F.R.O.G (Forever Relying On God) Club

Three 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 "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! 

57 Cent Church

      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. 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. 

        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.... 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. 

       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'. 

This is a true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS. 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

Relaxed and Refreshed

Well 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:  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)

A New Year; A New beginning

Well, 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!