This past Sunday night we went to Jefferson Lighthouse Baptist Church, and we had a blast! Pastor Whitman graciously allowed me to preach and present our ministry. The Lord really blessed during the service, and I praise Him for using me! David Poston, a pastor friend of mine, was also able to be there. It was a blessing to be around old and new friends. After the service, Pastor Whitman took us out for supper. We had a great time speaking with some of the church members and Pastor Whitman’s two teenage boys, Daniel and Jordan. Mrs. Whitman also gave us a really nice gift basket with all kinds of goodness! Thank you Jefferson Lighthouse and Pastor Whitman for all you did for us!
Hope in Grace
This past Sunday started early as we drove to Grace Baptist Church in Watkinsville, GA. We met Pastor Ed Strickland as we came in the door and showed us where we could set up our display. Bro. Sanchez, a friend of the Pastor’s from California, taught in Sunday School. There are some words that their significance depreciates over time. Hope is one of those words, and Bro. Sanchez did an amazing job reminding us of its Biblical importance. Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Bro. Sanchez works is a Sherrif in San Diego, CA. He told us stories of both teens and adults that we were attempting suicide. So many of these individuals said they had no hope and therefore no reason to live. We face a hopeless world. All across it people live in darkness. They haven’t heard the Good News. They don’t know of the Hope in Jesus. I praise the Lord that He is hope to us!
Key City Satsumasendai 薩摩川内市
It’s not often that my redneck side is jealous of the Japanese people, but that’s exactly the case after I heard about today’s Key City: Satsumasendai.
The Japanese people have a very well-earned reputation as a very quiet, reserved, even disciplined people. One of their famous sayings has to do with forcing yourself to fit in and not stand out. Perhaps it’s because of this restrictive lifestyle that when they decide to let loose and be crazy, they get redneck crazy. (I knew it wasn’t just southerners!)
On September 22nd of every year, 3000 Japanese men, old and young, rich and poor, descend on the center of the city. They split into even teams to reenact an ancient tradition passed down over the last 400 years… What ancient, stoic tradition, you wonder? Tug of war.
Seriously. The preparations begin as early as 5am, when the children of the city begin rolling the massive rope. It is over 1,000 feet long and weighs in at over 5 tons. By nightfall people from all over the country have arrived by rail to watch the spectacle. For hours, the competitors struggle back and forth, gaining and losing ground, until at last a victor is declared.
This sounds fairly silly, but it reminds me of the spiritual struggle that many of these people don’t even realize is taking place. And the prize is their souls. Satan’s team is full of powerful forces pulling them toward an eternity in hell, while on God’s side, the rope hangs free with no one to pull these 100,730 souls from everlasting torment. Will you join me? Take up this rope in prayer for Satsumasendai City.