Submitted by Bill Parsons

News from the nation rocked by the triple catastrophes of earthquake, tsunami and the resulting nuclear meltdown has all but become non-existent in the American press. I thought I would give you an update on where the country now stands as it relates to the events of early March. As of June 1, 2011 there has been 14,300 confirmed deaths, 12,026 people remain missing and 130,00o are still living in temporary shelters. The magnitude of the loss of human life and the toll of human suffering is staggering, to say the least. Additionally, the cost of monetary damages, though not as devastating as the loss of life, and its long term effect on Japan is hard to comprehend, totaling 308 billion dollars. This does not include the damages caused by the disabled nuclear plant, which adds an additional 133 billion dollars to the total damages. Reading about billions of dollars may seem anti- climactic as we listen to our political figures talk about trillions as if it was pocket change, but none the less, 441 billion dollars is a lot of money for the economy of a nation of any size to absorb.

But those numbers only tell half of the story. They speak of human suffering as if it could be measured in dollars and cents, which we all know is incorrect, and may even be construed as being a little cold. The history of man includes many such stories of tragedy and loss. What is common to all of them is that at such times many begin to seek out something or someone to help them make sense of what has just occurred. It is in those moments that the Church of Jesus Christ should stand the tallest. It is precisely in those moments when our hearts should be opened to those who are suffering. And it is also in those moments that many will turn to Jesus Christ for comfort.

Here are some more numbers for you to consider. Japan has the tenth largest population among all the countries in the world totaling 127,560,000 people. The number of Christians in Japan totals right around 3 million people. That's less than 3% of the total population. The reason we are travelling to Japan is two-fold. First, to help prepare a group of Christian ministers to evangelize their nation. To that end, my wife Yvonne and I will join a team of pastors and teachers from around the world to help inspire and instruct students, who for the most part are already enrolled in a formal ministry training institute, in an additional eight week school of missions. We will then spend a week in the city of Sendai working to help rebuild a part of that city which was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami. We ask for your continued prayers for the success of this mission.

Back row from left: Kaleigh  Barnett, Jamie Evans, Emily Vicknair, Anthony Lee, Austin Bagley, Amanda Davis, Sarah LeDuff, Cody Aucoin;  Front Row: Matt Evans, Thatch Norton, Liz Vicknair, Amy Evans, Melissa Enis

    Last weekend, over 50 different youth gathered at First United Methodist Church of Gonzales for the Weekend of the Cross. The youth were split up into different groups and traveled to eight different sites where they did construction work and painting on homes for people who did not have the means or abilities to do it themselves. We built wheelchair ramps, sheds, porches, repaired walls, scrapped and painted, cleaned yards, and much more. We worshiped every night and grew closer together through small group devotions.

The Open Door of Opportunity

Do you believe that serving God is an adventure? I do. While much of our time is filled with the usual life sustaining activities; working, getting kids off to school, taking the dog to the veterinarian, shopping, cutting the grass and such, we should be aware that there is more to life than accomplishing these important tasks. Occasionally, probably more often than we acknowledge, God tries to interrupt our routine with His program of the unexpected. Usually that happens with what the Apostle Paul called an opened door.

On the other side of the opened door lies a path that leads away from the norm. Taking the first step down that path means that we have begun an excursion into the purposes of God; at that point, there is no looking back. The good thing is we never know where or when the door to such an adventure will open. What we do know is that going through the opened door will allow us to serve others and make an impact in our world for His kingdom. Our world is filled with many people who need to experience what each of us has to offer and with many opportunities to put our unique special gifts to work.

The famous baseball player turned philosopher Yogi Bara once said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” We could adapt that just a bit and say, “When we arrive at a door God has opened, go through it.”

Bless you,
Pastor Bill Parsons
Central Worship Center

By DeeDee Dupree

Pastors of Journey Church, Jay and Stacey, are undeniably a couple that share a divine connection. Alongside their three sons, they are a family of ministry. “We are a team- We are in it together,” Stacey stated with a charming smile.

Journey is a Life Giving, non-denominational church that offers an endearing, small church warmth hosted in a large facility to accommodate the Central community.

Journey Church found its new home in the Central Community in 2008.  The first day of church service in the new building brought in 535 people. Journey has now grown to over 1100 members.  The quick growth has exceeded Pastor Jay’s expectations. He is in awe watching God’s work in the community.

Jay met Stacey shortly after his 18th birthday.  He had recently dedicated his life to the Lord and prayed for a Christian friend and companion.  “Proverbs 18:22 says, He who finds a wife finds a good thing.  And I certainly did,” Jay stated, winking at his wife. “It’s great working side by side with your spouse.  I love that she leads the worship service at church and we get to spend so much time together. There isn’t another person I’d rather spend my time with.”

At the heart of Journey's mission statement is that people Connect with Christ, Grow in their faith and to Serve those around them no matter where they are. The members of this church certainly exemplify this motto. Hearing story after story of how members of the church give their time and energ, it  is truly quite inspiring.  Team Hope is an example of people striving to make a difference, not only here in the United States but in Nicaragua as well. The Gaudin’s, a couple in the church, lead the missions and have dedicated their lives to helping those that have nothing. 
Q & A: What would you say is your biggest accomplishment since starting Journey church?  Watching people respond to the Gospel. It is an accomplishment to simply watch families transform and begin to serve God together.

What is your biggest disappointment? We have not experienced much disappointment as far as the church is concerned.  However, my best friend passed away the week of Easter.  I was completely devastated.  But let me say I can't express how wonderful the people of this church were.  They rallied together, had church services and supported my family.  Each of them are true warriors of prayer and selflessness.

What are your thoughts on the Central Community and the spirit of volunteerism that seems to resonate with its resident? We call it Servolution and it's amazing. People giving of their time, going out into the community and being the hands and feet of Jesus. We have so many families that are a part of our Serve team and I would love to thank them for the way that they represent Christ to our community. We are so blessed to have them in our lives and as a part of Journey.

Do the pastors of all local Central churches get together with a common goal for the community?  Yes, the Mayor hosts a breakfast once a month where we fellowship with one another.  There are many great churches in the area led by some wonderful pastors.
Stacey, can you tell me about the worship services?  Our music is contemporary. We do play a few hymns sporadically, but overall we try to keep the music current and relatable to our growing church. 

Your approach to ministering differs from a lot of churches I’ve attended. It definitely has a laid back, small community atmosphere.  What led you to this approach? I started off many years ago teaching children’s church. I soon realized kids and adults like story telling.  People in general do not want to be preached at. They enjoy hearing stories they can relate to. This, in turn, opens their hearts and minds to God’s word.  We present the gospel in a way to help people deal with real life issues they face everyday. I often tell the congregation, We don’t just go to church, we ARE the church— wherever we are.   I truly believe that.

Does it take a large staff to run this size church? Our staff is actually quite small. It consists of some truly remarkable people.  We are blessed to have a really creative team.  We brain storm together and they just make it happen.  They constantly amaze and impress me. We are always thinking of new ways to serve the community.  Our Journey Girls will be hosting “Summer Pink-Nic” July 24th 6 – 8 pm. For more information on this event and our service times, check out our website @ www.journeychurchcentral.com.
COME TAKE THE JOURNEY WITH US.

Submitted by Zoar Baptist Church 

    On Wednesday August 3 from 6:30-8 PM Zoar Student Ministry will host an open house for parents who have a child or children in grades 7-12.  The purpose of this event is to give parents the opportunity to gather information on what Zoar Student Ministry is all about.  We’ll have information on upcoming events as well as what we’re doing right now to live out our purpose as a ministry.

    Zoar Student Ministry exists to reach teenagers with the love of Christ, teaching them His truth, leading them to exalt God while serving and enjoying the company of others.  We want to see teenagers meet Jesus and live their lives for Him.  We’re here to minister and to serve not only the teens of our community, but their entire family.

    We would love for you to join us on August 3.  We’ll have finger foods for all who attend.  We’ll also be giving away door prizes throughout the night, including an iPad 2, gift cards to Wal Mart, Bravo! Restaurant, the Mall of Louisiana and more.

    Our ministry team and myself would love the opportunity to meet you and share with you about the wonderful things that are happening at Zoar.  If you have any questions about the open house feel free to contact Brian Marbury at brian@zoarbaptist.org.

In His Service,
Brian Marbury
Associate Pastor to Students
Zoar Baptist Church

Submitted by Comite Baptist Church

Hometown Nazareth
Where Jesus Was a Kid
Comite Baptist Church Gym
Sunday–Friday, July 24–29, 2011
6:15 – 8:30 p.m.
3 years old – 6th Grade (2010–11 school year)
 
We are looking forward to stepping back in time to visit Jesus’ hometown! We will be exploring what it was like to live in Nazareth, the town where Jesus grew up. We hope you will come share the adventure with us! Each night we will enjoy music, small group time, fun, games and snacks. (There is no charge for VBS.)
 
VBS is open to boys and girls three years old through sixth grade (2010–11 school year – the grade just completed). Please also invite your family, friends and neighbors. VBS drop-off and pick-up location is the Comite Gym.
 
You may preregister by downloading a form from our website: www.comite.org. Completed forms may be brought to the Church Office or mailed to:
Comite Baptist Church
Attention: VBS
12250 Greenwell Springs Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70814
 
Comite Baptist Church is located on the corner of Greenwell Springs and Flannery Road.

NOT GUILTY! 

    The verdict is in – all who put their faith in Christ Jesus are not guilty. Hallelujah!

    Jesus was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification. We are justified by faith. Because of faith in God, forsaking sin, and following Christ we are cleared of all guilt.

    Once we are justified sanctification (to make holy) takes place; a PROCESS that demands PROGRESS. If there is no progress in the process we must examine ourselves whether we be in the faith.

    II Timothy 2:20-21  "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."

NOT GUILTY! It's the verdict that is available to all through Jesus Christ. 

In Christ,
Kenny Kepper, Pastor
Berean Ministries

Submitted by Grace UPC

Grace United Pentecostal Church, 13845 Hooper Road, invites children ages 4 – 12 to join us for "Shake it Up, Cafe!" VBS July 18 – 22 from 6PM-9PM. Please register at www.graceupc.com.

In our society, we value control.  We like it when the outcome of a situation comes under our leadership.  In many cases this is just fine.  For example, I am just fine with a police officer being in control of a gun because he has had training and has proven to be a protector of the people.  In other words, he will use the control he has in the proper way.  However, there are times when someone has control over something that they have no experience to handle.
 
For instance, if you bought a brand new car, who would you trust to drive it?  Would it be my precious two-year-old son?  Probably not!  Why?  Because he is not yet capable or experienced to be able to properly handle the machine.  No one in their right mind would dream of letting my two-year-old drive.  You would only end up with a wrecked car!
 
This brings up a question in my mind: Who are you letting control your life?  Think about it for a moment?  Are you allowing the influence of others to direct your decisions?  Are you making the choices yourself and doing what you want?  Or is God the one who is guiding your life? 
 
Though we hate to admit it, we are not the best choice for operating our lives on our own.  No one has ever had experienced living a life before.  We only have one shot.  No one can truly know the future or be able to see the outcome of decisions.  Further, even with good intentions, we can often make mistakes.  No, a better candidate for control of your life is Jesus Christ.  Think about it.  He created the earth and everything in it.  He knows all things: past, present, and future.  He loves us and cares about the outcome of our life.  Isn’t Jesus the perfect operator?
 
The choice is yours.  Who is going to be in the driver seat of your life?  Romans 8:6 says, “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”  I don’t know about you, but life and peace sounds much better than death.  Don’t make a go of this life on your own.  There is a God who loves you and wants to walk with you, if you will let him.  If you do things your way, you will end up with a wrecked life, but if you allow God to be in control, you will have a life of purpose, fulfillment, and peace.  Think about it!

Jason Allen
FBC Central

YOU ARE SOMEBODY

You Are Somebody!

Affirmation is so important to us. To affirm is, “To declare positive”.  It is amazing how much time can be spent criticizing and putting ourselves and others down.  When, truth be told, every one of us wants to know that we are wanted, needed, and loved! Look at the following verses.

1 Peter 2:9-10
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”  NKJV 

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. NKJV

The old chorus we used to sing said, “I am my beloved’s and He is mine His banner over me is love.”  God loved us so much that He gave His son, Jesus Christ, so that we could be His people.  A price was paid for you!  You were considered worth it!  God declares that you are His children.  Every day a banner is over your life declaring God’s love and how important you are to Him. You can be affirmed by His love, sacrifice, and care for you! 

How can this work for you?  If you have believed and confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord and has that he has risen from the dead, and have repented of your sins, you have been forgiven!  You may not do everything perfectly but you are forgiven!  You have received God’s love and can declare boldly who you are! His banner of love is over your life!

Realize you have been affirmed by God’s love.  Boldly declare that you are a child of God!  Believe and declare how valuable you are to God!  You are not a “nobody” YOU ARE “SOMEBODY!”

Ron Erickson
Future Hope Ministries