The annual session of the Pittsburgh Conference of the Free Methodist Church is set to meet at Kittanning FMC on June 3-4, 2016. This year's event will not even last twenty-four hours. That's quite a change from back in the 1960's, when it was a five-day event that was always held at the Tri State Free Methodist Camp in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Pastors, lay delegates, honored guests and others were lodged in dorm rooms and cottages. There were always a few who preferred to pay their own way and stay at the nearby Best Western Hotel. There are legendary stories of snoring annoyances and allegations of making noise after curfew. Meals were served in the dining hall by the always-in-complete-control, Virginia!
The tabernacle was transformed into a place for the transacting of business under the leadership of the area bishop. Reports were given, worship times were enjoyed, the bishop challenged the attenders, reports were given, special guests addressed the conference, the superintendent gave his 'state-of-the-work address', reports were given and the all-important appointments were read [some called them the 'disappointments']!
I grew up attending these events annually. To a child, they were terribly boring. However, as a youth it gave me another five days to be with my Rochester District friends. For most of my youth years, I served as the dish-washer for the over three hundred attendees.
My father was always one of the lay delegates from the New Brighton church. He seemed to almost always share this role with Morrison Baker. Morrison was for many years the song leader at conference. His skill and ability at leading worship was a spiritual gifting that blessed anyone who sat under his leadership!
I fondly remember coming home from Roberts Wesleyan College as a ministerial candidate in the conference. For the first time, I was allowed to sit beside my father within the bar of the conference and actually participate in these deliberations. In some sense, my father was my mentor in this process; I was very proud of him! He had come to be quite respected as a leader, having served on the Stationing Committee for over twenty-five years! [This is the committee that appointed pastors.]
My mother was knee-deep in the simultaneous Women's Missionary Society (WMS) meetings. For a long time, she was the president of the WMS and would go all out to challenge the conference leaders to prioritize missions in their local churches!
I was intrigued by the business sessions and often sat in on them even as a child between games of 'Careers' or 'Monopoly' with my friend, Denny Mitchell. The thing that made conference special was the pastors! They were as diverse as a box of chocolates, yet single-minded in their common love for God!
In many cases the pastors were the chairmen of the many conference committees. Their reports were a continuous attempt to one-up the previous report! I'm convinced that many of these men could have made a good living as a stand-up comedian. Laughter - belly laughter - punctuated the sessions of the conference! Some went to extremes to make their area seem like the most important thing to come before the conference that year! Names like R. S. McGrew, Paul Hazlett, R. D. Merkle, Harry Stevick, Paul Daniels, Ken Hilling, W. P. Jones, J. S. Mitchell, and so many more litter my memory! Pastors during this time period were highly respected and revered by the people.
Bishops were intimidating characters! We were so rarely exposed to them that they seemed like authorities that were not to be questioned. Most were quite serious, almost to the extent of seeming unfriendly. Bishop Johns would instruct that no one was to leave the tabernacle while he was speaking! Bishop Boyd was a tall man who spoke with a slight impediment - but with dynamic authority. Bishop Ellis was passionate and a preacher who made you want to live better and work harder for God! Bishop Kendall was a quiet man with an unimpressive manner but a deep, godly presence. I was in awe of these men!
Conference also gave me an opportunity to see my great-uncle, J. O. Archer. His was always the first name called out with the conference roll call. I was so proud of him! Everyone loved to hear him pray! He had a deep, resonant, bass voice that impacted everyone as well as his comfort in talking with God! He was like a grandfather to me and I loved him dearly!
The annual sessions always ended with a huge crowd present. Two events marked the ending of these days of meetings: the complimentary resolutions and the reading of the appointments.
The complimentary resolutions were customarily in poetic form They were written by either a lay delegate or a pastor who had been elected to do so. The remarks were published and distributed after they were publicly read. [Later, I had the esteemed privilege of doing the complimentary resolutions myself on several occasions.] The authors seemed adept at recapturing the greatest moments of the conference. Any faux paux would certainly gain recognition! Highlights of heated arguments would likely be mentioned. Humorous incidents would be reviewed. Someone who grossly went over their allotted time to speak might be roasted. Times when the Spirit moved would also be recounted. The listener would literally be moved from laughter to tears and holy moments by these skilled writers!
Then came the moment we all waited for - the reading of the appointments. People crowded into the tabernacle with standing room only! The bishop would always strictly admonish the crowd that there were to be no cheers, clapping or other outward expressions during the reading of the appointments. His admonishments were not always heeded! This was the day when pastor's appointments were kept secret until this moment. Oftentimes even the pastor's children did not know they were moving until they heard it with the crowd! Sobs and weeping often followed the appointments while other gatherings of joy took place in different corners of the tabernacle.
Even the best of bishops were challenged to hold the crowd in control until the final prayer had been prayed. Pastors were surrounded by people who wanted to express their sorrow AND by people who wanted to greet them as their new leader! It was a chaotic time fraught with deep emotions!
And then, cars were already packed and everyone headed home to get ready for the first Sunday of a new conference year. New challenges had been laid out and there was work to be done!
Monday, May 23, 2016
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
RETIREMENT CONGRATULATIONS
I just wrote a letter to a friend who is retiring from
the ministry. This may be the first time
I’ve written such a letter.
I feel a little ashamed because I have quite a few
friends who have retired in recent years, but I never wrote letters of
congratulations to them. L
I suppose every pastor feels that his/her season of
ministry was unique. However, those of
us who began in the 1970’s have seen a massive amount of change over five
decades: cultural, economic, social, and
leadership.
Some changes:
·
We started with no computers to assist us.
·
Research involved going to a nearby university
library.
·
Home visits were a priority when we started.
·
Annual (or bi-annual revivals) were part of the
norm
·
Dress expectations have relaxed.
·
The requirement of being prepared to speak three
times-a-week have lessened.
·
The church culture has changed dramatically.
·
We adapted to the pastor/CEO transition.
·
We survived the ‘worship wars’ of the 80’s and
90’s
The stress of ministry has magnified which each
decade.
We’ve lost some partners along the way. Some decided that ministry was not what they
had desired or expected and moved on to other ventures. Some, unfortunately, fell to temptation,
depression, or burn-out. A few others
found pleasing roles in para-church organizations or administrative roles that
provided a buffer from ministry stress.
Most of us have struggled at one time or another with
personal crises, feelings of being overwhelmed, financial challenges, family
concerns, along with the responsibility of caring for a congregation facing
similar issues.
Although being ‘on call’ does not become a factor with
great frequency, it is a reality that invades even our rest and relax
times. Plus, all of us have counseled individuals
in the supermarket, WalMart or at a graduation party.
However, we’ve also enjoyed amazing perks that accompany
our work:
ü
The joy of helping someone to grow in Christ
ü
The satisfaction of seeing someone “get it”
ü
Leaders who have been recruited and trained
ü
Baptisms
ü
Affirmations
ü
Control of our schedule
ü
Pastor’s Appreciation month
ü
Dinner invites
ü
Gifts/cards
In light of all this, I congratulated my friend on
maintaining high standards and personal integrity throughout his years. I wished him a joy-full future and a
fulfilling satisfaction in forming his new future. I wish this for all my pastor-friends who
have officially retired. It won’t be too
long and I’ll be joining you.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Comfort Ye
Debbie and I were scheduled to attend the Minister's Institute of the NorthEast this week north of Baltimore, Maryland.
I have a fellow teacher from the Changchun University of Science and Technology who is presently serving as a Visiting Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Consequently, we decided to arrive a day early to visit with Guan.
Guan is a very intelligent, capable teacher who was respected by her students. I sat in on her class on occasion and found her to be an excellent instructor. She has an amazing grasp of American culture and history. Her English is very good. I have seen her judge speech and debate competitions and always considered her to be very tough on the students. She was not timid about clearly expressing their weaknesses and errors! If anything, she was short on encouragement.
In time, we seemed to connect and forged a professional relationship based on mutual respect. On a number of occasions, she offered me a ride home to my apartment - saving me a half-mile walk in bitter cold weather! :-)
Her American apartment was on the fifteenth floor with a wonderful view of the campus and of Baltimore proper. Her furnishings were sparse - for the obvious reasons; she is only here for six months. [Remember that the currency exchange rate makes it extremely difficult for Chinese people to visit America. It takes 6.5 yuan to make one American dollar!]
She welcomed us with a wonderful home-cooked meal of dumplings, blue crab, salmon, and fruit. We recognized that she had splurged on our behalf!
After eating, we drove to The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen to walk the grounds and tour the cavernous sanctuary. We were fortunate that someone was playing the majestic pipe organ during our visit. It's glorious reverberations resonated in our souls as we took in the frescos, statues, candles, naves and other religious symbols!
Following this we drove to the Inner Harbor to the John Hopkins Peabody Music and Arts Building to attend a recital of a friend of Guan's. Chuanqi Shang is a young man who suddenly realized that he was drinking and smoking to the detriment of his voice. He knew he had a gift and decided that it was from God. He gave his life to Christ and began to study music.
We were mesmerized by the power of his rich tenor voice as he sang English Italian, French, German and Chinese songs for nearly an hour! His pianist was also Chinese, Chenchen Wang. For two songs he was joined by a third young lady, Jia Lin, whose soprano notes blessed us without measure.
The hall was filled with Chuanqi's family and friends from the Chinese Christian Fellowship! They were not timid about expressing their appreciation for the gifts of these three young people! We were so enriched as we heard these words so passionately expressed:
We were joyfully reminded that God is still out there searching for the lost and rescuing them from an eternity of suffering! Praise His merciful name forever!!!!
I have a fellow teacher from the Changchun University of Science and Technology who is presently serving as a Visiting Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Consequently, we decided to arrive a day early to visit with Guan.
Guan is a very intelligent, capable teacher who was respected by her students. I sat in on her class on occasion and found her to be an excellent instructor. She has an amazing grasp of American culture and history. Her English is very good. I have seen her judge speech and debate competitions and always considered her to be very tough on the students. She was not timid about clearly expressing their weaknesses and errors! If anything, she was short on encouragement.
In time, we seemed to connect and forged a professional relationship based on mutual respect. On a number of occasions, she offered me a ride home to my apartment - saving me a half-mile walk in bitter cold weather! :-)
Her American apartment was on the fifteenth floor with a wonderful view of the campus and of Baltimore proper. Her furnishings were sparse - for the obvious reasons; she is only here for six months. [Remember that the currency exchange rate makes it extremely difficult for Chinese people to visit America. It takes 6.5 yuan to make one American dollar!]
She welcomed us with a wonderful home-cooked meal of dumplings, blue crab, salmon, and fruit. We recognized that she had splurged on our behalf!
After eating, we drove to The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen to walk the grounds and tour the cavernous sanctuary. We were fortunate that someone was playing the majestic pipe organ during our visit. It's glorious reverberations resonated in our souls as we took in the frescos, statues, candles, naves and other religious symbols!
Following this we drove to the Inner Harbor to the John Hopkins Peabody Music and Arts Building to attend a recital of a friend of Guan's. Chuanqi Shang is a young man who suddenly realized that he was drinking and smoking to the detriment of his voice. He knew he had a gift and decided that it was from God. He gave his life to Christ and began to study music.
We were mesmerized by the power of his rich tenor voice as he sang English Italian, French, German and Chinese songs for nearly an hour! His pianist was also Chinese, Chenchen Wang. For two songs he was joined by a third young lady, Jia Lin, whose soprano notes blessed us without measure.
The hall was filled with Chuanqi's family and friends from the Chinese Christian Fellowship! They were not timid about expressing their appreciation for the gifts of these three young people! We were so enriched as we heard these words so passionately expressed:
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished,
that her iniquity is pardoned.
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low;
the crooked straight, and the rough places plain.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Travis' Dream!
We lived in East Liverpool, Ohio at the time in a big house that overlooked the Ohio River and Chester, West Virginia. We loved that house because of all the oak wood (including floors) and the tile fireplace.
However, we rarely used the fireplace. It was such a source of heat loss, that I covered it with plexiglass during the winter so you could still enjoy its beauty.
Our tradition included hiding baskets filled with candy and small toys. On Easter morning, the kids would have to search the house to find their baskets. This search proved to be a very fun experience for them as my creativity at hiding the baskets escalated!
As a matter of fact, one year Troy didn't find his basket until we returned from church. On the way into the house, he saw it hanging from a hook on the front porch about ten feet off the ground!
The year Travis was 10, I had hidden his basket in the fireplace behind the plexiglass, a card table and a pot of flowers. I was convinced it would take him a loooooong time to find it!
However, he came down the oak stairs, crossed the living room, moved the flowers, the card table, the plexiglass and immediately found his basket. I was astonished as I asked him how he knew where it was.
He said, "Dad, I dreamed that you hid it in the fireplace!"
His reaction: He was totally bummed because he had been robbed of all the fun of hunting for his basket!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
However, we rarely used the fireplace. It was such a source of heat loss, that I covered it with plexiglass during the winter so you could still enjoy its beauty.
Our tradition included hiding baskets filled with candy and small toys. On Easter morning, the kids would have to search the house to find their baskets. This search proved to be a very fun experience for them as my creativity at hiding the baskets escalated!
As a matter of fact, one year Troy didn't find his basket until we returned from church. On the way into the house, he saw it hanging from a hook on the front porch about ten feet off the ground!
The year Travis was 10, I had hidden his basket in the fireplace behind the plexiglass, a card table and a pot of flowers. I was convinced it would take him a loooooong time to find it!
However, he came down the oak stairs, crossed the living room, moved the flowers, the card table, the plexiglass and immediately found his basket. I was astonished as I asked him how he knew where it was.
He said, "Dad, I dreamed that you hid it in the fireplace!"
His reaction: He was totally bummed because he had been robbed of all the fun of hunting for his basket!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
75 Pounds?
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is extremely relevant to our upcoming celebration of Easter!
Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent member of the Jewish ruling council (Mark 15:43). He was a wealthy man. He was a secret disciple. He had not agreed with the Council's decision to have Jesus crucified!
We don't know much more about him. He hadn't appeared earlier in the gospels. Had he been a follower of Christ for a long time? Had he heard Jesus preach and seen Him heal the crowds? How had he come to a decision to follow Christ?
We don't know...
But what we do know about this man is enough to inspire us to "see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly".
We do observe that he and Nicodemus were apparently friends. Remember Nick? He was also a member of the Jewish ruling council. He's the one who came to see Jesus at night in John 3. He wanted to know how to be born again. It was in responding to Nick's question that Jesus gave us the greatest verse in all the Bible:
When the soldiers retired from the scene, Joseph sprung into action. He went to Pilate and sought permission to take Jesus' body down from the cross. This was a bold request. It may have been granted mainly on the basis that Joseph was a well-known leader of the Jews in Jerusalem. He may have been one of a few who could make this request and see it granted!
Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent member of the Jewish ruling council (Mark 15:43). He was a wealthy man. He was a secret disciple. He had not agreed with the Council's decision to have Jesus crucified!
We don't know much more about him. He hadn't appeared earlier in the gospels. Had he been a follower of Christ for a long time? Had he heard Jesus preach and seen Him heal the crowds? How had he come to a decision to follow Christ?
We don't know...
But what we do know about this man is enough to inspire us to "see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly".
We do observe that he and Nicodemus were apparently friends. Remember Nick? He was also a member of the Jewish ruling council. He's the one who came to see Jesus at night in John 3. He wanted to know how to be born again. It was in responding to Nick's question that Jesus gave us the greatest verse in all the Bible:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
These two apparently became friends through their association on the Council. They both had been drawn to Jesus. They saw that this Man was special and recognized that "...you are a teacher who has come from God." (John 3:2)
How much had they conferred? Had they spoken of Jesus frequently? How close was their friendship? How much had Jesus influenced them? To what extent were they following Him?
How thankful I am that all four gospel-writers tell their story:
- Matthew 27:57-60
- Mark 15:42-46
- Luke 23:42-46
- John 19:38-42
What is their story?
Jesus had died on the cross. Fortunately, He had died on His own - so they did not have to break His legs as they did the thieves. Their deaths needed to be rushed because they could not hang on the crosses during the Sabbath.
When the soldiers retired from the scene, Joseph sprung into action. He went to Pilate and sought permission to take Jesus' body down from the cross. This was a bold request. It may have been granted mainly on the basis that Joseph was a well-known leader of the Jews in Jerusalem. He may have been one of a few who could make this request and see it granted!
Then, accompanied by his friend, Nicodemus, they lowered the body of Jesus from the cross. Most portray this being done by wrapping long strips of cloth under His arms and gently lowering Him to the ground. Then, these two prominent, Jewish leaders carried the body of Jesus to the place where Joseph had recently had a tomb hewn for his own use.
We dare not miss the significance of this event! Touching a dead body meant that these two godly men would be unclean for seven days (Numbers 19:11). This meant that they would not be allowed to participate in the celebration of the Sabbath or the Passover!
It doesn't take much imagination to realize that these men took on the blood of Jesus. After carrying Him to the place of the tomb, they would have washed His body. Then, they carefully wrapped Him with strips of cloth that had been saturated with - are you ready for this?
seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes!
This has always explained to me how the women found the tomb in the dark early on Sunday morning. They simply followed their noses!
My research reveals that this amount of spices would have cost a great deal; not to mention that Joseph was giving up his own carefully prepared burial site. These are tangible measurements of his love for Jesus!
So, how much do you love Jesus? Seventy-five pounds worth?
Do you proclaim Him to your friends and neighbors? Do you stand up for Him when His name is used in vain? Do you maintain an ongoing dialogue with Him? Do you systematically read His love-letter to you? Do you regularly join others who worship Him and serve Him?
I mean it - really? Before you click back to Facebook - how much do you love Him? What could you change about your life that would be an expression of your love for Him? What tangible thing could you do TODAY that would demonstrate your love for Him? Make a plan and a determination before you click - or it will never happen!
Thank You, Lord Jesus!
Really! No one else can forgive my many sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
Yet, You did this for me! Wow! You're amazing!
I didn't deserve it. I can never earn it.
All I can do is thank You and live for You.
With Your daily help, I will do this.
Amen.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Dirty Politics
Politics is ugly stuff! It always has been and I guess it always will be.
King David had many sons and they all probably had dreams of succeeding their father on the throne.
Absalom was the first to try to take his father's throne. He endeared himself to the people by intercepting them when they went to the king for justice. Over a period of time, he garnered significant trust with them through this personal access and through his good looks and charm!
Then, through a clever and carefully laid out plan, he marched on Jerusalem to overthrow his father. David escaped with a large group of those who were faithful to him - including many of his fighting forces. He left a spy behind to send him 'intelligence reports'.
In the long run, David's forces defeated Absalom. Unfortunately, Absalom died in the battle. David was deeply grieved over the death of his son! [Read II Samuel 15-19 for the whole story]
The next to try a coo was Adonijah. He was one of David's older sons. He was an arrogant man who used his privilege and opportunity to have fifty men run ahead of him! He conspired with one of the priests and the leader of David's army. David was now very old. Adonijah threw a party and invited everyone who was important - including all of David's sons - except Solomon. The plan was to announce his kingship and overthrow his father by surprise!
The prophet Nathan heard of this plan and spoke privately with Bathsheba (remember her?). He informed her of the plot and advised her to speak to the king about his promise to make her son (Solomon) king. After she approached the king, Nathan also came to report to the king about Adonijah's plan.
David sprung into action! He called for Solomon to be placed on the royal donkey and brought into Jerusalem. Once there, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed him king over Israel. Then they blew the ram's horns and all the city began to shout: "Long live King Solomon!"
Adonijah's feast was just culminating when they heard the shouts from the city. It threw his guests into confusion; they scattered in fear of retribution! Adonijah took refuge in the sanctuary in fear that his brother would have him killed.
David effectively handed his rulership over to his appointed successor, who sought to bring honor to God and his father, David! [Read I Kings 1 for the whole story]
In the legacy of kings of Israel and Judah that follow Solomon's reign we see terrible atrocities take place. The whole situation is so despairing to God that He finally allows both nations to be carried off into captivity.
The New Testament bears similar brutalities and horrors. Remember how Herod had the children of Bethlehem slaughtered in hopes of killing off any future heir to the throne (Jesus).
This same Herod killed two of his own sons because he didn't want them to succeed him on the throne!
Politics get nasty.
All this ought to make us feel a little better as we view the 'reality show' dramatics that have been unfolding over the past several months. Although there have been some nasty exchanges, at least no one's broken into fisticuffs - yet!
There have been a few hopeful moments for me in recent weeks:
As a leader, I also get to lead a congregation in prayer about this election process every Sunday. Prayers of agreement are especially powerful before our mighty God.
But the thing that helps me sleep at night is the acknowledgement that God truly appoints leaders:
or...
He will give us leadership that will execute His justice on a nation that is turning its back on Him.
Whichever happens, my role is exactly the same. I am to be a godly man who lives with integrity and intercedes for my family, community, country and world! I am to be a faithful example of what it looks like to live for God. With God's help, I will do this!
My counsel to you: It's far more important for you to pray than it is for you to vote!
King David had many sons and they all probably had dreams of succeeding their father on the throne.
Absalom was the first to try to take his father's throne. He endeared himself to the people by intercepting them when they went to the king for justice. Over a period of time, he garnered significant trust with them through this personal access and through his good looks and charm!
Then, through a clever and carefully laid out plan, he marched on Jerusalem to overthrow his father. David escaped with a large group of those who were faithful to him - including many of his fighting forces. He left a spy behind to send him 'intelligence reports'.
In the long run, David's forces defeated Absalom. Unfortunately, Absalom died in the battle. David was deeply grieved over the death of his son! [Read II Samuel 15-19 for the whole story]
The next to try a coo was Adonijah. He was one of David's older sons. He was an arrogant man who used his privilege and opportunity to have fifty men run ahead of him! He conspired with one of the priests and the leader of David's army. David was now very old. Adonijah threw a party and invited everyone who was important - including all of David's sons - except Solomon. The plan was to announce his kingship and overthrow his father by surprise!
The prophet Nathan heard of this plan and spoke privately with Bathsheba (remember her?). He informed her of the plot and advised her to speak to the king about his promise to make her son (Solomon) king. After she approached the king, Nathan also came to report to the king about Adonijah's plan.
David sprung into action! He called for Solomon to be placed on the royal donkey and brought into Jerusalem. Once there, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed him king over Israel. Then they blew the ram's horns and all the city began to shout: "Long live King Solomon!"
Adonijah's feast was just culminating when they heard the shouts from the city. It threw his guests into confusion; they scattered in fear of retribution! Adonijah took refuge in the sanctuary in fear that his brother would have him killed.
David effectively handed his rulership over to his appointed successor, who sought to bring honor to God and his father, David! [Read I Kings 1 for the whole story]
In the legacy of kings of Israel and Judah that follow Solomon's reign we see terrible atrocities take place. The whole situation is so despairing to God that He finally allows both nations to be carried off into captivity.
The New Testament bears similar brutalities and horrors. Remember how Herod had the children of Bethlehem slaughtered in hopes of killing off any future heir to the throne (Jesus).
This same Herod killed two of his own sons because he didn't want them to succeed him on the throne!
Politics get nasty.
All this ought to make us feel a little better as we view the 'reality show' dramatics that have been unfolding over the past several months. Although there have been some nasty exchanges, at least no one's broken into fisticuffs - yet!
There have been a few hopeful moments for me in recent weeks:
- watching Ben Carson give his testimony in a church including lengthy quotes from the scriptures.
- hearing about Franklin Graham's plan to hold prayer rallies in every state capital between now and November to call the nation to prayer for godly leadership!
- hearing the crystal clear hope of Heaven described and lauded at Nancy Reagan's funeral!
As a leader, I also get to lead a congregation in prayer about this election process every Sunday. Prayers of agreement are especially powerful before our mighty God.
But the thing that helps me sleep at night is the acknowledgement that God truly appoints leaders:
Romans 13:1 (NIV)
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,
for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God.
God will either give us leadership that will establish justice and restore values...
or...
Whichever happens, my role is exactly the same. I am to be a godly man who lives with integrity and intercedes for my family, community, country and world! I am to be a faithful example of what it looks like to live for God. With God's help, I will do this!
My counsel to you: It's far more important for you to pray than it is for you to vote!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
The Sensitivity of a Child
Today would have been Travis' 40th birthday, so we're an open wound today. However, there are a few tender stories that I never told and today seems a good day to share them.
We received our tragic phone call on October 5th, and immediately flew out to be with Travis.
We presently live on the Whippo farm. Across the soybean field from us is Wally and Lynn's home. Their kids, Ellie, Joey, and Audrey love to come to our trailer to visit with Aunt Debbie. She plays cards with them and they drink tea together! :-) They are Travis' youngest cousins.
They were more affected by Travis' condition than most people realized. So, one day, Ellie wrote a note to our post-lady and she and Joey placed it in the mailbox. It was a request:
We received our tragic phone call on October 5th, and immediately flew out to be with Travis.
We presently live on the Whippo farm. Across the soybean field from us is Wally and Lynn's home. Their kids, Ellie, Joey, and Audrey love to come to our trailer to visit with Aunt Debbie. She plays cards with them and they drink tea together! :-) They are Travis' youngest cousins.
They were more affected by Travis' condition than most people realized. So, one day, Ellie wrote a note to our post-lady and she and Joey placed it in the mailbox. It was a request:
Dear Mail-Lady,
If you are a Christian, would you please pray for my cousin, Travis.
He is in the hospital and is very sick.
Thank you very much!
Ellie
Lynn was unaware that they had done this. But the next day a response note was left in the mailbox and Lynn found it:
Dear Ellie,
I am so very sorry to hear about your cousin. I will pray for him and all who love him.
Take care sweety.
Love,
Lynda
(your mail lady)
Here's a picture of Lynn and Wally's kids:
Around that same time, I received a text from our niece, Barbie:
"Aunt Debbie and Uncle Hal,
It's little Barbie (Mahosky Hagen). Liz (Sargent) explained to Lily this morning what is happening with Trav. A little confused, Lily asked Liz a couple of questions (along the line of why this is happening when Trav is younger than his parents). She asked Liz to see a picture of Trav and Liz found a picture of him involving a baseball game. She then asked if she could draw a pic of Trav for his mom and dad.
Not quite understanding the entire situation, her precious mind clearly understood that you will miss him.
Love, Barbie
One more.
On October 13, four days after Travis died, Liz (Sargent) sent me the following Facebook message:
So Zak just walked upstairs to brush his teeth and said 'mom, today in the car I asked God if Travis was in Heaven and He said yes'....I said 'oh yeah?', he said "yep, i just closed my eyes and put my hands together and said 'God is he in heaven or the bad word and God said 'He's with me'."....Just wanted to share.
The following is a picture of Justin and Liz and their three children: Zak, Lily and Allison.
When bad things happen, don't leave children out of the equation. They have an amazing capacity not only for understanding, but also for responding with amazing levels of compassion! How thankful Debbie and I are today for the love-messages of these precious little ones!
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