Lesson Learned

I spent this last weekend with 54 middle-schoolers at Camp Tapawingo on the middle school retreat. Unfortunately, one of my 6th grade girls got sick and by Saturday morning she was down for the count with the stomach flu. She was so bummed to have to go home and miss out on the retreat she had been looking forward to for so long!
While we were waiting together for her dad to come get her, she was laying down on the bed and telling me how bummed she was to miss out and go home. She kept asking if her mom could bring her some medicine, and thought maybe she would feel better then. In between throwing up, she asked me if I knew what the next lesson was on, and what we would be talking about. She wanted to know what we would be learning. It was almost like she was desperate to hear, like she had only gotten a taste the night prior during the lesson and she wanted more. I found her desire for God's Word so encouraging. Most kids would likely talk about missing out on playing GaGa Ball, or the night game, or hanging out with friends during free time, and I wouldn't have thought twice about it. Instead, her desire was to sit and listen to the teaching of God's Word and that completely surprised me in the best possible way. It made me wonder, am I that eager to hear God's word? To be taught from it and to learn and grow?
We have been talking a lot on Wednesdays in Fusion about 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” This isn't some cutesy thing we tell middle-schoolers to get them to behave, or to remind them that they have others looking up to them. This is God's Word, this is truth, and we believe it! And my sweet 6th grade student showed me that she is living this out, in such a genuine way.
It was an incredible weekend filled with lessons about the Gospel and how it impacts our salvation and beyond. In fact, 5 kids put their faith in Christ and we praise Him for moving in such a mighty way. The students weren’t the only ones learning lessons though. I learned to not write off this age group. Don't say they just need to get through this phase or in High School they will be better and more enjoyable and possibly wear deodorant. No, right now they have the ability to change the world, and right now they can impact lives for Jesus. We sincerely believe that and it's one of the biggest joys in my life to get a front row seat. If you believe it too, don't hesitate to tell them - I promise that they can't be reminded too much.

--Siriana Frost, 6th Grade Girls Small Group Leader

To Grow...Get Smaller

I once heard a pastor say that as a church, in order to grow we must get smaller.  He was referring to the importance of being connected to one or more small groups in the body for fellowship and care. 

I recently got to witness this firsthand in the hand bell choir.  Last spring one of our members noticed that another bell choir member still had winter studded tires on her car.  Apparently, her regular tires were pretty worn and she was procrastinating making the change over.  This special lady had been going through some tough times in the past couple of years and new tires were just not in the budget.

Our first member brought this situation to the entire bell choir (in member #2's absence) and after committing the situation to prayer, the choir members decided to do what we could to get new tires on her car. We set up a date to bring in donations and then contacted the Deacons Fund to see if they would be willing to help if bell choir members funds ran short.  Wayne Bernard, after consulting with the deacons, told us they would help if needed. 

Then God began to answer our prayers.  When we told our special ringer what we were doing we came to find out her brother was a service manager for a large car dealership in Salem.  We contacted him and discovered we could get a terrific set of tires for half the cost we had estimated.  We were able to pay for the new tires without going back to the Deacons Fund for assistance. 

Our special ringer was overwhelmed with gratitude and in a couple of days the new tires were installed.  After rehearsal one evening we all went out and "kicked the tires" in celebration. She recently told me how much this has meant to her and is now looking ahead to someday being able to pay this kindness forward.  Little did she know that this  was a way of helping my wife and I pay forward our gratitude to the bell choir who had helped us out financially several years earlier when I was unemployed for over a year.

Small groups are so much more than social gatherings.  They are a way to connect and care for our brothers and sisters in the body.  We are blessed to be a part of this terrific group.

--Jim and Joy Umstead and the entire hand bell choir.

Grace

It was a Monday morning and I was busy getting four kids ready for school and myself ready for work.  Looking back now, it seems like the smallest, inconsequential issues, but for whatever reason I lashed out harshly at my kids.  Not once, but twice.  I stopped to confess and apologize after the first time.  But not even 10 minutes later, I failed again.  As you can imagine, the self-talk started up immediately.  “They’re going to remember this forever”; “No one else I know lashes out at their kids like I just did”;  “I am a horrible mother”;  “How could I have just finished my time in the Word and not 1 hour later already have failed so miserably?”  “I am not worthy to work at a church, in children’s ministries of all things.”   Even after apologizing for a second time I could feel the weight of my sin, the guilt, the shame, the regret.  We loaded up into the car and as I turned the car on, the song ‘Grace Wins’, by Matthew West started playing.   This song is one that my girls have been learning for Joy Kids choir, but in this moment, this song was for me.    
“There's a war between guilt and grace
And they're fighting for a sacred space
But I'm living proof
Grace wins every time”
God blessed me by reminding me that through His transforming power, Grace wins every time.  I am a work in progress, ever-changing and growing in my relationship with Him.  God also allowed me to use this opportunity to provide a very practical example to my children, bringing to life the lyrics of a song that they have been learning to sing.  Though I wish I had behaved differently on this morning, I am so thankful for the way God redeemed this situation.  My kids are going to sin, fail, and royally mess up at times, but because of God’s love for us and His grace, they don’t have to carry around the weight of that guilt and shame.  And hopefully, after the morning’s events, they understand that more than ever.  They are made new in Christ, redeemed and set free. 
Stephanie Thorp



Pastor's Book Recommendation:
Heaven, by Randy Alcorn    
The best book on heaven I have ever read.  It is biblically grounded, fascinating to ponder and as with all Alcorn books wonderfully written.

Anything Can Happen

A funny thing happens when you break out of your usual routine. Maybe you moved to a different part of town, decided to go back to school, or went to a different coffee shop. It seems like the simplest shuffle of our routine can give us opportunities we wouldn’t have had otherwise. I think this comes down to a simple truth: when you change where you go or what you do, you meet new people. This is one of the ideas behind our annual church picnic. We want to change our routines so we mix with friends both new and old. You never know what could happen when you start mixing people like this. All sorts of friendships have developed at the picnic and, on one occasion, the beginning of a marriage.
Tim and Aimee didn’t know much about each other before the church picnic in 2012. They knew of each other but never had the time to sit down, eat together, and talk. That is, until Tim invited himself to come along with Aimee to the church picnic so they could sit together. Their paths had never crossed much before this and it wasn’t until the routine changed, until there would be one service with our entire church together that the opportunity came. On that day, with the sun shining, burgers grilling, and nothing pulling them away from the park, they sat together at the service. They had time to sit and eat together because they didn’t have anywhere else they had to go to eat lunch. With time on their hands, they decided to take a walk and talk. They haven’t stopped talking since. Their love only grew from that day and they got married the next August.
Anything can happen when you change up your routine and start meeting new people. The church picnic is the perfect opportunity to run into people you haven’t seen in a while, eat with a family you’ve never met, or maybe even find someone special. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you’ll meet your future spouse at the church picnic, but you might meet your next best friend. 
Patrick Frost

Middle School Youth Pastor

2 Hours

There is a youth speaker and so-called teen expert by the name of Josh Shipp who has made a career out of studying teens, knowing their culture, and advocating for them. He is brilliant and has helped a great number of adults and teens to navigate the tricky years of adolescence with his main point being a simple but profound truth: every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story. This truth has shaped the way I look at ministry and, in particular, the need for mentoring with teens.             Over the past year, mentoring students in a 1-on-1 setting outside of Wednesday night youth group has become a big part of ministry for me.  The mentorships have only taken a couple of hours per week per student but this time has made a big impact for some of them. They need a consistent commitment from an adult to give them time in both the peaks and the valleys of life. This is how trust is built. Week in, week out, a couple of hours to talk about anything and everything. The reason is that kids spell “trust” T-I-M-E. Time is a strong communicator to teenagers that you care about them and, honestly, it takes a certain amount of time before they even feel comfortable sharing with you (this can be true for many adults as well). It also helps to join them in the things they are already doing. This brings about one of the best parts of mentoring teens; the meetings happen at Taco Bells, parks, in front of TVs, throwing a football, or wherever else they feel comfortable. Most of the time, sitting in an office or around several other adults isn’t going to be a setting where they feel comfortable and it can keep them from sharing. Being willing to do mentoring where they want to be and doing what they want to do rather than trying to force them into my office has been a major contributor to building trust and going deep. I didn't fully realize how big of an impact just two hours per week of 1-on-1 conversation with a student could make. The biggest encouragement to me has been one particular student who had a major turnaround in his life. He went from struggling in school and having no passion in life to being a Jesus-loving honor roll student (he even won an award at his school called the Turnaround Award). While I believe there were many factors that attributed to this student's turnaround, I believe a major contributing factor were our weekly mentorship sessions where we discussed what it means to authentically follow Jesus, friendships, influence, family, decisions, etc. God used the time we spent together for bigger and better things than I ever could have imagined. God has shown me just how powerful He is and what He can do during this time with students. It became my goal to mentor at least 2 students a year and God honored that, and then He doubled it. I have spent consistent time mentoring 4 different students this year and each of them are seeming to make strides in their relationship with Jesus and their parents.  I have even started mentoring a few young adults, and it has been encouraging to learn and grow and see what God can do with just a few hours each week. If I could change one thing about Josh Shipp’s statement, it’s that I think it’s too specific. I think this truth applies to a wider number of people than just teens. I believe that all people are one caring person away from being a success. We all need somebody who is walking with us in life through its ups and downs. So whether you feel called to mentor kids, teens, or adults it is time to give two hours per week to somebody and see what God does with it. Patrick Frost Middle School Youth Pastor

Wandering/Habits

I was part of the security team for the 2016 Salem First Baptist “Church in the Park”. One of the tasks of the security team is to ensure the safety and security of all those in attendance. We also have the opportunity to interact with people just “wandering by”. Quite often they ask, “What is going on?” We tell them and invite them to join us. One opportunity I had was to talk with a lady who was walking by and she decided to stay. I continued to wander around during the service and at the end of the service I went back to the lady and ensured her that we would love for her to stay for the picnic. She said that she needed to get home to her child. She continued by saying that this was exactly what she needed. At that point she began to cry. She said that there was a lot going on in her life and she really needed this. I gave her a hug and she just held on and cried. She thanked me for the hug and I asked if there was anything I could do for her. She said that she has never been to our church but that she will come. I am praying for her and I'm praying that she will come to church. Only the Lord knows if she will or when she will. After all, the Lord brought her to the service for a reason. Please pray for her that she will follow through by coming to church. Please also pray for the many others who wandered by and had opportunity to hear the music and the preaching of God’s Word. --Tracy Camillo Habits are hard to make or hard to break. They say that it takes 21 days to make a habit.  I have found that it takes a lot longer than that.  I have done many things for 21 days and then almost without notice I have stopped.  For years I memorized scripture and then it began to slip away.  I used to bike about 2000 miles a year and then my schedule got a little busier.  Habits are hard to make--stick.  But some habits are hard to break.  For those of you who have smoked you would say a hearty amen.  Or if you have a habit of going back to the refrigerator two or three times a night it is hard to stop those behaviors.  Some habits are hard to break. But habits are crucial because they are repetitious behaviors and over time they make a significant imprint on your life.  My prayer for you this year is that you will make connection a habit.  Stay connected to God in prayer and reading his word, stay connected to people by joining a Bible study or community group.  Stay connected with friends by scheduling regular lunch or walks together.  Stay connected, because connection gives you life.  Praying for you, Pastor Mark Good Book to Read Chase the Lion--Pastor and author Mark Batterson is a good read.  One of his first books In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, was fantastic. He has recently released Chase the Lion.  They read quick, but they last long.  7 Men by Eric Metaxas--Brothers this book will inspire you to a greater life.  I know they say men don't read, but they also say Jonah really didn't live in a whale for three days--#two wrongs don't make it right

Holy Spirit POWER

I John 2:6 tells us “the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as Jesus walked.” What does that look like in our culture today? As Christ followers what does it look like within our church?
Here's what it might look like: One of our church members had been wanting to visit a neighbor for over a year, but had not connected. His desire was to go from a waving neighbor to actually meeting the neighbor and hearing his story. One day this church member was walking past the neighbor’s house praying and depending on the Holy Spirit to lead him that day. Lo and behold the neighbor pulled into their driveway right in front of him. A quick thank-you prayer and a give-me-courage prayer was said. He was praying for the right words as the neighbor got out of the car.  With only a few questions, he found out where the neighbor was from, what they did for a living, what were some of his pains and what brought joy to his life. Our church member was invited back for more conversations. I believe this happened because he was depending on the Holy Spirit’s leading and prayer.  Jesus modeled for us how to depend on the Holy Spirit for direction.
Another illustration of walking as Jesus walked was another one of our members from our church whom I will call Bob. Bob has been praying for his friend who did not know Christ. Actually his friend leaned toward an atheistic philosophy. Bob had his friend over for dinner. Bob prayed for courage, wisdom and the power to listen carefully and to ask questions intentionally. Bob listened carefully and did not debate with his friend. He was able to share the good news of Jesus Christ and has an open invitation for more conversations. The friend is open to reading the Scriptures together. Jesus modeled for us how to pray so we could walk as He walked.  
We had a 6-week class this summer called Walking as Jesus Walked. It was an overview of what Jesus modeled for us as He walked on the earth. He modeled the following to help enable us to walk as Jesus walked:
Prayer--Jesus depended on prayerful guidance.
Obedience—Jesus obeyed with perfect obedience.
Word—Jesus obeyed God’s Word in every area.
Exalted—Jesus exalted His Father in everything.
Relationships—Jesus was intentional about developing relationships.
Holy Spirit Power is how Jesus lived His life, so can we. This is an exciting adventure, as others in our class can testify.
--Pastor Leon

Dancing for Jesus

Seven years ago, an 11 year old girl arrived late to her first dance rehearsal.  She felt awkward and didn’t enjoy it much.  But she stuck with it.  Over time, through the consistent love and support of her teacher, Rachel Hanna, along with the effort it takes to learn any discipline, her enjoyment grew into a love for ballet. 

Last year, as a senior in high school and under the leadership of Rachel, Hannah Calkins took on teaching 2 classes of her own in the Ballet a la Croix ministry at SFB.  As she was mentored by Rachel, Hannah instructed and taught 24 young children in the areas of worship, dance, discipline and discipleship.  Hannah says, “Seeing the growth of the kids as they come together in a recital and worshiping God through the unique expression of dance are highlights of teaching them.” 

She hopes to continue teaching this next year, depending on her college schedule.  Regardless of how long she continues to dance or teach dance, Hannah is thankful that she has grown significantly in being more coachable and teachable.  Learning to practice the art of worship has meant a lot to her as well.  In her words, “It takes practice to worship well.” 

Hannah is only one story of multitudes of young women who have come through Rachel’s dance studio over the past 7 years.  But Hannah’s story is not unique. 

According to Rachel, "The goal of Ballet a La Croix ministry is to disciple and share the love of Christ with students.  We strive to take scriptural truths and eventually translate them into dance.  Students are taught that everything they do is for God's glory.  Ballet is no exception.  Classes pray regularly and talk weekly about what it means to be used as a tool of God to reach the hearts of the audience through music, dance, and scripture." 

Rachel and Hannah are exceptional examples of our core values of worship and discipleship through their unique ministry with Ballet a La Croix.  Thank God for their faithfulness and continue to pray for the future of this ministry. 

Questions to ponder: 

Hannah mentioned that it takes practice to worship well.  Where are you currently working on practicing worship and building your worship muscle? 

Rachel teaches her students that everything they do is for God’s glory.  What is one area in your life that you would like to begin to dedicate and yield to God? 
Pastor Nate

God Leads

God has done some amazing things in my life. He has set stepping stones before me even when I didn’t understand.  I have always heard stories about missionaries in Good News and 5-Day Clubs with Child Evangelism Fellowship. When I was five, God told me He wanted me to be a missionary. I thought that meant that I would become a missionary when I grow up, but that isn’t what He had in mind. My family is moving to Cambodia as missionaries in a few weeks! 
In 5th grade my parents told me they felt led by God to go on a short term mission trip to Africa for a year. I was honestly surprised, but I was ready for God to do whatever He had planned.  I went through many hard things, like culture stress and homesickness.  I was able to learn about a new culture and talk to other missionaries. I also learned that being a missionary is harder than I expected.  Missionaries have to do some scary things and they say “good-bye” often.  God taught me that I have to be willing to give 100% of my life to Him and that He will use it, not in the way I thought, but in a way so much better.  
This summer God brought me to Christian Youth in Action (CYIA) training camp and I have been teaching 5-Day Clubs.  I have been waiting for this since I was eight, and God definitely worked in me and taught me more than I expected. At CYIA I experienced some spiritual warfare, and as I prayed with my friends we were able to feel God’s presence and love as He brought us out of Satan’s attacks. We learned that we all fight together for God’s will on earth, and in the end we will have victory. I am thankful for the things I learned during CYIA.  My teaching skills were improved, but I also learned about the power of prayer and reliance on Him for help to do hard things.
I have been thinking about everything that I learned in Africa and at CYIA and I have come to a conclusion. I realize that I truly exist for a sole purpose:  to serve God.  I don’t have to worry about anything else; He is in control.  This month my family will say “good-bye” and move to a place where my school, church, and everyday life will be very different. I will need to learn to speak the Khmer language and then I hope to teach Bible clubs.  I know I can’t possibly do it on my own, but that with God, all things are possible.  I trust that He will work through me in Cambodia just as He did in Africa and at CYIA. I am ready for whatever He has in store, and Iwill keep my eyes focused on Him.
--Megan Brand

Focus

I had the privilege of volunteering for the Decision America Tour and was keeping busy with the preparations.  Joy Scott and I called 123 churches, snail-mailed and canvassed churches and our neighborhoods, and passed out information at church regarding the tour.  I also met with a prayer group every week to pray for the tour and our nation. Yet I was feeling pretty down and discouraged, but didn’t know why.  Every time I turned on the news, or saw the result of sin in family’s and friend’s lives, I would vacillate from anger to depression. I felt like I was running on empty, because I was focusing on these things. 

Finally DAT came to Salem.  Franklin Graham gave encouraging statistics: some drove 150 miles with 7 children to attend the rally; others are now planning to vote; others are considering running for office; one woman flew 200 miles in a private airplane to be there.  “Prayer is the mystery of God’s sovereign plan” and it impacted me that all these people were coming because they believed in the power of prayer and they trusted God to use their prayers.  While attending the rally, everyone was intently listening and then Franklin Graham asked us to join hands and pray to confess our sins, and the sins of our country.  Even though I was holding the hand of a stranger, I felt an instant bonding with the body of Christ.  There was a strong presence of God’s grace, strength and peace.  And I felt forgiveness.  I had been focusing on the wrong things and my lack of faith shamed me.  Franklin Graham then gave an invitation to receive Christ as Savior and again, I heard people all around me praying to receive God’s gift.  That day, 216 people in the crowd received the gift of salvation. The presence of the Holy Spirit was so powerful, that at the end of the rally when we sang “God Bless America,” all I could do was mouth the words, because my tears were flowing so much.

Many years ago, God used 12 disciples to change the world and build His kingdom.  That day in Salem, almost 4,000 came to pray and trust that God would use their prayers.  Almost 154,000 people have come to the rallies, and it’s not over.  Our job is to persevere, trust and focus on God, continue to pray and wait expectantly to see how He’ll answer.  It’s going to be amazing.

--Janelle Coakley

 

 

Pastor's Pick:  Book Recommendations

 

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert  by Rosaria Butterfied. 
Rosaria Butterfield was once a tenured professor of English who identified as a lesbian and worked to advance the cause of LGBT equality. After her conversion to Christ in 1999, she came to see the sinfulness of having any identity apart from Him.

Rosaria is married to Kent Butterfield, pastor of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Durham, and is a home-school mother, pastor's wife, author, and speaker. She is helping Christians to better understand their LGBT neighbors and loved ones so that we can lovingly share the gospel effectively.

North Block

On December 29, 2015, when the papers were signed at the title company, the first chapter of the story of the North Block was completed. It is a chapter of faith and sacrifice by the many who gave towards the down payment and other funds needed. It is one of trust given to leaders by people who embraced a vision for connecting with Salem in a new way, and of waiting on God for His timing to see the purchase completed.

As we move to the next chapter, God is continuing to work and show us how to implement the vision He has given us. Chapter 2 opens with meeting, through one of our church members, Craig and Carol Morgan who are wonderful Followers of Christ. They own Salem Paint and needed a new location for their store. We agreed to lease the building on the northwest corner of the block and they were able to move in on the Saturday of Easter weekend. They are excited about this new home for their business.

A few weeks later, we had a spring cleaning party at the church. More than 80 people brought rakes, shovels and wheel barrows to not only work around the church and the CLC but to help clean up the North Block. Over 5,200 pounds of grass, dirt, tree limbs and other debris was hauled off as the North Block sparkled with clean parking lots, mowed lawns and new bark chips in the flower beds. It was a powerful statement to the neighborhood about how we want to be good neighbors and the enthusiasm in which our congregation works together.

We are now working to implement the vision of Enterprise Ministries as we prepare First Lube Plus for its opening day. Many of you have told me that you are ready to be its first customer. Thank you. We are looking for the right person to be its manager and look forward to announcing opening day soon. In addition we are determining what we can do with other pieces of the property based on city codes and the cost of making the other buildings usable. Thank you for your patience as we work through these issues.

All of the above has been exciting and encouraging to see happen and be part of, but what has impacted me the most is the way in which God has already used the North Block to create new connections in the community. My work on the North Block has given me the opportunity to meet with elected officials, public agencies and private businesses and tell them our story and vision. It is met with excitement and encouragement and, most often, their question of “What can I do to help?”

Many of us have been praying that God would show us how to use the North Block to bless our city. As I see it, that prayer has been and is being answered. Please continue to pray that God will sharpen our focus on how to best implement His purpose for the North Block and He will be the author of many new chapters in this ongoing story.

--Steve Hunter

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Saying Yes

Stepping into something new can be terrifying and exciting all at the same time: Having a child for the first time, looking at retiring, dropping a kid off at college, saying “yes” to something when you have no idea what that “yes” really means.

Each week many new faces walk into our church. Some come just to check us out because they were passing by. Some come because they have been invited by many of you. Some are not even sure why they came. A few weeks ago one of those new faces decided to walk up to our information center and ask to get connected with someone. She had lots of questions and Jeff Poush handled each of them like a pro. He got her contact info, talked with her a little bit, and then told her he would find someone to meet with her.

I happened to be walking in the church office on Monday and Jeff stopped me. He asked if I would be willing to meet with a young girl that had introduced herself as someone new to the church. Without hesitation I said, "Yes." Jeff gave me her info, and I walked away. As I left I was thinking to myself, what have I done? All those fears of possibly not being able to answer this girl's questions came flooding into my head. But I decided to contact this girl anyway and set up a time to get together. I was excited. I was nervous. I was scared. Yet I knew that I could lay every feeling I had down at Jesus feet in prayer and confidently go and meet with this young lady. So I did.

You know what I found out. I found out that loving others and sharing what God has done in my life was not as hard as I thought. I found out that when this young girl asked a tough question, and I admitted to her that “I don’t know”, walls were broken down and the two of us got to go look for the answer together, digging into the Word of God. I found out that as our friendship was building  God was working in not only this young girl's life but He was showing me how He was using me for His glory in this situation. And lastly, I found out that getting out of my comfort zone can be terrifying and exciting all at the same time.

Take that leap God is asking you to do. Ask that neighbor to come with you on Sunday. Say “Yes” to meeting with a new person in our church when asked. Look around and love those God is asking you to love. Purposefully pray daily for those God has laid on your heart. Join me in saying “Yes” and letting God use you for His glory right here in our church and in our city.

--Kristi Pierce

 

TOWN HALL--Celebrating the Work of God

Last Sunday night we gathered for our annual Town Hall.  It was a celebration of the work of God and sharing the vision of God for our future.  We invite you to go to our website to read through the presentation and to watch video's of God's transformation in the lives of our church. 

Be encouraged,

 

www.fbcsalem.org

God's To Do List

God is at work. His Spirit is on earth giving us a special message and assignment from the Father (John 16). God is at work building His Kingdom. I’ve tried to personalize this truth in my own life. Can I actually join God’s Spirit in His work of bringing His Kingdom to Earth? In John 4:34 Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work” and John 17:18, “As the Father has sent me into the world, so I send you, my disciples, into the world.” I am to imitate Christ, for God will give me daily work to do, as regularly as I eat food.

In my own journey of faith, I’ve experienced “getting” a specific job to do that I attribute to the Spirit’s message from the Father. I believe that these messages are from God because 1) they have outcomes which build God’s kingdom; 2) they have come as a direct result of Spiritual disciplines practiced: prayer, reading the Bible, and listening to the preaching of the Word of God; and 3) they are connected to a need which has arisen in a sphere of influence in my life.  A simple recent example was connected to the prayer, “God, build your kingdom in my neighborhood.” On Saturday, after a long work day in Portland, I pulled up to my house and noticed a moving van 2 driveways down: new neighbors. As much as I wanted to go crash on the couch, the Spirit said, “Go help them move.” This was no garden of Gethsemane moment, but I still had trouble saying, “Your will be done.” I did obey. I don’t know how God is going to use it in His plan, but at the very least, God’s love has spilled out of this Christian and blessed someone who had a small need.

When God has given me tasks, they always require a step of faith. Reaching out is scary. Faith is running down a path towards “His Kingdom Come” risking loss. My part is to run down that path trusting God that the outcome is in His hand. Isn’t that why Christ said: “Your will be done”?

God is at work. Where? Wherever I am right now. God is working in my life, in my family, in my neighborhood, in my job, and in my church. He is at work where I am because His Spirit is there indwelling me! Yet He has condescended His plan to depend in part on you and me. Jesus said, “All authority has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples.” I remind myself, “Don’t waste the Spirit of God in my life because I am so concerned with my agenda, my comfort, my entertainment, and my peace.” God is at work. He has specific jobs for you to advance His Kingdom. Ask Him what He wants you to do, and then join Him.
--Randy Bartsch

The Power of Celebration and Expectation

I have always enjoyed the stories that Jesus tells of lost things being found. Maybe you are familiar with them as well; a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son all being sought after and all being found as read in Luke 15. There is so much that resonates with me in these images the Master Storyteller describes for the Pharisees and teachers of the time. Like the sheep who finds itself separated from the flock wondering how did I get here—been there. Or the coin that doesn’t even know it’s lost—been there.  Then there is the son who willfully gets lost and comes to his senses—been there. But even more than seeing myself in the stories I love the response to each being found—Celebration! The neighbors are called, the fat calf is put on the BBQ and the party starts. There is just something about a good party for a good reason.

Have you noticed we become more of the life of the party depending how much the person or thing at the center of the celebration means to us? This can even be compounded if the journey for the reason for cheering has been a rigorous one. In these stories I’d have to say the ones leading the rejoicing are the shepherd, the woman, and the father who have the most invested. This becomes even more amazing when you get Jesus is the one leading the celebration of us sinners repenting; He is the life of the party. And like the shepherd, woman, and father, Jesus doesn’t celebrate alone. The rejoicing is contagious as we read in verses seven and ten that heaven gets involved in the festivities. I wish I could see these celebrations but am glad in our own way we get to join in this side of heaven. There is just something about a good party for a good reason and I can’t think of better one than the salvation of friends.

Every week it seems like new names are being read from the “book of life” and it so fun to cheer and applaud. I hope we never get tired of this. Recently in Thrive and Fusion we started a celebration wall. It’s a few strings of lights mounted to the wall with the bulbs taken out. The thought was when a student commits their life to Christ they would write their initials on a bulb with the date and screw it into the wall, symbolizing them coming from darkness to the light. We started this wall along with our series we are teaching called Winsome. It comes out of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 where he talks about becoming all things to all people to win some. We wanted not only a visual for celebration but one of expectation that when the Gospel is lived out it has power and Jesus is mighty to save.  Since we have started this wall nine light bulbs have been put in and come to life! Just last Tuesday one of our students named Andrew who has been seeking with us for awhile gave his life to Jesus and put a bulb in the wall. It was such a joy to watch as the leaders, his friends and life group were all cheering and then tell him the party going on in heaven was even bigger. It’s fun and a blessing to have celebration a part of our culture at Salem First Baptist. May the party never end for those being saved.
--Pastor Brian

Which Chair Are You?

Everyone reading this article is on a journey. Where is your journey taking you? As a Christ follower, do you know what road you are on?

Someone invited you to "Come and See" Jesus. You said yes to the invitation and the journey began. As you go, Jesus summoned you to "Follow Me", and on the expedition, through obedience and discovery, you grow to be more and more like Him.

The trip continues and accelerates as Jesus signs you up and equips you to become a worker (as Pastor Mark reminded us on Sunday) to "fish for men". You no longer sit in your Lazy Boy recliner, but you become available to be used, faithful to grow, teachable in action and attitude, responsive to align with God's vision that all should know Him.

Being infused by the Spirit of God, your growth in Christlikeness splashes onto the lives of others and you "bear fruit" - your journey multiplies, and you are transformed. You make a difference.

In a nutshell, these are the Four Chairs we recently learned about in a disciple-making class. Each of us sits in one of these chairs. Each of us is on a journey through life. When asked, "How were you impacted by the Four Chairs training?" two friends answered with the following:

Attendee #1: The story of a life that was changed after numerous years of being in church week after week - a person involved in serving, attending whenever the doors were open, and yet he did not "get it" after 30 years. This struck me in a powerful way and made me sit up and listen more carefully. The impact of the story came when an amazing transformation occurred and that life finally surrendered in childlike faith. I asked myself, "Could that be me? Am I totally surrendered? I know what to do and yet why do I seem to waste time by not doing it?" I want to be more committed to daily seek the Lord through prayer and the Word. I can even see that in a mentoring relationship I have something to offer and something to gain. I now realize that I no longer have to become better, be more informed about the Bible or even know all theological answers. I just have to be willing to be available in my normal life journey. It is God's job to change a life, and He will begin with me. My decision that day was to become a fully surrendered Christ follower, willing to go, to do whatever He asked.

Attendee #2: The most helpful take away for me was that it is not a program, not an event or even special training that will be pivotal in someone else's life to bring change. It is relationship and lifestyle that will bring about transformation. When I do life in the nitty gritty of everyday happenings, natural interactions, someone will observe. It is in the unimportant things that I may be noticed by another, as I pour into them, as I love on them, as I am intentional in looking like Jesus and developing His character in my own life; these are the things that will be "caught" and don't have to be taught for another to meet Jesus. God is constantly at work to advance His kingdom. He uses the lifestyles of His kids, and sometimes even their words,  in up close and very personal relationships to win one. What the Holy Spirit revealed to me was a new way of seeing life and Christ in it. I know in a fresh way that I have something to share and it is God's job to use it to bear fruit.

Those who do not know, those who have not seen, those who do not follow are missing life's greatest journey. What road are you on? Which chair are you in? Are you willing to get out of your Lazy Boy?
--Janice Adams

Mother

Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to honor our mothers and to show our appreciation for all they mean to us.  I am incredibly blessed to have a close and loving relationship with my Mother.  She not only chose to give me physical life, but she loved me to Jesus at a young age. 

When my parents retired and considered moving to the Salem area, we discussed the idea of an inter-generational living arrangement.  We knew that someday in the future one of them would most likely be left alone, so we decided to build an apartment onto our home so they would be close by.  The idea was to be proactive and be available to help them when the time came.  Little did Steve and I realize that we were the ones who would benefit from such a living arrangement.  Our children benefited from their grandparents' love and attention, but most importantly, they observed Godly grandparents who walked the talk and lived out their faith in tangible ways.  We all observed their hard work ethic and loving way they served others.  In their early 90s they were still involved with Nursing Home Ministries, holding chapel services and in their words “ministering to the elderly.”   Mother still lives in her apartment attached to our home, prepares her own meals and takes daily walks, spends much of her day reading her Bible and is a faithful prayer warrior. She is humble, gracious, sweet and literally lives the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). 

A few weeks ago my mother celebrated her 97th birthday. Family members were asked to give one word that described Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma.  Attributes shared: amazing, helpful, prayer warrior, compassionate, Godly, beautiful, sweet, great sewer, so good, sharing, queen, rich heritage, heart, best mother in the world, selfless, sincere, humble, genuinely interested in others, great mother in law, nice, gracious, hospitable, loving.

As the years pass and our roles have changed, it is not only my responsibility to lovingly care for my Mother, but an honor and privilege to bestow on her the same love she has shown me. I thank God for blessing my Mother with long life and in doing so, blessing our family with her love, wisdom and faithful prayers.   

Proverbs 31: “Her children will rise up and bless her, her husband also and he praises her saying,'many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.’ … A woman who fears the Lord shall be praised."
--Rhoda Hunter

Family

I am discovering in my life right now that holidays can sometimes be difficult.  My  circumstances are not the way I thought my life would play out.  Right now I find myself in the season of being a single mom.  I have grown so much in my walk with the Lord the past six years, and in many ways I wouldn’t change my life circumstances.  My two kids are amazing, and God has provided for us in awesome ways!

An important part of our journey has been the family we have developed here at church.  My family lives in New Mexico.  I am an only child, and we do not have any family nearby.  That is where our family at First Baptist and Sonshine Christian School come in.  God knew what he was doing (He always does) when He planted us here.  Our church family is our family away from home. 

This past Easter my heart was touched by the Easter breakfast the church did.  My kids and I were so blessed to enjoy breakfast here at church!  It was very special to be able to enjoy a holiday meal with some of that family. We would have had a great breakfast at home, but that connection with community on the morning of a holiday touched my heart in a special way. 

Thank you First Baptist for being our family away from home and for making Easter that much more special for us!
--Kimberly Bell, Second Grade Sonshine Teacher

The Facts, Ma'am, Just the Facts

Way back in the little town of Sodus, NY, smack dab in the heart of apple country, lived a tiny family. I was the wife and mother. Actually, I still am, but no sense of "tiny" exists any longer.

I don't know if we were typical or peculiar, but although Jim worked for the Establishment--we protested the Vietnam war and that Establishment on the weekends.

Chronologically, I may have the following details mixed up, but in retrospect they happened, and surely according to God's plan.

I remember sitting in our first little home, rocking our second baby, scanning our simple belongings but thinking, "I have everything I ever wanted--a husband I love and who loves me; an actual family of my own; our home in the country, even a second-hand pool--but what was this empty feeling inside?"

Jim went along with all my "ideas" as we became temporary vegetarians, attended childbirth classes, then LaLeche League meetings. It seems as though 3 things happened at once:

*one of my new friends from the classes excitedly loaned me her Bible;

* My LLL mentor began telling me that there really is a devil (I was surprised she still believed this) I mean, after all, I was educated now;

* And an old friend gave me a book to read called "The Cross and the Switchblade".

I had seen David Wilkerson on a talk show. When he said that the only hope was to accept Jesus Christ as Savior, I set my iron down, pulled up my hassock and waited for him to explain what that meant. My confusion was that I had been a pretty religious person, but had never heard that terminology.

In the midst of these incidents, Jim and I decided to visit every church in town. Maybe we'd find one that simply used the Bible, since we were getting back to the basics in every other area.  And so,we,a very hippie-looking couple began our search, as God Himself was "searching" for us.

After our second visit to a Baptist Church, the Pastor greeted us with a jovial, "You folks sure are hard to get a hold of. I've been to your place 3 times and you weren't home."

We were so impressed that he cared that much, that Jim asked me to call him and invite him and his wife over the following night. Being a Cross and the Switchblade "scholar", I quipped, "Maybe we'll even get saved." Of course, I was joking. I still couldn't comprehend it's meaning.

The next morning as I called the pastor, I had no idea that at that very moment, he and his wife were asking God if they should try to visit us again.

That night, April 12,1971, thanks to Pastor and Mrs. Bate, a borrowed Bible, some curiosity about this strange "saved" terminology, and a dawning on this young wife that,yes, Marilyn, there really is a devil...God brought peace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, peace.

These are the facts, but what I can't convey to you is the love and gratitude to my Savior, Jesus Christ, for saving my soul, and changing the whole course of my life. That itself will take a lifetime.

--Marilyn Cunningham
Pastor Jim's wife

Sportsman's Wild Game Dinner

On a Friday evening in March, 290 men filled the First Baptist gym for the 3rd edition of the Sportsman’s Wild Game Dinner. They were greeted in the entry by quacking ducks, a camouflaged boat, and an ATV.  In the gym they were treated to several displays that included various game mounts--deer, antelope, fish, and a full-sized bear. The aroma of barbecued elk sausage provided a fitting atmosphere and raised the anticipation of what was to come.

Special guests included 12 first-responders, members of the business community, and a local radio personality. When all the men were seated, a team of high school students moved quickly through the room serving sausage, cheese and crackers which were followed by a full meal that included meat, salad, baked beans, and corn bread.  The meal was topped off with apple pie ala-mode. During the meal, a large variety of door prizes were handed out.  There was at least one gift for everyone present.  At the end of the meal, an oral auction was held that featured the dynamic Mark Hanke as auctioneer.  Auction items included a deep-sea fishing trip, beach house vacation, custom fishing pole, and a hunting rifle.

Mark Hoeffner, Executive Director at CB Northwest, was the speaker again this year. He shared pictures of some of his trips to Alaska, and related an exciting adventure when he explored the huge interior of a glacier.  During the exploration, he learned the danger associated with traveling into an enclosed area where there was an inadequate supply of air. One of his companions urged them to leave the glacier, and as they emerged into fresh air, they realized the peril they had avoided. He compared the importance of breathing to physical life and spiritual breathing that accompanies the new birth that comes from accepting Jesus Christ as savior. As a result of his talk, two men prayed to receive the Lord, one wanted to find out more about the Christian life, and eight others had life issues they wanted to discuss.

The success of the evening was supported by 11 full-time kitchen workers, two barbecue chefs, 19 young people servers (tips for the servers totaled about $ 900 for the high school spring retreat and an upcoming mission trip), and many volunteers.

The evening was a great time of camaraderie and fellowship.
--Clair Casterline

More Than Basketball

My friend Eric and I were at a large gathering a few weeks ago and he sought me out after the event to tell me a compelling story.  Eric works for the Salem Police Department and as he walked into the stadium, he met eyes with a familiar face that he couldn’t quite recognize.  The man glared at him and it quickly dawned on Eric how he knew this person.  Eric had been called to the man’s home the previous night on official police business!  His wife, a dancer at a local strip club, was standing next to him along with their 10-year-old son.  Even though Eric was a bit concerned about the icy stare of the father, wondering if he had intentions to start a conflict, he was deeply impacted by the emotions he felt toward the young son.

 Eric is a committed follower of Christ, and he shared with me how difficult it is for him to see children in homes that are ravaged by drugs, violence and instability.  Eric remembered seeing this child the night before, standing in the hallway with a look of fear on his face.  His heart broke for the little boy, knowing the challenges he was facing at home.  But this night, standing in a stadium with 2,000 other people, Eric had an altogether different response to seeing this young child.  He felt joy.  He felt hope and a sense of peace that physically affected him.  A smile came to his face, and he knew he needed to tell me his story as soon as the event was over.  What caused this drastic change in the way he felt toward this 10-year-old boy?  Eric was standing in the Salem Armory at the Upward Basketball Year-End Celebration, and this child was wearing an Upward jersey!

 Upward Basketball is so much more than a basketball league.  This vital ministry gives us an opportunity to come alongside young children (and their parents) and show them what it means to follow Christ.  We coach them in character development, we affirm them for their strengths, we help them address their growth areas and we teach them about what life looks like when it is built upon the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.  Eric was instantly aware of the fact that this young boy had just spent 3 months in the Christ-centered, prayer-driven, Church-led, affirming atmosphere of Upward Basketball.  Over the past 12 years, we have enrolled 9,077 students in the Upward Ministry.  What an opportunity we have to transform our culture as we teach, motivate and inspire these children with a Biblical Worldview that will guide them long after their basketball playing days are over!
 --Pastor Jeff

Volunteers

I’m a people-watcher.  You know, one of those who doesn’t mind a wait in a crowded airport because there is a never-ending procession of interesting people and stories to be played out.  I’ve learned a lot about our SFBC Volunteers recently, just by watching.  They go above and beyond, which is an ideal not always achieved for paid staff let alone those whose every minute is precious and freely given, with no expectation of human recompense.

In the thought-provoking quiet of the First Sunday, as I watch our Deacons serve communion, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for what our Lord did for us.  And in those moments of reflection I am humbly aware of the godly men that the Lord has called to shepherd us.  Volunteers, each one.  Men with families, jobs, heartaches, joys, struggles and victories; men with busy schedules and active families.  Faithful men, serving with loving diligence, not only on Sunday morning but often late on weeknights in obligation to the various committees and other ministries in which they serve.

Children’s Ministries is another area where people watching reveals sweet insights.  During a recent emergency procedures drill, I heard not one complaint from Volunteers shuffling rambunctious grade-schoolers, reticent toddlers, gawking preschoolers, or crying babies.  Each was tending their flock, even in the heavy drizzle of a cool Oregon morning.  Another day I saw an Awana secretary play in a corner with a child who just couldn’t maintain in a group, and another Awana volunteer speak so tenderly to a child who was out of control.  I watch the love of Christ manifest itself on a daily basis.

How many of us are aware on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings how carefully our Security Team watches out for us?  From kindly rousting homeless campers out of flower beds to attentively watching the crowds for potential issues, they roam the campus, week after week.

My people-watching catches the love on the face or in the tender touch and words of someone working with a child.  A volunteer “Nurse on Duty” recently blessed me beyond measure by solicitously tending one of our widows who felt very shaky and frightened.  And this doesn’t begin to mention those who work with youth or visit shut-ins.  There might be a few who consider volunteering a drudgery to be avoided when possible or endured when not.  But the joy of serving is so evident in most of those I encounter, and we are blessed beyond measure; surely the blessing of eternal reward cannot even be weighed!  Thank you, SFBC Volunteers!

Sherri Sperling
Children's Ministries Director

More Than a Concession Stand

Most of us, when asked, are willing to serve in just about any area as long as fear doesn’t take over.  As an example, almost anyone is willing to volunteer to run a concession stand for Upward Basketball; yet very few would say their heart's desire is to serve as a referee.  But how many of us when we serve are really tied into the mission and vision of our church?  Better yet, how many of us as we go around our daily lives are completely in tune with the mission and vision of Jesus?   What was His mission?  To seek and save the lost.  If you’re like me, it’s easy to sleep walk through entire sections of a day or week with no awareness of the mission that Christ has us on.  Unless I put myself on mission first thing in the morning the tyranny of the urgent quickly presses me. 

Last week I observed something special happen at an Upward Concession stand.  One of our members was selling hot dogs.  Normally this would be a simple transaction to give a hot dog and take a buck. In this instance, I saw engagement in the mission.  “How long have you been involved in Upward?” “What do you love about it?" “Do you have a church you worship at?” Ah, the art of asking questions!  Getting outside my own bubble and caring about someone else. Isn’t this what Jesus wants?  For us to take more than a passing interest in others?  For some of you this comes naturally.  You are wired for relationships and you gain energy by reaching out, connecting, and having conversations.  Others are more reserved and need to be prompted by the Holy Spirit.  As the hot dog buying couple replied to my friend, “We live in Keizer, but we’ve been commuting to a church in Portland for 4 years,” he was able to offer a simple, sincere invite to come join us at one of our weekend services.  Whether they come and become involved in our local fellowship for our mutual growth and edification isn’t really the point.  My friend looked beyond a hot dog.  He peered over the concession stand counter.  He saw a couple that are deeply loved by Jesus and that perhaps may join a local fellowship in the community in which they live.  The mission of Salem First Baptist Church is to bring people into a life changing relationship with God and each other.  I would say the Upward concession stand is as good a place as any to live that mission out. 

Kudos to all of you around the city living the mission each day.  May God strengthen you by His mighty hand.  May His Spirit guide you into each interaction and conversation He wants.  May your life continue to be transformed into His image so that He can use you to transform the culture of our city to more closely reflect God’s heart.
--Pastor Nate

New Things

My sister is new to the northwest and it has been so fun listening to her “discover” all the new things God has for her family here.  She gets excited about the buds on the trees, changing seasons, the birds coming to her backyard, the bulbs she is planting, the neighbors down the street, the restaurants she’s never been to.  It is all so new – she see’s them as God’s gifts and revelations.  He’s a good, good Father.

Have you noticed the digging on the north property? Something new is going on! Have you noticed the daffodils and new growth popping up on Liberty?  Something new is going on!  Have you noticed a number of new faces passing you on Sunday morning?  Something new is going on!  Have you noticed a friend praying for another in the Commons?  Something new is going on!  Have you noticed your heart yearning for more of Jesus?  Something new is going on!

Life is happening at Salem First … transformation is occurring … bodies are being re-shaped … God’s heart is seen and felt.  It is an exciting time to be in the family of God.  In our church we have seen growth in new members’ classes, increased number of baptisms (young and old), more and more names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life – all represent new life.  Men and women continue to join Bible study, community life groups and individual discipling relationships -- we are seeing the Word change a life – that’s transformation. 

Faith and trust demonstrated by commitment and follow-through are the hallmark of expanding our influence in the community. The Rest Stop, the North Property, Upward, Sports Camp, Angel Tree are just a few ministries that go across the street and beyond our doors to impact our city.  As a church we have believed God for these things and have followed through supporting them financially, prayerfully and with our time and energy.  God has honored that faith and commitment.  Our community is being reshaped.

And, while that is happening, life within is also being relived as ministry to one another is shared … powerful prayer and praise for healing, comforting fellowship and hospitality, care for practical needs, accountability, coming alongside the broken and hurting, and dynamic worship to His glory.  We are experiencing and sharing the heart of God.  His purposes are being fulfilled.

In very similar ways I believe God is transforming me.  Spending time focusing on Isaiah 43:19 I believed God wanted to do something new in me. I asked questions, I prayed, I searched scripture and dialoged with His people.  God is doing that new thing:  fulfilling His dreams for me, accomplishing His purposes and changing my heart.

Has He cracked the door open to give you a peek?  Has He popped a head up ready to burst forth? Has He allowed you to discover an idea you did not know?  Has HE made a way where there was no way?  Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” 

When the caterpillar crawls into his cocoon, it must seem to his caterpillar friends that he is gone.  But, to us of larger vision, in due time, we see the beautiful butterfly emerge from a seemingly lifeless enclosure.  Now he no longer crawls upon the ground, but flies freely above it, making his home in God’s creation.  If this is God’s plan for such a small creature, how much greater it must be for Salem First!

What is God up to in YOU?  Will you stand on tiptoe with me to see what “new thing” God wants to do? I hope so, for we have a good, good Father. 
--Janice Adams

Meeting Perseverance

 

Gaining perseverance can be brutal. Having to keep going despite difficulty and delay is not something we are eager to experience. You can only have perseverance after you have gone through the refining fires of disappointment and discouragement. Waiting, praying, working, hoping, and crying brought my wife and I to the moment in Ethiopia when we first laid eyes on him and he first laid his head on our shoulders.

I think I must picture things in slow motion, at least the big moments of life, because they always happen so much faster than I imagine they will. When we arrived at his orphanage after about 30 hours of traveling, they brought us to the orphanage office. I didn't know what the plan was, how long we would wait, or who would play the victorious music as he and I ran toward each other. It was all very confusing. But then, before I could even ask what was going on, he was there! In the doorway, being held by his favorite nanny, was the answer to my prayers. When I saw him, I felt almost star struck. I had talked about him for so long and looked at his pictures so many times that he almost took on this bigger than life place in my mind. But he wasn’t bigger than life. He was little, beautiful ruggedly handsome, and tired. Sear held him, and I went full dad mode shooting videos. If it had been the 80s, I would have had a big VHS recorder on my shoulder, giving full commentary and telling everyone to wave to the camera. Instead, I took pictures and video with the GoPro and gave full commentary and told everyone to wave to the camera.

As he sat in his mom’s lap, one big tear formed in his left eye and rolled down his cheek. It wasn't just a signal of natural fear; it was a symbol of natural courage. He had every right to bawl and wail. New people, new room he’d never been in, and the largest person he’d ever seen pointing a camera in his face shouting at him in a language he didn’t speak. You could sense the fear was there but it didn't own him. He was calm, looked around the room, and leaned into his new mom for cuddles. I knew right there that he was brave, strong and courageous, and I was in love.

When Sear looked up at me and asked if I wanted to hold him, I was nervous. I thought being handed over to the big, white bear of a man would finally make him break. I grabbed him, his bottom lip quivered, but no tear came. Instead, we just looked at each other and I could see my reflection in his big brown eyes. I could tell he was analyzing me because he looked me right in the eye and furrowed his brow. In that moment, every insecurity I have rushed to the forefront of my mind. I thought surely he would push me away, reach for someone else, reject me until he was a little older. In those three long seconds, I never wanted someone to love me so much, but felt so sure that he wouldn't. And then, he put his head on my chest and nuzzled me just a little... almost as if to comfort my fears; to give me just a little bit of the courage he had in such abundance. I will be telling people about that moment in Heaven, long into eternity. It's not just engraved in my mind, it's embossed in my heart.

Gaining perseverance is really hard. To even have the chance to persevere it means you aren’t getting what you want for long periods of time and that’s not fun. It’s worth it though. When you stick it out and keep praying despite your doubts and fears you not only see God’s answer, you also see God more clearly. Don’t give up on God too early and miss what He has for you because the only thing harder than waiting on God, is wishing you had.

--Patrick Frost
Middle School Youth Pastor