The Night My LIfe Changed Forever

 

 

What a great day to serve the Lord, and what a great week to remind us of his unconditional love for us.  Today is a special date for me personally, as forty six years ago I gave my heart to Jesus and received Him as my Lord and Savior.  It took place at North Dayton Baptist Church during a Revival with Evangelist TD Hall. I was fourteen. I am grateful I had Bible preaching pastors who weekly preached the Word of God and the Gospel, yet God used a fresh voice to speak to my heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. The only difference than today's date of April 13 and 1976 is that it was a Tuesday night in 1976.

Fast forward to last night, Tuesday night, April 12,  2022. John and Shawna Keehner lead a wonderful monthly ministry of providing meals to our community. A great team prepares, cooks, serves, and delivers.  I was blessed to be able to deliver several meals to some Eaton homes.

One of those homes was the house of a man named Fred.  That name means something to me as Dad's name is Fred as well as my middle name.  I knocked, stepped back and waited.  In a few seconds a man opened the door.  I introduced myself and he the same.  He shared he has thought about visiting.  He shared some health battles he has.   I asked if I could pray for him.  He invited me in, and before I prayed, I asked him,"Fred, are you a Christian?" He shook his head no, and I asked for the privilege to share and he graciously said yes.  How wonderful it was to hear him pray and ask Jesus into his heart, right there in his kitchen.

I was thrilled and left with the expectation he may be here Sunday.

I share this to praise the Lord!  It was a divine appointment. Not because I am anything special, but because of God's grace and how he chooses at times to use people. You see I knew where the house was because Travis and Carlena McDaniel are usually the ones who drop off Fred's dinner.  God has been using their faithfulness, and friendliness, month after month, that opened the door for me last night.  He used the faithful cooking and serving, and preparing from many of you.  The team had prayed prior to my arrival at the church last night, and God was already at work in a heart and we didn't know it.

Are you still following me? It gets a little funny at this point.  I was talking to my sister Sheila when I pulled into Fred's driveway and asked her to hang on, this will only be a second.  After a number of minutes I returned to the car and she was still on the line!  She thought I had been abducted by a prospect, but she soon rejoiced when I shared the story with her.

And then... it hit me!  God had just given me the greatest privilege outside of being saved,and that was to share the Gospel and see a person respond and accept Christ.  Forty six years to the very night, what had happened in my heart continues to happen in the hearts of others recognizing their need to be saved. Jesus saves.

I don't share this story because I think I am something...I am not. I share this to encourage you! Us!  God is a work in our church in a great way.  He is answering prayer.  Lives are being changed and God is using you.

Renee and I love you all.  Happy Easter!

Change

Change is hard at times, easy at times, and certainly essential at times.  It has been two years since March 2020 and the full impact of COVID 19 kicking in. By the grace of God we were online only for about seven weeks and by His grace have been back ever since. My biological family and my Church family know that I am a traditionalist. To like the way things used be to done does not necessarily mean you are missing the boat.  While we were in the midst of videoing services, we found ourselves longing to to be back face to face.

There was a period in the church growth movement years ago where everyone had a formula, or a model, or their own advice about what it takes to grow a church.  I believe they meant well and were trying to help, but some churches were split right down the middle because of forced change.

Jesus has the formula, and He even gave it to us. Matthew 16:15-18 (NKJV)
¹⁵  He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
¹⁶  Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
¹⁷  Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
¹⁸  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

I believe the rock is the confession of Peter regarding Christ! When we encounter Christ we are forced to make a decision, and surrender means change. 

We resist making necessary changes at times simply because of the price we will have to pay.  Not with dollars, but with criticism and doubt. So we are reluctant to do or try something new. Change makes people uncomfortable. It makes us feel attacked or threatened, or even disrespected when there is a possibility of someone having a better way to do something.

Well change is here! Sunday we voted 100% to welcome Cody and Sarah McPherson to our Church.  Cody becomes our new Associate Pastor and Director of our Children's Ministry. While he will be Bi Vocational and continue to teach at our Elementary School here in Camden,  he will bring new ideas, energy, enthusiasm, and a set of wonderful Jesus edifying gifts to FSBC.

I love the way God speaks, even in seasons of change. The winds of revival are blowing. 

 

Bro. Greg 

 

THIS IS US: FSBCAMDEN

 

Tis the Season to Serve

When we head in to the holidays as a church, there is so much excitement about getting to serve our community in a special way.

What a blessing to see the church come together.  It began at Trunk or Treat in October as Kasia put together a wonderful night. The Church was then to be able to offer another great meal for Thanksgiving.  Joetta and Wendy planned so well with a committed group of volunteers. To be able to partner with Williams Blvd. Baptist in Kenner, Louisiana after Hurricane Ida has been a real blessing.That came as we were being part of Operation Christmas Child once again and 226 boxes later.  Amy Circle McIntosh and her girls with over 100 of those.  What a ministry! 

Recently we had a guest come and the need was recognized for a new winter coat and immediately the Men's Sunday School Class met the need.  We have watched our funeral hospitality team led by Regina and Don Bridge continue to bless families who have lost loved ones with a wonderful meal. (Will do it twice this week) We have lost nine members since September. (Malcolm Paxton, Norma Woods, Dick Fritzsche, Troy Sullivan, Gene Sandlin, Darold Chaney, Majorie Crouch,and this week Raleigh Melton and Elaine Vivian.)  Pray for all of these families and those spending their first Christmas with an empty seat at the table. Thank you all for never complaining when it comes to helping those who are grieving. Only when we are in their shoes, will we understand the importance of the blessing this ministry is. Roy and Cathy keep our food pantry stocked and we were blessed by National Trail and Preble Shawnee with donations this year. These ministries represent us. FSBCamden.

We have had generous gifts given, some from folks who don't attend wanting to help others have a better Christmas. We are now getting ready to collect items for the Buckets of Joy for our Shut Ins.  This was a ministry that began a long time ago with Dorothy Holland and Edith Colclasure, then Nancy Coon, making something special to pass out to those unable to get out. Betty Clevenger has been so faithful over the years to not forget those at home.

Then  it comes to a crescendo as we give to Lottie Moon to help support International Missionaries in a Victory March on Dec. 19th.  Our goal is 6,033. (Oh Yes...Bob and Keith will be ready for treat bag Sunday!)

Marcia working hard with all three choirs for Christmas, Kasia, her Team, and the Youth continue to get stronger and stronger, Amber Rogers doing a great job as our  Nursery Ministry Director with a dedicated team, and Terry Moore and her team faitfhfully leading Children's Church each week.

Faithful folks doing sound and video, along with a worship team leading us weekly.  Ron Super and a group of faithful teachers leading each week. Safety team faithfully serving each week. Linda managing our prayer chain and keeping us focused. Judy faithfully managing the office doing such a great job.

Jay and Donna keeping our buildings looking great. The Decorating Team  decorated so beautifully for the season!

Why mention names, as often I don't?   Because this represents all of us.  Serving the Lord through His church.  When we all desire to have our focus upon Jesus, we don't compete against one another, but team together. We partner together to serve for His glory. So when someone leads, amen.  When someone serves, amen. When a trashcan is emptied, amen.  It is not who does it, but that it gets done. This is us.  This is who God has called us to be.  Servants for His glory.

Why did Jesus come?  He told us in Luke 19:10 ^"  for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
He chose to come as a servant and models that for us. One group I haven't mentioned are the Deacons.  They are the picture of servants. Their wives as well are behind the scenes many times serving for us.

Christmas time is a busy time as many will be helped because you are part of a church desiring to serve and to share the hope that comes only in Jesus.

We will help many this Christmas that you won't hear about, but we represent you.  Remember, it is always the season to serve.

The Reality of Grief

 

Over the past several weeks we have experienced something to say the least, has been overwhelming.  In a period of six days we lost members, Malcolm Paxton, Gene Sandlin, Troy Sullivan, and Darold Chaney. Each a member of the church, leaving wonderful families, and all happened very suddenly after battling different illnesses. This past Saturday we received word that our Brother, Fred Hurley had gone home to be with the Lord.

Families, and many in the church are all grieving. Some of these had lived great long lives, but losing a loved one is never easy, regardless.

While we claim the promises of Scripture, it does bring comfort to know our loved one is not suffering.  It brings joy to realize that our faith has become sight and the promise of Heaven is a reality.

Saturday marked thirty seven years since Renee's dad passed away.  I don't believe there is a day that goes by that she doesn't think about him or long to see him.

Grief is real, and we lift up our church family.  What a blessing to see our folks serving and ministering through meals and meeting needs during this time of great loss.

These are the lyrics from a Mike Bowling Family song entitled,

"The People That God Gives You"

---

I got the call this morning
I can't believe he's gone
Thought he'd be here forever
But one more time, time proved me wrong

It was just a week ago
Thought I should call and say Hello
Now I'm reminded once again
Life's a vapor in the wind

Love the people that God gives you
They're a gift that Heaven sent
Live and laugh and make some memories
Treasure every moment spent
Cause none of us are here forever
That's a proven fact
Love the people that God gives you
Cause one day, he'll want them back

Each day the mirror tells the story
I wonder where the time has gone
Children laughing round the table
They now have children of their own
There may be things you need to say
So why today is still today
You have the chance to hold them close
One more chance to let them know

Love the people that God gives you
They're a gift that Heaven sent
Live and laugh and make some memories
Treasure every moment spent
Cause none of us are here forever
That's a proven fact
Love the people that God gives you
Cause one day, he'll want them back

Oh the list keeps getting longer
Friends and family that i miss
But when I think about what matters most
It all comes down to this

None of us are here forever
That's a proven fact
Love the people that God gives you
Cause one day, he'll want them back

70th Year Church Anniversary

I have waited  a day to get my thoughts in order regarding the tremendous celebration that took place Sunday.

Thank you to everyone who planned, prayed and served to do a wonderful job to make sure it would be a weekend to remember.

It was good to all be together with a great crowd, and we have had some great reports regarding those who were able to watch online including Rosalie Castleberry the daughter of former pastor Howard Meadors.

Beginning with a baptism, we praise the Lord for Kaleesi Lyon.  Ronnie Floyd was such a blessing to get to know and to here.  He was so encouraging to us.  

He told me if he lived here he would join our church :) He may say that everywhere , but it was nice to hear.,"What is the Great Commission?" Was the title and theme of His message.  Jesus last charge in the gospels to His disciples.

The afternoon meal was five star provided by Wendy Mann and her team!  Wow!  It was perfect, and then another great crowd stayed for the Homecoming service.

The music was so fun and a blessing as Marcia took us on a journey of choir, praise team, quartet, and congregational singing.  It was like a Gaither Homecoming singing as she incorporated many different people. We loved it, and I sensed the folks did too.

Beulah Whitesell did an outstanding job of sharing our history.  If you didn't know anything about the church, her presentation made you feel like you were there.  Fred Cummings wrapped it up with a great word as we finished the little over two hour celebration.

 Those who were in the sound room and doing the media, great job on a crazy, busy, day.

Thanks to Keith Ballinger and Don Bridge who worked most of the day yesterday breaking down and putting things up.

Thank you for letting me be your Pastor.  It is a joy, and we have much to do for the Lord.  Bro. Greg

Winning and Losing Together

 

This past weekend after church on Sunday, I was able to attend our oldest grandson Aiden's championship little league game.  Down one in the last inning we had a man on third.  It had been a great game.  On a wild pitch our player tried to score from third and was tagged out to end the game.  The player who was batting was our grandson.  He would not have a chance to be the hero or make the game ending out.  His opportunity had been taken from him.

Little leaguers handle wins and losses differently.  Some were frustrated and disappointed.  Others were marked with tears trickling down dirt covered faces.  Some seem to not be affected at all.

What we learn in moments of adversity is that we win ... and lose... together!  That is a lesson that we, the body of Christ can learn from a group of 11U ball players.

We are prone to point fingers, blame someone else, deflect what went wrong, while taking no responsibility.  I have heard it said that as a pastor, share the praise publicly, and address the criticism privately.  What that means to me is to acknowledge people when you see Jesus in their lives, and it also tells me to not  humiliate someone when they mess up.  We all we will need some grace from others in our lives, so let's make sure we are passing out plenty of it on this journey called life.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School brings back great memories for me.  The Bible stories that came to life, the crafts we would spend hard minutes on and of course the snacks.  Ours consisted of Kool aid and two cookies.  The best I ever had. 

Lois Baker was my teacher several years and she always made it fun, but one thing always stood out above the other activities. She always had us in the Word of God and learning the Word of God. We were even gifted to learn the books of the Bible. Really, she was AWANA when AWANA wasn't cool.

I am grateful once again for all of the volunteers we have here at FSBCamden who will be pouring into our kids once again in our 2021 V.B.S.  Last year we were unable to have it do to COVID-19, and this summer is shaping up to be a great week.  Would you pray for us as we share Christ this year the week of June 6-11 from 6-8:30 P.M. each night.  Pray for the heart of each attender and their family.  Pray for the workers and help us see that this week of missions is crucial in the life of young people.

Love God.Love People.Serve People.  Bro. Greg