'Church'

It is so good to be home and back working with you - my beloved church family. In particular, the past 2 Sunday's at ParkwayHills have been most wonderful. The effects of 'change' in both our Worship and our LIFEgroup time and space has been immediately felt, and, all in a sprit which this church is known for - grace.

But it has not just been Sunday's alone that have brought this effect upon me. Witnessing the impact through our everyday, 24/7, facilities usage bearing weekday study of the Bible, children's learning and care, community training and support, and youth in the sand playing volleyball - all of this has just, flat-out, inspired me! I could not be more pleased.

When churches serve the cause of Christ, they serve their community. What church is not interested in the well-fare of those who surround them? What church does not care that those driving by and those gracing our halls have a place to find comfort, love and rest for their soul?

Last night I tagged after our youth and went to Sonic. While there one of the young men came up to me to introduce himself. He said that BOTH his sisters before him had been active in our parkwayhills youth group - and that he had decided he was going to be too. I told him I was pleased to hear this. When the car-hop came to bring us our food, he turned to her and said, 'this is my pastor!' Then, as she looked at me, I replied, 'this is one of our sons!' What better mention might we have? What better task might we apply ourselves toward? To be the church where a young man may find Christ, well... that is EXACTLY why we are here. Kudos to our new student pastor, CODY JONES, and to the excellent job he and his team of workers and volunteers do in making this vision an everyday reality.

So yes...

Our Church is made of people, it seems. Of boys and girls - of princesses and kings. For the precious blood that paved OUR way, creates in US a love that STAYS.

Till Sunday,

Pastor Sam

From Athens

We have returned this morning (September 9) to Athens - having experienced a most wonderful journey across the Aegean on visit to Istanbul. There we docked for 2 days to see this amazing city and feel the pulse of the 'once great' epicenter of the Christian faith (known then as Constantinople) - a center for witness, both unto Europe to its west and Asia to its east.

From there we sailed south - arriving at the Isle of Mykonos, Greece on Monday, then journeyed back, north a bit, for one last peek upon the shore of Turkey, as we toured the ruins of Ancient Ephesus.

The next morning it was off again - south to the isle of Patmos (near the isle of Samos), then to Rhodes, and finally to Santorini - noting, always, the stunningly spectacular beauty of these places. As we sailed, I could not help but think of the apostles - especially of Paul. What courage he had! What an adventurous spirit he possessed! This man who wrote, 'for me to live is Christ and to die is gain,' was fearless in the face of it all. And when entering the cave of John on the isle of Patmos, where in exile he was to receive the Revelation, I could not help but smile and think how good God was to this apostle, who, at the ripe age of 95 was exiled by Domitian to a place that was, well... absolutely beautiful! And, with a word from God that seemed to say, John, I'm not quite through with you - "write this down!"

Pastor's have a way of loving the churches they serve. Paul did, for he said so, and I'm sure that John did too. Likewise, I have found myself loving you 'all the more' with each day that is passed. My journey here has done much to refresh my sense that God really IS in charge - of us ALL.

So to this end I look forward to seeing EACH of you upon my return - and especially speaking to you from the parkwayhills pulpit on Sunday, September the 18th. That day will begin a new journey for us as a church as we come together for worship in one great hour called "ten-forty-five" I pray this hour will always be a time on the Parkway to celebrate all God has done - and... to anticipate all He has in store for days yet to come.

In the meantime, "remember to remember" (Sunday, 9.11.2011) by honoring God with your lips and your life.

Till then,

Pastor Sam

HOT, HOT, HOT!

My blog title is actually a line from the movie, "POLAR EXPRESS," taken from the scene in which amazing waiters burst into the club cab-room of the Polar Express while en route to the North Pole - dancing, serving "hot" chocolate, and singing, “HOT, HOT, HOT!” However, contrary to my, heretofore, quite pleasant thoughts surrounding these 3 words strategically packed together - today the same ushered from my lips with another thought in mind. "It's just HOT" - said I. In fact, "it's just HOT, HOT, HOT!" And nowhere was there ANY chocolate in sight, waiters, or, for that matter, dancing.

Yes, it seems that heat plays havoc with our emotions. In Dallas, when it's hot the Rangers losing hurts us all the more, the Cowboys win-loss record from last season looms larger, and the state of Dallas city politics - always suspect - looks even more corrupt (when will we get this fixed, by the way). And the economy? Well… let's not even go there. So that just writing about these things makes me feel, well, HOT!

So what's a person to do? As pastor and follower of Christ, I believe those of us in Him have the answer - one that is squarely anchored in Christ Himself. So today I prayed, "LORD, help me." "Help me not be subject to things, circumstance or the weather - or any of these elements I cannot control. Instead, help me live - today and always - knowing your pleasure, your grace, and your joy." Then, I read this -

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
 planted by streams of water
 that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither. 
In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Ps 1:1-4

And prayed, “Lord, help me to live my life beneath your stream - planted firmly by your never-ceasing water, so that the heat of my days, though withering to the scoffer, will pass - leaving me unscathed and bringing glory to Your Name!

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2011, Thursday, 07.28 - Day 15 "HOME"

After each of my trips to Brasil I return home both tired and energized. Of course I am tired physically - but, always, I am oh so energized spiritually. And why not? For there are so many wonderful stories to tell of changed lives and so many services of worship to remember, in which we felt the presence of Christ in ways never to forget. In fact, I would say the word 'energized' seems, frankly, an understatement for how I feel. So that sitting in my chair at home today - with our faithful dog "Sooner" at my feet - I wonder at how far away my brothers and sisters from Brasil are now. Folks with whom - just yesterday - I cried and hugged as we said 'goodbye'. Causing me to think both then and now of heaven - and how wonderful that great reunion will be.

For yesterday, in leading both the Norte Americanos and Brasilians in a goodbye prayer and word, I reminded us all of what is yet to be - of the great banquet prepared for each of us with Jesus. I shared that my plans will be to sit as close to Christ as I can, and... "to sit with each of you close by, as well, my Brasilian brothers and sisters in Christ."

With that, I added... "Deus Abencoe" (God Bless you).

And God bless each of you too.

It's good to be home,

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2011, Sunday, 07.24, Day Eleven

REUNION: Both teams have returned to Montes Claros, actually arriving here in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday - 3:30 am. We went straight to bed for a long morning of much needed sleep in this cool, mountainous clime - then, at 11:00 am, breakfast for all was served at Pastor Jairos' home. Fresh fruit, eggs, bread and cheese. The Mango was delicious. The fellowship divine.

Next came Saturday afternoon, which marked our first break since arriving in Brasil. The Americanos went to a large Mall - and many of the young people and ladies enjoyed shopping, looking about for sales, and proclaiming, "But... It was such a GOOD DEAL!!!" About which I wondered. :-)

Saturday night we continued with our 'pre-crusade rally' formula, by setting up a large stage in a vacant lot, just off a busy street called, "Avenida Esteves Rodriguez." Many young people came, along with members of a sister Baptist Church, which is also in Montes Claros named, Igreja Batista de Gallilee." The Pastor of this church, Pastor Nildo, is a very good man and his church is helping us to sponsor Jairos' church here. Pastor Nildo is also the President of the Association of Baptist Churches here in Montes Claros, and I was pleased to talk with him and encourage him with the importance of Jairos' model to reach this upscale, young neighborhood of Montes Claros' west side with the gospel. Something that is quite different than the Baptist model of recent past. I said this is important for 2 reasons, 1.) Because these people are just as lost as those who are of lesser means and education, and 2.) because the base of support that this kind of church will yield will help fund the work to the outer regions of Minas Gerais, as well. He understood. (Pictured above is Pastor Brad Martin & Pastor Nildo)

Speaking of Pastor Brad, I am so pleased to have him with us. Last night I asked him to preach - and he did a wonderful job telling the story of the paralytic man who was brought to Jesus by his friends. He commended his friends in this story for their determination and their stepping out. He encouraged us ALL to do whatever it takes for us to bring others to Jesus, and, for us not to be gripped with our own paralysis of sin - those things that bind us and keep us from stepping out. He did a wonderful job.

Continue to pray for us as we minister in this city of Montes Claros - that we might "finish strong." I am missing you all - but grateful to hear things are well - and looking forward to a great day on Sunday, July 31, when I return.

Till then ... Bênçãos em Cristo,

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2011, Thursday, 07.21, Day Eight

Last night was a wonderful evening of worship and evangelism - as we saw many respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. At our service end, team members walked forward with persons coming to make professions of faith in Christ, which was marvelous for this pastor to see. My message, The Importance of God’s Kingdom, was based upon Christ’s 3 parables - ‘The Great Treasure in a Field, the Pearl of Great Price, and the fishermen with their “Nets full of Good Fish and Bad” – stories from Jesus which teach of both the value of God’s Kingdom and the Import of a true confession in Christ, before it is too late.

This morning, on our second full day in Itacarambi, our team appeared rested, even energized, as I addressed them. I spoke from Phil. 2, where Paul reminded this church they are to “do nothing out of selfishness or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Phil 2:3) Once again, I shared this is an important matter for our call to ministry, as well as for church unity and effectiveness both to those inside and outside the church. To do this, I challenged us to practice a ‘back-row’ ministry - a ministry perfectly suited to our call in Christ. It is often a ministry to those least noticed, those not considered cool, those perhaps not so pretty or out-going – and to those living life unnoticed because either they (themselves) or we have placed them on life’s back row. For, if I have learned anything in my years in Christ, it is that there is no real back row, no hierarchy, from Christ’s perspective – and that the ground is level at the foot of His cross – and we are called to model Him.

When we practice “back row” ministry, we do two things – (1.) we help those whom really need Christ’s love to see His love – offered for all – as it shines through us. And (2.) doing so guards and protects us from Satan’s temptation of selfishness and vanity.

So pray for us as we do this while we are here in Brasil. Pray also that we might do this as we return to Plano. And, do this knowing that your pastor is praying for you the very same thing – wherever you are - as you serve Him in your places of work and play, today.

Deus Abencoe,

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2011, Wednesday, 07.20, Day Seven

Last evening we arrived at the city of Itacarambi. It is north of Montes Clares about 200 kilometers, and sits on a mighty river called, Rio Sao Franciso. We began our work quickly by setting up for an evangelistic service. This was held an outdoor park by the river itself. There, I told the citizens of this place the story of Saint Francis of Assisi, for whom their river is named. He was a young man of great privilege and wealth, I said, but - was a selfish young man until his life was changed forever by Christ. I told them they too could know this same Christ - and that we had come to tell them about him so that their live's and eternity might be changed. My text was John 3:16, a text that tells HIS story well.

Our other team, the team of Chris Davenport and Pastor Brad Martin, is in the village of Pai Pedro. We have had little communication with them, but, when we do - we hear things are well and that many are coming to faith in Christ. Amen!!!!

Please continue to pray for us. Pray for continued health, unity of spirit and effectiveness with the people whom we meet. It is amazing to see God's Spirit working - and your prayers for us are being felt daily.

Deus Abencoe,

Pastor Sam