World Renewal International
Friday, March 30, 2007
New Methods May Require New Faith
I hope you are having a great day! I so enjoy you stopping by. I was asked the question from yesterday's writing, "What should we discard?" I think the question was in response to my observation that Churches need to discard religious and historical junk that was once useful but not needed now. The translation The Message in Hebrews 12 speaks to this subject and declares that we need to do a "house cleaning." It says "getting rid of the historical and religious junk." 85% of the churches in America, according to stats, have stopped growing and are either leveling off or on the decline. 90% of the church growth in America is taking place in 5% of our churches!
From my point of observation that junk usually consists of methodologies that once were used of God but are no longer effective because they have lost cultural relevance. We tend to make sacred God's creation or methods that have been used by Him. I'll give an example. When I was a kid, more people attended Sunday School than the Worship service in many evangelical churches. Today, you could spend a lonely hour during the traditional Sunday School time of many churches. No one is there. Many churches do not have Sunday School. But the evangelical churches that know the necessity of teaching God's word find a way to study God's word, but it may not be called Sunday School.
If I remember right, Sunday School is barely 300 years old as a method of the church. No where in God's word does it talk about the importance of Sunday School. However, it does clearly teach the importance of studying God's word. Is Sunday School still relevant? Should we put it out in the "yard sale" of discarded methods? Only if it is not working anymore.
What we need is to find a time and place and a title for effective Bible study for boys, girls, men and women. What we call it and when it takes place will change from time to time in the history of the church. However, if we are having a church activity that is not being effective, should we continue or should we find a way to be effective reaching people?
This is of course true with the music used in worship churches. There has always been a tension in the church about new, verses old. Each generation wants to express their hearts about God in music that is relevant to their culture.
It seems we cling to methods rather than trust our Savior. Was it any different when Israel said they wanted a King? They didn't want to have to seek God's guidance themselves. "Let's get a King to lead us, he can talk to God about the direction we should take as a nation." New methods may require new faith. Sometimes using an old method requires new faith. New faith comes from the daily relationship with God that comes from His word and prayer. The real question is what does God want and are we willing to seek His desire then do it? It is worth it, Amen?
Above is one of my favorite pictures. There were over 3000+ people in the auditorium that night. People started coming to the altar for prayer before I could invite them. Hundreds "came forward" that night. We ran out of room at the altar and seekers were kneeling in the aisles. I love altar services. However, even I have to admit that "coming forward" is really and American method of encouraging seekers of God to make public their intentions and testimony of commitment to God. I have had to change my methods to fit the needs of seekers over the years. Not my will but thine be done.
Thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Church Yard Sales?
Last night's service was fun. It is wonderful how God can uses such different people and different kinds of ministry. Frank Penna made it home safely last night. He did a great job of ministry these last 2 weeks. He plays the keyboard and guitar and leads worship. His musical taste are quite diverse. He has ministered at many youth camps over the years and it pops of in worship in the churches as well. People love his leadership and have a good time and more importantly they worship the Lord. Thanks Frank and Janet, and their supporters for freeing Frank to work with us.
(Mike Cruse of Renewal is pictured today. Many people have commented at the back door this week asking, "That Mike Cruse you said is coming, is he the one who used to play in the taverns and nightclubs?" When I say, "Yes," they often say they heard he was a drinker and and a drugger. I say, "That's him, he will give his testimony of a changed life Saturday night.)
(Mike Cruse of Renewal is pictured today. Many people have commented at the back door this week asking, "That Mike Cruse you said is coming, is he the one who used to play in the taverns and nightclubs?" When I say, "Yes," they often say they heard he was a drinker and and a drugger. I say, "That's him, he will give his testimony of a changed life Saturday night.)
Last night a combination of Renewal and Rush Creek Friends worship team rolled in to the little country church of Liberty, near Georgetown,Il. Two keyboards, drums, bass and an acoustic guitars. No room to stand on that stage even with a tiny speaker system we brought. God was there, it was good. It was different than the previous services. Like with Frank, people worshiped the Lord. Many churches were represented last night, it was good to have folks from Rush Creek Friends. Thanks to those of you who are praying.
I am reminded of how hard it is for small churches who have started the regressing of attendance to turn things around. It is not easy, but many churches do it. I can give names of those who have turned it around. It requires the acceptance of new methods, putting the likes of believers second and the needs of the lost first. I cling to the words of Jesus when he stated that he did not come to minister to those who are well but to the sick. Religious people never like that. I get religious once and a while and start depending on that which has worked in the past. Instead I need to trust the Lord who stretches me and asks me to do new things that require me to depend on him and learn something new.
I saw a yard sale today. People were getting rid of things they once used and needed or thought they needed. We church people need to have a yard sale once and a while and get rid of our religious stuff that once worked but no longer is effective. Why do we have to be collectors of created things, like methods, and not the Creator Himself?
Thanks for Stopping by.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Good Helpers are a blessing!
Tonight, Doug Newnum and some of Renewal (pictured today) and some from the Rush Creek Friends Worship team will join me tonight at Liberty church near Georgetown, Il. Last night was a small crowd but we had a productive night by my estimation. It was Frank Penna's last night leading the music. Frank lives in Wichita, Ks. So we know what he is doing today. He is touring Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. Frank does a wonderful job and makes good adjustments to the small, medium or large congregations.
Thank you for praying for us even if you were not praying for this next specific item. My support and the general budget of World Renewal has been in a very difficult time in the finance area this first quarter of the year. Today we got some help and so I could pay our staff. We have a ways to catch up but we are on our way. I am grateful to the Lord and his people. I trust him. He has heard our cry, praise his name.
Thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Last night I preached at Liberty Church, Georgetown, Il. We had a good crowd for Monday night. Most people are just recovering from what they did to themselves on the weekend and are not eager to come to church on Monday night. Helen Billdilli, who I mentioned in yesterday's column was at the service. We were talking about the tent meeting we held in the parking lot of her restaurant in Georgetown. She stated that just the week before she had secured the legal purchase of the restaurant and would not have been able to invite us until that week. Many people sought Christ not only that week but in so many situations that happened because we were there that week. God is good and so are his people.
Last night a man said to me, "Did you say Mike Cruse will be here to sing in this church?" I said that would happen starting Wednesday night through Saturday at 7pm. He said, "Well. I used to go to a restaurant and hear him play in a band." Then he described some of Mike's problems with drugs, etc. I said, "That was Mike! It is the same guy but God has changed him." The man said, "Well, I was hoping that he it was the same one because that would be good news!" I said, "He is a changed man, come and hear him." He said he was really looking forward to hearing Mike. "If any man is in Christ he is a new creation, old things pass away, all things become new."
Thanks for stopping by.
Monday, March 26, 2007
According to His Purpose
I am in Georgetown, Ill. at Liberty Church this week, yesterday through Saturday night at 7pm CT. We had two services yesterday, both with wonderful altar services. Frank Penna is with me and will do the music for the services tonight and tomorrow as he did yesterday. Frank does a wonderful job leading the worship and his Bible story songs are awesome. Doug Newnum and part of Renewal will join me the rest of the days except for Friday night when they have some kind of local Christian band and local talent jam session and I preach at the end.
I am staying at Larry and Susie Collom's house. They were charter board members of World Renewal's first board in 1986. They are great prayer warriors and I knew I needed their help to start WRI. We held many multi-church crusades and renewal services in this area when WRI first started. The first tent crusade was held in the parking lot of a downtown restaurant owned by Helen Billdilli of Georgetown, Il. We held tent meetings at the fair grounds in Georgetown and in downtown Chrisman, Il. All were community events. However, many services were held in local churches in this area not only since 1986 but clear back into the mid-seventies.
During these crusades my dad joined us, my brother Mark and his wife Kathy Saylor Wright. Phyllis Addison and son Scott did children's ministry and music. Phyllis is married to Carol's brother Dwight. This is where we first worked with Scott Gregory asking him to do Youth Events.
It was during the late 1980's that Doug Newnum, then singing and playing in southern Gospel quartets was invited to help us in these crusade events. Later, when he decided to step away and minister in some new ways I invited him to join me. This was in 1990 and we have worked together for the last 17 years, now working on 18. This is Doug's home area as it is for Steve Lindley, who plays drums in Renewal, and Mike Cruse who plays keyboards. "All things work together for good for those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose." Looking back on can see how true those words are. Thanks for stopping by.
I am staying at Larry and Susie Collom's house. They were charter board members of World Renewal's first board in 1986. They are great prayer warriors and I knew I needed their help to start WRI. We held many multi-church crusades and renewal services in this area when WRI first started. The first tent crusade was held in the parking lot of a downtown restaurant owned by Helen Billdilli of Georgetown, Il. We held tent meetings at the fair grounds in Georgetown and in downtown Chrisman, Il. All were community events. However, many services were held in local churches in this area not only since 1986 but clear back into the mid-seventies.
During these crusades my dad joined us, my brother Mark and his wife Kathy Saylor Wright. Phyllis Addison and son Scott did children's ministry and music. Phyllis is married to Carol's brother Dwight. This is where we first worked with Scott Gregory asking him to do Youth Events.
It was during the late 1980's that Doug Newnum, then singing and playing in southern Gospel quartets was invited to help us in these crusade events. Later, when he decided to step away and minister in some new ways I invited him to join me. This was in 1990 and we have worked together for the last 17 years, now working on 18. This is Doug's home area as it is for Steve Lindley, who plays drums in Renewal, and Mike Cruse who plays keyboards. "All things work together for good for those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose." Looking back on can see how true those words are. Thanks for stopping by.
Friday, March 23, 2007
One Name Man
Have you ever been around some one who just kept coming back to the same topic over and over again? They seem to be stuck? We warn short-term missionaries during debriefing, "Do not constantly say the name of the country you have just experienced. Go home and talk about Jesus not the country you have served him in." It is wasted breath at times. They go home and talk about Brazil, Mexico or Haiti until their families hate the country and mission trips simply because of a lack of wisdom of how to channel their passion. It happens all the time. If you are the one who had a great eye opening experience on the mission field it is so easy to make this mistake. Christ has changed your life. Your eyes have been opened to something, someone, you did not know existed. You really feel it. You may even feel called of God to do something about it. You want to shout at the top of your lungs, "Children in Haiti are starving!" We Americans are mad because they forgot the cheese on our double-cheeseburger. Believe me, I empathize with that passion! However, we function best when that passion is channeled at the world we live in by the Holy Spirit.
Nevertheless, I find amusing Paul's over use of a name in 1 Corinthians 1:2-9.
I send this letter to you in God's church in Corinth,
Christians cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life. I include in my greeting all who call on Jesus. wherever they live, He's their Master as well as ours!
May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and
the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours.
Every time I think of you--- and I think of your often!---I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There's no end to what has happened in you---it's beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives.
Just think---you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.This guy could hardly write a single sentence without saying the name
"Jesus." Many great Christians have predominately been a "one book man
or woman." It means that they may have appreciated other books but
they mostly read the Bible. My dad was pretty much a "one book guy." In fact he used to say, "The Bible sure sheds a lot of light on those commentaries." I can hear him laugh a bit as I tell you. I remember many mornings seeing him on his knees in front of the foot stool and on that foot stool was "the book." The longer he lived the more he read other books and benefited from them. However, it was still clear, there was one book in his life that was dominate. If as a child I laid something on top of that book, I was scolded for lack of respect of that book. I soon got the message, "Don't mess with "the book."Come to think of it, Dad was a "one name guy" too. I wonder how many times he used that name "Jesus" when he preached? Too many to count, even th
ough I probably counted them sometime while sitting there. I wonder if those two things are connected? One book, one name people? Maybe the world needs some more "one book," "one name" type of men and women. I know this, we could sure use some more Gene Wrights in this world! I was just thinking and wondering.
Thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
God's Wonderful People
Life can really be fun in Jesus, Amen! Tonight on my radio show I had some wonderful people. First, my co-host and long time friend and prayer partner is Pastor Jack Holiday. I so enjoy being with Jack and we know what we want to happen on our 2 hour radio show. We desire that Jesus shows up and touches people's lives. Tonight we had on Cody Flood. He is the son of Jim and Tammy Flood. Jim is the World Renewal-Mexico Representative. I interviewed Cody because he was just elected the President of Student Council for the State of Indiana. It was a wonderful experience to have him on the show.
(Cody Flood and Jack)
(Cody Flood and Jack)
I remember when he, his parents and his brothers went on a short-term mission with me to Mexico. Those boys were great. They were serious about Jesus even at young ages. It was after that trip that I asked his dad to consider being a part of our staff in Mexico. I asked Cody what songs he would like for me to play during the interview. He said,"Show me your Glory" by Third Day because he felt he had seen God's glory in his life in this event of becoming Student Council President. He also chose Jeremy Camp's "Right Here" because the Lord had been "right here with me during the election." It makes us all so thrilled to hear Cody say and feel these things. It seems that many of his peers in the state think he is on the right track too. Congratulations Cody!!
Jack and I also had Frank Penna with us. Frank always brings different music to our show. His musical tastes are quite eclectic. How great to serve the Lord with such wonderful people of God. It is wonderful. Also, Kansas and Memphis won to keep my bracket stable.
(Frank Penna and Jack Holiday)
Thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Face to Face As A Man Speaks With A Friend
I visited a friend today. I had not seen him "face to face" for a while because of his work. It was good to set and talk. I will be honest with you, I really needed to talk to him. In Exodus 33:11 it says that "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to a friend." We had talked by phone and emails but not face to face.
I sometimes let the things that go with being the President of a mission organization wear me down. God seems to place certain friends, and for me this is one of them, in your life that lift you up and encourage you. My friend did not say that I was doing a good job. There was no job analysis, nor did he say anything about the items that seem to be so heavy for me to carry right now. But the Christ in him did lift me up! I left feeling better emotionally, spiritually and physically. I find that amazing. Nothing had changed except my heart. It is more than friendship. It is that Christ in each one of us reaching over and ministering to a needy heart. Never underestimate the importance of fellowship in the lives of believers. God doesn't.
DID YOU KNOW? We really need some folks to go on a mission trip to Mexico City (see picture) in July? The ministry will be to the children as we will help with a VBS. Should you consider this yourself?
Thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Trustworthy People
My friend Frank Penna (pictured right) is with me this week. He was with me at Arba Friends last weekend and at Liberty Church, Georgetown, Il. this next week. He is the Worship Team Director for World Renewal. He lives in Wichita, Kansas. I first met Frank when I went to interview for the pastor position at Haviland Friends Church, Haviland, Kansas in 1979. The church was host to Barclay College in the little Kansas town. Frank lead our first Worship Conference in Brazil last December. He sometimes travels with me leading worship as I preach in churches. Not all churches are ready for the contemporary style of Renewal. Renewal has 6 members and it can be overwhelming to some congregations. Frank's signature music is biblical story songs like Ken Medema's "Moses." Blows 
me away every time! Dan Downer does the visual technologies for us. He is from my youth group in my first pastorate in Traverse City,MI.
me away every time! Dan Downer does the visual technologies for us. He is from my youth group in my first pastorate in Traverse City,MI.Frank Penna had just graduated from Barclay College with a degree in Church Music and was the Minister of Music at the Haviland Church. Pastor Hubert Nolen, now Senior Pastor of Brookville Road Community Church, Indianapolis, IN. was on staff as the Youth Pastor at that time. Hubert (pictured left preaching in Brazil) was still finishing college. My brother, Mark, now Senior Pastor of Brandywine Community Church, Greenfield, IN would come to the college as a freshman and serve as my intern in the church. Mark's wife Kathy Saylor (their picture below) was already a student when he arriv
ed.
ed. Mark's college roommate was Wes Davis. Wes served as one of my first Pastoral Interns at the Haviland church. Pastor Wes is the Senior Pastor of Riverton Friends Church, Riverton, Kansas. Riverton is a country church that has grown under Wes's leadership to over 350-400. That is very unusual for a country church. Today Pastor Wes (below right) is on his way to Hungary and Romania to teach Gypsy Friends Pastors How to Teach and Preach Like Jesus. He is World Renewal's Director of Education Development and very instrumental in establishing our new World Renewal Ministry Institute this year. At the end of the month he will start our Ministry Institute in Mexico City, Mexico. 
All of these men and their wives have helped in the establishment of World Renewal International and the planting of new churches. It is a little mind blowing to me at times how it has all worked out. Paul admonished his student Timothy, "Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others." 2 Timothy 2:2 TLT The greatest joy I have had is seeing my children pass Jesus on to others. In many ways the names I have identified today are the children or young people God gave us way back in the late 70's and early 80's. They are the teachers now in many ways to me. I have to really pay attention when I am with them as they are always teaching me new methods and truths.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1
Thanks for stopping by.
Monday, March 19, 2007
A Precious Life Named Ricardo
Today's Blog is really from our World Renewal Brazil Blog. It is the testimony of our first convert, from our first church in Brazil. Please take the time to read it. It will be one of the best events in your life this week. I am leaving it as Pastor Ricardo wrote it.
When I was 6 year old my father died, He was the only kind and loving person I knew. My mother went to live with another man who did not like me or my two brothers. He was a mean man who often beat us. He told my mother that he could not live in the same house as us. We were sent to live with my uncle who was very poor and drank a lot. My aunt was made to care for us and she would beat us and yell at us. We could not look at her face when she spoke to us. She was drunk most of the time. She told us if we were disrespectful to her she would put us on the street to live. During those years I was always afraid I would have to live on the street. When my brother was 15, he stole from my aunt so he was kicked out of the house. When that happened I took all the anger from my aunt and uncle. They had no one else to beat, just me. When I was 18 I started to work as a house servant so I could give money to my aunt for my room and board. I did not finish high school because I needed to work. She was always complaining that I cost her money for my food. I earned $20 Reais a month. I gave her 15 and keep 5 to live on. After a year I lost this job and started to work for Ginelson as a carpenter. It was great for the first year then he lost his usiness but asked me to be his house servant, so I did. He was a nice man but could not pay me each week. He did pay me when he could do so.
One day I came home from work late and my aunt started yelling at me as she always did. This time she told my uncle it was me or her and that he needed to choose who would live in the house.She could not stand for me to live in her house. I left with my things crying
and went to my boss. After talking to him he let me stay at his home and paid me with food, board and clean clothes His wife was a Christian and started a small Bible study group in her home. I was invited to be a part of that group. She knew I needed Jesus in my life so wanted me to hear about Him. One night Laercio came to speak and ask who wanted to ask Jesus into their heart. Mrs. Lia, my boss’s wife, poked me to raise my hand so I did to please her. But I was not saved that night.A week later Tele (Tele Moraes is the President of WR-Brazil) arrived back from the US and wanted to start a Church. This is the first time I met Tele. He told Laercio that he wanted to start a church in Carpina so was invited to speak to out small group. Tele gave me a
Bible and told me to read John. As I was reading John something started to change inside of me. Three months later Tele's father-in-law who was a missionary with the Salvation Army came to preach at the church. He preached on Matthew 11:28-30. Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. That night I went down to the front crying and laughing. For the first time since my father had died I felt free from all my struggles and hurts buried in my heart.
After that things began to happen fast in my life and the church in Carpina started to grow. I went to live with Tele’s family and started to train to be a pastor. Brookville Road Community Church sponsored me in my studies; I still have the letter Pastor Hubert sent me. I felt so important because it was the first letter I received in English. In 1996 after
my first year in Bible study Heather, Tele’s wife, Heather, and I started a youth program at Carpina Church. That was at a time the Church was growing. Some of the youth that were saved then are now pastors and leaders in the Community Churches in Brazil. In 1997 a second church was started at Paudalho.
One day in 1998 as I drove in a small poor community called Guadalajara I thought this would be a good place to start another church. So after talking with Heather who sent me to John Snow, an American missionary, we started to pray for the city. Because I was so desperate to start a church a week later I said, "Let’s do it." So we started to visit with people and asking them about Jesus. We invited them to a meeting in the middle of the street. This is the only place we had to meet. The meeting place was under the only street light in the city. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it did not work. The first night 85 people came and we invited them to a musical the next Saturday night. The Word of Life band came to play and 115 people came to that meeting. After I preached some were saved and the church was started.
I spent a year with the church, meeting in the middle of the road. In the summer of 1999 Brookville Road Community Church sent money to buy an old garage that we remodeled to have a place to worship. The church people met every morning at 5am. to pray for God’s blessings. This is when the church really started to grow. The Living Stones program and church planting came out of this prayer time.
In the next seven years this church started two new churches, one in Ameixas a town 2 hours away. I was going Friday night to the town and having services on Saturday night so I could get to Guadalajara on Sunday night. Youth from the church always came with me, but I could only take 5 of them at a time. Because of this the youth wanted to start a church closer to their home so all of them could be a part of a church plant. The youth started to go door to door in the town of Lagoa de Itaenga. They led people to Jesus and a new church was started. I have left the church in Guadalajara to a new pastor and the church to another pastor in Ameixas. I am now full time pastor at Lagoa de Itenga.
All the churches were started with three things in mind. (WRI'S Day One Churches) First, to be missionary minded and support other missionaries. Second, to seek God’s direction in starting another church in one of the 440 city without an evangelical church. Three, for the church to become self supported, paying for the church expenses and pastor.
By God’s grace we have seen many lives change and hope given to people just like me. Today I have a family of my own. God has given a wonderful wife, Kattia, and a baby, Rebecca. God is so good, I have family here and in the US who love me and care for me. I am looking forward to the next step God has for me. So thank you all for the support you give me through your finances and love.
Pastor Ricardo da Silva
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Good Guys Do Win!
When David wrote Psalm 145 he said, "Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." The NLT says, "His greatness no one can discover." Words fall far short of describing how wonderful the Lord Jesus is in our lives. Even songs cannot capture the description of His wonderfulness. Scripture, even though it is the "Word of God" is limited in communication of how great is our God. So David wrote, "Tell the next generation about all the great acts of God." I can't help but think of the terrible results when Joshua's generation and his children's generation did not communicate all the things God did for Israel as they were freed from Egypt. "They neither knew the Lord nor had they heard what God had done for Israel. Judges 2:10. Cold, hard to swallow words and facts. We must tell the children! Tell them again and again what God has done in your life and in your family.
DID YOU KNOW? Cody Flood, son of Jim and Tammy Flood, is the new President of Student Council for the state of Indiana as of about 1pm today? Congratulations Cody! Who can say, "Good guys don't win?" The good guy won! You can hear Cody next week on my radio show, The Welcome Home Broadcast. Jim Flood is the World Renewal Representative for Mexico. I know it was a prayerful family effort and that Cody worked so hard. We are really proud of you Cody! Pictured today is Jim Flood holding Diago Valdes, son of Juan and Stacy, during a visit last fall.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Thanks for stopping by
The picture today is of Jesus. He lives in Mexico City and he attended our "Birthday Party for Jesus." Most of the kids were from homes of poverty or unchurched. We had a great opportunity because the majority were both. Americans filling shopping bags of Christmas gifts were opened by the children on January 6th in Mexico City. It is the day traditionally celebrated as the day the 3 wise men visited Jesus. Jesus is a very common name in Latin countries. We need more churches to join the experience. 
I have really enjoyed writing on this site. I hope it has been an encouragement to someone. If it has, I would really like to know about it. It is such a great opportunity to spread the word about the good things God is doing. I would like to encourage you to check out the Brazil blog listed on the left side of this one. God is blessing the work in Brazil and it is encouraging to read about. If you have been stopping by please hit the link at the bottom and email me or leave a comment to let me know. It would be an encouragement to me.
Thanks For Stopping By.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
New Ministry Institute Formed
World Renewal Ministry Institute has been formed to meet the needs of equipping and training of new pastors and leaders. Over the years the need for Biblical and practical training has increased. In order to ensure a balanced and comprehensive plan of equipping those God has given us, a framework was needed. The goal is a more balanced curriculum. “We will continue to utilize those who have a passion and background in church planting. While we will award certificates and diplomas we will try to ensure that a student is really ready to plant a church, pastor and lead. Short-term missions block classes taught by leaders will still be an important method of the training. Wes Davis is the Director for Education Development. He has visited all our countries to access the needs of equipping leadership. Pastor Hubert Nolen, Brookville Road Community Church is the Director of Church Planting. Pastor Mark Wright, Brandywine Community Church(Front row white pants in picture) is the Director of Continuing Education. Frank Penna is Director of Worship Team Development. All are part of the faculty and have worked in the development of the Institute along with myself. Pictured today is one of the first steps in forming the Institute in Haiti which was the Clint Clouse Pastors and Leaders Conference held in Cap Haitian at the end of 2006.
Monday, March 12, 2007
THE HUNTER
The Psalmist wrote, "You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head." 139 NLT God is everywhere and he does pursue us, even when we don't deserve such attention. One well known person said he felt like he was the prey and God the hunter. My dad like to call God the "Hound of Heaven," after the great Catholic poem with such name. God follows us, precedes us and places His hand on us. Excuse me for just saying, "Wow!'
The above mentioned famous person who felt like God was hunting him had believed in God as a small child. His faith was shaken when his prayers for his dying mother were not answered and she died. As he grew into manhood he became a great student and scholar. However, he also decided that Christianity was just a legend or myth. I am glad the Lord did not give up on him.
He once said, "You must picture me alone in a room..night after night, feeling, whenever my minded lifted even for a second from my work, the steady unrelenting approach of Him who I so earnestly desired not to meet. That which I had greatly feared had come upon me. I gave in, and admitted God was God, and knelt and prayed." Yes, He is the Relentless One! Most viewers of the movie "Narnia" are glad that C.S. Lewis, who wrote those words, had God going ahead of him, following him and his hand upon him. He is after us all. Why? He is our father and he does not give up just because we are mess ups. Good parents never give up.
DID YOU KNOW? Frank Penna and I will be ministering at Arba Friends Church, Arba, Indiana this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday morning at 10:30.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Amazing Grace
Today, Carol and I and our son, Micah, went to see the movie "Amazing Grace." It was a powerful movie. It is the story of William Wilberforce and his successful crusade for abolition of slavery in Great Britain. I am still digesting the experience. I thought I went fairly prepared as I had studied the story before going. Nevertheless, it seemed I was not prepared to encounter many of the feelings and emotions I had during the film.
I must admit I felt for Wilberforce and the passion and responsibility he felt which was thrust upon him to change the world. That passion and his burden seemed to make him physically ill, colitis. It seems it takes that kind of passion and drive to accomplish some things in this world. Few seem willing to care that much.
I was reminded how important a helpmate can be at strategic moments in the battle. His wife came into his life just when he may have given up. She encouraged him not to quit and it was in that renewed energy the goal was accomplished.
I was a little overwhelmed by the connection Wilberforce had with John Newton, the writer of the hymn "Amazing Grace." I am fairly well read on Newton's life. Nevertheless, the fact that Newton, a former captain of a slave ship, was Wilberforce's pastor when he was young was such a powerful part of God's plan. Newton's participation in the slavery industry was too heavy of a burden for Newton to bear. However, his influence on Wilberforce was a wonderful way for God to ease his troubled heart for the 20,000 slaves he delivered. His challenge to Wilberforce was that of a man of similar burning passion Wilberforce displayed. Iron sharpens iron. Newton could not make up for what he had done. As my wife said, "Think of all the pastors young Wilberforce could have had, but he had Newton." God is truly the "Master of Design."
The awfulness of slavery was clarified well. It made the problems we face in the Caribbean more distinct and clear. I often feel in those countries, "Where do you start?" Sin begets sin, even when you are the victim. The horrors of sin are widely underestimated. When I see the hopeful eyes of the children such as the one pictured in Haiti today, I am reminded that God is the Master Designer. "Lord Jesus, help us to not quit, help us to be wise."
If you have not seen the movie, I hope you will take the time to experience it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Loving, Steel Blue Eyes
Tonight at 6:30 pm I preach at the 1st Wednesday Service at Brandywine Community Church, Greenfield, Indiana, where my brother Mark is the senior pastor. 1st Wednesday is a "Believers Service." However, someone usually accepts Christ for the first time in this service. Part of the legacy of Brandywine is the fact that every week someone comes to Christ. They have about 1500 people on Sunday mornings. It is a wonderful Great Commission church. It is a church that strives for excellence in all it does.
I am always a little nervous when I do this, even after 37 years of preaching. I always want to do my best in sharing what the Lord has asked me to do. I trust Him but I don't always trust me. I share that same desire for excellence. Excellence of this sort can only be measured by the Lord. I really want to be my best for Him.
I will preach a message that has been a yearly event at this church. I have preached it many times. It looks at the spiritual lives of three generations starting with Joshua. It shows a steady and awful decline between the life of Joshua and the lives of the generation of his grandchildren. It shows how easy it is to compromise and drift as the generation after Joshua died. The result was their children "neither knew the Lord nor the things he had done for His people." How quick the human condition can fall when we take God for granted and do not pass on a faith that is passionate and full of the life giving miracles of God.
It makes me so grateful for may family. Pictured today is my grandfather, Paul Milner. In the picture h-e is handing out Christmas presents and I am helping him. I grew up next door to him the first 14 years of my life. He was a wonderful, unselfish man of God. Like my dad, he was passionate about the Lord Jesus. He was a first generation Christian and he greatly influenced my dad. He used to tell me stories about God, Christians, himself and our family. He challenged me as well as the rest of the family to be Godly. He was a wonderful role model.
He was also a revival or evangelistic singer, worship leader. I have here in my office his song books that he sang from. He had such a strong voice, no microphone needed for him! He was such a student of the Bible, music and the ministry. When he talked you listened, because what you heard was the truth.
He sometimes made up stories for me I think. He once told me. "God and his son Jesus were talking one day. The Father said, 'Son, I know what we had planned. We planned that you would go to earth and become one of them and lead them to be like us. But if you go they will not treat you nice. They will whip you, spit on you, beat you and crucify you. Son, I know what we had planned but, maybe there is another way.'
Then my grandfather looked at me and said, "But Jesus, God's Son, turned to his Father and said, 'Father, if I don't go, there is a little boy named Gary Wright who lives in Wilkinson, Indiana, who will be lost. I want to go so Gary can come to know us." Then my grandfather looked at me with those loving, steel blue eyes and said, "So Jesus came and died so that you Gary could invite Christ into your heart. Live for Jesus, Gary."
It is hard to go wrong with that sort of thing going on next door. I want to be that kind of Christian, father, grandfather. He changed me. I think of him and something he did or said every day I think. He had to retire early because of a lingering injury he suffered when someone struck the car he was riding in on his way to work. He lost the opportunity to do physical things and he was a doer. He had to spend thousands of days in a recliner chair or bed. He handled it well, but he had to have been frustrated by what he lost. He lost, but it was my gain. He was there everyday, I am different because of my access to him. He seemed to know what I was to do with my life . Makes me look forward to the other side.
Thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
How Can They Know?
My son David is a Teacher's Assistant for beginner or "baby" logic classes, as some call it, at Ohio University. He sent me an article called Darwin's God by Robin Marantz Henig that appeared in the New York Times. It is one of the more popular articles being read. It was very interesting. It raised the question "Are human beings created with a default setting in their human brain that causes them to want to believe in religion or the supernatural?" Most of the article quotes those who claim to be atheists. They were trying to answer the question "Why does this belief in God or the supernatural exist?" They all seem to agree that man functions better when he has a belief system that includes God. No society has existed successfully for any great length of time without it, so what is that all about? That's an interesting discussion for atheists don't you think?
It seems to me to be such a shame that most of these folks seem to proceed on their intellectual pursuits without seriously considering the possibility that the Bible and its truths could be a gift from God to guide us through this world. I thought of the Apostle Paul's analysis of such when he wrote to the Romans "Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities---his eternal power and divine nature----have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts are darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. " How evolutionary of them.
How sad that their resources of time and energy are used up, sometimes a whole life, when the answers were already there in the word of God. Whatever field we pursue, to do so without the exercise of that field in one hand and the Word of God in the other seems to end in "foolish." One of the main sources quoted was Scott Atran. At age 10 he says he believed God existed. However, he has spent his life seemingly trying to explain why people seem to need God even if he himself no longer believes God exists. He now admits that as his life is drawing to an end "the comforts and consolations of belief are alluring even to him and will probably will become more so as he gets to the end of his life. He fights it because he is a scientist and holds the values of rationalism higher than the values of spiritualism" says the author of the article. I told David that shows God has not given up on Scott Atran either. Intellectual exercise, no matter how sincerely misguided and astray, do not rid one of the "default setting" of having a heart and soul that needs God. Yes, he made us with a default setting that required Him. When we try to ignore him we act foolish and say foolish things. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Psalm 111:20 If the Bible is true, and we know it is, then the opposite is true. Foolishness and folly begin with a lack of respect for God and his existence. In fact the Psalmist wrote that folly is "the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve of their sayings," 49:13.
I am thankful for those, like my son, who are willing to put themselves at academic risk and in the sights of those like Altran. I am grateful for those who do hold the Word of God in one hand and the pursuit of wisdom in the other. "How can they call on the one they have not believed in?..How can they hear without someone preaching to them?..How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15. Good feet, David, good feet.
When we come to the end of the road, we all need a Savior to help us across that river. In fact, I have needed him all along the road and not just at the end of it.
"O what a Savior, O Hallelujah, His hands were nailed scared, His heart was broken on Calvary for you and me."
DID YOU KNOW? World Renewal's new orphanage in Haiti is a great need. (Pictured today) We need about $1000 each month to care for the children. We need your prayer and support. We only started the orphanage because of homeless children that were without options. For more information please contact me at 800-248-6512
Thanks for stopping by.
Monday, March 5, 2007
The Divine Yes!!!!
I don't know about you but but I hate negativism and legalism in the church. I hate it most when it seems to come from me and my thoughts. It seems so contrary to what Jesus Christ really is. I grew up seeing it in many of the places my parents ministered. I have experienced it many times traveling the million or so miles around the world for the Lord.
In one pastorate they told my parents we should not have coke bottles in the parsonage refrigerator because beer came in similar bottles. I was five at the time and I remember thinking, "This is really stupid!" New is wicked, every thing new is bad and everything old is sacred. Some folks live in the state of "No!" says E. Stanley Jones. He points out in his devotional Christian Maturity that Sir Francis Drake brought potatoes from Peru to Scotland. However, people refused to eat them because they could not find them in the Bible. One of my favorites, being a Wright, is the one made by the Bishop Wright, father of Orville and Wilbur. He was against the idea of flying. He said if God intended man to fly he would have created him with wings. I just figure there were two little Wright boys setting out in the pews that Sunday, half-way listening like kids do, they looked at each other and thought, "That's stupid. We will show him!" Many Wright boys have taken this approach at times.
One famous author relates that when indoor plumbing reached the church some said they could not have indoor restrooms. They said, "We can't do that in the church." How funny are we? We seem to get all hung up on methods that have worked in the past, something God used. Yet we make it more than a tool, we make the thing sacred. It seems easier to worship a thing or method God has used than keep a relationship that requires daily attention. I think this is one reason God keeps changing the methods He uses.
Jesus is about the "Divine Yes." 2 Corinthians 1:20 says, "For no matter how many promises God made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. God is the "Eternal Yes." Dr. Jones says, "O Father, that I would be the walking expression of your creative activity. May the "Divine Yes" sound in me continually. The "Divine Yes" will work in me today so I shall belong to the Divine Positive."
WORLD RENEWAL'S CIRCUIT RIDER I told you last week that Pastor Luc in Haiti was church planting on horseback. Well, a closer examination of the picture may cause you livestock farmers to question what kind of horse looks like that? I think he was really "mule-back riding". What do you think?
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY
Friday, March 2, 2007
Will There Be Replays of Precious Times In Heaven?
Pictured today is my great grandfather, "Happy Harris." I just love the hat and little dog, he looks cool to me. My dad really loved this man. He was dad's mom's father. It seemed my dad saw the not so good and best in his granddad. "Happy" was a barroom musician for much of his life I am told. He played many stringed instruments. I am told he often sampled the beverages sold there way too much.
He was 55 when he gave his life to Christ. Dad said people laid down bets in the bars on when he would come back for the beverages and all that went with them. They lost their bets, our family won a Godly heritage. He died before I was born so I never got to meet him. However the joy that could be heard in my dad's voice and on his face when discussing his granddad made me convinced that this is a man I should look forward to meeting one day on the other side. At times he attended the little Friends Church in Shirley, Indiana. (I have preached and sung there on many occasions.) Dad described hearing him stand during testimony time and share how God saved him from his life of drinking and such with tears rolling down his cheeks. He said "Happy" would get pretty happy at such times of expression. He was also known to play his musical instruments flipping them backwards over his shoulder, between his legs and then back up to playing position when he became overly blessed or happy. He would state "I used to do this for the devil, now I will celebrate for the Lord." I am not sure that is an exact quote but something like that was said anyway. I sure am sorry I missed that one. Think they will let him do that in heaven? Maybe we will be able to see replays of precious moments here on earth. Whatever, I hope I did not miss such for all time.
FAVORITE QUOTES
I am trying here to keep anyone from saying the really foolish thing that
people often say about Him: "I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God." That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic---on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg--or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher.
He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.
C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity
Thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Why Prayer?
I have been seeking to understand more about prayer. I want to be more effective in my prayer life. I want to be more fruitful when I teach and preach about prayer. Prayer, why did God set it up this way?
I know it has to do with relationship. I know that communication is the key in any healthy relationship. It is about my journey, my daily walk and relationship with God. Matthew wrote that God does not want vain repetition, yet our Lord wants us to constantly pray according to Paul. The result should be dependence on God. He wants us to be totally dependant on Him. Doesn't the Bible teach that I am more mature when I am more dependant on God? Is that really true? He is my Heavenly Father. Is there such a thing as dysfunctional dependence on God? Can I be too dependent on God? We see people every day who never become independent of there parents, it is a dysfunctional dependence. Can that happen between human beings and God? What is healthy dependence on God? Am I ever supposed to be independent from God?
The answer seems to be one that we often do not like. It defies method, program and "cookie cutter" religion that we seem to crave or are drawn to.
Paul wrote to the Philippians, "In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ." He wrote to the Colossi ans to "devout yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful." Nothing true in God's Kingdom is ever dysfunctional. However, I see a lot of dysfunction today when it comes to what we seem to claim and exhibit about prayer.
He is my Father. He is the groom, we the church, are His bride. Healthy, functional communication should follow that intimate level of communication. As a Father, I communicate with each one of my children differently. What is successful with one, may not be with another. What is appropriate with one may not be possible with another. They are different personalities with different needs. The more mature, the less likely I am to say, "I think you should do...." My questions my be more important than my answers. I certainly talk different to my grandsons, pictured today, than to my children. My grandson Addison's favorite word at my house last visit was "Mine!." My son the philosophy David would say, "What do you really mean when you say, "Mine?" Talking to them requires a different approach. So it is with my Heavenly Father, we talk different than we did when I was 20,30,40, 50 than we do when I am now 55. My listening is more important than my talking. Yet it needs to be without ceasing.
My wife and I have been married 35 years. We are totally different personalities. Nevertheless, after all these years we laugh at how much we think alike. Communication at this stage is so different than when we were in our twenties. We talk more than ever to one another. We make decisions together. I would not want to take her for granted in the choices I make. I would ask her opinion even if I think I know what she will say. I have learned she will sometimes say, "Have you thought about ....?, and it is something I have not even considered.
I think that is why He wants us to pray. When He says "being watchful" that is when He would say, "Have you thought about...?" That is a long way from the "Gimme, Gimme," repetitive pleas of a child in the shopping cart at the store begging and hoping they can wear down the parent for what they want.
Thanks for stopping by.
I know it has to do with relationship. I know that communication is the key in any healthy relationship. It is about my journey, my daily walk and relationship with God. Matthew wrote that God does not want vain repetition, yet our Lord wants us to constantly pray according to Paul. The result should be dependence on God. He wants us to be totally dependant on Him. Doesn't the Bible teach that I am more mature when I am more dependant on God? Is that really true? He is my Heavenly Father. Is there such a thing as dysfunctional dependence on God? Can I be too dependent on God? We see people every day who never become independent of there parents, it is a dysfunctional dependence. Can that happen between human beings and God? What is healthy dependence on God? Am I ever supposed to be independent from God?
The answer seems to be one that we often do not like. It defies method, program and "cookie cutter" religion that we seem to crave or are drawn to.
Paul wrote to the Philippians, "In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ." He wrote to the Colossi ans to "devout yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful." Nothing true in God's Kingdom is ever dysfunctional. However, I see a lot of dysfunction today when it comes to what we seem to claim and exhibit about prayer.
He is my Father. He is the groom, we the church, are His bride. Healthy, functional communication should follow that intimate level of communication. As a Father, I communicate with each one of my children differently. What is successful with one, may not be with another. What is appropriate with one may not be possible with another. They are different personalities with different needs. The more mature, the less likely I am to say, "I think you should do...." My questions my be more important than my answers. I certainly talk different to my grandsons, pictured today, than to my children. My grandson Addison's favorite word at my house last visit was "Mine!." My son the philosophy David would say, "What do you really mean when you say, "Mine?" Talking to them requires a different approach. So it is with my Heavenly Father, we talk different than we did when I was 20,30,40, 50 than we do when I am now 55. My listening is more important than my talking. Yet it needs to be without ceasing.
My wife and I have been married 35 years. We are totally different personalities. Nevertheless, after all these years we laugh at how much we think alike. Communication at this stage is so different than when we were in our twenties. We talk more than ever to one another. We make decisions together. I would not want to take her for granted in the choices I make. I would ask her opinion even if I think I know what she will say. I have learned she will sometimes say, "Have you thought about ....?, and it is something I have not even considered.
I think that is why He wants us to pray. When He says "being watchful" that is when He would say, "Have you thought about...?" That is a long way from the "Gimme, Gimme," repetitive pleas of a child in the shopping cart at the store begging and hoping they can wear down the parent for what they want.
Thanks for stopping by.
