Onward Christian Soldiers

In a very emotional moment, the General Assembly of the Church of God took time today to honor those ministers of this Movement who have died over the previous year. Men like Rollo Swisher and Clarence Roper, both of whom served in the same District in Central Cal that I now serve in; Howard Kernutt who I will miss seeing at the Senior Adult Retreat in 3 Rivers; Ray Cheeks with whom I served for four years on the Ministry Council and who died suddenly without warning after a church service; friends and mentors of mine like Wayne Stout and Bob Boyette. I keep noticing how many more of these names and faces I recognize over the years. Even one of my classmates from Anderson College was among the names of those who had died (Jim Fearnow). As each name was called a picture of the minister was flashed on the screen with the years of ministry emblazon on the picture and the widow or family member would come forward carrying a white rose with the name of their departed family member on it. At the front of the auditorium were a large group of young people (emerging leaders) - young men and women who feel a call from God to serve Him with their lives. They were carrying red roses with either their name on it or one of the emerging leaders across the nation who have indicated at a recent Youth Convention that they feel a call to ministry. The two would exchange roses and hugs. It was very emotional as we honored those who were now gone from the scene by celebrating those who are being called onto the scene. Following the service, two booklets were handed out. One with the pictures and names of the deceased ministers. The other booklet had the names of emerging leaders - those whose names were on the red roses. Those widows and family members will be praying for them. By the way, the emerging leaders list included Lacey Marshall, Rebekah Filer, and Karrah Sentman (all of whom I pastor). Kevin Stiffler, my former Youth Pastor and friend was on there as was Keah Kendall from Exeter and Corey Stocksdale, whom I pastored in New Albany. The ministry of Jesus Christ moves on from generation to generation. As long as we are faithful to share the Gospel, God will be faithful to use us to reach the next generation. What better way to honor those who have gone on to heaven!

In an Instant

We were on our way to IHOP for a late night snack after the evening service at Campmeeting. Sitting at the traffic light in front of Wal Mart, we were discussing the events of the day when all of a sudden the horrific sound of crashing metal shook all three of us in the car. It seems that as a car was moving across the highway at the traffic light on the way to Wal Mart, another car, coming the opposite way from us on the divided highway, never stopped for the light and went plowing into the unsuspecting car. No screeching breaks. These two cars just crashed into each other at a high rate of speed and ended up piled and crushed together at the front bumper of a truck that was just sitting at the light. Both cars had young children in them. One car had two kids under 5 in the back seat. The other had two children, one under 5 and the other about 10 years of age. In the truck was a mother with her very pregnant daughter. The two cars appeared to be totaled. The children were distraught but not seriously hurt (thank God for car seats that held them all and kept them strapped in). The adults seemed more dazed than physically injured. The police and ambulance workers were on the scene immediately. Joanie and I stayed briefly to provide any help necessary and left when the professionals got on the scene.
All I could think about was how life can change in an instant. This is a fragile existence we lead. You can't live in a bubble and you can't control some things that come crashing in on you. Life can change in an instant. Not just for the negative, but the gospel clearly states that life can change for the good in an instant, as well. The receiving of Jesus Christ as savior can change people's hearts, minds, habits, future, and present. It can change a person over night; in a flash; in the twinkling of an eye; in an instant. If your life is in need of change, remember: Jesus Christ is in the change business. You need not way for an accident to come crashing in to change your life. You can kneel and feel the love that has changed the world and can change your life...in an instant!

Random Shots of the Speedway

Gasoline Alley and the Track

Here we are on a bus. Not an exciting shot except the bus takes you out on the track and you get to see the 500 from the drivers point of view

The Brickyard

Yes, this is why they call the Indianapolis Speedway the "Brickyard". Originally the whole track was made of bricks. Now this one foot section next to the finish line is all that remains.

Caught in the Act

Hmmmm. Sharron shopping. How unusual!

Louisville Skyline View

The Louisville Skyline as seen from across the river in Indiana. This was our view as we stopped at a park on the Indiana side to do some devotions as a group.

Devotions at the River

One day we spent down by the Ohio River across from Louisville and took the opportunity to divide into groups for a time of bible study and devotions. Here is Shawna and Karrah sharing and studying together.

Conner Prairie

This is the group at Conner Prairie which is a living historical museum. We visited the villages that make up Conner Prairie and span about 100 years of development. The folks in period dress only talk to you as though it is still the 19th Century.

Indianapolis 500 Museum

Here is Joel and Shawna striking the pose at the 500 Museum.

IYC Nashvill Trip Summer of 2004

These are not from this summer but from last summer. I found a few of our IYC trip to Nashville last summer. This one is Jonathan, Sharron and Karrah at the Indianapolis 500 Museum. The other is a shot of the girls as they gather outside the museum. Enjoy!

Without Traffic

We traveled through Atlanta last night. There was hardly anyone on the road. We passed construction sites without any slowing down (other than the speed limit). Of course, we were driving through Atlanta at 1:00 in the morning! What a difference from trying to do the same during the day. Bumper to bumper traffic. Slow downs at most entrance points to the highway as incoming traffic congested the already congested lanes. What took us less than an hour last night would have taken us anywhere from 1-2 hours during the day.
I wonder if this is what Jesus meant when he talked about taking the high road, the one less traveled, the road to righteousness. It is not as crowded as the one that leads to destruction. There are fewer people merging onto it from their former lives. The road of sin seems to be the "right" road because it is so heavily traveled. But after going through Atlanta at night I can assure you that it is a much nicer drive when the road is less traveled and not nearly as crowded. No road rage, no near accidents, no quickly putting on the brakes - just a smooth ride to get you to your destination.
What road have you been traveling on? If you find yourself on the road of sin you will rarely find yourself alone. You will take consolation in the fact that you are one of many. It will seem to affirm the path you are on. You may not like traffic but there is something affirming in it (Maybe that's why Eve ate the apple and wanted Adam to eat some, too. Maybe that's why Adam ate what Eve offered - sharing in sin affirms that you should be in sin). If you have not been traveling on the road of righteousness you may want to give it a try. Ask Christ to put you on His road. It's not as crowded but the destination is much better.

Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."