Liverpool Warriors

Tonight I’m sitting in the parking lot of our local high school.  Twenty-three years ago, my wife and I were in town to take our first look at the possibility of moving to Liverpool where I was being considered to come serve as pastor.  While we knew the decision was ultimately the Lord’s we were getting to know the area. We decided to drive to the high school (just a mile from the church buildings) and see the school.  I was particularly interested in the mascot for some reason – in case my kids played sports – what would they be?

 

As we drove to the parking lot by the stadium Kathy and I were struck with the words ‘Liverpool Warriors’.  The spiritual implications of that word for a possible move for ministry here were profound that day and still are tonight.  Our kids were 8, 5, and 2.  We went back up north and the next week my wife heard the Twila Paris song ‘The Warrior is a Child’ sung as a special at a women’s gathering.  Kathy sat there and wept as God was revealing His will to us in so many ways. 

I still remember when our son came off the practice field as a seventh grader 7 years later with his Liverpool Warriors soccer jersey.  He would play for Liverpool the next six years.  He was a warrior.  I also remember his last band concert.  The piece was not a Christian piece per say – but the song included a powerful section where the trombone section (which was his instrument) and the lower brass played the tune that correlates to the song ‘Christ the Lord is Risen Today’.  One of the finest bands in America played with moxie that night and I sat there amazed.  I went to my car after the concert and happened to be tuned to a Christian station only to here Larnelle Harris sing these words:  ‘so you were in it after all’.  I sat there in amazement of the journey from 1993 to 2005.

Today those three young kids are grown, college graduates, married and moving on with life.  They all graduated from Liverpool High School.  Our fourth will graduate next year, 2017.  To God be the glory they are all doing well and spiritual warriors for the Lord.  Last night I came here to vote on the school budget and for board members, and the meaning of this parking lot hit me profoundly.  I was blessed for sure and knew that I wanted to write this blog story. 

Today I did a little study on the word warrior in the Bible.  I read that ‘The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is his name.’  Exodus 15:3.  I read that the angel of the LORD had a word for Gideon though he may have doubted it.  That angel said to him ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’  Judges 6:12b.

I’m heading home from this parking lot to watch a basketball game.  The Golden State Warriors are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder.  I’m a Warriors fan.  I plan on enjoying the game.  This much I know – that team is full of warriors.  But I also know this too – since I came to Liverpool, God has call me to be a warrior – not militant – but vigilant.   And this much I also know – it’s not a game – but rather eternity is on the line for multitudes.  To that end I’m glad to be on the Northside team.  We are warriors too.  It’s been a great journey.  I’m looking forward to the future.  It could be the best is yet to come. 

Reflections on a Mission Trip

Reflections on a Mission Trip

When I was in seminary, we sang the alma mater every Tuesday in chapel – for three school years.  ‘To all the world for Jesus sake, where bodies hurt and sad hearts ache, lift high the cross, His love proclaim, Mid-America bear His name.’  When I met Jesus, He did something in my heart that placed in me a longing for others to know Him – both near and far.  Those three years in Memphis, Tennessee at Mid-America Seminary fueled that passion.  While at times it may have waned, it has never died out and this week the flame got fueled again. 

I’ve had the privilege of serving in many states and communities in the United States.  In 1983, I began to be more intentional in international ministry.  I traveled to Brazil and ministered there for 8 days.  In 1986, I preached in Venezuala for 8 days.  In 2000, I taught at a leadership academy in Nicaragua.  In 2011, I ministered with Northsiders in Bulgaria, and was blessed to encourage many who serve the Lord there.  It’s all been a huge privilege for the glory of God.

This past week, I got back on the trail.  I travelled this week with a group of 21, many of whom call Northside home, to the Dominican Republic.  Part of the DNA of Northside is missions – near and far.  One of our staff members, is also a missionary with Score International.  We’ve had a lot of great teams led by a lot of great people at Northside, but I have to give a shout out to Joe Salvagni.  He does a remarkable job leading a team with a huge servant’s heart. 

Here’s a brief review of the trip. 

Sunday – we left New York and flew to the Dominican.  We arrived, settled in, had a group meeting and prepared for the week. 

Monday – I was blessed to go to a village – San Jose – and teach 10 students for about 3-4 hours concerning ministry.  7 were leaders from the DR and 3 were students here from the United States on a year’s study.  I love pastors and leaders and it was an honor to share that time together with a rock star missionary by the name of Craig McClure as my interpreter.  Our team went to Josiah’s House – a boy’s home where they began the facelift of a church facility – both inside and out.  They did an amazing job.  The Lord used them greatly. 

Tuesday – The team went back to Josiah’s House and continued some remarkable work on the church and ministered at the home.  I went back to Craig’s village and taught a group of 6 young men from the DR for about 3 more hours.  Craig then showed me some of the Major League Baseball team headquarters here for the Dominican league.  We saw the Yankees, Rockies, Mets and Nationals fields.  Amazing.  Craig works with Baseball Chapel as chaplain to the Rockies.  One of his pastors is the chaplain for the Yankees.  Amazingly, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at Baseball Chapel in Syracuse for the Chiefs.   He took me through more villages and another city.  We also visited in the home of one of the members of the church and got to share the gospel with that member’s wife who has yet to trust in Jesus. 

Wednesday – I went back to Josiah’s House with the team, and we painted two more buildings on the outside.  After three days, three buildings got a facelift and a ministry was encouraged.  It was an honor and a privilege. 

Thursday – We took the entire team to Craig’s village – San Jose, where he met with us and another group and shared his testimony and missions strategy.  It was powerful.  We sat there for more than 90 minutes and listened to God challenge us through the heart of a man whose life has God’s hand all over it.  We then travelled to a school called Emmanuel House – which educates nearly 150 students who would be ostracized or marginalized for various reasons were that school not there.  From there we travelled to El Pinion and saw a church that outgrew its facility so a second church was built by a team earlier this year.  We met this humble, confident pastor and heard his testimony and had prayer with him. 

Friday – We visited the capitol – Santa Domingo – and got some great history from a five year missionary here – Charles Carter – who led us through a tour of the city and gave us insight into this nation.  We relaxed by the ocean this afternoon, and after dinner this evening have packed to go home.  It’s been an amazing week. 

The highlights for me have been:

1.     Growing in fellowship with the team that served here this week.

2.     Encouraging missionaries, hearing their stories and being inspired by the Lord through them.

3.     Teaching pastors and leaders the word of God, and encouraging them in the work of the Lord.

4.     Sharing the gospel with a woman who is about 70 years old, whose husband recently came to Christ but she has yet to trust Jesus as Lord. 

5.     To see up close and personal the work of God in this country,

6.     To thank God for those being rescued from sex-trafficking and ministered to effectively and profoundly by caring mentors. 

7.     To be challenged that God’s plan is best and that He is worthy of all glory.

8.     To see young and older serve God with all their hearts together. 

9.     To walk alongside those who are on their first mission trip, and know they will never be the same. 

10.  Hearing God speak to my heart again through His word, prayer, and His people. 

11.  To see the value of serving with others for a few days together, and the difference it can make in everyone for the glory of the Lord. 

Tomorrow – Saturday – we head back to our homes in the United States – but more confident than ever that our citizenship is in heaven, and we will do whatever it takes to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ so more can know Him!  Hallelujah!

A Hot Dog, a Pickle, and a Chocolate Milk

Last night I spent the evening at one of my favorite places – the Carrier Dome.  I went to the Syracuse Men’s Basketball game against Notre Dame.  I had enjoyed dinner and a huge Orange win against a rival team with three brothers in the Lord.  It was a great night.  I had met the guys downtown and now I was headed home alone. 

On the way home I was driving up the Onondaga parkway and it hit me – that craving for a local favorite.  When we moved here in the 90’s, I learned quickly of Heid’s hot dogs.  I convinced myself that a coney hot dog, a half a pickle and a small chocolate milk would be the perfect ending to the night.Then I reminded myself I really didn’t need it, and to not stop would also save me a couple of nickels.  I quickly thought – it’s not that much and hey – why not?  So I rounded the corner coming into the village only to see the lights still on at Heids. 

I found it strange that no cars were in the lot, but they definitely looked open – lights on inside and out.  I pulled into the parking lot, got out of my car, walked to the door, and much to my slight dismay and somewhat greater disappointment, the door was locked.  Not only that but an employee saw me at a distance and shook his head no.  They were closed. 

Walking back to the car I was slightly saddened – but then it hit me.  What if that was eternity and you got locked out of heaven!  Pardon the connection and I mean no disrespect but here was what I was thinking.  I had a great sandwich for dinner.  I didn’t ‘need’ more food.  Not being able to go inside, might have been a blessing in disguise and saved me a little money.  However, there will come a day with a different destination that will be forever, and I don’t want to be locked out. 

The good news is you don’t have to be locked out.  That’s why Jesus came.  He’s the door.  Jesus said, ‘I am the door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.’  - John 10:9.    This is not about a hot dog, or a pickle or a chocolate milk.  This is about eternity. 

The door is open.  Walk through the door trusting Jesus for forgiveness of sin, and the promise of eternal life.  It’s life’s most important decision. You will never regret it!  Eternity is for real.  Eternity is a long time.  To wait until this life is over is too late.  The door is open.  Trust Him now! 

Blue Bloods

Ok I admit it.  I’m hooked.  The show Blue Bloods has got my attention and I watch it rather regularly.  I’m old enough to remember watching Magnum P. I. and Simon and Simon.  Today it’s Law and Order and now Blue Bloods.  Oh, I’m sure there are more, but I’m drawn into the plot, the themes, the family dynamic, the stories, the plea for justice and the making of a deal. 

On a totally different note – but in some ways related - I’ve been reading a book given to me recently.  A quote I read yesterday has grabbed my attention.  In fact I’m still thinking about it today and was drawn back to it.  There’s a reason people get arrested.  The law has been broken.  A price has to be paid.  The gospel is a powerful story of righteousness, justice, law, and amazing grace.  So – here is the quote that got me.  You can find it in John Piper’s book ‘The Supremacy of God in Preaching’ – page 29.

The keynote in the mouth of every prophet-preacher, whether in Isaiah’s day or Jesus’s day or our day, is “Your God reigns!”  God is the king of the universe.  He has absolute Creator rights over this world and everyone in it.  But there is rebellion and mutiny on all sides, and his authority is scorned by millions. So the Lord sends preachers into the world to cry out that God reigns, that he will not suffer his glory to be scorned indefinitely, that he will vindicate his name in great and terrible wrath, but that for now a full and free amnesty is offered to all the rebel subjects who will turn from their rebellion, call on him for mercy, bow before his throne, and swear allegiance and fealty to him forever.  The amnesty is signed in the blood of his Son.

I’ve never been more grateful for the cross of Jesus Christ.  He paid my debt.  I owe Him everything.  The offer still stands for all who trust in Him.  Blue bloods may be just a television show, mirroring everyday life.  The gospel is for real, and paid in full by the blood of Jesus.  Trust Jesus today!

When the Kids Grow Up

 Last Friday night was an interesting moment for me.  I was home alone.  That’s not always a bad thing.  I love people, but sometimes solitude refuels my soul.  For some reason, Friday night was too quiet. 

My wife was headed to New Hampshire, where she and four other ladies from Northside would lead a women’s conference for a church there.  My heart is thrilled at all the ways God uses her.  I’ve been to that church and ministered as well, and I knew they were in for a great time, and would be a blessing from the Lord for that congregation.  Higher Ground Baptist Church is only eight years old, and already making a huge kingdom impact. 

Our youngest daughter was babysitting and would be gone for the evening.  I enjoy time hanging out with her.  Thankfully, we had an amazing late lunch date after she got out of school and before she went to babysit.  I love her, and I cherish these last couple of years before she heads to college.  Our conversation was never more meaningful than it was over that lunch Friday.  

Then I began to think about the rest of the family.  There’s our Ohio family – our oldest daughter, her husband and three of the cutest kids I’ve ever seen in my life.  Oh how I love them.  I’m looking forward to seeing them in a few weeks.  There’s our Delaware family – our son and his wife.  They’ve just found out they are expecting their first child next summer.  I love them so much as well.  There are days I wish Dover was just an hour away.  There’s our Virginia family – our next daughter, her husband and their son.  I love their love for Jesus, for each other, for people and for life.  There’s not a day goes by it seems that I don’t miss them all. 

Friday night the house was very quiet.  My heart was full of gratitude and memories.  It seems like just a couple of days ago we were moving to Liverpool and they were 8, 5 and 2 with no knowledge yet of our youngest.  Humanly I was sad – because I missed them.  Spiritually – I am grateful for all that God has done and is doing.  In fact, I’m grateful beyond words. 

So here is my challenge to you and to me.  Cherish every day.  Welcome every season.  The kids come into our lives, and then they grow up.  It’s not bad it’s just different.  It’s change but I will welcome this season as well and thank God for all he is doing in each life.  Remember this – sometimes the quiet is the opportunity to reflect, rest and plan for the next season.  God has a plan.  God has a purpose.  God is faithful.  Praise His holy name.