Simultanaity

I took today and walk and remembered a walk over 12 years ago

This morning I took a walk around the campus of BCC.  I saw some wonderful and amazing things.  I was our grounds and rooms full of children, hungry and wanting more of Jesus.  I saw dedicated volunteer ministers, serving Jesus.  I saw Brenda Rinck, telling a Bible story with all her emotion and excitement.  I sas Jackie Crishmer loving and leading 38 preschoolers! (and helpers of course), I saw John Mazur teaching the kids about Haiti and imparting to them his heart for the lost in the world.  I saw Suzy and Haylee Barr having fun with a bunch of 3rd grade boys in the games.  I saw Mike and Holly answering a bizillion questions and serving His leaders as well as leading the opening with more energy than a person should have this early in the morning.  I saw Bill Liggett with over 25 2nd graders.  What a blessing to have such a giant of the faith discipling our boys!  I saw Denise Yarnell unloading her van of children and youth to work on her 12th VBS.  I thank God she was obedient 12 years ago to start this amazing ministry.  I saw our snack people happily serving the kids their snacks and loving on them.  Thank you Ticia Keene and team!  I saw Nancy Sinay at her post faithfully serving at the Welcome Center.  I saw my wife Wendy and the music team leading 300 people in the music for Sunday, just as she has done with so much joy for years.  Man she is awesome!

As I walked, my eyes got emotional. I hid my tears as I walked a little faster.  I remember years ago walking this ground when it was cornfield and asking God to give it to us and provide the money to purchase it.  I remember committing  that we would be faithful with it, if He would provide a way and that he could trust us to use it to spread the Good News of Christ.    I took a walk today.  I saw Jesus working, just like I did when this was a field of corn over 12 years ago.  Praise our loving God.

Thinking of Haiti, Africa, Jamiaca, Brazil, Macendonia, Welch, missions and the heart of God

  I woke up a lot last night.  My head congestion was terrible.  I finally got up early.  I was thinking of where I have been privileged to go in this world for the work of Jesus.  Thoughts of all of trips, teams, students, came to my mind.  It led me to prayer as I thought of Jamaica, the Amazon, Haiti, Africa, Macedonia, Germany, and Welch W. VA.  The heart of God is Glocal. Global and local.  He created this world and Christ died for everyone in it (John 3.16)

I have been following the news of the unrest in Haiti because of the inflation and the spike in the cost of food.  I was moved Sunday morning when John shared the "mud cookies" they are eating there.  I remember meeting with the President, putting my arm around him and praying.  I pray for those we know in Haiti this morning and for President Rene' Preval.

I see the faces of people, students, children, missionaries, national leaders.  I see the students at NCU and wonder how many of them will take Jesus to the world in an effective and powerful manner.  I think of BCC and imagine God moving people to do great things for Him on this earth. Pray today for our world, pray for revival, pray Jesus will be seen. I sure am.

Missions and being missional

I am praying this morning about the team leaving to Haiti Friday.   One of our largest teams ever. They will be ministering at Mission of Hope, Haiti.  Please also pray for them as they serve widows and orphans showing them Jesus in the flesh.  The trip to Mexico is also being planned.  Click here for more info...Trip To Mexico With BCC .  During our Easter gatherings Gary Philipps will be sharing about Hope and Encouragement for Humanity.  We have opportunity to take food and lift someone up in Jesus' name.  Being missional is not about how we dress,the environment of the gatherings, the music, or the coffee.  Being missional is about our primary purpose. That is getting people saved and discipled all over this world, including where we live, work, as well as where we travel or where others can go as we send them.  Our church needs to stay missional, but more importantly we need to be missional people 24/7.  Our lives were MADE TO COUNT. "And we have seend and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world."  (1 John 4:14 NIV)

Doing some thinking....What if.....

I have been doing some thinking about the Kingdom of God, the Great Commission, evangelism and Made to Count.  Pastors and churches are knocking themselves out doing things we hope will be evangelistic.  Hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent on musicals, dramas, cantatas, muscle teams, and all other kinds of ways to bring people to Christ in our local communities.  Let's go back to Acts.  Was it the churches responsibility to win the lost or the Individual follower of Christ's responsibility?  It was the individuals.  What if every Christian was instrumental in bringing someone to Jesus this year?  Every church could possibly double.  Think of the Kingdom ramifications?  God wants our  life to count because we were, "Made To Count."  I am just crazy enough to think we can do that.  Why not?  I believe it is the way the Christ expects.  Can we do that BCC?  One person in one year?    What if we lived our life with this goal.   We can make this happen and we will.  Buckle Your Seat Belts!

(Don't forget Easter Weekend.  Saturday 6pm  Sunday 9 & 11)

Ten Obstacles that keep people from returning to our churches

By Nate

Here are ten obstacles that I believe keep people from returning to churches.  I believe churches need to eliminate anything that keeps people away.  Most obstacles are connected with non-biblical tradition, religion, and the culture of that local body.  We need to eliminate anything that could prevent God's work in a person's life.

1. Unfriendly Atmosphere-no greeters+no helpers+no smiles+no conversation=no second chance on a return visit.

2. Information not obvious- Does a guest know what to do with their children?  Where do they go?  Is information about the building available?  Make a guest feels stupid and you won't get to do it twice.