The work will be there! #20

On a crisp Sunday afternoon during our first fall season in Bakerville, Hal called to tell us he was on his way over to take us to see the beautiful colors in the area. Hal was an older man, a dairy farmer with a rather large operation. Soon he arrived and we were on a leisurely drive, escorted by a person who knew and loved this corner of Connecticut.

Hal told us that he knew we were pushing hard to get the parsonage comfortable, to get to know the church members, to develop a basic church program – while I was in graduate school. Hal went on to remind us that there would always be work to do and if we did not stop to enjoy the fall colors, the opportunity would soon be past. Each fall he came by at least once to take us to see the scenery he enjoyed. Hal helped us learn to stop and smell the roses – to enjoy the beauty and wonder of each place we lived.

Sally Jo and I do not stop often enough to take the time to enjoy our environment. But wherever we have gone we have taken Hal’s lesson with us. For years we took a walk together every day – not much of a choice as we had a dog. This block of time together enabled us to get needed exercise, let us enjoy the world around us, and gave us the opportunity to catch each other up on the activities of the day. We no longer have a dog and some times discipline is required to go for our daily walk. We work at taking time to sit on the back porch to enjoy our view of the Catskill Mountains, to take a canoe ride when at Whitaker Lake, to take a back road rather than a thru-way, to check out a small park or an out of the way historic site. Sally Jo and I often blur the line of work-leisure as we work together here on the vegetable garden or flower beds. There are lots of pieces to keeping a marriage strong for 46 years.

Our lives get complicated when we realize that we are too busy, particularly when what we are busy with is what we really would like to be doing. Perhaps the harder it is to stop being so busy, the more important it is that we do so.

I see no evidence in the Bible that Jesus was ever in a hurry. Jesus demonstrated a good work ethic, but He did not take advantage of every life-changing work opportunity. Many passages speak to the value of work, but there are also passages that tell us not to work all of the time! The 4th of the Ten Commandments speaks to the value of work and to the value of rest – which is put in the context of holiness. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” -- Exodus 20:1-17

I know this is the most difficult commandment for me to keep, but this does not invalidate its truth. Also, Sabbath observance does not preclude stopping and smelling the roses on other days. At Deerfoot we sang, “This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” -- Psalms 118:24

Let us rejoice in each day we have:

• To enjoy the wonder of God’s creation and to worship our Creator.
• To enjoy our spouses, children, friends, and the new people that come into our lives.

This season of the year, this season of life, will soon be past. The work will still be there!

• Lord, what am I doing that pleases you?
• Lord, what am I doing that is not pleasing you –
  as is evidenced by the fact that I feel the need to work 24/7?

Integrity: problem, decision, ACTION #19

Step # 1- Identify the problem. Step # 2 - Make the necessary decision. Step # 3 - Take action.

This looks like a management process, and it is. Decisions can be tough. Some resulting actions are even tougher because most actions involve both loss and gain. Example: I decide to put 10% of all my net earnings into savings/investment. Initial loss? The ability to spend the dollars put into savings. The long term gain – freedom to do something I believe to be important at a future time.

Here is a tough one! Problem: I am an alcoholic! Decision: I must stop drinking! Action: I will never take another drink of alcohol again! The impact of this decision/action is huge! Significant Loss! Significant Gain! Involved here are breaking the habit, emotional dependency, physical dependency, social involvement – loss. The gains? We know. Because of the difficulty of this decision, Alcoholics Anonymous exits.

Here are other very difficult problems – decisions – actions. I will end my relationship with a specific person. I will eat food that is good for me. I will get aerobic exercise of 20 minutes or more 3 times per week. I will not be involved in pornography in any way. I will spend serious time with the Lord each week in Bible study, reflection and prayer. I will not gossip, covet, lust, or steal. I will love my neighbor as myself (even when I drive). The list goes on and on. Integrity requires right action.

To do what is right EVERY TIME is a huge challenge. We all fail at this challenge, but this does not change the necessity of working to do what is right every time. God gave brains to Christians and non-Christians. Mentally we can think through to what should be done. Christians and non-Christians can seek wise counsel. As Christians we have two ways for receiving additional guidance. The Bible provides teachings which are designed to guide us as to what is right, as to what is best for God’s children (II Timothy 3:16…All Scripture is…) The second way is through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, spoken of many times in the Bible. Here are two examples: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

What triggered this review of “problem, decision, and action”? In Bakerville, even when attendance was small, there was an “Official Board” of the church. This group was made up of the Chairman of the different committees and boards plus a specific number of “members at large” – active church members who were not presently Chairman of a committee.

As church attendance and vitality began to pick up, the Official Board agreed that only people who were actively involved in the life of the church should be on the Official Board. This was a very tough decision, but everyone agreed. This became a very difficult realty when we went through the list of Official Board members – and came to the name of the wife of the family that had given the largest amount of money for the rebuilding of the church. The couple continued to give regularly but they very rarely attended. We knew that “God does not show favoritism” Acts 10:34. Everyone agreed that the wife should be told of the Official Board decision. Then a degree of panic filled the room. I myself was feeling very uneasy about the situation. What if they stopped giving? Regardless of the consequences, we knew our credibility, our integrity required that the policy be carried out consistently. I agreed to go talk with the wife.

I remember driving up to their beautiful restored New England home. We sat in the living room, husband and wife together on the coach. I sat across from them…only a few feet away. When I told the reason for my visit…the wife became visibly upset. Then her husband put his hand on her knee and said “Dear, you know he is right”. The result? The husband and I developed a very high level of trust. Risk? Absolutely! Huge risk! But we did what was right, and in this case, the reward in relationship building was very significant.

To maintain personal integrity, when we believe we have made the right decision, we must act! How else can we maintain our Partnership with God?

Integrity: Teaching God’s Word #18

Eleven years before we arrived in Connecticut, the old Bakerville Church on a side road burned to the ground. A little insurance money and two families that seldom were in town apparently paid for the new building. The new church was built to look like an old New England church, inside and out: white clap board siding, granite stairs, four large white pillars, tall, clear windows with lots of small panes of glass, and the traditional bell tower steeple. The church seated about 200. The top of each white pew was trimmed with varnished wood. Each pew had a door on both ends. Up front was the kneeling bench with maroon velvet cushions in front of the white railing, the communion table, a pulpit on one side, a lectern on the other. Wonderful brass chandeliers. The powder blue walls were a perfect contrast to the white paint and varnished wood trim. Beautiful simplicity. In the balcony was the Mohler pipe organ built specifically for this church. The fellowship hall was painted white, had an arched ceiling, windows that matched those in the sanctuary, a hard wood floor, and indirect cove lighting. The yard man of the family who helped provide the church maintained the expansive lawn. I am sure when people drove by for the first time they did a double-take! Impressive!

For the first eleven years after this church was built the minister was a man who did not believe the Bible was God’s word, that Jesus Christ was God’s Son, or that there was life after death. He did believe church people should not dance, smoke, drink, or work on Sunday – but they should tithe. This was not “Good News” – just the reminder that the people should be doing good. The result: 219 members with an average attendance of 8!

If a church does not bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to a community, what does it bring? It is not hard to bring real food to starving people…if the people were there to eat the food. After a few Sundays it became apparent that if people would not come to the church, we would have to go to the people. I began the disciplined work of touching base with each membership family. These were not “spiritual” visits, but just getting to meet the people. George was surprised when I showed up in his milking barn at 5:30 AM. Hal was surprised when I offered to help bale his hay. The Philips/Jones clan was surprised when I arrived as they gathered late Saturday afternoon to enjoy fresh baked goods. A young family was very surprised when I showed up on Sunday afternoon to help them build their house. When a new family moved into town it was easy to stop by and introduce myself as the pastor of “the only church in town” – town consisting of a gas station, a car body shop, and a blinking light.

Three days each week I headed off to grad school – about 30 minutes away. A wonderful time to think and pray.

Very slowly people were beginning to return to the church. And each Sunday morning the simple truths of God’s Word were taught, including John 3:16 and II Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” These people had not rejected the gospel…they had just given up on the church. The church was like a Deerfoot candle light service: a small light brought into darkness was noticed! There was no great flood of people, just a slow trickle.

To help the people integrate the truths of God’s word into their lives, after the morning service we would set up a table with doughnuts, coffee, tea, plus Kool Ade for the few children who came. I would invite the people to sit around the table for a few minutes to talk about the sermon. The people would look at me, smile, and nod.

Until one Sunday. Then it was that John Steeves, a young man perhaps 20, slammed his hand down on the table and said ”Preacher, I am sorry, but I just cannot agree with what you said this morning!!!!!!” And I responded with “Good - neither can I!” I admitted that I had purposely preached a sermon full of things the Bible did not teach to try and get some response. It worked! Now there were grins…and things began to change. The Bible became the authority for the church, not the minister. My challenge, and your challenge, is to teach the truths of God’s Word as clearly and accurately as we can. This is true when we are a camp counselor, a parent, a Sunday school teacher, or talking with a friend. God will hold us accountable! Even when we do our best, questions will be raised in the minds of those who are listening.

Within the church came the slow realization: Jesus Loves Me! Sunday mornings were a time of worship, of teaching, of encouragement, of guidance, and of celebration. We were the people of God!

Integrity: Tell The Truth! #17

Writing In Partnership With God has reminded me of the importance of being a person of Integrity!!!

Everything I write is first read by my wife of 46 years, Sally Jo. She knows most of the details of my life better than I do. Everything I write is being read by at least one of our children. Almost every week I receive an e-mail from one or more people who were part of the experience I have just written about. And the reality is that everything that I write or even think is also known by God.

The good part of this is…I must be who I am. If not, I will not be respected by my family, other people, or God.

Living In Partnership With God requires me to a person of Integrity. I work at being a person of integrity!

But in reality I am a person of imperfect integrity. My pride can become more important than my integrity.

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9

Being a person of integrity requires admitting before God and the people involved my failure to be such a person. This is why I must confess and repent of my sins to God and to the people with whom I have not been “real”. Part of this process is to turn from what I have been doing - to change - to become more like Jesus Christ.

As I admit my failures, people are inclined to forgive me. God will forgive me! “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

My challenge to be a person of Integrity will never stop! God knows my heart! Some of you do too!

Jesus Christ invited men to become as family to Him. These men were His disciples, and they knew the public Jesus and the private Jesus. They heard what Jesus said – and how He lived out His very own words. Not surprisingly, Jesus was seen to be a person of Integrity.

Our challenge is to represent Jesus Christ to the people around us. Christianity = Christ-like. “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2: 1, 2, 5.

Last week I mentioned the young organist, Chris Philips. Chris said in an e-mail “other than my parents, you were the most formative person in my life”. How did this happen? In many ways Chris became like family to us. Chris knew who we were in our home, in his home, and at church. He heard what I said from the pulpit and could check the validity of my application of God’s word against what he was observing, what he was experiencing.

Today, Chris, like me, lives as a person of imperfect integrity. The authenticity of his heart has been recognized by those in the congregation that he serves as pastor…and by God who has richly blessed, guided, provided for his ministry.

I want to live In Partnership With God…and being a person of integrity is a part of His program!

God’s placement – Chris, Chuck & Sally Jo #16

Last Monday I told of the beginning of our ministry in Bakerville, CT (IPWG #15). Those who responded included Dr. Jay Barnes, the President elect of Bethel College in MN. Jay, a teacher at Wheaton Academy in the 1960s, was the bus driver for the Academy choir tour that included a concert/overnight in Bakerville. The teenage organist I mentioned as being one of the eight who were present our first several Sunday mornings also responded.

The young organist was Chris Philips, the oldest son of George and Jean Phillips – dairy farmers. Chris’s grand parents lived just down the road – as did his aunts, uncles and cousins. Chris was greatly loved and encouraged by this extended family. They recognized that Chris was both like them…and different from them.

Chris had nothing to do with his growing up in a solid family in a small New England town. Chris had nothing to do with the fact that the town’s church was very beautiful, had well maintained properties, and a very good pipe organ. Chris had nothing to do with our coming to Bakerville during his high school years. All of this “just happened” to him… just as Sally Jo and I had almost nothing to do with our spending four years as the pastor and pastor’s wife of this church.

God had chosen us to encourage and help Chris prepare for future ministry – though neither Chris nor we had any idea of what was to come. After four years in Bakerville, Sally Jo and I moved to Tennessee. Chris settled into college life. I was the minister for Chris and Joanne’s wedding. Chris went to an Anglican seminary in England and then became a minister within the Episcopal Church in Rhode Island. In 1983 Chris/Father Philips became part of the first group of Protestants welcomed into the Roman Catholic Church through a pastoral provision. The liturgy is significantly Anglican, as found in the Book of Common Prayer. Within this body of believers there is a provision for married priests.

When Chris and I are together, we share how the Lord continues to use us – and we both realize that we have merely been “along for the ride”. When we seek to live In Partnership with God, God plans, guides and provides – sometimes in incredible ways. Following is his e-mail response to my telling of our arrival in Bakerville – IPWG # 15 5/19/08:

Dear Chuck: …I enjoy reading your articles, and of course the Bakerville remembrances have special meaning for me. My own typical teen-aged self-absorption kept me from realizing just how difficult it was for you and Sally Jo in those early years. All I knew was that your coming to Bakerville opened up a whole new world of faith, as well as a realization that God actually had a plan for me! Thanks for responding so faithfully to God in your own vocation, which was instrumental in helping me find the path He had laid out for my own life. One day you called my attention to Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” and I have kept that as a foundational scriptural guide ever since. You told me, “All you need to do is love God; the rest will be taken care of.” Thanks for that lesson. Yours in Christ, Chris

Here is Chris’s response to my response: Dear Chuck: I’m very touched that you would want to include something about me, and I thank you for thinking of it. I know you have affected a great number of people in your ministry, and I was only one kid from over forty years ago; however, other than my parents, you were the most formative person in my life, and I think you know how grateful I am. Of course, if God hadn’t sent you into my path, I might have been a pretty good farmer! As far as my present ministry is concerned, I don’t know if you’ve looked through the website for the church and school: www.atonementonline.com. Yours in Christ, Chris.

I encourage you to take a minute to go to the above website. Read about the heritage of the parish ministry (4,000 + 5,000 worship each week – includes those who come more than once) and the Christian school (500+ students). See pictures of the facilities. I wish you could spend a couple hours with Chris/Father Philips at the church/school so he could tell you himself how God has guided and blessed the ministry.

Each of us has the privilege of living In Partnership With God. What that partnership means, how that partnership plays out, differs for each of us. This is not our concern! Our concern is to obey the teachings of His Word – to celebrate our life in Christ!

A Small Church: Challenges and Rewards: Part 1 (Arrival) #15

God’s assignments are a challenge, even with God’s provision of necessary resources

Sally Jo, 1 year old Carla and I arrived in Bakerville, CT a week before classes were to begin for me in Hartford. The plan had been – retiring minister moves out of parsonage, ceilings (chunks of plaster had already fallen) and carpet replaced – we would move in. The reality: The retiring minister had not moved out. The work could not be done.

Until we could move into the parsonage, the District Superintendent arranged for us to live in a very inexpensive motel – one small room with cooking facilities. The motel location was not good: a busy road, 1 hour to church, half hour to school. Each morning I drove our car to school leaving Sally Jo and Carla in this difficult setting.

On Sunday morning we were excited as we headed to the beautiful church in the country. We had been told that only eight people would be in church. I guess we did not believe it! But…7 elderly women and 1 teenage organist = 8. After church no one invited us to their home for dinner. We then drove the short distance down the road to check out progress on the parsonage – and there was none. The retiring minister and his wife had not moved out. The ride back to the motel was very quiet and seemed very long!

Week two – no change! Week three – no change! And so I went to the former minister, and told him that on Monday our family was going to move into the pastor’s office in the church and that he had one week to move out of the parsonage or I would move him out. He said I would never do that, and I said “just try me!” On Monday the District Superintendent had a mattress delivered to the floor of church office/study…and we officially moved to Bakerville, CT.

We unloaded our Nash Rambler station wagon at the church; we asked the gas station attendant where to buy groceries - nearest real grocery store was fifteen miles west in Torrington. We returned to the church, put our groceries in the kitchen, and prepared to spend the night.

That week the former minister and his wife moved out leaving a house full of “stuff”. Each morning I headed for school – with the security of knowing that Sally Jo and Carla had a wonderful lawn on which to play, a very spacious kitchen in which to prepare dinner, and a large dining room/fellowship hall in which to eat. Even a nursery with toys!

After the parsonage was emptied, sheet rock installer arrived at the parsonage, broke out the sagging plaster ceiling and set to work. We continued to live at the church. One day a homemade apple pie appeared on our church “bedroom” window sill. Another day, when Sally Jo and Carla had to vacate because the Garden Club was using the building, a woman invited them to come to her house. Later, Bob and Alice, a couple about our age, came by after work to invite us to their home for dinner and a shower. When Bob and Alice learned we were about to move in, they said they would come on Saturday to help. I contacted the furniture mover and they agreed to deliver on Saturday – at no additional cost. Friday afternoon the carpet arrived. Four weeks of living under unusual circumstances and we were ready to move into the parsonage!

Saturday morning Bob and Alice arrived, and soon after, the moving van. The driver then handed me the bill for the move from Alabama and three months storage and said he could not unload until he was paid in cash. I had expected the bill – but had no clue that C.O.D. was required. The banks were closed. I was stunned! Then I saw Bob’s smile. Bob, who weighed screws for a large factory, was the keeper of the employee gambling pool. He drove home, returned in a few minutes with a large wad of cash and the unloading commenced!

God indeed moves in mysterious ways! God guided us to the school. God then provided the church, parsonage, income, congregation, organist, un-packers, and the cash to pay the movers! God was with us!

“Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” -- Matthew 10:30

We must never forget this truth! We can have no clue how God works to care for all his people – but He does!

I Want What God Wants! #14

After a high school youth retreat I dropped off an only child on my way home. Mom came out of their home with a smile on her face and her arms open wide! Her daughter bounced out of the car and gave her mother a great big hug…and then surprised us both. “Guess what Mom; I believe God wants me to be a missionary!” Her mom stood there, stunned. With a stern face, she said “I do not care what God wants, I won’t have it! You are staying here with me.” Even as that moment burned its way into my memory, I am sure it did into her daughter’s. Year’s later, we received a call from her – she had not stayed with her mother or with the Lord. She was living in a commune on the west coast. She wistfully said, “I remember the good times we had in our youth group.”

Michael Woodham, Woody, was also on the trip, was also an only child. During the week following the retreat I ran into Woody’s parents. They had huge smiles on their faces as they excitedly told me Woody believed God wanted him to be a missionary.

When Woody graduated from college, he married Debbie, a girl from our youth group. Debbie worked as a draftsman while Woody went to Seminary for his Master’s of Divinity Degree. Woody’s parents remained excited - we know this because for many years his parents kept in touch with us, often sending us pecans and lovingly made gifts.

A few years ago Woody looked me up on the internet, and we continue to communicate through e-mails. WHILE WRITING THIS I WENT TO CHECK MY E-MAIL FILE to see what I had on Woody, from several months back. THE FIRST E-MAIL I SAW WAS A NEW E-MAIL FROM WOODY with pictures of Woody and Deb. I called for an update.

I told Woody that after I wrote last Monday’s IPWG and told about the impact of Norton Mullens “Let me tell you of the goodness of the Lord”, I wrote this week’s IPWG: “God’s Assignments Are Tough!” which is the story of how we ended up in Bakerville, CT. I felt good about what I had written…but it began to bother me that I had only written one IPWG on our Dothan experiences. At this point Woody interrupted with “how could you do that – those were the most important years in your ministry!” Then I read to Woody what I had just written about him…which was up to where I put the capital letter sentence above. God’s timing is all that can account for my experience. I asked Woody to briefly review his life in Christian ministry.

While in college, Woody was almost killed in a head on car accident. His friend died and Woody lay in bed, severely injured, totally blind. During the previous semester he had taken a course on Hebrews. While lying in bed, he had one chapter of Hebrews read to him each day. On day 14, he realized he could see through one eye. The Zondervan Study Bible introduction to Hebrews writes “the theme of Hebrews is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as a revealer and mediator of God’s grace”. Woody told me that suddenly the Scriptures became alive to him.

After serving in pastoral ministry in South Carolina and Georgia, Woody and Deb went to plant the first two Presbyterian Churches in Quito, Ecuador. While in Quito he learned that the Ecuadorian government had contracted with U. of Alabama to provide a continuing education program for Ecuador’s teachers. Woody had come to realize how much of a pastor’s time went into administration, and began his EdD in Administration and Planning with the U. of AL. In 1984 Woody, Debbie, and their children moved to Jamaica where he started IONA Centres for Theological Study for lay pastors. In 1988 they moved to Miami from where he continued to develop theological training centers for lay pastors in the Caribbean & Latin America. In 2006 Woody became the Executive Pastor of a Presbyterian Church in Coral Gables, FL.

I did not know much of this until this afternoon. It was a wonderful reminder of how the Lord has used Sally Jo and me to impact the lives of others. Woody and Deb were two kids in the youth group we led for two years. God had brought us together. God’s timing was perfect – as was the arrival of Woody’s e-mail this afternoon. Question: How many lives have Woody and Debbie encouraged and equipped to live as God’s servants? Promise: If you are living In Partnership With God, you have no clue of all of the ways God is using the partnership.

Doubt and Fear, then Remembering brings Peace! #13

By last Sunday evening, as I finished my IPWG “Let us Live Thankful”, I was very encouraged about what I anticipated my response would be if the results of my surgery were seriously “not good!”

On Monday the bottom fell out, it really did! I have a friend at church who has had nothing but trouble with his hip replacement – which had to be replaced. Now every step is painful. Then there is Harriet Hutchinson who had a staph infection after her surgery. Soon my mind was running wild. I was ready to cancel the surgery – no joke, I was. I was, flat out, filled with fear.

Then I remembered how the Lord had gone before us as we transitioned from Dothan, Alabama to a church in Connecticut.

After earning my Master’s in Divinity and while serving as an assistant pastor, Sally Jo and I realized the time had come for me to further my education through earning a Master’s degree in Christian education. While in seminary I learned about the Hartford Seminary Foundation which had an excellent religious education program. I knew the school was “liberal” theologically, and figured this would be a good challenge. The school was in New England, and living in New England was appealing. I applied and was accepted.

The school agreed to seek out a small pastorate where I could serve while a student. Soon I had a communication from a very active church with a regular attendance of about 200. Would I consider becoming their pastor? Sally Jo and I realized I could not pastor a “large” church and complete a master’s in one year. We turned down the opportunity, but shipped our furniture to a warehouse in Hartford. I confidently waited for another opportunity. None came in the next two months. No problem. Wheaton College had asked me to teach Christian Education for the summer term at Honey Rock Camp. While teaching at HRC we kept checking the mail box. Nothing! During the last week of teaching we received a letter from the District Superintendent of the Methodist Church in Connecticut. He knew that I was a Presbyterian and there were no Presbyterian openings in the area. He had a congregation of 219 members – with an average attendance of 8. He could not get any Methodist minister to take the pastorate. The Bakerville United Methodist Church was located about 30 minutes from the grad school. Perhaps we could make a deal!

We left Honey Rock Camp for New Jersey, where we left our daughter with Sally Jo’s sister, and headed out to meet the District Superintendent. He led us to Bakerville, a town with one blinking light, a gas station and an auto-body shop. He took us to the church – which turned out to be a typical New England church with granite stairs, four pillars and a clock in the steeple. The church was set back on a beautiful lawn, surrounded by woods. Incredible! We went inside. Here was a perfectly kept, old style sanctuary – light blue with clear windows up the sides, two pulpits, doors on the pews AND a Mohler pipe organ. We took the job! We would live in the old parsonage, have our utilities paid, and receive $4,000.

Eleven years before the old facility burnt to the ground. The new facility had been essentially a gift to the church. For the previous ten years the congregation had a minister who did not believe the Bible was God’s word or that Jesus Christ really was God’s son, or in personal salvation. But he did believe that the people should not smoke or drink or work on Sunday - and they must tithe.

What a privilege to introduce these people to Jesus Christ. The church was desperate for the Good News we could bring – and we were getting desperate for a place to serve that would also provide a roof and some food. God had cared for the people of Bakerville and for us. If God did this for us once, He could do it again. I also realized that His care might be what I had in mind – but it might be like the care he brought to Stan and Norton. “Come here boy, let me tell you of the goodness of the Lord” I once again enjoyed peace.

Let us “live thankful”! #12

I met Norton Mullens in 1964 – and he made a lasting impact upon my life. Soon after I was ordained and became an assistant pastor, I was asked by the senior minister to visit Norton. He was an attorney and had taught an adult Sunday school class for over 100 every Sunday morning for many years. Norton now had Multiple Sclerosis and was no longer able to leave his bed.

As I walked up to Norton’s front door, one of his two teenage daughters greeted me and took me to her father’s room. From the door I could see a very frail man in his bed, his eyes moving with a jerking motion. As I stood there, stunned by what I was seeing, Norton called out in a high, rather unsteady voice, “Who’s there?” And I responded with “Chuck Gieser, from the church.” Norton said, "You sound scared” “I am – I have been asked to bring you comfort, and I am not sure how”. Norton responded, “Come here boy; let me tell you about the goodness of the Lord!” And he did!!! I would often visit Norton to receive his wise counsel and encouragement. Norton lived out the joy of the Lord – which was his strength.

Dr. Stan Barnett MD was a Green Beret, a triathlon athlete, and a DL Lone Eagle. I asked Stan to bring the charge at my Lone Eagle ceremony. He quoted to me: “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. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." -- Joshua 1:8-9

Stan and his wife returned to DL for two weeks about fifteen years after my ceremony. Stan had become a prisoner in his own body. Due to disease he could barely walk, his skin would not let him smile, and his voice had very little volume or endurance. When he brought devotions at the 7:00 a.m. staff meeting he had typed out what he would say so, when he was no longer able to speak, his son Shawn could complete his devotional challenge. Throughout the day staff person after staff person went to Stan, who brought to each his wisdom and encouragement. Stan lived out the joy of the Lord – which was his strength.

The Bible includes a multitude of examples of people who were in incredibly difficult situations – and they continued to praise God their Savior. Joseph in prison, Daniel in the lion’s den, Stephen when being stoned, Paul while in jail.

When life is tough, sometimes beyond measure, and there is nothing that we can realistically do about it, do we live with thankful hearts? Norton and Stan lived with thankful, trusting hearts long before the struggles of this life hit hard!

A thankful heart comes from our understanding of, and belief in, the love and wisdom of God. A thankful heart means that we will be thankful in the context of daily living. This is a tough assignment…just as living out the fruit of the spirit is tough! Discipline is required…along with our understanding. Satan seeks to pull us from thankfulness. A thankful heart does not suddenly arrive when the difficult challenge comes. Our foundation of thankfulness must be built, must be a life attitude. If for no other reason, we can be thankful that God is with us in our present struggles…even as He will be with us in eternity.

I am thankful I have known Norton Mullens and Stan Barnett. These men demonstrated thankful hearts throughout their lives – regardless of their circumstances. Thursday morning I receive a hip replacement. If all goes well, it will be easy to be thankful. And if it does not, will my daily attitude of thankfulness continue? A friend in our church, a great golfer who has shot 7 “holes in one”, has had hip replacement problems, and now struggles to walk.

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”. -- Ephesians 5:19-20

Lessons in Integrity #11

As a first grader, I watched my teacher, Mrs. Kay, use a tool shaped like a very small crow bar to pry up thumb tacks. One day I took her thumb tack puller (it probably cost all of five cents) When my mom saw the puller, she asked if Mrs. Kay knew I had it. I admitted she did not know. My mom took me by the hand back to Mrs. Kay’s class room where I had to tell my teacher what I had done and return the tack puller. I was in tears. I remember Mrs. Kay taking me up on her lap and giving me a big hug…while reminding me never to steal anything again.

I was the Associate Pastor of a large church when I heard a staff member tell a secretary she would be getting a raise when he returned from his vacation. While away, the secretary’s old car broke down. She asked me if she could count on the raise – it would affect the car she bought. I confirmed that she would receive the raise. When the staff member returned, the secretary did not automatically receive the raise. She went to the staff person, told what had happened and that she needed the promised raise. The staff person denied he had made the promise. I went to the staff member and again he denied he ever promised the raise. Since I was the person who told the secretary she could count on it, Sally Jo and I gave her the amount needed until, several months later, she received the raise.

George Clark was a good friend and the CEO of the second largest bank in Dallas. While at a gathering in the Clark’s home I overheard someone tell George he understood the federal bank examiner was coming to Dallas to check out the banks there. When I asked George if he was concerned, his said “Why should I be?” George Clark was man of integrity.

I personally knew a camp director who drove large, sometimes overloaded trucks of building materials up to the camp. He knew the road to camp very well, and I was told that if the truck was over-loaded he would get off the main road so he could go around the weigh station on a back road. When I asked the camp director about this, he said it was true, but that in the Lord’s work it was sometimes necessary to do this to reduce transportation costs. His lack of integrity disappointed me

As the result of these, and other experiences, I have worked to live above reproach and often said at DL “do what is right – every time” and “never do anything that you would not like published on the front page of a news paper”

I told the DL staff that if they said I said something, I would accept their understanding as being true. I was determined that no staff member would ever be able to think I had been dishonest. In my 23 years as the DL Director I believe only one person took advantage of my promise.

Before I became Director of DL there was no annual audit. I insisted on DL having an annual CPA audit. I told the Board of Directors that if I had made mistakes, I wanted to know about it. I could accept the auditor or DL Board telling me I had made a mistake…but I did not want them to ever be able to say I had been dishonest.

At the end of camp, during the final sharing/communion service, Garret Larsen said he had learned “integrity” that summer at DL. I am certain Garret already understood integrity. His summer had underlined the importance of integrity. Garret is now the Director of a camp in Texas. There is no question in my mind: Garret is a man who lives and leads as a man of integrity.

I remember the words of a Billy Joel song….”Honesty is such a lonely word”.

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity” -- I Chronicles 29:17

If we are going to Live In Partnership With God, we must accept the on-going challenge of Integrity.

Excitement - Satisfaction, Indifference…Lasting Satisfaction and Joy #10

My freshman year at Wheaton Academy, the football team lost their last game…and the championship. Jim was a senior, and was selected as a tackle for the all-conference team. I wondered what it must feel like to be all-conference. My junior year we won the conference championship – wild excitement! Our school had just over 200 students! Shortly thereafter I learned I had been selected for the all-conference team. My excitement was short lived, for I soon realized I was the same person I had always been and people treated me just as they always had. Life went on as usual. My senior year we went undefeated and I was again selected for the all-conference team. Excitement - and then life was back to normal. Just last year the school asked the members of the undefeated team to return for a 50th year celebration. At the half time of the homecoming game we were each given a football. Does anyone want my football? This year my un-defeated college team is planning on getting together for a reunion. I have decided there is no point in going. Neither my children nor grand children really care that I was a good football player. Excitement – Satisfaction - Indifference.

Sally Jo’s parents traveled extensively, and after each trip her mom would put together a wonderful scrap book….pictures, tickets, notes. It was fun to go through the scrap book with her mom, for through the scrap book she would tell the story of their trip. When her mom died, the scrap books stayed with Sally Jo’s dad. When he died, no member of the family really wanted the scrap books. Excitement –Satisfaction - Indifference.

This past Tuesday, Jonathan Clements, a financial columnist for the Wall Street Journal, wrote his “Parting Shot: what I learned from writing 1,008 columns” “The short answer is, you save now so you can spend later. But what will you spend your money on? People dream of endless leisure and bountiful possessions. Unfortunately, after a few months, endless leisure often seems like endless tedium. Similarly, you might imagine that a flashy new car or a fancy new home will be your ticket to eternal bliss. But a year after you make your purchase, the thrill will likely be gone, and you will be lusting after something else. My point: The right life of popular imagination is no great shakes. Money can give you the freedom to pursue your passions. Ideally, you want to spend your days engaged in activities that you find absorbing and satisfying, that you feel you are good at – and where you feel you’re doing good. Indeed the happiest retirees are typically those who have a sense of purpose, whether it is volunteering for their pet cause, coaching a children’s sport time, helping their church,...”
Excitement – Satisfaction – Indifference…or Purpose, Investment in People, Satisfaction.

I attended Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. One afternoon when I returned to my dorm room, I was totally surprised to find my father taking a nap on my bed. When I walked in he woke up. “Dad, what are you doing here?” He said he had come to Emory University for a medical conference – and to see me. He went on to say “your mother and I want you to know how proud we are of you. Chuck, all that matters in life is what we do for the Lord.” We stood there, both in tears. He gave me a big hug, told me he loved me…and left.

I thought what he said was over-kill. But I have come to believe the absolute truth of what he said.

I work at being a man God can work through – at living In Partnership With God. It has been good to experience the reality that when I obey and trust the Lord, and invest my life in the care and feeding of His children, God often brings change and joy into their lives, and into mine. Almost weekly I receive an e-mail from a person I know through which he shares the impact of my life upon his. This past week it was an e-mail from Andres Segovia, a DL counselor from Mexico, who is now a school teacher in Bolivia.

What I have done as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ has mattered.
Lasting Satisfaction and Joy!!!

Pitfalls to God’s provision! #10

Twenty five years ago we began the planting of well over 200 Colorado blue spruce, red and white pine trees on our five acres. The trees grew and provided incredible privacy for the deck and back yard. Wonderful!!!

A few years ago I got to thinking that I should take out a few 25’ red pines and replace them with 6 to 8’ blue spruce trees. They would grow and provide continued privacy, even if the red pines got a disease. Good planning!!!! Two years ago I asked a friend, Ken, to come with his chain saw to cut down selected red pines – to be replaced with the blue spruce trees. Ken went to work…and it was going so well that I decided we should cut a few more…and why not open up the side yard a bit by cutting a few white pines?

When Sally Jo returned home from a wonderful day in New York City, she was stunned by what she found, but she said very little. One night I woke up and heard Sally Jo crying. When I asked why: “the trees reminded me of our cabin at Hills Lake.”

Trees have been transplanted and will grow… but it will take years before the privacy we enjoyed returns. I feel ashamed of my bad decision…made because I was caught up in the excitement of the moment. Daily I am reminded of the foolishness of my decision through seeing the impact it has had upon our property. Physical and emotional scars remain.

There are many other ways we can create scar tissue – much more significant scar tissue! Twice in high school attractive, wonderful Christian girls asked me to have sex with them. Emotion almost overtook reason…but I never crossed the line. But oh, so close! With both girls I had to stop our relationship. If I had accepted the invitation, think how my life would have changed. Through one emotional decision I might have become a father…and chosen my wife. I would have disqualified myself from receiving the wife God had prepared for me. I have not forgotten what happened – and what could have happened! Scar tissue remains.

This week I received the following e-mail: “…The past two years has felt like a roller coaster. I made the mistake of getting into a relationship with a woman that really brought me away from everything that I had believed in…my priorities got completely flipped upside down. I'm finally now starting to get things back on track. I got out of my relationship which helped me stay focused… Spiritually, I was struggling a lot, but have recently been trying to get back to where I want to be. I won't lie though, it's been a struggle. After being away from it for 2 years, it's been a slow process coming back.” Scar tissue will remain!

God gave us His Ten Commandments for our good. When we break the Ten Commandments, in a sense, we break ourselves. Scar tissue will come to us if we covet, steal, lie, miss-use the Sabbath (this commandment has more explanation than any other), worship success, murder…dishonor our parents,

Paul wrote: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” I Corinthians 10:13

But…let’s be real….”If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” I John 1:10& 9 BUT even with sins forgiven and relationships restored, scar tissue will remain.

Let us work at Living In Parnership With God…so we do not waste precious time – time during which we could be receiving God’s perfect provisions for us – to enable us to do the work which He has prepared for us to do! Let us not miss the continual joy, excitement and challenge of Living In Partnership With God!

Confirmation that God had chosen Sally Jo to be my wife. #9

Becoming a medical doctor was the logical choice: My father was a doctor and my older brother was in medical school. Sally Jo knew I planned to be a doctor.

A week before the Christmas vacation of my junior year of college, I asked Sally Jo if she would become my wife. She said “yes”! The next week she headed to Alaska where her brother was in the military. She had a great trip…including skiing at Alyeska. She skied! I drove a USPS truck delivering packages!

While Sally Jo was on her trip I made the tentative decision to switch from going into medicine to going into the ministry. This was a huge shift for me…and I really did not know how I should tell her about the change in my thinking – or how she would respond!

When she returned we had dinner together at an excellent restaurant, and somewhere during the evening, with knots in my stomach, I asked “What would you think if I decided to go into the ministry instead of medicine? Sally Jo quickly came back with:

• “What caused the sudden change?”


• “Do you think you are tactful enough?”


• “Didn’t you know…I have always wanted to be a minister’s wife?”

My heart came out of my throat…my heart started beating – fast!
“Let’s go back to the question: “What caused the sudden change?”

Such decisions are seldom sudden. Three factors led to my somewhat tentative decision.

• For two years I was the paid tenor soloist for the First Presbyterian Church in Oak Park, IL. The beautiful stone church had stained glass windows, a great pipe organ…and good music. The minister, Dr. Watermulder, spoke each Sunday morning for 20 minutes. When he was finished, I got his point! At the end of the service he stood at the door in his black robe and, looking each person in the eye, he shook their hand firmly. One night a week he played basketball with men from the church. I was impressed. The ministers I knew generally spoke for 30 minutes…and to me, either did not make a clear point or what they said seemed irrelevant to my life. Their hand shake was anything but firm…and if they had tried to play basketball? Out of the question! Dr. Watermulder was a minister with whom I could identify.


• While delivering USPS packages with my crew of peers, who had not grown up in the Christian faith, over our bag lunches we would talk. One young man in particular asked me the most basic questions about the Christian faith/life. One evening he asked if I would tell his girl friend what we had talked about. The story of Jesus Christ was totally new to them. This was a thrilling challenge for me.


• The pivotal point for me occurred when Mr. Garret Groen, a lawyer I knew, said he would like to talk with me. We set up a time, and I walked the two blocks to the beautiful Groen home. The living room ceiling went up like the front of a ship…perhaps 15-20 feet, and the sides of the “bow” were glass. It was in this setting Mr. Groen said ”Chuck, I cannot get it out of my mind: I think you belong in the ministry, not medicine. I would like to challenge you to bring to people the best product in the finest packaging. So often Christ is presented to the world in shabby packaging.”

God had been preparing me for my meeting with Mr. Groen, just as He had prepared Sally Jo’s heart for my question. Sally Jo’s response finalized my decision: I would go into the ministry.

Are you open to having God change your plans? To become a Sunday School Teacher, change your work patterns, change job, become a foreign missionary, change giving pattern, to present Jesus Christ in better packaging?

Remember: If we desire to live In Partnership With God, we must follow His written instructions and His leading.

IPWG - EXTRA - e-mail response - struggle with what God allows to happen - 3 pg response to e-mail received.

Chief,

…..I wish I could honestly say something like 'but God is good,' but this is a hard place to be. Not that I'm doubting, I have seen too much of grace and power to doubt. But I'm questioning, because this isn't good. It is hard. And it probably won't end or get easier until mom is gone. And she'll leave two high school girls behind, one of whom has questioned 'mom, don't leave me like my Chinese mother did' (she was adopted at 4). God gave my parents, during a trip to china last fall, a vision of service to orphans there- what of that?” That looks pathetic to read. It's where I am- and I covet prayer (the ability to pray) and peace.

........

(My response: I am completing this after spending 3 days with Nancy – with whom we have been close friends since 1968. Nancy went through a tough divorce situation…and then soon had to watch her sister die of breast cancer. Sometime after her sister died, Nancy married her sister’s husband – and 10 years later she found out that she had breast cancer…”cured”…and then five years later learned she had pancreatic cancer. After radical surgery and chemo she has lived 2 years – but the battle is very close to over. The day after we returned home I spent two hours with Jan…another close friend of ours. She could die very, very soon. Both of these women – and Shelley Schenkel, whom I will write about in the following, have demonstrated an internal peace…smiles of contentment, of joy.

Bart and Nancy have both read what I have written and both feel it is true. Bart’s actual response: “With certainty! You have clarified the "Big" picture well and the story of my journey fits that picture. Hurting people need to know how (like others before them) to work through tough parts of God's perfect provision in their life. It's a journey that always comes before the answers. Bart”}

Dear........
Through out your life you will have many unanswered questions. I certainly do. But this is where faith comes in...and, to some degree tested. I have learned so much from Bart Schenkel and his kids. For seven years they cared for Shelley -mom/wife - hoping against reasonable hope that Shelly would be healed. And she died....

Bart said to me over the years..."I must have faith, for if my faith fails me now, what good is my faith? He has also said several times...."There is no point in asking why". Does this mean that Bart did not suffer? When things got too much for Bart, he would get on his bike and peddle and go and go...with the tears flowing down his cheeks –Then Bart would regroup...and go back to his role of husband, caregiver, and father - seldom able to leave their home.

Sally Jo and I new Shelly for several years before the tumor began to grow – continuing to visit with them during the years before she died. Though her body slowly broke down, her spirit, her joy did not! Shelley was given peace that passed all understanding...she radiated joy, even when she could barely be understood - or walk. Bart and the children also reflected this peace that passed all human understanding.

Six weeks after the memorial service Bart was in our home and said…”I must trust God…one thing that cannot be shaken is my faith in God” This sounds like Job: “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” Job 13:15

How does this happen to the believer? Satan is a very powerful force in this world. God does not cause pain, but Satan is continually pulling on God's people. And we are caught in a tug of war. Satan desires that we turn from God...and turn to him! The Bible, God’s word, begins telling of Satan and his power…and our human weakness.

Why God took his protective hand off Job (except to protect Job's life) it is difficult to understand. In time God did restore to Job what he had lost...and more (that is if it is possible to replace one person with another). Today we look back at Job's "story" and have many more insights than Job had as he went through his earthly "hell". And today we are, at least I am, encouraged by Job's story. God did not forsake Job.

In many ways Job was like Jesus, for Jesus had everything stripped away from him - except God's ability to raise Him from the dead. For the disciples, it was incredibly difficult time - watching while Jesus suffered and died. It just did not make sense...until 40 days later.

When pastor of the little country church in Bakerville, CT. Billy Warner died...very suddenly of a brain aneurism/ hemorrhage - pain and death within a couple hours. I remember the evening only too well. Linda and Billy had 2 children with # 3 on the way.

I remember holding Linda the night before the funeral. We stood together on the small porch with northern lights above in the sky. I could feel the unborn child between us...Linda was devastated...we all were! I remember her saying...”once you have had candy, it is so hard to live without it “. Billy was an outstanding young man - I could go on and on about my experiences with him.

Everyone, not only in the church, but in the little farming community knew Billy (area had only a blinking yellow light, a small gas station and the church). We all knew his parents, his family. Billy's dad was a farm worker, living in a very small house on Hal Glowsky's farm. They turned to me to pick out the casket. There was almost no insurance money...it was tough on all of us in the church – and in the community.

Two days later we had the funeral. The 200 seat church was jammed with people standing in every spare inch. I remember saying - "Billy died in the Lord - he is now in heaven because Jesus Christ was his Savior....etc. and then I went on....None of us can ever say we have not been warned! Death can come to us at any time." Billy was 28 years old…I was 28 years old.

The impact upon our little church was incredible...a turning point in the lives of many people....a lasting impact. Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord, was invited into many hearts - seen in many lives.

Some time later I had the privilege of being the minister for the wedding of Linda and John Sear. John had been Linda's boyfriend in high school - gone into the military...had never married. John was another incredibly wonderful husband for Linda. I have the very large saw blade from Billy's firewood saw (turned by belt from power takeoff of tractor) hanging on our barn...a thank you gift from Linda and John.

Back to Shelley Schenkel. Shelley died just over three months ago. It will be interesting to see the impact of Shelley's physical death upon the congregation of which she had been such an active part, to whom she had been an incredible servant. At the memorial service several told how Shelley had shared the message of Jesus with them. She had walked with many others through very tough times. Shelley has gone to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The final chapter has not yet been written.

Bart said to one of his daughters...”Oh that the Lord would have taken me!” And his daughter responded, “Dad, no offence, but if you had died it would not have had near the impact that mom's death did”.

Where I really struggle personally – with how the love of God plays out is when I look at the suffering of Christians in other countries – starvation, rape, murder, etc. These are the best answers I have found for myself to this point in my life.
Regardless of the hell people live through on this earth – God’s people know God’s presence.

• It seems that the closer the people are to God…the more they experience His presence.


• The greater the trauma, the greater the tragedy, the greater the experience of God’s presence.


• The length of our lives here on earth is proportionally tiny in comparison to the length of our presence in eternity.


• When we read that all things work together for good, for those that love God, for those that are called according to his purpose ….the Lord must have in mind life on earth AND in eternity. How else can I make any sense out of :
  
  Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
  
  Ephesians 6:20 “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
  
  James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Our God sees the total picture…He is the Alpha and Omega….He knows the beginning and the end! We must never forget this. God sees the total picture. God is all loving - of others as well as us. I do not think our physical comfort is of great concern to God.

When (not if) we are caught in an incredible struggle, let us hang on, in faith believing, that God knows what He is doing ...and we do not need to know, we do not need to understand. God is God…His ways are not our ways. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts”. Isaiah 55:9

Someday we will see our Lord face to face. God knows this and He knows He has nothing to be ashamed of. Oh to hear Him say at that moment...”well done good and faithful servant!” And He may then explain to us our unanswered questions...or He may not. I have not yet had that experience.

I love you ...., you know this...in fact I have tears flowing down my cheeks as I write this. Life on earth can be incredibly tough! - for some, their entire life seems to be tough

God is loving and faithful...yes...even now - with your bewilderment and intense personal frustration and pain. I know this ...even as I ache over situations in my life.

If we do not hang onto the truth that is taught in the Bible over and over again, what good is our faith? We would have a God led false hope...and we do not!!!

HEB 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

And this final thought. If we become bitter against God…how can we know the joy of living In Partnership With God? How can we any longer be of use to our Heavenly Father? How can we have the comfort that He says the Holy Spirit is here to bring us? “when the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father” John 15:26 KJV

And, let’s face it; people on earth do not want to be around a bitter person. We must work through our pain, even if the only resolution becomes…”I just do not understand” and then we get on with our lives. We can remember loss… but we cannot hang on to it, acting as if it did not happen. This process will take time, but we dare not drag it out!

And yes, the loss, the struggle will come back to us. Recently I had a dream about what happened to me, to our family, 26 years ago. I had thought the inner pain, the reality of the unfairness was gone…I was wrong. I was totally surprised! I thought I had forgiven – and I think I have…but this does not remove all of the pain. Life is sometimes incredibly unfair…ugly if you will – as the direct result of sin. We must acknowledge this reality and not abandon the great reality of God’s love. We must move our focus from the one to the other.

chief chuck

A Good Wife…Chosen for me by God #8

Sally Jo and I attended a 200 student Christian high school: Wheaton Academy. The school had both “town” and “boarding” students. We lived in town and during my senior year I often had permission to use a family car. Sally Jo and I would double date, and our dates were dorm students. After we took our dates back to the dorm, we would drive the 6 miles back to Wheaton. That ride began to take longer and longer. After a several months we realized we did not need to drive to the Academy to pick up our dates. I would drive the three blocks to Sally Jo’s home…and we would head out for a great time together.

We slid into our relationship. There was no thought, I assure you, that we were dating because we believed it was God’s will for our lives. None! We wanted to be together.

Sally Jo spent 16 summers at Hills Lake. While living on the South side of Chicago her mom and dad purchased a summer cottage…complete with an out-house in the garage and a pump at the kitchen sink. Each June, her dad would take her mom and the four kids up to the lake for the summer, and he would drive the six hours to be with the family each weekend - and then for two weeks each August.

At “Hoppe Pine Vista” Sally Jo learned to swim, row, fish and clean fish, canoe, water ski – and to take her baths in the lake. She had summer friends - and school year friends. Sally Jo learned to live in two very different worlds…comfortably.

During grade school Sally Jo’s family built a home in Wheaton…and indoor plumbing arrived at the cottage. While in college I had many wonderful days with the family at the lake – learning the world which was so much a part of her life.

Twenty years later we were living in Texas…and each June I would take Sally Jo and our three children to Sky Ranch for the summer. Through the week I lived in Dallas, where Sky Ranch had its primary office…and each Friday I would drive to the ranch to be with our family for the weekend. Twenty seven years later we moved together each summer to Deerfoot Lodge – a wilderness camp for boys. Sally Jo already had the pattern of moving each summer to the lake…and for her to have running water and a hot shower in our cabin was luxury! God had prepared Sally Jo well.

Did Sally Jo and I choose each other…or did God engineer the whole thing? Or both? While we were dating the 5 ½ years before we got married I do not remember thinking that God had prepared Sally Jo to be my wife. I do remember struggling through many differences/challenges during those years – and wondering…”is this the girl I should marry?” Today it is easy to see God’s careful preparation for the work He would give us to do…together. For 45 years we have worked together at Living In Partnership With God. Always easy? Are you kidding? But…God has blessed us, used us beyond what we could ask or think.

Remember how this relationship began – no more planned by us than I planned to go to Pioneer Camp in Canada at age 9 – or prayerfully chose to work on a farm, or wash pots and pans for Young Life, or help build a house in Costa Rica.

May it be that when I say to a girl, `Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, `Drink, and I'll water your camels too'--let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." -- Genesis 24:14

Seek to live your life pleasing to God – and smile!

Spring Vacation Work Week - I was the cook! #7

It was spring vacation and snow was still on the ground at Honey Rock Camp in Northern Wisconsin. Coach Chrouser had taken several of us teenagers for a work week. Coach was the camp's founder, Athletic Director at Wheaton College, and my craft instructor during Christmas vacation several years before.

We used the outhouse as the camp water system had not been turnd on for the summer. My friend, Dave, was one big boy...and when he stepped on the outhouse floor...down he went! We heard his desperate call for help - and went running. We found Dave hanging by his hands...and started laughing so hard it was a challenge to pull him out - before he was into a really significant problem!

Coach decided I should be the cook for the week...in between my other work. Each morning he would talk me through the menu and tell me how to prepare the simple, but excellent, food. We worked hard, ate well, and laughed much as we worked getting camp ready for the coming season.

Each of us knew that we were important to Coach, and we learned that his high expectations of us were a demonstration of this relationship. With Coach we always learned new skillls - and that we must do our work well.

When we made a mistake under Coach, if we had done our best, we were encouragedd, received further instruction and we continued on with our work. When we did something wrong becaue we were lazy, or because we "broke the rules", we were soon reminded of the fact...very explicitly, very intensely. When he was sure we realized the folly of our ways ...we never heard about the incident again. Coach never changed - we did! It was a privilege to work for and with Coach Chrouser.

When we invite a person to work with us on a project for which they lack the necessary skills and/or self confidence, the person is almost always pleased we thought they could handle the resonsibility - even if they say "no thanks". Our challenge is to match the person with the right opportunity through which they can learn and succeed. When beginnning a new responsibility, the person needs to know what is expected of them and that they will receive the necessary instruction/coaching. And then encourage...praise...thank! As the person grows into more of what the Lord would have them be, the person feels good about themselves - and appreciative of the person who gave them the opportunity to grow. (NEVER dump work you do not want to do on an unsuspecting person!)

Coach showed me that I could do more than I througt I could through the Christmas vacation craft program a few years before. And so if Coach said I could cook for 8 people, I believed I could...with his help. Coach would not let me fail! Soon I was cooking on the trail at Honey Rock, and a few years later I cooked for 200 college athletes.

When we have the opportunity to work or play with a person who has more knowledge/skill than we do, we should welcome the opportunity. When we have the opportunity of having someone work with us - planting a garden, repairing a car, leading a Bible study, teaching a class, building furniture or a log cabin, painting a barn, preparing a nice meal - let us welcome the opportunity to teach, to encourage, to buid up one of God's special people. This is part of living In Partnership With God.

Think through the things that Jesus did alone...it will not take you very long!

"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land." -- Psalm 41:1-2

Decision Time: “I will be God’s Man” #6

I think I was in Junior High School when I first heard someone share these words of a shoe salesman, Dwight L. Moody: “The world has yet to see what God can do through a man totally yielded to Him. By God’s grace I will be that man.” I thought, very consciously, that if God could use Dwight L. Moody in amazing ways, he could probably use me.

This is where the journey began. This decision did not improve my grades, or change who I was. Through my high school and college years I desperately wanted to be elected to some office – it never happened.

When I made the decision that I wanted to be God’s man, I knew little of what “God’s man” meant, or about how to become one - other than to read the Bible. (I still have the Bible) And so almost every night before I turned out my light I would read one chapter in my Bible, and work at doing what the passage said. Many times the passage said nothing to me! Other times the implications of the passage for my life were very clear…and often I would clearly miss God’s standard. I was no saint, but this pattern proved to be enough to get me started in becoming “God’s man”.

If we seek to be God’s man, to live In Partnership With God, we will live in a counter culture. God’s people must swim against the current of society – until we get to heaven. Fact. Matthew 7:13 puts it this way: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”.

As we seek to live In Partnership With God, we must always remember that we will continue to sin – to make wrong choices – and we will often feel very frustrated about our own failures. At such times we must not forget that Jesus Christ died on cross that these sins could be forgiven. What is critical is that we repent/turn from our sin and ask for the offered forgiveness. We then begin again, with a clean slate, to work at living out our decision to be God’s man.

Many times at Deerfoot during the After Breakfast Bible Study I would ask two big, strong staff to come stand next to me. I designated one as God…the other as the Devil. Each took one arm - the challenge was to pull me in their direction. The direction I would go was my choice. If I pulled toward “God”…the “Devil” had no chance. If I pulled toward the “Devil”, I could move in that direction.

“I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back."

And what is your decision?

A Great Man…a simple craft program…a lasting impact! #5

Whereas I was not a great student, I was pretty good with my hands – and my parents did everything they could to build upon this strength.

I think I was 12 (56 years ago!), when, during Christmas vacation, I went to a craft class taught in the basement of the Wheaton College Graduate School. The room was set up to do leather, plaster, cooper tooling, perhaps candles – probably through out the year. The room was not very big; the lighting was not very good.

The bright light for me in that room was Coach Chrouser, who taught the class. Every day he helped perhaps fifteen of us make Christmas gifts for our parents. We could choose what we wanted to make…and he would then work patiently with us.

I vividly remember making two plaster casts of the head of a Cocker Spaniel with which I would make book ends. When I had finished my work, Coach came over and asked if I would like him to help me finish up my project. And he took my plaster casts, already covered with brown paint, and with his magic hands, transformed my crude efforts into beautiful work. On Christmas morning I was incredibly proud of the present I could give to my parents.

Years ago I brought the members of my junior high Sunday school class to my wood working shop and helped each make a beautiful Christmas present of their design for their parents. I remember that Ken built a book shelf; another turned a bowl on the lathe, etc. I was passing on my experience to a few great young people, some of whom were struggling as I had been. The young man who built the book case still lives in our town, is married and has 3 children. Recently Ken came over to help me build a new work bench in my expanded wood shop.

I am sure Coach had no idea of the long term impact that he had – that he would continue to have upon me. (You may read more details of some of this in the months ahead) “Coach” started Honey Rock Camp for Wheaton College – where I was a camper, maintenance worker, counselor, unit leader, waterfront director, and tripping director/assistant camp director. It was for Honey Rock that I earned my American Red Cross Canoeing, Sailing, and Water Safety Instructor certifications. Coach was the head football coach at Wheaton College when I played on their undefeated football team. After I injured my back and we knew I should not play football again, Coach asked me to become the head cook for the two week football/cross country/soccer camp – and I was asked back the next year!

Apart from Sally Jo, and my mom and dad, Coach Chrouser was the person who has had the greatest impact upon my life.

We do not need to seek opportunities through which we can share interests, encourage, and perhaps in time, disciple and mentor. As we seek to Live in Partnership With God, He is bringing these people into our lives. The challenge is to take the time to be God’s instruments of change.

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” -- Matthew 25:40

Why Did God Not Touch Me? #4

As a child/young person I knew the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Daniel, Gideon, David...I had heard people say…God spoke to me. I had been taught Matthew 7:7-9 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?"

 

And so, believing what I had been taught, I asked God to reveal Himself to me.  "Lord, touch me, shake my bed…do something now!"  Nothing!!!  Yes, I was disappointed – confused.  What was wrong with God, or with my relationship with God?    

 

Now I have a few ideas as to why God did not meet my request.  When Jesus was teaching a large crowd on a hillside, He told the story of the beggar Lazarus who, when he died, went to Abraham's side in heaven.  And the rich man who continually ignored Lazarus went to hell. The rich man can see Lazarus next to Abraham and he urges Abraham to send someone to earth to warn people.  Abraham replied: "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." Luke 16: 20 -31

 

The Bible provides many examples of the reality of God: water in the desert, Daniel in the lion's den…Paul wrote: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:18-20

 

I knew the stories of God's miraculous "activities" recorded in the Bible.  I had come to believe that our physical world with its plants, animals and people did not just happen.  Deep down I had no question as to the reality of God. 

 

What I wanted was a personal demonstration by God of His reality.  If God had physically touched me, would I expect God to do whatever I asked?  If God did whatever I asked, would He be God?  And what would happen to my pride?  What would other people expect of me?

 

I have read about many miracles…and been a part of many miracles…like my going to Pioneer Camp.

I cannot think of one miracle God has done for the sole purpose of demonstrating that He could "do a miracle".

 

Every miracle in the Bible was to meet a specific need – Noah/flood, parting of water, Daniel in lion's den, calming storm, healing people… Through miracles God meets specific needs – and in the process demonstrates His reality. 

 

As we seek to live as God's children, as His friends, may we be able to say with Mary: "I am the Lord's servant." Luke 1:38. Our challenge is to trust him through our fears; thank him in our joys.  I do not always meet this challenge, but this does not change the fact that God is real and that God desires to treat each of us as individuals – to accomplish His purposes – while meeting our real needs. 

 

When God needs to work through a miracle, God shows that He has the ability.   God did not feel the need to shake my bed…and He was right.  Even without the bed shaking I have trusted in the God I cannot see.

God Had Plans For My Future #3

I was 9 and 10 years old when I was a camper at Pioneer Camp, a place I loved, even after 6 weeks each summer.

When I was asked to become the new Director of Deerfoot Lodge, 1982, my father began telling me stories about the camp. He had been on the camp staff (1931-2) while preparing to be a medical doctor on the mission field. DL was just beginning: 12-16 campers each session. My father told me about the program, and he told me wonderful stories about Dad Kunz, the founding Director. Dad Kunz was a very special person to father –who was a teenager when his father had died.

When I became the Director of DL, I had only seen the camp once – on a bitter cold, snowy winter day! The following June I arrived at camp three days after our family had moved to New York from Texas. Jeff Littauer was opening camp – there were no work weekends. The only staff member I knew well was Jeff – who served as Guide leader that summer. I had met Dave Naysmith at his home. Nay had been at DL perhaps 15 years, and he knew the program and the staff very well. Nay helped me select a few good men from the previous summer’s staff – Dean Dover, as head cook, was a key carry-over person! Charlie Karner agreed to come for several weeks to head up maintenance. These staff members patiently helped me get up to speed.

By the time campers arrived I felt very much at home: the program and the organizational structure seemed very familiar to me. The physical setting was very much like I had enjoyed at Pioneer. Soon I learned Dad Kunz had spent several weeks at Pioneer Camp – he wanted to learn the program and organizational structure of an excellent Christian Camp. I was camper in 1948-49. Dad Kunz was there before 1930.

The Lord had prepared me to become the Director of DL…just as he had prepared Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Paul, and many others – before they had a clue how God would use them. Between attending Pioneer Camp and becoming Director of DL God continued to prepare me for DL. I had no clue what was coming.

Moses did not choose his parents, to be put into the river, to be found by Pharaoh’s daughter, to be raised by his own mother and to live in Pharaoh’s palace. When he killed an Egyptian, he did not know that his actions had been observed by a Hebrew, and that he would have to flee for his life to the desert where he lived for 40 years. God knew - and orchestrated Moses preparation to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Look back on your life. Can you see how God prepared you for what you are doing? Please do not try to figure out how He is preparing you for what is to come! Be confident that if you desire to be In Partnership With God, He is continuing to work out His plan for you.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11

IPWG: an observation and introduction of “EXTRA”

Observation: Each Monday Morning I will continue to share my story, chronologically, and how I have experienced God working for me, in me, through me. I am now writing the IPWG you will receive in about 12 weeks. As I work, I am observing that my experiences are moving from where I have been primarily the receiver…to where I am primarily one of God’s agents of change.

As you observe this, see if this has not been your experience as well. I know at least one of you is reading the Monday IPWG to their children - this could be interesting for you to point out to them.

---

EXTRA – an introduction. I have come to realize there are times when I would like to share with you thoughts which do not fit into the normal pattern of the Monday Morning edition of “In Partnership With God. When I do this, the EXTRA will only come mid-week and will be identified: IPWG EXTRA – then the topic…then how many pages the attachment has. Here are two examples of what the “EXTRA” may be like.

1. My e-mail response to a specific e-mail.

“Chief, I wish I could honestly say something like 'but God is good,' but this is a hard place to be. Not that I'm doubting, I have seen too much of grace and power to doubt. But I'm questioning, because this isn't good. It is hard. And it probably won't end or get easier ….
That looks pathetic to read. It's where I am- and I covet prayer (the ability to pray) and peace.”

When I include people in a specific way, if there is any question as to whether it is OK with them, know that I have their specific approval to include them in the e-mail – they will have read the e-mail I will be sending to you. An example being that I write about Shelley Schenkel’s brain tumor and eventual physical death.

Here is Bart’s response to my question.
“With certainty! You have clarified the "Big" picture well and the story of my journey fits that picture. Hurting people need to know how (like others before them) to work through tough parts of God's perfect provision in their life. It's a journey that always comes before the answers. Bart”

My response to the ache of this Deerfooter is 3 pages - it took many hours to write. It is long - but very much shorter then the 250 pages of “When God Doesn’t Make Sense” by James Dobson. (This book was written in response to a plane accident in which four of his friends were killed – their color picture is the only picture in the book…and the accident is never mentioned. I was a very close friend of one of the four…and knew one of the others). . Philip Yancey wrote 278 pages - “Where Is God When It Hurts?” – the same basic topic. Both are excellent books!!

2. A reality or thought I would like to share, speak to. “The Power of God’s Word” was triggered by my reading an article in the current Leadership Journal (Volume 29, Number 1) – which is published quarterly by Christianity Today. The sub-title of Leadership is “real ministry in a complex world”. I share a personal experience of seeing the Power of God’s Spoken Word when read without comment.

Again, I welcome your e-mail comments - Be candid!
Chief chuck

Summer Camp….a life changing experience! #2b orig.

My mom and dad realized that school was hard on me. I was not doing as well as most kids in the class….though I remember Henry was a much worse reader than I was. I loved to be outside, often playing in the woods behind our home. Occasionally our family went swimming together at the public pool – Dad was able to teach me to swim quite easily.

Mom and Dad, realizing what my interests and abilities were, registered my brother, Dick, and me for Pioneer Camp in Port Sidney, Ontario, Canada. It was a boy’s camp on a private lake. Dad drove us up to Pioneer where we were campers for six weeks – I was 9, Dick was 11. We returned the next summer for 6 more incredible weeks.

It was at Pioneer that I swam my first mile – and learned the different swimming strokes. This was where I learned to canoe, and worked almost daily toward perfecting the canoeing strokes. Nine years later I was the canoeing instructor for Honey Rock Camp in Wisconsin, and co-taught a canoeing course for Wheaton College.

As my skills grew, so did my self confidence. Frequently I would be taken out of rest period to help set up for the water Olympics and to help in other ways. Over and over again I remember feeling special…

But there were some tough experiences too. One night I had diarrhea…rushed out of our tent, down the platform stairs…and felt the….sliding down my leg inside my pajama bottoms. I took care of the mess myself, and was very glad my counselor never woke up. It was a night I will never forget!

One summer my counselor’s name was Mitch. I remember him teaching our cabin that we were to put on the whole armor of God. He taught the lesson with flannel graph and as Mitch put the armor on the soldier, we talked about the significance of each piece of armor. Today Deerfooter’s sing: “O Fight the Good Fight Likes a Soldier, put on the whole armor of God! The belt and the breast plate and helmet, the shoes and the shield…”

Ephesians 6:10-18 provide a summary of the means Christians have to fight the evil powers of this world -
the evidence of which we see around us, often find living within us.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…

• Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist
  
• With the breastplate of righteousness in place
  
• Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
  
• Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one
  
• Take the helmet of salvation
  
• The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
  
• And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests….be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.”
  

The Bible verses we learn as children impact us throughout our lives. What verses do you remember?
What verses can we help our children learn? Perhaps learn ourselves? Here are a few good ones:

The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13, John 3:16-17, John 10:10, Ephesians 2:8-10, II Timothy 3:16-17
I Corinthians 10:13, Joshua 1:8-9, Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Psalm 100, Psalm 119:9 & 11

(Remember…perfect memorization is not nearly as important as understanding the meaning of the verse. If I had been required to learn each verse perfectly, I would have failed - and hated Scripture memory)

I was the Struggling Little Boy #2

I was the boy that needed a tutor to be able to pass 5th and 6th grade. My parents did everything they could to motivate me….and I tried, O how I tried!

I still remember doing an extensive report on Switzerland for my 6th grade teacher. With my parents help I received information from the Swiss Department of Tourism – beautiful pictures, maps, and lots of information. I worked my tail off, with help from my parents. I received a B- for my work. Why bother working so hard? I could have gotten a C, ok, maybe a D…without spending hours and days doing my very best work. Yet I continued to try to be a good student.

I knew I was not doing well in school – and my dad knew I knew that I was not doing well in school.

And every so often my father would take me in his arms and say: “Hang in there son. I flunked fifth grade, and I made it”. My dad was a medical doctor and a member of the Wheaton College Board of Trustees. Dad never quit believing in me…until he died at Deerfoot Lodge in 1988.

Were you a child like me? Do you know a little boy or girl who struggles today? Does he have a mom or dad who hugs him…and encourages in him? Even if they have such a parent, your affirmation will have a tremendous impact upon the child, particularly if you repeatedly show your interest in them.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Matthew 19:14 -15

Salvation – The Foundation Decision #1

I must have made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior, but I have no idea when I did this.  I know I was a young child.  I grew up knowing about my sin, God's great gift, Jesus Christ, and how he died on the cross that my sins could be forgiven.  I memorized, and had a reasonable understanding of John 3:16. 

In my world, I often heard people tell of how and when they accepted God's gift of salvation – some of these were dramatic stories – and I did not know my "when or how".  So, just to be sure, I remember singing this chorus many nights in bed.   "Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus.  Come in today, come in to stay, come into my heart Lord Jesus". I never felt any different… 

I was in junior high when my parents decided our family should change churches. Before I could become a member, I was interviewed by an elder as to my readiness to become a member of our "new church".  I clearly remember my disappointment when the elder did not question me about my salvation…not really about anything.   

Partly as a result of that experience, when I have interviewed potential staff members to work in Christian camps, I have tried to assume nothing – and pressed the person hard on the basics of their Christian faith.   

Several times I talked with students, yes, some attending Christian colleges – who seemed to believe they would be saved through their good works. Not so.  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9  

Salvation is the free gift of God – to all who say…and believe "This is for me."   

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  John 10:9 

Be sure you have made this decision for yourself.  Knowing all of the theology involved is not required.  If you feel it helpful, find a Christian you can trust.