Day Trip To End A Long Week

I guess I must admit that my wife's right. I'm guilty of being too busy. It has been about a month since last posting, even with the new feature of post with your mobile. I'm guilty as charged but I'm not going to give up without a fight.

Since my last post after being heavily influence by my study of church ministry and being lead by the Holy Spirit too lead the church in 50 day of corporate prayer and fasting. God has impressed on me that it was time for a transition, starting with leadership. Process still in transition...keep you posted.

The fall season has been rough for me physically, especially during my heavily preaching schedule. God grace was surely sufficient with a few days rest I made it through.

Just wrapped up a special meeting where I was invited to my home church to serve as the noon day speaker. What a great privilege as well as challenge . First its always tough to go home. Second being the noon day in your own city. Third with a major time retrains that I've not faced in 24 years. Fourth is sharing the pulpit with a national evangelist named Reverend Clarence R. Morton. National Baptist Congress instructor, writer and speaker. It was great getting to hang out with my pastor as well as Dr. Morton.

Today I got up pretty early to wrap up things for this weekend service. Finished about 11am and loaded up the family and headed toward Kansas where my youngest son Zack is attending college too surprise him. I'm so proud of what God is doing in his life and for the young man he has grown to be.

Pray for our save travel back home and my strength as I stand tomorrow to declare God's Word at both 9am & 10:45am.

New Orleans

Today I'm away attending the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Leadership Conference in New Orleans, LA. It's strange just saying that after how devastating hurricane Katrina hit here I've not been since. I'm staying at the Hilton Riverside relaxing a few minutes before getting back to work in the executive lounge on the 29th floor over looking the river the water. The waters here has an amazing story, it hard to imagine just months ago the same water took lives and now as if nothing had every happen thing seem so normal.

That leads me to a thought after most national disasters there is much talk about recognizing the mass lost of life. Just looking from the outside in there seems to be a push to rebulid the city and move on. Humanly speaking it human nature but one would think that those how had love ones pass away without a trace would demand something.

I will try my best to atleast take a tour of the area that hasn't been rebuilt and would be great to see leaves. Better get back to work another short week.

away

Attending the 110th session of the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is always a trip filled with mix emotions because I know I need to be here but I don't want to be. Just like the song says 'I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock and road' that's how I feel I'm a little bit old school and a little bit new school.

That's my struggle with these meetings we seem to warp back into time. When I look around this convention my heart is grieved for the lack of young people. We must develop programs that will attract them and continue to build a bridge to our heritage. I noticed this year more than ever that this means something to the older generation that will be lost if it is not properly passed on to the next generation.

Now I think I've wrote myself into a corner and that there is something God has for us to do. I hear Jesus saying 'the harvest is pantiful but the labors are few.' there are times when I feel overwhelmed with a heart to do the things of God.

Let me wrap this up by sharing how good God is. I've been walking around the convention and there are people from the district calling me president. Who would have ever thought that God would use somebody like me in his service. Praise be to God!

Jena 6 September 20th

Today all across this nation, there will be rallies and protest for racial justice responding to events in Jena, Louisiana that has gripped the nations attention. I excited about the movement because I believe that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. I just concerned with the time that it has taken with all the technology that is out there it took so long for us to respond. Second how could we still have a 'whites only' anything and that people of any color would think that's proper. Future more the construction of nooses to be called a prank.



While American is the greatest Nation in the world there is still much we must work toward. Sadly, shamefully and sorrowfully we are still these yet to be United States. Pray much for the movement today that everything will be done for the glory and honor of God.

You Are My Ministry

I’m hanging out for the day in Dallas, TX serving and ministering to the love of my life Janice. It is an honor to just get away and just minister to her. As pastor sometimes [more than I am willing to admit right now] my priorities get crossed and I’m not the best husband in the world. Now I’ve come a long way with that because as a young inexperience preacher I thought that my calling was my top priority but I know now that no matter what call God has place on my life, no matter where He leads me, my first call is to be a husband and father. I guess with all that is going on in the religious world today with the well publicized ministry leader’s martial issues, it has further deepened my resolved to take time and devote time to my first ministry.

I was reading one of my good friends blog and I want to echo his sentiments about his church because he express the thoughts I have about Bethel it’s strange but yet it’s not because I think that it speaks of most churches in American that has made a commitment to become a healthy church. Here what HB Charles pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church says “I believe we are going in the right direction. But I know that we have a long way to go. And sometimes it seems like the progress of the church is two steps forward, three steps back. But be clear, none of these things change my mind and heart against the church. I believe in Jesus. Therefore, I believe in the church. I agree with the late Vance Havner, who used to say that you can't drown with your head above the water. And maybe that's the key. Maybe we need to be more inentional, strategic, diligent, passionate and focused on the supremacy of Jesus Christ. We should win people to Christ, not the church. And if I read my Bible right, a true devotion to Christ will result in participating membership in the church.”

I really don’t know what God has in store for Bethel but I sense it something huge. There is something on the horizon and I can’t wait to see what God is up to.

On My Home To See My Baby

It is always exciting to be looking to travel to a conference or convention but as Dorothy said in the Wiz 'there is no place like home!' Growing up we always went on one vacation (the GMWA) and I have always loved traveling. I pledged at age 10 that when I grew up I was going to get a job and travel. Stay in fancy hotel and enjoy a life of lesser. Well none of the thing have yet come true but I do travel. That was one of the things that I really enjoyed while working in corporate American. Now at 43 with so much travel behind me after about two day away I ready to get back home. Janice and I thought that after she closed the business down that she would be able to travel together but that hasn't happen just yet. I normally travel with her on her conferences (Ain't that something).

One other thing...does this make any sense? I was scheduled to leave Philly Thursday but due to a new assignment and the president's address I rescheduled my flight to Friday. That's pretty clear isn't it? I don't sleep due to a number of reason bad arrive at the airport early (for me). Here's the twist the only have me book half way home, after paying a travel change charge. Then tell me it will cost me 600.00 to get home. Crazy huh. Now let me rush to say I did not have to act unlike the Pastor because the young lady that was serving me was not having it. She was more upset than I was and after watching her I quickly relaxed. Favor just ain't fair!! After talking crazy to two different supervisors I had my boarding passes for my entire trip.

Well I on the plane waiting for take-off. My goal is to sleep between Philly and DFW. I really tried running on about 6 hours of sleep in 3 days. May have to get something to help me sleep.

Father, thank you for a wonderful day. Amen!

Just A Thought About A Fallen Brother

Today, I'm sitting in the Philadelphia convention center waiting to hear the annual address of Dr. William J. Shaw. President of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. Here's my thought why does God choose to take some through death early and leave others. Now don't get me wrong I know God is sovereign but it is just a verbal question that I had just minutes ago.

Last evening as we all ran into each other (meaning the original 'Sons of Thunder') in the lobby of the hotel it was like time rowed back and in the mist of the fun, fellowship and even the foolishness my mind turn to the late Rev. Ron C. Carter. Ron was the always in the middle of all the fun but more than that Ron was like everybody's big brother.

Salute Rev. Ron C. Carter.

Away But Still Running

As I stated in my last blog I'm in Philadelphia PA, I had thought that I would get some much needed rest but that hasn't happen just yet. With everything going on I have been greatly encourage by the meetings, the messages and the fellowship.

An added treat has been that my evening hours between services and meetings have been spent watching The Word Network (if you don't know what that is its preaching 24/7). And any who knows me knows that turns me on. I guest I just let the cat out of the bag...I'm staying up all night watching and dreaming. While there are many ministry that are questionable in doctrine and theology it is still exciting to see what ministries are doing. Many I'm familiar with through convention work or conferences. I feel a sense of being on the edge of doing some awesome thing in the Kingdom of God. Can't wait to see what God is going to do with the ministry that I'm blessed to be a servant to.

Some very interesting fact about Philly: sadly, sinfully and shamefully the state leads the nation in homicides 297 with a great number of them accruing among African American community. At the same time proudly and positively the Philly police academy graduated 127 caudate. Highlighted by a young brother who graduated and was interviewed and asked why he wanted to become a policeman. He said his father was killed and while going up he was shot nine times and if he could stop that from happening to one other kid it would be worth it.

Miss my wife (not away from her much, so I can't get home too soon). Plus it doesn't hurt that the sugarbabies are with her. Seriously walking around the convention center and seeing guys with their wives I makes me long for the day when it will be Janice and me.

Peace out!

Headed to Philly

Headed to Philly today for the National Baptist Convention. This should prove to be a interesting meeting because we are approaching an election year. So there will be a lot of movements by prospective candidates. There is an under current of younger more cutting edges pastors who could make positive impact on the out come of this election. It is amazing how God has preachers and leaders from across this country needing, desiring and longer for the same thing. What, you ask? A move of God! Something new, fresh and innovative.



I'm not alone! I'm not crazy! God does speak outside and in my case beyond the box! I believe that God is calling us to 'just do it'! We need his power and his guidance but he want us to do it. Without a move of God we will lose a generation possibly two that we can't afford especially in the Africa American community.



Now I know that this was real random but I started out writing one thing and ended up somewhere else. I'm hoping this plane is going to take soon.



Talk to you from Philly. I'm going to have to remember to taste a Philly cheese sandwich. I'll tell you about.

Salute!!!

Just a simple salute to three people who have gone on to be with the Lord, Mrs. Gloria E. Kelley, Rev. Frank O. Kelley (Her husband) & Gerald Fisher. Three of my closest friends have graduated from the temporary to the eternal. God is so gracious and loving even when you don’t understand everything He is doing. My life has been made richer because he has allowed my life to cross with three of his special children.

My prayers go out to their families, Frank and Gloria’s daughters and Gerald’s wife and sons. See ya in the morning.

Rollocoastor Oh, Yeah

Rollocoastor Oh, Yeah! That's how the last few month have been for me personally. The highs and the low keep coming but its the rush between the two that causes me the most devastation.

With the passing of some close friends Gloria & Frank Kelley and Gerald Fisher two in the last week. My mother is working on her third week in the hospital. The pressures of just trying to be a godly husband, father pastor and leader. And a whole lot of other things that I will not take up space to even mention.

This has not only been a season of lows but because God is good all the time and all the time God is good we've experience some of the highest of high. We celebrated a milestone with our 21st wedding anniversary. Our youngest son received a scholarship and is on his way to Kansas. We took the sugarbabies to Sea World. BethelKIDZ was very successful. We unveiled the exterior and interior of our new church. The church is growing, I sense something in the resistance of certain people who I know aren't with us and it pushes me to believe that God is about to so something special. I believe in God no matter what.

My prayer is that I may continue to mature in my relationship with God through Jesus to go through the miserable middles of life as handled the rollocoastors of life.

Let me explain my post about my first time. I t was my first time to post a blog via my pocket PC. Cool huh

On My Way Home

It is 5:45am and I've had only about an hour and a half sleep because of a very early flight. As I put my suit on this morning it was a little different because the last two days I just hung out with the children. It has been a blessing because it allowed me a few days to simply relax my mind. Mentally it has been a rough time. While I have a number of physical challenges, at this season in life it’s very difficult for me to just find time to just not relax. This was just what I needed.

As the old saying goes 'all good thing must come to an end.' As I put my suit on I knew I was headed back to every responsibility that comes along with being the pastor of a church. One of the most unpleasant duties of pastorate is leading families through the funeral process. It is even heavier when you find yourself to everything. I headed back to face just that be comfort while grieving yourself.

Today is 'bitter sweet' with everything going on Janice and I will celebrate our 21 anniversary. Guess we're legal. As I kissed her this morning at 4AM headed to the airport in San Antonio TX. She promises that she'll be home before it's over (likely story.)

Well its boarding time. Peace.

This is my first time!

It is officially summertime!

It is officially summertime! Summer, Summer, Summertime, time to sit back and unwind – sorry lyrics from one of my favorite D.J. Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) song. Sunday afternoons are great when we’re not scheduled to be in service. After working so hard to make sure everything is done with a spirit of excellence and after a week long of studying and cramming for the message. Praying that you’re able to deliver the in the fashion that it was received from the original author. Just wanting to do a good job in your exposition of the text and allow the Holy Spirit to do what He wants to do with the message. I try not to but it’s hard not to rehearse everything but most Sunday evening until movie time…I’m asking myself what could I’ve done better in my presentation of God’s Word. There are so many challenges that most member who sit in the pews will never know. First, the pastor is always the pastor but he has to separate himself enough to worship God in church [I’m praying that I can get better at that. Not allowing everything to hinder my worship.] Second, no matter how long you’ve been preaching there is always a sense of nerves. Early in ministry you’re nerves because of crowds and always the Word because of a lack of confidence. After you’ve been in the ministry a while the nerves don’t leave they just moves from worry about the crowd to worry about am in line with God’s Word and am I pleasing Him.

We’ll the “Sugababies” are here but I want to share one more thing. Last night I attended my 25th High School Class Reunion and I actually enjoyed myself. Janice and I attended it started out really uncomfortable because there is one thing I’m really not good at and that remembering people. If I’m forced to I will get it repetition but it had been 25 year and people were expecting me to know them and it just wasn’t happening. Now everyone that was apart of the Waltz Way family [all the kids that grew up and played together], it was easy to spot them. What I was really impressed with was that being a 98% white all through school I probably didn’t give them a chance to get to know me because of my preconceived ideas or my predisposition to think all white people was prejudiced. I’m not really sure what happened maybe we’ve all grew especially me. I had friends who would date some of the white girls but I never did. I was simple the athlete and I had few white male friends but I normally just stuck to my own. I was talking to a classmate of my name “Nancy” who said she never cherished any of the thinks from high school because the time was so bad for her. I really felt what she was sharing because has it not been for Janice I’m not really sure how things would have ended up. She has always been there for me and I owe here so, so much.

I know it’s a lot of rambling and when I do that I simple don’t post it. I spend more time fixing it but I’m too tired this evening. I’ve been working ever since I got hope and I’m about to spend sometime relaxing and loving on my some “Sugababbies!”

I'M STILL STANDING

Today, we celebrated another year on leading the Greater Bethel Church. My prayer for today was simply that with all of the excitement surrounding the celebration that we would not lose sight of God. Well as always God answered came through. We were blessed by Grammy nominated psalmist Pastor Beverly Crawford (Simply Bad). One of my favorite singers of all time. Second, my childhood pastor Dr. J A Reed Jr came through and wrecked the house (that's preacher talk for doing a great job). I thank God for him and all that he has meant to my life, family and ministry. Accompanied by his wife Dr. Patricia Reed, who has been a great supporter of everything we've ever attempted as well as a consistent intercessor for Janice and I.

There is much work to be done. God has so much that He wants to do for us, in us and through us. I know that God will see us through and I can't wait to see the beginning of the vision. I say the beginning because I know that this is God's plan and purpose this bigger than just me. Right now God is preparing his next leader who will continue his work. I'm privilege to lead His people and in spite of the most difficult times and days of pastoring. God could have chosen any one but I thank God He has smiled on me.

What a grand opportunity to declare God's Word! To speak in to the lives of people week after week. To declare God's power, purpose and pleasure.

God is surrounding us with some spiritual people who understand leadership. This makes pastoring a pleasure and a challenge. Eyes have not seen nor ears heard the great things God have prepared for us.

Away For A Few Days

Some days I wake-up with what feels like the weight of the world on my chest. Not knowing why I feel what I feel, just nervous and uneasy I have to fight my way through what I know is an attack of the enemy. I have to constantly remind myself that nothing will happen today that God cannot handle. I often wonder how people who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ make it through life without the bless assurance that those of us who are save have. My heart goes out to those individuals and fuels my passion to see people come into the saving knowledge of how Christ died for our sins and rose on the third day morning. This along with the fact that the Lord Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for me gives me the strength and the determination to keep moving on

Today, I have a break in schedule during the EK Bailey Expository Preaching Conference hosted by EK Bailey Ministries here in Dallas, TX. This is my 12th year attending and let me quickly say “God is awesome!” He has used this conference to solidify the importance of prayer [not that I didn’t know that prayer was important] but God has been revealing a lack of genuine spiritual growth in our church family. As the spiritual leader I have questioned what could I do differently but I realize that it is not about sermons or lessons it about moving people into to a deep relationship with God through intimate communion in prayer. It has been for a lack of better term ‘enlightening’. I have my work cut out for me when I get home trying to assimilate everything and began this never ending journey of teaching people to live life, to live more abundantly and live on purpose.

My ‘Good Thang’ is with me and that make all the difference in the world in traveling. We’ve been so very busy that it’s been really hard to try to spend some quality time together. This has been a great two days with all the sessions, we’ve found time to share some special moments. In my maturing in ministry my goal is to learn how to relax and be more of a husband, father and grandfather. Entering into ministry as a boy plus being a bit of a workaholic doesn’t make for a good thing. I thank God for my wife and family who have continued to love me but there is a thin line between love and hate.

I was very proud of my ‘Jan’ she hates when I call her that this past Sunday as she stood to speak at the Tabernacle Baptist Church during thier Women's Annual Day. She was awesome as my childhood pastor would say. She is becoming more and more conformable doing what I feel but she denies is her destiny. God has his hand on her life but she’s fight him all the way but I think that what God desires most those who don’t want to go. Some people desire the lime light or the spot light and all God wants is those who desire The LIGHT! Continue to pray for her obedience to God.

This weekend will be the close of our 15th Anniversary Celebration of Pastoral Ministry. I don’t think I’ll ever get use to the fuss [the good or the bad] that come along with this. I know that it is God’s Will but it’s tough because the enemy is always busy. I’m always humble that the church would take out the time but I’m always glad when it is over. I do always enjoy having one of my bestest friends Rev. Raclius Douglas and my pastor Dr. J. A. Reed Jr. to come through the Bethel Church.

Looking forward to the rest of the conference we’ll worship this evening at the Concord Church where my friend Pastor Bryan Carter serves as Senior Pastor. We had a chance to go out lunch and I appreciate him and his wife Stephanie taking the time out of their busy schedules to be kind to Janice and me. Oh, yea I most forgot Rev. Vance Roland and his wife Bev are here with us, we’ve been good for each other.

The maids knocking on the door so I better get going. Later

Today Was A Good Day!

Let me quickly say because I’m a few days late. Happy Birthday to Janell! Janell is my oldest granddaughter and she turned 3 the other day. She is truly a blessing. She has been attending summer camp with the other children because her Sugar-mama is the teacher. She has master most of the camp memory requirements while being one the youngest attending. I’m a very proud Papa!

Today was a good day [to borrow a line for the hip hop generation]. First, got a chance to get to some very needed honey do’s around the house. We made it a sort of family affair everybody pitched in. Second, Janice and I cook, she handled the kitchen and I did a pretty good job holding down the grill, If I have to say so myself. Third, we had some extended family over and watch a great movie “Pride” a must see.

Well, better rap things up. Got a busy day tomorrow, funny thing is after a day off you work harder the next. Janice took the opportunity to head south for the evening, she just call made it save, thank God. So, I’m turning it in, really tired. Looking forward to getting some must needed rest!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

It is raining like crazy! I’m not sure but it should be going on week two of rain. My yard may never dry out, we have our own little river. Water has been running from the back yard down the driveway all week long [Thank God He’s paying the bill for this time.] This weather is taking its toll on my body my knees and my back have been aching. I use to think that the older people was just making that stuff up but the older I get the more aches and pain I feel.

Since the convention it’s been non-stop. Got back in on Thursday taught ‘Girlfriends’ our church’s Women’s Ministry on Saturday, Sunday morning continued teaching our small groups in a joint Bible Study [please be in prayer for that transition] then preached twice Sunday. Normally, I try to save some when I know I have to do an afternoon service but between Bible Study and that first message I almost didn’t make it. But the St. John Church of Brooksville, OK has always been kind to me. I’ve been preaching there a long time and the strange thing is I always look forward to going. Most time if I’m invited more than two or three time it becomes like a chore. This year was Pastor Lee Oliver and First Lady Katharine Oliver’s 30th Anniversary. We took off Wednesday and Thursday we traveled to Chandler, OK about an hour in the other direction to the Central Baptist Church for the 30th Anniversary of Pastor James Reed and First Lady Linda Reed an outstanding couple as well. Pastor James Reed is my big brother in the ministry he has known me for most of my life. I’m honored each year to stand in his pulpit. I pray that God would bless Janice and I to serve long.

I thank God for the church. They will never know how it makes me feel when I walk in a church and make my way to the pulpit and see the faces of faithful followers. It means the world to me. It’s encouraging, strengthen and inspiring. We’re growing! I see that, God has done some refocusing of my eyes I’m not look numerically as much as spiritually now! I really believe that God promised me numbers but now he’s counting on me to equip them. I’m committed to do my part in the development of people who desire to grow. For along time I was preaching and waiting, preaching and waiting but now I see some movement. People are beginning to see God’s vision and we’re going to become a healthy body of believers.

Bethel CommUnity is making some huge step to becoming reality. I was sharing with someone that you can be praying for something and when God does it [when it’s a God thing]. It forces you to have to pray even harder. We’ve been praying for God to move the project, now that all the professionals we’ve hired are on the job, now we need money. Bills are coming in seemly everyday. Now our prayer is Lord provide rather than Lord push. This is an exciting time and I’m looking forward to unveiling everything to the church. It’s going to be awesome!

Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day is always like a family reunion in the Gaddis family. Well, most holidays are because for the most part [with the exception of Christmas] we all gather at dad’s house. Father’s Day is special because Dana, Brent, Mike, Dad and I are under the same roof, we share a bond that isn’t shared in a many families we’re tight. We’ve always been! We were taught that family is important and we should have each others back. Even as boys we could fight like dogs [as my mother would say] but by the end of the day we were brother. Now that we have families of our own and have been blessed to be pretty successful in our respective occupations, we don’t get the chance to see each others as much as we should but one thing is certain when we get together stories will flow and it always seems like all the years disappear and we’re all kids again.

Oh, yea don’t want to forget to tell you that after we said our good-byes and I made it home [sounds like a long way but it’s really only four houses down the street] my children brought gifts. Every year about a week before Father’s day I get the same question “Daddy, what do you want for father’s day?” To which I give the same answers “I want you to fall in love with God and His Church!” They think always think I’m playing around but that is my prayer for my children, grandchildren and when I’m blessed my great, great grandchildren. Now I’m not in any hurry for the great, greats but you get the point. Anyhow they share thoughtful gifts with me and I’m still praying about the one gift that I really want 365 days a year.

I’m writing this from my hotel room in St. Louis, while attending the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. This will be a very important trip for two reason first I will try my best to get in as much preaching and teaching as I can by some of this nation’s greatest communicators. Reason two when I walk through the exhibits hall this year I will not only be looking for that fabulous dress to surprise the First Lady with but I will be shopping for our new church building. For years now I’ve walked through and window-shopped but this year I’m buying or at least seriously talking to vendor.

On the flight down I began to write down our vision for building to share with the architect so that the team would not see this project as just another building but the most important space our church has here-to ever considered constructing. A place where spiritual connections will be made, where souls will be nourished, and a place where the saving message of Jesus Christ will be spoken, it’s not just a church it’s a community. I may have just written our construction commercial blitz piece.

My head is spinning and my emotions are simply out of control. One moment I’m extremely excited about the future and the next I’m deadly scared of failure. I believe that our best days are ahead of us and I’m privileged to pastor one of the greatest churches in the world [In Jesus’ Name]! Pray that I will continue to look up to God and not look around at people. Pray that my faith will grow strong. Good Night!

Sure Isn't Like Riding A Bike

It's Monday and rather than resting and taking a day off. I'm at summer camp teaching. You never stop growing or learning. I've become accustom to teaching adults but teaching children sure isn't like riding a bike. See, I use too be the children pastor many, many moons ago at the Fairview Church. But after nearly 20 years I've certainly changed and the children today certainly have. I studied and prepared to share a study on "Trust In God," in chapel that would go along with our Bible course that is taught on Thursdays. Afterwards, I really didn't feel that I did a very good job but I'm trusting that God will continue to work. I think my problem was the level of my lesson more than anything else. We have really bright group of children this year that God has bless us to have an awesome opportunity and we really want to be a good steward over the young lives that he's placed in our hands this summer.

Join me in prayer for what God wants to do in and through this summer camp experience for the children. Prayer for our staff as well as our volunteers that they're service will be as unto the Lord. Two very important things: first in every child in that camp regardless of the home they come from need someone to speak and impart godly encouragement. Second love makes all the difference in the world, we get a chance to love them with the love of God.

Now Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is LOVE! Please join me in prayer.

Busy Time and It’s Just Getting Started

We just finished our first week of BethelKIDZ Summer Camp. Praise God from whom all blessing flow. This is our first year to do five days a week for 9 weeks [1 down and 8 to go.] We had a great group of volunteers and the staff handled things wonderfully. Glenda is a God-sent. She’s retired and could be sitting at home but she has been a jewel in as our campus coordinator. The children are very excited and are soaking up things really, really fast.

Attended the State Congress of Christian Education Monday – Wednesday, was encouraged by the meeting. The Pastoral class was very different than normal; it was open dialog, which allowed for a more helpful discussion. In the past we’ve only sat and listen to one point of view and all types of ministry style were simply not touched. Not sure who to give the credit to but well done congress staff.

Didn’t stay for the entire week for several reason but one was getting back to work on a few project that still need personal attention. After driving back I decided not to preach Wednesday evening which is my custom on the first Wednesday after the first Sunday then celebrate Holy Communion. I’m going to blame Janice for pushing me into preaching by saying that people were going to drive our over $3.25 gas and they needed to hear the Word. Well, anybody who knows me understands that I didn’t need much persuading. The Lord blessed His Word and sustained my tired body and birthed a series of sermon from Ephesians 4.

Tonight I was given the privilege to speak at a community forum. It was exciting and encouraging to see so many of our elected official, pastor and other civil organization present. I love my community and am willing to help where ever I’m needed. Some how I’ve been secretly appoint to lead this [not really secretly they just didn’t ask me I was just told that I would give the closing statement and the next day I’m the Chair], I know my Pastor had something to do with that. Only thing that is troubling is that God hasn’t really been clear on what He has plan with this community piece. So pray for me that I might know God will for this.

In a few hours Janice and I will have to both teach, she will teach Girlfriends while share with the Antioch Full Gospel Church and minister in a men’s luncheon. Janice is developing into a great teacher and will do a wonderful job of teaching. I’m really not sure what I’ll minister in the morning but I’m trusting God to lead and guide me.

Continue to pray for my health, haven’t felt this good in several months. My breathing has caused me to not be able to work out like I need to but I’ve been back for the last three weeks. Pray for my patience I’m struggling not to stress about how the Building funds, plans and other last minute things are dragging. I know God is in control and I know I’m probably the biggest hold up because He’s trying to teach me a lesson.

Last bit of new we’ve just finalized Beverly Crawford my all time favorite singing to come and minister during our 15th Anniversary Celebration. Now that’s doing church beyond the box! I’m most looking forward to the new idea that the committee came up with for a First Lady Luncheon. That makes me Happy! Nobody knows how much she put and pushes for the ministry. I don’t know personally another First Lady who is sold out for ministry like Janice. I often tell her I’m glad she’s on my team. She’s my girl.

Happy Birthday Saniyah

As usually I had a very busy weekend. After about 3 ½ hour of sleep, my day started with a 2 hour ride to a funeral service for the brother of one of the deacons in the church, they are a great family and have been tremendous supporters to the ministry. I was glad that Janice and I were able to be there for them. On my way back realized that I still had two more services to attend before the evening was over along with a very special birthday.

By the time we made it back it was time for our granddaughter Saniyah Raye’s first birthday [she is growing up fast and is beautiful]. Saniyah turned one on the 14th of April and with all my grandchildren [three in total] I always splurge for the party, that’s the least I can do. I’m blessed to see them everyday and they spend a great part of the day at the office with me. As I thought about how fast this year has gone by, a lot has happen…
· We purchased 25 acres of land to build a new church
· Zack [youngest son] is a senior in high school about to graduate
· Zack won state in basketball and choir
· Dee [youngest daughter] broke her collar bone in a basketball game
· Tiff [oldest daughter] moved out on her own
· Hornets [NBA basketball team on loan from New Orleans] have come and gone
· Bond program getting ready to hit the market for over two million dollars
· Celebrated the Home-going of two faithful women of God Erma Jean Hill & Delia Perry
· Saniyah crawled, walked and is now running, saying words and laughing

After the party I got a chance to spend some time with Saniyah [Sharonda brought her new pictures] before having to rush off to church. As the evening began to close as my custom is I began to turn my attention toward Sunday morning. As Ed Young Jr. says “it’s all about Sunday Morning, dummy!” The last thing I do on Saturday is to begin to visualize everything, and then I pray and ask God to have His way.

Sunday, we met for prayer as we do each Sunday praying for each other, our study, our service and soul. We’ve continued our study on ‘discovering our ministry’ in our small group experience. During our morning experience we began a new series called “Extreme, Home Makeover!” I felt real good about service after the Easter and Revival hang-over. At the end of the service a young man came to give his life to Christ, I took the opportunity to lead him to Christ personally.

Janice and I grabbed some lunch in the office and changed for another service, the close of the 63rd Simultaneous Revival at 3:00. By the end of this service we are completely exhausted. We had planned to spend the evening watching some new movies but the wrappers didn’t even get broke. We ended up just finding a comfortable place and just relaxed. Our grandchildren came by and as usual we found some energy to play and spoil them.

The plan is for us to work this week to wrap up Easter, the Revival and evaluate everything for next year’s planning. I’ll have to devote a lot of my week trying to get the CPA done, so that we can get our bond program off the ground and finalize our summer program. So I’m signing-off for now – to prepare to spend some time with the First-Lady!

It's Been Too Long!

I didn't know how long it has been. I had promised and promised myself that I was going to get back to my blog but like most things I just kept putting things off. Well, I was about to say tonight but I guess it is early morning. My mind is spinning with all the messages I've hear this week during the City-Wide revival. It has been one of the best Oklahoma City has had and I've had fun hanging with my friends and making some new ones as well.

Our revival was attended very well, we're growing and coming along in our spiritual growth as a church. I'm very pleased with how we handled really only our second revival under my watch. Pastor Bryan L. Carter was our guest for the second year and He was simply awesome and that's just not preacher talk. Pastor Carter allowed the Lord to use him mightily, through him God shared some strong messages. Pastor Carter and I have become great friends over the years and I'm blessed to have him as a personal as well as a ministry friend.

Apart from the messages, one of the highlight is our evening meal that has become a regular thing. About three or four years ago Janice and I felt lead to open our home to some of our friends who come and share with our City during the revival. Janice along with some of the wonderful cooks at our church would put together a menu and we would open our home for a meal between night service and late night service. Now that we are actively involved in the revival we simple host it at the church. We have a great time of fellowship [nothing is mover comical than preacher telling their stories]. The ladies at the church did an outstanding job with a spirit of excellence that would make any pastor proud.

While most churches run their revival week Monday-Friday, I've concentrated on just three nights Tuesday-Thursday for two reason, number one with our time of Prayer, Fasting and Meditation, then Holy Week, Easter prep and Easter Celebration to do five night would be pushing it. Number two one of my dearest friends Pastor H B Charles Jr. who is one of God's best preachers runs the meeting at my home church and it give an opportunity to hear him and spend some special time with him. He is a gift to the body of Christ as well as to my ministry. His dad will forever hold a special place in my heart and memory because God used him unbeknown to him to answer in this same revival some question and remove some hurdles that I had some 24 years ago. It's strange that in all the conversations HB and I've had I don't think I've ever shared that with him. Ironically, HB's brother Pastor Kevin Willis is the spitting image of their father, was giving the late night sermon and my mind ran back to 1983 and what God had done. Kevin runs the meeting for the Tabitha Church where my friend Pastor Jeffery Mitchell is the pastor.

I've been blessed, the church has been blessed and I'm looking forward to those things that God will do with all that He has said.

Peace!