Day Off

Today I am going to mow the yard hopefully for the last time. It is not a job I enjoy doing but since the boys are at school, it is mine to do. I will also clean up my car. It needs it really bad. The inside is kind of embarrassing. At least I am going to have pretty weather. This is not exactly an exciting day off but you got to do what you got to do.

Prayer Breakfast

Today Cathy and I went to Owensboro for a minister's prayer breakfast. Ministers from Henderson, Madisonville, and Owensboro gather monthly to learn, encourage, and pray for one another. It is an important time. I think pastors have it more difficult today than ever before. I see many pastors discouraged and ready to give up. Only other ministers can understand what others pastors go through. These monthly meetings are very important. In addition to the monthly prayer breakfast next year we are going to try to begin monthly small groups for pastors and their spouses. I think it is a great idea. Please pray for our pastors and ministers. They need it. Thanks.

Mission Service

Last night I was working on the power point for the service tomorrow night. I think you will enjoy the pictures. We had a great trip. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. For our family dinner we are having fried chicken. That sounds really good. Dinner begins at 5:30. Hope you are able to come.

Day 6 Thursday

Thursday was our sightseeing day. We took a train to Paris. The train was comfortable, a step up from coach on a plane. I slept most of the way there. I think the rest of the train was awake because of my snoring. Cathy finally elbowed me.

In Paris we took a double decker bus to the major sights. You could get off and stay at one place as long as you wanted. Buses came about every 20 minutes and would take you to the next stop. This was a good way to see the city but also visit the sights. Our first stop was to Notre Dame. It was an incredible church. For lunch we ate a ham & cheese sandwich from a street vendor. We then went to the ritzy shopping district. Great to look at but beyond our pocketbook. Then we went to the highlight of the day, the Eiffel Tower. It was incredible. The walk up to it was wonderful. The views from the top were breathtaking. I gave Cathy a kiss from the top.

For dinner Janice, Melody, Cathy, and I went to an Italian place (yes I know Italian in France). It was really good. Overall it was a once in a lifetime day.

Day 5 Wednesday

Wednesday was our busiest ministry day. In the morning we went to the Continental Theological Seminary. Their present student body represents over 20 countries. Their alumni serve in over 70 nations. All the classes are offered in English and French. It is truly an international university. The students are not only trained in ministry but get to learn in an diverse environment. I had the privilege of preaching in their chapel and Cathy got to teach a youth ministry class. It was a real honor and a lot of fun. We got a tour of the facilities and had lunch with the students.

That afternoon we visited the Gaasbeek Castle. It was built in the 1500's. It was amazing. It looked like something out of a fairy tale.

That evening we went to the youth service at International Christian Center. One of the members of our team ministered to the youth and at the end we prayed for each student. Their youth service was very similar to ours. They don't play a lot of games but go after God.

It was a full and satisfying day.

Day 4 Tuesday

Tuesday we toured the European Union. It would be similar to going to the capital in Washington DC. It was interesting. The former Roman empire plays an important role in the end times. As I was sitting there I thought "decisions will be made in this room that will affect the end of the world." We then went to the European Union Chapel. We spent time in prayer for Europe and our world. It was a holy time.

We took that afternoon off and rested because Tuesday night was the regular meeting of "Students for Christ." They meet in the Turley's apartment. It was gratifying to see the fruit of their ministry. Students from all over the world are a part of their ministry. They had a visitor that night from China. He knew nothing about Christ. I mean no knowledge at all. He had heard of Jesus but did not know anything about Him. He was checking all of us out pretty close but he seemed to enjoy himself. His name is Pong. Please pray for his salvation.

It was another full day. To be honest if I had not taken a nap that afternoon I would have been in trouble because Wednesday and Thursday were our busiest days.

Day 3

On Monday we got to help the local church with their mission fundraiser. Cathy and I missed working on the burgoo but we did help with the "Apple Dumpling Gang." The church in Belgium sells homemade apple pies for missions. They don't sell a few but over 1000! They profit close to $9000.00 We helped peal apples. I mean a lot of apples. To be honest, I was not very good at it.

We spent the rest of the morning touring the European Ministries Center. The Assemblies of God World Missions headquarters for all of Europe is in Belgium. They have an office complex that serves Convoy of Hope, Church Planting, Euro boost, Masters Commission, and more. We met all of the missionaries and spent time encouraging them. They made us lunch. It was a great time of learning and fellowship.

We spent the afternoon touring Brussels. It is a beautiful city. Next Wednesday night we will show you pictures. We did a little shopping but most of that happened on Friday.

Day 2

On Sunday went to a church service at International Christian Center. It is a church of diversity. They have several nationalities in the church. The pastor preaches in English but the service is translated in many languages. It was really neat to go there.

Sunday afternoon we went to Waterloo, the place of the famous battle with Napoleon. After that we visited Villeirs Abbey ruins a 12th century Cistercian Abbey. It was incredible. Other than Paris it was the highlight of the trip for me. It was like walking through Narnia. It was a beautiful place.

That night we went prayer walking at another university. We saw what they call baptisms. Students join "circles" which are similar to fraternities. They have to go through an initiation. They do part of them out on the streets of the college. They looked occultic. They were chanting and doing other things. It was creepy. You could sense the spiritual darkness. I kept thinking what are these students opening themselves up to. It was definitely an eye opening experience.

We ended the day by going to a restaurant and ate crepes. To be honest it was my least favorite meal. I didn't like it very much but the food was so good that it is hard to complain.

First Day

We left for Belgium Friday afternoon from Louisville, when we landed it was 7:30 a.m. in Belgium. We took our luggage to the Turley's apartment and had an orientation. Most of the group members had never met before. We represented all of Kentucky. Then they took us to the university campus where they begun their ministry Students for Christ. This is a "free" university which means it is free from God and any mention of Christ. You cannot do evangelism on the campus but on the public sidewalk leading into the university. Steve and Deanne have been escorted off the campus many times. Steve gave us a tour of the university and we spent time prayer walking. Europe is a dark continent and needs much prayer. The spiritual forces of evil over Europe must be defeated. We then drove around a second campus and prayed for it. After that we checked into our hotel rooms. Our room was small but neat, clean, had a comfortable bed, and hot water. That night we ate at the Turley's. Deanne made spaghetti. It was really good. By this time we were all pretty tired and ready for a good night's sleep.

Mission Trip

We had a great trip to Belgium. Our sightseeing day in Paris was incredible. That is an incredible city. In the USA we think that a building that is 100 is old. In Europe buildings are hundreds of years old. They build nothing out of wood, everything is stone. It is a totally different look and feel. There is a sense of history there. This week I will be giving you a day by day look about our trip.

News from the boys

Charles called today. He was elected Freshman class president at CBC. He was pretty excited. Tyler lost Vice-President by 2 votes in a runoff. Cathy and I are proud of both of them.

Belgium Trip

Cathy and I are leaving for Belgium tomorrow. We are leading a KY District Mission trip with Steve & Deanne Turley. They are great missionaries and this will be my first trip there. I am really looking forward to it. We will be prayer walking, ministering to college students, going to the European Union Chapel, and more. For our free day we are going to Paris! It is just a train ride from Brussels. There are 10 people from KY going. Please pray for us. I will not be blogging on the trip. I won't have Internet access. We will return on October 18.

Possessing Your Promise

This morning I have been preparing for the Bible Study tonight. I am continuing the teaching "Possessing your Promise." It is a study of Joshua. The book of Joshua is about how God enabled the nation of Israel to possess the promise land. It teaches principles for us to possess our promise. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying for the series. It has been coming alive in me. I know when it comes alive in me it usually translates and helps others. Hope you are able to be there tonight. Because of fall break we are not having our family dinner, missionettes, or Royal Rangers but youth ministries and adult Bible study and prayer are on regular schedule.

Galapagos Islands

We are planning a mission trip to Galapagos Islands. It will be a life changing trip. I encourage everyone to consider going. This really is a once in a lifetime trip. If you are interested contact Chris & Michele Nally.

Praise Report

I have a praise report. Cathy's mother, Beverly, had a medical procedure today. They put in a pace maker. Her heart rate had been low. They did a heart cath and it turned out fine. There is no blockage or damage. She should get out of the hospital tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers.

Prayer

What is the best planning meeting? I believe it is a prayer meeting! How can a church plan until it has heard from God. That is why we are changing our deacon meeting tonight into a prayer meeting. I believe the church needs to slow down and for the next three months spend time seeking God's face. Remember it is His church. We want to make sure we hear from Him and are in His will. By spending the last three months of 2008 in prayer, we can go into 2009 knowing that we are in the center of His will. Join me tonight at 6:30 in the sanctuary for prayer. It is open to everyone.

Dog

We are facing a family crisis. Our dog will not sleep. That may not seem like a big deal, but when the dog does not sleep, Cathy and I do not sleep. We have tried everything. We have bribed, disciplined, begged, kennelled, etc. Nothing works. She has never done this before. Cathy and I thinks she began acting this way when the boys went to school. We don't know if she is mourning that the boys or gone or what. Cathy's routine has also changed in that she is spending three days a week at the detention center. Animals need a routine and ours has changed. All I know is that I am becoming sleep deprived. She will not let me sleep. Anybody want a dog?

Fasting and Prayer

I am sensing a real prompting to call First A/G to a time of fasting and prayer. I think we will begin Monday night by turning the deacon meeting into a prayer meeting. We will continue to focus on prayer on Wednesday nights and we will call the first 21 days of November a time of fasting and prayer. I think we need God to work in a mighty way. Will you join me?

Great Day

Today was a really good day. This morning I taught the seminar Class 201: Experiencing Spiritual Maturity. It is a class that teaches the four spiritual habits that will lead to you becoming more like Jesus. We had over 20 take the class and it was great. The information in this class is so good that I highly recommend it for every person.

This afternoon we went to the Miller Reunion. It was at Cathy's parents farm. They had a good turnout and perfect weather. I think Cathy had a good time visiting with extended family.

Tomorrow we have a surprise guest speaker. I was planning on preaching but yesterday I received a call from Bill McDonald. He had a cancellation and was available. I told him to come on down and preach for me. He will minister in the morning service.

It has been a great day.

Listening to God

I have written a lot lately about transitions. Cathy and I are going through a transition period in our lives as the boys have left for college and Sarah is getting married. We are going to experience the empty nest. Cathy is now spending three days a week at the Detention Center and our daily schedule and routines are different. We are transitioning. I believe that God speaks during these times. I believe it is a time to raise your antenna and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. If you are in a time of change be attentive to what God might be doing in your life. Don't just jump into any and every thing but be open to God and what He is speaking to you.

Burgoo

Tonight we are having Burgoo for dinner. We freeze some burgoo every year and eat it all year long. It is great. I know I am biased but I think First Assembly makes the best burgoo in town. The best thing about it is all the proceeds goes to missions. When our church goes on a construction missions trip the monies we make from the burgoo purchase the materials for the project. This way First A/G is not only providing free labor but we are providing free materials. This make it a win/win for our missionaries. The burgoo is October 18. We need lots of volunteers on October 17 & 18. Go to the welcome center or call the church office if you are interested.

Wednesday night teaching series

Tonight I am beginning a new teaching series "Taking Possession of our Promise Land." It is a study of the book of Joshua. Joshua was the leader of Israel when they entered into the promise land. I believe it has principles that we can learn to enter into our own promise land. The promise land does not just represent heaven. It is the quality of life we are to live after we are saved. It includes heaven but it begins at the moment you are saved. Jesus said he came to give you an abundant life. That is one of my favorite promises in the Bible. So on Wednesday nights we are going to learn how to take possession of our promise land.

Wedding Anniversary

Cathy and I celebrated our anniversary yesterday. We went to Cork n Cleaver for lunch and I bought Cathy flowers. She got me a great card. It has been 13 great years. I married way over my head.

Last night we went to Sectional Council. This is an annual meeting of the Assemblies of God officers of the Pennyrile Section. The section includes A/G churches in the Henderson, Owensboro, and Madisonville area. We elect officers, conduct business, and have fellowship. It was a good night. My friend Lewis Nall was elected presbyter. Presbyter is a Greek word that means elder, pastor, or leader. Lewis will pastor the pastors in our section. I am happy for him. He will do a good job.

I am looking forward to tonight's service. We are having pasta for dinner and I am beginning a new series on Joshua in the service. We always spend time praying for one another on Wednesday nights.