Pastor, FBC Hallsville

Building Banquet

The Building Banquet went well.  We had a great time together.  The highlight of the evening was when I got to share with the church family that a family in our church gave a one million dollar gift to the new buildings.  We anticipated that when the buildings were finished that we would have a debt of around 1.9 million dollars.  We all knew that was a real stretch for our church but we have been walking by faith all along and then God does something we never expected.  God knew before we began the buildings that He was going to provide but we did not know.  So instead of a 1.9 million dollar debt we suddenly find ourselves with less than half that debt because of one tremendous gift.  I admit there were times through this process that I was a little anxious.  Walking by faith is not always comfortable but it is profitable.  My faith has grown through this process of building as I am sure your faith has also grown through this process.  I remind myself as I remind you that what God is doing is causing us to mature spiritually.  The new buildings are certainly key to ministering to families but we need to keep in mind that buildings will be left behind when eternity begins.  What God is doing in us is what lasts to eternity.  I am thankful for the gift but even more thankful for what God is doing in me and in you.

Soda/Lake Annual Meeting

Last night I attended the Annual Meeting of the Soda/Lake Association along with Monty, Ed, Patrick, Buck and Marsha.  (Our church is one of the churches in this area that voluntarily chooses to work with other Baptist Churches in area-wide ministries.  Randy Babin is the Director of Missions for the Soda/Lake Association and a member of our church.)  We were messengers from FBC.  The meeting was held at FBC Marshall and it was a inspirational time.  The Annual Meeting is a time for reports of the Association ministries and there is an inspirational sermon.  Lindsey Coffield from the Baptist General Convention of Texas brought the message.  He talked about how Texas Baptists are ministering to thousands of people in various ministries.  One ministry he mentioned was a women's pregnancy counseling service in Clute, Texas.   The've counseled over 5,000 women over the years and had the joy of seeing many of those women choose to birth their children rather than choosing abortion.  Clute is not a big city.  Yet a Baptist ministry has had a tremendous impact in that area.  He mentioned a couple of other ministries and the number of people they had touched.  The total was around 50,000 people touched by just a few ministries over the years.  Think of all the ministries that Texas Baptists have all  over the state and you and I don't realized just how many thousands and thousands of people are hearing about Christ through those ministries.  That is just good stuff.  You are a part of those ministries because when you give your offerings to your church a portion of that money goes to the ministries of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.  You are doing a lot more than you can even imagine.  Keep on giving and sharing in the ministries across our state.

New ETBU President

Yesterday the Board of Trustees at ETBU voted unanimously to call Dr. Dub Oliver as President of ETBU.  Dr. Oliver currently serves as Vice-President for Student Life at Baylor University.  He has been at Baylor for sixteen years.  Dr. Oliver is a man with a vibrant faith.  He pastors the Canaan Baptist Church in Crawford, Texas.  The church is located just a little ways from the entrance to the Bush Ranch.  Dr. Oliver said that the small congregation at Canaan Baptist Church frequently has visitors from all over the world.  I can imagine that preparing a sermon for a Sunday at that church has to be pretty exciting knowing that there is always the possibility that some dignitary seeking a church in which to worship could be in the audience.

Dr. Oliver describes himself as an Educator.  He has a PhD from Texas A & M University.  His undergraduate degree is from Baylor University.  Dr. Oliver is going to be a great president for ETBU.  He brings with him great leadership skills and a real compassion for people.  His first day on the job will be June 1, 2009.  That sounds like a long time to wait but there are number of things that have to happen for a smooth transition from his job at Baylor and to make a smooth transition to the Presidency of ETBU.  ETBU is a great institution and the future looks bright with Dr. Dub Oliver at the helm.

Another Miracle

When Michelle called Becky and me last Monday she told us that she was leaving the Houston.  She told us that she was done and coming home.  Naturally, we wanted her to stay the full 28 days and complete the program.  We are fearful that right now a return home would mean Michelle might not be strong enough to resist taking up with some of her old friends and then we would be right back in the old mess.  We prayed hard all week.  Every day Michelle told us she was coming home.  I could not go to Houston until Saturday so we just prayed.  I have to tell you my faith was pretty weak.  On Friday Michelle called and said she was going to stay.  What happened?  What changed her mind?  She did not tell us the reason for her change of mind.  She said she was staying.  Becky and I were ecstatic.  Wow!  God did it again!  The Bible says it only takes a little faith to see God do the miraculous.  I experienced that because frankly, I had believed that nothing was going to change Michelle's mind.  God did.  Thank you God.  Those who are praying with us please keep praying.

I know that a blog is a very public exercise.  Michelle does not know that I have shared her story.  I do not in any way wish to embarrass Michelle.  I know that the people reading this blog are a part of my spiritual family and that gives me confidence that all will treat this information as very personal and therefore not news for the rumor mill.  I love my daughter very much and pray and hope for her return to the Lord.  Thank you for standing with me in prayer.

A Great Day

Last Sunday's Building Dedication was a Great Day!  I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed the celebration.  Dr. Ken Hall hit a home run with his message that challenged us to focus on ministry to kids because that is what Jesus did.  It was good to be together in one worship service.  It felt like family. 

Becky and I visited with the Doctors in Longview and Dallas.  Her CA 125 had gone up and therefore a scan was ordered.  The scan was clear so we were thankful for that.  There was no visible evidence of the cancer.  The doctors recommended that we stop chemotherapy and go to hormone therapy and see what happens.  That was a great day.  Becky is thrilled to be off of the chemo and delighted that the scan was clear.  We thank God for His goodness.

I've been around FBC Hallsville long enough that most of you know that I am a private person.  I usually don't tell a lot of things about family.  I am going to open up and tell you about another great day.  I think most of you know that my daughter, Michelle, has had problems with drugs and alcohol abuse.  We've been trying to get her to go for help for a couple of years.  Last Thursday I drove Michelle to Houston and she checked in a rehabilitation center.  That was a huge step.  I knew that Michelle was going because she felt that I forced her to go.  I did.  She was not totally committed and I knew that.  Our fear was that she would quit.  She is an adult and therefore cannot be kept against her will.  Last night she called us and said she was leaving the rehabilitation center.  We learned from the therapist that she had not been participating in therapy sessions and was not being cooperative.  I convinced her to stay one more night.  Becky and I prayed all night long and we prayed all through the day.  When Becky called to check on Michelle this afternoon the therapist told her that when she walked in this morning she did not recognize Michelle.  Michelle had dressed carefully, put on makeup, and fixed her hair.  Today she has been attending the sessions and participating.  It is a great day!  You can join us in praying that Michelle will heal emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  Thank you God for the answers to our prayers.