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.

Family Fall Fest

The Lord definitely blessed us with a beautiful fall day on Sunday, October 29 as Sonbright Christian Center hosted our second Family Fall Fest. The temperature was around 70º and the fall colors were at full peak. We truly live in a beautiful area of this great state!

This Family Fall Fest was one step in our renewed efforts to reach out to our families and the families in our community. We thank the Lord for more than 100 attending this special event.

There was plenty of food, fun, and fellowship as we opened up our church and our hearts to minister the love of our Lord Jesus Christ in a warm, caring, non-threatening atmosphere. Most of the people who participated are unchurched families in our community.

We all enjoyed the festivities of the day—there were plenty of food and activities for the children, youth, and adults. We are thankful for the wonderful blessings the Lord is pouring out upon us here at Sonbright Christian Center, and we are committed to pressing forward in His power—reaching out to families with the love of Christ!

On a final note, during our morning worship (October 29), the Lord poured out His Spirit in a mighty way, and we were blessed to receive two new members into the church. To God be the glory, great things He hath done.

A Time for Change--A Time to Conquer

The Children of Israel had just lost their leader of forty years. Moses was dead and the people still had not entered into the Promised Land. They had mourned his death for thirty days (cf. Deuteronomy 34:8) but the time of mourning was ended when God said, "Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel" (Joshua 1:2).

This was a drastic change for the Children of Israel. Although they were quite familiar with Joshua and knew that he would succeed Moses as their leader because Moses had anointed him for that purpose (cf. Deuteronomy 34:9), things would no longer be the same. They now had a new leader with new ideas. Joshua did not do things exactly as Moses had done, but it was the same God leading Him as had led Moses!

One of the very first things we see different is the fact that when Joshua sent spies to check out the land, he did not send twelve as Moses had. He sent only two. Another difference between Moses and Joshua is the fact that Moses, for some reason, did not circumcise any of the children that were born during the forty years of wandering. Joshua, however, required that everyone be circumcised before they would take the land (cf. Joshua 5:2-7).

Aside from the changes evident in leadership and leadership style, the manna they had been accustomed to for so long finally stopped after they crossed the Jordan (cf. Joshua 5:12). Yes, things were going to be very different, indeed! A new day had come. They knew that changes were necessary if they were to take possession of the land the Lord had promised, and the Children of Israel were willing to do whatever was necessary to obtain their promise (cf. Joshua 1:16-18).

I am confident that we, too, have entered into a brand new day. We have wandered long enough. We have mourned long enough. We have felt inferior and isolated long enough. Now is the time to conquer! The Lord is calling us to be "…strong and very courageous…" (Joshua 1:7) because He is going to do something through us that we have never seen.

Yes, we will have to make some changes and adjustments as we go, but we will not fear for the Lord is with us! We, like the Children of Israel, are committed to doing whatever is necessary to obtain the promise—seeing our lost family members, friends, and neighbors come to the Lord. The difficulty of any change will pale in comparison to the joy we have at seeing our loved ones saved by the grace of our God!