2009 - Will I Sin Less? #43

As I go into this year I am aware that what I need to do is what I know I should already be doing.

God has told me quite clearly…

• What I should be: A person who desires, above all else, to live a life that brings God joy.
• Where I am to begin if I do not want to sin: Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against thee
• What I should do: Good works which the Lord has prepared for me to do
• Which of the 10 commandments I should keep: All 10
• How is sin defined: Doing what is not pleasing to the Lord. God does not distinguish between BIG SINS - little sins
• How I should be: A person who demonstrates the fruit of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness…
• How I should think: on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy
• How I should forgive: 7 X 7, keeping no record of wrong – as God has forgiven me
• How I should work: Do it with all my might.
• How I should love: With the same continual, unconditional love God loves me
• How I should invest: Not to lay up treasures on earth, but by laying up for myself treasures in heaven
• How I should give: Freely
• How I should take care of my body: As His temple
• How should I live during this next year? Doing what I know I should do, every time.

I know that everything the Lord asks me to do is for my own good – and none of what God asks me to do will be in conflict with God’s other guidance for me. To have a great year I must simply discipline myself to be God’s man.

So what brings this into focus as we enter this New Year?

I know I am a sinner – in thought, word, and deed. Only I know the extent of my sinful thoughts – and though I know I am often not evidencing the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control – there are also many times that I am not aware that I do not demonstrate this fruit. Even though my sins are forgiven, even though I have the guidance of and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, I struggle not to sin,

Much of what happens in the world is clearly in conflict with what God tells us humans to be, to do. Nevertheless, the Bible cautions me about being critical of another person (judge not), it encourages me to reach out in love, compassion, and forgiveness. Sadly, even knowing my own struggle not to sin, I find it so easy to be critical of another person because of what I think are the other person’s sins. Thus I sin in my desire to “set another right!” The Bible tells me that if a brother offends me, I am to go to him, one on one. In reality, I seldom do this. I believe we are to proclaim God’s truths, but this is different from trying to convict another of sin – perhaps a fine line. I do not think there is a place in the Bible where I see demonstrated or taught that I am to try to convict another person of sin – or to try to control society.

In 2009 I will again work to live my life as Jesus Christ would have me live as defined by the Bible and the Holy Spirit, who never leads contrary to the Bible. I will again work at helping other’s know God’s way for us humans to live. I will seek to encourage those who know God’s way, to live God’s way. I hope not to spend time being critical of others who do not know, or chose to ignore, God’s ways for humankind.

I live as a forgiven sinner. I must focus on managing myself through the power of God’s spirit.

“How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.“ --Luke 6:42

My challenge, our challenge, is to go into the new year, 2009, prayerfully committed to Living In Partnership With God.

Daily Opportunities #42

One Sunday morning I put on my robe and entered the sanctuary. A little boy in the front row pointed at me and said: "Mommy, is that Jesus?"

When leaving Greenville’s Post Office late Friday afternoon I saw an elderly, very tired looking woman several yards behind me. I patiently held the door open for her and as she walked past me she paused and quietly said: ”Thank you. This is the first good thing that has happened to me today”

“Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” --Matthew 25:40

In reality, we are the only Jesus some people may ever meet.

Barriers to Relationships #41

When I went from Connecticut to Tennessee to select and buy a house that would be our family’s home, I found a very nice, modest house close to the university. Through our families we had the money available for the down payment – it would have been affordable. I took the pastor, who was putting together the university student/church educational ministry, to see the house. He told me he felt it was too nice a house for what we would be doing. I did not, for one moment, agree with him, but I could tell that if we bought the house, it would have created a barrier between us. We needed a solid working relationship if we were going to be able to have an effective ministry. I called Sally Jo and we agreed: a house was not the key to our happiness – and probably not the key to effective ministry. Thus it was that I bought a house that would be functional – but was not very nice…and in a not very nice neighborhood. The house with no air-conditioning or central heat…and the family room made from a converted attached garage.

During the summer before we moved to Murfreesboro we studied for three weeks at L’Abri in Switzerland, the organization that Francis and Edith Schaefer founded. L’Abri had a continual flow of students and other young people from around the world who were seeking answers in the area of the Christian life. The L’Abri fellowship had several chalets where these people could stay for very minimal cost if they would work about half of each day keeping the ministry going – gardening, cooking, maintenance, etc. The students also knew they would be free to attend the lectures and discussions lead by the L’Abri staff…who ran each chalet. Sally Jo and I got permission to come and we shared the care of our daughters so we could both participate in the program. During the second week the town water line broke and there was no running water in the town for about a week. Water for life’s essentials, except for cooking and drinking, was taken from a nearby swimming pool. Out of practicality I decided to grow a beard.

Thus I arrived in Murfreesboro with a beard. Soon after we moved in, one of the church elders asked to speak to me. He was a wonderful, gracious man…and I could tell he was struggling with something. Very hesitantly he reminded me that I was hired without a beard and….I smiled and said that if my beard was a problem it would be gone immediately. The tension was gone! Then he went on to say that the beard was a real problem to some of the church people – and so he volunteered to talk with me about it.

At such times I remember Paul’s words: Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial. I Cor. 6:12

I could have made the case for the nicer home: “better for our family”, and for the beard: good for relationships with the University students. I also knew that our family would do just fine in the house we bought…and the University students did not really care if I had a beard or not.

Living requires us to continually decide: ”what is most important?” We drive a car…someone starts to cut us off. Is it worth risking a smashed fender to defend my position? Something is said that is not exactly correct. What is said does not hurt anyone – but it is not really what happened. What will be gained if I try to set the record straight? What is the potential relationship risk if I do? Does it really matter? Much of life is “small stuff” – not worth fighting for, not even worth discussing. Does it really matter?

Sometimes what I would like to do is permissible for me…but in the long run, it may not be beneficial. Why build barriers when we can build bridges. Too often our pride causes us to stick to a given position – not our wisdom.

When we live In Partnership With God we are to be peace makers. We are to be people who carry burdens for another, not create them. When we live In Partnership With God, we are called to forgive and to love. Let us never create unnecessary tension!!!

Let us seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Abraham – Us – Others #40

In some ways Sally Jo and I can relate to Abraham and his family. The Lord said unto Abram “Leave your country, your people and your father’s house and go to the land I will show you. I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you. I will make your name great….so Abram left, as the Lord told him” Genesis 12:1.

When Sally Jo and I were married we left our area of the country and our father’s houses – and seven times we went to the land God would show us. This was never easy!!!! When we moved from Bakerville to Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee State University we moved from “our” beautiful new home, complete with pond and view - to a house 1/3 the size, located 500’ from the entrance to the University – no pond, no view!! Our family room was the converted attached garage, and the only heat in the house was portable electric heaters. Imagine yourself moving from an incredibly wonderful church family the Lord had used you to bring together - to a town where you knew absolutely no one and to a job that was, in reality, only an idea. Mentally move yourself from a nice office in the church and a beautiful office in your home – to where there was no office for you, none at all. Imagine how Sally Jo felt when she arrived at an unfurnished house she had never seen. At least when Abraham went he was able to take his nomadic tent home and his large family with him.

God had made it clear to both of us: Go! God did not promise to make of us a great nation, that he would bless us, that he would make our name great. God’s directive was simply: Go! And we went. This was truly blind obedience! And so we began to build a new life for our family, to begin a ministry to college students, and to begin a co-operative Christian education program for seven scattered small and large, country and city churches - with people who did not know us and had no reason to trust us.

The beginning of our ministry in Murfreesboro was just the opposite of the beginning our ministry in Bakerville. In Bakerville no one welcomed us! In Murfreesboro when our furniture was moved into our house wonderful university students were at our door, and in our family room. Church members arrived with smiles, food, and a readiness to help in anyway they could.

Early one Sally Jo was able to begin a Bible study in the family room. No office? True. But there was a very large, old house on property purchased by 1st Presbyterian Church for an expanded parking lot. The house was not in great shape …but you go with what you can get. Permission was granted to put the office there. Burns Carroll, a church elder and father of one of the college students, stepped up to help…and he never quit helping. Quickly two rooms at the side entrance were emptied, painted, and two desks and a wonderful secretary moved in.

I do not remember how it happened – but the university students moved into the rest of the house. The large living room had a high ceiling and wide, varnished dark wood trim around the windows, doors, and up the open staircase. The room was painted by the students and the large fireplace, not used for years was readied for use. Comfortable furniture was brought in, a small stage was built, and the old kitchen was cleaned for use. The students named the building “The Morgue” in recognition that it most recently been a funeral home. A man in the church made a very large, symbolic fish to mount at the front door.

A room behind the office a room was organized for all of the Christian education materials from the seven churches. A conference table that could seat at least 30 people was built for an adjoining room. Upstairs two rooms were converted into meeting rooms for the church young people, and in the other two large bedrooms was placed a fully equipped ceramics lab managed by a church member whose daughter was in the student group. And up the outside of the building students lifted, with strong ropes, two donated, beautiful, old pool tables. Church members were excited by what was happening and opened their hearts to us. We were in business!

God continues to call His people to challenging situations!! Obedience may be rewarded with a very slow, painful beginning as ours did in Bakerville. Or quickly! Obedience to our Almighty, all knowing, all wise God is both wonderful and tough!

Let us remember God’s instructions to Joshua: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. Be strong and very courageous. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night…do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” Joshua 1:5-9

We must live In Partnership With God!

Orderly Transition #39

No person lives forever. Every leader chosen by God has the responsibility of fulfilling his assignment in a manner pleasing to God. Beginning in Genesis we see God’s plan for the transition from one leader to the next: father to son. God chose Abraham, whose oldest son was Isaac, whose oldest son was Jacob. To this point the transition from one leader to the next, from the father to his eldest son, flowed smoothly and Israel’s experience was generally positive. In Exodus we read that Moses was chosen by God, and Moses trained Joshua, and Israel remained faithful to the Lord. In the Gospels we see that Jesus chose the 12 and prepared them for servant leadership.

God chose me to become the pastor of the Bakerville United Methodist Church. As the shepherd of the flock, it was my responsibility to care for my/His sheep. We worshipped together, studied together, worked together, and laughed together. Together we celebrated God’s faithfulness, taught God’s word, cared for God’s people, built a healthy organization, and cared for the church facility. God guided and blessed what we did. Though I did not use the phrase, Sally Jo and I were living In Partnership With God - and increasingly others in the congregation did also. As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ we kept in mind that the ministry was not ours. If we should suddenly die, the ministry must be able to continue on without us.

When we were to be gone for several weeks one summer, I asked a fellow student who was from Japan if he would come and pastor the church. Toshi and his wife Shoko were warmly received by the congregation and served the members well. And there was a side bonus: Shoko taught Japanese Tea Ceremony and flower arranging. It was a great experience for this rural church and the Adachi’s. The church did fine without us!

When plans were made for the new parsonage, we made it very clear to the people that they should not build the parsonage for us. After three wonderful years we had no plans to leave the church any time soon, and my guess is that the church did not think we would be leaving soon either. The parsonage was completed debt free.

Four months after we moved into the parsonage, on the Sunday morning after Easter, I told the congregation we would be leaving in June. Emotionally this was a very tough morning: we suffered together. Every person in the sanctuary was there as a direct or indirect result of our ministry. Yet we all knew the decision was final – it was time for us, and the congregation, to move forward.

Who would the new pastor be? This was the United Methodist Church, and the District Superintendent was responsible for the appointment of the new pastor. I had received a letter from this District Superintendent asking that “I keep my conservatism more hidden and my evangelical fervor under control”. Things did not look good! I do not remember the details of how it happened, but George Smith was chosen to replace me. George was solid spiritually, biblically, and physically! His wife, Judy, was a gifted piano player. Both were delightful people.

To facilitate a smooth leadership transition, George and I planned to lead a week-long bicycle trip in August for the church young people. I am sure this was George’s idea – he had already biked across the United States with a group called Wandering Wheels. Sally Jo and I spent the summer studying at Labri in Switzerland and Capernwray Hall in England in preparation for the student ministry we would begin leading at Middle Tennessee State University. Then she headed for her family in Illinois – and I went back to the church for a bike trip in beautiful New England led by George. I should have known better!!!! Our days became increasingly challenging – and then George planned for us to bike, as I remember, 135 miles in one day. On that day we started at early day-break and finished in the dark.
Crazy, but we did it! Through this trip the young people got to know George as the very special person he was, and time and again they saw God’s care and provision.

George and Judy provided the leadership for the Bakerville church 34 years. Under their leadership church attendance grew from about 100 to over 400 each Sunday. Sally Jo and I were present on the Smith’s last Sunday: Judy led the worship team and George spoke and served communion individually to each of the 500 people present, taking the time to say a word to each. To God Be the Glory.

Deerfoot Lodge was able to make a similar transition from Sally Jo and me to Ron and Anne Mackey. God used Sally Jo and me to build a strong ministry and organization – and part of that building process included having Ron as a camper, Guide, counselor, head of tripping and as my assistant – and Anne worked with Sally Jo in the office for a summer. We became close friends. During the year previous to this leadership transition, the four of us met together each month to talk through a variety of subjects. Ron and Ann spent our last summer at DL with us. The 75th anniversary celebration marked an orderly transition from one couple to the next. Today Deerfoot Lodge remains solidly committed to the “building of Godly young men in a Christ-centered community through wilderness camping.” The camp is healthy in every measurable way. We are pleased, Mom and Dad Kunz would be pleased, and I feel confident that God is pleased.

Living In Partnership With God is our life long assignment, within which are temporary, God-given assignments. These assignments may include being a godly parent, a school board member, a construction worker, a pastor, a business leader, a camp director. Regardless of our God given assignments, God expects that we will do our very best work – which can only be done in partnership with Him. Ultimately there should be a smooth transition from this temporary life on earth to eternal life in the presence of God.

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

The Choice to Obey – The Immediate Results #38

When we work at doing what is right before the Lord, we often make decisions according to God’s will without the conscious awareness that the decision we are making is being directed by the Lord. When we look back and see what God has done we smile…inside and out.

Our decision to personally purchase a piano to be used in the parsonage was a very easy decision…I do not remember any discussion or serious prayer about what to do. And God confirmed that our decision was pleasing to Him as He provided the money that we truly did not have. We looked back…and smiled!

When we work at doing what is right before the Lord, at the necessary time we make the best decision we can. Seldom if ever do we have the guidance of a dream, of a burning bush, of hearing God speak, or of handwriting on the wall. Most often God guides us through a gentle steady pressure within. External factors may help us focus on the right decision, but ultimately we make the decision on the basis of what we feel, what we believe God would have us do.

God’s guidance to get us to leave Bakerville, CT and to move to Murfreesboro, TN is an illustration of no specific factor in the decision. God knew our hearts and He kept the pressure on until we knew His. We were thankful and at peace when the decision was made, but I know we were not real happy about the direction God was taking us.

Sally Jo and I knew that before we announced our decision to the congregation, we had to tell one particular couple – so we planned to go with them on an overnight skiing trip. Without explaining the situation, we asked close friend Nancy if she would take care of our daughters, Carla -4 1/2 and Jenna – 2. Carla was very excited about spending an overnight with her best friend – whose mother happened to be Nancy! The plan was that we would return in the evening after the second day of skiing – and pick up Carla and Jenna the next morning.

During that night we received a telephone call from Nancy: “Carla has suddenly become very sick!” We got up and went over and picked up the girls. The next morning we realized Carla was becoming worse, running a high fever. A call to the doctor brought a quick visit to the doctor – and a quick trip to the hospital. Carla had spinal meningitis – the first case in four years in a four county area. In addition to medication, the hospital was putting Carla into cold water to keep her temperature down. The news was not good: Carla would likely die, and if she didn’t die she would likely be seriously disabled.

Sally Jo stayed with Carla. I was crying so hard when I drove the 20 minutes home to be with Jenna that I remember being barely able to see the road. And I remember thinking, “Lord, how can I be thankful for this?!!” About the only thing I could come up with was that we had enjoyed five wonderful years with this very bright, strong, happy child! It did not help that Carla loved to play in the cemetery…which was located behind our house! I was truly shaken. “Why Lord, after our decision to obey your tough request, did you let this happen?” I never have understood the answer to that question.

My dad used to say to me “never doubt in the dark what you saw in the light”. I tried not to. Carla lived – and lives with a nerve in the back of her neck that flares up whenever she gets over tired, over stressed - a weakness in her nervous system.

Several months later, on the morning the moving van was to come, Carla asked me if I would take her down to the pond one more time. We stood at the edge of the pond, hearing the water flow over the stone dam, watching a bird fly so close above the water that its wing hit the water and left a ripple. An incredible moment – and then Carla asked “Dad, why do we need to leave this beautiful place?” I had no answer!!!!!!!!!!

As we walked the short distance to our beautiful parsonage the tears were streaming down my face, even as they are right now. “Lord, this is not fair!!!” I knew I should not doubt in the dark what I saw in the light…but this was very dark.

My Toughest Decision – Ever!!! #37

When the new Bakerville parsonage was ready, the church family made short work of the move. I think the members of the congregation were as excited as we were. The new piano arrived and the snow began to fall. My family arrived so we could celebrate Christmas together: All 15 of us! None had seen the new parsonage and most had never been to Bakerville, never seen the historic looking church with the excellent pipe organ.

We caught up on each other, laughed, sang Christmas carols and ate incredible food…from my sister’s home near Boston, from a NYC deli – chosen by my brother and his wife, and the best we could buy in the local markets (dad paid!!). Mickey and Doreen, a couple in the church that owned an excellent Italian restaurant, brought us a meal – which we ate for 3 meals. Church members came with their snow mobiles to give us all rides. Sally Jo and I arranged a sleigh ride for our family. The day was crisp and clear. Two draft horses with bells pulled us around a high field in Litchfield, CT. A picture perfect experience.

The family left and our adrenalin stopped flowing. We were back to “business as usual” – which was 90% fun work. The people were the church, and they knew it! These were people who wanted to praise God, to learn, to grow and to serve the living God. These people cared about and for each other. They even came to church during two snow storms – on their snow mobiles. Yes, of course there were people and church problems, but we were personally growing.

And then…the phone call! “Chuck, you have been laboring outside of the bounds of Presbytery for 4 years. Would you consider becoming Presbyterian Minister to Students at Middle Tennessee State University, minister of education for three “city” churches and 5 small country churches – and preach each Sunday, rotating through the 8 churches? And you would need to put all this together.” The answer was quite easy: No. I mean why would we leave Bakerville, CT for Murphreesboro, TN to start all over again? And why leave people we really enjoyed, where Sally Jo had close friends for the first time since we were married in 1962? The Lord would not ask us to make our 4th move in 8 years.

I told Sally Jo about the phone call and my response. A couple weeks later, the phone rang again: the church group persisted: “Chuck, you have worked in the south, in Christian Education, and pastored a country church. Would you and Sally Jo be willing to come, see the situation, and share your thoughts? Is this a good idea? How it could work?” Sally Jo and I talked briefly and agreed to go for the visit. After meeting pastors, church elders, a group of university students and seeing church facilities, we met with several key people for an extended meeting. Our job was done. The next day we were taken back to the Nashville airport so we could return to the incredible beauty of a rural Connecticut winter. We could not wait to get back!!!! On the ride to the airport the same question was asked:”would we come?” “No”. “Would you at least pray about it?” How could we say no to that request?

After several days of internal struggle, I realized I must consider the invitation with an open mind. And I did – then quickly prayed:”Lord, you would not ask this of us…would you?” I tried to sort out the implications of our move. I remember standing in the parsonage study looking out the large windows to the little stream flowing through the snow. In Tennessee we would have to buy our own home in town, near the university. I realized we would have no church home in Tennessee. Ouch! Slowly I realized I had no choice”. To do what was right before the Lord, we most go”.

When I went upstairs to tell Sally Jo my decision, I was a basket case. None of me wanted to go…yet I knew. As I spilled it all out to Sally Jo she said “I knew we would be going when we got on the plane in Nashville”. “Why didn’t you tell me? You and your friends were a huge part of this painful struggle – how could I ask you to leave? Why didn’t you tell me you knew what we should do?”

“Chuck, this had to be your decision”. The decision was made!

The Key to Successful Christian Living! #36

I believe the most important key to Christian living is seeking to do what is right every time, in every area of life. As I type I am thinking “this must be an over statement” yet I cannot come up with anything more important to Christian living!

To seek to do what is right every time I must abide in the Bible – the objective Word of God. The Bible does not change – and when I read it I am continually brought back to reality! God said to Joshua “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” God provided His Son to demonstrate the nature of God, to clarify what God would have us do, and ultimately to die on the cross for our sins. When Jesus left earth he provided the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us. The Bible teaches about all three.

As you read the above paragraph it is easy to get up tight…to become afraid you will do the wrong thing. To live worried about sinning does not sound much like: "My yoke is easy, my burden is light” The Lord is always good news to those who truly seek to live a life pleasing to Him – to seek to live our lives “In Partnership With God. Jesus died that our sins could be forgiven. God knows our hearts!!!

When we live obediently, we will at times make decisions that, when we look at the total picture, just do not make sense. To act in this way requires faith -faith in God’s direction and in His provision so we are able to do what He would have us do. Hebrews 11 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. God seems to provide us with opportunities to be obedient and to see Him provide, or to be disobedient and to see/live the consequences. God’s provision may take considerable time – but if we got our signals straight, it will happen!! In the same way, if we choose to run our own lives, it may take considerable time for us to live out the consequences of our decision, but it will happen.

So where does all this? My making of two decisions: one easy, the other was painfully difficult. I do not remember making the first decision – yet it was made. The building committee developed the plans to provide the finest possible parsonage for the Bakerville Church. When construction began, Sally Jo, who was the director of the children’s choir, said she thought we should have a piano in the parsonage – it was difficult for her to take a baby and toddler to church for the rehearsal, and during the winter months the sanctuary was heated only minimally. I agreed. The decision was made that quickly. The young organist and went to the piano company, picked out a piano and put our name on it. I did not give much thought to the fact that we had no money with which to buy the piano. God had provided before – my challenge was to do what I believed was right/best...every time!

About a month later the piano company called: “We have a piano with your name on it – and you have not made a down payment. How do we know you will purchase the piano?” I responded with “you have my word” He responded with “No one has ever said that to me before. When will you pay for the piano?” I said “When the parsonage is finished in a couple weeks, and the piano is delivered”. He was as surprised by my answers as I was surprised by his call – and my answers. What had I just promised? And then…I just got on with life.

As the parsonage neared completion, Sally Jo and I were building the low retaining wall at the entrance to the basement. John Kinsey drove up and as I went to greet him he chewed me out for having Sally Jo work so hard, and then said: “You will be receiving a dividend check from Waterbury Bank and Trust…it is a gift. I don’t need it.” A few days later the check came - within $7 of the cost of the piano! My guess is that John and Edith spent no more time thinking about their gift than I did about the purchase of the piano. That the check matched the cost of the piano confirmed to me that God had guided us both! A week later the piano was delivered to the newly completed parsonage – and I paid for it in full!

Please, please do not go and make a foolish decision – based upon what I have just written! On the other hand, do what you believe God would have you do – every time! As you will see next Monday, when we seek to Live In Partnership With God, sometimes it is tough to know and do the will of God. The piano resides in our home – a reminder of God’s ability to guide me – and of His ability to support my obedience. “God’s work done in God’s way never lacks for God’s supply” (Hudson Taylor) Our challenge: to do God’s work as God would have us do it!

On this page is a biblical basis for what I have written above.

Our key to successful Christian living is doing what we believe God would have us do – to do what we believe is right every time. There are times, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, when we must make decisions that are not logical…we make them because we believe they are right before the Lord. Keeping God’s directives separate from our personal desires is at times tough…but if we do, God will guide us. I firmly believe this. If we live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ there will be times He will guide us – when we are not aware of His leading. But most of the time we will need to make a very conscious decision…to know and do the will of God for us.

What other conclusion can we come to? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” The King James translates the end of the passage: “And He will direct your path”. Proverbs 3:5-6 the next verse underlines the truth of 3:5-6. Verse 7: “Do not be wise in your own eyes”.

When we say…”God answers prayer”, we need to remember the context of the promise: ”Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself…I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:4-8 To tell people, including children, God answers prayer without their understanding the context is cruel! It sets them up for disappointment – possibly to destroy their faith: ”it does not work for me!!!” Often we say: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” Psalm 23:1 or “I shall not lack any good thing." This promise of provision is to those who live with the Lord as their shepherd.

Paul writes “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13 in the context of persecution – not as truth to be applied in every area of life – we cannot lift buildings! And for a person to quote this verse after winning an Olympic metal…this can sound great, but is a total miss-use of the verse. When Paul writes “but my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19, he does so in the context of persecution, but the teaching is consistent, in a broader sense, as seen in other biblical passages. “All” is all to those who abide in Christ.

It is sheer folly to think for you or me to ignore what we believe we should do when, deep down, we know our decision would not be God’s best and expect God’s best for us – and through us, for others

A Refreshing Body of Believers #35

Our challenge was quite simple: Build a healthy church, a healthy body of believers. With only 8 people attending church, there were few deep theological convictions, or church traditions, or church leaders, or functioning committees or church groups. The Bakerville Church was the only one church in town. It was wonderful to welcome people as they moved into town with “I am Chuck Gieser, the pastor of the only church in town”. Every effort was made to have the church building be the community center - where people came to vote, to have exercise class, for a club meeting. We wanted everyone to feel comfortable in “The Bakerville Church”.

Preaching/teaching was focused on the basics of the Christian faith; the person of Jesus Christ, His actions and teachings. There was no need to focus on our sinfulness – most of us have a pretty good idea that our thoughts and actions were not the same as those of Jesus Christ – and in time the Holy Spirit would convict of sin. And why even bring up areas where the Christian community had never come to agreement. Sally Jo and I both taught small group Bible studies – if a group got up to six members…start another group. Three of Sally Jo’s closest friends came from one of those Bible study groups.

.As a part of our focus on the life and actions of Jesus, it was easy to see the value of a body of a group of like minded people coming together to learn about, and in time, to worship Jesus Christ. Having people organized in some way was logical. It was quite obvious that people had different abilities/gifts– encourage their use.

And so Mr. Dobrick, a little old man, stood at the door between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall/class rooms and welcomed everyone every Sunday. He was so special that our girls named on of their gerbils “Dobrick”. Many people filled little niches, and this was clearly seen on the Sunday night before Christmas. Each year members of the congregation went caroling, and then came back to church for hot chocolate and cookies. After four years the church young people were building a huge bon fire in the church parking lot, those unable to carol baked an incredible number of cookies, Hal Glowsky provided fresh, whole milk with which to make the hot chocolate…and it took two school buses, provided by the school, to carry all of the people who wanted to go caroling. The buses went in different directions well beyond the little community where the church was. Those “being caroled” were not the church members or their close friends – they were already involved in the evening. Those being caroled were the shut-ins…and anyone else where people wanted us to sing. At an agreed upon time…back to the church, light the fire, drink the hot chocolate, and eat cookies and more cookies.

We still remember those evenings together…and the Christmas pageant, pot luck suppers, working on each other’s homes, sharing over-productive garden crops, painting the church with the young people, skiing together, the apple festival. Church was closed one Sunday each summer for a church picnic. The wedding in Cana must have been like the weddings, particularly Polish, we celebrated - with lots of dancing, laughing, food…and just in case Jesus did not show up, an adequate supply of beer and wine. Wonderful celebrations!!! This church did not have as many festivals and celebrations as are talked about in the Bible…but we got close!

After three years the church members decided it was time to build a truly wonderful parsonage with no debt: sell the old parsonage and a lot given years before. Bob Morse headed the building committee. Granny Jones gave the building site: set back off the road – stream, beautiful pond with an old stone dam, and a great view! As the plans were developed, the parsonage grew: a living room to hold junior choir rehearsals, a dining room to seat 15, a family room with a fireplace built of stone slabs from an old house, a kitchen that was incredible. Upstairs: 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 baths. And in the walk-in basement: the pastor’s study, a large play room, and a workshop wired and ready to go. Church members began building on August 11 and on the Friday night before Thanksgiving 35 people came to paint the interior of the parsonage.

Our message to the church during the planning and building process: “Do not build this parsonage for us! This is for the church, long term!” Though we did not use the phrase, Sally Jo and I lived In Partnership With God, a God who has a plan for our lives.

The Anticipated Visit #34

Sally Jo and I were very excited! My parents were coming to visit us again in Bakerville! The church was coming back to life, we had come to know some wonderful “salt of the earth” people, my school work was completed, the church had just started a nursery school, and the large vegetable garden was producing wonderful food!

During our second fall in Bakerville, Sally Jo and I went to a local orchard to buy apples. It turned out that the owner was an Elder from the church down the road from Bakerville. When asked where we were from, we told our story. He asked if we could get a minister like me for their church. What he was really saying was: “Can you find a minister who will bring our church back to life?” Their part time minister believed as little about the Bible and God’s message of Good News as the previous pastor in Bakerville had–and their church was almost dead. Pat and Mary Ann Cate, who became missionaries in a Muslim country, accepted the opportunity and the Nepaug Congregational Church came back to life.

We were working hard, we were happy, and we were excited about what was happening!

We had enjoyed wonderful few days with my parents! The day they were to leave, my mom, dad, Sally Jo, our toddler, Carla, and I were in the back yard. It was a beautiful day. We were standing near a huge willow tree, next to the sandbox I had built for Carla. Seemingly out of the blue my dad said “Chuck, when are you going to quit wasting your life – and get out of this place?” He was serious!

I was close to my parents. They had encouraged me when I struggled in school, had bought me tools, and had taught me how to work. My mom and dad helped my brother and me plan great summer experiences including summer camps, working on a farm, working as a dishwasher for Young Life, and building a house in Costa Rica for Latin American Mission. They were at all my football games. They had been missionaries in China, and now Mom taught a weekly Bible study. Mom and Dad had started the Missionary Furlough Homes Foundation. Dad was a Board Member of The Christian Medical Society, The Medical Assistance Program, Young Life, Intervarsity, and Wheaton College.

“Chuck, when are you going to quit wasting your life – and get out of this place?” He was serious. We were stunned!!!!!! This was one of those water-shed moments in our lives: Were we going to continue doing what we believed the Lord would have us to do – or were we going to take my father’s advice? We stayed in Bakerville for two more years.

The Lord continued to bless His ministry in Bakerville. At the end of four years church attendance was about 100 each Sunday, the church organization was working well together, the nursery school was at capacity, the new parsonage was built and paid for, and Chris Phillips, the young organist, was in college–the first member of his extended family to attend

We were able to participate in the selection of the next minister and his wife. George and Judy Smith stayed 34 years. When they retired, there were 3 worship services each weekend - about 500 people were involved. And there were 13 Evangelical pastors from the area meeting weekly. We were glad we had stayed!

In Bakerville we faced many challenges – some would say “tests of our faith”. We would say it was in Bakerville we gained a much greater understanding of ourselves, and of God’s ways: His guidance, His provision, and His blessing.

I live my life with two basic verses:

• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths”. Proverbs 3:5-6. KJV.


• “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do”. Ephesians 2:10

Living In Partnership With God continues to be a challenging, rewarding experience!

Living as God's Man #33

Forty incredible Deerfooters arrived from 15 states for the Joshua Weekend. For me, personally, it was very rewarding. Most had been DL staff members while I was Director and trained in leadership/management. I think all had been Counselors – responsible for the development of the young men under their care. Many had also worked in the kitchen or on maintenance, headed up a program area, been a section chief, a Guide Leader, the Assistant to the Director. Most are working in their chosen vocation, and many continue their formal education. A significant number are leading youth groups and/or providing leadership in other areas of their church. The singing at the Breaking of Bread service was once again incredible! Living In Partnership With God is a reality for possibly all of these men.

Chief Ron gave me two months to prepare, and I felt a heavy responsibility to God, and to these special men, to help make the weekend a significant event in each of their lives.

During the first session I encouraged each to single out the 10-12 most significant areas in his life. Small groups were used, and biblical confirmation was sought for each area. After this initial work, the wisdom of Solomon as stated in Ecclesiastes was considered – and then the results of 3 secular studies were reviewed. At the conclusion of the session each was asked to finalize his personal list, and numerically rate, on a scale of 1-10, where they were in each area.

For the second session they were asked to select one area of importance from the previous night where they would like to move from where they felt they presently were – toward where they would like to be. The focus here was on self-management and the reality that a change in one area would impact other areas of their life – ripple effect.

For the third session I encouraged each person to recognize he had experienced community at DL and that he had helped to provide solid organization and management. These experiences provided part of the foundation from which they could move, and also a “picture” toward which they could work Throughout this session I shared some of the process through which DL worked as it moved from where it was 25 years ago to where it is today.

The singing during the Breaking of Bread service was incredible! As we celebrated God’s gift of eternal life, Jon Redeker summed up the weekend for me. He reminded us that Jesus, before the crucifixion, cried out “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me!” Jon said he could imagine God’s response: “If not you, who?”

These words have been burned into my brain as God’s question to me. “If not you, who?”

And so I must recognize what I believe to be of significant value to God – and thus should be of value to me. I must continue to work at living out more of what God desires me to be. I must welcome my responsibility to utilize all that God has entrusted to me – to do the good works which He has prepared for me to do.

Jesus had the time to be with His disciples, the closest He had to a human family. Jesus had the time to celebrate at a wedding and spend blocks of time talking with God. He faced the need to feed, to heal, to answer hostile questions and to teach, yet we never get the feeling Jesus was running around like a mad man.

Every opportunity I face is not a call of God! May I spend sufficient time with God to know what He would have me do before I give myself to any new situation. When I believe I know what God would have me do, I must take the task seriously – while keeping in mind the other responsibilities He has given to me: continued time with Him and my family, in celebration, and getting good exercise, food, and sleep.

As I live as God’s man I will have little continuing stress, a free spirit, a joyous heart. Deerfoot encourages me to do this.

A Turtle on a Fence Post #32

When we see a turtle on a fence post, we know someone put it there.
(A book was written with this title by Allen Emory)

Often Sally Jo and I have felt like turtles on a fence post, that God has put us into a particular situation “to do the good works which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:10. It is easy to feel that what God created us to do are big, significant, and important as vocationally we have gone from one challenge to the next, seeking to do God’s work in each place. We have been useful to God and to His people! We have come to realize that what we have been able to do has been because God prepared us for the work He had us do. God has given us the privilege of Living In Partnership With HIM. What God has given Sally Jo and me the opportunity to do has been a good match of ability, training, and responsibility. We have not been forced to take on any challenge – the choice has been ours.

It is easy to think that we are only turtles on fence posts when we have the opportunity to do something “significant” – or perhaps “significant” in the eyes of the world, even if just the Christian world. I am increasingly realizing God probably puts us on fence posts much more frequently than we think. God puts us into situations because God has work for us which is important to God, though it may be insignificant in the world’s eyes, even to those within the Christian community.

What else could Jesus mean when He says “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42

This morning I walked into the convenience store and saw an elderly woman leaning over, trying to pick up two quarters she has dropped. She just couldn’t do it! I picked up the quarters and handed them to her…and received a smiling “thank you”. Then with sadness, “I just cannot do that any more.” I had brought a cup of water to an elderly, frail woman who obviously had very little of this world’s goods. I could have turned the other way. I had a choice to make. I believe I was a turtle on a fence post, placed there by God, to do His work.

When I totaled the Prius, the first person to my car window was Ralph Souza, a Deerfoot dad. He had no clue who was in the car. In our lives at that moment he was the turtle on the fence post and he chose to let God lift him off the post to do the work that God had prepared for him to do. God put Ralph there for us. Ralph was ready to bring the cup of water, regardless of who was in the car.

When we were ready to move into the Bakerville church parsonage, Bob was the turtle on the fence post when he produced enough cash for the COD bill the mover said we must pay before he would unload the truck (Bob held gambling pool for the people at the factory where he worked). Alice was the turtle on the fence post when she came to the 150 year old parsonage day after day to help Sally Jo clean, paint, and wallpaper. Chris was the turtle when he played beautiful music for a very small, but growing number of people each Sunday morning. John was the turtle when he showed up at our doorstep with a gift of $1,000 for Sally Jo and me when our money was literally used up.

When we Live In Partnership With God, God delights in using us to meet the needs of others. May we be delighted when we realize that God has used us to meet the needs of others.

We will go crazy if we think God wants us to “take care of” every need we are aware of! We will live in peace when we take the time to sort out the needs God would have us meet from the needs others would have us meet. Our time, strength, ability, and other resources are limited. May we never shirk the impossible looking tasks we believe God has given us to do. May we never shrink the small, humble tasks we believe God has given us to do. May neither pride nor fear control me, not if I Live In Partnership With God!

Sally Jo Update

Good Morning

While I was up at the Joshua Weekend, daughter Sea took Sally Jo to the spine Doctor - Dr. Chaney. He said that her bone was healed and that now it was time to work on strengthening the muscles that hold the spine upright, that enable to spine to work. After being in the body brace for eight weeks, there is little strength in them now which, in reality, leaves the spine vulnerable to injury.

Sally Jo does not need to wear the brace while in bed or during the day while being inactive. This was obviously very good news. During the day she must wear the brace anytime she is being very active - and when doing something passive and she feels the muscles getting tired.

Because of the very weak muscles, he thinks it highly unlikely that she will be cross country skiing this winter - which is tough. She missed last winter due to the broken arm. Ouch!

He said that if the vertabra compression had been two vertabra higher, she would be a paraplegic. Sobering!

I feel the Joshua weekend was excellent for the 50 or so that were there. I am sure Chief Ron will send update in some way.

I climbed the dugs....a little frightening for me as my hip was just replaced on May 1. I took my time, the other hikers were incredibly patient and at times, helpful (over big rocks!). The last time I climbed the Dugs was for a Lone Eagle Ceremony during my last summer at DL - and I did not know it, but my pace maker was broken and my pulse was stuck at 70. Ever try to climb a mountain, even a small mountain, at pulse of 70? Don't. This trip was MUCH easier!!!

This weeks IPWG was written months ago and I have no record that I have sent it to you. I trust you will find it helpful.

I am just too tired to write something new tonight.

A Confrontation Well Done #31

I know I should rejoice and be glad in the Lord each day, but when I learn that my desire to encourage someone has done just the opposite...ouch. This learning process was particularly difficult because it was four months between my blunder – and when Libby (not real name) wrote to me about how I had hurt her. Four months is a long time to carry pain….particularly when it is undeserved pain. The letter was not vindictive, not bitter. It was written in love by a person who highly respects me, and that I highly respect. Our love flows both ways. I am very thankful that Libby had the courage to write.

The situation: On the Saturday before our chance meeting in church I had learned that Libby had decided to get the necessary formal training to back up her natural gifts and interests, to change jobs and to go for it! That decision, that move takes courage – guts!

On Sunday morning, about ten minutes before the morning worship service is to begin, Libby and I saw each other.

In my joy of seeing Libby and the excitement I felt for having learned of a total vocational change, I did not quietly listen. Rather, I began a telling her how proud I was of her – and asking questions. As time was limited, I shared thoughts, and I asked questions too quickly, and I did not listen to responses adequately- or really give her a chance to talk about my questions…My mind was going very fast…and my mouth was going even faster!! . I gave encouragement for things not even in her plan. The result? A person without time to respond... Trapped. And I walked away pleased with our few minutes together!!!!! Incredible insensitivity!

“… take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” James 1:19

I did not live out the verse, a verse I know. Ouch!!!!!

It looks to me like/it feels to me Libby perfectly lived out Matthew 18:15-17 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over…” Not only did Libby not get angry, she gathered the courage to write me an excellent letter – a letter that obviously hit its mark!

After receiving the letter I went to Libby to apologize – and we do not live in the same town! My respect and appreciation for Libby is even greater, and our friendship grows. And her new vocational plans! Formal training needed to back up considerable personal experience is in place. A joyful, successful hobby has become an new vocation! Easy….irrelevant question!

All of the above happened several months ago….and I wrote the above several months ago – and because of a friend with gutz, I have had impressed upon me…

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” James 1:19

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over…” Matthew 18:15-17

If the shoe fits…wear it! I will wear this pair for a long time!

Sally Jo update

Friends...tis time for an update

For the first four or five weeks there was not much change -

In these 3 weeks the progress has been remarkable. Sally Jo goes in for her 8 wk check up on Friday afternoon.

Present situation: she get's herself in and out of bed, can take brief walks outside with a cain, was able to help with freezing peaches this AM, fixing supper with me. She is not on any pain medication. She has now been out of the house into a car twice - once to get her hair cut...and Monday night to go to a book study group from Church.

The limitations are - the back brace which is a velcroed on deal that is the equivelant of a cast. She is now able to shower - thus no brace. The brace/cast prevents her back from bending her spine - this prevents her getting anything off the floor - or any down low location. She has a grabber which helps a great deal. She has little endurance/strength but it is beginning to come along nicely.

Yes, I am encouraged!!!

The doctor told her 10-12 weeks in brace - Sally Jo has heard a few people have gotten them off at 8 weeks - so you know she is hopeful about Friday.

I know some of you have been praying for us regularly - thanks. Some has sent cards - I think she got 2-4 every day for the first 4 wks - from you, other Deerfooters, people in churches we have served, friends, etc. These cards have been wonderful to receive, to read.

If you would like to call....fine. I will leave tomorrow to pick up Jason Weyer who is flying in from Houston for the Joshua Weekend.

Do pray for me as I lead 3 sessions for the weekend. I feel well prepared. What is critical now is responding to the people in the sessions in helpful ways.

I may send you an IPWG that I have already prepared this next Monday morning as I go straight from DL to a 3 hour choral rehersal...to home, half dead? I have 2 or 3 that I have prepared along the way....I like them....hope you do to.

Should be fun weekend. chief chuck

On Marriage #30

For 36 years 30-31% of the population has said they were very happy with their lives (National Opinion Research Center’s General Social Society Survey). 50% of married people of faith with children consider themselves to be very happy, while only 17% of non-religious, un-married people without kids feel the same way. Gross National Happiness Arthur C. Brooks. 2008

Paul wrote in Ephesians 5: “the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church… “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”. To care for another person to the level that Christ loved the church is impossible – but this gives to husbands a clear picture of what we must seek to do.

When Sally Jo and I married, the two of us became as one flesh, fully committed to each other. That commitment has remained through incredible challenges. Yes, I am to love Sally Jo as Christ loved the church. In reality, if she had not equally loved me, one or both of us would have crumbled during the past 46 years. Seven times we went into new situations, each more difficult than the previous one. In each situation we knew I had the responsibility of getting a ministry on its feet – twice this was within a larger organization. What the Lord has used me to accomplish has, in reality, been accomplished through the work of both of us. Paul introduced the passage above with “Submit to one another.” A good marriage requires this!

So why do I write this now? Because I am gaining a much greater understanding of the work Sally Jo has been doing for me and for our children. My greatest challenge has not been any specific work required – but the endless work required. I just get my mind focused on something and I hear, “Chuck, could you please?” Or like just now. I am focused and then off goes her alarm clock to end her nap – and she is sleeping so hard she does not move! So…up I get. For weeks Sally Jo was unable to get into or out of her hospital bed without help, so during the day and 3 or 4 times at night I would hear her say: “Chuck, I need to…” Which is really saying, “Chuck, stop doing what ever you are doing – I need your help now” Her needs have controlled almost everything I do. What did Sally Jo do when our children were infants, then toddlers, then...? What did she do for me when my heart went crazy and I was in 5 emergency rooms and spent a week in each of 3 hospitals, or when my hip was replaced? Sally Jo’s back was broken because I dozed off – and the car went off the road. How easy it would be for Sally Jo to say “Chuck, I would never be in this situation if you had not dozed off while driving”. (a fact I never forget!!!) But what good would it do? Would saying this be best for me?

Marriage means for me that if Sally Jo prepares a meal, I will clean up after the meal. If she leaves our home for an hour or three days, I work my tail off so that when she walks in the door she sees things to be in better shape than when she left. Her smile is worth my effort! After all, she has been keeping up with things day after day. When home, what a lift it was when I took the children out for a few hours. I have always taken out the garbage, cleaned the garage. Personally, one of my greatest challenges is to listen to her – to really listen! Does she do things that bug me? Really frustrate me? Of course she does - often without knowing she is doing so. Sometimes Sally Jo does not do something I think is fully reasonable! Ouch!! If I am to love my enemy, how can I not love my wife?

I know a husband whose wife does not want to cook or clean…and so he does it. I know a wife who was so angry with her husband that she called for help when she realized she had a butcher knife in her hand and was ready to kill him! They worked through their problems and had a solid marriage until one of them died years later. Alzheimer’s? A stroke? A quadriplegic from an accident? A job loss? Who knows what a marriage will bring.

Jesus did not give up on His church, which is people! I cannot stop loving Sally Jo, stop seeking to do what is best for her, no matter how tough it gets! With both Jesus and me as her examples, she may well love me in the same way.

There is tremendous happiness, joy, security – call it what you will – in knowing we both have someone we can count on, no matter how tough life is!

We are God's people! #29

Each Sunday morning, during the opening hymn, our church choir processes up the center aisle, then splits and comes down the side aisles. We then sit in the choir loft/balcony. As I walk around the congregation I am reminded that we are God’s people!

The town where the church is located includes more people with graduate degrees than any other town in the state of New York, yet this church of about 600 members is very diverse, very inclusive. About half of us come some distance to be part of this body of believers. I walk by the couple in their late 90’s and several families with young children who like to sit near the front. I walk by the Pakistani family and the Japanese wife. Many men where sport shirts, and there are families where the father wears jeans, one of whom reads the Scriptures from the lectern in jeans. In the back corner of the sanctuary sits one of five mentally challenged young people in the church. Kevin, 11, has both Williams Syndrome (outgoing, totally trusting, poor people judgment) and Autism (likes repetition – words, patterns…flips a book over and over) and is very difficult for his mom to keep quiet. The boy does not miss much, and every few weeks he will loudly call out, at the appropriate moment in the sermon, “Yes” or “I like that!” After music he enjoys, he may clap. Last Sunday I heard him say “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – right mom?”

When the Lord’s Supper is celebrated almost every person in church walks up the center aisle. Dan, a quadriplegic in his mid-thirties, drives his wheel chair to the communion rail. A husband brings his frail, bent-over elderly wife.

In the choir, on my left, sits David, an administrator for a large organization with residential and placement programs for children 1-18 sent to them by the courts. Thirty years ago he was working directly with the children. Each week I ask David “what has happened this week?” His son, Matt, worked at DL for a summer. On my right is Frank, a professor at Albany Med and a research neurologist who has published over 60 articles in scientific journals. Frank has had a busy week when he sleeps except when he sings. The adult choir of 30-40 includes three music teachers, a composer/former college president, two nurses, an attorney, a waitress, a comptroller, house wives, retired people, etc.

The church embodies Romans 12. “in Christ we who are many form one body…We have different gifts: prophesying …serving…teaching, encouraging…contributing…leadership…showing mercy.” The members live out Romans 15:1 “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak” and Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens.”

Though we are 30 minutes from the church, Sally Jo and I are being well cared for! Last December, when Sally Jo broke her arm, people brought food, cleaned the house, and wrapped Christmas presents. In June, when my hip replacement put me out of commission, three men came with a back hoe and planted two large new trees, transplanted pine trees, built a grape vine support, planted four grape vines and, moved compost. Their wives joined us for lunch.

Since our accident in July, members have sent food, brought dinners we have enjoyed together, weeded the flower and vegetable gardens, spent time reading to Sally Jo, taking me to pick up the Jeep, etc. This past Monday night 17 brought salads and we provided a cake to celebrate Sally Jo’s birthday. Knowing this group was coming, a local pastor’s wife and son came over and worked their tails off mowing and trimming the yard, and cleaning the house. Our daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and a Christian neighbor from down the street help freeze vegetables from Sally Jo’s productive garden and our Christian neighbor across the street stores our surplus in her freezer - 40 pt. of blue berries to date (and we have probably given away another 20 pints). Son Dirk picked up a new computer when mine died – and two nights ago Sally Jo’s computer died. Sally Jo has received cards and notes of encouragement almost every day for five weeks!

Without the care and encouragement we are receiving I would not be able keep up with a portion of Sally Jo’s daily needs (daughter Sea carries most of this responsibility), routine work in and outside of the house – and have conversations face to face and by telephone with some of you, write these weekly IPWG to you, begin to catch up on e-mails from a month ago – and continue my preparations for the Joshua weekend.

Being the people of God brings security and blessing. Let us enjoy living In Partnership With God!

My Communication With God #28

I am convinced Jesus never intended the Christian life to be difficult to understand. Jesus chose shepherds, a carpenter, fisherman, and children. ”Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential." 1 Cor 1:26

I believe the Christian life is to be lived, not just thought about. Through the teachings of Scripture, our God given brains, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the benefit of wise counsel, we can know what God desires us to be, to do. At DL we sing “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God’ (Matthew 6:33) Many of us know Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” God desires that we know His will for our lives – when it is important to know His will.

Here is our challenge: "If you love me, you will obey what I command… "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. John 14:15, 23 And the summary of the general challenge: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27

It is my experience that God guides me to the extent I have obeyed His previous guidance, and desire to continue to be obedient to Him. He is God, and He knows what is best – God alone can see the total picture. Is God patient with us? Of course. And He fully forgives. We judge a person’s character. God, who knows the hearts of men, judges our character perfectly! He knows the desires of our hearts. I am glad God knows the desires of my heart, for then when I do disobey, actively or passively, God will seek to bring me back to right thinking. My choice? Continual choice.

During the course of an average day I find myself talking to God. I praise God when I see something beautiful. Often I feel the need for wisdom...and I ask for what I need. Yes, God knows what I am thinking, what I am in need of. My praying to Him causes me to recognize my need, often a need only God can fill.

As I seek to live out what I already know He desires of me, I must keep an open mind to the nudge of the Holy Spirit. By nudge I am referring to an internal feeling of what I should do. Soon after Sally Jo came home from the hospital I had an evening when I was very tired and about to get into bed when I thought I should select some verses and a few pages from a familiar book that I could read to Sally Jo in the morning. I finished my “home work” and crawled into bed. A couple hours later Sally Jo woke up…and could not go back to sleep. No fun! Fortunately I had responded to the internal nudge of the Holy Spirit and was prepared to encourage her through verses and the selected pages.

Here are a few examples from the DL context.

• During my first candle light service I suddenly thought I should say: “Be strong and of a good courage…”
• One summer we had a real discipline problem with an Indian one summer. As the Indians went into the dining hall for breakfast, I “pulled” the tall young man out of line and we went for a walk. I simply asked what was troubling him. He was quiet for a long time and then started to cry… His mom and dad had just gotten a divorce and… This type of thing happened to me many times each summer.
• I had a former Deerfooter apply to be a counselor. When he applied he told me the sin which he had committed during the fall of the school year. He came totally clean with me. I had a choice of excellent people to hire. I “felt” I should go with the person who choose to be candid with me. He continued on several summers in key positions.
• In May, 1987 I went alone to a place where I could fast and pray as I wrote my 44 After Breakfast Bible Study Outlines. On the night of May 11, I woke up with a dream clearly remaining in my mind. I wrote down the dream. In summary “You know how to run a camp, now teach others how to run a camp.” Today former Deerfooters direct camps in NY, ME, PA, TX, CA – together they were at DL well over 50 summers. And there are others in key positions in NY, MN, and MT. I worked at God’s directive….He blessed the work He had directed me to do.

There will continue to be times when I feel as if God has gone on vacation…without me! My challenge at such times is to obey God’s directives and to wait patiently for Him. As I seek to live In Partnership With God, my communication with God will be solid – this is essential to our partnership.

My Confidence in God #27

A quick overview of Mark’s Gospel shows that Jesus begins his ministry by inviting 4 fishermen to leave their fishing and to follow him (1:16). Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John followed Jesus. There is no indication the men had a clue as to how long they were being invited to be with Jesus. It could have been they were expecting an afternoon outing.

The five go into a synagogue where Jesus taught and encountered a man with an unclean spirit. Jesus tells the unclean spirit to come out…and it did (1:23). Then they go to Simon Peter and Andrew’s house where Peter’s mother-in-law is in bed with a fever. Jesus heals the woman (1:29). The word about what Jesus is doing spreads quickly. That evening Jesus healed many and cast out many devils. By the time Peter, Andrew, James and John went to sleep for the night they were gaining a confidence in Jesus. Going back to fishing, anyone?

Very early the next morning Jesus went where he could be alone to talk with God. Peter and the others find Jesus and tell Him people are looking for him. Jesus goes with the men to preach in synagogues. When they encounter a leper, Jesus touches and heals the leper (1:40). A few days later a palsied man is healed (2:1), and then the man with the withered hand is healed on the Sabbath (3:1). When people recognized Jesus at the Sea of Galilee, a crowd gathered. Again Jesus healed many, and cast the evil spirits out of many.

This pattern of teaching and healing continues into chapter 8 where Jesus heals the blind man (8:27). Then Jesus asked "Who do people say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ”

Many people are gaining confidence in Jesus because He had demonstrated His supernatural power and His supernatural perspective on life. Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him and puts on a show they will never forget!! Jesus was transfigured: his garment became shining white. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appear with Him. The three disciples hear a voice come out of the cloud that overshadows them: “"This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" (9:2)

Soon the disciples themselves seek to cast out a demon, and fail. Jesus steps into the situation and asked the boy's father: "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." Jesus said "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief !" 9:17-24.

My confidence in God is based upon the teachings of Jesus, many of which I was taught from a very early age. Increasingly I understand the truth, the importance, of what Jesus taught through action and word. My confidence is also based upon the experiences of God’s reality that others whom I trust have told me, and upon my personal experiences of God’s reality – often in the context of "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Sometimes these experiences have come completely “out of the blue”.

Many years ago I started writing down those times when I believe I experienced the reality of God – and now have recorded well over 150. I mentioned one of these in the context of who God sent to care for us immediately after the accident. I did not pray for God’s people provisions…He just did it! Another example was God’s provision of the right wife for me. Another – the provision of Bakerville church in CT. Another – John’s gift of $1,000, and the anonymous gift of $100 the same day.

I am confident that God will do for or through me what is best in every situation - if I seek to be the person He would like me to be. Will I fail at my task? Absolutely! This is why God brought Jesus into the world: to clarify what it means to be the person God would have me be, and to die on a cross that my sins could be forgiven when I mess up. God knows my heart. He knows my desire is to be His man.

When I get discouraged and bewildered, and I do – I look at the truth of what Jesus said, and my experience of God’s reality. Then my confidence in God is affirmed.

Living as God’s man continues to be both a joy and a challenge.

Living With Life's Challenges #26

Due to present situation, the following topics will now be addressed in the context of living "In Partnership With God":

1. Confidence in God
2. My Communication With God
3. Marriage - Two Become One
4. Family
5. Christian Community: Diversity - Use of Gifts
6. Visiting Hurting People
7. Helping Hurting People
8. What is God Trying to Teach You?
9. Looking Forward...and Back
10. Keeping Margins...Balance

Context for the Above:

• January 2007 - Cross country ski 4 hours
• January 2007 - Injure groin muscle...re-injure playing with grandchildren in February
• June 2007 - healing slowly - increasing pain in knee
• November 2007 - discover arthritic hip - second opinion - deferred pain from hip to knee - January surgery planned
• December 17 - Sally Jo falls - breaks right arm just below shoulder
• May 1, 2008 - Sally Jo able to drive - care for me - hip surgery - good recovery
• July 18 - my computer dies
• July 19 - I doze, Prius totals, Sally Jo suffers spinal compression fracture - put in removable body brace to be there for 10-12 weeks - 5 days in hospital - I sleep in recliner by her bed - leave once for 4 hours - home, shower, nap. Many visitors including 4 or 5 ministers. Flowers. Sally Jo up and walking 15 minutes max
• July 24 - head home - hospital bed to be waiting - painful to get into son Dirk's van - laxative med kicks in 3 hours late - emergency stop at church - into wheel chair - into ladies room - back into van - 30 more minutes to home - no hospital bed - they call - coming after emergency delivery of oxygen - arrives 1 1/2 hours later - Sally Jo exhausted, great pain. Put bed in dining room - with regular twin where I sleep. Incredibly difficult night!!!!!
  
  Sally Jo unable to do anything by herself...life is painful challenge - over next week progress is slow...but steady. Able to get self out of bed, move with walker, sit in recliner for an hour, then two max. Body cast very uncomfortable - had never been told how to adjust, etc.
  
  
  Friends from church arrange for food, help in many ways - other people call, ready - Please Ask!!!
• July 27 - daughter Sea flies in from Vieques, PR - massage therapist - we bought one way ticket! Good timing for her - beginning of hurricane season! Very few tourists anyway.
• July 31 - Loaned car to use - Jeep to become primary car - take to shop for AC condenser replacement - dash must come out - cost $1200 - also needed muffler, shocks. Then we go to order new Prius - same as 2005 model and equipment - 4-6 month wait. Cost increase $1500. We wait for insurance settlement.
  
  Dirk purchases me new computer...sets up...I must continue to ignore e-mails...through now. Dollar costs are adding up...and up!
• August 4 - call at 9:30am - be at spinal doctor's office in 2 hours. Their oversight - doctor begins vacation! One hour to office. On time - leave doctor's 1 1/2 hours later - only regular chairs in office. Painful wait! Healing has begun - No surgery!! Keep body cast tight - walk, climb stairs. One hour drive - exhausted, increased pain. Long night.
  
  I typically get up with her 3-4 times each night. Every time she changes location, night or day, one must assist.
  I catch up out of house: 12 stops in 3 towns plus Albany
  
  
• August 7 - ready to watch opening ceremony of Olympics - TV suddenly dies - Dirk picks up new one - more $
  
  Sally Jo's garden has begun producing food planted to be frozen. 25 pints blueberries frozen to date. Dirk and wife, neighbor help with picking and freezing as needed.
• August 9 - Sally Jo gets to see garden she planted in May and June - but will not be able to work in it this summer. Insect invades acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti squash, melon, pumpkin and gourd vines - plants begin to die
  
  Sally Jo: "Will life ever become normal again?"

We are facing, and dealing with, life's challenges!

We covet and value your prayers.

Reality: Church Debt #25

The fuel oil company called to say they would be unable to make further deliveries until the church’s bill was paid! I hung up the telephone and sat there in shock. It was fall, just over a year since we had arrived at the church. No payment had been made on the bill since the previous mid- winter delivery.

I knew nothing about the church finances. I did not know what anyone gave or what the expenses were. The treasurer was trusted, and every Sunday someone took the offering to his home. He totally managed the church’s finances and the system had worked well…we thought!

I went to the church treasurer, an older man, and asked him what was going on. He very calmly took me to his large roll top desk, and pulled a few envelopes out of one compartment: “These are the unpaid bills. I did not have the money to pay them and I knew they would send another copy.” Together we added up how much was owed to the fuel company, the electric company, and the insurance company. The treasurer had probably been totally honest, but he simply had not kept the people informed of the situation. And besides, how do you tell seven elderly people, a teenage organist, and a young minister whose annual salary was $4,000 they had to give more, much more, to keep the bills paid.

The congregation was beginning to come together. Now about 50 attended with some regularity, there had been a few church gatherings, and spirits were high!

Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, had said “God’s work, done in God’s way, never lacks for God’s supply”. To date in our lives we had found this to be true. So…here we go! The church was God’s work, and we were doing God’s work in God’s way to the very best of our ability. Where was the supply? I had no choice but to take the issue to the congregation.

Before the meeting I went to Ralph and Judy, a young couple who had recently begun to attend the church, explained the situation, and asked if they would be willing to become, together, the church treasurer. They agreed to do this, and to give the Official Board a financial statement each month that told total contributions, total expenses, and the balance in the checking account. This was no great challenge. God had supplied a new treasurer! (41 years later – still treasurers – no big deal?)

At the congregational meeting I laid out the problem and said the contributions needed to more than double for a specific period of time to get through the crunch. We also agreed to change treasurers. I then told them that Ralph and Judy were willing to accept this responsibility.

Suddenly the giving increased, the bills were gradually caught up, and from that time on the income matched or exceeded the expenses.

“God’s work, Done in God’s Way, Never lacks for God’s supply!"

I dozed, Not God! #24

This has been another long day. Some level of manageable pain is with Sally Jo continually – and then there are times when she moves the wrong way and the level of her pain is a 10 out of 10. At such moments I hear what sounds like a cross between a cry/shriek/gasp for breath. And I know that my mistake causes her present agony – agony that will not go away, even with drugs. Significant pain will continue for several weeks.

I know I caused this, Not God. Yes, the days leading up to my involuntary doze have been busy, but this is nothing new. I messed up big time. Thankfully, when I momentarily dozed off, we went to our right – and not left into the constant flow of traffic that comes down Rt. 30 from the Adirondacks every summer Saturday afternoon. I have known for as long as I can remember that after lunch what I really want to do is take a nap. I just get sleepy.

Many years ago, after a long DL presentation morning, I dozed off and headed across the center line. It could only have been God that protected me and others. This time God let the accident happen. There is no way I can blame God.

But my stupidity did not cause God to leave me, to leave us! I dozed, Not God! The car went down into a culvert ditch and then up over the culvert and into the air for at least 10’. While in the air I became wide awake. Almost as soon as the car stopped a man opened my car door. It was DL camper dad and work weekend regular, Ralph Souza. I have long considered Ralph a friend. I was not hurt. Sally Jo’s door was quickly opened by a stranger.

“I am a Physician’s Assistant.” She had been riding with Ralph to take her son to see Deerfoot. Sally Jo was in excruciating pain. After checking her over carefully, the PA held Sally Jo’s face in her hands and asked “Would you like me to pray for you?” A cervical collar was put on Sally Jo and she was very carefully put onto the ambulance stretcher. I believe God provided Ralph and his passenger. God’s timing was perfect. I dozed, Not God!

From the Gloversville hospital I called Deerfoot and asked to have Sally Jo’s close friend, Ann Mackey, to come to the Hospital. Soon my cell phone rang…”Chief, this is John Fox... I am coming with Ann.” John had been on the DL staff and was now an orthopedic surgeon. He and his wife were at camp for the week as back-up for the nurse.

At the hospital in Gloversville we learned there is no orthopedic specialist. But we had John! He carefully checked Sally Jo for nerve damage and studied the x-rays. John then pointed out to me the squashed vertebra, the primary source of the pain. He thought there was a good chance surgery would not be required. He then provided the relevant information to Albany Med. Their E.R. would be ready and Sally Jo was carefully moved into the waiting ambulance. I believe God provided Ann and John. God’s timing was perfect. I dozed, Not God!

The plan had been for me to speak in Speculator on Sunday morning, and then Sally Jo and I would drive to meet son Dirk and his family who were camping on secluded property they had just purchased. They would be waiting! Dirk did not know we were at Albany Med, and there was no cell phone reception. One couple had been to the property – I called mutual friend Shirley to get Derek’s number. He was out of town. I was literally the only person who knew where Dirk and family were, and I had only been there twice. The hospital staff assured me they would care for Sally Jo. A friend drove me the hour to find Dirk. We got to the place where I thought the property was and for 15 tense minutes could not find it! No way I could have explained to someone else where they were.

While away, Sally Jo became sick and needed help. No one responded to her buzzer! Into her room walked Shirley and Roger. Sally Jo immediately had help! I believe God provided Roger and Shirley. God’s timing was perfect. I dozed, Not God!

(my computer Saturday, 7/18 as we left for Speculator – hope to replace and get your messages soon)

Prius totalled - Sally Jo with squashed vertebre

Friends.

On Saturday afternoon Sally Jo and I were driving up to Whitaker in Prius. I was to speak at Ken and Stephanie’s church on Sunday morning. Driving north on Rt. 30 I dozed off…and we went off Rt. 30 to the right at 55 mph, hit a culvert, went up over culvert and apparently flew about 10’ before landing.

First head in my window was Ralph Souza – camper dad and work weekender I know well – I was unhurt. Into Sally Jo’s door came a PA – riding with Ralph with son to see DL. By ambulance to ER in Gloversville-

I called Anne Mackey to come be with Sally Jo. Fifteen minutes later another phone call – John Fox, orthopedic surgeon and DL staff member when I first came to DL was coming too. Upon their arrival we learned Gloversville did not have orthopedic specialist or dept. John went over x-rays – found problem... told PA who communicated with Albany Med so when we arrived they were up to speed.

They put Sally Jo in neck brace and body brace. No immediate surgery – if stabilized in next 2 wks – no surgery. If stabilized, no surgery. Very, very painful experience. Trauma for me to see – I only left bedside from early Sunday AM until we came home today, Thursday.

Ride home was horrendous. About Delmar Sally Jo had to potty stop. Suppository had finally kicked in! At home incredible pain – no way to get comfortable. We have rented hospital bed – have very firm, good, recliner – no position/way to get comfortable even with heavy pain pill – half codine – and muscle relaxant. Could not eat supper.

Imagine how you would be feeling if this was your wife... and your fault! About 9:00 PM things started to improve and she has slept since.

Please pray for her healing, her pain... and my emotional healing and pain. I have a new understanding of suffering. It is Thursday night and I set up bed next to hers. She needs my help/care as much during the night as during day. Our oldest daughter, message therapist, flies in on Sunday night to stay as long as needed. Excellent help!!!

I had finished Monday Morning IPWG before I went to Whitaker – cannot get my brain around sending to you yet – will soon.

Please do not call! I will send updates.

Chief Chuck

Valued Grass! Valued People!! #23

The church lawn was expansive and beautiful. John’s yard man not only mowed the grass, he dug out the weeds!

The annual Apple Festival at the church was going to be wonderful! Favorite desserts were brought to the church – some to be eaten, some to be sold. Handmade items were for sale – beautiful baby sweaters and blankets, and the knit hot pads we use to this day. There was bobbing for apples, pony rides around the beautiful lawn – truly a festival!

The day before the festival it rained – poured! The next morning the sky was blue and the sun was warm. The people came!

As the pony was led round and round the lawn, the soggy lawn soon showed the effects. Picture a very large muddy circle – surrounding a lush green lawn. Not good! But how could we stop the rides when there was a line of excited children?

I knew I had to tell John what happened, hopefully before he saw the mess. So the next time he was in town I went to his carefully restored home. This was a visit I did not want to make.

As I told John about the Apple Festival and what had happened to the lawn, I realized he was smiling. And he said something like “Chuck, a lawn should be more than something to look at.” The grass was not his treasure! I have never forgotten what he taught me that day.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” --Matthew 6:19,21 There seem to be two primary ways we can store up treasure in heaven: The first is to worship the Lord, to bring glory to Him. The second is to invest in the lives of people.

The church building and setting did bring glory to God, just as did the temple in Jerusalem. John gave generously to support the physical church, knowing that the church facility would be used by the people of the church and of the community. If John would have been tough on me, as he could easily have been, I doubt that I would have healed as quickly as the lawn did. My memory of the occasion would be very different.

John was a tremendous encouragement to me and to the church.

I believe John lived In Partnership With God. One evidence is how he cared for God’s church – the people more than the building.

A Growing Confidence #22

After I completed my Masters in Religious Education, the seminary asked me if I would like to work towards my doctorate. The church was slowly coming together, our expenses were low due to our large garden and gifts of potatoes, carrots, and tough dairy cow beef, and there was always more to learn. Well into that second year we realized that our money was just about gone. I do not remember that we worried about our situation, and we are pretty sure we did not tell anyone of our need.

On April 7, 1968 John knocked on our parsonage door. This was the man who had generously given towards the construction of the new church, and the husband of the seldom attending church member I had to tell would no longer be a member of the “Official Board” – IPWG #19.

John handed me a check for the church. He then handed me a second check, saying “Chuck, this check is a gift for you – it is not taxable”. I thanked him. He then turned and walked away. I took the check for $1,000 to Sally Jo. She smiled and said “There is the money we need to pay our Social Security tax, and to pay back my father for the car we are driving, but we still do not have money for food.” I laughed and said “The day is not over yet”. That afternoon I went up to the church and found an envelope with a cashier’s check for $100 and this note: “In grateful appreciation of your work in the church and in the community.” I ran all the way home! God had provided for our needs at the zero hour – and again strengthened our confidence in the ability of God to care for us in His special ways.

We were not totally surprised by God’s provision. When we left Dothan, Alabama two years earlier we believed we should serve a church while I attended school. The ministry would help cover our living expenses. Not knowing where the church would be located, we shipped our earthly possessions to Hartford where the school was located. We then headed for Honey Rock Camp where I would be teaching Christian Education for Wheaton College for the summer.

Soon after arriving at Honey Rock, I was asked to consider becoming the pastor of a healthy 200 member church located an hour from the Seminary. Sally Jo and I agreed that I could not accept this pastorate and go to school full time. As the weeks went by, no further job opportunities came – and we were admittedly becoming a bit apprehensive. During our last week at Honey Rock I received a letter from the Methodist District Superintendent. He had gotten my name from the seminary and in essence said “I have a Methodist Church that no Methodist Minister will take – and you are a Presbyterian minister and there are few opportunities for you near Hartford. Perhaps we can make a deal.” This looked like God’s provision. A week later we drove to Sally Jo’s sister’s house in New Jersey, dropped off our daughter, Carla, and went to meet the Methodist District Superintendent and to see the church and parsonage. The offer: $4,000 a year plus house and utilities. IPWG # 15 picks up at this point – our arrival in Bakerville, living in the motel, in the church office, and the slow beginning of our ministry there. Four years later about 100 people were in church each Sunday, a nursery school was begun, a new parsonage was built, and the church was free of debt. Bakerville was God’s provision for us – and we were God’s provision for them.

Our story is not unlike Chief Ron and Anne Mackey’s. They had been through two difficult pastoral situations when I asked them to consider coming to work at DL for the summer. Ron would head up tripping. As the weeks went by it became apparent that Ron and Anne had no clue what their next step should be. Camp ended and the Mackey family continued to live in the Lane Cabin. Soon after the school year began, Ron was asked to become the Associate Pastor of the Loudonville Community Church – a truly great church on the north side of Albany. After five or six years of fruitful ministry, Chief Ron told the senior minister that he would be leaving to become the Director of Deerfoot Lodge. The senior minister’s response: “I always knew we would lose you to Deerfoot”.

I do not consider our experiences to be unique. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has not changed! As we seek to do what is right before the Lord every time, He can redirect our path and He has many ways to provide for our needs.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. -- Proverbs 3:5-6.

Response to Adversity #21

During our second year in Bakerville, Sally Jo started a women’s Bible study. Six or seven women came…including Barb, Nancy, and Pat. Sally Jo and these three have maintained their friendship since 1968…keeping in touch through telephone calls, letters, e-mails, and a few weekend trips together. When Barb’s husband, Ward, was 50 (and I was 50) Ward suddenly died. I was the minister for the funeral. Three weeks ago Nancy died of pancreatic cancer. I was a minister for the funeral. This past Monday was the funeral for Roger, Pat’s husband. I was a minister for the funeral. Roger and I were the same age. Sally Jo and I are the only remaining couple.

Roger was 20, a concrete worker, when he married Pat who was still in high school. After a few years Roger had his own, successful, concrete business. He was big, strong – tough! The early years of Pat and Roger’s marriage were sometimes very stormy – but they were determined to make a go of it. They did for 47 years.

They had two children, Cassie and Bill. I asked Pat if she was interested in starting a nursery school in the church facility. Roger told her to go for it. Under Pat’s leadership the nursery school’s reputation and numbers grew.

Roger was not only developing a reputation as a cement contractor, but, in the small community of Bakerville, as a man who would help people in time of need. He could fix almost anything. In the winter he would plow his neighbor’s driveways, and knowing his neighbor’s schedules, would make sure they could get in and out as necessary to meet their normal schedules. Everybody knew Roger.

Pat asked Roger, who had never gone to college, what he thought about her going to college to become a teacher. Roger told Pat to go for it. Pat graduated from college and became a grade school teacher.

Roger became very sick with Legionnaire’s disease – a disease that killed many people. Slowly he recovered and then continued with his concrete business, but was not able to work as hard physically as he had before being sick. Though Roger was slowed down physically, he continued to meet needs of those in the community.

After a few years he started having a series of mini-strokes, and with each he lost physical strength. After several of these strokes, he realized he had to get out of the concrete business. This once big, tough concrete worker was no longer able to work physically. But he continued doing little things for people, including plowing their driveways and being “Uncle Roger” to the two small children who lived next door. Everyone knew that, weather permitting, he would spend several hours each daily sitting on the bench in front of Pat and Roger’s home, watching over the neighborhood.

Roger also cared for his wife, Pat. Roger did the shopping and prepared a wonderful dinner for her every evening. Sally Jo and I enjoyed one of those dinners in the home they had worked hard to make beautiful a few months ago.

The night before the 8:00AM grave side service, Sally Jo and I stayed in the home of daughter Cassie and her husband, Kevin. We listened as Cassie told many insightful stories about her dad. I asked Cassie if her dad ever complained. Her response: “never!” At the graveside, I invited the eight family members present to share their experiences with Roger. Out came stories of how Roger had cared for them…and others.

There are many ways to respond to adversity. Big, strong, tough, hard working Roger was slowly reduced to a man who had great physical limitations. He never complained, and continued to care for his wife, plowing his neighbor’s drive ways, and as he was able, cared for people with needs in the community.

Though Roger never went to church, one of his neighbors stood up at the memorial service and said “Roger was Jesus Christ to me.” What a reminder of how I should live as one of God’s redeemed.