WHY I DO WHAT I DO
Recently a friend said, "Tom, you've been doing this for more than 40 years. When are you going to hang it up and enjoy life?" The occasion was my 63rd birthday. Don't get me wrong, it isn't that I haven't thought about it. But will Mary Ann and I ever 'hang it up?' Never.
Here's why. One thousand years from now, the GracePointe Church facilities will be no more. Even the materials used to build the structures will have returned to dust. But GracePointe will live on...in heaven. The people we've won to Christ, baptized and discipled will be there along with all of the others from previous churches we've served.
So why not rest with the knowledge of that in our hearts? Because God has planned for more to cross our paths and He intends to use us for their salvation experiences.
Get weary? Maybe. Faint? I think not.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sunday, August 09, 2009
WE SERVE A GREAT GOD
I started this past week with VBS and a really good one at that. Lots of kids and really great workers. Each day saw more and more kids, I could hardly wait until Wednesday VBS Family Night. I was looking forward to meeting the parents of many of our children for the first time. On Wednesday afternoon, it all changed.
I've been suffering from an intestinal infection for the better part of six months. My doctors (2) have been unable to both find the cause or the cure. Beginning last Monday it grew worse until Wednesday afternoon when I became disoriented and dehydrated. Mary Ann took me to the ER where I was admitted immediately. They treated me for the obvious and began a series of tests trying to find the cause of the original problem.
Now it's Sunday, I'm home and doing better. They seemed to have cured the infection without ever knowing what caused it. I'm feeling better and ready to get back to work in a couple of days.
I missed Family night and church today. Here's what happened. The largest family night in the history of the church. Today was equally as wonderful. The people were tired from the week but happy with the results and looking forward to next year.
God brought about a wonderful result to VBS and healed my body. We serve a great God.
I started this past week with VBS and a really good one at that. Lots of kids and really great workers. Each day saw more and more kids, I could hardly wait until Wednesday VBS Family Night. I was looking forward to meeting the parents of many of our children for the first time. On Wednesday afternoon, it all changed.
I've been suffering from an intestinal infection for the better part of six months. My doctors (2) have been unable to both find the cause or the cure. Beginning last Monday it grew worse until Wednesday afternoon when I became disoriented and dehydrated. Mary Ann took me to the ER where I was admitted immediately. They treated me for the obvious and began a series of tests trying to find the cause of the original problem.
Now it's Sunday, I'm home and doing better. They seemed to have cured the infection without ever knowing what caused it. I'm feeling better and ready to get back to work in a couple of days.
I missed Family night and church today. Here's what happened. The largest family night in the history of the church. Today was equally as wonderful. The people were tired from the week but happy with the results and looking forward to next year.
God brought about a wonderful result to VBS and healed my body. We serve a great God.
Monday, August 03, 2009
GOD IS SO, SO GOOD
I don't often brag about my church but I just have to tell you what God is doing in our midst. After many long months of struggling, in terms of attendance and finances, we have definitely turned the corner. You could really notice beginning last November that something was happening...and it hasn't stopped. Our summer crowds have been nothing short of terrific. And as for finances? Just let me say, "WOW!" It's a testimony to the faithful of God's people and the glory of God.
We haven't had VBS in two years and the last one was not well attended and we struggled to get enough workers. We began VBS '09 today and once again "WOW!" More than one-half of our average Sunday morning attendance is involved as leaders. How uncommon is that? And our enrollment of kids is astounding. I can hardly wait to see what God will do at the decision service.
This is such a great time to be at Gatetree. If you're in the Danville area on Sunday, be our guest on Sunday at 10:45 AM. You'll be glad you did.
I don't often brag about my church but I just have to tell you what God is doing in our midst. After many long months of struggling, in terms of attendance and finances, we have definitely turned the corner. You could really notice beginning last November that something was happening...and it hasn't stopped. Our summer crowds have been nothing short of terrific. And as for finances? Just let me say, "WOW!" It's a testimony to the faithful of God's people and the glory of God.
We haven't had VBS in two years and the last one was not well attended and we struggled to get enough workers. We began VBS '09 today and once again "WOW!" More than one-half of our average Sunday morning attendance is involved as leaders. How uncommon is that? And our enrollment of kids is astounding. I can hardly wait to see what God will do at the decision service.
This is such a great time to be at Gatetree. If you're in the Danville area on Sunday, be our guest on Sunday at 10:45 AM. You'll be glad you did.
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