Tuesday, July 31, 2012

With God, All Things are Possible

Two years ago, our church faced a monumental task: overcome a monthly budget deficit and find $30,000 to do some important facility repairs. For man, it seemed impossible, but with God, all things are possible! (Mark 10:27).


We had many planning meetings, took these needs to the Lord in earnest prayer, then were challenged from a sermon series on 2 Corinthians 8-9 to give joyfully and sacrificially.

Almost immediately, God began to work. $5,000 was offered from the Oldham Little Church Foundation. Then, $3,000 came in from several anonymous donors. Our capital campaign launched in spring 2011, and month by month, God provided beyond what we could ask or think.

Today, I’m pleased to announce we are meeting our budget and have completed three major projects: a new roof, playground, and front sign. Sound system upgrades are also underway. In fact, I got to use my new Audio Technica over-the-ear microphone for the first time last Sunday (click here to listen to the sermon)!

Thank you for your generous giving and your faithful prayers. All glory to God!

This report first appeared in our monthly church newsletter. To subscribe and get our latest edition, please click here.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Focus 21 Survey


Last year, the California SBC invested thousands of dollars and countless man hours to conduct a top-to-bottom review of our convention. The result of these efforts was our Focus 21 Task Force Report, presented at the 2011 SBC Annual Meeting in Fremont.
                                                                                                                                                                                
Those who attended that Tuesday afternoon session will remember the mixed reception. Some wholeheartedly supported the report, while others raised many questions and concerns. The debate was healthy, and ultimately, the convention approved to refer the Task Force report to the Executive Board for further consideration.

I say all of this because right now, the seven recommendations of the Task Force are being reviewed by our state leaders, and the Executive Board wants your input.

They have developed an Online Focus 21 Survey for all California Southern Baptists. The purpose of the survey is to "find out about California Southern Baptists' disposition about each recommendation, which are considered the most important and the distribution of Cooperative Program gifts between CSBC and SBC."

The survey ends on Tuesday, July 31. Please take five minutes to share your opinion by answering the 12-question survey to help the CSBC Executive Board gain insight and perspective as they move forward in addressing Focus 21 recommendations. You should also spread the word to any others who have a vested interest in our state convention.

This is a golden opportunity for your voice to be heard. Please don’t miss out.

May God be glorified and many disciples made here in California.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Humbled and Grateful

Jerry Poe prays for our family on June 17
Natalie and I want to give a special thanks to everyone at church who contributed to the “money tree” for our family.

What a surprise to have Jerry Poe come up front at the end of our June 17 business meeting to unveil a tree -- full of red bows and green bills. We were even more surprised when we arrived home and counted out a total of $575! Thanks so much for your generosity. We are humbled and grateful.

Natalie and I feel very privileged to serve here at First Southern. It’s hard to believe we’re starting our seventh year at the church. What a journey!

Like the Apostle Paul, “We thank our God at every remembrance of you... We thank our God, for your cooperation in spreading the good news!” (Philippians 1:3, 5a)

May God continue to pour His grace upon our church.

New Blog

Today I'm closing up shop and launching a new blog called Pinch of Clay. You can visit it by clicking here . Please stop by and...