Waiting Rooms

As I write this I am sitting in a waiting room. I am not fond of waiting rooms. It is a nice waiting room; a flat panel TV tuned to the Weather Channel just told me it is raining in Milwaukee. The magazine selection is ok, except the titles seem a little tilted towards women; I can't seem to find a Road and Track or Popular Mechanics in the stack. The medical personnel at this facility are friendly and efficient and the furniture is modern and comfortable. Free wifi would be nice but writing on my iPad lets me do something productive while I wait. But to be honest, I would rather be somewhere else. I guess the real reason I am not a fan of waiting rooms is I am trapped here. I am captive to a schedule other than my own. I have no control over when I can be set free from this antiseptic closet. I do like being in control. I like to control my schedule, my environment, my to-do list and a hundred other things.

As I sit here and reflect on waiting, I recall that God uses "waiting rooms" - Joseph spent years in slavery and jail before he became an official in Egypt. Moses waited 80 years before starting his mission of deliverance. David waited years from his anointing until he assumed the throne. Before He began His public ministry, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness; Paul spent 3 years in Arabia and considerable time in prison. There must be some virtue in waiting.

Maybe the "waiting room" experiences of life are meant to help us break the addiction of control. Our God wants us to know that we need to recognize and allow His control in our lives. Our waiting is to be more than marking time- it should be a time to renew our confidence in God's ability and involvement in our lives. If we do, our expectations, frustrations and evaluations of life will slide into a more comfortable place. We can spend more time praising and less time complaining. More joy, less stress. More peace, less conflict.

As I close, I am still in the waiting room and don't know how long I will be here, but the above thoughts give me a little more perspective and peace and I like that. Being a little less in control is genuinely good for me. But I am going to find something on TV besides the Weather Channel.

Blessings,
Jesse Waggoner
www.CalvaryWV.com

Voice of the Valley 4-22-2012

It was great fun to be back in the studio with Ric Cochran to appear on the Voice of the Valley Radio Show.  I used this opportunity to promote our upcoming Health and Saftey Fair and to discuss the ministry at Mt. Calvary.  Here is a clip so you can listen.

Reenacting the Resurrection

Not far from the banks of the Little Kanawha River is a white church with the customary steeple and bell to be rung every Sunday morning.  It was in this place that so much of my journey of faith began.  It was also the place where I first learned of the significance of the resurrection of our Lord.

One year, for some reason, the church fathers decided to allow the youth group to be in charge of the Easter Sunday Sunrise service.  The Sunrise service was a long standing tradition.  To start the day, we would meet for a service extra early on Easter Sunday, then gather in the church basement for a full breakfast (including the best sausage I can ever recall eating).  This was all followed by Sunday School and preaching like any normal Sunday, except the boys were extra scrubbed and combed and the girls wore a higher percentage of new spring dresses.  We decided that a drama was in order and went to work with staging and costumes and special effects.  Never mind that the staging was a few fake palms, and the costumes consisted of bed sheets standing in for angel robes and flip flops for first century sandals.  We did go all out for special effects: we borrowed a stereo system and hid the speakers behind the piano and organ and at the precise moment we needed thunder roaring from the sky, someone was to drop the needle onto an LP record that contained the appropriate boom.

When on that Easter Sunday the drama was presented, the record player thunder sounded on cue, bath- robed women came to the tomb, a tinsel-topped angel announced Jesus was alive in front of a chicken wire painted paper covered tomb, and then the highlight -- a fake-bearded, very non-Jewish looking Jesus made a glorious post-death appearance.  We did stop the story short of the ascension as we could not figure out how to get Jesus to zoom off into the sky.

As I think back on that decades ago makeshift reenactment of the resurrection, I also note that there is a more mature aspect as well.  In a very real sense, the followers of Jesus continue to reenact the resurrection. The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life”  (Romans 6:4).  A new life is a major theme that is woven through the Christian faith.   We were once lost but now are found.  We describe salvation as being born again.  We describe the transaction of trusting Christ as conversion.  We take off the old and put on the new.  Just as radical change took place in Christ at the resurrection in passing from death to life, we too are all about radical change.   Just as He was changed, so are we.  We can follow in the shadow of the resurrection.

The Scriptures teach that our eternal destiny is determined by our faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, and so is our current life. If we have been made new in Him we need to live a new life.   We are to be dead to the old life of sin and selfishness and live a new life of bringing glory to Him.

   

This Easter, and every other day, we have some reenacting to do.

Words from the Graveside

Today, I stood beside an open grave. The casket had been placed over it awaiting the words I would say before it was lowered and covered and we all slowly walk away. Multiple sets of eyes look at me from the faces of grieving family and friends. Not one of them planned to be here until just a day or so ago, and it is really not a comfortable place for any of us to be. In the brief moment before the committal service begins, a brief flash of clarity forces it way into my thoughts.

 I have nothing to say.

 In spite of the fact that in multiple decades of pastoral ministry I have made this trip more times than I can recount and I have done my duty. However, I am starkly aware that my mind cannot manufacture words for such an occasion. For you see my destiny is locked in the vice-grip certainty that one day it will not be me speaking over the grave; it will be my turn to occupy one. I am not in this alone. All of us gathered in this windy hillside cemetery will one day make a final return trip to a place like this. No words of my own will work.

Even without glancing down there is the comfortable reassuring feel of the leather cover of the book I hold in my hand. It is from this source that some measure of sense about the giving and losing of life can be gained. In its pages there is a recipe for the tonic of hope; there is the healing serum that can heal a broken heart. What I have to offer a tear-filled widow, dazed children, and confused grandchildren must not come from one who is simply a participant in life but from the giver of life.

With a nod from the ever-professional funeral director, I begin. I glance once more into the eyes of those who are hurting the most, then mention the name and vital facts of the person whom we have come to honor and mourn. I quickly open the compact Bible in my hands and run my fingers down the page to find the place where Jesus spoke as He approached the burial site of His friend Lazarus. I sense relief that what can be said and needs to be said has been granting comfort and hope for twenty centuries. I merely provide the vocal apparatus to give sound to the message from the One who conquered death. One who once occupied a grave and evacuated one as well. One who through His sacrifice opened the way to a permanent home on the other side. I read…

  "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)

 A few more words are spoken, a prayer is offered and the service is done. I close my Bible, I greet the family a final time, push my reading glasses into my suit pocket, walk among the previously filled graves and the ones yet to be used. I whisper a prayer of thanksgiving that because of Him, some day when someone stands beside my grave, I will live.

A Christmas Invitation

Your Christmas invitation is just two clicks away. Your first click is here

If you click on the picture above - you just get a bigger picture - sorry, so use the text link instead. Jesse

Christmas Messengers

I have received birth announcements in various ways. There is the traditional baby-themed card in the mail. I have also been handed candy, lollipops and back in the day, cigars. In the modern era I have been informed of new arrivals by text message, twitter, facebook and instant message. No matter the method of delivery, at the time, it seemed normal. In the second chapter of Luke, we find the "birth announcement" of Jesus and the unusual method chosen has become an integral part of the Christmas story. A group of unnamed shepherds were the first outside the family to get the news. But why shepherds? Of all the means available to spread the news of this unique birth why would working-class wool chasers be the chosen ones? Why recruit these who were minding their own business until an angel dramatically interrupted an otherwise uneventful night to declare, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

I think the answer to the “why the shepherds” question can be found not in what they witnessed by finding the “Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” but by their response. Luke’s account tells us that, “Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child." Thus began a pattern that continues a couple of millennia later. The preferred method of spreading the message of God’s love for the world as expressed through Jesus is by ordinary people passing the news on to others in their lives. Here is where it gets personal. We do not need to be the spiritual elite to spread the message. It can be transmitted by casual contact. The reason that the birth of one first-century Jewish baby is noted around the world is because the message has gone viral.

In the midst of the hoopla of the holiday season people of faith should be reminded that our simple touches of care, our ordinary acts of kindness, and our normal conversations can be opportunities for others to be infected by the old, old story of Jesus and His love. Someone in your world is waiting to hear Jesus birth announcement.

Jesse Waggoner

Keep Shooting

Some of you have seen the picture above - it is of our daughter Jessica and our granddaughter Kaelyn. They, along with our Son in law Eric, came to spend the weekend with us. A few days before their arrival, Jessica called and asked if I would mind taking some pictures. As many of you know, I love photography and it took only a fraction of a second to say yes. The picture above (you can click on it and see an even larger version) was the one that is now on the wall in my office. It is right beside me as I type this. I love it for many reasons, the contrast between one set of eyes open and one being closed is great, the fact that one face is looking at the camera while the other is in profile works, so does the contrast in skin tones, the way the hair falls -- I could go on and on... and of course the most important thing that makes it special are the two people who are in it.

But there is something else you should know. This image is one of 165 I took that day. Most will never be seen by anyone other than me and only 3 or 4 will make it to prints or will be posted online. Most of what I took that day are, in a word ..bad. The lighting is off in some, the focus is not crisp in others. I also have a new found appreciation for baby photographers. With an infant you just can’t say: "look at me and smile"and get the result you want. You have to time it just right and hope you hit the shutter release at the correct moment.

This fact that only through perseverance can the correct outcome be gained in photography serves a fitting metaphor for life. Most of our efforts don't succeed on the first try, many don't after the 100th. But there is reward in sticking to it, to keep giving effort , to perfecting one's skills. Most of the time victory comes to the one who refused to give up. So whatever it is we do, let's keep giving our best. The perfect moment may be close at hand.

Your Invitation

Mt. Calvary is having a welcome reception for us Sunday evening at 6:30 - special music will be by Master Peace and I am so pleased that my dear friend Dr. Paul Reiter will be speaking. There will be light Hors D’Oeurves, cake & punch following, consider this your invitation.

Traveling?

Where are you traveling? Maybe you have trip or two planned, or perhaps you are committed to just staying home. No matter your plans you are going to do some travelling, a lot of traveling. In fact you are on the move as you read this. Not so sure? Consider this; right now the earth is spinning on its axis, with you on it, at a speed of about 800 miles per hour. It doesn't feel like you are moving because everything around you, above you and under you is moving at the same speed and direction as you. If that is not enough movement consider this the earth travels around the sun at a speed of about 67,000 miles per hour! You are going somewhere, you have no choice.

Spiritually it is the same, you are always moving. You are either making progress in your walk with God or you are digressing. Even Jesus is described as making progress; “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."(Luke 2:52) If he needed to make progress, we certainly do.

I hope you will join me in being committed to going in the right direction. You can insure this by being in the Word of God regularly – you also should be part of a church that teaches the Word in a way that touches life. These will help keep you between the lines as you navigate the road ahead.

Blessings,
Jesse

CalvaryWV.com

Number Four

I have had the privilege of previously serving as a pastor of three churches: New Hope Bible Church in Bridgeport, West Virginia, Calvary Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Ohio and Associate Pastor at Bible Center Church in Charleston. As many of you know, I completed my ministry at Bible Center last September. In the mean time, I have completed my Doctorate Degree (I am contemplating starting work on a second Doctorate Degree before the year is out - not sure if I am brave or crazy) and then unexpectedly was requested to serve as interim pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church. It has been a joy to serve at Mt. Calvary with a fine staff and congregation. We have seen the Word of God do amazing things in the lives of many over these last months.

But one can only live in "interim" land for so long. There comes a time to move on and we have been preparing for the move for some months. During this time, we have interacted with a number of congregations around the country and have been blessed to learn of God's work in ways and places that were new to us. It has been a joy to meet with pastoral search committees that are composed of godly servants who are doing God's work in God's way. We are still praying for some of them to find the man God is calling to that particular work. That said, where are we going to land?

I told some folks recently that I feel like the guy who was searching around the world for a wife and ends up marrying the girl next door. So now we know - Sunday, September 18th, I will begin my fourth pastoral ministry as Senior Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, in Charleston, West Virginia. In the last eight months, Julie and I have grown to love this congregation. We have also learned to love this area even more. This call has been confirmed in many ways, not the least of which is seeing two growing services on Sunday mornings, as well as people being saved and baptized. God is at work and He is to be praised! There is much work that remains to be done but I am thankful that I get to work alongside other staff pastors, church board, and a congregation that are walking with Christ and have a passion to do God's will.

So I continue to do what I have done my entire adult life: preach God's Word and pastor God's people. I am a blessed man to get to do both

Are we in the Last Days?

For those of us who live in on the East Coast last week's earthquake was the first one we have experienced in our lives - do you think it will be the last one? This and so many other world-events (storms, unrest in the Middle East, terrorism, financial instability etc.) lead many to ask questions such as: What does the future hold? Are we approaching or living in the last days? Is there hope? Is there an escape? Fortunately there are answers from the lips of Jesus and they are found in Matthew chapter 24. I will be leading a study through this portion of God's Word on Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. These messages will not be available online so if you want to be a part make plans to join us for this journey through the Last Days.

New Arrival

Kaelyn Michelle McVey arrived on July 23, weighing in at 8lbs 3oz. Dad Eric and Mom Jessica are all doing well. Julie and yours truly are are still a bit in shock over being grandparents - but it is a shock that we greatly enjoy!

Proverbs 17:6 says, "Children's children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father." I must admit that I like the "crown and glory" parts more than the "old men" part of that verse. But however it is said to reach this point in life is blessing of God. A testimony to His faithfulness and His grace to our entire family.

I would like to offer some profound insights to you in perfectly formed sentences that you would enjoy reading and feel compelled to send on to someone else but I guess this one of the few times that I am at a loss for words --but I know this God has surely been good to me.

Jesse

God wrote you a letter

I heard a fellow preacher describe hearing an elderly African American preacher deliver something similar to the following so with a few imaginary flourishes I submit the following.

Over in the little book of First John chapter 2 and down in verse 13 the beloved Apostle says – “I write to you fathers” -- so a I say to all of you fathers, God wrote you a letter. It also says “I write to you young men” – so again I say to you young men – God wrote you a letter. It goes on to say “I write to you little children” – so little children, God wrote you a letter. So I can say to you church – God wrote you a letter.

God sat down at His desk of sovereignty, picked up His pen of omniscience and He wrote you a letter of divine revelation. His ideas are infallible its content is inerrant and its message is immutable. God wrote you a letter. He wrote your letter on paper watermarked with the tears of prophets, He wrote you letter with the indelible ink of His faithfulness, it is written in the script of His holiness it is punctuated with His graciousness and it signed by the blood of Jesus. God wrote you a letter. He placed your letter in an envelope of love, sealed by the kiss of His spirit postmarked by the apostles and delivered by the breath of Almighty God. Church – God wrote you a letter. My friend God wrote you a letter.

So I say to you beloved – you ought to read your mail.

25 things I learned from a walk in the forest

I recently spent an afternoon hiking about 5 miles through one of our state parks. Here are some things you can learn from a walk in the forest.

1. God loves the color green
2. Trees are tall
3. People are not
4. You never see a tree grow
5. Walking face-first into a spider web is always startling
6. Forests have a different cast of birds than my backyard
7. Squirrels are better than any circus acrobat
8. I don’t like snakes
9. Poison Ivy is hard to see
10. Always take your camera
11. A camera cannot capture what the eye can see
12 Chipmunks are noisy
13. Forests soak up both water and sound
14. If a tree falls in the forest…it will always be across the hiking trail
15. I do not understand why people carve their initials into tree trunks
16. Sticks and stones may break my bones…so I try to avoid them
17. I need better hiking shoes
18. Air tastes different in the woods
19. Only God can make a tree it takes an idiot to produce litter
20. Trees are always heading upward…so should I
21. I don’t spend enough time in the forest
22. Forests are wonderful places
23. God makes amazing forests
24. Everything God makes is amazing
25. God is amazing

Blessings,
Jesse Waggoner

Wedding Bells

Saturday June 18, 2011 our youngest son was married to Katie in Englewood, Florida. If you want to see more pictures just use the links below.

Julie and I and my parents flew down, which meant we did not get to visit with several friends on the return trip as we planned. But flying was easier on all of us. We were also pleased that a number of family and friends made the trip. Our whole gang stayed in Buchan's Landing Resort which is on Lemon Bay - a wonderful place for us to gather and celebrate. We watched dolphins swim by each morning, and I enjoyed taking pictures of the beauty and wildlife in the area. Julie was a wonderful host for those gathered - one morning she prepared breakfast for 27!

The wedding took place in the Green Street Church which was the first church in Englewood and is now operated by the historical society. It was lovely setting for a ceremony that honored the Lord as they made their commitment to each other.

I shared with those gathered at the rehearsal dinner that families are very stretchable - as proven by the fact that both of our families are enlarged by this marriage; Katie's family have warmly welcomed Brian and we are delighted that Katie has become part of the growing Waggoner clan. They will be living in Richmond Virginia where Brian will pursue his chosen career in law enforcement.

We also got in a little relaxation after the wedding, Julie and I enjoyed the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and colleting a few seashells along the way, not to mention taking some pictures of some outstanding sunsets! We are glad to be back in WV and looking forward to be worshipping with the folks at Mt. Calvary Baptist on Sunday.

Jesse

Wedding Photo Album

Florida Photo Album

Prison Stories

Have you ever noticed how so many Bible stories take place in a prison? Think about Joseph in Egypt, Sampson, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul, Silas, the Apostle John, and John the Baptist come quickly to mind. This band of jail-house brothers are each part of the story God is trying to tell in the Bible and maybe He needed to get our attention in a particular way.

But why prison bars as a backdrop for the message God is trying to communicate? The metaphor of prison is one that jars our senses. It invades our minds with images of being helpless, hopeless and with little or no control. It touches the soul where the soul feels stuck and bound, where the only hope is on the outside as there are no useable resources for escape on the inside. It connects with the season in life where every day runs into the next and every day seems the same. Where there is little point but existing to do it all over and over again. One does not have to be literally in lock down to be acquainted with the prison syndrome. The addict knows about prison. So does the person who has been rejected and passed over. So does everyone who has ever hoped for more from life and not being able to see a way to get there. It is known by everyone who waits for word from an erring child or a wandering spouse. The feelings of confinement by a disability, injury or disease can also feel prison-like.

I have come to believe that it is for these that the prison stories are sprinkled throughout the pages of Scripture are special messages for you in those moments when you are the one in one kind of a prison or another, they are mini-dramas to help you know that life in prison is not the kind of life God intends but sometime it is only through the experience of being out of control that we really come to terms with what it means for Him to be in control.

For the next several weeks I am doing a study of a dozen or so of these prison stories and I want to invite you to either follow along or at least pick up your Bible and find your way to a prison story and in so doing you can find the kind of freedom that God desires for you to experience each day.

Blessing,
Jesse

The Family

"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. (Psalms 127:4)

When I became a father at the age of 22 Julie and I had no idea the adventure we were embarking on. Now after nearly 3 decades of marriage and years of raising children I am a blessed man. The raising of children, maintaining a marriage and growing a getting along are part of God's plan to make us all better. We, as I suppose all do, have had our struggles and pressure points. But this I know - it has all been worth it - every minute of it, the boring and long moments, the short and scary moments, those moments with more questions than answers, those moments of success and failure, those moments of pride and pain. Altogether they form a tapestry of God's grace and faithfulness. I really don't have anything more profound than that to say today but that is enough! To Him be the glory.

In case you are wondering the picture above was taken on Easter Sunday after we returned from a wonderful time of worship. Left to right (Back Row) Brandon and Heather Waggoner, Eric and Jessica McVey, (Front row) Katie Barnard, Brian Waggoner, my bride Julie and yours truly.

The picture below includes my parents Sam and Evelyn Waggoner and Brandon's dog Jaya just had to get into the picture. Click on the pictures to view a larger version.

Blessings,
Jesse


ings,

Life Update - Spring 2011

I thought it is about time for a personal update, I will post some of my thoughts from the Word next time. I have been busy serving the good folks at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church as their Interim Senior Pastor. I have enjoyed being in the pulpit preaching three times a week. If you want to follow my preaching ministry you can use these links:

www.podcast.waggonermedia.com (Sunday Morning series)

www.podcast2.waggonermedia.com (Sunday evening messages)

I have been excited to be part of two new ministries through MCBC - the first is we have begun a second Sunday Morning service. It meets at 9 a.m. in our Connection Theater; the second service remains at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. I have also been busy putting together a new ministry to men. The Lord has provided a great core of men to get things off the ground and we are expecting the Lord to continue to bless this ministry. The teaching for the Man2Man group is being recorded and will be available later. I have been working on putting together a video set so that this teaching can be on video and audio. (The picture above is a test shot from the studio set-up).

Things with the family are face-paced these days. Brian is graduating in May and getting married to Katie in June. We will be making a trip to Florida for this great event. Brandon and Heather are going to Uganda for missions work for the month of July. Also in July Jessica and Eric are expecting a baby girl and Julie and will be grandparents at a shockingly young age :) Julie has remained busy with teaching piano and she volunteers at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

May of you have asked about my Doctorate program, well last Tuesday I was informed that my Dissertation has been accepted and this means all work is completed for me to be awarded a Doctorate Degree in Biblical Preaching. Not sure when I will have a diploma in hand but I am glad to have this completed. If you want to take a look at my work you can download a eBook copy of it using this link:

www.waggonermedia.com/archive

I want to conclude by thanking all of your for your kindness and love you have shown to all of us over these last few months.

Blessings,
Jesse

Answered un-prayed prayers

"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)

There are those moments, as the above verse reminds us, when we don't know what to pray, or even have the ability put words to our needs, to frame our feelings in sentences and all we are left with are groans. Yes prayer is a "hotline" to heaven, a resource to bring Heaven's power to bear on our needs. But what about when we can't even pray? It is at those moments the Holy Spirit enters into the process and offers our prayers for us. He frames our cries in words that are fit for God's ears. He offers prayers that fully capture our heartache. What blessing!

But let's take this to a higher level, our God is so gracious to hear us and answer our prayers that we have never really prayed. The Holy Spirit has even done the praying for us. God so wants to have intimate fellowship with us, He is so eager to hear our requests and so eager to answer prayer that He can't wait for us to turn our heart toward Him. He is so desirous of us, that He will even complete the process of prayer for us. What blessing!

So, if He is so anxious to hear from you, make sure you do. He is waiting. What blessing!

Jesse

Got Peace?

We all have watched in horror at the devastation in Japan. A massive earthquake, whole cities being washed away by a tsunami and then the unthinkable of nuclear reactors melting down. At moments like this we are at a loss for words and at a loss for peace. Graciously God caused my mind to flash back to some words found in Psalm 46 – allow me to share them with you.

"God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains
be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling."
(Psalm 46:1-3 NKJV)

Did you catch the part about the earth being moved and the oceans roaring? Sounds like this is just what we need. To remember that in spite of it all and whatever happens God is our refuge. We can and must trust Him. Trust begins with prayer and praise. Maybe these events can serve as wake-up call for us to get on our knees before our God and renew our trust and dependence on Him.

The next to last verse of this Psalm tells us that after we have acknowledged His place and power we must do as He commands…

"Be still and know that I am God"
(Psalm 46:10)

He is, He has been and He ever will be God. For that I am thankful and in that I trust.

Jesse

PS: The above is part of my current Bible Teaching series at Mount Calvary, hope you can join us in person or online for this study.

My Time is In His Hands

Tonight at 2:00 a.m. the governement of the United States has decreed that all clocks shall be moved forward by one hour. This is to allow more daylight in the evening hours. For today I asked on One Daily Question if folks were a fan of daylight savings time, and as usually the vote is split.

But my vote is no, I must confess I have never been a fan of daylight savings time. For in reality were are not getting more daylight, time is not changing we are just all agreeing to change our schedules!

Really only God controls time, He started the clock ticking and He will keep it wound. There is a verse that I think of when I think of time:

"My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me." (Psalm 31:15)

This reminds me that the events, length and path of my life are in His control, right there in His all powerful hands. Hands that have never made a mistake, never slipped or grown weary. He is involved in this second and the next second and the minute after that. I want to lift my voice in praise of the God I love and serve, and then relax in His care. Why don't you do the same - isn't it about time you did?

Got your wedding invitation yet?

Are you checking your mail daily for the invitation to arrive. As a public service I want to give you a "Save the Date" warning, April 29, 2011 is the date Prince William will wed Kate Middleton in West Minster Abbey. I am sure you won't want to miss it.

I have always believed in being prepared, so just in case you happen to run into the Queen of England or other royal person at the wedding, here are some of the official rules for meeting royalty

• Women should curtsy and men should nod their heads

• If the Royal person offers a hand, the handshake should be short and not hard

• Allow the Queen or other royal person to leave the room first; backs should never be turned toward the Queen

• During meals, the Queen eats first and when she stops the others at the table stop

• If something drops at dinner do not speak; someone will retrieve it quietly and without fanfare

So why all the fuss? Because there is a place for showing honor to a person of a superior position. Honor is a key ingredient to any relationship. The Bible is clear, both in family and in society in general, in that He expects us to honor others (Eph. 6:2, 1 Pet. 3:7, 2:17). We often seek honor for ourselves when we need to heap it on others. So you may not meet a king or queen this week but there is someone in your life that you need to treat like one; do it to honor the God who has made us all.

So you and I can both show honor in the biblical sense regardless if we get an royal wedding invitation not.

Blessings,
Jesse

Have a spare 65 hours?

It currently has 65 hours of Bible teaching, 112 individual sermons in 20 different sermon series. What you ask? My new podcast. I have been working for the last few weeks of creating a complete archive of all of my online Bible teaching material and you can now access any or all at:

www.podcast.waggonermedia.com

If you are looking for complete series with downloadable study notes and some with online videos you can access the Bible teaching section of my website:

www.WaggonerMedia.com/teaching.html

Also both my evening and morning messages from each Sunday are archived on the podcast by Wednesday of each week. Thank you so much for your love and support. The ministry at Mount Calvary Baptist is such a blessing. The folks there are so supportive and they have a wonderful pastoral staff. We are working on plans for starting a second Sunday morning service on Easter. Keep praying!

Blessings,
Jesse

Who is the Greatest?

Who is the greatest homerun hitter in major league baseball history? That question should be easy, or is it? A quick look at stats will show that Barry Bonds ended his career with 762 homeruns, end of arguement, or is it? Questions of a "lively ball" and the use of steroids make his record in some purist's minds suspect. So maybe it is Hank Aaron, his 755 homeruns stand untainted. However there are some who argue that Babe Ruth should still get the nod, since he played in a day of shorter seasons, during his first four years (1914-1918) with the Red Sox he as a pitcher and not playing every day and the spitball was not banned from baseball until the 1921 season!

It is not my point to settle this argument but to illustrate that arriving at the point of determining the greatest no simple matter. Who is greatest is always debatable when it come to humans and human effort. However when it comes to God there is no doubt that He is the Greatest. He is at the top of every list (if not the list is wrong) in charge of everything and above everything. He is unique, one of a kind, holy!

Here is a thought that will revolutionize your thinking, the one who is greatest cares about you. He is willing to involve Himself in your life. He knows all about you and loves you anyway. He understands what no one else does, He can do what no one else can do. He is crazy about you. Get a handle on that and other opinions really don't matter.

The Greatness of God will be the subject of my Sunday morning messages at Mount Calvary beginning this Sunday. We will be looking at just how great our God is, you will be moved to worship, grow and serve in ways you have not thought of before!

You can also follow this series on 58 WCHS radio Sunday's at 7:30 a.m. or you can listen on line on my podcast page you may also download study outlines here.

Jesse

Heart of Jesus (parts 2 & 3)

I am in the "red zone" with my dissertation and almost all of my time the last two weeks has been taken up with research and writing and addtions to my blog have suffered. Until I can get back to writing on a regular schedule I offer you the follow two audio sermons - this is part 2 & 3 of "The Heart of Jesus Series."

Blessings,
Jesse

In Your Darkest Hour (Luke 7:11-17)

Broken People Wanted (Luke 7:37-50)

The Heart of Jesus

Finish this statement: "You really know who your friends are when __________________."

That statement can be completed several ways but in my mind real friends are those who are there for you when no one else is. The ones who take the initiative to check on you. That ones who will not let you go through whatever life hands you alone. Real friends are those who lend a hand when it is unpopular or inconvenient to do so.

By this definition real friends are rare and the make-believe kind are a dime-a-dozen. Before I sound like I am complaining – I know that I need to work on being a real-friend and I am thankful that I am blessed with some choice “real friends.” All that to say – the Lord Jesus is indeed a real friend. He is the one loves when we are unlovely, forgives when we are guilty, and will never, repeat never, abandon us (see Rom. 8:38-39). With Jesus we have a Savior who is more than someone who offers help to look good; Someone who reaches out due to some external motivation. With Him we have His heart. You can trust His heart, even when it doesn’t look like it, even when it doesn't feel like it, even when it seem illogical, Even when no one else is trusting – you can trust His heart.

This is the study I am currently working on and sharing with the folks at Mount Calvary Baptist Church on Sunday mornings. This is also available on my podcast or you can listen in at 7:30 a.m. on WCHS beginning this Sunday, January 9th. I trust we together can learn to trust the heart of Jesus.

Listen to The Heart of Jesus (part 1)

WCHS Radio

New Ministry for Me

Someone once said if you want to make God laugh show him your five-year plan. Life is not always what we expect but as we follow Him it is always blessed. As many of you know this year has been a time of unexpected changes in my ministry life. I concluded my 2+ years of ministry in the pulpit of Bible Center Church in April. In August, I completed my 12 years of ministry at BCC. I have spent the last months traveling, (including a wonderful time serving missionaries in South America) and accelerating work on my Doctorate Degree.

Now the Lord has revealed what the next step in my ministry is to be. Through a remarkable set of God-controlled events I will begin serving as Interim Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Charleston beginning in January. Pastor David Mitchell has served there wonderfully and faithfully for the past 24 years and is retiring the last Sunday of 2010. Mount Calvary Baptist has served in the Kanawha Valley for more than 100 years. The Church is blessed with a wonderful staff and excellent facilities located just off the Westmoreland Exit of I77 (one exit north of the 77 - 64 split). I will begin filling the pulpit on Sunday January 2nd and after the service on Jan. 9 the congregation will vote on the recommendation of the Deacons to approve this. I am looking forward to getting to know and serve the people who worship at Mount Calvary.

Another development is that Mount Calvary Baptist will also launch a Sunday morning broadcast on AM58 WCHS on January 2nd from 7:30-8:00 a.m. This spot has been served by Pastor Bobby Sizemore as a ministry of Elkview Baptist Church for many years, and I will do my best to continue to serve the listeners with quality Bible teaching in that location and time. Listen in if you get the chance.

While I wait for the Lord to direct to an opportunity for a full-time and permanent ministry I am excited to tackle this next task. I would appreciate your prayers in these next days. Thank you so much for all of the love and encouragement so many of you have shown over the past months.

Blessings,
Pastor Jesse Waggoner

Listen, It's Christmas

I have recently been involved in an online conversation about why God would choose Shepherds to be the first ones to hear about the birth of His Son. The comments generally revolved around the connection to Jesus being the Good Shepherd, the Son of David who was a Shepherd or the fact that they were low and humble. While thinking about this I come to an even more fundamental and I believe, profound conclusion: God wanted to deliver a message. That night He chose the extraordinary means of a multitude of angels filling the sky, but He got the message across; a message of peace and goodwill and a Savior born. He directed them via the angelic announcement to find Jesus wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.

God does not often use such extreme measures to deliver news to us. He usually speaks through His all-time best seller and the only book He has written; the Bible. Our responsibility? To listen! In this case you have access to the source documents, to firsthand accounts of what God had determined for you to know. What a blessing to know that God wants to speak to you.

This Christmas please plan to invest some time digging into God’s Word, privately and with others. He has delivered on His part, are you delivering on yours?

Jesse

Video Version of this teaching

That thing is huge!

Recently I needed to move a large bookcase my father had built for me (see picture below) it is beautiful, and has a built-in 55 gal. aquarium. It is huge and it is heavy. It is way beyond my ability to move. I remember that someone once said that the one thing better than having a truck, is having a friend that has one! So I called a dear friend who showed up with a huge truck complete with hydraulic life and couple of other well-muscled men. I still had to shoulder my corner of the bookcase but the gracious help of these friends got the job done.

Peter describes our Lord as “the God of all grace.” Earlier we looked at the “God” part and the “All” part, so now we want to think about the “Grace” part. Grace can be defined as God’s help in our need. That is why the bookcase story is a great example of this. The gracious act of these made a job that was too big for me possible. His grace can move even impossible things that maybe staring at you. Those things that keep you up and night and steal your joy in the day. He can move it!

So what is that huge – immovable thing in your life? That one thing that is way too big for you to budge? Maybe it is time to trust in the God of all grace. Count on His help to be there for you in your need. Renew your confidence in His showing up when you need strength beyond yourself. He won’t let you down.

Jesse

Veiw Video version of this teaching

More research

Would you take three minutes and help a seminary student out? I have added three quick questions to my ongoing poll which is part of my research for my Doctoral Dissertation. I need as many responses as I can get, I so appreciate your taking the time to answer these three questions. NOTE: You will have to use your browsers "Back" button to get back to the questions page to answer the next question. Thanks so much for your help!

To take the poll go here

Running out of time (The God of All Grace part 2)

"But may the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you." (1 Pet. 5:10)

I have a limited amount of time to write this before getting to my next scheduled thing. In fact I always have a limited amount of time. In reality I have a limited amount of everything – time, energy, opportunity, money, etc. and if you want to know the truth, so do you! We are finite every day and in every way.

As we think on the second part of the description of God as being “the God of all grace” I want to dwell on the “all” part. He is not limited in His grace. It never is in short supply, the transportation system to bring grace from the throne to you is never disrupted, it never runs out no matter how much you need. He is a God of unlimited grace. He is infinite every day and in every way.

So the next time you feel like your needs exceed God’s ability, or the reach of His compassionate grace – let this verse stop you and redirect you. He has not used up His allotment of grace on all the other needy people and left you without – He is the God of all grace. Thank Him for that today and live like that today – you had better get started time is short.

Jesse

Video version of this teaching

Here are some recent family pictures - enjoy!

The God of All Grace (1 Pet. 5:10) part 1

"But may the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you." (1 Pet. 5:10)

For some reason a phrase from this verse had lodged itself in my mind over the past few days. Did you notice how Peter addresses God? He calls Him "the God of all grace." Stop what you are doing for a few moments and think about that. We have in our lives, caring for us the God of all grace. I will address the last two thirds of that phrase later but think for a moment about the fact that He is the GOD of all grace. If he were gracious and not God, He at best would be a benevolent person but not have the ability for that good will to do anything in our lives. No the "all grace" is empowered by the omnipotent God!

God has never seen a tight spot He could not get us out of. He has never faced a dilemma that did not have a third option. He had never faced a disease He could not heal. He has never encountered an obstacle he could not overcome or a roadblock He could not remove. He is able to deliver grace to you.

Are you in need of some encouragement today? If so, remember this; the God of all grace is on your side and He delights when His children turn to Him in faith and seek His help. So...what are you waiting for?

Jesse

Video Version of this teaching

A (non) Drive Time Video on Gratefulness

As many of you know it has been sometime since I have made any new Drive Time Videos - I will spare you the details for the absence but I am make a new series of videos that while not from the road are from the heart and more importantly from God's Word. As always I appreciate your support and feed back. Just click the play button on the video below or if that is showing click the link to go to a webpage where you can view it.

Blessings,
Jesse


Click here to go to video page

Know your preacher?

I need your help. Usually I try to write items on this blog to inform, entertain or inspire you but this offering is a little different. As most of you know I am working on my Doctoral Dissertation and as part of that project I am doing some original research. My subject is the role of the hearer in the preaching process. What I need is your opinion. Since I spend most of my time behind the pulpit I need to know what the person in the pew is thinking. I will do these polls over a period of time in three question segments. It should only take a minute or two of your time but your input will be a great help to this seminary student.

Just click the link below to get started and let me thank you in advance for your participation, Also, please feel free to pass this on to anyone you may like, I could use all the opinions I can get. All responses are anonymous; so tell me what you think of preaching, listening and preachers like me.

Jesse

Please note that after you click "VOTE" after each set of answers, you will be taken to a results page, use your browser's "Back" button to return to the page to answer the following queston.
TAKE THE POLL

Who is in Charge?

So who really is in control on the field during an NFL game? The picture above that I took last Sunday in Dallas may give you a hint (you can click on the picture for a bigger version – you may have to use your browsers “back” button to back to the blog). In the picture you see players – it’s not them. You don’t see any coaches but it is not them either. How about the referees in their snazzy striped uniforms? Nope. Photogaphers? No. Cheerleaders? No again. It is really the man with the weird looking orange gloves. His title is NFL liaison or sideline coordinator. It is his job to get the word from the TV director in a control truck outside the stadium that the TV commercials are over and the game can restart after a break. The Refs cannot start until the sideline coordinator tells them to, on the field nothing happens until he says so. The orange gloves are so that the refs can easily see his hand signals to start or stop the game.

This got me to thinking about this – the person who is really in charge of something is rarely the person you see in the foreground. Perhaps in this political season a few folks would do well to remember that there is something more in play than just the acquisition of political power. Leaders in the church would do well to remember that no matter the title there is someone more unseen to who we are responsible. On an even more personal level we are each in charge of very little and all of us are persons under authority. So, we should all act like it.

Perhaps this would be a good time to express you submission to the God Who rules over all by offering your words of acknowledgment of His place and power to Him in prayer. As you practice the discipline of submission not only will He be honored and pleased, it will help you refocus to see His hand in your life, and you don’t even have to look for orange gloves!

Jesse

A few more pictures from our trip

The Sign

Matt. 27:37, Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38, John 19:19

A hand-written sign is not meant to last long – it only for a fleeting temporary event that will soon be gone like the event of which it speaks. The person who actually put the letters to a discarded plank of wood and tacked it to the cross of Jesus had no idea that what he was labeling was far from a passing event. It was penned with as much care as a “yard sale” sign stuck on a utility pole, but it was placed over the head of one who cared enough to be sacrificed on our behalf.

The inscription in full was: This is Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews. The Jews objected and demanded the sign be edited to include “he said, I am king of the Jews. (John 19:21-23), they were OK with it being a claim of a rebel but they did not what it to be a straight-forward declarative statement. Pilate caused it to be written in way to show contempt for the Jewish authorities – this was his view of a king that would come from the Jews a weak and dying would-be ruler. These were not words the Romans believed-- but they were absolutely true! Jesus was and is the rightful heir to the throne of Israel (cf. Luke 1:32-33) but is also King of Kings (I Tim. 6:15). These truths and Pilate's words though written in unbelief attest to Christ’s sovereignty and His divinity.

The hand-written sign was to mark a moment but it testified to a movement. Something far greater was happening, something that would alter the destiny of all who believe in the King of the Jews.

Since He is our King and we are subjects in His kingdom, our response should be obedience -- complete, unquestioning obedience. God desires and deserves our worship but worship means more than offering our words to Him; He desires compliance with His will, in this is He pleased (I Sam. 15:22).

Family Update

In addition to my Bible studies and essays I post weekly on this Blog, I have decided occasionally to update you all on the happenings of the Waggoner family. So, many of you have taken the effort to stay in touch and Julie and I appreciate that so much. First of all let me identify all in the picture above.

L to R: Julie, Eric and Jessica, Katie and Brian, Brandon and Heather and Me,

We both are doing well and are blessed beyond words and are constantly amazed at the goodness of our God. We were so thankful for a late summer get-together with our entire family; we enjoyed a relaxing weekend as well as a visit to the WV State Fair. In September I was blessed with the opportunity to speak at a Missionary Retreat in Ecuador. It was also in September that we said goodbye to the congregation of Bible Center Church. Thankfully we live in a day where even though we may be separated we can still stay in touch. We are so thankful for the 12 years of ministry that the Lord gave us.

We have been traveling a bit of late, I was in Chicago for some ministry meetings back in the summer, Julie I traveled to be with friends in North and South Carolina, We visited family in Richmond VA a couple of weeks ago and last week we went to Morgantown for the WVU – FSU game, and took a couple of days to travel through the eastern mountains of WV. In a couple of weeks we will be traveling to Dallas to see the Cowboys play – this has been a long time dream of ours and we are looking forward to seeing our favorite team play live! We also are working a mid-west trip in mid-November. Below, I have put some links to photo albums from some of the above if you want to take a look.

We have also been going through a renovation of our kitchen and a few other fix-up projects that have kept us busy and I am spending part of each working on my Doctoral Dissertation. I hope to be finished by the end of January.

We have been in contact with a few churches in need of a pastor. I can’t provide details yet but I would appreciate your prayers that the Lord will give clear direction to our next place of service. Whether we end up near or far we will always give thanks for each of you.

PHOTO ALBUMS:

Waggoner Get-Together

From the Road

WVU game

Fall in the Mountains

Jesse Waggoner

Time Warp

"Since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come,” (Isa. 44:7)

The language in this verse refers to God declaring in advance what will happen in the future. This is a question that spotlights His prophetic ability, and especially His exclusive ability do so. The Bible is full of fulfilled prophecy; more than 60 Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled on the day Jesus was crucified. Time does not permit the ability to explore many of these, but I would refer you to ten chapters further in Isaiah and to read chapter 53 and reflect on how accurately it depicts the death of Jesus. In this verse, He is challenging any skeptic to show even one example that shows that anyone else has this ability, and while the skeptic is silenced the believers should be comforted to know that He is a God who can definitively proclaim the future. In this He has no rivals.

He is unrivaled in time, and He is not just existing in time but expressing His will through time. Note well the time frames in this verse. First of all…

He operates in the past

It is He that “appointed the ancient people.” Here, He is looking back to expose His sovereign control. The people of the past were appointed, literally “placed” by God. One only has to look at the historical sections of the Bible to see everywhere His hand at work. We can likewise see His had operating in our lives and we should mark well the places along our path were He has involved Himself in our lives

He operates in the present

This is seen in this line: “and the things that are coming.” God is operating in the midst of things that were then coming to pass in the present. The trends, events, movements, circumstances and happenings of their day are connected back to the same verb “appointed” as the events of the past. He alone can appoint the events that unfold in present time to be in accordance with His will. But we are not finished. Also…

He operates in the future

Lastly He appoints “the things that are coming and shall come.” This final terminology focuses our attention on the future. Just as surely as He has appointed the past and present, His appointment, His placing, His setting of the future is likewise sure and good as done. God is the only One who can operate in the future as well as the past and present

Our heavenly Father wants us to know that the One who speaks in the past and prophesies concerning the future also traces the arc of our lives through time by means of His controlling, loving, powerful hand. Based on that, how does that help us in these troubling times in which we live? Simply, He is in control at all times!

Jesse Waggoner

The First, The Last and Everything in Between

“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. (Isa. 44:6)

This verse means infinitely more than just that God has always been, that He predates everything else; it references that He is the reason everything else exists. From cover to cover, the Bible does not blush to call God the Creator of all things. “In the beginning God created…” (Gen. 1:1), “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:3), “all things were created by him, and for him” (Col. 1:16 KJV), "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created" (Revelation 4:11). When it comes to creators, remember there is only One.

Let me ask you a question: If God has the ability to create you does He have the ability to protect you in the present? Here is where we begin to see that He is the only One available for our trust and the only One worthy of our trust.

Not only is He the cause of all things, likewise…He is the culmination of all things He is the first and the last. Again, this means more than just He always will exist, He will also bring all things to a conclusion. He wrote the preface to all creation and He has already written the final chapter. Colossians 1:20 is a summary of the culminating activity of God; in this verse we see that through Christ, God will “reconcile all things to Himself.” The reconciliation is as in reconciling an account or a checkbook. When it is all said and done, all things will be as God chooses them to be; all accounts will be balanced.

May I ask you a question: If God has the ability to create you and you believe He has the ability to get you from here to heaven, does He have the ability to get you through the rest of today? If so, then let me challenge you to acknowledge His control, to obediently behave in harmony with His control. He will control you either through your worshipful obedience or in judgment, in spite of your objections…

So…give Him control

Through your will and choice, accommodate yourself to His control. Allow your trust in His control to pluck you from a sea of fear and doubt and lift you to new heights of confidence. I know this is challenging when what our eyes see lead us to fear. But we, in faith, need to reconnect with the only One who is unrivaled in control- our King and Redeemer.

Jesse Waggoner

No danger, no stress, no life!

Earlier this year Julie and spent an enjoyable day at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando. During a walk through one section of the park we came to the area containing gorillas. The one pictured above caught my attention and I spent a few minutes observing him enjoying an afternoon snack while watching the people who were watching him. Disney is quick to inform park guests as to how well the animals are cared for. This guy gets regular checks by the vet, they are supervised by primatologists, and their diet is strictly controlled for quality and nutritional value. They are protected by various means from any threat. In short for the most part they have it made. No poachers to contend with, no food shortages or lack of shelter. Just eat, sleep, repeat! Just do what you do and let folks who want to see you up close take a look without having to go to the Congo.

Sometimes we long for that kind of stress-free life -- but is that really living? No obstacles to overcome, problems to solve, no risk, no win or lose just maintain. Seems like all of that discomfort and chaos that I often complain about is part of God's plan to help me grow and become more like His Son. The struggle is necessary it is not optional in God's plan. So the next time life gets a little scary think about my hairy friend back at the zoo, is that really living?

Zoos are for animals - I prefer to live in the wild.

Blessings,
Jesse

Worship!

Last Sunday I had the joy of worshipping with the folks at the Chaupimolio, Church in Ecuador. I have posted a short video clip so you can take a look. It has been a long time since I have been with a group who worshipped so joyously and loved each other and the Lord so dearly. Being here was truely the highlight of my trip. By US standards the folks do not have alot, the church is on a dirt street, all of them walked to church.

I am reminded of this verse: 2 Corinthians 4:18 "while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."


Video Clip of Worship Service

Blessings,
Jesse

Greetings from Ecuador

I want to give you all a quick update from South America. I have had a wonderful time of ministry in this beautiful country and with these beautiful people. I have enjoyed interacting with national pastors and visited two churches. I spent three days sharing the Word with a great team of missionaries in the delightful city of Banos. It sits at the foot of Tungurahua which is an active volcano. The beauty there is astounding. The work that these servants of the Lord are doing is likewise astounding. I think they have taught me more than I have taught them. I spoke on the subject of faith and I really feel that this time in God’s Word was an encouragement to us all. I then traveled to Pifo where I am staying on a missionary compound.

Today I was privileged to worship with the congregation of the Chaupimolino church. This church has seen great growth in the last months and has expanded their outreach and building. Hopefully this church will be fully led by nationals in the not too distant future as the missionaries phase out and begin a work in another city. The worship was energetic and from the heart. It was evident that these brothers and sisters love each other and the Lord. After service we traveled north of Quito to visit the monument at “The Center of the World” which sits on the Ecuador. Thank you all for your support and prayers . I will try to write more later, until then if you want to see a few pictures use the link below.

Ecuador Photo Album

Blessings,
Jesse

Passport in Hand

A quick update on my missions trip: A week from today I will be in Ecuador, I will be sharing the Word with a group of dedicated missionaries at their annual field conference in Banos. I received my renewal passport in eight days(A big praise)and I am busy preparing messages. Thanks to so many of you who have offered words of encouagment and given to make this trip possible. Thanks too to those of you who offered to help me with Spanish - I appreaciate the attempt but I think I will stick with English for now. Please pray that I will accomplish all that the Lord intends for this trip. I will try to update you while there, and give a full report on this blog when I return.

Blessings,
Jesse