My Grandchildren ask me about the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" so I told them I would find out when that is.
Sometimes we are so caught up in traditions and rituals that we don't really know what we are celebrating or why. Pastor Arthur and I discovered this when we began teaching the Advent. You see the first time we were involved in the lighting of the Advent Candle at church we did not know what it was. After I completed the research on the history and symbolism we began teaching and lighting it in our church services in the nursing and assisted living facilities, there we discovered many folks had lit the candle in their churches all their lives did not know the history or symbolism and were grateful that we explained it.
The following is a result of my research of The Twelve Days of Christmas:
Religious Symbolism of the Twelve Days of Christmas
1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
Epiphany is the climax of Advent/Christmas Season. The first day of Christmas is Christmas Day and the Twelfth day is January 5, the Eve of Epiphany. Or in some beliefs the eve of Christmas Day December 25, to the morning of Epiphany, January 6. The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King.
Epiphany or Three Kings Day is the celebration of the arrival of the Magi to the baby Jesus. The festivities include the baking of a special King’s Cake which is also celebrated during Mardi Graus. The one or two Sundays during Epiphany are known as Christmas Tide. There are also longer versions of the tradition, some celebrate Epiphany from January 6 until Ash Wednesday the first day f Lent and still others until the Transfiguration Sunday.
However some Christians believe that there were more than three magi, not kings, who presented three gifts that were named in scripture. Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. This verse indicates they arrived to a young child at Mary’s side, not an infant. King Herrod ordered all boys two years old and under killed, Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, , 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. Therefore, it appears that at the time they fled to Egypt Jesus was standing and perhaps walking.
Resources
http://www.cresourcei.org/cyepiph.html
www.biblegateway.com
As always make sure to read and study on your own, open to what God has for your knowledge in order to draw closer to Him through faith.
Happy New Year everyone, make this a year of singing a new song and starting new family traditions. Advent 2010 was the first time my grandchildren learned what advent is, nightly bible readings, and experiencing the true meaning. We read about the birthday of Jesus before opening gifts that we receive because of the greatest gift ever given to us by our Heavenly Father.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
NEWSPAPER COLUMN Roger Campbell
THE POWER OF A THANKFUL HEART
With shouts of praise to God, the Pilgrims from Scrooby Village in England came ashore at New Plymouth in 1620. The able bodied ones knelt on the snow covered rocky ground and gave thanks for their completion of their stormy voyage across the Atlantic.
Others, weakened by sickness, lay on pallets reciting Psalms and singing hymns.
A few moths later, half of the Pilgrim company was dead from exposure and disease.
But the remainder rallied and carried on. Their first permanent building was an assembly house for meetings of the church and the elected general court. Prayers were always offered at the opening of court and before voting on any important issue.
Though they endured many hardships, they learned to be thankful for daily blessings and this led to celebrating their first harvest with a feast of thanksgiving. The Pilgrims could have pouted about their privations and problems. Instead, they chose to thank God for the blessings He had given.
More than one hundred years after the Pilgrims had set the example, President George Washington issued the following Thanksgiving Proclamation:
“WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favors…
“Now, THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th of November next, to be devoted by the people of these states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be;
that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks.”
A THANKFUL HEART PAGE TWO Roger Campbell
It is important to note that both the expressions of thanksgiving by the Pilgrims and of George Washington came following times of great distress: the struggle of that first difficult year by the Pilgrims and the rigors of the Revolutionary War by Washington.
Tough times made them thankful.
But there is another dimension to this story that is often overlooked: their thankful hearts enabled them to endure tough times triumphantly.
A thankful heart is powerful.
Depression departs from thankful hearts.
A thankful heart can heal a troubled marriage.
A thankful heart turns one from pouting to praising.
A thankful heart can overcome fears about the future.
A thankful heart can dissolve doubts and eliminate cynicism.
The well known author of Christian classics, A.W. Tozer, wrote: “Now as a cure for the sour, faultfinding attitude I recommend the cultivation of the habit of thankfulness.
Thanksgiving has great curative power. The heart that is constantly overflowing with gratitude will be safe from those attacks of resentfulness and gloom that bother so many.
A thankful heart cannot be cynical.”
In counting our blessings, we can change our lives and the lives of those we love.
With shouts of praise to God, the Pilgrims from Scrooby Village in England came ashore at New Plymouth in 1620. The able bodied ones knelt on the snow covered rocky ground and gave thanks for their completion of their stormy voyage across the Atlantic.
Others, weakened by sickness, lay on pallets reciting Psalms and singing hymns.
A few moths later, half of the Pilgrim company was dead from exposure and disease.
But the remainder rallied and carried on. Their first permanent building was an assembly house for meetings of the church and the elected general court. Prayers were always offered at the opening of court and before voting on any important issue.
Though they endured many hardships, they learned to be thankful for daily blessings and this led to celebrating their first harvest with a feast of thanksgiving. The Pilgrims could have pouted about their privations and problems. Instead, they chose to thank God for the blessings He had given.
More than one hundred years after the Pilgrims had set the example, President George Washington issued the following Thanksgiving Proclamation:
“WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favors…
“Now, THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th of November next, to be devoted by the people of these states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be;
that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks.”
A THANKFUL HEART PAGE TWO Roger Campbell
It is important to note that both the expressions of thanksgiving by the Pilgrims and of George Washington came following times of great distress: the struggle of that first difficult year by the Pilgrims and the rigors of the Revolutionary War by Washington.
Tough times made them thankful.
But there is another dimension to this story that is often overlooked: their thankful hearts enabled them to endure tough times triumphantly.
A thankful heart is powerful.
Depression departs from thankful hearts.
A thankful heart can heal a troubled marriage.
A thankful heart turns one from pouting to praising.
A thankful heart can overcome fears about the future.
A thankful heart can dissolve doubts and eliminate cynicism.
The well known author of Christian classics, A.W. Tozer, wrote: “Now as a cure for the sour, faultfinding attitude I recommend the cultivation of the habit of thankfulness.
Thanksgiving has great curative power. The heart that is constantly overflowing with gratitude will be safe from those attacks of resentfulness and gloom that bother so many.
A thankful heart cannot be cynical.”
In counting our blessings, we can change our lives and the lives of those we love.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Singing A New Song
After six years of taking Grey Hair Is Beauty church services into nursing homes and assisted living facilities, we will unplug the music from the TV"s and close up the portable podium as of December 31st 2010.
We will keep the not for profit status and continue to offer resources to the activity departments in facilities.
Thanik you to all who have offered financial and prayer support to this God given ministry! Please continue to pray that as we continue to minister to God's older children that the Light of Jesus will shine through us onto their faces that they will "follow the way.".
..
We will keep the not for profit status and continue to offer resources to the activity departments in facilities.
Thanik you to all who have offered financial and prayer support to this God given ministry! Please continue to pray that as we continue to minister to God's older children that the Light of Jesus will shine through us onto their faces that they will "follow the way.".
..
Missionaries: The Boardmans
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Thanks for your prayers! It has been a full week seeing God at work! We’re excited to say that we are now at nearly 97% of our faith promise total! WOW! God is good!
We are also happy to tell you that the first week of English classes at our ministry center, Majak, went well. It was a great start to the semester and we can’t wait to join in…soon! Conversation Club continued last week, as well, with many Czechs coming to share in English conversations.
We are now asking you, our prayer partners, to join us in prayer specifically this weekend. Please ask your churches and Sunday School classes to join us in praying that God would miraculously bring in the last bit of our support. We’re praying that this will be the last Sunday that we will be in the states before we leave for the Czech Republic. Thank you for your prayers. They are “powerful and effective" (James 5:16).
As we said, we still need just over 3% of our support. If 10 more people commit to giving $30/month, it would put us just above our total needed support. If you’d be one of these 10 people, here’s how you can become a faith promise partner: Call Global Partners (number below) and give your information to Heather Bradley
OR
Online: http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/makefaithpromise. It’s pretty self-explanatory; you just need our name (Phil & Kristy Boardman) and fund number (WM04-0300).
Thanks again for your prayers this weekend and over the coming days!"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15).
Serving Him,
Phil & Kristy Boardman
Our mailing address in Indiana: 715 S. Runnymeade Ave.
Evansville, IN 47714
Cell: 812-461-8339
E-Mail: pnb77@hotmail.com
Global Partners
PO Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250 Phone: 317.774.7950
Thanks for your prayers! It has been a full week seeing God at work! We’re excited to say that we are now at nearly 97% of our faith promise total! WOW! God is good!
We are also happy to tell you that the first week of English classes at our ministry center, Majak, went well. It was a great start to the semester and we can’t wait to join in…soon! Conversation Club continued last week, as well, with many Czechs coming to share in English conversations.
We are now asking you, our prayer partners, to join us in prayer specifically this weekend. Please ask your churches and Sunday School classes to join us in praying that God would miraculously bring in the last bit of our support. We’re praying that this will be the last Sunday that we will be in the states before we leave for the Czech Republic. Thank you for your prayers. They are “powerful and effective" (James 5:16).
As we said, we still need just over 3% of our support. If 10 more people commit to giving $30/month, it would put us just above our total needed support. If you’d be one of these 10 people, here’s how you can become a faith promise partner: Call Global Partners (number below) and give your information to Heather Bradley
OR
Online: http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/makefaithpromise. It’s pretty self-explanatory; you just need our name (Phil & Kristy Boardman) and fund number (WM04-0300).
Thanks again for your prayers this weekend and over the coming days!"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15).
Serving Him,
Phil & Kristy Boardman
Our mailing address in Indiana: 715 S. Runnymeade Ave.
Evansville, IN 47714
Cell: 812-461-8339
E-Mail: pnb77@hotmail.com
Global Partners
PO Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250 Phone: 317.774.7950
Missionary Friends: The Boardmans
Prayer Warriors,
Thank you for faithfully praying us to this point! We have come to a milestone – We have 90% of our Faith Promise support! We are so thankful for our new financial partners and for your prayers. As you know, we cannot return to the Czech Republic until we have 100% pledged. We believe God can and will supply the rest of our need. We now only need 28 people giving $30/month! Please keep praying for new Faith Promise partners or for existing partners to increase their support! (If you would like to be a Faith Promise Partner, information is located at the bottom of this e-mail.)
We recently received a wedding announcement from our friends, Zdenek & Aja. They will be getting married this Saturday in Brno. We are sad to miss the wedding, but we will be with them soon. In the past, Phil and Zdenek discussed marriage and Zdenek shared his desire to settle down. We are excited to have Czech friends enjoying newlywed life along with us! Pray for us as we have opportunities to share Christ in new ways now.
We have attached the First Friday Prayer update. Please use this guide to pray for the needs around Europe. *Please do not post the First Friday update anywhere on the Internet due to security.
How to become a Faith Promise Partner:
If you had considered increasing your current faith promise, we encourage you to pray about that and then submit the increase to Global Partners (Phone number below & ask to speak to Heather Bradley).
If you have been a prayer partner, you are already a huge part of our ministry in the Czech Republic. Would YOU prayerfully consider being a faith promise partner, as well, by committing to give to our ministry? You can do this easily by calling Global Partners (number below) or online: http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/makefaithpromise. It’s pretty self-explanatory; you just need our name (Phil & Kristy Boardman) and fund number (WM04-0300).
Serving Him,
Phil & Kristy Boardman
Our mailing address in Indiana: 715 S. Runnymeade Ave.
Evansville, IN 47714
Cell: 812-461-8339
E-Mail: pnb77@hotmail.com
Global Partners
PO Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250 Phone: 317.774.7950
Thank you for faithfully praying us to this point! We have come to a milestone – We have 90% of our Faith Promise support! We are so thankful for our new financial partners and for your prayers. As you know, we cannot return to the Czech Republic until we have 100% pledged. We believe God can and will supply the rest of our need. We now only need 28 people giving $30/month! Please keep praying for new Faith Promise partners or for existing partners to increase their support! (If you would like to be a Faith Promise Partner, information is located at the bottom of this e-mail.)
We recently received a wedding announcement from our friends, Zdenek & Aja. They will be getting married this Saturday in Brno. We are sad to miss the wedding, but we will be with them soon. In the past, Phil and Zdenek discussed marriage and Zdenek shared his desire to settle down. We are excited to have Czech friends enjoying newlywed life along with us! Pray for us as we have opportunities to share Christ in new ways now.
We have attached the First Friday Prayer update. Please use this guide to pray for the needs around Europe. *Please do not post the First Friday update anywhere on the Internet due to security.
How to become a Faith Promise Partner:
If you had considered increasing your current faith promise, we encourage you to pray about that and then submit the increase to Global Partners (Phone number below & ask to speak to Heather Bradley).
If you have been a prayer partner, you are already a huge part of our ministry in the Czech Republic. Would YOU prayerfully consider being a faith promise partner, as well, by committing to give to our ministry? You can do this easily by calling Global Partners (number below) or online: http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/makefaithpromise. It’s pretty self-explanatory; you just need our name (Phil & Kristy Boardman) and fund number (WM04-0300).
Serving Him,
Phil & Kristy Boardman
Our mailing address in Indiana: 715 S. Runnymeade Ave.
Evansville, IN 47714
Cell: 812-461-8339
E-Mail: pnb77@hotmail.com
Global Partners
PO Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250 Phone: 317.774.7950
Missionaries: The Boardmans
Dear Prayer Warriors!
THANK YOU! Thank you so much for your prayers! God is bringing more and more of our support in…daily! YOU are a part of that! In the last 10 days, our amount of faith promise commitments has increased by almost 7%. We now need only 39 people giving $30/month and we’ll be able to have financial clearance to leave for the Czech Republic! It’s so amazing!
We’d love for you to join our team of prayer and financial supporters.
If you’re already giving, please continue praying that God will bring the rest of our support in over the next week or two.
If you had considered increasing your current faith promise, we encourage you to pray about that and then submit the increase to Global Partners (Phone number below & ask to speak to Heather Bradley).
If you have been a prayer partner, you are already a huge part of our ministry in the Czech Republic. Would YOU prayerfully consider being a faith promise partner, as well, by committing to give to our ministry? You can do this easily by calling Global Partners (number below) or online: http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/makefaithpromise. It’s pretty self-explanatory; you just need our name (Phil & Kristy Boardman) and fund number (WM04-0300).
And finally a prayer update…
Conversation Club at Majak began this Tuesday and we had 19 Czechs present. That’s a great number for the first night! We’re excited to see where God will take this ministry this year and even more thrilled that we’ll BE THERE for it! Please continue to pray for these students, as they interact with Christians and find out more about our Savior, Jesus.
We are still trying to update our records, so please send us your address and phone number, so that we can stay in touch with you as best we can.
Thank you for being a part of the ministry in Brno.
Serving Him,
Phil & Kristy Boardman
Our mailing address in Indiana:
715 S. Runnymeade Ave.
Evansville, IN 47714
Cell: 812-461-8339
E-Mail: pnb77@hotmail.com
Global Partners
PO Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250 Phone: 317.774.7950
THANK YOU! Thank you so much for your prayers! God is bringing more and more of our support in…daily! YOU are a part of that! In the last 10 days, our amount of faith promise commitments has increased by almost 7%. We now need only 39 people giving $30/month and we’ll be able to have financial clearance to leave for the Czech Republic! It’s so amazing!
We’d love for you to join our team of prayer and financial supporters.
If you’re already giving, please continue praying that God will bring the rest of our support in over the next week or two.
If you had considered increasing your current faith promise, we encourage you to pray about that and then submit the increase to Global Partners (Phone number below & ask to speak to Heather Bradley).
If you have been a prayer partner, you are already a huge part of our ministry in the Czech Republic. Would YOU prayerfully consider being a faith promise partner, as well, by committing to give to our ministry? You can do this easily by calling Global Partners (number below) or online: http://www.wesleyan.org/gp/makefaithpromise. It’s pretty self-explanatory; you just need our name (Phil & Kristy Boardman) and fund number (WM04-0300).
And finally a prayer update…
Conversation Club at Majak began this Tuesday and we had 19 Czechs present. That’s a great number for the first night! We’re excited to see where God will take this ministry this year and even more thrilled that we’ll BE THERE for it! Please continue to pray for these students, as they interact with Christians and find out more about our Savior, Jesus.
We are still trying to update our records, so please send us your address and phone number, so that we can stay in touch with you as best we can.
Thank you for being a part of the ministry in Brno.
Serving Him,
Phil & Kristy Boardman
Our mailing address in Indiana:
715 S. Runnymeade Ave.
Evansville, IN 47714
Cell: 812-461-8339
E-Mail: pnb77@hotmail.com
Global Partners
PO Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250 Phone: 317.774.7950
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Southern Pines Healthcare
We had the best time at Southern Pines on Congress St in New Port Richey. We met Chaplain Jeff there, thank you! You are all a blessing to us.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Prayers for Phil and Kristy Boardman
Dear friends,
It’s the middle of September already and we pray that within a month we will be in the Czech Republic once again! We’ve had a busy month of traveling to churches, family, and friends and sharing about our work in Czech. God’s been providing for our daily needs, as well as providing more monthly faith promise partners to join our team. We now only need 58 more people who would give $30/month! We would love for you to be a part of this. If you would be a part of our team through monthly giving, no matter how small the amount, or have questions about this, please respond to this email. We’ll plan to send out more quick updates to you over the next few weeks as the Lord continues to provide for our financial need and we prepare to return to the Czech Republic.
You are a vital part of our ministry through your prayers. We want to leave you with some prayer requests for the ministry in Czech:
1. Conversation Club begins on September 21! We’ll miss the first couple weeks of this, but can’t wait to join back in these exciting conversations!
2. The Fall English semester begins on October 4.
3. Pray for our friends Eva and Ivo, as we’ll have much more direct contact with them when we return to Czech. Please pray that they will begin to be open to Christ’s love and forgiveness.
Finally, we want to thank those of you who have already responded with your address and phone number. It is really helping us to update our records. If you haven’t yet, please respond to this email with that information. We really appreciate it!
Serving Him,
Phil & Kristy Boardman
(In Michigan, during our visit to North Lakeport Wesleyan Church)
Our mailing address in Indiana:
715 S. Runnymeade Ave.
Evansville, IN 47714
Cell: 812-461-8339
E-Mail: pnb77@hotmail.com
Global Partners
PO Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250
It’s the middle of September already and we pray that within a month we will be in the Czech Republic once again! We’ve had a busy month of traveling to churches, family, and friends and sharing about our work in Czech. God’s been providing for our daily needs, as well as providing more monthly faith promise partners to join our team. We now only need 58 more people who would give $30/month! We would love for you to be a part of this. If you would be a part of our team through monthly giving, no matter how small the amount, or have questions about this, please respond to this email. We’ll plan to send out more quick updates to you over the next few weeks as the Lord continues to provide for our financial need and we prepare to return to the Czech Republic.
You are a vital part of our ministry through your prayers. We want to leave you with some prayer requests for the ministry in Czech:
1. Conversation Club begins on September 21! We’ll miss the first couple weeks of this, but can’t wait to join back in these exciting conversations!
2. The Fall English semester begins on October 4.
3. Pray for our friends Eva and Ivo, as we’ll have much more direct contact with them when we return to Czech. Please pray that they will begin to be open to Christ’s love and forgiveness.
Finally, we want to thank those of you who have already responded with your address and phone number. It is really helping us to update our records. If you haven’t yet, please respond to this email with that information. We really appreciate it!
Serving Him,
Phil & Kristy Boardman
(In Michigan, during our visit to North Lakeport Wesleyan Church)
Our mailing address in Indiana:
715 S. Runnymeade Ave.
Evansville, IN 47714
Cell: 812-461-8339
E-Mail: pnb77@hotmail.com
Global Partners
PO Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Sunday, June 27, 2010
A NOTE FROM OUR MISSIONARY FRIENDS
We hope that you are having a great summer! We thank you so much for praying for us this month, we covet your prayers as we follow God's direction for our lives and ministry.
Please visit our web site at http://straightpaths.org/default.aspx
Rev. Ned R. McGrady
Global Partners Pastor to Missionaries
Please visit our web site at http://straightpaths.org/default.aspx
Rev. Ned R. McGrady
Global Partners Pastor to Missionaries
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Our Missionary Friends-Phil and Kristy
Dear friends,
It’s been a huge few weeks for us, and our lives are very different now! Kristy and I were married on April 24! Now we’re back and ready to continue our support-raising in order to return to the Czech Republic by the early fall.
We want to thank you all for the part that you’ve played in our lives up until this point and look forward to the future as we continue to partner with you in what God is doing in Czech! Kristy and I have really enjoyed looking back at our lives and ministry over the last several years and seeing how God has brought us together in His perfect time and place to prepare us to serve together in the Czech Republic as man and wife. We are so blessed that you are a part of this journey as well, through you prayers, encouragement, support, and finances.
We hope to return to Czech in the fall in time for the beginning of the English semester at Maják. We can’t wait to return to our friends in Brno and continue to share Christ with them. For now, we are in Florida raising our support. At the end of June, we plan to move back to Indiana and continue to share with churches about what God is doing in Czech! Please pray for us during these times of transition.
Before we can leave for the Czech Republic, we need to have 100% of our faith promise commitments. When our joint budget is completed, it looks like we will still be about 40% short of our total faith promise. We are currently looking for individuals and churches to help to fill in this gap. Maybe you have received our updates for some time and been a strong prayer warrior and God is asking you to also be a financial supporter. Maybe you have already been giving and God is asking you to step out in faith to increase your faith promise commitment. We ask that you would pray about this and how God would have you to partner with us in reaching the Czech people for Christ. You can become a faith promise partner by doing one of the following:
Send an e-mail to us at pnb77@hotmail.com saying what your commitment will be. We only need your address, the amount, and the time frame of the commitment, i.e. continuous, term, or for 1, 2, or 3 years. We will forward your e-mail to GP. (If any personal information has changed please include that also, i.e. e-mail, address, etc.)
You may call Global Partners at 317-774-7961 and speak with Heather Bradley. She will take all your information and record it for our support.
Go to http://www.wesleyan.org/gp and find our name under “Missionaries.” From there, you can read our bio and become a faith promise partner.
Serving Him,
Phil & Kristy Boardman
Our Address at D&D Missionary Homes:
4020 58th Ave. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33714
Cell: 812-461-8339
Email: pnb77@hotmail.com
Global Partners
PO Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250
It’s been a huge few weeks for us, and our lives are very different now! Kristy and I were married on April 24! Now we’re back and ready to continue our support-raising in order to return to the Czech Republic by the early fall.
We want to thank you all for the part that you’ve played in our lives up until this point and look forward to the future as we continue to partner with you in what God is doing in Czech! Kristy and I have really enjoyed looking back at our lives and ministry over the last several years and seeing how God has brought us together in His perfect time and place to prepare us to serve together in the Czech Republic as man and wife. We are so blessed that you are a part of this journey as well, through you prayers, encouragement, support, and finances.
We hope to return to Czech in the fall in time for the beginning of the English semester at Maják. We can’t wait to return to our friends in Brno and continue to share Christ with them. For now, we are in Florida raising our support. At the end of June, we plan to move back to Indiana and continue to share with churches about what God is doing in Czech! Please pray for us during these times of transition.
Before we can leave for the Czech Republic, we need to have 100% of our faith promise commitments. When our joint budget is completed, it looks like we will still be about 40% short of our total faith promise. We are currently looking for individuals and churches to help to fill in this gap. Maybe you have received our updates for some time and been a strong prayer warrior and God is asking you to also be a financial supporter. Maybe you have already been giving and God is asking you to step out in faith to increase your faith promise commitment. We ask that you would pray about this and how God would have you to partner with us in reaching the Czech people for Christ. You can become a faith promise partner by doing one of the following:
Send an e-mail to us at pnb77@hotmail.com saying what your commitment will be. We only need your address, the amount, and the time frame of the commitment, i.e. continuous, term, or for 1, 2, or 3 years. We will forward your e-mail to GP. (If any personal information has changed please include that also, i.e. e-mail, address, etc.)
You may call Global Partners at 317-774-7961 and speak with Heather Bradley. She will take all your information and record it for our support.
Go to http://www.wesleyan.org/gp and find our name under “Missionaries.” From there, you can read our bio and become a faith promise partner.
Serving Him,
Phil & Kristy Boardman
Our Address at D&D Missionary Homes:
4020 58th Ave. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33714
Cell: 812-461-8339
Email: pnb77@hotmail.com
Global Partners
PO Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Our Missionary Friends-The McGrady Family
Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings to you from the USA! We wanted to share with you some exciting events that took place as we closed out our ministry in Ecuador. We thank you so much for your support and prayers and ask that you continue as we begin our home ministry here in the US. We ask for your prayers as we re-enter our lives in Jackson, Michigan and make plans for the future ministry that God has for us as service as missionaries.
We will be available to speak in churches and to groups beginning in August, so please feel free to contact us if you our your church are interested. We hope to connect with all of you in the months to come.
Many blessings as you visit our web site at http://straightpaths.org/news.aspx be sure to check out Jordan's Corner and our home page.
Love and prayers,
Ned, Marlene and Jordan
Rev. Ned R. McGrady
Global Partners Pastor to Missionaries
USA Cell Phone (727) 459-2966
Email ned@straightpaths.org
Skype ned.mcgrady
Skype Phone (727) 231-4151
www.straightpaths.org
Greetings to you from the USA! We wanted to share with you some exciting events that took place as we closed out our ministry in Ecuador. We thank you so much for your support and prayers and ask that you continue as we begin our home ministry here in the US. We ask for your prayers as we re-enter our lives in Jackson, Michigan and make plans for the future ministry that God has for us as service as missionaries.
We will be available to speak in churches and to groups beginning in August, so please feel free to contact us if you our your church are interested. We hope to connect with all of you in the months to come.
Many blessings as you visit our web site at http://straightpaths.org/news.aspx be sure to check out Jordan's Corner and our home page.
Love and prayers,
Ned, Marlene and Jordan
Rev. Ned R. McGrady
Global Partners Pastor to Missionaries
USA Cell Phone (727) 459-2966
Email ned@straightpaths.org
Skype ned.mcgrady
Skype Phone (727) 231-4151
www.straightpaths.org
Monday, May 10, 2010
Newspaper Column by Pastor Roger Campbell
NEWSPAPER COLUMN Roger Campbell
A MONUMENT TO YOUR MOTHER
Bunhill Cemetery in London may have the highest monument to a mother anywhere in the world. There, at the grave of Susannah Wesley, stands a monument fourteen feet tall
honoring this mother of faith who was known for her ability to stay calm and cheerful in difficult circumstances.
“Give others the sunshine and give Jesus the rest,” Susannah repeated frequently and her simple secret of contentment through faith so impacted her sons, John and Charles, that they became the prime movers in England’s greatest spiritual awakening. Millions still sing the songs that John and Charles wrote, not knowing that these musical expressions of faith, hope and love came from the influence of a mother who had a singing heart, even during tough times.
Susannah didn’t have an easy life. She gave birth to nineteen children, nine of whom died in infancy and her husband, Samuel, was more interested in writing poetry than dealing with pressing issues facing his family.
In spite of her many pressures and responsibilities, however, this now famous mother found she could recharge her spiritual batteries by having a guarded time each day to read her Bible and pray, setting an example for mothers everywhere.
It’s not likely that Susannah would have approved the costly fourteen foot tall monument to her memory. She was a no-nonsense woman who was more interested in living legacies than those made of stone. Faithful children are the most important monuments to a mother’s faith. Stones crumble and fall but faith transferred from one generation to the next endures forever.
A MONUMENT TO YOUR MOTHER PAGE TWO Roger Campbell
Robert Moffat, a later world known missionary, said his mother had asked him to promise her that he would begin and close each day with God. When he agreed to do so, his mother sent him off to serve God on foreign mission fields with her prayers and a kiss. Moffat said that kiss made him a missionary and his great work remains as a monument to his faithful mother.
Thomas Edison wrote, “I didn’t have my mother long, but she cast over me an influence that has lasted all my life. The great effects of her early training, I can never lose. If it had not been for her appreciation and her faith in me at a critical time in my experience, I should never have become an inventor. My mother was the making of me.
When I stood before the board of the country church we attended to be examined for membership, the oldest deacon said, “I want you to remember that your mother brought you to Sunday School when the weather was too bad for men to get here.”
One of the most familiar hymns, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” was written by Joseph Scriven to help his mother through a period of anxiety. Joseph had endured many trials, including the accidental drowning of his beautiful bride-to-be. Was he now comforting his mother by saying that his faith was a monument to the value of her example during his time of great loss? Probably.
We’re all building monuments to our mothers every day. The way we live determines how tall they will be.
Roger Campbell is an author, a broadcaster and columnist who was a pastor for 22 years.
He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
A MONUMENT TO YOUR MOTHER
Bunhill Cemetery in London may have the highest monument to a mother anywhere in the world. There, at the grave of Susannah Wesley, stands a monument fourteen feet tall
honoring this mother of faith who was known for her ability to stay calm and cheerful in difficult circumstances.
“Give others the sunshine and give Jesus the rest,” Susannah repeated frequently and her simple secret of contentment through faith so impacted her sons, John and Charles, that they became the prime movers in England’s greatest spiritual awakening. Millions still sing the songs that John and Charles wrote, not knowing that these musical expressions of faith, hope and love came from the influence of a mother who had a singing heart, even during tough times.
Susannah didn’t have an easy life. She gave birth to nineteen children, nine of whom died in infancy and her husband, Samuel, was more interested in writing poetry than dealing with pressing issues facing his family.
In spite of her many pressures and responsibilities, however, this now famous mother found she could recharge her spiritual batteries by having a guarded time each day to read her Bible and pray, setting an example for mothers everywhere.
It’s not likely that Susannah would have approved the costly fourteen foot tall monument to her memory. She was a no-nonsense woman who was more interested in living legacies than those made of stone. Faithful children are the most important monuments to a mother’s faith. Stones crumble and fall but faith transferred from one generation to the next endures forever.
A MONUMENT TO YOUR MOTHER PAGE TWO Roger Campbell
Robert Moffat, a later world known missionary, said his mother had asked him to promise her that he would begin and close each day with God. When he agreed to do so, his mother sent him off to serve God on foreign mission fields with her prayers and a kiss. Moffat said that kiss made him a missionary and his great work remains as a monument to his faithful mother.
Thomas Edison wrote, “I didn’t have my mother long, but she cast over me an influence that has lasted all my life. The great effects of her early training, I can never lose. If it had not been for her appreciation and her faith in me at a critical time in my experience, I should never have become an inventor. My mother was the making of me.
When I stood before the board of the country church we attended to be examined for membership, the oldest deacon said, “I want you to remember that your mother brought you to Sunday School when the weather was too bad for men to get here.”
One of the most familiar hymns, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” was written by Joseph Scriven to help his mother through a period of anxiety. Joseph had endured many trials, including the accidental drowning of his beautiful bride-to-be. Was he now comforting his mother by saying that his faith was a monument to the value of her example during his time of great loss? Probably.
We’re all building monuments to our mothers every day. The way we live determines how tall they will be.
Roger Campbell is an author, a broadcaster and columnist who was a pastor for 22 years.
He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
McGrady's Our Missionary Family
Dear Friends and Family,
WOW! Can you believe that we have come to the end of our term of service and it is time to return to the USA on April 27? We have been amazed at the great things that God has done through you partnership with us here in Ecuador and around Latin America and Haiti. We have been able to visit all of our missionaries serving on the field in six countries and you have have made that possible through your giving and prayers. Thanks so much for standing with us.
This month we focus on our Pastor to Missionary Ministry and invite you to visit our web site for a full report. http://straightpaths.org/pastorstomissionaries.aspx
Also, be sure to check out Jordan's Corner this month for a special edition.
http://straightpaths.org/jordanscorner.aspx
We look forward to seeing many of you and plan to visit with as many of you as possible in this coming year. If you or your church would be interested in us coming for a missionary service please contact us. Also if you would like to renew your support for our mission work please visit the home page on our web site for info.
Sincerely,
Ned, Marlene and Jordan
Rev. Ned R. McGrady
Global Partners Pastor to Missionaries in Ecuador
Apartado 01.01.338
Cuenca, Ecuador South America
Ecuador Home Phone 593-07-408-2545
Celular: 593-08-049-8723
Email ned@straightpaths.org
Skype ned.mcgrady
Skype Phone (727) 231-4151
www.straightpaths.org
M
WOW! Can you believe that we have come to the end of our term of service and it is time to return to the USA on April 27? We have been amazed at the great things that God has done through you partnership with us here in Ecuador and around Latin America and Haiti. We have been able to visit all of our missionaries serving on the field in six countries and you have have made that possible through your giving and prayers. Thanks so much for standing with us.
This month we focus on our Pastor to Missionary Ministry and invite you to visit our web site for a full report. http://straightpaths.org/pastorstomissionaries.aspx
Also, be sure to check out Jordan's Corner this month for a special edition.
http://straightpaths.org/jordanscorner.aspx
We look forward to seeing many of you and plan to visit with as many of you as possible in this coming year. If you or your church would be interested in us coming for a missionary service please contact us. Also if you would like to renew your support for our mission work please visit the home page on our web site for info.
Sincerely,
Ned, Marlene and Jordan
Rev. Ned R. McGrady
Global Partners Pastor to Missionaries in Ecuador
Apartado 01.01.338
Cuenca, Ecuador South America
Ecuador Home Phone 593-07-408-2545
Celular: 593-08-049-8723
Email ned@straightpaths.org
Skype ned.mcgrady
Skype Phone (727) 231-4151
www.straightpaths.org
M
Monday, April 5, 2010
EASTER DECLARES DEATH DOESN’T GET THE LAST WORD
NEWSPAPER COLUMN Roger Campbell
EASTER DECLARES DEATH DOESN’T GET THE LAST WORD
A minister friend of mine was once approached by a delegation from a small religious group in his city to see if he would be willing to officiate at funerals of their members.
They told him they had no one trained in speaking at funerals and that, if he accepted their offer, they would require that he never mention death during his sermon because they didn’t believe in it.
The caring pastor decided to accept this offer to serve hurting people, in spite of their strange restriction, thinking it would provide him an opportunity to comfort grieving families and that in spite of their denial of reality, death would speak for itself.
In contrast to the conclusion of this delegation of death deniers, Easter faces the problem of death head-on and offers hope to those facing it.
Early in His ministry, Jesus had been challenged by His 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 2:18).
Thinking He was referring to the temple in Jerusalem, His enemies reminded Him it had taken forty six years to build that magnificent structure and that rebuilding it in three days after its destruction would require a miracle. But He was speaking of the resurrection of His body three days after the coming crucifixion.
Talk about drawing a line in the sand!
With one startling statement, our Lord risked everything on His promise of resurrection. Others have since made similar statements and convinced many
to follow them but when death came and they didn’t rise from their graves they were
DEATH DOESN’T GET THE LAST WORD PAGE TWO Roger Campbell
revealed to have been either deceived or deceivers.
This man was different.
There have been great military leaders but they have all been defeated by death.
There have been conquering kings but death has conquered them all.
There have been famous philosophers and teachers but they have all gone to their graves like the unlettered and unknown.
Then came Easter: bringing indisputable proof that our Lord was who He had claimed to be. This demonstration of authenticity transformed His trembling disciples into dynamic people of faith.
In some areas, now considered vital, the infant first century church was powerless.
It was without financial power. The members had to sell their belongings and pool their resources just to survive.
The first century church was also without political power. Neither the apostles nor their followers could pull strings in high places. Furthermore, there is no evidence that they ever tried to do so. Their master had said His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36) so they left politics to the politicians and set out to impact the world one person at a time. In doing so, they gained the reputation of being world changers.
Easter may be the perfect launching time for a spiritual awakening that revives our
churches and changes our troubled world today.
Roger Campbell is an author, a broadcaster and columnist who was a pastor for 22 years.
He can be reached at rcministy@ameritech.net
EASTER DECLARES DEATH DOESN’T GET THE LAST WORD
A minister friend of mine was once approached by a delegation from a small religious group in his city to see if he would be willing to officiate at funerals of their members.
They told him they had no one trained in speaking at funerals and that, if he accepted their offer, they would require that he never mention death during his sermon because they didn’t believe in it.
The caring pastor decided to accept this offer to serve hurting people, in spite of their strange restriction, thinking it would provide him an opportunity to comfort grieving families and that in spite of their denial of reality, death would speak for itself.
In contrast to the conclusion of this delegation of death deniers, Easter faces the problem of death head-on and offers hope to those facing it.
Early in His ministry, Jesus had been challenged by His 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 2:18).
Thinking He was referring to the temple in Jerusalem, His enemies reminded Him it had taken forty six years to build that magnificent structure and that rebuilding it in three days after its destruction would require a miracle. But He was speaking of the resurrection of His body three days after the coming crucifixion.
Talk about drawing a line in the sand!
With one startling statement, our Lord risked everything on His promise of resurrection. Others have since made similar statements and convinced many
to follow them but when death came and they didn’t rise from their graves they were
DEATH DOESN’T GET THE LAST WORD PAGE TWO Roger Campbell
revealed to have been either deceived or deceivers.
This man was different.
There have been great military leaders but they have all been defeated by death.
There have been conquering kings but death has conquered them all.
There have been famous philosophers and teachers but they have all gone to their graves like the unlettered and unknown.
Then came Easter: bringing indisputable proof that our Lord was who He had claimed to be. This demonstration of authenticity transformed His trembling disciples into dynamic people of faith.
In some areas, now considered vital, the infant first century church was powerless.
It was without financial power. The members had to sell their belongings and pool their resources just to survive.
The first century church was also without political power. Neither the apostles nor their followers could pull strings in high places. Furthermore, there is no evidence that they ever tried to do so. Their master had said His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36) so they left politics to the politicians and set out to impact the world one person at a time. In doing so, they gained the reputation of being world changers.
Easter may be the perfect launching time for a spiritual awakening that revives our
churches and changes our troubled world today.
Roger Campbell is an author, a broadcaster and columnist who was a pastor for 22 years.
He can be reached at rcministy@ameritech.net
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Pastor Roger Campbell-Newspaper Article
NEWSPAPER COLUMN Roger Campbell
PALM SUNDAY’S TEARS
The praises and palm branches of Palm Sunday’s crowd when Jesus entered Jerusalem are remembered at this time of the year but most forget the tears He shed over what the citizens of that sacred city would face in the years ahead.
Jerusalem means “city of peace” but the history of that embattled city is a story of war and destruction. Today it is the location of the most volatile political, religious, economic and military problem on the planet…so the tears continue.
A Newsweek reader, living in Israel, once wrote to the editor describing the climate of fear in his homeland at that time: “Fear masters everything,” he wrote: “when you walk down the street you inspect everyone you pass with, as we say in Hebrew, seven eyes.”
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 are constantly scanning the landscape in search of anything that might harm us. Familiar sights and sounds become sentinels that continually warn us of possible impending disasters, keeping us ever on high alert. Even a ringing phone can be an alarm signal causing us to dread what unwelcome words may dwell at the bell.
What breaks fear’s bondage?
Faith in Palm Sunday’s weeping one, who said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
PALM SUNDAY’S TEARS PAGE TWO Roger Campbell
Fear and faith 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 their future. Ahead lay his betrayal by Judas, a mock trial by spineless Pilate and the crucifixion. Yet His tears that day were not for himself but for other suffering ones.
In his book, “Dark Threads the Weaver needs” Herbert Lockyer says, “At the head of the procession of the world’s sufferers is a thorn crowned man,” adding the reason most of us don’t measure up to His compassion for others is because we’re too busy looking in a mirror to look out the window.
“In a mirror,” Lockyer writes “you see only yourself, but through a window you do not see yourself but others.”
Our Lord was ever concerned about the pain and suffering of others. His first prayer from the cross was for the forgiveness of his tormentors. And even in that place of humiliation and suffering He took time to minister to a repentant dying thief, assuring him of heaven.
Are you so occupied with your own problems that you lack compassion for others?
Remember Palm Sunday’s tears.
And replace your mirror with a window.
Roger Campbell is an author, broadcaster and columnist who was a pastor for 22 years.
He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
PALM SUNDAY’S TEARS
The praises and palm branches of Palm Sunday’s crowd when Jesus entered Jerusalem are remembered at this time of the year but most forget the tears He shed over what the citizens of that sacred city would face in the years ahead.
Jerusalem means “city of peace” but the history of that embattled city is a story of war and destruction. Today it is the location of the most volatile political, religious, economic and military problem on the planet…so the tears continue.
A Newsweek reader, living in Israel, once wrote to the editor describing the climate of fear in his homeland at that time: “Fear masters everything,” he wrote: “when you walk down the street you inspect everyone you pass with, as we say in Hebrew, seven eyes.”
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 are constantly scanning the landscape in search of anything that might harm us. Familiar sights and sounds become sentinels that continually warn us of possible impending disasters, keeping us ever on high alert. Even a ringing phone can be an alarm signal causing us to dread what unwelcome words may dwell at the bell.
What breaks fear’s bondage?
Faith in Palm Sunday’s weeping one, who said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
PALM SUNDAY’S TEARS PAGE TWO Roger Campbell
Fear and faith 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 their future. Ahead lay his betrayal by Judas, a mock trial by spineless Pilate and the crucifixion. Yet His tears that day were not for himself but for other suffering ones.
In his book, “Dark Threads the Weaver needs” Herbert Lockyer says, “At the head of the procession of the world’s sufferers is a thorn crowned man,” adding the reason most of us don’t measure up to His compassion for others is because we’re too busy looking in a mirror to look out the window.
“In a mirror,” Lockyer writes “you see only yourself, but through a window you do not see yourself but others.”
Our Lord was ever concerned about the pain and suffering of others. His first prayer from the cross was for the forgiveness of his tormentors. And even in that place of humiliation and suffering He took time to minister to a repentant dying thief, assuring him of heaven.
Are you so occupied with your own problems that you lack compassion for others?
Remember Palm Sunday’s tears.
And replace your mirror with a window.
Roger Campbell is an author, broadcaster and columnist who was a pastor for 22 years.
He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Light of Day
I arose this morning to see the sun rise.
This to me came as no surprise.
For God put it there to rule over the day.
Tarry not for the mind will stray.
Higher and higher the sun is so bright.
This is so, as it over takes the night.
With warm rays upon my face.
The darkness is gone without a trace.
The sun is out, we have daylight to burn.
Busy, busy about our work, for the darkness will return
Arthur Baxter
Genesis 1:4
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
This to me came as no surprise.
For God put it there to rule over the day.
Tarry not for the mind will stray.
Higher and higher the sun is so bright.
This is so, as it over takes the night.
With warm rays upon my face.
The darkness is gone without a trace.
The sun is out, we have daylight to burn.
Busy, busy about our work, for the darkness will return
Arthur Baxter
Genesis 1:4
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Column by Pastor Roger F Campbell
NEWSPAPER COLUMN Roger Campbell
SWEET SPRING
I’ve been meeting many people who are experiencing winter burnout (or freeze out). Even the south has had a winter to remember, featuring killer storms that have just kept coming. Now it’s time to look past wintry blasts to sweet spring, the season of new life; the gentle time of the year, the season of love, Good Friday and Easter.
Flowers and colorful blossoms are about to break forth in all their splendor, speaking of God’s love of beauty and His provision of these for us all.
But what if this breathtaking display that bursts forth every year during the delightful season called spring went unappreciated because we lacked the ability to take it in? What if our reception of these wonders was only in black and white?
Not a chance!
The Creator’s plan is complete, providing both natural beauty and the human capacity to enjoy and appreciate it. We can also learn from it.
Jesus urged those who were worried about financial problems to consider the beauty given to lilies in spite of their lack of labor (Matthew 6:26-27), teaching them to trust rather than tremble during tough times.
Then there is Solomon’s enduring poetic description of spring: “For, lo, the winter is past, the rain (or snow) is over and gone, the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of the birds is come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in the land” (Song of Solomon 2;11-12).
The first day of spring is always special to me. I start the countdown at the beginning
of each New Year and have generally reported the number of days until spring to my
SWEET SPRING PAGE TWO ROGER CAMPBELL
congregations each week until it arrived. I once received a letter from a family of former members asking how many days remained until spring.
Spring declares death can only win for a season and that life is always waiting in the wings to take the stage, so I keep trying to spread the good news.
“There are only a few more days until spring,” I tell people I meet. And you should see the looks I get.
“That’s only on the calendar,” some say, wondering how I can be so upbeat about the arrival of spring before the weather is spring like.
My reply is simple: when we enjoy the anticipation of spring, we’ll feel the balmy breezes and breathe in the aroma of flowers before they bloom.
Expectation enhances experience.
Dwight L. Moody, the nineteenth century’s most famous evangelist said, “After December 31st, winter’s back is broken.” At the end of every year, this man of faith saw spring hurrying on its way to arrive on time: beautiful, life announcing, spring.
A moving line of composer John W. Peterson’s song “I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES” must have been inspired by his delight in the Designer’s spring extravaganza:
“I’ve seen the lily push its way up through the stubborn sod;
I believe in miracles for I believe in God.”
I do too. How about you?
SWEET SPRING
I’ve been meeting many people who are experiencing winter burnout (or freeze out). Even the south has had a winter to remember, featuring killer storms that have just kept coming. Now it’s time to look past wintry blasts to sweet spring, the season of new life; the gentle time of the year, the season of love, Good Friday and Easter.
Flowers and colorful blossoms are about to break forth in all their splendor, speaking of God’s love of beauty and His provision of these for us all.
But what if this breathtaking display that bursts forth every year during the delightful season called spring went unappreciated because we lacked the ability to take it in? What if our reception of these wonders was only in black and white?
Not a chance!
The Creator’s plan is complete, providing both natural beauty and the human capacity to enjoy and appreciate it. We can also learn from it.
Jesus urged those who were worried about financial problems to consider the beauty given to lilies in spite of their lack of labor (Matthew 6:26-27), teaching them to trust rather than tremble during tough times.
Then there is Solomon’s enduring poetic description of spring: “For, lo, the winter is past, the rain (or snow) is over and gone, the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of the birds is come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in the land” (Song of Solomon 2;11-12).
The first day of spring is always special to me. I start the countdown at the beginning
of each New Year and have generally reported the number of days until spring to my
SWEET SPRING PAGE TWO ROGER CAMPBELL
congregations each week until it arrived. I once received a letter from a family of former members asking how many days remained until spring.
Spring declares death can only win for a season and that life is always waiting in the wings to take the stage, so I keep trying to spread the good news.
“There are only a few more days until spring,” I tell people I meet. And you should see the looks I get.
“That’s only on the calendar,” some say, wondering how I can be so upbeat about the arrival of spring before the weather is spring like.
My reply is simple: when we enjoy the anticipation of spring, we’ll feel the balmy breezes and breathe in the aroma of flowers before they bloom.
Expectation enhances experience.
Dwight L. Moody, the nineteenth century’s most famous evangelist said, “After December 31st, winter’s back is broken.” At the end of every year, this man of faith saw spring hurrying on its way to arrive on time: beautiful, life announcing, spring.
A moving line of composer John W. Peterson’s song “I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES” must have been inspired by his delight in the Designer’s spring extravaganza:
“I’ve seen the lily push its way up through the stubborn sod;
I believe in miracles for I believe in God.”
I do too. How about you?
From our Missionary Family and Friends-The McGrady's
ear Faithful Followers,
We are happy to share our updated web site with news about our missionary ministry. We thank God for how he is using each of you on our Team to make a difference around the world.
This month we tell about a soccer ball and a taxi ride, read all about it at http://straightpaths.org/news.aspx.
Many blessings and thanks for your faithful support and prayers.
Ned, Marlene and Jordan McGrady
Rev. Ned R. McGrady
Global Partners Pastor to Missionaries in Ecuador
Apartado 01.01.338
Cuenca, Ecuador South America
Ecuador Home Phone 593-07-408-2545
Celular: 593-08-049-8723
Email ned@straightpaths.org
Skype ned.mcgrady
Skype Phone (727) 231-4151
www.straightpaths.org
We are happy to share our updated web site with news about our missionary ministry. We thank God for how he is using each of you on our Team to make a difference around the world.
This month we tell about a soccer ball and a taxi ride, read all about it at http://straightpaths.org/news.aspx.
Many blessings and thanks for your faithful support and prayers.
Ned, Marlene and Jordan McGrady
Rev. Ned R. McGrady
Global Partners Pastor to Missionaries in Ecuador
Apartado 01.01.338
Cuenca, Ecuador South America
Ecuador Home Phone 593-07-408-2545
Celular: 593-08-049-8723
Email ned@straightpaths.org
Skype ned.mcgrady
Skype Phone (727) 231-4151
www.straightpaths.org
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Folded Napkin
Received in an email:
Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved.. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stopped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.
The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every
Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, "I'm finished."
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........
The folded napkin meant,
"I'm coming back"
Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved.. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stopped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.
The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every
Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, "I'm finished."
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........
The folded napkin meant,
"I'm coming back"
Friday, January 15, 2010
McGrady's Our Missionary Family
Dear Faithful Friends and Family,
All of our hearts our saddened by the terrible tragedy that has taken place in Haiti this week. Reports are just now coming back of Haitian people that we met when we visited there in November, that have lost loved ones in this disaster. We are asking that you please pray for these precious people and this country. We praise the Lord that all of our Wesleyan Missionaries are safe and accounted for and no one was injured. Our Wesleyan Missionaries need your prayers in a very big way as they are helping in clinics, working to rescue people and assist this country in this time of need.
If you would like to respond finanacially to help with relief efforts in Haiti, please see the info below.
Checks should be made payable to “The Wesleyan Church” as you mail your timely donations to the “Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund”, 13300 Olio Road, Fishers, Indiana, 46037.
For Canadian donors: Relief cheques are to be made payable to "The Wesleyan Church of Canada" and mailed to 1830 Mountain Road, Moncton, NB E1G 1A9.
To make a credit card donation click here or call 800.707.7715. Use fund number “WM07-0005” with the description “Haiti Relief."
Also we ask you to pray for our Kansas District Workteams that are flying to Ecuador today. They will be joining with us over the next month to do a Bible School here in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador as well as many different outreach events and construction projects.
For the latest on our ministry please go to our web site http://straightpaths.org/news.aspx, be sure to check out Jordan's Corner as well as our home page for the latest in our mission ministry updates.
Thank you for praying and supporting our work here in Ecuador as well as our Pastor to Missionary work. You are a blessing.
Sincerely,
Ned, Marlene and Jordan
All of our hearts our saddened by the terrible tragedy that has taken place in Haiti this week. Reports are just now coming back of Haitian people that we met when we visited there in November, that have lost loved ones in this disaster. We are asking that you please pray for these precious people and this country. We praise the Lord that all of our Wesleyan Missionaries are safe and accounted for and no one was injured. Our Wesleyan Missionaries need your prayers in a very big way as they are helping in clinics, working to rescue people and assist this country in this time of need.
If you would like to respond finanacially to help with relief efforts in Haiti, please see the info below.
Checks should be made payable to “The Wesleyan Church” as you mail your timely donations to the “Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund”, 13300 Olio Road, Fishers, Indiana, 46037.
For Canadian donors: Relief cheques are to be made payable to "The Wesleyan Church of Canada" and mailed to 1830 Mountain Road, Moncton, NB E1G 1A9.
To make a credit card donation click here or call 800.707.7715. Use fund number “WM07-0005” with the description “Haiti Relief."
Also we ask you to pray for our Kansas District Workteams that are flying to Ecuador today. They will be joining with us over the next month to do a Bible School here in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador as well as many different outreach events and construction projects.
For the latest on our ministry please go to our web site http://straightpaths.org/news.aspx, be sure to check out Jordan's Corner as well as our home page for the latest in our mission ministry updates.
Thank you for praying and supporting our work here in Ecuador as well as our Pastor to Missionary work. You are a blessing.
Sincerely,
Ned, Marlene and Jordan
Monday, January 4, 2010
Newspaper Column by Pastor Roger Campbell
TAKING FEAR OUT OF THE NEW YEAR
“How long have you had this lump under your arm?” my doctor asked as he worked his way through a “routine” physical. “And what about this black spot on your hand?” he added. I hadn’t noticed either the lump or spot until he pointed them out to me but now they would become front and center in all my waking thoughts.
Within a few days, I was at the office of a skin specialist who was to examine and possibly remove my black worry spot to determine just how serious a threat it posed to my health. This respected specialist finally concluded my black spot was too deep for him to remove so he made an appointment for me with a surgeon.
Finally, the surgeon removed my fear spot and sent it to a laboratory to be studied and analyzed. This would enable him to report to me and my primary physician about what should be the next course of treatment.
Now I was waiting again…and each day of waiting became a study in fighting fear. My work has often placed me with people during serious waiting times but it is one thing to wait with others to encourage them and another to be the one waiting to find out what’s ahead.
Finally my biopsy report arrived and was read to me over the phone: “This black spot was caused by a ball point pen,” the reader of the report said. By this time, the lump under my arm had disappeared, probably having been a swollen lymph node caused by a cold or simply an unknown lump that was removed by the Lord in answer to prayer. Either conclusion is fine with me.
More than twenty years have passed since that freeing phone call arrived about my
TAKING FEAR OUT OF THE NEW YEAR PAGE TWO Roger Campbell
ball point pen panic and I’m still laughing about my worthless worrying. But beneath my laughter a lesson in faith lingers built on two faith building fear fighters in the Bible: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34), and “Be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6).
We shouldn’t fret when we don’t have all the facts.
C.S. Lewis wrote the following in a letter to a friend who was constantly worrying about what might someday happen to her:
“Remember one is given strength to bear what happens to one, but not the 101 things that might happen. The great thing, as you have obviously seen, (both as regards pain and financial worries) is to live from day to day and hour to hour, not adding the past or future to the present.”
In his published sermon, The Sin of Borrowing Trouble,” the eloquent, nineteenth century minister, T. Dewitt Talmadge, said: “the majority of the troubles of life are imaginary, and most of these anticipated never come.”
Fear robs us of the adventure of living, even when these fears are imaginary.
When we excitedly await the future with faith instead of fear, we experience the peace of God in daily living and our example builds the faith of others.
As faith increases, fear decreases. And strong faith in God overcomes fear every time.
“How long have you had this lump under your arm?” my doctor asked as he worked his way through a “routine” physical. “And what about this black spot on your hand?” he added. I hadn’t noticed either the lump or spot until he pointed them out to me but now they would become front and center in all my waking thoughts.
Within a few days, I was at the office of a skin specialist who was to examine and possibly remove my black worry spot to determine just how serious a threat it posed to my health. This respected specialist finally concluded my black spot was too deep for him to remove so he made an appointment for me with a surgeon.
Finally, the surgeon removed my fear spot and sent it to a laboratory to be studied and analyzed. This would enable him to report to me and my primary physician about what should be the next course of treatment.
Now I was waiting again…and each day of waiting became a study in fighting fear. My work has often placed me with people during serious waiting times but it is one thing to wait with others to encourage them and another to be the one waiting to find out what’s ahead.
Finally my biopsy report arrived and was read to me over the phone: “This black spot was caused by a ball point pen,” the reader of the report said. By this time, the lump under my arm had disappeared, probably having been a swollen lymph node caused by a cold or simply an unknown lump that was removed by the Lord in answer to prayer. Either conclusion is fine with me.
More than twenty years have passed since that freeing phone call arrived about my
TAKING FEAR OUT OF THE NEW YEAR PAGE TWO Roger Campbell
ball point pen panic and I’m still laughing about my worthless worrying. But beneath my laughter a lesson in faith lingers built on two faith building fear fighters in the Bible: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34), and “Be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6).
We shouldn’t fret when we don’t have all the facts.
C.S. Lewis wrote the following in a letter to a friend who was constantly worrying about what might someday happen to her:
“Remember one is given strength to bear what happens to one, but not the 101 things that might happen. The great thing, as you have obviously seen, (both as regards pain and financial worries) is to live from day to day and hour to hour, not adding the past or future to the present.”
In his published sermon, The Sin of Borrowing Trouble,” the eloquent, nineteenth century minister, T. Dewitt Talmadge, said: “the majority of the troubles of life are imaginary, and most of these anticipated never come.”
Fear robs us of the adventure of living, even when these fears are imaginary.
When we excitedly await the future with faith instead of fear, we experience the peace of God in daily living and our example builds the faith of others.
As faith increases, fear decreases. And strong faith in God overcomes fear every time.
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