Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Review of "Blue Like Jazz" by Don Miller

I held off on this book. I usually do not read new books when they come out. I wait till they hit the thrift stores or someone trust-worthy recommends it. My son recommended it and I found a copy in our Church thrift store. It turned out not to be what I expected. It was not another seeker-pleaser church-bashing book. This book reads like a journal. The author leads us through his personal spiritual immaturity. At the end we see some growth. It has some good ideas on community and some bad.This book offers to show us a little immaturity in ourselves. I know even though I've followed the Lord for 30 years, I saw some in myself. I believe this is a book for the believer and the non. When you start on it, give it a chance all the way to the end. I read some things I did not agree with but there was a lot I did.
Bookcrossing ID 11138469

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Mother's Day Thought

On Mother's day tomorrow there will many sermons and thoughts in our Churches and on radio programs on the virtues on motherhood and praise for worthy Mothers. But for years I've wondered about those who sit and listen and were not blessed with such a Mother. So here is a little quote for those.
"Love and honour given to a good Mother is your gift to her, love and honour to a bad Mother is your gift to God."  Wayne Brooks

Haiti Update - 29th April

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Roger Clark
To: Wayne's Blog
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2012 8:33 AM
Subject: Update - 29th April
 
Greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
The past three weeks has been very busy for us. Three weeks ago we had John Wicks, our engineer, in to do welding on the trusses and get set-up for a group of 22 people. Beside this, he installed the counter tops and installed a sink for the new kitchen we put in this year for our guest house.
 For the last 10 days we had a group of 22 with us. They worked very hard despite the high humidity and rain we had. There were welders, carpenters, masons and other skilled people in the group. In 10 days they finished laying all the blocks that needed to be laid in the church. Praise the Lord, no more block work! They also cut all the steel needed for 5 trusses, and welded three trusses. Also, they made great headway on two other trusses.
This was a great feat since they had to cut several of their days short due to rain. The traffic was horrendous because of the mud, rocks and water in the streets due to all the rain which resulted in trips across town from 1 hour to 2 hours one way; rather than 45 minutes. Also, one day they had a city wide strike that blocked the only road we could go on with Mack trucks and burning tires at different intersections. This caused the group to lose 3 hours of work as we waited for the government to get things under control. Oh yes, one day we had to take them to a friends guest house to take baths because we ran out of water at our house. These are some of the challenges one can face on a mission trip. Yet, they all thanked God for the good food that Margaret prepared for them everyday.
What is our next step in the re-construction of New Life Church of Croix des Mission? The next steps is to finish the 9 remaining steel trusses. We have enough money to fabricate 2 more trusses; therefore, we need money for 7 more trusses. Each truss costs us $1,200 in material. Also, we will need money for perlins and tin.  I'm' not sure of the cost of these at this time.
We would ask you to consider sending money for one or more trusses. Also, we need certified welders to come down and weld these trusses for us. Maybe you know of one and you would be willing to help him get down here.

We will be leaving on May 3 for a month of travels in the US.  Please pray for those who will continue the work while we are away and for the Lord protection as we travel.  You can always reach us by email and we love hearing from you. 

May the Lord bless you as you continue to serve Him with your whole heart.
In Christ,
Roger & Margaret Clark
PS - A big thank you to those who have sent to help with the Bible School financial crisis.  We still need more, so keep praying.  We know that our God is able to meet all our needs.

All gifts can be sent to Elim Fellowship, 1703 Dalton Rd, Lima, NY 14485 with a note stating "preferred for Roger Clark, project, church roof" or Bible school.  Thank you.

Monday, April 30, 2012

By Way of Appomattox

 I left my home in Alabam,
To fight with the boys of the 60th.
Like other natives of Pike County,
Who too fought against invaders galore.

 I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or like others, be buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

We spent some time at Chickamauga,
And picnicked at Snodgrass Hill.
The main course was Union lead,
And canister shot was dessert.

I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or like most, be buried in a canvas sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

Present at Knoxville’s siege, Gracie’s boys in reserve.
We watched Ole Miss fall,
while General Braggs stood alone.
We never should have left his side.

Not knowing if I would make it back,
To where my loved ones back home,
Or would I be buried in a burlap sack.
But now, I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

When General Longstreet saw the mistake,
We rushed off to join with Braggs.
The enemy tried to stop us at Bean’s Station,
We paid their toll at a mighty high price.

 I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or be buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

Wounded in a skirmish around Richmond,
Caused me to sit out Drury’s Bluff.
Then returned to Company A,
To fight our way to the courthouse.

I knew then that I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
I did not die or get myself buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

It was a long, long walk from Virginia to Alabam.
Caught a train and wagon when I could.
The cause was dead but I was alive.
I prayed I would make it back to the ones I love.

Making it back to my loved ones dear,
Remembering the trials the Lord had brought me through,
Knowing He also walked a long, long way to the cross,
Made my walk seem not near so hard.

Now I’m fighting another battle, One I know I’ll win.
Because He won the fight on the cross to set me free.
Now I’m on my way home to the Savior I love so dear.
Not by way of Appomattox, but by way of Calvary.

 In memory of: Private Edward Y.Martin
60th Alabama Regiment. Company A, 3rd Battalion Hillary’s legion.
And all of those who made the long trek back to their homes after the Civil War.

Resource Review: Hard Hats For Christ

From the Hard Hats For Christ Website:

Mission Statement...
Jesus Christ has commanded his followers to serve Him in reaching others with the message of salvation.

Construction Workers Christian Fellowship was organized to do this within the realm of construction. The three basic purposes are:

1. to tell construction workers about the saving power of Jesus Christ, that they may experience a changed life,
2. to encourage and provide the means for construction men and women, whether they be new Christians or older ones, to have fellowship and Bible studies with the aim of strengthening their faith, and
3. to assist missionary organizations in the dissemination of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through specialized construction help, both in the United States and on foreign soil.
=====================================================================================

I recommend this site for those looking for a practical way to serve others. My be you have a non-physical job and wish to get-physical for Christ. Here is a good solution. Need a good RV vacation. Check them out. Does your church need a little help. Contact them.
These people seem to be right on it. I recommend if you can be involved in anyway to give it a try.
And they are worthy of our support.