Waiting…with open arms

Do you like to wait?  I do not find waiting easy.  I will come back on a different day and a different time if I don’t have to wait.  But sometimes we are called to wait.  We don’t get any other options, but to wait.  While we wait, however, we do get options.  We can wait impatiently, we can wait with an angry heart or we can wait with faith.  During this Advent season we are invited to anticipate the coming of our Lord.  We look forward to His return, but today we wait. 



I have often been drawn to Simeon, the president of the “waiting” club.  Simeon was asked to wait for the consolation of Israel.  He was waiting for the comfort of his nation, but with each day that passed he wondered when it would occur. But the scripture tells us how he waited.  He was told that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  Given that Israel had not heard from a prophet in over 400 years it took a lot of faith to believe that God was about to break His silence.  But he trusted in the Word that was given to him and therefore he waited—with open arms. 



When you wait with faith it creates two things.  First it creates the belief that God will act.  He had faith that God was going send His Christ.  His faith gave him the ability to go to the temple courts with anticipation.  His faith gave him the conviction that he would not die before he saw God’s promise.  But his faith also gave him open arms.  When Simeon took the infant Jesus in his arms it says that he praised God saying:  “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace.”  What did the Lord promise?  He promised that Simeon would receive the Christ.  It did not say that Simeon would receive a child who would be King.  He had faith to be open to God’s sovereign plan.  He was led by the Holy Spirit to recognize God’s sovereign promise.



God is going to call us to wait.  But His invitation is to wait with faith:  faith to believe that God will act and faith to receive with open arms His sovereign plan. 



“Almighty God, grant that we joyfully receive from You Your sovereign plan and that we, your children, will wait with open arms to receive it.”

-Pastor Mark

Stir up Thy Power, O Lord

For those of you who have been around Christian music for a few years you will remember the song El Shaddai which was made famous by Amy Grant.  Michael Card, one of my favorite writers and musicians, wrote that song about the unique power of God.   From Abraham to the cross, Card chronicles the displays of God’s power in his song.  He speaks of the power of God on display in the salvation of Isaac and the deliverance of a nation as God parted the Red Sea.  But in the song Card rightly crescendos with the most awesome display of God’s power in what He did through frailty:  the incarnate Son of God who would surrender Himself to flesh.  The Almighty God would hide His power so that He might use His power to save us.    



Frailty and power are not normally put together.  By definition frailty means something that is infirm or weak.  Since when are infirm and weak synonyms of power?  How does God take surrender and death and turn them into deliverance?  God once said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.” (Is. 55:8).  El Shaddai emptied Himself and took on the form of a man.  El Shaddai became a servant to the very people He created.  El Shaddai became man so that man might one day reside with God.  So God tells us that frailty is power.  Meekness is power.  Surrender is power.  Submission is power. 



During this advent season we anticipate the coming of God.  As we pray for His arrival we long for His power to be seen.  We long for El Shaddai to demonstrate His strength once again.  But like His first incarnation He will come in ways unsuspected; He will reveal His wisdom in ways that confound our logic.  Why?  Because He is El Shaddai, the Almighty God whose ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.  The nativity is God’s message to the world, “I will come in power, but without faith you just might miss Me.” 



“Stir up Thy power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Thy bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the Almighty God, stir up Thy power once again and give us eyes to see it.”



For those who are now singing the song, enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuXB1a3NBCw



For the purist that prefer Michael Card’s version: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dorEYyfuUQ

Cry Mercy!

Merciful God, who sent Your messengers the prophets, to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:  Give us grace to hear and heed their warnings and forsake our sins that we may greet you with joy. 



I witnessed the sheer terror in these two young ladies who, on this certain day were not looking forward to their father’s return home.  They had broken the rules and mom told them, “We will wait to deal with this when your father comes home.”  What was on most days a celebration marked by the grabbing of dad’s legs and being thrown up into the air, was today dread.  What made such a difference?  Sin.  It is ugly in how it reshapes our bodies and contaminates our relationships.  It must be dealt with or we never look forward to the coming of our Father.



The ancient fathers taught us to cry out to God, “Merciful God.”  It is God’s mercy that teaches us about the rich benefit of repentance.  It is God’s mercy that enables our repentance (Romans 2:4).  His tolerance and great patience was not to suggest sin did not matter.  His mercy is an expression of His commitment that He has another solution to care for our sin-stained hearts.  It’s called grace.   The gift of our Savior enables us to once again look forward to His coming. 



I realized the other day that if we view God like my little friends then Advent will bring no joy only sorrow.  If we are afraid of the retribution, His promised coming will touch us like the news of a paddle being raised to punish us.  But we cry out:   “Merciful God, teach us of the joy of repentance, the privilege of aligning our hearts and minds to You.  Grant to us today the ability to hear Your voice and to heed Your invitation so that through Your grace we may once again find delight in our relationship with You.”



Cry Mercy!

Immanuel

Over the next few weeks we will be taking a break from our focus stories which tell vignettes of God’s transforming work among us.  These next four weeks will be focused on God’s coming to this earth through the glorious gift of the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Our prayer is that you will find encouragement and hope as we consider aspects of God’s Immanuel.



Darkness is never seen as good.  Darkness is connected to evil, to harm, and even destruction.  Matthew suggests darkness is a picture of hell where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  The Apostle Paul says darkness is similar to unrighteousness (Matt. 8:12; 2 Cor. 6:14).  So when Jesus came and was called Light (John 1:5; I John 1:5-7), He was to be everything opposite of darkness.  When He showed up He brought life, truth, hope and purity—that’s what light brings.  His life is the true light that gives light to every person who trusts Him (John 1:9).   



This Christmas you will see lights—lots of lights.  Some of us will drive around the city to take in the beauty of people’s creativity.  My neighbor even has music that entertains you as you look at his lights.  Lights are beautiful because they dispel darkness.  They are beautiful because they capture your eyes and give you something to look at rather than just darkness.  As you drive the city and see the lights ask Almighty God to help you be LIGHT—a dispeller of darkness. 

Because of the power of Christ in you, you in fact are light  (I Thessalonians 5:5).  You don’t have to become light—you are inherently light because of the indwelling Holy Spirit in you.  So here is your assignment:

·         Walk as children of the light (Eph. 5:8)

·         Reprove the darkness because of your presence (Eph. 5:11)

·         Put on the armor of light every day (Rom. 13:12)

·         Show the glory of God (I Peter 2:9)

·         Walk honestly (Rom. 13:13)

“Almighty God give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in humility through the power of the Holy Spirit in us—let us be light.”

 

Book Recomendation

Fully Alive--A Biblical Vision of Gender That Frees Men and Women to Live Beyond Stereotypes by Larry Crabb

Dr. Crabb has a biblical grasp on this issue of gender and sexuality.  He is clear and helpful when he defines masculinity and femininity.  If you want to engage on the cultural battle of  gender, this book is a great first step. 

REST Stop is a blessing

A local service organization takes on a project to serve someone else; they donate snacks and other items to SFBC’s REST Stop.  Included with the items are dozens of “Thank you” notes.  The officers are touched and blessed, affirmed in their service and reminded that there are grateful people that they serve.

In June officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance, which turned out to be just a very stressed family in a new city under trying circumstances (health issues from military deployment, a small baby, isolation). The officers gave the baby stuffed animals, from the REST Stop, and told the family they were provided by our church.  The officer’s note to us included a picture of their beautiful baby sleeping with the cuddly animals.

In July Salem Police dealt with a homeless family of seven.  From the provisions of the REST Stop, the officers shared granola bars with the children, and to show their appreciation Mom agreed to a picture of five smiling kids holding stuffed animals.  They were told about the church and the REST Stop.

There are currently over 20 business cards on the bulletin board in the REST Stop with words of gratitude and blessing from Salem PD.  The REST Stop that you equip and support is having an effect beyond what we know.  Thank you!

-Sherri Sperling

                            First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org

    For past Focus stories go to..
http://fbcsalem.blogspot.com/

 


Book Recomendation

A new touch to Focus.  Yes, I love to read so periodically I will write a few thoughts on a recent book I have finished.  This first time I will share about two books:

1. How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong. (Leslie Vernick)

No this is not a book Kerri wants you to read.  It was actually recommended by a person in our church.  If you find yourself in a difficult marriage then this book will help you.  It is insightful as well as practical.  Keep at your vow--

2. The Circle Maker--(Mark Batterson)

Classic good read by Batterson.  The auther of All In, gives us a helpful book on prayer.  I have long been challenged to pray bold, specific prayers so that we know God is in this journey with us.  Batterson will help to stretch your prayer life and grow your faith. 

- Enjoy your reading.  Pastor Mark

50 Cent Yard Sale

A few months ago we hosted training on biblical stewardship, taught by Bob Marette.  This story is one of many that came out of this very effective training. 
From the book, Millstone to Milestone, Bob Marette says, “This idea is a unique process designed to get anyone out of debt, including mortgage in a short period of time by applying the principles found in the Word of God.”  This book is so practical, which makes getting out of debt – no matter how deep – a very real possibility.
One of Bob’s suggestions on how to get the entire process working faster is to have a garage sale. We are a nation/people of collectors; check out your attic, garage, garden shed, closet, kitchen, etc. We all have stuff! These objects take up space and are rarely used. So what do you do? Have a garage sale. Would you like to make a guaranteed one thousand dollars at your garage sale? Sell 2,000 items for 50 cents apiece.
This was the spark that started the fire. Twelve weeks ago, we began going through the house, room by room and pulling out that which we did not need. Then Janet thought, “I need to have cookies and lemonade too. Every good yard sale has cookies and lemonade.” Mark did stop Janet at the idea of selling hot dogs and soda.
Janet was very excited and said, “This feels like Christmas. I can hardly wait!”  The monies will go toward our accelerator to help pay down debt (Bob’s idea in his book). Our goal is to have all debt and our mortgage paid off in 7 years…RETIREMENT!
We are amazed at the many opportunities we have had to witness to others since our fun and exciting 50 cent yard sale.  Neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers have been so receptive to hearing about our faithfulness in being obedient to God’s Word in our lives. And I can’t begin to tell you how much freedom there is in letting ‘stuff’ go. It’s been so uplifting and exciting to see how much others are being blessed by the material things we truly can do without.
During our sale I (Mark) contacted a co-worker who restores older 60s-70s American cars. I just knew he would like to have my complete set of tune-up kit tools (originals from my earlier years in keeping my own rigs running smoothly). It came with an old metal gray Craftsman tool box, tach-dwell meter, timing light, remote ignition switch, ½ & 5/16 distributor wrenches, plug gapping tool, and a couple cans of carbonator Gum-out, (all nearly mint condition). I could probably have sold the whole set for $75-$100, but I was ready to let them go and I accepted his $20 offer. I watched him happily take each piece out of the box and examine each one. When he took out the last item, we discovered a complete Craftsman miniature tune-up wrench set in the bottom tray; still in its original packaging and unopened. He looked at me with hopeful eyes and asked if I meant to have them be included in the set. It gave me such great joy to simply say, “Of course. Everything in the box is yours.” This is just one of several stories we can share from our two day $0.50 yard sale.
I wish I had a dollar for every time we had this dialogue, “How much do you want for this?” Our response, “50 cents.”  Wide-eyed and surprised they would say, “Really? Are you sure?” And we would reply, “Really!” And we would share our story of obedience to God and His faithfulness in meeting our needs. It was so much fun and felt so good getting rid of stuff too.
--Mark and Janet Russell

 

 

                            First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org

Priority One "Back to the Future"

In the 1870’s God birthed in our church a heart for the lost across the street and around the world.  We were one of the first churches that reached out to Chinese migrant workers.  We removed the pews to serve a Thanksgiving meal to the poor.  It has never stopped from that point in our church’s life.  We sent out missionaries as early as the 1890’s both nationally and internationally. 

Through the years God has continued to stir in our hearts the “Great Commission” given to us in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8.  This has led to dozens of missionaries being supported by our church.  It has led to over 25 short term mission trips in the past 14 years.  It has be the impetus of millions of dollars that have been invested in building God’s church around the world.  Priority One:  Pursuing God’s Missional Destiny for our church is back to the future.  It is the history of our church and will be the future of our church.

For the past four years we have rekindled a “Mission Conference” (Priority One) to make sure that we are always fanning into flame God’s Great Commission for the church.  We have seen people commit to going and serving around the world out of these conferences.  We have seen people live with a new sense of commissioning to our city.  God has blessed Priority One. 

This year we expect God to once again stir our hearts toward His call to be His followers, proclaiming His gospel, in the valley and around the world.  I am very excited to hear Bill Jack speak at our weekend services.  Bill is a smart man, who loves God with all of his mind and has equipped people around the world through World View Academy and Answers in Genesis.  Take a look at a YouTube clip to get your mind juices flowing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ1LcBb95l8.  If this link does not work go on Youtube and type in Bill Jack/Answers in Genesis. 

Schedule for the weekend with Bill Jack

Saturday October 25,

9:00 am – 12:00 pm—“The Ways of the Wizards vs. The Way of the Wiseman.”  All are welcome

12:00 pm-2:00 pm—Optional video practicum on the streets of Salem. 

6:00 pm—Worship Service “Seven Habits of Highly Suppressive People.”

Sunday October 25

9:00 am & 10:30 am-- Worship Service “Seven Habits of Highly Suppressive People.”

6:00 pm—Panel Discussion: Pressing cultural issues facing Christians today

Hope to see you there

Pastor Mark

Mark 5 Ministries

Greater Europe Mission invited the Mark 5 Ministries technology team, of which we are a part, to attend their all-Europe Missionary Conference in Willingen, Germany.  M5M has been a part of the GEM conferences for 6 years.  This was Craig, II, 4th year and Mary’s 2nd year. Missionaries frequently live in areas where easy access to computer repair and maintenance is not available. This is where our team comes in. Our team formed up at the airport in Amsterdam on August 1 and together we flew to Berlin.

 This year will be the 25th anniversary of tearing down the Berlin Wall. We spent two days in Berlin becoming aware of all that this has meant for a nation that was divided, brother from brother, family from family. The history that Berlin holds in over 775 years is amazing and yet sobering. 

 On Monday, August 4, we took 4 train rides to get to Willingen, where the conference at the Sauerland Stern Hotel was held again this year.  It was a beautiful train ride with quaint towns and train depots.  It was so green in the mountains and reminded us of Oregon in the spring.

 When we arrived in our tech room, it was already set up for us and ready for us to serve the missionaries.  There were 2 stations where the missionaries could come in to check their email.  We had an intake desk to help the missionaries fill out paperwork to let us know what problems they were having with their computer or what they wanted us to focus on.

 The tech room opened at 7am every morning and closed between 9-10pm each night.  We ate in shifts, so someone was always there if a missionary came in and needed help.  In addition to their computers, we had missionaries walk in with questions or issues regarding their phones, iPads and tablets.  Additionally, a couple of team members did one-on-one training with some of the missionaries. The team helped over 90 missionaries with technology related problems.

 We received this note from the President of GEM, Henry Deneen: “Thanks to you all for blessing our GEM family incredibly during Annual Conference. We are all grateful for the sacrifice of your time, energy, and resources and truly appreciate your humble, gentle spirits as you facilitated all that took place during the week. I trust you were richly blessed as well and that you know how your efforts encouraged, enriched, and deepened our walks with Christ.  One of our colleagues said that he had never seen a team like yours blessing a mission family and he was deeply appreciative of the work you were doing. I echo those sentiments.”

 We are thankful to the Lord for the amazing team members He brought together, for the safe travel, for the missionaries we could help and interact with, and for all those who have supported us in prayer and with finances.  We had many missionaries thank our team over and over again and say how grateful they were that Mark 5 Ministries could come to the conference.  To God be the glory!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zqX8Xhwfts

 Thank you and God bless you all.

 --Mary & Craig Pruitt, II

A True Act of Love

There are many small communities within the large community that is Salem First Baptist Church.  This is a story about one community within the body.  It tells of speaking the language of love into the lives of one of its families in the midst of their trial. 

While on an extended adventure, traveling without a specific timeline, illness showed up.  A husband, father, grandfather, fell ill.  Not just a fleeting illness but leukemia.  He was admitted to the hospital immediately and chemotherapy was prescribed.  Not just one round of treatment but several rounds with much time in between.  Thankfully they were able to move in with family members for the duration of the treatment.  This was a godsend for them. 

Back in Oregon the larger community that is First Baptist and the smaller community that is the family’s community group, began to pray.   They prayed for healing, patience, endurance and the peace of Christ on this family.  They also prayed for all of the people caring for them and the treatments that were given.

It is at the beginning of this time that two women in the smaller community at First Baptist had an idea.  Not just any idea but, in fact it was laid on their hearts to do something tangible for their friends.  But what could they do with so many miles between them?  Here’s what happened next: small gifts, “pick me ups”, were sent; CDs, verses, coffee gift cards, slippers, word puzzles, just some of the things sent.  They truly were just little reminders for their friends that they were really being thought of.

These little pick me ups were sent every two or three weeks and during that time something was also happening to the two women.  As they prayed for and thought about their friends daily, weekly, and monthly, they found that their love for them just expanded in a way they never expected. 

After months away it was finally time to come home.  The treatments, setbacks, and hospitalizations could be put in the past.  It was time to look forward.

With so many months away from home there was work to be done at the house in Salem.  Their own families were hard at work sprucing up, but lots more inside and out of this large house needed to be done.  Overwhelming!

Two smaller community groups from SFB came together to speak the language of love in a tangible way.  One group was the family’s community group and the other didn’t even know the family.   A true act of love.

On a Sunday afternoon approximately 22 people came together at the home for a work party.  Inside, the bathrooms were cleaned, the kitchen was wiped down and dusting throughout the house was done.  One dear soul cleaned window blinds one slat at a time!

Outside, a large crew pulled weeds, raked, mowed, sprayed and all kinds of other outdoor projects were accomplished.  By the time the dinner bell sounded a group of sweaty, happy people were more than ready to eat!  Yes, being a community of Baptists, there was food and fellowship!

The family is home now and they remain in the Lord’s hands.  They feel love and are loved by the community that is Salem First Baptist!

In His faithful grip,

Laura Von Flue

 

God Hears Our Heart Cries

My daughter and I have always been close. We loved critiquing the movies we watched and the books we read, brainstorming life issues and sharing ideas (pre-Pinterest). When she and her husband moved to San Diego in 2001 I was torn. I thought the move was a good idea. As newlyweds they wanted to experience life in another area of the United States. Good for them.
The Bible tells us, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” I believe the Spirit heard my heart cry. It was a heart cry I didn’t even know I had. “You miss your daughter. Let me give you 20 daughters, 30 daughters. And grandchildren? Let me give you 10 newborns, 15 newborns a year and dozens of moms and their families to love and nurture.”
When Karen Folkerts and I were asked to come on board as mentors to M2M’s leadership team I had no idea that my response would result in 10+ years of commitment to this ministry. Clearly, God had a plan and He blessed me a thousand fold through M2M. By God’s grace, through the M2M ministry, Salem First Baptist has welcomed over 160 newborns and innumerable unchurched families in the past decade.  Much of M2M’s missional impact can be attributed to the more than one hundred prayer warriors who intercede weekly on its behalf.
M2M is a community of encouragement and support for moms with young children.  The goal is for moms to be confident, well-equipped and skilled stewards of their homes.  Training and resources are provided for those in leadership.  Many have transitioned to leadership roles in other arenas in our church and continue to make a difference.
God unexpectedly drew me into this ministry, and has changed my life because of it.  Now He has a “new thing” He is birthing in me -- I know God holds us (both me and M2M) in the palm of His hand. I am not sure what the future holds, but He is already establishing new hopes and dreams for M2M and I am giddy with anticipation as I wait for Him to reveal His plan.
--Rhonda Guisinger

God's Appointments

Sherri and I had the privilege along with others, to go on prayer walks through West Salem.  We asked God, along with the Sports Camp prayer team, for divine appointments.  God answered!  Two times we visited an apartment complex where there were many children that we bonded with.  Some of the families were unbelievers and some were believers.  On our second trip we met a mom, "S", who has four children.  She is going through a lot and we asked for prayer for her before, during and after camp.  She is a Christian, and also a single mom, who has recently had a car accident, has a tough job, and has a messy separation with her ex.  She has to drive various rental cars while trying to purchase a replacement and seeing doctors for physical injuries.  When we met her she stammered that she had doubts God would heal her.  She knew God had good plans for her life but she couldn't wrap her mind around it in all her suffering.  She hadn't gone to church for some time.  We invited her to connect with us after checking in her kids each morning.  She and I finally did connect over coffee.  We visited for about 45 minutes at the check-in area.  She grew up without Christ and had attended two different churches in her adulthood.  She was unsure where she was headed next.  I replied that the times that are the craziest are the most productive gospel times I've known.  I invited her to come to our church that Sunday.

She didn't attend, but there were two great outcomes to this week.  One was that her oldest child received Christ!  His blue hair was a joy to witness walking out of the group as one of those who responded to the gospel message!  The other great outcome was that "S" and I became Facebook friends, and as soon as Sports Camp was over, she posted on her status, "my eldest son received Jesus, it is a great day."  Her Christian friends were amazed in the comments.  "S" wrote back, "I can't wait to come back to church this Sunday!" Her posts for a few weeks after this were filled with peace that God was giving her strength to persevere and gratitude for her children and for her blessings.  I have a Facebook friend in common with "S", another believer, who commented on her testimony that it was exactly what she needed to hear, too!  The blessing of God passes on!

In one sense I was sad to see her reconnect elsewhere, but that is her tribe and I am simply thankful that her family is drawn back into God's fold even if it means I won't necessarily cross paths with her again.

It brings tears to my eyes to think about the reach of His light into our city that Sports Camp was able to bring at such a dark moment in a family's life.  I am certain the prayers for divine appointments opened a door for His glory in this family.

--Michele Painter

Life-Changing Camp

I have been doing ministry with students now for 18 years and this summer I experienced one of the most impactful short term mission trips I have ever been a part of.



A father tells his wife he loves her for the first time in almost a year and says he wants to work things out. A son, who told his mom the worst thing about their house was that she lived in it, apologizes and tells his mom how much he loves and appreciates her. Parents, who said they hadn’t had a break since their six year old son was born, got some much needed rest. These are just a few stories of transformation from our time serving at Camp Attitude. 



In July I had the pleasure of taking eleven students to serve at Camp Attitude on Foster Lake, Oregon. This camp is more than just special; it is a place where families with a child or children with special needs get to experience summer camp. There are games, boating, fishing, horseback riding and so much more. The families go for free, our students pay to serve. Every special needs child and their siblings are matched with a buddy (our students) who takes care of them, serves the family, and is a friend for the week. Our students were a buddy to their camper from eight in the morning till nine at night. It’s a long day where they basically do whatever their camper wants to do. Sometimes it pushing a swing for hours, or pulling a wagon, or chasing a kid who just runs all day long. It was amazing to see the kids with special needs take risks to try things they have never done before and likewise to see our students rise to the responsibility. I am so proud of them.

One of my favorite things was in the evenings before lights out listening in on our student’s conversations. They weren’t talking about pop culture, guys or girls, they sounded like tired stay at home moms: “My kid did this today,” “My buddy tried this,” “What do you do when they do this?” “Have you tried this?” They encouraged and prayed for one another, it was great.  The stories of what Christ taught our students about Him, themselves, and others are significant. I wish I could share them all. Thanks for sending us and praying for us. I want to leave you with one of our student’s takes on his time serving at Camp Attitude.



Gripped by Grace,

Brian Woolard

 

Camp Attitude was one of the most life-changing events I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of. The biggest lesson I learned was a term they used called being God winked. This means a coincidence so amazing it can only come from God. I found this in my friend Jaxson, an adorable 7 year old with Down syndrome. I had wanted a camper who used ASL and at first I was worried I wouldn’t get one. Our job the first day was to unload cars and take a camper out to play. Well I had to wait 4 cars before it was my turn. When I arrived and asked to take Jaxson, the parents said he would be out in a minute. After chasing him everywhere and having a rock thrown at me I was unsure whether he and I were a good fit. All of a sudden Jaxson signed water and the click was instant. Jaxson was no coincidence; in fact I think everyone found exactly what they needed. Working with these kids was not always easy, sometimes it was extremely frustrating having to push a kid on a swing in the sun for hours, but the smile and joy on their face made it all worth it. God also used Jaxson to flip my perspective on my sister. I always assumed kids with disabilities wouldn’t understand or couldn’t, but they do, and since camp I’ve talked with my deaf sister a lot more. Camp Attitude wasn’t just a place for us to change the kids; I think the kids changed us. For they look at us as a friend and where many of us focus on how people are disabled they just see a friend. The biggest take away I want to share with others is we all have a disability - each and every one you meet, no one is “normal”. It doesn’t have to be physical. It could be how you feel about yourself. Regardless of what it is, it’s our disabilities that challenge us and make us beautiful. I hope there are even more kids who go next year because this camp changed my life and those around me in more ways than I could ever fit on a page. It was simply an amazing experience I know I’ll never forget.

Jedidiah Hunter

 

                            First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org

Connected

My journey at First Baptist started a few years ago. I attended a church in Stayton for twenty years, but due to my health, I needed to go to a church that was closer to home. The one I chose was First Baptist.  I had a few concerns about attending:  Is the teaching rooted in the Word of God?  Is it a praying church? Is it a church that is too big? (Would I meet people? Would I be invisible? Would I be accepted? Would I make friends?)



My first Sunday was amazing.  I attended the first service and heard the Word of God taught.  Pastor Mark was challenging and convicting.  What a blessing to hear a pastor that is not afraid to say the hard things along with the good things.  I do enjoy his teaching but it doesn't always feel good.  After all, sometimes growth hurts.



I went to the CLC and they had a coffee shop!  Coffee was not one of my concerns but it sure was a nice bonus.  To top it off, I was a given a coupon for a free latte.  Did I mention I sort of like lattes?  My favorite is sugar free, non-fat vanilla latte, just in case you wanted to know.



After coffee, my friend took to me to the Overcomer's Community Group.  This is a class just for women. There were single ladies, older ladies, widows, young ladies, and married ladies. What an amazing group of women.  I immediately was welcomed and felt totally accepted.  The teaching was very good and I knew I would grow.  This group of ladies knew about the power of prayer.  I knew I had found my new church home.



Being part of the Overcomers community group has been an incredible experience.  They take care and support each other spiritually and physically. Seeking God and growing spiritually is the focus in the class. There are new believers who are just starting their walk with the Lord.  There are believers who have walked with the Lord for many years.  There are those seeking.  All are welcomed and accepted. The group prays for each other and God answers.  We have seen such miraculous answers to prayer. 



Overcomers has made me feel connected to a group of wonderful ladies.  They have become like family.  We have times of fellowship outside of class.  There is a retreat once a year, monthly game days, outings to different places, parties, and going out to eat almost every Sunday afternoon. Talk about fun! These ladies know all about it. Our times together always include lots of laughter. You never know what will happen when we get together.



I am so thankful that God led me to Overcomers.  It has greatly enriched my life.  It has connected me to an incredible group of women and has connected me to the church as a whole.  It has been such an impact on my life.  Now a few years later, I am the leader of this wonderful group.  How God has blessed me! I truly love this group of women.

--Teresa Blount

 

Retreating with JESUS

Why do I go on retreats? I go on retreats to build a stronger relationship with Jesus. It helps me to see that there is greater good in everybody. Retreats help me to have an impact on my friends and family. They also help me to make friends and encourage them, especially when it’s someone new. Picture yourself as that boy or girl who came to the retreat, but didn’t know anybody or what was going on. I would feel like a stranger. Even though sometimes it’s hard to greet new people because it might get awkward, it’s important to do more than just say “Hi!” We want to make them feel like they belong just like the way Jesus invites us to know Him better.



The most important reason is to hear the Message of Jesus being taught by an amazing Youth Pastor. I learn things like, right at this time and this moment Jesus is celebrating with you and is proud of the commitment you have made to yourself and Him. He is making us His disciples because He wants us to focus on following His path. The cool thing is that we can trust Him with our safety, guidance, and the providence we need. This is amazing because He has made each one of us uniquely so we can do different things. He has given us the ability to do them. He definitely did not make a mistake when He created you. He made us for a purpose that is understandable. We should not be ashamed to walk around and show our beautiful personality traits that He’s given us. He did all this for us because He loves us all.



We also do service projects at retreats and they help me realize that there is a bigger picture when you’re doing the work. The big picture is to glorify the one true King. I love the teamwork when everybody is willing to step up and participate. One of the things I see on everybody’s faces is their smiles. They’re saying, “Jesus, I am here to do the work you have asked me to do with a grateful attitude!” With more people the work is done easy and fast.



I go on retreats so I can tell my story. I also go to inspire the people around me. Jesus wants me to show my true identity to show I can do anything with His help. I just have to believe that I am in good hands. One last reason why I go is because I want to shine for God and others! So then they can shine the Light of Jesus everywhere they go. I know I can do this because with God all things are possible.        

----Rebekah Patterson, 9th Grade

AWANA Impact

Every year in June, I find myself in the bittersweet season of AWANA. It’s such a relief to be able to relax after club is over for the year, but at the same time I miss it. There’s no better way to spend a Wednesday night than watching some amazing volunteers work with the great kids that come week after week.



As you learn at every AWANA training, AWANA is built on three things. First and foremost is the Gospel, followed by Scripture memorization and fun! This year it has been amazing to see these 3 elements play out in our own club.

The Gospel: There was the Sparky (K-2nd grades) who, despite not attending a church, has come for almost two years and recently accepted Jesus as his Savior! There was the T&T (3rd-5th grades) clubber, who was invited by a school friend, and believed in Jesus after attending for just two weeks! These are just two stories. Throughout this year, we have seen child after child believe that Christ died for their sins.



Scripture Memorization: I thought about adding up the number of verses learned this past year and quickly realized the number is far too large to calculate. Let’s just say it is in the thousands. Each week parents, volunteers and kids work together to instill God’s Word into the hearts of every clubber. Through AWANA, kids are being discipled and their minds are being transformed by God’s Word instead of being conformed to this world.



Fun: This is what brings many of the kids (and volunteers) back each week. Walking through the various clubs and watching the kids enjoy the night is such a blessing to me personally. Seeing the Cubbies (3 and 4 year olds) faces light up when Cubbie Bear pops up from behind the screen during puppet time is priceless. It’s great getting to watch the Sparks in the Reward Room making crafts or playing with Legos after finishing their sections. Seeing the sweat dripping off the foreheads of T&Ters (and often their leaders) as they walk out of the Gym after game time is awesome.



We are blessed at Salem First Baptist to have great people working in AWANA and every year and I love getting to serve with them. AWANA could not happen every week without these fantastic volunteers who are committed to coming to club every week to serve. I know that it is not always easy and that they go home tired each week, but their commitment to the kids and to serving where God has called them brings them back each week. I know that they are making an impact that will last far beyond this year of club and that there are many, many faces that we will see in Heaven because of their ministry in AWANA.



--Jamie Brulotte, AWANA Commander

 

                            First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org

go to SFB prayer wall

Waiting Is Hard

 I recently had a conversation with a friend about the ridiculous attitude I have when I have to wait for my faucet; you know, the one in my house that I didn't have to pump or even go out to the well to draw up, just the regular faucet in the comfort of my own kitchen when it takes so long to fill up a pot of water.  Silly, right?  But I find in this world where we have access to pretty much everything in a flash that this idea of waiting seems almost unheard of.  So when my husband recently lost his job after 9 1/2 years we thought, "Certainly he will get another one in no time."  God has other plans.
                 Here we are several months later and still no new job.  Psalm 27:14 has come to mind many times:  "Wait on the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  What does this look like in this world?  Am I a person who is really willing to wait on the Lord?  I have to admit that God has been consistently teaching me patience, from my children, to homeschooling, to trying to learn submission.  It all seems to boil down to waiting on God to work and me not trying to push things through in my time.
                 I have been challenged this past year to not just wait on the Lord but to trust Him.  I suppose that's a part of waiting, isn't it?  Trusting that God has everything in control and that He will "work all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."  But that's just the thing, it has to be according to His purpose, not mine.  I think we sometimes miss that part.  We love the first part of that verse, but it's really the second part that drives the first.  According to HIS purpose.  Whatever that purpose may be, however inconvenient to my personal preferences, however hard, wherever it may take me.  His purpose, not mine!  So, I need to wait.
                God is good.  He is faithful.  He is the Almighty!  The Maker of the universe, the One who holds all things together!  The One who knit me together and knew the number of my days before one of them came to be!  I don’t want to miss the blessings He has planned because I failed to trust Him.  I want to say, "Yes, Lord, Your will be done and I will wait on You because I know Your way is so much better than anything I could have ever imagined! I don't want anything apart from Your perfect will!"  Because if it isn't from His hand, it isn't worth having.
                And so, I wait and I trust and I remind myself of who He is, of His promises.  I remind myself of the fact that He is forever faithful, He is perfect, He is good, He is just and He loves me with a never ending love.  He loves you like that too!  Why would we doubt or ever want to rush something that Awesome!  Lord, take my heart, my mind, my life!  They’re yours!  Your will be done!

Still waiting in Him,
Charity Jenkins

Building A Chapel...Bonding Families

During college and medical school I went on medical missions to Malawi, Africa and Brazil. As there were no medical or missionary types in my family, they were eye-opening experiences. After residency, I started my medical practice, got married and had a family. I thought my next mission would have to wait until retirement.



Then last October, Pastor Jeff announced a “family mission” to the Dominican Republic open to kids 8 and older. My youngest would be 8 in the spring! That was a sign. All three of my children wanted to go, and they rarely agree. That was a sign. Then my husband expressed interest. Sign us up God…here we come!



My children gave their own $50 for the deposit. At times they complained they wanted it back, then they would get into donating competitions, each trying to out donate the other. They gave up Christmas money and helped plan and work many fundraisers in the ensuing months. Weston turned 8 and asked for donations instead of gifts and hardly complained.

The kids heard that the showers were cold, and that the food was different. The trip that originally sounded so interesting began to be a source of anxiety and now they wanted out. I wondered if we were doing the right thing as we stressed about the fundraising, packing, and planning. We began to pray about our worries each night.



Then we left.



During the prior months of planning and working together we had forged new and stronger relationships with the other families. On the trip I experienced true community as we parented, taught, and took care of each others children. We relied on and looked out for each other. We worked together to spread God’s word and create a new chapel for a community we didn’t know.



The last day of the mission, God spoke to me through each of my children. After we finished building the chapel, Weston sat on my lap and thanked me for bringing him. That night Samantha completed the survey for Time Ministries. On the question, what was your favorite part? She answered “everything.” And during our celebration dinner that night Sean said he wanted to stay another week and build another chapel. When we left on the mission, our family still had a significant deficit in our fundraising account. When we returned, Pastor Jeff notified us that because other families had raised extra support, our deficit was almost gone. All of our prayers answered, period.

-Erin Hurley

 

 

                            First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org

Wild Game Dinner

PTL Success!



When our  team first started talking about having a wild game dinner many people asked what kind of games we were going to play. I would often say that we will play blindfolded twister, Pachisi without using your hands, etc. In reality, we wanted to create an outreach event that would connect men and the outdoors. This venue would be an opportunity for men to get together to see some nice mounts from hunts, hear hunting stories, eat some great food.


Let me give you a small overview of the evening. Upon entering the CLC doors, our guests were greeted by two ATV’s, a duck blind, and the sounds of duck calls and elk bugling.  Continuing down the hall, they received a ticket for the evening and their choice of many styles of pocket knives. Walking toward the banquet room we had name tag table and different animal skins for touch and feel.


The banquet room had tables for the 120 men, nicely decorated by Carol Hanna and her friends. There were center pieces with a duck decoy on every table. The front of the room looked like a wild life museum. We had elk, buffalo, mountain lion, deer and antelope. Set up amongst the wildlife mounts was the podium.


There were elk sausage appetizers cooked out front on the grill, and we enjoyed wild fish tacos for dinner.  Over 70 door prizes were given away during the evening. The men enjoyed some fellowship time before the men were challenged by Pastor Jeff Beltz who spoke on predators. Predators are prowling around looking for what they can devour and destroy. The predator can do damage and devour your wild game if you are not alert and quick to your prize. As men, we have to be alert and quick to defend ourselves and our families from spiritual predators that are looking to destroy. Satan the devourer is out to destroy our spiritual life, testimony, joy and peace. We have to ask ourselves if we are prepared to stand against those attacks? If not, our men’s ministry would like to help you develop a strong defense against your predator.  

We had several men attend this event that do not go to our church. The best part of the evening was that several men checked a box on their response card that said that they had prayed to receive Christ.  Hallelujah!


Thank you to all the men who had a part in this event. All the hard work and time you put into this event was rewarded by the response by our visitors, especially those who prayed to receive Christ.  We had an extraordinary team that put it all together--thank you!  We also appreciate all the men who attended. The fellowship was great. We had men arriving a little after 5:00 and staying until almost 10:00. We look forward to the next Sportsman dinner.

- Pastor Leon

 


18-38 year olds--we need your opinion

Take the Gen2Survey and you could win an i-Pad mini.  For any person 18-38--parent, single, married this survey will ask about how you were raised, your beliefs and your current lifestyle.  Salem First Baptist is participating in this national survey for the purpose of sharpening our discipleship of families and our children.  Thanks for participating. 

 

                            First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org

go to SFB prayer wall

Everyday Extraordinary

Everyday Extraordinary
My mom would tell you that she is not unique or different from lots of other moms. She would tell you that she just loves her family and wants to see us happy. Even though I have learned many times not to disagree with my mom, I am going to have to disagree with her on this point. It’s not the tasks that make her special; it is her relentless, persistent, day-in day-out commitment to doing those things that makes her so extraordinary.
                My mom had 3 boys, 3 BIG boys. Growing up we were about as rough and hungry as 3 boys can be. She stayed at home rather than work which was a financial sacrifice, but one that she wanted to make because she wanted to spend as much time with us as possible. She did so many things for us; here’s a small list of the amazing things she did as she raised us:  She cooked big dinners for big boys, went to thousands of games (and she doesn’t really enjoy sports), kept the house standing and looking good, picked us up from school, helped with homework (mom is the smartest, sorry pop), washed our stinky clothes, loved our stinky friends, knew where to find everything we lost, gave us hugs, asked how our day was, showed us a loving marriage, gave us an example of a confident woman, protected us from girls, laughed with us, laughed at us, loved our animals, and, oh yeah, she beat cancer like it was a dirty rug. That’s a special list, she is a special woman. With those things being said, here are the top 5 things my mom has always done for me:
1.       She prays for me. Every. Single. Day. You know how I know she does? She tells me all the things she prays for me and how God is going to do something. I have long joked that God answers my mom’s prayers first because when she prays something, it always seems to get done. I know that her prayers have brought more blessings on my life than I can count.
2.       She speaks Truth into my life. She seemingly knows the perfect Scripture for every situation because she reads her Bible every day. When I was 18 I was hanging out with a girl who my mom had a bad feeling about; one afternoon I walked into my bedroom to find a note card with a verse written on it. It said this, “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion,” Proverbs 11:22. I couldn’t believe my mom would think this about a girl I liked. I was offended. I was also wrong. Like with most everything, she was right about the girl. Moms are smart like that.
3.       She believes in me. My mom has always told me that when she was pregnant with me, she would pray for me and God gave her a special feeling. In fact, she has told me since I was young that God made me to be a Pastor and she would list all the things she saw in me and made her believe so. If ever it were suggested to my mom that I would be something less than great, she would scoff at the notion because her boy is special. It’s that kind of confidence and support that makes me believe that God created me to do great things.
4.       She has always listened to me when I have things to say. There have been lots of times when I have said things she didn’t like to hear, and she still listened. She has always been safe to talk to because I know whether I’m saying something smart or stupid that she will respond with compassion, grace, and my best interest at heart.
5.       I think my mom did the hardest thing a mother can do. She let me go. She let me move away to live in a city 2 ½ hours away rather than 10 minutes away. It would have been easy to encourage me to stay close to home but she knew that if I stayed home, I would never reach the potential she so believes I have. It was hard but it needed to be done. Who better than a mom to take on that kind of task?
I love my mom very much. I haven’t always expressed that love to her very well. I mean, I am a boy and a lot of boys just don’t quite know the right way to say “I love you” or “Thank you” to mom. Many of you are moms who are in the midst of raising your children and, even if they don’t tell you this often enough, I want you to know something: your children love you more than they can express and God is so pleased with you. You might not think that your prayers are being answered, but they are. You might not think your kids hear what you’re saying, but they do. You might not think they care what you say about them, but they do. You might not think they want to talk to you, but they do. You might not want to let them go, but sometimes it’s what’s best. Keep doing those things that seem mundane and ordinary; because if you do those ordinary things consistently enough, they become extraordinary.

-Patrick Frost, Middle School Pastor

Making the rest of your life the best of your life.

A 50+ ministry of Salem First Baptist Church


Many of us look forward to the age of 65 when we can retire, take it easy and enjoy what we’ve worked for in prior years.  It’s not the age that we want, it’s the benefits.  From an early age we are encouraged to prepare for and put aside for retirement as if that magic experience is the fulfillment of our lives.  It used to be that this was the “beginning of the end”.  Now, however, we would like to see it as “a whole new beginning”.  George Burns once said “I still had pimples at 65”.


The generation called “Boomers” began in 1946 with a huge growth in post-war birth rates and wraps up generally around 1964, with ages 50 to 68 or 69 years.  Every day in the USA there are 8,000 people turning 65, that is 330 people per hour!  There are approximately 78 million “Boomers” in the US today.  The American Church has, generally, ministries for pre-school & children, youth and college, young adults or newly married and senior adults. But, what do we have for those who are mature adults but not yet seniors? 


A new ministry of Salem First Baptist kicks off on Friday night, May 9.  ENCORE presents the Finishing Strong dessert with John Coulombe, InterGenerational Pastor at Evangelican Free Church in Fullerton, CA, where he and his wife, Jacque, have ministered for the past 26 years.  His focus this evening will be “Living Sensibly in the Coming Age.”  ENCORE is a ministry to assist the post-retirement generation to utilize their past experience, knowledge and love of the Lord in order to Finish Strong.  Few will remember our life for what we did in the first fifteen years.  However, the final fifteen (or thirty, or forty) years of our life will be the years that our family, friends and church will remember.


Paul gives us a Scriptural foundation for such a ministry: “ I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us”. Phil. 3:13, 14


The name of the ministry, Encore, is defined:  “A second achievement especially that surpasses the first.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).  This seems fitting to our purpose. The ENCORE mission is “Making the Rest of our life the Best of our life. It is not only a ministry to the Boomer generation, but a ministry by the Boomer generation that has such a great potential in today’s church.
For more information, or to RSVP for the Finishing Strong Dessert contact: Gene & Pat Taylor derraldgene@gmail.com or Pastor Edwards  eedwards@fbcsalem.org.  (503) 364-2285


                            First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org

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