THE TRAILER

Deb and I were rolling down Calla Road two years ago.  I'd been looking for a small trailer for some time to haul our two four-wheelers around.  Deb called out:  "Hey you just passed the kind of trailer you've always wanted!"

I turned around to examine it.  The sign read $300.  I could see right away that it was worth it.  It was perfect for my needs - the four-wheelers would fit on it side-by-side! 

Problem:  We'd been through Dave Ramsay's Financial Peace University and his rule is, "If you don't have the cash, don't buy it!"  I didn't actually have the cash that Monday;  but I would by Friday.  I debated, then stuck to Dave's principle and drove on.  It was tough to do!

All week I drove by that trailer and wondered that it hadn't sold yet. 

On Thursday, I drove by and a new sign was out:  $200.  I stopped and talked to the owner.  He'd refit the trailer as a project for his schooling at New Castle School of Trades:  new hitch, new lighting, completely refurbished flatbed.  Plus, it was a tilt-bed! 

I explained that I got paid on Friday.  I asked if he'd hold it for me.  He agreed to do so.  I went back the next morning, paid him, and pulled it home. 

I haven't had the four-wheelers on it yet.  A couple of friends have borrowed it.  I used it once when I purchased a hot-dog-stand.

However, in the last month it has made several dozen trips to our storage unit.  I have been so thankful to have it.  It saved me borrowing someone's truck, and carries more than a truckbed too! 

I consider it God's blessing for my obedience!  He even saved me $100.  God is good!

REFLECTIONS BEFORE MY LAST SUNDAY

The nine years I've been in New Middletown is just about a sixth of my life.  The thirty-seven years I've been appointed to churches is 62% of my life.  Add seven years for college and seminary and my ministry years account for 75% of my life!  That leaves 17 years during which I was growing up in Leonard and Hazel Haire's home!

My season of ministry has been one of phenomenal change!  I started with a typewriter and carbon copies.  No computer.  No secretary.  I used the King James Bible almost exclusively for the first ten years of my ministry.  I was required to make a certain number of visits every week;  that was considered one of the most important things I could do.  We had no PowerPoint.  Using screens for slide shows was frowned upon.  Movies in the church and even entertainment (like singing groups) was taboo.   

For my first twenty years in ministry I felt like I was in constant preparation mode.  I prepared a message for Sunday morning.  Then I prepared another message for Sunday night.  Then another message (usually a Bible study) for Wednesday evening.  It was exhausting!  The pastor was viewed largely in that era as a hireling.  He was paid to do the work of the church.

It took me years to see that the Bible described a very different model.  According to Ephesians 4:11-12, the pastor is to prepare God’s people for works of service.  This realization was revolutionary!  It redefined my purpose and my role. 

Ministry took on a whole new meaning for me.  It became exciting in a fresh way!  I was challenged.  It felt, to some extent, like I was beginning all over again.  And things started to happen!  People entertained is not the church!  People deployed is the church! 

Then another emergence took place.  I began to see my role as apostolic.  I was to be a recruiter and trainer of leaders.  This fit like a glove.  There is almost nothing I enjoy doing more than recognizing leadership qualities and calling them out in people!  Seeing a person emerge with capability is so exciting!  To see them realize that they can do something is a veritable joy!  I live for this privilege! 

I have every expectation of keeping active until Jesus comes.  Will I retire?  Probably, someday.  But I hope I am always active in mentoring, training, evangelizing, influencing, discipling and some form of leading.  I can’t imagine life without these challenges. 

A PRAYER BATTLE

I don't know if you pray;  I hope you do!  Even atheists say, "O God." 

I pray.  It's actually become an important part of my relationship to God.  I try to start my day with a time of focused prayer.  Then, I often pray again when I walk for exercise.  I also have my phone alarm set for 10:02 AM everyday to remind me to pray for spiritually lost people (Luke 10:2).  Then, I try to keep open to God throughout the day.

One of the battles I fight in prayer is not being exclusively self-focused.  It is easy to pray about my problems, issues, concerns, family.  It is harder to go outside of myself to pray for others.

My mother's example taught me to use lists to focus my prayers.  I have a laminated sheet of FMCC prayer concerns that I have used while living in New Middletown.  I don't try to cover the whole list everyday.  Some days, I don't use it at all.  But it helps me remember to pray beyond myself!

I almost always have hand-written lists to remind me of recently mentioned concerns.  I don't want to say, "I'll pray for you" - and then not do it.  These hand-written notes protect my integrity.

I also try to keep a hand-written list of recent prayer-chain requests.  I try to pray for these concerns as I receive them (via text message).  But, writing them on my list helps me to pray for them over several days.

I found myself apologizing to God this morning for being so self-focused in my prayer-time.  With the hard work of sorting, packing, and moving, I'm tending to call on God a lot for help with this transition we're in.  The uncertainty of our future raises our fear and concern;  so we lean on God.  But I never want to leave family, friends, parishoners, and spiritually lost people out of my prayers for long. 

Prayer is such a wonderful privilege!  I enjoy God so much!  He continues to bless me - so much more than I deserve!  Talking to God about people I know is the VERY BEST gift I can give them! 

God,
Bless the one who is reading this blog article today!  Help them to be encouraged to deepen their own relationship with You - through prayer! 

May it not be a boring ritual, or an obligation, or a meaningless routine.  May it be a life-building relationship with the One who loves us most!
O Yeah!

EDWARD ALLEN BISCHOFF

Everyone knew him as Eddie.  He (and his sister, Elaine) were among my best friends as a teenager.  We were all in the church youth group together.

Eddie was three years older than me.  He drove a VW Beetle.  We would pile into his 'bug' on Sunday afternoons and run the countryside.  We all kept bathing suits in his car so if we came across a creek or pond, we could go swimming.

Of course, we all had to be back in time for evening church! 

Eddie lived on the wild side.  He would do about anything.  But basically, Eddie was a good guy.  He wasn't a fighter.  Although he liked to appear tough, he was really a gentle guy.

One day after graduation, he got a letter from the Army that indicated he'd been drafted.  As his date of departure drew near, Eddie grew more serious.  He left for boot camp.  Then came home for a "going away party".  Eddie was on his way to Viet Nam.

The party wasn't very festive.  He spent most of the evening with our pastor, C. D. Weinel, and his parents.  I think Eddie somehow knew he wasn't coming back. 

I was a freshman at Roberts Wesleyan College when I got the news that Eddie had been killed in action.  It hit me hard.  I actually failed General Psychology as a result;  ironic, now that I'm a counselor!

At his funeral they read his last letter to our pastor.  It indicated a strong faith in Christ. 

He was born January 3, 1949.  He died in action January 12, 1970. 

"Eddie, I remember and honor you on this Memorial Day!  Thanks for serving.  Thanks for giving your life for this country.  Thanks for the ultimate sacrifice!  I'll see you again, my brother!"

I'M A FACEBOOKER

Why bother?

Facebook is just a fad.  Newer media like Twitter are already competing.  Who wants to be bothered with the personal trivia offered on a daily basis?

Why should a leader be interested in social media?

Consider:

• It took radio 38 years to reach 50 million users.
• Television took 13 years to reach 50 million viewers.
• It took 4 years for the internet to reach 50 million users.
• In 3 years, the iPod reached 50 million users.
• Facebook added 100 million users in less than 9 months!

If Facebook were a country, it would be the world's fourth-largest.

One in eight couples who married last year met online.

Wikipedia has over 13 million articles.  78% of them are non-English!

Why should a leader be interested in social media?  If for no other reason, we should care because most everyone else does.

I'm a Facebooker!  I show up every day to leave positive remarks and to lighten people's day.  I try to regularly comment on other's pages and comments.  I shine the light on my Savior!  I share meaningful quotes - especially from Scripture!  I do what I can to reframe people's day.  I deliberately avoid making negative posts. 

In other words - I minister!  I sincerely  believe if Jesus was here, He'd be a Facebooker too!  And I'd be His friend!


[Statistics borrowed from an article by J. D. Walt, Vice President for Community Life, Asbury Seminary]

MY MOM WOULD BE PROUD

There are boxes that I have moved from one place to another without opening them to examine the contents.  This move is different.  We are trying to reduce clutter significantly! 

One box is memorabilia and records from the churches I've served.  I've been going through it this week in the evenings.  When we moved from Akron, I finally discarded all the bulletins that I'd saved from these churches.  Tucked in each bulletin was the sermon for that Sunday.

Now, I'm going through records.  Every visit made - with notes.  Every correspondence.  Every phone contact.  Complete logs of what I did every day - that go back to the early 1980's.  Then come the journals. 

In addition are the records of my devotional times.  Written prayers, prayer lists, and praise lists.  Stacks of them.  And, of course, every card and note that anyone ever sent me...

I feel like I'm holding my life in my hands.  Unbelievable.  I shared it all with Deb last night.  She agreed that this is the direct influence of Hazel (my Mom).  But my Dad was also an organizer and saver;  so I got a double whammy!  :-)

What is it that makes it so hard to chuck all this stuff?  My kids would never go through it.  They'll burn it in the back yard - laughing and wondering why Dad kept all this junk! 

I've never referred back to it - and probably never will.  Isn't it amazing how hard it is to let go of stuff?

Well, enough rambling.  I've got to make a trip to the dumpster.  The big question for me is:  I end my pastoral ministry in eight days;  does that mean I can quit logging my activities? 

THE YEAR GOD GAVE ME THREE CARS - PART 3

I had been building a relationship with John for over a year.  He owned and operated a gas station nearby.  I had been to his home for social visits.  His wife and kids attended the church.  He was skeptical.

I took donuts and pizza to the station and hung out a few times when he wasn't real busy.  We talked on a few occasions.  He seemed interested, but slow to trust.  It was evident to me that we were forming a friendship.

I was working in my garden on a hot summer day.  John drove right up to the garden in a little white Subaru.  He got out;  we talked.  He asked me how I liked the Subaru.  I assumed he'd just gotten it.  I told him it was nice.

We talked more.  He asked about the car again.  He insisted that I check it out;  sit inside.  It was clean and nice - unmarked.  I commented on that.

He said, "It's yours!"

I objected, "What do you mean?"

He explained that it belonged to an older woman who had always brought it to him for service.  He knew the car well.  She was ready to trade it, so he made her an offer and she accepted.  He was now wanting to gift the car to me!

I was overwhelmed!  I had, indeed, prayed and asked God for a car.  But God had already given me two - and I didn't really need another.  I refused the gift as kindly as I could.

John drove away.

After gardening, I went inside and told Deb the amazing story.  She scolded me:  "You prayed for a car.  If God wants to give you three cars, how dare you refuse His gift!"

I immediately called John and told him that if the car was still available I would joyfully receive his kind gift!

We drove that Subaru for years and it served us well!

THE YEAR GOD GAVE ME THREE CARS - PART 2

She asked to speak with me (and Debbie) after worship.  She seemed secretive.  She asked if we needed a car?  We did.  She told us that she was thinking of making a trade and wanted to talk with us about it.  She invited us to dinner at her home in the country.

When we arrived, she treated us to a wonderful home-cooked meal.  Eventually, she took us out to examine her car.  Low mileage Buick in excellent shape - wonderfully cared for.

She explained that she wanted us to have it.  However, her family might not be happy about her gift.  She asked us to give her 700 pennies.  She had prayed about it while walking her lane and felt that God had given her this solution. 

She would sign the car over to us and we would give her 700 pennies.  When her family asked her about the transaction, she would say:  "Pastor Haire gave me 700 for it!"

We drove and enjoyed the car for years after - with gratitude to her and to God!

Matthew 10:16 (NASB)
"Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves."

THE YEAR GOD GAVE ME THREE CARS - PART 1

We were living in Spencerville, Maryland, where I was leading the Free Methodist congregation there.

The cost of living outside the Beltway was considerably higher than East Liverpool, Ohio.  We pretty quickly found ourselves in a financial crunch. 

Debbie's Topaz met a tree close-up while one of our kids was learning to drive.  We needed a replacement.  We laid the situation out before God and asked Him to provide for our need.  That's how this story began.

I was driving back to Ohio to meet with a group of people who were interested in starting a new church.  Bill Barlow was part of that group.

Following one of our meetings, he took me out in his driveway and showed me a little, brown Horizon.  He told me that a family member had given it to them, but they didn't really need it anymore.  He asked if we could use it?

I told him about our prayer and accepted the gift.  I drove that Horizon for several years.  Then Travis drove it for a couple of years.  Finally, I gave it away - still running great - while living in Akron!

That was the first car God gave me.

SPENCERVILLE FREE METHODIST CHURCH

I sat last evening and went through a box of items saved from our two-and-a-half years at the Spencerville (Maryland) Free Methodist Church.

We had an attendance roster and asked people to 'sign-in' every Sunday.  These were collected and given to me each week.  The children used them to comment on my clothing:  "Nice tie, Pastor!"  "I like your suit, Pastor!"  "Pretty sweater, Pastor."  Many of the younger kids drew pictures on the back for my enjoyment.  I have quite a few renditions of myself and Debbie!

Even Troy and Tracie sent me messages.  I got regular X's and O's from Tracie!  Troy often just wrote me notes regarding whatever he was thinking about. 

Then there were the cards.  Welcome cards, thank-you notes, and cards of appreciation.  You must understand that this congregation was small, conservative, and very traditional.  Having me for a pastor was quite a shock for them!

I introduced many new ways of doing things.  Troy and I were learning to play guitars;  we occasionally led the singing - instead of using the piano and organ.  We taught the people lots of new songs!  I joined forces with Chip Poole to try to raise up a group of strong, godly men!  We saw good fruit for our efforts!

My predecessor retired from the ministry as we arrived.  He had led the church for eighteen years.  They had dearly loved him and his wife:  Reverend Charles and Ethel Beahm. 

Yet, they enfolded us - in spite of the pain of having lost a precious, long-term pastor!

Their generosity in so many ways was overwhelming to us.  Ken and Anna Poole, senior leaders of the church, supported us as we turned the ministry in new directions.  And growth occurred!  New people joined the fellowship.  Many teens came as a result of Troy and Tracie's influence. 

I went there expecting to retire from that church.  Instead, our stay was shortened unexpectedly.  We disappointed the people by leaving in the middle of our third year.  It was a hard thing for us to do!  Few knew the full reasons for our departure. 

The church continues today.  A young couple from our present congregation (FMCC) have settled in that area and now attend at Spencerville:  Chris and Ashley Fleischmann (and little Chris and Zachary).  Small world!

SECURITY BLANKETS

We all had them!  Some of us remember them. 

Parents eventually try to wean them away from us.

I knew a father who, every night, trimmed an inch off his daughter's blanky.  When it became the size of a potholder, she told him she didn't need it anymore. 

I remember Debbie sneaking our kids blankets away from them at night so she could launder them.

They nurture us and comfort us and become substitutes for our parents.  We depend on them to keep us safe.

I had a little Teddy Bear - named Mickie!  He was mostly important to me at bedtime.  I loved his face off!  My Mom sewed a cloth over his face and drew a new one - she was not an artist.  I tried to pass him to my kids;  they were scared of him. 

Mickie is now the proud possession of Troy's Great Dane, Ainsley.  She appropriately loves him!  I'm happy to know that Mickey will be loved and cared for by my grand-dog! 

Keep in mind - he's sixty years old!  :-)

MY LAST BALLGAME

In my younger days, I absolutely loved playing softball!

I was fairly fast and a reasonably good base runner.  I could catch reliably.  I could usually get on base and could place the ball with some accuracy.  I was a good, average player.

About fifteen years ago, I had a torn retina.  Surgery saved my sight, but severely affected my vision.  One day at Cornerstone Church, the guys called me out to play.  While fielding a fly, I had three balls coming down at me.  One wise guy told me to catch the one in the middle!

I haven't played since.

Yesterday, the FMCC softball team had a pre-season, informal 'shoot-out'.  Coach, Dennis Massey, Jr., invited me to play until the rest of his team arrived.

I got on base both times at bat.

However, as I launched out of the batter's box the second time, I pulled a groin muscle that had me limping to first, hobbling to second, and barely making it to third. 

I'm pretty sure it was my last game. 

It's a milestone that makes me sad.  I'm not as young as I used to be!  Duh!  I can't do all the things I used to be able to do!  I'm aging...

My pride has taken a hit.  A lesson of humility is being layered into my life.  But don't mourn for me.  There are still LOTS of things I can do.  I'm not ready to lay down and die.

I may not be able to play anymore, but I can still coach and cheer! 

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

What would that look like?

If God's will was done on earth as it is in Heaven:

• there would be no murder today.
• generosity would overflow everywhere.
• no one would be cheated or swindled.
• kindness would prevail around the globe.
• many would reconcile with their enemies.
• slaves would be set free!
• wars would cease.
• weeping would end.
• addictions would not exist.
• hatred would be exiled.
• the poor would be blessed.
• the sick would be cared for.
• the depressed would rejoice.
• prostitutes would start washing feet.
• tax collectors would become benefactors.
• Good Samaritans would be everywhere.
• abuse would be unheard of.
• ...

How does God's will get done on earth? 

By God's people? 

It's not a magical thing that God mysteriously makes happen.

It's a practical thing that comes about as a result of the obedience and responsiveness of God's people.

Matthew 6:9-13  (LB)
Our Father in heaven, we honor Your holy name.  We ask that Your kingdom will come now.  May Your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven.  Give us our food again today, as usual, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.  Don't bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.  Amen. 

SWINGS IN HEAVEN

We were riding home from church on Sunday.  We lived in East Liverpool at the time.  Travis was about 11, Troy 7, Tracibeth 6. 

Suddenly, Troy spoke up from the back:  "Mom, will there be swings in Heaven?"

NOTE:  In spite of the fact that our kids had a father with a theological degree and who served as a pastor, they ALWAYS took their theological questions to their mother!  What's that say?

Debbie answered immediately:  "Well, Troy, if God knows that you enjoy swings, then I'm sure He'll have swings in Heaven just for you!"

Troy (with relief):  "Whew!  That's good.  I thought it was going to be just like church."

HOW TO PAY FOR A BABY

I was attending Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky.  My plan was to return to the Pittsburgh Conference to begin my ministry.  Our conference superintendents (we had three back then) assured me that - as a seminary student - we were completely covered by the conference's health insurance program.

However, when Debbie became pregnant in 1975, they sent our bills back with the notice that they had been in error.  We were NOT covered.

The pregnancy included complications.  Several months in, Dr. Dunkelberger restricted her to bed for three weeks.  Daily, I carried her to the living room every morning;  and then back to the bedroom every night!  The difficulty passed - PTL!

Then, on February 24, 1976, Travis was born!

He came breach-backwards and required a Ceasarian Section!  Nevertheless, we were happy to have a healthy baby boy!

Weeks later, the bills began to arrive.  They accumulated to over $3,500.  We were overwhelmed! 

After a period of prayer and deliberation, I went to the First Security National Bank (where Debbie had previously worked) and took out a 3-year loan for the full amount. 

In return, we received a coupon book!  I recently found it while sorting through old files. 

We paid for Travis on the installment plan - $94.26/month! 

I brought the coupon book home and flashed it to Deb saying:  "We don't have another one until this one is paid for!"  

And that's how you pay for a baby!

OUR NET WORTH

I was sorting through a box that hadn't been opened in years.  I came across some neatly folded papers.  They were financial records from a much earlier period of our lives (about four years into our marriage - 1977).

At the top of one page:  HOW MUCH ARE WE WORTH?

Then followed a list of assets.  I started reading down the long list - out loud to Deb.

• Ford Mustang II - $1400
• Ward's 10-speed bikes - $120
• Ward's stereo - $280
• 2 electric fans - $20

We started to laugh...I kept reading...

• 2 lamps - $5 
• TV - $100
• record cabinet - $5
• play pen - $5
• desk - $10

Now, we're belly laughing...

• 2 steel utility shelves - $10
• can opener - $5
• mixer - $10
• blender - $10
• iron - $10
• 3 wall clocks - $20

Now, we're having trouble breathing!

• snack trays - $5
• calculator - $5
• suit cases - $10
• food on hand - $100
• 214 record albums - $1070
• baby crib - $25
• typewriter - $20

I'll spare you the details, but the list went on-and-on-and-on.  We haven't laughed so hard in years! 

Our assets totaled $7,939.
Our liabilities totaled $6,258.
Our net worth totaled $1,681.

:-)  And we were dileriously happy! 

POINT  -  It's not about the stuff!

A BIG BROTHER'S INFLUENCE!

When my kids were growing up I was always trying to instill hope in them. 

They had a habit of yelling 'shotgun' when I announced that I was going to run somewhere for something.

Tracie was the quickest.  She sat in front with me most. 

We were driving up Thompson Avenue (a bumpy, brick street where we lived).  I was using the moment to tell them what I thought they would be when they grew up.

"Tracibeth (age 4), I think you're going to be an attorney when you grow up because you argue really well and you're a quick thinker!"

"Travis (age 9), I think you're going to be a doctor because you're smart and you care about people!"

"Troy (age 5), I think you're going to be a pilot because you love adventure and want to do exciting things."

In typical fashion, Travis disputed my suggestion.  He piped up:  "No, Dad, I want to be a Vet when I grow up!"

Troy, picking up on his brother's thinking, quickly responded:  "And I want to be a convertible!"

THE CALL - PART 4

[This will mean more for you if you read the first three parts first.]

I got home late Wednesday.  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving together.  I was glad to see the family - and they were glad to have me home.  I think they could tell that my spirit was somehow lighter.

We got up on Sunday and went to church together at Oakland.  I pretty much went straight in and sat down.  You could sense the people's joy at seeing me again after all those weeks.

Worship began.  It was nice to sit with my family and hold my kids on my lap! 

The guest preacher for the day was Elwood Daugherty, the assistant to our conference superintendent - and a long-time friend! 

In the midst of the singing, he was given opportunity to read his scripture lesson.  He asked us to turn to John, chapter three.  He reminded us that it was the first Sunday of Advent.  I reached for my Bible and began to find John's gospel.

He began at verse 1.  I followed along with my finger;  Troy followed my finger (he was four years old).

Suddenly, a vague memory came to me of a series of thoughts I had while backpacking [see THE CALL - PART 3].   I was intrigued.  How far would he read? 

He read through John 3:16 and stopped.  God now had my attention!

There was still some singing, an offering, and a prayer before he would preach.  I couldn't wait for this message.  Would he focus in on verse 16?  No one was more hungry for the Word that morning than me!!!

Elwood stood up to preach.  He explained that God had spoken to him and told him to bring a message solely on verse 16. 

I was in awe of God!  He had heard my rambling, unspoken thoughts while walking along that logging road and had gone into action! 

Without me even making it an official "fleece", He answered my request.  He graciously reaffirmed my Call. 

I have never doubted it since!

THE CALL - PART 3

[This story will make more sense to you if you read PART 1 and PART 2 first.]

I left a week before Thanksgiving and told Deb that I wouldn't be back for the holiday!

I started the Laurel Highlands Trail in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  It's a 70 mile hike to Ohiopyle with lots of mountains in between.

It was good to be in the woods.  It was good to be alone with God!  I did a lot of thinking.  I did a lot of talking.  I did some listening.  It was a rugged workout.

One day I was walking along a section of the trail that actually uses a logging road.  It was easy going - thoughtless hiking.  The thoughts I share now took place in a matter of a few seconds:

I  realized that I needed a sign from God!  Did He want me in the ministry or not?

This reminded me of Gideon's story in Judges 6, where he asked God for a sign of reassurance - and God gave it!

I wondered if God would do that for me?

Then I began to daydream about what my "fleece" would be?  I quickly ran several absurd ideas through my mind.

Then I reflected on how I occasionally avoided the most common passages of scripture as a preacher - simply because they're often overworked by speakers.

I thought:  "What if I went home and went to church and whoever happened to be preaching that Sunday would preach solely and exclusively from the text, John 3:16, the best known verse in the Bible.

I laughed at my silliness - and the thoughts evaporated.

Over the next several days, through prayer and listening to God, I gradually came to the conclusion that I should return to being a pastor.  There was no "Aha!" moment.  I just slowly but surely realized that it was what God wanted me to do.  I felt a peace.

Having my decision made, I wanted to go home.  But my car was waiting for me in Ohiopyle, and I was still twenty hard miles from it.

I left early that morning and hiked hard all day.  I finished the trail in the pitch dark, using my flashlight to see the blazes on the trees.  The final ascent to the parking area drained me of every ounce of strength I had. 

My car seat never felt so good.  I had never been so tired.  I had made it!  And the next day was Thanksgiving Day!  I would be with my wife and kids - and we would give thanks to God!

And on Sunday, we would worship God together with our friends from the Oakland Church.  I had not been to Oakland in two months...

[To be continued.]

THE CALL - PART 2

[To best understand this story, you might want to read "THE CALL - PART 1"]

The Reverend Glenn Hughes had intersected my life at two significant points:  when I was a youngster, and when I was 16 and received my Call.

Fast-forward through:

• four years at Roberts Wesleyan College,
• marrying Debbie,
• three years at Asbury Theological Seminary,
• the birth of Travis,
• two years at my first church in Jeannette, Pennsylvania,
• four years at the McClellandtown, Pennsylvania Free Methodist Church,
• the births of Troy and Tracie, and
• the first two years at the Oakland Free Methodist Church in East Liverpool, Ohio.

I'm now 32, pastoring a growing church, attending Pittsburgh Theological Seminary half-time, and (along with Debbie) raising a family of three.  Financial pressures were mounting as well.  Suddenly, the stress reached a peak and I found myself doubting my Call.

Was I in the ministry because God had called me to it;  or was I in the ministry because of pressures exerted by my home congregation?  Or could it have been the strong influence of my mother? 

One Wednesday, I called an emergency Pastor's Cabinet meeting following Prayer Meeting and resigned - effective when I walked out the door!

That's right!  No plan, no income, no resources - I just quit!

As I was leaving the room, Alma Kelly called out to me:  "Pastor, we're not accepting your resignation!  We're putting you on an indeterminate leave of absence with full pay."  It didn't matter to me;  I closed the door and went home.  It was October.

For the next couple of months, I continued to go to seminary.  I also reached out to seasoned pastors and professional counselors.  None of it helped.  I was lost and confused.  I still loved God, but He seemed distant from me.  We visited other churches during this time.

Every Sunday afternoon, Pete Muschweck dropped my check off at our front door.  I received flowers, cards, and fruit baskets from the people at the Oakland Church.  Their love didn't make a dent - I was numb and didn't care.

After about six weeks, I somehow heard that Glenn Hughes was passing through my area.  I hadn't seen him since I was in college.  I made arrangements to meet with him.

He was completely non-judgmental!  He was caring as he listened to my confusion.  He responded with warmth and clarity and suggested that I get away and listen for the voice of God. 

It made sense to me!  I scheduled a backpacking trip.

[To be continued...]

THE CALL - PART 1

I was 16.  My home church was having its annual, fall revival.  They had arranged to have Reverend Glenn Hughes return to be the evangelist.  Glenn had been pastor at New Brighton when I was a little boy.

I had loved him.  He called me "Hoppy" - partly because my last name was Haire, and partly because I wore a knit cap with Hop-a-Long-Cassidy on it!  He invited me to call him "Uncle Hoppy".  We had a special relationship!  At the young age of four, if anyone asked me what I wanted to be, my answer was "a preacher, like Uncle Hoppy."

I was struggling in my relationship with God.  My commitment through the  teen years had been inconsistent.  At 16, I was in my senior year of high school.  I had been accepted at Roberts Wesleyan College, Greenville College, Clarion State College, and Slippery Rock College.  I didn't know which to attend.

I had no clear direction about my future vocation.  Since I had some obvious ability to sing, I was considering studying music.  Also, because of good reading skills and a strong voice, I was considering broadcasting.

The revival came.  Night after night I sat in the back with the youth.  Late in the revival, during the invitation, I felt God dealing with me strongly.  I trembled as I resisted. 

Finally, I stepped out and walked to the altar.  I confessed to God: 

Lord,

I have not been faithful to You.  I'm sorry!  I'm tired of this up-and-down spirituality!  I'm here tonight to let You know that I'm Yours forever! 

Now, I'm sure I'll sin again and screw-up;  but I promise You that when I realize it, I will always return to You.  I'm Your man for the rest of my life!

Amen.

That was it!  I meant it! 

And in an instant, I knew that God was calling me to be a pastor!  I had no doubt.  It was crystal clear! 

My anxiety was gone!  I decided to go to Roberts Wesleyan College and study to be a pastor!

LOOK AGAIN!

I just read one of my favorite passages in the Old Testament! 

Elisha is a prophet (godly man).  He is generally respected by everyone - including the kings of his day.  He has an assistant who travels with him.

The king of Syria keeps setting plots against Israel;  God lets Elisha know about each plot.  Elisha keeps warning the king of Israel.

Finally, the king of Syria gets mad about this and sends his army to a village where Elisha is staying.

In the morning, Elisha's assistant steps outside to see the village surrounded by the army of Syria.  Terrified, he runs inside to tell Elisha.

Calmly, Elisha prays, "Lord, open his eyes and let him see!"  His assistant suddenly saw horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!

Why was Elisha calm?  Because he was tuned in to God's provision and protection!  He KNEW that he had no reason to fear!

Lord,
Help us to look again!  Help us to see Your provision and protection and to rest in You!  We have no reason to fear!  You've got us covered!  We must simply trust in You!
Oh Yeah!

[The rest of this story is hilarious.  If you care to read it, follow this link and read verses 8-23:  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%206&version=NIV]

PLAN B IS PLAN A

Debbie and I plan on going to Guiyang, China to teach English in August.  We have been accepted as VISA (Volunteers In Service Abroad) missionaries by the Free Methodist Church.  However, now we must be accepted by the Chinese government and granted 'work visas' to allow us to come there and be employed by the university.

Unfortunately, at present, China prefers younger applicants.  All we can do is submit our application, pray, and wait!  Today, I will send the last of my information to the VISA department.  By Friday it will be forwarded to our Asia Director to be submitted to the Chinese officials.

I am retiring from the pastoral ministry in June.  We hope to leave for Guiyang in mid-August.  This is our Plan A.  Our Plan B involves me opening a counseling office and would take about two years to put into place.

As of June 7th, we will be homeless.  At the end of June, we will be living without an income.  We plan to travel, visit family, and attend the Tri-State Family Camp.  Then the last weeks will be filled with preparations for being away for nine months.  We feel very much in stride with God in all of this.

However, what if...

What if we are not accepted by the Chinese government?  What if we are not allowed to follow through with our plans?

We've thought about this a great deal.  We've come to the realization that if our Plan A doesn't materialize, then we'll go to our 'slow-burn' Plan B.  We'll also keep our eyes and ears open for God's leading in other directions.  In doing so, we'll realize that our Plan B was always God's Plan A.

We've simply made up our minds ahead of time that we want what God wants! 

Proverbs 3:6  (NASB)
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Same verse from The Message:
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;  He's the one who will keep you on track.

OH YEAH!
[For those who don't know me well, that's my version of 'Amen!']

TALKING TO THE BIRDS

I did it just this morning!  While walking back to the house after my prayer-time, the birds were singing in our pear trees.  I stood for awhile and whistled my greetings to them.  They answered happily.

When I walk in Poland Forest, I hear the same birds day-after-day.  I call to them as I walk through their section of the woods.  Sometimes they follow me for a bit - just to get the last word in.

I've been doing this for years.  A few times, I've called to them in the heat of the day when they're resting.  If I'm persistent, I can usually get one to answer me.

Once in awhile, I think they figure out that I'm an imposter.  We'll be havng a vibrant conversation;  I can tell they're getting closer and closer to me - then suddenly they shut down. 

I love to hear their morning-song.  Then, at the end of the day, I love to hear their evening-song.

When winter comes, I miss their singing.  Occasionally, I'll hear a few hardy ones in the thicket at the end of our property.  But one of the true joys of spring is the early morning chatter that calls me from my dreams.

It rained a lot last night.  The volume of their voices seems increased this morning!  I suppose they're glad to have their houses cleaned and a fresh bath.  Those things always make me happy too!

Song of Solomon 2:12 (LB)
The flowers are springing up and the time of the singing of birds has come.  Yes, spring is here.

BUILDING SHEDS

I arrived in Jeannette, Pennsylvania in June of 1976, to be the pastor of the Free Methodist Church there.  They had just built a brand new building, but the congregation had split in the process.  I inherited about forty people - mostly older.

Our 'parsonage' was a 70' mobile home located behind the new church.

The church had purchased about seven acres on the edge of a proposed subdivision of new homes. 

I drove a 1974 Mustang II at the time.  Forest green, four-speed.  A sweet set of wheels!

It quickly became apparent that there was insufficient storage space in the trailer.  So, Howard, the chairman of the trustees, suggested that he and I build a shed for the church tractor and our miscellaneous gear.

I enjoyed working with Howard and learned a lot about the building process as we worked together.  We poured the slab, constructed the walls, put on the roof, and then made barn-doors for our mini-barn.  Then, we painted it and it was finished!

I remember the day that we stood and gazed with pride on our project!  My Mustang was parked nearby.  I saw Howard look at the barn, then at my car.  A moment later he spoke:  "Pastor, if we'd have built that barn two-feet wider, it could have been a garage."

Little did I realize that this statement would define the church so adeptly.  Our lack of foresight and vision keeps us small.  It's a rare church that is courageous enough, bold enough, believing enough, passionate enough to look beyond the present and plan for a God-sized future!

I'M NOT GOING TO CHURCH

All my life I've been going to church!  I went to church before I was born!  I could count on one hand the Sundays in my life that I was not in church.  You could say it's been a habit - a good one!

I love worshiping with others;  even strangers.  When I go on vacation, I often attend two or three different services.  I love to worship with my Catholic brothers and sisters.  Their worship is so dramatic and meaningful!  I have often worshiped in United Methodist Churches and thoroughly enjoy the more liturgical style.  I've frequently joined my charismatic friends for worship.  Their vibrancy and enthusiasm thrills me.  I've also preached and worshiped in African-American churches;  I believe they were all Baptist.  What a wonderful mix of tradition and spontaneity!

Because I love God, I love His Bride! 

But, if we're approved to go to China, I won't be going to church.  We've been advised to not attend the government-approved churches.  I don't know if we'll get an opportunity to participate in any of the underground churches - I would leap at the chance! 

At best, we'll have a worship time in our apartment and invite any of our friends to join us.  There'll be no guitars, no crowd, no liturgy, but we'll still be THE CHURCH!

A HAIRE-RAISING EXPERIENCE

In the midst of the Ohio Conference Annual Meetings yesterday (5/4/12), Conference Superintendent, Mike McFarren, reported that Debbie and I were responding to God's Call by planning to go to China to teach English.

There was an audible gasp as some were receiving this news for the first time.

Mike invited me to come forward to share briefly about our experience.  [Unfortunately, Debbie (and her sister, Laurie) were getting us registered at our hotel and missed this experience.]

Bishop David Kendall asked me to share in greater detail.  Then he and Mike invited others to join them in a time of prayer regarding our situation.
_______________________________________________________

I am not fond of having a crowd gather around me for prayer.  I'm not sure why, but being put in that circumstance has always made me feel VERY UNCOMFORTABLE!
_______________________________________________________

Many came forward!  They were instructed to all pray - out loud - at once. 

Some might consider this confusing.  I didn't.

Think about it.  Would you rather have one person pray for you and a whole bunch of others agree?  Or would you rather have a crowd of people genuinely assault the throne of God lifting individual prayers on your behalf?

I'll take the crowd of prayers anyday!  I prayed along with the others and didn't really hear any of the prayers. 

GOD HEARD THEM ALL!

At a time when Debbie and I are feeling an intense need for prayer (now and while we're in China), God worked through our conference leadership to create a surge of prayer for us!

Our God is an AWESOME GOD!!!!

GETTING HIGH

Some of the highs of my life:

• the year I got a BB gun for Christmas!  (I didn't shoot my eye out!)
• Family Camp every July!
• going to Idora Park at the end of the school year!
• the day I gave my life to Christ (and got my Call) at the age of 17.
• high school graduation!
• dating Deb!
• dorm life at Roberts Wesleyan College.
• getting married.
• our honeymoon!!!!
• Travis' birth day!
• being ordained.
• getting my first church!
• Troy's birth day!
• Tracie's birth day!
• many spiritual highs in worship at the Oakland Church!
• camping trips at Pymatuning State Park!
• the days when our kids made spiritual commitments!!!!!
• camping in Dick and Bev's backyard!
• graduating from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
• whole days at the Canfield Fair.
• attending and graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville.
• Travis attending and graduating from the Naval Academy.
• backpacking experiences.
• Tracie and Jon's wedding day.
• The births of our grandchildren:  Rylie and Coltin!!!!!
• Troy and Missy's wedding day.

But the greatest high is yet ahead.

It'll be when I enter Heaven - and Jesus takes me in His arms and holds me.  As He does, I hope He whispers, "You did a good job, Harold!  I'm so proud of you!  You fought off the demons and stayed true to Me.  You influenced so many people for Me.  You were an obedient son.  I'm so glad you're Home!"

Oh Yeah!

PUDDLE JUMPING

What makes a kid want to jump into puddles?  Is it genuine inquiry?  Is it discovery?  Is it adventure?  Does he realize his shoes and feet will get wet?  Or doesn't that matter? 

Why don't adults jump into puddles?  Most of us will walk twice the distance  just to avoid the puddles! 

Are we afraid we'll get our shoes wet?  Or our feet?  Is that inconvenient?  Instead of fun?

What changes in us that makes us stop this type of behavior? 

Is there still a kid in you?  A desire for fun?  A yearning to explore?  A sense of wonder at a water fountain? 

When I was a kid on the Tri State Campground in East Liverpool, there were two things that made camp totally fascinating.

The first was the water fountain in front of the Oakland cottage on the top row.  If you held your finger on it, you could squirt water twenty feet!  It was a great way to surpise innocent passers-by!

The second was the daily arrival of the 'ice man'.  Oh boy!  He would drive his truck around the camp delivering ice to cottages with their sign hanging out.  When he had to chip the ice, it would create lots of refreshment for all the kids following him like he was the Pied Piper!

As soon as he would disappear into a cottage, we'd hop on the truck to grap ice chips!  Now that was the perfect recipe for fun because it also invovled risk! 

Maybe that's the secret.  Maybe as we grow older, we quit taking risks.  And without knowing it, we quit having fun. 

I'll be back. 

It rained last night.  I'm going out to look for some puddles!

KEEPING BALANCE - MOVING FORWARD

Debbie and I are in a season of transition.

If we think about what and who we are leaving, we become terribly sad!  We've lived in New Middletown for nine years.  We love the village and we especially love the people of Free Methodist Community Church!  Thoughts of leaving them bring sorrow!

However, at the same time, we're anticipating (the possibility of) going to China to teach English for a year.  We've already begun to correspond with a younger couple already serving there:  Jason and Wendi.  The adventure of living "on the other side of the world" raises tremendous excitement in us!

When we think of leaving - sorrow!

When we think of our future - excitement!

A big part of our lives right now is keeping our minds focused - finding a balance! 

We'll be turning the care of this congregation over to new leadership soon.  This is God's will.  God loves our people more than we do!  God has carefully provided for their care and continued growth!  We have absolute trust in this fact. 

We love God and desire to continue to serve Him faithfully until He brings us Home!  Our journey, at present, seems to be leading us to China.  We're thrilled to continue in partnership with such an incredible God! 

In sorting, I came across a list of goals Debbie and I had made fifteens years ago.  Goal #4 was:  "...live overseas for six months to one year."  God was apparently leading us that far back toward our present situation!

We know that wherever He leads us is where we want to be! 

For now, our lives are split between two loves.  We're trying to keep our balance. 

But, like the Apostle Paul, "...there's one thing I am doing:  I'm leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission.  I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts:  to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God's call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed."  Philippians 3:13-14 (the VOICE)

ALBUMS - TO KEEP OR NOT TO KEEP?

There are four very heavy boxes in my basement.  They're loaded with all the albums from my youth - through college age.  I've also kept a PennCrest turntable to play them on.  About once a year - while cleaning the basement - I'll put a stack on and listen to them.

It's a very eclectic collection! 

• Karen Carpenter
• Carly Simon - "No Secrets"
• Perry Como
• Neil Diamond
• Johnny Rivers
• Carole King
• The Oak Ridge Boys
• The Supremes
• The Righteous Brothers
• The Temptations
• The Blackwood Brothers
• The Chipmonks
• Cher
• Simon and Garfunkle
• Jerry Butler
• Herman's Hermits
• The Beatles
• Iron Butterfly - Yep!  Inagaddadavida!

And a whole lot of others!

The only one that's probably worth anything is INTRODUCING THE BEATLES.  It includes early favorites like "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "PS - I Love You". 

But, it's an old medium.  Some are probably scratchy.  Can you even buy a new needle?  My kids don't want them...

Music defines you - or who you used to be!  All things to all people! 

To keep, or not to keep?  That is the question!  Dumpster or Thrift Store? 

You can't take it with you, right?  Plus, there's always youtube!