When Retirement is NOT Retirement!

Ken Caver, our man on the right, has had a special purpose, a Divine call on his life...for some time now. Pastors have to wait and listen for mutual confirmation; is God telling Ken what I think He is telling me? We rejoice that Ken is now officially retired from the Air Force. Thanks for serving in our military! We are also glad that He has accepted the call to be our Youth Pastor.

Ken may have retired from the Air Force, but he is far from retirement. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV) God has plans and a purpose for his life that exceed his wildest dreams. And...he has a young family to keep him young at heart. Please pray for Ken, his family, and his ministry. You honor God by praying for Ken. You will be glad you did...as you are being blessed by his ministry!

Thanks Ken, may I say...Pastor Ken, for stepping up in faith. Welcome aboard. Pastor Al

Don't Get Caught by a Fisherman

Fishermen and fisherwomen are known for a lot of reasons. First, they are natural tellers of tall tales. Pictures are important when documenting the size of their catch. Avid anglers are noted for patience. Most people who fish have a sense of time and place, for when and where, their catch is located. They select their bait with uncanny wisdom. Never forget, those who fish...are born to catch!

"One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets." (Luke 5:1-2, NIV). This is the beginning narrative of a fishing story, about the greatest Fisherman who ever lived. Jesus was out catching disciples. A full one third of his twelve disciples were professional fishermen. Jesus would catch his world by surprise with a motley crew of anglers. Wouldn't it make sense to capture the qualities of those who fish, to grasp the hearts and minds of the people?

If you can catch fish...you can learn there is more game in the pond. "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him." (Luke 5:10b-11, NIV). Fish? Men? What's the difference?
It could mean all the difference in the world. The disciples left their fishing business, to follow Him.

Jesus continues to hang around the waters edge, looking for anglers returning empty. Larry was one of those fishermen, caught by the Lord. Larry still sports on the water, but his eyes have been opened to fields beyond. The Kingdom of God has come to these waters...in the Person of Jesus the Christ.

Did I say, 'don't get caught by a fisherman?' If Jesus has transformed them into fishers of men, they are not just any old fisherman. They have been sent to you, by the Lord himself, because YOU are a worthy catch! Read the rest of this fish story in the Gospel of Luke, chapter five...it gets even better. Pastor Al

LOOKING THROUGH THE GLASS

You are looking at one of my favorite sights at our church. Stained glass speaks to me in powerful ways...non-verbally. The glass is beautiful, but its radiance comes from the sunlight that flows through it. The combination of art and sunlight moves me beyond myself; I tend to loose my train of thought, staring at its beauty. Like anyone else, I get absorbed in my own issues and I need a lift. Worship lifts me.

Worship, at its best, changes our present focus to the Eternal. Worship should be an experience of transcendence. In that sense, it is a removal from our context to be with God. Paul shared one of his transcending experiences this way: "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." (2 Corinthians 12:2-4,NIV). Perhaps Paul was needing his spirits lifted...he needed to be alone with God. Paul lost sight of his surroundings as he focused upon God's greatness. Worship strengthened Paul to return and face his issues.

This stained glass window was given in honor of Dan Campbell, by family and friends. Worship is also a gift...from God to us. Let the Light of God's love flow through you as you spend time with Him. Blessings, Pastor Al

Am I Missing Something?

Will there be a Mongolian restaurant in Goldsboro, NC? Two years ago, I would have said it will never happen. Now...there are two viable Mongolian resturants. Never say never!

I can remember eating Mongolian food for the first time. It was different. But I had to try it at least once. You never know what you are missing...if you don't try it. Most people in our town haven't eaten a Mongolian dish. They drive by these places and stick with choices that are familiar. Some, who choose to drive by, would really like Mongolian...if they just gave it a chance.

Church is like that, for a lot of people. Maybe they went to one or two...a long long time ago. They got the idea that the're all alike. So some pass by an experience they might really like. Many have never bothered to check it out for themselves.

Much like restaurants, churches have their own distinctive flavors. If you really looked, one of them serves nourishment that suits your taste and hunger. This returns us to the original question, "Am I missing something?" Churches exist to worship God...He meets us there in satisfying ways. Try it...you'll like it.

TEACHING REVIVAL

Dr. John Oswalt gave up a weekend to minister to the Goldsboro Wesleyan Church. He preached Friday and Saturday nights and both services on Sunday. The stand out event for me was the Saturday morning teaching on the Book of First John. Dr. Oswalt has given his life to Biblical scholarship. More importantly, Dr. Oswalt has given his life to Jesus Christ. Thus, John Oswalt has a great heart and a great mind...a rare combination.

Would we expect less, than teaching on total obedience to Jesus, by a man who has surrendered his life to the Son of God? Dr. Oswalt's life is a blessing to all that come in contact with him. Your life and my life can also make a difference. We can trust God, in the most practical way possible...with our lives. Everything committed to God is stamped with Divine Greatness. Finish strong! Pastor Al

Not Just Another Saturday - Let's Go!

Not EVERYTHING we get at the post office is junk mail. When I received an invitation to join a group of pastors on a re-fueling operation...I adjusted my schedule! Now, I am going to share a few quick posts to share the excitement.

They told us to dress warm...so we did. Our service personnel prepared us for each step of the way. Those not in uniform, are probably pastors. They provided us with temporary IDs, but we were not hard to pick out.


Just remember. You can't take off unless you get on board. Here we go...it's flight time!

Not Just Another Saturday - Crew Chief

While the pilots 'do their thing' somebody has to take charge of the rest of the plane.

The crew chief constantly monitors the mechanics of the plane, the cargo, and who ever happens to be behind the cockpit. I guess that includes me. All I know is that...when he spoke...we responded. Don't let that smile fool you!

Here he is showing me how to enter the tail of the plane, where is action is going to take place. Are you ready?