Deaf Church Planter

Back in Action

2011-07-01T06:39:00.003-04:00

Greetings again from Frederick, MD. I finally was able to get back into the old blog site I was using before I stared using the Pay Site .However, I recently found that the hosting service I have been using will no longer be available as June 30, 2012. That means sometime in the next 6-8 months the church will need to do something different.

So for now and possible from now on I will be back on Google's Blogging Site. I started here when we first moved but switched to a pay site. I am thinking that I will keep this blog going no matter what, in hopes to avoid having to start a fresh one in the future at some point.

New Website with blog built in.

2009-09-29T15:06:00.001-04:00

Dear readers:

I am in the trail period of a new website that has combined my various other church related websites. So far it seem to be working pretty good. The address for it is as follows:

http://web.me.com/deafmissionary/Site/Welcome.html

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Beware False Teachers

2009-09-24T08:10:00.002-04:00

Sept. 23, 2009

It is hard to believe we are one week away from October. This month has flown by for us. The one thing I am dealing with is the lasting effects of a false teacher that we know. I am not at liberty to give details, but to say it is amazing how long lasting and damaging their teaching have been. (Do not worry, no connections to our church here in Frederick.) Yet I have been reminded by this event and person to make sure number 1 that what I am teaching is Biblical based, 2 that I teach our people how to spot false teachers. The best way to do that is to know the Word of God inside and out.

Mid Week Bible Study

2009-09-17T11:03:00.002-04:00

Sept. 17, 2009

Last night saw me in Sterling, VA for my midweek Bible Study. We had a total of 8 deaf men including myself. We had a great discussion Romans 13. The group finally decided to use a Bible Study Book I have on I, II, III John. I am glad about that, because the other one they were looking into had some questionable ties to some groups that are not Biblical. I did not know the author but i know the group he is with. Please pray for this deaf group for they are facing some issue that need answers to pray for. Nothing bad, just needed direction. Please pray for me as I try to be a help to these men.

Also pray for Linnea, she will be trying to start the Deaf Ladies Bible Study this coming Sunday at 2:30 pm. We have a couple that have said they will be there. Pray for one of our younger ladies, her deaf mom and deaf sister will be with us Sunday morning. i am praying they will stay for the Ladies Bible Study.

Weekly Update

2009-09-14T08:37:00.002-04:00

Sept. 14, 2009

We had a good Sunday yesterday. Our normal folk were there and eager to learn. For Sunday School we continued our lessons on how to study the Bible. It is exciting to see our folk put these lessons into practice. I get e-mails from time to time from them, asking me about their thoughts on passages they are studying themselves. Here lately, their understanding of God's has hit amazing levels. It is a nice feeling to see them learning themselves without always having to depend on Linnea and I to give them the explanations. Granted like any of us, the learning process never ends, which is way it is nice to see them keep coming bak for more.

Not Living For Self

2009-09-11T07:21:00.002-04:00

Sept. 11, 2009

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Gal. 2.20

First I want to take time to reflect on this day in history. How so many people died 8 years ago, all innocent victims of hate. I think of those who have died since to protect us from other such attacks, I want to say thank you for not living for yourself, but are willing to die so that my freedoms and those of others can stay intact.

But more importantly, the question is who are we living for spiritually? Paul write that he was crucified with Christ and also wrote that he died daily. Just like physical freedom, spiritual freedom comes at a cost. First of all, it cost God the ultimate price, His own sinless Son, who died in our place, that we might have the spiritual freedom that only He could provide. Secondly, it costs us by accepting Christ and living for Him. We should be willing to give up our desires of wealth and pleasure to have what He offers. Many people loose it here, they believe living for Christ you give up so much, yet we gain so much in return. Life is truly worth living with Christ and only enjoyable when we daily live for Him an dallow Him to work through us.

A Visit With Robert Fuller

2009-09-10T11:16:00.001-04:00

We had a great weekend with missionary Robert Fuller, from the Ukraine. He arrived in town on Saturday around 12:30 pm, we did lunch at Cracker Barrel. Sunday he presented his work to our folks during Sunday School. The main service he preached for us and had a great response from the people. We were able to give him a good love offering. I want to thank everyone who was there and was able to have a part of the love offering. Sunday afternoon we were able to go out to eat with several of the deaf from church at the Golden Corral. SUnday evening, we went with Robert to Hampshire View Baptist Deaf Church in Silver Spring, MD. Had a great time of fellowship afterwards.

Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009

2009-09-10T08:51:00.002-04:00

A New Adventure Ahead?

Yesterday, I went to have my hearing checked, which was the first time in about 5 years. I knew my hearing had been getting worse, which is why I was there getting it checked. I went in thinking my hearing was workable, I walked out realizing that I have severe (close to profound) hearing loss. It is interesting how knowing something for a fact can mess with your mind. The only thing that has changed since this time yesterday is I now know for a fact how bad my hearing is and will perhaps become worse as times goes on.

The fun part is the place I got my hearing checked is pushing for me to get hearing aides. The ones I looked at were nice, but the only problem with them is the price of $5,000. Linnea and I thought about how that would help us buy a used car or pay for ministry needs. To be honest I am having a hard time seeing the need for that costs. Besides that I am a deaf Church Planter, so it isn't like my job is threatened by my hearing loss.

So far the only real problem is my cell phone. I am to the point that unless I know the person very well, like Linnea or my parents, I may not be able to talk with you on the phone.

Remember Who We Work for....

2009-09-03T09:03:00.002-04:00

Thursday Sept. 3, 2009

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4.1-3)
I would like to focus on that first verse. As Christians we have a high calling as Ambassadors for Christ. How often we forget this while living in this world, which is not our home. Look at most Ambassadors for any country and they are normally different in appearance than the average person. (Speaking of the way they dress, look and conduct themselves.)
Then compare that with most Christians today. With most of us there is noting unique about us that would show people that there is something different in us or about us. We should not be weird, nerdy or different in a negative way,but people should notice we are not like the world. Who do our behaviors represent, Christ or the world?

My Prayer For the Deaf

2009-09-02T09:51:00.002-04:00

Sept. 2, 2009

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Eph. 3.14-19
How I pray these word by Paul for the deaf. I have lost count of how many deaf in America that I have met have only a knowledge of salvation. How many deaf that have been saved are in a situation to actually learn about Christ in such a way that the knowledge would totally transform their lives forever? To be honest how many Christians (Hearing or Deaf) have ever come to that point of a life changing experience with the Lord?
I cannot help but think of Isaiah when he finally got a true picture of God, High and Lifted up. Once he saw Who God truly was and is, that he saw himself for who he was (and we are the same) a sinful man unworthy of God's love. Yet God loved Isaiah and us enough to send His very best to die for us. Yet how many of us are willing to do the same in return, to give God our very best (as weak as it may be) and our all. yet it seems we give back just enough to cover our route to heaven. It is my goal and desire to give my best and all to Him. I have learned that by so doing, is the ONLY WAY to true happiness and a life worth living.

Monday Morning

2009-08-31T12:01:00.002-04:00

August 31, 2009

Well, Sunday has come and gone. It was a good one. For those that missed being with us, missed a great service and a great Pot luck dinner. We had our normal folks, which is always encouraging.

Today is a wonderful Monday. We woke up to a chilly morning. We were able to schedule our second Sign Class for Brunswick Elementary School beginning in Jan. We tried to do it for this fall but their schedule was crazy for this time. I want to thank Bonnie for all of her hard work in trying to make it work.

Sunday Morning

2009-08-30T08:05:00.002-04:00

August 30, 2009

Another Sunday has come. We have had a good week. Even though my plans did not work at G.U. like I had hoped for that day, it was still good to meet some of the students. I met one young man who works on campus and had just graduated with a communications major.

Anyway, today we are meeting at our apartment for church then a potluck dinner. When we first planned this we had several planning to come. Please pray because as it stands right now there will be one plus us. WHich is okay, but I am praying that we can come up with something that will bring the deaf in without compromising anything that cannot be compromised.

Obey The Lord, Get the Best Results

2009-08-28T08:10:00.002-04:00

August 28, 2009

“And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.” Jo. 5:5-9

In the above verses we see the story of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda. He had been there for years waiting to be healed by the waters. He had dealt with constant disappointment for so long that he is perhaps have given up hope for any help.

Jesus comes by, sees him and simply asks him "Would you want to be healed?" The man was so focused on his physical needs that he could not see that there might be other possibilities. Jesus commands him to stand and walk, and as quickly as the man could stand he was healed. He heard Christ's command and obeyed. Because he obeyed, he received the life that God wanted for him.

How many times does Christ come to us and asks us to do something that will change our lives for the better and we hesitate? We have that fear of the unknown that will rob us of the best life if we let it. Think about this lame man, if he had obeyed Christ and stood, he would have lived the rest of his life waiting to be put in the water. Our response to anything Christ ask should be "Yes Lord, I will do it", either by our voice and actions or just by our actions. There are times when hesitating is sin.

Are we gathering the harvest?

2009-08-27T10:16:00.003-04:00

August 27, 2009

“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35

“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.” Matthew 9:37, 38

The above verses are perhaps some of the most well-known in connection to missions. What is amazing is that Christ said this some 2,000 years ago. If the harvest was ready then, what about now? We also have had 2,000 years to develop and pray in new workers but where are they (Focusing on deaf missions, it is even worse.)

The need is just as great now as it was 2,000 years ago. What is different now is we are much closer to Christ's return then the first church was then. That reason alone should help us to make sure we are doing what He has commanded us to be doing.

Our job as a church (deaf or hearing) is to reach the world with the Gospel and then train them to reach others for Christ.

Only One Way To Heaven

2009-08-26T06:52:00.003-04:00

August 26, 2009

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36

This is one of the many things I love about the Word of God. When it comes to eternal life and salvation, it doesn't get any easier to understand. As in the above verse, you either have it or you don't. There is no in between, there is no "I hope so" no need for "I am not sure." We can be sure. If we have accepted Christ, we have eternal life, if we have not accepted Christ we do not have eternal life.

Yesterday I went to G.U. again in hopes of meeting with the person I need to meet to see about helping the Baptist Chaplain. Sadly, we missed each other by about 30 minutes. Come to find out she was just having a rough day and was running late. We will try it again next Tuesday.

If I can get the official approval, it will be a great chance to reach out to the students. The above picture was taken yesterday in the "food court" where I was waiting.

Monday Moring

2009-08-24T08:25:00.002-04:00

August 24, 2009

Another weekend has come and gone, I am still amazed how fast the days seem to pass at times. Sunday was a good day, we were missing our regulars (due to illness) but we did have a family of 4 visit with us for both Sunday School and Church. We saw the family later that day and the teenage daughter stated she enjoyed visiting with us.

Please pray for us this week as we seek some new possibilities for outreach. I am meeting with the Pastor of People's Baptist (a hearing church here in Frederick) to discuss one of these outreaches.

Sunday Morning

2009-08-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

August 23, 2009

Another Sunday has come, sunshine and about 73 degrees. Linnea and I will be heading down to the Deaf Services meeting room for our morning services. I am not sure if we will be by ourselves or not. One of our couples have changed membership to another local church and another one of our members has been fighting health problems.

We are brainstorming for ideas in how to reach out to the deaf community. We have one idea we hope to be discussing with a local Pastor about. If we do it, we will need use of one of his rooms or Gym at his church. Please pray for us as we seek to reach out to the deaf in effective ways.

A Gray Saturday Morning

2009-08-22T07:28:00.003-04:00

August 22, 2009

Here I am back in my Panera Office in Frederick. It is currently 7:30 and rainy outside along with a temperature of about 75. I am here getting ready to do some reading for my doctrine class. I am reading a book entitled: The Church In The New Testament by Kevin J. Conner. SO far it has been good. This is for the class I'll be teaching at the deaf college starting Sept. 5, 2009.

Update on DC Travel

2009-08-21T13:04:00.003-04:00

August 21, 2009

Well, we made it to DC without any problem. We arrived at Union Station around 9:20 am. We found the place to pick up the shuttle to G.U. Waited for about an hour when I realized I had received a text message from the person we were going to meet. They let me know they needed to reschedule for next week, The ac unit for the building was done and they had someone working on it yesterday. So, Linnea and I ended playing tourist around DC. One interesting thing happened. We were waiting to cross the street that passes in front of the Washington Monument and we were stopped (along with everyone else) from doing so by DC Police and Men in Black. As we stood there wondering what was happening, we ended up seeing President Obama drive by with his block long escorts. I did get some pictures of it, but I had just put away my camcorder.

Anyway, I'll be going back Tuesday morning in hopes of doing what we were supposed to do yesterday. Please pray that the lord might be opening a door for us to help minister to the deaf students in some way.

We also scheduled our first Sign Class for the fall at Walkersville Elementary. That starts Sept. 14 and will go for 10 weeks. It has proven to be a great outreach as well as pay for some of our other projects for the church.

A Change In Comfort Zones

2009-08-19T08:08:00.004-04:00

August 19, 2009

It is amazing how the Lord will arrange things to help us grow and to get us out of our comfort zones. One of the things I used to hate is dealing with heavy traffic, yet it appears the Lord is opening doors for us to minister in Washington, DC. If you have been in DC before you will know how bad the traffic can be during certain parts of the day. True we can use the Marc Train from Frederick into Union Station. Then we head out from there to where ever we need to go. One possible ministry outreach is at Gallaudet University (The deaf University) in DC. I am going there in the morning to meet with the Baptist Chaplain to see about helping.

Tonight I will be going to Sterling, VA for the possible start of a Bible Study with some deaf men. Once again the traffic can be interesting. Going towards Sterling during the evening hours can be interesting.

Even with the stretching of my comfort zone, I am looking forward to what the Lord may be doing.

Monday Moring

2009-08-17T07:19:00.003-04:00

August 17, 2009

We had a great Sunday yesterday. Our normal folk were not there but we did have visitors and their visit was very encouraging. We went over Bible Study methods in Sunday School and then went over part 8 of our New Testament Church Series.

We are also in the process of trying to get the materials together to do another massive outreach in the fall. Pray with us because if we can do the way we would like, it will cost around $4,000. We do have one church that has said they will provide the John and Romans. So we just need to come up with 5000 of our Church newsletter and brochure.

We also still have the chance to work on developing a Bible study in the Sterling, VA area. Please pray for us on this project. We have one couple who is ready and are trying to invite others. I hope to go down and help them do some visiting.

We also have the chance to go to a "Deaf Chat" in Leesburg, VA. They are supposed to meet every 2nd Friday of the month. We missed the one in August, but have put it on our calendar for Sept.

Sunday Morning

2009-08-16T07:12:00.003-04:00

August 16, 2009

Good morning. Here in Frederick it blue skies and about 72 degrees. Linnea and I are getting for our Sunday morning. As far as I know we will have our normal folks at church today. I hope to finish our series on "The New Testament Church" either today or next week. After we finish that series, I am developing a series on Romans.

Yesterday, we a had a visit from Kevin Glen, a friend of mine from my days at TTU in Chattanooga. He was in town for the wedding of his niece. It was good to catch up with him.

I received a phone call on Friday from our home church, they are planning to get another order of John and Romans for us. If they are able to do that, we are planning to put a newsletter, brochure and a letter of introduction with the John and Romans and use the package to canvas some new neighborhoods in our area. In order to do this, we need about $4,000 to pay for the printing of the newsletter and brochure.

Follow me, follow Christ?

2009-08-10T07:03:00.002-04:00

April 10, 2009 Monday

Paul write in I Cor. 11.1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." As I look at today's churches I wonder how many of us would truly be able to have people honestly follow us as we follow Christ. We know as we have gotten to know Paul that he was truly an example of Christ and could be followed or even copied. My question is as people may try to copy us, is there anything in our lives that we would not want them to copy?

So far today it is cloudy outside and already warm. It is supposed to get up to 98 degrees. So today I will be doing things inside.

Sunday Morning

2009-08-09T07:34:00.003-04:00

August 9, 2009

It is a hazy day out this morning (at 7:35 am) and about 73 degrees. It is supposed to get into the 90's with a heat index of 100. Monday, the heat index is supposed to be 105. Needless to say, if that happens, I will be working on things indoors.

This morning in Sunday School I will be continuing my study on "How to Study The Bible." In the main service we will be doing part 8 of my series on "What is a New Testament Church?" I will be explaining a little why we are Independent Baptists.

This week I am hoping to start contacting hearing churches to see about setting up meetings. Our support level has gotten quite low. The great side is that the Lord is suppling. The down side is we are not able to do a couple of projects we want to see happen. I want to do a mass mailing of our latest newsletter. To do it the way I would like, it would take at least $5,000. One thing I am thinking is I found a printer ($300) that will do the larger format paper (the size of our church newsletter). I am checking to see if it would be worth buying or just keep using BIMI's printing services, they are able to do it cheaply. The only downside to them doing is that Ken can be swamped at times, so the wait time may be a little, so I would have to plan for that. ANyway, please pray that the Lord would send in what we need and wisdom on the best approach to get it done.

Photo Archival Class

2009-08-08T21:05:00.000-04:00

August 8, 2009

Well, our class this morning went well, perhaps better than I thought it would. We had several folks request our contact information fro possible help in the future. Linnea even did a short bit on Scrape Booking and the ladies enjoyed that and wanted to know more.

At My Panera Office

2009-08-07T08:16:00.003-04:00

August 7, 2009 Friday

Another great morning here in Frederick, MD. Blue skies and about 67 degrees outside. I am here in my Panera Bread Office. I come here about once a week in hopes of meeting folks. It is normal to meet at least one deaf person almost each time I come in here. Last week I met 2 deaf. Also I just love the ability to have iced tea and a bagel while I working on the computer. If you are wondering, the red wired hanging from my head are headphones. With the Wi-Fi I am able to listen to a local radio station from my hometown in Florida. That is my one complaint about this area, there are no good Christian radio stations. That is why I am thankful for todays tech. AT home I have our desktop hooked up to surround sound.

Saturday morning I will be doing a class on Photo Archival and computer use in photo restoration. I will be doing this class for the local chapter of the American Hearing Loss Association.

The Gospel By Ronnie Rice

2009-08-04T09:51:00.002-04:00

August 4, 2009

SWM has published a video by Ronnie Rice and was produced to use as a tool in areas where there was more than one sign language in use. I have linked to the sites you can watch and give me any freed back you might have. Ronnie Rice is a deaf preacher that travels around the country. I have known him for many years and is a Godly man.

Another Great Morning

2009-08-02T07:45:00.002-04:00

August 2, 2009 Sunday

We attempted our Men's Fellowship yesterday. Those that seemed interested never showed, so I ended up going to Panera Bread where I condensed my e-mail accounts down to one that can work with the iMail on my new Laptop.

I am wondering how our church service will be like this morning, there is a Severe Thunderstorm warning out for the county. This coming week looks like a washout for canvassing, forecast is calling for Thunderstorms everyday. We'll take it one day at a time and get done what we can.

A Quick Catch Up

2009-07-29T08:27:00.002-04:00

I know it has been a few more days than normal since my last entry. We had the joy of going to CT to go to Linnea's nephew (Joe Coss) wedding. We headed Thursday and came back over the weekend. It was perhaps the best wedding I had ever gone to that I can recall. Very nicely done and God honoring.

The other amazing thing that happened while we were in CT, was God providing two of our needs. He provide a MacBook Pro Laptop and a new Camcorder with a built in 40 GB Hard Drive. I now will be able to start working on a list of DVDs I hope to produce for our church.

To Give An answer

2009-07-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

July 19, 2009

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: I Peter 3.15

Recently I have been in a discussion with a friend of mine over a certain issue. The discussion lasted over 2 days (off and on). The sad part is that it could have been over in about 30 minutes. I had asked him a simple “yes” or “no”question in regards to his belief. He could not answer in a timely manner and other discussions I had with him, he had a hard time answering the questions.

In I Peter 3.15 we are commanded to be ready to answer the questions directed at us. Some are simple to deal with an even able to ignore for they are foolish questions. Among the well-learned of this world, who better than us as Christians to have the real answers that the world is looking for. The is a world dying and going to hell, we Christians need to do everything to pull as many as we can from the edge of the fires of hell.

The Battle is at hand.

2009-07-13T12:45:00.001-04:00

It is amazing how what a person eats can effect so much of their life. Growing up in the South, I have always enjoyed eating things that tasted great. My Grandmother (both) have been great cooks. My Southern Grandparents and family are the ones that helped me develop my taste buds for things like home made breads, Chicken and Dumpling and most anything else along that line. The only problem is I have come to realize it may have finally caught up with me. Due to some minor health issues, I have been getting things checked out. Mostly trying to figure out why I always feel tired, my joints hurting and having a hard time losing weight. In the past few days, it looks like I may have found the answer. I may have what is called Celiac Disease. There is basically 2 tests for this, a very expensive blood test and diet change test. I have enough of the symptoms of this disease that I have decide to change my diet to match that suggested for this disease, which is a Gluten free diet. Linnea and I have already started looking, and you would be amazed how many foods have Gluten in them. Thankfully we live in an area where we can find it. My only problem with this new diet is “what I can’t have.” those things I can’t have are things I should eat or drink anyway. The good thing is that there is no worst case as long as I eat right. Best case is I follow the diet and become healthier. Please pray as I strive to change my eating habits, that will be the battle.

God’s Command to Preachers

2009-07-07T13:16:00.001-04:00

July 7, 2009

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4.2-4

Recently I have received news of preachers that have gone by the wayside due to various reasons. I am sadden by that but what is even more troublesome are those preachers who forget verse 2 above and just strive to effect the social climate of this world without the Word.. We are to preach the Word. The Word is what changes lives. As well as preaching the Word, there will be times we will need to do the other items listed, reproving, rebuking and exhorting using the Word of God to do so.

Verse 3 helps explain one of the reasons we are to do this activity. There will be a time (we are seeing the start of this already) when once God Called Preachers will turn away from Sound Doctrine to pursue other things that only please the flesh and does nothing for the eternal soul. IN the process, they are taking (or better said sending) people to hell due to their teachings.

This is why I want to encourage fellow preachers, pastors, church planters and even the members of the local church, “to preach the Word, be instant in season”. Simply put: Stay the course that God has called us to follow.

Is love for this world hurting the way Christians think?

2009-06-25T21:10:00.001-04:00

June 25, 2009

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. I John 2.16-17

How interesting it is to go on some of these Social Web Sites and just look at what some Christians talk about enjoying for their activities. True some thinks can be debated, like should Christians have a TV or not, but what I am seeing goes far deeper than this simple discussion of the use of a TV. I have seen Christians singing the praises of subjects like “Harry Potter” or Twilight” when the Bible is clear about our connections to witchcraft and the occult. (Due. 18.10: I Chr. 10.114: 2 Chr. 33.6: Exodus 2.18: Lev. 19.31: 20.6)

I recently had a discussion with a Christian and mentioned that as Christians we should think Biblically. I was accused of judging. The thing is that according to God’s Word, we should be judging, whether something is acceptable for us to do or not to do, using God’s Word as there base or Guideline.

I am afraid and saddened to think that Satan has used the World’s media to cloud our way of thinking. we need to always to be ready to base our decisions on the the simple question, if God’s Word is true, what should be my action or decision in this situation? Or should I be involved in this activity? Would this bring shame or glory to God (if I do it)?

Deaf Church Planting

2009-06-21T07:38:00.001-04:00

June 21, 2009

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1.8

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16.15

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28.18-20

The above verses are perhaps the 3 most important verses when it comes to church planting. As Linnea and i have presented our ministry of establishing Deaf Churches, we have been asked how that works. Most people can understand a deaf ministry (which has it’s place.) And most folks can understand establishing churches in hearing situations. Yet with roughly 30 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people just here in America and perhaps 20 good deaf churches, the job of reaching the deaf has just really only scratched the surface. I even had a hearing pastor tell me that he didn’t see the need for what we are doing. What we need for deaf America and even the whole deaf world is to train deaf men to raise up and answer the call of God to become church planters here in America and to the rest of the World. We at the same time to train the rest of the deaf what it means to live for God.

Sunday Report

2009-06-15T08:17:00.001-04:00

June 15, 2009 (Monday)

Blue skies are out and about 60 degrees. Linnea and I will be going out for tea at the Baltimore tea shop. We did have a good weekend. Saturday, I went to the Hearing Loss Meeting and had a good time of fellowship with folks who have experienced some of the same problems I have faced while my hearing is getting worse.

Sunday, we had a smaller group of church, but that is okay. The group we had needed some time to talk and have a more Q and A time. Being a small church has it’s advantages, The one being when we need to have schedule change we can change it. Yesterday, we ended teaching on Creation. It is still amazing how many Christians still don’t completely understand the creation. You ask them, “Did the T-Rex live alongside man?” Most people will say no, even though the Bible clearly says they did.

Two Year Mark In Frederick

2009-06-14T20:36:00.001-04:00

June 14, 2009

Today marks the 2 year anniversary for us being in Frederick, MD. At times it seemed to be moving so slowly. But at other times it seems to be speeding past us. It has been a good 2 years. We have seen 4 adults saved, 4-5 children saved. Thankfully we have been used to be an influence in another man’s life that was backslidden. We have seen our deaf church grow. Our high day was 10, our average has been 4. We have seen deaf come, visit and go on their ways. We currently have a couple of deaf that are very faithful. One comes to Sunday School and Church, then other comes to church only . Yet both are growing and really soaking up the Word.

We are still faithfully trying various outreaches to bring the deaf into our fellowship. I am doing monthly Men’s Breakfast and have had some success with that. I do weekly Studies at Panera Bread. Linnea is starting a Sunday afternoon Ladies Bible study. I also have been involved with the local Hearing Loss Association of Frederick. It still amazes me to see how the Lord will use us if we are willing.

Praying for a Missionary

2009-06-11T07:34:00.001-04:00

June 11, 2009

This week Linnea and I will be celebrating the end of our 2nd year here at Frederick, MD. We have had our ups and downs, discouragements, blessings. As far as blessings, we had a great blessing yesterday. First of all we received our first call from a missionary asking to come and visit our church.. Secondly and more of a blessing was a family that works in the BIMI Offices, Jerry & Ruth Dewire (SP?) called and said they were on their way through Frederick and would like to take us out to dinner. This is the gentleman that helps most of BIMI Missionaries develop their presentations to show churches. We went out to Cracker Barrel and had a great time of fellowship. Then they went on to Rockville, where they will be meeting up with their son, Dan and his family. They are getting ready to go back to Uganda as missionaries.

An Interesting Week

2009-06-04T12:25:00.001-04:00

June 4, 2009

How gracious is the Lord in sustaining His saints. This week has been a rough one. It really started Sunday Morning, when I received a phone call stating that my older brother in Florida had been taken to the hospital for a possible heart attack. He has been having heart problems for a while now, it working only at 25-30% of it’s normal levels. Well, on Monday the doctors found that he need a stint (sp) to be put in due to a heavy blockage in one artery. Before this, the doctors had been talking of putting in a pace maker like device to help his heart work better. Due to the success of the surgery, it looks like he may not need it. He has to wait 6 weeks, before the doctors will decide one way or the other.

The good part of this week started Saturday, we had a couple of men show up for our men’s breakfast. This was the first time for these men to come. I had been inviting them to our breakfast for the past 1 1/2 years. I have also been able to connect with some new deaf here in Frederick, praying for some follow-up with them. We even found a neighborhood with deaf children, while I was out canvassing this week. The rest of this week, the visits will be limited to some strong storms that are predicated to come through this week.

A Consistent Life

2009-05-30T20:42:00.001-04:00

May 30, 2009

Perhaps one of the hardest things to do on the Christian life is to be consistent for the long haul. How I even battle this in the midst of what God has called me to do. As I have been recently reminded, all it takes is one wrong decision to totally destroy what God has used you to do. What is more interesting is that one decision usually starts with a series of smaller decisions that may not seem so harmful. Just look at King David and his sin with Bathsheba. His course of events in sin did not start the moment he was on his roof. Recently I read the following from “Handwriting on the Wall” by David Jeremiah. I would highly recommend it to anyone that wants a good example of how tro live a Godly example in a sinful world.

Most of us have our good moments, and we love to bask in those times. But it’s hard to be consistent day after day. Daniel lived a holy, righteous, godly life in the Babylonian palace for more than seventy years. The last verse in Daniel 1 is a lesson in itself: “And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus” (Dan. 1:21). Daniel remained in Babylon all through his captivity. Nebuchadnezzar came and went. Belshazzar came and went. Darius. Cyrus. And Daniel was still there, consistently God’s man in the place of influence. From his youth up he was in the court in a culture that was utterly pagan. And yet he is one of three men in the Old Testament about whom we have no report of wrongdoing. The only other men I know in the Old Testament like that are Joseph and Jonathan. In fact, his enemies tried to find a weak link in his character so they could expose him in the Babylon Enquirer. “At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, ‘We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God’ ” (Dan. 6:4–5).

The only way they thought they could trip Daniel up was to get into his religion. They had scrutinized him for fifty years and couldn’t find a bad thing to say about him.

It is a sobering thought that we can be good for a long time and then blow it all in a single moment. I have known of men and women in positions of influence who have ruined their lives with one indiscretion or bad decision that caused their reputation to collapse overnight. Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, but in his old age he corrupted his conviction and died a broken, defeated man.

Daniel, however, was consistent, even though he was a politician of the highest order. If he had followed in the downward spiral of some of our political figures today, we would never have had the prophetic truth he has given us.

Jeremiah, D., & Carlson, C. C. (1992). The handwriting on the wall. "Secrets from the prophecies of Daniel"--Cover. (41). Dallas: Word Pub.

A Rainy Sunday Morning

2009-05-17T07:44:00.001-04:00

May 17, 2009

As I look out my office window this morning, all I see is the dark clouds and rain. But that is alright, I do enjoy mornings like this.It is about 60 degrees, which is nice.

I am putting the finishing touches on our Sunday School lesson: How to Study the Bible. That is one thing I have found here in the American churches. There are many Christians in the church that live weak spiritual lives simply because they do not know how to study God’s Word, so that they can get something from it that affects their lives. In order to help our folks (the ones with computers), we are giving them a copy of Bible Explorer III Limited Edition. It has something like 13 Bible Translations, and at least 100 study helps. Today I will be showing them how to use it and then start into the class.

In the main service today I will begin a series teaching on “What is a New Testament Church”? Here in this area there are various churches for the deaf to choose from, I want them to be able to look in the scriptures and determine which churches in the area are Biblically correct.

Happy Mother’s Day

2009-05-10T07:50:00.001-04:00

May 10, 2009

Good morning to all and a Happy Mother’s Day to every mother that reads this blog. Thankfully, we have very Blue Skies out today. After almost two weeks of steady rain , today is a nice change of pace in many ways.. Please pray for us this morning, due to mother’s day most of our folks will not be with us. They will be in church, but with their mothers in their churches. We have made visits this week, but I do not know of any new folks that may be there today.

Yesterday, I spent the morning with Lyle and Julie. Lyle is Jeff and Kevin’s father and Julie has been in the hospital since Thursday night. She seems to have picked up some kind of bug while on mission trip to one of the Islands in the Dominican Republic. When I left yesterday, they still had not figured exactly what is wrong, so please pray for them.

Where are our hearts focused? (Be honest)

2009-05-07T09:16:00.001-04:00

May 7. 2009

I have subscribed to a Pastor’s e-mail list. It is one where Pastors from around the world share their sermons. Today I received the following from Bob Zemeski, a veteran BIMI Missionary in Ireland. What he sent could apply to any area, but take an honest look at America as you it.

From Books to the Bible

Judges 1:11 - "The name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher."

As soon as, Caleb came into his inheritance, he attacked and conquered Kirjath-sepher, also known as Kirjath-sannah (Josh. 15:49), which he renamed Debir. The names are interesting and instructive. Kirjath-sepher means "city of a book" (Josh. 15:15) and Kirjath-sannah means "city of learning," while Debir means "place of the oracle." Evidently the town was a seat of learning among the Canaanites, a place where their records and such other literary works as they had produced were kept. When Caleb sent Othniel to conquer the city, he overthrew the learning and literature of the heathen and made the town a testimony to the oracle, or inspired revelation, of the Lord.
The gospel must challenge the seats of human learning, which nowadays are largely given over to ungodliness and heathenism. All too often God's people make no biblical assault on these bastions of alleged "higher" learning. This is probably because of an ignorance of the deep theology of the gospel and a lack of experience of the power of the Holy Spirit. This double disability makes most Christians afraid to invade our modem Kirjath-sephers. These strongholds of ungodliness will fall only before the keen edge of the sword of the Spirit. Let us make sure to include in our evangelism those people now being educated in the godless culture of Kirjath-sepher.
Each one of us has his own battle of Kirjath-sepher. We need to turn away from the books of the world to the Book of God. We must give pre-eminence to the Bible in our reading. Nowadays professing Christians spend hours before a television set or reading a book but give little time and study to the Bible. While with their lips they say it is the Word of God, by their behaviour they deny it. Our hearts should rightly be named Debir, the place of the oracle, the place where the Word of God holds absolute sway. Is your heart a Kirjath-sepher or a Debir?

It is a sad thing to be often eating of the tree of knowledge, but never to taste of the tree of life.

THOMAS BROOKS

The Monthly Beginnings

2009-05-01T08:53:00.001-04:00

May 1, 2009

Welcome to the month of May. It seems hard to believe that April has already come and gone. This week has been a wet one for us here in Frederick. That has put a dampened effort to our canvassing some new neighborhoods. But we are as always connecting with deaf while out running errands.We have a deaf preacher friend who will be going to Egypt and Israel for a month with a tourist group. It is his first vacation in about 5 years.

I have been using this week to try and improve our DVD production process. I have gotten it the quality is acceptable (to me, the perfectionist). The only downside is the actual process that puts the edited video to DVD takes about 3-4 hours on my current computer. That is assuming it works the way it should. I have found that with the current Operating System I have on the machine doesn’t always to work with me. I am hoping and praying that the Lord will supply the money we need to convert to a Mac Computer. I am currently looking at a Mac Book (Laptop.) I just need to do my homework and see if there is a Mac that will allow me not only to make the DVDs but make them quicker and also improve the quality of the video. I am also wanting to upgrade my camcorder. For now, I think I have it working ok. The main reason I am wanting to get good quality DVDs out to the deaf in Frederick is due to the fact on how the cults already are putting out very nicely made DVDs out. I hope to put some out to confront them as well as just to use them for basic teaching of Sound Doctrine to the deaf. Please pray that the Lord would allow us to get these DVDs out in the best quality as we can and at the same time be something that the deaf would look at.

The Answer to Reaching the World

2009-04-28T09:32:00.001-04:00

Tuesday April 28, 2009

Isa 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 6:4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. 6:6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: 6:7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

There have been times I have wondered why the church is not reaching the world like we should be doing. With the travels Linnea and I have made, it seems to boil down to one basic problem. Those that are sitting on the sideline just watching others do the job may be saved but have not realized truly who they serve. That is why I love the above verses from Isaiah 6. Isaiah was one that was dedicated to the Lord but it was not until he saw the Lord for who is He that he saw himself for who he was, then was he totally willing to do WHATEVER the Lord said. If we as individuals truly want to serve God, we need to see Him for who He is and what He has done for us. If we can realize that, we will see what we need to do, reach the world one person at a time.

A Deaf Church Plant

2009-04-24T21:07:00.001-04:00

April 24, 2009 (Friday)

I am currently reading “Planting Churches Cross Culturally": A Guide for Home and Foreign Missions” by David J. Hesselgrave. It has been a special encouragement for me in what I am doing here in Frederick. In the book is the following statement: “Any community of people without an accessible church---whether they reside here in North America or South Africa—is a mission field.” (page 39)

Since the Lord first called me into establishing Deaf Churches, I look at the ones that were already been established. My question has always been, “Can there be a true Independent Baptist Deaf Church that does not depend on a hearing church for location or funds?” I understand that in the smaller communities there might be issues. But what about here in the DC area or any major city in the USA or any country. The principles we us form hearing church planter should be able to be applied to a deaf church.

If anyone has any thoughts on this subject I would love to hear from you.

April 18 2009

2009-04-18T08:45:00.001-04:00

Taxes Paid

Well, we have sent off our taxes, so Uncle Sam should be happy for another year. As we look back over the last month, I find it amazing how the Lord always provides for needs. In March we had to fly to Florida twice for a total of 2 1/2 weeks. By right, we should be broke, but the Lord used a close friend to help provide for the needs. I am also amazed how the Lord even supplies for our spiritual needs and gives us the joy and physical rest as we need it. During the home going of Linnea’s mom, there was many things that needed to be done in little time. As we look back we see that He allowed Linnea and her family to take care of the physical belongings of their mom in a very short about of time. That is the best part, if we as Christians could understand that He has our best in store for us, the better off our lives would be.

Back Home In Maryland

2009-04-03T09:32:00.001-04:00

April 3, 2009

Greetings everyone. Linnea and I are back in Maryland after being in Florida for a week. Even though it was a sad farewell to Inez, it was a time to see God work in the lives that had been touched by this Godly woman. Linnea and her sisters and brothers spent their time settling up Inez’s estate and packing up her belongings.

Please continue to pray for Marvin, Inez’s husband. He seems to be holding his own, but today is the first day that he will truly be alone. The last of Linnea’s family left yesterday. Thankfully, Marvin has children that life next door, but it is just him now in his house.

I was able to spend some time with my family as well, which is always good. Thankfully all are still in good health. Thank you again for all of your prayers and support.

The Home going of Inez (Coss) Cordwell

2009-03-24T10:15:00.001-04:00

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March 24th, 2009

I write this entry today to say farewell to Inez Cordwell, my mother-in-law. For the last two weeks she had been battling illnesses. This morning about 3 am the Lord allowed his Saint to go home. I have tried to find the words that best describes this Godly woman but I have decided to let Proverbs describe her for me.

Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

An Interesting Week

2009-03-22T08:20:00.001-04:00

March 22, 2009 Sunday

Linnea and i want to start off by saying thank you to all of you that have been praying for Linnea’s mom. When we arrived in Florida on Monday and went to the hospital, we thought we just had a short time before she was called home to heaven. Inez did have a rough week, however as of today she is at home recovering. She is not completely out of the woods, but she is at least at home and is improving. Please continue to pray for her.

I was able to spend time with my family, which is always good. My dad is back to normal after his fight with sickness in Oct., 2008. My grandmother is still weak, but is doing much better.

I also found out that the lack of heat problem in our church meeting room has been solved and should be fixed by next Sunday. Today I will be going down in a few minutes and turning the portable heaters on. We did lose one lady that had been coming faithfully. She decided to go back to the Church of the Brethren here in town. Now that the weather is getting better, I will be able to start hitting the visiting trail a lot harder. Please pray that i will be able to make some good contacts.

March 10, 2009

2009-03-10T20:42:00.001-04:00

It’s hard to believe that it is now in the 2nd week of March. This past weekend was quite enjoyable weather wise. Sunday the temp was around 73 by 6:00 pm. The only downside was that our meeting room had no heat for the 3rd weekend in a row. Thankfully, we were able to meet in our apartment. We were missing only one of our regular folks. Lord willing the heat will be back on this weekend.

Also, we had a good friend decide to buy us plane tickets to Florida to visit our families. It is amazing how the Lord works. We found out after the tickets were bought that Linnea’s mom was back in the hospital with some infections. Thankfully she seems to be okay, but Linnea hopes to use the time to help out her mom. Please pray that she is able to get home soon.

March 2, 2009

2009-03-02T07:49:00.001-05:00

They say March can come in like a lion and today they are right. Yesterday was not a good day for our church service. We started off with no heat in our meeting place. We did have the use of two space heaters, which after 3 hour didn’t help much. Not only did we have a cold meeting room, we also had 2 inches of fresh snow. Needless to say it was just Linnea and I. So we had a relaxing Sunday, which was weird but nice.

The fun part was that the snow melted by 2 pm. This morning we woke up to about 4 inches of snow and it is still snowing as of 7:47 am. Linnea and I hope to go out later and take some pictures. We may just decide to stay in and enjoy some Butterfinger Hot Chocolate.

Wisdom Multiplied

2009-02-27T09:26:00.001-05:00

February 27, 2009

How many times in this world do we see so called wisdom and the results are also a mess. Just look at the politics of the day as the perfect example. If you want true wisdom and knowledge it must come from God alone.

Wisdom Multiplied

James 3:17

Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Heavenly wisdom is continually coming from above, as evidenced in James’s use of the present tense in 3:17. God’s supply of wisdom never runs dry, but keeps coming to us to meet the demands of each hour (James 1:5). This wisdom is manifested through God’s Son, made available through God’s Holy Spirit, and written down in God’s holy book, the Bible. The wise man is the man who has given himself to Jesus Christ and who, with the Spirit’s help, keeps his intellect in submission to the will of God.

The comparison of heavenly and earthly wisdom is instructive. The world’s wisdom results in “confusion” (v. 16), but God’s wisdom always brings “peace” (v. 18). The result of the world’s wisdom is “every evil thing” (v. 16), but God’s wisdom produces fruit. In the fruit of God’s wisdom are the seeds of more fruit; the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace (v. 18). God’s wisdom automatically multiplies.

Jeremiah, D. (2002). Sanctuary : Finding moments of refuge in the presence of God (60). Nashville, TN: Integrity Publishers.

Dare to be a Daniel

2009-02-20T09:08:00.001-05:00

Feb. 20, 2009

When God gives us a hard thing to do, there are many reasons not to do it. We can construct all sorts of rationale. Satan has the lists made up for us to follow.

Daniel could have thought, “Wait a minute, I’m just a kid. Why should I be expected to turn down the good life?” Or he could have said, “Look at all of those other fellows. Why should just four of us be denied the king’s meat and wine? After all, everybody else is living it up!”

Daniel could have said, “I’m away from home, and Mom and Dad will never know.” Someone said that the test of true character is what you do when you know absolutely nobody will find out. Daniel also knew that if he disobeyed, he might not be around very long—Nebuchadnezzar had a reputation for throwing people into the furnace. It was one of his favorite indoor sports. In fact, Jeremiah told about a time when Nebuchadnezzar decided he didn’t like someone and had him slowly roasted in the fire while others watched.

Sometimes Christians argue over the things where God hasn’t spoken, while allowing the things He has spoken to slip under the rug. There are certain things God says are wrong. Immorality is wrong. Adultery is wrong. Homosexuality is wrong. Fornication is wrong. God draws the line on what our sexually stimulated society is offering today. If we want the blessing of God upon our lives, we better have the courage and authority to stand as Daniel stood and say, “I will not defile myself, because God has said no.”

Jeremiah, D., & Carlson, C. C. (1992). The handwriting on the wall. "Secrets from the prophecies of Daniel"--Cover. (32). Dallas: Word Pub.

MY THOUGHTS

In this day here in America, the church needs men and women to dare to be a Daniel and say whatever you want Lord I will do or not do. Whatever He says.

Feb. 19, 2009

2009-02-19T09:14:00.001-05:00

The king’s intention was not just to educate these young men, but to brainwash them. He wanted them to look like Jews on the outside but be Babylonian on the inside.

Jeremiah, D., & Carlson, C. C. (1992). The handwriting on the wall. "Secrets from the prophecies of Daniel"--Cover. (30). Dallas: Word Pub.

The above quote is referring to Daniel and his friends. As we study the book of Daniel we see that even with the King’s plan, Daniel stood for his God. How are we doing today. How many Christians in the world today are just outward Christians? How many of us are like Daniel, deciding to stand no matter the cost.

My Morning Devotions

2009-02-18T17:30:00.001-05:00

Feb. 18, 2009

How fitting the way the Lord brings things across your path when you need them. Even as a church planter there are time we feel alone and there is no one out there, but God always reminds us otherwise.

God’s Always There

Psalm 142:3

“When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path.”

A friend of mine likes to tell about the time his granddaughter told him what she learned in Sunday school: that God never says, “Oops!”

There is profound theological truth in that little girl’s remembrance of her lesson. God didn’t look down from heaven surprised to find David in a cave in a fit of discouragement—and David knows it. He says to God, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path.” God knew right where David was the whole time—all the time David was discouraged, deserted, depressed, and defeated, God was there the whole way.

For some reason, we are greatly tempted to think that because no one else is around, God isn’t either; because no one else knows how we feel, God doesn’t either; because no one else is willing to listen, God isn’t either. God is always there, and to recognize that is the first step toward meeting His solutions to our dilemma.

Jeremiah, D. (2002). Sanctuary : Finding moments of refuge in the presence of God (51). Nashville, TN: Integrity Publishers.

Wicked Leaders Established By God?

2009-02-17T08:50:00.001-05:00

Feb. 17, 2009

I am currently reading The Handwriting on the Wall Secrets From The
Prophecies of Daniel by David Jeremiah. He brings up the following verses to make a point:

19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: Dan 2:19-21 (KJV)

So as we see what is happening here in America and around the world, we can have rest and peace in the simple truth that God is still in control, despite the wickedness that seems to be running unlimited in our Nation.

Has God Forgotten Me?

2009-02-15T08:05:00.001-05:00

Feb. 15, 2009

Psalm 13

1 How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; 4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. 5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. 6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

How many times have the daily struggles of life make us think that God has forgotten us? Even a great man like David had days like this, yet he later stated in this Psalm and in so many other that he trusted in the Lord for He have dealt bountifully with him. If we are to be honest we must say the same thing. No matter how hard or bad our life may seem, we must admit that God has dealt bountifully and wonderfully with us. Keep in mind that God says that He works ALL THINGS for our good, not that He allows only good things to happen to us. He takes “the bad things” and works them to our profit. Are we willing to allow Him to do just that?

Feb. 10, 2009

2009-02-10T06:55:00.001-05:00

Well, our weekend with Nathan McConnell has come and gone. Nathan and his family arrived on Friday around 4 pm. We got them settled into the local Best Western down the street. Saturday morning Nathan and I attempted 3 deaf visits. We actually found 2 of them at home. We found one young man who is a coda (hearing child of deaf parents.) His parents weren’t at home but it was still a good contact. We found another gentleman who has a brother-in-paw and sister-in-law who are both deaf. The third visit found no one at home. After we finished those visits we hit a local neighborhood with flyers. We hit close to 100 homes. After that we hung out at our apartment and got ready for Sunday.

Sunday morning saw a total of 8 people in our service. We even had our former college student visit with us again. She has moved back locally and has gotten a job in a nearby hospital. Nathan did Sunday School and then preached in our main service. We then had a dinner fellowship at our apartment, where 2 of our deaf came. Then we did our evening service and had two deaf there with us for that.

All in all it was a good weekend.

Interesting Weather

2009-01-30T08:04:00.001-05:00

Jan. 30, 2009 Friday

This month has quickly come to an end. It has been a good month. We have relocated the church to a better location. We are no meeting in the meeting room of the local C.S.D. (Communication Services for the Deaf). We went from a room that would seat around 20-25 people, where you would have to walk to the other end of the building for the restroom to a place that will seat 128 people and has a restroom that is very close. The cost of the first place went from $120 a month to $200 a month and we have it for an extra 4 hours a month. Our first meeting will be Feb. 1 in the new place.

The last week has been interesting as far as weather goes. We received a couple of inches of snow Tuesday night thru Wednesday and then ice Wednesday night. Thankfully it fell in a way that we weren’t stuck in our apartment. However it did make getting out to visit almost impossible. It also postponed a Bible study I was supposed to do from Tuesday until today. But it was still pretty to look at.

Jan. 22, 2009

2009-01-22T16:00:00.001-05:00

One of the frustrations that I face is working with computers. Establishing a deaf church we use a good amount of printed material. We also have been trying to develop a ministry where we offer our services on DVD’s. The down side to doing both is dealing with equipment that decides to disagree with you. We were able to buy a new desktop last year in hopes of meeting these tech needs. However I have come to believe I bought a lemon. I have come to the point where I am using my laptop more than anything. For the printed items it works great however it will not handle the DVD production. So we have started a special fund in hopes of purchasing an iMac. iMacs are great for video production, which is why I going that direction.

I have also found out about Carbonite.com, which is an online service. It will backup any and all computer files that you choose. It costs $59 a year and has already been a great help. I also just bought an external 1T Hard Drive for a 2nd backup. Using the 2nd backup allows me to use my laptop even more for the printing as well as my Bible studies and sermon prep. Technology can be a great help but it can also be a real pain.

Looking at how we do things now, makes me wondering if we could survive with what missionaries like Hudson Taylor had. Those times you would go months without mail or any contact from. Today we have e-mail, instant messaging, video calls via the internet, etc. In an ideal sitting, with all this technology we should be getting more done for the Lord.

God is SO good.

2009-01-16T09:29:00.001-05:00

Friday, Jan. 16, 2009

Psalm 34.8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

How true the above statement is and we daily find the truth that God wants the best for us, if we would only trust and obey Him. Linnea and I recently fond out this truth again. We received a phone call yesterday to come down to the hotel where we meet for church. I arrived and was informed that the rent for the meeting room would be going from $120 a month to $400 a month. At this point the most we can handle is $200 a month.

We thought we would have to go back to meeting in our apartment for Sunday mornings. Yet the Lord brought to mind that CSD (Deaf Services) had a meeting room at least twice the size as our current room. It is also nicer and no smoking. Linnea and I went and talked with Jackie and found out we could rent the room for 4 hours on Sundays for $50, which means $200 a month. Jackie does have to run it by her bosses but does not foresee a problem. Lord willing we will start services in that room on Feb. 1, 2009. Please pray for the Lord’s leading.

Jan. 8, 2009

2009-01-08T21:51:00.001-05:00

It has been a good few days. Weather wise it has not been so good. We have had ice, snow and freezing rain. Friday should be clear and then it starts again. There would be some benefits to living in Florida or someplace where it stays warm year round. The biggest would be the ability to go out more often.

Yet being in doors more this week, I have been able to finally finish the church brochure design and have shipped to our printer to see about the cost involved in getting it printed. If you would like to see a copy of it e-mail me and I’ll send one via e-mail to you.

The more Linnea and I serve here, the more I see the need to train the deaf in the Word of God. I am finding that the deaf are not less spiritual than the hearing but have missed so much due to the simple fact of picking thing up via all of their senses. What hearing people pick up through hearing things on the Radio, TV or just by listening to conversations around them, the deaf have to get by being told directly.

Jan. 4, 2009 Sunday Report

2009-01-04T18:02:00.001-05:00

Today we had a good Sunday service. I have started a series on End Times. A couple of our folks have been asking questions and had some confusion on the way things seem to be happening in the world. It is a good sight when it came time to end the service they wanted me to continue. I am thankful for the folks the Lord has given us, but are looking for ways that will allow us to bring in more deaf.

Jan. 3, 2009

2009-01-03T08:44:00.001-05:00

Isaiah

Chapter 6

Isaiah's vision of the Lord's glory

1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. 6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: 7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Welcome to 2009. Linnea and I finished off 2008 with some interesting twists. We spent Christmas Eve with Linnea’s sister and her family. Then Christmas Day Linnea and her sister went to Florida to spend time with her mom. Her mom has lost the use of one of her legs due to a compressed nerve in her back. She hopes to have surgery this next week. Please pray for her.

I ended up going to Bristol for a few days to help a local deaf outreach. They have been having some issues come up and just needed to be encouraged. I was also able to spend Tuesday with my brother and his wife.

I added the above verses due to how I want to start off 2009. I always want to recall who God is and who I am and that vision is how I want to keep me going for 2009. I am finding that if a ministry is not succeeding one of the reasons is that have gotten their sight off of God. There are many things in this world that will sidetrack us if we allow them. Many of these things are innocent in themselves like families, friends, etc. Yet if we allow these things to sidetrack us they become a hindrance.

Dec. 19, 2008 (ASL Class #2 Done)

2008-12-19T08:08:00.001-05:00

Well, Linnea and i finished our Sign Language class in Brunswick, MD yesterday. It had been a good 8 weeks. We ended up having a total of 32 kids and 3 adults. Linnea made up small bags of goodies, cookies, candy and a small gift for each student. The leaders are talking about having us come back after Christmas for another class, which would be our 3rd class at this one school. The Walkersville Class will finish up this coming Tuesday and we are already setting up a class for next for 2009.

Dec. 17, 2008

2008-12-17T08:35:00.001-05:00

Here we are, one week before Christmas Eve. I for one enjoy this time of year despite the cold and rainy weather we are having today. Yesterday, the school canceled our Sign Class as well as all the other afterschool activities, due to an ice storm. Thankfully it was not as bad as it was starting out to be. The other downside to the bad weather is the lack of being able to get out and visits in the evenings. I was able to do lunch with another local deaf pastor. It is great that he and I can get together and compare notes and encourage one another. If anyone wants to get a better picture of what we are hoping to do here in Frederick, you should read “The Indigenous Church” by Melvin L. Hodges. Many ties people refer to our outreach as a deaf ministry, which is partially right, but our goal is to set up (with the Lord’s help) a totally Indigenous Deaf Baptist Church.

Dec. 14, 2008

2008-12-14T09:20:00.001-05:00

TO BE GREAT OR NOT TO BE GREAT? That is the question.

I received this helpful reminder from a Pastor Sermon Sharing e-mail list I belong to and thought it was a good reminder to all of us striving to serve God.

"There will always be more people willing to do ‘great’ things for God than there are people willing to do the little things. The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants."

It reminds me of the old preacher saying about eagles on hummingbird nests. The idea so many have is that they can really do something for Christ if they just have the opportunity to bloom on a great stage. Time and again preachers are confronted with those who confess to visiting preachers that they feel stifled in their environment. They need a larger arena.

The old saying, “Bloom where you’re planted” has never been more apropos. The only way we can reach our full potential in life is to be the very best we can at what God has given us to do right now, right here. In His timing He might choose to move you or me to a larger or smaller stage. However, for now, I must serve Him by serving others and demonstrating the very “mind of Christ” in all my doings.

When Jesus spoke of that one who desired the “head table” being embarrassed by being asked to move, He was pointing out natural man’s struggle for acknowledgment. Natural man’s desire to be recognized for his efforts and achievements is unbecoming to the child of God. We are not as those whose only success is the recognition they receive here on this earth from other men. Our reward is to do the work of Him who sends us daily into the morass, knowing that one day He will say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Dec. 8, 2008

2008-12-08T09:26:00.001-05:00

Perhaps one of the hardest things that I (as a missionary) deal with is being away from my family. They live in Florida and a two days drive to see them. Most of the time it doesn’t bother me, but for the last two months my dad and grandmother have been going through some difficult health problems. They are recovering and I am thankful for that. Yet there is part of me that wishes I could be there with them for the support. There are two things that make it easier for me to deal with:

1. The Lord has promised to be with them because they are saved. I know whatever happens they are in good hands.

2. I have two brothers and a sister that live close to my parents should they need anything.

The basic reason I am writing this, is so to help the readers know how better to pray for their missionaries. The Lord gives us daily strength for what we need, but we also need the support of our praying friends.

A Day To Pause and Remember

2008-12-07T07:50:00.001-05:00

Dec. 7, 2008

67 years ago today America was attacked by their enemy. An attack that changed America and even the rest of the war that was happening at that time. We need to make sure we take time today and say thank you to the men and women who gave their all that we might have the lives we have today.

Also we need to recall why we have Christmas. It is not a time for what we can get from others or it is not only for getting together with friends and family and having an excuse to eat, drink, and being merry. Some 2000 years ago a Baby was born of a virgin in a lowly estate. This young child would live a sinless, perfect life and then die on the cross for us. Die, so that we might have true freedom, from sin and death. So that we might have a life that would surpass anything we might be able to imagine.

Are you taking time this month to give thanks or are you going about business as always? What better time of the year to come to know Jesus Christ as your Savior and to live for Him.

Dec. 4, 2008

2008-12-04T08:59:00.001-05:00

Greetings from a cool Fredrick, MD. It is currently in the high 20’s going up to around 50 for the high. I will be glad when winter finally decides to come and stay, with the hopes of getting some real snow.

I am sitting here dealing with an ongoing frustration in the ministry. When working with the deaf community we depend a lot on computers and projectors. So far what I have seems to work for doing Power Point and the like. But even my 1 year old desktop has been arguing with me about putting our services onto DVD’s. What I have basically works, but I am to the point of needing to upgrade both my video camera and my video editing abilities. That means a new camera and computer. It may be a while before I can for total cost is looking at about $3000 for everything. We already have $300 towards that. The camera may be the first thing to buy so I can at least get our services recorded. I am also wanting to develop some witnessing DVD’s as well as Bible Studies on DVD. Please pray with me that the Lord would continue to provide for these needs.

The Need Is Great, where are the workers?

2008-12-03T15:55:00.001-05:00

Dec. 3, 2008

I just received an e-mail from Pastor Tony Miller, a pastor in Greenville, SC. He has received word of a need of a “Circuit Riding” deaf preacher for 4 churches in England. My heart goes out to those folks. There is such a need for young deaf men to become pastors, yet there are very few places that can train them in the way that they should learn.

Part of what Linnea and I hope to do here in the USA is not only establish Crossroad Deaf Baptist Church but see it with other deaf churches start sending missionaries out to these needy places.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

2008-12-02T08:53:00.001-05:00

Back In The Saddle Again! Or least that’s how I feel this morning after my 1 1/2 weeks of being sick.Thankfully the Lord’s timing was as good as it always is, being sick at Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving week was normally full of down time anyway, so I didn’t have to cancel anything due to sickness. The only drawback was that we were wanting to visit Loundon Baptist Church in Leesburg, VA, but wasn’t able to do so.

We also now have our Christmas tree up and the rest of our decorations. We have the Christmas music playing an dare hoping to use Christmas to have some new visitors. I will be sending out some of our new Newsletter for the church. Please pray they will make good contacts for us.

Monday Dec. 1, 2008

2008-12-01T08:54:00.001-05:00

It is amazing that it is now December 1st. It is a month of joy and excitement as we consider what happened almost 2,000 years ago. Yet in our day and age it is currently a time of gloom and depression due to the problems of our country. The problem is in the location of where our sight is based.

Sunday Nov. 30, 2008

2008-11-30T08:37:00.001-05:00

Psalm 98

1 O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. 2 The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. 3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. 5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. 6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. 7 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 8 Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together 9 Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

How I love the Psalms and the way they can encourage the believer. I also love the way the Lord includes the whole in many of these songs. It is as if David were looking down thru the pages of time and seeing how God would take the Gospel to the World. I am still amazed that Satan can cause unbelievers to not see the loving kindness of God.

Nov. 29, 2008 Thanksgiving Aftermath

2008-11-29T13:53:00.001-05:00

Well, we made it through the awesome amount of food and fellowship at Linnea’s Sister’s house. All together there were about 30 people there with us. As always there was plenty of food. Anyone who went home hungry would be at fault of not eating.

The only down side is that I ended up having to go to the doctor’s due to a good sized chest cold. We went to Sam’s to get my medicine and found out Sam's couldn’t get what I needed. So we ended up going to Wal-mart, which I try not to do during this time of year.

God’s Timing always good.

2008-11-26T08:44:00.001-05:00

I sit here today at the computer and cannot help but be amazed when it comes to God’s timing. For the best week I have been fighting a cold, which has kept me some what limited to what I can do during the day. I am getting better, but it has been slow and the most frustrating part is not being able to get out for visits. But I have found that the week of Holidays, one on one visits don’t happen much. During normal weeks, if I try say 50 visits, I may find about 5 people at home. During the holidays it’s even worse. So, despite the fact I haven’t been able to get out much, it is happening during a time where it will have the least amount of impact. The other good part is that I am not preaching for the hearing church for these last two weeks of November. That means less study time than when I preach for the hearing church. Normal I would use that extra free time for our own ministry. Right now I am focusing on getting better and ready for Sunday

Monday Nov. 24, 2008

2008-11-24T20:36:00.001-05:00

Well our Thanksgiving service and dinner went well. We had the normal 2 church folks and Linnea and myself. I preached on Psalm 100. We had plenty of food and leftovers. As always the food is always better the second time around. We are striving to use the Holidays to get more people to come and visit.

We also just received our latest Newsletter that we will be giving out to the deaf on our mailing list as well any we can find at home in the area. The main article deals with the subject “Which Church Saves?” We had BIMI print out 100 of them for us.

The only downside this week is I have been fighting a cold since Saturday. The biggest problem is the coughing at nite time.

Sunday Nov. 23, 2008

2008-11-23T16:45:00.001-05:00

Well, we had our Thanksgiving Service and dinner. We had the faithful two with us. It was encouraging to hear these two talk about how good the Lord has been to them. We did invite several other, but to conflict schedules they were unable to be with us. We had the usual turkey and stuffing, green beans, yams and pumpkin pie. We finished up around 3:30. I am thankful for the Lord’s help through the last few day for I have battling a cold which has left me with a sore throat and cough. The sore throat was bearable because I don’t need my voice to preach, but the cough has had it’s moments.

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008

2008-11-22T08:18:00.001-05:00

Psalm 100

An exhortation to praise God cheerfully

A Psalm of praise.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

As we come to this time of year—Thanksgiving, we as Christians should be the most thankful.If we would just stop and think of what the Lord has done for us. I know there are some of us that are having major problems, health, money, jobs, etc. Yet even in the midst of those problems we can be thankful for what the Lord has done for us. Can I list a few things? Thank you, I think I will:

God loves us enough that He sent His ONLY Son to take our place on the cross.
God has not given us what we deserve, but what he wants us to have, life in Christ.
Christ gave up the eternal fellowship with His heavenly Father, while on the cross. This was the first and only time He had ever experienced that.
The List goes on, but these are enough to make us want to be thankful for what He has down for us.

Think about it.

Nov. 21, 2008 part 2

2008-11-21T15:55:00.001-05:00

I was just on the phone with a friend of mine: Dede Francis. Her husband has been in the hospital for the past month. Thankfully it seems the Lord is keeping him going. But as it stand now they may have to retire from the ministry as they do it now. Please pray with me for him, as well as pray for new deaf workers in the USA. There is a tremendous field here and it isn’t being reached like it should. BTW, my friends name is Jack Francis and is a fellow BIMI missionary to the deaf here in the USA.I have known him and his wife for almost 15 years.

Nov. 21, 2008 Friday

2008-11-21T09:22:00.001-05:00

Snowy and cold describes this morning. It is about 29 degrees and we are having snow flurries. We are not supposed to get much. I am hoping to get at least one good snow fall. Yesterday we did our ASL Class. It turned out to be interesting. I took the the older kids (3rd to 5th). Linnea took the younger kids, (K to 2nd grade). The only downside was that Linnea’s help didn’t show up and the kids were more hyper than normal. My kids were normal, i only had to speak to a few of the boys.

The nice part was that after the ASL class the school’s PTO asked us to stay for a pizza and ice cream party. We were able to get to know some of the parents and kids a little bit better. It was a good time of fellowship.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008

2008-11-20T08:28:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 6. 1-8 1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. 6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: 7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

I have always enjoyed reading stories of great Christians that have gone on before us. It has always amazed how they seem to have a secret that the rest of servants don’t have. Then one as I reading Isaiah 6 and it hit me. All of these great Christians at some point in their lives they had the same encounter that Isaiah did.

First they saw God for who He really is.
They in turn saw themselves for who they truly are (sinners).
When we see the above two points we will normally have the same response that Isaiah had: Lord here am I, use me.

Think about it.

Nov. 19, 2008

2008-11-19T20:44:00.001-05:00

Greetings All from a chilly Frederick, Maryland. It is currently 29 degrees, I’m loving it. The only downside is I seem to have picked up a cold from someone. This past weekend we had a new visitor to our church service. We are also finishing the details for our Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 23, 2008. We are praying that everyone that has come in the past, will come to this service then dinner at our place.

Nov. 13, 2008

2008-11-13T10:34:00.002-05:00

We have a rainy (very rainy) Thursday morning.
I have been working on a couple of sermons for this weekend. One is finishing up Romans 13 and the other is on Joseph the earthly father of Jesus.
Last night Linnea and I were able to meet up wioth Bob and Jen Larson. We had a good dinner and fellowship before we headed to Hampshire View Baptist Deaf Church. Bob is the Asst. Director for reseeding Ameria as well as the USA part of BIMI.
We spent about 30 minute withPastor Terry after the service, discussing with one of his preacher boys who wants to start a deaf church. Bob was able to give him some advice as well as presenting Reseeding America to Pastor Terry.
It is encouraging to see deaf folks serving the Lord in such a good church.

Nov. 10, 2008

2008-11-10T07:11:00.002-05:00

WOW! What a difference a veiw days make in a country. Since our last entry we now have a new President. I know many people may be discouraged over the course of events, but we need to remember that God is still in control. Even last night I preached on Romans 13 which basically says we are to honor those in government..

We had a good weekend . One of our ladies was out of town helping a friend pack. The other usual visitor was there. How thankful I am to our faithful ladies.
We had a good week at our 2 Elelmentary Sign Classes. (Total of 45 students)
We had a good Irish Sign Presentation on Saturday for the Frederick Chapter of the Hearing Loss Assoaciation Of America.
The only down side is we have to take our into the shop today. The check engine sign came on yesterday. We are praying that it is just another false reading.

Oct. 28, 2008

2008-10-28T06:53:00.002-04:00

Wow! It's already Oct. 28, 2008. This year seems to be flying by us. Linnea and I are busy getting ready for our ASL Class at Walkersville Elementary School. That is today from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. We have 13 students.
What will be more fun is that we hope to be starting a new ASL Class on Thursday at Brunswick Elementary School. That class has 28 students in it, not counting the teachers and parents that want to join in.
This morning is rainy and cold. It is supposed to get up to about 50 degrees. Tonight they are calling for snow, not much. It will be the first snow of the year if it happens.
Nov. 8th, I will be a lecture on Irish Signs and how they differ from ASL for the Hearing Loss Association of AMerica, the Frederick Chapter.

Oct. 26, 2008

2008-10-26T08:22:00.002-04:00

Greetings All:
I am sorry for not getting in to update you on what is happening. It has been an interesting month.

We did have our one year anniversary service. It went well. We had our usual ladies come. I am very thankful for their faithfulness.
Then Oct. 13, 2008 I flew down to Florida due to my grandmother being in the hospitail. Thankfully she is doing better, but still has at least a month in the rehab center that they moved her into. Please pray for my mom and her sister as they take turns being with my grandmother.
We are now staring to plasn for the Holidays. It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is creeping fast upon us.

Sept. 30. 2008

2008-09-30T08:46:00.002-04:00

It is a wonderful morning here in the city of Frederick. It is somewhat foggy out an dabout 57 degrees. The last 2 1/2 weeks have gone by quickly. We praise the Lord for His faithfulness during these busy days. Many things are happening:

Our car ended up needing no work done on it. It turned out to be a false reading on a sensor. It is still running great.
We are still have 2-3 deaf come on a regular basis to our Sunday morning services and 1 comingto our Sunday evening service.
I am currently preaching on ASSSURANCE OF SALVATION or How to know for sure that you are saved.
Sunday Evening we are doing a study on the true meaning of the Local New Testament Church.
We are currently getting for this weekend: the 4th is the annual Frederick in the Streets. We have a 10 by 10 booth where we can promote the church. We are getting 1,000 invitation packets together for that.
We are also getting ready for our 1st Year Anniversay st the Church. We have a deaf preacher from Hampshire View Baptist Church coming to preach for us. Then after the service we will be having dinner for the church at our apartment.

Sept. 11, 2008

2008-09-11T10:12:00.002-04:00

We started off this morning with car problems. We found out we will need (possible) a new Catalytic (Spelling ?) Convertor for our car. The computer for cars also said it might be the OT Sensor. We are praying that is will just need an OT Sensor, for that is the cheaper of the two. If it is justthe sensor we are looking at about $200, if we need both we are looking at about $500. We'll give an update this evening, Lord willing.

Sept. 9, 2008

2008-09-09T12:59:00.002-04:00

As I sit here writing this entry, it is raining and about 78 degrees. I have spent most of the morning starting sermons for Sunday. This past few Sundays have bben good. Two Sundays ago we had a total of 5 people in Sunday morning service and then a nice dinner at our apartments afterwards.

This past Sunday we once again had 5 in the morning service and we even started having our evening service. In the evening service we had one deaf young lady.
We are still doing the Bible studies with the one young man and his brother.

August 28, 2008

2008-08-28T20:48:00.002-04:00

It has been almost 2 weeks since our last entry. We have:

Spent 5 days in Gatlinburg, TN with friends of ours, Mike and Marci along with their 5 children. It was good to get away for a few days and relax a little. It was also good to see Mike and his family. It was the first time in a year that we were able to see them. They are members of our home church (Stanley Heights) in Chattanooga, TN.
The best news is that we now have deaf visiting on a regular basis. This past weekend, we had a young college student visit us as a result from them visiting our church's website. We also had a deaf lady visit from here in Frederick.
This coming Sunday we will be trying to have a dinner fellowship after the mroning service.

August 11, 2008

2008-08-11T07:17:00.003-04:00

Good Morning from a cool Frederick. It is currently about 57 degrees outside. It is getting close to the best time of the year, Fall. The only drawback is that it is getting darker earlier which will limit visiting in the evenings.

I was able to go out and visit 6 deaf homes on Saturday. Once again I found no one home. That is one reason why it seems to take such a long time to get visitors.
There were no visitors Sunday, which in one way was good, for we had some problems while we were at the Hotel's meeting room. The room right across the hall seemed to be having a party. At one point it came over into our meeting room. Come to find out they were drinking and were not quite themselves. They were also smoking in the hall, allowing the smoke to come into our room.
Yesterday afternoon I received an e-mail from a young lady really letting me "have it" over an article in my newsletter. It was an article written by a deaf pastor friend of mine on his thoughtsd about Choclear Implants and what he thought the Bible says about them.
The lady assumed I had written it and went on for about 2 pages of how ignorant I was both Biblically and in regards to the Choclear Implants. She said she had received the newsletter from a ffriend of hers that was in tears because of the article.
I e-mailed her back explaining that I was not the writer and had put the article in the newsletter only to get feedback from the deaf community.
By the time was done, she had not changed her mind about the article but was more receptive to me and wants us to put her on the mailing list for the newsletter.
She even invited me to com eand attend her deaf group's meetings every 2nd Saturday of the month.

Aug. 5, 2008

2008-08-05T08:33:00.002-04:00

Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

I am currently rereading a book on William Carey's Journal. I am still amazed how he kept on, despite so many hardships in his life. While reading his life story, I can't help but think of the above verse. (Php 1.6).
I am slowly relaizing that if our work here in Frederick is going to be a success it will be because the Lord has done it through us. My job is to be obedient and faithful to Him. If I work without Him, it is totally in vain and a waste of time.
We had two more visitors Sunday morning, they were some who visited with us at an earlier date. Please pray for regular visitors, who with the Lord's help be saved members of the church.
Sunday night I preached on Romans 8.28-30. What a wonderful passage, despite the debate that is going on because of the possible interpretations of these 3 verses. The more I study God's Word, the more I relaize I need to learn.

Wednesday July 23, 2008

2008-07-23T17:30:00.002-04:00

It has been a good week. We had two deaf visitors on Sunday morning. The gentleman was a young man I had met at a local store. He works ath the store as a trouble shooter. They are a very sweet couple. I took over a plate of cookies to their house and was able to visit with the wife and one of her friends (who had visited our church once before and is thinking of coming back.)
The young lady who has trusted the Lord has come through her back surgery with flying colors. She is still talking about being baptised along with another of her family members. Her husband has found temporary work and is still looking fo rmore permament work. Please pray that the Lord will continue to provide for them.

July 15, 2008

2008-07-15T08:00:00.003-04:00

The best news this week is that we had one young lady accepet the Lord. We helped her to get a good study Bible and she has began to tell her unsaved family members how to be saved. Linnea and I look at her life and can say she has really been saved. It is the best thrill that one can receive: to be involved in another coming to the Lord and seeing that life changed.
We also now have a new website that you can view: http://www.crossroaddeafbaptistchurch.com/ Do take a look and let me know what you think. The e-mail for the church is: pastor@crossroaddeafbaptistchurch.com If you do look at it, please sign our guestbook.

July 12, 2008

2008-07-12T07:21:00.002-04:00

It has a busy few weeks since our last entry. The major issue has been trying to get my desktop computer back up and running right. Come to find out I had 3 major viruses on my hard drive. They were of the type that I had to wipe my hard drive clean and reinstall everything.
The good part is in the mean-time Linnea and i have been able to get a website up and running for the church: www.crossroaddeafbaptistchurch.com, please take a look and let me know what you think. The e-mail for the church is pastor@crossroaddeafbaptistchurch.com if you need e-mail for church reasons.

June 30 2008

2008-06-30T07:39:00.002-04:00

We have been here now more than one year and it has been a good year. Here are some thoughts as we look back:

We have passed out 5,000 John and Romans packets.
We have also passe out 1,000 invitation cards.
We have seen 7 people saved through the course of our helping a hearing ministry.
We are currently doing Bible studies with 3 men.
We have passed out 60+ Deaf Newletters.
We are still meeting many deaf, who will visit our church but usually only once.

We are hoping to much more this upcoming 2nd year. We will be starting off with An Introduction to Irish Sign Language Class at the local library. We are also able to have a 10x10 booth at Frederick in the Streets in Oct.

June 16, 2008

2008-06-16T11:05:00.003-04:00

It has been an interesting 2 weeks since our last entry. We have done a little bit of traveling. We were able to present our ministry to a new church. I was able to preach as well as present what we do. Last Wednesday night I ended up getting a bit of problem from the heat. I had been out all day passing out the last batches of our John and Romans and the heat got the best of me.
This past weekend was good. We were able to go to a birthday cookout for Pam Shipe (Jeff's wife). They had the normal hamburgers, hot dogs and even better crabs.
This Sunday a couple I had visited a few months ago came and visited. This was a couple that was interested in Sign language.
We are preparing to mail out our newsletters. We figured it is cheaper to mail them to try and deliver them in person. (That is taking in consideration that gas here in Frederick is close to $4.11 a gallon). We will follow up with a personal visit at a later date.

June 2, 2008

2008-06-02T07:36:00.003-04:00

It is hard to believe that it is June 1st already. In less than 2 weeks Linnea and I will have been in Frderick for 1 year. It has been a good year, it has not developed as quickly as we had hoped, but the Lord has (and is) worked in his time to develop his purpose here for the deaf. We have put out close to 6,000 packets of Gospel materails as well as attempted (meaning we are having a hard time finding them at home) to visit most of the deaf on my list (250 deaf on my list.)

Pam (Jeff's wife) is hopefully down with her doctor visits for a while. She seems to be recovering well. Please continue to pray for her as she does finish her recovery.

Please continue to pray for Jeff and his son Chris as we coninue the Bible studies. They are both going to church now on a somewhat regular basis. I have seen growth in Jeff in the last 2 months. Chris has even said (after a visit back to his old friends in Florida) that he does not want to go back to that old life. He missed the Bible studies and fellowship and christain encouragement he has here.

Please continue to pray for Jeff's brother Kevin. We are still meeting for the times of what he calls "debating time". He still ios seeking answers but has been very receptive to our "talks".

Last Monday we had a picnic down at a major park here in town. We had 8 people show up, including 2 J.W.'s who wanted to try and convert us. That didn't happen.

May 21, 2008

2008-05-21T16:45:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful Sunday Service in the morning. We had 2 deaf ladies come to church and visit with us. From 10-11 we had a time for questions and answers. The ladies asked several good questions and seemed content with our answers. They did stay for our 11 service.