Winding over the Francis Scott Key Bridge in wall-to-wall traffic and up, up, up pinchy Wisconsin Ave. to the Washington National Cathedral was tricky enough in our dually diesel truck. The one way streets and permit-parking-only forced us into a tomb-like parking garage with only inches to spare on the sides and top. The entry said Height = 7’6″ then inside went to 6’6″. Our antenna sprung against the ceiling signs while our cab marker lights missed the sprinkler system pipes by a hair’s breadth. Navigating the tight corners while causing exiting traffic to back up heightened the adventure.

Finally parked we ascended the cement steps to a door that opened to the outdoors. What a relief to have temporarily escaped the “grave!” It was there we saw the sign that said “Closed to the Public!” The fences and scaffolds signaled renovations were underway.

Oh the architecture of the Cathedral is beautiful. Though we couldn’t get in, we’ve seen pictures of the inside (and the awesome stained-glass windows Auca missionary Rachel Saint’s dad, Lawrence, created – which is why we came). But I couldn’t help but reflect on what David said in Psalm 27:4 “to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in His temple.” The beauty we must seek should not be external walls and windows but Him! Better yet we now have available access anytime to God Himself through Jesus Christ! Gratefully there will never be a sign there that says “Closed to the Public.”

Our 24 yr. old daughter, Miranda, celebrates her saved birthday today. We rejoice with her as we remember the day in Elkhart, IN when at the age of 9 Christ transformed her life. We like to find gifts or projects for our kids to encourage them in their spiritual life (books, Bible marking pens, journals, etc.) Do you have a saved birthday? Do your family members?

After the ICWE we went to DC to show Chijah our nation’s Capitol at night. It was a unique, frigid, adventure in the “bright” darkness of the city. We finished on this historic day at 1 AM. What a #1 memory!

Though we have many major concerns about our country’s direction we certainly have a lot for which to be grateful and for which to pray.

Tonight we enjoyed the excellent preaching and fellowship at the International Conference on World Evangelism sponsored by the Fairfax Baptist Temple and directed by our good friend Dr. Bud Calvert. The choir, orchestra and ensemble started the 3-day meeting off with a rousing song honoring our Lord and then God used 2 preachers, Kyle Fannin and Dr. Dave Smith to stir hearts and remind us of our glorious privilege of spreading the news.

As one member of FBT told me, “Everything here is done first class.” She was right! From the services, the music, the registration, the meals, the hospitality–sharp! We believe all our work for God should be done that way. How refreshing!

We plan to sharpen our focus by attending the International Conference on World Evangelism. Our friend, Dr. Bud Calvert, has been instrumental in starting over 20 churches and now his son, Troy, pastors this great church. The preaching, seminars and vendors should remind us again of the great opportunity we have to make Jesus known.

Related…

• Group: Merrill Evangelistic Team 3G
• Tour: 2011 Fall Tour
• Date: Monday, October 31st 2011 - Tuesday, November 1st 2011
• Time: 7:00pm
• City: Merrill Evangelistic Team 3G in Fairfax, VA
• Venue: Fairfax Baptist Temple
• Country: US
• Notes: Attending Conference
• Add to Google Calendar | Download iCal

Pastor Dean Staton began knocking on doors in Buena Vista VA nearly 3 decades ago and God has blessed abundantly. Knowing Pastor Staton, it’s no surprise that the church is filled and a spirit of friendliness pervades Victory Baptist. From the usher at the door to the fellowship that followed the evening service there was great joy. What a great time of ministry we enjoyed Sunday.
In 1995 we ministered here after my wife had a miscarriage and “the God of all comfort” used our story to impact a mother and college age daughter by revealing their need for Christ. We look forward to more ministry together in the near future.

Traveling north on I-81 near Greenville, VA we saw my nephew’s fifth wheel pass by in the southbound lane. We quickly made a phone call and in a few minutes all three rigs met at Exit 213.  Jethniel, Judy and Titus Wyler had traveled south from PA and we and Grandma Merrill had come 250 miles from WV not knowing that we were about to have a family reunion on an exit ramp. God’s surprises are incredible!

On 9-10-11 Mattaniah, our son, asked a committed Christian lady, Allisha Sperr, for her hand in marriage. Their exciting “banana” story can be found at www.niahandallisha.com. Lord willing, the wedding will be in Greenville on January 7, 2012. We are so thankful that our son has chosen to wait for God’s best and we are thrilled to welcome a new daughter into the family. Both Niah and Allisha (who has completed her Master’s degree) are extremely gifted in music, drama, speech and organizational skills. After Niah graduates with his Master’s degree in May, they plan to travel with our Team. We can hardly wait!

In Ripley, WV a long-standing prayer of mine was answered. I have attended and preached at many Pastor’s Fellowships across this country. However, today I was invited to join 17 preachers from WV and southern OH, under the tremendous direction of Pastor Kevan Bartlett (Maranatha Baptist, Sissonville), who met to discuss ministry. It was powerful! The agenda was straightforward, the topics diverse and the conversation engaging. I believe everyone came away sharper, better equipped, and more grateful for the comradery we share as fellow-soldiers in the Lord’s army.

This group has recently witnessed the birth of Bible Truth Baptist Church in Athens, OH. These men have cooperated by  going visiting, printing materials, and providing counsel, workers and resources. The first Sunday the new church had over 40 with 22 visitors and 1 decision for Christ.

To witness this type of cooperation among fundamental pastors is not only amazing, but thrilling. Many churches and people will benefit from this God-ordained event.

Mt. Pleasant Baptist in Elkview,WV has created a fascinating outreach through interactive drama depicting the reality of death, Hell and the Judgment. Malchijah and I went with over 60 teenagers from Ripley Baptist Temple. 11 of the youth in our group made professions of faith. One girl came up to me and asked if I wanted to see her Facebook status. It said “being saved is the best thing because now I have a new best friend and his name is Jesus!”

In Flatwoods, WV, Pastor Paul Beatty is honoring different local businesses that are operated by various church members. Calling it, “Preferring One Another!” from Romans 12, the pastor gave a brief synopsis of the business, what they offer and how the congregation can benefit from and encourage fellow believers. The particular business highlighted Sunday was a restaurant which had been bought and refurbished. It used to be a booze joint but now has a John 3:16 sign in front, making it clear to all that there’s been a dramatic change. The new owners are members of the church.

What a tremendous way to encourage Christians to support one another. Pictures could be shown via PowerPoint. Menus or lists of goods and services could be mentioned or distributed and the laborers honored for their contribution to the community and service for Christ. Use Bible stories which describe various people and their occupations as springboards for this honor.  Let the highlighted workers stand at the door and answer questions or receive handshakes. Make it a weekly promo. Let the laborers give testimony of the ways they have shared their faith through their work.

The list of possible ways to honor Christian business men and women is endless. No doubt, this kind of mutual encouragement could strengthen ties among believers and meet needs during these financially challenging days. From the beginning, God put Adam in the garden to “dress it and keep it.” Our labor does more than just feed us and our families, it allows us to use these bodies to glorify God, help others and make God’s world a better place. Sometimes the way we work is our best witness. Let’s support our brothers and sisters in Christ!

…is a phrase from the second verse of Fanny Crosby’s great hymn, Blessed Assurance. The mission of Flatwoods Baptist and Pastor Paul Beatty is clear. They are aiming to make Christ known in their community through outreach, preaching and prayer. While God met with us and several visitors in the AM Worship Service, inviting folks to a sub sandwich feast before church Sunday night aided the cause. The church provided the buns and meat and the church people brought all the trimmings. It was anything but sub-par! Sub-stantial might be a better way to say it! Even better yet, was the spirit produced in the men who meet each day for prayer at 5:30 AM. There’s no sub-stitute for perfect sub-mission. Let’s just do what He (Jesus) says!

In route to Flatwoods Baptist we took an aside at Burnsville, WV and found ourselves surrounded by God’s gorgeous creation (with a little assistance from a US Army Corp of Engineer’s dam.) Wherever you are, don’t miss the view…and give God praise.

We took off Wednesday evening early and drove 30 miles to Jane Lew, WV for Prayer Meeting at a good fundamental church (where I had met the pastor while speaking at a Pastor’s Conference in Keyser, WV over a year ago.) When we arrived the building was dark and the sign said Thursday Bible study. Disappointed but not defeated we looked around Jane Lew for another open church. They were all dark.

It was dusk as we drove toward Jackson’s Mill to have our own Bible study near Stonewall’s boyhood home. On our way we passed a church with the light on in an upper room. We turned in at 7:04 to Broad Run Baptist, found an unlocked door and met about 11 Sr. citizens with smiles on their faces and their Bibles open. It was beautiful as we studied the prophetic Psalms about Christ. We later discovered that Nancy Hanks, Abe Lincoln’s mother, was baptized there and Stonewall Jackson attended as a youth. When Pastor Coffindaffer asked how we happened to find the church we simply said, “The Light was on!”

The Alum Creek Independent Missionary Baptist Church pulled off a surprise celebration Sunday for Pastor Frank and Kim Chapman’s 25 years of ministry and Frank’s 60th birthday.

Some of you wondered what happened to our schedule. Sorry, we couldn’t blow this event. In fact, we traveled down Sunday 80 miles from Ohio to WV and parked at Wal-Mart so as not to spoil all the church’s planning directed by Jonathan Greenlee. It was a great day!

The church was packed with nearly 300. The children’s choir and adult choir sang. Special music (one of my arrangements -that was a surprise to me!) was played by two former members from Texas on their violins.

When Deacon Brian asked how many had been saved through Frank’s ministry, how many had been baptized, how many had Frank prayed for before surgery or during sickness and whether Frank had buried one of their loved ones, these groups stood while tears flowed. What an impact Brother Frank and Ms. Kim have had for Christ in Alum Creek.

Though we went just to honor the Chapmans, Pastor Frank asked me to preach the evening service. Afterwards, a beautiful reception with a tremendous display of finger foods and special cake followed. What a gathering!

In an age when Bible preaching, God-fearing, people-loving pastors are disdained, marginalized and criticized by the media, let the real heroes be honored. If you have such a man you call pastor, honor him. But you may want to call ACIMBC to get tips on how to do it right!