It came out right away that I had been a pastor for many years.

Casual discussions about abortion and evolution brought out severe ridicule and mockery of Christians.  The language used throughout the class surprised me.  The crudities and vulgarities expressed throughout the discussions offended me.  A casual discussion with one young woman revealed her animosity for marriage and men-at-large.   For one of the practicum's we had to draw what was in our refrigerator;  mine was the only one without beer.

When I gave my practicum, one of the young men set me up for an embarrassing moment by suggesting the use of a word (that I was naively unfamiliar with) that created lots of snickers and guffaws - at my expense.

This was all A NEW WORLD FOR ME!!!!  As Dorothy said, "We're not in Kansas anymore!"    Not everyone is going to like me or be kind to me.  It's survival of the fittest. 

But it was ok.  I survived.  I maintained a good and open relationship with everyone.  One young man approached me for my email address so we can have contact while we're both in China.  When the young man, who caused me to stumble, fumbled in his practicum, I was able to throw out some ideas that re-routed his presentation. 

When I stayed to help the instructor put the room back in order after the last class, he told me that our casual conversations had caused him to look at his (young) children in new ways.  He was valuing his time with them differently now. 

We make a difference wherever we are.  We stay connected to God.  We stay pure. 

Romans 16:19-20  (the VOICE)
So celebrate your faithfulness to God that is being displayed in your lives - seek wisdom about the good life, and remain innocent when it comes to evil.  If you do this, the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet soon.

Debbie and I will soon be immersed in an even greater new world.  Cultural shock will be an ever-present reality for us.  We will be overwhelmed with new people, things, places, and languages.  PLEASE PRAY FOR US!

Are we afraid?

Yes, at times.  But we are so confident that as a result of our faith and your prayers - the God of peace will be with us crushing Satan under our feet!

OH YEAH!

INTERESTING COINCIDENCES

I love the book of Esther in the Old Testament. 

A virgin Jewess becomes the Queen of Persia.  When an evil influencer (Haman) plans the elimination of all Jews throughout the empire, Esther is compelled to speak up for her people.

Approaching the king is dangerous - even for a queen.  After a period of fasting, she takes the risk and the king raises his scepter toward her. 

She invites the king and Haman to a private dinner that same day.  At the conclusion of the meal, the king asked what she wanted.  She invited both men back for another dinner the next day, promising to explain her actions at that time.

On the way home, Haman is annoyed by the Jew, Mordecai, who has persistently refused to bow when Haman passes.

Upon arriving home he complains to his family about Mordecai.  They suggest that he build a gallows and approach the king about hanging Mordecai.  The idea delights Haman;  he has the gallows built.

That night, (coincidentally) the king couldn't sleep.  He called for servants to read from the court records.  As they review previous actions of the empire the king is reminded how Mordecai had reported overhearing two men plot the king's death.  In effect, Mordecai had saved the king's life!

Early the next morning the king is determined to honor Mordecai.  He calls Haman in asking, "What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?"

Haman is certain that the king is speaking of himself, so he suggests that the man be dressed in the king's robe, ride the king's horse, and have the king's chief servant lead him through the streets proclaiming:  "This is the way the king honors those who truly please him!"

The king is delighted with the idea and commands Haman to fulfill every detail for Mordecai, the Jew.  Haman did so but was utterly humiliated.

When he is finished honoring Mordecai he is escorted to Esther's for the dinner.  She exposes his plans to have all the Jews killed and calls out to the king for favor.  The king steps out to think.  Seeing his plight, Haman fell on Esther's couch and began to plead for his life.  Just then the king stepped back in to see Haman on the couch with Esther.

Assuming that Haman was assaulting the queen, the king defended her honor.  In wondering how to punish Haman, a servant reported that Haman had (coincidentally) prepared a gallows on which to hang Mordecai, the Jew.  The king immediately responded:  "Hang Haman on it!"

FREE FALL

Yesterday I did something I've never done before. 

While at Kennywood Park, we stopped several times to watch people (in groups of two or three) be hoisted high into the air via cables and then released to swing for several minutes before being lowered to the ground again.

Debbie ruled it out immediately!

Cathy (my sister-in-law) was curious about it.

Jeff (my brother-in-law) wanted to do it.

I was leaning towards doing it.  I've seen it before and always thought it would be fun to do.

We stood and watched repeatedly as they were harnessed into the system and then slowly raised to the tower's level.  Then, we watched them free fall for about five seconds before the swinging effect kicked in.  It looked like a rush!

Anytime we were near, we would watch again.  It was fascinating.  By late afternoon, we decided to do it.  When Cathy saw the cost ($22 each), she decided to just let me and Jeff do it.

We were given a time to report (a short wait).  We were ushered onto a platform and assisted into a type of suit made of heavy material.  The young people who managed us were very good - although I wasn't able to hear much of their instruction.

Then we were walked onto a platform where they unhooked the previous victims and hooked us up.  Suddenly the floor dropped out and we were pushed forward to a laying (face-down) position.  A few final instructions and we were being hauled up toward the two-hundred-foot tower!

IT WAS TERRIFYING!!!

We could see the tower getting closer behind us.  Suddenly, we stopped.  A voice counted down and Jeff pulled the cord.

We plumetted downward!  Eventually, the cables caught our weight and we began to swing in massive arcs.  Now it was fun!  We had lived through it! 

Did I pray, you ask?  Oh yes, I prayed!

THE SADDEST DAY

When I was a kid, the saddest day of the year was the day after Camp Meeting ended!

Because my Dad had to drive back to New Brighton to work, my Mom and I (and in the early years - my sister, Bev) were left at the campground all-day Monday to pack up and prepare for the trip home.  A few other families were in the same predictament. 

There were some things I had to do to help my Mom, but by-and-large, I was left to roam the grounds trying to pass the time.  I would spend time on the swings and walk around the ballfield.  I would meander through the tabernacle.  Occasionally, I would help someone with a task.

It may have been my first experience of depression.  I would feel so alone and lost.  If I'd had a romantic relationship, that made it all the worse.  I would remember all the fun I had enjoyed over the last ten days.  But now, all my friends and all the excitement was over.

The only thing that redeemed this day was that in some years the Pittsburgh Annual Conference would follow shortly after camp.  I would be here again for four or five more days - working in the kitchen again.  It wasn't camp, but it did give me a chance to be with some of my friends again.

There were also some years when the Pittsburgh Conference Youth Camp followed Camp Meeting.  That really gave me something to look forward to.  Youth Camp was totally different than Camp Meeting;  it was usually held at the Kiski Valley Free Methodist Campground in Apollo, PA.  It was a highlight of my year. 

But these tough times passed.  I felt the sadness, but endured. 

Now, Debbie and I are staying on the campground until we leave for China.  I've been concerned about today, so we planned an alternative activity to get us away.  We're heading for Kennywood Park! 

CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #10

Sundays at camp were tough when I was a kid!  We weren't allowed to play ball, ride bikes, leave the campground, or even play games.  To be short - Sundays were B-O-R-I-N-G!!!!! 

In the afternoon I often had to attend a missionary meeting.  With all due respect to missionaries (I'm going to be one this year), the afternoon missions rally was hard to sit through.  Occasionally a creative missionary could capture my attention with stories of wild animals;  but most of the time I'd have rather been just about anywhere else!

Why did it always seem like Sundays were the hottest days at camp?  And we couldn't do anything to cool off. 

The first Sunday wasn't too bad because we knew we had a whole week ahead of us.  But the second Sunday:  well, to us kids it seemed like a terrible way to end Camp Meeting!

But there was one redeeming factor to Sundays.

It was the 'Ring Meeting'!

An hour (or so) before the evening service, people would begin to gather on the northeast side of the tabernacle under the shade of the trees that were there at that time.  They would form a small circle and begin to share testimonies.  Gradually the crowd would grow until there were thirty to fifty people in the circle! 

Sometimes, in the midst of the testimonies, someone would start a song.  Occasionally, someone would take off running around the outside of the circle.  Someone else might "get blessed" and start crying or shouting!  It was an intriguing time for us kids!  You never knew just what might happen!  It was about the only excitement we had on Sundays! 

If I sound flippant, I don't mean to.  Although we were usually there for the show, we also were aware that this was real to these adults.  On rare occasions, we would even enter in and give our own testimony! 

Ring meetings fell by the wayside somewhere along the way, as did many of the unusual manifestations of the Spirit.  Let's hope that the giving of testimonies doesn't fall by the wayside!  Testimonies give praise to God;  and don't forget:  God inhabits the praises of His people!

Testimonies also encourage other believers, and we all need encouragement from time-to-time! 

This wraps up my sharing of Camp Meeting Memories;  I hope you've enjoyed my rambling journey!  I'm glad to know that I've stirred up memories for some of you too.  And for the younger readers - perhaps you've gained a little insight into the history of THE BEST TEN DAYS OF THE YEAR!!!!

CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #9

A big part of the camp is the evangelist. 

Camp evangelists have varied in style and delivery over the years.  Back when I was a kid, they all seemed to be pretty much the same.  They always wore suits;  I rarely, if ever, saw one take off his suit-coat - no matter how warm it became.  Sometimes the leaders would have a morning teacher and an evening preacher.  Always they hired a song evangleist to lead the worship time. 

Some evangelists that I remember were:

• O. R. Tessaro
• Wilbur Teal
• Harry Girts
• Lucien Behar
• Dr. V. J. Mannoia
• Dr. Don Demaray
• David Clardie

Some of these had return visits as well.

Sometimes, an evangelist would come that no one knew.  One year an older man came who had been superintendent of one of our western conferences;  his name was Don Lowry.  In spite of the fact that he was older, he connected with the youth that year.  They sat down front all through the camp and responded strongly to his preaching!

One year we needed an evangelist and the idea-bank was empty.  I looked through my file folder and found a conference evangelist from Canada, named Bill Row.  He agreed to come on short notice.  He holed up in his cabin every day and waited for a fresh message from the Lord!  It was one of the most powerful camps in my memory!  The Spirit moved mightily and the services were blessed with the presence of God.  It's interesting how God moved so significantly in a year when our expectations were low. 

Some evangelists were story tellers, other were Bible expositors, others were topical preachers, and still others were teachers.  Some were very serious, while others were light-hearted and fun to be around.  Some mingled with the campers while others stayed aloof.  Some would present a strong altar call while others simply opened the altar and sat down. 

Some of the song evangelists that stand out in my memory were:

• Clyde Van Valen
• Danny Shelhaus
• Denny Kleibscheidel
• Lloyd Donnell
• Jim and Tammy Bean

There were so many more.  These spiritual leaders made an impact on our lives by word and example.  In spite of their differences, they were God's instrument to shape our lives and form our spirituality! 

May the legacy of great preaching and engaging worship continue until Jesus comes!

CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #8

The altar is a central place at camp!  May it ever be so!

Many of us can walk you to the very spot where we knelt and surrendered our life to Christ.  Such a place gains great affection. 

I remember a year that I was Camp Director and was praying with people at the altar;  suddenly, Debbie came to me and told me that Troy had made a decision for Christ.  I think he was seven or eight years old.  I dropped to my knees and locked eyes on him.  He ran into my arms and I hugged him and prayed with him!  These are unforgettable moments! 

As a pastor, I've prayed with hundreds of people over the years at that altar.  I've prayed there many times over many issues.  I'm still praying there and asking Almighty God to work through my life and in the lives of those I love! 

I remember a year many camps ago when the song evangelist taught us a new song that was sweeping the church:

We are standing on holy ground
For I know that there are angels all around
Let us praise Jesus now
For we are standing in His presence on holy ground  

Another year that same song evangelist taught us another chorus:

You won't leave here like you came - in Jesus' Name!
Blind, oppressed, tormented, sick or lame.
For the Holy Ghost of Acts is still the same.
You won't leave here like you came - in Jesus' Name!

The music of camp has always been powerful!  It takes up residence in the mind and heart and refreshes us over and over again!  Whether it was led by a song evangelist or a worship team - praise and worship have characterized Tri-State Free Methodist Camps.  It has moved us to make commitments and to deepen commitments. 

It's been a place where sinners have been welcomed into the Kingdom of God!  May it ever be so!  May the legacy of the past be carried with force and enthusiasm into the future with even mightier manifestations of God's Spirit! 

CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #7

The District Superintendent was the key leader at Camp Meeting.  I have some recollection of that person being J. S. Mitchell, but most of the time it was R. (Ralph) L. Page.  He had a great heart for the camp;  he and his sons, Kenny and Bob, made a deep investment in working to make the campground a nicer place.  I believe it was his idea to build the restrooms under the dining hall patio. 

He had a yearning for people to turn to Christ and live for Christ.  I remember being a boy and seeing him walk across the front of the tabernacle weeping and pleading with people to come to Christ.  His passion for the Lord impressed me!

At the same time, it seemed like an unwritten rule that it was the job of the youth to frustrate the district superintendent.

Our District Youth Leader at the time was John Diddle.  John lived near the camp and was a fun-loving character.  His humor endeared us to him.

My mother (Hazel Haire) was extremely active in supporting Free Methodist World Missions!  One year, she and Ernie Hissom had worked together to construct an African hut in the center of the campground.  It was very well done and impressed everyone who came on the grounds.

Some of the youth decided that the hut needed a cow!  We took our idea to John and he helped us make it happen.  Early one morning, with John's help, we tethered a cow near the front of the hut.  It was a foggy morning.  In our excitement, some of us hid in the tabernacle to watch the early morning reactions of the campers. 

The cow participated so well.  Just before rising bell, she began to bellow.  It echoed through the camp.  Suddenly, the door to Ralph Page's cottage burst open and he stepped out in his pajamas to peer through the fog across the camp.  He looked and looked in disbelief - literally rubbing his eyes - as he inspected our prank.

We were beside ourselves with joy and so proud of ourselves for pulling it off!  Most people saw the humor in our deed.  Our bond of silence kept us out of trouble - although I don't remember John being our District Youth Leader for long after that camp!

CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #6

The teen years at camp were full of summer romances.  Those were the days when holding hands with a girl was a big deal! First, you'd ask her to sit with you in the evening service.  Then, after the service you would walk her round-and-round the campground talking and laughing.  Sometimes you would stop for a few minutes at the dark end of the camp.  If you were lucky, you'd get some kisses! 

Some would slip off the road and up onto the ballfield (not me, of course).  We were all trying to escape the superintendent and others assigned to safe-guard our activity.  The 'Ping-Pong' tent was another good get-away spot!  Being caught in the dorms together could get you sent home - so not many tried that! 

The tents themselves were quite a novelty at camp;  they were made of canvass and were held up by wooden poles!  I can remember helping Joe Cowsert load the wood floors and set them up before camp.  Then we'd haul out the tents and start setting them up - it was a huge job!   I can remember them lining the main road into the camp on both sides.  Some have told me that the tabernacle side of the road once held two rows of tents.

They were about six feet apart.  Running between them was dangerous because of all the ropes.  Quite a few youth were clothes-lined by trying to do that to escape the superintendent!  Way back, the tents had water, electric, and even gas hook-ups.  Some people turned them into very comfortable dwellings.  Then, of course, after camp they had to be dismantled and stored away for another year. 

These were different days.  All the cottages had water, electric, and gas hook-ups too.  Many chose to cook in their tents or cottages rather than buy their meals at the dining hall.  It was a different day, marked by significantly less affluence.  Camp was the only vacation that many families took!  It was a delightful ten days with programming for children, youth, and adults.  People rarely left the campground. 

The afternoon softball game was a huge event.  Thirteen was the all-important cut-off age for playing.  We couldn't wait for that birthday.  Woe to the poor kid who turned thirteen right after camp!  :-(  Lots of people came to watch the game.  The store brought pop up to the ballfield to sell it to the fans.  Everyone cheered and delighted in the fun of sports and just being together ! 

These were good days that still mark many of our memories.  The memories being made today are just as precious.

CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #5

When I became old enough, it was fun to work in the kitchen.  In those days, that was the turf of Virginia!  She ruled with an iron fist!  She had cooked at camp for many years and had a solid reputation for excellent food and service.  Anyone who worked for Virginia towed the line and did it her way! 

I was always the dishwasher.  We used stainless steel trays back then and silverware.  They had to be hand-washed in a deep sink, then rinsed in very hot water, and then run through an automatic dish-washer that my dad had acquired from a children's home where he worked part-time.  This process was intense because we often used all the trays, so they had to be recycled so that more people could eat!  This especially happened for Sunday dinners when Virginia's meals were known to be exceptionally good!

But we always managed to have fun (and get thoroughly soaked) while working.  There were usually about five people at this station.  A dish washer, a rinser, someone to run the dish-washer, and a couple to dry the trays and silverware and return it all to the counter.  And then, of course, came the pots and pans! 

Put all this in the context of a hot day, and it really was work!  But, we got our meals free and a little pay as well.  Certainly you understand that it was mostly about relationships!  Those of us who worked together became great friends! 

Words of affirmation from Virginia were a rare treat!  Stern words came regularly.  And yet, I never really had a problem working for her.  I knew, down deep, that she liked me and respected me.  When she retired and I matured, we had many profitable discussions about camp and our churches.  She certainly had a servant's heart and made us all happy with her cooking for many years.

Like today's workers, we benefitted from tips.  Occasionally someone would come along to help raise tips for us.  Our favorite person to do so was Reverend O. R. Tessaro.  He was a VERY EFFECTIVE fund raiser.  We would get very excited when we saw him on the campground.  If he ate in the dining hall, we hoped he'd take the tip bucket around and help us out.  When he did so, it was very hard for people not to respond!

They were days of hard work, but also days of great fun!  It was a big piece in the puzzle that made up camp! 

CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #4

Some may not realize that the Tri-State Free Methodist Campground used to be covered with trees.  They were massive trees.  During the sixties they fell under a blight and died;  most of them had to be removed to protect the tabernacle and cabins.  The tabernacle was much cooler in those days because of the shade from the trees.

Many years when I would arrive (with my parents) a few days early for camp, I would be recruited by Harvey Kirchner to help him white-wash all of the trees and telephone poles.  He'd give some of us boys buckets of white-wash and a big brush and set us loose to paint the trees up to about four foot high.  We thought it was fun!

Harvey was from the Oakland Church;  I later became his pastor for thirteen years.  Harvey was the head usher for many years at camp!  He was also well-known because of the curious reaction he had to God's blessing.  Quite frequently during camp, Harvey would "get blessed".  When this happened, he would weep out loud and give a shout that sort of sounded like a slow, sad "Woooo Hoooo".  It had a rising-then-falling pitch to it.  It usually caught you off-guard and scared you.  Young people were tickled by this occurance.  Older people were blessed to know that Harvey was blessed!

There were others who "got blesssed" from time-to-time.  There was an older saint who used to wave her hanky.  Several times I saw people take off and run around the center section of the tabernacle - sometimes shouting and praising the Lord!  Others would simply walk the aisles weeping or praying or praising God!  These manifestations were fascinating to the children and youth;  but we always respected these folks and knew that we were seeing something that was real and that honored God!

Altar services were common, occuring most nights.  Children, youth, and adults responded for salvation and to deepen their relationship with God.  Crowds of praying people joined in at the altar.  These prayer times often went on for nearly an hour after the service ended.  Then the District Superintendent would get a michrophone and call for testimonies.  Many nights these testimonies went on till the curfew bell or later!  Camp Meeting was all about evangelism and holiness!  Everything else was secondary to the spiritual priorities!

District pastors attended faithfully and were always available to pray with their people at the altar.  All pastors wore suits every night and they all sat on the platform all evening to support the evangelist!

I recall that the camp was immersed in prayer!  Every evening the pastors got together and prayed for an hour before the service.  Cottage prayer meetings were held where people would call on God for outpourings of His Spirit in the camp!  I also remember Brother Gress going out into the woods and praying - sometimes so loudly that you could hear him in the camp! 

Let's all pray that as our camp moves into the future it will continue to maintain spiritual priorities that will help us all to grow in our faith.

I GO FOR YOU!

When I was in high school, I began to date.  One of the first girls I dated regularly was from my home church in New Brighton.  Her name was Jeannie.  After awhile, I decided to get her a gift, so I went to a jewelry store and bought a nice charm bracelet.  I also purchased a round, silver medallion for the bracelet that was engraved with the words:  I Go For You!

Jeannie loved it.

Then a little later, Debbie and I began to date.  For a brief while, I was actually dating both girls.  Then, gradually, Debbie and I became closer and closer.  So, again I thought it would be nice to get her a gift.  Well, since Jeannie had appreciated the bracelet so much - I got one for Debbie too!  Plus, I couldn't resist it - I also got her the round, silver medallion that said, I Go For You!

Debbie loved it, too!

Then in the summer of 1968, we started having some stress in our relationship.  Time for Family Camp arrived.  By now, I was dating another girl named Beth.  The path was well worn at this point, so I headed for the jewelry store again.  You guessed it:  got a charm bracelet and another round, silver medallion that read:  I Go For You!

Beth loved it, too!

When the first day of camp arrived, I pulled onto the campground.  A short time before my arrival, Jeannie and Debbie had been talking and noticed one another's bracelets - and figured things out.  When I climbed out of my car, I turned and saw Debbie - halfway across the campground - with her hands on her hips screaming at the top of her lungs:  "I HATE YOU, HAROLD HAIRE!"

Later in the camp, I brought Beth down for an evening service and they felt inclined to tell her that she was dating a two-timing cheat.  That's when they discovered that she had one too!

It was a long, lonely, miserable camp for me.  I was the dish-washer that year.  I came in to work one afternoon to find a huge, yellow balloon sitting on the sink;  uh-huh - printed on it were the words:  I Go For You!   

Debbie doesn't have that bracelet anymore.  It's probably in the high grass somewhere behind the cottages!

CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #3

Snippet Memories:

• The smell of the cottage.
• My Dad lifting me up onto the roof of the cottage to sweep off the branches.
• Falling asleep on my Mom's lap during church and having my Dad carry me to the cottage, put my pajamas on me and put me to bed!
• Sleeping in the same room as a family - with only curtains separating us!
• Trying to fall asleep while listening to my parents visiting with friends on the other side of the curtain!
• The first year I was allowed to sit anywhere in the front section of the tabernacle! 
• The year I was 10, I got the eleven-day measles...ON THE FIRST DAY OF CAMP!
• My first case of "puppy-love" over Carolyn Van Valin - the song evangelist's daughter.
• Visiting my Grandma Haire at my Aunt Dorothy's cabin and eating her fresh-made peanut-butter cookies!
• Going to DairyLand and eating a 'Pig's Dinner' - an annual challenge for many.  I still have the pin:  "I was a Pig at DairyLand!
• Watching some older boys (PK’s) put M-80's in the old, drop toilets!
• The summer of 1966 when Cirkle's song, "Red Rubber Ball" hit the #1 spot on the charts!
• Bruce Kelly patiently giving every kid a ride around the campground on his1950 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. 
• When I was fourteen, (an unnamed) preacher's kid took me up on the ballfield to give me a sip of beer he had hidden there.  It was the middle of the afternoon and it was HOT.  I guess I owe him a debt of thanks for helping me to hate beer at an early age?
• The year Bobby Edinfield and I fell in love with one of the Whippo girls - it was Janie (and she was a little daredevil).  We would take her up real high in a swing to try to scare her - but all she did was squeel with delight!
• Counting the number of times we sang verses of "Just As I Am" and seeing if it would break the previous night's record!
• Being impressed listening to every preacher give his benediction at the closing of camp!
• The intense sadness that came the day after camp - knowing that it would be a whole year before it would happen again!

Some of these memories may seem disrespectful;  they are not intended to be.  Every year, I made advances in my spiritual growth.  However, the natural responses of childhood and adolesence are what they are...

CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #2

When I was a kid, getting to camp was all about FUN!  The store was a big part of the fun.  But that required money - and kids didn't have money in those days.  As I said before, my Dad gave me a quarter a day to spend, and then there were the pop bottles.  However, there was another rich source of income.

The tabernacle floor was dirt then.  At time for camp every year, the men brought in bales of straw and spread it all through the tabernacle.  When the offering was received, all the people would reach into their pockets to get to their money.  In the process, change would fall into the straw.  Therefore the straw was a goldmine of cash for the youngster willing to spend some time sifting through it!

Then, for the children, there was 'Camp-Within-A-Camp'.  This was one of the coolest parts of camp to me.  At the beginning of our morning lessons, we were led into the woods on the east end of camp.  About fifty feet in we came to a small clearing known as 'Camp-Within-A-Camp'.  Logs and boards were arranged for us to sit on.  A rough, rustic pulpit stood before us.  We would sing, pray, and hear a Bible story in this natural setting before heading back to the main camp for our individual classes and crafts.

We made the neatest things while at camp!  I still have some of these items.  Often, it would take the whole camp to complete the project.  Some I remember:

• a matchstick cross
• a small valuable-box with a tiled top
• a wallet that we engraved with special tools and weaved together with plastic thread
• whistle necklaces that we braided out of plastic thread

These projects always genuinely challenged me and fascinated me.  The children's workers obviously made extensive, ahead-of-time preparations!

And then, when we were old enough, we got to walk up into Thompson Park and climb the 'Big Rock'!  Now, that was fun!  I've been there recently, and it doesn't look as big;  but at the time, it was quite a challenge.  You could climb straight up the front, or sneak up an easier way on the back side (if you were tall enough to make the first step). 

Camp was and is a wonderful place for kids!

CAMP MEETING MEMORIES - #1

When I was a kid, Camp Meeting* was the second-best time of the year - beat out only by Christmas!  We would literally move the twenty miles to East Liverpool and live in a rustic old cottage for ten or twelve days!  We all slept in the same room.  We ate our meals in the dining hall with lots of other people.  I had a lot more freedom than I had at home! 

There would be classes for children all morning.  Then in the afternoon we would play softball.  The camp store would be open.  We kids would go around hunting for pop bottles to return to the store for a two-cent return.  Three pop bottles got me a popcycle. 

As I recall, my Dad gave me a quarter to spend every day!  I was judicious about the way I spent it.  I remember one year when a guy gave me a dollar and asked me to run to the store and buy him a bottle of pop.  When I brought him the pop and the change, he told me to keep the change!  It was the best thing that had happened up to that point in my life! 

In the evening, everyone went to the tabernacle for church.  The singing was amazing!  There would be someone playing the piano and organ, and they always hired a special song-evangelist to lead the singing.  Often the song-evangelist would put together a camp choir.

One year, Clyde VanValin was the song-evangelist.  He announced choir practice and I showed up - I was ten years old.  The adults started shooing me away, telling me I was too young to be in the choir.  Reverend Van Valin saw this happening and intervened.  He told me I was welcome to sing in the choir.  I was so proud and happy.  I clearly remember singing the hymn, "He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels".  That song still moves me deeply today!

I made my first commitment to serve Jesus at camp.  Every year challenged me spiritually and helped me root my faith more deeply!  I even joined the church at camp;  my pastor at that time was Harold Mitchell. 

I still attend camp every year.  I'm actually writing this blog while sitting in a cottage on the campground!  I come every year looking forward to the spiritual growth that God is going to foster in my heart and life! 

And when camp ends - just like when I was a kid - I'll start looking forward to Christmas!  :-)




*  We changed it to Family Camp when I was Director in the 80's.

TIPPING

I've had the luxury of traveling and eating out a lot over the last month - way more than usual.  Because of this, I've been faced with repeated situations that involved leaving a tip.

When I eat in a restaurant, I'm a 20% tipper;  except for breakfast or when Deb and I share a meal - then I try to tip more.  Why?  Because my wife was a server in a restaurant and I know how hard they work and how little they're paid.  I've seen her come home and dump crumpled bills out onto the couch and then sit - dead tired - and count it.  When it added up to a reasonable amount, I could see the pride and joy return!

What about tipping the housekkeeper at a hotel?  We've left anywhere from $2-5.  We try to do so daily to make sure the right person gets the tip!

How about the person who manages the free breakfast area in hotels?  Hmmm.  I haven't found guidelines for this, but I'm now leaving a couple of dollars on the table - even though I don't see others doing so.

Many years ago, I was a bellman in a hotel in Lexington, Kentucky.  In addition to assisting with luggage, I also drove people in the hotel van.  Another part of my role was delivering room service orders to the patrons.  I expected tips.  I looked forward to them.  A good tip could make my day! 

I remember a day when I drove a group of people to the Keeneland Race Track.  I answered questions and conversed with them the whole way.  As they disembarked, I received $30 in tips!  I was ecstatic!  Thirty dollars in 1973 - to a seminary student - was like receiving $150 today!!!  My wheels hardly touched the road on my way home that day!!!!  I couldn't wait to show Debbie!

If I can make someone's day by leaving a few dollars, I'm going to do so!  As long as I have it, I'm going to try to be generous with it!

Last night, Debbie, Janie, Ken, Dolores and I ate at a Perkins near our hotel.  To be honest, we were served poorly.  We repeatedly asked for more napkins.  My drink was never refilled.  She served us the wrong meals.  She spilled dressing on Janie.  When she wasn't around, we were critical of her.

At the end of the evening, Ken struck up a conversation with her and told her a story about one of his daughters-in-law who served poorly - but got a big tip anyway.  She warmed to us and told us that she's only been on-the-job a few weeks.  She was sweet and admitted her need for improvement. 

My father-in-law was in charge of the tip.  I noticed that he rewarded her generously.  I was proud!

ONE OF OUR MANY HILARIOUS FAMILY MEMORIES - BAT STORY #3

We were living on Hill Boulevard in East Liverpool.  We owned this house for seven years.   It was a three-story house with a beautiful oak interior. 

The house next door had been abandoned as a result of a divorce.  Swallows had taken up residence down the chimney.  Each night they would fill the sky with their aeronautical acrobatics.  We would often sit on our deck and admire their performance - all flying in formation!

The bathroom was on the second floor.  An exterior door opened onto a section of flat roof that overlooked the Ohio River.  It was an excellent spot to watch East Liverpool's annual Fourth of July fireworks display!  We'd set up lawn chairs, eat popcorn, and "Ohhh" and "Ahhh" to our heart's content.

We didn't have air conditioning.  We used lots of fans to try to cool the house down.  It didn't help much.

One night, Debbie and I just laid there - unable to sleep because of the heat.  The idea came of going out on the flat roof with a foam mattress and sleeping under the stars.  I quickly got it all set up and we laid there enjoying the cooler temperatures and the beautiful night sky.

Suddenly, we both sensed a flutter.  At first, we thought it was the swallows - although their show had ended much earlier in the evening.

Then it happened again.  And again. 

At the same moment, we both realized that they were BATS!

It was a moment of frenzy!  We both leaped up and flew for the door!  Sheets and mattress were abandoned as we dove for the safety of the bathroom. 

A "perfect opportunity" foiled by bats!

ONE OF OUR MANY HILARIOUS FAMILY MEMORIES - BAT STORY #2

I was leading an Official Board meeting at the Oakland Free Methodist Church on a week night.  The phone rang - it was for me!

The panicked voice of my wife informed me that there was an emergency and I needed to come right home.

I adjourned the meeting and flew home.

At the time, we lived in a massive, three-story home on East Fifth Street in downtown East Liverpool.  We affectionately called it:  MANIAC MANSION!

When I busted throught the front door, I couldn't believe my eyes!

Troy and Tracie had helmits on and were wrapped in afgans.  They each had a tennis racket in their hand.  Instant confusion - what kind of emergency would cause them to dress like this?

Debbie was on the couch - also covered with an afgan.  As I asked what was wrong, a bat flew into the room and swooped all of us!  Instant pandamonium!  We all hit the deck!  The bat flew in circles through the living room, the entrance-way, the hall, the dining room, and back into the living room! 

We were all screaming! 

It finally flew upstairs and landed on one of the walls.

I didn't know what to do, so I ran to the phone and called our good friend, Junior Lamp.  Junior lived in Newell, West Virginia.  It took him fifteen minutes to get to our house. 

He walked upstairs and picked the bat off the wall.  He spread its wings and gave us a chance to inspect it closely.  Then he released it on the front porch! 

Bat emergency #2 averted!

ONE OF OUR MANY HILARIOUS FAMILY MEMORIES: BAT STORY #1

When our kids were young, we tried to find alternative celebrations for Halloween weekend.  When they were small, we took them to Chuck E. Cheese.  When they got older, we went on late fall camping weekends;  sometimes even renting a cabin.

This particular year, we rented one at Clear Creek State Park near Cooks Forest in Pennsylvania.  Travis was around thirteen, Troy was nine and Tracie, eight.  They were obviously old enough to be able to read AND SPELL!

We arrived, moved in, carried wood, and got a fire started in the pot-belly stove.  While walking around, we saw a buck with a couple of doe.  He actually followed us back to our cabin - it was wierd!  That night, the buck banged its antlers against the corner of our cabin for about ten minutes.  Strange!

The next night, we were settling in to sleep.  There were bunk beds against each wall.  Deb and I slept on the bottoms with Travis above her and Troy above me.  Tracibeth slept on a chaise lounge between the bunk beds.

When the lights were out, Deb thought she sensed something buzz past her;  then again.  In the darkness, she called my name and then spelled:  B - A - T.  With that, all three kids screamed!  Travis and Troy dove out of their top bunks onto Tracie.  We all covered up with our blankets.

Eventually, Debbie shamed me into getting up and turning the lights on.  Sure enough, we could see the bat high on one wall. 

For the next hour we tried everything we could to get it to fly out of the cabin.  Nothing worked.  Our squeels and screams must have surely amused and puzzled our cabin-neighbors.  We laughed till we were nearly sick! 

Then spent the next two nights sleeping - not so soundly - UNDER THE COVERS!

LIVING WITHOUT POWER

Debbie and the kids were out running errands.  Deb had to stop to drop some things off to a friend who lived in a cul-de-sac. 

As she turned down the street, Tracie (who had just begun to read) commented:  "Mom, I feel sorry for the people who live on this street."

Deb:  "Why, honey?"

Tracie:  "Because they don't have any electricity."

Deb:  "What makes you think that?"

Tracie:  "Because the sign says 'No Outlet'"

Lots of people are living without spiritual power today.  They're trying to make it on their own.  They think they can get by without God.

Many acquire wealth, prestige, even popularity;  only to find that there's something still missing.  Getting to the top of the pile isn't as satisfying as they expected it to be.  Things don't satisfy.  Wealth doesn't satisfy.  Position doesn't satisfy.  Even power doesn't satisfy.

So, what does bring genuine contentment?

A relationship with the One who made you and gave you your purpose!   That - and only that!

Tap into the power!

GOD'S CORRECTIVE LOVE

Eve and Adam did the very thing God told them NOT to do!  Lost their home because of it.

Moses got angry with the Israelites and hit the rock!  Lost the Promised Land as a result.

David seems to have thought he could get away with a little sinning.  A legacy of death and incest came because of it.

The Israelites must not have believed that God would actually let the Babylonians come and destroy their city.  Big mistake! 

Jonah thought he could get away with saying "No" to God.  Wrong!

Annanias and Sapphira lied about a gift they gave the church.  It was the last thing they ever did!

With this evidence - and much more - why do we think we can get away with ignoring, disobeying, and defying God?

Do we think the changeless God has changed?

Or do we think that somehow we're an exception? 

God punishes evil and does whatever He needs to do to bring the wanderer back to His ways.

Much of the pain being experienced in our culture today is God's corrective love!  He is trying to hedge His beloved children in and bring them back to Himself.  He loves us!  He wants us to walk in His ways! 

He loves us too much to let us go on in our rebellion.

LEARNING THE HARD WAY

II Chronicles 33 tells us about Manasseh's life.

His father, Hezekiah, had been King of Judah for twenty-nine years.  Hezekiah had been a good, God-serving king!

Manasseh became king when he was twelve years old.  That means he was born when his dad was forty-two years old.  Although we have no details, Manasseh chose to rebel against his father's values - and therefore against God.

The Bible describes him as follows:
v.2  -  ...it was an evil reign, for he encouraged his people to worship the idols of the heathen nations...
v.9  -  ...Manasseh encouraged the people...to do even more evil than the nations the Lord destroyed when Israel entered the land.

But here's the critical line: 
v.10  -  Warnings from the Lord were ignored by both Manasseh and his people.

So:
v.11  -  ...God sent the Assyrian armies, and they seized Manasseh with hooks and bound him with chains and carted him away to Babylon.

THE BEGINNINGS OF PAY TV

It was 1980.  Travis was four and loved watching Sesame Street.

I was serving the McClellandtown Free Methodist Church.  They had decided to have a revival and invited Reverend O. R. Tessaro as the evangelist.

I had known Brother Tessaro for years and had been in his revival meetings many times.  He was one of the best known and loved evangelists in the denomination.  He made frequent trips to Brazil.  He had been a car salesman before coming to Christ.  He was a statesman of the church and was well known throughout the denomination!

We invited him to stay in the parsonage with us.  He agreed to stay one night.  Then another.  Then another.  We realized it was his way of keeping the door open to travel home, if something didn't work to his liking.

He was a gracious guest!  He spent all morning studying and praying;  then came down for lunch.

The first day that he came down for lunch, Travis was sitting on the couch watching Sesame Street.  Brother Tessaro came down the stairs and turned the TV to the news.  Travis went off!  I left the room and told Debbie to stay out of the living room!

Eventually, things calmed down.  We had a nice lunch!

The next day, around noon, Brother Tessaro came down the stairs again.  He walked to the TV and turned it to the news;  then he walked to where Travis was sitting AND HANDED HIM A QUARTER!!!! 

And 'Pay TV' was born!