A View From Within

Family Bible Fellowship

Recently Pastor Horacio and First Lady Forence Jones celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Church and 26th anniversary of their years in ministry. It was quite a celebration. Listening to the history of this congregation and the emphasis on spiritual transformation, as well as the struggles to arrive at this occasion, I marveled at God's grace.

Ray Jones is an outstanding communicator. He is also a loving and caring pastor. Over the years the congregation has had to move a number of time to keep up with the growth. Evangelism outreach has been a strong emphasis. Looking over the crowd at the celebration, I saw a "tsunami of love" showered on the pastor, his wife and family. It was an amazing event. I pray each of our congregation will take time to express a wave of love for their pastor, especially in these turbulent times.

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.

Nevada Baptist Convention

This was an exciting week. I was a guest speaker at the 30th anniversary of the Nevada Baptist Convention . It is not often that I have the opportunity to attend a sister State Convention, as many meet during the same date as the annual meeting of the California Southern Baptist Convention. There were many highlights. Years ago I served as the Regional Coordinator from the Home Mission Board for Nevada and I am thrilled to see the progress made over these years.

Monday night I enjoyed dinner with the Church Planters. You should have heard their testimonies. Amazing life changing encounters impacting the unchurched for Christ. I sensed an excitement among the group to do whatever is necessary to reach the lost and make disciples in Nevada. The pioneer spirit continue to break down barriers. I have always said, we need to hear the stories of God amazing grace and what He is doing in our communities. So often all I hear are the problems, yet, in the midst of difficulties, you see the hand of God move in a mighty way. These young couples are a gift from God to NBC. I will be praying for their continued success. I commend Dr. Thane Barnes and the leadership of our sister convention on the fine work they are doing.

The Cry of His children

The phone rang as I was beginning to fall asleep. It was my son, Carlos, asking prayer for the daughter in law of a dear friend who is in surgery for a brain tumor. Hours before I spoke with one of my sisters. Her husband has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has a short time to live. Earlier in the day I heard of a dear pastor friend with serious lung problems. It seems like the day has gone swiftly with the night hiding the full moon of last night. The stars are hardly visible, yet I had this urge to write.

Where do you go when the river seems to be overflowing its banks? I go to my Heavenly Father. "Call unto me...", He says. "...The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." It is really in moments like these when I find the presence of God very close. So tonight, late as it is, I prayed for healing, strength, comfort and His presence in our lives.

Chinese Baptist Fellowship

The 15th bi-annual conference of the Chinese Baptist Fellowship of the United States and Canada was an event I will not forget. This week this event brought many from Canada and the USA. The mosaic of America is clearly evident in God's love for every person, regardless of national origin. Dr. Simon Tsoi, Executive Director of the CBF guided this event with passion and commitment.

Often I am asked if I understand the many languages spoken in California. No, I do not, yet I am blessed to be in the presence of so many from over the world. Our commitment, assist our churches to reach every lost person in California for Christ. We do not have to speak the language of our friends, but we do need to express the language of love and acceptance, for that is what God expects of us.

The CBF has a mission in Mexicali, just across the border from Calexico in Southern California. It is wonderful to see ethnic congregations crossing cultural/ethnic barriers to share Christ. The results have been incredible. We are all on mission for Christ. This is what makes our ministry so exciting.

New Pastors

Recently I had the opportunity to speak at our pastors orientation. It was an exciting event. Every pastor and wife in the room represented changed lives. Each arrived with a deep sense of God's calling on their lives. Their testimonies filled the evening with stories of transformed lives.

Many of these men and women serve in difficult areas of our state and in situations where change is almost impossible. It is difficult to hear of congregations inviting new pastors to assume the leadership, then refuse and block every step presented to move forward. I felt the pain of some who are filled with disappointment, yet willing to keep running the race. I am encouraged by the faithfulness of these men and women. Their desire is to serve their Lord and Savior. My heart was blessed and soul refreshed as we prayed and fellowship together.

Unexpected Blessings

Standing in line getting my snack at a recent event while on vacation, a voice said, "Are you Dr. Whittaker, from California Southern Baptists"? Yes, I responded, and he smiled and walked away. I followed him to his table and there were 2 couples I did not recognize. Immediately they said, we are from Central Baptist in Carson, a suburb of Los Angeles. A deacon and associate pastor sat with their wives, and before long, we visited like long, lost friends.

I remembered the Church, as I had spoken there sometime ago. My surprise was the warm, friendly and loving feelings expressed. One of the ladies even remembered the sermon I preached. This visit reminded me of the many opportunities I have to meet people. These quick meetings are unplanned, with no agendas, no crisis to solve, just a few Christians sharing testimonies of God's grace. I was extremely impressed by their commitment to share the Gospel of Christ with the lost. During a time of spiritual warfare, it is always good to remind us of the task of reaching the lost and making disciples.

There are times when I am surprised by God's grace. Here I was, 6 hours from Fresno, in line at a meeting and the Lord brought new friends into my life. It was not on my schedule, but God's appointment is much more fulfilling and thrilling. It is a joy to serve Him!

Finished Well

Antonio del Carmen and Arlie McDaniel, two friends, finished their journey and are now in the presence of our Lord. I attended both memorial services. Both men were caring pastors, with a passion to reach the lost and make disciples. At the funeral/memorial services, the testimonies of family and friends were most uplifting. Among the testimonies, one thing stood out: both men cared about people.

People. The word bring stress to many. People, created in the image of God. All colors, shapes, conditions. Do you see them? Jesus did. I preached last Thursday, July 31 at Praise Chapel, Shepard of the Hills, Porter Ranch (LA). This was a Spanish service and the reception was outstanding. I was impressed that over 450 attended a Thursday night evangelistic rally. Colombians, Mexicans, Peruvians, etc. sang their hearts out to the glory of God. Many decisions were made, but the hugs and love at the end of the service blessed me. As he came by, a young man was weeping. Before his parents could say anything, he hugged me. I felt his heart beat and whispered, "I will pray for you". He pressed my hands very hard, smiled and said, "Please, thank you". He disappeared into the night. Among the hundreds, his face continues to surface. A person, in a large crowd, I will never forget. Do you see them? Jesus did, "And seeing the multitudes, He had compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd." ( Mt. 9:36) In this hot summer, let's not forget to see the lost as men and women, boys and girls, needing the touch of our Savior.

Antonio and Arlie never forgot their faces and request. Do something special for someone today!

VBS

The calls have been coming in with excitement on the other end of the line. VBS is in third gear in many of our churches. There is an appreciation for this opportunity to reach children for Christ. I am told that during these months, one of the largest numbers of children will be saved and baptized into the fellowship of a local church.

As a pastor, VBS was a challenge. Not enough teachers, scarcity of materials, behavioral issues, etc. Yet, I found those experiences to be uplifting. Many children who were reached, today are leaders in our churches. Because of the love extended by church leaders, parents began to attend church and many became were converted to Christ. Children were used by God as the bridge to bring their parents to Him. If you church has not had a VBS, you are missing an outstanding opportunity to reach lost children and their families for Christ. Pray about this ministry and creatively establish a time and place when you can have a VBS.

The pastors who called were excited at the results. One of the churches had not had VBS for many years, and their excitement was beyond measure. There will be thousands entering the Kingdom of God because you and others took time to "touch the children" for Christ.

Fellowship In The Pass

Walter Price, pastor of Fellowship In The Pass, is a friend. Last Sunday I attended their 9:00 am worship service in the new Worship Center. A beautiful building, filled to capacity, and an outstanding worship team led the service. The dedication service was to be in the afternoon, but due to previous engagement in the Bay Area, I had to drive back to Fresno that afternoon.

As I left the church, I began to reflect on the new houses around this community. Walter and his congregation are moving purposefully to reach and impact this community. In 1964, I attended California Baptist College. Beaumont was a very small community along I-10. It has grown many times over. I am always thrilled visiting our churches. Every Sunday, as I visit or preach in churches, I see God's grace at work in the lives of people. Walter delivered an outstanding message on the founding and importance of the church. During the service I met many who had been visiting for a while. I encouraged them to "set anchor" at Fellowship In The Pass, and become a part of an exciting body of Christ followers. 

The local Church is still God's option for reaching the lost. Jesus said, "...I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). Small, medium, large congregations are alive in many of our communities. I know that many are struggling with internal and external issues, but the promise of Christ is for us to remember, "...The gates of Hell shall not prevail." Continue your ministry. Stay focused. Remember your calling as a Christian to reach the lost and make disciples. This summer can be an exciting time in your life as you share the gospel of Christ with those seeking the Father.