tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3705039809017068302024-02-08T08:07:31.086-06:00Gods-Plan4mePastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-56852438641524481022011-04-14T13:04:00.001-05:002011-04-14T13:04:52.435-05:00F.R.O.G (Forever Relying On God) ClubThree years ago, God wanted me to reach children in the Augusta KS Elementary schools. The idea was that I start at one school and add another each year until I was in all the schools. So I started a Forever Relying On God (F.R.O.G Club) at Robinson Elementary in 2009 and averaged about 11 kids each week. The next year I added Garfield Elementary and my numbers grew to 18 at Robinson and 23 at Garfield. So in 2011, I asked God which school I add this year and he laid upon my heart to add the remaining two schools. I asked are you sure, because I haven't had luck with volunteers. All I know is that I wanted to following God's direction and I added Lincoln and Ewalt Elementary schools this year. The F.R.O.G. Club Bible verse is Luke 16:10, it states "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." I am trying to teach the children about responsibility for things that happen in their lives. Well God answered prayers, like he always does and have given me 14 volunteers and 177 children that have registered to attend the F.R.O.G Club each week. This was a dream I had three years ago and God has Bless this ministry. Remember, we many never know why God wants us to start something, but being obedient is all he asks. Keep the faith and God Bless! </span>Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-63882727023588649982011-03-29T15:16:00.000-05:002011-03-29T15:16:22.770-05:0057 Cent Church<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_573256028"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> A little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was 'too crowded.' 'I can't go to Sunday School,' she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Seeing her shabby, unkept appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus. Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: 'This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School.' For two years she had saved for this offering of love. </span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_573256028"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story does not end there.... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">A newspaper learned of the story and published It. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents. Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. </span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_573256028"> When you are in the city of Philadelphia , look up Temple Baptist Church , with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time. In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, 'Acres of Diamonds'. </a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is a true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward. May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing and dance. It is there for each and every one of you. A friend who I recently Baptized shared this with me and I wanted to share it with all of you. No matter how hard or difficult your life may seem, never loss Faith in God, because "Nothing is Impossible with God" Luke 1:37</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-67664007736017973002011-01-20T10:49:00.000-06:002011-01-20T10:49:01.137-06:00Relaxed and RefreshedWell returned from a Children's Pastors Conference last week and it was a nightmare getting there. Airport closing, plane cancellations, rescheduling flight and finally we made it. The first night our speaker was Alex Kendrick, you know him and his brother Stephen made Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Flywheel. Well we were blessed to preview their new movie coming out September 30, 2011. I am encouraging all families to check this film out, it's called COURAGEOUS. We promised not to discuss th movie, so your'll have to check it out, I give it 5 stars. Went to a class held by Aaron Chambers a senior pastor for a church in Colorado and he has a book called Eat with Sinners. This breakout session was great because at his church they do a lot of community outreach and hold all there programs in the community. I'll let you know how the book turns out when I finish reading it. Well my beautiful wife joined me at this conference and we spent some time reconnecting with each other. Also, we visited Downtown Disney and Epcot, if you have never been make plans to go and take your family, children and friends with you. Now I have all these wondering ideas and things I've learned while at the conference, but now I will start praying about how God can use them to assist me in my ministry. So I leave you with this thought today: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your FAITH is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2-3 (New Living Translation)</span>Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-30801814582981998322011-01-06T11:02:00.002-06:002011-01-06T22:25:24.817-06:00A New Year; A New beginningWell, it's been a year since I have written anything on my Blog, so I just wanted to give you a quick update. I started my 3rd year at First Baptist Church of Augusta and my job title has changed numerous times. I am now the Children & Family Pastor and love my job. So since I last wrote on my Blog, I have been Licensed to Preach, became an Ordained Minister, had two grandsons added to our family, have a granddaughter on the way, my father got remairred, done my first funeral, preached numerous times and will do my first wedding in May 2011. So what's in store for 2011, I'm gonna let God direct that part. Prayer for all of you is to forget the past, don't look into the future and live for the moment. God Bless all of you!Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-8171482662689239342010-01-05T15:21:00.000-06:002010-01-05T15:21:34.607-06:00Reaching the WorldI hope everyone had a great Christmas and Happy New Year. I am in my secoond year of ministry and look forward to an exciting year. Well I have decided to reach the world this year via FACEBOOK. Every morning on my Facebook, I will post a bible scripture and a message for everyone on FB to read. If your on Facebook take and a look, it's free. Also, I am doing Through the Bible in a Year: each day I read about what Jesus did, verses from the beginning of the bible and encouraging verses.......... I encourage everyone to step outside of your comfort zone and help somebody this year, whether its listen, helping, praying or planting the seed of Jesus Christ for them. God Bless!Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-90188877631529895972009-08-06T16:35:00.000-05:002009-08-06T16:41:08.054-05:00Amazing GodWell its official, we have been in Kansas for over a year now.......where has the time gone. I really love my job and look forward to my second year. I have a meeting with the Deacon board on Sunday for my ministry licensing. I have already done a funeral and will be doing a child baptism on August 30th. We had an amazing VBS Program called Go Fish: Backstage with the Bible and our Elementary J.A.M (Jesus & Me) Camp was awesome, I think God worked in all our lives that week. I know it has been a while since I have updated my blog, but the God has used me wondering so far. Now I started having Family Fun Nights and will continue those throughout the school year and have many new ideas for the rest of 2009 and all of 2010. God Bless all of you.Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-74041721033874745802009-03-02T09:41:00.000-06:002009-03-02T10:11:04.297-06:00The Call of the Holy SpiritWe have a Wednesday night Kids Club program at church and I usually do something for our Worship Rally nights. I might do a challenge for the kids or an audience participation bible story, but this time it felt different. I had been reading this book by Bill Faye called " Share Jesus without Fear," and it showed me how to share my testimony with other people. So I decided to do a Salvation Invitation during the worship rally. I practiced the invitation message over and over on numerous occasions and felt like Satan did not want me to do that message. Every time I thought about it something else came in my mind. Finally, the night of the worship rally was here and I was nervous and not sure what was going to happen. We all in Ministry know it is not easy get 100 kids to sit still and listen at the same time. Well as I began sharing the salvation invitation all the children were actually listening to what I was saying. Then I felt the Holy Spirit within me and I can honesty say God took over and allowed words to flow from my mouth. As I invited those that wanted Jesus in their lives and heart, a slience moment occurred and God spoke to numerous children who came forward to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It was an awesome sight as 41 children came forward that night by answering the call of the Holy Spirit. I wrote letters to all the parents and some children were excited and told their parents that evening and some childen did not even remember what they done. So as I follow-up with all the children over the next several weeks, God is continuing to do great things in the First Baptist Church Children's Ministry. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to be a part of what happen Wednesday (February 25, 2009) during the Kids Club Worship Rally. Remember always keep your mind and heart open to the Call of the Holy Spirit.Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-35525629326443261672009-02-12T08:54:00.001-06:002009-02-12T09:53:00.376-06:00The Cry of a Hurting ChildIt was Saturday February 7, 2009 and I was coming back to Kansas from a Children's Pastors Conference in San Diego. I called the airport on Friday night to see how early I needed to be there and they stated at least two hours, because there are more travelers on the weekend and the security lines might be long. I left the hotel at 8:30 and was at my gate by 9:05, no wait and no long security lines. So here I am and I have over two hours before my flight leaves, so I decided to catch up on my daily Maxx Lucado Devotional study. As I was reviewing scripture, a young lady with two small children sat in the seat behind me. The little girl keep peaking around the chair looking at me and I just smiled. The young woman said I'm sorry if my daughter is bothering you and I said that she wasn't. The young woman asked me what I was reading and I told her that I was reading scripture out of the Bible. She said I used to go to church, but not anymore. A little light went off in my head and I asked her why she doesn't go to church anymore. She said you don't want to hear my story, another light went off. So as a listen she stated that yesterday was her birthday and she turned 19. I gave her a belated birthday wish and she said thank you. Then she told me that she got pregnant at 15 and her mother throw her out of the house. Then she meet a man and got pregnant again and he wanted marry her, so at 17 she asked her mother for permission to marry this man. Her mother signed the paperwork and she got married. The man then took her and her child to Tijuana, Mexico where she lived with him. Well she then told me her husbands ex-wife lived in Tijuana and they had six kids togther. When he wanted to go out with his ex-wife they would bring the other six kids over and she would have watch all the children. If she complained, he would beat her, when he came home after being out all night drinking and she would give in to his demands he would beat her. As I listed my heart truly broke and I held back the tears for this young woman. So she said eveytime she wanted to leave he finally said go but she could not take the children. So she stayed and took beatings so she would not lose her children. She went to San Diego by herself and found a shelter for abused women and they connected her with San Diego Social Services. As she explained her situation to them they tried to help her and on Thurday night her husband came across the border and they detained him for questioning. Social Services called her and advised her to get all documentation that she had and that she need to head for the border and they would pick her up. She did that and then spent the night in a hotel and eneded up in the sit behind me at the airport. After hearing this, I told her that no matter what she has been through God has always loved her and that she was welcomed back to him anytime. By now it was time to start boarding our plane and they do not let women and small child board anymore. So I helped her board the plane and would you know it God placed me in the same row as her. We talked a little more and when we landed in Denver, CO; I helped her push one of her children to her gate. I stayed and talked with her for a while longer and she stated she was not sure were she would go when she got to Oklahoma City. I asked if she could go home and she was not sure. I asked if she would give me her mother's phone number and she did. I spoke briefly with her mother and told her I was at the airport with her daughter Bethany and her two small children. I explained that she has been through some tough times and was not sure if she could come home. Her mother said can I speak with her, they spoke briefly and Bethany starting crying and said goodbye. Giving me my phone back, she said I can come home, I can come home. I said that is great news, and as I always wear different color bracelets; I decided to give her one that said "Jesus Loves Me" and she took. She thanked me for everything and it was time for her to start boarding the plane. I asked the gentleman behind the counter if he could help her and he was to business checking in customer, so a lady stated she would help her. As I watched Bethany and her two small children get on the plane her story kind of reminded me of the Prodigal Son return home. Now I had another problem, Bethany plane was at gate 33 and my departure gate was 48; 15 gates away (if you have ever been in an airport you know the gates are not next to each other). So while I was quickly walking to my gate I prayed and thanked God for allowing me to meet Bethany and if I missed my flight it would be worth it. So I finally arrive at gate 48 and I looked at the sign and it said DELAYED. So as I sat they reflecting on the day and the Amazing God I serve. I wonder how many times we meet someone and just give them a quick hello, a short hand wave, or we just walk on bye. We do not know when God will give us the opportunity to help, reach out, or ministry to others in our daily walk with him. So the next time you are at a store, restuarant, or the mall; don't just say Hi or Hello, ask how they are doing......God may have something planned for you that may change you life!Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-91519289213892962932009-01-29T14:56:00.000-06:002009-01-29T15:24:18.487-06:00Life's Daily ChallengesWell it has been a while that I have written anything. I am getting healthy by doing a lot of walking out in the open countryside and spending time praying for the children, parents, and volunteers at my church. I ask God for guidance; while I pray for those less fortunate then me, those facing the threat of losing their jobs, those brave young men and women who this day are fighting for our freedom, the new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">administration</span> in Washington and the challenges they all are facing. Yet we all face daily challenges in our lives and that sometimes becomes our primary focus. January 1, I started doing a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Max</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lucado</span> Daily Devotional and I am getting a deeper understanding that God is with us and we need to ask for his help for all things big or small. God awaits with open arms to receive your burdens, concerns, frustration, illness, stress and any daily challenge you may face. As I prepare to attend a Children's Pastor Conference next week, I know God has placed strong Christians teachers and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">volunteers</span> to continue his ministry. I am truly blessed that God is allowing me to follow his plan at First Baptist Church. So remember, when you feel like your world in coming down and you have no where to turn, their is always one person that is ready to listen, comfort, guide, hold, bless and walk with you during Life's Daily Challenges. All you every have to say is; God, Lord, or Jesus......He listens, trust me!!!!!!!!Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-91657787982107173792009-01-04T21:06:00.000-06:002009-01-04T21:45:10.214-06:00Start Something NewWell have you every wondered why change isn't easy. Would you be willing to do something new this year? I propose you let go of your New Year's resolutions and Start Something New. I propose you pray everyday for someone else and that you allow GOD to Bless them through your prayers. Are we not Blessed ourselves by our relationship with JESUS. Why do we make resolutions when GOD gives us everything we need. In Sunday School class today we discussed prayer, not just individual prayer--but community prayer. How much better would we be if we prayed together. I would like to share a quick story with you. April 1, 2005, my beautiful wife was involved in a terrible vehicle accident that her father and I witnessed. While at the hostipal, the wife and mother of the other driver came over to see how Christina was doing. I asked his wife if I could speak to her husband. She was unsure if that was a good idea, but allowed me to see him. I was not sure what I was going to say or do, but when I saw him; my first words to him, his wife and his mother was can I pray for you all. His wife and mother broke down crying while I prayed for his recovery and hope that GOD will bless them while he was healing. GOD has blessed me for sending his Son to die on a cross for my sins. So I am blessed by that Grace God has given me. So it is our turn to pray individually and as a community for others in the world, by showing our AGAPE (unconditional) Love. So are you willing to START SOMETHING NEW!!!!!!!!!Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-47512913802032392952008-12-19T13:27:00.000-06:002008-12-19T13:33:58.959-06:00The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of CoffeeWhen things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.<br /><br /> A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.<br /><br /> The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.<br /><br /> The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'<br /><br /> The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.<br />'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.<br /><br /> The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else--the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.<br /><br /> Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first--the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'<br /> <br /> One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full you life seems, there's always room for a couple of coffee with a friend. <br /><br /> So on those days when things aren't going the right way, have a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or whatever you drink and share your concerns with God. He is alawys their and always ready to listen. <br /> <br /> May the blessings of the Lord be placed on your life everyday, your brother in Christ Earl.Pastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370503980901706830.post-53877818577237053752008-12-18T10:54:00.000-06:002008-12-18T11:17:06.939-06:00Faithful Servant<span style="font-family:georgia;">Following Gods plan for our lives is not always easy, we want to control our own destiny. We have the ability to really mess it up when we try to control our own lives. I did that for almost a year when doing my ministry search. Looking back it seem like it was all about me and what I wanted for my life. When I stopped searching and truly allowed God to work his plan for my life: we ended up in the land of oz (just kidding we are in Kansas). I just want to let everyone know God has done amazing things here in Augusta Kansas and in our lives. I will admit that initially taking on</span> so many responsibilities was challenging and I was afraid of failure. Before coming to Kansas we went with some friends to a church in Marion, Ohio. The church service was different and at the end they would prophesy over you. I recall them telling me that I needed to take two steps in the water and God would be their with me. I think I only had one foot in the water when I started my job here at First Baptist Church. I sat in my office one day and prayed and told God that I would now place both feet in the water and fully trust that he would not let me drown. Being here just a little over four (4) months, I can see the different we are making here as a family. We are truly blessed and I know that the relationships and other church families we have known in the past are all apart of the daily blessings God gives us. Just remember that sometimes it is different to understand why something is happening, but if you remain the FAITHFUL SERVANT, God will bless you continuously. I leave you with this bible verse "For nothing is impossible with God" Luke 1:37. To honor and serve Him--daily, Pastor EarlPastor Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05914176431762100417noreply@blogger.com0