"Looking Across the Aisle at 36,000 Feet"

     I am writing this morning's post from Cagyan De Oro, Philippines. I am here on a mission trip for training pastors with Revival or Ruin ministries. I have traveled through several different time zone, have been in 3 different countries, and 4 different planes in arriving safely to the Philippines. I will be here for a little over 2 weeks, which is not very long, unless you have a wife and children you have left behind. After two weeks I will board the plane to travel 'back in time' to get back home. But, one thing will be different on my trip back home, I will travel alone. I will leave the ones (Barry and Ty Carpenter) I traveled with here in the Philippines to serve these people.
     As we were flying here from Detroit, MI to Nagyora, Japan I sat across the aisle from Barry and his son thinking to myself how could he do this? How or why would a man up and sell everything he ever owned to minister to a group of pastors, so they would be more effective in the kingdom of God. I know this is not new or uncommon when it comes to missionaries and the call on their life, but I guess what takes me aback is the fact God has told him to go and has gone! No mission board to support him, no fringe benefits, but simply living on the fact God has called him to minister to the Filipino's and trusting God to provide through other Christian.
He and his son are here now, in another country, 9,000 miles from home, in a culture which is very different from America in every way, yet they are here!
 
What I saw as I was "Gazing Across the Aisle at 36,000 Feet":
1. I saw a man after "God's own heart." Like King David (1 Sam.13:13-14), I see Barry seeking to glorify his Father by pursuing God's heart, which is His people. Our God is a missionary God, one who "seeks to save that which is lost" and I believe this is the very heart of Barry. To send the gospel to the ends of the earth for the glory of God.

2. I saw a man who loves his son (Ty). I sat there and watch Barry converse with his son, I watched the both of them sleep on the plane (which is difficult to do) and Ty lay his head on his father's shoulder. I simply saw a man who seeks after God's glory, but also a father who truly lives out Ephesians 4:4.

3. I saw a man who is "sold out for the Lord." In Luke 18:22, Jesus tells the young rich ruler to sell all his possessions and follow him. You know the story, he went away sorrowful because he had many possessions to give up and follow Christ. In other words, he loved his many possessions  more than he did Christ. Although, God has called Barry to sell everything in order to relocate in the Philippines, I appreciate what he said in his last sermon at PHBC, "God does not always call everyone to sell everything to move to the Philippines, but He does call all of us to either go down into the well (move to Philippines), or to hold the rope (support the move) either way you are going to get "rope burned."

Barry and Ty are now in the Philippines for at least two years, with perhaps a furlough sometime next year. The Lord is using Barry already and I believe is using the Philippines for means of sanctification in many ways to Barry (Barry you know what I mean).
At any rate I write this not to lift Barry up, rather to life our Savior up. I think about how God in Christ calls dead, damned, and depraved sinners to  Himself, saves them by the gospel of His grace, gives them a new life (1 Cor. 5:17) and gives them marching orders. This is exactly what God has done in each and every believers life. If you claim the name of Christ, He has saved you not just to miss hell, but rather to "die to yourself, take up your cross and follow Christ. Daily!
For those of you without Christ, do not think Barry, myself, or any other Christian as one who has it all together. For we are nothing more than fallen men who has has been called to a new life through the power of God in Christ, who are needy of God's grace everyday of our lives. Do you see your need for God's grace in salvation? Call out to him and be ye saved.

I encourage you to pray for Barry and Ty as they minster in the Philippines, for God's glory! Blessings in Christ.

(This blog post was started in the Philippines, but completed at home in the U.S.A., just so there is no confusion)!

"Reasons Why I Might Support Barry Carpenter and Revival or Ruin Ministries"

Reasons Why I Might Support Bro. Barry and Revival or Ruin Ministries 

by Garett Davidson

Garett Davidson is a police officer for Metro Nashville police department. He is married to Brittnee and they have two daughters Morgan, Everleigh with their child (Titus) due in July. Garett currently serves the church at Pleasant Hill as a deacon, where he oversees small groups and helps lead the students small groups.

My thoughts on Bro. Barry Carpenter :

1) I have heard him preach several times, and the preaching contains solid theology and doctrine, as well as a love for God evidenced in a genuine concern for men's souls. 

2) I have personally observed Bro. Barry's personal deportment and character and have not found cause for alarm, though I am often apt to do with men. His humility appears born of his convictions. 

3) I have heard and seen evidenced by others a love or affection for Bro. Barry that is both sincere and in line with my own personal observations, speaking good of his name. 

4) I have observed and seen evidence of Bro. Barry as one who earnestly contends for the faith. Bro. Barry has engaged others in open air debates, formal debates (ex. against Micah), and youtube videos. 

5) Bro. Barry has posted both facebook and other media blogs or posts which reveal both his personal conviction and where his heart and time are dedicated. Such posts, as well as the Revival or Ruin internet page, contain clear insight and absolves doubts regarding the impetus with which he is undertaking this work. 

6) Bro. Barry has set himself to the task before him—he is selling everything and making earnest preparation for the mission ahead. Barry has also laid out what his vision is. Barry has demonstrated commitment and vision. At this time he lacks significant support from other churches, some of which had committed to Barry but not yet fulfilled their commitments, but Barry has not allowed his commitment to the work to be stymied. 

7) Bro. Barry has evidenced faith to undertake the work God has placed upon his heart. Barry is selling all belongings except what he can carry over, he is taking his son, he is set to go despite the seeming obstacles before him, he understands and knows the certain risks before him yet has abandoned himself to God's graces and mercies (he appears neither a naïve fool in this nor a charlatan portraying circumstantially-inhuman attributes)---he has both acknowledged the weight and risk of the task ahead with a humble fear which one only continues to undertake having certain faith in the God in whom they have trusted. 

8) Bro. Barry has shown accountability. Previously, Barry has given a presentation and an accounting for what his work entails, requires, and expends. Barry has demonstrated an openness to scrutiny. Additional information is available online. 

9) Bro. Barry has not engaged some fantasy without means. Barry has learning, drive, faithfulness, and experience which, notwithstanding God's providence, speak well to his capability to undertake this mission. 

10) I feel confident that Bro. Barry has in proper view God's glory through the ministry work. The work of training, equipping, discipling, and evangelizing which God will use to draw a people to himself is God glorifying, and this is his mission. 

11) Barry is but a man in a fallen world—he is not perfect. With confidence though, I count him as my brother who is laboring for the sake of the Gospel.

My thoughts on Missions 

1) There will always be a need for well-equipped missionaries until the Lord returns. 

2) There is a lack of well-equipped missionaries and the Lord will return. 

3) The perception of many local churches has become that evangelism/missions is inviting others to church rather than to Christ. This is often accompanied by programs or events where loving Christians meaning well give out things other than the Gospel.

4) There is a disease amongst missionaries consisting of contextualization/syncretism of the Gospel. Missionaries become so method oriented that the Gospel is compromised and converts are nominal at best, rather than born-again, Holy-spirit filled, trophies of God's grace. (See The Sovereign Grace Messenger, Issue 35, “The Cultural Captivity of Evangelical Missions” by Trevor Johnson )

5) A popular method of funding missionaries often includes or can result in not personally knowing the missionary or being in a position to be able to hold them accountable. Money is sent through other organizations or boards. This can result also in a lack of accountability likewise of the church sending the funds. There must be a fine balance where both the church and the missionary are held accountable. The church should not feel proud just because it is giving sums of money away to nondescript missionaries lest they become like a Pharisee who does not involve their heart, use sound judgment, or work with proper motives. We need to know our funds are going to a Paul, not a Judas Iscariot. I would regret even a small sum going to one who uses it to betray the Gospel.

Concerns 

1) Holding the rope for a missionary always includes the possibility of rope-burns. 

2) God is providential. We can never fully know if Barry will succeed or fail within any measure of our own finite understanding. We can trust that God will accomplish his purpose. 

3) God is providential. Barry could succumb to illness or other calamity, or his son, so that the mission work must be abandoned. 

4) Our church could suffer some critical famine that jeopardizes our ability to continue supporting Barry, which could in turn jeopardize the mission work. God is providential. It is a hard argument to fund Barry if we do not even have faith that God will continue to provide for our church.

The questions:

Weighing the evidences, is supporting Bro. Barry Carpenter going to reflect a wise investment/stewardship of resources, through which God will be glorified?

If so: 

Do I have the ability to support Barry's ministry? 

Do I have the desire to support Barry's ministry?

For more information on Dr. Barry Carpenter,  Revival or Ruin Ministries, Bible Expositors Seminary click on link below:

http://www.revivalorruin.com/index.html 

"A Little Bit of My Heart" by Jessica Cleveland

This is a guest blog post by Jessica Cleveland. Jessica is a third year high school English teacher with a passion for writing. I enjoy storytelling and hope that others are blessed through my words. Jessica attends Pleasant Hill Baptist church along with her father (Jerry), mother (Darlene), and brother (Jeremy).

Unless you have a passion about something-- whether it is a sport, giving back to your community, or some other various outlet-- none of the following is likely to make any sense to you.  I haven't written seriously in two years, but I have been fighting the cravings since the New Year started (I really don't know who I am anymore... losing weight, working out, getting married-- what's next year bringing me?!).  So until I can wholeheartedly commit to keeping a faithful blog, this medium will suffice.  People still blog, right? On MySpace?  I'm getting old. 

Some thoughts that needed to surface after reading over the Gospels recently:

First of all, don't you wish God had desired for the authors of the Bible to be blessed with artistic abilities so that you could physically see what all of these exciting people looked like?  One of my favorite stories and some of my favorite verses come from the first chapter of John.  I have always loved reading about John the Baptist for some reason.  I'm not sure if it's because he is involved in my favorite Bible story or if it's because he is described as being so fascinatingly odd that I would loved to have simply been part of one of his many crowds that instantly gathered whenever he began to speak.  I try to picture it all unfolding and I can't help but try to imagine what he would have looked like.  I have a strong feeling that he was unkempt; not dirty, but definitely more rugged than the majority of the crowds that followed him.  Other books detailed his habits of surviving off of locusts, honey, and water.  That's it.  (John was "eating clean" before it was cool.)  There were no fatted calves, no fancy feasts; he didn't dine in the homes of the Pharisees... he survived on the bare necessities because, quite simply, he had work to do.  I am fascinated by the fact that he never attempted to appear wealthier than he was or elevate himself as a great prophet or leader.  He didn't have to.  People were naturally drawn to him.  It wasn't about the fame for John.  It wasn't about the recognition, the bewildered stares that he must have received from some; he wasn't looking to shock or entertain anyone.  He was on a divine mission; he was ordained from birth to spread the message about the Son of God's arrival.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to be a part of one of those crowds?  To sit there and listen to this long haired, bearded man in some sort of camel hair and leather outfit talking about a Messiah...  if I had been there, would I have walked on by and called him crazy?  Would I have listened?  Or would I have been like all of the other religious leaders that simply could not wrap their brains around this man and his message? I wonder if John ever grew even the teeniest bit tired of all the questions from those leaders-- their doubting eyes, stern expressions, attempts at trapping him or causing him to trip on his own words.  The book of John describes a specific example of the nitpicking, interrogation, and trick questions John was continuously subjected to:

¹⁹ Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. ²⁰ He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” ²¹ They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”  He said, “I am not.”  “Are you the Prophet?”  He answered, “No.” ²² Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us.  What do you say about yourself?”  ²³ John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”  ²⁴ Now the Pharisees who had been sent²⁵ questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”  ²⁶ “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. ²⁷ He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” (John 1:19-27, NIV)

I'm sure John's response completely infuriated those who sought to quiet him, but he would not be silenced.  I have this perfect mental picture of the next few verses-- I'm not kidding whenever I tell you that if I ever learn to paint with any amount of talent, I will paint the next scene exactly as I'm about to describe it.  Picture this:  John, unkempt and unshaven, has been speaking for hours on this particular day.  The usual crowds have followed him and are listening intently.  I like to think that at this very moment, there were probably some new (or even old) Pharisees hovering near John, just waiting for him to slip up so that they could end this never-ending source of anger, discomfort, and fear in their eyes.  Suddenly, John stops speaking and an unsettling murmur slowly sweeps the crowd as they all notice that something has obviously caught his attention.  Even the Pharisees and religious leaders area little surprised at his abruptness-- what is this “insane” wilderness man going to do next?  I can see John waiting in stunned silence for a few moments-- moments that probably seemed like an eternity to John-- as he wonders if what he is seeing is real or if he is suffering from the exhaustion of preaching in the blistering heat for hours?  Or perhaps he has simply waited, yearned for and dreamed of this day for so long that he is afraid to accept that he is actually seeing these events unfold before him. John’s heart leaps and his stunned silence is broken:

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God,who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29, NIV)

Is that not the most beautiful thing you have ever read?  Can’t you just see John’s eyes filling with tears of joy upon the realization that his mission is being fulfilled just as he had always known it would be?  I know that there are so many different translations of the Bible, but the greater majority of them end this particular verse with an exclamation point.  I know, leave it to the English major to notice dorky things like punctuation.  I truly think this was by design; John didn’t just shrug it off in front of the crowd with an “I told you so; I’m not crazy” mentality.  No way-- John YELLS it.  “THIS is the ONE!  THAT’S HIM!!!  Don’t you know who this is--can’t you see?  This is the LAMB-- the One who will pay the price for ALL!!!!!!” I can’t help but imagine that John and Jesus had this incredible moment of mutual recognition and a connection after John’s words were spoken, even from a fairly long distance since the scripture notes that Jesus was walking toward him as John was excitedly explaining this man’s identity to the likely bewildered crowds… (Jesus doesn’t actually respond or say anything until he requests to be baptized; you have to flip back to Matthew 3 for the full description of that account).

John continues to describe his first encounter with the Man he had tirelessly awaited for so long (at some point after the baptism):

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” (John 1:32-34, NIV)

If that doesn't make your heart fill with awe, I don't know what will.  It doesn't matter how many times I read these verses; every time John finally sees the phsyical evidence --the Messiah-- and comes to this moment of realization that he has been fulfilling his role as God intended in the story of the world's Savior, I feel as if I could literally burst with emotion.  So what's the point of all of this?  Well, on a personal note... John teaches me that I shouldn't be afraid to be that weird one in the crowd; he teaches me to expect and even welcome those taunts and trick questions.  John doesn't focus on those petty things in front of him; his focus lies far across the jeers/lies/rumors/laughs/crowd.  John's eyes are locked on his Savior; the Savior Who is most definitely looking right back at him.

"The Gospel Centered Pastor and His Life"

1 Timothy 4:16 "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers."

                     
    (Pictured is Dr. Barry Carpenter and pastors of Bible Expsitors Seminary at last years Pastor's Conference. The pastors are shown holding their tablets which PHBC and others contributed to receive lectures and books to read on them.)  
    Less than two weeks I will be boarding the plane to Caygan De Oro, Philippines with Barry and Ty Carpenter. My assignment for this trip is teaching Pastoral Ministry in a Pastor's Conference in connection with Bible Expositors Seminary. Although, I think "who is sufficient for such things?" I am reminded of my professor of Pastoral Ministry, Dr. John Killian  at (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary), who reminded us pastors that "the servant or minister of the gospel needs to be found faithful." Thus, my reason for accepting such a tall task for teaching other men, I simply want to be found faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
     As the weeks narrow down to days, I am by God's grace writing and putting together lectures that I will have the privilege of giving these brothers in a 3 day Pastor's Conference. Dr. Andy Weisner of New Life Baptist Church in Harvest, AL will be teaching in the conference as well. He will be teaching these men in the area of Biblical Counseling. The pastors who attend this conference are already receiving instruction via Bible Expositors Seminary (long distance education), but this will be a way to give them face to face instruction. This will also allow them to interact with the us and to ask much needed questions concerning the ministry.
     Although, Dr. Weisner and I will be there only for a couple of weeks, Barry and his son Ty has been led of the Lord to move there permanently (at least for two years). God has given Barry an open door of opportunity to minister and help these pastors in the Philippines with solid doctrine and to help then learn how this doctrine works itself out practically. As we know our theology is what drives our methodology in our everyday life pastors and the local church. Barry will stay there to help these pastors continue their education and to disciple them in evangelism, prayer, discipleship, and other spiritual disciplines. When I think of what is going to take place there for the next couple of years, I think of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:30-31, as the eunuch was reading the prophet Isaiah, Philip comes up upon him and asks, "Do you understand what you are reading? And he said, "how can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip in the chariot to sit with him." This is exactly what Barry will be doing, helping these men to better understand their calling as pastors and to strengthen the local churches where they serve. God has given Barry a desire to go and help these brothers learn more of the glories of Christ, therefore selling all that he owns to go these men.
You can read more of his calling to the Philippines here: revivalorruin.blogspot.com/2013/03/80-poundsof-dung-reflections-on.html

     In saying all of that, I wanted to share with you the outline of my lectures I will give to the pastors in the Philippines on "The Gospel Centered Pastor And His Life."

The Gospel Centered Pastor and His Life

The Gospel-Centered Pastor

#1: The Pastor Who Knows and Understands the Gospel of Jesus Christ

#2: The Pastor Who Preaches the Gospel

#3: The Pastor Who Leads Out of Gospel Conviction

#4: The Pastor Who Suffers for the Sake of the Gospel

The Gospel-Centered Priorities of the Pastor:

#5: The Pastor and the Word of God 

#6: The Pastor and His Prayer Life

#7: The Pastor’s Heart in Shepherding Those Who Rebel

#8: The Pastor Who Is Found Faithful

I will close with asking you to pray. First, pray for God to be glorified in all that takes place in the Philippines. Second, please pray God would give me what I need in the next few weeks to finish these lectures and that they would be edifying to these pastors. Third, pray for my wife and 3 children as I will be gone from them across the world for over two weeks. Pray for their safety and well-being, asking God to protect them while I am gone. Fourth, pray for the flock at Pleasant Hill where I serve as pastor. Pray for the brethren who will lead, protect, and feed the sheep while I am away.

I thank you in advance for your prayers and support. 

If you feel lead to support Bro. Barry Carpenter as a missionary to the Philippines please send your support to: 

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

3049 Pleasant Hill Church Rd.

Orlinda, TN 37148 

(PHBC will given financial oversight and accountability)

Reflections From Our Spring Outreach with Don Currin

             

 Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain..."                 

      This past weekend Pleasant Hill Baptist church held our Spring Outreach for 2013. This is a special emphasis in evangelism and out reach to our community with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just to let folks know PHBC is alive and is about the Father's business  We do this by going door to door several weeks in advance sharing Christ with others, giving out tracts, and passing flyers for our upcoming meetings. I know what you are thinking you should do this everyday, I agree, and I try to share with our people our evangelism should be done "as you go." But, we place a heavy emphasis on getting out in our community to do evangelism during these meetings and at other times of the year as well.                 

      This year we were blessed to have Don and Cindy Currin of Don Currin Ministries come and minister God's Word. Don preached on Friday, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning twice. Cindy spoke to the women at their annual Women's Conference. Although we had enough rain to float a boat, I believe God was honored this weekend by the ministry of His Word and by the peoples desire to come and hear God's Word.

 I just want to share a few of my thoughts, as I reflected over the weekend of meetings.
Don's messages (click the title to listen to sermons):

1. "Love or Die"  Don preached this message the very first night, reminding PHBC our need to love others in Christ. PHBC should not be inward focused, but rather reaching out to our community with the gospel of Christ. Such a timely message, as me and some of our men has been praying for God to lead us to be more effective in our outreach ministry at PHBC. One other thought, I share with out congregation often, "we might not be the largest church, have the most money, but we can be the most lovingest (if that is a word) church, for God's glory!

2. "Cultivating a Conscience Dependence Upon the Holy Spirit" Simply one of the most profound sermons I have ever heard preached upon the Holy Spirit. We live in a time and day, especially in Baptist circles where we are afraid of speaking of God the Holy Spirit. We fall victim often to relying more on the flesh than the Spirit. I was reminded the Holy Spirit is sovereign and does whatsoever He chooses to do whenever He chooses to do it. I must submit to Him and pray diligently for Him to move and to help or I am sunk. As Spurgeon said, "I believe in the Holy Spirit."

3. "A Heritage of Holiness" This message was preached during our Sunday school hour. A message which confronted men to step up and be godly leaders of their families. A very convicting message concerning fathers. Through this message God convicted me in many areas of my life in the rearing of my boys. God was gracious in allowing me to talk with my family and repent in some of past sin in leading them as their father and husband. I was so grateful to hear this message and thankful to God for the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Such a joy to be shown your sin and the privilege to repent of them.

4. "A Bruise Reed" This was the final message of our time together with Brother Don. The message was  one filled with the gospel of Christ. We were introduced to the "true bruised reed" who could identify with other bruised reeds in their sufferings. This sermon was filled with the gospel of Christ, hope for the hopeless, and help for the helpless! I am thankful that there is still hope for those who can not help themselves. The gospel of Christ brings a person to see their utter need for someone who can relate to their suffering and trials and that person is Jesus Christ.
This was such an encouraging message reminding me of my need for Christ everyday. It is a blessing knowing that He knows exactly where I am at in my struggles and trials. For He is the "true bruised reed."

     Cindy Currin (Don's wife) spoke to our women at PHBC Women's Conference. She exhorted the women both young and old from Titus 2 on "Portrait of a Godly Woman." A very timely message concerning older women teaching younger women. Teaching them to dress modest, to love their own husbands, to be keepers of the home. So thankful for Cindy's ministry to the women at PHBC. We were also blessed with one of Don and Cindy's daughter Hannah, as she made the trip with her parents from Alabama for the weekend.

A Word of thanks and gratitude:

     There was alot of prayer, time, and labor put into this past weekend. As the pastor of PHBC I would like to say thank you to all who participated. From the home prayer meetings every night of the week, to taking the garbage off after our meals. I am grateful for the people of PHBC for investing their resources and committing themselves to these meetings. I believe by God's grace this weekend will have an impact on souls for eternity, for God's glory in our community, and to the ends of the earth, via internet!
    Therefore, as the apostle Paul reminded the church at Corinth: Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (1 Co.15:58).

"A Tribute To My Friend, Jeremy "Skeeter" Patterson: God's Glory In Midst of Tragedy"

     Today a year ago one of my dearest friends was pronounced missing. After a 2 day search they found he had hung himself. Here is the post I wrote last year, that even in the midst God was working things out for His glory!

Psalm 115:1 "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! 

     On Monday, April 16th, I was informed that a friend of mine had gone missing from his home in Russellville, AL. His name was Jeremy "Skeeter" Patterson. For over 48 hours the authorities, family, and friends searched, made phone calls, and aired reports on t.v. as well as the newspapers of him missing. On Wednesday morning, April 18th, I was in my office at the church, when I received an instant message that they had found "Skeeter." It would not be too unusual for "Skeeter" to go wondering off with some buddies for a day or two, so I didn't think much about him missing at first. When I asked, "if he was alright" the person informed me, "he was not!" I asked, "was he hurt, was he in the hospital, or was he alive?" The response I received was "they found him," yet he was dead. He had hung himself from a tree not very far from where he was living. Skeeter was only 39 years old.
     Seeing those words on my computer screen caused my heart to sink to my stomach. For you see, "Skeeter" wasn't just another buddy, he was a friend. "Skeeter" had experienced much in his life, he grew up most of his life without his mother, being raised by his father in rural Phil Campbell, AL. Skeeter lost his father only a couple of years after getting out of high school, from massive heart attack. After his father's death, Skeeter inherited the house which he and his father lived in and it became a place for anyone who needed somewhere to stay. During this time I lived with Skeeter for over a year or so, coming and going, as many others did as well. Nonetheless, Skeeter's door was always open if you needed a place to stay and food to eat if you were hungry. Skeeter had such a kind and caring heart toward his friends. If you were Skeeter's friend, you were his friend, without any catches at all!
     After hearing of Skeeter's death, I spoke to some friends of ours, to see what I could do to help. A friend, (who is now a pastor also; who lived with Skeeter one time as well), asked me to help with the funeral service. I was thankful to be asked to speak at my friends "Skeeter's" funeral but also pondered on what to say on that day. I never imagined in a million years I would be speaking at "Skeeter's" funeral. As I traveled from (where we live now) Tennessee to Alabama, my mind raced back to hanging out together, playing horseshoes, grilling those big steaks from Marty's meat market, and going camping together on the Buffalo River. He was so much like the older brother I never had. But, my mind also wondered "why?" Why did he take his life? He had so many people who cared for him and would have helped him, if they only knew he needed help. I thought to myself (we had lost contact in the last few years), I would have helped him in anyway I could." What about his daughters that he leaves behind, what kind of life will they have without knowing their dad? They won't get to know him as I did, they won't get to enjoy his friendship, his smile, and the camping trips.
     The funeral was Friday, April 20th in Russellville, AL at Spry's Funeral home. When I arrived, I was greeted by many friends, some I had grown up with, although I hadn't seen them in over 15 years or longer. It was almost like a class reunion yet in a sad way. The Lord gave me grace as I preached from 2 Corithians 5:21, on "Christ Being Our Substitute." I assured those in attendance, it was only by God's grace that they were not there attending "MY" funeral. I shared of how God had (given those in attendance) the grace and ability to come and hear the word of God on that day. The other pastor - friend, Brian Scott, stood and declared from God's word, on "Standing Upon the Rock" that Rock being Christ Jesus. I believe in my heart without a doubt, 'Jesus and Him crucified' was preached that day!
Now, fast forward two weeks... I was checking my Facebook page yesterday, when I ran across a post from a friend of ours who attended "Skeeter's" funeral that Friday, that he had been"saved." I messaged him to let him know I would be praying for him and his family and this was his reply:
 " I just want you to know that you and Brian really opened my eyes at sketers funeral. Before that day I was 100% of the devil. I deleted you and anyone else that posted anything about god on Facebook. Hadn't been to a church service years. Didn't want to talk about god or hear anyone talk about god at all. I would avoid people I had been friends with all my life so I didn't have to hear it. I sat there that day and listened and said you hard headed fool that could be you up there in that little box. I said right then and there I didn't want my child to go through life wondering if her dad made it to heaven. My heart was so heavy I cried all the way to the house. I called Brian that afternoon and talked to him. He made me promise that I would come visit his church. I did The lord saved me and I have felt the weight of the world come off me. I love you and I thank you."

Upon receiving this message, I did what any good Baptist preacher would do, "I shouted alleluhjah!" Only God can give a sinner a new heart! A man who once hated God and now he has received a new heart and a love for God. What an encouragement to know God took a tragic situation and brought glory to Himself by saving a sinner by His grace. It was all because of the simplicity of preaching the gospel of God's grace. I rejoice with this new brother in the faith. I also encouraged him to keep his eyes upon the Lord and find a local church where the Bible is faithfully preached and taught. 

As I reflect on the last few weeks of my ministry, I see God bringing glory to Himself through every and all situations in the life of His creation, just as He has ordained it. I am humbled and honored the Lord choose me to use me for His honor and glory! This reminds me at the verse I posted, this is not about "us" but "to God be the glory!"

For all my friends and family from P.C. or wherever you are reading this from, although I rarely speak to you in person know I am here for you, just to talk, or to listen. I am only a phone call away. May God's grace be upon you and if you do not know God through His Son Jesus Christ, I urge you to seek Him! 

Sola Deo Gloria!

95 Years of God's Grace

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

     Tonight I had the privilege of ministering to the family of one of our church members who is dying at the age of 95 years old. This lady has been a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist since the 1930's, where she began to attend after being married at 16 and had her first child at the age of 17 years old. She was a tobacco farmers wife, who knew something about hard work, as she raised a family of 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls). This lady never made headlines or wrote a book, but lived her life in simplicity and faithfulness to her God and her family. Tonight I witnessed God in His mercy give dying grace to a 95 year old saint.
     As I sat with her children tonight, which is only 3 now as she lost a son a couple of years ago, I was able to listen in on a lot of stories and memories they had of their mother. The daughters spoke about having to work in the tobacco field with their daddy at an early age and at about 10:00 a.m. he would send them to the house to help momma with making lunch for all the farm hands. They said, "none of the women ate until the men ate first, sometimes it was slim pickings." The daughters said, "momma finally wised up and started putting a little back for us, so we would have something to eat." We all got a laugh out of that!
     Another storie they shared was their daddy never allowed their momma to work in the field. He always made sure he had plenty of help, of course that wasn't a problem because everyone knew if you helped on daddy's farm you was going to get fed good. The daughters said, "there was enough food cooked in that kitchen to feed Robertson County." Back them no one paid for help, rather everyone would go help each other cut their tobacco and when one person got their crop finished their family would go help the other families get their crop finished.
     Most of all this lady loved God and her Lord Jesus Christ. I remember when I first came to the church her son (who is one of my deacons) would bring his mother to church, even when did not feel well. She would come prepared to hear God's Word, as she would have Bible in hand and would faithfully follow along as I preached. She loved to read God's Word and to pray for PHBC until the end. 
     
Some things I gleaned tonight from shepherding this family:
1. God's sheep need to be shepherded until the end. (1 Peter 5:2) "shepherd the flock of God that is among you..." As a pastor the reality of what my duty is becoming more clearer with each passing day. Not only I am I charged to preach the word in "public" but also in "private." The private ministry of God's Word is often done more by me as a pastor than in public. I was able to minister God's Word to this saint, shepherding her soul until the end. What a joy.

2. Families want to be shepherded during their time of loss. Having the privilege to share God's Word and to pray with this family was a great blessing tonight as they desired to hear from God at such a crucial time in their life. By the way, only God's Word can sooth a hurting soul. I reflected on several passages with them as I read John 14, Psalm 116, Ephesians 1:1-14, 2 Cor.5 and reminded them of the promises of God in His Word. Not only was I able to shepherd my deacons soul, but also his sisters, a grandson and a granddaughter. God's Word is sufficient!

3. Ministry of presence does mean something. I know as pastors our schedules are demanding and those pastors with large congregations it is difficult to do what I was able to do tonight. This is one reason I am writing and thanking God for the opportunity to shepherd this family, because not all senior pastors has this privilege.  Just being there tonight with the family I believe brought about a sense of peace, as I shared God's Word and prayed. I encourage pastors even if you do not know what to say or how to say it, just be there for the people God has entrusted to you.

4.Tonight ministered more to me than I did to them. As is so often the case, I go to minister to a family, but always leave being ministered to. My short time of knowing her brought me to a place of being in a room filled with her family and them testifying of a godly mother's life in the Lord. I was ministered to as I saw 95 years of God's grace in this woman's life coming to a close on this earth. I saw laying there a testimony of faith, perseverance, and the love of Christ for which God in His grace had given her. I believe tonight her testimony added, encouraged and strengthened my faith, as I pray it has her families for God's glory!

     Tonight reminded me again of the great privilege I have to shepherd God's flock. Just to spend 3 or 4 hours with a family sharing God's Word and to pray with them at the end of 95 years of God's grace in their mother's life was pure joy.