Friday, March 29, 2013
People Don't Seem to Want to be Free from Sin Today!
I was pondering this all day today.
The unfortunate truth today is, the western world is FULL of "professing" christians who have NEVER dealt with SIN in their own life, and so they NEVER want to deal with sin in the world! When they were in troubles, they decided to look to God for "help" out of that trouble, but did not seek a Saviour from their sin! So, NO ONE TODAY SEEMS TO WANT TO BE 'FREE' FROM SIN! They only want to live IN sin! They are happy believing that they are enjoying forgiveness, and also the freedom to still sin. If a believer claims to be free to live in any sin that the Bible clearly declares as wrong, and they are happy to tolerate sin, and even approve of what the Bible plainly calls sin, then they are STILL in the bondage of sin, and lost!
Romans 1:30,31 says people are generally "Without understanding, covenantbreakers (especially MARRIAGE covenants - they don't even TRY to stay married), WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION, implacable (not changeable), unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things ARE WORTHY OF DEATH, not only do the same, but HAVE PLEASURE in them that do them. The saddest part is that those who will read those two Scripture verses, will never BELIEVE them, but will blast ME with such venom and hatred for exposing their REJECTION of the Bible's judgment of sin, and yet go on thinking THEY are the more "compassionate" christian by tolerating it, and even promoting it.
In all actuality, they are frauds. They are x-ians, not CHRIST-ians and need to get born again the Bible's way!
I follow a holy SAVIOUR who 32 years ago FORGAVE ME of all my sins, and has called me to follow HIM!
I pray all readers of this post will take a deep breath and think about WHY they consider themselves Christians, and that if they are following their friends, or their religion, or their own heart... they need to decide to only follow Jesus the Messiah! Because only He can forgive and save you from sin!
I intend to keep preaching the coming WRATH of God on this sinful world just like John the BAPTIST did, and that the ONLY PLACE TO FLEE is to JESUS CHRIST, who died to pay for all our sins (heterosexual AND homosexual), and SAVE US FROM our sins!
May the Lord have mercy on this LOST generation of fakers who still need to fall on their face before God and repent of their lack of concern for sin in their hearts! If you are reading this and have never realised just how wicked you ARE, and just how deserving of a devil's hell you ARE, they you never have come to Jesus Christ for the right reason - to get forgiven! And you will HATE me! BUT... if you DO understand and agree with the Bible's message that we ALL are sinners, and under the righteous wrath of God, and have fled by faith to Jesus the sinless Messiah, and asked Him to WASH you from your sinful life, and make you a child of GOD... well, you will take up YOUR cross and stand with the unpopular idea that same-sex marriage is filthy, and wicked, and wrong to approve of. AND you will agree and clearly take the stand that whoremongering, and adultery is wicked, and filthy and wrong!
Hmmmm.... no wonder the gays are "winning" the arguments. People are afraid to be made fun of. Jesus took it (Hebrews 12:2-4)
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Overcoming Death
No one can overcome death by themselves! The Bible clearly tells us that “the wages of sin is death” period! So death, in all its gore and ruin is the penalty we all must pay for our sinfulness (Romans 6:23). That should be the end of humanity's story - death, both physical death in the grave, and eternal death in hell. But God chose to intervene, and out of love, chose to personally pay the full penalty for us! Think about it! God, who cannot die, became a MAN, so that He could die! Not for Himself, but for sinners who couldn't save themselves! As a Man, God lived a life free from all sin! And then willingly took the sins of the entire world upon Himself (every last one) and then horribly suffered OUR consequences under the righteous wrath of the law of God…, so WE might live eternally according to His righteousness. If only someone would just fully believe that it is a done deal! If only someone would STOP trying to be good enough, and STOP trying to cheat death, and STOP trying to get into the presence of God through some religious "back-door." If only someone would cry out to Jesus Christ right now and ask Him to forgive them and give them the opposite of what they deserve… eternal life! Thank God I did just that - I repented and believed this Gospel 32 years ago! Thank God for the LOVE of God! Thank God for Jesus! Thank God anyone can overcome death by childlike faith in Jesus Christ!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Europe Needs the Gospel!
Those of us who are serving the Lord here in Europe, are greatly burdened about Europe. We are not worried about the economies, or even the cultures – but about the 700 million souls that fill this continent that we all call home! And we are excited too! Excited about the potential of doubling the number of Gospel preaching churches throughout this very dark continent! We all know how Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” What we need is continual motivation and enablement to accomplish that command!
Europe needs more Gospel preaching churches! If 10,000 Bible believing churches were started next year, and each were able to see 100 souls saved that year, that would represent less than .2% of the population of Europe (that’s not even 1/5th of 1 percent)!!!!!!! Europe is going to hell, and we MUST decide to do whatever it takes to make a difference! And it all begins with our commitment to start more churches – places where the clear, simple Gospel of Jesus Christ is faithfully preached, week-in and week-out!
Have you ever noticed how many EUROPEAN cities and countries are listed in the Bible from Acts 16 on? Spain, Greece, Italy, Crete, Malita (Malta), as well as Macedonia, Philippi, Corinth, Rome, Thessolinica, Athens, Neapolis, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Appii Forum, Berea, and Achaia to name a few! Evidently, Europe has a special place in God’s plan! Let’s do what we can to reach more of Europe before it is eternally too late!
Upcoming European Church Planting Conference in Arklow, Ireland (http://www.biblebc.com/EuropeanChurches/ECPC.html)
Europe needs more Gospel preaching churches! If 10,000 Bible believing churches were started next year, and each were able to see 100 souls saved that year, that would represent less than .2% of the population of Europe (that’s not even 1/5th of 1 percent)!!!!!!! Europe is going to hell, and we MUST decide to do whatever it takes to make a difference! And it all begins with our commitment to start more churches – places where the clear, simple Gospel of Jesus Christ is faithfully preached, week-in and week-out!
Have you ever noticed how many EUROPEAN cities and countries are listed in the Bible from Acts 16 on? Spain, Greece, Italy, Crete, Malita (Malta), as well as Macedonia, Philippi, Corinth, Rome, Thessolinica, Athens, Neapolis, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Appii Forum, Berea, and Achaia to name a few! Evidently, Europe has a special place in God’s plan! Let’s do what we can to reach more of Europe before it is eternally too late!
Upcoming European Church Planting Conference in Arklow, Ireland (http://www.biblebc.com/EuropeanChurches/ECPC.html)
Thursday, August 02, 2012
What It Means to be a Visitor
When a person or a family “out of the blue” visits a church, I have found you are basically “on your own!” This is a sad state of modern churches.
My family and I are visiting many churches this summer, most of which already know me and are prepared for our arrival and participation in the church meeting. But there have been a few meetings where I did not have a booked preaching engagement, and we were just “nobodies” in the crowd.
Being a nobody is just fine with me. Jesus took upon himself the form of a servant, and had no reputation (Philp 2:7). But it is vitally important that all “nobodies” are welcomed and informed of what is currently happening around them, where they should go for Sunday School, where the nursery is, who the pastor and pastor’s wife is (and maybe even get them to meet right then). This seems to rarely happen today. At least in my experience. I experienced the very same “black out” of such vital information three years ago when we did a short furlough in 2009. Evidently, modern churches are far too comfortable with just the people they currently have coming, and don’t know how to actually “minister” to new people – therefore, new people don’t regularly visit, and new people definitely don’t stay! That is just plain wrong!
To be a visitor in a Bible believing Baptist church ought to be the most welcoming of experiences, for anyone from mature Bible believer, to the most ignorant of pagans! I challenge every pastor to take off their kingly robes for a few Sunday, and act like a pauper, and see what the unsaved and uninformed visitor experiences when they arrive at and attempt to navigate your churchianity (see James 2:1-4). It probably will grieve you, and hopefully will motivate you to change your church back into the spiritual hospital that Christ designed it to be!
Friday, June 29, 2012
A Bible in the Hand
I am sitting in a Baptist Sunday School class listening to a teacher teach on the New Testament Church from 1 Corinthians chapter 12, and I quickly notice that he doesn’t have a book in his hand. He has an iPad. He has his notes resting next to the iPad, typed out and printed, and even highlighted by his own hand, but he has propped up an iPad right in front of his face, and is reading every once in a while from it to his class of young married couples. This just is not right.
I hate being critical, but I need to make a comment on this mindset, because the very same man, just a little while later was standing in front of his congregation again using his iPad as his Bible. It not only looked wrong, it just was wrong for various reasons.
No. I don’t have a problem with the use of technology in a church. It is not a problem with envy either (even though I would LOVE to own an iPad). It is a problem with three things: a pastor and teacher’s pride, disrespect for the word of God, and disrespect for preaching.
The idea is that people think technology is neutral and can be used to do any and all aspects of the Gospel ministry. I disagree.
A Bible is not an abstract object. It is something that should be visible in the hand of the man of God, since it visually implies that it, as a BOOK is in charge of both HIS life and those who are hearing him. That may not seem like much to you, but it is the very bedrock of what it means to be a Bible believing Christian!
We are Bible believing Christians that can point to a BOOK and confess that we obey THAT Book called the Word of God! Let me make it very clear: the word of God is not just “words,” but a BOOK! It is not electrons and memory circuits all ligned up a certain way… it is a collection of specific words on pages, bound in a Book that is unchanging!
When the Bible has been replaced with a piece of technology, the authority of that Book becomes almost invisible, and the MAN that is supposedly preaching and teaching it becomes the only thing visible, and therefore, is seen as THE authority, which is the exact opposite of what Christ wanted His ministers to appear like! An iPad therefore becomes a literal device of the devil that pumps people up with pride, whereas the visible Book called the Bible critiques and humbles both the preacher and the hearer, when visibly held and preached without compromise (Heb 4:12), Nehemiah 8:5 says, “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up.” Notice that they stood up NOT for the man, but for the BOOK! The BOOK is what we Christians honour! Yet many men today want the respect that is due to the Bible for themselves, and that is idolatry!
No wonder there is so little respect for preaching! TEACHERS have replaced preachers just as Paul predicted in 2 Timothy 4:1-3! Oh that preachers did not ever sell out on the absolute necessity of visibly holding forth (Philp 2:16) the very word of life instead of a modern day GADGET that quickly erodes people’s respect for the preaching AND the preacher! Once a preacher or teacher stands up to teach WITHOUT a Book in their hand, watch out! They will usually “quote” from the Bible, but will be followed by their hearers without any checking up on his reasoning themselves. People today are way too gullible and trusting of men with gadgets – but that is a whole other subject!
If your pastor or teacher is turned on to gadgets and has replaced the Bible with a iPad or Android tablet, then politely ask them to hold forth the life in the form of a Book once again, and to beg God for power to preach from God, and not from Apple, the internet, or from Google!
For our Bible believing Baptist church in Ireland, we have a rule: anyone who stands to preach behind our pulpit or in any of our classes, will have to have a literal, physical, Bible in their hands that is a 1769 edition of the King James Bible. That is, until the day that it will be illegal to preach from such a Book; and THAT day is fast approaching! THEN we will have to preach the Word, from memory, and probably from prison!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Seventeen years ago this June, an ideal was born. It started in a large shed in Blarney, County Cork, Ireland with just a few people, and a big vision. The ideal was a Bible believing Baptist Church. The vision was of multitudes of sinners getting born again, and gladly following the Lord Jesus Christ! Both those dreams have come true in the Bible Baptist Church of Cork, Ireland! We started in Blarney, and moved ten years later to Ballincollig, but my heart, and the ideal, and my vision remains the same! I am so glad to just be able to serve my Lord, and do my best for His honour! I wish more people knew just what this Church means first to God, and then to their families and this city! The Bible Baptist Church is not a religious group, but a family! My prayer as we approach our 17th anniversary of gathering together to worship and follow the Lord Jesus Christ, is that we take a good look at what God has given us in our Church, and never take anyone or anything for granted! What a priceless gift another Bible believing Christian is! May a thousand more Irish souls decide this year to follow the Lord Jesus, and make Him the Lord of their lives! And may we as a church have a part in directing those men, women and children to trust Him, and obey His word by faith! We are debtors to our generation to open their eyes to the wonderful works of God, and to the words of eternal life as found in the Bible! I am so thankful to not have to serve God alone, but alongside faithful families who just love God! More about the upcoming 17th anniversary celebratiuons to come!
Friday, April 01, 2011
Been Quite a While...
It's Friday evening here in Ireland, and the rain is gently falling outside with a bit of a stiff breeze driving it against the windows of our home. I love nights like this! I am studying for Sunday's "Friend Day" here in Ballincollig, and as usual, I feel that I need God more than ever! Being saved over 30 years now by the precious blood of my Saviour, I would have thought that the older I get in the Lord, the more confident I would be in my "spirituality." But the opposite is true. The older I get, the more I find I need His wisdom, and His direction, and His strength in bigger doses! The spiritual battles of today, along with the trials and troubles of life have not faded, but only grown more fierce around me with the passing of time. In my heart, a greater peace and rest reigns the longer I serve Jesus, but just beyond my skin rages such sorrow and heavy burdens that I get overwhelmed sometimes just praying for what many people are struggling with. I find that most often, the troubles people, even believers are going through, have been brought on by themselves, but that doesn't make the burdens any lighter! As I sit here and prepare for Sunday's message, I am focused not just on dependency, but on Motherhood (since it will be Mother's Day here in Ireland on Sunday), and I feel for modern mothers most of all. They have only dreams, and ideals, with almost no abiding confidence in the Lord Jesus and His promises! I realise all to often that Mothers need more than my thoughts expressed when I preach... they need God's encouragement! I hope more than anything, to be such an encouragement, so that the Mothers who come on Sunday dig their heels in literally, and stay in the fight for their homes, and their husbands, and their Saviour! May Sunday be a miracle day, for the glory of children, and the honour of Moms! Just my thoughts, as I prepare for Sunday!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
My First Impressions of Bible Baptist Church
We just celebrated our church's 16th anniversary as a Church here in Ireland, and I jotted down some memories of when we began!
Long before anyone ever gathered on a Sunday at Bible Baptist Church, I saw people. I saw chairs full of them. I saw children, and teenagers, Moms and Dads. I saw open Bibles in every lap. I saw couples holding hands, and grandparents holding grandkids! And I saw all them having one connection with each other – a love for the preaching and teaching of the truths of the word of God!
Every Saturday evening, as I arrived in Blarney, in a 110 year old Total Abstinence Hall on Station Road, I would set up two or three dozen chairs, praying, believing, and yearning for those people whom I saw to come. And come they did. The first Sunday that our church opened up for worship, two people arrived at 10.30am, and along with my family, sang, and listened to preaching from Acts 16 on “The Most Important Question.” Their names were Vanessa and Mikey. It was as if a hundred people came out that day, and I was thrilled! They didn’t come by accident either! My family and I had gone out into the highways and hedges, and had invited the Blarney area people to believe the Gospel, and come hear God’s word. And week after week, a few more would come! Some would come to the morning meeting, and others would come to the evening meeting! Soon, Vanessa would bow her head and repent and receive Jesus Christ as her own personal Saviour! Then Mikey, and then others! The T.A Hall itself had so little to offer people, being old, and drafty, but there was a warmth there that was not physical. Only God gets the glory for all the lives that were changed first in Blarney, and now in Ballincollig!
I still love coming into our simple meeting place (now in the Westgate Foundation), and praying over all the empty chairs, begging God for the salvation of countless more souls who I still see in my dreams, and still yearn to help with the timeless truths of Scripture! May the next sixteen years bear much more fruit that remains, and even hold even more precious memories for those who are just starting out on their journey of faith in Jesus Christ, as it did myself and my family sixteen years ago! I can only thank God for what He has faithfully done in this special group of believers that we call Bible Baptist Church!
For MORE memories, but loads of other people in our church, check out a page dedicated to First Impression Memories of our Church here in Ireland at www.biblebc.com/Activities/Anniv/2010/Memories.html
Long before anyone ever gathered on a Sunday at Bible Baptist Church, I saw people. I saw chairs full of them. I saw children, and teenagers, Moms and Dads. I saw open Bibles in every lap. I saw couples holding hands, and grandparents holding grandkids! And I saw all them having one connection with each other – a love for the preaching and teaching of the truths of the word of God!
Every Saturday evening, as I arrived in Blarney, in a 110 year old Total Abstinence Hall on Station Road, I would set up two or three dozen chairs, praying, believing, and yearning for those people whom I saw to come. And come they did. The first Sunday that our church opened up for worship, two people arrived at 10.30am, and along with my family, sang, and listened to preaching from Acts 16 on “The Most Important Question.” Their names were Vanessa and Mikey. It was as if a hundred people came out that day, and I was thrilled! They didn’t come by accident either! My family and I had gone out into the highways and hedges, and had invited the Blarney area people to believe the Gospel, and come hear God’s word. And week after week, a few more would come! Some would come to the morning meeting, and others would come to the evening meeting! Soon, Vanessa would bow her head and repent and receive Jesus Christ as her own personal Saviour! Then Mikey, and then others! The T.A Hall itself had so little to offer people, being old, and drafty, but there was a warmth there that was not physical. Only God gets the glory for all the lives that were changed first in Blarney, and now in Ballincollig!
I still love coming into our simple meeting place (now in the Westgate Foundation), and praying over all the empty chairs, begging God for the salvation of countless more souls who I still see in my dreams, and still yearn to help with the timeless truths of Scripture! May the next sixteen years bear much more fruit that remains, and even hold even more precious memories for those who are just starting out on their journey of faith in Jesus Christ, as it did myself and my family sixteen years ago! I can only thank God for what He has faithfully done in this special group of believers that we call Bible Baptist Church!
For MORE memories, but loads of other people in our church, check out a page dedicated to First Impression Memories of our Church here in Ireland at www.biblebc.com/Activities/Anniv/2010/Memories.html
Monday, December 21, 2009
Ruth is Home for Christmas
It is great having Ruth back home for Christmas from West Coast Baptist College! The weather has been terrible here for months now, but for the past week, it has been just clear and cold! And we will take the cold Sun over warm rain anyday! Ruth is in her second year at WCBC and is doing great! We miss all our children at Christmas, but know they are in God's great care, and are only thankful for how He has blessed us with such awesome kids - and even GRANDkids!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Hiding Ourselves
Proverbs 27:12 “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.”
Two men are presented in the Scripture: a prudent man, and a simple man.
The prudent man is the one who is careful, and thoughtful about what he sees, and what is going on around him.
The simple doesn’t care what happens. He is only interested in pleasing himself, and will just continue as he always has.
Only one sees danger and hides himself from it. The other constantly gets in trouble, and never figures out why.
Christians have been given a spiritual awareness about the results of sin, and should heed the tugging of the Holy Spirit away from temptation.
But far too many today choose to stay simple-minded about the danger of God’s chastisement. They really believe they won’t get into trouble.
The few Christians who are prudent and careful to stay reading and studying their Bible, will know how valuable their time in prayer and fasting is to keep them out of trouble.
There is no shame in hiding ourselves from trouble – especially when you can stay out of trouble with God!
So…
Hide yourselves in your prayer closet (Mt 6:6)
Hide yourselves in faithful Church Meetings (Heb 10:25)
Hide yourselves in the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Heb 9:14)
This month, let’s let the Lord teach us how to become spiritually aware of the right path to walk, and the godly way to live so that we, and our families stay out of trouble with God!
Don't forget, our revival meetings start Sunday the 20th of September! Check out all the events going on at www.biblebc.com
Two men are presented in the Scripture: a prudent man, and a simple man.
The prudent man is the one who is careful, and thoughtful about what he sees, and what is going on around him.
The simple doesn’t care what happens. He is only interested in pleasing himself, and will just continue as he always has.
Only one sees danger and hides himself from it. The other constantly gets in trouble, and never figures out why.
Christians have been given a spiritual awareness about the results of sin, and should heed the tugging of the Holy Spirit away from temptation.
But far too many today choose to stay simple-minded about the danger of God’s chastisement. They really believe they won’t get into trouble.
The few Christians who are prudent and careful to stay reading and studying their Bible, will know how valuable their time in prayer and fasting is to keep them out of trouble.
There is no shame in hiding ourselves from trouble – especially when you can stay out of trouble with God!
So…
Hide yourselves in your prayer closet (Mt 6:6)
Hide yourselves in faithful Church Meetings (Heb 10:25)
Hide yourselves in the precious blood of Jesus Christ (Heb 9:14)
This month, let’s let the Lord teach us how to become spiritually aware of the right path to walk, and the godly way to live so that we, and our families stay out of trouble with God!
Don't forget, our revival meetings start Sunday the 20th of September! Check out all the events going on at www.biblebc.com
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Furlough - May 24th through the 30th, 2009
Sunday, 24th May, 2009 – Today is our 24th Wedding Anniversary
I taught the teens in Sunday School at Shasta Baptist Church (about 40 of them) on Why I Do What I Do, and Love It. The teens were great. Afterward, I preached in the Teen Church on the Missionary’s Wish – and the altar was full!
In the afternoon, Pastor Johnson, his wife, and Bro Evans and his wife took Nita and I out to Olive Garden for lunch. Had a good time of fellowship. Then went to Starbucks to get online and we talked for almost an hour with Claudio and Despina. Just tried to encourage them. They are so awesome of a family who are handling some big burdens by God’s great grace!
After that, we got delayed at the nearby Mall, and got very behind! We finally arrived at the church at 5:40, just 20 mins before church began and quickly set up my display table and went over my message. Joshua and Sarah spent the afternoon at the Switzer home, and then Joshua went with some of the guys swimming over at the Smith’s home.
I preached this evening on “Something for My Grandkids!” It went very well, and the pastor took us on for support right after the message and invitation were finished! We were flabbergasted!
We are all wrecked tired, and not excited about travelling 8 hours down to Lancaster to pick up Ruth, and then the travelling afterward toward the Arizona border. Oh well.
It was a great number of days here in Redding.
Monday, 25th May, 2009
Travelled down from Redding to Lancaster. Boy did it get warmer the further south we drove. We arrived at West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster at 8pm, and picked up Ruth, and then drove around looking for a hotel that would provide a roll-away bed, and the Comfort Inn worked out great. We knew we just could not go any further towards Arizona tonight. Very tired!
Tuesday, 26th May, 2009
Headed east for Phoenix! The terrain changes dramatically as we travel, and becomes a REAL desert! We didn’t arrive at Chuck and Alaine’s until about 9pm after eating at the Olive Garden, and then dropping Ruth off at the Minerva’s. She will be staying there throughout the summer, working at a local school in the library organizing books all summer long!
We arrived at the North Valley Baptist Church’s Missionary Apartment at about 11pm. Met Pastor Loveless, and plan on meeting with him for lunch tomorrow.
Wednesday, 27th May, 2009
Kind of a catch-up day today. I went to lunch with Pastor Loveless and his associate pastor, Paul, at a BBQ restaurant and we had fried ochre! Amen! Good fellowship! After that, I went to meet Pastor Minerva at a Starbucks, just to find out more about him. I was blessed. Ruth will be staying in his home for the Summer, and I think she will be fine!
In the evening, we were at North Valley Baptist Church, and I showed my DVD presentation, and then preached on Doing Our Father’s Business. It went very well. The pastor gave me a love offering of $150.
Sarah was allowed to have Katlin stay overnight with us which was fun for her.
We also all went over to the Dicken’s home to have a cake and sort of party for Ruth’s 19th birthday! Another family came over who have 10 kids, so altogether, there were 31 people over at the house, plus one friend!
I took Ruth back down to Pastor Minerva’s (30 minute drive), and on my way back got stuck I traffic for nearly an house just 1 ½ mile from the exit to the church.
Thursday, 28th May, 2009 – Trip to Grand Canyon
I took Sarah to find a doctor who would look at her hands and her feet because they are peeling real bad! Two and a half hours later, I found a place that would take a new patient just one time, and for $112, we were tod it was just a bad case of Athlete’s Foot! We didn’t get on the way to Grand Canyon until about 11am.
I went to the Chase Bank to cash the check from North Valley Baptist Church, and it took nearly 30 minutes, and $6 to cash it! Oh well.
Charles Dicken is driving, and there are 14 people in his 15 passenger van travelling today! We probably won’t be back in Phoenix until about 10pm!
The Grand Canyon is absolutely magnificent! It is so massive and awesome in sight! I don’t think my kids perceive how big and complex it all is. It is beautiful! We must have stopped about 10 times, and then had a dinner at a cafeteria type of restaurant right off the edge of the canyon. We were there for the sunset!
We arrived back at Midnight! Whew! What a full, full day!
Tomorrow we have to get going east towards Texas
Make sure you check out the pictures on our personal website www.craigledbetter.com
Friday, 29th May – Heading through New Mexico
Today we got going at about 10am and had to drive over to Chuck and Alaine’s to drop off a few things that had been left in car.
We then headed south to Interstate 10, and then east to Las Cruces.
The land was so beautiful, with loads of unique mountains. The drive is SO pleasant, and even though we drove 8 hours, it was easy.
We stopped at a road side stand that sold Fireworks and Indian stuff. It was way cool. We bought a big pack of fireworks for Joshua, and a turquoise ring for Sarah.
I did not want to stay over night in El Paso, so we stopped in Las Cruces.
Saturday, 30th May
We left Las Cruces, thinking we would be able to make it all the way to Brady, Texas, when in Fort Stockton, we stopped for some lunch at Pizza Hut, and a massive rainstorm opened up the heavens! There was some serious rain and flooding! We waited for an hour, and then decided to make a break for the highway. But, as we started the car, it ran very poorly, roughly.
The check engine light was on, and NAPA Auto Parts store across the road advertised a free check on what it meant, so we stopped.
He said the computer said our gas cap was missing (which was right, since Tuesday), and that there was a misfire in two of the cylinders.
I bought another gas cap, and he reset the computer in the car and we drove off. It still wasn’t running right, but he said, give it 15 minutes.
I drove as far as Ozona, and stopped at an Exxon.
We found out the problem was not going to be easy to figure out, and would have to stay until Monday morning.
I taught the teens in Sunday School at Shasta Baptist Church (about 40 of them) on Why I Do What I Do, and Love It. The teens were great. Afterward, I preached in the Teen Church on the Missionary’s Wish – and the altar was full!
In the afternoon, Pastor Johnson, his wife, and Bro Evans and his wife took Nita and I out to Olive Garden for lunch. Had a good time of fellowship. Then went to Starbucks to get online and we talked for almost an hour with Claudio and Despina. Just tried to encourage them. They are so awesome of a family who are handling some big burdens by God’s great grace!
After that, we got delayed at the nearby Mall, and got very behind! We finally arrived at the church at 5:40, just 20 mins before church began and quickly set up my display table and went over my message. Joshua and Sarah spent the afternoon at the Switzer home, and then Joshua went with some of the guys swimming over at the Smith’s home.
I preached this evening on “Something for My Grandkids!” It went very well, and the pastor took us on for support right after the message and invitation were finished! We were flabbergasted!
We are all wrecked tired, and not excited about travelling 8 hours down to Lancaster to pick up Ruth, and then the travelling afterward toward the Arizona border. Oh well.
It was a great number of days here in Redding.
Monday, 25th May, 2009
Travelled down from Redding to Lancaster. Boy did it get warmer the further south we drove. We arrived at West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster at 8pm, and picked up Ruth, and then drove around looking for a hotel that would provide a roll-away bed, and the Comfort Inn worked out great. We knew we just could not go any further towards Arizona tonight. Very tired!
Tuesday, 26th May, 2009
Headed east for Phoenix! The terrain changes dramatically as we travel, and becomes a REAL desert! We didn’t arrive at Chuck and Alaine’s until about 9pm after eating at the Olive Garden, and then dropping Ruth off at the Minerva’s. She will be staying there throughout the summer, working at a local school in the library organizing books all summer long!
We arrived at the North Valley Baptist Church’s Missionary Apartment at about 11pm. Met Pastor Loveless, and plan on meeting with him for lunch tomorrow.
Wednesday, 27th May, 2009
Kind of a catch-up day today. I went to lunch with Pastor Loveless and his associate pastor, Paul, at a BBQ restaurant and we had fried ochre! Amen! Good fellowship! After that, I went to meet Pastor Minerva at a Starbucks, just to find out more about him. I was blessed. Ruth will be staying in his home for the Summer, and I think she will be fine!
In the evening, we were at North Valley Baptist Church, and I showed my DVD presentation, and then preached on Doing Our Father’s Business. It went very well. The pastor gave me a love offering of $150.
Sarah was allowed to have Katlin stay overnight with us which was fun for her.
We also all went over to the Dicken’s home to have a cake and sort of party for Ruth’s 19th birthday! Another family came over who have 10 kids, so altogether, there were 31 people over at the house, plus one friend!
I took Ruth back down to Pastor Minerva’s (30 minute drive), and on my way back got stuck I traffic for nearly an house just 1 ½ mile from the exit to the church.
Thursday, 28th May, 2009 – Trip to Grand Canyon
I took Sarah to find a doctor who would look at her hands and her feet because they are peeling real bad! Two and a half hours later, I found a place that would take a new patient just one time, and for $112, we were tod it was just a bad case of Athlete’s Foot! We didn’t get on the way to Grand Canyon until about 11am.
I went to the Chase Bank to cash the check from North Valley Baptist Church, and it took nearly 30 minutes, and $6 to cash it! Oh well.
Charles Dicken is driving, and there are 14 people in his 15 passenger van travelling today! We probably won’t be back in Phoenix until about 10pm!
The Grand Canyon is absolutely magnificent! It is so massive and awesome in sight! I don’t think my kids perceive how big and complex it all is. It is beautiful! We must have stopped about 10 times, and then had a dinner at a cafeteria type of restaurant right off the edge of the canyon. We were there for the sunset!
We arrived back at Midnight! Whew! What a full, full day!
Tomorrow we have to get going east towards Texas
Make sure you check out the pictures on our personal website www.craigledbetter.com
Friday, 29th May – Heading through New Mexico
Today we got going at about 10am and had to drive over to Chuck and Alaine’s to drop off a few things that had been left in car.
We then headed south to Interstate 10, and then east to Las Cruces.
The land was so beautiful, with loads of unique mountains. The drive is SO pleasant, and even though we drove 8 hours, it was easy.
We stopped at a road side stand that sold Fireworks and Indian stuff. It was way cool. We bought a big pack of fireworks for Joshua, and a turquoise ring for Sarah.
I did not want to stay over night in El Paso, so we stopped in Las Cruces.
Saturday, 30th May
We left Las Cruces, thinking we would be able to make it all the way to Brady, Texas, when in Fort Stockton, we stopped for some lunch at Pizza Hut, and a massive rainstorm opened up the heavens! There was some serious rain and flooding! We waited for an hour, and then decided to make a break for the highway. But, as we started the car, it ran very poorly, roughly.
The check engine light was on, and NAPA Auto Parts store across the road advertised a free check on what it meant, so we stopped.
He said the computer said our gas cap was missing (which was right, since Tuesday), and that there was a misfire in two of the cylinders.
I bought another gas cap, and he reset the computer in the car and we drove off. It still wasn’t running right, but he said, give it 15 minutes.
I drove as far as Ozona, and stopped at an Exxon.
We found out the problem was not going to be easy to figure out, and would have to stay until Monday morning.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Furlough May 17 - May 23
Sunday 17th May – in Fresno
Arrived at Faith Baptist Church at 9.30am and set up. Trying out the Digital projector for the first time officially. Forgot about sound so had to set the microphone on my laptop’s speakers – did okay, but not great.
Taught Sunday School by showing our presentation and then answering over a dozen questions. Bro Tony, Dina and Gina from IRELAND were with us still.
Preached the Main Service. Preached on the Value of Your Missionaries. It went well.
Ate leftovers from the Rehearsal dinner! Mmmmm.
Ruth went with Gina on down to Lancaster today. She will stay with Gina for the next several days until Gina leaves at the weekend.
Traveled 2 ½ hours north to Lodi to preach at Faith Baptist Church, pastured by Mel Taylor. A new church, but with some awesome people. Showed slides and preached on The Missionary’s Wish. It went great!
Monday, 18th May – in Fresno
Shopping at first. I got some things done getting back organised – I haven’t gone through our papers and suitcases since we arrived!
I still have to clean out the car.
Joel rand and told us that Liz was in labour! Around 3pm our time she had a healthy beautiful baby boy!
Joel got online later and uploaded some pictures to Picasa. We let a bunch of people know via Facebook and our website!
Got to take Bro and Mrs. Miller to Dinner at a place called Carrows. Great food, and great fellowship.
Downloaded the video of the wedding off of the Hi8 video recorder into MovieMaker. Kind of disappointed because it is very brief and incomplete. Oh well! It is something.
After that we went to their home and Nita first got to spend some serious good time with Lisa Miller, and then we all got to have a good time of heart-to-heart talking and Bro Chuck and Liz were great! What a blessing to have them not only as brother and sister in Christ, but part of our extended family!
Tuesday, 19th May – Travelling to Sequoia National Forest near Fresno
Bought Ruth a new AT&T phone since hers had broke months ago, and she was using her Ireland mobile, and it was working terrible. She was happy!
Ruth and Gina were heading back down to Lancaster/Palmdale.
Bro Tony and Dina were heading up to San Francisco on the rest of their two week tour
We then finally got going, and headed east toward the Sierra High Mountains and the Sequoia National Park to look at the giant Redwoods, and WOW were they magnificent!
Wednesday, 20th May – Leaving Fresno and going north
Took Mom to the Fresno Bus Station at 5.30am. We were so glad she came! She won’t be home until Friday.
Finally got away from the hotel at 11.30am and headed over to Faith Baptist Church to meet up once more with Bro Chuck and Lisa. Nita showed Lisa Sharon’s Graduation picture Album and we took Sharon’s remaining luggage in.
We then headed north expecting to arrive at Colusa to be with Bro Buddy but decided to head into San Francisco – and it was well worth it!
San Francisco was beautiful. Phoned Sharon and we met at Pier 39 and walked around and ate Corn Dogs and took pictures!
Finally headed on further north to Colusa, but arrived at around 11pm. Quite but old little town.
Thursday, 21st May
I discovered a mouse in our room at 1.30am, so the woman moved us to a better room which was nice!
We got up a little late, but got on our way to Redding to meet Carol Verardo and her family at the church. We arrived at 10am, and unloaded the car, and then we all piled into my car and traveled north. Met Carol’s husband, Gerry, and Jenny, her daughter hasn’t changed a bit since Youth Camp!
Halfway along the trip I asked Gerry to drive and what a blessing of a break!
Stopped at several places along the trip to take pictures of some beautiful views. Ended up at the Pacific Ocean – the beach was absolutely freezing because of the cold wind coming across from the water! We then went on North to Crescent City where Gerry used to live since his grandfather was there. Carol booked two rooms by the sea shore with balconys that open to the beach front! It was kind of cold though, but the water was rocky and beautiful. We went out to eat at a seafood restaurant and ate very well.
Friday, 22nd May, 2009
Got up early, ate breakfast with the Verardos and then headed out to a beach to go looking for some fresh sand-dollar shells. Found only one, and it is not in great shape, but at least we got one. Then we headed northwest into Oregon. Beautiful trek through the remainder of the Redwood forest. Oregon was more sparse and has what is called a high desert look. We traveled at about 3,000 - 4,000 feet for quite a while until we got to Medford where we stopped at a Bowling Alley tomplay a couple of lanes of bowling with Jenny for her birthday. After that we headed back south to Mount Shasta! Beautiful day!
Saturday, 23rd May, 2009
Went to soul-winning at Shasta Baptist Church this morning at 9.30am. I got to go out with Ford Bishop, and for 2 ½ hours we had a great time! Bro Bishop is a great man of faith and burden about souls! He had no problem witnessing and telling folks how to get saved! Almost everyone we talked to were extremely attentive. The first man was in the worldwide church of God, and lost as a goose. Still holding to keeping the law and the Sabbath for salvation, and that he could lose it. I tried to give him some important truths to settle. Gave him much to ponder!
At 3pm, we went over to the Verardos for a Bar-B-Q and for Jenny’s birthday. We got to eat venison, and it was exquisite. Josh got to ride a four-wheeler, and we ate well! About 50-60 people were there including Matt, Mark, and the pastor and his wife.
Arrived at Faith Baptist Church at 9.30am and set up. Trying out the Digital projector for the first time officially. Forgot about sound so had to set the microphone on my laptop’s speakers – did okay, but not great.
Taught Sunday School by showing our presentation and then answering over a dozen questions. Bro Tony, Dina and Gina from IRELAND were with us still.
Preached the Main Service. Preached on the Value of Your Missionaries. It went well.
Ate leftovers from the Rehearsal dinner! Mmmmm.
Ruth went with Gina on down to Lancaster today. She will stay with Gina for the next several days until Gina leaves at the weekend.
Traveled 2 ½ hours north to Lodi to preach at Faith Baptist Church, pastured by Mel Taylor. A new church, but with some awesome people. Showed slides and preached on The Missionary’s Wish. It went great!
Monday, 18th May – in Fresno
Shopping at first. I got some things done getting back organised – I haven’t gone through our papers and suitcases since we arrived!
I still have to clean out the car.
Joel rand and told us that Liz was in labour! Around 3pm our time she had a healthy beautiful baby boy!
Joel got online later and uploaded some pictures to Picasa. We let a bunch of people know via Facebook and our website!
Got to take Bro and Mrs. Miller to Dinner at a place called Carrows. Great food, and great fellowship.
Downloaded the video of the wedding off of the Hi8 video recorder into MovieMaker. Kind of disappointed because it is very brief and incomplete. Oh well! It is something.
After that we went to their home and Nita first got to spend some serious good time with Lisa Miller, and then we all got to have a good time of heart-to-heart talking and Bro Chuck and Liz were great! What a blessing to have them not only as brother and sister in Christ, but part of our extended family!
Tuesday, 19th May – Travelling to Sequoia National Forest near Fresno
Bought Ruth a new AT&T phone since hers had broke months ago, and she was using her Ireland mobile, and it was working terrible. She was happy!
Ruth and Gina were heading back down to Lancaster/Palmdale.
Bro Tony and Dina were heading up to San Francisco on the rest of their two week tour
We then finally got going, and headed east toward the Sierra High Mountains and the Sequoia National Park to look at the giant Redwoods, and WOW were they magnificent!
Wednesday, 20th May – Leaving Fresno and going north
Took Mom to the Fresno Bus Station at 5.30am. We were so glad she came! She won’t be home until Friday.
Finally got away from the hotel at 11.30am and headed over to Faith Baptist Church to meet up once more with Bro Chuck and Lisa. Nita showed Lisa Sharon’s Graduation picture Album and we took Sharon’s remaining luggage in.
We then headed north expecting to arrive at Colusa to be with Bro Buddy but decided to head into San Francisco – and it was well worth it!
San Francisco was beautiful. Phoned Sharon and we met at Pier 39 and walked around and ate Corn Dogs and took pictures!
Finally headed on further north to Colusa, but arrived at around 11pm. Quite but old little town.
Thursday, 21st May
I discovered a mouse in our room at 1.30am, so the woman moved us to a better room which was nice!
We got up a little late, but got on our way to Redding to meet Carol Verardo and her family at the church. We arrived at 10am, and unloaded the car, and then we all piled into my car and traveled north. Met Carol’s husband, Gerry, and Jenny, her daughter hasn’t changed a bit since Youth Camp!
Halfway along the trip I asked Gerry to drive and what a blessing of a break!
Stopped at several places along the trip to take pictures of some beautiful views. Ended up at the Pacific Ocean – the beach was absolutely freezing because of the cold wind coming across from the water! We then went on North to Crescent City where Gerry used to live since his grandfather was there. Carol booked two rooms by the sea shore with balconys that open to the beach front! It was kind of cold though, but the water was rocky and beautiful. We went out to eat at a seafood restaurant and ate very well.
Friday, 22nd May, 2009
Got up early, ate breakfast with the Verardos and then headed out to a beach to go looking for some fresh sand-dollar shells. Found only one, and it is not in great shape, but at least we got one. Then we headed northwest into Oregon. Beautiful trek through the remainder of the Redwood forest. Oregon was more sparse and has what is called a high desert look. We traveled at about 3,000 - 4,000 feet for quite a while until we got to Medford where we stopped at a Bowling Alley tomplay a couple of lanes of bowling with Jenny for her birthday. After that we headed back south to Mount Shasta! Beautiful day!
Saturday, 23rd May, 2009
Went to soul-winning at Shasta Baptist Church this morning at 9.30am. I got to go out with Ford Bishop, and for 2 ½ hours we had a great time! Bro Bishop is a great man of faith and burden about souls! He had no problem witnessing and telling folks how to get saved! Almost everyone we talked to were extremely attentive. The first man was in the worldwide church of God, and lost as a goose. Still holding to keeping the law and the Sabbath for salvation, and that he could lose it. I tried to give him some important truths to settle. Gave him much to ponder!
At 3pm, we went over to the Verardos for a Bar-B-Q and for Jenny’s birthday. We got to eat venison, and it was exquisite. Josh got to ride a four-wheeler, and we ate well! About 50-60 people were there including Matt, Mark, and the pastor and his wife.
Furlough, May 10 - May 16
Sunday, 10th May
Got up very early and started working on my message notes. I will have to be ready to speak twice today, and will only have this morning to prepare.
Got to Lancaster Baptist Church and went to the 8.30am Church service. Pastor Chappell preached great on Hope for the Family.
Joshua and Sarah then headed off to Sunday School, while Sharon and Luke took us to the Class that I would be teaching. There were about 28 people in the class, all married. I taught on “Why I Do What I Do… And Love It!” I had liberty and it seemed to be a blessing.
After that, we all went to Sizzlers for lunch and then dropped Sharon and Luke back at the college while we hurriedly left for San Diego with Ruth.
The GPS took us around Los Angeles again, and this time it was even better. No traffic at all!
We arrived about 4.30pm, and went to Walmart to get a few things.
We arrived at Bible Missionary Fellowship at 5.30pm and met the pastor’s son, Ben.
We had a great church meeting, and the people were awesome!
Monday, 11th May
Tuesday, 12th May
I am still waking up way too early! Woke up at 5am. Ugh.
Reading a book with Nita called Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs.
Mainly doing shopping with Ruth and Sharon for the wedding, and for stuff we will need for our trip as we travel further east after all this is over.
Wednesday, 13th May
Got to West Coast at 8.30am and could not find any place to sit for the graduation! Finally found an entire row saved by the Millers! Praise God!
The graduation ceremony was awesome!
Thursday, 14th May
Went with Luke, Joel Rockey, Joshua, and my Joshua to get suits. I bought Joshua a nice suit and shirt and tie for $119.
Then went to the church to decorate. I was useless, so I went back to the hotel to do some reading.
I still have to make some contacts and try and fill some dates with meetings.
Then we went over to the Millers for dinner. I helped Chuck work on Luke’s car. We had Pizza from Costco and then waited for Luke and Sharon to arrive. They went looking for places to take wedding photos.
We went over the order of ceremony ideas that they had.
It was getting late, so we finally left to go back to the Hotel.
Friday, 15th May
Took Sharon for last minute shopping at Macy’s
We had the Wedding Rehearsal, which was nervous, but went well.
Rehearsal Dinner at a great restaurant in downtown Fresno. We ate great Pasta and at least 20 people at the dinner.
Saturday – Wedding Day!
Wedding preparations are happening fast and furious! I am still not sure of what message the Lord wants me to preach. I wish I had more time to work on the ideas I have for a new wedding message – but alas, that will have to be for another day!
Sharon is beautiful, and everything finally is coming together!
I tried to get Live Streaming to work, but it just won’t send out the video feed. I tried everything I could think of and read about on the internet.
Settled on just using Skype. So, John, Bill and Geraldine, Bro Hutton say it live.
I will send the video via DVD when I get a copy of it.
The wedding was supernatural! God is SO good!
Got up very early and started working on my message notes. I will have to be ready to speak twice today, and will only have this morning to prepare.
Got to Lancaster Baptist Church and went to the 8.30am Church service. Pastor Chappell preached great on Hope for the Family.
Joshua and Sarah then headed off to Sunday School, while Sharon and Luke took us to the Class that I would be teaching. There were about 28 people in the class, all married. I taught on “Why I Do What I Do… And Love It!” I had liberty and it seemed to be a blessing.
After that, we all went to Sizzlers for lunch and then dropped Sharon and Luke back at the college while we hurriedly left for San Diego with Ruth.
The GPS took us around Los Angeles again, and this time it was even better. No traffic at all!
We arrived about 4.30pm, and went to Walmart to get a few things.
We arrived at Bible Missionary Fellowship at 5.30pm and met the pastor’s son, Ben.
We had a great church meeting, and the people were awesome!
Monday, 11th May
Tuesday, 12th May
I am still waking up way too early! Woke up at 5am. Ugh.
Reading a book with Nita called Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs.
Mainly doing shopping with Ruth and Sharon for the wedding, and for stuff we will need for our trip as we travel further east after all this is over.
Wednesday, 13th May
Got to West Coast at 8.30am and could not find any place to sit for the graduation! Finally found an entire row saved by the Millers! Praise God!
The graduation ceremony was awesome!
Thursday, 14th May
Went with Luke, Joel Rockey, Joshua, and my Joshua to get suits. I bought Joshua a nice suit and shirt and tie for $119.
Then went to the church to decorate. I was useless, so I went back to the hotel to do some reading.
I still have to make some contacts and try and fill some dates with meetings.
Then we went over to the Millers for dinner. I helped Chuck work on Luke’s car. We had Pizza from Costco and then waited for Luke and Sharon to arrive. They went looking for places to take wedding photos.
We went over the order of ceremony ideas that they had.
It was getting late, so we finally left to go back to the Hotel.
Friday, 15th May
Took Sharon for last minute shopping at Macy’s
We had the Wedding Rehearsal, which was nervous, but went well.
Rehearsal Dinner at a great restaurant in downtown Fresno. We ate great Pasta and at least 20 people at the dinner.
Saturday – Wedding Day!
Wedding preparations are happening fast and furious! I am still not sure of what message the Lord wants me to preach. I wish I had more time to work on the ideas I have for a new wedding message – but alas, that will have to be for another day!
Sharon is beautiful, and everything finally is coming together!
I tried to get Live Streaming to work, but it just won’t send out the video feed. I tried everything I could think of and read about on the internet.
Settled on just using Skype. So, John, Bill and Geraldine, Bro Hutton say it live.
I will send the video via DVD when I get a copy of it.
The wedding was supernatural! God is SO good!
Furlough Blog May 7 - May 10
Thursday, 7th May, 2009
I am sitting in the London Heathrow airport with my wife Nita, and two of our children, Joshua and Sarah. We have been very impressed with Terminal 5 in London! It is a new terminal and is very easy to get around to and through.
The last thing I remember doing last night was setting my alarm clock last night for 3:35am and then turning over and going to sleep.
The next morning at 4:50am, we heard John calling us. We had overslept! Ugh! I remember this happening to someone on a movie once (Home Alone, I believe), and we frantically bolted and got ready! We left the house at about 5:35, and got to the airport at 5:45am.
Bro Dan and Kathy were already there waiting for us at the Cork airport! Amen!
We had a brief time of fellowship at the airport, and the Bro Dan prayed for us, and off we headed through security!
When we were leaving Cork, can you believe that I accidently got into the wrong crowd in line for the Malaga flight (which was right next to the gate for London, and we got through the gate and actually got on the plane before one of the ladies noticed that we were getting onto the wrong flight! Oh boy!
We went back into the terminal and kind of embarrassingly sat down (no one could tell what had happened, and we were just relieved to not be heading for Malaga)!
When we did get on our flight, it was delayed for about 30 minutes before take-off, and then it was delayed in the air over London for about another 15 minutes.
But, we landed, safe and sound!
We are all sitting on the hard floor next to a power-point so that I can keep my laptop plugged in for maximum usage on this flight.
It looks like the flight is going to be packed. Drat. Oh well. 11 hours in a packed airplane is not so bad (what am I saying?)!
I will need to work on my preaching messages during this flight for Sunday morning, and Sunday evening.
The flight WAS indeed packed, but we all were able to sit together!
Eleven hours is a very long time to be cooped up in a plane, but we made it.
We were so tired, but excited! It took quite a whole to get all our luggage, but we did, thankfully!
After that, we went through immigration, and the man wrong a wrong number on out card, and we were turned back and made to go through another line. It was very frustrating, and slow, and we were getting worried about how long this was all going to take.
Finally, a man took the card, looked everything up on the computer and said te original guy must have been sleeping. Everything was now okay.
We went outside and waited for our Thrifty Car Rental Bus to take us to the cars.
The car we got was beautiful. It was some kind of a Jeep, and it was great to drive.
I can’t wait to find out what the Ford Expedition drives like.
It took an absolute eternity to get halfway out of Los Angeles because of all the stop and slowly go traffic! I had to stop and sleep for about an hour because I was getting dangerously tired while driving.
When I woke up, we then drove about 45 more minutes to Oceanside, and found the Hotel. It was a nice hotel, and we were all in bed and asleep by 9:45pm, California time! We have been up and travelling now for 25 hours!
Friday, 8th May, 2009
Woke up at 2.30am, and then at 5.30am. Finally got out of bed at 6.30 and started working on emails and planning for the day.
Had a great continental breakfast with the kids.
Talked to John via Skype.
Talked to Sharon and found out Mom was for sure coming to the wedding.
We went to a local shopping Mall and Joshua and I left the girls to do their shopping while we went to find a Phone Store. We ended up at and AT&T shop, and I bought a Go phone ($49) and $100 credit.
Nita, Sarah and Joshua all got shoes.
We then went and tried to find the place where the car dealer worked to look at the Ford Expedition. It took quite a bit of to’ing and fro’ing, but we found the place. We loved the car. We had to go to Rob’s home (what a house!) to get the paper work. From there, we dropped Nita and the kids at a local shopping mall while I drove the Rental Car down to San Diego. It was not too bad getting down there with the traffic, and I made it by 5pm. The cost for the Rental was $200 because of the Drop-off charge ($60) which I thought was included all along!
Anyway, I am sitting in the taxi being driven back up to San Marcus!
What a day – loads of stress just trying to figure out how to do everything without being milked dry by all the costs.
We still have to get some clothes for the kids.
After I pick up Nita and the kids, we will head up to Lancaster.
Our accommodation is in Palmdale, but after that, Sharon said this morning that we should be able to stay at a friend's home! Praise God!
I have to phone Bro Buddy to see if we can still stay at his place when we are in Hot Springs!
The weather has been beautiful! The mornings are cloudy but the afternoon is absolutely perfect temperature with a light wind – incredible!
Saturday, 9th May
We finally decided to pick up the girls and head to Disneyland in Los Angeles. I was len the use of a GPS unit, and it took us a round-about way through the mountains. Good check out of the car – up and down hills – not great on petrol for sure, but a strong engine.
Finally arrived with a few delays, and it was massive. Far too massive! There is absolutely no way anyone could enjoy the theme park in less than three days! We started walking around and found out Nico and another guy from West Coast named Brett had come to Disneyland and decided not to come in. We talked them into coming, and had a blast.
So many of the rides had 1 hour wait lines, but we found out about Fast Pass, and were able to bypass one ride’s long lines – the Indiana Jones ride.
It was hot, but nice weather.
Very tiring day. Tomorrow, I teach in an adult Sunday School class. I am nervous.
I am sitting in the London Heathrow airport with my wife Nita, and two of our children, Joshua and Sarah. We have been very impressed with Terminal 5 in London! It is a new terminal and is very easy to get around to and through.
The last thing I remember doing last night was setting my alarm clock last night for 3:35am and then turning over and going to sleep.
The next morning at 4:50am, we heard John calling us. We had overslept! Ugh! I remember this happening to someone on a movie once (Home Alone, I believe), and we frantically bolted and got ready! We left the house at about 5:35, and got to the airport at 5:45am.
Bro Dan and Kathy were already there waiting for us at the Cork airport! Amen!
We had a brief time of fellowship at the airport, and the Bro Dan prayed for us, and off we headed through security!
When we were leaving Cork, can you believe that I accidently got into the wrong crowd in line for the Malaga flight (which was right next to the gate for London, and we got through the gate and actually got on the plane before one of the ladies noticed that we were getting onto the wrong flight! Oh boy!
We went back into the terminal and kind of embarrassingly sat down (no one could tell what had happened, and we were just relieved to not be heading for Malaga)!
When we did get on our flight, it was delayed for about 30 minutes before take-off, and then it was delayed in the air over London for about another 15 minutes.
But, we landed, safe and sound!
We are all sitting on the hard floor next to a power-point so that I can keep my laptop plugged in for maximum usage on this flight.
It looks like the flight is going to be packed. Drat. Oh well. 11 hours in a packed airplane is not so bad (what am I saying?)!
I will need to work on my preaching messages during this flight for Sunday morning, and Sunday evening.
The flight WAS indeed packed, but we all were able to sit together!
Eleven hours is a very long time to be cooped up in a plane, but we made it.
We were so tired, but excited! It took quite a whole to get all our luggage, but we did, thankfully!
After that, we went through immigration, and the man wrong a wrong number on out card, and we were turned back and made to go through another line. It was very frustrating, and slow, and we were getting worried about how long this was all going to take.
Finally, a man took the card, looked everything up on the computer and said te original guy must have been sleeping. Everything was now okay.
We went outside and waited for our Thrifty Car Rental Bus to take us to the cars.
The car we got was beautiful. It was some kind of a Jeep, and it was great to drive.
I can’t wait to find out what the Ford Expedition drives like.
It took an absolute eternity to get halfway out of Los Angeles because of all the stop and slowly go traffic! I had to stop and sleep for about an hour because I was getting dangerously tired while driving.
When I woke up, we then drove about 45 more minutes to Oceanside, and found the Hotel. It was a nice hotel, and we were all in bed and asleep by 9:45pm, California time! We have been up and travelling now for 25 hours!
Friday, 8th May, 2009
Woke up at 2.30am, and then at 5.30am. Finally got out of bed at 6.30 and started working on emails and planning for the day.
Had a great continental breakfast with the kids.
Talked to John via Skype.
Talked to Sharon and found out Mom was for sure coming to the wedding.
We went to a local shopping Mall and Joshua and I left the girls to do their shopping while we went to find a Phone Store. We ended up at and AT&T shop, and I bought a Go phone ($49) and $100 credit.
Nita, Sarah and Joshua all got shoes.
We then went and tried to find the place where the car dealer worked to look at the Ford Expedition. It took quite a bit of to’ing and fro’ing, but we found the place. We loved the car. We had to go to Rob’s home (what a house!) to get the paper work. From there, we dropped Nita and the kids at a local shopping mall while I drove the Rental Car down to San Diego. It was not too bad getting down there with the traffic, and I made it by 5pm. The cost for the Rental was $200 because of the Drop-off charge ($60) which I thought was included all along!
Anyway, I am sitting in the taxi being driven back up to San Marcus!
What a day – loads of stress just trying to figure out how to do everything without being milked dry by all the costs.
We still have to get some clothes for the kids.
After I pick up Nita and the kids, we will head up to Lancaster.
Our accommodation is in Palmdale, but after that, Sharon said this morning that we should be able to stay at a friend's home! Praise God!
I have to phone Bro Buddy to see if we can still stay at his place when we are in Hot Springs!
The weather has been beautiful! The mornings are cloudy but the afternoon is absolutely perfect temperature with a light wind – incredible!
Saturday, 9th May
We finally decided to pick up the girls and head to Disneyland in Los Angeles. I was len the use of a GPS unit, and it took us a round-about way through the mountains. Good check out of the car – up and down hills – not great on petrol for sure, but a strong engine.
Finally arrived with a few delays, and it was massive. Far too massive! There is absolutely no way anyone could enjoy the theme park in less than three days! We started walking around and found out Nico and another guy from West Coast named Brett had come to Disneyland and decided not to come in. We talked them into coming, and had a blast.
So many of the rides had 1 hour wait lines, but we found out about Fast Pass, and were able to bypass one ride’s long lines – the Indiana Jones ride.
It was hot, but nice weather.
Very tiring day. Tomorrow, I teach in an adult Sunday School class. I am nervous.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Men's Retreat 2009
Another Men's Camp, and yet it was like no other! 80 men gathered in a distant corner of Ireland to hear from God about a man who led the entire nation of Israel into the Promised Land! The man's name was Joshua, and for 56 years of his life, he was a slave, the son of a slave, serving Pharaoh, with no hope but God's promise of a deliverer that would one day come. That deliverer was Moses! And deliver he did! But it quickly turned out to be a big disappointment, not because of the inability of God, but on the lack of obedient faith in His people! Israel was locked in a 38 year wandering in the wilderness simply because they could not see beyond the giants and the difficulties of following the Lord's direction for their lives! That cost them almost 40 years, and an entire generation of people before they would be allowed to enter their place of "rest."
During those 40 years in the wilderness, God prepared another leader - Joshua - who would lead the nation into Canaan. Moses made a fatal mistake in keeping his anger, and it cost him the perfect will of God for his life. Moses, with all his abilities, was not going to be allowed to lead Israel triumphantly into the Promised Land, it would have to be Joshua! What a great typology in Scripture of how the Law can not bring a person to heaven - it only brings wrath - but that JESUS (the New Testament name for Joshua) is the only one that can lead us HOME!
We looked at how God prepared Joshua to become a great leader of God's people, so that all of our men in all our Bible believing Churches would seek to be JOSHUA'S and take the lead as God moves them into positions of Christian leadership! We wait for "Moses'" to rise up, but they are few, and far between! We need Joshua's all over Ireland! And this weekend, we found a load of them!
May the Lord greatly use us all as we seek to simply follow and obey His every word!
See the notes and photos of the entire 48 hour event at http://www.biblebc.com/ChurchInfo/MensRetreat/2009/index.htm
May the Lord Jesus lead you and your family to conquer all the obstacles between you and His perfect will!
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
http://www.craigledbetter.com
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Missions Conference 2009
We are halfway through our mission's conference this year, and it, as usual has been incredible. Four sinners have been gloriously saved, and the church is psyched-up about soul-winning! We already have 14 to 16 people coming out every Saturday afternoon for door-to-door soul-winning, and we have not hit the ceiling yet! This whole month in our Church is to get everyone steadfast in our evangelism - to get us all just naturally, all the time, honouring the Lord Jesus Christ, and explaining the Gospel to anyone who will listen!
In this Mission's Conference, we have been learning not only about evangelism, but specifically, about how to care about Muslims. Our speaker last night powerully explained about the two religious approaches to God: Ishmael's way, and Isaac's way. It was a keeper! Two young ladies were quickly convinced of their need for the only Saviour, Jesus Christ, and we still have two more days to go! The only remaining goal is to increase our faith in giving for missions around the world. I wonder if God can motivate us Christians as powerfully as he has been motivating sinners in this conference! Amen!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Youth Camp and Bible Clubs - Wow, What a Ride!
Well, it is Saturday morning, 16th of August, and it is raining again! The only time the rain basically has let up this Summer has been during our Victory Youth Camp back a few weeks ago! Youth Camp was unbelievably good, and we saw 9 young people get saved! AMEN, and Amen!
I could write for pages about all the things that happened at Youth Camp, but I will have to leave that for another day! This morning I wanted to just jot down some thought about our Bible Club meetings this week.
We set out by faith to hold our Bible Club meetings out in the Ballincollig Regional Park, and it was awesome, although very wet. Even when raining, the children just kept focused on the activities and the Bible Lessons! We learned about how the Christian Life is very much like the Olympics - that there are some great things to live for and strive for! Getting our sins forgiven, all of them, took the most effort, and only Jesus could carry all that weight onto the cross, so that we could just reap the eternal benefits! no church, no amount of masses, no amount of prayers, no amount of money could purchase what Jesus Christ earned for us on the cross! Once a person agree with all their heart that they are a sinner, and deserving of hell because of their sins, they can then, and only then ask the Lord Jesus to take away all their sins (past, present and future), and give them the gift of eternal life! THAT is when a person, no matter how young or old, or how sinful or good, that is when they finally start living, and "running the Christian race!" What we taught the kids at Bible Club was that they obviously needed to get born again, and start following the Lord Jesus, and then, if they are going to want any rewards in heaven, then they had better get started, and might as well go all out! Go for the Gold! Just like the athletes at the Olympics! Don't settle for losing at all!
We had 44 children come out to the Bible Club this year, and even with all the rain (see the pictures) the event was blessed!
Am I tired? Yes! But I had the best help with my wife Nita, and daughters Sharon and Ruth, and John, and so many others who just helped make the week a success by the help of God!
As usual, there is more to come! The ministry is a life-long effort, and I can't get enough of it!
I truly thank God for the privilege of serving the Lord Jesus Christ!
Until the trumpet sounds...
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Thursday, March 13, 2008
What Mission’s Conference is all about
Psalm 78:38
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
Wow, what a Scripture to ponder! The verse is referring to God noticing all the build up of sin and disobedience in the hearts and lives of Israel, and He, out of compassion, NOT destroying them, and instead forgiving them as they cried out to Him for grace! Well, THAT’S our God, and He LOVES to have compassion on unworthy, and even ungodly creatures such as us! And he has enough grace and mercy for a whole planet of sinners, amen?!
Well, that’s what this month’s Mission’s Conference is all about – Compassion, and caring about a world that doesn’t care about God or righteousness! Thankfully, God cares, and the more we hear of the spiritual needs around the world, so do God’s people!
I am so looking forward to this coming Sunday thru Wednesday with our World Evangelism Conference! Be here for EVERY meeting – the devil will work overtime to keep you too busy, but the value of just one soul is worth every sacrifice you might have to make!
Please remember to pray for our church folks, and all our families! Be sure to invite them out to church for any and all of the upcoming events! Please know that I love you and pray for you! The Lord is worthy of all our worship!
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church, Ballincollig, Cork
www.biblebc.com
Tel: 021-4871234
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
Wow, what a Scripture to ponder! The verse is referring to God noticing all the build up of sin and disobedience in the hearts and lives of Israel, and He, out of compassion, NOT destroying them, and instead forgiving them as they cried out to Him for grace! Well, THAT’S our God, and He LOVES to have compassion on unworthy, and even ungodly creatures such as us! And he has enough grace and mercy for a whole planet of sinners, amen?!
Well, that’s what this month’s Mission’s Conference is all about – Compassion, and caring about a world that doesn’t care about God or righteousness! Thankfully, God cares, and the more we hear of the spiritual needs around the world, so do God’s people!
I am so looking forward to this coming Sunday thru Wednesday with our World Evangelism Conference! Be here for EVERY meeting – the devil will work overtime to keep you too busy, but the value of just one soul is worth every sacrifice you might have to make!
Please remember to pray for our church folks, and all our families! Be sure to invite them out to church for any and all of the upcoming events! Please know that I love you and pray for you! The Lord is worthy of all our worship!
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church, Ballincollig, Cork
www.biblebc.com
Tel: 021-4871234
The burden of our Lord
Matthew 9:35-38
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
In the midst of all the miracles and wonderful acts of kindness that our Lord was working among the crowds of people that day, the stark reality sets in – the crowds only got bigger, and their needs grew deeper. No matter how much Jesus healed, more people would come who needed healing. No matter how many lives were salvaged, there were more to salvage. “Multitudes!” Do we really realise just how many people there are in the world? Does it affect us at all that there are so, so many who need Jesus?
The view of those multitudes affected Jesus to the point of weeping because they sought only physical healing, and He was offering so much more! Will we allow the multitudes to affect us too?
This world is lost, without God and without hope. In spite of all the religions in the world, none provide a true Shepherd and leave absolutely everyone fainting and worse off. The burden of our Lord was and always is for mankind to see that their greatest need is in their heart, and that only Jesus can fully satisfy that need!
But how will they know of such a Saviour? Who will labour among the multitudes and bring them the Gospel that can save the furthest soul? The Lord Jesus can count on me. Can he count on YOU TOO?
Our annual World Evangelism Conference is this weekend, so don't miss it!
See http://biblebc.com/Activities/Missions/2008/world_evangelism_conference08.htm for more information!
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
In the midst of all the miracles and wonderful acts of kindness that our Lord was working among the crowds of people that day, the stark reality sets in – the crowds only got bigger, and their needs grew deeper. No matter how much Jesus healed, more people would come who needed healing. No matter how many lives were salvaged, there were more to salvage. “Multitudes!” Do we really realise just how many people there are in the world? Does it affect us at all that there are so, so many who need Jesus?
The view of those multitudes affected Jesus to the point of weeping because they sought only physical healing, and He was offering so much more! Will we allow the multitudes to affect us too?
This world is lost, without God and without hope. In spite of all the religions in the world, none provide a true Shepherd and leave absolutely everyone fainting and worse off. The burden of our Lord was and always is for mankind to see that their greatest need is in their heart, and that only Jesus can fully satisfy that need!
But how will they know of such a Saviour? Who will labour among the multitudes and bring them the Gospel that can save the furthest soul? The Lord Jesus can count on me. Can he count on YOU TOO?
Our annual World Evangelism Conference is this weekend, so don't miss it!
See http://biblebc.com/Activities/Missions/2008/world_evangelism_conference08.htm for more information!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Spiritual Dryness
It's Saturday afternoon. I am finally getting well into finishing up my messages for preaching tomorrow in church, but this week has been one of those "dry times" that every pastor gets. It's not too often (thankfully), but when my spirit dries up, it is terrifying - really. I hate being spiritually on empty. Since my new birth 26 years ago, I have known the joys of being filled with God's Holy Word, and His Holy Spirit, so when I am on empty, it is a tough experience. I am not talking about a "charismatic" kind of feeling, but rather an awareness of God's presence, and a kind of flowing joy that just comes naturally because of walking with Jesus every day. But then holidays come, and busy-ness takes over, and the tank runs dry trying to do everything, as well as just trying to rest a bit, only to find that the Lord and you are kind of far apart. I hate that. And that was this week. So last night and this morning I began again to beg God to speak to me, and teach me, and walk with me as I seek Him in His word. I was reading in James chapter 1 this morning in my daily time with God, but I knew I needed to head back to Matthew 4, just to have a good long look at my Lord as he started His ministry, and two precious words jumped out at me - the words that started everything off for me - "Follow Me!" I heard those words loud and clear! Quickly the Lord was back in front of my life, and I was back in motion behind Him, following Him. That's what God wanted, and that is what I needed! I'm glad it is so easy. I had to do some confessing, and some spiritual inventorying in the process, but that allowed me to be ready for the Lord of lords to be back in charge of me once again, instead of the world, and all its demands.
If you have ever had times like this, then you know what I am talking about, and you hate those times too. Boy is the flesh sneaky. When you think you just need to rest - well, that is when I have found I need to get even closer to the Lord Jesus - because THAT is where I will find perfect rest!
Just a thought on this Saturday afternoon! God bless you!
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
If you have ever had times like this, then you know what I am talking about, and you hate those times too. Boy is the flesh sneaky. When you think you just need to rest - well, that is when I have found I need to get even closer to the Lord Jesus - because THAT is where I will find perfect rest!
Just a thought on this Saturday afternoon! God bless you!
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
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