30 Years Ago - Now to 2039

When you are set to think back 30 years it can be a task not easily prepared for but exciting never the less. We motivators and encouragers like to use stories, people and situations to help move us forward and to find continued thanks for the journey traveled. This weekend I celebrate 30 years of Ministry. It is amazing how something can feel like both yesterday and such a long time ago too. I am having quite a few smile and laughs as I think back to that September in 1982 when the First Baptist Church in Pineville, Kentucky provided me with ministerial credentials. I was nervous about the process which included questions about beliefs, Theology and even application of scripture. Deacon Ike Wilson was the Church Clerk and I remember his signing my certificate as if it was yesterday. He and his wife were always so very kind to me and such encouragers. Dr. Dudley Pomeroy was a man of many hats. A full bird Colonel as a Chaplain in the United States Army and US Reserves, a professor at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College and most special a friend of mine. He was only upset with me once. He was a big supporter and loved Georgetown College and when I shared I was going to Cumberland College in Williamsburg, he wasn’t happy with me at all. At the time I told him I wanted to be an Indian (Cumberland’s Mascot) and not a Tiger. Looking back now that doesn’t matter except for historical reference as Cumberland has changed both their name and mascot. As I look back at 30 years I think of all the places of spiritual influence I have learned from and had the privilege to serve. I looked at my list of cities and churches and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve them and you. At First Baptist-Pineville, I served Dr. Wortman as an assistant with children’s choir and leading congregational singing for over 10 years. Supplied for Central Baptist-Corbin throughout College and beyond on many occasions. Was Associate Pastor at Greenland and was Pastor of Horse Creek Road in Corbin. In Monticello, I was a Co-Pastor at Immanuel and served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist in Dorton Branch-Pineville. I served the following congregations as Interim pastor: North Fork in Whitesburg; Walnut Hill in Ewing, Virginia; And Greenland on the Falls Road in Corbin. Pulpit supply is still a great opportunity and I’m always humbled to shared and excited about how we can apply God’s word to make real differences in the lives of people and our communities. I continue to be a multi-tasking type guy. I have the privilege of mentoring and working directly with a new church plant in Somerset, Ky. Hawk Creek London/Somerset has a clear vision. The goal is to reach the un- churched and the disfranchised by simply loving God and loving people. My life passion has always been to be genuine and real. A novice concept I know. I have used by ministerial academic students from College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to simple be what Jesus was, a friend to sinners. I am not afraid or scared to be a friend to anyone. I believe that Jesus really does love everyone, just like it says in John 3:16, and I believe that He has a plan for every life too, just like is says in John 10:10. Applying Scripture to life, seeing Biblical concept and opportunity in all things is to me ministry. I pray in Jesus name and know He is the answer, Acts 4:12, even if He is controversial or it is not politically correct. I believe Jesus forgives all sin and if this is not true then hope, faith and love do not exist. Romans 8:28 is still my go to verse when I have lots of questions and doubt. My best personal prayer is that “you will continue to see the sunshine through the rain and the rainbow behind every cloud.” Lots of things in 30 years I am grateful for. Today, I look at my future life expectance and I think what will I write in 2039? That March I hope to be defying science in His grace and mercy

Knox County - Hands of Coal

Knox County and Barbourville, Kentucky has a unique opportunity that is quickly approaching on Saturday, September 22nd. The Citizens of Knox County will be gathering for a rally to support COAL beginning at 10:30am gathering at Wal-Mart. In the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky are connection and association with coal production, coal operations, coal trucking coal mining, and the support of coal is a very large web of connection. The direct connection with our families and individuals I venture to think leaves few individuals that do not have a family member or a great personal friend that is directly connected. Coal has long been our friend and we have just as long been able to see the fruits and prosperity because of its presence and production. The indirect association and benefit of coal is massive. From the gas station, to the church pew the impact of coal has touched all our lives. Certainly there have been trying times in all industries and I am not one for giving up on all. The Bible has a lot to say about reasonability, use of talents and His ability to work all things out if we love Him and serve called according to His call on our lives. I’ve never been employed by a coal company, but I certainly road my bike as a kid in the coal camps of Southeastern Kentucky. As an adult I’ve been deep inside the mother earth looking out into the dark of the ground thankful for the light that I had to shine. Going down into a coal mine I also discovered to be a very personal and spiritual moment too. Sure, I could write in a funny way and say, “I prayed when that car started to descend” but that is just as easy serious comment. The Bible talks about Christians always being in a spirit of prayer and there is something that I have discovered in my faith about facing dark moments and situations that I have no control over. If the rock shifts, it is an issue way out of my league. My only control is to be aware, alert, and prepared to react and respond. Life has many challenges and just as many opportunities. I recently shared from my twitter account that “Preparation is rewarded with opportunity. Opportunity is key to your dreams and vision”. Sometimes we find ourselves in the back of the line or struggling to see ahead because we have allowed ourselves to slack on our preparation in life. We are shocked when things happen, and appear to be lost quickly in the changes that approach. If we truly prepared we could find ourselves making the right decision more often than not. In Southeastern Kentucky we have many opportunities. I know the world prefers to hear gloom and doom but that’s just not my style. I understanding facing reality and I can embrace change and challenges but I don’t believe negative is the method for neither encouragement nor success. One of the toughest lessons in life is to realize that everyone else was waiting on us. I have never like the moment when someone says, “well, I didn’t know, why didn’t you tell me?” At that point we know they were waiting on us and so let’s lead. Maybe the Coal Rally is not your favorite cause or your heart and passion. What is it you believe it? What are you willing to stand up and be counted in that number for? What can we see that you support? One of the lessons of life that must be learned is the value of cooperation. I can join hand in a hand with many causes. I love this place we call home! Knox County has a land full of people with talent, thoughts and passion. Today is as good as any day to rise and be counted. I shared at the funeral of a dear friend to me that he was a giver. And he was because he had received. To whom much is given, much is required. The next stand is yours. Until then