A View From Within

"Oh, my God"

The day after terrorists attacked the United States on 9-11, The Fresno Bee, our local newspaper, had a bold headline on its front page. The words "Oh, my God" echoed what many were thinking. The all-encompassing tragedy had many wondering where to turn for comfort. I do not know how many newspapers ran similar statements, but I will never forget reading in my local paper, "Oh, my God.”

On Tuesday, March 10, I spoke at the Fresno/Clovis Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. This is an event attended by business, educational, civic and religious leaders. Prayers were offered for each of these groups. My message was one of hope because of where we find ourselves as a nation related to morality, economics, ethics, etc.

As a Christian, I find my encouragement in the Word of God. I also find strength in listening to the music and words of songs and poetry. One of the most impacting songs was written by Mosie Lister "Till The Storm Passes By.”

The words of the song are: "In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face, While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place. Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry, Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

“Many times Satan whispered, There is no need to try, For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise Where the storms never darken the skies.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more, Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore; In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord may I Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

“Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, Till the clouds roll forever from the sky; Hold me fast let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand, Keep me safe till the storm passes by."

As leaders in our communities, we need to sound the voice of hope, and encouragement until the storm passes by. Those of us who are Christians know there will be another storm after this one has passed, but we have hope which is found only in Jesus Christ. He truly is the one who can calm any fear we have no matter the storm.

Celebration

Mardi Gras is a carnival held in some countries before Easter. Exotic costumes, dances, parties, alcoholic drinking gives an air of party time during carnival season. When you evaluate the season, it comes up empty. After the party is over, there is a sense of emptiness in many lives.

The parable of the Prodigal Son in the Bible has an amazing conclusion. They had a party and celebrated his return to the father. Similar, the parable of the lost sheep concludes with a cry for celebration for the lost sheep being found. There is always joy when that which was lost is found.

There is an urgency to find lost items, but the greatest urgency is to find lost people. When we do, there will be celebration in heaven. Recently I have been reconnecting with lost and distant friends. I am looking forward to a conversation which ended in 1963. That's right, 46 years ago, a friend and I parted as I came the the United States from Canada. An e-mail last week reconnected us. Have you taken the time to reconnect? Try it.

Trust

The new year has brought great challenges to everyone. A new President is now in the White House. All around there are signs of despair because of the economic meltdown we are facing. Every so often I hear about some who are determined to come out of this with God's help.

I am a realist. Times are hard. But I am also an optimist. We are a resilient people. Hard times are real, yet one must never loose hope. Recently I turned off the news reports and found myself looking at the stars. It was extremely peaceful. Looking at the stars, I remembered the night when the angels sang at the birth of our Lord. A night of hope, peace and joy. As I look forward, I pray for us to be in the center of God's abiding power, trusting Him for everything.

Transitions

January 2009 was a month of transitions for two friends who went to be with their Lord-Oscar I. Romo and Minnie Burrell.

Dr. Romo, a strategic Southern Baptist leader, will be remembered for his innovative approaches in reaching ethnic America. He was a true pioneer and many souls have been reached for Christ through the churches and ninistries he helped start. He was a missionary at heart.

Mrs. Burrell, born in Jamaica, West Indies, spoke Hindi and had a passion for reaching the lost. I met her in September 1964 while attending California Baptist College in Riverside. At the celebration service, her grandchildren and great grandchildren spoke of her intensity to share the gospel of Christ. I was amazed and blessed by their testimonies.

These two friends had a close relationship with Christ and their lives reflected His goodness, truth and love.

Statistics about reaching the unchurched reveal that many are open to hearing the gospel. Recently I spoke to a few friends and encouraged them to openly share their faith. The number of followers of Jesus who do not take the time to share God's love for a hurting world astounds me. There is an urgency to tell the good news of Jesus Christ. There needs to be a movement of Christians who are committed to intentionally sharing Christ. We have experienced an amazing transition because of Christ, and it is important to lead others to him.

Transitions to a new spiritual experience is the most exciting reality many need today. The testimonies of Dr. Romo and Mrs. Burrell's will live forever in the lives of those they touched for Christ. I encourage you to make your testimony live forever by taking the time to tell someone of Jesus and what He has done for you and can do for them.

Choices

Marcy Blochowiak, CEO Marketing Director with World Financial Group, has said, "You are always only one choice away from changing your life."

How true because each of us make life changing decisions daily, some that will affect us forever.

Choices in relationships can affect us for a long time. Almost weekly I have the opportunity to visit a California Southern Baptist Convention congregation. I am always blessed, especially with the fellowship and interaction with the leadership of these churches. Two recent events-one in Los Angeles and another in Fresno-were especially encouraging.

On Sunday January 25th, I spoke at Mt Carmel Holy Assembly Baptist Church in Los Angeles. This was my 12th annual preaching event at this church in South Central Los Angeles where Rev. Darryl Beard is pastor. I was impressed when I heard the church had 17 young adults in colleges and universities throughout the United States. The church provides scholarships to help each student. This church has made a choice to lead people to Christ and to help their young people receive an education to become influencers in the church and community. What a great choice.

On a Monday evening in Fresno, I met with Korean leaders from Southern Baptist churches throughout California. They share the excitement of reaching their communities for Christ. During the dinner we had the opportunity to introduce Sherann Kim, our new USC2 missionary, assigned to work in student evangelism for the next 2 years. She is an outstanding communicator and served as youth leader at the Korean Baptist Church of San Jose. I was blessed by the energy and excitement this group has for evangelism. Each leader made a choice to serve God in California, one of the most exciting worldwide missions fields.

Just imagine. One choice. What would that choice be for you? Mac Anderson's new book Charging the Human Battery: 50 Ways to Motivate Yourself encourages readers to get energized and make choices that will change our lives. My prayer is that the next life-changing choice either I or you make will be one that points people to Jesus and glorifies Him.

Sierra Butte Baptist Association

Dr. Tom Stringfellow is the new Director of Missions for Sierra Butte Baptist Association in Northern California. Visiting in this association on Sunday, February 1, Tom and I were able to visit six California Southern Baptists churches in one day! What an incredible time in visiting with churches in Gridley, Magalia, Paradise, Oroville and Yuba City.

I learned much about this mission field. The population is diverse, the area is rural, and the churches are playing an important role in spiritual transformation. How wonderful to see the excitement of members in these congregations.

One of the purposes of my trip was to launch the Sierra Butte Bible Institute. More than 100 attended a rally on Monday evening, indicating their interest and excitement for this new ministry. This Institute will train leaders in Baptist doctrine, evangelism, ministry, missions and the like. I commend Tom on this new project which will bring about stability in many of the churches.

Breakfast on Tuesday with the pastors was the end of my trip. They represented many of the churches including a Messianic congregation. There is an intentional effort to share the gospel with every ethnic and culture group in the area. The pastors were engaged in prayer for the lost in their area as well as those throughout the world. At the end of our meeting, I was humbled as they surrounded me and prayed for God's blessing on my life. It is an experience I will never forget!

A Grand Beginning

A new year, new babies, new relatioships, new challenges have already touched many of my friends. I am reminded of the promises of God to provide, protect and sustain us. Looking back at 2008, you will be amazed at God's presence in our lives.

As I reflect on the new year we are now beginning, I am grateful for good friends and outstanding co-workers. Recently we recognized an outstanding young missionary, Chris Fletcher. Chris served us as a US2 missionary for youth evangelism for a couple of years. I watched him grow and develop as a fine christian. He will begin a new journey as God leads him to a place of service. When was the last time you looked around and found someone who is starting a new journey and encouraged them to "start well".  Often we talk about finishing well, but there are many who need our encouragement to start well. If you don't, then the race is almost lost. I pray that we all may experience a grand beginning and anjoy the rest of the year.

Thank You, Father

2009 is here. I am looking forward to an great year. 2008 ended with a big bang! Everyone was affected by the events of last year. As I look forward, I am confident our God is still in control of our lives. Briefly reviewing last year, I observed a year of great blessings in many of our lives, struggles we have conquered, painful roads we have been on together, loneliness we have experienced, and the presence of friends and families who walked with us daily.

I am grateful for my wife, children, daughter in laws, grandchildren and other family members who were constantly praying for me. Ours is a very closely connected family, as reflected in the ways we seek to keep in touch. Not everyone is so blessed, and my heart goes out to those who have not felt the touch of a loving one all year. There are many of these. You see them in the streets, offices and at social gatherings. Many have lost loved ones, and re-discovered the joy of life again. I pray this new year we will open up our hearts to the many disconnected in our nation, and offer the love of Jesus Christ, which is available to all. Happy New Year and may 2009 bring you great blessings and joy!

Great Day

Listening to the London Philharmonic orchestra and choir presentation of Handel's Messiah, I continue to reflect on the joy of this day. Christ came to redeem the world from sin. What a wonderful present our Heavenly Father gave us.

Dinner with family and friends brought the day to a close. I am reflecting on the news at the moment, and find comfort in the reality of the birth of Christ. Our churches are preparing for Sunday, and I pray it will be a glorious day for you. As the angels sang, Glory to God in the Highest, I rejoice that He is also our sustainer and savior.

Almost here!

In a few hours, Christmas will be here. This is a time for us as Christians to celebrate the birth of our Savior. I have been reflecting on this magnificent event, especially reading Luke's account. All around us the world is struggling with life. Many of my friends are tired of the noise around them: political and social issues, job uncertainty, life struggles and untold challenges.

In the midst of all this, I find a special sense of peace in knowing the Prince of Peace. He was born to die for my sins. Television documentaries, news investigative reports, enemies of the faith in large and loud numbers, will never dull my excitement at the reality of Christ's birth. The world may call this season a "Holiday", and some will be upset, but my faith is not based on the world's standards, because to me this is still CHRISTMAS! the most blessed season of the year. Celebrate the birth of our Savior!