August, 2006 Return to: pastorob's current journal
Another day of
Holy Coincidence
is about to begin...
Thursday, August
31, 2006
Checking
my email at 5:30, I
was touched by a
thoughtful message
from my friend,
MacDonald Wreh.
I wrote him a note
which was heavily
influenced by last
night's Bible Study.
This is why I am
committed to small
group fellowship,
study, and
discussion. I was
happy to have the
Word on the tip of
my tongue (and ready
with my fingertips
on the keypad).
Another source of
information was in
my email:
a website which has
transcriptions of
many books.
I started reading
the autobiography of
Booker T. Washington
(click
here). This site
also has an
autobiography by
Benjamin Franklin
and several other
books of particular
interest to me.
This morning,
Jebby
and I are planning
to take a
VisionWalk.
Yesterday, he
received a
full-fidelity audio
CD of the songs we
recorded with Greg
Brayton. So, today,
we'll probably talk
more about who
played what on each
piece (click
here).
I added the lyrics
to all four songs,
so go ahead, take
another look (click
here).
I also have a
meeting with
Christene
Santillan
today (about the
Backyard Bunch).
Tonight, we have
Band Practice, so
I'll need to choose
the songs for Sunday
morning. Since,
Alex and
Carly Cuevas
are being
baptized this
Sunday, I have
received some
suggestions for
special music.
I'm starting to look
at the photos that
were taken in
Liberia while
Pastor Hendon
was there.
Many of his photos
are
of the participants
at the
Leadership
Conference.
However, there's
nothing quite the
same as seeing
children in their
Sunday best. I enjoy
looking at every
single face and
considering the
privilege we have
had of investing in
their lives.
Pastor Hendon
will be with
us on Sunday evening
at 6 p.m. for Q. and A. (click
here
for directions)
Wednesday, August
30, 2006
It feels good to
wake up in our own
bed this morning.
A long, rewarding
day ahead of me, I
hope...
I went out to
SaveMart to
replenish staples at
the homestead (milk,
bread, cereal, lunch
meat). I also
stopped by Cafe
Latte' for the best
cup of French Roast
in the states
(believe me, I've
been through many of
them in the last two
weeks).
Kendra and
Brad Graef
were at the Coffee
Shop (before their
classes at Galt High
School). Kendra is
part of a thriving
Bible Study that is
meeting there before
school. I told her
that
Aimee
led one on Thursdays
last year.
Kendra
was filling
in for Jerry at
Togo's but
apparently there has
been some 'drama'
there.
Brad
told me that he is
starting there on
Thursday and will
work on Jerry's
Crew.
I told them that
Jerry
had just read
'How to Win Friends
and Influence
People' and
that he wanted to
make Togo's a fun
place to work.
Both teens
immediately perked
up, named the
author, and said
that they had read
it too.
Mr. Hegner
(a middle-school
teacher) was there
listening in... He
seemed as surprised
as I that these
teens were aware of
that old book. Brad
said, "My Dad wanted
me to read it."
His Dad is Eric... I
hope he comes to
Bible Study tonight.
Don't you, Glenn?
Aimee
has moved to
Riverside to attend
CBU. Aimee has been
praying about
attending this
particular school
(California Baptist
University) for
several years. I am
happy that she is
actually down there
now. Here is a link
to her myspace.
(click on photo)
I'd sure like to see
some of the
indigenous Galtonians today. I
will check to see if
Hugh and
Eula are
still opening their
home for Bible Study
at 11:00 a.m.
If
you're interested in
coming, please call
me at
(209) 323-0727
and I will give you
directions.
Otherwise, we hope
to see you tonight
at the
Greene's Home
Fellowship
(at 7:00).
Again, call me if
you need directions.
Here is a slide show
of
Pastor Hendon's
recent trip to
Liberia. Most of
these shots are from
the Leadership
Conference. Click on
any of the photos to
see an enlargement.
You can continue
watching the large
photo slideshow on
the 'hosting page'.
Pastor Hendon will be with us on Sunday night (6:00) to tell us about his mission trip.
Tuesday, August
29, 2006
We
decided to take
turns driving (and
sleeping) as we
drive straight
through from St.
Louis, Missouri to
Galt, California.
Lord willing, we
shall return to
Galt sometime this
afternoon.
Yesterday, we 'watched' a DVD
(The School of Rock) and
then stopped in
Cheyenne, Wyoming for
supper.
Cathy has
been reading aloud a
couple different books
as we drive. We
checked out an old
classic from the
Coldwater Public
Library.
Recommended to
Jerry by
Stephanie Stevenson,
the dated book on 'winning
friends and
influencing people'
is quite insightful.
The other reading
has been a small
book about
Teamwork
by
John Maxwell.
We also
intermittently
listen to the CD
recording of the
songs
produced
during this trip.
There is great
intrinsic reward for
me with this
particular project.
We have
Jebby, Jamie, Josh,
and
Greg
all playing together
on "By the Grace of
God."
click
here for that song
(and three others)
I put in
the old CD of "To
the Ends of the
Earth" last night.
That compilation of
18 songs provided a
channel for some
deep thought and
brainstorming for my
return to Galt.
Last
night we also bought
two books on
cassette tapes at
bargain prices:
Making Peace with
Your Past (6
hours) $6.99
Harold Bloomfield, M.D. I don't know
anything about this
author but figure
that it will be
interesting.
The Life God Blesses
(3 hours)
$2.50
Jim Cymbala This books starts
with a personal
story that connects
with an important
time in our
ministry.
Those
works should provide
some
thought-provoking
passage-of-miles for
the remainder of the
trip. Interacting
with books tends to
allow the Holy
Spirit ample
opportunity to bring
me to repentance.
For that, I give Him
thanks...right
here...right now.
Monday, August
28, 2006
Saturday Night's priceline-purchased
stay at the
3-star Nashville Raddison
was wonderful. We
had wireless in the
room, and a
vigorously-pulsating
jacuzzi near the
Fitness Center.
I always ask people
to visit other
churches when they
are on-the-road. So,
we were up early
enough to drive off
the path to
Murfreesboro for
church. On the way, I called
Al Warren,
Mike McCall,
and
Mike Harlan.
With the timezone
difference taken
into account, I knew
all three men would
be up in preparation
for their ministries
at fbcgalt.
Al told me that our
dear deacon,
Jim Fugate,
was facing some
challenges caring
for his beloved
bride, Doris. As
usual, he would be
the first one at the
site to open doors,
but was planning to
head home as soon as
he could. So, I had
a chance to call and
speak with Jim too.
He was so happy to
hear that we made it
to the Oakland High
School where
Rodney and
Gayla Edwards
minister as core
members of
the Church at Cross
Point.
Yes, we
made it to
Gayla's
Sunday School class.
The class had
several college-age
students because the
church maintains an
office at Tennessee
State University.
They have a coffee
house ministry in
the same building on
campus. They call
the place
Bonhoffer's
(with band
showcases and other
outreach events).
After Sunday
School, we went into
the theatre
auditorium for the
Worship Service.
They had a youthful
band who played
quite well, so I
really enjoyed
learning some new
songs and singing
some of 'the oldies'
from the earliest
years of this millennium.
Pastor Ron Gleaves
preached the fifth
in a series of
messages on the
fruit of the Holy
Spirit. He focused
upon
Kindness
in that helpful
message.
Rodney invited
us to share table
fellowship after
church, so we hung
around and met other
key people while
Rodney was 'tearing
down'. I gleaned
certain materials
from their greeting
area (much like last
Sunday's delightful
visit to Spring
Arbor Free Methodist
Church).
We went to a
sandwich shop
afterwards, and set
up a really lon
g
table together. We
had enough room for
Rodney, Gayla,
their daughter
Elizabeth,
Cathy, Jerry
(his turtle,
Squirt), me,
Pastor Ron,
his wife, Sheila
and the pks,
Cara, Emily, and
Joshua.
(click on
photo to enlarge)
Enjoying the
fellowship so much,
we stayed until
mid-afternoon. We
reached St. Louis,
Missouri--passed the
inner-city arch--and
stopped near the
airport to check
priceline.com for a
room. I decided to
try for another
3-star hotel. I bid
$45 and it was
accepted by the
Airport Hilton (a
very nice place).
Since we had made
time to get to know
the Edwards
and
the Gleaves,
we hadn't traveled
all that long but
were tired so it was
nice to be at our
hotel in time to
enjoy the amenities
(a jacuzzi and
pool). Jerry has
enjoyed going to the
24-hour fitness
rooms during our
travels.
He works
out from 1 to 3 a.m.
and then sleeps in
the back of the Rendevous during
much of the road
trip. Of course,
Jerry didn't want to
leave Squirt out in
the car, so he
prepared a place for
him to sleep.
Again, we found free
wireless at this
hotel so I was able
to check my email.
Eli Tavarez
(from
Springport, MI)
wrote in and
reported upon their
Sunday message. As
my other friends
write me from around
the country, I will
compile one
statement about what
the Spirit was
saying to the
churches yesterday.
If you haven't heard
them yet, please
listen to one of our
Four New Songs
(click
here)
I had a chance to
speak with
Christene
Santillan
yesterday. She
reported that the
Backyard Bunch
Kick-Off was very
wel-attended. Thirty
children showed up
for the opportunity
to get involved in
our next production:
The King of the
Jungle.
Sandy called to
check on us. I
called Doris after
her nap. If anyone
wants to call us
toay, the number is
209.323-0727.
We will be driving
through Missouri,
Nebraska, and Utah.
Pastor Hendon
called me
while we were
driving yester
day.
He says he has over
100 photos from his
trip to Liberia (but
didn't now how to
reduce them for
email). So, here is
a photo that Pastor
Wesley sent me this
morning. Pictured
here are some of the
participants from
the Leadership
Conference
displaying the
Certificate of
Achievement. (click
on the photo to
enlarge)
Well, the sun is up
now, so I will
arise, wake up the
post-modern pilgrims
(a term I learned
from Pastor Ron),
and we will hit the
road. Jerry wants to
put in sixteen hours
of travel time
today.
Sunday, August
27, 2006
I am preparing
my heart to truly
hear what the Spirit
is saying to the
church today.
We're planning to
attend Sunday School
and Worship
Service at "Church
at Cross Point"
in Murfreesboro,
Tennessee.
Yesterday, we
visited Cathy's Dad
(Jerry) and
brother (Dave)
in North Carolina.
Then, we started our
trip homeward to
California. Having
secured a room in
Nashville, we passed
Murfreesboro Road
and thought about
Rodney Edwards.
Before going to bed,
I wrote Rodney an
email.
He replied...and
now, we're heading
to his church for
Sunday School (9:30)
and Worship (10:45).
Here's their website: www.crosspointcares.org
I'm also asking Eli and Pam what their Pastor Mark covered in the message they receive(d) today? (and Eva, and Iona, and Jebby, and Angela, and Daniel, and Andy, and Mke, and well...anybody reading this, please write me with your findings).
Eva had a very special and personal experience with God recently. Click for her blog (August 25th)
Also, if you haven't heard the new songs yet, go to this entry:
Four New Songs (click here)
Some nice comments were left by other myspace visitors at that entry site yesterday.
May God bless all of us to hear Him in a life-changing way this morning.
Saturday, August 26,
2006
We spent the
night in Cincinnati and will be on
the road to North
Carolina during the
morning. However,
we will be available by
cell phone (Lord
Willing) 209.323-0727
(so...give us a call).
Here are mp3 copies of
four
songs 'completed' at
Greg Brayton's studio on
Friday afternoon:
I Will Say it Again
(click
here)
Remember, Joe wrote
this one from
Philippians 4:4, 8.
Unconditional Love
(click
here)
Yeah, I know...this
kinda sounds like another song. Btw,
I was one who was always
OK with Mrs. Lennon as
an artist. I used to
listen to 'Don't Worry,
Kyoko' on Live Peace in Toronto...and
I owned a copy of
'Grapefruit'...).
So,
if anyone else has a
problem, talk to Yoko,
OK?
Jebby emailed me two songs at
the front end of this
trip. In fact, I was
driving across Nevada
when I asked him to send
me something with which
to mess around. Greg
added some bass and more
guitars. Cathy, Greg and
I added some background
vocals (and of course,
Jerry did the drums).
I'll have to have get
permission from Jebby in
order to keep these
songs online.
For now, here you
are:
By the Grace of God
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©
Jebby,
2006
Near the end, my nephew Josh Wilson adds some wah-wah.
Then, Coldwater Legend, Jamie Bailey, comes in with some
leads (accompanied by Greg). Enjoy.
Holding Back
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©
Jebby,
2006
Friday, August 25,
2006
We made it
back to homebase in
Coldwater by 9:00 last
night. I had an email waiting from my
Ohio cousin,
Jim Cook.
Jim is another guy my
age who appreciates the
music of Randy Stonehill
and Phil Keaggy.
That's how he came
across this journal
yesterday.
Someday,
I'll share a photo of
Jim and Old Henry.
awat
Unfortunately, it
doesn't look like we'll
get a chance to stop in
Ohio because we have to
make it to North
Carolina by Saturday.
We're leaving shortly
after the recording
session today.
My cell phone worked on
the road today, so I
returned a call from
Mike in
Midland, Texas. He is
from that cool church
called
Stonegate
Fellowship. Stonegate is
sending a mission team
to Liberia in November.
He called to get some
feel for the state of
the nation and ministry
ideas because they were
having a preparatory
meeting last night.
Well, I talked to Mike
for about 30 miles.
Cathy was navigating
because my mind was in
Liberia...the steering
and gas must have been
on automatic pilot.
I was so excited to hear
that
Mike Elkins is
planning on being part
of the team. He was the
videographer and
uploaded materials to
the web in their July
trip to Uganda and
Sudan.
If you have time
(and high-speed
connection),
please invest yourself
today:
. . . meet Mike as he looked into the lens and spoke:
click here
...and here's much
more of Mike's work from
Stonegate's July, 2006 Mission
Trip:
click here
I also spoke with
Mike Harlan
about his sermon for
this Sunday morning at
the Epicenter.
He has been meditating
upon
Isaiah 42 and
43 (thinking about the plumbline). So, I'll be
preparing my heart to
intercede for this
special brother as he
prepares to step into
the pulpit. We will be
enroute to California on
Sunday morning, so we
will find a church to
attend on the way.
I also spok
e with
Jebby on
the road last night. I
told him that we
recorded the drums for
two of his songs. He
told us to add whatever
we desire. Cathy woke me
up around midnight to
speak with me. Since we
couldn't get back to
sleep, I pulled out the
laptop and listened to
Jebby's songs a few
times through. Now, I
have some ideas to try
out.
Yesterday's visit with
Nan and Eugene
was delightful. We
hadn't seen them in
eleven years. On the day
trip, we also had a
chance to meet
Jerry's
girlfriend,
Chelsea
(and her Dad, Grandma,
and Grandpa). They were
all really kind to us.
Well, we're off to the
studio. Write me and
I'll answer from the
road:
pastorob@gmail.com
Thursday, August 24,
2006
Yesterday's
recording session went
well. Greg recorded
one guitar and Jerry
performed on the drums for
these four songs:Unconditional Love
I Will Say It Again
Holding Back, and
By the Grace of God (jebby)
It was fun to have Cathy in the studio with me again after all these years. We both love to be around Greg Brayton when he plays the guitar. While he's working, we often make eye contact with each other, smile, and intercede on his behalf. In the studio, we experience a deep sense of contentment and joy. Those special moments are being preserved and will be shared with others for years to come.
This morning, we are driving two hours northeast to Holly, Michigan so that Jerry can meet up with a California girl, Chelsea, who is visiting her Grandma.
After we drop Jerry off, we will drive another 45 minutes to have lunch with Nan and Eugene Bragg (in Livonia). After our visit, we will drive back to Holly, pick up Jerry and return to Coldwater for the night.
On Friday, we're scheduled at the studio to finish the four songs. Jamie Bailey, (a friend of my older brother) came by to see my Dad yesterday. Jamie is a gifted guitarist. He used to be in a band with my brother when they were teens. I invited him into the studio for Friday's session.
I spoke with Cathy's brother, Dave, and her Dad. We've made arrangements to visit them in North Carolina on Saturday. Then we will begin our three-day trek westward to California.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
It is 7:45 a.m. on a brisk Michigan morning. I'm sitting in the parking lot of the Coldwater Public Library tapping into the free wireless connection to the uttermost ends of the earth.
This morning we are scheduled to record at Greg Brayton's studio in Coldwater, Michigan. Greg arranged for an acoustic drum set to be set up on Tuesday evening. Jerry brought his snare, cymbals, and double pedal. Hopefully the morning session will go well. I'd like to record Joe's song (I Will Say it Again).
I'm not certain what else we will attempt (maybe my Gospel version of All You Need is ...) or an arrangement of these favored hymns:
Bring Ye All Your Tithes into the Storehouse
I Love to Tell the Story
Jebby emailed me mp3 copies of a couple songs for Greg and Jerry to embellish. I transcribed them but haven't spent much time with either piece yet. At this point, I'm not certain what we would do with them. I like the idea of getting Jebby and Greg together again (though they have never met each other). lol
Yesterday,
Randy Stonehill approved
my ADD request on
myspace. Based on the
pics, I think that this
is an authent
ic
Randy profile (or more
likely
Sandi).
There's a shot of them
together on an Alaskan
Cruise.
They have
Phil Keaggy
and
Ray
Ware listed
as friends too. I'm
happy that Veda and I
are no longer the oldest
people on myspace (again
with the
lol).
Lately, I've been
getting many requests to
add Christian musicians
as friends on myspace.
Unfortunately, I haven't
had the time to listen
to their songs--only to
quickly check their
profile before adding
them. Someday, I hope to
click through my friends
section and try to send
a note of encouragement
to each person.
Yesterday,
Pastor Hendon
called me to report
about his trip to
Liberia. He returned a
week early but felt that
his mission there had
been accomplished. I
conducted a brief
interview with him.
Here's what happened.
On the plane from
Brussels to Monrovia,
he met
Dr. Lincoln Brownell
(the President of the
Baptist Theological
Seminary in Liberia).
Pastor Hendon hadn't
remembered that one of
the testimonies on the
Liberian Ministries DVD
was that of Dr.
Brownell. When they
arrived at the airport,
Dr. Brownell took Pastor
Hendon through customs
without any hindrance.
My friends,
Deacon George Togbeh
and
Pastor Richard Wesley
met
Pastor Hendon
at the airport and took
him to the Wesley's
home. He stayed in the
same room that Joe
occupied during his 80
days there earlier this
year. It was very well
prepared with a bed and
a desk.
Pastor Hendon couldn't
sleep much while he was
there. The day after he
arrived, they went to
the sanctuary to begin
Day One of the
Leadership Conference.
He estimated that there
were one hundred pastors
in attendance. We will
know more when his
camera arrives because
they shot photographs of
each Conference
Participant with his
Certificate of
Achievement.
On Day One, after
a time of worship and
devotion by other
pastors, Pastor Hendon
covered the topic of
Pastoral
Responsibilities (in
both morning and
afternoon sessions).
He enjoyed having the
active participation of
an eager group of
leaders in a seminar
setting. The lunches
provided each day had
rice as the primary
ingredient with meat on
the side. Pastor Hendon
reported that the
portions were generous.
A benefit of having
less-than-anticipated
numbers was the ability
to provide financial
rewards to those who
worked hard to prepare
and serve the pastors
their meals.
After the Conference,
visitors would come by
the house to meet with
Pastors Wesley and
Hendon personally. These
intimate meetings
allowed for counsel and
prayer to take place.
Pastor Hendon was really
impressed by the spirit
of these people despite
the conditions they face
on a daily basis.
Day Two continued
with the topic of
Pastoral
Responsibilities but the
remainder of that day
and the following
included these doctrinal
studies:
1) Doctrine of Sin
2) Doctrine of Salvation
3) Doctrine of the
Church
He noted that there were
a number of different
theological backgrounds
represented but shared
directly from the
Bible--with an openness
for Questions, Answers,
and Discussion. Walls
came down and it was a
healthy environment for
serious investigation of
Biblical doctrines.
On Friday afternoon,
Pastor Hendon took some
of the Wesley children
shopping with him. He
asked them to choose
some grocery items for
that evening. The kids
chose cookies, ice
cream, and other
goodies. Pastor Hendon
laughed and said that he
filled them up with junk
food. They all sat on
the cement porch and
enjoyed the fellowship.
I was impressed by
Pastor's quick
remembrance of the
children's names.
Pastor Hendon spent some
time in Downtown
Monrovia and took those
with him to a
restaurant for Spaghetti
and Meatballs. He was
surprised that it was a
very expensive meal.
When asked, he acknowledged the
difficulty of discerning
certain statements in
the accent of Liberian
English. He regularly asked people
to slow down when they
spoke to him.
On the final day, he
shared the seminar
entitled:
"Who Exactly is the Holy Spirit?"
We had prepared a
Conference Booklet for
that session. Rodney
Edwards was in
attendance that day.
There's a photo of them
together on Rodney's
Trip Journal (click
here).
Later that day, a
wedding took place in
the sanctuary and Pastor
Hendon assisted. The
next day during the
Sunday morning service,
the groom was installed
as a deacon for the
Greater Love Bible
Baptist Church.
Pastor Hendon also
preached the Sunday
morning message:
A Ship, A Storm, and
A Solution (from Luke 18).
He said that the
sanctuary was full. Some
of the children from the
Children's Home has been
brought there too. A
photograph was taken of
the entire congregation.
He repeated what a great
time he had with these
people. They were very
enthusiastic and full of
life in their gathering
together.
He toured the building
where soon a Medical
Center will be
opened. As well, he
looked over the work
being done toward
building a school behind
the Church. and Clinic.
He didn't, however, have
a chance to visit the
Children's Home. He
hopes to be able to
someday return to
Liberia. Pastor Wesley
wrote that everyone
there truly enjoyed his
visit and hopes that he
will return.
On the way home, all
travelers to New York
from Belgium had to turn
in their cameras and
other items. So, Pastor
Hendon is waiting for
his camera and certain
African artifacts to be
returned to him.
We will publish a
special report when the
photographs become
available. Pastor Hendon
will be with us on the
first Sunday Evening in
September (at the 6 p.m.
service).
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
We woke up at 5:45 but are resting a bit longer before starting this day. I wrote some last night before bedtime. Those paragraphs are somewhere below...
Right now I think it is a good time to download some short-term memory. Sunday morning I asked God to speak to me clearly in the day's message. In order to truly hear the message God has for me this week, there is more involved than simply listening to the sermon and taking a few notes.
At the Welcome Table, I picked up a beautifully-crafted book which was used to cast a Vision for 2006. Our scout, Eli, described a process that Pastor Mark implemented in an effort to impart that vision to every person who attends their local church. He said that the pastor hosted five, consecutive weeknight dinners and asked each person to register for one of those events. He also preached a series of messages which included each mission statement and goal . For Eli, who accepted Pastor Mark's invitation to receive a Vision, the plan worked. Eli seems certain that he now knows where the church is 'visionally' and where they are headed 'missionally'.
Revelation:
Before leaving Springport, Eli gave us a personalized vision tour around his lake. He showed us an outlet of the lake on the northeast side, and a gravel road he put in which leads to a lot sown with white pine. That particular road leads to his retirement plans.
He took me across some thickets to see a Deer Blind which he had climbed and in which he 'lived' until he shot his first deer with a bow a few winters ago. He told the story with great passion and it is obviously marked as another significant milestone in his life.
Walking around to the northwest side of the lake, he showed us a spawning pond covered with a thick coating of leaves, twigs, and green slime. Yet, upon closer inspection, Eli interpreted the ecosystem. There is a bubbling spring which feeds that lake through the spawning pond. He insisted that we consider the bubbling up of crystal clear water and note the clarity before that water enters the pond. He also wanted us to note the flow of water entering the lake and said that the same amount leaves on the other side.
I experienced the power of revelation as shared and interpreted by the present-day steward of that property. Cathy and I are parenting together on a need-to-know basis. I told our scout about my prayer that morning.
We are taking note of the outcome of certain lives. I believe that I read in one of Paul's letters to consider the outcome of his life...
Other life-outcomes currently under consideration are those of Al and Shirley Dines. On Monday, the 'doing' of Sunday's Message continued. Cathy and I joined in with eighteen men and one lady at Alpha and Omega's Morning Devotions. The Bible Study was facilitated by Shirley. She introduced us both to everyone there. I spoke of Praise Baptist (and Alpha and Omega) as being a home church for us.
Whenever I'm in Michigan, I always try to attend one of the morning devotionals. I led that particular Bible Study five mornings a week for 4.5 years. I have fond memories of meeting the Lord in fellowship with other early morning seekers.
We looked at 1 Kings and considered Solomon's problem caused by loving the ladies (700 wives and 300 concubines). Shirley invited us over to her house, so Al, Shirley, Cathy, and I had breakfast together.
We returned to Coldwater but later in the evening drove Jerry to Lansing. He is meeting with friends from his graduation class who are attending MSU. His hostess, Katey, didn't get off work until 10 p.m., so we went out to a theatre and saw The World Trade Center starring Nicholas Cage. Cathy wept.
Jerry remained in Lansing and Cathy and I drove back to Coldwater. We are planning to pick Sandy up from the Rehab Center at 11:00 and bring her home. We are planning to prepare the house in anticipation of her rehab needs after knee surgery.
Monday, August 21, 2006
We're in Kalamazoo this morning and are heading over to Alpha and Omega Ministries. The limitations of time is evident as I consider our trip schedule. There are many other people I'd like to see. Looking at the map and the calendar last night has given me some obstacles over which to pray.
We enjoyed going to church yesterday morning. On the way to Kalamazoo, I spoke with Mike McCall, Beverly, Joe, and Mary on the cellphone. They each shared about the morning services in Galt. Sounds good.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
I woke up at 4:00 a.m. Michigan time and went downstairs to get my laptop. I shouldn't have been surprised that the house is wireless.
Eli and Pam told us the wonderful story of God directing their steps to move from California to Michigan to be closer to Pam's father and siblings. Pam had spent the first part of her life in Jackson, Michigan.
Before supper, Eli took us on a short tour of the property they have acquired. Their home sits across from a beautiful lake that is spring-fed and is the center of a thriving ecosystem.
We had dinner outside in view of the sunset beyond the lake (and they own the lake...cool, huh?). That lake was the source of ice for the Townley's business all those years ago. Cathy and I marveled at how Friday's plat-map walk through the mid-1800's of Woodstock prepared us to thoroughly enjoy Eli's walking tour of his land.
What a great time we have had here! We met Eli and Pam's family as visitors at our California church just a few weeks ago. Their parents are new members at fbcgalt. Our kindred spirits made it quite easy for all of us to enjoy the fellowship.
Eva is right--Michigan is a beautiful state. Her family moved about an hour's drive from here (from California)--just before Christmas, 2005. Speaking of Eva, we've been invited to visit their home in Ypsilanti. Lord willing, we will.
We will be happy to report on the life and times of Eva, James, Jesse, Leesa, Isaiah, and little Evelyn. (click here and prepare to meet Eva)
We also hope to locate Nan and Eugene Bragg who live in a town near Ypsilanti. Remember... Nan is the missionary who taught Cathy, me, and Corinna how to sing in sign language.
I wrote to Bobby Gilstrap (who is the Director of Missions for the Bragg's association) and told him that we would be in the area. He contacted me some time ago about doing a teleconference interview with me. The topic of discussion will be "interactive church websites". That reminds me: Iona has written again after a relatively long hiatus: click here
In a couple hours we will all go to church together (here in Springport). I will also be watching the clock so that I may pray for Mike McCall. He is preaching a message from Romans 7 at 8:30 and 11:00 (Pacific Time) at the Epicenter.
My cellphone begins to send/receive about 25 north of Coldwater, so Mike and I had a good conversation about his sermon while we were driving to Springport yesterday. We prayed and I made a commitment to pray for him during his sermons.
Meanwhile, Greg Brayton has asked Jerry to play drums for services at the Coldwater United Methodist Church. He's supposed to be there at 8:15 a.m. Dad that I am, I will give him a wake-up call. I might as well call Joe and Daniel too. Mary is staying with the Harrisons. Steve is my substitute Sunday School teacher while we're gone, so Mary should be on time today!
Pastor Wesley attempted to call my cell yesterday but I wasn't receiving a signal. However, I have been reading some news about Pastor Hendon from Rodney Edwards' TripJournal. From these daily journals I have learned that Pastor Hendon and Dr. Lincoln Brownell were on the same plane to Liberia. I've also seen the results of the facelift they gave the sanctuary.
(click here for Rodney's Journal)
Saturday, August 19, 2006
We've been invited to Eli and Pam's home (and to church with them in the morning). Eli is the second son of our church members: Eli and Barbara. Jerry is staying in Coldwater with my Dad and plans to go to church with the Braytons tomorrow.
(click here to see what spurs my interest there)
More on all of that later.
Sometime tomorrow, we will head back to Kalamazoo. We hope to see a great number of old friends there.
Friday, August 18, 2006
We're three hours ahead of
California time here in
Michigan. So, I awoke at
6:00 (or 3:00) and edited a
few photos from yesterday.
Jerry had stayed in
Coldwater to visit with his
cousins and friends that he
made while living here in
2005.
Yesterday, Cathy and I
visited my step-mom,
Sandy,
in the Marshall Hospital.
She came through her knee
surgery quite well. Today,
we will learn where she will
go for 5-7 days of rehab. We
are staying at their home
while we're in Coldwater.
After our hospital visit,
Cathy and I drove to
Kalamazoo.
First, we went to see
Jim
and
Kim Krim
(members with us
at Praise Baptist Church
back in the early nineties).
Jim was a very good friend
of mine. We once drove to
Florida together with a
Disaster Relief Team to
minister in the aftermath of
Hurricane Andrew.
We also had served together
on the Executive Council for
churches in the South
Central Association. During
that time we had been part
of a decision to accept the
stewardship of a field on
Helmer Road in Battle Creek.
Jim and I both remember
going to that very field,
walking the entire depth and
breadth of the land--praying
that it would someday be the
site of a Bible-teaching
church. We went out to that
field a few times about
14-15 years ago. Jim asked
if we wanted to see the
answer to those prayers.
There is now a church in
that field called Faith
Baptist Church.
Please, click on
yesterday's slideshow below:
She Considers a Field . . . (view
more)
Another highlight
of our entire trip is the
news that we have heard
about a young lady (Corinna
Gregg) we had
served alongside during our
years at Praise Baptist
Church and Alpha and Omega
Ministries. We've heard that
she is now a missionary to
Honduras. Corinna
had called Kim a few weeks
ago and asked how to reach
us. Kim had saved the
message on her cell phone.
We were thrilled to hear
that she is serving the Lord
in this way. We are eager to
write to her today.
Among other significant
memories of
Corinna are those
of her learning sign
language with us.
Home Missionary,
Nan Bragg, had
been our teacher. We hope to
see
Nan
and
Eugene
during this trip home.
Corinna is back on the
mission field now. This is
her website:
www.corinnagregg.blogspot.com
As soon as we
have an opportunity, Cathy
and I will read her year end
entry about her calling in
that nation.
Today, we hope to
see Greg Brayton. We also
hope to hear news from
Pastors Hendon and Wesley in
Liberia.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Yesterday, while we were on
the road, we received phone
calls from a few people in
our local church and spoke
back and forth with other
members of our family. When
were still in Iowa,
Janna
(the a-f-k-a-Mom)
called from Chicago. Angela
had told her that we were on
our way to Michigan. She
wanted to know if we could
meet her somewhere on the
way.
So, we pulled off to an Iowa
Rest Area and logged in to
their free, statewide
I-Spot
wireless system. Jerry had
been talking on the cell
phone to his new girlfriend,
Chelsea. So he got on her
myspace at the rest area
while I checked mapquest for
directions to Janna's house.
Then, we proceeded to my hometown: Coldwater, Michigan. After arriving at 4 AM, we slept well. Now, Cathy and I are at the public library checking email. I'm thankful that we have made it here safely. My step-mom, Sandy, is in the hospital (having just had knee surgery). So, that is our next stop.
I still haven't heard from Pastor Hendon or Pastor Wesley. Pastor Hendon was scheduled to arrive on Wednesday at 5:45 and the Leadership Conference was supposed to begin on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. They are eight hours ahead of California time.
I guess I'll click here and see if Rodney Edwards mentions them today in his TripJournal.
Oh...I'm back. Yeah, Rodney mentions Pastor Wesley today. Even better is this page of photographs from their meeting last week. Click here and scroll down.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
We finally made it to Lincoln,
Nebraska at 3:00 a.m. We had a good
night's sleep at the Fairfield Inn.
It is nearly noon now so we should
get back on the road but...there is
high-speed wireless in our room.
Cathy is blogging on myspace and I'm
sitting next to her answering email,
checking on other mission trip
progress.
Soon after we get to Coldwater,
Michigan, Pastor Hendon should
arrived in Monrovia, Liberia.
I'm happy to see that Rodney
Edwards has finally succeeded in
getting
his
MissionTrip Journal
uploaded from Liberia. Saturday's
entry mentions that he visited with
Pastor Wesley face-to-face:
click here
Last year, while on Sabbatical
Leave, I visited my Aunt Sally in
Tiffin, Ohio and used a scanner to
copy certain letters and photographs
which had been preserved by my Dad's
mother. Among the family artifacts I
found a letter w
hich stirred my curiousity--written by Joseph
Patterson from Woodstock,
Michigan to a son in Wayne County, New
York. In that letter, my
g-g-grandfather mentions the death
of his wife's mother: Sally
Jagger and her interest in the
farm of Benjamin Wood (Orange
County, New York).
The unknown story of these named
individuals beckoned me to further
explore the times and seasons of
their lives and context. My paternal
g-g-grandfather,
Joseph,
made a reference to the mercies of
God in that letter to his grown son,
William,
in 1855 (click
here
to see the letter). The
hope of resolving a mysteries will
continue to lead me in pursuit of
other recordings during this trip
toward my homeland.
Since we had spent the night in Salt Lake City, I
decided to visit the
Family History Library near Temple
Square.
A completed doctoral prospectus may
someday produce a three-or-four-fold
purpose for including reflection
upon the mystery of Mormonism.
Not-yet-ready-for-publication, the
clickability of this slideshow
(below) is today's only offering
toward such endeavor.
Rhythmythic and Endless
Genealogies (view
more)
I'm always open for discussion about
the why of
the how,
OK?
email me:
pastorob@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Cathy and I are sitting in the
lobby of a 3-Star Sheraton Hotel. I
bid on a room with two beds for $40
and received what I asked for. Yeah!
Joe took us to pick up the
rental car yesterday morning. I had
the opportunity to choose any
vehicle in the first row. So,
instead of the Impala I was
expecting, we were blessed with a
Buick Rendevous. It is a wonderful
traveling vehicle (and we're so
happy that we're only paying $18 a
day for it...through priceline.com).
We arrived last night at 10 pm
(Salt Lake City, Utah). Cathy and I
sat in the hot tub, then I went to
the men's sauna. Jerry went to the
24 hour fitness room where there is
said to be a TV on each treadmill.
Iron, Coffee, and a USA TODAY in the
morning.
However, the Internet isn't
free! Last night, we tracked a free
signal across the street. However,
it wasn't that comfortable standing
at a dumpster with an AC unit
overhead and a humming fluorescent
bulb
nearby.
So, I'm paying to sit in the
lobby to upload this entry.
Today, we will drive to Lincoln,
Nebraska.
This in from Liberia:
All is set for the conference.
Monday, August 14, 2006
I'm up at 3:00 a.m. preparing to
leave for Michigan today at 8:00.
First, I would like to record
something in the annals of church
history about yesterday in Galt,
California.
a normal Sunday:
I woke up at 2:15
on Sunday morning and studied over
my sermon notes until 4:00. After
another hour of sleep, I drove over
to the little church on the corner
of A and Palin to prepare for
the morning services. There
was still so much to 'clean up' from
the
After-School Outreach
(local) and the publication of
Leadership 2006 materials
(Liberia).
I remembered that I didn't have
A/V support for the morning so I
worked on the morning's slides (with
photos from the day before)
until the musicians began to arrive.
Glenn Parker
helped to clear off the back pew,
turn on the P.A., and tweak the platform
set-up. After asking him to make
sure that
Mike McCall tunes my
guitar, I ran home for a shave and
to change clothes.
Twenty minutes later, I had a
Sound/Lights Man (Joe)
and I changed hats, 'strapped on'
the newly-strung guitar, and led
some of the best songs from previous
generations (He
Hideth My Soul).
As the people continued to
arrive (around 8:30), we
called up
Pete and
Jeannie
for another 'missionary sending'.
They are driving the CSBC
Mobile
Medical Clinic to several migrant
camps this week. Perhaps, they will
be ministering to some illegal
'Samaritans' during this mission
trip.
We encouraged our members to
reach out to one another and to our
visitors as the A Street Band played
"All We
Need is Love" in the
background. A splendid time was
guaranteed for all.
Joe
helped me with points
4
and
9 in one of those "Rick
Warren 10-point sermon outlines". We
looked at the story of
Genesis 24:1-57 and related
it to our own immediate future (the
balance of 2006).
We moved along that outline at a
rapid pace but could have certainly
stretched that one message into a
10-week series. No such chance,
however, because I wasn't planning
to be around the Epicenter for the
next two weeks. I'm not at
liberty to give you the ten points
(they are copyrighted), however,
click on the passage (Genesis 24:1-57)and read
the Word for yourself. What message
does God have for you from that very
Word today?
You can hear Rick preach the
sermon himself (with Brother Tom) if
you'll go to
www.pastors.com
and download the audio with
transcript in the sermon series
entitled
"Adding Power to Your Purpose."
I've stayed away from the Saturday
night temptation to get online and
download other people's sermons.
However, I figured that this
particular message will be helpful
to our church as we plan to have a
Warren-esque emphasis from September
into January.
Here's the actual link (click
here), scroll down to
1/1/06 and for $20, you can download
4 sermon transcripts with mp3 audio.
I used the outline from
The Awesome
Power of Focus.
My Sunday School class between
services was a joy. I had a great
time interacting with unique
individuals from
12-17
years of age. That class (with
new members) stirred up excitement
to join those who were just arriving
for the
11:00 service.
It
rocks. Even though we
have an 82 year old (L.
Dogg) and a 90
year old (Elsa)
who claim that service as theirs.
Eli
(76) also attends that
service with the teenagers and
children.
At La
Luz de Cristo (1:30
service), I was asked to prepare
myself to pray over God's assembled
people at the conclusion of the
service. Cathy and I sang Spanish
(phonetically) with
Luis Enrique
(and his band) on the Big Screen.
Then, after the Lord's Supper
(during the sermon), I went into the
office and prepared my calendar for
the Council meeting (at 5:00).
Our local church Council Meeting
was invigorating as we each had a
few minutes to share our insights
and passion with one another.
From there I hurried to the evening
service: It was well-attended.
Jim
and
Ruth led some hymns, and
a Bob
Kilpatrick song (Ask of
Me). Then,
Jim shared his re-make of
Heaven is
in My Heart (with words
specific to God's Call on
Pastor Hendon's
life.
Katey
Santillan
sang a solo with that
wonderful voice God has entrusted to
her. The
Families Together Choir
sang with
Mrs. Simms singing the
solo. That was the best I ever heard
their choir sing. They were right on
the pitch, had the rhythm down and
Mrs. Simms rocked the House.
Then,
Pastor Hendon preached
until he was finished.
Pastor Mac
and
Thelma laid hands on the
pastor and his wife as we are
sending Pastor Hendon to Liberia
first thing Tuesday morning.
After we left that service
(8:00), we went to
Steve
and Lupe's
house to discuss
Mary's
stay with them while we are on the
road (2300 miles) back to our
homeland.
Cathy,
Jerry,
and I are traveling together.
Hopefully, we will do some recording
at Greg Brayton's studio. I'm still
on-call 24/7 (209.323.0727).
Joe
and Daniel
are remaining here to take care
of the house, to work, and to attend
classes. g2g
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Saturday's Guys Dig at the Epicenter
and our Mobile Medical Clinic
shows up in Virtual Reality (click
here)
I'm at the church office listening to a sermon, stapling together the packet of studies for the Pastors' Conference, and waiting for the men to show up for the Prayer Meeting. I also came here early yesterday morning to create the Certificate of Achievement for attendees at the Pastors' Conference in Liberia. A friend agreed to print 500 copies if I sent him the PDF file, so I managed to get most of it finished before my Rotary Club meeting (see it above).
At Rotary, our Assistant City Manager, Jason Behrmann, was the guest speaker. He spoke of ongoing projects for economic development in our city. Of particular interest to me is the construction of an 11-screen movie theatre. Although it was originally projected to open by December, 2008, the completion target is now Thanksgiving, 2007.
See me (or call me) for the Summer Edition of Leadership Journal... more on the Theatre later.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Today, I hope to publish my
tentative sermon topics through
January, 2007.
This Sunday, I will share a
message entitled:
FutureFocus
That message will be my last sermon
preached at
the Epicenter
until September 3.
We also need to make all final
preparations for Pastor Hendon's
trip to Liberia. We are printing 500
copies of a Doctrinal Study for the
Leadership Conference.
Pastor Hendon will be with us
on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. Then,
he will leave on Tuesday for our
associational mission trip to
Liberia. Pastor Hendon will return
to California at the end of August.
Don't miss Rodney Edward's
Daily Journal for the two weeks he
is in Liberia:
CLICK HERE
Rodney plans to meet Pastor
Wesley personally and attend the
Leadership Conference next week.
Yesterday,
Alex helped me serve at the
After-School Outreach. To see
another slideshow of that event,
click on this photo.
Also, yesterday several comments
were left by those who saw my entry
on myspace. I think you would enjoy
seeing the photos and comments from
those who wrote:
A Guy in Australia (view
more)
Yesterday, I posted a link to his
song. At that time he had 1280
visits. I just noticed that the song
now has 1404 visits.
Cathy,
Jerry,
and I are planning a roadtrip to
Michigan, New York, Ohio (and
maybe...North Carolina). I hope to
visit some of the sites where my
paternal ancestors made their homes.
I think that it was 1812 when
Joseph Patterson (19)
came from Ireland to Orange County
in New York (Montgomery Township).
Joseph married
Katrina
Jagger and they had eight
children. Two of the kids apparently
died early on.
I first learned of this family, last
year, when I discovered a letter
written by
Joseph to his son,
William,
in 1855 (click
here
to see the letter).
Their fourth son,
Robert C. Patterson w,as
the father of World War I veteran,
Robert
White Patterson (my
grandfather). My father, lost his
Dad when he was only 8 years old, so
not much is known about that side of
the family. My maternal grandma lost
her mother very early on as well.
Then, my mother died at the age of
31. All of these stories of homes
disrupted with death has made my
quest for roots a pilgrimage of
personal significance.
In 1845, Joseph and Katrina moved
their family to
Woodstock Township in Michigan.
During the last year, I have found
maps and census reports on the
Internet (click
here). I now want to walk the land where this family
lived and trace the county records
to see if there are any other
descendants of this couple. As well,
I would like to know about their
families-of-origin.
Maybe my Dad (77) will share the
interest with me--if not perhaps his
sister will (my Aunt Sally who lives in
Tiffin, Ohio).
Thursday, August 10, 2006
 |
If you have high-speed, click above on Daniel, and watch him worship with this simple song of praise. A Galtonian teenager sent me a video of clips from the Passion (set to a song by Jeremy Camp). After I watched some of it, Daniel, here, caught my eye. I gave his video a listen and wrote him this letter:
From: Rob
Patterson [pastorob@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, 10 August
2006 7:01 PM
To: Daniel Teale
Subject: message on youtube
Hi Daniel:
Someone sent me a link to your
videos. I like your voice and
appreciate your guitar abilities.
I'm 49 and leading worship in our
church but I'm also the main
Preacher....so I'm looking for the
right talent in a much younger
person.
I was wondering where you live?
Check out my blogs and learn more
about me, OK?
Then, we can talk some more....
pastorob
******** Then, Daniel
wrote back ********
Hey Rob,
Thanks for your letter. I understand
what you mean about focusing on
preaching instead of doing that and
music ministries together.
Unfortunately I live near Brisbane
in Australia.
I just had a look at your myspace
and your blog. I don't have a
myspace at the moment but am open to
any questions you have.
Blessings,
Dan
******** So, I wrote Daniel
again ********
Dan,
Time and Space is not that limiting
of a factor for ministry in the 21st
Century.
So, please, tell me more about
yourself, your age, testimony,
hobbies ... and feel free to share
anything (audio/video/lyrics) of
particular interest to you. I
believe that I will be at this email
address for years to come, so save
it and send me stuff from time to
time, OK?
I've been playing guitar since I was
14 (also keyboards).
I gave my life to Christ at age 26
(1982). God has taken me on a great
adventure...
I believe that the best is yet to
come...
Sincerely,
pastorob
Yesterday morning,
Cathy and I
prayed with
Daniel and
Mary before
sending them off to their first day
of school at Galt High School.
Later, I remembered how great it was
to do our
After-School Soda Outreach
on the first days of school
during years past.
So, I sent out a call for any
interested members to join me at
3:00 p.m. in front of our church on
A Street.
We served Ninety-two Cold Drinks to High Schoolers and other Passers-by.
Total Expense: $34.62 (with 10 cans left for today)
Thank you to our two major sponsors (Al Warren $20.00 and Jennifer Thomas $10.00). Chris Zeller and Jerry Patterson helped me set up with music, amplification, and tables. Beverly, Joe, and Cathy helped pass out the refreshments and invite the during the event itself.
4 ROOT BEER 47 pounds of ICE
I once had a contact for FREE ICE at Round Table Pizza. I'll try there again today to see if we can save some money.
d
up by the sight and sounds on
A Street.
The preschoolers' parents were taking an interest as well. One mama and child came over to get a drink.
After receiving the cold drink, the students who continued to walk toward the west passed a display stand for 'gospels of John' entitled The Book of Hope. Several students were seen picking up a copy.
We will be out on the street again today at 3:00 p.m. Feel free to stop by sometime during the hour.
Wednesday, August 9, 2006
The three dots of an ellipsis
has, for me, traditionally
represented much more than an
incomplete statement.
Commonly used in on-screen menus, an
ellipsis conveys that there is more
to come . . .
See the symbolic ellipsis below.
How many can you find?
Last Sunday, during the sermon time
at fbcgalt,
we projected slides from our 2007
EpiVisionCast
™.
The visuals were meant to
symbolize "the Edge" of
Visionary Leadership. As important
as the launching of new ideas is the
return (to
the Edge) of those who
have ventured into our unknown
future.
Our Scripture passage (Acts
14:21-28) demonstrated this
normative practice: a
missionary-sending church receives
back those who had been set apart
to go
and to do.
This practice of reporting what God
has done through us should
strengthen and encourage everyone
involved in the process.
We should keep this norm in mind as
we attempt to walk in step with the
Spirit after that crucial, initial
step-of-obedience: baptism by
immersion.
Consider yesterday's letter to
Pastor Wesley in Liberia. Then,
consider his response and guess what
my subsequent decision will entail:
Our church secretary, Jennifer, re-typed this Doctrinal Study on the Holy Spirit that Pastor Hendon wants