Seeking God's Will all Summer LONG!

This site is primarily for family, friends,

and whoever cares to read about my journey in Christ
Sort of like an open diary.

This blog will cover quite a few subjects and is a little lengthy.

My shared scripture and brief thought:

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,

and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

I would like to break down 4 essentials to being God's Church:

1. Committed to Apostles Doctrine (teachings of the BIBLE) 

2. Fellowship - This was doing LIFE TOGETHER

3. Breaking of bread - Either sharing a common meal and/or Lord's Supper

4. Prayers - We need this in our modern church

What a good guideline for the newborn church of Acts and for us today!

That's my little nugget for today's blog.

Now, We'll look at various areas in my journey over the past few months.

CYCLING:

 In my last blog I mentioned hurting my arm and wrist(s) on May 17 when I feel off my bike. Well, I'm happy to report it is pretty well healed, still hurts occasionally ,and I still don't try to lift heavy stuff with it.  Then, this summer I battled with a hurting knee.  That is under control as long as I put ice on it after rides, massage it, and take a basic anti-inflammatory.

Back in the end of July I cycled 35 (34.54 miles) to help raise funds for the
Cycstic Fibrosis Foundation

I had a blast doing it through the rolling hills of Waxhaw, NC

My support for this great cause was slow coming in and then in the last 2 weeks of July it jumped up. My final amount raised was $415.00 - Praise the Lord! 

Peanut Loop - 2 miles

Also, with riding about 300+ miles most months, I have found the Greenways are great for rides and going through UNCC campus (my highlight). Then, recently I started going to the "Peanut Loop" for cycing (above).  It's a nice, safe, well lit oval ride that looks like it was made for cycling.  It is around 2 miles long and I just go around it as many times as I like. It is one of the most popular cycling spots in the north Charlotte area.

WEATHER:

The temperature has been wonderful.  Actually, I like it warm so I'm not thrilled about what the next few months is going to bring but enjoying the moment.  No heat on, no air on, just open windows when it's not too chilly.  Over a 12 month period I would rate the weather in Charlotte as an 8 out 10.  Fall and Spring I would give it a 10 out of 10.  It's just wonderful.  Trees just now starting to turn, so full Fall foliage should happen in another couple weeks.

SPIRITUALLY  

This part of my journey I'll start with this clip from "Casting Crowns" (one of my favorite Christian groups). The song is called, "Praise You in This Storm."   Pretty much tells my story at this time.  

This is the worse financial situation I have been in for the last decade.  The late 1980's and early 1990's had been a pretty bad time financially, and in every other way possible.  In that trying time, I fell a way from the Lord and ran in the wrong direction for awhile.  This time with financial struggles, family issues, and then spiritually things seeming so quiet, too quiet! I have not gone the way of the world to fill the silence, struggles, and pains.  This time is so different than my last desert exprience (in 1980's-1990's). I have really tried to keep my focus on the Lord AND I have a level of peace through it all (which doesn't mean an absence of pain, stress, etc.).  It's hard to explain it. but I'm happy I'm not in 24/7 torment.  I am also blessed with a wonderful wife (Joyce) who is going through this with me. Boy does that make a difference! Though some of it has to be just me and God, she shares in a lot; but she doesn't get to be in my personal desert and time of face to face with God, that is my responsibility.  I know God is working in these trials, I know He is faithful, and ultimately it will all work out.  But in the mean time pray for me to "be strong in the Lord", and also pray for my family and fiances.

CHURCH

We are still involved with 1-2 house church groups, and visit a local fellowship when those house groups can't meet, and we will be starting a church in our home in November.  The main thing is being where God wants you and serving God and seeing His people as church and is not a building, but the people of God under the direction and care of the Lord Jesus Christ.

GO PROCLAIM MINISTRIES 
Our website (www.goproclaim.com) is slowly evolving into a better site.  Also, we are open to ideas for a new logo (I'm working on it, but would love input).  Things have been so quiet in Go Proclaim Ministries (zero support in the past year), but I have been able to chat online with many around the world, and counsel quite a bit by e-mail, chat, messaging, and some on the phone. That has been exciting and rewarding.

Praise note: There is also a couple that I have wanted to see get married, and to do their wedding, a month or so they announced they are engaged and want me to do their wedding (August 2013), I am so excited.   

Also check out my (newer) blog "Simply and Profoundly Christian" at: http://blessedtobeachristian.wordpress.com/
And my brand new "church blog" called "The Gathering" http://thegatheringnc.wordpress.com/  
Note: Some of my blogs have different info, sometime the blogs carry some of the same materials/articles.

BibleFood Devotional  
BibleFood Devotional website (www.biblefood.org) is doing well, last month we had our highest visits for the year with 211 visits per day.  This is another site needing some updates. You can follow BibleFood devotional on our website (www.biblefood.org) and our blog (www.biblefood.blogspot.com) and our BibleFood Twitter account (www.twitter.com/jimmazzulla)

Christian Pool Players Association (CPPA) -  I play about 3 hours a month, but not a whole lot of outreach. We did meet once this summer with brothers and sisters in Christ for a night of fellowship and playing pool for 3 hours (and will be meeting again this week).  It was also good because I got a chance over that time to reacquaint myself with some of the local pool players, it was an all around good time. I would like to play in an in-house weekly tournament, but my game isn't quite what it was. Not that I care about winning, I just would like to play a somewhat respectable game.  It also gives me opportunities to build relationships with other pool players (which has been fruitful in the past).  But my main reason I'm not playing is that with the tournament fee (though relatively small considering I play non-stop for 2 1/2 - 3 hours) and gas (round trip) adds up to about $30 an event - As I stated earlier, money is super tight right now :-/

CONCLUSION

ELECTION - I'm not thrilled with our choices, but please do vote while we still have the freedom to do so.

Please pray for ministry opportunities to open soon.

Thanks all for taking an interest in my life :-)

Jim

My Journey - Spring is here!!!

This site is primarily for family, friends, 

and whoever cares to read about my journey in Christ.

Have A Jesus Blessed "Resurrection Day!"

As we "officially" celebrate Easter, I personally call it "Resurrection Day."  This day would prove whether Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or LORD!  His Resurrection showed He is indeed LORD!!!  

For more on this, see my devotion

"Lord, Liar, or Lunatic? at : www.biblefood.blogspot.com

Now to what's been happening over the past 3 months...

ME CYCLING!!!

Cycling continues.  I have only missed one week since starting to ride.  Not bad considering I thought the winter would be a problem, but it was such a mild winter, I was able to get out on my bike regularly (although it was cold a few times).

My longest ride is 19.65 miles (done on March 31) and my total miles in March is 185 miles (a record month). 

WEIGHT LOSS/NUTRITION

Weigh in:  I have lost a total of 30 lbs. and kept it off. I have changed most of my eating habits permanently. I am now working on exercise (cycling), and trying to eat more alkaline foods rather than acidic.

HOUSE CHURCH
We are now involved with 2 (sometimes 3) house church groups (two in Charlotte, one in Mooresville, and occasionally one in Huntersville).

JOB
I am still working at a local vitamin/health store. It has had its challenges - Especially battling against my memory issues and brain fog (nothing new), but at times it can be very discouraging.  And to top it off the pay is low!  Please keep praying for that right job to come along in ministry or otherwise.

MINISTRY
This has been a quiet time for ministry outside of House Church, and occasional opportunity at work.
So, I'm open to ministering as an interim pastor, missions, teacher, etc. I just want to serve Him in a meaningful way.  I recently went through Ecclesiastes, and really could relate to it.  Apart from Christ being in every aspect of your life, life really is meaningless.  Solomon had everything, but when He left the Lord out of the equation, his life (existence) was meaningless.


Christian Pool Players Association (CPPA) - I have been tempted to give up (pull the plug) on CPPA due to time required, lack of supporters, and needing a person to help take it to the next level. Plus in 2011, my playing went from fair to worse.  In the last month or so, I have been playing a little to see if it is even still in me. I haven't lost the joy for the game or the burden for the lost in the pool industry.  As with any outreach, you have to go where the people are. Contrary to popular opinion, people don't just come to church, and we have to go to where they are, and in my case that means pool rooms.  Please do pray for my game to improve enough to play a respectable game and to also (and most importantly) give me a platform to share Christ. If ANYONE has this same burden and would like to work with me, please email me or comment below.

Missions - I have also been asked by a ministry in India, who I know well, as I spent 3 weeks with them in India, to be the USA contact in helping organize groups to go on mission trips to India :-)

CONCLUSION

So, here we are at the the beginning of a wonderful warm Spring.  I am happy also for the longer days :-)
There is still some stress and breakdown with relationships with family members (not Joyce - She's the BEST).  Some do not understand some of the stands I take and feel I must take, but there again, I must live how I believe is right, and will be ultimately accountable to just one, that is God.

Please pray for me as I deal with these family issues and resulting emotional pain, and for me to be used of God in 2012.

Thanks all for taking an interest in my life :-)

Jim

Trusting in God's perfect timing"

Church hunt, job hunt, and ministry...

Church: We have been in a church hunt since the church we attended closed in September. It's been interesting. We actually have been considering one of two PCA Presbyterian churches for quite some time, but most recently we are considering a "House Church." No more fluff churches (itching ears), no more all over the place week to week. I want to be in a strong Bible and Christ exalting church (body of believers).

Job/employment:

I am believing and ask you to believe with me for a full-time, decent-paying job here in Charlotte. I do not like job hunting. I honestly find it quite depressing. It is so competitive, so many looking for employment, and most applications processes are automated. I like the days when you dressed for success, showed up at a company, filled out a resume and in some cases interviewed then or scheduled an interview. Those days are long gone!!! For the most part, they don't even want to see you until the very end of the process...which often doesn't even happen. But just like all areas of life, I must believe that God is in Control. He's not worried about my job situation - lol!

As for me and ministry...

As many of you know, I had pastored for 4 years (2005-2009) a small church in PA. Now with being out of pastorate for 1-1/2 years, most of my ministry has been ministering to people wherever He opens opportunity, ranging from a evangelistic booth at a convention(s), to missions work in Africa, and a lot of blogging, teaching, and ministry by way of internet, emails, phone calls, and in person. I do enjoy discipling people and traveling ministry, of which I have been able to do some of both in the last 1-1/2 years.

So where is ministry taking me in the future? At this point, I'm not really sure, but I know my steps are ordered of Him. As stated in Psalm 37:23:The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. I absolutely believe in my heart that my calling is as real today as ever. I feel I am still a pastor/shepherd at heart. I love teaching God's Word, and I want to see the lost come to Christ. So ministry is alive and well, where it matters most- in my heart.

Currently, I have 3 active websites: http://www.goproclaim.com/, http://www.biblefood.org/ and http://www.christianpoolplayers.com/

I also have three main blogs: http://www.goproclaim.blogspot.com/ (this one) and http://www.biblefood.blogspot.com/ (devotional blog). And if you are interested in a Charismatic and Reformed perspective on things go to: http://www.charismaticreformed.wordpress.com/ :-)

I do a lot of ministry on Facebook (yes, it can be a positive tool). http://www.facebook.com/jim.mazzulla

I share a lot of spiritual helpful things on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jim.mazzulla or search Jim Mazzulla. I have 201 people following me there, and I have written 378 tweets :-)

Life is a journey with its highs and its lows, but I wouldn't trade my life in Christ for anything. I like to say it this way, "The worst day a Christian will ever have, is still better than the best day a lost sinner (non-christian) will ever have; or put another way, this (earth) is the closest to Hell the Christian will ever get (it only gets better, heaven), but for the lost sinner this is the closest to Heaven he'll ever get (it only gets worse, hell)".

That sure puts things in perspective.

I look forward to sharing more of my journey in Christ with you all.

God bless!!! (Eph. 1:3)

Month of May - Exciting ministry trip to Las Vegas - Permanent move in June to Charlotte!

Since my last blog, we’ve been getting settled in Charlotte, NC. It has been very nice - we love it.

My daily routine has included some reading, a lot of job hunting, a little training, and networking with people in and outside of the church.
As in this pic to the left, this is the Summit Cafe in Davidson, NC (outside Charlotte) where I did much of my internet work (nice place and a college hangout).

Job market unemployment rate (NC) is 11% so jobs are scarce.

I’m looking for work as a trainer of software, customer service or as a speaker for a company product, or doing work with engineering or manufacturing as “Document Control Coordinator.” Your prayers and input are appreciated. I can travel anywhere (if required) for work, but my home base must be Charlotte, NC.

Ultimately, I believe God has called me to preach the word (Bible) full-time around the country for Go Proclaim Ministries (and Christian Pool Players – CPPA), but this involves supporters and love offerings and a demand for my preaching.

Subjects that burn in my heart are messages that will bring America to their knees, repentance and personal and, prayerfully, national revival. Worldwide I feel called to spiritually educate the Christians and to get them grounded in the Doctrines of Grace.

As to the Body of Christ, I feel we need to pull together, but without compromise and without allowing wolves into our pulpits in the name of unity (false unity).

Joyce and I went Geocaching for the first time in Davidson, NC. It was good exercise, a good nature walk and FUN. Since back in Kane, PA, we have done 6 more Geocaches. You're allowed at some locations to leave an small item or take an item. We took our first item a "MountainBikerGal" chip :-) We don’t have a GPS unit (due to cost), but with satellite pics of locations and clues, we were able to find the ones we were looking for :-)

We just returned to PA for the next month to sell our house and ask for your prayers that God will sell our home in PA so we can get 100% set-up in Charlotte. We already have a church we are a part of there. We also have a P.O. Box for the ministry set up in Charlotte “Go Proclaim Ministries & CPPA” and a Charlotte phone number so we are getting transitioned down there :-)

Coming in May I also have a ministry trip to Las Vegas (May 12-22) working with GTS in their booth to share Christ in the pool world. Something I always look forward to – Getting to share Christ one-to-one with people and also gathering with my brother and sisters in Christ – It is our yearly West Coast reunion. I hope my CPPA friends and members will stop by.

As I close, these are rough times economically, in many areas Christianity is under attack, and I hear MANY Christians saying they are going through rough times in many areas.

I believe, dear Christian brother or sister, we need to push in toward Christ like never before.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:13, 14

God is good AND moving in mighty ways! Don’t be left out of what God is doing – AMEN!

To end today's blog

Remix of "That's My King"

Great Words, Video, Music

All is well in Charlotte!!! America may be another story?

Today is a beautiful day (in the 70’s).

We (Joyce and I) are in Charlotte, NC, and learning how to get around (thank God for GPS). I am in culture shock in a few ways.

One it seems so strange (but good) to see people from all different races in one place. When in Kane, PA, (last 5 years) it was almost all white, with a few exceptions (like George a black man in our church). This is one thing that has always been in my heart-to minister to all races. Charlotte will give me that opportunity – PTL! Sure wish I had taken Spanish class more seriously 3+ decades ago in high school. Also, in the last couple or few years I have had an interest in prayerfully ministering to college students (people in their twenties). Here in Charlotte that can become a reality as we are near University of North Carolina (UNC) with a yearly enrollment of 25,000 students.

Second area of culture shock is the abundance of stores everywhere. I’m like a kid in a candy store (even though it is mostly looking not buying). But we will finally get to use our “Family Christian Bookstore” and “Barnes and Noble” gift cards we got at Christmas! Everything I need is 5-15 minutes away in most cases. Some stores are packed showing no sign of a “recession or depression.” Yet, in other areas of town the recession is evident with stores closed down, many houses for sale, and lots of foreclosures. Any item I need is here! That is quite a difference again from being in a town (Kane) of 3,500 for the past 5 years where we have to drive 45 minutes to get to the nearest WalMart, and nearest Home Depot is over an hour away.

Third the traffic is obviously an adjustment. Compared to Kane with our one traffic light, there is a lot of traffic, but it is much less than what I experienced in Atlanta, GA, where I lived for 12 years. Charlotte sort of reminds me of a smaller Atlanta.

A few areas of prayer are needed:

1. To sell our house in Kane, PA, quickly (at a profit).

2. To find employment in Charlotte. Job market here like everywhere else in the country is slow. So I need prayer that the Lord will open a good job for me.

3. To find a permanent home/apartment to rent here (we are currently staying with friends).

4. That God would use “Go Proclaim Ministries (www.goproclaim.com) and Christian Pool Players Assoc. (www.christianpoolplayers.com) for His glory as we regroup and get established here in Charlotte. We have a new ministry address: Go Proclaim Ministries, P.O. Box 480551, Charlotte, NC 28269 . Ministry cell stays the same (814-558-7600) as it is known by all and all over the ministry websites and blogs so we’re not changing it.

In closing, I won’t get into the politics of the situation, but my title mentioned America. So here’s my quick take on the matter. I do feel America is going through a time of judgment and purging. Has America seen its finest hour already (in the past)? In my opinion, likely yes.

How about the spiritual landscape of America? It is yet to be seen, but at present, we are in a spiritual decline, although there are signs of some reviving, especially among the 20 something group – PTL! Overall, people are statistically more ignorant concerning basic Bible truths and even the basic things that make for salvation (clue –it’s not of works – Eph. 2:8, 9). I will hit on this subject more at another time, but sufficient to say PRAY FOR AMERICA!

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" - Psalm 33:12

It's March!!! Spring's around the corner - Really!?

I share "My Journey in Christ" in this blog. In my last blog I felt led to share one of my "BibleFood Devotions" (Part 1 of 2). If you would like to see Part 2 "True Conversion – Making your Salvation Sure!" Go to: www.biblefood.blogspot.com or www.biblefood.org

Back to our normal format in this blog.

We are already at the beginning March! Only 3 weeks until “spring.” It has been a typical, cold winter in Kane, PA (and it isn’t over here yet), but surprisingly it has been cold across much of the USA (so much for global warming).

Lately my mind has been occupied mostly with moving to Charlotte, North Carolina. I’ll be going down sometime late March (and Joyce will come with me or come down later). We still have a house to sell in PA, but won’t put that on the market until a little later in the Spring. As ministry is not able to support me at this time, I’m still looking for a church family or brother in Christ to give me a place to stay while I find a job and a house or apartment. Also, we need to discern where the Lord is leading to make our home church (often not listed as a high priority when people move, but a high priority for us). At this time, there are at least 3 churches we are looking into…I’m very pleased that we should be able to find a good Bible-believing church in the Charlotte area.

Besides everyday life, for the last few days I have been thinking a lot about memorizing scripture. I’m not the greatest at memorizing scriptures, but I have done it for the better part of almost 35 years. I do feel it is so important that we should do it throughout our lives. Yet, it takes a lot of discipline to keep at it, but it is necessary if we are to grow in Christ and glorify God. I have seen some people on the internet quote large passages from memory. I have known of others who have a vast amount of scripture memorized. I’m amazed that people can memorize so much of the scriptures. While I am amazed, I’m not impressed because if they are doing it and just getting head knowledge and not putting it deep into their hearts, what a shame. When you’re doing it for your own glory (saying "look at me") and not the Lord’s, it means nothing. I have personally known two people who knew vast amounts of scriptures, yet their spiritual lives had some major flaws. So showing off your ability to memorize large amounts of scripture does not impress me. On the other hand, if we do it from the right heart attitude (you might initially start with a wrong motive), then it will be very valuable to have God’s Word in our hearts. I always wonder hypothetically, what if we were stripped of our Bibles, how much would we be able to recall from our hearts? I hope the Bible hidden in my heart wouldn’t be too small. As Psalms 119:11 "Thy word have I hid (stored - ESV) in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee". This year I’m changing some of my memorization methods and seeing how it goes.

One new tool I’m using is found at:
http://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/memorysys/
I’m excited about this new tool in my memorization of scriptures.
I also recommend the following 47-minute message by John Piper on
“Scripture Memorization” at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOkLP6VHtWk

In the midst of packing, organizing and getting ready for the move to NC, I have made an effort to not neglect God’s Word and time spent in prayer. That is how we should live, that needs to be a way of life. As I hope to encourage all who read this, I ask for your prayers that I keep my focus and priorities on Him during this busy, transitional time in my life. I excitedly look forward to seeing God’s faithfulness as we move, in selling our home, and getting our ministry, finances, etc and lives settled in our new location (Charlotte, NC). Praise the LORD!

Back in the USA after 6 exciting weeks in Nigeria, Africa!

Due to my 6-week missions trip and still not being home yet, this is the longest gap between blogs since I started this blog in 2007.

Lagos, Nigeria, Africa was an awesome 6-week trip (Nov. 25 - Jan 7)! Revival is happening in Lagos,Nigeria!

I preached 28 times in 3 denominations in approx. 8 different churches. It truly was an exciting time, and I can say the Southern Nigerian Christians are fired up for Jesus and experience much more revival than we do here in the USA. They are establishing mission churches to America!

Pastor Seyi of Livingstone Assembly, who invited me to Lagos, Nigeria, and housed me for six weeks. What a blessing he and his family were to me!

I also was able to go to one orphanage and support 2 orphanages. It was a glorious time.

I will share some of my audio messages from Africa on http://www.sermon.net/

When you go there, search under "biblefood" and you'll be able to listen to my sermons.

Also, I had time to build relationships with many ministers; they would like me to come back at the end of July (we'll see - but hope to).

Note: Meanwhile, we need to pray for Christians in Northern Nigeria (especially Jos) since there are deaths happening as the "Christians" and Muslims fight each other.
Upon leaving Nigeria, I flew back to Atlanta and spent a week with my family (who live in the Atlanta area), and now are currently in the Savannah area with a minister friend. I was able to preach and do a powerpoint presentation for the Sunday evening service about my trip to Nigeria.

We leave (driving) for Pennsylvania on Friday with stops in Columbia, SC, to visit the ministry that ordained me and possibly visit a church there and then to check out Charlotte, NC.

We are moving our ministry (www.goproclaim.com) to Charlotte, NC, in Spring 2010. We are excited about the move, we are not sure if we will pastor there or not, as we forsee much more travel in our ministry. Travel will be to churches and events in USA, as well as overseas (as the Lord provides). I am also seeking God's direction on full-time ministry or tentmaker.

Glad to be back blogging, writing devotions, chatting, etc.

Lots to share but this will have to do for now, in my next blog I'll share some of the unique things I learned while in Lagos :-)

New ministry direction, countdown to Africa, and much more...

October is here Kane, PA style! Yep, these are pictures of front of our house and backyard (taken today - October 16, 2009) we already have snow on the ground but it is snow in MID-OCTOBER!

After a little over 4 years of pastoring Community Fellowship Church in Kane, PA, we have officially resigned from the church leadership (other leadership is in place) and are moving on. It is always a bitter-sweet situation leaving a church, but the Lord will care for our former sheep (they are really His). During this time, we have taken opportunity to visit some churches, something we could never do when pastoring. I will be doing some interim preaching and guest preaching during this time.

My biggest activity right now is getting ready for Africa. I leave in 41 days - November 26 and will return to USA January 7, 2010 (41 days of ministry). I am blessed to share the Lord is faithful.


The LORD has raised up over 92% of our support (through His faithful). It would be nice to go over our goal, that way we are covered for an unforeseen expense or we will give the balance to the poor. No Africa money will go to USA ministry - 100% going to this Africa mission trip. I would love to have more than expected to leave with them.

For more on Africa trip go to my website: http://www.goproclaim.com/africa.htm and to support go to: http://www.goproclaim.com/easygive.htm

I desperately need your prayers. I will be preaching 40 or more times. Please pray for my safety, my health, my strength, and that God will minister mightily to people as I open His Word (Bible) to them. I'll be there almost 5 weeks, to me that's a long time overseas. Preaching 40+ times is a lot of preaching. Preaching is a joy and awesome priviledge for me to do, but that much preaching can be physically draining (so pray).

Upon my return in January 2010, I will be visiting a minister friend and then prayerfully be ministering full-time with Go Proclaim Ministries, or full-time as a pastor somewhere in SouthEast USA; hopefully, closer to our children and grandchildren.

On a personal note, I do ask for prayer for our personal finances as we are going through the hardest time in the last decade. We are believing God to take care of us, but that is a totally different support base than the missions trip. Isn't it strange that we can believe for others (and missions), but when it comes to our own personal needs we feel our faith is stretched (a little scary). Same God will take care all needs, ministry and personal.

With all the changes in our life and ministry this year, please keep us in prayer (Joyce and I). I believe when we come through all these "changes," we will see God's hand in ALL of it. It's just the path to get there (whatever that is?) that can be quite draining, stressful, etc.

In closing, a theme that has been just touching my heart lately is found in a book I'm reading "Pleasures Evermore" by Sam Storms. It is making alive the truth that our ULTIMATE PLEASURE should come from our relationship with Jesus. Nothing should fulfill our lives like JESUS!

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psa. 16:11

Ministry changes at our Church and in my future ministry!

I have been the Senior Pastor at Community Fellowship Church (CFC) in Kane, PA, for the past 4 years with NO regrets, but my position as Senior Pastor has come to an end. Our church leadership, including myself during the last year had made the decision for an elder-led church. With me having no church income, there is a need to obtain secular work. On top of that, we are hoping for a good paying secular job or a full-time ministry position will open in a warmer climate and, hopefully, closer to our children and grand-children. With these possible changes in my life, it was suggested I withdraw from consideration as an elder, so I did. We (Joyce and I) feel our calling may be in another direction of ministry than Kane. That being said, I am still a member of CFC and will still be teaching in the church, as my church recognizes that I have a call to ministry and to teach.

Meanwhile, Christian Pool Players Association is growing and maturing at a great rate in 2009. I believe God's hand is on CPPA and I am able to give more time to it than I have in the past 4 years as Senior Pastor. See: http://www.christianpoolplayers.com/

Also, over 30 years ago God put in my heart "Africa" and a desire to minister there. In God's plan and timing, it is about to come to pass. I have been invited to be guest speaker in various churches in Nigeria, Africa (Nov. 27 to Jan. 3, 2010). Now, during an economic crisis in America, I just need to raise $2500 to make this trip. No big deal to God!

Links: www.goproclaim.com/africa.htm and www.goproclaim.com/support.htm

I can definitly say this is a year of "change" in my life. As I head rapidly toward 50 yrs. old, I feel the Lord has plans for me beyond how he has used me up tuntil now. So, in my heart (not my emotions) I excitingly look forward.

Until next time - Be blessed and be a blessing!