An opportunity opened for Pastor Kevin and his family to move a little closer to the church. His opportunity for relocation became the opportunity for several of the men and women from Calvary to open their hearts and arms to help. It's difficult to explain how something so laborious can become something so fun and entertaining. We laughed and laughed all afternoon while helping Kevin and Kelli get situated into their new home.
As a Christian, and even more-so as a church member, it's difficult to miss the "community" aspect of our relationship with Christ. When joining a church, you are literally joining a community of laborers for both Christ and yourself. It seems that help is always just a phone call away. Whether it's for a car repair, a baby sitter or... to help haul a few boxes, God's people (in particular our fellow church members) never seem to fail.
May I encourage you to take advantage of the community we call "Calvary". It's more than a place to worship... it's our family!
Few things suffice for comfort like the sight of a friendly face. Pastors hope to offer this comfort through visitation. Whether in a hospital, prison or a home, getting to know people is essential to ministry. As part of our "mentor" program, Pastor Kevin and I spend much time and put many miles on the car for visitation purposes.
Today, he and I were able to visit the family of a child who was to undergo major surgery in the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Praying with this family prior to and immediately after the surgery was a great comfort to the family of this very ill little girl. The hours spent in the waiting room was not only hospitable, but also a needed distraction from the natural worry that comes with such a time. I'm thankful that Pastor Kevin has a heart for all people.
Pray for your Pastors as they minister to the flock by way of visitation. As time and resources allow, we hope to make visitation a mainstay for the ministry of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. As I have said many times before, "A good shepherd smells like sheep."
The picture you see to the left was taken by me last night as I visited Pastor Kevin and the youth group of Calvary. There were well over 1000 teens engaged in a great spirit of worship. Several surrendered their life to Christ by the end of the service.
While my visit was not a surprise to Pastor Kevin or our youth group, I wasn't surprised to see them all enjoying the Spirit of our Lord. Their behavior (before, during and after worship) was very characteristic of a Godly, Christian youth group. I'm sad to report, that cannot be said of every youth group represented.
After the worship service I began my travel (just an hour or so) home. Directly across the street from the camp was a local convenient store. I decided to stop and purchase a soft drink for the road. In the store were dozens of youth from various churches. In the parking lot were even more teens... just doing whatever it is that teens do these days. Located in the parking lot was a large, 16 passenger van with the name and logo of a local church. Surrounding the van were many teens and their adult chaperons. Sadly, each were smoking cigarettes and using profanity. I was shocked by the cavalier attitudes of these boys, girls and adults who were representing Christ.
I began to thank God for the wonderful youth group that my children (and yours) are a part of at Calvary. While none of them are perfect, the truly seem to know how to behave themselves in public, especially when representing their church... and their Lord.
Take time this week to acknowledge the strong Christian behavior of your youth group and their Pastor. God is greatly glorified by them.
Pastor Mike
I awoke this morning with an overwhelming realization that God's men are in constant need of prayer. As I was praying for the people of Calvary, I began to pray for Pastor Kevin and sister Kelli. They are both away at teen camp with many of our teenagers. I began to pray for strength, alertness, wisdom, to have the spirit of a helper, compassion and discernment. Among other things such as safety and kindness.
Paul addressed the church at Thes. and said, "Brethern, pray for us." (Thes. 5:25) Its amazing how a Pastor knows when someone is praying for him. I know when people are praying for me because they tell me so. Few things encourage a Pastor as when they are told that they are being prayed for. This means so much. On the other hand, I know when someone isn't praying for me. When they are quick to find fault in me or talk about me negatively behind my back. These are stings that seem to last a while.
I ask you to pray for your Pastors everyday. We are men of God and Satan hates us. He would love to destroy our families and our relationships. Here is a link that will help you know how to pray for your Pastors. http://www.reviveourhearts.com/pdf/31DaysPrayingPastor.pdf
"Father, I pray for Pastor Kevin and Sister Kelli. I pray that you will guide them and guard them. Help them as they seek to meet the needs of the people you have given them. May they be an encouragement and an example to others as they seek you in all things. Keep them from the snares of the enemy and may they find your hand of favor on their lives at all times. In Jesus name, Amen."
Pastor Kevin and I are currently studying a book together (no pictures this time) called "Everyone Communicates, Few Connect" by John Maxwell. Taking 1 chapter per discussion, we are making our way through the book at a steady pace. We are learning that communicating with others doesn't necessarily mean connecting. Connecting requires effort. How important it is to connect with those you are trying to reach and lead! Pray for us as we continue in our time together. This is a fantastic read for anyone who engages in communication of any kind.
