I Have Money – You Know The Needs #54

At Christ Church I put an announcement in the church bulletin: “The Career Group will begin on Sunday evening… To qualify be 20-30 and single.” The first time we met several things were immediately obvious:

• Lots of singles wanted to get together.
• The educational, vocational, financial mix was huge! From the Keebler Cookie Executive to the man who kept the shelves stocked in the grocery store to the elementary school teacher.
• As we talked about what the group would like to do, four things were evident:
  1. The group wanted to meet weekly – speakers and discussions on a variety of subjects.
  2. Some would like serious Bible study.
  3. The group wanted a continual flow of activities they could do together.
  4. Without financial assistance, a few would not be able to afford what others would like to do.

I went to the Senior Minister and asked if funds were available for the group and if there could be additional funds to make it possible for everyone to participate in every activity. The answer: neither was available. He went on to say that, in life, there will always be people who could not participate in all of the activities. End of discussion.

Brent and Marcie Cameron knew that I was heading up the new career group. Soon after the group began, Brent said “Chuck, I have money, but I do not know where the needs are. You don’t have money, but you know where the needs are. Just let me know how much you need.” We talked about the needs of some of the people in Career Group…he smiled and repeated “just let me know how much you need”. Brent was a VP of McDonalds Hamburgers. Every McDonald’s outside of the US was under his jurisdiction.

I explained to The Career Group that a member of the church was making money available so everyone could participate in all of the group’s activities. If they had a need, let me know. When we went for a day to the Michigan Dunes State Park, or to eat in a Greek Restaurant, or to attend a concert, we could all go. I do not remember ever feeling that a person was taking advantage of the available financial help. So far as the group was concerned…we were The Career Group - one group!!! The group soon grew to about 100 singles meeting each Sunday evening – and for “specials” on a semi-regular basis.

I cannot remember how the “mechanics” worked. Sally Jo and I both remember that we frequently had Cameron money in our checking account. The checks were made payable to me, and therefore their gifts through me to the members of the group could not have been income tax deductible. The Cameron’s checks never needed to be large, but what a huge difference their giving made for everyone in the group.

Brent and Marcie understood that they were members of the Body of Christ, His Church, and they found joy in this fact: “if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously” - Romans 12:8

Brent and Marcie Cameron lived In Partnership With God. “Just let me know how much you need.”

Enabling The Body of Christ to Use Their Gifts #53

Living In Partnership With God means to me that, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, I will use my God-given gifts and abilities to enable others to develop and use their God given gifts and abilities. Fortunately people have different gifts – and my challenge is to help people to get into situations where they can develop and utilize what God has entrusted to them. Some people can be great teachers of children, others can be great teachers of adults. Some have the gift of organization, others have the gift of service. Some are very artistic, others can come up with new ideas. My challenge: to take the pieces of the puzzle and to put them together so that every person enjoys caring out their responsibility while growing as one of God’s unique individuals. It is sad when I misread a person or situation and try to fit a round peg into a square hole. When this happens, many people are negatively affected.

When I arrived at Christ Church of Oak Brook my job description included developing the Christian Education program (effective facility usage, curriculum selection, staffing) AND the development of small groups throughout a rapidly growing church, the leadership of Career Group (singles 20-35), leading two worship services each Sunday morning, preaching most Sunday evenings plus counseling, weddings, etc. The only way I could survive this situation was to build an organization and then to staff it with the right people in the right positions – about 200 of them!

Five months after I arrived the church would change from having 5 class rooms to 25 class rooms, from having 19 involved in the Sunday school program to having well over 100 people in a variety of roles.

At some point I met Roberta, a mother of two middle school children. Roberta, a no nonsense person, was sharp, quietly out-going, and she knew her Bible. Her husband had business travel almost every week. Before I could ask Roberta to consider teaching a class of fifth grade girls, I knew I should do everything possible to make all aspects of her teaching as “user-friendly” as possible.

Roberta would want to have excellent teacher education classes to help her sharpen her teaching skills. She would need to know who her regular substitute would be so the two could keep in contact - and who to call if her regular substitute was unavailable. I knew it would greatly help Roberta if most of the teaching supplies she would need were in one location at the church, organized and inventoried: paper of various kinds, easels, pencils, marking pens, dry erase markers, clay, tapes and glues, balloons, maps, posters, Bibles, audio-visual equipment - what in today’s would be a digital projection system, DVD’s of mission work, contemporary issues, the Holy Lands, etc. and CD’s of contemporary Christian music. Roberta would have an inventory list, confident that another person would keep the inventory stocked. And Roberta would need to know I would keep in touch with her and be available to her at any time.

With this organizational structure developing, it was much easier to say “Roberta, would you consider teaching a 5th grade girl’s Sunday school class? I believe you have the gifts and experience to do an incredible job, or I would not ask you to consider this. Yes, teaching will require a significant time commitment on your part I have worked to put the pieces together to make your teaching as easy as possible……. I will call you in a few days so we can talk further.”

Roberta accepted the position. Sally Jo has the recipes her class members brought with the cookies they had baked to Roberta’s home for a cookie party - parents invited!

The only hope I had of surviving the Christ Church challenge was to develop a system – to set programs in motion that could function on a day to day basis without me. I could not spend hours each week putting out brush fires.

As I work to enable others to use their gifts, I am using mine. As I live In Partnership With God I help to enable others to live In Partnership With God. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

For each of God’s children, life should be a rewarding challenge! Remember, not all rewards come on earth.

Unseen Church Member #52

The church of Jesus Christ consists of people. Though the Apostle Paul speaks often about the church, he never mentions a church building. In The Shack by William P. Young, Jesus says “It’s (the church) all about relationships and simply sharing life…being open and available to others around us. My church is all about people and life is all about relationships. You can’t build the church. It’s my job”.

Nancy Fritz was a member of CCOB, though few of the members had ever seen her. Nancy’s family was well known: Bill was an elder; their son was a tall, excellent basketball player and their daughter, a cheerleader at the high school. We did not see much of Edna, the mom, but she was a delight. A few months after meeting the family, I learned about Bill and Edna’s daughter, “little Nancy”. Nancy was 10 years old and 3’ tall. She could only be in a prone position. She had osteo-genisis imperfectus. Simply put, her bones would not harden and were very easily broken.

I soon went to visit Nancy, who was delighted to meet me. I still remember the wonderful smile on her normal size head. For her age, Nancy knew her Bible well and was more theologically astute than many adults. Edna had poured herself into Nancy, a very bright little girl. I can still see her smile but I could not see the ribs inside her small dress – ribs often broken by a sneeze or cough. Nancy’s arms and legs were misshapen from the many times they had broken and healed not quite straight.

Nancy’s joy was serving others. She could be gently rolled onto her side and held there with pillows. From this position she very carefully printed out notes of encouragement to people, and it was in this position she painted my Christmas tree ornament. The ornament shape was purchased from a craft store, a flat plywood cut-out of a woman dressed in old fashioned clothes. Nancy carefully painted the woman, front and back – red dress, white apron and bonnet - not great art work, but a very special gift to me.

Nancy asked me what she could do for the church. After a few minutes of give and take we came up with two ideas. She could keep the pencils in the pew racks sharpened – Edna would get an electric pencil sharpener and a couple young people would check the pencil points each Sunday after church and replace them with pencils sharpened the week before. And the second idea? The church had an extensive, cassette ministry. As soon as the preaching was finished the cassette duplicators would copy the master. When the people left the church, they could pick up a copy to share with friends or listen to themselves. The next Sunday many people returned their cassette and each week these would go to Nancy who would erase the contents with a small machine. The cassettes were then ready to re-use. Week after week she faithfully did her work well!

I asked Nancy what I, or the church, could do for her. She smiled and said, “Please serve me communion.” She said no one every had. After checking with Bill and Edna, the next Sunday several elders and other healthy (no colds, etc.) church members went to be with Nancy. When we walked into the living room, there was Nancy, lying on the floor under the edge of the grand piano. We all sat down around her, and together we sang, read the Scriptures, and celebrated communion together. After this, when communion was celebrated at church, many went to have communion with Nancy

One day Edna came to me obviously excited! She was pregnant! Total surprise!!! I, without a thought, responded with “Edna, this year little Nancy will die”. We looked at each other…both of us shocked at what I had just said! A few months later “little Nancy” caught pneumonia, and died. Again, both of us were stunned!

During the funeral: incredible thunder, lightening, and rain! This continued through the end of the service – when the sky cleared. After the service Edna came to me with a grin: “The thunder was for Nancy – she loved thunder! We went for the grave-side service in a bright, warm sun. And a few months later a baby boy was born.

“Little Nancy” lived In Partnership With God. She worshiped and served with a joyful heart. The church building meant nothing to Nancy! The church people…a whole different story.

The Church, His Body, All the Parts #51

Without the assurance of the provision of God’s guidance and resources, I would have been crazy to accept my assignment at Christ Church of Oak Brook. Here was a 7 year old church with an average attendance and membership of about 1000 people with only 19 teaching in the Sunday School – and a large, just completed education building. Here was a church where, apart from groups such as the trustees, elders, deacons, and the choir, there were only 2 other functioning groups, one being the youth group. The assignment: Build the Body of Believers through study and fellowship. This seemed to require identifying and training over 100 teachers for the Sunday School in five months, and identifying natural affinity groups through which needs could be met.

When carrying out a God assigned task, the leader must be confident he understands his assignment and be confident God will provide all of the resources needed including the leader’s knowledge, the experience gained through his previous God given assignments, the promised guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the “raw materials” needed: people, facility, money, and equipment. Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission put it this way: “God’s work, done in God’s way, never lacks for God’s supply.” This was Hudson Taylor’s experience – and this continues to be mine.

We must never deceive ourselves into thinking that the fulfilling of our assignment will be easy. The costs may be huge – sometimes including the lives of God’s people. Abraham’s challenges included dealing with Lot and waiting for the birth of Isaac. Moses struggled leading the Israelites in the desert. Joseph had his brothers and Pharaoh’s wife to contend with. Jesus lived through persecution and died carrying out God’s will. Stephen was stoned to death. Paul was ship wrecked and often imprisoned. Today Christians living in many countries of the world are persecuted and die while obeying God’s directives. Comparing my situation at CCOB to the situations other Christians face, a piece of cake.

The Bible teaches that His Body, the Church, contains all the necessary people - to whom He has given a variety of gifts and abilities. The apostle Paul wrote similar words to the churches in Corinth and Ephesus that he wrote to the church in Rome. “in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 5-8.

Let’s be real. Human beings, even with the best intentions, can distort God’s assignment – sometimes to make the assignment “easier, more realistic” or to accomplish personal desires. Getting God’s assignment correct may take considerable time in prayer by the committee or person challenged with the responsibility of the work to be done. “Lord, we must get this right! We ask for your wisdom –confident we will receive it.” This is not prayer to change the mind of God; this is prayer which recognizes that this is an assignment from Almighty God. Once the assignment is agreed upon, the person being giving the responsibility must be sure he understands and is willing to carry out the assignment. “Almighty God, I will do whatever you ask of me, knowing that my ability plus your resources cannot fail to accomplish what you are asking me to do. Lord, I need your peace.” This was precisely Gideon’s feelings. Lord, I will fight for you. I will risk my life and the lives of those who follow me if I am sure I have the assignment straight! OK Lord, fleece dry, ground wet, fleece wet, ground dry. Judges 6:36-40.

When I arrived at CCOB, my understanding of what the church was asking me to do and what I could see needed to be done matched, and I was at peace. I began not knowing many of the challenges ahead or the resources to be needed. In football, if a team cannot make progress running the ball, it may be able to pass – to mix running and passing, always remembering the objective. Each member of the team must understand and carry out each assignment. The football illustration breaks down in several ways, one being, in ministry the leader never punts! He may not see progress, then a little, perhaps a huge gain, sometimes going two steps backward – but knowing that with God’s assignment and resources, there will be no ultimate failure when we live In Partnership With God.

In Retrospect #50

Since 1965 Christ Church of Oak Brook has sought to be a community of disciples where the worship of God, the spiritual growth of people, and the service of God’s kingdom are pursued with passion and excellence.

I was the Associate Pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook (CCOB), IL for 30 wonderful and yet very tough months – 1972-75. While at CCOB, the church grew from less than 1000 to 2300 members. It would be much easier for me to write only about the highlights, the successes, the easy times etc. I do not think this would be most helpful to you, or honest of me. When we left, I believe the senior pastor was relieved. I will do my very best to write from my heart….

Pastor Arthur DeKruyter was the founding pastor of this unique, thriving church, and a man who had the courage to significantly change his understanding of God’s desired involvement in people’s lives, and to change his approach to ministry. He wrote about these transitions in his book, Journey into Joy. It takes tremendous courage for a person who was incredibly successful in founding and leading a healthy, growing church (6 families to perhaps 4,000 people when he retired) to consider serious personal change, but he did. We were there before this transformation occurred. When I returned on a Sunday morning, perhaps 15 years later, I was welcomed with a hug and a big smile!

This was the only time our family had the privilege of living near extended family. None of us knew we would have this privilege for less than three years. Although we lived within 30 minutes of my parents, two brothers and their families – and 30 minutes from Sally Jo’s parents and her brother and family, we did not see any of them nearly as much as we thought we would. They were busy and we were busy and we just did not carve out time for each other. Again, wonderful times and some tough ones.

I did not realize some of the impact of my ministry at CCOB until we returned for the church’s 40th anniversary celebration. The church had remained focused on its mission and the congregation had grown to over 6,000.

On Saturday evening there was a dinner when we had the opportunity of seeing many people we had enjoyed during our “Oak Brook years.” During the course of the evening David Melvin, Executive Pastor of CCOB, told me I was a pivotal reason he was in the ministry. He reminded me of a conversation we had 25 years before. We had talked about the fact that he had felt he should go into the ministry for some time, but, as I remember, he had a wife and children, and no significant financial resources. I did not know his parents, but was 99% sure they had very considerable financial resources. I suggested he go to them, tell them his heart’s desire and the financial obstacle he faced – and ask if they would be willing to help. No one in his family had gone into full time Christian vocation, and he did not know how this request would be received. I gave no further thought to the conversation. And here he was, thanking me for my role in his becoming a minister.

On Sunday morning, as we walked toward the sanctuary, many of the elders were in the large foyer welcoming people to church, most often by name. One of these elders welcomed us, and asked our names. I said that I was Chuck Gieser, Associate Pastor of the church for about 3 years. His response blew me away. “You were here for only three years? What an incredible legacy you left.”

After the service a man introduced himself and said that when he was 12 he interviewed me for a school paper he was writing. After our time together he decided he would go into the ministry. I had no clue!

While at CCOB I saw excellence in ministry modeled, worked with and was mentored by incredible people, was encouraged to use my gifts/abilities in the organization and implementation of many different ministries, experienced the reality of God in life-changing ways, gained insight into my strengths and weaknesses, and decided in many areas what I would seek to do and not do, all of which helped prepare me for further ministry.

Staying the Course #49

I was shocked when, after only 18 months in Presbytery, I, a Yankee, was voted to be one of the two ministers from Nashville Presbytery to serve as a delegate to the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, US. How did this happen? From a human perspective, my guess is that it was because every pastor and many church members throughout Presbytery knew my name.

I had worked with others to plan and lead two very well attended, “successful” retreats for the Presbytery’s high school students. When young people come home excited about their great retreat in a beautiful Tennessee state park pastors and parents are grateful. One of these retreats was at Easter time, and the young people returned to their homes telling how they had re-enacted the crucifixion, and how they were moved to tears as they realized what Jesus Christ had done for them….Parents and Pastors literally thank the Lord. Someone is getting to the hearts of “our kids.”

Those who attended Presbytery knew I was theologically conservative, but refused to be involved in church politics. It was quickly known that I was willing to listen to others, give my perspective and to vote according to what I believed was right. Pastors and layman alike respect this, even when your thinking is different than theirs.

Three months later I accepted the call for me to become the Associate Pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook, IL. With the decision finalized, I notified the Executive Secretary that I would be moving outside of the bounds of Nashville Presbytery and requested he notify Presbytery and the elected alternate delegate to the meeting of the General Assembly. I also asked if he would seek permission for me to “labor outside of the boundaries of Presbytery”. This request could easily be denied as CCOB is an independent church with a “congregational” form of government.

When several “conservative” members of Presbytery heard what I had done I was “visited” and told that I really should go to the meeting – conservatives in the church were counting on my vote. In my heart I knew I had done what was right – this was why Presbyteries elect an alternate delegate.

At their next meeting, Presbytery granted my request and I was able to keep my ordination status within the PCUS, and was able to continue putting church matched retirement money into the Presbyterian Minister’s Annuity Fund.

Three years later we moved from Illinois to Texas where I became the Director of Sky Ranch – a ministry that was building a new camp/conference facility in East Texas. When we had moved, I called the Chairman of the Ministerial Credentials Committee of Presbytery, a Dallas pastor, and introduced myself as the new Director of Sky Ranch. I said I would like to become a member of Dallas Presbytery. He invited me to his office and in the course of the conversation he asked me if Young Life would be renting the Sky Ranch facility for weekend retreats. I confirmed that this was true.

He then bluntly told me that, as long as he was Chairman of the Ministerial Credentials Committee, I would never be able to become a member of Dallas Presbytery. I was stunned! He went on to say that Young Life had taken “his” church’s best high school students for their program. I knew first hand that this was something Young Life worked hard not to do. Because of this pastor’s experiences or thoughts, the Dallas Presbytery door was shut!

I had few alternatives. I wrote a letter to Nashville Presbytery requesting permission to continue “to labor outside of the bounds of Presbytery”. I was on shaky ground as I had only served in Nashville Presbytery for 20 months, and had not been back in 3 years. Again they granted my request – my name still rang true to them.

Our family joined Highland Park Presbyterian Church where the man I served under after I graduated was pastor. This church affiliation enabled me to have credibility with those in the “main-line denominations” and those in the independent Bible churches. I had credibility without spending hours in Presbytery meetings. My hours went to building Sky Ranch.

When we live In Partnership With God, we must do what we believe to be right before Him. God knows our hearts….and though people may not like what we say, most also know our hearts, and respect our courage.

God's Surprises #48

Within our first year in Murfreesboro the “Stones River Presbyterian Co-operative District” was up and running – 8 churches were working together to develop a strong ministry for each church and the Presbyterian Student Fellowship of Middle Tennessee State University. The large, old former funeral home had become “the morgue” and home to my office, to the Christian Education (CE) supplies gathered and organized from and for the eight churches, to a large conference table (25 + people), a coffee house, a ceramics lab, two small meeting rooms - and the third floor “pool hall”. It had been an intense year – and it seemed like there was finally time to breath.

And then came the invitation. Clayton Bell, the minister I had worked under when I first graduated from seminary, had recently become senior minister of the 4,000 member Highland Park Presbyterian Church just north of Dallas, Texas. “Would I consider coming to the HPPC to head up their Christian Education program?” Harry Hassel, Sr. pastor of the largest church in the SRPCD said we had his blessing to go…but he hoped we wouldn’t! Sally Jo and I had enjoyed working with and learned much from Clayton, and his wife, Peggy. I do not remember that Sally Jo and I put much energy into the decision. Our answer: No. I have remembered the truth:” every invitation is not a call from God.”

A few months later we were contacted by Christ Church of Oak Brook, IL, an interdenominational church located just West of Chicago. We were asked to come up to the church to meet with the church leaders, learn about the church’s program, and see the facility. We went…at least we would have a few days with our families – both of our parents and three siblings lived within 30 minutes of the church. The people were wonderful and their vision for the church was clear. The program was solid and the facility was, for us, mind blowing. Soon after the church began, the developer of the village of Oak Brook had given the church many acres located at the key intersection, less than a mile from a major highway. Soon after the property was given, the people of the church dug deep into their pockets and the present sanctuary was built – it seated 1200 people. The building was unique and incredibly beautiful – the new congregation wanted to make a statement to the community…and they did! Within ten years about 1000 people were attending weekly. In five months the new CE building with a large fellowship hall would be ready for use. I was asked to become associate pastor, with particular responsibility for Christian Education and the “groups” within the church.

How could we say yes? We had been in Murfreesboro less than two years. It was only now becoming “home” to us. The ministries of the Stones River Presbyterian District were going well. There were outstanding young people in the PSF. Recently I had been voted by Presbytery to become one of their delegates to the General Assembly. Many ministers never get this opportunity. (How this happened, I still do not understand.)

What were our real motives in making the move to become part of the CCOB ministry? The opportunity to live near family? Working with some truly great people? The challenge of developing ministries within a large church? Enjoying the excellent music program and great pipe organ? My office, and my secretary’s office, would not be too shabby!

One question in my mind was “Why was it so easy to say no to HPPC in TX…and difficult to say no to Christ Church of Oak Brook”. We really wanted, almost needed, hand writing on the wall. For us, it did not seem difficult to say and mean: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. The huge challenge was….Lord, which path?!!!!!! The handwriting never came! I do not know how long we talked, prayed, and thought about the decision. We had trusted and knew we could not lean on our own understanding. The Lord knew our hearts. Ultimately the only guidance that we should move was the still, small voice of God’s Holy Spirit. After the decision, God’s gave us his peace. When we had finally decided we should move to Illinois, I remember that emotionally and physically I just shut down.

The opportunities God gives to us, the work He has prepared for us have often been surprises. Our challenge is to remember that the opportunities and the work remain His. We are His servants. Repeatedly God has taken our lives in new directions: a city church in AL, a small country church in CT, an education/student ministry in TN, a large suburban church in IL – and eventually into 30 years of directing camps in TX and NY. Living in Partnership With God has been for us, a wild ride! The challenge for each of us is obedience, not what we think will be the outcome.

Rest! #47

I have just returned from 10 days in Vieques, a small, scruffy island off Puerto Rico. Sally Jo stayed on for another 9 days with Barb, a mutual friend. Over a period of nine years we have been on the island at least 18 weeks. During these years we have taken many other trips, in and outside the US, yet, almost every year we return to Vieques.

Why? Because we can enjoy without thinking very much! Almost no stress. We know the roads, stores, beaches, and the basic “rules” of the place. We have a daily pattern: before breakfast we drive ten minutes to Sun beach, arriving about 8:00 AM. The sun is warm, the breeze is light, and the waves gently roll onto the wide, clean beach. We leave our “shoes” in the car and walk from one end of the beach to the other at a pretty fast clip – then return walking with small waves washing over our feet. 45 minutes. We may see two or three people. It is beautiful, no question. But why walk this same beach at the same time of day perhaps 100 times? It is beautiful. Nothing surprising. Very relaxing.

In the evening Sally Jo and I may sit in canvas chairs on the deck of the casita – no bugs, screens, neighbors, utilities, almost no noise. Just us, a few fluffy clouds, bright stars and a slice of the moon. Often we say little – why talk? We are able to talk all day. We sit together, feeling thankful to God, who is also present. We rest and regroup – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I realize I have not been very good at “resting”. It seems there is always something more I feel I should do..

I find it is easy to give God the credit for creation, the bible, my salvation. I say God is eternal, unchangeable, and all knowing, powerful, wise, loving, etc. I look at my life and it is easy to see that God prepares work for me to do – and prepares me for the work He has for me to do. This being true, why does God give me so much to do – and tell me to rest? The problem must not be in what God expects of me…but in my perception of what God expects of me. If I am too busy to rest, which God tells me I must do (creation – rested 7th day, 10 commandments), something in my life must be out of whack! My time must be going to what God considers “non-essentials”. This could mean that I change my lifestyle – or my job. It could mean that I volunteer less…and refuse to be talked into things I should not spend time on.

Sally Jo and I have always given 10% or more of our income to the Lord for His work. To do this has required our family to do without many things. With the 10% we could buy our children nicer clothes, or buy a better car, or perhaps take “grander” vacations. There is always something we can spend money on. But we have said 10 % is God’s….period!

I have come to realize that just as we set apart money for God, I must set time apart for rest – in obedience to God. And the time for rest must be a top priority – according to the God who made me, loves me, has plans for me, etc.

I read Hebrews 4: on the casita deck and in the first eleven verses the word “rest” is included 10 times. Rest seems to be a package – like the different kinds of rest are really one “rest”. Is it possible to rest physically…and not be resting in other areas? Perhaps not. I can be sitting still…and have a thought that causes my pulse and blood pressure to go up. Medical research speaks to the undeniable relationship between our mind and our body. I am not resting if I am lying in a hammock in the warm sun…trying to solve a work or relationship problem, or feeling angry, or worried about… I will not buy the idea that rest is just a change from what we normally do

The 10 commandments tell us “six days you shall labor…the seventh…you shall not do any work…the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” God has made the day holy…He does not tell us to make it holy, but God does clearly say…to rest on this holy day.

If I take this seriously, I should not be writing the In Partnership With God mostly on Sunday afternoon and evening. As much as I enjoy doing this, it is work! If I do not have this Sunday block in which to write…I am sure I can write at a different time in the week – which means something of lesser value will need to go. I should say “this I will do!” Ouch.

Going to Vieques - gone 2 Monday mornings

Sally Jo and I leave for Vieques, PR this evening. This is the island where our daughter Carla/Sea has lived for 4 years - is massage therapist...and sometimes eco kayak guide (7 hr trips) - will stay in her Casita - 16 X16 - 2 story -with two decks looking out over lush green valley to ocean beyond. Can only see 18 lights in the distance at night. Incredible place for us - beyond utilities - only way in and out is 4X4. Jayson Reitz and David Speers spent 2 weeks in the building process - many others have helped...I took friend from church down for a week. Truly incredible place - queen size bed was made from bamboo - hangs from ceiling - mosquito net incase bug comes at night...no screens...no front on casita... water off roof into 1000 holding tank...we pump up to two 50 gal barrels - one is outside, painted black...heats water for shower...waste water from sink and shower used to flush ordinary toilet into septic system Jason built. Normal gas stove/oven...

Anyway - I will stay with Sally Jo for 12 days - then I leave and friend from Bakerville Church (1966-70) will fly in when I fly out and they will be together for another 9 days.

It will be good to get her away from ice...very much afraid of slipping. Her bones are healed...muscles still trying to catch up. She is scheduled to go on bike trip with sister in Chechloslovakia in June - helps her keep focused on getting stronger.

Wazi and MaMa Lee (for you Deerfooters) will be staying her until I return.

God is good... let us remember to praise Him - in our hearts, our living, and with our mouths.

Does it work? #46

Sally Jo and I spent three weeks studying under Dr. Francis and Edith Schaefer at the L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland and three weeks under Major Ian Thomas in at Capernwray Hall in England. Whereas I felt I had a reasonable understanding of Christian doctrine and the Christian life, I did not feel adequately prepared to answer the challenging questions the students at Middle Tennessee State University would raise.

Both of these ministries focused on meeting the spiritual needs of the students, and others, who came. Dr. Schaefer wrote “How shall we Then Live?”, “The Mark of The Christian” and other books. Each Saturday evening he would sit on the hearth of the fireplace and ask “What shall we talk about tonight?” Out would come the questions.

Dr. Schaefer never backed off his position that the Bible was God’s Word and could be trusted as such. I do not remember that he answered questions with a barrage of Scripture. What he did was tie the question into the total perspective, the overall teaching of the Bible. Surprising to me, the students were satisfied – and moved on to the next un-anticipated, often deeply personal question. During the three Saturday evenings we were present, he repeated the same basic answers over and over again – God’s system, God’s plan, was cohesive, and both broad and specific as to it’s guidance. How shall we then live? The Bible tells us. Try it…it works!

Students at L’Abri, at Capernwray – and those attending colleges and universities in the US do ask difficult questions, but behind almost every real question is: ”Does my question have an answer that is consistent with the teachings of the Bible and work in daily Christian living?” My personal challenge continues to be to convey to students that the Christian life is a cohesive philosophy of life with implications for daily living. The Bible teaches that God created humanity and loves His creation so completely that He sent His Son Jesus to demonstrate God’s love for His people, even to the place where Jesus died for their forgiveness. God desires that His creation choose to trust Him, to enjoy His goodness and to choose to love Him. People have always struggled with what God tells people to do and not do, but when any person chooses to seek to obey God’s directives, he increasingly understands God and His ways, to love God, and over time, experience God’s work in him and through him.

We see this truth in many Biblical passages including:

• “Noah was a righteous man…he walked with God” “Noah did all the Lord commanded him to do” -- Gen 6:9, 7:5 25
• ”Enoch walked with God” -- Genesis 5:24
• “Abram believed the Lord” -- Gen 15:6
• “Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded” -- Exodus 7:20
• “Joshua…left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses” -- Joshua 11:15
• “David did as the Lord commanded him” -- II Samuel 5:25
• “Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water” -- Matthew 14:29
• Paul said: “This one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining to what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which Good has called me” -- Philippians 3:14

Jesus brings this perspective to His own teachings: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit” Jesus said: “You are my friends if you do what I command. Jn 15:14

Does living God’s way work? Does it satisfy me? Yes! Do I fear death? No! Do I wonder how I should live or focus my efforts? Not really. God knows my heart. I seek to live In Partnership With God – as did Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Peter, and Paul and many others.

God knows what is best for us! God will guide us into situations for which He has given us the gifts and the training. Will some of these be faith-testing? We can hope so! It should take courage to obey God. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him!” Hebrews 11:6

I do not believe history provides a better way to live.

We Never Know #45

Solomon wrote: “you cannot understand the work of God” (Ecc. 11:5) and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your path.” (Pro 3:5-6KJV). If we cannot understand God, how can we possibly understand in advance what the good works are that God has planned for us? (Ps. 139:14-16, Eph 2:10). The decision to move from Bakerville, CT to Murfreesboro, TN was difficult, in part, because we did not know what was ahead for us. Yes, we had a general job description, but that was it. We had no clue what the positive/people result of our move would be. Sally Jo and I agreed: we had to move to Murfreesboro.

Bob, Jane, Ann and Martha Sue were present at our first meeting with The Presbyterian Student Fellowship of Middle Tennessee State University. Ann and Martha Sue were from Murfreesboro. Bob was the son of a military family – they had lived in many different places. Jane was from North of Nashville.

Bob Todd was bright, capable, and personable – he planned to become a medical doctor. At some point while we were there Bob decided to go into the ministry. I remember questioning him about this decision. After Bob and Jane graduated from Middle Tennessee State, they married and moved to Illinois where Bob attended and graduated from Trinity Theological Seminary. He then pastored a Presbyterian Church, and Jane earned her RN degree. Three years after seminary Bob went to medical school. While in medical school I told him I was sorry we had somehow caused the detour. Bob laughed and assured me he was very glad he had gone to seminary. He medical school bills were paid by the U.S. government in exchange for his serving as a doctor in a rural area where there was little medical care available.

Bob and Jane moved to Abbeville, SC. They bought a small house and Bob set up a small medical practice and pulpit supplied in local churches. Their two children grew, and a third was born. The little house became exceedingly full. About this time a widow in town came to Bob and Jane and asked if she could trade houses with them. They wondered about this as her house was much larger, had a swimming pool, and a very large garage. The lady explained that she appreciated their work in the community, and she did not need her large home any more. The swap was made! Bob’s practice grew to serving over 10,000 different patients – with a staff of 4 medical doctors and a nurse practitioner. Bob also taught a course in medical ethics for a medical school. This past year Bob moved from the family practice into working with Hospice. When Bob and Jane moved to Abbeville, they had no clue as to the impact they would have on the community, and how God would provide for them. Bob and Jane seek to live In Partnership With God.

Martha Sue was 6’ tall and our young daughter, Carla, told us she wanted to become as tall as Martha Sue. We’d say “no way – you don’t have tall parents.” We were wrong. Martha Sue’s dad, Burns, was the church elder who worked tirelessly with me on the opening of the Morgue for my office, for use by the PSF, and many other people. I called her mom “Mother Martha” and I can still hear her laugh! She made plum jam – and insisted that leaving a pit in the jam increased the flavor. Martha Sue was an only child and her mother worked hard to raise a proper southern lady. Burns wanted to be sure Martha Sue knew how to do out door activities. He helped her become an excellent horseback rider. Burns bought a boat so Martha Sue could learn how to water ski – she also learned to rappel down rock cliffs. Mother Martha was mortified! and laughed about it all.

Martha Sue earned her Masters in Christian Education and went to work with students at Montreat Anderson College. She eventually married Randy Bowyer, the Director of Student Development, and they had a daughter and two sons. Their sons, Tom and Tim, became campers, Guides and staff at Deerfoot Lodge. Tim became a Guide Leader. Martha Sue just finished her R.N. degree and is now a nurse in Clemson, SC. She, Randy, Katherine, Tim and Tom seek to live In Partnership With God.

Ann Crenshaw was steady, and full of life. Her mom ran the Ceramics program at The Morgue. Ann earned her Master’s Degree in Christian Education and has served churches in the field of Christian Education for 32 years – while doing this she also has served as the Chaplain for a Police Department! Ann is presently in Georgia, and there is no indication she is about to stop. Ann seeks to live In Partnership With God.

These five people encourage others to live In Partnership With God. This ripple effect will continue.

Sally Jo and I are very thankful we obeyed God’s challenging directive: move to Murfreesboro.

None of us know the extent and impact of the good works God has planned in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:10)

Side Benefits to Ministry #44

Our family has enjoyed many benefits from being in full time Christian work. In Murfreesboro these included:

A Flexible Schedule: Our schedule was generally flexible – if we planned ahead. Yes, there were weekly services to lead and meetings to attend, but most of the time spent doing required office work, study and meeting with individuals and small groups could be flexible. Thus I could take our daughter, Carla, to school most mornings. If the weather was “bad” I could spend extra hours in the office. If the weather was good…and nothing was scheduled, I tried to be with the family.

Supportive Church Members: Our family was warmly welcomed by the people wherever we ministered. Many opened their homes and hearts to us, and treated our children like their own children or grand children. As an example, in Murfreesboro, Dr. Ernest Hooper loved to take Carla, age 6, and Jenna, age 3, to parades! He was an incredibly warm, encouraging person, as were his wife, and their daughter, Mary, a favorite baby sitter. Virginia Saunders took care of our months-old son, Dirk, so Sally Jo could go with me on retreats and to other student functions. Dot Crenshaw was in charge of the ceramics lab located on the second floor of “The Morgue”. We still enjoy using the plates the girls painted under her guidance. And there were other people who were very special in our lives, like Burns and Martha Carroll. B.B. Gracie was paralyzed from the waist down – and taught me so much about how to relate to handicapped people.

Students Want Family: Through the years we accepted and affirmed young people and they accepted and affirmed our family. In Tennessee, students were often in our home and our kids could crawl all over them, sing with them, eat at their cook-outs and participate in their retreats. One particular retreat comes to mind. Our family, except Dirk, went with the students to a large, beautiful state park with nice rental facilities. The cost was low because we did all our own cooking. On Saturday afternoon, after being assured by the park ranger we could do so, those who wanted to set out on a hike around the medium sized lake made by damming up a river. When the dam was built, the water came up and the trees died. Over time the shore had became a tangled mat of stumps and branches. In the area of the state park the shore had been cleared, but the shoreline of the rest of the lake was a mess. After we had hiked for a couple of hours, we realized the ranger was simply wrong! Soon after we turned around, it started to snow and the temperature dropped – not in the weather forecast! Hiking around, through and over wet stumps and branches was almost impossible. We were in trouble and we knew it. We hiked from the lake into the dense forest and headed for the road we had driven in on – a risky idea, but really our only alternative. We kept going in a straight line by using a technique I had learned in camping. Carla and Jenna were carried by the students. Carla still remembers the students putting her in a large sweatshirt with the sleeves tied shut. Two hours later we arrived at the lodge just as it was got dark, really dark. Those who remained at the lodge fixed a hot meal – and were ready to call the ranger for help. Everyone was tired, safe, and ready to eat. We did it! Our family shared and remembers this challenging, unity building experience!

New Interests Begun: The Sikes family had lived on the same farm since the Civil War – there were blood stains on the floor and bullet holes in the walls of the big old house. The Sikes family raised horses and ponies…and ran a horseback riding program. Here it was that Carla was introduced to horses. The Sikes gave us a Shetland pony named Dolly, with her very young colt, Tinker Bell, to put in a small fenced area at the back of our 200 foot deep yard. Carla learned to take care of the pony. In the morning I would go out the back door and call out: “Hello Dolly” and the mare would whinny back. Carla went on to raise and train a Chincoteague pony and eventually become an instructor for the Camp Horsemanship Association – she certified instructors for the organization in both English and Western riding.

Just as the Lord has used Sally Jo and me – and our children! – to enrich the lives of many, a very large number of people have enriched our family member’s lives – a result of living In Partnership With God.

Are there experiences you can provide for those who minister in your life?

2009 - Will I Sin Less? #43

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

God has told me quite clearly…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Opportunities #42

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

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

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

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

Barriers to Relationships #41

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abraham – Us – Others #40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We must live In Partnership With God!

Orderly Transition #39

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Choice to Obey – The Immediate Results #38

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Toughest Decision – Ever!!! #37

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Key to Successful Christian Living! #36

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Refreshing Body of Believers #35

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Anticipated Visit #34

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I live my life with two basic verses:

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


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

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

Living as God's Man #33

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Turtle on a Fence Post #32

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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