Joplin

   I just talked with my parents who live in Webb City, Missouri, which is only a stoplight north of Joplin. The devastation is as real as it looks. Their church (College Heights Christian) has had 70 of their families lose their homes that they are aware of at this time. They are serving as a base for receiving and sorting items that are literally being sent from all over the country.

   At this time they are being overwhelmed with amazing abouts of items that need to be sorted, packaged and distributed, as well as fielding phone calls from people wanting to help and/or needing help.

   The best way to help at this time is to send donations to help people get back on their feet. I would suggest a number of places to donate through: The Salvation Army and The Red Cross are the best known relief agencies. Some others are: Week of Compassion (Disciples of Christ), Samaritan's Purse (Franklin Graham), International Disaster Emergency Services aka I.D.E.S. (Independent Christian Church/Churches of Christ) and World Vision. I am certain that you can find the web addresses available for each of those organizations via google.

   The College Heights church is also receiving donations to help. Their address is: College Heights Christian Church, 4311 E. Newman Road Joplin, MO 64801.

   My parents wanted to make sure that I express their deepest appreciation for the prayers and outpouring of love and concern for them and their community. They are amazed!

Saturday thoughts

Sitting at IHOP eating, praying, planning and pondering how blessed I am to be in Odessa...

I can't imagine being anywhere else. I've felt that way about my other three ministry stops the past (almost) 30 years. I've never been a "grass is greener over there" type of minister. I know plenty who are. I've heard of pastors who are always shopping their resumes looking for a vertical move toward larger churches, more money, speaking engagements and the like. That just isn't me.

I'm pleased that in each of the places I've served there have been people that God has placed in my path that I have been able to develop a relationship with and influence them to become more dedicated followers of Christ. There haven't been thousands like Peter influenced on the Day of Pentecost... more like Phillip in Acts 8.

My point? Still a mystery even to me... Actually the point is a "bloom where you are planted" thing and be grateful that the Lord of the universe chooses to allow to be a part of the process!



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Location:IHOP

Busy Saturday?

Not sure what plans you have for Saturday, but you might spend some time with the Lord just in case the prediction of Christ's return is accurate...

The love of my life has a training meeting for an upcoming Emmaus weekend, so I'll probably go to breakfast and maybe work in the yard. That is if the Lord doesn't come, which we will know whether he has know by Friday afternoon. How do I know that? Because with the International Dateline being where it is Saturday actually begins on Friday here... That is unless Yahweh operates in the time zones of the Western Hemisphere...

I did finish my sermon for Sunday, so I'm ready either way! Are you?


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Location:The Big O