Temporarily Stranded In LA

To Linda (and all other friends),

It is 4:10 AM in Los Angeles. Our flight was delayed for over an hour in Charlotte, and then had to make an unscheduled stop in Dallas/Fort Worth to refuel due to high upper level headwinds.

Long story short is this - We arrived at Tom Bradley International Terminal at LA International Airport, 15 minutes AFTER our scheduled Philippine Airlines flight to Manila departed.

PAL had already closed down for the night at LAX and we were stuck. The next PAL flight to Manila will not leave until 9:05 PM on MONDAY NIGHT. Therefore we were stuck in LA for 24 hours with no place to go or stay. We made our way back to Terminal 1 where US Airways did provide us with a room and meal vouchers at the Sheraton 4 Points near the airport.

We spoke to a representative of Philippine Air Lines late last night and he expressed hope that we might be able to rebook on Monday night's flight...
We will not know until 6:00 AM (pacific time) when PAL's reservations 800 number is activated. Their ticket windows here at LAX do not open till 4:05 today.

We will be AT LEAST one day later arriving in Manila - if then! For now we are out of the weather and safe, although tired and frustrated. The next two or three hours will be crucial to this trip. Please pray that we will be able to get seats on this flight. Since that is the only daily PAL flight, this could be a problem. I want to thank my daughter in law, Michelle, for spending two hours on the phone last night with US Air and PAL (while we were en route from Dallas to LAX,) trying to help us make arrangements while we were helpless to do so ourselves. Thanks Peep. You're a trooper.

I will try to write again as soon as I know any thing about our flight status. While this came as a surprise to us - we know that nothing comes as a surprise to God. He knew what would happen and He is in control. Pray that we may have the patience to trust Him, and the discernment to be aware of why He has put us in this situation.

In His Care,
C.J.
(along with Thamer, Rick, and Joey)

We're Off!

The day has finally arrived for our team of four to depart for our two week mission trip to the islands of Negros, Cebu, and Siquijor in the Republic of the Philippines. Most of our work this trip will focus in and around Dumaguete City, the capital city of the province of Negros Oriental.

It has been nine years since my first short term mission trip to Negros Island and the beginning of our partnership with Pastor and Mrs. Doming Valdez. Over many years of ministry, the Valdez' have planted seven churches in the Philippines. The New Life Christian Church (SBC) was only six weeks old, when I first hooked up with Doming and Villa. Looking back, I marvel at how God brought all of the pieces together, to forge a lasting friendship and fruitful partnership between two pastors, separated by 12 time zones. Furthermore, we have come to know and love many other precious people, other evangelical pastors, and helped them in their efforts to reach their island for Christ.

Over the past nine years we have helped purchase land, erect and furnish church buildings, distribute thousands of Bibles and countless Gospel tracts. We have none house to house evangelism, and have preached, sang, and taught in house churches, public schools, places of business, remote villages, and large outdoor crusades. We have assisted the local pastors in many baptisms and have even taken part in a funeral service and three weddings! God has opened many doors of opportunity for us in the Philippines and hundreds of souls have been added into the Kingdom of God. We have helped to provide hundreds of pounds of rice for the local church's feeding ministry. We have been blessed to see three additional local churches birthed as part of our mission activities with Pastors Valdez, Joseph Zerna, and Jonathan Ugdoc. These men and their godly wives are the heroes. We have simply been blessed by God to be able to assist and serve as resource people for them through personal and financial assistance.

One of the highlights of all of our visits there came in May, 2008 when we were able to include a two day Pastor and Church Leader Seminar as part of our mission trip. This seminar was held at the Bethel Guest House in Downtown Dumaguete City, and saw more than 70 pastors, wives, and church leaders come from as far as 60 miles away for the two day event. Thanks to gifts from friends here in the states and from the Missions Department of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists, we were able to distribute many Bible reference materials to the conference attendees. Only God knows the full extent of our ministries.

My first few visits there were part of teams of local pastors who worked with several churches in a local Baptist Association in Oriental Negros. These trips led to individual partnerships with individual churches and seven other mission trips under the banner of Beacon Ministries, Inc. Twenty-two people from eight different churches in four states have traveled with us as members of our various Beacon Ministries mission teams over the past six years. God has used us in a small way as He accomplishes great things half a world away.

We must say that none of these things could have been accomplished without the prayers and financial support of our dear friends of this ministry, here at home. You have helped us go. You have helped provide funds for all the above listed projects, and more. Your gifts have made an eternal impact on the lives of hundreds, and even thousands, of people. Thank you for giving to this particular work of the Lord. Thank you for all of you who have gone with us. Thank you most of all for your prayers.

Today at 1:45 PM, Thamer Calhoun, Rick Gunnell, Joseph Spurgeon and I are scheduled to leave Tri-State Airport on a 31 hour trip to Dumaguete. Please continue to lift us up in prayer. We invite you to check back in on this blog site over the next 17 days as we will attempt to update you as often as possible on our activities. Thanks so much to those of you who are part of this ministry in any way.

Until the nets are full,

C.J.

Love Story

Forty years ago I fell in love.

Twice!

Yes, forty years ago I entered into two love relationships. One of the relationships involves a commitment until the day I die. The other is eternal.

I met the love of my life in October, 1969, the night I first laid eyes on Linda Bowling. The eternal affair began seven months earlier, when I met Jesus. Linda and I are committed to one another for a lifetime. Jesus and I are united forever! I courted Linda for nearly two years before she said "I do." Jesus, on the other hand, pursued me! (Luke 19:10)

Love stories abound throughout history. Countless books and plays have been written about lovers. Hundreds of movies have warmed our hearts with memorable love story lines. And what about the thousands and thousands of songs? Paul McCartney whimsically wrote, "You'd think the world would have had enough of silly love songs. I look around me and I see it isn't so. Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs. What's wrong with that? I need to know. So here I go, again. I love you!..."

There are stories of true love, puppy love, parental love, secret love, star crossed love, and unrequited love. The greatest love story of all, however, is the story of God's love. It is a perfect love. The love of a Holy God for fallen man. It is a story of sacrificial love - unmerited love - everlasting love. Jesus himself summed it up in one powerful powerful statement recorded during a dialog with a man named Nicodemus. You know it by heart. It's the "Golden Verse" of the Bible. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

I didn't deserve such love. Neither did you. Yet He still came to Earth - obedient to the mission - paid the penalty for my sins and provided the way for me to live forever in a loving relationship with my Creator. Is it a great love story? You bet it is. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13).

Aren't you thankful for God's love?

Whatever!

A friend once told me that he knew an argument with his wife was over when she got that certain look in her eye and said, “Whatever!” He said that “Whatever” meant, by translation, “My mind is made up – discussion over!” “Whatever” is a term that is used by lots of people in a number of ways. But did you know that there are at least three “Whatever” passages in the Bible? These “Whatever you do” verses would be wise for each of us to remember and to practice every day of our lives. Let’s take a moment to consider them.

The first is found in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9 verse 10. The wise writer says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”

This is about Passion.

In the context of that passage of scripture we find words of wisdom that guide us in the path of living a joyful and fruitful life. The old saying says we only go around once in life. How true this is. Earthly life may last 0, 80, or 100 years, but it is only a blink in eternity. Each of us goes about our respective careers and vocations. No matter what God has given you to do, do it with a passion. We only have one lifetime to make a mark for Him on this earth.

The second reference is found in Colossians 3:17. Paul the Apostle writes, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

This is about Praise.

This passage talks about the character of the “new man” in Christ Jesus. It speaks of the forgiveness we have in Christ. The love that Christ brings to our hearts. The peace that comes only with a relationship with Him through the new birth. It speaks of how we are to worship, and how we are to encourage one another – while always giving thanks to God for His wonderful gift. Whatever you do, ask yourself, “Can I do this in a way that will bring honor to the Lord Jesus?” If so, do it! If not, steer clear.

A few verses later (Colossians 3:27) we find the third “Whatever” reference. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”.

This is about Purpose.

Those of us who belong to Christ are no longer our own. We have been purchased at a great price and we are His. This truth should permeate every relationship that this passage mentions (husband/wife, parent/children, servant/master, etc). Our primary purpose is toward our God. He is the one who sees and rewards. He is the one we are to please.

A Christian life of Passion, Praise and Purpose is one that can, and must be lived, “whatever” our circumstances.

The Shot "Herd" 'Round The World

On January 22 ESPN included a remarkable shot by Marshall University's Markell Humphrey on their "Top 10 Plays of the Day". Humphrey's 74 foot game winner slammed off the backboard and through the hoop at the final buzzer, giving the Thundering Herd a thrilling 53-50 win over the Mustangs of SMU. For most Marshall fans that shot brought back fond memories of an even longer buzzer beater that happened on that same court 24 years ago last week. Could there be a Herd fan anywhere who doesn't remember what happened on February 7, 1985?

There are a set of green painted foot prints on the basketball court at Marshall University's Cam Henderson Center. They mark the spot where Bruce Morris made the longest shot in NCAA basketball history. The setting was a Southern Conference game between Coach Rick Huckabay's Thundering Herd and the Mountaineers of Appalachian State University. Time was running out in the first half when Bruce Morris took an inbound pass three feet inside the baseline with only three seconds remaining. Morris turned, and heaved the ball with all his might toward the Herd's goal, 89 feet and 10 inches away. What happened next made college basketball history.

Nothing but net! ... swisheroo! ... string music!

We weren't at that particular game. It was Linda's birthday. The boys and I were lying in the living room floor watching it on TV. The crowd of three at my house went wild! (Linda was not in the room at the time) Jay and Benji were just kids, but they'll tell you today that they remember "The Shot". A year or so later, when Ben attended Huck's summer basketball camp, the first thing he wanted to do was stand on those footprints. Every kid who sets foot on the Henderson Center floor wants to do the same.

Now, there have been some great moments at the Henderson Center. Herd fans thrilled to the exciting play of guys like Skip Henderson and John Taft. We remember Jason Williams and an exciting , although brief, time of "Billy Ball", when Billy Donovan made his head coaching debut here. And who can forget when "Huck's Herd" hosted the very first visit of the hated WVU Mountaineers? Gale Catlett had tried to play down the hype that was building the week of the big showdown by saying, "It's just another game". Not to Herd fans! Rick Huckabay and his coaching staff showed up on the sidelines sporting tuxedos and green cummerbunds! Just another game? Hardly. The atmosphere was electric! The biggest moment of the game came when a WVU player (gee! I didn't think I'd ever forget that guy's name!) began to exchange words with Coach Catlett on the bench. To the crowd's surprise (and delight) the disgruntled player tore off his jersey, fired it at Catlett, and paraded bare chested off the court, yelling "Go Herd!"

Now Markell Humphrey's long distance, game winning shot joins these and other great moments at "The Big Butterfly" down on Third Avenue. But only one event prompted footprints being painted on the floor - Bruce Morris' shot "herd" 'round the world! Morris etched his name in the annals of basketball history, and became a local hero in Herd territory and on campus. "The Herald-Dispatch" reported that the girls in Buskirk Hall set up a fan club and Bruce 'Miracle' Morris tribute on the wall of the first floor of that dormitory. That's Bruce with his hand on the wall.

Where is Bruce now? You'll find him officiating major college women's basketball, or running his own lawn care and landscaping business, or watching his two youngest daughters, MacKenzie and Madison playing Middle School and AAU basketball (What else would they be doing? It's in the genes. Their mom, Angie, is quite an athlete, herself). On Sunday's (when they're not on the road) you'll find Bruce, Angie, and the girls in their places at Westmoreland Baptist Church, where they are valued members of the church family. The Morris family are one part of the mosaic that make up our local fellowship of believers who can rejoice (not because of painted footprints on the court, but because their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life)!

By the way. Marshall won that game over Appy State, 93-82.

Happy "Anniversary" Bruce. We haven't forgotten.

UPDATE: Jim Bailey emailed me to remind me that the WVU player's name was Tim Austin. I didn't think I'd ever forget that guy's name, but I'll blame it on having a "senior moment". That WVU game was not the last time the Herd faced Tim Austin. He finished his college career at East Tennessee State University (also in the Southern Conference)

Thanks for the help, Jim!!!

Birthdays Remembered

The first two months of the year bring a number of birthdays to our family. Grandsons numbers one and two, and daughter in law, Leigh Anne, start the birthday year off for us in January. Nephew Josh Adkins, and twin nieces, Kate and Alex' big days also come in January. Other family members' birthdays come in April and May, with anniversaries in May, June, July, and then some other birthdays in September, October, and an anniversary in November. But the shortest month of the year seems to bring our family more than it's share of important dates.

Yesterday my wife, Linda, observed her birthday. Since it is not polite to mention a lady's age, I'll simply say that she and I are now the same age again - and will be until October. Linda is obviously a keeper. I thank God that she has been willing to put up with me (and every thing that comes with that) for the past 37+ years. She came into my life 40 years ago, and life changed forever - for the better, of course! One could never ask for a better wife, friend, and mother of his children. When she came home at midday, grandsons 2 & 4 and I surprised her with a birthday cake and gifts. Jay and Michelle and the New Orleans grandsons sent a gift and called. Benji and Leigh Anne joined us later in the day as the local family had opportunity to be together briefly. Linda and I just had a quiet evening at home and will probably go out to eat this afternoon at a place of her choosing. Along with my mother, grandmother and late mother-in-law, Linda is the best human being I have ever know. I wish I were more like her.

Sister-in-law, Sarah Adkins, observed her birthday earlier this month in Atlanta. Next week the birthdays really bunch up for our family. Valentine's Day is the big day for my younger brother, Bruce, in Huntington, WV and our daughter-in-law, Michelle, in New Orleans. Our son, Jay, Michelle's husband, celebrates on the 15th as does Linda's younger brother, Bob, in Pike County, KY. Bruce's younger son, Caleb, cuts the cake two days later, on February 17th. The February birthdays wind up with Linda's sister, Violet Bennett, later in the month. Along with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, some "great Americans" are celebrating this month.

I wish them all a very happy birthday, and many, many more!

(and I hope I haven't forgotten anyone!!!)

Friend Me!

Recently I have come in contact with a number of my church members, neighbors, family members, fellow pastors, seminary professors and administrators, former co-workers, former classmates, friends of our children, people in foreign lands, long lost friends, and cousins from all over the United States. Recent communicants include friends I see every week as well as some folks I haven't seen in years. These contacts run the gamut from teenagers to young adults, middle agers, and grandparents, and they all have one thing in common - Facebook.

When I first became aware of Facebook, about a year ago, I was told that it was basically "My Space for adults". I guess it was once, but now one can find folks of all ages in this global network. I ventured into Facebook in a manner similar to someone dipping his toe into cold water. Caution was the rule. Primarily because I really didn't know exactly how deep this thing ran, and partially because, at 58, I'm not quite as adventurous as I once was. Somewhat technologically challenged, I thought it best to move slowly. Searching Facebook, I was surprised to find a couple of folks I knew, so I started an account and sent out a couple of friend requests, and POW - I was in.

People use Facebook for a number of reasons. Some folks are interested in networking. Some may be looking for relationships and making new friends. Others, like myself, are just looking to connect with friends and acquaintances. It's a convenient way to make informal contact, send messages, share photos, and catch up. A person can spend as much or as little time in Facebook as they choose, but if care is not taken, it can be absolutely addictive! One hit leads to another. One friend can lead to multiple others, and on and on and on.

What I like about Facebook is the easy contact and casual interaction. One can send messages, join groups, post photos and videos, send announcements, and chat with friends who are online. While convenient and interesting, it is also easy to see how the site could be abused by scurrilous characters and those with a predatory nature. There is almost an "exhibitionist" facet to the site, which allows an individual to share as much personal information as they choose. That can be a little scary. Just as with My Space, parents should be very aware of the potential dangers to their children who are using Facebook.

I am trying to be careful about how much time I spend on the site. As a pastor, I do have other, much more important demands on my time. But it is a nice way to touch base with computer savvy church members and kids who are in our Student Ministry at church. I have found it quite helpful in staying in touch with friends in the Philippines, and it is an easy way to get messages to them quickly. Facebook has already reunited me with some dear old friends that had lost touch over the years, and it has brought back many fond memories. Like anything good, it can be abused, so it demands self discipline in a lot of ways.

So, if you are on Facebook, I'd like to hear from you. Send a friend request, and we'll stay in touch. But a word of warning... Don't send me any of those "Little Green Patch" requests. Save your time and trouble - I don't spend any time on that stuff and I refuse to believe that swapping cyber plants will help stop global warming. (The 15 degree temperature outside right now leaves me "cold" on the whole concept anyhow).

So, go ahead. Friend me.