October 31, 2003

The Shrew...Part Two

Here is a poster from the play the other night. The guy on the right is the son of a former boss of mine. The last time I saw him he was seven. I feel really old now.

Posted by Andrew at 10:02 PM // Comments: 1 //
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The Taming of the Shrew, Truth in the Comics, and Holloween

Last night I went to Baptist Bible College to see their production of Shakespears The Taming of the Shrew. It was a very well-conceived, well-executed performance. This critic gives it two thumbs up.

Today has been a slow news day. My Global Conflict ventures are going so-so. I spent most of the day at McDonalds, and while these days tend to be profitable financially, they are otherwise colossal wastes of time.

I did see a very profound B.C. comic strip today. In deference to copyright laws I will provide a link to it here, instead of reprinting it in this entry.

Oh yes, almost forgot that today is Holloween. Our manager at McDonalds said people could come in costumes to work. One girl came in her pajamas (no lie!). It looked like she had just gotten out of bed. One guy came as a freaky combination of a circus clown and a Neo from The Matrix. Yet another girl came dressed as a bobby soxer, which was really quite good until she put her McDonalds visor on. It kind of ruined the whole effect. Me, I came dressed as a McDonalds employee.

Posted by Andrew at 8:47 PM // Comments: 2 //
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October 29, 2003

A Prayer Request

When we go to visit churches, one of the most common questions we are asked is "When are you planning to get to the field?" This is a very frustrating question, because it is one for which, ultimately, we do not know the answer. I am always tempted to reply "That is up to you!" After all, we will only get there when churches we visit decide to support us financially. Usually, however, I respond with something like "We would go there tomorrow if we could."

At the time of this writing, we have 26.8% of our needed support. That can be a discouraging number. I know many people are praying, and I also know that we will be in Brazil in God's perfect time.

The other day I recieved a note from a missionary with whom we will be working in Brazil. He mentioned that it would be great if we could be there by March (we are going to be in Brazil in March anyway for a conference). Several missoinaries are going home on furlough at that time, and there would be a lot of work for us to do.

I have decided to make it our prayer request that we be in Brazil permanently by March. I know this is not mathematically feasable, but God is perfectly capable of putting us there. I would ask the readers of this blog to pray with us concerning this.

I will begin to make this a matter of prayer in the weekly newsletters we send out, and in my own personal and family devotions. There is much to be done, and not much time in which to do it.

Posted by Andrew at 12:14 PM
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October 28, 2003

Global Conflict

No, this is not an entry about the state of the world we live in. Today my brother Daniel introduced me to an online game called Global Conflict. For anybody who likes Risk, Axis and Allies, or any number of the Avalon Hill games, you owe it to yourself to check out this site.

Today, I conquered Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territory, North Western United States, and the Yukon. Tomorrow, THE WORLD. Well, probably not tomorrow--seeing as how it is only possible to take one turn per day.

Did I mention this game was free? Imagine, hours of world-conquering fun for free!

One word of caution...if you elect to participate in this game and find the name Conquistador in the list of players, watch out. I am on a roll!

Posted by Andrew at 8:29 PM
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October 27, 2003

Remembering Cynthia

Today I turn thirty-one. I was going to fill today's entry with some vapid reflections on getting "older." That was before I checked my e-mail.

The first e-mail that caught my eye contained the name of a girl with whom I went to high-school. Her name was Cynthia. I remeber Cynthia as a very bright, vivacious girl, with much potencial. Her grades were consistently higher than mine (not that that was too dificult!), she was gifted academically and musically. I remember when she played her violin at a national talents competition--and recieved a standing ovation from one of the judges.

I also remember when she quoted for me an entire passage from Lewis Carrol's Alice and Wonderland.

I saw Cynthia once or twice in the years following high school. Last week I saw her father, and inquired as to her well-being. I was told that she was happily married, and serving God where she lived.

In eighth grade, we were both in our high-school production of Thorton Wilder's Our Town. Those familiar with the play know that it deals with life and death in a very unique way. I can remember standing backstage and watching the cemetery dialouge, where the dead converse among themselves about the living. I reflected then on the thought that each one of us would one be carried to the cemetery, just like the characters in the play. I would have never dreamed that Cynthia would be the first.

This morning, the e-mail said that Cynthia had died. At this point I know none of the details, other than the fact that it was a fatal car accident.

It is a sobering thing to be reminded of ones own mortality, especially on ones thirty-first birthday.

Cynthia was my age. To my knowledge, she is the first person from my class at school to be called home. I am confident that she was a believer--her testimony bore this out. Yet, she is no longer here.

Yesterday my Dad made the comment "I'm 58, and don't know how much time I have left." Well, I'm 31, and I don't know how much time I have left.

My prayers go out to Cynthia's family. I cannot imagine the grief they are going through right now.

As for me, I think that from now on, I am going to start living each day as if it were my last.

Posted by Andrew at 9:16 AM // Comments: 1 //
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October 26, 2003

The Canary and the Eagle

This is a recent cover to Revista Veja, the primeir news magazine in Brazil. I think it aptly illustrates how Brazilians view their relationship with the United States.

Posted by Andrew at 12:48 AM
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October 25, 2003

Forum or Against 'um

Was just invited to join a forum hosted by the youth group of our sending church. I will be the moderator of a forum dealing with missions topics entitled (appropriately) Missionary at Large.

This should be interesting.

Posted by Andrew at 12:07 AM
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October 24, 2003

A Day in the Life of a Single Parent

Yesterday I began to experience what it is like to be a single parent. My wife has left me...temporarily, of course. She flew out early Thursday morning from Syracuse, bound for a ladies retreat in Sebring, Florida where she will present our ministry.

So, for the next few days, it is Daddy and Mikey time. Of course, this is made somewhat easier by the fact that we are staying with my folks, and they are more than happy to spend time with their grandson.

Still, I have alot more respect now for single parents. Their life is not easy. And I only have one child. I can only imagine what life must be like for single parents with two children. From now on I will take time and pray for those single parents that I know. My wife is coming back next Tuesday, and my days as a single parent will be over. For many single parents, there is no end in sight.

Posted by Andrew at 10:43 PM // Comments: 1 //
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October 23, 2003

Confessions of a Cheater

This has been a year for vices. From the sordid tales of R. Kelly and Kobe Bryant, to the shocking revelations of Rush Limbaugh--the sins of the famous and notorious have been hung out for all to see.

Lest I should be left behind, I feel it my duty to inform my loyal public that I also have a vice. I am a cheater. No, I don’t look on other people’s tests, falsify income tax returns, or pad my golf score. My cheating takes a more subtle form, and it has to do with this blog.

You see, when I began this blog back in August, its purpose was to serve as yet another form of communication between myself and those who were praying for our ministry. I determined to communicate something every day—even if it was just a short blurb.

The ministry of a missionary on deputation requires much travel, and I soon discovered that there were days where it was impossible for me make an entry in the weblog, either for lack of time, or lack of a suitable connection.

It was at this point that I began the practice of simply changing the date and time of an entry so it would appear that there was one for every day. For example, if I did not have time to make an entry on Sunday, I would write something on Monday and date it for Sunday.

I have never tried to hide the fact that I do this, and even wrote a tongue-in-cheek article about it some time ago. Yet now come the accusations of cheating.

What it comes down to is the fact that I cannot bear the sight of a blank date on the calendar on the right-hand side of the blog. So, for now, I will strive to write and article per day, and change dates when necessary. Let this article serve as an official disclaimer!

By the way, this entry is truly being written on October 23, but as I have no connection at this time, it will be posted on the 24th. You can rest assured, however, that the date will read October 23.

Posted by Andrew at 9:35 AM // Comments: 2 //
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October 22, 2003

Another New Feature

Today I started a blog which I hope will serve as a means to minister in Brazil while we are still in the States. It is called Defesa Da Verdade. If you speak Portuguese, go ahead and check it out. Of course, you can check it out even if you don't speak Portuguese, but it won't do you much good.

I have included a link for it with the other links on this page.

Posted by Andrew at 4:22 PM
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October 21, 2003

Change of Plans

Today we were going to go to Niagara Falls after the conference was over. Unfortuately, the weather conspired against us. Instead we made the drive back to Cortland.

Other than almost getting in an accident in Syracuse, the day was rather uneventful.

Sorry this is so boring.

Posted by Andrew at 10:12 PM
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October 20, 2003

The Biggest Piece...

Today we got to Rochester, NY for the fall conference of the Empire State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches. Upon arrival, we discovered that we had left the backboard for our display at Tuscarora.

Understand that this is the biggest piece of our luggage! How it could be forgotten is beyond me. Yet, it was.

There is probably a very profound lesson to be gained here--something about paying attention to the important things before worrying about the little things--but I am honestly too tired to develop that thought. You will have to do that on your own.

Posted by Andrew at 10:05 PM
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October 19, 2003

The Hills Are Alive

Today was spent at the Tuscarora Baptist Church, in deep in the hills of western New York. This is the church where I grew up. As I drove the widing road that leads from the four-lane into the mountains, I could not help but contemplate the winding road that has led me to the place in life where I now find myself.

If you had asked me as a child--roaming those lovely hills--where I would be in 20 years, I would have told you many things, most likely none of them having to do with the mission field or deputation. The path of my life has been just as winding, just as filled with curves and potholes has the road I drove today.

Yet God has been clearly working out his own ends, despite my stubbornness and self-centeredness. Arriving at the church today, I was thrilled to see what God is doing with the congregation that I was a part of for over 16 years. Growth, maturity, and enthusiasm are three words that could be used to characterize the personality of that church.

At this juncture of the winding road of my life, those three characteristics are ones that I would like people to find in me...growth, maturity, and enthusiasm. Growth in my relationship with Christ, maturity in the word, and enthusiasm for the work to which I have been called. With these charactaristics in place, perhaps the road of the next 31 years of my life will not be quite so twisted. Or perhaps it will. Who knows? Straight roads can be boring!

Posted by Andrew at 9:29 AM // Comments: 1 //
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October 18, 2003

We Made It!

We are now in NY. I am writing this entry from my parents house in Cortland. We got to the missionary conference in New Berlin on time, and had a wonderful time.

Missionary conferences are nice, because they give me a chance to hear other missionary presentations beside my own. This weekend we heard presentations from missionaries to Chile and Bangladesh, as well as lecture on the true nature of Islam. We came away truly edified and challenged.

I am desperately trying to think of something remarkably profound to say, and having no success. I am quite tired, and think that the best course of action for me is to go to bed.

Posted by Andrew at 11:18 PM
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October 17, 2003

Yes, Virginia, there is a...Virginia

Well, we made it to Northern Virginia. Hopefully, we will arrive at our destination--the missionary conference in New Berlin--in good form.

Here are some highlights of yesterday's trip:

Posted by Andrew at 9:58 AM
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October 16, 2003

Georgia On My Mind

This entry is coming to you from a room at the Red Roof Inn in Brunswick, Georgia. We made it this far last night, by God's grace, and are about ready to pick up and go again. Tomorrow's blog should come to you from somewhere in norhtern Virginia.

I guess the highlight of yesterday's trip was that Tassie (my wife) got some serious drive time in. There were a couple of times when my life flashed before my eyes, but other than that it was fairly uneventful. I may have one or two extra grey hairs now!

I'm going to take a couple of pictures now, and if they turn out we will add them to our deputation photos page.

Posted by Andrew at 9:09 AM
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October 15, 2003

The Dearly Undeparted

Immediately following the writing of this article, I will be packing up my laptop--along with the other elements of my virtual office--and heading for New York. We had planned on leaving a lot earlier, but car troubles stood in the way.

Now the car is fixed, last minute details are being cared for, and we are very close to being on the road.

We will try to take some photos of our trip north, and include them in the deputation photos

Posted by Andrew at 1:21 PM
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October 14, 2003

Another New Feature

Yesterday, in a fit of political passion, I added a George W. Bush update banner to the blog. It can presently be seen on the right hand side of the page (which is fitting for a Republican candidate).

I do not believe this means I am going "political." I certainly do not agree with all of Dubya's policies, nor do I put my trust in him to save America. I do, however, believe he has the character and leadership skills to lead us forward as a nation. Furthermore, I feel that he has not gotten a fair shake in the press. And so, in a very small way (microscopic, actually), I feel that by putting his banner on my blog, I feel I am helping to balance the scales.

Let me emphasize that my trust is in Jesus Christ, not in one political party or another. My inclusion of this banner is simply an exercise of my rights as an American to say "This is my candidate."

In Other News...

Today my car died. Actually, I would have to classify its condition as "critical." It is too young to die, and it has an extended warranty. So, all things being equal, it should be up and running again by tomorrow.

Posted by Andrew at 11:47 PM
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October 13, 2003

Why Did You Do It, Chris?

I can remember when I was in school, looking forward to Columbus Day. I really didn't care about the events of 1492 (they could have called it "Cucumber Day" for all I cared). I was simply pleased that we would be getting a day off of school.

Now, I do not like Columbus Day so much. In fact, sitting at my computer right now, I almost wish good old Chris had stayed at home. Why? Because school is not the only thing that is closed on Columbus day. No post office, no bank, no US Stock Exchange...I have many things to do that require the use of one or all of these fine institutions, and they are all closed. Thanks alot, Christopher Columbus.

Couln't we have been just content to name a city in Ohio after him? Did we have to give him his own holliday? Thanksgiving is different. We celebrate on Thanksgiving. There is turkey, and football, and family gatherings. Who celebrates Columbus Day? Nobody. Not the Spanish, not the Americans, certainly not the Indians.

So here I am, with much to be done, and no way to do it.

In the spare time afforded me by Christopher Columbus's inability to leave well-enough alone, I have taken the time to do a few updates on the website.

Deputation Photos I have added some pictures from the last couple of months to this page. Those of you from First Baptist in Dania Beach and Faith Baptist in Ft. Pierce will especially want to have a look.

Internet Accountability This is a link to a wonderful program that I highly recommend. It is called "Covenant Eyes" and it provides accountability for Christians who spend a lot of time on the internet. I have been using it for a while now, and the comfort and safety it provides while traversing the wilds of the world wide web more than compensate for the small monthly fee.

The Blue Frog This is one of my favorite places to hang out with my friends when I am in New York. If you ever find yourself in Cortland, check it out.

Posted by Andrew at 3:42 PM // Comments: 6 //
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October 12, 2003

Sunday Ministry

Today we had the special privilege of ministering once again at our sending church, Fellowship Baptist in Lakeland, Florida. Some highlights:

Morning Message: I was able to preach on the Genesis 35 text I wrote about a couple of days ago. It was recieved very well by the congregation. Praise God!

Rest: I was actually able to take a nap this afternoon. I haven't had one of those in a while, and it felt good!

The Comings Brothers: Before the evening service--where I was to share an update with our home church about our deputation ministry--my brother Daniel and I did a fun little piano duet for the congregation. In the number, we mix When the Saints Go Marching In and Swing Low Sweet Chariot, and put them together with elements gleaned from Victor Borge, The Canadian Brass, and the Smothers Brothers. Our creativity is exceeded only by our plagerism! Nonetheless, folks at church seemed to enjoy it.

Technical Difficulties: As I was setting up the computer and projector for our ministry update, I noticed that one of my files had not saved correctly, and had eliminated all the images in the presentation. I had to quickly put the images in during the song service.

Fellowship: We have a great church, and one of the things that makes it great is our wonderful pastor. Pastor Piatt and his family were honored after the evening service with a Pastor Appreciation party. We are truly thankful for our pastor, who has been a tremendous source of encouragement to us over the years.

Posted by Andrew at 10:09 PM
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October 11, 2003

Whew!

Spent most of the day today at McDonalds. Today was homecoming, and thus it was a very busy day. Why any red-blooded, self-respecting American male would take his homecoming date to a fast-food joint is beyond me.

Anyway, after finishing up McDonalds at about 9pm, I came here to the church and put the finishing touches on my message for tomorrow. It is an expanded form of the blog entries for the last couple of days.

Now I am going to go home and go to bed.

Posted by Andrew at 11:49 PM // Comments: 1 //
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October 10, 2003

More on Worship

When I was a little boy, I remember hearing my grandfather tell a story about his brother Clayton. Both Grandpa and Clayton were musically gifted children. One particular Sunday during the morning service at church, a couple got up to sing. They should not have. They could not carry a tune in a wooden bucket. The resulting dissonance was more than the young Clayton could bear.

"Please make them stop." he implored in a loud voice, tugging at his mother's sleeve. Embarassed, his mother tried to sush him, but he would not be shushed.

"Make them stop!" he insisted, his voice becoming ever louder. His mother tried to bury his face in the folds of her skirt, but to no avail.

"Make them stop!" he wailed at the top of his lungs. "I can't stand that awful NOISE!"

I can't help but think of that story when I remember the times when I have sat in in the pew, singing the words and praying the prayers of worship, but with a heart completely devoid of purity and godliness. What a dissonance this must have created in the ears of my Savior. I can picture Him turning to the Father and saying "Make him stop. I can't stand that awful noise."

I don't know about you, but the next time I go to worship, I am going to take the condition of my heart a lot more seriously.

Posted by Andrew at 11:42 AM
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October 9, 2003

Preparation for Worship

Much is said and written these days on the subject of worship. There are conflicting opinions on the mode of worship, the music of worship, and the motives for worship. (Like that little alliteration? I just made it up!) The differing perspectives and practices have caused a virtual cacaphony on the worship scene.

Old Testament saints seemed to have no confusion as to what constituted true worship. Take Jacob, for instance. He was no goody-two-shoes, by any stretch of the immagination. Cheating his brother (twice!), lying to his father, deceiving his father-in-law--not the greatest resumé for a worship leader. Yet Jacob had conversed personally with God twice, and wrestled with Him once. This in Genesis 35, when God commands Jacob to go Bethel (House of God) immediately following the sordid Dinah incident, we find him putting his house in order. The command he gives to his family members is very revealing:

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments.

It seems that Jacob knew that he was heading for another meeting with God. He had three commands for his household:

1. Put away your idols. Jacob knew that when he approached God, he had to approach Him wholeheartedly. God would not look kindly on anything taking His place as an object of worship.

2. Be clean. This has to do with lifestyle. Jacob is telling his family to remove anything from their lives which would defile them as they came into God's presence.

3. Change your garments. This appears to deal with the outward appearance of Jacob's family. He seems to be saying "Don't you dare embarrass me by going into God's presence looking like slobs!"

I think we can take a cue from Jacob. When we go into God's presence, whether it be in church on Sunday, or at our family altar, or in our private devotions, we need to (1) remove anything in our lives that is robbing God of His rightful place as the only object of our worship, (2) make sure there is no sin which is obstructing our fellowship with Him, and (3) show the proper respect accorded to Deity by dressing tastefully and modestly according to our own cultural norms.

Another interesting nugget from this passage: when Jacob's family brought out their idols, and their earrings (apparently inappropriate attire even in those days!), what did Jacob do? He hid them under a tree (Gen. 35:4).

Could this be an Old Testament image of what we do with our idols, our sins, and our old way of life? We bring them to the foot of the cross, where they are buried--permanently hidden from the sight of all.

Posted by Andrew at 12:35 AM // Comments: 1 //
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October 8, 2003

Just Visiting

Today I was driving and flipping through the stations on the radio. I do not have a CD player (not even a tape deck!) in my car, so I am usually at the mercy of whatever the radio stations are playing. I finally settled on an oldies station, and listened to the end of some vapid love ballad from the 60's.

After the song, a station promotion spot came on that caught my attention. The announcer for the oldies station said, "We don't live in the past, we just visit...a lot!"

I chuckled, and then realized that this was the attitude of many Christians toward sin in their life. "We don't live in sin, we just visit...a lot." I would contend that most believers exist in in continuum of sinning, confessing, having victory, and then sinning again. They keep short accounts with God, but post an exhorbitant amount of transactions.

I do not advocate the view that Christians can achieve sinless perfection here on earth. However, it seems to me that believers must never become content with the above mention cycle. The Bible clearly states that in Christ, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have the power to overcome temptation. Sure we will fall, but that is to be the exception and not the rule, and never to be accepted as "part of life."

This line of thinking has forced me to evaluate my own life. I am not living in sin, but are there sins that I visit...a lot? This is one kind of "visitation" that I...we as believers...must avoid at all costs.

Posted by Andrew at 11:06 PM
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October 7, 2003

Fringe Benefits

Today we had a wonderful time at the missionary conference of Faith Baptist, Ft. Pierce. Today was the third day of the conference, and I got to spend some serious time with students from their Christian School.

I am having alot of fun with teenagers during our deputation, which has surprised me, because I have always been more comfortable around adults. In the churches where we have been, however, I have found myself establishing a rapport with the teens. Go figure.

Another benefit of this conference is that I have had many opportunities to fellowship with other missionaries, and to hear them speak. This has been very edifying for me and my family.

Posted by Andrew at 11:36 PM
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October 6, 2003

Impatience

Today I learned that some good friends of ours, friends from candidate class at Baptist Mid-Missions, are now in Brazil. They started the deputation process with us, have raised 100% of their support, and will arrive shortly on the field.

I will have to admit that a certain amount of jealousy crept into my thoughts. Here was a family who will have to go through language school, and culture shock, and all the other things that go with moving to a different country. Meanwhile, I speak the language, know the culture, and am well aquainted with life in Brazil, and yet I am still here, cooling my proverbial heels.

Well, not exactly cooling my heels. God has kept me very busy challenging churches for missions. This is a ministry which I have grown to love. When we get to the field, I will miss it.

It has taken me a while, but I have grown to accept God's timing. He will provide according to His plan, and His plan is always best. It is up to me to do the best I can where I am. And so I will do.

And I know that God is going to greatly use my friends in Brazil. Their obvious love for Brazil and Brazilians is going to have a great impact. And one day we will be co-laborers together in that great land.

Posted by Andrew at 11:50 PM
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October 5, 2003

Blessings

Today was the first day of a missionary conference at Faith Baptist Church in Ft. Pierce, Florida. I had the privilege of presenting the ministry in Brazil to the Spanish congreagation of the church, and then preaching in the evening service of the English congregation.

After the evening service, one little boy came forward to be saved, and a couple others came forward to dedicate themselves to Christian service.

What a blessing! Praise God!

Posted by Andrew at 11:38 PM
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October 4, 2003

New Feature

Today I have added a new feature to this blog. In the menu on the right I have included a "verse of the day" section. This is for the edification and encouragement of the reader (not to mention the author!). Enjoy.

Posted by Andrew at 10:49 AM // Comments: 1 //
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October 3, 2003

Al Franken Revisited

A while ago I did a critique on an interview given by satirist Al Franken. I have here linked two articles by people who, like me, believe that Mr. Franken is more than a little hypocritical in his criticism of the religious right.

Click here or here to read the articles.

Posted by Andrew at 12:07 AM
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October 2, 2003

The Check is NOT in the Mail

It has been about three weeks since I started my present part-time job here in Florida, and I have yet to be paid. I'm told this was due to a paperwork mixup. I was also told that it was cleared up, and I would have my check by Wednesday. It is Thursday, the checks are in, and no check for me.

Tomorrow I plan to spend some serious time on the phone with the good folks in payroll, and see what the deal is. I am very tempted to tell them that I will work again as soon as I get a check. Until then, I will spend my time in more profitable endeavors.

There is no particular lesson or devotional insight to be gained from todays blog (at least not one planned by me!). I am simply letting off steam. Thanks for your patience.

Tune in tomorrow for more attempts at profundity.

Posted by Andrew at 11:49 PM // Comments: 4 //
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October 1, 2003

Meditation Moment

My father is the senior pastor of a church in Cortland, NY. One of his ministries is a weekly Meditation Moment which he sends out to subscribers. It is also posted on the church website. This week's Meditation Moment was so good, I felt I must share it with you.

Enjoy!

As I sit at my desk tippity typing this article I am in a good frame of
mind. So, let me do something just a bit lighter but not without some
merit for this Mediation Moment contribution. I have in mind the sharing
of a daydream. My suspicion is that it may be a bit of whimsy that will
find a sympathetic chord in the heart of many a pastor, deacon or other
worker in a local church. This flight of fantasy revolves around things
that leaders might long to hear from people in the course of their
ministry. Consider these suggestions.

(From someone age 55 and up.) You know, we've done this the same way
since my grandparents were young. Perhaps the time has come to consider
tweaking it or replacing it.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) I really appreciate this long
standing program. It has become a part of our church's character and I think
it can still be a vital part of our ministry.

(From someone age 55 and up.) I heard the young folks singing a chorus
the other day. It had some really good words, but I found the tune hard
to sing. I've made an appointment with a couple of the teens to have
them teach me the melody.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) Some of our older folks are having a
difficult time learning our choruses. Is there a way that we could make
it easier for them?

(From someone age 55 and older.) This old song really does not say
much.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) This new chorus really does not say
much.

(From someone age 55 and older.) You know, there are some substantial
songs being written now days. I'm using my computer to find the words
and then I'm asking young people to help me understand the allusions with
which I'm not familiar.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) You know, there were some
substantial songs written in the past. I'm using my hymnal in my devotions and
asking an older friend at church to help me understand the allusions with
which I'm not familiar.

(From someone age 55 and older.) I am not totally comfortable with some
of the new things our young people are doing, but I'm taking several of
them out for ice cream on occasion so that I can learn how they are
thinking.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) I feel that I am losing touch with
our Christian heritage. So, I'm getting together with some of our older
folks and asking them to tell me about what they have learned over the
years.

(From someone age 55 and older.) I am grateful for the new
translations. They help me to get a grip on some passages that never made sense to
me before.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) I wish our church, once in awhile,
would have a class where we use the King James version. I feel that it
would help me to be able to understand some of the great Christian
literature that was written in the era when that form of English was better
known.

(Corollary - from someone age 55 and older.) I really enjoy some of the
new books coming off the presses.

(Corollary – from someone age 25 and younger.) I'm really getting into
Spurgeon and Tozer.

(From someone age 55 and older.) I have decided to turn off the radio
and practice singing to myself instead of having someone else sing to
me.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) I have decided to turn off the radio
and CD player and walkman so that I can practice singing to myself
instead of having someone else sing to me.

(From someone age 55 and older.) I wish I could sing like Steve Green.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) I wish I could sing like George
Beverly Shea.

(From someone age 55 and older.) I wouldn't mind having something other
than pews in the place where we meet for worship.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) I think the old style of furniture
is cool. It kind of gives the idea of coming into the presence of
someone important.

(From someone age 55 and older.) I think it is great that our pastor
doesn't sound like Billy Graham.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) I think it is great that our pastor
doesn't sound like Ken Davis.

(From someone age 55 and older.) I do so enjoy our pastor's youthful
energy. I feel my children (grandchildren) can relate to him.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) Our pastor seems a lot like my
grandpa. That is so cool. I feel I can trust him.

(From someone age 55 and older.) I wish our pastor would preach longer.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) I wish our pastor would preach
longer.

(From someone age 55 and older.) I believe we should be grooming young
men to replace us as Sunday School teachers and bring new and fresh
approaches to ministry.

(From someone age 25 and younger.) I wish an older Sunday School
teacher would groom me for leadership so that I could benefit from his
maturity and experience when it's my turn to teach others.

The dream could continue. Alas, I must get on with the rest of the
labors of my day. However, before I sign off, it might be worth pointing
out, as you have already noticed, that I have left the age group from
twenty-six to fifty-four out of this whole scenario. I pause a moment and
think to myself... what would be a significant dream that I might have
for this group. Ah, yes! I have it.

(From someone age 26 to 54.) Have you considered the tremendous
potential for spiritual ministry that could be ours if we had one or two
tennis courts?

Posted by Andrew at 1:49 PM // Comments: 2 //
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