It has often been asked by folks attempting to understanding a situation that things be put into a proper perspective. This is not always the easiest task but nevertheless it is a tool that helps individuals to grasp a true picture. The death toll in Haiti is now estimated to be at 150,000 individuals. This death toll number includes children and adults killed by or deaths that are the results of the earthquake that occurred on January 12, 2010.
To understand the impact of these deaths just imagine if everyone in the following counties where suddenly killed. Bell 29,055; Knox 32,810; Whitley 38,668; Laurel County 57,586; Harlan 30,783; Total 158,119 deaths! If this happened here at home I believe it is clear the ciaos that we would leave behind. Just imagine no ambulances to come to our aid, no law enforcement officers to help secure things, and no medical services because there was no place safe to house those injured and no medical professional to render aid because there too were killed. No local church pastor’s or staff members to pray with us, no local elected officials coming out to survey damages, and those that survived find themselves at the total mercy of assistance from those in our surrounding counties. Lee County, VA has a population of 23,448 they could help some, Clairborne, TN has a population of 31,461 and they could help a little more. Moving north looking to Madison with 82,192 residents they could help and our best resource would be Fayette County with a population of 282,114. Given these facts, their close location to us would help in response time, but still they would need time to gather the necessaries required just to come to our aid.
Imagine all that to be true and think how it must be in Haiti facing the number of the dead and the condition they now find themselves in because of this earthquake. It seems hopeless right, and if that status isn’t correct, then we could certainly agree it would seem overwhelming for sure. Thinking about these conditions let’s just consider the added fact that you were the only surviving family member of your entire family, and you had no immediate cash or items of monetary value to sell or trade for goods or services. These conditions are hypothec for us today here in Southeastern Kentucky, but this is not a made up scenario for the people of Haiti, it’s reality.
We are thousands of miles away but we can help. If this type of catastrophic event happened here Southeastern Kentucky we would expect help from our neighbors and it is logical for us to understand the task would be too enormous for them alone. We would pray the State of Tennessee came to our aid, and that the Commonwealth of Virginia step up to send aid through the Cumberland Gap to assist us in our great hour of need. I cannot imagine being a Christian and not thinking I too must act. The time is now.
Until then
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Mike Wilson - Haiti one life changed, Tia
The devastation of the January 12th 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti has left the world scrambling to find ways to make a difference for a country that has so little. Actually among all the countries of the world, Haiti is the least of them all. Not sure who is due credit for the often quoted saying, “do what you can while you can”, but it is true. So often people put off things believing that tomorrow will better fit into their schedule instead of taking action immediately and putting steps on their plans today.
Michael Wilson grow up in Knoxville, Tn. My friendship began when he was a student at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Ky., and his first church staff position would begin in Corbin, Ky., at the Horse Creek Road Baptist Church as youth minister. Having the opportunity to be the first pastor a minister will serve under and be mentored under is special. HCRBC was a unique setting and a great first experience for Mike too. I have in my mind a picture of him in overalls as we celebrated “Old Fashion Days” along with other friends that were there too that brings a smile to my face even now. He would later serve Two Rivers Baptist Church, the largest SBC church in Tennessee and a Sunday that I made an unannounced visit, I saw him in the waters of baptism baptizing followers of Jesus. There is no greater feeling knowing that having been a part of someone’s life, seeing them leading others to give you that complete circle of accomplishment. Doing the right thing may not always be easy, but it is always best. Today, Mike and his wife Missy are ministry partners with Brent Gambrel Ministries in Nashville, Tn. They have been working with a Orphanage in Carrfour, Haiti that houses 40 children. It is there that they met a little girl name Santia. They call her Tia and she is 5 years old. Mike and Missy’s heart would become fixed on doing their part and the adoption process began a year ago to rescue this French Creole speaking child from the ravages of poverty and the orphanage home she’s known for 4 years. When the earthquake hit on Tuesday morning, Mike knew he had to be on a plan immediately to Haiti to begin his search and to bring Tia home. With the help of the U.S. Embassy, his Congressman and the Haiti government the adoption process was streamline and finalized immediately. There are others who also had adoptions working through the process of the Haiti government before the earthquake who are praying for such success too.
Haiti today is faced with destruction and the death toll beyond description. Orphans flooded the country prior to this disaster and now that number will create even a greater need for God’s love to be shown to the least of these. “Doing what you can, when you can” is most important. To adopt a child today from Haiti is not possible. The government has suspended all such processing as there is no means in place to handle such request. While the need is so great and the numbers are overwhelming there is no immediate answer at this moment as the priority list is already established. It’s the basic of life that are needed on the ground in Haiti to just provide the most essential such as emergency care, and assistance with removal of the dead lining the streets.
The action of Mike and Missy that began a year ago will not solve all the issues facing the people of Haiti that need God’s love, but their action has made all the difference for one! Changing one life at a time is the answer and Mike and Missy have made the difference serving Christ doing what they can, while they can.
Until then
Michael Wilson grow up in Knoxville, Tn. My friendship began when he was a student at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Ky., and his first church staff position would begin in Corbin, Ky., at the Horse Creek Road Baptist Church as youth minister. Having the opportunity to be the first pastor a minister will serve under and be mentored under is special. HCRBC was a unique setting and a great first experience for Mike too. I have in my mind a picture of him in overalls as we celebrated “Old Fashion Days” along with other friends that were there too that brings a smile to my face even now. He would later serve Two Rivers Baptist Church, the largest SBC church in Tennessee and a Sunday that I made an unannounced visit, I saw him in the waters of baptism baptizing followers of Jesus. There is no greater feeling knowing that having been a part of someone’s life, seeing them leading others to give you that complete circle of accomplishment. Doing the right thing may not always be easy, but it is always best. Today, Mike and his wife Missy are ministry partners with Brent Gambrel Ministries in Nashville, Tn. They have been working with a Orphanage in Carrfour, Haiti that houses 40 children. It is there that they met a little girl name Santia. They call her Tia and she is 5 years old. Mike and Missy’s heart would become fixed on doing their part and the adoption process began a year ago to rescue this French Creole speaking child from the ravages of poverty and the orphanage home she’s known for 4 years. When the earthquake hit on Tuesday morning, Mike knew he had to be on a plan immediately to Haiti to begin his search and to bring Tia home. With the help of the U.S. Embassy, his Congressman and the Haiti government the adoption process was streamline and finalized immediately. There are others who also had adoptions working through the process of the Haiti government before the earthquake who are praying for such success too.
Haiti today is faced with destruction and the death toll beyond description. Orphans flooded the country prior to this disaster and now that number will create even a greater need for God’s love to be shown to the least of these. “Doing what you can, when you can” is most important. To adopt a child today from Haiti is not possible. The government has suspended all such processing as there is no means in place to handle such request. While the need is so great and the numbers are overwhelming there is no immediate answer at this moment as the priority list is already established. It’s the basic of life that are needed on the ground in Haiti to just provide the most essential such as emergency care, and assistance with removal of the dead lining the streets.
The action of Mike and Missy that began a year ago will not solve all the issues facing the people of Haiti that need God’s love, but their action has made all the difference for one! Changing one life at a time is the answer and Mike and Missy have made the difference serving Christ doing what they can, while they can.
Until then
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Haiti $400. per year is the average income---we MUST help!
There are many privileges enjoyed as citizens of the United States of America. The political truth is that there are many privileges enjoyed by those that are not citizens but that conversation shall be held for another column not this one. When I consider all the privileges I have enjoyed a particular privilege that has taught and exposed me to life has been the privilege of the opportunity to travel outside of our country. The greatest teaching tool any of us has in life is the tool of experience. Counsel that comes from experience is always valuable and when we use our experiences from life to adjust our way of thinking that too is valuable.
The privilege of the opportunity to travel in others country’s and nation’s has impacted my life in many ways. To begin with, let me say it has changed the way I view other people, circumstances and even my “old ways of thinking.” Scripturally thinking it is more blessed to believe without seeing, but when you actually see things with your eyes in proper context you cannot help but be changed, especially when it comes to how you view America, our role in the world, and our blessings to call the United States home.
In my last visit to Haiti in January 2008 I was again reminded because of travels how blessed I am and how different our country is because of our practice of democracy, personal rights granted by a constitution, free enterprise and developments through an entrepreneurial spirit encouraged by our government. Here in America the two major political parties talk negative about the other but the Republican Party is not conducting secret meetings to over-throw the government. Yes, they want to win Congressional Elections but their efforts are legal and within the guidelines of our democracy. Haiti is a country filled with issues that has her citizens at a disadvantage for the most basic enjoyments of life that are take for granted here in the U.S. One trait that is evident among the people of Haiti is their smile. I am always amazed at the ability of people to smile, be positive, and seemly enjoying life, when they have so little. Of course the opinion that they have so little is based upon an American point of view that has so much.
Today, Haiti is in extreme need! The need for the basic essentials of life. The ability to find their lost loved ones who are crushed underneath a load of walls and destruction as a result of the earthquake. A basic essential of drinking water or clothing would speak a language of care during this crisis. Our government responding can help to further stabilize their government, which has been filled with corruption and practices that have kept the people down. Crisis is a perfect time to build and strength relationship that will make an impact on the citizens of Haiti, who were also created in the image of God and who too deserve to know He cares for them. Our actions will make a difference and as a Christian Nation and the Leader of the free world, we must respond.
My privilege of opportunity to travel, see and learn is now my privilege of opportunity to give financially, support and pray earnestly for a people that are at a total disadvantage. The average yearly income for a citizen is Haiti is $400.00. Anyone in the United States living on $400.00 a year? I think not. We provide at least $2,400.00 per year for families in food stamps alone. That is 6 times the total income in Haiti. I have not even mentioned all the other programs we have for those in the U.S. that gives money and support. Yes, there is a crisis in Haiti, and as a Christian I must respond, the opportunity to make a difference has arrived.
Until then
The privilege of the opportunity to travel in others country’s and nation’s has impacted my life in many ways. To begin with, let me say it has changed the way I view other people, circumstances and even my “old ways of thinking.” Scripturally thinking it is more blessed to believe without seeing, but when you actually see things with your eyes in proper context you cannot help but be changed, especially when it comes to how you view America, our role in the world, and our blessings to call the United States home.
In my last visit to Haiti in January 2008 I was again reminded because of travels how blessed I am and how different our country is because of our practice of democracy, personal rights granted by a constitution, free enterprise and developments through an entrepreneurial spirit encouraged by our government. Here in America the two major political parties talk negative about the other but the Republican Party is not conducting secret meetings to over-throw the government. Yes, they want to win Congressional Elections but their efforts are legal and within the guidelines of our democracy. Haiti is a country filled with issues that has her citizens at a disadvantage for the most basic enjoyments of life that are take for granted here in the U.S. One trait that is evident among the people of Haiti is their smile. I am always amazed at the ability of people to smile, be positive, and seemly enjoying life, when they have so little. Of course the opinion that they have so little is based upon an American point of view that has so much.
Today, Haiti is in extreme need! The need for the basic essentials of life. The ability to find their lost loved ones who are crushed underneath a load of walls and destruction as a result of the earthquake. A basic essential of drinking water or clothing would speak a language of care during this crisis. Our government responding can help to further stabilize their government, which has been filled with corruption and practices that have kept the people down. Crisis is a perfect time to build and strength relationship that will make an impact on the citizens of Haiti, who were also created in the image of God and who too deserve to know He cares for them. Our actions will make a difference and as a Christian Nation and the Leader of the free world, we must respond.
My privilege of opportunity to travel, see and learn is now my privilege of opportunity to give financially, support and pray earnestly for a people that are at a total disadvantage. The average yearly income for a citizen is Haiti is $400.00. Anyone in the United States living on $400.00 a year? I think not. We provide at least $2,400.00 per year for families in food stamps alone. That is 6 times the total income in Haiti. I have not even mentioned all the other programs we have for those in the U.S. that gives money and support. Yes, there is a crisis in Haiti, and as a Christian I must respond, the opportunity to make a difference has arrived.
Until then
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Barbourville Advocate - Dr. Leon Simpson made a difference
The amazing impact of influence is not always necessarily the direct touch, but rather sometimes, the amazing touch is the indirect experience of such influence. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College while located in Bell County, and not here in Knox County, has certainly provided an experience and direct benefit because of the mission of Clear Creek. That mission has served our pulpits with students over the years who have came to study and then were dispatched to other locations. We’ve been directly impacted by those that came to learn, and were called to stay, and have remained as our pastors, and ministers.
While 1926 seems like a long time ago to us, those days have been but a simple blink in the eye of God. The service of individuals is what makes the advancing cause of the Kingdom of God an impact upon us each day of our lives. Here in Knox County our churches are filled with the influence of our neighbors just south at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. The training of ministers to some, is not necessary. Others see the education of religious matter as an additional resource that provides deeper knowledge and even experiences that enhances our understanding and abilities to serve God in more effective ways.
Dr. Leon Simpson was chosen by the Board of Trustees in 1982 and elected as the 3rd President of Clear Creek. The passing of the mantel of leadership from Dr. D.M. Aldridge to Dr. Simpson was to bring about more of that direct benefit, indirectly. The recruitment and promotion of the school through Dr. Simpson’s leadership began a new era of opportunity with changes in class schedules, opportunities for night classes, and even conferences designed to help the average pastor who worked in addition to serving a church congregation. Dr. Simpson had served at Cumberland College in Williamsburg in the development of the Religious Department and he had served Dr. W.A. Criswell at First Baptist, Dallas Texas as his Assistant Pastor. Those experiences provided a rich history and served as valuable resources that made a difference for us here in Southeastern Kentucky especially. I venture to say there are not many Baptist Churches here in Knox County that have not experienced contact with students from Clear Creek and we’ve seen that ever growing skill set and talent among students continuing to improve.
The history of presidents at Clear Creek show individualism of leadership and vision. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the current and past three president in varying degrees personally. Dr. Aldridge was that friend who talked about me having raw talent and skill and who always encouraged me to grow. Dr. Simpson was the friend who pushed me to see outside the box, challenged me to excel and who shared insight into the opportunities for education and the possibilities because of such training and said go. Today’s student at CCBBC will not know of the age limits that once existed because those barriers are now removed. Not to mention the fact single students were not permitted back then. It is amazing how things change, and it is amazing how that is accomplished because of leadership and vision.
Dr. Leon Simpson entered into eternal life on October 27, 2009 and his teaching to allow God to use you at every opportunity and at every turn makes all the impact, directly and indirectly. An impact not missed by this friend and columnist.
Until then
While 1926 seems like a long time ago to us, those days have been but a simple blink in the eye of God. The service of individuals is what makes the advancing cause of the Kingdom of God an impact upon us each day of our lives. Here in Knox County our churches are filled with the influence of our neighbors just south at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. The training of ministers to some, is not necessary. Others see the education of religious matter as an additional resource that provides deeper knowledge and even experiences that enhances our understanding and abilities to serve God in more effective ways.
Dr. Leon Simpson was chosen by the Board of Trustees in 1982 and elected as the 3rd President of Clear Creek. The passing of the mantel of leadership from Dr. D.M. Aldridge to Dr. Simpson was to bring about more of that direct benefit, indirectly. The recruitment and promotion of the school through Dr. Simpson’s leadership began a new era of opportunity with changes in class schedules, opportunities for night classes, and even conferences designed to help the average pastor who worked in addition to serving a church congregation. Dr. Simpson had served at Cumberland College in Williamsburg in the development of the Religious Department and he had served Dr. W.A. Criswell at First Baptist, Dallas Texas as his Assistant Pastor. Those experiences provided a rich history and served as valuable resources that made a difference for us here in Southeastern Kentucky especially. I venture to say there are not many Baptist Churches here in Knox County that have not experienced contact with students from Clear Creek and we’ve seen that ever growing skill set and talent among students continuing to improve.
The history of presidents at Clear Creek show individualism of leadership and vision. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the current and past three president in varying degrees personally. Dr. Aldridge was that friend who talked about me having raw talent and skill and who always encouraged me to grow. Dr. Simpson was the friend who pushed me to see outside the box, challenged me to excel and who shared insight into the opportunities for education and the possibilities because of such training and said go. Today’s student at CCBBC will not know of the age limits that once existed because those barriers are now removed. Not to mention the fact single students were not permitted back then. It is amazing how things change, and it is amazing how that is accomplished because of leadership and vision.
Dr. Leon Simpson entered into eternal life on October 27, 2009 and his teaching to allow God to use you at every opportunity and at every turn makes all the impact, directly and indirectly. An impact not missed by this friend and columnist.
Until then
Corbin Times Tribune - Dr. Leon Simpson, CCBBC
On October 27, 2009, Dr. Leon Simpson finished his earthly course of life while serving as pastor of the Firelands Church in the Florence Township in Ohio. Dr. Simpson was in his 14th year as pastor at the time of his death. A headline announcing this happening could be easily missed without a reminder of that connection and his influence here in Southeastern Kentucky.
Dr. Simpson’s family roots were in Oklahoma and the Panhandle of Texas but his leadership touched the lives of students, ministers and churches throughout Kentucky and especially us here in Southeastern Ky. Dr. Simpson began his first mountain connection when he was a professor at Cumberland College in Williamsburg. Building the Religious Department there as a vital instrument of service to the students of the institution is certainly note worthy and an impact that continues to make a difference. His influence and example of leadership and vision would also be experienced by us as he served as the 3rd President of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Ky. There are few Baptist Churches in the Tri-County Area that have not had members who became students, graduated from Clear Creek, or congregations that were served by students trained and educated there. Many pastor’s in the area knew Dr Simpson and his love for education and for preparing individuals to serve God in their calling.
To look at an individuals life as a resource may seem improper and not respectful, but I in no way want to imply that toward Dr. Simpson. What I want to convey is that he used his life and experiences as a resource and that brought much benefit to me personally and to countless thousands of ministers serving churches and on the mission field. The resources Dr. Simpson tapped into where not just his experiences at Cumberland College and Clear Creek, but his experiences while serving as Assistant Pastor to Dr. W.A. Criswell at First Baptist Dallas were great resources that enhanced Dr. Simpson’s leadership while at Clear Creek. His contact with Theologians and PH.D. Scholars added to the development of our area and the growth of our churches and discipleship. It was after all his resources that so developed our own causing me to remember with reverence the free sharing and giving he provided.
Dr. Simpson after completing his tenure as President at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College went on to serve as Editor at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, TN. His writing, skill in Hebrew and Greek has touched the lives of millions who learned from reading the materials he directed as Editor at Lifeway.
When I think of benefits I often think of that which we see and know immediately. The real surprise of benefits is the discovery of memory and learning that we seem to have forget until the every present need arrives and refreshes itself with answers. Celebrating the New Year is a perfect time to remember to celebrate the lives of impact that may have passed now into history, but whose impact will never be forgotten because they choose to give of themselves to the benefit of others, willingly.
Until then
Dr. Simpson’s family roots were in Oklahoma and the Panhandle of Texas but his leadership touched the lives of students, ministers and churches throughout Kentucky and especially us here in Southeastern Ky. Dr. Simpson began his first mountain connection when he was a professor at Cumberland College in Williamsburg. Building the Religious Department there as a vital instrument of service to the students of the institution is certainly note worthy and an impact that continues to make a difference. His influence and example of leadership and vision would also be experienced by us as he served as the 3rd President of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Ky. There are few Baptist Churches in the Tri-County Area that have not had members who became students, graduated from Clear Creek, or congregations that were served by students trained and educated there. Many pastor’s in the area knew Dr Simpson and his love for education and for preparing individuals to serve God in their calling.
To look at an individuals life as a resource may seem improper and not respectful, but I in no way want to imply that toward Dr. Simpson. What I want to convey is that he used his life and experiences as a resource and that brought much benefit to me personally and to countless thousands of ministers serving churches and on the mission field. The resources Dr. Simpson tapped into where not just his experiences at Cumberland College and Clear Creek, but his experiences while serving as Assistant Pastor to Dr. W.A. Criswell at First Baptist Dallas were great resources that enhanced Dr. Simpson’s leadership while at Clear Creek. His contact with Theologians and PH.D. Scholars added to the development of our area and the growth of our churches and discipleship. It was after all his resources that so developed our own causing me to remember with reverence the free sharing and giving he provided.
Dr. Simpson after completing his tenure as President at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College went on to serve as Editor at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, TN. His writing, skill in Hebrew and Greek has touched the lives of millions who learned from reading the materials he directed as Editor at Lifeway.
When I think of benefits I often think of that which we see and know immediately. The real surprise of benefits is the discovery of memory and learning that we seem to have forget until the every present need arrives and refreshes itself with answers. Celebrating the New Year is a perfect time to remember to celebrate the lives of impact that may have passed now into history, but whose impact will never be forgotten because they choose to give of themselves to the benefit of others, willingly.
Until then
Dr. Leon Simpson, President Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
A celebration of the New Year begins with a positive reflection in my life of memories and impacts that must be shared. Dr. Leon Simpson entered eternal life on October 27, 2009. His wife Marilyn of 45 years, and his children Douglas, Timothy and Noelle certainly had the benefit of complete access and twenty-four hour a day opportunity to learn from a true visionary who step into leadership roles and made every situation better because of his involvement.
In the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky we understand pride in your heritage and we respect a rich history of pioneering spirit. Dr. Simpson came from humble beginnings in Oklahoma and he had great love for the Panhandle of Texas. He was a master at using his own experiences to connect with individuals and their backgrounds, be they varied and different. My introduction to Dr. Leon Simpson was when he became the 3rd President of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. Clear Creek at the time was not an accredited college, the buildings and property had served well, but were in need up updating. Dr. Simpson brought to CCBBC a great vision of forward thinking and progressive leadership that has continued because he dared to push forward with a dream to make ministers the best prepared with the best resources. Updating sewer systems, replacing the campus phone systems, upgrading the cabins, building the family life center and seeing the college to accreditation are no small steps. These directions from his leadership changed the campus life, increased enrollment and brought change and impact to thousands of churches across America and even the world because he led.
Dr. Simpson enhanced the staff and leadership at Clear Creek through his service as President. Dr. H. Leo Eddleman, and Dr. H.C. Chiles were just two professors that came to serve at his invitation. Dr. Simpson believed there was no replacement for academic ministry preparation, and he believed the students that came to Clear Creek deserved the best and he recruited from his seminary connections to meet that goal. That leadership and foundation laid then has brought unprecedented benefit to today’s student while they may only know the name of Leon Simpson if that. This fact alone is a testament of the nature of Dr. Simpson. He never did anything with the vision of a personal legacy in mind, only the vision of what God laid before him and all to be done for the glory of God. I am humbled to even type such words thinking of Dr. Simpson, and those that also knew him know this was his character.
Clear Creek Baptist Bible College is the institution it is today because of the foundation laid in the vision of Dr. L.C. Kelly when he was Pastor of the First Baptist Church Pineville, Ky. Dr. D.M. Aldridge followed with his vision of building upon the dream to education and prepare individuals for ministry and service. Dr. Leon Simpson brought his expertise and vision which laid the next foundation to be built upon. Dr. Bill Whitaker followed in the steps of vision travel and today, Dr. Donnie Fox lays a foundation that will also be followed in due time.
Thanking God for faithful men is appropriate, and honoring Dr. Leon Simpson for his impact is a must for me and proper for all who have experienced the blessing of his impact. Laying a foundation that another can build upon is not easy, but is truly Biblical. Dr. Leon Simpson did that at every stage in his life and CCBBC was s solid foundation.
Until then
In the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky we understand pride in your heritage and we respect a rich history of pioneering spirit. Dr. Simpson came from humble beginnings in Oklahoma and he had great love for the Panhandle of Texas. He was a master at using his own experiences to connect with individuals and their backgrounds, be they varied and different. My introduction to Dr. Leon Simpson was when he became the 3rd President of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. Clear Creek at the time was not an accredited college, the buildings and property had served well, but were in need up updating. Dr. Simpson brought to CCBBC a great vision of forward thinking and progressive leadership that has continued because he dared to push forward with a dream to make ministers the best prepared with the best resources. Updating sewer systems, replacing the campus phone systems, upgrading the cabins, building the family life center and seeing the college to accreditation are no small steps. These directions from his leadership changed the campus life, increased enrollment and brought change and impact to thousands of churches across America and even the world because he led.
Dr. Simpson enhanced the staff and leadership at Clear Creek through his service as President. Dr. H. Leo Eddleman, and Dr. H.C. Chiles were just two professors that came to serve at his invitation. Dr. Simpson believed there was no replacement for academic ministry preparation, and he believed the students that came to Clear Creek deserved the best and he recruited from his seminary connections to meet that goal. That leadership and foundation laid then has brought unprecedented benefit to today’s student while they may only know the name of Leon Simpson if that. This fact alone is a testament of the nature of Dr. Simpson. He never did anything with the vision of a personal legacy in mind, only the vision of what God laid before him and all to be done for the glory of God. I am humbled to even type such words thinking of Dr. Simpson, and those that also knew him know this was his character.
Clear Creek Baptist Bible College is the institution it is today because of the foundation laid in the vision of Dr. L.C. Kelly when he was Pastor of the First Baptist Church Pineville, Ky. Dr. D.M. Aldridge followed with his vision of building upon the dream to education and prepare individuals for ministry and service. Dr. Leon Simpson brought his expertise and vision which laid the next foundation to be built upon. Dr. Bill Whitaker followed in the steps of vision travel and today, Dr. Donnie Fox lays a foundation that will also be followed in due time.
Thanking God for faithful men is appropriate, and honoring Dr. Leon Simpson for his impact is a must for me and proper for all who have experienced the blessing of his impact. Laying a foundation that another can build upon is not easy, but is truly Biblical. Dr. Leon Simpson did that at every stage in his life and CCBBC was s solid foundation.
Until then
Sunday, January 3, 2010
From Y2K to 201`0
2010…it’s one of those dates that I honestly believe most folks wouldn’t have thought would never arrive, or that we would survive to arrive. All throughout 1999 the talk of the year was about Y2K. The predictions of how the computer world was going to crash, how cars were going to stop running and even planes may fall out of the sky if that special computer chip that dealt with dates was not replaced. My library has several books dealing with Y2K and how to survive if food shipments ended, what to store, and even how to store it for a long time until the greatest computer crisis was fixed or the world ended with the return of Jesus Christ.
On New Years Eve 2009, I spoke at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky at a youth event they had planned to bring in the new age of 2010. A part of my introduction began by asking them where they were 10 years ago. It was funny to hear the answers that ranged from I was only 4 years old and I have no idea, to teenagers that were 10 at the time and remember watching the ball drop in New York on television. For me, I reflected that 10 years ago I had organized a New Years Eve Event at the Pineville High School Gym to celebrate the arrival of Y2K, or simply the year 2000. The theme Southern Baptist had was Celebrate Jesus 2000, and as pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Dorton Branch I couldn’t think of a better thing to do, so we planned, promoted and enjoyed ringing in the New Year. Other area youth joined and we invited First Priority Clubs from all over to also participate with dramas, skits and musical selections. Truth is we had a great time, I remember it just like yesterday even though it was 10 years ago. It is amazing how time races forward and then we stand looking back at the decade just past.
The scary moment of the evening came right at midnight and the changing of the year when an electrical breaker blew her fuse. You could hear a pin drop when that occurred and the funny moment came when a gentleman from the breaker room yelled, “it’s a fuse”. I guess for a moment we were not sure if the computer crisis had arrived and power grids in Southeastern Kentucky had failed and their ability to produce electricity was lost. Funny how you can laugh and be scared at the same time, but we managed to do both and to develop our Christian Faith through both events. The lesson in the end was that He is still in-charge no matter the experience.
The truth is that we are all on a journey called life. Each of our journeys provides a different experience and each has their own individual moments of crisis, challenge, and consideration. We have options as we travel along that include everything from traveling alone to running with a pack. Our options include acting in accordance with trust in faith or you could opt-out for no faith at all if that be your choice.
Myself, I have had many different experiences from life that I pray I am able to draw from to share in this column encouragement and shelter for the storms of life for you. Writing is one of those parts of my journey that I had never planned on. I never had a moment prior to landing my first column with “Until then” that I thought this is what I wanted to do or had an interest in. Today, I can write that I absolutely believe this is something I should be doing. Writing, sharing, and attempting to be a positive part of the journey of others is a worthy task and one I am both grateful for and humbled by the journey. Thanks for reading this column and 10 years from now in 2020, I pray I am still providing a smile for your steps and a helping hand for the road.
Until then
On New Years Eve 2009, I spoke at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky at a youth event they had planned to bring in the new age of 2010. A part of my introduction began by asking them where they were 10 years ago. It was funny to hear the answers that ranged from I was only 4 years old and I have no idea, to teenagers that were 10 at the time and remember watching the ball drop in New York on television. For me, I reflected that 10 years ago I had organized a New Years Eve Event at the Pineville High School Gym to celebrate the arrival of Y2K, or simply the year 2000. The theme Southern Baptist had was Celebrate Jesus 2000, and as pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Dorton Branch I couldn’t think of a better thing to do, so we planned, promoted and enjoyed ringing in the New Year. Other area youth joined and we invited First Priority Clubs from all over to also participate with dramas, skits and musical selections. Truth is we had a great time, I remember it just like yesterday even though it was 10 years ago. It is amazing how time races forward and then we stand looking back at the decade just past.
The scary moment of the evening came right at midnight and the changing of the year when an electrical breaker blew her fuse. You could hear a pin drop when that occurred and the funny moment came when a gentleman from the breaker room yelled, “it’s a fuse”. I guess for a moment we were not sure if the computer crisis had arrived and power grids in Southeastern Kentucky had failed and their ability to produce electricity was lost. Funny how you can laugh and be scared at the same time, but we managed to do both and to develop our Christian Faith through both events. The lesson in the end was that He is still in-charge no matter the experience.
The truth is that we are all on a journey called life. Each of our journeys provides a different experience and each has their own individual moments of crisis, challenge, and consideration. We have options as we travel along that include everything from traveling alone to running with a pack. Our options include acting in accordance with trust in faith or you could opt-out for no faith at all if that be your choice.
Myself, I have had many different experiences from life that I pray I am able to draw from to share in this column encouragement and shelter for the storms of life for you. Writing is one of those parts of my journey that I had never planned on. I never had a moment prior to landing my first column with “Until then” that I thought this is what I wanted to do or had an interest in. Today, I can write that I absolutely believe this is something I should be doing. Writing, sharing, and attempting to be a positive part of the journey of others is a worthy task and one I am both grateful for and humbled by the journey. Thanks for reading this column and 10 years from now in 2020, I pray I am still providing a smile for your steps and a helping hand for the road.
Until then
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