Oceana Wesleyan Hispanic Minsitry is really happening! This is for real.
In Shelby, a new church is being planted- Iglesia Wesleyana Manantial de Vida- Water of Life Wesleyan Church.
Prayer requests: Pastor Carlos Santana. His wife Gretta and son, Nick, had to return to Colombia to await the immigration process. His health and safety while doing ministry.
A Hispanic Bible Study will start next Sunday 3pm at the Banderas home east of Hart on 120th Ave.
Keep on praying for God to keep on moving.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
Whew!!
The summer has finally ended. Josh is graduated, Charity married off, both of them in college, the Hispanic ministry moving forward, Naomi's health stablized, campmeeting a distant speck in the rearview mirror and deer season closing in!!
I am ready for this new turn in life. I pray continually for my children that they God would protect them and they would keep their hearts pure.
I don't have time but hopefully I can post some summer pictures.
Adios!
I am ready for this new turn in life. I pray continually for my children that they God would protect them and they would keep their hearts pure.
I don't have time but hopefully I can post some summer pictures.
Adios!
Monday, May 15, 2006
Meijer Heart Center- again.
Last week Naomi and I spent a few days at the Meijer Heart Center. Wonderful place to visit and even stay. Except we didn't want to be there.
Naomi had a stent placement again after flagging on the nuclear stress test. She is now home recuperating. With a week off we hope that she will be back to full strength.
Too bad stent placements can't change the human condition of sin. Of course, if we can understand how the working of the Holy Spirit happens in the person's life we can use the heart cath as an anology. (But I will save this for another blog.)
What impresses me is the technology. And what impresses me more is the peace that we can have by the Holy Spirit. We have a wonderful Sikh doctor who is tremendously gifted. And yet our confidence lies not in the steadiness of his hands or concentration of his mind, but in the healing touch of God.
Isaiah wrote of Jesus in his 53rd chapter: "By his stripes we are healed." It is a verse that we cling to knowing that Jesus endured the torture of the cross for our sakes so that we might be saved, delivered and healed.
Last week probably is not the last visit for us. Of course, God can deliver her completely from heart disease. But until then, our hearts will go on singing and living for Christ.
Naomi had a stent placement again after flagging on the nuclear stress test. She is now home recuperating. With a week off we hope that she will be back to full strength.
Too bad stent placements can't change the human condition of sin. Of course, if we can understand how the working of the Holy Spirit happens in the person's life we can use the heart cath as an anology. (But I will save this for another blog.)
What impresses me is the technology. And what impresses me more is the peace that we can have by the Holy Spirit. We have a wonderful Sikh doctor who is tremendously gifted. And yet our confidence lies not in the steadiness of his hands or concentration of his mind, but in the healing touch of God.
Isaiah wrote of Jesus in his 53rd chapter: "By his stripes we are healed." It is a verse that we cling to knowing that Jesus endured the torture of the cross for our sakes so that we might be saved, delivered and healed.
Last week probably is not the last visit for us. Of course, God can deliver her completely from heart disease. But until then, our hearts will go on singing and living for Christ.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Wesleyan Headquarters
This past week I spent three days studying and training at the Wesleyan World Headquarters outside of Indy in a place called Noblesville. Brought to me by Evangelism and Church Grow department, I was in coaches training- learning how to guide boards and committees through the process of discovering God's direction, focus and will.
What a great time it was! My DS- The Right Reverend Thomas Schmidt- was by my side the whole time making sure I didn't fall asleep and that I took notes as well as keep the vehicle headed in the right direction making the proper turns.
And there was Starbucks. Plenty of Starbucks!
It was my privilege to encounter new faces. One of the great things about events such as this are the relationships one builds with other ministers. Joel Hutchinson (Arizona), Eddie Garcia (San Diego), Bob England (Indiana South), Mark Eckart (Indiana South DS), and Richard ______? (who loved diet Dr. Pepper) of Wisconsin. We were taught by Richard Meeks who pastors near San Diego.
To top off the week I received three autographed copies of The Ripple Church from Phil Stevenson who is the new E&CG director.
Not only was there a great conference of learning- which I always desperately need- but there was the opportunity to see Tom & Denise's children and spouses and grandson (and another on the way).
There, Leanne, I finally updated this web log. Prayerfully I can keep it up.
Adios!
What a great time it was! My DS- The Right Reverend Thomas Schmidt- was by my side the whole time making sure I didn't fall asleep and that I took notes as well as keep the vehicle headed in the right direction making the proper turns.
And there was Starbucks. Plenty of Starbucks!
It was my privilege to encounter new faces. One of the great things about events such as this are the relationships one builds with other ministers. Joel Hutchinson (Arizona), Eddie Garcia (San Diego), Bob England (Indiana South), Mark Eckart (Indiana South DS), and Richard ______? (who loved diet Dr. Pepper) of Wisconsin. We were taught by Richard Meeks who pastors near San Diego.
To top off the week I received three autographed copies of The Ripple Church from Phil Stevenson who is the new E&CG director.
Not only was there a great conference of learning- which I always desperately need- but there was the opportunity to see Tom & Denise's children and spouses and grandson (and another on the way).
There, Leanne, I finally updated this web log. Prayerfully I can keep it up.
Adios!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Alas.
Alas.
Kentucky Basketball 05-06 has come to a conclusion.
So today, I settled in to looking ahead to next season. I wondered about the future and actually feel pretty good and at the same time I wonder why I and others didn't see the UK season pan out the way it did ahead of time.
Here are a few reasons:
1) We think our players are going to always find a way to win. And when they fail it's due to their failure and never our over-expectation.
2) The team just did not have the high profile athletes that are needed to compete consistently at Division I level.
3) They were under-prepared. Period. (Maybe that's why their trainer was dismissed mid-season?)
So what do I learn from all of this as a pastor?
I learned that high expectations do not necessarily produce positive results. Sometimes people will wilt beneath the pressure to produce. These players are 18-21 year old kids. They don't deserve this kind of pressure unless they're getting paid for the pressure. A la NBA.
I also have learned that you cannot expect people to produce consistantly outside of their God-given abilities. The exceptions to this belongs to the Holy Spirit (Who, thankfully, does not mix sports with religion). Helping my parishioners to learn to play the game of life with savvy calls to not over-burden them.
And the last thing I have learned from my bad Kentucky Wildcat basketball season is that preparation is always the key. Prayer, teaching and nurturing are essential to good spiritual growth and ministry. And as a pastor, I am the key to that work in our church.
Yes, there will be a next year, Big Blue. But in the meantime, I will apply the things I have learned from your season to my next one.
Aloha.
Kentucky Basketball 05-06 has come to a conclusion.
So today, I settled in to looking ahead to next season. I wondered about the future and actually feel pretty good and at the same time I wonder why I and others didn't see the UK season pan out the way it did ahead of time.
Here are a few reasons:
1) We think our players are going to always find a way to win. And when they fail it's due to their failure and never our over-expectation.
2) The team just did not have the high profile athletes that are needed to compete consistently at Division I level.
3) They were under-prepared. Period. (Maybe that's why their trainer was dismissed mid-season?)
So what do I learn from all of this as a pastor?
I learned that high expectations do not necessarily produce positive results. Sometimes people will wilt beneath the pressure to produce. These players are 18-21 year old kids. They don't deserve this kind of pressure unless they're getting paid for the pressure. A la NBA.
I also have learned that you cannot expect people to produce consistantly outside of their God-given abilities. The exceptions to this belongs to the Holy Spirit (Who, thankfully, does not mix sports with religion). Helping my parishioners to learn to play the game of life with savvy calls to not over-burden them.
And the last thing I have learned from my bad Kentucky Wildcat basketball season is that preparation is always the key. Prayer, teaching and nurturing are essential to good spiritual growth and ministry. And as a pastor, I am the key to that work in our church.
Yes, there will be a next year, Big Blue. But in the meantime, I will apply the things I have learned from your season to my next one.
Aloha.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
My March Madness
Okay, so I am a little bit crazy. But I have never, ever in my life filled out a NCAA bracket that did not have my beloved Kentucky Wildcats winning it all.
But they have had a rotten season. In fact, I have never been so disappointed in a team in my life. They have been extremely erradict on the court all year. And I have a hard time seeing them string together six wins in a row. They haven't all year.
My mind tells me that they are not the team to beat this year. But my heart beats to a different drummer. No doubt Connecticut is the best team in the country. I can assure you that Duke will go down early to George Washington. Gonzaga will run out of gas against UCLA. Memphis will go down to Kansas. Boston College will surprise everyone by beating Villanova.
And Kentucky will prevail against nemesis UAB before upsetting Connecticut.
Am I crazy? Don't ask my wife!
So here are my final four predictions:
Texas will come out of Atlanta.
Kansas will come out of Oakland.
But they have had a rotten season. In fact, I have never been so disappointed in a team in my life. They have been extremely erradict on the court all year. And I have a hard time seeing them string together six wins in a row. They haven't all year.
My mind tells me that they are not the team to beat this year. But my heart beats to a different drummer. No doubt Connecticut is the best team in the country. I can assure you that Duke will go down early to George Washington. Gonzaga will run out of gas against UCLA. Memphis will go down to Kansas. Boston College will surprise everyone by beating Villanova.
And Kentucky will prevail against nemesis UAB before upsetting Connecticut.
Am I crazy? Don't ask my wife!
So here are my final four predictions:
Texas will come out of Atlanta.
Kansas will come out of Oakland.
Boston College will come out of Minneapolis.
Kentucky will arrive from Washington after beating Seton Hall.
And it will be Kentucky 62 Kansas 55 for the National Championship. Tubby's defense wil prevail in the end.
Go Big Blue!
I could not pull the plug on my Cats. My heart won out over my mind.
Now where is the number to my therapist? I think I'm having an episode.
Kentucky will arrive from Washington after beating Seton Hall.
And it will be Kentucky 62 Kansas 55 for the National Championship. Tubby's defense wil prevail in the end.
Go Big Blue!
I could not pull the plug on my Cats. My heart won out over my mind.
Now where is the number to my therapist? I think I'm having an episode.
Monday, March 06, 2006
It's Finally Over!
It is finally over. My beloved Kentucky Wildcats- who have been in desperate need of some lovin' this year- bit the dust yesterday against Florida. The Gators were just too big and too fast. And the Cats were just a bit too cocky and too slow. They looked like they had a chance but it went out the exit doors hardly three minutes into the second half.
And now a new season begins, according to Tubby Smith. They play Mississippi on Thursday in the SEC tournament. Is this their last hurrah? I hope not.
And now as I nurse the absence of a wisdom tooth that will require me to see the dentist again, I nurse the pain of a ragged Kentucky fan. I have never looked so forward to the end of a season in my entire career as a UK supporter. But I am not sure I want to see the tournament and what it may offer. Yikes!
But in the end, my life goes on. I have people to visit and sermons to preach. Besides, Detroit Tiger baseball is about to start. And we all know that they just might do it this year.
And now a new season begins, according to Tubby Smith. They play Mississippi on Thursday in the SEC tournament. Is this their last hurrah? I hope not.
And now as I nurse the absence of a wisdom tooth that will require me to see the dentist again, I nurse the pain of a ragged Kentucky fan. I have never looked so forward to the end of a season in my entire career as a UK supporter. But I am not sure I want to see the tournament and what it may offer. Yikes!
But in the end, my life goes on. I have people to visit and sermons to preach. Besides, Detroit Tiger baseball is about to start. And we all know that they just might do it this year.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Pastor's Retreat
This past weekend Naomi and I attended our district's ministerial retreat. We stayed in room # 400 of the Days Inn on Munson Ave. (I give the room # just in case I die young like Elvis and everyone wants to stay in the hotel rooms I once inhabited.) We ate trash food and partied like fools all weekend. If we could do this every weekend I think I would "really" enjoy pastoring.
We loved the worship times at the Bayview Church in their new facility. Wow! The Lord is really blessing their work. Great worship team (where does that lady get all her energy?). And a wonderful banquet on Saturday night.
It was good to see our colleagues in the ministry. What impresses me so much is to be around men and women who love Christ more than self. I see those in bigger churches and smaller churches. And what I see is not a status or swagger or low self-esteem but a genuine commitment to the call. This encourages me. And lots of love and laughter between friends.
Dr. Weeter from Oklahoma Wesleyan U. somehow crammed one hour sermons into twenty minutes- every time. I have to figure that out. My people hear me cram a twenty minute sermon into an hour. How does he do it? Anyhow, his thoughts were encouraging and challenging at the same time. (I did tell him that I thought the two un-named disciples in the boat in John 21 had to be a pastoral couple.)
And what would be a great conference without good coffee? Huh? We discovered a little coffee and deli shop in downtown Manistee. Just drive west of 31 on River street and it will be on the left side. Definitely worth the stop. The sandwiches looked great but not so great right after a Chinese lunch. In Traffic City (Traverse City for those who have not been there in the last ten years), Beaners offers some great variety that both my wife and I can agree on. She likes the stuff that coddles you as awake to a new day. I like coffee that grabs you by the throat, throws you out of bed and kicks you awake (besides, I still need hair on my chest). Beaners offers both kinds (well, kind of. If you want real "get-up-and-go" coffee there is a Starbucks in the Meijers across the street). There is also a myriad of coffee places downtown.
I was glad to see old pals like Chris and Sue Ann, Paulette and Tony, Mike and Pam, and so on. And of course my college professor, Dr. Mark Haines. We had a chance to spend some time with Glen and Sandy. And of course our future "friends in laws" Brian and JoJean. I can't name everyone but I will end the list with Leanne and Lyle and our niece Sierra and nephew Shawn (I rubbed his head for good luck for the Red Wings).
What more can I say about the retreat? Lots more. But what happens at a Ministerial Retreat stays at a Ministerial Retreat. Especially around the game table in the hotel lobby.
We loved the worship times at the Bayview Church in their new facility. Wow! The Lord is really blessing their work. Great worship team (where does that lady get all her energy?). And a wonderful banquet on Saturday night.
It was good to see our colleagues in the ministry. What impresses me so much is to be around men and women who love Christ more than self. I see those in bigger churches and smaller churches. And what I see is not a status or swagger or low self-esteem but a genuine commitment to the call. This encourages me. And lots of love and laughter between friends.
Dr. Weeter from Oklahoma Wesleyan U. somehow crammed one hour sermons into twenty minutes- every time. I have to figure that out. My people hear me cram a twenty minute sermon into an hour. How does he do it? Anyhow, his thoughts were encouraging and challenging at the same time. (I did tell him that I thought the two un-named disciples in the boat in John 21 had to be a pastoral couple.)
And what would be a great conference without good coffee? Huh? We discovered a little coffee and deli shop in downtown Manistee. Just drive west of 31 on River street and it will be on the left side. Definitely worth the stop. The sandwiches looked great but not so great right after a Chinese lunch. In Traffic City (Traverse City for those who have not been there in the last ten years), Beaners offers some great variety that both my wife and I can agree on. She likes the stuff that coddles you as awake to a new day. I like coffee that grabs you by the throat, throws you out of bed and kicks you awake (besides, I still need hair on my chest). Beaners offers both kinds (well, kind of. If you want real "get-up-and-go" coffee there is a Starbucks in the Meijers across the street). There is also a myriad of coffee places downtown.
I was glad to see old pals like Chris and Sue Ann, Paulette and Tony, Mike and Pam, and so on. And of course my college professor, Dr. Mark Haines. We had a chance to spend some time with Glen and Sandy. And of course our future "friends in laws" Brian and JoJean. I can't name everyone but I will end the list with Leanne and Lyle and our niece Sierra and nephew Shawn (I rubbed his head for good luck for the Red Wings).
What more can I say about the retreat? Lots more. But what happens at a Ministerial Retreat stays at a Ministerial Retreat. Especially around the game table in the hotel lobby.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Quick Update
Oh, my, how the last few weeks have gone! Here's a quick update.
As you know, Naomi has recovered from her heart-cath and is back to work.
Charity called a week or so ago: Andrew sprained his ankle pretty good.
Josh finished his senior project (is it me or are senior projects a waste of valuable teenage time?) so he is now on the home stretch toward graduation. (June 2nd with his open house on June 3rd.)
Me? Well, what can I say? I've been reading (or should I say "swimming") through all the articles from the Wesleyan Church's "Doctrinal Symposium" held last May. I am quite impressed! You can find this at www.wesleyan.org , then click on Education and the Ministry and click "Doctrinal Symposium." Great stuff, especially if you are a Wesleyan pastor.
Blessings on all.
PS- I did the fatherly thing last week and finally broke down and signed up for that there high-speed internet thingy. Yep! It is faster. My son loves me again.
As you know, Naomi has recovered from her heart-cath and is back to work.
Charity called a week or so ago: Andrew sprained his ankle pretty good.
Josh finished his senior project (is it me or are senior projects a waste of valuable teenage time?) so he is now on the home stretch toward graduation. (June 2nd with his open house on June 3rd.)
Me? Well, what can I say? I've been reading (or should I say "swimming") through all the articles from the Wesleyan Church's "Doctrinal Symposium" held last May. I am quite impressed! You can find this at www.wesleyan.org , then click on Education and the Ministry and click "Doctrinal Symposium." Great stuff, especially if you are a Wesleyan pastor.
Blessings on all.
PS- I did the fatherly thing last week and finally broke down and signed up for that there high-speed internet thingy. Yep! It is faster. My son loves me again.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Bad Weekend
Okay, last weekend had to be the worst weekend of my sports cheering life! Every team I rooted for in any sport lost!
First, our hometown Shelby Tigers got dissed by Whitehall. Okay, I can live with that. Then the next day Kentucky lost, Michigan lost, teams I don't care about but rooted for anyway lost. And I went "ofer" on pro football. Every team I gave a hoot about lost.
Now I approach this weekend gingerly.
First, I am rooting for the Steelers. Not because I am a Pittsburgh fan (I grew up jealous and despising the "Iron Curtain"). I like Bill Cowher. He's class guy and seems to love his wife and kids. I am also rooting for the Seattle Panthers or the Carolina Seahawks. I don't know. But it should be a good game. I guess I'll root for the team that needs to come back to win.
Second, I always root for Kentucky. Even when I go watch Glory Road I will wear my Big Blue jacket and probably scream my fool head off for Rupp's Runts. Kentucky finally has their offense clicking.
Third, I just hope to have a decent sports weekend. I need no more bad ones. Besides, I need a reason to preach on Sunday.
First, our hometown Shelby Tigers got dissed by Whitehall. Okay, I can live with that. Then the next day Kentucky lost, Michigan lost, teams I don't care about but rooted for anyway lost. And I went "ofer" on pro football. Every team I gave a hoot about lost.
Now I approach this weekend gingerly.
First, I am rooting for the Steelers. Not because I am a Pittsburgh fan (I grew up jealous and despising the "Iron Curtain"). I like Bill Cowher. He's class guy and seems to love his wife and kids. I am also rooting for the Seattle Panthers or the Carolina Seahawks. I don't know. But it should be a good game. I guess I'll root for the team that needs to come back to win.
Second, I always root for Kentucky. Even when I go watch Glory Road I will wear my Big Blue jacket and probably scream my fool head off for Rupp's Runts. Kentucky finally has their offense clicking.
Third, I just hope to have a decent sports weekend. I need no more bad ones. Besides, I need a reason to preach on Sunday.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Whew!
Wow, what a few weeks!
On the 7th we went over to Canada for our last Christmas with the Moultons. (See pictures)
And then on the 8th we sent Charity off with Andrew at the Detroit Metro. She arrived in Bangor before we arrived in Grand Rapids. Crazy!
And then on Tuesday life gave us one of those small seismic shifts! Naomi developed chest pain/pressure and was taken to Spectrum Butterworth in Grand Rapids. At the Meijer Heart Center a stress test was done on Wednesday that was inconclusive and so on Thursday she underwent her 27th heart-cath. A blockage was found and a stent was placed (inside of a previous stent). We came home Friday. I tried to recuperate Saturday in time to preach a couple sermons on Sunday.
What a week.
I marvel at how God sees us through these times. There is no doubt that His grace is always sufficient- especially in our times of weakness. As some already know, Naomi has had deal with more than her fair share of heart problems (Coronary Artery Disease) as well as diabetes. And, yes, there are times of "why" and yet there are more times of "okay, here we go, Lord."
Thanks for your prayers. She headed off to work today. A little winded- but feeling much better. Me too.
On the 7th we went over to Canada for our last Christmas with the Moultons. (See pictures)
And then on the 8th we sent Charity off with Andrew at the Detroit Metro. She arrived in Bangor before we arrived in Grand Rapids. Crazy!
And then on Tuesday life gave us one of those small seismic shifts! Naomi developed chest pain/pressure and was taken to Spectrum Butterworth in Grand Rapids. At the Meijer Heart Center a stress test was done on Wednesday that was inconclusive and so on Thursday she underwent her 27th heart-cath. A blockage was found and a stent was placed (inside of a previous stent). We came home Friday. I tried to recuperate Saturday in time to preach a couple sermons on Sunday.
What a week.
I marvel at how God sees us through these times. There is no doubt that His grace is always sufficient- especially in our times of weakness. As some already know, Naomi has had deal with more than her fair share of heart problems (Coronary Artery Disease) as well as diabetes. And, yes, there are times of "why" and yet there are more times of "okay, here we go, Lord."
Thanks for your prayers. She headed off to work today. A little winded- but feeling much better. Me too.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Which team?
Last night I was suddenly faced with a quadary: who do I root for? The two teams that I- a Michigan football fan- despise the most are Ohio State and Notre Dame. And here they were playing each other in the Fiesta Bowl. Not some lowly down under game, but a major BCS bowl game. As I watched the game I could not choose. And then, of all things, the announcers bring up Woody Hayes! Ugh!! I almost lost my wife's Mexian dinner!
So I considered the coaches. I actually like both guys. Charlie Weiss is a good man with a great football mind. He obviously loves his players and believes in them. Jim Tressel is the same. Which one will I choose? Neither man gives me any good reason to not like him. Weiss dresses kind of like me- for the sake of comfort. And Tressel reminds me of my preppy college roommate- for the sake of success. I like both styles.
Notre Dame is Catholic and I am a protestant minister. Should that make a difference? No. I like Boston College among other Catholic schools (my favorite player from there being Mike Ruth). I even have a few (very few) friends who are Notre Dame nuts. However, I just don't like Notre Dame.
Ohio State is one of our border states. Our state almost went to war with them over Toledo, 150 years ago. I like Toledo University football. I actually sat in the jacuzzi with their quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski, in Clare, Michigan one time. A very polite fellow. I have a good ministerial collegue who is from Findlay. Yet, I just don't like Ohio State.
What did I do? First, I wished for the game to end in a tie. But with the overtime rules in college football that would not be possible. Second, I wished that a thunderstorm would move in and the game be called off because of lightning. Not likely. Finally, I decided that I needed to "fall of the log." So I chose Ohio State. Yes, I, being the consummate football fan during the holidays, and a Michigan fan, rooted for Ohio State.
After all, Jim Tressel dresses like my college roommate.
But I still despise Ohio State.
So I considered the coaches. I actually like both guys. Charlie Weiss is a good man with a great football mind. He obviously loves his players and believes in them. Jim Tressel is the same. Which one will I choose? Neither man gives me any good reason to not like him. Weiss dresses kind of like me- for the sake of comfort. And Tressel reminds me of my preppy college roommate- for the sake of success. I like both styles.
Notre Dame is Catholic and I am a protestant minister. Should that make a difference? No. I like Boston College among other Catholic schools (my favorite player from there being Mike Ruth). I even have a few (very few) friends who are Notre Dame nuts. However, I just don't like Notre Dame.
Ohio State is one of our border states. Our state almost went to war with them over Toledo, 150 years ago. I like Toledo University football. I actually sat in the jacuzzi with their quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski, in Clare, Michigan one time. A very polite fellow. I have a good ministerial collegue who is from Findlay. Yet, I just don't like Ohio State.
What did I do? First, I wished for the game to end in a tie. But with the overtime rules in college football that would not be possible. Second, I wished that a thunderstorm would move in and the game be called off because of lightning. Not likely. Finally, I decided that I needed to "fall of the log." So I chose Ohio State. Yes, I, being the consummate football fan during the holidays, and a Michigan fan, rooted for Ohio State.
After all, Jim Tressel dresses like my college roommate.
But I still despise Ohio State.
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