Happy New Year

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Pray for Pakistan

Brother McKinley posted an e-mail from our overseer in Pakistan on his blog today. With the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto yesterday, chaos spread across the country. According to the Overseer of Pakistan, "Some people say this has been done by the Christian countries and their people."

Please join me in prayer for the safety of Christians in Pakistan as they continue to minister in troubled times.

A New Blessing for New Beginnings

God is so amazing! Since August, Willis Lawson has graciously allowed us to use the Sam & Zella Lawson Memorial Chapel for our weekly worship services. It is a small building and had no air or heat. For the past several weeks we have been using a small gas heater, but it didn’t heat all that well.

A few days ago, Willis told me that he is going to have a heat/air unit installed. Work began yesterday and should be completed today!

We are so thankful for Willis. Had it not been for him, we may still be meeting in homes. While we do not want to get too comfortable where we are, neither do we want to fail to recognize the blessing of the Lord! To God be the glory!

We appreciate you very much, Willis, and pray God's richest blessings on you!

Christmas with Family

Yesterday our family got together to celebrate Christmas at my parents home. All my brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews where there, and we had a wonderful time together. The Lord has blessed me to be in a very loving and caring family, and I am thankful for my parents and my three brothers and their families.

Here are a couple of pics from our time together yesterday.

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas! I pray you will experience the joy of our Lord and Savior as you celebrate with family and friends today!

A few pics

Prayer Request

I received word today of another death via automobile accident in the Morgan County area. The victim, Eric Phillips, was the cousin to Savannah Human, whose husband was tragically killed in an automobile accident in October. Please join me in prayer for the Phillips family.

Christmas Party

We will be having a special Christmas party for our children on Wednesday, December 19. Accordingly, we will not be having services at the church on that night. The children's party will be in the home of Roy and Faye and will begin at 7 PM.

Special Thanks

New Beginnings would like to express our deep appreciation to Pastor Ken Dyer and Harvest Christian Fellowship in Knoxville for their prayers and support of our ministry here in Crossville.


Harvest Christian Fellowship is a loving, caring congregation that delights in sharing the love of our Lord and demonstrating the joy of a life with Christ. If you live in Knoxville or are just passing through, we encourage you to visit with them--you won't regret it! You can visit their website here.

A few pics from our Christmas Dinner

Change of plans

Due to some unforeseen obstacles, New Beginnings has had to cancel our Christmas Banquet scheduled for December 16. Instead, we will have a Christmas Dinner at Roy & Fayes on Monday, December 10.

Christmas Spirit

"Until one feels the spirit of Christmas,
there is no Christmas.
All else is outward display-
so much tinsel and decorations.
For it isn't the holly,
it isn't the snow.
It isn't the tree
not the firelight's glow.
It's the warmth that comes
to the hearts of men
when the Christmas spirit
returns again."
-- Anonymous

God's call requires commitment

“One of our country’s most beloved Presidents was Abraham Lincoln. He had the great misfortune of being at the helm of our nation during one of it’s most troubled times. The once united States had split in two, and the armies of the North and South were waging an incessant war that claimed the lives of more men than have died in any war since.

“Lincoln felt the tragedy of this war more than anyone could have guessed. He mourned the deaths of soldiers and spent long periods visiting the sick and wounded in the Union hospitals. The constant shedding of blood was sometimes almost more than he could bear. Then, in the midst of the war, his own son died and the President was literally brought to his knees.

“In the middle of the week, Lincoln did what he often did during those days, he found refuge at a Presbyterian church in Washington, D.C. He went with an aide, sat with his stovepipe hat in his lap, and tried hard not to interrupt the meeting by sitting off to the side, near the preacher’s study.

“The minister opened the Scriptures and taught from God’s Word. And when he finished, the president stood quietly, straightened his coat, took his hat in hand and began to leave.

His aide stopped him and said, ‘What did you think of the sermon, Mr. President?’
He said, ‘I thought the sermon was carefully thought through, eloquently delivered.’
The aide said, ‘You thought it was a great sermon?’

“Lincoln replied, ‘No I thought he failed… he did not ask of us something great.’”

Even in the midst of such turmoil in his life, President Lincoln knew that when one listens to God he should expect that the Lord will call him to something great.

I believe that God is, indeed, calling us to something great. I believe God wants to use New Beginnings to help make a difference in the lives of people on the Cumberland Plateau. I also know, however, that such a call requires something on our part as well!

Someone said, “You must get involved to have an impact. No one is impressed with the won-lost record of the referee.”

Jesus said it this way, “…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

Announcements

THANKSGIVING--We will have a special Thanksgiving Service this Wednesday (11/21) at 7PM. Please come prepared to give thanks to the Lord and share at least one thing for which you are especially thankful this year.

CHRISTMAS--New Beginnings' first Christmas Banquet will be held on Sunday evening, December 16, at Cumberland Mountain State Park. More information will be forthcoming, but please mark your calendar for this event.

What do people see?

Of 18 to 30 year olds in this country who have quit church, a whopping 26% say their reason for leaving was that the church is simply too judgmental, this according to a LifeWay Research report printed in Leadership Journal (Fall 2007).

It would be very easy for churches to assume that this generation simply doesn’t want to hear the truth, but the fact is that they do want to hear the truth but they also need to see some realities of true Christianity!

In reading from the gospel according to John, something jumped out at me recently. Jesus had returned to Bethany six days before the Passover and He had dinner with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. His disciples were apparently there too, but then John records this:

“Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead” (John 12:9).

As I pondered this passage it occurred to me that these people of the Jews who came to see Lazarus were needing to verify that this Jesus was truly who He was declared to be. They needed to see that Lazarus was, in fact, risen from the dead. They needed to see that there was, in fact, a change! Indeed, it was because they saw Lazarus alive again that many of them believed on Jesus (John 12:11).

It is a theological truth that sin separates us from God. Our sin is an offense to Him and prohibits us from enjoying fellowship with Him. It was Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden that broke the perfect fellowship between him and God. That same sin, because it is so repulsive to Holy God, resulted in judgment.

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

This does not, however, diminish God’s love for us! The Scripture is very clear on this subject. Paul said, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, emphasis mine). John attested to this when he wrote, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

Could it be that one of the reasons so many people have decided that they don’t need church is because they see so few examples of true change in the lives of those who call themselves disciples of Christ? Could it be that we Christians are sometimes too judgmental and legalistic—harshly sharing truths of Scripture without the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ?

I am convinced that the key to evangelism today is not so much in the words we say, but in the authentic love we share!

Appreciation Day

A Minister of Music/Worship Leader is arguably one of the most important ministry positions in a local church. This minister helps to lead the congregation in preparing their hearts, through worship, to hear and receive the preached Word.

At New Beginnings, we are privileged to have Bill Meadows who is an anointed Minister of Music/Worship Leader. When we were much younger, Bill traveled some with me when I was ministering in Wisconsin, Colorado and Wyoming. He has always been sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. His style is more contemporary, but he does not dismiss the value of some of the time honored traditional Christian hymns. He is up-beat and lively as he leads the congregation into spirited and heart-felt worship.

Tomorrow at New Beginnings we will give special recognition to our Minister of Music and express our deep and heart-felt appreciation to him for his commitment to the ministry into which the Lord has called him.

Bill, you and your family are a tremendous blessing to us and we thank God for you!

Thank You

I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to everyone for your prayers for and expressions of kindness to the Human family this week. Sonbright Christian Center did such an awesome job of preparing food for the family after the graveside service, and it was wonderful--as usual! SCC has also opened up a portion of the property there for Brent to be buried.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." ~From a headstone in Ireland

The photograph at the top is from the last time I saw Brent. It was on the day of his daughter's birth--September 20, 2007. This is me, Stephen Eli, and Brent.

What a Friend

I just returned home from Sunbright following the funeral services for Brent Human. I am absolutely amazed at the number of lives Brent touched in his short few years on this earth. By my estimation there were more than 1,000 people who filed through to pay their last respects to Brent and to share condolences with the family. At one point in time they were entering through the basement and filing up and down the room like a maze then going upstairs and wrapping around the outer wall of the building. This went on from about 6 PM to about 8:15. The church was also filled with floral arrangements. The platform, at each end of the coffin, and even into the foyer--more flowers than I think I have ever seen in one location.

When the funeral service began at approximately 8:45, the sanctuary was filled and people standing.

Brent had a tremendous love for life and for his family. All who knew him knew he had a heart for everyone he met, and he had a smile for everyone who crossed his path. The words of Soloman are surely true, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother"(Proverbs 18:24).

Tomorrow Brent will be laid to rest at Sonbright Christian Center at 12 Noon. Please continue to remember this family in your prayers.

Funeral Arrangements for Brent Human

I have received word that the arrangements for Brent Human are as follows:

The family will receive friends tomorrow evening (November 7, 2007) from 5-8 PM Eastern Time at Sonbright Christian Center and the funeral will commence at 8. The church is located at 7211 Morgan County Highway in Sunbright, TN.

Since the family has asked that I preach the funeral, there will be no service at New Beginnings tomorrow night.

The Death of a Friend

My heart has been very sad today as I learned of the tragic death of my friend, Brent Human. I have known Brent since around 1999 when I went to Sunbright as youth pastor. Brent was quite the prankster back then.

When I heard the news, I drove to the Harriman hospital where I was told the family was gathering as they awaited the arrival of the body following the fatal accident. I visited with them for a couple hours until the funeral home picked up the body.

Brent was the son of R. B. & Velma Human from Sonbright Christian Center. He and his wife, Savannah, have two children, the second born a little over a month ago.

For the past hour or so I have been sitting here in my office remembering the many good times and conversations I have had with Brent. He was a good young man whom I am deeply thankful that I had the opportunity to know.

This is a very difficult time for Savannah as well as for R. B., Velma, Bryant (brother), and Victoria (sister). Please remember them in your prayers as well as the rest of the family.

I will post funeral arrangements here as soon as I know them.

Partnering with Guatemala

We were very pleased to have the Byrd family back with us yesterday. David and Vicki and their daughter, Melissa, are "Making a a Spiritual Difference by Meeting Physical Needs" of people in the Camotan, Chiquimula region.

Jesus gave clear instructions that we are to go into all the world (Matthew 28:19-20) sharing the gospel. While all of us cannot go into other nations of the world, I believe God will bless our efforts as we support those who have made such a commitment. I want to thank everyone at New Beginnings for the wonderful offering received yesterday for the Byrds.

More pics from Saturday

Fall Bash

About 45 people attended the Fall Bash yesterday and we want to thank Bill & Kim for opening up their home for this very enjoyable time. They organized a number of fun games that brought participation from children and adults alike. Everyone seemed to enjoy the fun and fellowship!

Autumn Acres

We had an awesome time Sunday evening at Autumn Acres. A total of 21 people came out to join us through the corn maze and pumpkin patch. It was fun watching the children (and a few adults) slide down the massive slide. It is always encouraging and uplifting to see people laughing and having a good time in the company of oneanother.

This Saturday Bill and Kim are hosting a Fall Blast at their home. Everyone is invited to attend. Also, Harvest Christian Fellowship has invited New Beginnings to join them for their annual Hay Ride and Weiner Roast this Sunday evening.

Update from the Juday's

Thank you all for your prayers. The hospital didn't think Dan's father would make it through that first night but, once again, he bounced back and is now back at home. ... He is kind of weak and tired, but otherwise seems fine.

We are staying here in Wisconsin for awhile to help Dan's sister and brother-in-law do the things they have to do to get ready for their yearly trek to Florida. Dad can't wait to go where it's warm (which means over 80 degrees at least). We're not sure if he'll make the trip all right but, one day at a time.

Thanks again to all who prayed and called. We are ever grateful for our friends and family for their care and compassion. We love you all.

We will let you know when we get back home and, if there are any changes in dad's condition.

Dan & Marcia

Let's Just Praise the Lord!

We were very pleased to have Bishop Jimmie Turner with us last night. He and Sister Turner are now in Cambridge, Ohio where he serves as Senior Pastor. They were here for a couple days to visit family, so I invited him to share a word from the Lord with us.

When I was just a young boy Brother Turner and my parents sang together as the Zion's Messengers. Last night they sang together again, and it was like old times. Brother Turner preached a very inspiring and uplifting message reminding us that praise works. He encouraged us to be diligent in counqueroring our discouragement by offering praise to God (Psalm 43:5).

We are very thankful for Brother and Sister Turner, and pray the Lord will bless them and the church at Cambridge, OH abundantly!

Announcement

New Beginnings is planning a trip to Autumn Acres Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch this Sunday afternoon (10/21). This will be an excellent time of family fun and fellowship with one another.

The admission is $4 for adults and children 5 & up; $2 for children 2-4; and FREE for children under 2. You can check out more details by going to Autumn Acres web-site.

Come join us for some autumn FUN!!!

Prayer Request

I learned yesterday that Dan's father was rushed to the hospital. He is 91 years old and is presently non-responsive. Dan and Marcia left yesterday for Wisconsin to be with him. They ask that we pray for Dan's father, and for them as they travel.

Helping in Guatemala

We were very pleased to have David and Vickie Byrd and their daughter Melissa in our service last night. The Byrd's serve as Missionaries in Guatemala. Their motto is "Making a a Spiritual Difference by Meeting Physical Needs." To this end, David travels into several of the mountain villages and offers support on various levels including agricultural assistance and his pet project, constructing water cysterns for the village people so they can have clean water to drink. Vickie and Melissa work in a health clinic.

Some specific prayer points David mentioned last night are:
1. Their safety as they minister
2. The safety of children in Guatemala
3. Their personal support (financially)
4. Support for Pastors

The Byrd family will be in the United States until November 28. They will return to New Beginnings on November 4 at which time I would like to have a generous support offering for them.

Death Announcement

I was very sad to learn that Faye Blaylock, my cousin, passed away on Friday, October 5. The family received friends at Bilbrey Funeral Home in Crossville tonight and the funeral will be tomorrow at 10 AM in the Chapel of Bilbrey Funeral Home. Please remember her husband, children, and grand children in your prayers.

A few more pics from yesterday

Special Guest

Today I hosted an open house to welcome people into my new home. About 20 people came. I was very pleased to welcome a guest from Nairobi, Kenya--Bishop Joseck Tsuma. It was a very good day, and Bishop Tsuma ministered before he left and prayed over several requests. Everyone was blessed as the Spirit of the Lord ministered in my living room!

Forgive Us

What did Jesus mean when He taught His disciples to pray “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”?

First of all, it is important to consider this phrase in the context of the entire Sermon on the Mount, and more particularly, in the context of the model prayer Jesus taught His disciples.

Jesus had already told them

"...If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God" (Matthew 5:23-24 MSG).


It is important to note here that Jesus did not specify whether the brother had a justifiable cause to have ought against you. That is, He did not say that they had to be right in their anger toward you. It does not necessarily mean that you had to do something wrong before you seek reconciliation.

The underlying motive behind this command is love. We are to love our brother so much that whether he is right or wrong, we should make every possible effort to be reconciled to him.

Jesus then talked about turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and giving more than is demanded (5:40-42). Then He says, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).


Again, the underlying principle, as Jesus states in this passage, is love. The perfect example of love is seen in the work of the Trinity—God so loved the world that He gave His Son. The Son so loved the world that He was willing to give His life that we may live. The Holy Ghost so loves the world that He still works to reconcile fallen man to Holy God through Jesus Christ! In other words, God’s love for mankind is seen in His willingness to forgive us and reconcile us to Himself.

If we are to be in proper fellowship with the Father, Jesus says, we must not only love God but our fellow man, too. In fact, John said it this way: “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” (1 John 4:20-21).

The evidence of God’s love toward us is in His forgiving us of our sin and bringing us back into fellowship with Him. The evidence of our love toward God is our obedience to His Word. The evidence of our love for our fellow man is our willingness to forgive them when they sin against us!

Baby Girl

CONGRATULATIONS to Brent and Savannah Human on the birth of their new baby girl, Addie Chevelle. She was born yesterday at around 1:45 weighing in at 4lbs 11oz and 17.5" long.

I went over to see Brent, Savannah, Eli, and Addie Chevelle yesterday at Methodist Hospital in Oak ridge. Addie is absolutely adorable...and tiny! Eli is a bit jealous and was trying to keep everyone's attention for himself.

We are proud of you, Brent and Savannah, and pray the Lord will bless you and your family abundantly!

Ruth Barber

Last night I went to White House, TN—along with Mother, Dad, Kim, and Bill—to express our condolences to the family of Ruth Barber. Mrs. Barber was Jennifer’s maternal grandmother.

They will be having the funeral this morning, so please continue to remember this family in your prayers.

A Note From Marcia

Dear Chip and everyone at New Beginnings,

Thank you so very much for all your prayers. We have been very blessed with many prayers and God has given me a lot of comfort during this time. It is hard to let go but I know my dad is in a better place, and to know he is not suffering anymore gives me a lot of peace. God has been here with me, sometimes carrying me until I can walk alongside him again.

God has blessed me with such wonderful friends/family within The Church and I am so grateful for this gift. You are all the best.

I thank you so much for the planter/flowers. It is truly lovely and will remind me of your love and compassion for a long time to come.

Thank you all again for your prayers. We appreciate them so very much, and will see you soon.

Love, Marcia

HOW DO YOU PRAY?

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:5-6).

Jesus instructed His disciples not to be like the hypocrites when they pray, for they pray out of the wrong motive. The insincerity of their prayers is seen in the fact that they prayed to be seen of men. They were missing the most essential dynamic of prayer—it is a conversation with God, not a show.

In Matthew 15 the Pharisees complained to Jesus because His disciples were not following the ceremonial washing of hands before the meal. Jesus responded by saying to them, “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:7-9). They had developed a religion with lots of external activity but no sincere love for God in the heart.

Hypocrisy is something we must all guard against. To do this, we must maintain a real and vital relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we begin to draw back from the Lord in our hearts, the temptation is usually to keep up appearances. The temptation is to continue to go through the outward form of religion hoping no one will notice the change that’s occurred in our hearts. This is hypocrisy.

In order to have the favor of God when we pray, we must approach Him with a sincere heart, and that means that we love Him as our Father. And because we love Him, we willingly and sincerely keep His commandments.

Yes, we will still have our struggles and difficulties in this life! There is a great deal of difference between a person trying to do the right thing and have some difficulties and a person who has resolutely chosen to do the wrong thing and tries to justify it. Failure doesn’t make you a hypocrite. Pretense and insincerity do!

Death Notice

I learned yesterday that Ruth Barber passed away. She was the grandmother to my sister-in-law, Jennifer. The family will receive friends at the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House, TN tonight (9/17) from 4-8 pm and tomorrow night (9/18) from 5-8 pm. The funeral will be on Wednesday at 10 am.

Please join me in prayer for this family.

Arrangements for Charles Tenney

To all our friends and family who we love I need to let you know that my dad, Charles Tenney, passed away Friday night (9-14-2007). We are having the visitation on Monday, 9-17, at Cuneo-Columbian Funeral Home on Grand Avenue in Franklin Park from 3 to 9 pm with a short service at 7:00. In lieu of flowers we ask for donations to Elmhurst Home Healthcare and Hospice, 855 N. Church Court, Elmhurst, IL 60126. They helped Laurie take care of dad since January and they were the most wonderful group of people and became almost like family after so much time.

We will be going to Fergus Falls, Minnesota for the burial with a short graveside service on Saturday morning at 11:00. Prayers for our continued safe journeys until we get back home in Tennessee.

To those of you who got the previous email from me asking for prayer, we want to let you know how much we appreciate them. We know those prayers got us here safely Wednesday morning and helped us get through the time we spent at the hospital with dad this week.

For those of you who can join us, and those of you who can't, we love and appreciate all of you. If anyone needs to call us while we're here in Illinois, our cell phone # is 931-265-1470.

Marcia & Dan Juday and Family

Sad News

I received the sad news this morning that Sister Marcia Juday's father passed away last night. Dan and Marcia left on Tuesday night to go to Chicago to see him upon hearing that he had been taken by ambulance to the hospital. He hadn’t been doing well for some time. Please join me in prayer for Marcia and Dan, and for the entire family.

On Character

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Choose your words, for they
become actions. Understand your actions, for they become habits.
Study your habits, for they will become your character.
Develop your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
--Unknown

Is This Not Love?

I was reading through some illustrations this afternoon and ran across this one. It ministered to me, so I thought I'd share it here.

Is This Not Love?

To kiss the hands that smite,
To pray for them that persecute,

To hear the voice of blame,
Reap undeserved shame,
And still be mute—
Is this not love?

To give for evil good,
To learn what sacrifice can teach,

To be the scoffer's sport,
Nor strive to make retort
To angry speech—
Is this not love?

To face the harsh world's harms,
To brave its bitterness for years,

To be an unthanked slave,
And gain at last a grave
Unwet by tears—
Is this not love?

—Susie M. Betts

—Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations

Arrangements for Phyllis Burgess

The family of Phyllis Burgess will receive friends from 1 PM to 4 PM on Sunday, August 26 at Hood Funeral Home in Crossville. The funeral service will begin at 4 PM.

Please keep this family in your prayers!

Passing of Phyllis Burgess

I received the sad news this morning that Phyllis Burgess passed away. Phyllis had been in a horse-riding accident on Sunday and had been in critical care at U.T. Medical Center in Knoxville until today. I will post funeral arrangements as soon as I know them.

Please be in prayer for her husband, Doyle, and her two children, Brady and Darby.

Our First Service

Our very first Sunday morning service as New Beginnings was on August 12. There were 21 in attendance. This first meeting was in the Sam and Zella Lawson Memorial Chapel in Crossville. We are very thankful to Willis Lawson for opening this chapel up to us.

Prayer Request

I was informed last night that Phyllis Burgess was life-flighted to Knoxville following accident on a horse. She is in critical condition. Please pray for her.

Getting Settled

It's been a busy week, but I'm getting settled in. I made the move from Wartburg to Crossville on Saturday. There were several people who helped, for which I am deeply thankful. Today my phone and internet were connected (I've missed access to the internet). Now that I'm back in the groove of things, I'll try to post updates on a regular basis.

Be Wise

Well, I was taking a break from the dreaded work of packing up for a move, and I sat down and started to read from the Proverbs of Solomon. His wisdom just seemed to minister to my heart as I read and considered the work we will be doing in the Plateau Region.

The Proverbs of Solomon are designed to teach people how to live their lives properly, allowing God to be in control. It’s not about us, it’s all about HIM!

Here are a few things that ministered to me today:

1. Put God in whatever you do. Proverbs 16:1-4, 9, 33

2. Double check to make sure your motives are right. Proverbs 16:2, 25; 20:9

4. If you want your friendships to last, use your tongue wisely. Proverbs 16:28; 17:9; 17:14; 20:3

5. It’s better to have peaceful relationships than lots of money. Proverbs 17:2

6. Work hard at whatever you do. Proverbs 18:9; 19:24; 20:13

7. Jesus is the best and most faithful friend you’ll ever have. Proverbs 18:24

8. Don’t blame God when things go wrong. Proverbs 19:3

God is so awesome! I am convinced that He is going to bless abundantly as we press into the future, but His blessing is, of course, contingent upon us being obedient to His Word. We must walk wisely, and always trust in Him.

I'll Be Moving Soon

Well, it's time to pack up and prepare to move from Wartburg to Crossville on Saturday. I have found a beautiful little place in the mountains, and I just love it. It's a little bigger than what I've lived in for the past seven years, and much more private (although I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here).

The next few days are going to be busy ones, so I may not have time to post here again until next week. I promise I'm going to try to do better about giving regular updates, though.

For anyone who may be interested, my new mailing address is P.O. Box 262, Crossville, TN 38557.

The Beginning of NEW BEGINNINGS

It is true that there are numerous churches in the Plateau Region, and one might wonder why we would be interested in starting yet another. I have considered this question myself. The fact is, there are still thousands of people who are unsaved and do not go to church anywhere.

I was reading a book from the Center for Biblical Leadership today, Evangelism and Assimilation, and noted the following paragraph:

"There is a deceptive philosophy in the air that says there are already too many churches. Some, perhaps, may feel there are too many of our own congregations in their area. The validated, authenticated, unmitigated truth is that there is no such thing as OVER-CHURCHING in America or the world as of yet. I personally doubt that such a day will ever arise.... To believe that there are already too many churches is an indictment for ingrown introspection with no vision for the Master's harvest."

Our goal at New Beginnings is not to work in competition with other churches. As I have said before on this blog, there is an estimated 53,000 people in Cumberland County, and a growing minority population and the vast majority of them do not attend church anywhere. The harvest is ripe, let's start harvesting.

It's Time For A NEW BEGINNING

Yesterday I began my new ministry as a church planter. Last night I met with a small group of 18 to discuss our mission and how we would proceed. As we began our meeting, I asked those present for a commitment to assist in the mission efforts as we reach out into the area to win new people to the Lord with the goal of organizing a church. Seventeen people signed their names. There were some who were unable to attend tonight whom I believe will also commit to this work.

One of the first things we discussed was the need for a name that would help to identify our mission and our target. Several ideas were brought up and discussed. Finally, someone spoke up and said, “I think we need a name that will demonstrate change. Something that will give hope.” Someone else said, “Like, maybe, New Beginnings.” The Holy Ghost seemed to put His approval on this suggestion, as there was spontaneous praise and worship and an awesome sense of His presence in the room. New Beginnings Family Outreach Ministries was adopted by one accord.

As we proceeded with discussion I was informed that another church has already committed to adopt us as a mission partner with a monthly gift. Additionally, we were given a one thousand dollar check by someone else to assist in the harvest.

I never cease to be amazed at what the Lord is doing. This is definitely a God thing!

What A Day!!!

It has been a busy day, indeed. My father and my brother came to Sunbright with a U-haul trailer to help me load up my office and move it to Crossville. A very special "THANK YOU" to Josie Eldridge and Ronnie Norris, who came to help us load the trailer. Since I don't have a place to live there yet, we placed it in storage.

I was dreading the idea of going house shopping, but it seems that the Lord has opened a door to provide a beautiful dwelling for me and a small chapel in which we could have services on a temporary basis. It simply amazes me how God has directed every step we have taken by faith and then proven Himself by making provision for us. My excitement seems to grow on a daily basis.

It's Official

Yesterday at the State Convention Bishop McKinley announced that Donald Lawrence will be the new pastor of Sonbright Christian Center. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his new assignment. I believe God has great things ahead for this church. I would like to encourage all the members of SCC to continue to support the church and your new pastor and to work together in the harvesting efforts in Morgan County.

Bishop McKinley also announced that I will be doing mission work in Cumberland County with the goal of organizing a church. There is an estimated 53,000 people in Cumberland County with a growing minority population. We will not to be in competition with the other churches in the area. We simply want to reach out and join in the harvest.

I am very excited about what God is doing, and I am committed to follow as He leads. The road is not always easy, but His grace is sufficient.

The Sonbright Connection

Unlike most people, I suppose, I enjoy taking connecting flights when I travel by plane. One reason for this is that I get to see a different place--even if for only a couple hours, and yes, even if it's only the inside of an airport. The other reason is that there is the possibility that the connecting flight will be over booked and I will be able to stay a little longer.

On this journey of life, I have had the opportunity to lay over at various places on my way to the final destination. I've learned that if I'm going to truly enjoy the trip, the destination must always be foremost in my mind, though.

One lay over I've made on this journey recently has been what I like to call my Sonbright Connection.

A little over eight years ago I had the privilege of laying over in Sunbright on my way home. While some of the time in this lay over has been uncomfortable, I've learned a lot and have grown in the Lord.

Some people balk and complain when an unexpected lay over occurs--I have done the same thing at times--but now, as I'm ready to move on to the next leg of this trip, I can truly say it has been awesome!

I've made some new friends, had some new experiences, and, hopefully I have made a positive impact on people, too. Yes, this is one of those stops--like so many before--that I'm going to miss when I leave, but I know everything is going to be okay.

Well, it's time to move on now. I have another lay over soon. I don't know how long this one will be, but I am very excited about the adventure--this great adventure of life.

Crossville....HERE I COME!!

New Playground at SCC

At last a prayer has been answered. The Children’s Ministry at Sonbright Christian Center has long desired a playground for our children. It has been talked about for almost a full year, but now it is a reality. Last month we received donations for this project and purchased playground equipment. I have attached a couple of pictures of the dedication.

We give God praise for the wonderful things He is doing at Sonbright Christian Center.

Congratulations

I would like to congratulate my brother and sistter-in-law on the birth of Josiah Shalom, their first-born. Josiah was born April 28 weighing 6 lbs 14 oz, and 18 3/4 inches long.