Reflections

It's been an interesting couple of weeks filled with valleys and mountain high experiences. Sounds like life. God, as always is working to accomplish His purposes. As His children, our desire should be to discern where God is working, where we fit into that work, and get busy. That's easy to say and hard to do. There are times I don't know where or why God is leading. It is only in hindsight that we get clarity. Sometimes it never comes and has to wait until we get to ask Him about it face to face. And who knows, perhaps then it won't be that big a deal. But still, it makes for an interesting life. Life lived by faith is like that; full of peaks and valleys and sudden suppresses that are not at all what we expected. But in all of it, I'm amazed and awed that God has not only saved me but included me in His Kingdom Plan and Purpose.

The One on One mentoring ministry is going well. As I'd hoped, some who met last year are branching out on their own to mentor another man this year. I hope others will join us. I've really enjoyed our focus and the accountability.

IBI is going well and we are in our final approach to finals and the winter break. We have new students enrolled for the spring, but we still need to make headway with financial supporters and partners.

Jack Story and MTL could also use more in the area of monthly support. But that ministry is going well, and Jack is staying busy. I'm sure that his hard work on deputation over the last two months will pay off.

MBSF may be moving to a new night. We have an opportunity to move to an off campus site that will hopefully facilitate more interest and boost attendance. I'm encouraged to see church members stretch beyond their comfort zones and embrace ministries and responsibilities to be used in the Kingdom of God. I marvel as I watch them grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

AWANA ministries are going well, and attendance has held steady. I believe that we will see more families and children impacted for Christ through this ministry.

I'm also excited about what is going on in Indiana and what it will mean for Indiana Missions. I'm wanting to see LBC more involved and engaged in this area. I think that our church is poised to make an impact not just in our state, but in our region of the country. I hope you'll pray for us as we seek God's direction and leading.

Just thoughts...

As I reflect upon all that I have in Christ and all He has given me in this life, I stand in humble awe of Him. There is so much I have for which to praise Him. My sermon this week speaks to that simple fact. we so often fail to reflect on the awesome priviledge we have to represent our Lord here in this world. When we are presented with opportunity to serve or be a witness, we cop out. There just isn't any rational reason for it. Paul, in prison was bowled over by the fact that God had found him faithful to put him in the ministry. Ministry is a service, and I fear to few are answering the call.

On a separate note, I am asking all to pray for the ministries at LBC. Although all is well, we could use more fincial supporters to partner with us. This is especially true of our school and of MTL. Both Nicky and Jack are faithful men who are worthy of support. I am blessed to have such men I can call friend.

I'm kinda bumbed with the fact that Thanksgiving for us isn't going to include all the family. This year's holidays are going to find us spread over the country. But then, we have much to be thankful for. I'm thankful for the beautiful wife God has given me. It wasn't enough to save me; He also provided the wife He knew would complete me. He also added to my blessings by calling me into pastoral ministry. Too often we focus on the negatives rather than accentuate the positives. I think it because we walk by faith and not by sight. That takes us right out of our comfort zones and self dependencies and puts us squarely leaning and trusting in God. So when things don't add up, or we wonder just how He's going to put it all together, we just need to stay the course. Of course, I have great faith in God and His ability. My faith in people often gets tested and wavers :O) But God is able to do above all we ask or think... and all I can think is what next Lord, what now? Where are you leading us as a church? What endeavor do we undertake for your glory? The last thing I want is to become complacent and satisfied that we've done all we can or that we're maxed out. I don't think for a minute that we can say that. I want to passionately pursue Christ, and be the man, husband, pastor, father and friend I can be for the honor and glory of Christ. After all, He loved me and gave all He had for me. It's the least any of us can do to give our best in return.

4 Kristine

I haven't blogged in some time, and my daughter-in-law has made it known. So I've dedicated this blog to her. Things are busy and going well at the church. We're excited about our granddaughter's arrival, and at the prospect of being grandparents. I'm not sure about the plot to figure out how I'm to be addressed by the grandchildren. My son, ever the comedian thought "grampy" might be the course to travess. When I asked for clarification he stated, "It's the closest to grumpy." I'm not sure grampy is the way to go, even if grumpy does seem to fit! I know that it will all work out in the end, so I'll leave it to the grandkids to decide.

Please continue to pray for all of my children. Mandy came up to visit for the weekend. It sure was good to see her. I wish that Andy could've come up too, but perhaps during the holidays. Tim's in school and at home. I'm praying that God will help him to find his place and purpose with regard to occupation and educational pursuit. Perhaps it would be better to pray that God give me wisdom to advice and council as oppossed to irritate and infurriate him by all my questions and prodding.

All is well. As usual, God is good. He's blessed so much in our lives and ministries. I pray that God will continue to bless us as we seek to serve Him in the place where He has put us to serve.