Friday, December 18, 2009

Gotta Love America...

I received the attached link from my father-in-law about an event that transpired at the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado a number of years ago. I know that the people who read my blog have a deep love for our great land; you will love this wonderful 3 minute segment. Enjoy it and then stop and thank God for the privilege of being an American.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

$500,000 and Counting...

This past Sunday was our World Mission Offering ingathering at FBC. It is always a special day of worship and sacrifice as we seek to assist our Southern Baptist mission sending agencies to reach the world for Christ. Our goal for 2009 was $425,000. At the end of the late service the FBC administrator handed me the adding maching tape for the announcement on how much we had received in our two morning services. When he handed it to me he said, "You might want to sit down" and was he ever correct. The total I was privileged to announce was $496,419. I was blown away! This is the largest one-day offering since I have been the pastor of FBC and, if I'm not mistaken, the largest missions offering in the history of the church. So what have I learned from this...

1) God does do exceedingly and abundantly above anything we can ask or imagine when we trust Him. He cares far more for missions around the world than I do so why would He not provide a truly excellent offering.

2) We can always do more together than we can ever do apart. I believe in the Cooperative Program of the SBC for this reason.

3) My faith is sometimes too small! I had prayed earlier that morning for us to have over $300,000 that day with full confidence we would collect the balance before year-end. My prayer was far too small as God far exceeded my expectations.

4) It was again confirmed to me just how great a church God has allowed me to pastor. I'm proud of you FBC Odessa! You have done, and are doing, a splendid job for the cause of Christ here and around the world.

God bless you all and thanks for your willingness to give to missions! We are over $500,000 and still counting...