IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS:
PRIASE THE LORD!
PSALM 111 ESV
Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
At seventy-two it is time to stop and take stock—and praise God for such a lifetime of blessings!
A Lifetime Of Blessings
From before we were born
to live on this earth
until forever and ever
worshipping and serving
our Lord God in Heaven
He has blessed us
remarkably as
our Father in Heaven,
creating us
and placing us
according to His
perfect purpose
to live in His glory,
to find joy in His Presence,
to be redeemed by the Son,
to be reborn in the Spirit—
to discover the wonder
of becoming
as one with His own
in His Kingdom
as he builds
His Holy Church
toward the
establishment
of His mighty Kingdom
towards the
coming of His
New Heaven
and New Earth—
all our hearts praise to Him,
all our souls saved by Him,
every mind new in Him,
every tongue praising Him.
The sunflower always causes my heart to turn heavenward in praise for the power of His creative glory.
WHERE DO I BEGIN? How could anyone ever count all God’s blessings? I must confess, I just turned one year older. I have been enjoying the wonders, exploring the boundaries, and tackling the challenges of this earth all these years; so, I have reached my seventy-second birthday. Praise the Lord!!! As I do so I cannot help but feel embarrassed by how freely He has filled up my life to overflowing with His rich gifts, while I have so seldom taken the time to really thank Him adequately. In appreciation, then, for this brand new year to live, I will at least make a beginning. (I must confess that while I had thought it would be a worthy undertaking to choose seventy-two blessings in respect to having been blessed with seventy-two years; I quickly realized how ridiculously small that number would be. Just think about it! Every day our good God blesses us in too many ways to count. And yet, I will list seventy-two just to get my mind engaged and my heart committed to do better at praising Him this next year.) My challenge to you is to take an opportunity (IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS, AFTER ALL) to spend some time counting your blessings. So, here goes . . .
Butterflies do make my heart sing to praise our Creator’s beautiful and delicate touch.
GOD AND HIS GOODNESS
1. I praise God the Almighty, the Eternal, the All-Knowing, the Perfect, Loving One.
2. I praise God the Father and the Creator.
3. I praise God the Son, our Savior and our Redeemer.
4. I praise God the Holy Spirit who indwells, empowers and sets me free.
5. I praise God for the Paradise which was Eden.
6. I praise God for the privilege of walking with Him.
7. I praise God for being made in His image.
8. I praise God for the glory of His Creation, from the most enormous star to the tiniest of butterflies.
9. I praise God for His plan for our Redemption.
10. I praise God for the miracle of His Perfect Love.
11. I praise God for Jesus who willingly gave His life for me.
12. I praise God for Jesus and His Resurrection which destroys sin and death in me.
Imagine the purity and the symmetry and the silkiness of the Easter Lily. Incredibly designed!
GODLY FAMILY HERITAGE
13. I praise God for a godly mother and father who lived and loved and sacrificed so much for me—pointing me to Jesus over and over again.
14. I praise God for godly grandparents who faithfully passed down a heritage of God-first, hard-working, deeply-caring people.
15. I praise God for my wife who has loved God first and sets a daily example for me of unselfish, deeply caring Christ-filled living.
16. I praise God for a daughter and a son who fill our lives with wonder as they continue to discover God’s amazing plan for them and their families.
17. I praise God for a brother and sisters, who throughout my life, have exemplified godly faithfulness and overwhelming love
18. I praise God for my aunts and uncles and cousins who have loved and prayed for and encouraged and inspired me in the direction of following Jesus.
GODLY MENTORS AND FRIENDS
Looking down on calla lilies reveals the clarity of their delightful color. Praise God for how He uses such a kaleidoscope of colors.
19. I praise God for local church (faith) families who have taught and corrected and grown me in God’s Way.
20. I praise God for Louis Street Baptist, East Gadsden, Alabama, where I was saved.
21. I praise God for First Baptist Glencoe, Alabama, where I have grown in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout most of my lifetime.
22. I praise God for University Baptist, Montevallo, Alabama, where I discovered the force for good of the Gospel in action.
23. I praise God for Calvary Baptist, Ludowici, Georgia, where I was loved like family, and where I received my call into missions.
24. I praise God for First Baptist Church, St. Marys, Georgia, where I was taught the beauty and the power of Scripture.
25. I praise God for Hartsville Baptist Church, Hartsville, Indiana, where I was loved on and encouraged as I made the transition into missionary service.
26. I praise God for First Baptist Church, Naraguta, Nigeria, where I and my family were nurtured by our Nigerian brothers and sisters in the midst of our missionary service.
27. I praise God for Goudel Baptist Church, Niamey, Niger, where we were patiently and lovingly welcomed in spite of our cultural and language limitations.
28. I praise God for teachers in two states and three countries who lovingly taught me as they lived out their Christian witness in the classroom.
29. I praise God for Pastors who served us in the local church by preaching the Word, loving the people and pointing us always to Jesus.
Shasta daisies sleep through winter and then wake up to glory their Maker who gives them such vivid beauty.
30. I praise God for dedicated prayer warriors who join together to uphold God’s Glory and God’s People.
31. I praise God for Sunday School classes (Life Groups) who love God, love each other and serve those around them in the Love of God.
32. I praise God for Church Training classes who taught me the practices of following Jesus as I was growing up.
33. I praise God for Sunbeams (now Mission Friends) where I first heard stories about missionaries.
34. I praise God for Royal Ambassadors where godly men captured my heart for a life of missions in service to God.
35. I praise God for Vacation Bible School where tireless Moms taught us about God’s Word and His Love as expressed in His Word.
36. I praise God for the Nigerian Baptist Mission which welcomed me, and then Becky and me, as co-laborers for the Gospel in Nigeria.
37. I praise God for the Nigerian Baptist Convention which also welcomed us and worked along-side us in sharing the Gospel across Nigeria.
38. I praise God for the Baptist High School Discipleship Groups with which I was able to work in feeding hungry hearts and minds the Good News as they grew in their faith.
39. I praise God for the Torchhbearer Drama Group, Baptist High School, in which I delighted to see students use their talent to share the Gospel with others.
40. I praise God for the opportunity to work with a Hillcrest School Discipleship Group, composed of Nigerian young men desiring growth in their walk with Jesus.
41. I praise God for Sahel Academy Discipleship Groups, and their dedication to growing in their Christian lives and witness.
42. I praise God for the gift of Master Life as I saw it deepen the Christian lives of so many Nigerians.
43. I praise God for Experiencing God and the way it transformed our lives as missionaries, while it also helped Nigerian Christians understand how God works to bring people into relationship with Him.
44. I praise God for The Mind of Christ and how it became such an effective tool for deepening the spiritual lives of Baptist High Shool teachers.
45. I praise God for Fresh Encounter as it helped Baptist High School teachers explore Scripture in deepening their relationship with Jesus.
46. I praise God for D-Life Groups which help us live out our faith day-to-day together.
I particularly love camellias for braving winter to remind us of God’s eternal love.
47. I praise God for our Nigerian electrician, James, an outstanding Christian, who kept our house running, and still works enthusiastically among unreached people groups.
48. I praise God for our our Nigerian mechanic, Dayo, who somehow kept our mission cars on the road in Nigeria, and actively participated in one of the larger Baptist Churches in Jos.
49. I praise God for our Nigerian Gardner/Cook/Buyer, Gideon, man-of-all-trades, who freed us up to concentrate on ministry tasks, while caring for our yard, our flowers, and shopping for and preparing for us delicious meals.
50. I praise God for our Nigerian Housekeeper, Esther, who kept our house clean in spite of all the dust and mud and bugs and spiders and occasional snakes which invaded.
51. I praise God for our Nigerian Nanny, Mrs. Elkanah, who saw after Rachel and John David when they were very young, while Becky wrestled with chores and did ministry, besides.
Pansies also brave cold days to remind us that God’s Love never hides.
GODLY DIRECTED CAREER
52. I praise God for Long County High School, Ludowici, Georgia, where I began my teaching career.
53. I praise God for His grace through His constant Presence as I adjusted to living far away from home, securing for me a room with an older Christian lady in the midst of Ludowici.
54. I praise God for Mrs. Howard, who among other things, taught me to use her pistol, should there be unwanted visitors in the night.
55. I praise God for St. Marys Elementary School, St. Marys, Georgia, where I continued my teaching career, after being put on hold by the International Mission Board.
56. I praise God for my godly principal, Mr. Charles Estes, and his wife, who assisted me in every way as I settled down to teach and minister in St. Marys.
57. I praise God for lively yet wonderful seventh graders who responded so positively to my work as an English teacher at the school.
57. I praise God for the Heaven Bound Youth Group, which focused my out-of-the-classroom ministry on wonderfully enthusiastic youth who gave their all to our wide range of activities, focused on youth Bible Study and our youth choir.
58. I praise God for their parents who gave huge amounts of time to work with the youth, to travel with us a a group, and to keep our youth on track in their hectic lives, always keeping the focus on Jesus.
59. I praise God for Baptist High School, Jos, Nigeria, where God began to teach me missionary service for Him.
60. I praise God for the Principal and the other teachers who welcomed me and gave me such freedom to serve among our wonderful students there.
61. I praise God for those spiritually hungry students as they sought to be challenged and changed by God’s Word.
62. I praise God for boys and girls, young men and women, who did the hard work to seriously study the Bible, and to let the Word search out and change their hearts.
Then comes the Spring with the daffodils so beautifully pointing us toward the Resurrection of our Lord.
63. I praise God for the joyful, Chapel roof-lifting worship five hundred students could offer up when they sang and clapped and often danced in praise to the Lord.
64. I praise God for Baptist High School Nigerian Colleagues who rejoiced with us, wept with us, prayed with us, stood steadfast with us in the good times and the hard times.
65. I praise God for the years we spent in People Group Work in the Plateau (Central) Region of Nigeria.
66. I praise God for Nigerian and missionary colleagues who worked with us as we researched, prayed for, developed strategies, and encouraged engagement so that more and more of the people groups of that region were able to hear the Good News of Jesus.
67. I praise God for the time we spent at Hillcrest School, Jos, Nigeria, where we were able to teach and lead in that cooperative effort of multiple mission agencies, to provide Christian education for third culture kids (missionary kids and others who were living as internationals whose parents had come from another country.)
68. I praise God specifically for keeping Hillcrest School students and staff safe through cultural riots in Jos.
69. I praise God for Sahel Academy, Niamey, Niger, where we again served among other missionaries in a school dedicated to providing a Christian education to international students and MK’s in West Africa.
70. I praise God for the Directors and other staff members, who so lovingly and faithfully served Jesus while we were there.
71. I praise God for the privilege of teaching at Westbrook Christian School, Rainbow City, Alabama, where I had the blessing of working in a school here in the U.S. where Jesus is Lord above all among administrators, teachers and students.
*******
O.K. Now, I’m cheating. There’s no way to just list seventy-two blessings. I mean, it would literally take eternity to adequately praise our good and loving God. Praise God for the promise of Heaven.
DISCLAIMER: Your list will reflect God’s blessings in your life, not mine. Each of us is a unique child of God. Together, our special blessings from Him, make up an awesome Psalm of Worship to Him.
72. I praise God for daily delights which remind me of His ever-real love for me; including flowers, butterflies, birds, trees, mountains, water falls, beaches, Christian Radio, Christian Music, Christian movies ,Christian books, cheeseburgers, pizza, grilled salmon, catfish, chicken, lasagna, and ANYTHING CHOCOLATE . . , et cetera, et cetera, et cetera . . .
And roses . . . such color, such beauty expressed in every single petal, and in their sweet scent that gives so inviting a taste of Heaven to come.
IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS:
“Let the little children come to me . . .”
In Niger children with physical and developmental challenges, need Jesus’ people to love and care for them.
Matthew 19:13-15
Then children were brought to him
that he might lay his hands on them and pray.
The disciples rebuked the people,
BUT Jesus said,
”Let the little children come to me
and do not hinder them,
for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
And he laid his hands
on them and went away.
IN THE EYES OF JESUS
In the eyes of Jesus
there is nothing more blessed
than a child
among His disciples,
those who love children
and give them the best God puts
in their hearts and in their hands
to bring them to Him,
and especially those children
Hadiza (In The Center) finds great joy in welcoming disadvantaged children in Niger into the arms of Jesus.
who need His special strength
in the midst of their weakness—
for as He takes them and
breathes on them His blessing,
He looks to each of us
and challenges our hearts all
filled up with His Love
to open our arms
and welcome His children
and take them to Jesus
who gives them His best.
You know, in this world I can never thank God enough for His Love and Redemption, for His provision of so much more than I will ever need. I can never ever praise Him enough. In my life I have recognized how deeply I have been blessed when I have had the opportunity to live among those who have so little. I can hardly imagine how they live. Every child I saw during my years in Niger became a resounding reminder of how very, very much God has always blessed me—and blessed me for His reason. All those blessings He has placed in my heart and in my hands, have come because He wants those who have so much less, to be blessed by Him. So, I open my heart and my hands and share joyfully and freely with those who have so little. He intends to bless them, and He intends to accomplish His blessing through bringing me to see them as He sees them; beautiful children created by Him to discover His Love and His Redemption through my active obedience to Him in serving them and their needs. He gave the very best He had in Jesus. I have His calling as His child to give the very best He gives me through Jesus.
I want to tell you about Hadiza in Niamey, Niger, who has powerfully practiced such obedient giving with her whole heart and her open hands. While Becky and I served together at Sahel Academy in Niamey, Niger we met Hadiza as the cook for the hostel which housed the children of missionaries from other parts of that country, as well as from other countries in West Africa. We loved it when we got invitations to
Workers share with each child the Love of Jesus, who makes all the difference.
lead devotions for those teens, because that meant we got to eat with them—and to enjoy another delicious meal prepared in Hadiza’s kitchen. She had quite the reputation among the missionary community for cooking a wide variety of delicious dishes which kept her busy, in addition to her “day job” work, preparing and selling things missionaries ordered: flour tortillas, cinnamon rolls, small meat pies (samosas) and pigs-in-a-blanket—and other tasty items. Missionary Kids clamored for these even in Niger where they were very difficult to prepare—and so, were very, very scarce. Needless to say, Hadiza was considered a huge blessing by many missionary families, including the two of us.
Now, that’s not even close to the best part of her story. You see, Hadiza did all of this extra, this difficult work, in order to bless others. During the time we were there she was raising funds to establish a ministry to children with special needs. In Niger every family faces constant challenges—finding and paying for housing, working long, hard hours to provide the most basic foods
Teach a young girl to sew, and give her the power to be blessed and to bless her entire family.
to nourish their children, while dealing constantly with limited water and power supplies. Life in Niger is tough. The people are strong and resilient. They work hard in often incredible heat. Hot days would daily earn emergency heat warnings here in the U.S.; not just for a few days, nor for a few weeks, but for several months out of every year. So, as families work to survive; there is little energy nor time to care for children who are malnourished or are facing developmental challenges.
With a faith which God had nurtured through years of ministry, Hadiza felt called to do something special in the name of Jesus for these children. Through years of constant work, and putting aside funds, she was able to establish the New Life Center for such children. She began by hosting these children on her front porch. Now the Center has three large rooms; a play room, a physical therapy room and a classroom. The Center has a teacher so these children can begin to benefit from going to school. Three of these children have excelled, and now attend a nearby Christian School. The Center also features a dining room and sewing center. Some of the older girls are taught sewing, including several who are deaf and mute. Some of the boys are learning to weave string chairs which can be rented for family or community gatherings, or sold.
Boys can be taught skills that help them get an education and also help their families.
A missionary friend, Shannon Maxwell, testifies that she delights in visiting the Center, because it is such a clean and peaceful place for these children to be nurtured physically, educationally and spiritually. She says she usually finds them happily participating in school or playing on mats or swing sets. Shannon explains, “You can feel the spirit of the Lord in that place.” Some families ask about how they keep the children so calm in the center because they seem to play more peacefully and sleep more readily than they do at home. The answer comes clearly and beautifully—IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS in that place and in the hearts of Hadiza and those who serve alongside her.
As Hadiza looks to the future for the New Life Center, there are prayer needs: (1) Because a physical therapist has returned to her home country, there is a need for someone to fill that need. (2) Hadiza also hopes to raise funds to purchase more land, so she can add a school for the deaf and further job training programs. Let us join together as God’s people to pray for His provision for the Center’s ongoing needs, and for these two exceptional needs. We also want to praise God for such a servant as this—Hadiza, who has so very, very little, in the midst of a land which demands so very very much, daily serving our Lord and Savior with all of her heart, soul mind and strength. What an example! Hadiza is one of those special, special people whose life is gloriously dedicated to being ALL ABOUT JESUS, and children and parents in great need, are tremendously blessed as a result.
New Life Center
With hard work, caring hearts, and most especially, the Love of Jesus, Hadiza and her workers change the lives of children in need.
LOUISE BRADDY GRAY
Acts 1:8 ESV
But you will receive power
when the Holy Spirit
has come upon you,
and you will be my witnesses
in Jerusalem
and in all Judea
and In Samaria,
and to the end of the earth.
I Have Been Blessed To Know
Beautiful People
Louise served Jesus faithfully as a wife, a mother, a SS teacher, a Sunbeam leader, a personal witness to the saving power of her Savior in everything she did.
I have been richly blessed
to know godly, and so
beautiful people
who walk quietly
among us, yet in their
joy in sharing the Gospel
inspire us who notice
just how faithfully
they tell others
constantly
about Jesus who
Louise enjoyed witnessing for Jesus throughout her very beautiful life.
who longs to become
their Lord and their Savior
as He redeems them
by the power
of His blood
and by His death on the Cross
and through His
glorious resurrection power.
It has always fascinated me in this life how we talk so much about those who so proudly speak about themselves and their accomplishments. Yet, we talk so little about what they do, but rather point to Jesus who is their Savior. How odd! It seems like we have our priorities upside-down. Still, I have known beautiful people who lived out their lives wonderfully caught up in doing everything they could and in speaking every word of praise for Jesus whenever they did something noteworthy. For them witnessing to Jesus and His power to save seemed as natural as breathing every breath they took. For them it was truly ALL ABOUT JESUS.
Louise Gray lived a marvelous life, pretty much unknown to the greater world (much to their pity). She was born on December 23, 1921 to Lonnie and Jessie Braddy. Her father served as a Baptist Pastor, as had his own father. Louise finished school at Gadsden High in 1938. As a seventeen year-old she went to work as a
Billy and Louise married in New Orleans as he was returning from World War II.
telephone operator. She met Billy Gray, her husband-to-be during this time. He had grown up on a farm in Whorton’s Bend outside Gadsden. Billy served in World War II, and they married in New Orleans after he returned from overseas. They attended North Gadsden Baptist Church where her father served as the Pastor. They had two children, Rodney and Sherry.
When they moved to Glencoe, they joined the First Baptist Church. Louise soon got involved as a children’s Sunday School teacher and also as a Sunbeam leader. During these years, as she raised her children, Louise became one of those beautiful people, who so love the Lord Jesus, they find great joy in telling everyone around them the Good News about how He came to save everyone of us. Louise never hesitated to share her witness about His love and His power to transform lives. At the time I really got to know her, as I prepared to go to Nigeria as a missionary, she seemed busy every day going out and witnessing and distributing Gospel tracts to businesses in Glencoe and in Gadsden. Sometimes I caught myself thinking she would make a wonderful missionary; but then, the Holy Spirit would correct me—Louise Gray already was a very effective missionary.
I know how deeply she loved teaching children the Bible in Sunday School,
making the Word of God come alive with her enthusiasm and her contagious delight in the stories of Jesus, His teaching, His healing, His miracles, His deathand His resurrection, and His promise to come again. I also know how she made missionaries and their stories of sharing the Gospel all over the world, come alive for her Sunbeam groups. And I certainly know how fervently and persistently she took her witness for Jesus into the world around her—and I wonder just how many folks in Heaven found their way as Jesus led them to Himself through Louise’s words and actions.
Louis delighted children at First Baptist Glencoe in Sunday School and in Sunbeams as she creatively shared how deeply Jesus loved them.
During the summers Louise became a member of a team of mostly women and youth who staged Backyard Bible Clubs, which went into neighborhoods and trailer parks and set up for games, crafts, songs, Bible Stories—all to introduce children in the area to Jesus and His Love for them. Louise also worked hard and long to collect used Vacation Bible School and Sunday School books, posters and pictures. Not only did she collect these items which were desperately needed in countries around the world, where they were almost impossible to find; but she sorted, packed and addressed them. Then she saw that they got to those who mailed them internationally so that local pastors and missionaries there could use them as tools to enrich their witness. Louise was one busy woman, for she never, ever neglected her own family or church while she did all these things joyfully to share her faithful witness for our Lord.
Billy, Louise and their children, Rodney and Sherry always kept Jesus at the heart of their family life.
You know, it occurs to me—too many times less enthusiastic witnesses in our churches think of people like Louise as a bit eccentric. Many might have thought of Louise as having a one-track mind. I say, “Praise the Lord for her life focused so beautifully on obeying our Lord’s command; ‘Be my witnesses!’” No, Louise was not eccentric. Rather, she was exceptional—yes, exceptional in each part of her lovely life which was in every way, ALL ABOUT JESUS.
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If you enjoy reading stories about folks like Louise, visit this site: mikestonecypheritsallaboutjesus.com. Tell others about the website, because it really is ALL ABOUT JESUS.
Joyfully Sharing Your Gifts And Talents:
Making Sure It’s All About Jesus
Matthew 5:16-ESV
In the same way,
let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father
who is in heaven.
Mike and Becky with the 2018 Torchbearer group.
Psalm 37:4 ESV
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you
the desires of your heart.
There is a Joy in Taking the Stage
There is a joy in taking the stage
and becoming as one
with your character
in the play
which sets free your heart and your soul
A Torchbearer enthusiastically
playing a part.
for praising the Lord as
free as a bird singing
his song in
God’s garden as natural and grand and as
beautiful as a tall tree
pointing to Heaven for
all to see—
for you are rejoicing before everyone
in the might and the power
of our Heavenly
Good Father.
You Are The Star In My Life
Finding our true
Identity in Christ.
You are the star in my life, dear Lord,
You are star in my life, dear Lord.
You are the main attraction
and I just play a part.
The loud applause I get sometimes
is because of who You are.
You are the star—Your are the
Star in my life!
Positive I.D.
Nan Allen, Tom Fetkke, and Dennis Alllen
When we have God as our Father, Jesus as our Savior, and the Holy Spirit as our Comforter; there is no limit to the joy we experience in our lives. There are such mighty moments of triumph, such astounding miracles of insight and understanding, such overwhelming strength for living. This week I wish to bear testimony to a particular type of joy God grants each of us as His children, when he takes some ability He has given us, which brings gladness to our hearts, and allows us to offer that ability to Him in worship and in service. It may surprise some when I say I have experienced this joyful reality in the area of drama. In my years of teaching in Africa no single activity resonated so fully with enjoyment in my heart, as did working with students in staging gospel dramas. This entertained and challenged the hearts and minds of audiences made up of fellow students, families, friends, members of churches, and even, on occasion, prisoners. I so loved seeing student actors get caught up in the fun, the power and the glory of the stories they acted out on stage, presenting the glory of the Gospel.
God began to prepare me for this delightful task, when as a summer
Torchbearers in the midst of a Gospel-proclaiming drama.
missionary, I had the opportunity to participate in a traveling variety show, Parables, under the direction of Marsha Eichenberg. She trained us in the basics of drama, and then turned us loose to have fun and share our skits and songs enthusiastically with folks gathered under summer nighttime skies. We sang and danced and mimed our way through lots of silly songs and short bits of drama as a way to earn a hearing for the gospel in inner city neighborhoods, state parks, and church parking lots. Our seriously dilapidated, brightly painted, converted bread van, allowed us to haul stages, lights and sound equipment, so that we could set up just about anywhere. While we never knew for sure if our worn-out van would get us there and back, we had more fun than you can imagine, and our audiences seemed to enjoy our crazy antics almost as much as we did; and most importantly, hundreds of people heard God’s eternal message of salvation and love. I absolutely loved it!
After that summer, when I went to St. Marys, Georgia, the First Baptist Church already had a youth choir. The youth group proved eager to get involved in sharing the Gospel. So, we became the group, Heaven Bound. A mom, Patty Ross, led the choir, and I led the drama group, as we produced popular youth musicals.
A powerful dramatic and musical presentation of Jesus’ life, death and
His resurrection.
These included The Clown, Celebrate Life, Bright New Wings, etc., and we traveled as far away as Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama and to other parts of Georgia. The youth and their parents worked hard all year long so that we could take off in the summer and share the Gospel through these musicals. We traveled on old, but pampered buses the dads somehow managed to keep running. The church youth director, Barbara Lundin, kept all of us under control, so to speak, and we all had tons of fun as God touched countless lives over those years.
Well, when God fulfilled his missions call on my life, and I arrived at Baptist High School in Jos, Nigeria, I discovered enthusiastic students more than eager to also share their musical and acting talent to present the Gospel. In fact, at Baptist High, there were already student choirs singing in Hausa, Yoruba, and in English. So, the students responded quickly to a new opportunity to join music and drama together when we began the Torchbearers’ ministry which continues to this very day, thanks to the long-time commitment and directorship of Mr. Emmanuel Adeshina.
I have to admit that drama for me was recreation. At Baptist High School on
The Torchbearers always enjoy sharing their talent
for the Glory of God.
Wednesday afternoons I so anticipated getting together with the Torchbearers when we prepared skits, dramas and musicals for sharing the Gospel. The students refreshed me with their delight as they took the gifts God had given them and worked together to present powerfully entertaining productions which entertained and inspired our school community, other nearby churches, schools, and sometimes, even the inmates in the Jos prison. The students were so creative, I could just toss out a scripture challenge which dealt with an issue Nigerians faced. Then, as a team we would craft one or two or three skits, which did as Jesus’ parables did—caught up the audience in the truth they needed to face and the Gospel they needed to accept. We prayed a lot. We laughed a lot. We worked a lot. We had so much fun. And in all of that, we felt God’s pleasure. This is what God graciously accomplishes when we individually and together surrender to Him our gifts and talents. Praise God, the performers and the audiences are all tremendously blessed.
One of the most enjoyable shows the Torchbearers presented every year at Baptist High School featured the students impersonating various teachers and personalities from the school community. The first time they did this I heartily laughed along with the students and staff as I easily recognized our
For the students
and for me, Torchbearer
rehearsals were filled with lots of hard work
and fun—
all for God’s glory.
Principal,Vice-Principal and various teachers and workers exaggerating the walk, the gestures, the voice and the mannerisms—everything that made that person special and unforgettable to us all. But when not one, but several stepped out on stage dressed just like me, walking just like me, talking just like me, using their hands just like me—even using catch phrase I would use; I was truly amazed, and laughed so hard I just couldn’t stop. What fun to celebrate the uniqueness of each one of us, and to do so in such a hilarious way. You never know yourself until others mirror for you all of your eccentricities. I don’t believe I have ever had so much fun.
And through it all, God was preparing each of us for trusting Him more. He was preparing each of us for serving Him more. He was preparing each of us for overcoming boundaries more often in His Name and for His Purpose. He was demonstrating to us how He lovingly has made us for His Purpose and His glory, and that as we respond to His challenge, we find the deepest joy in serving Him.
Have you noticed how God works through our life experiences, our abilities, our acquaintances, and even our moves from place to place? He purposefully does it all. In fact, He so majestically puts it all together that He is glorified, so the Gospel is spread, and so we are deeply, completely filled with abundant joy in serving and being loved by Him? We are a blessed people, indeed.
People DO
need the Lord!
For after all,
LIFE IS ALL ABOUT JESUS!
HEALING HANDS: IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS
Mrs. Comfort
Adewenu Taiwo
Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
HEALING HANDS
Thank God for those He gifts
with healing hearts and healing hands,
who follow closely in His steps
blessing all of us who suffer.
Mrs. Taiwo In Her
Early Days Of Nursing
They follow in His Way,
Jesus, their Lord who deeply cares
for those who suffer any pain,
sharing loving and healing power.
With their knowledge of the
healing arts, and with His
grace to
inspire hope they use each tool
the Great Physician shares.
As they pray they work even
as He leads compassionately
and give God glory
as He lovingly heals.
In His Gospel ministry among us on this earth, Jesus beautifully demonstrated God’s compassion for suffering children, women and men as He reached out and healed them. What a beautiful picture of God’s Messiah touching those in pain as He gifted them healing for their bodies and souls. God’s Way incarnate in Jesus so often declared His Love when He looked deep inside the hearts of people and saw their deepest need, then lovingly and powerfully met that need.
In this world today we are similarly blessed by doctors and nurses, therapists, techs and other health professionals, who continue blessing those in need as God uses their gifting and training to bring healing. In our own time in Nigeria, Mrs. Comfort Adewenu Taiwo, a school nurse at Baptist High School, (We called her Mrs. Taiwo.) epitomized this ministry of healing. For many years Mrs. Taiwo worked as a nurse at the Evangel Hospital in Jos, along-side missionary doctors and nurses,
Mrs. Taiwo Admires A New Baby.
even as she and her husband, Moses Adekojo Taiwo, raised six children During that time, she miraculously survived the original Lassa Fever outbreak in Jos. Maybe this played a part in giving her such a Christ-like heart for all her patients. She brought to each patient she treated an obvious faith in God and a strong sense of confidence in the medical care at Evangel. Every patient Mrs. Taiwo treated was encouraged by her tender care and by her obvious knowledge and skill.
We at Baptist High School were excited when she agreed to establish a school clinic for our students and our staff. Now, BHS had been blessed to have a Journeyman nurse, Ruth Robertson, who cared for our students with Christ-like love and compassionate care. We had all kinds of illnesses at a boarding school of 450 students. Students suffered from the usual varieties of viruses, the flu, malaria, and injuries; but also chronic and occasionally critical issues, such as asthma and sickle cell anemia. Ruth and Steve made many a “midnight “ run to a particular local hospital where our students received excellent and timely care. So, Ruth’s excellent service set us up to recognize how much our school would benefit from a school clinic.
Then Mrs. Taiwo, came in and immediately set up a clinic, stocked medications, won the students’ and staffs’ trust, and built an ongoing ministry, which made life for all us healthier and so, better in our faith and work. I particularly recall Mrs. Taiwo’s strong, yet comforting hands. Time after time I watched her calm a frightened and hurting student, give them expert care, pray
Mrs. Taiwo Ready To Treat Students At Baptist High School
with them and either put them to bed, or send them back to the dorm or classroom. She made rounds through the dorms to check on students too weak to get out of bed, and in general, gave encouragement and appropriate treatment to all in need.
Like any good nurse, she knew when to smile and encourage, and when to give the “look” which said, “For your own good, do what I say, or else!” She could “mother” with the best of them when ten or eleven year-olds grew homesick; but she could also play the “drill-sergeant” when tough guys needed a strong dose of fear-emphasized good sense. She also had a great sense of humor, which she used at just the right time to distract a whining student.
Most of all, Mrs. Taiwo clearly loved others in a Christ-like way. With her strong hands and her big heart, she brought hope and healing to those in distress and pain. She joyfully shared her love for Jesus in everything she did. Teachers, students, and staff members,knew instinctively
Current school nurses, Mrs. Aliti Matthew and Mrs. Sarah Koda, consult with ailing student.
they could trust her, even if the medical treatment might occasionally seem painful. Everyone knew they could trust the school nurse, Mrs, Taiwo. She fully walked in the footprints of Jesus. Because of her and so many others like her, we bless his holy name!
Colossians 1:15-20 ESV
He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For by him all things were created,
in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—
all things were created through him and for him.
And he is before all things,
and in all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in everything he might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether on earth or in heaven,
making peace by the blood of his cross.
IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS
A precious young heart—ALL ABOUT JESUS
In my heart and in my soul
and in my mind and in my strength
there is no other name
than Jesus
who works His resurrection
power and His brand new birth, His
gift, the Holy Spirit
alive in me,
reconciling me to my own
Father in Heaven who welcomes
me home in His glory and
for my joy.
What does this statement mean: “It’s all about Jesus?” That is a very good question. Now, that I have shared some stories about people and events which have exemplified that bold statement, let’s discuss what I mean when I use it in describing a person, a group or an experience. To understand how I view this powerful truth, let’s break it down word for word.
IT
Ayuba and Victoria joyfully continue to teach Pastors and their wives, and it is ALL ABOUT JESUS.
First, let’s examine the pronoun IT. A pronoun always refers us as readers to someone or something. Here the “IT” refers to LIFE. We are talking about LIFE in all of its glory, but also in all its struggles. In LIFE we all have those “too good to be true” days. “Praise the Lord!” Yet, we also have those “no good, very bad” days. “Help me, Lord!” We enjoy those days when everyone wants to be your friend. Still, we also have those days when “you couldn’t buy a friend, even if you had the money.” There are those days when you feel like you are “on the top of the world.” But there are also those days when you are struggling alone “stuck on the bottom.” Most importantly, though, you experience days when Jesus has your heart; but you also endure those days when you hold your heart for your very own, not for Jesus. So, “IT” is the precious gift of LIFE God gives you everyday. How we use “IT” makes all the difference. We choose a LIFE for Jesus or a LIFE for ourselves I have been writing about those who both faithfully and powerfully live lLIFE for Jesus. They give their “IT” (their entire LIFE) wholeheartedly to Jesus.
’S’ (Apostrophe S)
That (apostrophe) S is actually the word IS. You know, in the midst of experiencing
Becky’s parents exemplify God’s people at their best—
humbly living out in service to others their faith ALL ABOUT Jesus.
God’s Call Moses had the courage to ask God His Name. And surprisingly (because we understand so little of the wonderfulness of God), He answers. He says, “I Am that I Am.” In a way, God said to Moses, “You cannot know me on your own, but I choose to reveal who I Am. I exist, I alway have, and I always will. Because I exist, you and every person exists—never by your own choice, but by My Will, My Power. Every living breath your lungs inhale; every beautiful flower your eyes see; every bird’s delicate song or noisy call your ears hear; every gentle touch or strong embrace your body feels; every delight you feel when all is right; or every fear or doubt you sense when all goes wrong; you have all of these because I Am. You are because I Am. Because God is, we are. That’s the ‘S in IT’S.
ALL
Pastor Haggai accomplished much in the Lord’s Kingdom ALL FOR JESUS.
This use of the word, ALL, is as a pronoun and not as an adjective. If it were an adjective, the statement would read, “It’s all Jesus;” meaning everything in life is Jesus or is like Jesus. We cannot say that, based on the Bible, which proclaims clearly that Jesus is unique; there is no one, there is no thing, there is no event like Jesus. We ARE saying Jesus and His redemptive presence is the very best that can happen for every person, for every thing and for every event. When He is on the Throne with the Father, on earth as it is in Heaven; then all is well. So is ALL the story of life, ALL the story of this world, and ALL the story of the coming New Heaven and New Earth are ALL about Jesus. Each story I tell in these posts is about people, groups and events who make the best decision to make ALL their lives, ALL their thoughts and ALL their actions, ALL ABOUT JESUS. This is why their stories are beautiful and enjoyable and blessed.
ABOUT
Now, there could be two ways of looking at the preposition, ABOUT. We could use the word to say things are approximately near or something like Jesus. This is NOT the ABOUT we are talking about. Rather we are proclaiming that when you take all there is in life; when you take all the things, good and bad, in life; when you see all the beauty, all the power, all the glory; but also the horror, the pain and mystery; in all of that we come to recognize as the purpose behind it all (to glorify God and to redeem every circumstance, and indeed, all of history); then, every bit of it all is ABOUT Jesus and His Life, His Death and His Resurrection. Jesus underpins it all. He holds it all together. He alone victoriously withstands
John and Louise lived incredible lives of love for others—ALL FOR JESUS.
all the doubts, all the questions, all of the Enemy’s attacks; and in the end through His absolute obedience and His perfect day-by-day living—all of history is indeed His Story—all glory to God and all everlasting joy for His Children—all ABOUT Jesus.
JESUS
You know, in a way, none of the other words matter. It all comes down to the One Name, the One Person, the One Savior, the One Lamb, the One Shepherd. JESUS is the one Hand reaching out and calling us, each of us, to Himself where we find forgiveness for going our own foolish way. JESUS is the One who is not only His own Resurrection and Life, but our own as He lovingly bids us to join Him at the foot of the Cross, where we can lay down all of our burdens, and be raised up, embraced by His loving arms to carry us ultimately Home to our Father. And as JESUS leads us always heavenward, He gives us the indescribable privilege of praising His Name, glorifying God, using every breath, every gift, every moment, every day to proclaim salvation in no other name than JESUS.
So, these stories I write are the testimonies of lives and actions and words which claim this incredible privilege. They proclaim with all they have, and with all they are, for all the world to see and to hear and to know; JESUS is Lord. So, I invite you to keep reading in the weeks ahead. IT’’S ALL ABOUT JESUS!
STONEY AND DOT
Stoney and Dot loved sharing every delight, especially sweet treats like a nice, thick milk shake.
Proverbs 3:1-6 ESV
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
OUR FATHER AND OUR MOTHER
From young newlyweds to working hard and raising kids to doing and involving others in missions, for Stoney and Dot it was always, “All About Jesus.”
Our father and our mother,
always together, or so it seemed,
living and loving and laughing
and struggling and working hard;
yet through it all, seeking and hungering
after our Lord who became more so
each year they lived their chief desire
and their ultimate destination.
Our father and our mother,
always together, or so it seemed,
doing so many things remarkably,
yet goofing up on occasion
like all of us will—but always seeking
Him who became their ultimate
blessing for their sons and for their
daughters, a heritage to treasure.
Our father and our mother,
always together, or so it seemed,
hand-in-hand, smiling with joy
in Him who as their Father,
their Savior, their Counselor,
led them always to trust
Him and serve Him further,
loving all of His children together.
DOT AND STONEY
Dorothy Net Hamilton
Stonecypher
DOT
“Stoney and Dot.” “ Dot and Stoney. “As Becky and I settled back into life “back home” after thirty-seven years in Africa; and as we began getting acquainted and reacquainted with our church family at First Baptist Glencoe, we noticed how almost everyone who had known them always spoke of them together. We heard “Stoney and Dot, . . . always did this . . . ;” or “Dot and Stoney, . . . always did this. . .” Once we noticed how often people spoke of them together, we got to thinking about it, and it made sense, and it made us happy.
Actually, by this time Dad had gone on to his reward several years earlier, leaving Mother alone; but people still thought about them and talked about them together. And, as I said, it made sense, and it made us happy. For as long as we could remember, they had been a team in marriage, in parenting, in serving through their church; and most importantly, in their faith. The beauty and power of Christian marriage made them into an amazing team, Jesus, Mother and Daddy—all working together for God’s glory.
Some of the happiest years of their lives, (next to raising five remarkable and
Clarence Ray
Stonecypher Sr.
STONEY
wonderful children, no doubt), came as they served under the Alabama Baptist Convention and the North American Mission Board, enlisting and training volunteers who served throughout Alabama, throughout the United States, and throughout the world. In their retirement years they found great joy in serving disaster-stricken communities, in often forgotten places with very little witness for our Lord; in Nigeria twice, and in Minnesota one summer . Now, even thoughthey loved being with their daughters (Celeste, Abby and Lisa) and their sons (Ray and Mike) and their families; they occasionally got so excited about yet another mission trip, they forgot to let families and friends know they were going. Their hearts just got so excited whenever they went somewhere to serve the Lord.
A Young Mother On Mother’s Day
When they had the opportunity provided by pastors Bill Morgan, Vince Whittington and others, to study God’s Word and how to better share the Gospel Story with others; they were among the first to get involved. They both had a deep, deep hunger for knowing their Lord, His Life, His Word and His Love for every person and all peoples, wherever they lived. So, if it meant sleeping in a gym on mats, taking flights across the world, or serving a small church in Minnesota; they were always ready to go. Whatever it took and wherever they needed to go, they sought with all their hearts to follow their Lord obediently; and as they did, their Joy grew ever deeper.
Can you imagine how much fun it was for us as children, children-in-law, and
A Young Stoney Honoring
Dot On Mother’s Day
grandchildren; to see their eyes shining while they excitedly told about their latest adventure in going somewhere among some new folks, and sharing the Gospel, which meant everything to them? What a blessing for all of us! What a challenge for all of us!
And all of these adventures for Stoney and Dot, or Dot and Stoney (whichever you prefer) took place after they had faithfully and lovingly raised their five children; both working long hours and scrimping and saving and loving and listening and supporting in good times and bad their often rambunctious children. You would have realistically assumed that after all of those years spent working at the Alabama Gas Company (Stoney) and Dot (Etowah Manufacturing and the Tax Accessor’s Office), while fully committed to being there for their children; Dot and Stoney would be ready to sit awhile and rest. Not at all. They got their second wind (the Holy Spirit) and spent, I believe, the happiest years of their lives, living, breathing, speaking; and most of all following their beloved Lord in sharing the Gospel.
Dot and Stoney
And Their
Rambunctious Crew
Now, when in all of the years of your life, you watch such enthusiastic obedience to the call to make life ALL ABOUT JESUS, and when you observe the miraculous way God uses such lives so beautifully and powerfully lived, then; you will not be surprised to know how confident their children are that they certainly heard hearty, welcoming words; “Well done, good and faithful servant;” as they were welcomed through Heaven’s gates. Nor would any of us be surprised if we should catch a glimpse of Dot and Stoney or Stoney and Dot (whichever you prefer) hand-in-hand around the throne, exultant and joyful, praising their Lord.
Speaking on behalf of Ray and Sandi, Mike and Becky, Celeste and Jim, Abby and Jeff, and Lisa and Ben; be assured we have been blessed by their lives lived out so well, demonstrating how wonderful our lives can be if we live as if all that matters in the end is this: “It is, indeed, all about Jesus.” Amen.
Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
Whatever you do, work heartily,
as for the Lord and not for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will
receive the inheritance as your reward.
You are serving the Lord Christ.
Watch The Laborers In The Field
If you watch the laborers in the field
your eyes will tell the tale
of the place of faithfulness and
obedience in working hard
toward the Master’s abundant harvest
as they till the hardened
soil until it is soft enough
to receive the dormant seed
along with dependable watering
and weeding and treating
against bugs and pests as
seedlings grow up tall and strong
and begin to put on their fruit
which grows luscious and tasty,
ready for harvest banquets.
Rev. Dr. Ayuba Iliya Bako
The first time I met the now Rev. Dr. Ayuba Iliya Bako, he was a new student at Baptist High School, Jos. In English class he immediately impressed me as one of the hardest working of my pupils. Although he did not come from a home where only English was spoken, he never hesitated to work hard and complete all of his assignments. Neither he nor I could have known at the time how important his studies in English language would become for him. You see, he was only just beginning a long series of steps in his educational journey, which would eventually lead him to earn his Ph.D in Old Testament at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary. Always, his hard work and perseverance led him into a distinguished series of accomplishments in his theological studies. This, in turn, led him into an equally impressive career in teaching and administration, serving the Lord through theNigerian Baptist Convention.
It all began with Ayuba’s (That’s Job in Hausa.) heart for the Lord, full of eagerness to tackle the hard work necessary for achieving such high levels of achievement, and also full of a desire to serve His Lord by working diligently in preparing pastors and teachers to enter the rich harvest fields in Nigeria and beyond. Ayuba and I had a unique set of working relationships. I was his English teacher, but I, at one point, was also his House Master; while he also worked on occasion in my house to earn extra spending money. He always impressed me in terms of his hard work and the excellent quality of his work. However, we did butt heads regarding one particular issue in the dorm. I insisted that students get in bed and get some valuable sleep before they rose
early in the morning to go out and do the work assigned for them around the school campus. Ayuba, however, wanted to study through the night, determined to give every bit of effort to learning all he could in his desire for an excellent foundation for further education. So, on countless nights I would find him out in the circle with a candle reading one book or another. We never really came to an agreement on that matter. I kept on sending him to bed, and he kept on sneaking back out to continue his studies.
Mrs. Victoria Ayuba Ilya Bako
After he had completed high school and then, his first step in theological studies, he returned to Jos to teach in the Pastor’s School. This is when I met his wife, Victoria. She came to work as a secretary while I was serving as Principal at Baptist High School. I quickly discovered that she was every bit as hard working as was Ayuba, and her work was also just as commendable. When she typed a document or a test or a letter, it was perfect. Not only did she type for me, but also for many teachers, who needed her assistance also. You will notice in their pictures; both of them have delightful smiles, which reflect their joy in working in service to our Lord. Victoria’s bright and friendly personality also made her an excellent secretary, as she warmly greeted staff, students and visitors who needed to see the Principal.
Ayuba and Victoria have three beautiful children.
When the opportunity came for the two of them to return to Ogbomosho so Ayuba could further his theological education to qualify for higher levels of teaching, Victoria helped support them by typing papers for students, their families and their friends.
Upon completing these studies, Ayuba returned to Jos and not only taught at the Pastor’s School, but became the Principal of the Pastor’s School, and then the Rector of the College of Theology. During that time there were constant challenges, but Ayuba led humbly with grace, and in all ways, Christ-likeness. Under the leadership of Nigerian Principals, including Ayuba, the Pastor’s School grew larger and stronger as it served the student pastors and their wives, who were also provided training. Eventually the Nigerian Baptist Convention made it a College of Theology, equipped to provide Biblical and Pastoral Studies at higher levels of qualification.
The last time I talked to them in 2018, Ayuba was working toward his Ph.D at the Seminary in Ogbomosho. Victoria also continued her studies, earning a Master’s Degree at the Jos Evangelical Theological Seminary. It is notable that
Ayuba’s hard work earned him the Hebrew Award at his PhD graduation at the Nigerian Baptist Seminary in Ogbomosho.
Ayuba’s hard work through the years paid off as he won the Hebrew Award at his graduation. Now they are both teaching and training the next generation of Baptist Pastors, missionaries and teachers, including both husbands and wives. As the number of Baptist churches continue to multiply across the middle belt of Nigeria, the opportunity to teach and disciple these pastors plays a pivotal role in building Christi’s Kingdom.
What a privilege to observe the faithful lives of Nigerians like Ayuba and Victoria who work so hard and faithfully in God’s harvest field. It’s all about Jesus and how He not only changes lives, but develops them for service in the Kingdom of God. In doing so, men and women like Ayuba and Victoria discover just how rich life becomes when you faithfully serve Jesus with all of your heart, soul, mind and might. Clearly, their lives are all about Jesus. Praise be to God!
Celebrating Vacation Bible School: It’s All About Jesus
Celebrating our allegiance to God’s Kingdom together in VBS.
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 NIV
“Place these words I’m speaking on your heart
and in your very being.
Tie them on your hand as a sign.
They should be on your forehead as a symbol.
Teach them to your children,
by talking about them when you are sitting around your house
and when you are out and about,
when you are lying down and when
you are getting up.”
Celebrate The Power Of God’s Word
In my heart and in my mind and in my very soul
and with every bit of the strength I have
I want to celebrate the beauty and the power
of God’s miraculous and His precious Word.
I want to sing out loud and clap my hands and turn around
Celebrating as we sing and dance in VBS.
and shout my praise to Him who is my God who gives
me joy that never ends and holds me in His loving
hands for He is good and He is the great I Am.
I want to teach His children His Good News for God so
loves us each and every one He sent His Son to live
and die and live again His resurrection raising
us to live with Him in glory above.
I want each child to discover Him who loves us most
and worship Him with everything He places in their
hands for all the days they are given on this earth
and for eternity with Him in His Heavenly Home.
Celebrating the gift of prayer in VBS.
I want to celebrate today the pure joy I feel when I look every year and see, and listen and hear the marvelous stories of Vacation Bible School. When I see the videos of children laughing, singing, dancing, running, jumping up and down; then listening, (remarkably) with open hearts to hear the Words of the Gospel Story, which make all of these celebrations true and worthy. I just love watching children have so much fun celebrating the Name and Life and the Death and the Resurrection of Jesus— and all the love and joy He has to give.
I want to celebrate today the men and women, young and old, who year-after-year happily give their time to make all of this fun possible. I celebrate those who put up the signs, decorate the halls and rooms, prepare the costumes, serve the snacks, teach the songs and dances and the gospel stories. I celebrate those who greet the families, cheer for the children, and everybody who gathers just to prove the Love of Jesus to the hearts of these precious children’s hungry hearts.
Celebrating being with friends in VBS.
I want to celebrate D.T. Miles in Hopedale, Illinois (1894) and Virginia Sinclair Hawes in a beer parlor in New York City (1898) who pioneered the idea of providing Bible classes during the summer. I want to celebrate ladies like Billie Rains, Inez Jeffers, Flora Alvis, Pink George, Lois Starnes, and Betty Swinford, and so many other ladies, who lovingly and enthusiastically taught me and hundreds of other children over my growing up years in First Baptist Church Glencoe. I celebrate Billie Rains for heading up VBS and arranging parades on fire trucks to give us such fun as we rode and shouted “Come to Vacation Bible School” through our small town. I want to celebrate Inez Jeffers for being the best-ever story teller, grabbing our attention as she told us tales which delighted us with tales of the lives of those who spread the Good News of Jesus. I want to celebrate Flora Alvis who mentored me as we worked together
Celebrating good food in VBS.
one summer, teaching a lively and wide-open to the Spirit, group of fifth and sixth-grade boys and girls. I want to celebrate Pink George, Lois Starnes and Betty Swinford, along with all of the others who worked so hard to make our learning times so much fun. I want to celebrate the results—so many young lives deciding to follow Jesus each and every year.
I want to celebrate how God has used His investment in my own life by such faithful servants as these. They made learning the books of the Bible so much fun, I treasured having that tool for Bible Study fresh in my mind over all of these years. They did the same with precious memory verses which have provided strength and encouragement throughout my life in Africa and in the United States. They shared with me wonderful stories of godly heroes who have inspired me as I have followed God’s Path for me. They taught me the Word of God, His Story, His People’s Stories, His Promises, His Assurance, and most of all, His Powerful, Saving Gospel Plan, so that I have been challenged, upheld and inspired throughout both the good and the bad as I have lived out His plans for myself and my family.
Celebrating the gift of Worship in VBS.
I want to celebrate the days and lives happily invested into the sowing and harvesting of young souls for God’s Kingdom each and every year. I want to celebrate church families like ours who all over the world set aside precious time to prove the love of Jesus for every single child. I want to celebrate Shelley, Jill and their team who are praying and preparing even now for the rich harvest awaiting us as we look toward VBS 2024!
IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS!!!
