Robinson & Center

Guyana Diary, Tuesday thru Friday, 1-4 July 2008

jeremy.pumphrey — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:07:00 GMT

Guyana Diary, Tuesday thru Friday, 1-4 July 2008:

   Greetings from Guyana, South America as we begin this special summers's tour. Natu dropped us off at the Little Rock Airport about 4:30 Tuesday morning and our check in was immediate. Departures were pretty much on time during the trip. We landed safely and without incident at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana at 11:10 (Guyana time) where Seu was awaiting our arrival. During this 30 minute drive to the mission house in Eccles, Seu always "catches us up" on Guyana affairs since our last stay. The day to day living atmosphere is good with no abnormal concerns - check points are minimal. The TIN (tax identification number) has been enacted since my last visit and is required before I can obtain my car tags which expired in my absence. The car battery needs to be replaced due to a dead cell. He would give me a loaner from one of his vans until Saturday. I get the report on the nightwatchman's work. I am given a general report on the progress (and sometimes digression) of the brethren. So, as you can see, this is more than just a ride home from the airport. Instead, it is my first physical life link to Guyana. The May - June rains continue to fall. We arrived at the mission house at about 12:45 a.m. Wednesday morning. After completing our security checks and assessing our immediate needs, we finally make it to bed about 1:30 Wednesday morning. Our return to Guyana is completed.
   Wednesday - At 7:00 a.m. the phone rang and our tour officially began.
Seu is coming with the battery, so the car will be mobile. One tire needed to be taken to the vulcanizer for air. The car could still not be driven due to an expired tag (unless, of course, I wanted to"take a chance" which is the local norm ...but not for me). At 8:00 Brother Wilbur Vyphuis, preacher for the North Road congregation, called to welcome us to Guyana and to tell me that he would collect me at 12 to handle the TIN number matter. Just after that call, the house painter showed up to complete a job that should have been finished in my absence
3 months ago. I sent him away after some discussion. I walked to the local supermarket (4 blocks away) to buy a case of drinking water and some lite items to "hold us for the moment". Upon my return, I met Carolyn visiting with the landlady's sister (also acts as her agent) who had come by and was surprised that we were already back. She was expecting us 2 days later. Anxious to sell the house, she made arrangements for two different contractors to look at needed repairs and upgrades. One came and the other never showed after we waited for him most of the day. Bro. V came at 1:00. The Guyana Revenue office was not functioning this afternoon because a seminar was being given to the staff. We obtained the necessary forms. Our next stop was the high court for the finalization of the Soesdyke property transport (deed) which can only be done on Mondays and Wednesdays. Patrick (Soesdyke's preacher), Jennie and Yvonne were surprised to see me walk up the stairs.
Big hugs were exchanged and I was given the update on the Soesdyke congregation and the land matter. Court would convene at 3:00 to process pending transports before the judge. That process was completed by 4:00 and the final payment given to the seller. Soesdyke now officially owns the property. To God be the glory!!! (This process began last October).
A swing by the grocery store to pick up a couple of day's supply of food and water and we were back home by 5:30. Calls came up until 9 from brethren welcoming us back to Guyana.
   Thursday - At 8:00, Bro. V collected the filled out TIN application and delivered it to the Revenue office. About 10:30, I had my TIN and could now transact my vehicle business. I went in a taxi to purchase my car tags and insurance. I am now mobile and free to move about the cabin.
At mid-afternoon, Carolyn, Brenda, and I made a "REAL" grocery run and are now stocked with water, food, and the necessary items for survival.
The downstairs is clean...the upstairs will get tackled tomorrow, good Lord willing.
   Friday - Happy fourth of July!!! It doesn't really seem like the 4th here because that is a North American holiday and this is not North America. We are looking forward to being at home to celebrate a good old fashion 4th next summer. (It has been about 7 years since our last true 4th of July celebration at home). I hope to get the internet home service up and running today. It takes a bit to get "settled in". I am to meet with members of the Carribean lectureship committee at 9:00 this morning. So, I must close. Freedom is so valuable because of the price paid for it whether physical (our soldiers) or spiritual (our Lord). Be safe and serve well. Remember us when you pray. We love you with the love of the Lord.

   Happy morning!!! Bill,Carolyn, & Brenda
   Friday at day's end - Today I was able to complete the meeting with the lectureship committee member and get my internet service activated for home usage. So, it has been a productive day. Patrick called a little bit ago to inform me of a meeting of the area preachers to take place in the home of Bro HM Latchmanerine (director of the Guyana School of Biblical Studies) set for 7:30 tomorrow morning and I will plan to attend. Prospective purchasers for the mission house are coming by tomorrow to view the inside. Tomorrow looks like it will be filled as well. Just glad to have the basic necessities for home operation in place. Monday is the youth rally at Enmore.
    Happy night!!! ...and happy 4th of July. I pray that it has been a good one for you. Love ya, Bg & girls

Thanks for a great "Goodbye Sunday"

Anonymous — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 10:10:00 GMT

Our last day at R&C was memorable. Thank you for the wonderful potluck and the ways you have shared (not just Sunday, but in these last several weeks) with us how we have touched your lives. The food, sentiments, hugs, tears, generous donations and gifts, cards, and smiles all around will always be cherished.

I'm now officially gearing up for being with the Lakehoma church this next Sunday. I hope you'll worship with us as welcome guests in the years ahead when you are in the OKC area.

I'll be cleaning out my office/study tomorrow, and turning in my key. Many a prayer has been prayed for you in that quiet corner, and it brings tears to my eyes to write these words. The last thing I will do before I lock it for the last time is say one more prayer of blessing for all of you. Love, Clyde

God be with you till we meet again;

By His counsels guide, uphold you.

With His sheep securely fold you;

God be with you till we meet again.

Speaking@HU Lectures

Anonymous — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:55:00 GMT

If any of you get a chance to run up to Harding for the lectures, I'd love to see some familiar faces! I'll be back in this area to deliver a keynote lesson from the Psalms at 11 on Monday morning, and I have three class sessions on Wednesday (the theme for the classes is Faith Factor!). Click here for a link to the schedule. Blessings, Clyde

The Last Hurrah: Final Clyde's Column

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:03:00 GMT

[This is the final bulletin article/front page "Clyde's Column" installment I will post. I'll probably post a few more thoughts before I leave, but if I don't get to it, you can keep up with me at http://www.clydeslimp.com/ in days ahead. ---Blessings, CHS]

Ecclesiastes 3 begins with these memorable lines:

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.

I recall the dreams I planted here with you as a younger man back in 1999. It is sad to me that some of those dreams never came to fruition. Nevertheless, I have my share of joys to recall and I rejoice over the good things I have seen and been a part of in my time here.

I also have great hopes for you and for your next preacher. I pray he will find here a partnering, prayerful relationship with the elders and with the congregation, that you will give him (and his wife and children if he is a family man) your love, support, and constant prayers, and that God will do mighty things through all of you working and growing together.

R&C and Conway will always be special to us because it was here that Seth moved as a 3-year-old (he turns 11 in September!) and it was here that Andrew and Matthew came into the world. It will always be special because of the lives we’ve touched and been touched by. You will be forever in our hearts, as I pray we will remain in yours.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.

Shoes To Fill

david.brandon.admin — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:26:00 GMT

When I was a child, I always liked it when the cousins would come from other states and spend the week at our house and grandma's house. We had so much fun playing together and being together for the once a year adventure. One of the things that we would sometimes play was dress up. We would dress up in grandpa's and grandma's old clothes and wear their shoes that we found in their closet. Of course our little bodies weren't big enough for their clothes and our little feet weren't big enough to fill their shoes. I guess all kids have tried to wear shoes that belonged to someone that had larger feet than they.

As I think about this concept of trying to fill someone else's shoes or taking someone else's place, I am reminded of David taking Saul's place as king, Elisha succeeding Elijah as prophet, and Joshua taking over as the leader of the Israelites in place of Moses. It wasn't easy for the new person to take over as an effective leader, but it was possible.

We have in our congregation many faithful members that have carried the torch for many years. They have served this congregation well. One of those members is David Koone. He has taken his role as deacon over the youth very seriously. He has been there for your kids and my kids time and time again. When our kids remember the youth group, David Koone will be part of what they will remember because he has made an impact on their lives. Thanks David for all that you have done in your role as deacon. I know you will continue to serve this congregation and our youth in whatever way you can without the title of deacon at this time. Your shoes will be hard to fill.

As the body of Christ that meets at Robinson and Center streets, we have a challenge to carry the torch of Christ. We have shoes to fill from previous generations. Let us all step up to the plate and be counted as servants of God. Let us heed what Paul said in Eph. 5:15-16, Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME, because the days are evil. Fill some shoes.

Bear Ministry 7/11/2007

david.brandon.admin — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:25:00 GMT

When I started worshipping at R&C in the fall of 1993 as a college student, there were several people who left an impression on me which helped me keep attending at R&C. Mark Copeland and I talked about my high school chemistry teacher who Mark knew since both attended Harding at the same time. Jackie Horton, every time we worshipped would come by and shake every college student’s hand either before class or Sunday night worship. Then…. there was David Koone. For some reason, he took an interest in me, and I am so thankful he did, because he, Michelle, Kayla, and Owen have been a blessing to me and my family for 14 years now. One could easily say he was just doing it because he was a deacon and felt obligated. Or maybe, just maybe, it is because he is a good man with big heart and loves the souls that God has put around him. Maybe it is because he purposely chose to get involved in a young college student’s life and make a difference. Over these 14 years, I have watched him and his family serve not only this congregation, but those around them. He and Marty Knight taught the gospel to co-worker Michael Davis and the Lord converted him because of their willingness to teach the gospel. This is not the first time David, or Marty have shared their faith with fellow co-workers. David, Michelle, Kayla, and Owen have all been a part of Barton Bible Camp and served it well as counselors and campers. Space does not allow for me to elaborate more, so I will close with this thought. My life is simply one of literally 100’s that the Koone family has influenced and blessed, not because of being a deacon or a deacon’s family, but because they are Christians trying to do what God wants them to do. I have full confidence that they will continue to serve those around them because they are Christians. That is what the last 14 years have shown me. Let’s follow their example as they follow God. Prov. 27:17; 1 Cor. 11:1; Rom. 12:10-16; 1 Ptr. 2:17.

Guyana News 7/11/2007

david.brandon.admin — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:25:00 GMT

Greetings to you from Guyana. We were saddened at the news of the home going of our dear sister and friend, Rita, and we extend our sympathy to Mark, their children, and to their extended families. Even in the midst of Rita's battle, Mark and Rita continued to unselfishly support home and international missions including the Guyana work. Like a modern day Abel, Rita's works continue to serve their purposes even though she is at rest from her earthly labors (Hebrews 11:4). We shall ever be thankful for and inspired by the memory of her multi-faceted Christian example of faith at a time when believing is not so simple; of strength in the midst of real life's trying storms; and strong active leadership when many might have chosen to move toward the rear ranks. We have truly been blessed by her life and have been given one more reason to do the right thing while looking forward to that great reunion of all of God's children.

Our work here continues to move forward. The 2007 Annual Ladies Day is now history and plans are underway for the 2008 program. This project began with 85 attending in 2005. In 2006, it grew to 140 ladies. This year, attendees numbered over 285 ladies and came from all over Guyana. It was truly a blessed day!

On Saturday, July 14, our North Jackson, Tennessee six-person team is scheduled to arrive for our crusade/campaign in Soesdyke. Plans include some canvassing, a nightly VBS, and the nightly presentation of the gospel using the theme "The Power of God In a Troubled World". The speakers will be a mixture of Guyanese and US persons. The team will return home, Lord willing, on Friday, July 20th.

This session of GSBS ends on Wednesday, July 11. Four of the students will leave on Thursday, 12th, to join an evangelistic mission effort in Lethem (about 20 hours by overland transportation from Georgetown) for two weeks. Please include these events in your prayers. God bless. I love you with the love of the Lord. Bg with Carolyn and Brenda

Summer Is On The Downhill Side

david.brandon.admin — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:24:00 GMT

It seemed like just a few bulletins ago I was welcoming summer and the fun it promised. Wait! That was just a few bulletins ago. Isn’t it amazing? No, it does not just seem like summer is a lot shorter now… it really is. Some time back, schools started taking bigger slices of the calendar (not to mention extra curricular activities) and ever since summer has been in a rush. With only ten weeks, there usually is not enough time to do all you want. So what do you do? Here are some ideas for youth and parents alike…

Give up trying to do everything and do the most important.
Spend time with your family. They are the ones you will have forever. Most of the other organizations you are involved with will one day be gone.
Give God all your time. That’s right… all of it. Lay it all out before God and ask Him how to spend his time. Be sure your answer is rooted in scripture not the latest demands of the culture, and don’t mistake “church” work for the only “Christian” work. Ask, “God, this is your time, what do you want me to do with it?”.
Remember the Sabbath. God instituted the idea for the Jews that they could not go 24/7. They needed time to rejuvenate their spirit. There had to be disciplined time in their schedule where they trusted God to take care of them (ie. getting stuff done) and they relaxed, worshipped, and rested. Also, along these lines, make sure your recreation is “recreating you” not just wearing you out further. Use 1/7^th of your time for things that rejuvenate you.
Invest your time and money in people. Possessions, accomplishments, trophies, events, etc… they will all pass away. Only one thing goes with you to Heaven; the people in your life. Lay up treasures for heaven in the hearts of others.

One writer lamented that the trouble with American culture is that we had began to worship our work, work at our play, and play at our religion. That’s not scripture, but it is a wise observation. If your schedule is out of control, maybe reordering these three things may be a good place to start.

Upcoming Events: TNT (painting for VBS) - July 17 & July 31; Mountain Home Youth Rally - Aug.3-4; Vacation Bible School - Aug. 4 *New date; End of Summer Trip to St. Louis - August 24-26

Clyde's Column 7/11

david.brandon.admin — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:22:00 GMT

· “I hope God’s glory is seen”—that was our theme for the celebration and commemoration of the godly life of Rita Fougerousse. Rachel and I are among the scores who have been very blessed by the faith and friendship of “The Fougerousse Five.” Through the pain of loss, it will comfort the heart of us all to remember Rita’s smile and how firmly she kept her hand in the hand of the Lord she loved so dearly. Some beautiful lines from one of my favorite poems come to mind when I think of Rita and the legacy she has left behind for her family and friends: “Thou'rt gone, the abyss of heaven/Hath swallowed up thy form, yet, on my heart/Deeply hath sunk the lesson thou hast given/And shall not soon depart,” (“To A Waterfowl,” William Cullen Bryant). Continue to lift up Mark, Lauren, Tanner, Erin and the Hill family in your prayers.

· R&C also recently lost Janet Brady (mother of Steve Sullivan, a former R&C member) when a small plane crashed into her home and took her life. Her husband of 30 years, J. V., had been attending R&C weekly with her for a long time. Talking with him, he cited her dedication to spending time in prayer and her love for reading her Bible. He praised her good influence, her heart that was so touched by the needs of others, and her faith. I remember her sweet spirit and how she squeezed my hand at the back door as she was leaving worship on her final Sunday morning in this world and told me they sure were going to miss me. Before the week was through, she herself was being missed by those grieving her tragic passing. As Proverbs 27:1 reminds us, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” We need to live our lives closely connected to Jesus so that we will be ready when it is our time to go, or for His return, as 1 John 2:28 urges us: “And now, dear children, continue to live in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.”

I appreciate the positive feedback to recent sermons. It is always encouraging to hear how the preached word is a blessing in your life. I encourage you to pray for Togo missionary Marty Koonce who will be preaching this next Sunday morning (I will preach Sunday night). I will bring both the morning and evening sermons for

Clyde's Column, June 19, 2007

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 04:13:00 GMT

As I said Sunday, thank you for hugging our neck (or lovingly threatening to break it!) and wishing us well since we shared with you recently our decision to accept the invitation of the Lakehoma church in Mustang, OK (in a corner of OKC) to come be their preaching minister. It is an exciting time in our lives, but transition is always a difficult time as well. Part of that difficulty is saying good-bye. In my “ministry of good-bye” I am appreciative of so many of you who have pledged your prayers for me and Rachel, Seth, Andrew, and Matthew and our continued work for the Lord. Our special thanks to those of you who have helped us in some way already and to those who have offered to help in whatever way you can. Our lives have been blessed by so many of you, and we pray we have been a blessing to your walk with the Lord as we have shared these past 8 years of our lives together. I know God can do wonderful things in and through His people, and you will have my love and prayers for the path He will set before you and the man He will bring here to take the baton and run with it to His glory.
Having said all of that, we aren’t leaving just yet! I will be here through the end of July (my last Sunday at R&C will be July 29^th). I’ll look forward to spending some more time with you as your preacher over the next several weeks and bringing my final messages from God’s word to you.
I want to offer a special word of commendation for our friend and brother, David Koone. David and Michelle have servant hearts. Although he resigned as a deacon, I know their family will continue to serve God in numerous ways at R&C.
Missions: alive and well at R&C! There is a lot of excitement about mission opportunities and campaigns, and a lot of prayer support for our missionaries and campaigners. I know our Mexico group and the missionaries this congregation supports are thankful to have their names lifted up in prayer, and that God is pleased with any support you can give them, be it by a timely care package, e-mail, phone call, pat on the back, or whatever form it may take.

Two Pews Away

david.brandon.admin — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:34:00 GMT

How often do we petition God to bless us? We ask for comfort, peace, forgiveness, wisdom, healing, and love. We ask God to be with us, to save us, guide us and to protect us. When a situation is beyond our abilities, we ask God to step in and do what we are unable to do. The requests are as diverse as those asking. God wants us to ask. He wants His child to rely on Him, to trust Him. Matthew 7:7 says: “Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Our God is a giving God; all good things are from above (James 1:17).

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Paul and Timothy are instructing the saints at Philippi to talk to God, to cast their concerns upon He who is able and to make their requests to God from a thankful heart. God knows how to give good gifts, Matthew 7:11. As we ask we need to be thankful for God’s answer and for blessings that we already enjoy. We need to count our blessings, we must. If today you haven’t reflected on God’s goodness, stop and do it now. Our blessings are too numerous to include in this article, but I will list a few: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, the church, prayer, freedom to worship God as He commands, those who proclaim the true gospel of Christ, the ability to serve God by serving others, our country, family, wife, husband, children, mother, father, grandparents, friends, our health, opportunities, homes, safety, our jobs, food… the person sitting two pews away from you each Lord’s day. When we take the time to see what God is doing in our lives it allows us to realize how blessed we are. At times we pray for things that the Lord has already provided, things we just haven’t noticed. Do you need a friend, a mentor, a brother or sister in Christ, someone to serve? Your blessing could be two pews away.

Mexico Mission Team, Another Success

david.brandon.admin — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:33:00 GMT

The Mexico work was another great success. We went down to build two houses and finish some sheetrock and painting inside the church building at 10 KM. We did that… as well as some electric work at the church building, some dirt work at the orphanage (all the walls are now up!), two roofs, one porch, and some extra painting we hadn’t planned on originally. Thanks goes to everyone who made it possible. It took a lot of people donating money and materials, people learning new talents (like Debbie Moreland cutting and putting up drywall), and just great dedication and a lot of work. Thanks goes to all of you who supported us. A special thanks to all the adults who took time off to lead the trip; Keith and Randy for being the “lead men” in this year’s effort, all the drivers who braved the Piedras Negras roads, and especially to all the youth who carried on a tradition of working so very hard and giving great joy through your service. God, working through you, did a wondrous thing. Thank you personally, for the gifts and the plaque that marked our ten years of being a team in this effort. Words cannot express the appreciation I feel. Thank you very much!!!!

With the mission trip behind us, it’s time to start the summer break. There are lots of great things planned. We are going to St. Louis June 22^nd. The cost is $25 per person. There is still room for about 10 more who want to go to Six Flags; the ballgame availability will determine if tickets are still available. If you would like to go, we need you to sign up right away. There are also Tuesday Night Throwdowns each Tuesday at 7 pm. (Next Tuesday we are going to Searcy for the evening worship at Uplift.)

Don’t forget summer camp!!! Sign up today! There are great camps around. The youth fund will pay the first $75, and we will try to provide transportation if you need. David, Tim, Don and others are working hard to prepare for camp at Barton, while others are going to Tahkodah, Wyldewood, Caudle, Green Valley and more. Let us know where you are going to camp this year… someone may want to go with you.

Finally … Retreat – July 13-14; Mountain Home Youth Rally on Aug.3-4; and of course…

Vacation Bible School, Aug. 5-7

Guyana News 6/17/2007

david.brandon.admin — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:31:00 GMT

The family is now complete with Carolyn and Brenda's safe arrival to Guyana. Their luggage arrived the following day. So, even though it was a longer than usual trip, all's well that ends well. They made quite a positive contribution to the Soesdyke worship service yesterday morning. Rox (Patrick's wife) and Carolyn got to spend some catch up time together and Brenda and Chrystal (partners in crime) played together most of the afternoon until it was time to return to Georgetown for evening worship. The two of them had been looking so forward to this day of reunion. When it was time to go, we called our little "sand puppies" in and got Brenda brushed off for the trip back to town. We attended North Road last night where the welcome back hugs and kisses (yes, kisses) were abundant from the brethren there. Brenda was so excited about going in to see her church family that we had to literally hang on to her to put the insect repellant on her before she went inside. She just knew that they were waiting to see her. Once we gave her the "all clear" she disappeared like lightning into the building and was not at all disappointed in her expectations of welcome. Carolyn is "auntie" to so many of the kids and young adult men and women (ages about 30 years and below) and a very special "sis" to all of those who may not be considered young anymore. Hugs and kisses came from all. They've been awaiting her coming every since I arrived. It was almost like taking the grandchildren home to see your parents. They're not looking for you. they're looking for the grands. Well, it wasn't quite that bad (smile). I still got my hugs, too. Momma and daughter are at home with daddy and everybody's happy with that.

I would like to ask for you to remember in special prayer my oldest sister, Gloria Cook, who was diagnosed on Thursday with advanced *** cancer. Surgery is recommended asap with chemo and/or radiation to follow immediately. She has been an active Christian for most of her life; so, we're not worried about that part. It's strength for the long period of discomfort and adjustments that lie ahead for which we request the prayers of our brethren. Our family has survived all of its crises through the comfort of the support of our family's God, the ever-present support of each individual family member, and the ardent prayers of faithful brethren who know and love us. I expect that mom and the siblings will converge in Alabama for the surgery, as is our family's custom, and I may well be among them being the family cleric. I love you with the love of the Lord. Bg

Clyde's Column 6/17/2007

david.brandon.admin — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:29:00 GMT

· What a wonderful day we had this past Sunday! We had several visitors in worship on Sunday morning as well as a good crowd for Sunday night. And Sunday night was special. Larry Joe Smith came forward and we were all able to pray together and rejoice with each other and the Lord. After worship, the elders and many of us circled around the auditorium to pray for several of our number who are in need of healing and help from the Lord. I was once moved to write a few lines about our great need for faith, and our great need for the power of prayer, and I hope this short poem will be a blessing to some of you:

A faith that conquers stormy seas

Disciples find upon their knees

And they who fall, face to the sod

Will always find the face of God.

· My family enjoyed being with the West Side Church of Christ in Russellville, AR this past Wednesday night to kick off their Community Enrichment summer series. I love Dan Lightfoot (coming to R&C for our summer series next week) and was glad to get to be around Chris Buxton and Bruce Grice and get to know folks at West Side a little better. Some of them sent greetings to you here at R&C. Dan gave my boys gold dollar coins and did the disappearing hanky trick and they had some fun with that (especially since he made them reappear and they left with their dollar coins intact).

· I will be taking two Bible short courses over the next two weeks. I will be here on Sundays to preach but will be in class (Monday—Saturday) at HUGSR in Memphis.

· Austin Graduate School of Theology had a wonderful sermon seminar. The speakers did an excellent job. Bruce McLarty (who will be back to R&C before too long), Curt Niccum, Tom Olbricht, Glenn Pemberton and others led around 200 of us in exploring Scripture.

Bear Ministry 101

david.brandon.admin — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 07:26:00 GMT

Yesterday seemed like any other Trillium Park service, until we opened the front doors and stepped into the foyer. A lady sitting in her motorized wheel-chair asked if we were there to conduct worship services. I said, “Yes mam! Would you like to join us?” She responded with a chuckle and said, “Oh, no! Probably not, I’m Catholic.” I told her that was fine, she could still join us and that I was pretty sure that God took everybody and that we did to. She politely declined. As we rounded the corner out of the foyer, sat another lady and she asked if we took hypocrites too. I said, “Yes mam we do. Everybody is welcome to join us.” I tried to stress the word, “everybody,” to her and all the other residents sitting there in foyer. When we got to the meeting room for worship, another lady asked us if we practiced open communion, because she was Methodist. Albert and I both informed her that we do. After these three encounters, I changed my devotional topic to talk about Christ’s inclusive, not exclusive invitation to Him and the Father. We looked at the parables of the great banquet, the lost sheep, and the lost coin, in Lk. 14 & 15, respectively. I read Lk. 19:10, where Jesus says He came to seek and save the lost. I read Jn. 14:6, where Jesus says that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father, but through Him. You know, God/Jesus wants everybody to repent and come to Him, 2 Ptr. 3:9. Money, job, house, car, skin color, background, past sins, etc., are NOT admission criteria for God. He wants the homeless, poverty, stricken man as much as He wants the upper-middle class man. My hope and prayer are that we Christians, reflect the same attitude, love, and inclusiveness to the poor, the homeless, the addict, the homosexual, the liars, the robbers, etc. as God does. He wants these people just like He wants us Christians. In fact that is what He wants us to do, make them Christians by baptizing them into Christ. I hope and pray that God will soften your heart and let you see everyone the way He sees them, precious souls; some saved, some not saved. I hope and pray you will look for the opportunities He gives you to seek and save the lost and to bring to Him the people He wants…everybody.

Fried Chicken and God's Tenderness

Anonymous — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 03:38:00 GMT

Yes, fried chicken actually taught me something once. It was Andrew’s birthday. He was now a two-year-old! Rachel made him some of his favorite foods that day and at one point he was starting to eat a chicken leg. Unfortunately, he started to attack the big end of the leg, and two-year-old teeth just can’t do much with chicken bone!

I saw what needed to happen. I held the chicken leg up to his little mouth and became his rotisserie machine, rotating it to where the meat was easier to eat. He did not thank me; I think it annoyed him a little. But he got to eat chicken instead of bone that way, and that was good.

I suddenly saw myself as a two-year-old before God. He is tender and patient with me, and he wants me to get some nourishment. Sometimes he steps in, even when I think I’m doing all right on my own as I bite into a bone. I need help, even when I don’t know I need help! Often, when I do not know how he is working, I am being helped by God.

I’m amazed by–and blessed by–the tenderness and patience of God. I rejoice because of “the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven…to guide our feet into the path of peace,” (Luke 1:78-79). I’m thankful that “when the kindness and love of God appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life,” (Titus 3:4-7).

I’m thankful for precious moments with my children and how, through them, God sometimes lets me catch a glimpse of his heart.

Clyde's Column

Anonymous — Wed, 16 May 2007 23:18:00 GMT

Our Summer Speaker Series is almost here! Scott Adair will kick off the series with a helpful overview of the parables. The first Wednesday night in June (6^th) will kick off this special series.
Marty Knight will be leading an R&C mission team to Cluj, Romania from July 18-31. Currently there are six from R&C who are seriously considering making the trip. So that R&C can help be a sending church for this group, there will be a special contribution on Sunday, June 3 to support them. There will be a prayer service this Sunday night during which Marty will say a few words about the trip and prayers will be led for all of R&C’s mission efforts. To God be the glory for all of the efforts currently underway or being planned!
Missionary Loy Mitchell taught my wife and me a simple song called “Lift Jesus Higher” years ago while we were in Zimbabwe, Africa for a campaign. It calls for us to lift Jesus up for the world to see, and quotes the words of Jesus from John 12:32, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” For Jesus, being lifted up on the cross would lead to being lifted up from the tomb, and finally lifted up to the Father. The shame of death by crucifixion would ultimately bring great glory to the Father. The world could not come to the Father until and unless Jesus was lifted up on the tree. Now the magnetism of Jesus and the cross draws all people to Jesus so that Jesus can lift us up to the Father. And, we are called to lift Jesus up in our lives as we follow him. As he said, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me,” (John 12:26). We still sing the song, now with our boys during family devotionals. It’s a fantastic song to sing. It’s a tough challenge–a magnificent challenge–to live it out! “Lift Jesus higher, lift Jesus higher/Lift him up for the world to see/He said “If I be lifted up from the earth/I will draw all men unto me.”

www.clydeslimp.com

Anonymous — Mon, 14 May 2007 15:47:00 GMT

Welcome to the R&C blogosphere--you can link to my personal blog at www.clydeslimp.com if you would like to check out some stuff I have on it. The latest thing I uploaded to my site: the three lessons Randy Willingham delivered at R&C for our Family Emphasis Day. Blessings, Clyde