New Ministry

Our church took a step out on faith and voted to sponsor a new seminary school for the churches of the American Baptist Association for our state and for this region of our nation. There are many fine schools in our work, two from which I have degrees. I appreciate the dedicated and devoted missionaries and pastors who have sowed the seeds for this vision and watered them through shared hearts and prayer. These men felt that LBC was the church that should sponsor this new work. I'm thankful for the people I pastor and their willingness to pray and then act to meeting the ministry opportunities that God presents to us. They have faithfully and devotedly prayed, worked, and evidenced God's working in our midst. Now comes the challenge and glorious opportunity to help instruct and train men to the work of ministry through missions planting and pastoral leadership. More will be said as this work begins to progress toward reality. Our desire and hope is that first and foremost God be glorified and secondly that men be trained as missionaries and pastors for new works in our state, our nation, and the impact of the school will reach internationally. We covet your prayers and support for this new work. If you would like to know more, please don't hesitate to give me a call.

Snow

The first heavy snowfall of the winter season is upon us. We awoke to seven inches! I love the change in weather. There is something clean and crisp about the winter. The temperatures have been in the single digits, and the air smells clean and vibrant. I love the smell of the air on such days. As the brilliance of the snow reflects the light in the world around it, I can't help but think of how God's forgiveness does the same. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, my sins are washed whiter than snow. As a consequence, the light of God's glory and grace are reflected outward for all to see as a tribute to His glory and praise.

Christmas

I'm excited about all that this holiday represents. How awesome is it that God would provide in Himself a sacrifice for our forgiveness and redemption from sin and its consequence? How wonderful His grace is toward me and bountiful His blessings in Christ. Why is it that the world seems bent upon contradicting and refuting the claims and message of Christ? Why is it that the reason for the season is now caught up in the hype of materialism and sensuality rather than in the attitude of gratitude and appreciation for God in His provision? In this world where self assertion, promotion and gratification it is inspiring and refreshing to know that Jesus came to serve. He stated that His life purpose was to minister to the needs of man, and in so doing, fulfill God's purpose and plan for His life. May we each seek out God's purpose for our lives and apply ourselves to obediently fulfill it in loving service to Him. In light of all we have in Christ, it is our reasonable service.

Friends and Holidays

Cathy, Tim and I enjoyed our Thanksgiving this year with Adam and Rebecca Johnson. Adam is our newest staff member at LBC. He's been such a blessing as has Becca and God is using them in our worship service. Adam is Director of Music. It's awesome to see God working in the lives of His people at LBC. Our Thanksgiving was spent reflecting upon family, building new friendships and memories with an eye to future blessings and promise. I did rather well staying to my diet. The turkey was great as was all the food God provided for our meal. The only thing that could have made it better was the presence of Mandy and Andy and Jonathan and Kristine. We are going to look forward to seeing them at Christmas. In the meantime, we count our many blessings. Second to the salvation God provided me in Christ is the blessing of a loving and loyal wife. Indeed Cathy is my helpmeet and friend in life and in ministry.

Thankful

Sunday was tough in that Cathy and I waited for news. We awoke to the news of the devastation in Evansville. That's where our daughter and her husband live. My heart goes out to the families who have suffered the loss of loved ones as well as to those who've suffered material loss as well. We were relieved to hear that our loved ones were ok. I appreciated the concern of my church family and friends who called asking about Mandy and Andy. They are safe and sustained no damage to any of their belongings.

This is just one more thing for which I must give praise and thanks to God. I am thankful that I'm saved, forgiven and have a home in heaven. I am thankful for a loving wife and for my children who are serving the Lord faithfully. I am humbled and awed at God's blessing and calling upon my life. What an awesome God we serve!