Vision Banquet 2008

Sorry for the break in posts. As you might imagine, things have been a little busy. A huge THANK YOU to those of you who made the 2008 Vision Banquet a success. I have had many positive remarks, including those that say it was the "best vision banquet I have ever attended at the House."

I'm not sure how Craig Lowe is going to top this year's food at next year's banquet. I am equally unsure how to keep the pastor from being so long winded (poking a little fun at myself). Debbie Payne and Debbie Lowe completely amaze me with their ability to take a youth and children's room and turn it into a five-star ball room! You guys and your crew are the best!

The Lord is truly doing a new thing. I am grateful for a congregation that is not afraid to embrace the future with the wisdom and experience of the past. Not only did we share in the excitement of the work of the Lord among us, but we had a great time, also! I can't wait until next year! The wheels are already turning.

In the coming days there will be several banquet items in the media section of the web site including powerpoint, pictures, and videos. Keep checking back.

Remembering 9/11

Today is September 11, 2008. Today is a solemn day. Today, on this seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, we remember the heroism and sacrifice of countless Americans, and reflect upon how our great country, and the world, has changed forever.

As today cable news networks replay heart wrenching footage of that fateful day, and recount the events that unfolded, and as thousands attend memorial services at all three crash sights, let us never forget. Let us never forget how one nation under God, turned to Him in that time of monumental tragedy. Let us never forget that on that day we were not marked by our religious beliefs, political persuasions, cultural opinions, or spheres of influence. On that and many days that would follow, we were all Americans. One nation under God.

It didn’t take long for America to return to its Godless reasoning and rhetoric. What seemed like a genuine, national cry for God, proved to be only a temporary acknowledgement of the need for Him that is so persistently resisted in the hearts of people. However, let us never forget that we have always been and will always be ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

Take time today to pray for the United States of America. May God send revival to our great country. May He pour His Spirit out upon the streets of our nation. May the next spiritual awakening not be a reaction to a national crisis, but a realization of the power of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Haven Students Perform at National Teen Talent Competition

Last Thursday at 2:30 pm, our students performed at the International Teen Talent Competition in San Antonio, Texas. We had second row seats in the auditorium, and were so proud that cheering, yelling and applause could be heard from our section when they anounced our group. They did an AWESOME job! They did not win an award, but represented the House of Restoration and Southern Ohio proudly! Many of you watched the live streaming video of the performance, as I received phone calls to that effect. Today they are on a plane headed for home. When you see them, be sure to let them know how proud you are of them. They certainly come home changed!

Teens Go To General Assembly

One week from today the Haven drama team will be on a plane headed for San Antonio to compete in the international Teen Talent competition. I want to say thanks to everyone who gave and supported the fund raisers over the past few months. Please cover them in prayer as they travel. I am confident that they will represent the House of Restoration well.

Posted with LifeCast

Our Sincere Thanks

This past Sunday my family and I were overwhelmed by the acts of love, appreciation and generosity displayed by our church family. Your kind, encouraging and affirming words, whether spoken in person or written in a card, were deeply felt and will be treasured for times to come.

Especially touching was your gift to our children. When a pastor's children are honored, the pastor and his wife are likewise honored. They have grown to anticipate Pastor Appreciation Day in much the same way they do Christmas!

Our vocabulary is deficient to adequately express the feelings in our hearts for the church family God has blessed us with. Scripture comes to mind. "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you," Phil 1:3 (KJV).

A Call To Repentance

I encourage you to listen to the podcast of my recent three part series entitled, "The Day of Cleansing." The Lord has called the House of Restoration, and perhaps His entire church to a season of repentance. History proves that every great move of God is preceded by repentance or solemn assembly. I sincerely believe that God is preparing us for another supernatural, extraordinary manifestation of Himself.

As you read this blog today, I challenge you to follow the example of the psalmist. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV).

Teen Talent Winners

Just a couple of weeks ago, a group of our students competed in State Teen Talent in Columbus. They brought home five trophies, and had a great time. The Haven Drama Team took first place in the Drama division and have the opportunity to represent the House of Restoration and the Church of God in Southern Ohio at National Teen Talent in San Antonio, Texas in August.

I just want to say that I'm proud of you guys, and feel blessed to be your pastor. You are all very special, and are marked for greatness. Keep up the good work.