Curious George

I had a great opportunity today to attend a seminar on conflict coaching by the folks at Peacemaker Ministries. I’ve been so convicted that I need to learn everything I can about becoming a peacemaker. Think back to the many conflicts you’ve experienced in your life. How did you handle them? Were you an abassador of reconciliation like Paul described in 2 Corinthians 5?

“Now everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-21, HCSB)

Or did the conlict go nuclear?!? I must confess that most of the conflicts I’ve been involved in ended terribly. I pray that our church will have a culture of peace that grabs the attention of our community. We have a tremendous responsibilty as ambassadors. Will you join me in placing peacemaking as a top priority?

The seminar was hosted at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, AL. April and I attended there for about five years after we were first married. It was such a blessing to see our old friends Jan Jones and Don Steen today. I look back at our time there and realize that God used them and many others to help me grow in my walk with Jesus. I pray that God will continue to bless the incredible work that Dawson is doing to build the kingdom of God!

I’m not sure if anyone is reading this, but I am still alive   One of my New Year’s resolutions was to post more on my blog.  I just have to say that God is great and we are having an incredible year so far. 

My kids are growing up so fast…  With the recent death of Bronner Burgess (son of Rick from the Rick and Bubba radio show), I think we have all taken a re-evaluation of our lives.  The Bible says that our lives are a vapor and we don’t know what will happen tommorrow.  I am so convicted that I should see every moment with my family as a gift from God.  I can’t be overwhelmed by the everyday trials of life and miss the blessings all around me.   I am amazed at the grace and strength that God has given the Burgess family.  I pray that the world will look in amazement at the difference Jesus has made for them.  I pray that we will all be spurred into action on behalf of the kingdom of God. 

By the way, you absolutely have to see Rick’s testimony at Bronner’s memorial service.  God is using the death of this young child to spread a revival in our state and possible across the nation.  You can watch it here (three separate parts):
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We had a great time putting on our first Fall Festival yesterday.  We had two inflatables, games, pumpkin carving, and marshmallow/hot dog roasting.  It was exciting to see the community turn out and to meet a lot of new people.  We canvassed four apartment complexes around the library on Saturday and got many positive responses.  I’m so thankful for the Upward Bound program who provided 15 or so volunteers.  We couldn’t have done it without them!  I’m so proud of our church!  I pray that God will bless all those who worked very hard to make it happen.

I thought that I’d give you an idea of what’s going through my head after an incredible day at church…  We were blessed to have Dr. Hugh Richardson (Director of Missions for the Shelby Baptist Association) and his family as our guests today.  Dr. Richardson presented a $25,000 grant check from the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions to be used toward the purchase of a piece of land on Highway 22.  God has really worked through the many partnerships that have helped to make our church a reality.  We are thankful for Westwood Baptist Church (our parent church), the Shelby Baptist Association, the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, the North American Mission Board, and Developing Churches Network.  All of these entities have helped us one way or another and made so many things possible.  I can’t imagine trying to do things on our own.  We have seen first hand the power of believers working toward the common goal of winning this world for Jesus Christ!

The Mountain Valley Church family surprised me with a pastor appreciation lunch at Myra’s house.  We had a great time of food and fun!  I’m not sure if Myra’s dog, Thelma, will ever be the same after the kids chased her around the yard!  It is such a privilege to work with saints at Mountain Valley!  This core group of people have worked tirelessly over the last year to make the church a reality.  I don’t really know how to process their appreciation for me in light of all they’ve done.  I feel so honored to be working along side men and women who have committed to one of the hardest tasks I have ever undertaken.  I look forward to the days ahead.  I know that God has big things planned for a congregation that is so dedicated to Him.

We kicked off our LifeGroup study on The Peacemaking Church that coincides with the sermon series I’m preaching.  I’ve been so convicted that I need to learn how to properly handle conflict.  I pray that our church will be a haven of peace for a troubled world.

Well, have a great week!

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