Pastor Jon Cannon

PMM - LEADERSHIP SEMINAR - NOV. 13-14 - HICKORY, NC

 

The final pieces of the puzzle are coming together!  The PMM - Strengthening His Church Leadership Seminar is just two weeks away!

Let's see...

• seminar developed - check!
• brochures made - check!
• workbooks made - check!
• lanyards made - check!
• registration forms made - check!
• mp3 order form cards made - check!
• propresenter slide show made - check!
• videos inserted - check!
• worship songs inserted - check!
• final pieces of sound equipment purchased - check!
• pmm gifts made - check!
• credit/debit card machine - check!
• prayer - check! - check! - check! - check! - check! - check! (Can never have enough prayer!)

If you are in the Hickory, NC are in two weeks plan on coming out to the seminar.  (Click here for details of seminar.)

I've had people ask me if this was open to all denominations?  The answer is YES!  This is open to anyone who cares about the leadership of their church or ministry.  For your convenience, we will have a credit/debit card machine at the registration table for those who have not preregistered.  Walk ins are welcome!!!!

If you know of any church in the area please let them know about this conference. If you have any questions please shoot me an email.

See you in two weeks!

STRENGTHENING HIS CHURCH LEADERSHIP SEMINAR - November 13-14, 2009 - Gateway Convention Center, Hickory, NC

ATTENTION ALL CHURCH LEADERS IN THE NORTH CAROLINA AREA! 

I would like to invite you to our "Strengthening His Church Leadership Seminar"  which Priorities Matter Ministries and I will be conducting at the Gateway Convention Center in Hickory, NC on November 13-14, 2009. Bring your entire church leadership team!

Click here to learn more about this leadership seminar.  Also, register before October 15th to take advantage of the Early Bird special!  With six or more registered the Senior Pastor attends free!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email them to me; I will respond ASAP.

Steve 411 - Hotel, Conference Center, Parking, and Registration at the D6 Conference

SBC VOTES "NO" FOR FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SUPREME COURT NOMINEE

As the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee began considering Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court last week, the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission announced its opposition, saying she is an "unpredictable wildcard" who will work to "redefine the law." (click here to read the article)

How do you feel about President Obama's nominee to the highest court in the land? Do you think she will "redefine the law"? Do you think she judges from the bench with a bias spirit? How do you feel about her views on abortion? Go ahead, leave your comments.

REGISTRATION NEWS FOR D6 CONFERENCE

The date for the D6 Conference in Dallas, TX is quickly coming upon us!  September 23rd will be here before you know it; and you will be beating yourself up if you miss this conference!

Also, if you register before Father's Day, June 22nd, you will get a $15.00 discount and a free D6 t-shirt. 

Just click here and enter this Father's Day special discount code D6DAD when you register.

It's going to be a great event.  I hope to see you there!  Also, if you register as a result of reading this blog, be sure to shoot me an email.  I would love to hear from you!

REMEMBER, TO RECEIVE THE DISCOUNT AND FREE D6 T-SHIRT, YOU MUST REGISTER BY JUNE 22ND!

Once again, here's the discount code: D6DAD

USA NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION? I DISAGREE!

President Barack Obama said in Turkey : "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."

I  found this very interesting. Do you know the Preamble for your state?

• Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..
• Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land. 
• Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution... 
• Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
• California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom... 
• Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe... 
• Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in  permitting them to enjoy. 
• Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
• Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution... 
• Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution... 
• Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution. 
• Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings. 
• Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors. 
• Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government. 
• Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution. 
• Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution. 
• Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties.. 
• Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy. 
• Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction. 
• Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty... 
• Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction  
• Michigan 1908, Preamble.   We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution. 
• Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings: 
• Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.. 
• Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution... 
• Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..
• Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution. 
• Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution... 
• New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience. 
• New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors. 
• New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty.. 
• New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings. 
• North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those... 
• North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain... 
• Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common. 
• Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this 
• Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences 
• Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance.... 
• Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing... 
• South Carolina , 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution. 
• South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ... 
• Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience... 
• Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God. 
• Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution. 
• Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man .. 
• Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other 
• Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution 
• West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ... 
• Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility... 
• Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts, and President Barack Obama are wrong!

Thank you Mr. President, but I will speak for myself, "I do consider the United States of America a Christian nation!"

VICTORY CHURCH HAS GONE TWITTER!

Victory Church has officially gone "twitter!"  Follow us now at Victory using Twitter and you will receive all the current news, prayer requests, upcoming events and last minute items to hit the calendar.  This is a great way to stay connected at Victory!  Search for us @victoryfwb on Twitter!

You may also want to check out the beta version of "Tweet Deck."  I really like it!  Happy twittering!

EIGHT GREAT WAYS TO FIND YOUR DREAM JOB

There was a great article on the Fox Business website this morning by Steve Santiago titled "Eight Great Ways To Find Your Dream Job."

Listed are his eight suggestions:

1. Internet job boards

2. Networking through personal contacts

3. Career consultants

4. Recruiters, private employment agencies

5. Internships

6. Job fairs

7. School career placement offices

8. Government employment services

To read this great article in full - click here

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE LAID OFF

Church Financial Services Secialist Dr. Keith T. Hamilton, CFP, CRPC of the Georgia Baptist Convention wrote a great article with some very practical steps to do if you have been laid off from your job.

You may find this helpful in your situation, but if not you, then there are many around us and in our churches who have been laid off.  Why not forward this post to them?  They will be glad you did! 

Dr. Hamilton says: Being laid off from a job is terrible, but it is not the end of your world.

Unemployment must be kept in balance with the rest of your life. God has given us families and friends to help us through these difficult and hard days. No matter how difficult life becomes, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to help us through the hard times. In fact, if you think about it, Jesus was unemployed, too. During Jesus’ last three years on this earth, He did not have a paying job either. He had to depend on the generosity of others. Of course, Jesus knew his heavenly Father would take care of him. Likewise, our same heavenly Father will take care of you during these coming days if you will allow him. You only have to call upon Him and He will answer you. As part of our church’s ministry, we want to help you through the coming days by offering some practical financial helps for you to follow. These are just some tips that have made a difference in other lives facing the same thing you are facing.

WELCOME PASTOR REUBEN CASON TO THE BLOG-A-SPHERE!

I would like to officially welcome my good friend, Pastor Reuben Cason to the blog-a-sphere!  Pastor Cason is currently serving as the Senior Pastor of White Oak Free Will Baptist Church in Bailey, NC.

Welcome Brother Reuben!  Click here to check out his new blog!

VICTORY CHURCH LAND REDUCTION FUND

Victory Church has just purchased 20.7 acres of land on Scott-Troy Road and Hwy 50 in O'Fallon, Illinois.  I just got a report last week that 28,000 cars drive by our property everyday!  That number is staggering!

Currently we are having our weekend worship service at Moye Elementary School in O'Fallon, IL.  We also rent office space for our administrative offices.  We desperately need to get our first building on the new property. 

Will you prayerfully consider making a donation of any size to the Victory Church Land Reduction Fund?  As soon as we pay down the debt on the land, we can then pursue with the plans of construction of our first building. 

If you would like to speak with me more about this, please email me at jon@joncannon.org and I will be more than glad to share with you what God is doing through the ministry of Victory Church.

God bless you and thanks for furthering God's Kingdom!

GREAT JOB VICTORY! TWO THUMBS UP!

Wow!  What a great job you all did last Sunday!  I was very proud of you all!  What a great first impression Victory made to the City of O'Fallon in welcoming our city officials, and in bringing in "cases" of food for the O'Fallon Food Pantry! 

Today Eldon, Barbara, and I delivered the food to the O'Fallon Food Pantry.  All of the workers there were overwhelmed at the generosity of Victory Church.  We completely filled up their staging area and more!  They counted the cases of food and after unloading it all there were 175 cases!  We are never nearer to the heart of our Lord than when we are meeting the physical needs of those around us.

Once again, great job Victory!  This is the kind of impact I want us to make on the City of O'Fallon!  We are here to serve and make a difference in the lives of people.

VICTORY'S GOT TALENT SUNDAY

Sunday at Victory Church was our fourth week in our Sunday school "Reaching the One" campaign.  Our theme this week was "Victory's Got Talent."

Each of our Sunday school classes displayed their talent in acting out a skit on how they could build their Sunday school class.  

It was a hilarious Sunday!  It has been a long time since I have laughed that hard at church! 

All of you "Victorites" did a great job!  You were ALL winners in my book!  However the junior/senior high girls brought home the gold!

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR PASTOR WINTERS FAMILY

By now you probably are well aware of the tragedy that took place last Sunday morning at the First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois.  Pastor Fred Winters was shot while preaching his message in the early service.  Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival to the hospital.  Before going any further, let me say that I am praying for his wife, his children, and his church family.  Please know that my heart is literally "aching" for you all!

Pastor Fred was doing a great work for the Lord in leading this church for 22 years; and seeing the Lord grow the church from 38 people to a membership of 1300.

My heart is still "numb" to the fact that something like this can take place in a Bible preaching church, right in the heartland of our nation!  Not to mention the fact that this incident took place really, really close to home!

The verse that immediately came to my mind, when I was made aware of what took place, was Philippians 1:21 (ESV)

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

I'm certain that Pastor Fred preached from this verse many times, and I'm also certain that he has gained far more than he could have ever imagined when he was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ last Sunday morning!  I can assure you, he is far better off than any of us are today.  However, that still does not change the fact that we are having to deal with the loss and pain of this event.

The Bible clearly teaches us that this IS NOT a perfect world.  Why?  Well, because there is sin in the world, therefore, people do the wrong things and suffering is the result.  Notice this passage of Scripture in Ecclesiastes 8:14 (HCSB)

There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.

Here is the same verse in Eugene Peterson's "The Message:"

Here's something that happens all the time and makes no sense at all: Good people get what's coming to the wicked, and bad people get what's coming to the good. I tell you, this makes no sense. It's smoke.

What Ecclesiastes 8:14 is teaching is that we don't always get what we deserve.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! "RESOLUTIONS vs. LOVE"

John 21:15 (HCSB) When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”

Jesus has a wonderful way of restoring us when we fail Him! He does not humiliate us. He does not criticize us. He does not ask us to make a resolution to try harder. Rather, He takes us aside and asks us to reaffirm our love for Him.

Peter miserably failed his Lord when he fled with the other disciples from the Garden of Gethsemane. Later, he publicly denied that he even knew Jesus. Peter must have wondered if he had been capable of being Jesus' disciple when he was unfaithful to Jesus in His most crucial hour.

As you begin a new year, you may be painfully aware that you have failed your Lord in many ways.

• Perhaps you were not faithful.
• Perhaps you disobeyed His word to you.
• Perhaps you denied Him by the way you lived.

The good news is this: Jesus will take you aside, as He did Peter. He will not berate you. He will not humiliate you. He will ask you to examine your love for Him. He asked Peter, “Do you love Me?”  If your answer, like Peter's, is “Yes, Lord,” He will reaffirm His will for you. If you truly love Him, you will obey Him (John 14:15).

Jesus does not need your resolutions, your recommitments, or your promises to try harder in this new year. If your resolve to obey God last year did not help you to be faithful, it will not make you successful this year.

Jesus asks for your love. If you truly love Him, your service for Him in 2009 will be of the quality that He desires.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

IT IS FINISHED!

All of us can now say, "It is finished," when it comes to the year 2008!  But what about your spiritual walk with Christ?

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.—John 19:30

• God always finishes what He begins (Phil. 1:6).
• God never speaks a word without ensuring that it comes to pass (Isa. 55:11).
• Christ is both the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Rev. 1:8, 17).
• Christ is as much at the end of His work as He is at its beginning.

Jesus was given an enormous mandate. He was to live a sinless life, remaining absolutely obedient to His Father.  Even the manner of His death was to fulfill numerous prophecies that had been foretold in Scripture (Matt. 26:24, 31, 54, 56; 27:9, 35, 46; John 19:28, 36–37).  Yet, despite the extremely complex assignment Jesus received from His Father, He could shout triumphantly from the cross, “It is finished!”

Christ now resides within each believer. His assignment today is to complete God's will in each Christian.  He is just as determined to do this in us as He was to complete God's will for Himself.

You will have to resist Christ in order to remain out of the will of God. As we come to the close of another year, stop and ask yourself some deep, penetrating questions:

• What is it God wants to do in you? 
• Are you living in the center of God's will for your life?
• Have you allowed Him to complete what He has begun?
• Are you walking daily by faith, submitting your life to the Lord?

God will not force you to receive all that He has for your life. If God's work has not been brought to fruition in you, it is not that Christ has not been diligently working toward that end. Rather, you may need to release areas of your life to Him and be as determined to see God's work in you completed as Christ is.

Review the things God has said to you over this last year. Are there promises God has made to you that you have refused to allow Him to complete? If so, commit to yield your will to God today.

MARY'S CHRISTMAS SONG - by Pastor Reuben Cason

Songs of the Season from the Christmas Story – Part II

Have you been enjoying your Christmas music this year? I'm sure have! I usually buy a couple of new Christmas CD’s each year and have already done so this year. I have even been tempted to buy more, but have decided to be content with what I have for now.

I love Christmas music, especially when our Church starts singing the Christmas hymns. This past Sunday we sang “Silent Night.” I enjoy this peaceful hymn, especially when we sing it as a part of our Candlelight service.

I have been studying some of the history behind the Christmas carols and hymns we sing. This week I read the story behind “Silent Night.” May I share it with you?

Joseph Mohr was born in Salzburg, Austria, in 1792. As a boy he was an active chorister in the Cathedral of Salzburg. In 1815 Mohr was ordained to the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. It was Christmas Eve and Father Mohr was preparing for the midnight service. He was distraught because the church organ was broken, ruining the prospects for that evening’s carefully planned music. Father Mohr and Franz Gruber, the village schoolmaster and church organist had often talked about the fact that the perfect Christmas hymn had never been written. Father Mohr decided that he must write his own Christmas hymn, immediately, in order to have music for the Christmas Eve Mass and to avoid disappointing his faithful congregation. Hastily, he wrote the words, “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright...” Taking the text to his organist, he explained the situation and asked him to compose a simple tune. That night, December 24, 1818, “Silent Night” was sung for the first time as a duet accompanied by guitar at the aptly named Church of St. Nicholas.

Wow, if it were not for a broken organ, there would never have been a “Silent Night.”

Music has a profound impact on us. Do you recall the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 16? The Bible says that “an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.” So his servants asked for permission to seek out a man, “who is a cunning player on an harp,” or skillful in playing. So they found David and he was brought in to play his harp for King Saul. And the Bible says, “when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.”

I read about one Country Music artist that said:

“Once, when a bar brawl broke out, I tried something that worked so well it became my standard response when fights started. Just when things started getting out of hand, when bikers were reaching for their pool cues and rednecks were heading for the gun rack, I’d start playing Silent Night. It could be the middle of July, I didn’t care. As I played, grown men would stop everything and calm down. Sometimes they’d even start crying, standing there watching me sweat and play Christmas carols.”

Why, even my little grandson Brayden, who is almost 18 months old, starts to “move” when he hears any kind music. So music does have an effect on us.

SONGS OF THE SEASON FROM THE CHRISTMAS STORY - PASTOR REUBEN CASON

I'm honored to have Pastor Reuben Cason of White Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Bailey, NC as an additional writer on my blog.  From time-to-time Pastor Cason will be posting some articles for us!  Below is his first blog entry!  Enjoy!

What would Christmas be like without music? I thoroughly enjoy the “sounds of the season.” I usually don’t like to start listening to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but this year I started listening to my Christmas CD’s two weeks before Thanksgiving. I must really be in the Christmas spirit this year!

What is your favorite Christmas song, be it secular or sacred? I don’t listen to secular music, I prefer Southern Gospel, that good ‘ole four part harmony was what I was raised on and it’s hard to get far from your raising. But during the Christmas season, I do enjoy listening to some of the secular Christmas music. Now these songs bring back precious memories of my childhood days, but they have absolutely nothing do with the “reason for the season."

That’s why I want us to turn our attention to the “Songs of the Season from the Christmas Story.” You will not find such a single concentration of song, praise and exultation anywhere else in the New Testament as you find in the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. I would encourage you during this Christmas season to spend some quite devotional time reading and meditating on these two chapters.

The “song” from the Christmas story that I would like to focus on at this time is found in Luke 1:67-79. This is Zacharias’ song of blessing. I would encourage you to read Luke 1:5-25, 57-66 to get a clear understanding about what happened to Zacharias in the temple as he was performing his priestly duty. Verse 67-68a says, “Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: Blessed is the Lord God of Israel…” Suddenly filled with the Spirit, this obscure priest took his place among the prophets.

His speaks three things about the coming Messiah.

ANOTHER VICTORY MAN LICENSED AS A FREE WILL BAPTIST MINISTER

Today, 12 November 2008,  Carlos Castro met with the Metro-East District Association Credentials Committee of the Illinois Free Will Baptist and was licensed as a Free Will Baptist Minister! 

Carlos has been a very vital part of the ministry of Victory Church for more than four years.  He now feels the Lord is leading him to be a pastor to the Hispanic people.  Carlos is the key person in launching Victory Church's Hispanic Ministry.  He will begin his studies to prepare for ordination as a Free Will Baptist Pastor.

Carlos has served our country for four years in the U.S. Air Force and is currently employed at Scott Air Force Base.  He has now devoted the rest of his life to serve in the Lord's Army!

I am very proud of Carlos!  Why not shoot him an email and let him know you are proud of him and that you are praying for him? 

For those looking for a Spanish speaking ministry in the  Metro-East of St. Louis contact us!

ARMISTICE DAY! THANKS TO ALL VETERANS!

I would like to personally thank all veterans who have, and are, sacrificially and willfully serving this great country of ours.  I appreciate you!

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France.

(PICTURE ABOVE: Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities.  This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on Nov. 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.)

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

To read more about Veterans Day click here.

PRAY FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA

What a great turnout we had this week as Americans exercised their God-given freedom to "vote" for our next leader. 

The presidential elections are over!  Now, regardless of whether your candidate won or loss, it's our duty as Christians to pray for President-Elect Barack Obama. 

Listen to this verse of Scripture as the Apostle Paul urges us to pray for our leaders:

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (HCSB) First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior.

Will you make a commitment with me to daily pray for President George W. Bush, and our new President-Elect Barack Obama?  Once again, it's our duty!

MORE OF GOD'S LOVE - INTERSTATE BATTERIES COMMERCIAL

Check out this great video just released by Norm Miller, chairman of Interstate Batteries. That's it, I'm in! It's Interstate Batteries for me from here on out!

VICTORY MEN RECENTLY LICENSED AS FREE WILL BAPTIST MINISTERS

This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” 1 Timothy 3:1 (HCSB)

Last Tuesday evening here at the Victory Church offices, the credentials committee from the Metro-East District Association of the Illinois Free Will Baptist met with and licensed two men from Victory Church into the ministry as Free Will Baptist ministers. 

Below is a small bio of each of these men, please pray for them as they prepare themselves for ordination.

Brad Range has just surrendered to full time Christian service in the area of youth ministry.  Brad is also married to Teri Schmidt and they live in O'Fallon, IL.  He will become a full-time student at Missouri Baptist University in January 2009 and pursue a degree in pastoral ministry.  Brad currently works with the Jr. and Sr. High student ministry here at Victory Church.  He is also very active as a sound technician in the weekend services of Victory.  Click here and send Brad an email of encouragement and let him know you are praying for him!  

Paul Boyer has also surrender to the call of God on his life as a Free Will Baptist minister of the Gospel.  Paul has been blessed to have been married to his wife Mayron for 32 years!  They have two children five grand children.  Paul retired from the  U.S. Coast Guard after serving for 20+ years!  He is finishing up his theology degree at St. Louis Christian College.  Paul is an ordained deacon here at Victory Church and currently leads Victory's mens ministry.  Click here and send Paul an email of encouragement and let him know you are praying for him! 

Both of these men have been licensed as Free Will Baptist ministers and are in the process of becoming ordained.  May God bless them both as they follow the leadership of the Lord in their life!

HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE UNSTABLE ECONOMY?

I’m sure you are aware of the financial crisis our country, even the entire world is in today.  How do we as Christians deal with the “unstable economy” of our day? 

Answer?  Have an eternal perspective on everything! 

Having an eternal perspective helps us deal with the “earthly ups and downs, stock market highs and lows, and acquiring and losing of stuff.”  All that will matter in eternity is the glory that came to God as a result of our life. We will be most blessed when God is most glorified.

If I’m concerned about God being glorified, then I’m less concerned about hoarding, giving my kids the best stuff, being comfortable, seeking a life of leisure, or keeping up with my neighbor.  The Bible reminds us of the brevity of our lives:

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)

I’ve been reminded in these very unstable days how faith is so vital to our relationship with God; if I’m exhibiting faith, then I’m pleasing God. If I’m pleasing my God, then it’s easier to be content with my physical and financial position. As the Bible reminds us,

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

It takes faith to give our tithe and offerings to our church. It takes faith to give up immediate gratification now and invest for later.  If you rely on movies, advertising, fashion trends, Hollywood celebrities, or the gang at work for your guidance and counsel, then you’ll not be content. You’ll be anxious and feeling as if you don’t have what it takes to be successful. But seek first God’s Kingdom and His counsel. The Bible compares the result of earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom:

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:16-17)

In these days of uncertainty, I would like to encourage you to look to our God and have faith in Him!

IS YOUR FAITH WAVERING?

With the $700 billion bailout being voted down (and rightly so) the stock market took the largest plunge downward since 9-11-01. 

Question, is your faith wavering?  Are you being overwhelmed with fear?  I trust you are not, because the "source" for all our needs is the Lord, not the Dow Jones!  Philippians 4:19 (HCSB) And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

With money and finances being on everyone's mind as of late, I thought I would post some humor and zingers concerning money.  Enjoy, and remember, in these days of uncertainty, look to the Lord, He is faithful!   

JOKE: The apostle Peter writes: "But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day" (2 Peter 3:8 NRSV).

An economist who read this passage was quite amazed and talked to God about it. "Lord, is it true that a thousand years for us is like one minute to you?" 

The Lord said yes.

The economist said, "Then a million dollars to us must be like one penny to you."

The Lord said, "Well, yes."

The economist said, "Will you give me one of those pennies?"

The Lord said, "All right, I will. Wait here a minute."

MONEY & SCRIPTURE

Greed brings trouble (Proverbs 15:27)

Do not make money the most important part of your life (Matthew 6:19)

Money can distract people from God (Mark 10:17-24)

You cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13)

Christians should share their resources with those in need (Acts 2:42-45)

Christians should not be lovers of money (1 Timothy 3:3)

We should look to God for security, not money (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Do not love money (Hebrews 13:5)

Be careful to treat rich and poor equally (James 2:1-9)

VICTORY'S OPERATION SATURATION REACHES 2000 HOMES!

Over the weekend about 65 "warriors" from Victory Church showed up at O'Fallon Family Sports Park to receive their door hangers, maps, and marching orders.  In about an hour we placed "monster-size door hangers" on the doors of 2000 homes!  Following the saturation we gathered back for a cook-out.  What a great time we had!  Thanks guys, you all are awesome! Kudo's to Darrell and Linda Renfro for organizing this event!  

MEN OF VICTORY PRAYING TOGETHER!

Pictured is a powerful moment we had together on Saturday morning with some of the men of Victory Church.  Brother Paul Boyer leads our men's ministry and he challenged our men to rally around the sword and enter the spiritual battle!  Wow!  What an awesome moment!  God is good!

FAITH EVANGELISM BEGINS IN TWO DAYS!

The countdown continues...TWO DAYS and counting ...

FAITH Evangelism begins at Victory Church this Sunday, 21 September at 3:00 PM!

FAITH EVANGELISM BEGINS IN THREE DAYS!

The countdown continues...THREE DAYS and counting ...

FAITH Evangelism begins at Victory Church this Sunday, 21 September at 3:00 PM!

FAITH EVANGELISM BEGINS IN FOUR DAYS!

The countdown continues...four days and counting ...

FAITH Evangelism begins at Victory Church this Sunday, 21 September at 3:00 PM!

FAITH EVANGELISM BEGINS IN FIVE DAYS!

The countdown begins!!  Five days and counting ...

FAITH Evangelism begins at Victory Church this Sunday, 21 September at 3:00 PM!

10 BEST PRACTICES OF SUNDAY SCHOOL

Over the last year the Lord has really be dealing with me concerning the ministry of Sunday school.  Therefore, at Victory Church we have rediscovered and reimplemented the ministry of Sunday school.  During the next several weeks I will be sharing with you some of the pros and cons of Sunday school.  I am currently reading a book titled Ten Best Practices To Make Your Sunday School Work by Ken Hemphill and Bill Taylor.

In this first post I will introduce you to the the "10 Best Practices of Sunday School" as suggested in the book, then I will share them with you in individual posts.

1. Commit to the Strategy
2. Organize with Purpose
3. Build Kingdom Leaders
4. Develop Soul Winners
5. Win the Lost
6. Assimilate People
7. Partner with Families
8. Teach to Transform
9. Mobilize for Ministry
10. Multiply Leaders and Units

How is Sunday school working for you in your church?  Please feel free to leave your comments, I'm  interested in how things are going in your Sunday school. 

Are you a Sunday school teacher?  If so, please give me some feedback on how Sunday school is working for you!

Are you a student (any age) in Sunday school? If so, please leave your comments as well!

HOW GOOD OF A JOB ARE YOU DOING AT KICKING YOUR BALL?

Below is a video I used in our D6 Sunday School Teachers Training Seminar last evening. (It's in Japanese, but I think you will get the point!)

This is an example of how we DO NOT want to kink the ball in our Sunday school ministry. I shared how many churches show up every Sunday and just go through the motions, trying to "kick the ball." I then shared how that is NOT what we desire to do in the one hour we have to impact our student's life with God's Word.

There are many lessons to be seen in this video. Enjoy! Feel free to leave a comment; I'm interested in your thoughts.

FIRST WEEKEND @ FREE WILL BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE

This is Tyler's first weekend at Free Will Baptist Bible College.  We just got out of the Sunday morning worship service and decided to take a few pictures around the campus.  We then went to lunch and afterward brought him back to the campus to say good-bye.  Wow, that was hard!

Anyway, after touching base with him yesterday, he seems to have settled in well.  Please keep him and his mother in your prayers!

Below are some pictures from the weekend.

TYLER MOVING INTO HIS DORM ROOM AT FWBBC

Yesterday eas an exciting day for Tyler.  He is pictured here moving into his dorm room at Free Will Baptist Bible College.  You can tell from the smile on his face he is already enjoying his new found freedom.  Do you know what he likes the best about his room?  The air conditioner!  His room has a great A/C and it is ice cold in there!  He loves it.

MY SON TYLER LEAVES FOR COLLEGE

Wow!  It's hard to believe that my son, Tyler, is 18 and going off to college this weekend.  My, how quickly the years have passed!  It seems like yesterday that Debbie and I were in the hospital room giving birth to Tyler, and I can remember laying back in a recliner with him lying on my chest. (Pause -  while I brush away a tear!)

Well, this is one of the biggest weekends of our lives - our son moves out of our house and into his own dorm room at Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, TN.

Congratulations Tyler!  We are proud of you and we love you very much! 

SADDLEBACK CIVIL FORUM (PART 4) Pastor Rick Warren and Senator John McCain

SADDLEBACK CIVIL FORUM (PART 3) Pastor Rick Warren and Senator John McCain

SADDLEBACK CIVIL FORUM (PART 2) Pastor Rick Warren and Senator Barack Obama

SADDLEBACK CIVIL FORUM (PART 1) Pastor Rick Warren and Senator Barack Obama

VICTORY IN THE PARK FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

Today we at Victory Church had our morning worship service at Rock Springs Park in O'Fallon.  The park borders the property we are purchasing for our new church.  It was a beautiful morning as we sat and looked at the tree line of our new home.

I preached a message from Joshua chapter 14 on the subject of Caleb's commitment.  Below is my sermon outline:

1.  Caleb was committed to seeking the inheritance of God (Joshua 14:6-9).

2.  Caleb was committed to facing the enemies who stood opposed to the Promised Land (Joshua 14:10-13).

3.  Caleb was committed to following the Lord with all his heart (Joshua 14:14-15). 

For us to possess the land God has for us, we must have the spirit and commitment of Caleb.

Look on the right side of the blog for a picture album of our morning service in the park.

RECEIVING GOD'S FAVOR! 20.70 ACRES OF LAND!

Back in January and February of this year I lead Victory Church through a congregational fast.  During this fast we were asking for one thing...GOD'S FAVOR!  Well, we have received it!

Pictured are some members of our leadership team standing on 20.70 acres of land on Scott-Troy Road!  As you can tell, we are very excited about this property.  We are voting on this property on Thursday, 10 July and we hope to close on the land by the end of July.  God is good!  I will share more details with you concerning the property in the near future.

ORDAINING DANIEL RENFRO AS A FREE WILL BAPTIST MINISTER - NEW ASSISTANT PASTOR AT VICTORY CHURCH

On Sunday, 1 June I had the awesome privilege of ordaining Daniel Renfro as a Free Will Baptist Minister.  Daniel surrendered to the call of God on his life to preach the gospel about three years ago.  Since then, he has been going through the process of licensing and ordination.  It was an exciting Sunday to lay hands on this young man and ordain him into the ministry. 

Daniel is now the new Assistant Pastor of Victory Church.  Daniel is married to a very supporting wife, Beverly, and has two children.  I am really looking forward to having Daniel serve along side me. 

Results from April Bible Knowledge Survey

Here are the results from the April Bible Knowledge Survey given at Victory a few weeks ago.   (I am giving a survey the first Sunday of each month to the congregation at Victory Church. Many are taking the survey here on this blog and emailing me the answers.  We included those who took the survey online in with the final results.)

1. According to Jesus, what causes the angels to rejoice?  Actually, the scripture does not say that "angels" rejoice.  It says there is rejoicing "in the presence" of the angels when one sinner repents. (Luke 15:10)

2. By what other name was the tax collector Matthew called? Levi (Luke 5:29-32)

3. What apostle was exiled to Patmos? John (Revelation 1:9)

4. Who fooled Jacob by posing as her sister? Leah (Gen. 29:21-25)

5. Who posed as her husband's sister while in Egypt. Sara, wife of Abram (Gen. 12:10-20)

6. Who is the father of lies? Satan (John 8:44)

7. Who posed as Isaac's sister? His wife Rebekah (Gen. 26:6-11)

8. Who slew a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass? Samson (Judges 15:15)

9. What did Joseph accuse his brothers of stealing? His silver cup (Gen. 44:1-7)

10. Who saw a heavenly ladder with the Lord standing above it? Jacob (Gen. 28:12-13)

11. What did the hungry Esau give up to Jacob in exchange for food? His birthright (Gen. 25:29-34)

12. What king served as judge when two women fought over a child? Solomon (I Kings 3:16)

13. What saintly deacon was murdered (stoned) by the Jewish elders for his testimony? Stephen (Acts 7:58-59)

14. What smooth-skinned man disguised himself so well that he passed himself off as his hairy brother? Jacob (Gen. 27:1-29)

15. Who had one of his army men killed in order to cover up an adulterous affair? David (2 Samuel 12:9)

16. Who suggested to Moses that he appoint judges so that he would not have to judge all cases himself? His father-in-law, Jethro (Exodus 18)

17. What king was constantly making oaths of love and loyalty to David, while frequently trying to kill him? Saul (I Samuel 17-19)

18. What child, who later ministered with the priest Eli, was ordained before birth to serve God? Samuel (I Sam. 1:11-20)

19. What Psalm, usually assumed to have been written by David, talks about God knowing him before his birth? Psalm 139

20. At the end time, what will an angel bind Satan with? A chain (Rev. 20:2)

1. According to Jesus, what causes the angels to rejoice?  Actually, the scripture does not say that "angels" rejoice.  It says there is rejoicing "in the presence" of the angels when one sinner repents. (Luke 15:10)

2. By what other name was the tax collector Matthew called? Levi (Luke 5:29-32)

3. What apostle was exiled to Patmos? John (Revelation 1:9)

4. Who fooled Jacob by posing as her sister? Leah (Gen. 29:21-25)

5. Who posed as her husband's sister while in Egypt. Sara, wife of Abram (Gen. 12:10-20)

6. Who is the father of lies? Satan (John 8:44)

7. Who posed as Isaac's sister? His wife Rebekah (Gen. 26:6-11)

8. Who slew a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass? Samson (Judges 15:15)

9. What did Joseph accuse his brothers of stealing? His silver cup (Gen. 44:1-7)

10. Who saw a heavenly ladder with the Lord standing above it? Jacob (Gen. 28:12-13)

11. What did the hungry Esau give up to Jacob in exchange for food? His birthright (Gen. 25:29-34)

12. What king served as judge when two women fought over a child? Solomon (I Kings 3:16)

13. What saintly deacon was murdered (stoned) by the Jewish elders for his testimony? Stephen (Acts 7:58-59)

14. What smooth-skinned man disguised himself so well that he passed himself off as his hairy brother? Jacob (Gen. 27:1-29)

15. Who had one of his army men killed in order to cover up an adulterous affair? David (2 Samuel 12:9)

16. Who suggested to Moses that he appoint judges so that he would not have to judge all cases himself? His father-in-law, Jethro (Exodus 18)

17. What king was constantly making oaths of love and loyalty to David, while frequently trying to kill him? Saul (I Samuel 17-19)

18. What child, who later ministered with the priest Eli, was ordained before birth to serve God? Samuel (I Sam. 1:11-20)

19. What Psalm, usually assumed to have been written by David, talks about God knowing him before his birth? Psalm 139

20. At the end time, what will an angel bind Satan with? A chain (Rev. 20:2)

Top 10 Reasons Pastors Get Fired

I read a report today in the Leadership Journal Spring 2008 edition concerning the "Top 10 Reasons Pastors Get Fired."  This is a new report on the forced terminations of pastors in Southern Baptist Churches.  Here we go...

10. Conflict with other staff.

9. Sexual misconduct

8. Administrative  incompetence

7. Weak leadership style

6. Decline in attendance

5. Conflict pre-dating the pastor's arrival

4. Too-strong leadership style

3. Poor people skill

2. Church's resistance to change

1. Control issues (the same #1 reason since the surveys began in 1996!)

"Through the Dust" - Deacon Ministry of Victory Church

Once again I met with our deacons and deacons-to-be here at Victory Church for another training session.  Last night we unpacked how deacons can come along side me as pastor and minister to our congregation.  Listed below are seven areas in which our deacons can minster to our people:

1.  CALLING people on the phone.

Randomly calling active and inactive members, widows(ers) and homebound adults.

2. CARING for others.

There are several ways of caring for people: helping unemployed persons find jobs; assist in helping transients who need food, gas, or other help; be of help to single and senior adults who need car servicing or repair; give generously to our benevolent fund; etc.

3. ENCOURAGING people.

Assist people in finding the right support group or person who can come along side someone while going through particular situation.  Connect people to financial training seminars, marriage retreats, etc.

4. MENTORING young men.

Bring someone along side of you and "mentor" them by teaching them everything you do.  In our ministry here at Victory Church we call this the "apprenticeship principle."  Everyone has an apprentice.

5. VISITING our people.

Make regular visits to our people to encourage, check in on to see if there are any needs, and then pray with them.  Also, make visits to those in hospitals and a visit to our first time guests who attend our weekend services.

6. REFERRING our people to the right person or agency.

Helping our people who may be in distress or conflict find the right kind of help.

7. WRITING short notes to our people.

Make it a habit of writing short notes to people whenever they experience a birthday, anniversary, or a special honor or special promotion.

There are many ways "deacons" can serve a congregation.  We had about a two hour discussion on "how" we can better serve our people - it was awesome!  I am really looking forward to ordaining these men and presenting our deacons to our church.

 

April Bible Knowledge Survey

This month at Victory Church  I gave our fourth Bible Knowledge Survey. I am giving one Bible Knowledge Survey on the first Sunday of each month for the entire year. These are just simple questions from various stories in the Bible. 

Below is the survey I gave. Feel free to take this survey yourself and email me your answers; I will include your answers in the score. I will post the correct answers next week, along with the percentage of those who answered correctly. Therefore, be sure to check back next week and see how well you did!

"Through the Dust" - Deacon Ministry of Victory Church

Last night we had our second training session for deacons to serve in the ministry of Victory Church.  This training material is titled Deacons, Partners in Ministry and Growth by Dr. Jim Henry.

Last night's session was on the "qualifications" of deacons.  We discussed the qualifications at church, home and in the community.  Below is a general outline of our study.

1. CHURCH - (I Timothy 3:8-10)

     a. Worthy of respect; a constant reflection of God working in his life.
     b. Not double-tongued but sincere; not a gossip.
     c. Not give to much wine. (At Victory Church be require our deacons to abstain from all alcohol.)
     d. Not greedy of filthy lucre.  Does not use the office of deacon for personal gain.  Be generous in giving and tithing through the church.
     e. Holding the mystery of faith in pure conscience.
     f. Proved or tested.
     g. Husband of one wife and rules his household well.

2. HOME - Characteristics of a Deacon's Wife

     a. Not a snob but dignified.
     b. Not a malicious talker but discreet.
     c. Temperate or disciplined.
     d. Trustworthy in everything or dedicated.

3. COMMUNITY - Acts 6:3 "A man of honest report."

     a. "Report" means martyr or witness.
     b. He has a believable Christian life; demonstrates integrity and honesty.

After the lesson we had great discussion on these qualifications.  We also created some "hypothetical situations" and shared how we would handle each of them.  All-in-all, it was a great evening.  The Lord is building His church!

Great Day at Victory Church! Sunday School Kickoff!

Sunday at Victory was our Sunday school kickoff.  In the picture is my wife Debbie and my daughter Kristen (the two in the center) checking in to Sunday school through our new digital kiosk system.

We had great attendance and the excitement in our church was overwhelming.  You know, it was one of those Sunday's when everyone was sharing with with how excited and glad they were to finally have a Sunday school class for their children. 

After everyone got settled into their classes we marched the classes into the gym for a time of recognition and prayer.  Afterwards, we went into the cafeteria and had a party!  (The wives of our leadership team provided the cupcakes.  Great job ladies, they were awesome!)

This is a picture of Judian, with his parents; this was his very first Sunday school experience! Be sure to check out the photo album in the right column of our day.

"Through the Dust" - Deacon Ministry of Victory Church

This week I began a training session for our deacons at Victory Church.  This is a six-week study titled "Deacons - Partners in Ministry and Growth" by Dr. Jim Henry.  We are having our training sessions on Wednesday evenings, and this first session was awesome.

In our first session we became familiar with the term "through the dust."  The word "deacons" in Acts 6 comes from two Greek words meaning "through the dust;" which means these men were rapidly and anxiously hurrying "through the dust" to serve and meet the needs of the people.  Our guys really picked up on this concept.

Since I planted Victory Church with just three people, it has taken us some time to grow the church, and the people to the point of implementing these men into this very important position of ministry.  I currently have two ordained deacons, Darrell Renfro and Eldon Schmidt.  I have set aside three other men for this ministry: Dave Hornyak, Mike Collins, and Paul Boyer.  All five of these men are deserving of this position and have proven themselves faithful to the Lord and to the ministry of Victory Church.

We will have an ordination service on Sunday, 18 May in which I will ordain them with the laying on of hands and then present them to our people.   I am very excited to see how the Lord is growing and establishing His church.