5:30 wake-up call

9.18.2005 — 3 Comments

The phone rang this (Sunday) morning at 5:30 next to the bed. I answered nervously.

Pastor Wanda – our Senior-adult ministries pastor at the church – called to tell me that she was on her way to Cleveland, Ohio because her husband, a truck driver, was in a serious accident and was currently in ICU without feeling on his right-side.

Please be praying for Danny & Wanda Carter – and the entire family – Wanda is already dealing with a situation with her daughter and son-in-law – her son-in-law, Andy, just had brain surgery to slow a tumor that is there.

Also, I ask for your prayers on behalf of me! I will now be doing a funeral tomorrow morning in North Manchester that Pastor Wanda was scheduled to do. Mrs. Dora Smith was 89 years old and is the mother of Danny Smith – one of our church goers.

After this wake-up call this morning it was reasurring to reach over and touch my wife and know that she is safe. We prayed outloud thanking God for the safety he has brought to our families.

Please pray for the Carter family as we await the outcome of Danny’s accident and as Wanda travels to Cleveland.

In General
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MOVIE REVIEW: “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”

9.16.2005 — 3 Comments

Tonight, after reconsidering numerous times, Jess and I headed to the movies and saw, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” (PG-13). I will say first that we are both glad that we saw this film.

As a youth pastor, the “common talk” is that this movie – being advertised as a horror/thriller-type movie – is being watched my numerous teens that I converse with weekly. I have been reading as many Christian-background interviews and articles I can about this movie and for those reasons, Jess and I went to see it.

The movie was DEFINITELY mis-advertised. It is NOT a horror-flick. More like a courtroom-drama than horror/thriller. CAUTION: there ARE in fact numerous “you will jump” scenes in this film and some VERY graphic demon-possession scenes throughout the story-telling. I am NOT recommending that everyone jump up and go and see this film!

I am merely posting this review because I think it’s important to dialogue about such movies – movies that literally MILLIONS are going to see weekly. This movie, like many others, will cause people to have questions about spiritual things. The movie brings into light what many of us are much more comfortable leaving in the dark shadows of, “I hope I don’t have to talk about such things” or “I hope I won’t have to DEAL with such things.”

The Bible, however, is VERY clear that we are living in a world with a Spiritual Battle going on all around us – “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

As a Christ-follower, I want to be ready and willing to confront any questions anyone that I interact with has after being immersed in a situation that brings such “tabboo” subjects to the frontline.

Some interesting links:
Jonathan McKee’s (Youth Pastor/Speaker) interview with writer/director Scott Derrickson.
Focus on the Family’s PluggedIn review of the film.

Finally, the movie is based on the true story of Anneliese Michel, a young German woman who suffered the same fate as the fictional Emily Rose in the 1970s. I am currently looking for the book on Anneliese Michel, but currently it’s $40 on eBay! If anyone has any access to this book, I’d be glad to know about it.

In Uncategorized
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Katrina Music Videos

9.16.2005 — Leave a comment

The Work of the People, Highway Video, World Publishing, and EMI Christian Music Group have produced two provocative music videos that tell the story of the displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Both videos are available as a free download at www.theworkofthepeople.com, although a suggested donation of $25 would be appreciated.

All proceeds from these films will be applied directly to the Christian relief communities in Houston participating in the rebuilding of the lives of those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

I used video #2 this past week @ theBOX as an intro to a “Questioning God” message (Habakkuk). They’re pretty powerful.

In Videos
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7-foot iPod?

9.16.2005 — 2 Comments



Yep – a 7-foot iPod as seen today at Warsaw Community Church! Pictured above is my buddy Gary Boschain (First Christian’s youth pastor) next to Scott Greene’s 7-foot iPod!

Scott’s doing a series called PODCAST and this is his stage-schwag to promote the series!

There’s a find line between jealousy and envy, right?

We had a great time together as theNETWORK. We had a great time of praying for each other as well as an intense lunch-outing at Gordy’s!

After lunch I was “schooled” in 5 games of Skee-Ball. I need to practice. Hint-hint.

More pictures from today’s NETWORK meeting here.

In General
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Golfing with Royalty!

9.15.2005 — 1 Comment

This morning I had the privilege of golfing with some of the guys from the Southern Gospel group, “Carolina Royalty”.

We played 18-holes at Rozella Ford Golf Course – a HUGE step up from the usual course!

What a blast! Dan Warren asked me weeks ago if I wanted to play when they got here and I sheepishly answered, “maybe”. After the fun we had today I’m sure glad I agreed to go!

Carolina Royalty will be with us in both Sunday morning services this coming week.

In General
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