ENJOYING A RIDE WITH MR. BASEBALL
The season opener of Major League Baseball has reminded me of an enjoyable ride across our state while listening to one of the most recognizable voices in North America.
Ernie Harwell was announcing a Detroit Tiger baseball game and his usual mastery of the microphone, added to the fact that I was once Ernie’s pastor, made my long trip a pleasant sentimental journey.
What made Ernie Harwell so effective as a baseball announcer and so loved by the public in general?
A Detroit newspaper once quoted Ernie as follows: “The most important thing to me is how I walk with God, whether I please Him or not. My family is second and my job third. I try to keep things in perspective.”
Driving and listening to Ernie at his best, reminded me of a time he and I had visited a woman who had been hospitalized for several weeks following serious surgery. Knowing she was an ardent Tiger fan, I thought a visit from Ernie might encourage her, brightening one of those routine, sometimes boring, days that can be part of a long hospital stay.
When I called Ernie to ask if he’d be willing to make the visit with me, his reply was characteristic Harwell. “Sure, I’ll be glad to go,” he said.
During our drive to the hospital, I told Ernie about the woman we were going to see: her faith, her illness, the long recovery period expected and her husband’s response when he heard of our planned visit. “You’ll make her day!” he’d said. “She must be easily satisfied,” Ernie replied.
Upon arriving at our destination, we headed down a corridor and approached a room that was decorated with Tiger signs. Here was a true blue fan who had chosen the Tigers as her team while growing up in New York just to have a team other than the one boosted by her brothers. That year, she had picked the team that finished last and had remained loyal through all the good and lean years that followed.
Ernie and I stepped into that hospital room without fanfare, but I knew immediately that this patient’s husband had been right in his prediction about the effect Ernie’s appearance would have on his suffering wife.
The distinguished voice this faithful fan had heard addressing thousands so many times before was now directed to her personally, but baseball wasn’t its primary theme. Here was Ernie Harwell, the man of faith, now a sermon in shoes, ministering to someone who was going through a difficult time; encouraging her and representing his Lord.
Some seldom reach out to hurting people. They just stand there, as Ernie often said after a great pitch flew by an unmoved batter, “like a house by the side of the road.” So they never get to first base in bringing others to their Lord.
Others care enough to go and show what faith and compassion are like in action.
May their numbers increase!
When they reach home, they’ll find their names recorded in heaven’s hall of fame.
Roger Campbell MinistriesPO Box 301004 Waterford MI. 48330248-623-6882 (Office Hours 9:00 AM-5:00 PM [eastern time] Monday through Friday)
Roger Campbell is an author, broadcaster and columnist and has been a pastor for over 22 years.
He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Take A Moment
Jeremiah 9:23-24
23 This is what the Lord says: "The wise must not brag about their wisdom.
The strong must not brag about their strength. The rich must not brag about their money.
24 But if people want to brag, let them brag that they understand and know me.
Let them brag that I am the Lord, and that I am kind and fair, and that I do things
that are right on earth. This kind of bragging pleases me," says the Lord.
23 This is what the Lord says: "The wise must not brag about their wisdom.
The strong must not brag about their strength. The rich must not brag about their money.
24 But if people want to brag, let them brag that they understand and know me.
Let them brag that I am the Lord, and that I am kind and fair, and that I do things
that are right on earth. This kind of bragging pleases me," says the Lord.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Ron & Janice Jones April 2009 Newsletter
Hello friends and team members,
We write with grateful hearts to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the great success of our trip to the Island of
Dominica. Dominica is an island of 350 square miles with numerous mountain ranges and a huge rainforest that covers
most of the island. The island is inhabited by numerous nationalities from all over the Caribbean, but have an
indigenous race of people called the “Caribe’s’ who are the original indians of the Caribbean. 13 from Antigua accompanied
Janice and myself who represented 5 different local churches and Dr. Ruth Allen from Montserrat. 16 in
all converged in Dominica from April 4-9. On Saturday night we had an evangelistic crusade at the Castle Bruce WHC
pastored by Rev. Joan Lockhart. That crusade continued on Sunday morning and evening. Sunday afternoon we had a
preregistration and get to know you service which was the kickoff for our VBS. The VBS lasted through Wednesday
and we ministered to over 80 children. Monday we went into the primary school at Castle Bruce and were able to do a
devotion that lasted about 45 minutes. Dr. Ruth Allen, pastor of the Montserrat Beulah WHC, gave the devotion about
the wise man and foolish man that built there houses of rock and sand. Sister Priscilla Michael led the children in
some songs. There favorite song was “I may never march in the infantry, ride in the calvary, shoot the artillery; I may
never fly o’er the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army.” Also on Monday and Wednesday we were able to go onto the
Caribe reserve and conduct devotions for one public school and a Nazarene school. I provided one day of devotions
sharing with the children about Jesus using the young lad’s lunch in feeding over 5,000 and Dr. Olson Daniel, who is
the Assistant District Superintendent for the Antigua District of the WHC, the committee chair-person for missions
and evangelism, and also the pastor of Swetes WHC, provided a devotion also and spoke about Daniel in the lion’s
den. With a great “ROAR” Dr. Daniel challenged the children to trust in God for all they need. Janice provided the
leadership for the VBS and did a great job of organization. We also went out in the community of Castle Bruce and
the Caribe Reserve sharing our faith with individuals, passing out 100’s of gospel tracts, and making many new
friends. We had gathered clothes months before we left for Dominica for adults, children and infants and gave many
of those out and left some with Pastor Lockhart to distribute as needs arrive. There are pictures below of Janice passing
out some of the clothes. It was Christmas in April for these families who have great needs. If interested, we have
one family in which the mother asked if we could raise some funds to buy a TV so her children would have something
to do in their very small home at night instead of going out at night on the reserve where it is not safe. Just a small 15-
20 inch TV with a DVD player built in. We could then buy them some family and religious oriented dvd’s for their entertainment.
We have pictures below of this family dwelling.
We now have around 100 days left in Antigua and are busy trying to fill our speaking schedule for Sept. 2009
through May 2010. We are scheduled to be home August 1. Please contact us through email listed at the bottom
of this page or through our blog on our website listed above. Thanks for your prayers and financial support. Without
you none of the great strides made here would have ever happened. Pray for the teams we have scheduled this summer:
Brandon & Lynn Baker May 30-June 6; Shady Grove Colfax Wesleyan; June 19-27, High Pine Wesleyan July
4-11; Gibsonville Brown Wesleyan July 18-25. God Bless!! Go to website for over 1000 more pictures of Dominica.
In Christ,
Ron & Janice Jones
P.O.Box 2234 St Johns antigua West Indies Email: r o n n i e j o n e s 1@ma c . c om
We write with grateful hearts to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the great success of our trip to the Island of
Dominica. Dominica is an island of 350 square miles with numerous mountain ranges and a huge rainforest that covers
most of the island. The island is inhabited by numerous nationalities from all over the Caribbean, but have an
indigenous race of people called the “Caribe’s’ who are the original indians of the Caribbean. 13 from Antigua accompanied
Janice and myself who represented 5 different local churches and Dr. Ruth Allen from Montserrat. 16 in
all converged in Dominica from April 4-9. On Saturday night we had an evangelistic crusade at the Castle Bruce WHC
pastored by Rev. Joan Lockhart. That crusade continued on Sunday morning and evening. Sunday afternoon we had a
preregistration and get to know you service which was the kickoff for our VBS. The VBS lasted through Wednesday
and we ministered to over 80 children. Monday we went into the primary school at Castle Bruce and were able to do a
devotion that lasted about 45 minutes. Dr. Ruth Allen, pastor of the Montserrat Beulah WHC, gave the devotion about
the wise man and foolish man that built there houses of rock and sand. Sister Priscilla Michael led the children in
some songs. There favorite song was “I may never march in the infantry, ride in the calvary, shoot the artillery; I may
never fly o’er the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army.” Also on Monday and Wednesday we were able to go onto the
Caribe reserve and conduct devotions for one public school and a Nazarene school. I provided one day of devotions
sharing with the children about Jesus using the young lad’s lunch in feeding over 5,000 and Dr. Olson Daniel, who is
the Assistant District Superintendent for the Antigua District of the WHC, the committee chair-person for missions
and evangelism, and also the pastor of Swetes WHC, provided a devotion also and spoke about Daniel in the lion’s
den. With a great “ROAR” Dr. Daniel challenged the children to trust in God for all they need. Janice provided the
leadership for the VBS and did a great job of organization. We also went out in the community of Castle Bruce and
the Caribe Reserve sharing our faith with individuals, passing out 100’s of gospel tracts, and making many new
friends. We had gathered clothes months before we left for Dominica for adults, children and infants and gave many
of those out and left some with Pastor Lockhart to distribute as needs arrive. There are pictures below of Janice passing
out some of the clothes. It was Christmas in April for these families who have great needs. If interested, we have
one family in which the mother asked if we could raise some funds to buy a TV so her children would have something
to do in their very small home at night instead of going out at night on the reserve where it is not safe. Just a small 15-
20 inch TV with a DVD player built in. We could then buy them some family and religious oriented dvd’s for their entertainment.
We have pictures below of this family dwelling.
We now have around 100 days left in Antigua and are busy trying to fill our speaking schedule for Sept. 2009
through May 2010. We are scheduled to be home August 1. Please contact us through email listed at the bottom
of this page or through our blog on our website listed above. Thanks for your prayers and financial support. Without
you none of the great strides made here would have ever happened. Pray for the teams we have scheduled this summer:
Brandon & Lynn Baker May 30-June 6; Shady Grove Colfax Wesleyan; June 19-27, High Pine Wesleyan July
4-11; Gibsonville Brown Wesleyan July 18-25. God Bless!! Go to website for over 1000 more pictures of Dominica.
In Christ,
Ron & Janice Jones
P.O.Box 2234 St Johns antigua West Indies Email: r o n n i e j o n e s 1@ma c . c om
An Encouraging Easter Word From Roger Campbell
EASTER’S HAPPY HEADLINE
The week beginning on Palm Sunday and ending with the crucifixion of Christ focuses on the darkest period of history. Yet, throughout this passionate period, a light shines through the darkness: the hope of the resurrection. These seven sacred days reveal the seriousness of sin and the price required to redeem us. Martin Luther called our tendency to do wrong so deep and horrible a corruption of nature that, “no reason can comprehend it.” And Augustine wrote: “We are capable of every sin that we have seen our neighbor commit unless God’s grace restrains us.” Old Testament prophets foresaw and wrote about the coming painful passion of the coming deliverer. David penned the most mysterious of the seven last words of Christ on the cross centuries before they were spoken (Psalm 22). Isaiah saw the suffering Savior being wounded and bruised to pay for our transgressions (Isaiah 53). Zechariah wrote about his pierced body and wounded hands (Zechariah 12:10; 13:6). While Handel was composing his great “Messiah,” a friend came to visit him just as he was working on the music for “He was despised.” Handel sobbed as he worked because his heart was broken as he thought about the shame and suffering of Christ described in the text before him. The disciples were devastated by the events of Passion Week. Peter was the first to fall, denying his Lord three times before leaving the scene in tears but ultimately they all fled for their lives, abandoning the one who loved them in their darkest hour. Earlier, Jesus had been challenged by critics who demanded a sign to prove His authority to teach and work miracles. “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up,” He had replied (John 2:9). Thinking He was speaking of the temple in Jerusalem, they reminded Him it had taken forty-six years to build and that rebuilding it in three days would be impossible. But He had been speaking of the resurrection of His body after the crucifixion, a promise He repeated to His disciples. Interestingly while the enemies of Christ remembered His promise of resurrection, His disciples seem to have forgotten it. His accusers would later ask Pilate for a Roman guard to be set at the tomb because He had said He would rise again (Matthew 27:63). Matthew Henry, the noted Bible commentator, explained this strange turn of events by writing “hate is keener sighted than love.” Considering how much more likely our enemies are to attack us than some of our friends to defend us, he may have been right. The passion of Christ and all that was part of His cruel condemnation and crucifixion created an atmosphere of darkness, but then came Sunday. Three days after Jesus was placed in Joseph’s tomb the stone that sealed Him in was touched by an angel and rolled away, allowing light to enter that dark place. This demonstration of authenticity transformed the disciples into dynamic people of faith. God still meets those He loves during their dark times. The happy headline of Easter announces “Christ Arose!” And right on time, in response to your faith, He’ll roll away the stone that’s troubling you today.
Roger Campbell MinistriesPO Box 301004 Waterford MI. 48330248-623-6882 (Office Hours 9:00 AM-5:00 PM [eastern time] Monday through Friday)
Roger Campbell is an author, broadcaster and columnist and has been a pastor for over 22 years.He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
The week beginning on Palm Sunday and ending with the crucifixion of Christ focuses on the darkest period of history. Yet, throughout this passionate period, a light shines through the darkness: the hope of the resurrection. These seven sacred days reveal the seriousness of sin and the price required to redeem us. Martin Luther called our tendency to do wrong so deep and horrible a corruption of nature that, “no reason can comprehend it.” And Augustine wrote: “We are capable of every sin that we have seen our neighbor commit unless God’s grace restrains us.” Old Testament prophets foresaw and wrote about the coming painful passion of the coming deliverer. David penned the most mysterious of the seven last words of Christ on the cross centuries before they were spoken (Psalm 22). Isaiah saw the suffering Savior being wounded and bruised to pay for our transgressions (Isaiah 53). Zechariah wrote about his pierced body and wounded hands (Zechariah 12:10; 13:6). While Handel was composing his great “Messiah,” a friend came to visit him just as he was working on the music for “He was despised.” Handel sobbed as he worked because his heart was broken as he thought about the shame and suffering of Christ described in the text before him. The disciples were devastated by the events of Passion Week. Peter was the first to fall, denying his Lord three times before leaving the scene in tears but ultimately they all fled for their lives, abandoning the one who loved them in their darkest hour. Earlier, Jesus had been challenged by critics who demanded a sign to prove His authority to teach and work miracles. “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up,” He had replied (John 2:9). Thinking He was speaking of the temple in Jerusalem, they reminded Him it had taken forty-six years to build and that rebuilding it in three days would be impossible. But He had been speaking of the resurrection of His body after the crucifixion, a promise He repeated to His disciples. Interestingly while the enemies of Christ remembered His promise of resurrection, His disciples seem to have forgotten it. His accusers would later ask Pilate for a Roman guard to be set at the tomb because He had said He would rise again (Matthew 27:63). Matthew Henry, the noted Bible commentator, explained this strange turn of events by writing “hate is keener sighted than love.” Considering how much more likely our enemies are to attack us than some of our friends to defend us, he may have been right. The passion of Christ and all that was part of His cruel condemnation and crucifixion created an atmosphere of darkness, but then came Sunday. Three days after Jesus was placed in Joseph’s tomb the stone that sealed Him in was touched by an angel and rolled away, allowing light to enter that dark place. This demonstration of authenticity transformed the disciples into dynamic people of faith. God still meets those He loves during their dark times. The happy headline of Easter announces “Christ Arose!” And right on time, in response to your faith, He’ll roll away the stone that’s troubling you today.
Roger Campbell MinistriesPO Box 301004 Waterford MI. 48330248-623-6882 (Office Hours 9:00 AM-5:00 PM [eastern time] Monday through Friday)
Roger Campbell is an author, broadcaster and columnist and has been a pastor for over 22 years.He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
The McGrady's
Dear Praying Friends, We just wanted to give you an update from Cuenca, Ecuador. God Blessed us with 30 people in attendence at our Easter Service at our home. We began our service with a time of worship prepared by Jordan and lead by Marlene. Ned shared some devotional thoughts from the resurrection story and we celebrated communion together. Following an awesome worship service, we had a ping pong tournament on our newly made table while many of the ladies cooked a delicious meal from 4 different countries, including foods from Peru, Columbia, Ecuador and the USA. We had a huge turkey and a chocolate bunny cake to top things off. After our meal and recreation time, we watched the movie the "End of the Spear", (slain missionaries, in the Ecuadorian jungle,1950's), which was well received by all. God's blessings were abundent during our day of celebration and we praise God for it. We have transformed a portion of our carport into a church and God is blessing as we reach out into our community and new people are coming in. Some of you have been praying for Absolem, a neighbor that Ned has become friends with. Absolem came to church today. He continues to show interest in the things of God. Keep praying for the work here Cuenca. God is doing great things here. The work is growing and we need your prayers to continue to be equiped to serve the Lord as He has called us to. Thanks for your prayers and support. The McGrady'sNed, Marlene and JordanRev. Ned R. McGradyGlobal Partners Pastor to Missionaries in EcuadorApartado 01.01.338Cuenca, Ecuador South AmericaEcuador Home Phone 593-07-408-2545
Celular: 593-08-049-8723Email ned@straightpaths.orgSkype ned.mcgradySkype Phone (727) 231-4151www.straightpaths.org
Celular: 593-08-049-8723Email ned@straightpaths.orgSkype ned.mcgradySkype Phone (727) 231-4151www.straightpaths.org
Sunday, April 12, 2009
History of Colored Easter Eggs
Easter Eggs
Easter is a religious holiday, but some of its customs, such as Easter eggs, are likely linked to pagan traditions. The egg, an ancient symbol of new life, has been associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus' emergence from the tomb and resurrection. Decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back to at least the 13th century, according to some sources. One explanation for this custom is that eggs were formerly a forbidden food during the Lenten season, so people would paint and decorate them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, then eat them on Easter as a celebration.
Easter egg hunts and egg rolling are two popular egg-related traditions. In the U.S., the White House Easter Egg Roll, a race in which children push decorated, hard-boiled eggs across the White House lawn, is an annual event held the Monday after Easter. The first official White House egg roll occurred in 1878, when Rutherford B. Hayes was president. The event has no religious significance, although some people have considered egg rolling symbolic of the stone blocking Jesus' tomb being rolled away, leading to his resurrection.
Easter is a religious holiday, but some of its customs, such as Easter eggs, are likely linked to pagan traditions. The egg, an ancient symbol of new life, has been associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus' emergence from the tomb and resurrection. Decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back to at least the 13th century, according to some sources. One explanation for this custom is that eggs were formerly a forbidden food during the Lenten season, so people would paint and decorate them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, then eat them on Easter as a celebration.
Easter egg hunts and egg rolling are two popular egg-related traditions. In the U.S., the White House Easter Egg Roll, a race in which children push decorated, hard-boiled eggs across the White House lawn, is an annual event held the Monday after Easter. The first official White House egg roll occurred in 1878, when Rutherford B. Hayes was president. The event has no religious significance, although some people have considered egg rolling symbolic of the stone blocking Jesus' tomb being rolled away, leading to his resurrection.
An Encouraging Word From Roger Campbell
PALM SUNDAY’S TEARS TODAY
The praises and palm branches of Psalm Sunday’s crowd when Jesus entered Jerusalem are remembered at this time of year but many forget the tears of Jesus over what that sacred city would face in the years ahead. Jerusalem means “city of peace” but the history of that embattled city is one of war and destruction and today it is the location of the most volatile political, religious, economic and military problem on the planet…so the tears continue. Interestingly, the Hebrew prophet, Zechariah, foretold this worldwide focus on the woes of Jerusalem and the alarm they would bring to the world in our time (Zechariah 12:2-3). David Grossman, while living in Israel, once wrote the following in a letter to the editor of Newsweek: “Fear masters everything; when you walk down the street you inspect all those who pass you with, as we say in Hebrew, seven eyes. Every decision is a fateful one. Everything is so fragile.” He said even making his way down a main street in Jerusalem that he had traveled since boyhood he found his mind cutting the landscape in pieces, looking for some source of danger. No wonder Jesus wept. Fear is a miserable master and to some degree this enemy stalks us all, wherever we live, bringing depression, stifling ability, draining energy, diminishing courage and robbing life of adventure and success. When fear is in control, we, like Grossman, are constantly scanning the landscape in search of anything that might harm us. Familiar sights and sounds become sentinels that continually warn us of impending disasters, keeping us ever on high alert. Even a ringing telephone can place one under fear’s control, dreading what unwelcome words may dwell at the bell. What breaks fear’s bondage? Faith in Palm Sunday’s weeping one. Faith and fear are opposites. And faith always enlists prayer to summon its faithful protector. The tears of Jesus on Palm Sunday, as He descended into Jerusalem, revealed His love for those who faced terrible things in the future. Ahead lay His betrayal by Judas, a mock trial before spineless Pilate and the crucifixion. Yet His tears that day weren’t for himself but for other suffering ones. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” pleaded the psalmist (Psalm 122:6), and this ancient call to prayer is as needed today as it was when it was first issued. Will peace finally come to Jerusalem? Yes! Prayers will be answered and prophetic promises of peace fulfilled (Isaiah 62). Can we find peace as individuals? Absolutely! The One who stilled a stormy sea has a “Peace be still” for you and me.
Roger Campbell MinistriesPO Box 301004 Waterford MI. 48330248-623-6882 (Office Hours 9:00 AM-5:00 PM [eastern time] Monday through Friday)
Roger Campbell is an author, broadcaster and columnist and has been a pastor for over 22 years.He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
The praises and palm branches of Psalm Sunday’s crowd when Jesus entered Jerusalem are remembered at this time of year but many forget the tears of Jesus over what that sacred city would face in the years ahead. Jerusalem means “city of peace” but the history of that embattled city is one of war and destruction and today it is the location of the most volatile political, religious, economic and military problem on the planet…so the tears continue. Interestingly, the Hebrew prophet, Zechariah, foretold this worldwide focus on the woes of Jerusalem and the alarm they would bring to the world in our time (Zechariah 12:2-3). David Grossman, while living in Israel, once wrote the following in a letter to the editor of Newsweek: “Fear masters everything; when you walk down the street you inspect all those who pass you with, as we say in Hebrew, seven eyes. Every decision is a fateful one. Everything is so fragile.” He said even making his way down a main street in Jerusalem that he had traveled since boyhood he found his mind cutting the landscape in pieces, looking for some source of danger. No wonder Jesus wept. Fear is a miserable master and to some degree this enemy stalks us all, wherever we live, bringing depression, stifling ability, draining energy, diminishing courage and robbing life of adventure and success. When fear is in control, we, like Grossman, are constantly scanning the landscape in search of anything that might harm us. Familiar sights and sounds become sentinels that continually warn us of impending disasters, keeping us ever on high alert. Even a ringing telephone can place one under fear’s control, dreading what unwelcome words may dwell at the bell. What breaks fear’s bondage? Faith in Palm Sunday’s weeping one. Faith and fear are opposites. And faith always enlists prayer to summon its faithful protector. The tears of Jesus on Palm Sunday, as He descended into Jerusalem, revealed His love for those who faced terrible things in the future. Ahead lay His betrayal by Judas, a mock trial before spineless Pilate and the crucifixion. Yet His tears that day weren’t for himself but for other suffering ones. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” pleaded the psalmist (Psalm 122:6), and this ancient call to prayer is as needed today as it was when it was first issued. Will peace finally come to Jerusalem? Yes! Prayers will be answered and prophetic promises of peace fulfilled (Isaiah 62). Can we find peace as individuals? Absolutely! The One who stilled a stormy sea has a “Peace be still” for you and me.
Roger Campbell MinistriesPO Box 301004 Waterford MI. 48330248-623-6882 (Office Hours 9:00 AM-5:00 PM [eastern time] Monday through Friday)
Roger Campbell is an author, broadcaster and columnist and has been a pastor for over 22 years.He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
McGrady's Mission Moment April 09
Happy Easter to Our Missionary Support Team! Thank you so much for standing with us in prayer and faithful support for our work here in Ecuador and beyond. We sincerly hope and pray that you will have a blessed Easter Season. We appreciate all you do for us and hope that you will enjoy the time you have with your families and friends. We will miss being with our families at this time, and ask that you continue to pray for our kids Jessica and Joshua as they finish their year at college. Pray for Jordan as he continues his on-line classes and his ministry to the youth. We appreciate your prayers for Marlene's dad as he continues to recover from surgery. We ask that you pray for us as we work to plant the church here and carry on our regular pastor duties to our missionaries. Pray for our special Easter Celebration. Please click the links below to see our most recent updates of our visit to Peru and our work here in Ecuador. God Bless, Ned, Marlene and Jordan http://straightpaths.org/news.aspx http://straightpaths.org/pastorstomissionaries.aspx http://straightpaths.org/jordanscorner.aspxRev. Ned R. McGradyGlobal Partners Pastor to Missionaries in EcuadorApartado 01.01.338Cuenca, Ecuador South AmericaEcuador Home Phone 593-07-408-2545
Celular: 593-08-049-8723Email ned@straightpaths.orgSkype ned.mcgradySkype Phone (727) 231-4151www.straightpaths.org
Celular: 593-08-049-8723Email ned@straightpaths.orgSkype ned.mcgradySkype Phone (727) 231-4151www.straightpaths.org
Monday, April 6, 2009
Desperate Prayer
The world does not offer much hope in our times of great need.
At rock bottom, his own family kidnapped wtih the others, David strengthened himself in the Lord.
1 Samuel 30:6 (New Century Version)
The men in the army were threatening to kill David with stones, which greatly upset David. Each man was sad and angry because his sons and daughters had been captured, but David found strength in the Lord his God.
Here is a five step spiritual process for answered prayer using David's prayer as an example:
1) Repentance-change of mind
2) Recalled-God's faithfulness
3) Reflected-Heavenly power
4) Remembered-God's promises in His word
5) Resolved-to trust God
David's trust in the Lord was rewarded. In response to his faith, God rewarded David with all the strength needed for the circumstance.
I Samuel 30:16-19 So the Egyptian led David to the Amalekites. They were lying around on the ground, eating and drinking and celebrating with the things they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from Judah.17 David fought them from sunset until the evening of the next day. None of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode off on their camels.18 David got his two wives back and everything the Amalekites had taken.19 Nothing was missing. David brought back everyone, young and old, sons and daughters. He recovered the valuable things and everything the Amalekites had taken.
God never changes he will do the same for you and me.
At rock bottom, his own family kidnapped wtih the others, David strengthened himself in the Lord.
1 Samuel 30:6 (New Century Version)
The men in the army were threatening to kill David with stones, which greatly upset David. Each man was sad and angry because his sons and daughters had been captured, but David found strength in the Lord his God.
Here is a five step spiritual process for answered prayer using David's prayer as an example:
1) Repentance-change of mind
2) Recalled-God's faithfulness
3) Reflected-Heavenly power
4) Remembered-God's promises in His word
5) Resolved-to trust God
David's trust in the Lord was rewarded. In response to his faith, God rewarded David with all the strength needed for the circumstance.
I Samuel 30:16-19 So the Egyptian led David to the Amalekites. They were lying around on the ground, eating and drinking and celebrating with the things they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from Judah.17 David fought them from sunset until the evening of the next day. None of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode off on their camels.18 David got his two wives back and everything the Amalekites had taken.19 Nothing was missing. David brought back everyone, young and old, sons and daughters. He recovered the valuable things and everything the Amalekites had taken.
God never changes he will do the same for you and me.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Week of Witness/Spring Life 2009
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SpringLife '09Free Evanglism & Discipleship ResourcesEverySoul.org March 15 - May 3, 2009
This Sunday begins the “Week of Witness” across The Wesleyan Church.” As part of the SpringLife emphasis focusing on evangelism and discipleship – the “Week of Witness” has two specific goals:
1. To share your personal faith in Jesus Christ with at least one person verbally/intentionally; and
2. To invite as many people as you can to join you for Easter Sunday services/activities at your church.
This is our opportunity to help everyone around us to realize that Jesus lives! This is our time to share the hope of Christ with our family, friends and co-workers. This is the week for the world to understand what Easter is all about.
We have prayed for many to accept Christ as their personal Savior during the Week of Witness. We are expecting Easter Weekend to be a special celebration of the transformation of eternal life that only Jesus can make happen. Listen for the opportunities to share your faith. Engage in purposeful conversations about what Jesus means to you personally. Invite everyone you interact with to Easter in anticipation that the Good News of Jesus will be the focus of the entire weekend. Expect that many new believers will be intentionally discipled to and baptized throughout April and May through the ministry of the local church. Visit www.everysoul.org for more details, visit the prayer wall and share your stories of Christ's work.
Take as many as possible with you to heaven!Dr. Jim Dunn Rev. Phil StevensonSpiritual Formation Evangelism & Church Growth
The Leadership Network of the Spiritual Formation Department of The Wesleyan Church provides resources, updates and special offers to subscribers.Forward this email to a friend.Update your profile.Unsubscribe jbaxter16@tampabay.rr.com from this list. Our mailing address is:PO Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250Copyright (C) 2009 The Wesleyan Church. All rights reserved.Compliments of the departments of Evanglism & Church Growth and Spiritual Formation.
SpringLife '09Free Evanglism & Discipleship ResourcesEverySoul.org March 15 - May 3, 2009
This Sunday begins the “Week of Witness” across The Wesleyan Church.” As part of the SpringLife emphasis focusing on evangelism and discipleship – the “Week of Witness” has two specific goals:
1. To share your personal faith in Jesus Christ with at least one person verbally/intentionally; and
2. To invite as many people as you can to join you for Easter Sunday services/activities at your church.
This is our opportunity to help everyone around us to realize that Jesus lives! This is our time to share the hope of Christ with our family, friends and co-workers. This is the week for the world to understand what Easter is all about.
We have prayed for many to accept Christ as their personal Savior during the Week of Witness. We are expecting Easter Weekend to be a special celebration of the transformation of eternal life that only Jesus can make happen. Listen for the opportunities to share your faith. Engage in purposeful conversations about what Jesus means to you personally. Invite everyone you interact with to Easter in anticipation that the Good News of Jesus will be the focus of the entire weekend. Expect that many new believers will be intentionally discipled to and baptized throughout April and May through the ministry of the local church. Visit www.everysoul.org for more details, visit the prayer wall and share your stories of Christ's work.
Take as many as possible with you to heaven!Dr. Jim Dunn Rev. Phil StevensonSpiritual Formation Evangelism & Church Growth
The Leadership Network of the Spiritual Formation Department of The Wesleyan Church provides resources, updates and special offers to subscribers.Forward this email to a friend.Update your profile.Unsubscribe jbaxter16@tampabay.rr.com from this list. Our mailing address is:PO Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250Copyright (C) 2009 The Wesleyan Church. All rights reserved.Compliments of the departments of Evanglism & Church Growth and Spiritual Formation.
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