The New Year Awaits

Here is a video of encouragement. Enjoy! May the New Year be of great purpose to you and your loved ones for the sake of God's Kingdom.

Christmas Party is Coming!

We have something special planned for Christmas this year. Watch the video and be sure and join us on December the 4th.

What in the WORLD are we here for?

From time to time we need to remind ourselves why we do what we do. David said in the Psalms that "evil men will be cut off." (37:9) There is a judgment to come and there is something special out there in the future for those who trust Christ. Someday wrong shall be righted. Wickedness will be defeated. Judgment will happen. Truth will reign. Grace shall come through. And love will win.

We do what we do in the church, so that every one who accepts the message of the gospel can know God and experience His love forever. I have the above picture on my computer. I was starring at it today, just to remind myself, why I do what I do.
David also said, "He (God) will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." (37:6)

So let's keep doing what we are doing and let's do it well.

Something Special to Encourage You.

Every so often you hear or see something that simply encourages your heart and spirit. Take a look at this. It's about two people who overcome difficulty to still accomplish their dreams. There is good news! We really can overcome anything in life! I can do all things through Christ that gives me strength. Enjoy and be blessed.

Mission, January, 2009

For years First Christian Church has supported developing Christian Churches in south east India. Today nearly 30 native preachers are supported in either a part-time or full-time capacity through South India Christian Mission. This coming January I hope to be traveling to India to meet with these hard-working preachers and also to help train them for greater ministry. The above picture is taken of one Christian school that finds much of its support through South India Christian Mission. Almost a hundred children attend this school. Our goal is to also assist in repair of buildings for this school. In a country that is only 7 percent Christian the need is great to expand the church. I beleive that the best thing we can do is support and encourage developing churches, using local leadership to reach India. I hope that you will give towards this project at opportunities coming forth in November.

Taking Notes on the Sermon

Recently after a worship service a man in the church showed me how he was taking notes on the sermon for the day. I had mentioned in my message a five finger reminder to work through to help you understand what God has gifted you to do in service. So his notes reflected the literal message. I encourage you to be invested in Bible teaching so that you can grow in the knowledge of the scriptures and become mature attaining to the whole measure of Christ.

Men on an Adventure

Just a few days ago I attended the Men's camp out and rafting trip held in southern Tennessee. I forgot how much I don't favor camping out in the woods! My wife Terri sent me with plenty of food so that made up for what I lacked in "tent space". This was the first time in my life that I have been rafting and it was both enjoyable and awkward at the same time. The group went to a place in the Ocoee River just below where the Olympics events were held in 1996. The best part of the trip was that my son Jeffrey, who had just turned 13, was now qualified to raft as well. Add to that, the fact that fellowship with other Christian men and a true blessing was expereinced by all of us in attendance. It is always a blessing when Christian people who truly love each other come together. There is something special that happens in our souls. We grow in spirit and strength! Our salvation in Christ is spurred on to greater heights. Thanks to the men of our church for their encouragement to me in my ministry and as you can see in the picture, thanks literally to men in our church from saving me from the waters of the Ocoee.

Go into all the world!

The above picture was taken in a city in Guatemala about a year ago by my son, Ryan who was there on a mission trip. I use it to illustrate something for us as a congregation. Right now Clint Brooks from our congregation is working in Guatemala City among other places in central America for the summer. You can find out all you want about his work by going to http://clintanddanica.blogspot.com to discover his most recents musings. Clint is working on his Master's degree at Wheaton University near Chicago and hopes to be on the mission field full time in 2009. Let's be praying for and supporting Clint and his work.

Also, Ken MacHarg and his wife, Polly in our church will be leaving in the middle of June to serve a church in Quito Equador as intern Minister. 5 years ago when I was in Equador I actually worshipped in the congregation that Ken will be filling the pulpit. It's a vibrant congregation and quite large. Let's be praying for Ken and Polly as they serve the Lord this summer.

Of course as I write a group of 13 from our fellowship are serving in Arizona among native Americans. God is busy within us I beleive stiring our heart to serve Him here and around the world.

Our present sacrifice secures the future.

For 40 years First Christian Church has had a partnership with nearby Woodland Christian Camp, in Temple Georgia. In 1968 when Woodland started construction First Christian was helping build the original cabins. Today we will soon bring to completion a newly built larger cabin in the Heritage section of the camp that will accomadate 16 guests for sleeping, restrooms, showers and a meeting room. Our commitment to the camp of $75,000.00 made just 3 years ago is helping secure a grand future for young people and growing beleivers around Georgia. We have collected slightly over half of our goal. $38,000.00 has already been paid. This Easter on March 23rd we shall turn our time of sacrifice into an offering to God. We call it "30 Pieces of Silver" offering. Bring your largest gift possible and we will finish our commitment to the construction early, save interest money on a camp loan and release the camp to move forward with other projects. This spring our congregation will gather at the camp for a dedication service and open house of the cabin we have built with God's help.