July, 2006    Return to: pastorob's current journal

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Today is my day off. Jebby is out of town so I will take my weekly VisionWalk™ with Cathy. We're up late 6:30 so we've gotta get going. This will be brief.

Last night the girls offering was $95.02 and the boys gave $135.14 (of course I had my Lemonade Stand  in operation and several girls had come for a glass).

We're raising money to try to help Pastor Wesley continue long-delayed work on the foundation of a school behind the sanctuary and medical clinic in Sinkor District of Monrovia, Liberia.

Below is a reply from Pastor Shamas Pervaiz in Pakistan. I have expressed in interest in helping him provide for a Bible School he is starting in August. He has saved enough money for rent for one month.

I really want to help this young Baptist bishop because he has over twenty young pastors looking to him for leadership and training. Pastor Shamas (in his thirties) is looking to me for help.

Well, I'm looking for 'a little help from my friends.'

---

Brother Pastor Rob,

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

There was a full-page story about our VBS in the local paper this morning. Here is the Internet Version:

CLICK HERE

The hardcopy had several photographs. Jennifer transcribed it for us and included scans of the photos:
CLICK HERE  

Every year we have a Vacation Bible School Offering. We're again having a friendly competition between the boys and the girls to see which gender will raise the most offering.

After the fun of competition, we will combine our offerings and surprise Pastor Wesley. We would like to move along his desire for a school behind the sanctuary and medical clinic. Years ago, he was helped by a group to lay the foundation but the project has not had funding to continue.

In the meantime, there has been numerous projects brought to completion. It is time for this school in the Sinkor District of Monrovia, Liberia. It should also house a small radio production studio and serve for pastors' training seminars as well. I can't adequately articulate Pastor Wesley's desire but our modest offering will serve to encourage him. I'm going from memory here. I'll clarify the details later today.

Night 1   Boys: $30.06     Girls: $90.00-plus
Night 2   Boys: $90.00     Girls: $89.00

Today, I have committed myself to run an ICE-COLD LEMONADE stand (out in front of the Epicenter). CLICK HERE to see the cool picture of where I'll be standing. Whatever funds I raise will be given to the Boys Offering tonight.

Temperatures are supposed to reach 104 degrees in this area later today. I will continue to hope and pray that somehow we get some Summer Snow here in this hot, dry valley. I'm up at 3:20 a.m. and it is a comfortable 76 degrees.

...but I'd better get back to bed. I have a full day ahead.

...well, then again this note just came in from my buddy Greg Brayton in Michigan. By the way, Greg has a liver biopsy scheduled for Monday.

http://www.gbrayton.com

---

OK, so I went to Greg's site and found his new country song: http://www.gbrayton.com/whatsnew.mp3

Since Greg is blind, I copied my entries from July and sent them in a more blind-friendly letter. I noticed that earlier in the month I had posted this song. Greg sings a duet with me on it.

"Blessed is the Man" pastorob Notes: wrote the chorus in early nineties. Greg Brayton gave me the melodic bridge then I wrote those words.

06:23

Now, I've gotta get back to bed.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Last night was Day One of the Arctic Edge at the Epicenter. My VBS persona is the Iceman.

I bought a bag of ice at 10:00 a.m. and walked across A Street to the preschool. Vera, the Director, had accepted our invitation to give a preview tour of the Arctic Edge for her students. I asked for volunteers to take turns carrying my bag of ice--cradled like a baby in their arms. That certainly cools one down.

Here in California the high temperatures have been between 105-109 degrees. The newscasters have been asking households to set their thermostats to 78 degrees to avoid disruptions of service. We complied at home . . . but the Arctic Edge still needed to be chilly so we continued to run the air conditioners, played water games--whatever we can do to stay cool. Someone installed a water-mister in the shaded refreshment area. The children sure appreciated that idea.

Shirlene reported that she quickly counted over 120 children enrolled in VBS on our first night. That is exciting news for me.

Jerry's Youth Class had 21 students. Mary's cheerleading practice has been cancelled for the work--due to the heat. So, she gets to come to the Arctic Edge. Yesterday, Mary helped her big brother prepare for the fun stuff (which followed the focused group Bible lesson about Elijah and the prophets of Baal).

I have not yet had the desired response regarding my vision for Summer Snow. I wonder who is reading this? Are you one who has the ability to demonstrate this Vision of God's immanence in worship?

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart."  (more Word here)

I woke up this morning at 4:16 and, getting online to write this column, I saw a hyperlink to an article by Dr. Ruth Peters about parents who disagree regarding the discipline of their children. I was very interested in reading more. I have noted through personal experience (and in counseling others) that during the teen years, this is a troublesome hotspot in many marriages.

I have only scanned some of her articles (and I don't know anything about her politics or faith) but I do appreciate that this author provides her articles about parenting online. Here is a link to a page full of interesting topics:

click here for practical help with parenting
 

Here's July's Newsweek article about President Bush and recent activity in the Middle East.


Below, Roger Byrd, our Healthy Church consultant , responds to a question raised by Monday's entry:

Monday, July 24, 2006

This week completes ten years for us at one place.

Before accepting God's Call to come here, I had been encouraged by many men of God to 'stay put' in one place and see what happens with the ministry of longevity. One voice that I particularly remember was Dr. Tom Wolfe. He had just left the Church on Brady to become the Missions Chair at GGBTS. Having spent twenty years pastoring that church, he helped them become a strong multi-cultural church. Even at the close of his pastorate, he helped to implement change by coaching them in the process of selecting his successor.

[My thinking is sketchy here but I think that they called Erwin McManus to be his successor and that resulted in renaming the church: Mosaic. I've tried to verify this but can't seem to find information about that published on the internet.]

Dr. Wolfe urged his students to consider staying in one place long enough to endure the storms that would come and to accomplish there what God wants done. He was bold and continually stated,

"If you will stay in one place for twenty years,
      you can can accomplish anything
          that God places upon your heart."

I remember looking around the room and noting that most of the other students were about 15 years younger than me. Still, I heard what he was saying and tried to apply the rule to my own life (though so much of it had already been lived out).

 Sunday, July 23, 2006
Ever since I came to this town to assume the pastorate at this church, I've heard certain voices express the desire to do something useful with a field beyond our parking lot.  So, here is a Vision for taking action. Mere talk doesn't accomplish much.  I asked Jennifer to take a few photos of a construction site across from the local High School. Then I transposed some of the heavy equipment to our field. I suppose that we will put a multi-purpose building here.

Yesterday morning after our weekly prayer meeting, I worked on hanging styrofoam icicles and making snowscape scenes on the outside of our building. The sun was beating down; I worked until 2:00 p.m. to the point of exhaustion. What a privilege to have a swimming pool! After cooling down, I watched a video called 'Second Chance' featuring Michael W. Smith. Written and directed by Steve Taylor, it had a strong message for Christians to remain true to their calling.

As Cathy and I rested, I laid on the couch and watched that film, and wrote an important letter to the church email list. It has been ten years this week since Cathy and I moved our family to this small town. In that time, God has definitely spoken to me and given me direction specific to this time and place. That letter was sent as a first draft. I later noticed a typo but it was a packed day. I then went back to the church house and finished work on the exteriors of both 'entrances' from A Street and Palin Avenue.

I have some definite areas of desire upon my heart in this season. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

 I need to get caught up on my viewing of  Stonegate's Mission to Africa: a videoblog .

Saturday, July 22, 2006

I stand corrected. We do have one baby in the nursery these days. His name is Frankie and he is 7.5 months old. I took a photo of Frankie and some of his family at the nursery yesterday.

In fact all four generations of Frankie's extended family is represented on Sunday mornings.

They didn't come to VBS last year. Now, they are fully on board and will be  working with the children who will be entering Kindergarten this year.

I can't write much today because we are redecorating our Worship Space and all the classrooms for Vacation Bible School (which starts Monday night: 6:00-8:30).

We've built a full-size igloo and there are big icicles hanging from the eaves. This is gonna be a great week of Outreach at the Epicenter.

Come and see us all at church tomorrow morning:

My sermon is entitled:

Hope for a Hurting World

    8:30 or 11:00 a.m.

Friday, July 21, 2006   

I woke up at 4:11 this morning. So, my email box had letters pertaining to our work in Liberia. Nothing I'm ready to write about yet but had to spend an hour in research and replies.

This morning a group of us are driving south on 99 to Manteca to visit the last day of their Vacation Bible School. They have presented the Arctic Edge and we are probably going to arrange for recycling some of their decorations and props. I'm still looking for snow although we've had temperatures of 105-109. Does anyone have any connections for us to borrow one of these? click here to see what I'm talking about.

Yeah, I wear several hats around the Epicenter. Click on the photo if you'd like to read a helpful article by John Maxwell.

We also plan to take some photos of Sequoia's altar area since we are making plans to remodel our own space. They have the same sanctuary layout that we have at the Epicenter.

I have no idea why we haven't heard from our firstborn in the Philippines. Joe, are you there? Joe?

A couple weeks ago, I was organizing music in the storage rooms behind our sanctuary and found sheet music to "Until that Final Day."  I sat down at the piano and sang through it once.

Singing the song transported me back to the last time I performed it (as a Sunday morning special).
The Malloys had just left for Horizon and the Arwood/Blackwell Oikos had not yet moved on.

Although there was some unseen conflict in the church, we all seemed to have an appreciation of Keith Green's ministry. The song had helped me keep all the drama in perspective.

That song, again, popped up in my mind yesterday while writing the blog and I decided to quote its lyrics.

Later, I replied to a note from an old friend from our early ministry days in Kalamazoo, Michigan, David Hendrix. He wrote back and gave me the latest on Cindi's cousin, Bobby, and Bobby's wife, Rachel (Keith Green's daughter). We wrote back and forth about this young couple.

 I'm thinking that I would like Bobby and Rachel to move here and help me in northern California (just for this season in their lives). Dave says he'll put the word in for me saying that they just need to know where the Lord wants them to go . . .

"Why, Preacher, you haven't even met them yet."

   So?

Is the desire of my heart any less real (or any more presumptuous) than one's vision of Summer Snow?

   "I think not . . . (therefore, I try again)."
                                     -- R. Patterson, 2006

Well, I wanted to link to the Keith Green site at myspace but it seems to be missing. What's up with that?

Hey, remember how we discovered that Oprah Winfrey has an exact match of DNA sample with the Kpelle people in Liberia? That PBS special prompted me to participate in a similar study.

Well, I was disappointed with the results of my own DNA results from the joint venture with National Geographic and PBS. If you would like to see what my $95 fee and a swab sampling actually produced, write me: pastorob@gmail.com

Today, this AP story is being distributed to the world's news agencies:

Scientists to explore the DNA code of Neanderthals

So, why do a study of "40,000 year-old Neanderthal samples" (some which are contaminated and of which only 5% are actually Neanderthal)? 

Uh...well, in a telephone interview for the AP article, Jonathan Rothberg apparently stated that a recent Chimpanzee Genome Project "led to literally too many questions, there were 35 million differences between us and chimpanzees-- that's too much to figure out."

Too many differences, so Jonathan's company (454 Life Sciences Corp.) will study what they believe is our 'closest relative to the modern human'.

Read the article, write to me with your initial response and we could have a lively discussion of the issues raised. Don't worry, I won't publish any of your views without your permission.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

I'd like to have some snow at the Epicenter for next weeks's VBS called the Arctic Edge. I wonder if someone has a snow-making machine we could borrow (even a wand would be OK): click here to see what I'm talking about. Temperatures may go over 100 degrees next week but our VBS is at night. Well, any ideas . . . anybody?

Here is one vision for a quick remodel of our A Street presentation. I wonder if casting a vision will help us reel-in a full catch of creativity?
 

update: 11:25 Jennifer found some stained glass windows for us. So here's another vision. Let's keep on reelin' in the years . . . a panorama of interactivity:

I woke up at 4:40 and walked throughout the house turning off lights (that's right, I'm the Dad...). Then I decided to turn on my laptop, sit in the front room and invest some time alone before the Lord. I enjoy moments like these--just hanging out with Abba. He loves me and regularly invites me to fellowship with Him. "What He has done for me, he will do for you."

Last night, Daniel led our home group through scriptures relating to this topic: Listening to God. The conversation related to my current situation. I've been waking up at odd times in recent weeks. Those early hours have been spent reading email and journaling for this column. This has become a season of focused listening for the Holy Spirit.

Near the end of Daniel's study, I suggested to my peers that if awakened during sleeptime, one should count it as an opportunity to share quality time with God.

   "One sleepless night could change your life."
                                        --Rob Patterson, 2006

I am reminded of a Keith Green song that served me well as a staple during night shifts at the group homes. Here are the lyrics to that significant song:

My flesh is tired of seeking God,
But on my knees I'll stay.
I want to be a pleasing child,
Until that final day.

My mind is full of many thoughts
That clutter and confuse.
But standing firm, I will prevail,
In faith that I'll be used.

  chorus:  Amen!  I'm asking once again.
                  Won't you help me my friend, Lord Jesus.
                  Holy Lord Spirit, set us free,
                  From chains we cannot see,
                  Come, release us.

I wrestle not with flesh and blood,
My fight is with the one,
Who lost the keys of hell and death,
To God's most precious son.

One sleepless night of anguished prayer,
I triumphed over sin.
One battle in the Holy war,
God's promised me to win.

Last night, Glenn mentioned that a certain verse had been a theme for Kids' Camp. We discussed some aspects of this passage. I believe it is appropriate to offer the same opportunity for the Word to do His Work in you, so, click and read . . .

Well, did you read that passage? What do you think?

Samuel's bedtime interaction with Eli is an important story for growing Christians to know. God entrusted a message to the boy who had been sequentially prepared to listen to His Voice.

His message holds significant relevance for me. As the father of three sons and a daughter, I remain accountable to remember the tragedy of Eli's life as a father. I desire better for my children. The personal challenge of leading my own family is stirred afresh as this passage permeates my heart and soul:

I'll click it again

So, it is now 6:18 a.m. and I'm ready to start another day. When I first got online this morning, I read the following article. I thought it good to share the same opportunity to scan related articles about finances.

   A Simpler Way to Save

• 20 ways to save on a shoestring
• Beginner's Guide to Investment
• The world's best-kept retirement secret
• The oil world's new bullies
• Shrink student loans with public service
• Why so many grads 'fail to launch'

There is probably some useful information in the articles above, so I'll probably invest some more time soon and speed-read through them.

However, a focus on the following counsel from God's Word will definitely reap a bountiful harvest for those who choose to listen:

   An Even Better Way to Deal with Finances

• The importance of working smarter
• Believer's Guide to leaving an inheritance
• The Truth about too much sleep
• What husbands want their wives to know
• Listen up, Ladies   
• Any undone jobs around your house?!
  
  Here it is again. I'm reeling in the years...
  
  2006 is the time to get some stuff done around the house . . .
  
      The House on A and Palin.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

VisionPainting murals at church  (view more)

If you are visually-stimulated and desire to send a mural idea to us, I will include it in a future slideshow before we decide what to do with the Epicenter's southwest canvas.

Cathy and I are supposed to meet Iona and Richard at Denny's at 7:45 this morning. Stop by and pull up a chair. There is also an Open Bible Study at 11:00 a.m. at Hugh and Eula's place.

Tonight there's a Bible Study at the Greene's.
Our son, Daniel, is scheduled to lead the study.

Call me if you wanna talk:  (209)  323-0727

Don't forget to check in on Stonegate's Mission Trip:  click here

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Just in case anybody is wondering . . . We have been inspired by the recent Healthy Church results to make our humble church-house more visible from the street.

During our first discussion, Steve Harrison suggested that we not only light our sign--but that we go a little--(how did he put it?) . . . a little over-the-top?

Inquiring minds may wonder "What is REAL and what is only imagined?" I would suggest that you simply come and see for yourself . . . or read my notes from Sunday's Message below.

I must cut this short because Art Dunahoo is meeting me at the corner of A and Palin at 7:30 am to put up a sign. Oh, just come by and see it for yourself...
 

Monday, July 17, 2006

I woke with up that window-open-at-night-headache and, after writing a response to an email, still feel impeded by the dull pain.

A cup of coffee would help, I think.


Before we read any further, perhaps we ought to see the latest from our Mission Friends in Sudan: click here

That was sure interesting, wasn't it? The boys are asked to lead at a Pastors' Conference. A video of the event was posted. I hope you have been empowered with  high-speed and are able to view the video. Mike (the video guy) was moved to spontaneously wash the pastors' feet at the close of his message.

Imagine having the freedom to be spontaneous in a church service. Imagine...hmmm, maybe its time to re-phrase another John Lennon song (psss...don't tell Yoko).

Local Question:  What to do?  I have a personal need; maybe you could help. A sister in our local church wrote to me last night:
 

Pastor Wesley asked for us to provide 50-cent lunches for 500 pastors during the upcoming 3-day Conference in Liberia. 500 50-cent lunches would cost $750.

Last night, at the close of our business meeting, Robin McCall asked if we could try to provide $1 lunches instead. Well, the floodgates of freewill offerings started and $500 was raised. We now have $650 for lunch for 500 pastors. WWJD What Will Jesus Do?

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Let's get REAL . . .

We had a profound and mysterious cross-cultural wedding yesterday. With other events of the weekend,
I am still processing for the message God will give me in our morning services today:


Let's get REAL about

our Relationships

Acts16:1   Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.

Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

1 Timothy 1:1-2   Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.



Let's get REAL about our plan for

E mpowerment


1 Timothy 1: 18-20   Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you , so that by following them you may fight the good fight , holding on to faith and a good conscience.
Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander,
whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 2:1-6   I urge, then, first of all , that
requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
      who wants all men to be saved
          and    to come to a knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.


Let's get REAL about

our A ttitude (s)

1 Timothy 4:12    Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young , but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 timothy 5:1-2    Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters , with absolute purity.

1 Timothy 5:17-18   The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."

5:19  Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.

5:20  Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.
21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

5:22   Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

 . . . and about our attitude toward money

1 Timothy 6:6-10   But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

6:12 Take hold of the eternal life
            to which you were called . . .

6:20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted
            to your care.
 

Let's get REAL about the need for

L eadership


Christian Leadership is Holy-Spirit Leadership.

THE MESSAGE: 2 Timothy 2:2

Spirit-Vision "that comes from God",
Spirit-Vision       "that draws from history",
Spirit-Vision       "that meets people's needs",
Spirit-Vision       "that helps us gather resources".
                             (John Maxwell: Leadership 101)

YESTERDAY:  (akousta: my message)

      "And the things that thou hast heard of me
       among many witnesses, (other witnesses)

       PAUL: My preparation on you


TODAY:  (pistis: faithful, trusted, believing)

 " . . . the same commit thou to faithful men..."    
                        
     TIMOTHY: Your presentation of me


TOMORROW: (ikanos: able    to teach: didasko)

 "...who shall be able to teach others also."

    OUR MINISTRY TOGETHER:
 
     The preparation of faithful Disciple-makers
 

Friday, July 14, 2006

 Yes, it is my birthday today. I started the morning at about 5:15 thinking about Sunday's Sermon which will be preached here at the Epicenter.

I was thinking about a church that Mike McCall and I helped to launch in Stockton years ago. We were asked to assemble a Worship Band to provide music for two 'preview' services.

The new church had a motto:

       "A church that gets it . . ."

When I first heard the slogan, I thought, "Hmmm...that sound like Roger." I had enjoyed watching Roger Williams since seeing him serve in a leadership role at our State Youth Conference. He later left his long tenure as Youth Pastor at Sequoia Heights Baptist Church to plant StartChurch. Now, Roger is a hospital chaplain. Life in ministry does not usually remain the same.

If you haven't heard Roger speak before, here is a message he preached at the Epicenter in 2004. This particular evening God had given Roger specific instruction. He obeyed and I trust that his obedience will make a difference in somebody's life yet today.

Roger Williams 1    Roger Williams 2 
   Roger Williams 3     Roger Williams 4

It stirs my imagination to think that some gathering of Christians somewhere in the Body of Christ 'gets it'. The eye needs the ear and the hand needs the eye. I have built my ministry upon confessing my need for others to help me experience God in his fullness. As well, I have always rejoiced when I have learned that I have been helpful to someone else know Him better.

My thesis statement for Sunday morning is this:

"FBC Galt needs to get REAL about

    Relationships,  
       Empowerment,   
          Attitude, and  
              Leadership

I desire us to be a gathering of Christians who 'get it...'

The acronym (REAL) came from John Maxwell's book: Leadership 101. I have to seek wisdom from the Lord for what I should pass on from my own study of the Word.

Andy Deck wrote me today and mentioned that, on birthdays he tends to evaluate whether or not he is successful in the Lord's eyes. He encouraged me. It is good to share encouraging words with one another.

My attempts to disciple others centers on making the Scripture more accessible to them and practical as they face the circumstances of their calling. All Scripture is God-breathed and I want to share that breath as much as possible. As I consider truths I discover in the Bible, I grow in the excitement of sharing a sermon.

Weekly, I have the profound privilege of preaching a meaty message in the midst of members of our local church. I come to the pulpit expectantly and  fully expect that others who gather expectantly will REALLY get it and will get REAL.

This birthday gift from God will help me to seize the day of hope. I look upwards and, seeing a certain cluster of stars, I remember a special morning in Indonesia over a decade ago. God had called me into a fruitful relationship with Him and with my neighbors. So, I wanna be REAL and  I wanna stay REAL.

Todd Rundgren once asked,

"Will the real God please stand up?"

Like David, John, and Paul before me, I desire to make the real God known among the nations.

On a lighter note, my girls think I need a makeover. At age 49, my hair is getting much grayer and I've been putting on weight for the last couple years. Of course, now that I'm eating God's Way,  weight shouldn't be an issue. However, I just don't know what to do about my hair. Any ideas?

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Joe wrote a note Roger Williams and cc'd me:
 

3:00 a.m. Yesterday afternoon, Cathy and I drove to Stockton to visit Pastor Hendon. We were pleased to have an opportunity to speak with him in an informal setting. Momentum is growing for his trip to Monrovia, Liberia. I told him that we had just sent nearly 1,500 flyers via Federal Express (for the National Leadership Conference). They should arrive on July 18th, so that will give Pastor Wesley one month to promote this event.

Last night, David Sayre taught at our home Bible Study. He guided us through a discussion about the day that Jesus sat down at Jacob's Well with the Samaritan woman (the Word). He wove her story into his own testimony (with scenes from 30 years ago...and from last week). His testimony made me hungry to be a witness--even during an otherwise busy day.

Well, I need to head back to bed for some more sleep (I woke up at 2 am and now its 3:15). After Club 163 (which is supposed to start at 6:00), Jebby and I  are meeting for our weekly VisionWalk™  and plan to stop by the Lutheran Church. Mary Sanders has agreed to give us a guided tour through their church's hymnbook. She will share her insights about past and contemporary compositions for liturgical worship in the Lutheran experience.

Before my head hits the pillow, I'm gonna click here and see what's been happening with our Mission Friends in Sudan: www.stonegatemission.blogspot.com

...later in the day:

After Club 163, I returned to the link above and watched the new videos. We are pleased to see the production quality of these mission reports being sent back by the three-man team. If you haven't been there yet, go to the link above and watch the latest video clip: Andy Deck shares some background on one of the members:

The narrator is Mike Elkins.  You can see him briefly in the middle of the video [July 9] teaching a small adult Sunday School class.  He has short red hair and is wearing light-colored slacks. 

Mike is an electrician by training and went into full-time missions about 2.5 years ago.  He has been serving with YWAM in Australia until about two weeks ago.  He has completed his commitment with them and would like to apply much of what he has learned and taught through our missions work at Stonegate.  

Mike developed his video shooting and editing skills while serving with YWAM.  He is an awesome young man (35y) and has been single for a number of years.

Click here to see Mike's Gifting in Action

Upon seeing today's videoblog (President of Southern Sudan Stops By), I immediately thought of issues raised by the resident editor of Leadership Journal, Abram Book. In his article Giants in the Land, Mr. Book quotes political science advisor, Dr. Alan Wolfe:

" . . . I worry about someone who is very well-intentioned but finds himself involved in conflicts that really pre-date our involvement there."

This reference is to tribal animosities, governmental entropy, and Muslim strongholds in various troubled African states. I learned from the article that Bruce Wilkinson (Prayer of Jabez and The DreamGiver) apparently "failed" in his African initiative and pulled out from "an ambitious ministry project in Swaziland last year."

The Stonegate team and Abram Book's article will both become important factors in our preparation for Pastor Hendon's upcoming mission endeavor to Liberia.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Today, the Summer Issue of Leadership Journal is supposed to be released. If anyone has a copy, see if there's a story by Abram Book that mentions our work in Liberia. My free trial subscription hasn't been started yet but it should be coming.

click here for the online version of this magazine.
Mr. Book's article will be published online eventually.

Today, at 11:00 am (Pacific Time) we have a Bible Study near the Epicenter and another tonight at 7:00. Call me on my cellphone if you would like directions to either event or if you just want to say "Hey..."

(209)  323-0727

Remember the guy with the red paperclip who had a networking idea for the Internet? He offered to trade it for another item and continue trading until he had a house.

Well, today, his dream becomes a reality: click here


Hmm... I wonder if the purchaser(s) of the
the Liberia Stone would be willing to place it upon the open market once again? Pastor Wesley still doesn't have a car and the foundation for a multi-purpose building was laid many years ago. Oh, for the faith of a mustard seed...

Faith? Get this. Rodney Edwards is planning to be in Liberia during Pastor Hendon's Mission Trip. He is planning to get involved in this outreach in cooperation with the National Pastors' Fellowship Conference.
 
Service to Servants is already promoting it on their new website. On their homepage, they have mentioned the Delta Valley Association and they are also displaying the other poster that Jennifer designed. Thanks to Loren for printing 1,500 flyers. We are sending them out today for pre-conference promotion in the countryside villages of Liberia.

Pastor Hendon received his passport yesterday and has an appointment for his Yellow Fever Vaccination this morning. Lord willing, I will help him get his Visa application sent off today. This will be Pastor Hendon's first overseas trip. The humble preacher who pastors a small inner-city church in Stockton is walking through the door that the Lord has opened before him. In remembrance of my deceased brother's birthday and Pastor Hendon's Vaccination, this very paragraph has been predestined to link to this song  long, long ago:

click here

Tuesday, July 11, 2006
 
Cathy and I were the only ones who showed up for Club 163 this morning. We were blessed by reading the Word. She read aloud lessons and verses which are fundamental to the teaching currently being shared at the Epicenter on Tuesday Evenings: Losing Weight God's Way.

As Cathy read and asked me questions, I did my best at the male version of multi-tasking (complete with 'huh?'). Still, with Cathy's understanding that I was working on something important, I continued to tweak the appendix to this entry below.

Fortunately, I was able to integrate some of the very verses we discuseed to salt the offering I had written earlier (between 4:30 and 5:00 AM).

Yesterday afternoon, I observed the 2006 Worship Rally Team for our VBS outreach to children. Angelina, Alexis, Carly, Alexandra, Rachel, Samantha, and Katey were actively practicing Jeff Slaughter's choreography for the Arctic Edge. Christene and Amanda were adult leaders. Other adults who watched rehearsal included Jill, Joyce, Lupe, and even Papa Glenn. Daniel S. ran the Sound and DVD.

While the kids rehearsed, Christene and I strategized about working smarter and more effectively in city-wide, year-round outreach to children within our sphere of influence.

Last night, I rented Madea Goes to Jail. There's a highly-charged redemptive scene in that stage play. Check it out sometime. Tyler Perry is a man of integrity. He could easily be misunderstood by those who aren't willing to listen (and learn) from him. He has a powerful vehicle for reaching his audience with a broad, yet finely-focused gospel message.

This morning at 9:00, I'll meet with a couple seasoned-saints to discuss Thursday morning's inreach: Women of Grace. They want me to see the materials they are planning to use: Women of the Bible.

So, who's ready for Show and Tell?

    "now, that's what I'm talkin' about . . ."

Yesterday, Stonegate Andy sent us a link to a short-term mission video-blog. First, I played the YouTube Video for Cathy, then for Ruth (and Jennifer).

Finally, I made Jim sit down and watch the whole thing. Jim pointed to the big guy and asked,

  "Is that Andy?"

  "No, Andy's still in Texas. I think that's Bryce."

*Even Ed Sullivan had captions and let us learn their names (first was Paul, then Ringo, then George, then John...with "Sorry girls, He's married.").

So, I wrote to Andy and asked him "Who is who in order of appearance."

 I can't really tell you yet...however, I do know some names (David, Bryce, and Mike). He also sent me this cool photograph of the church they planted in Uganda two years ago). Andy had traveled there for that previous trip and had preached at the Dedication Service of this building.

This video clip shows last Sunday's return visit with Bryce doing the preaching. The Team is supposed to be in Sudan today...

Following is today's addendum to Show and Tell. Class, this is not required reading. However, some questions on a pop quiz later today might be more fully answered if you were to read on...


In the early seventies, when I became a teenager,
I used to 'require' certain elders to ...

 "sit down and listen . . .
          . . . to just one side of this album!"

I was continually being exposed to a variety of music because my Dad ran a jukebox chain, my brother was in a band, and all my friends had stereos and were collecting albums. I was listening to a variety of published players and writers who all had been shaped by the musical experimentation of the sixties. Of course, they were taking the state-of-the-art up a notch, out a ways, and sometimes much more focused on a theme.

The Who had given me a taste for thematic rock operatics. Tommy was a great compilation of catchy songs:

   "See me, feel me, touch me, heal me."

That album had prepared me to patiently appreciate Jesus Christ Superstar (and indirectly the storyline captured on vinyl).

Tarkus may have started a new chapter for me--pop music without lyrics. My big brother (the archetypical hero) came home from basic training in Texas and played a new 8 track tape for his younger siblings as we drove around Coldwater, Michigan. The unmistakable sound of the Hammond B-3 put us in remembrance of Dick's high school band, The Black Rose. However, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer were much more advanced in their expertise on their instruments.

That album had helped me broaden my tastes. Since the Beatles had broken up, I didn't care to listen to pop radio anymore. Many of my junior high peers had adopted a diet of AM Radio fare that I didn't hold as very important (like the time and space between Malachi and John the Baptist). This was an immature view of the popular culture, I know, but nonetheless, that is my history.

 I learned of underground, lesser-known works of several rock artists (who had really fused those R & B roots with jazz). I had heard a red White Trash 8 track  tape play over-and-over during the night at a rock festival in Indiana. I thoroughly enjoyed that album and, digging deeper, I discovered Edgar Winter's first album, Entrance.

I wore out the grooves in that particular piece of vinyl. Edgar had fused so many styles and yet was sharing something totally original with the few who would take the time to really listen (and learn).

So, I began to scat to the beat of a different drummer. Steve Myers shared the Mahavishnu Orchestra. We went to a concert and saw the original five-piece band (John McLaughlin was amazing on his double-neck SG).

Steve, being a drummer, was most interested in the ambidextrous artistry of Billy Cobham. That one night was my introduction to an entire subculture of master craftsmen--playing their instruments skillfully.

They all played skillfully 'before the Lord' (even if they were not yet playing skillfully in the Lord).

Here's the Word (for me) on that.

"So, what does this observation have to do with
  serving as a pastor of a healthy church?"

I would answer that question with a question.

Why did they wear wristbands asking WWJD?

What Would Jesus Do?  Huh?!

What exactly is the theology in that? Is Jesus is away on a trip somewhere . . .

We sang it in church Sunday:

  "Age to age He stands,
      and Time is in His Hands,
              Beginning and the End,
              Beginning and the End."

What would ...? 
      or  What is ...? 
      and What did ...?

What's Jesus Gonna Do?

That, dear reader, is sanctified rock/jazz fusion. Check out these guys from stonegate, man...

sit down and listen...
   look at the liner notes...
       learn who the players are...

David (first time on an overseas mission trip)
Mike (video editor; was in YYAM before this trip)
Bryce (that's what I'm talkin' about...)

Andy has 'turned me on' to this Mission Team from Midland, Texas.

"C'mon, Bill, inhale..."

 "Inhale deeply of the pneuma, man..."

If you don't know "what I'm talkin' about",
just ask me ... or click (and breathe) above...

If you think you would like a backstage pass to Stonegate's mission notes, just write me. I know this guy named Andy, he'll let us in...

  pastorob@gmail.com

I enjoy taking the scenic view and stopping at the rest areas along these 21st Century Roman Roads.

Well, its time for Club 163     g2g
 
update:  near-final Posters to send to Liberia ASAP:
             PDF 1   and   PDF 2  (click either one)
 

Monday, July 10, 2006

How great is our God. 
      How healthy is our church.

What a day yesterday was for the Kingdom of God in Galt, California!

I've been up since 4:30 am. checking email. I tried to arouse my sweet wife with the prospect of an early morning walk.

I whispered, "Honey, in Indonesia, they get up at this time and get outside while it is yet dark...in the cool of the morning...before it gets so hot...Do you wanna go for a walk...go get some coffee?"

She whispered back, "Give me three more minutes..."

Well, that was twenty minutes ago.

So, I've checked email and see some great things happening (right now) in Uganda. An entourage from the Stonegate Fellowship (that cool church in Midland, Texas) has arrived in Uganda. Here's a note with a link to an ongoing report from Andy Deck (stateside):

Friends,

It is with great joy that I pass along an update.  I just got off the phone with Bryce, Mike, David, and Pastor Tony.  They are traveling back to Entebbe from Mbale and had stopped at a Chinese restaurant.  Of course….I’m in Africa and it’s time for lunch…Hey, how about Chinese?

I got a quick update regarding their stay in eastern Uganda.  They had an incredible time at Musese.  Rather than me passing everything along second-hand, how would you like to see for yourself?  They were successful in uploading some text and video on the blog.  

Here’s the link:

      www.stonegatemission.blogspot.com

So, now you can check back periodically to see how they are doing.  The videos require a high-speed internet connection, but the quality is very good.  We are uncertain about their ability to connect and upload as they move to Sudan.  Check the site frequently and I will send along updates from phone calls or other news items.

It is Monday evening now and they should be back to the hotel in Entebbe.  They are scheduled to fly to Yei, Sudan early Tuesday morning.  Please pray for their travel (always an adventure), for their continued health, and for God’s hand of protection and direction.  These guys are awesome.

In Him,

Andy Deck

I will now try (again) to awaken the sleeping beauty and go for that walk...but first, I wanna show you something.

Pastor Hendon came to hear Pastor Mac preach last night. We had a photo-op for a poster we're about to produce to send to Pastor Wesley in Liberia. The National Pastors' Fellowship Conference is planning a three-day leadership seminar with Pastor Hendon as the keynote speaker.

So, we have one month to get the word out to 500 pastors in the various counties of Liberia. Pastor Wesley (President of the NPFC) has continually carried this burden for untrained church leaders. He desires to be used of God

   . . . to 'sharpen the man of God'.

Hopefully, Liberia's pastors and church leaders will receive the news about this particular Leadership Conference.
Here's a prototype of a poster we are planning to send by Federal Express. 
(click to enlarge the poster)

Final Posters:   PDF 1   and   PDF 2  (click either one)

Saturday, July 8, 2006

In a few days Joe's Mission Team will be leaving Hong Kong for the Philippines. Here is a short note I received from him yesterday:

Glory to God...God is adding to our numbers daily those who are being saved. I sent my wallet to the laundry and it came home without lacking anything.

More later,      Joe

I am grateful for the opportunity to attend our men's prayer meeting this morning. When we got to the Epicenter, Jim and I discovered that somebody (probably some 'kids') left a broken down office chair and a bike (with a flat tire) in the parking lot. That's the inner-city setting of our epicenter.

Jim has been working with some of the guys on a fence line to offer more security during the days of our upcoming VBS. However, he suggested that we leave the pedestrian gate open when we're not trying to protect a group of children. That's the right idea there.

Eli prayed over the services we will share tomorrow morning. In the two English speaking services, I will preach a message which will interact with 1 Timothy chapter four: click here for that Word of God.

Mike Harlan just prayed with me over the phone. He's about to study the Word for himself with the intention of calling me tonight to share some of his findings with me.

Friday, July 7, 2006

Gotta run off to the Rotary Breakfast (7:00 am) but wanted to journal this change of plans.: Pastor Wesley wrote after an important meeting:
 

Dear Pastor Rob,

We have just concluded our meeting regarding the revival and/or pastoral conference. We think the spiritual benefits of a of a revival will mainly only come to our church but if have a non-denominational, bible-believing pastoral conference, the spiritual benefits that pastors will receive will go a long way in affecting their respective congregations of the pastors that will attend the conference.
 

Therefore, we prefer a 3-day pastoral conference to the revival meetings. I will need to talk with Pastor Hendon in regard to this plan. Could you give me his phone number? He will have to preach/teach 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon for three days...from the 17th -19th of August, 2006.

Please find out if this will be too heavy a load for him to carry. Let him share his thoughts. Another thing, we will expect 400 - 500 pastors in attendance. 

Will it be possible to provide lunch for them (from your end) during the conference? (Please see Jesus' approach in  Mt. 14:15-21). I think US $0.50 per person per day will be OK for lunch.

Thank you very much and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

Pastor Wesley