Wednesday, January 12, 2005

January 12, 2005


10:49 PM Here are two new entries on the Crosswalk weblog: It’s Time to Go to China Why Pastors Should Blog 3:24 PM Alan just arrived from Mississippi. The China team is now assembled. We leave for the airport in 17 hours and 21 minutes. 8:56 AM Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the fund for Tsunami Disaster Relief, We received $27,400, our largest-ever special offering. The money will be distributed through Samaritan’s Purse. 8:52 AM This week’s Christian Carnival is now online. Each week the range of articles expands to include new writers and new topics. It’s well worth a visit. 8:48 AM Calling all men! First Watch starts tomorrow morning at 5:55 AM. A hot breakfast … great fellowship … Bible teaching … a time of prayer … and we’re done by 7 AM. Here’s a testimony about First Watch from Skip Olson:

First Watch is a unique and increasingly important part of my spiritual life. There is nothing more encouraging, edifying, or exhilarating than being a part of a diverse group of men who stand together as a “band of brothers” with one primary purpose: To love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ and others. Calvary’s theme for 2005 is “The Church in many places.” God is calling us to boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in our corner of the world. To our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even strangers. The practical application of that “calling” stirs the emotions. On the one hand, it is truly exciting to think about the spiritual impact we could have on those around us. On the other hand, we are visited by all kinds of fears as we begin to think of stepping out in faith to witness for Jesus. This is precisely why First Watch continues to be a critical part of my spiritual life. Nothing helps me overcome my fears more effectively than knowing that I am not alone. That I stand shoulder to shoulder with a group of men committed to the same spiritual calling. A group of “Spirit-filled” men who inspire, encourage, and hold me accountable. I would like to encourage every man of Calvary to attend First Watch. If we are to take the church to the people, if we are to be the men that God wants us to be, then we need to stand together united in the Spirit, in love, in purpose. There is no better place to do that than at First Watch. I firmly believe that God is going to do amazing things through First Watch this year. It truly is going to be an exciting year!

8:47 AM The Wednesday night program begins tonight. That means we’ll have the Family Supper starting at 5:30, followed by Awana, Life Training Institute, and choir practice at 7 PM. I’ll be teaching my Pastor’s Bible Class in the Dining Room. Tonight we’ll cover Mark 10 in our series “Rediscovering Jesus.” 8:46 AM 56 miles. I managed to get a bike ride in yesterday because the big ice storm never materialized. 8:45 AM In exactly 24 hours, Howard Duncan will pick us up in the church van and take us to the airport for our trip to China.

Do you have any thoughts or questions about this post?