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UNTIL THE NETS ARE FULL!!!!!
02/26/2008
This month
I thought I’d talk about some of the things we accomplished last year, some of those things we hope to continue in’08
and some new projects we can begin to reach our community for Christ.
During the spring, summer and fall months we were able to “Hit the Streets” of Point Pleasant twice a month.
Last year we began a methodical effort to
visit each home in Point Pleasant. Those of us who participated agree that each step was a blessing. Mark Hill and I will be continuing our canvassing efforts until we’ve visited every
home in Point Pleasant. Hey, if you folks would like to get a little exercise come along.
We took the opportunity to witness in the wider community on the Sunday afternoon after the Sternwheel Regatta. The
Regatta committee had a “Christian Courtyard”. We set up a booth
there that Sunday afternoon after morning worship. This year we plan to participate during “Secular” activities
instead of the “Christian Courtyard”. Christ came to seek and save the lost. Our efforts will be better spent
seeking the lost.
On April 12-13 last year Valerie, the Pastor and I were able to attend Evangelism Celebration ‘07 Every Hand
Sowing Seed. This event was held at a major SBC Church in Cross Lanes WV. The
lineup of tremendous speakers Like Paige Patterson, Ergun Caner, and Jimmy Draper and the breakout sessions for various specialties
were tremendous. It was well worth the effort to attend! Valerie and I have set aside vacation time this year on April 10-11
to attend “The Great Gospel Comeback” Which will be held this year at Cross Lanes Baptist Church. Once again they
have lined up a tremendous group of nationally known educators and speakers. When we get back within a couple of weeks of
that I’ll be holding an evangelism training class similar to what we did last year. I hope as many of you as possible
will attend this year. I have a copy of the schedule available for you. I’ll be posting it in the welcome center along
with signup sheets for the event and for the training in the weeks following.
I’d like to thank a number of people who worked to make the Halloween
Block Party a huge success again in ‘07. We had folks who printed, folded, stuffed, contributed candy, set up tables
and tents, smiled at kids and parents and generally presented Main Street Baptist Church and most importantly, The Lord Jesus
very well to our community. Thank you! We’ll be repeating this event.
I hope to add two additional big events to our list this year. I’ll be holding an “Emergency Preparedness”
“seminar”(for lack of a better term for now) We’ll be talking about how to prepare for various situations
where
Life and/or
property would be in danger. Some of those situations might be weather related like our recent ice storm, or extended utility
outages for various reasons. In this day and age we unfortunately have to think about the possibility of terrorist activities.
The point of this seminar will be to involve members of our surrounding community in a learning experience where our neighbors
will come to think of MSBC as a source of leadership and spiritual comfort in
times of distress.
I hope to
add Battle Days to our schedule this year with an evangelistic display or booth similar to the Halloween block party.
Somewhere
along the line I ran into an idea that has been used at another church somewhere. When I find out where the original idea
came from I’ll give due credit. I read of a church that published a “Testimony Book” to give to visitors
at their church. In it they included salvation stories and tales of comfort and victory from the various members. I’ve
briefly discussed this with Pastor Sargent. He suggested that we have some of the participants share their testimonies before
the congregation at various times through the year. I think this would be a great way to put a face with each one of the stories
in the book. I also believe this would be a good way to show our visitors and each other the way the hand of God moves in
our local church. I need your stories and testimonies. I also need folks who would be willing to work with others to help
them get their story on the printed page. I can also see that this could be a great feature to add to the church’s website. Please give this a lot of prayerful consideration!!!
By running a quick mental tally I came up with a very conservative number of outreach contacts made as a result
of last year’s activities of approximately 875. Most of these contacts were made at people’s homes and at family
style public events. If you figure approximately three people per household that can be extrapolated to possibly as many as
2600 people were reached with the Gospel message!!
I wish to thank all who participated in any capacity this year.
God Bless you all!
Gail
P.S. My personal philosophy of church growth is very simple.
It’s found in Acts 2:47
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being
saved.”
Until The Nets Are Full!!
12/27/2007
Hunting is a great pastime activity. In today’s world, with a few exceptions hunting isn’t among the skill
sets necessary to acquire our food and clothing. We are accustomed to 40 hour work weeks and the availability of less labor
intensive hunting areas such as Walmart, Krogers and Sears. It’s much easier to work a job and then spend your money
at a department store than to invest many hours studying, patterning, hunting, killing and preparing wild game for a few pounds
of meat ,a hide and a set of horns. To those who don’t hunt it may look like a huge waste of time. Those of us who hunt
know the benefit of the activity. It’s outdoors, usually solitary, relaxing, and requires preparation, diligence and
discipline. (Kinda like a job) For those of us who hunt the rewards of relaxation and enjoyment outweigh all the hard work
involved. One of the most important skills you can learn is blood trailing. In the daylight it is a relatively straightforward
task after you find the first drop of blood. Each drop tells us something new. It can tell us whether the animal is moving
or standing, If it’s moving which direction and how fast. It can tell us whether we should pursue quickly or allow it
to rest. At times we can tell where the animal is wounded. There is certainly a good amount of satisfaction in the work, but
probably the most rewarding part of the hunt is the stories we can tell. The things you notice while hunting, a bird you haven’t
seen before, the antics of a squirrel or a fawn, the moment of the kill and the labor of retrieving your harvest.
My last hunt involved some blood trailing in the dark. As is common, my shot at a buck came just before sunset. I didn’t
like the placement of the shot so I waited until I thought he had gone out of earshot and hastily looked for the first blood
sign I could find and marked it. I left it and went home to have a little supper and to get adequate lighting to follow the
trail. When I came back I was able to quickly find the white tissue paper I had tied on a limb above the first drop of blood.
Four hours and five hundred yards later I was privileged to retrieve the animal I had harvested.
I don’t want to bore you with all the details of a four hour tracking job but I do want to point out some interesting
parallels to our Christian walk.
Its important to pursue as quickly as possible. We must follow the trail with diligence unless we loose our harvest to
other predators or scavengers. (2 Peter 1:10)
What we see in the woods at night is completely different from what we are used to seeing during the day. The subtle yellows,
greens and browns we see during the day becomes nearly monochromatic at night.
The human eye is naturally drawn to the color red.
At night there are different types of light, close in as from a gas lantern or a campfire, focused light as from a flashlight
and the bluish white light of the moon on a really clear night. (Mat 5:14-16)
Sometimes you will find yourself searching for the next drop of blood on your hands and knees.
As you turn leaves over looking for the slightest trace of blood you may see a spot of red on the middle of a leaf. When
you inspect more closely you discover it is a false drop. Maple leaves and others naturally have spots of red. I call them
false drops. After a while you learn to recognize the difference between the real blood and the false trail randomly spread
by the wind. (1 John 4:1)
The real thing has the shine of authenticity. The more you see the real thing it becomes easier to recognize.
Sometimes the trail is hidden by the forces of nature, rain, wind or animals. Even our own big feet can obliterate a blood
trail. (Mark 4:4)
At times you will loose the trail. At that point go back to the last drop of blood you found and begin searching in widening
circles until you pick up the trail again.( Acts 17:27)
Each step on the trail brings us closer to our harvest. (Philippians 3:14)
Sometimes we need to go back to where we began and start the trailing process again from the beginning. We must ask ourselves
questions about the important details. Was my shot really on the mark? Did I miss completely? Was the blood trail I was on
actually real or was I fooled by the vagaries of nature? Once we understand where things truly stand we can either continue
on the trail or begin the hunt again. (2 Cor. 13:5)
Keep watching for opportunities to witness. Mark and I will be starting up our canvassing efforts as soon as weather permits.
We are always looking for additional folks to help with outreach activities.
Gail
Until The Nets Are Full !!
11/27/2007
Suppose a friend of yours came to you with unsettling news. He has noticed that you are showing signs of a deadly but very
treatable disease. It is due to a congenital defect that is invariably fatal if left untreated. He knows these signs because
he has seen this disease at work in the lives of his friends and family in the past. More recently he has fought the ravages
of this disease himself and has now been healed due to the efforts of one particular physician. He painstakingly spends the
effort to convince you to be checked out by his doctor. He describes the symptoms and progression of the deadly stalker. He
gives you a first hand account of his own struggle and healing. He tells you stories of his friends and loved ones who have
had this particular ailment. Some were successfully treated by his doctor and others who either ignored their condition entirely
or sought treatment from other sources died a horrific death. He pleads with a tear in his eye that you must see his doctor
without delay. He presses a card into your hand with the directions to the doctor’s office and contact information so
you can make an appointment. He can’t force you to go but he is willing to go with you to introduce you to the doctor.
You thank your friend for his concern and assure him that you will follow his advice. He seems to be skeptical of your answer
but accepts it because of your friendship. Your friend is a great guy. He and his family have been the best neighbors you’ve
ever had. You’re not quite sure why he’s being so melodramatic suddenly. You decide to go see your family doctor
to get checked, just in case.
When you get to the doctor’s office he invites you into his consultation room for a conversation. He asks you all
of the usual brilliant doctor questions. How are you feeling? What do you think the problem is? How’s the family?
Any unusual stress in your life? All these questions are asked in a rapid fire manner designed to be charming ,disarming,
and endearing. You both have a good chuckle. Then he asks the question that he gets paid to ask. "Why are you here to see
me?" You explain that your friend told you that you have an incurable disease That he himself had at one time. And that he
had further experience by watching his very own family suffer with the disease. He says I have all the symptoms………….
Your doctor by this time is looking at you over his folded hands and is kindly waiting for you to finish voicing your fears.
When you are finished he explains that your friend has just worked you up over nothing. He sees no reason for any tests. He
admonishes you for taking medical advice from an untrained amateur. What really matters is how you feel about
things. He says, "Here, take these pills for anxiety. They’ll take the edge off your emotional discomfort. I’d
like you to meet with a colleague of mine, a psychologist, he’ll help you deal with your fears." For a while things
seem to be better. The drugs have taken the edge off your anxiety and having someone to tell you your fears are unfounded
helps you minimize the nagging doubts.
As time passes the drugs have less effect and the doubts return so you seek out a second doctor’s opinion. The second
doctor, after a short consultation, immediately orders a battery of tests. Yes, he’s seen this before, all the same
symptoms as your friend described and the tests confirm it. He has the nurse show you back to his office where he lays out
all the symptoms and test results. Sure enough your friend is right. He’s seen this all too many times. Yes, this disease
is certainly fatal and there is no sure cure. All he can offer you is maintenance drugs and a lifestyle change. As long as
you maintain the prescribed regimen, you should be able to live a somewhat "normal" life but the specter of a relapse will
always be there. Once you begin the treatments you have to continue religiously for the rest of your life. You can’t
miss a single treatment. If you mess up just once all is lost. You leave the doctors office with certain grim realization
that your life has been forever changed. You carry the burden heavily with the knowledge that the cost of the treatment program
is going to take away every extra cent you’ve set back plus some. Does it really matter? You’re willing to pay
whatever is needed to stay alive. For a while things go pretty well, all things considered. It’s hard to continue the
regimen but you persist with the certain knowledge of the alternative. One day while going through your wallet trying to scrape
together enough to pay for treatments you come across the card your friend pressed into your hand the day he told you of your
disease. You are about to toss it when you remember him using the word "cure".
The word "cure" weighs heavily on your heart over the next few days. To be free of the burden of constant treatments and
the thought of loosing everything for just one failure would be worth any price. You decide to call your friend and ask him
if it’s too late to get an appointment to meet his physician. On the other end of the phone line you can hear the broad
smile on the face of your friend as he tells you he’ll be right over to take you to the doctor himself. As you both
walk up to the doctor’s office he stops at the door takes your hand and shakes it with a big grin on his face. "I can’t
take you any further. The next step is yours. I’ll be here when you’re finished." As you enter, the receptionist
conducts you into the physician’s office and seats you in a chair in front of his desk. The physician swivels on his
chair to face you. As your gaze settles on his kind face and wise eyes he speaks, "I know why you’re here. Your friend
has told me all about you. He’s been terribly concerned. We spend time together every day and your name is always brought
up. It’s rare to have such a faithful friend." The physician leans back and waits for you to speak. "What do I have
to do to be cured? I don’t have any money left after all I’ve spent on treatments. I can’t pay you now but
I’ll do anything you say and give you what little I have left. I’ve tried everything else, different doctors and
different treatments I’ve even tried to ignore it. Nothing works. It’s better to start over with nothing than
to face the end to my disease. What can I do to be saved from my terrible fate?" The physician patiently waits for you to
finish and as your eyes begin to tear up he says, "You are too late. There is nothing you can do." You realize he is
right and as you wipe your eyes and raise them to meet his he says, "My father is very rich and with his help I’ve already
paid the price once for all. I would love to give you the cure as a free gift, if you’re willing to trust me."
Gail
Have we fulfilled the great commandment if we haven’t warned our neighbor of the wrath that awaits on judgment day?------------Mar
12:28-31
Until The Nets Are Full!!
9/26/2007
Have you ever had someone slap you in the back of the head? ”Wake up
Boy! Pay attention!” Boy, I did this week. Early in the week I couldn’t think of anything to write about. I figured,
no big deal, I’ll write something next month. I hadn’t really intended for this to be a regular monthly column
anyway. I thought the deadline had already passed. Well, this morning Valerie left a message on my voice mail saying I still
had until Thursday morning to submit something for the newsletter. Hmmmm What could I write about? I still couldn’t
think of anything. ….SLAP!…”What did you see that struck you as unusual this week?” “I dunno”
SLAP! ….”Do you remember those two Amish guys?” “Yeah, so…” Slap!! “Write about
that.” “OK………”
Monday morning I was leaving the store to visit customers. As I turned the
corner on a short section of Leading Creek road I noticed an Amish Buggy rounding the turn and out of sight just ahead. I
began to try to figure out just exactly what I was seeing. There were two Amish Guys driving a standard issue Amish buggy
being drawn by a standard issue Amish horse with a standard issue orange triangle on the back. They were towing something.
As I got closer I could see they were towing a boat! That’s something you don’t see every day. As I pulled up
and passed them I noticed their Igloo water cooler, a couple of red and white ice chests and their fishing poles all tied
firmly to the boat. I thought about stopping to talk with them but business pressed me onward. I wonder what that conversation
would sound like……………………
That your boat?
Nope, we stole it from the Mennonite family up the road ;)
Been fishing?
Just a little, but my brother Zebedee here wanted to water ski so we didn’t
get much fishin’ done.
Water skiing ?
Yeah, but we didn’t get to do much of that either.
How come?
It wears the horse out.
By now you’re probably wondering what the point of this silliness is.
Its this, there is more than one way to engage someone in a dialog. The first way generally gets most peoples attention but
immediately puts them on the defensive. ( oddly this
approach seems to have the best result on me) The second
way is generally more winsome and works favorably on more people. Neither of these techniques may work for you so what you
need to do is find an approach to people that works with your personality and temperament. The main idea is to start a conversation
with the lost world around you. You can’t talk to someone about eternal things without first engaging them on a personal
level. Look at our Lord when He met the woman of Samaria. He began by simply asking for a drink of water. As their conversation
progressed He quickly moved it into matters of eternal importance. As a result we see possibly the first woman evangelist
in history. She simply went to those who knew her and said “Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I did:
can this be the Christ?” (Jn 4:29)
“And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him because
of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all things that ever I did. So when the Samaritans came unto him, they
besought him to abide with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his word; and they said to
the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the
Saviour of the world.”(Jn 4:39-42)
Opportunities:
Canvassing and visitation on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month
6:30pm.
Halloween Block Party. Sign-up sheets will be in the entrance for the various
needs.
Talk to strangers. The friendship you build might be eternal!
Gail
UNTIL THE NETS ARE FULL!!!
August 29,2007
This grandparent thing is great! Valerie and I have been at it now for about a year since We were adopted
by Brittany when Joshua and Melissa were married. She's been a joy! Every so often we get to go pick her up, see a movie and
stop at "Bob's" for a kid’s meal with burgers and smiley fries and some kind of blue drink that looks a little like
tidy bowl . Things have been even more fun since Nathaniel got here. With a newborn grandchild you have the perfect excuse
to chase down people you see that you haven't had the chance to talk to in years . You might be in Wal-Mart or the mall and
see someone on the other end of the store (1/4 mile away). You look at your spouse and say, "Doesn't that look like
'ol Betty and 'ol Bob? Why we haven't seen them since before the kids got married...........................” Your eyes
meet and all of a sudden your grandparent gene kicks in and off you both go after your next victim............. It’s
like a scene from Animal Planet where the lions work together to run down their prey. I’ve figured out why you see so
many knots of people just standing and talking in the aisles at Wal-Mart. They’re caused by new grandparents who’ve
just made a fresh capture!
Pictures are a must. I've carried a couple around in my shirt pocket for a month now. When they get worn out
I just print more. Valerie bought this large greenish-gold, yellow and pink striped purse the other day that has places for
three photos with little clear plastic windows so everyone can see her grandchildren. This thing just screams LOOK AT
ME !
Old friends aren’t the only targets. People you deal with on a regular basis like the pharmacist, the
receptionist at the doctor’s office and your barber are all in for their share of the good news. You might even start
thinking of excuses to run next door to talk to your neighbor. Even salesmen and Jehovah’s Witnesses that come to your
door are blissfully unaware of the fate that awaits them.
Do you remember the time when your newborn faith in Christ caused you to act the same way? You couldn’t
wait to tell everyone about your new found friend. You looked for opportunities to witness. You made time to tell others.
Do you remember when you were carried on your quest by good old fashioned gratitude for your salvation? Are you still grateful
to a kind and loving God that you’ve been saved from eternal wrath?
Paul said in Colossians 1:12 - 14 “I pray that you will be grateful to God for letting you have part
in what he has promised his people in the kingdom of light. God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into
the kingdom of his dear Son, who forgives our sins and sets us free.” --The Contemporary English version--
I’ve said before that the greatest motivation for carrying the Gospel is gratitude. I think that most folks who
know me know that I don’t have a particularly outwardly emotional demeanor but when I think of how Christ brought me
from the edge of falling into hell and the price He paid for my salvation I can barely hold it together. If all it takes is
willingness and shoe leather to present the Gospel I’m all in. Whatever I do for Him is too little. I’m sure most
of you feel the same way. So next time your husband or wife says they are going next door to the neighbors lovingly call after
them, “Happy hunting dear!”
Gail
2 Corinthians 9:15
PS. Please be praying about upcoming opportunities :
Canvasing on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings 6:30 PM
Consider being a counselor for “Bethlehem Experience”
Community Events - Battle Days and Haloween
UNTIL THE NETS ARE FULL!
7/24/2007
Hi everyone. I want you to meet my grandson. His name is Nathaniel Richard Hodges. He was born Saturday evening at 8:37
PM. He weighed 10 lb 2 oz. He is 21-1/2" long. He and his mom are doing great. Dad is doing well also. I think he might have
to get the doors at their apartment widened so his head will go through. On the surface of things you may think this looks
like a shameless attempt to brag about my new grandson. You’re mostly right. I do have a story to go along with the
picture. The story has elements of hopes, prayers, dreams, tears, joy, salvation and victory. Sound like a good story? Read
on……..
Most of you are aware of our family’s recent history. Let’s just suffice it to say that we’ve had our
share of those things I just mentioned in our lives. About three years ago I wouldn’t have expected to have had the
opportunity to brag about Nathaniel much less be writing to you about him. But this story actually begins a little over twenty
nine years ago when my father-in-law Haskle White did something that at the time I thought was kinda cute but also maybe a
bit silly. As he held each one of his grandchildren for the first time he would tenderly sing to them.
"Jesus loves me this I know for the bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak but He is strong. Yes,
Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so."
Grandpa White was the very first person to present the Gospel to each one of his grandchildren. First Erin, then Joshua,
Kevin, Sara and finally Chris, each one in turn heard the same song.
You can say that "Jesus Loves Me" is an oversimplified version of the Gospel that it just simply does not give enough
information to come to saving faith . Technically you are right. It doesn’t bring to bear the great themes
of sin, separation, death, hell, Calvary, the blood atonement, or any of several other important Biblical truths. Alone,
merely singing "Jesus Loves Me" wont get anyone saved. What it is, is the first simple act of many to follow that shows the
way to the Cross through his kindness, character, and good deeds. It was the first planting of many seeds. You know what?
His grandchildren weren’t the only ones who heard the gospel so simply and elegantly presented. There were others in
the room. Moms, dads, aunts, uncles, and friends all heard it. How many of you have witnessed or were touched by Christ in
Haskle’s life? I see it. I am affected by it. I can say that just maybe God heard one of Haskle’s prayers for
my salvation.
I don’t know if I can live up to my father-in-law’s example much less the example set by Jesus. I want to.
So Sunday afternoon I was proud to carry on a tradition. Grandpa Hodges was the first person to tell Nathaniel about the love
of Jesus. Yes, I did something that was just a little bit silly. There in that hospital room where hopes, prayers, dreams,
tears, joy, salvation and victory was represented I sang "Jesus Loves Me".
Please keep the following upcoming events in your prayers and consider how you can take advantage of these opportunities
to evangelize your community, Battle Days, Halloween, Community canvassing, and other local events.
Luke 10:2
Gail
Until The Nets Are Full
6/26/07
I just got back from a window sales training session in Dayton Ohio this
evening. There’s nothing special about that. I’ve been to dozens of that type of meeting over the years. I wasn’t
particularly excited about going. Only so many new and exciting things can be said about windows. You take a piece of glass
and fix it in a wood, metal or plastic frame and stick the whole assembly in the wall. If you have a good window it lets light
in and keeps the weather and the critters out. Pretty simple right? Been that way for hundreds of years. Did I say I wasn’t
particularly excited about going? Oh yeah, I guess I did. Before leaving I told myself that I wouldn’t let the trip
go to waste. I would take some Gospel tracts with me, leave a few here and there and maybe strike up a conversation about
“spiritual things” with some “folks” I came in contact with while I was “out among the Daytonites”.
There is nothing like being away from home ( where
no one knows you) to make you feel bolder about
witnessing.
All was great with that plan until I was about 10 miles east of Chillicothe
and realized I had forgotten to pack my tracts. Oh well, maybe there were some stuffed in my bible case. Good plan…
I got to the hotel, checked into my room and went downstairs to the conference room for a day of window training. Between
the training and the dinner served to us at the conference room I didn’t get free until about 8pm. So much for good
intentions, I wasn’t going to get much witnessing done that evening. I went up to the room to get things ready so I
could check out early ( before the s e c o n
d day of window training). I found that the
shirt I had brought wasn’t as nice as I thought it was when I had packed it. No problem, I’ll just run to WalMart
and get something…. I left the parking lot, turned left onto Colonel Glenn Highway and drove. Surely there was a WalMart
or something just over the next hill. (Just ask Valerie, There’s always a WalMart just over the
next hill.) About five or six miles later I came
to an intersection. I could turn right and go toward the Air Force Museum and Wright Patterson AFB or turn left and maybe
find a department store of some kind or even a Goodwill store. I turned left and eventually found a K-Mart. By this time it
was almost nine. I rushed into the store, found a suitable shirt, and rushed up to the registers. Only one line was open and
the service counter was packed. I thought, “Oh well, no need to be in a hurry now.” In the line in front of me
was an old guy (about my age )
with a cart load of canned goods and toilet paper, ahead of him was a college age kid with dark circles around his eyes and
an I-pod blaring some of that stuff that causes nightmares in small children. I nodded hello to the old guy, he smiled and
nodded back. He offered to let me ahead of him in line since all I had was one item. I said thanks and took his offer. We
started up a friendly conversation just to pass time. He made a funny remark about some strange looking people on the cover
of the check out tabloids. I made a remark in return. We kind of grinned and nodded. He looked at me and said, ”You
know, they really should be worried about what’s coming.” I looked up at him and he continued, “It tells
us in Revelation what to expect. I’m a Christian and I believe what it says.” I pointed at myself and said, “Me
too. As far as I can tell there is no prophecy in scripture that needs to be fulfilled before Christ can return.” By
this time the kid had turned up his I-Pod and had turned to face the register and the other folks around us had noticed our
conversation. We continued our “conversation”. By the time I had checked out, shook hands and said so long to
my new-found brother in Christ, about five or six people around us had heard a fairly complete Gospel presentation. They had
certainly heard enough to cause them to think.
Wow, my failures and distractions earlier in the day were swept aside. In
spite of circumstance God’s good news was proclaimed!
Be faithful. Be instant, in season and out of season.
Gail
Luke 10:2
Until The Nets Are Full !
05/29/2007
I’m happy to report that we have begun our efforts at community canvassing. Mark and I met at the church at 6:30
PM on the 22nd. We talked about our plan for the evening, had a word of prayer and set out down Main Street. We
were warmly greeted at every home we visited. We have some great neighbors. We found some folks who are Catholics, Methodists,
and even a few Baptists. We stopped at 20 homes. We left literature about MSBC at each house. We were back at the church about
8:15. I think it was a good start. We were both encouraged. Join us on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. You’ll
be blessed.
Please keep the following upcoming events in your prayers and consider how you can take advantage of these opportunities
to evangelize your community. Mason County Fair, Battle Days, Halloween, Community canvassing, and other local events.
I didn’t have a lot of time this month to write something for the newsletter. I did find the following story in a
book Valerie and I won as a door prize at the evangelism conference. The book is titled “Radically Unchurched”
by Alvin L. Reid. Reid talks about what it takes to reach the uncurched in today’s’ world.
I must warn you. The following story is unsettling.
“After a speech, an old man approached Pro-Life activist Penny Lea. Weeping, he told her the following story:
“I lived in Germany during the Nazi holocaust. I considered myself a Christian. I attended church since I was a small
boy. We had heard the stories of what was happening to the Jews, but like most people today in this country, we tried to distance
ourselves from the reality of what was really taking place. What could anyone do to stop it?
A railroad track ran behind our small church, and each Sunday morning we would hear the whistle from a distance and then
the clacking of the wheels moving over the track. We became disturbed when one Sunday we noticed cries coming from the train
as it passed by. We grimly realized that the train was carrying Jews. They were like cattle in those cars!
Week after week that train whistle would blow. We would dread to hear the sound of those old wheels because we knew that
the Jews would begin to cry out as they passed our church. It was so terribly disturbing! We could do nothing to help these
poor miserable people, yet their screams tormented us. We knew exactly at what time the whistle would blow, and we decided
the only way to keep from being so disturbed by the cries was to start singing our hymns. By the time the train came rumbling
past the churchyard, we were singing at the top of our voices. If some of the screams reached our ears, we’d just sing
a little louder until we could hear them no more. Years have passed and no one talks about it anymore, but I still hear that
train whistle in my sleep. I can still hear them crying out for help. God forgive all of us who called ourselves Christians,
yet did nothing to intervene.
Now, so many years later, I see it happening all over again in America. God forgive you as Americans for you have blocked
the screams of millions of your own children. The holocaust is here. The response is the same as it was in my country- silence!”1
While Lea applied this holocaust story to the millions of abortions performed in America, it also speaks to the negligence
of the church in seeking to save the lost souls from hell. May our generation not be so busy spending time in activity that
we miss the cries of the hurting. Tell someone about Jesus, won’t you?”2
Luke 10:2
Gail
1 From the brochure, “Sing a little Louder,” by Penny Lea
2 page 64 “ The Radically Unchurched” by Alvin L. Reid
UNTIL THE NETS ARE FULL!
Sometimes I wonder just how much we modern American Christians value evangelism. (I’m not talking about the “pretend”
Christians we see on TV, or the internet.) I mean the folks that go to church, wear the W.W.J.D. bracelets, that have Christian
bumper stickers on their cars, or have the front license plates that say “God Is My Co-pilot”. I’m thinking
about those who try to provide well for their families, give some to the Church, and live decent lives. You know, Us……
How do we stack up against the early Christians who had to suffer for the Faith? I found the following story about one
of them.
“Polycarp, the venerable bishop of Smyrna, hearing that persons were seeking for him, escaped, but was discovered
by a child. After feasting the guards who apprehended him, he desired an hour in prayer, which being allowed, he prayed with
such fervency, that his guards repented that they had been instrumental in taking him. He was, however, carried before the
proconsul, condemned, and burnt in the market place.
The proconsul then urged him, saying, "Swear, and I will release thee;--reproach Christ."
Polycarp answered, "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never once wronged me; how then shall I blaspheme my
King, Who hath saved me?" At the stake to which he was only tied, but not nailed as usual, as he assured them he should stand
immovable, the flames, on their kindling the fagots, encircled his body, like an arch, without touching him; and the executioner,
on seeing this, was ordered to pierce him with a sword, when so great a quantity of blood flowed out as extinguished the fire."
Fox’s Book Of Martyrs
(Wow. This guy fed his captors and then prayed for them!!)
I seems to me that he understood that evangelism has two components, livin’ it and tellin’ it.
Think about this. We all know a lot of unsaved folks who from all outward appearances are living just as good and loving
lives as we are. They take care of their families, give to charity, help their neighbors when they need help etc…. You
know, like us…… What’s the difference? The answer, of course, is the Blood of Christ. But how does the world
know the difference? The only way the world will know is if we first tell them the difference. You know the old cliché
about talkin’ the talk and walkin’ the walk? That really is what it takes.
26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall
the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. Luke 9:26 KJV
Please remember the following activities in your prayers. There will be sign up sheets in the foyer for these events.
April 12-13, 2007 Evangelism Celebration ‘07 Every Hand Sowing Seed (see poster in the foyer)
For the four Tuesday evenings in April, at 7 pm, we will be having a “Level 1” soul winners class. The class
is open to anyone who wishes to learn how to win others to Christ. We’ll find a meeting room at the church.
Please consider taking these opportunities to learn how to reach out to the lost.
Luke 10:2
Gail
3/2007
Until The Nets Are Full !!
4/24/2007
On the way home from the evangelism conference the other night I witnessed an
event that made an impression on me. Valerie and I were traveling west on I-64 about a mile and a half before the Scott Depot
exit when we watched a little white SUV race ahead of us and cut over into the right hand lane just inches ahead of a tractor-trailer.
Thankfully the truck driver was alert and avoided running over them. Then he did something I found interesting. He laid on
the air horn so long and so startlingly loud that I was impressed. (Have you ever heard an angry truck? This was an angry
truck.) He followed the SUV for about a mile to the exit and then partway up the off ramp all the while blowing his horns
in one long strident blast. I was beginning to wonder if he would loose air to his trailer brakes. Was the truck driver just
enraged at the stupidity of the SUV driver? Was what I witnessed merely a case of road rage? Probably… I don’t
condone road rage, but, in my mind I tried to justify his actions. Maybe he was trying to impress the SUV driver just how
dangerous his (or her) actions were. Was he trying to teach them a lesson or scare some sense into them? Those folks could
have been killed. Their next thought could have been in eternity.
How much does a loaded semi weigh? How much does a small SUV weigh?
BIG MISMATCH!!
The laws of physics demand that for each and every action the will be an equal and opposite reaction. There just isn’t
enough SUV there to absorb all the energy from that truck. If that truck driver hadn’t been alert there was going to
be an accounting for the difference.
I hope that now the SUV driver understands that he is lucky that all he suffered was some embarrassment and that the only
wrath he suffered came from some liberally applied air horns.
So too, our lives are inconsequential compared to the day that approaches each of us. We flirt with it all through our
lives. We cut in and out of traffic and cross in front of the great terror of death each day. It isn’t so much that
one day we’re the windshield and the next day we’re the bug it’s that one day the windshield catches us
all.
It’s my hope that everyone who sees this article is saved. I know that most of you at least have some affiliation
with or affinity for Main Street Baptist Church. I love the folks here at MSBC. You have been a help and blessing to our family
when we’ve been in need. You have been true friends. Frankly, though, I have no delusion that everyone that reads our
newsletter is saved. So those of you who are not please listen to what I have to say. Here is the Gospel message as plain
as I can tell it.
It is appointed to man once to die and after this the judgment. You have to face God on judgment day. I’m going to
ask you some questions. Please answer them with an honest heart. Have you ever lied? Have you ever stolen? Jesus said that
if you have just looked with lust at another person you have committed adultery with them already in your heart. Have you
ever done that? Have you always put God first in your life? Have you loved Him so much that your love for your spouse and
your family seems like hatred in comparison? I’m not saying that you make it to Heaven by keeping commandments or laws.
I’m merely demonstrating that no one is innocent. The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God. Those are just a few of the commandments. On judgment day you’re going to end up guilty. God has seen every sin
you’ve ever committed. The Bible says that all liars will have their part in the lake of fire. If you die in your sins
you will end up in hell. Jesus suffered in your place. It’s as if you broke the law and Jesus paid your fine. He purchased
everlasting life for you. What you must do before you pass from life into death is to repent before God. Tell God you’re
sorry and put your trust in Jesus. Are you prepared to do that now? Right where you are, in the quietness of your heart, confess
your sins to God. Put your trust in Jesus just as you would an airline pilot or a parachute. Trust Him with your eternal salvation.
If you’ve done this please contact us and let us know. We want to pray for you! Pastor Sargent and I want to make
sure you have a great start to your new life in Christ. We want to talk to you about following the Lord in baptism and the
importance of having a church home.
Please keep the following upcoming events in your prayers and consider how you can take advantage of these opportunities
to evangelize your community. Mason County Fair, Battle Days, Halloween, Community canvassing, and other local events.
Luke 10:2
Gail
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