Doc's Blog

I Shall Then Live

2009-05-06T10:38:00.001-04:00

It’s been a while – it’s been a roller coaster……

Interesting stuff –

David Archuleta sends PRAYERS to David Cook in the death of his brother.
Miley Cyrus vows to keep her virginity until her wedding.

I don’t call any of that “news-worthy” just interesting in the day in which we live. It is interesting to me that when people who are famous do anything that is remotely related to Judeo-Christian values, or conservative faith – it’s NEWS. That’s the world we live in, and sometimes it gets me down.

In a story I shared Sunday night, Gloria Gaither wrote the lyrics to “I Shall Then Live” based on a book with a similar title “How Shall We Then Live” written in 1960 by Francis Schaeffer. He asked the “deep thinkers” of that decade to share their insights on how we should live in light of our faith. Their responses greatly affected Gloria Gaither and led to the song.

Just the question affects me. The world’s problems seem overwhelming and intense. How can I make a difference? The answer – one day at a time, one person at a time.

TODAY I will live in the glory of my forgiveness. Today, I will live in the sunshine of my redemption. Today, I will live in the joy of my salvation. Today, I will live in obedience to my blessed Savior. Today, I will live to honor my God.

Today, I will read His precious Word. Today, I will reflect His glorious demeanor. Today, I will share His wonderful mercy. Today, I will tell somebody about Jesus.

I can’t affect the world, but I can affect the things around me. For example, pray for my friend Tim. He’s working with me on a project, and he’s a great guy. Honest, hard working, intelligent, loyal, dependable – BUT he’s lost and doesn’t know Jesus. He’s married, has a step-daughter who has one child. He loves his granddaughter as his own. Loves his wife, can’t wait to go home to her each night – he’s a super guy.

BUT – he’s lost. I had the chance today to “plant a seed” and I’ll share the gospel with Tim soon. Going to invite him and his granddaughter (and wife and step-daughter) to something at MBC. Why? Because I “then shall live” in a way to share Jesus with someone God places in my path.

Can’t wait to introduce my friend Tim to some of you at church. Be ready, he’s coming, I’ll get him there because that’s how I choose to live – today. New challenges await tomorrow.

Waiting for Jesus,

Richard Powell

Ramping up for Easter

2009-03-25T10:17:00.004-04:00

I’m TRYING to get back into the swing of blogging regularly (Ok, Ok – I’m trying to START getting into the swing of blogging regularly!!!)

Ramping up for Easter – pray with me for literally HUNDREDS of our folks to bring unchurched friends to Easter services. BTW – are YOU planning already to invite people you know? Use the “invite cards” we received this past Sunday – get more this coming Sunday. Lots of folks need Jesus. Duh!!!

Please pray for my dad and his wife. She has lung cancer and it may have spread – they are running tests, and she is having chemo and radiation. Tough road ahead. My dad is so in need of a miracle. His mind simply will not allow him to understand or remember all that is happening around him. Dad has only come here a few times and none recently. I wish the man I was describing to you I could introduce to you.

I love him so much. Yet, I’m afraid you will never know him as I know him. No eulogy here, just admiration for a man who sacrificed so much for me – for me to have so much that he never had – for me to have so many things that most kids who grew up “the way I grew up” never had. He so “rose above” his upbringing, and for that I’m really proud of my dad. No education, no “breaks” in life – just hard work, pure and simple.

He has the wrinkles to prove it – and I have the blessings to verify it. My parental heritage is strange. Mom was an educated debutante with a Master’s from seminary. Dad was a middle school drop-out. Mother wore a Sunday dress to my little league baseball games. Dad wore over-alls most of his life. He got a new pair as a kid at Christmas every year – that was ALL he got for Christmas every year. Mom was from a rich family, dad from a very poor family. Sometimes I think I understand both because of that.

I digress..

Moral of this moment – let’s love on our parents. They put up with us. What a blessing.

Sacrifice for the Kingdom

2009-03-18T16:06:00.001-04:00

OK, I admit it. I’m a total emotional wreck.

Beyond just learning that my dad’s wife has lung cancer (thanks for your prayers).

Beyond the fact that it’s REALLY beginning to hit me that my baby girl is getting married in only months.

No, it’s none of that.

I just left a meeting of the IMB (our missionary sending agency of the Southern Baptist Convention) where I met some of the finest young couples in the whole country who are leaving EVERYTHING to go around the world to tell people about Jesus.

THEN, on top of that, I just left a session where we had a memorial service for the IMB missionaries who passed away serving the Lord. 32 missionaries (retired and active) who have served a total of over 1100 years – YEARS, not days or months. Unbelievable.

I heard their names called, and just broke down and wept because of their faithfulness and ministry for Jesus. I was literally moved to my bones with gratitude for their sacrifice for the Kingdom.

Then, I thought of these young couples we are appointing this week. I have met them, talked to them, prayed with them – they are incredible. The finest of the finest.

PLEASE, PRAY FOR THEM.

Pray for Michael and Crystal – a young couple with four little kids heading to Peru.
Pray for Greg and Kim – a couple with four kids (two recently adopted) heading to Mexico.
Pray for a couple from Rockwall, Texas – David Miller’s home town.
Pray for a couple from Spartanburg, coming out of a church pastored by one of my closest friends from seminary.
Can’t remember all their names – but God knows. And, they are incredible folks.

I am called to pastor a church – McGregor Baptist Church, and I love it. I am NOT called to be a missionary; I couldn’t do it. Too tough. I’m a wimp.

My hat’s off to these folks. My heart is with these folks. My soul rejoices for these folks.

My tears keep coming.

God's Leadership and Blessing

2009-02-23T14:36:00.004-05:00

I get away 2 or 3 times each year for a dedicated week of study and sermon preparation. It is such a huge help to have sermon ideas planned well ahead of time.

I have been having such a "week" this past week. Some are better than others and this one has been a good one. I really sense God's leadership and blessing. Studying His Word is always a personal blessing, but sensing His leadership in a special way is awesome.

Many of your pray for me regularly. I greatly appreciate those prayers. Preaching is one of my greatest joys and biggest responsibilities. It is also the area where Satan would love to distract me the most. He "got NO victory" in that this week, and I rejoice in that.

I couldn't wait to get back home and I couldn't wait for this past Sunday. Not just the preaching, but for the chance to worship, and to be with my church family. I love church. I love worship. I love preaching His Word and learning from it. I love my church family. I love Jesus.

Hope you do too. Get it? (you say, “got it!!”)

Today's Thoughts

2009-02-11T13:14:00.002-05:00

In my devotional time today, I was blessed to continue to read “Miss Nan’s” devotional guide. Knowing this precious woman personally really taints my opinion of her writings.
She is so transparent in her unwavering love for Jesus and His church. She is an amazing woman.
God laid on my heart the desire to reaffirm my heart’s cry to change people’s lives – for Jesus.
I am so hungry to help folks navigate through these rough times and come to Christ.
As people lose their jobs, live in fear of these economic times – they are more open to Christ than ever. As a Christian, we are to live in a way that pagans are stunned and drawn to Him.

Pray with me as so many of our people face these difficulties with God’s strength. Pray for our church – our financial situation is nothing more than the cumulative reflection of the faithfulness of our folks.
Pray for us to be able to do more with less – all for God’s Glory.

He's So Good to Me

2008-12-03T15:32:00.004-05:00

THANKSGIVING is over and CHRISTMAS is close.

I had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving. As I said Sunday, LuAnne and I had ALL of our kids and “in-laws” with us for Thanksgiving. It was AWESOME. We’ve never done that before. We have for years gone to my home in Spartanburg for Thanksgiving. Not this year.

This year we had Heather and Andrew and kids (Aidan and Rylee), Alan and Brycie, and Kayla all with us. Jordan (Kayla’s fiancé) even dropped by for a while.

LuAnne cooked a BIG dinner for us – with help from us all, especially Andrew, who loves to cook. Great fellowship, lots of love, plenty of games, a lot of laughter – unforgettable.

I won’t bore you with all the details, but I needed this. My family needed this. God knew it and blessed us all. He is so good!

If you went to Sunday School or Children's Choir as a child, you probably remember this little chorus..."God is so good. God is so good. God is so good. He’s so good to me.” When your day isn't quite going as well as you had hoped, sing this little song as a reminder of all the great things He has done... and most of all, thank Him for Jesus.

Florida Baptists

2008-11-12T12:51:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a "less than stellar" day. I love my convention and my denomination. I have been a Southern Baptist all my life. I LOVE serving the Lord in small ways through serving Southern Baptists.

I was asked by several of my pastoral friends several weeks ago to pray about allowing my name to be submitted as a nominee for President of the Florida Baptist State Convention. If you've been around McGregor, you may remember that we hosted this meeting at our church only two years ago. It was a sweet time for all.

I was not elected – and by the smallest margin perhaps in the history of the convention. 12 votes. Less than one percent.

In my heart, my love for our state convention has only grown.

So I ask you to join me in praying for our new President, John Cross. He is my friend and my brother in Christ. John is the pastor of South Biscayne Baptist Church in North Port.

The highest calling in ministry is already mine – to pastor the greatest church on the planet – McGregor Baptist Church. Nothing could deter my enthusiasm for that calling.

Can’t wait for the Lord’s day – it’s all for Jesus!!

Back to Blogging

2008-10-14T13:16:00.002-04:00

Ok, Ok – I know, I haven’t blogged in … well, too long. My deepest apologies.

Like my good friend, Mark Bricker, I re-commit to being more faithful to this thing. Speaking of Mark, he's leading a group folks on a cruise for a marriage retreat. Since I'm here on land, I hope the water's not TOO rough. :)

We have a group in Peru sharing Jesus in the mountains close to the edge of the earth.

We’re just doing our thing – what God has called us to do – win souls and disciple believers.

That part is going really well. I talked to twelve – count ‘em – a smooth dozen -- folks this week who were new believers or new to the “discipleship” thing of following Jesus. They are so fun to talk to – so hungry to grow. It’s refreshing to be around them. Pray with me for them, as they yield their life to the Lord – it’s all new to them.

DANGEROUS FAITH – fun series that really hits us ALL close to home – our heart of faith and trust in Jesus. There seems to be a lot of interest in the blog site, mydangerousfaith.com ... Lots of comments and interaction – new to me, it’s cool. Join the discussion!

My son, Alan, sang at 7 services at Saddleback this past weekend. It was like a “special” song that went at the end of Pastor Rick Warren’s sermon. So proud as a dad to see my kid singing for Jesus. Love my kids – we’re blessed with three wonderful kids that love Jesus – and two spouses that are awesome –and another one “in line” – awesome.

My grandson, Aidan, turns two next week, so we’re heading to Tampa this weekend for the big party.

My prayers will be with the awesome RISK conference with almost 200 men in attendance. Wish like crazy I could be there, but the family didn’t check my schedule when they planned this party. God will bless big time in the hearts of those men. Praying that lives will be changed!!

Life is good. Jesus is awesome.

Isn't it Ironic?

2008-09-09T08:02:00.002-04:00

Life is full of little ironies – if you don’t let them slip past you.

As a church, we just celebrated our 50^th Anniversary. It was by all accounts a GLORIOUS day. Great stuff in the morning service: great worship, baptisms, testimony and a “look back over our shoulder” at where we have come from. Yet, we GET IT that we still have much work to be done. We have to FINISH the job of the Great Commission. We AREN”T done – indeed, there is much work yet to be done. Let’s be faithful.

The choir and orchestra let us in a GREAT time of tremendous worship on Sunday night. I personally told Pastor Rob what a blessing it was to me. We experienced great and genuine worship in the presence of the Lord. No one was performing, no one was “showing off” their talents or skills – it was all pure WORSHIP of the Lord Jesus. It was tremendous.

Here’s the irony – yesterday (Monday), I was sitting in a meeting of the International Mission Board's Trustees. The IMB is our convention’s international missionary-sending agency. One day I'm worshipping with my great church, talking, praying, preaching and singing about the need to continue our mission to win the world to Jesus, and the next day, I'm sitting with Southern Baptist leaders from all over our country talking about………our mission to win the world to Jesus. That’s cool.

It’s great to be a part of a GREAT church that understands and accepts her role in the Great Commission. It’s GREAT to be a part of a denomination that understands and accepts her role in that Great Commission.

Great partnership

Great fellowship

Great obedience

Great followship

Great calling

Great challenge

Great opportunity

Great ministry

Great irony.

The need to answer the call to the Great Commission is ………everywhere. How true.

Celebrations and Divine Appointments

2008-09-02T08:56:00.003-04:00

It has been way too long since I last blogged.

LuAnne and I are so happy for Hank and Dawn Garner. Baby Ashlyn is HERE!! She’s early, so she has to spend a few days in NICU. But we're trusting the Lord that she’ll be fine. I'm happy for the whole family.

I've been talking and praying lots for our upcoming 50th Anniversary as a church this Sunday, September 7. For some, it will be an incredible trip down memory lane. For others (many of you) it’s a chance to see where we have come from and what God has done in the past. These are certainly neat stories and awesome testimonies of God’s faithfulness. McGregor has a rich history of godly men and women doing whatever it takes to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ, and I know we'll all be blessed to honor God for their service and sacrifice. It’s going to be a GREAT day!!

God has brought several people into my path with some real needs. Many of our people are in need of jobs and financial security. Yet, all of this seems to be a great opportunity for God to do amazing things in people’s lives. The key is we have to walk faithfully with the Lord. As believers, we have so many chances to be a witness and a help to hurting folks.

I’m praying for our people to share Jesus as God gives us the chance.

Ask God to give you a chance to do exactly that. Share what God has done for you, in saving you and blessing you. So many need that and the fields are ripe unto harvest. You are the key. Tell others what Christ has done for you. God will give you the opportunity and the words. Be available. Be usable. Be blessed as you share.

Tell me about those divine opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Leave a comment on this blog or send me an e-mail.

2008-08-18T11:04:00.002-04:00

We had a great day at church yesterday. God is so good.

Yet, my heart is very heavy. The Minister of Music at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Florida died suddenly of a heart attack Saturday night. This is the same church family that recently lost their pastor in a plane accident. Pastor Forrest Pollock died only three months ago, and now this great church has to deal with the death of Simeon Nix. I knew Simeon as a great man who loved the Lord and loved to lead in worship. He was a huge man, with a huge voice and a big smile and an even bigger heart. A big "teddy bear" type, full of joy and love. He will be greatly missed.
Join me in praying once again for this church family.

Like so many at this time of year, our daughter, Kayla, has left for college. LuAnne drove her up to Liberty this past weekend, and she starts school on Monday. She is a great young lady with a sweet heart for the Lord. Many of you know her primarily as a singer. I know her as my baby. Pray for her to be a light for Christ at school. Pray for her and Jordan as they prepare for their life together.

Our 50th Anniversary as a church is less than three weeks away. Awesome.

God is good, all the time!!

Home Again

2008-08-09T13:23:00.003-04:00

LuAnne, Heather and the two kids, Kayla, and I just got back from a whole week in Los Angeles visiting Alan and Brycie. Unfortunately, Andrew wasn't able to go with us.
It was AWESOME. We have such a good and relaxing time of doing………nothing or whatever.

Our goal was just to spend time with Alan and Brycie “on their turf” and to see the sights they call “home.”
That’s exactly what we did. We chilled at their apartment, went to beautiful Newport Beach (unbelievable!!), drove around the houses of the rich and famous (and in many ways, sad!!)
There, we saw the houses of J.Lo, Andrew Spelling (all 125 bedrooms!!??), Samuel L. Jackson and others.

More fun than that was the whole family going to church together at Saddleback Church. Even still, I missed McGregor. I can’t wait for Sunday – every Sunday!!

Thanks for all your prayers for my kids and their happiness. They are indeed one of God’s greatest blessings to Lu and me.

I’m rested, ready, and raring to go – see you Sunday!!!

2008-07-23T16:35:00.002-04:00

It's been a crazy few days. My family, almost all of them, enjoyed nine days of vacation together. In so many ways it was awesome. Me and LuAnne, Heather, Andrew and their two kids, Aidan and Riley, Kayla – we have a blast. Wish Jordan, our son-in-law to be could have joined us but he has this job thing that keeps him pretty tied down (he’s the summer intern for Russell Howard??!!) Of course, really missed Alan and Brycie. They couldn’t make it because of jobs too.
Another blessing from this trip was that I got to spend almost a full week at the home of my dad with my sister, Helen Ruth. She and I have a very easy, uncomplicated, warm, healthy relationship. Only thing is, we just rarely see each other. We talk and email frequently, we just never get to hang out together. My kids love her kids (when they get to be together – but that isn’t very often either) and her daughter, Amber, was there too. She is recently engaged so she and Kayla had lots to talk about. Also, they watched Heather try to manage two kids under the age of two, and that had a pretty significant impact on their “family planning.”
Dad is doing OK. He just turned 80 in June and is facing the typical things that our wonderful parents that age face. I love my dad – I hate to see him become forgetful.

Today, we had the great but sad honor of hosting the funeral of a young police officer in Fort Myers Police Department who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Thursday night. Officer Andrew Widman was not a member of McGregor, but he was a missionary before joining the police force. The family's guest pastor stood in our pulpit and gave all three thousand attendees the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was carried live and uninterrupted on NBC, ABC, FOX, and CBS affiliates in Fort Myers, as well as live online through McGregor's website.

Kayla and Jordan have set the date – July 18, 2009. Mark it on your calendars. Jordan sang this past Sunday and did an incredible job. He has an amazing voice and a heart that loves Jesus to match. His plan is to match. They are very happy.

Summer is going good at McGregor. I plan to go to youth camp next week to spend some quality time with the students. Can’t wait.
Then, the following week, we’re heading to California to spend some time with Alan and Brycie. Can’t wait for that.

God is good, life is good. People need Jesus – so, I gotta go.

Vacating

2008-07-09T19:19:00.002-04:00

I'm a "Type-A" person: high strung, wound tight, ADHD, Choleric type of guy. That means I don't unwind very often or very well. It goes against my grain. But I'm working at it.

LuAnne, Kayla, and I went by and picked up Heather and Aidan and newborn Rylee and headed to the beach.

We joined about 45 other members of LuAnne's family for a family reunion at Gulf Shores, Alabama. Andrew joined us the next day. Unfortunately, Alan and Brycie couldn't make it - I miss my son terribly and so wish he and Brycie could be here.

We will leave the beach and head to Spartanburg (my home city) to see my dad and his wife. Big bonus - my sister and her daughter will be there too. Can't wait !!

I'm trying hard to relax, unwind and "chill" - I'm working on it. You know, "refilling the tank," so to speak.

Ok, truthfully, I'm ready to come home. I missed being at church for the God and Country service and last Sunday. But I'm trying - to unwind. I'm working on it - really. I feel slightly less wound tight. I feel only wound sorta tight. There - is that better??

I'm going to need a vacation from my vacation. This trying to relax is hard work.

Headlines

2008-06-23T08:26:00.002-04:00

I have so many things to be thankful for today -

BIG NEWS - VBS was a smashing success. God did what only God can do. Great, great VBS, largest in many years (1298 registered), most salvation decisions in many years (92), 12 already baptized on Friday night. We had a large group of guests (444) to follow up with concerning their salvation and church membership, hundreds of awesome volunteers - to God be the Glory - VBS was awesome!!!

BIGGER NEWS - There's a great spirit in our church right now, even during difficult times. Our economic situation here in SW Florida still is affecting many families. It seems like I hear each week of more families struggling with jobs and finances. Keep praying for these folks and for our church as we work diligently strive to be faithful with God's tithes and offerings. Let me remind YOU to be faithful as you give especially in the Chapter Three giving area. Our budget giving is doing acceptably yet our Chapter Three giving continues to struggle.

BIGGEST NEWS (at least for my family) - our daughter KAYLA is ENGAGED!!!!!!

Jordan Grizzard "popped the question" to Kayla on Friday night and she said "YES" (very quickly I might add)!!!

LuAnne and I are so excited about our new son-in-law. Jordan is a worship/music major at Liberty University. He is in Sounds of Liberty, their premier music group and is a tremendous vocalist (can we say "duets"?!?!)

He is a wonderful Christian young man, and we look forward to adding him to our family. Please pray for Jordan and Kayla as they make plans for their lives together.

As always, I am blessed beyond words to pastor the greatest church on the planet.

God is good - all the time.........

Old Friends

2008-06-11T16:04:00.002-04:00

I'm blogging today from Indianapolis, Indiana, to which I've made my annual trek for the Southern Baptist Convention. 16 million church members and 48,000 churches from all across the nation send messengers to what is, essentially, a two day business meeting. It isn’t my most thrilling meeting of the year, but I really enjoy it for several reasons.

First, I am glad to be a Southern Baptist. We are a conservative, Bible-believing, Jesus-loving, missions-supporting group of people. We love to win the lost and disciple believers. McGregor needs the SBC and the SBC needs McGregor.

While we were here, I saw a publication of the SBC Cooperative Program giving for the top 100 churches in the entire convention – remember, over 16,000 churches. I read the list. Then I saw what was a real blessing to me and I think it well be to you as well. McGregor is the 7th highest giving CP church in all of the SBC. Unbelievable! Praise the Lord and thank you, MBC folks, for loving Jesus and loving missions so much. Keep it up!!!!

It’s also a great time to see many of our SBC friends. So many we have heard in the pulpit or in concert and have blessed us in so many ways.

I saw Charles Lowery, who was with us last year at Christmas time and will be back again this year. He spoke at the Pastor’s Conference just before the convention. I saw Ergun Caner, who will be with us on July 2 for our God and Country Night this year. I saw Charles Billingsley, whom we love so much.

I also saw Caz McCaslin, the founder of the Upward Ministry that so many of our folks are involved in. He is an awesome guy and we talked about getting him to McGregor as soon as possible.

I saw many other friends in the Kingdom work. I promised we would pray for their ministries as they pray for us.

So take this chance – right now – to stop and pray for them, both the ones you know and the ones that you don’t. These are some of God’s finest servants and some really great ministries. There is so much work to do for the Kingdom... so many who need to hear the message of Jesus.

That part of the SBC, I really DO enjoy.

Summer Updates

2008-05-30T13:09:00.001-04:00

It's been several days since I blogged. Thanks for being patient with me. So much has been going on that I need to bring you up to date...

For starters, my prayers continue for the church family of Bell Shoals Baptist in Brandon. The deaths of their pastor and his son certainly have challenged and stretched their faith. Please continue to pray with me for the entire church family and Pastor Forrest's wife, Dawn, and the five surviving children.

Please drop by the FAITH building atrium and sign the memorial book with a word of encouragement for Dawn and the family. I'll personally deliver it to her sometime in the next few days. Please go by and add your words to the book.

God is blessing our church - it's different than in years gone by but it's still amazing what God is doing. With the economy and several other factors, we have made and continue to make adjustments in the way we do ministry. Yet, our goals and God's blessings continue to yield souls for Christ and many growing disciples in our church.

That is what pleases the Lord and it pleases all of us as well.

Summertime is here. That means we have lots of things happening, people going lots of different directions - sometimes all at the same time. As you vacation and travel to see family and sights, don't forget to fill your spots of ministry during your time away. Each of us has a place of ministry and service that is crucial to the ongoing ministry of McGregor.

When you are gone, it creates a huge ministry "hole" that weakens the effectiveness of our ministry because your ministry impacts the church and the Kingdom of God. We are all ministers together - be faithful to your ministry.

Also, remember to mail or "catch up" your tithes and offerings while you're away. You may be gone, but the church's ministry goes on. Also, continue to pray for our people's Chapter Three giving. Pray for God to bless investments and bonuses and JOBS. God knows our needs, we simply need to be faithful to Him and stay focused on Jesus.

Remember, it's ALL for SOULS!!

Reflections on Tuesday

2008-05-15T09:08:00.006-04:00

Tuesday, May 13, 2008, was one of the most emotional days I can remember - ever!

Tuesday morning, I became aware of the death of my friend and fellow pastor, Dr. Forrest Pollock of Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Florida. Also, his 13 year old son, Preston, was killed in the same plane crash. I can't even come up with words to express how heavy my heart is from this. Dawn, Forrest's wife, needs our prayers and their remaining 5 children do, too. Please join me in praying for the Bell Shoals church family in these incredibly difficult days. This surely tests our faith - only God in Heaven can heal the hurt that this precious family and church must be going through.

Then, hours later, God blessed LuAnne and me with a new grandchild - our first girl!! Rylee Jordan Nix is a beautiful 7 pound, 19 ounce, 20 inch long bundle of joy. Her mother, Heather, is doing fine. She and Andrew are so happy to be blessed with their second baby in their four year marriage. I am reminded once again of just how blessed I am -- blessed with my wonderful wife, blessed with sweet kids that love Jesus and marry wonderful Christian mates, and they are blessed to be having grand-children. In addition to our wonderful church, I am simply speechless (unusual for me to say the least) at God's blessings in my life with my family. I couldn't have prayed for happier days. May God in Heaven alone receive all the Glory due His Name.

Thanks for sharing that with LuAnne and me. Enjoy the pictures of baby Rylee (a proud grandpa has to show her off, right?).

Big Day A-Comin!

2008-05-10T17:07:00.003-04:00

This Tuesday (May 13), our daughter Heather and her husband, Andrew, will welcome a new addition to their family. Rylee, our new granddaughter, will be born!
Please join me and all of our family as we pray for an uneventful delivery (spoken like a true man!!) and the birth of a beautiful new little girl. Pray for her “big brother” – Aidan, who is 17 months old. He is so adorable and full of so much personality. He’s got a sweet temperament and sleeps about 11 hours every night – how awesome is that for mom and dad!!!!

I’ll be trying to balance staff and counseling meetings, sermon preparation, and the regular “never-a-dull-moment-around-here” ministry stuff with extra grandfather duties during the next few days. It’s gonna be GREAT!!

Preaching on the family for our “FLIP THIS FAMILY” series should be easier than ever since I’m living it in real time. Heather and Andrew having a baby in Tampa, Kayla coming home from college for the summer – oh, how I wish Alan and Brycie were just a bit closer – say 4000 miles closer!

Speaking of “family” – I’m really going to miss Tod Tanner and Deborah and Danielle. God has called him to a new place of ministry at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. It’s a great church with a great pastor and a great ministry in need of great staff leadership - Tod certainly fits that bill!! Tod has done a great job here at McGregor in a short time. We’ll miss him and his sweet family. God brought him here for a reason, and now, for reasons only God knows, He is moving him to a new place of service. To God Be The Glory.

God is doing great things. I know many are hurting, many are new and young in the faith, many are struggling. But remember, God’s greatest blessings often come during life’s most difficult trials. Pray for a tremendous outpouring of God’s greatest blessings – NOW -- on you, your family, our church, and the many yet to be reached for Jesus.

He ALONE deserves the Glory.

Praying for the Family

2008-05-04T21:46:00.003-04:00

First of all, thanks for all the prayers as I continue to recover from knee surgery. I'm on the road to full recovery - it'll only take a couple of weeks. I just have to be patient - that's really, really hard for me.

I'm praying for lots of friends in real need. One of our deacons lost his mother-in-law last week. It was a sweet homegoing but a sad time. I have several folks that are my friends who are having some real financial difficulties.
I'm praying for them - please join me.

Our daughter, Heather, and her husband, Andrew are about to have their second baby -- this time, a girl -- any day. Please pray with me for a safe delivery, and a healthy baby (Rylee) and quick recovery for Heather.

On the church front - I'm so pleased with this past weekend's parenting conference. Dr. Richard Ross was awesome. He brought wonderful communicating skills and great content on teaching parents to make an impact on their children for Jesus. I'm just so sorry more of our parents couldn't/didn't attend - their loss. I hope I just don't have to help them pick up the pieces with their kids who walk away from the Lord.. I'm already praying about that.

May is our family month. I've been working on the sermons for this month for awhile now. I love to preach on the family. My family means the world to me. I thought the family changed the most when the kids were young, but I'm not so sure anymore. My wife and I have seen our family change more in the last 24 months perhaps than anytime in our family's history. It has been all good - just dizzying to say the least. I love my kids, my in-laws, and my grandson. I'm praying for them all.

Do you make it a regular practice to pray over and with your family? LuAnne and I have said for years "the family that prays together stays together." You've probably heard me say that in nearly every May sermon since I came to McGregor. I absolutely believe it's the truth.

I guess the theme of this blog - let's pray. We have alot to pray about.............

Much "Knee"ded Prayer

2008-04-29T11:20:00.001-04:00

This is really uncomfortable for me, but here goes...

I want to ask something from you. I want to ask you to pray for me. Yesterday, I had (minor) knee surgery on both knees to repair some cartiledge tears. This surgery is quite common and insignificant, but doing both knees at the same time makes it a bit more difficult.
With the consultation from my wonderful doctor (Dr. Ron Gardner, a member of our church) we decided to go ahead and get them both done and get it over with.
So, please pray for the recouperation time and physical therapy for the next few days. Hopefully, I'll be up and "better than ever" in just over a week. For those of you familiar with my schedule - it looks like I won't have any problem making my prior commitments. Mark Bricker is preaching at Wednesday night's FOCUS service, but I'm still planning to be there to give the "First Quarter Operating Report," as promised.

McGregor's "Flip this Family" Parenting Conference is this weekend. Lu and I are still leading one of the breakout sessions. If you haven't signed up, it's going to be incredible -- visit www.flipthisfamily.com for details on registration.

Also, pray for my sweet wife, LuAnne, because I'm NOT a good patient. I'm stir-crazy already.
Great time for lots of Bible reading!!

Family Matters

2008-04-18T16:36:00.003-04:00

Family matters to everyone. Family really matters to the Powells. I love my wife, we love our kids, our kids' mates, and our grandson - bunches!!
As with all parents, we are so grateful to the Lord for the way our kids are living for the Lord and serving Him - in lots of different ways.
Heather and Andrew are in Tampa. Andrew is on staff at Idlewild Baptist church as the Minister to Middle School students.
Kayla is at Liberty University in Virginia and right now doing 12 shows of the musical theatre production "West Side Story." It's incredible.
Alan and Brycie have been in Los Angeles for 18 months as he "tries to take the light of Jesus to the darkest place in our nation."
God has opened a door for him and his music. That's where YOU come in.
His recently-released "single" is available on his MySpace page. Here's what Alan says about the song:

"As of today March 31st after only a week of putting out my first single I have already been blessed with the opportunity to be featured as an unsigned artist on a major radio stations website! The radio station is 104.3MYfm Los Angeles, Ca. I’m featured on the NEW! section which exposes my music to more than 10 MILLION PEOPLE PER MONTH on nearly 500 radio station web sites across the country! Spread the word and help me rise to the top of the NEW! charts! Artists with the most plays get special homepage placement and are considered first to have their songs played on air! Just click the link below to play my song! God bless. Alan"

So, if you would, please click on the link below, listen to the song and therefore "vote" for Alan's song to be played by the LA station.

I'll keep you posted as to how it's going.
I really appreciate your help. Most of all, pray for Alan and Brycie in their ministry.

CLICK HERE to listen to Alan's song "Just Let You Go."

From the West Bank to the West Side (Story)

2008-04-13T15:23:00.002-04:00

LuAnne and I just returned with about 30 others from our church from a wonderful trip to the Holy Land. Honestly, I cannot even describe this trip. To see the places described in the Bible, and the places where our Lord lived, ministered, died, was buried and rose again - it just can't be put into words. The Bible comes alive around you!
I hope that many of you will make your plans NOW to go with us next time (we'll probably go again in two years) and receive a huge blessing in your life and heart.
When we returned (exhausted), we went straight to Liberty University to visit with our daughter, Kayla. This was a special weekend for her. She played the part of Anita in the musical theatre production of "West Side Story."
We saw the opening night performance - 3 hours and 10 minutes!! It was awesome. Heather, our oldest daughter flew up for the performance and that was tough on her. She is almost 9 months pregnant (due May 16) but it was great to see her. Rilee (our baby grand-daughter) will be here soon. We are sooooo excited!!
This morning was great. To be back home with our church family was a blessing. I am so excited about the things coming up in the next few days at McGregor. The "American Idols" series on Sunday morning, the "REAL" series in our FOCUS service on Wednesdays as we study the book James, the "Flip This Family" conference and then preaching series for May - and then a full summer of outstanding events for everyone in the church family.
It is good to see God doing what only God can do in the hearts and lives of so many people.
Keep praying - keep growing in your faith.
Keep reading the Word - daily.

Dispatches from Israel...

2008-04-06T05:30:00.002-04:00

I'm am currently in the Holy Land of Israel with 32 of our church members. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it is. Seeing the Sea of Galilee where Jesus performed so many of His miracles; He was raised in this area, called many of His disciples from here, and nearly all of the Bible's setting is within a few miles of this area.

Then, to drive into Jerusalem -- the City of David -- the Holiest City in the World, the city for which Jesus wept - unbelivable. We have prayed where Jesus prayed (Garden of Gethsemane), stood where Jesus stood (the Temple of Jerusalem), walked where Jesus walked (the Via Dolorosa) and have been to the place to which Jesus will return when He comes again one day (the Mount of Olives). Words cannot describe this experience. I truly wish every one of you could be here right now.

Today, we will worship as you worship at McGregor. We won't have incredible music as we have at McGregor, no huge crowds, no great Sunday School classes, but still -- how could we be more blessed? Today, we will worship in Jerusalem. What a blessing!

I'm praying for a great day for everyone back at McGregor - I KNOW I'll have a great day here in Israel.

God is good - all the time.

Traveling

2008-03-31T09:48:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone.

Traveling - I love it, and I hate it. Airports, packing, foreign beds, being away from my wife and church - not so much.

The best part - going someplace really, really interesting. For the next several days, leaving today, I'm heading to the Holy Land with about 30+ folks from our church. Seeing the Sea of Galilee, the Upper Room, Golgatha, the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, the Dead Sea, Masada, and especially the tomb of Jesus - it's an incredible trip.

The part I enjoy the most is how acually seeing these places where Jesus lived and walked really makes the Bible come alive more than ever. whether my devotional time, or my sermon preparation time or just sharing with Christian friends, it is so meaningful to have seen these places that I read about and talk about.

Please pray for our entire group. Pray for my wife's health (she regularly has severe headaches that makes traveling difficult), pray for safety as we travel, for nerves - even real anxiety on the part of some travelers because of all we read in the papers...

Now Spinning...

2008-03-13T11:03:00.004-04:00

OK guys - I got too many plates spinning - in my HEAD!! Here's what's on them...

Get this: We baptized 60 - that's right 60 - wonderful people at church last Sunday. Thanks to all who made it a GREAT day in the Lord's house! Now, let's go personally disciple every one of them to become "fully devoted followers of Christ."
The TRANSFORMED conference is coming this weekend. 4500+ registered - unbelievable. Praying for many people to catch the excitement of witnessing to lost friends and neighbors. We'll be in the Worship Center, the Fellowship Hall, Stage 1 in the Grace Building -- people will be EVERYWHERE!

Palm Sunday with Ray Comfort speaking - will be awesome.

EASTER - the greatest single Sunday of the year. I can't wait. The music will be awesome (always is!) and the expectancy will be off the charts. It'll be great. This year, Easter is March 23rd -- the earliest in the year it could ever be.

Flying to Israel with about 30+ of our folks to "walk where Jesus walked" - it is a life changing trip. Wish every one of you could go - you would never be the same.

Again, I am so grateful to the Lord for the JOY of serving His - along with many of you - to the Glory of Jesus Christ.

Have a great day in Jesus!
rp

2008-02-27T12:34:00.000-05:00

I feel horrible....... but I'm having a GREAT time.
Weird, I know, but it's true.
I'm sitting here at First Baptist Church, Houston, Texas and one of my heroes, Dr. John Bisagno is here - I'm having a blast. What a joy to listen to his wisdom, his humility, and his vision. His so annointed and I love being around men that have a passion for the local church. Pastor Greg Mott, Dr. Bisagno's successor is here. Bisagno is about ......oh, about 90 and Greg is 34. Neat transition story.
Now, here's some context - I feel lousy. Sinus stuff has really got me. Bad headache, runny nose, "mack truch hit me" kind of feeling. But I LOVE being here. The Lord just confirmed in my heart how called I am to the local church. This (the local church) is where it's at!! This is where the excitement is, it's where God is blessing the most - I LOVE being a part of what God is doing in the CHURCH.

I am sitting here with about 30 pastors of the best, most agressive, evangelistic churches from all accross the nation (California to Maryland, Illinois to Florida). These guys are super. Yet, I gotta tell all of you, even when I hear all that is happening in all these churches, I am blessed to Pastor the GREATEST church in the nation - no, in the WORLD!!! McGregor Baptist Church. Don't tell all my pastor friends I said that - but it's TRUE!!!!!!!
I hope you really believe that with me. We are SO BLESSED at McGregor.. No, we aren't perfect and we've had a tough year is some ways, but.......God is SO GOOD. We are hugely blessed - and we are so undeserving. It's all HIM, it's all His Grace, it's HIS CHURCH. And I love it!!

If you have an issue with something at McGregor - call me. If you don't - tell SOMEONE, invite someone, bring someone with you to Sunday School and church. Pray that the Holy Spirit would move mightily in their heart. I want to see every person in Lee County come to Christ. You can help, I can help, McGregor can help - GOD CAN DO IT!!!

Whew - that felt good. Getting that off my chest felt good. Now I feel better, still got sinus junk, but I feel better. Thanks for hearing me out - it's my HEART CRY.

Study Break

2008-02-14T15:10:00.001-05:00

A couple of times every year, I try to get away - I mean really get away for an extended period of time - and just study and pray and prepare for preaching.

That's what I'm doing this week. Imagine 10 to 14 hours each day doing nothing but looking at God's Word, praying about the needs of our people and listening for God's voice as to what to preach and teach.
It is awesome!! I love it!! It is the very idea of "drawing near to the Lord" - it is such a blessing.

Here's why I share that with you. I look forward to this week perhaps more than any other time all year. More than Christmas or Easter - I look forward to these times of being alone with the Lord. It is an incredible blessing to leave the stresses of this world and focus only on the Lord. The world, the church, the ministry, the noise, my own carnality - all these things make it so hard to focus totally on the Lord. For me, perhaps just like you, I yearn to be closer to the Lord every passing day.

I want to challenge you to strive to have a time to focus ONLY on the Lord. A few minutes each day, maybe one evening each month, perhaps a couple of days each year - to super focus on being alone with God. That time is so awesome and special to me.

I just wanted to share that with you. That's really private to me - but I wanted you to know.
I'm having a GREAT week - now, more than ever I can't wait to get back and be with you.
Can't wait to be with you on Sunday!!

Pray and expect God to do BIG things - that only He can do - in YOU!!

rp

How Beautiful...

2008-01-30T10:46:00.000-05:00

Many things going on - many things to share.
First of all, so much hurt and damage is done on some blogs, and I pray that this one will always be totally pleasing to the Lord, and uplifting in every way. (I just read one of those "other" ones - very discouraging!!)

I hope and pray that EVERY ONE OF YOU are plugging into our mid-week FOCUS service. I can't think of anything that has blessed me this much in recent years. I, too, had some "spiritual indigestion" at the idea of not having Sunday night services (I have been Baptist since 9 months before I was born!!), but was very excited about this "targeted toward discipleship" service. I have not been disappointed. Far from it... I have been blessed personally even beyond my greatest expectations. Can't wait for this tonight's FOCUS! Music will be awesome and the Bible teaching challenging even for this Bible teacher!!

Our Global Impact Celebration (GIC) is upon us. Isaiah wrote, "how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of them who bring good news." Our missionaries do just that. Can't wait for this conference. Missionaries are my heroes.

I have just returned from a meeting of the International Mission Board Trustees where we have appointed 39 new missionaries to go around the world to tell people about Jesus. They are so burdened for the lost world. That challenges me - I want to reflect that passion. Join me. Tell someone about Jesus today!!

Another joy - I get to go to Tampa Friday and Saturday and watch my grandson. Heather is going to a women's conference and Andrew has some "Middle School Ministry" stuff to do. They need a baby-sitter. LuAnne volunteered us - I'm so glad she did. What a great way to spend an evening!!

Keep it centered on Jesus!!
rp

Exciting New Year

2008-01-13T13:21:00.000-05:00

Hey friends. Sorry for the long time since my last blog.
I wish I could let you hear all that I hear. Over the last few days, I have heard from so many people and how God is blessing folks with amazing life changing experiences - from the ministry here at McGregor. I LIVE for that!!
One new friend and brother, recently released from prison, was saved there, discipled by our prison ministry team, was baptized here at McGregor and is so excited about growing in his love for Jesus. His enthusiasm is contagious.
Another young lady I have met is facing some really difficult circumstances yet so hungry to learn about her new faith in Christ.
I've heard so many positive comments about our new Single Adult Pastor. Arthur Keeley is no stranger to us. He and his family have been members of our church for several years. Knowing his heart for ministry and loving personality just make his ministry here on our staff that much more exciting.
Same for our new High School Pastor, Ben Fleming. He's awesome. Many of our students have a renewed sense of excitement for the ministry to them and their friends. With Pastor Ben leading our High School students and Steven Anderson leading our Middle School ministry, our Student ministry is stronger than ever!!
2008 is off to an incredible start. Enthusiasm is building for our FOCUS mid-week service -- the place to be for all of our members who are hungry for the "focus-ed" study of the Word of God. Great worship and great Bible study- I wouldn't want to miss a single Wednesday FOCUS. Come and bring ALL your friends. Awesome service!!!!

rp

2007-12-13T19:24:00.001-05:00

Wow - I always knew Christmas was a busy time but this year seems like it's even more so than before.
Join me in praying for our last weekend of Christmas Pageant. Many will attend, many will be hurting, many will be ignorant of the real reason for the season, many will be satisfied with "Happy Holidays," when it really isn't, and many will be in need of a "Merry Christmas" - pray for God to do what only He can do.

Some of you have heard by now of the movie "The Golden Compass" being released this Christmas season. I have read a lot about this movie. I had begun to put together some information to help you understand the concerns that I have about this movie. The more I read, the more I realized that this blog couldn't contain all of my concerns. This is a movie written by a man totally committed to eliminating the Christian worldview.
Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has written a lengthy blog that adequately expresses the Biblical concerns that every believer should know. Read it at http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1065

Wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS,
rp

He's Faithful...

2007-11-17T09:51:00.000-05:00

I am rejoicing in another wonderful week. So many things are happening that I feel the hand of God so powerfully a part of it all.
As a church, we have struggled this year with our budget giving primarily because of the economic down-turn here in SW Florida.
Another article in the paper of record unemployment, yet still below national averages. But I hear from our business men that things are getting better and looking up. God is faithful.
I still hear about many of our people who are struggling financially – I pray regularly for the ones I know about and many that I don’t know about.

Still, so much to rejoice about. I am so happy to be able to share that God has quickly brought to us a new High School pastor. Ben Fleming is a huge answer to our prayers.
Our students don’t need a long period without great leadership and that’s exactly what Pastor Ben will bring to us. Pastor Ben led our Middle school summer camp (SPASM) and did a fantastic job. Then, in God’s perfect timing, God led Jeremy to a new and exciting ministry in NC as we began our search. The Lord ordained our circumstances and search to focus on Pastor Ben. The more we prayed and talked, the more it was very obvious that he is God’s man for us.
Many of our students have met and heard his speak at Backstage, and many of our HS adult leaders have met and talked to him. We are all very excited to welcome Ben and his wife, Maggie, to our staff. We’ll introduce him to our church family as soon as they move here to Ft. Myers. I’m so excited to have him on our staff team. Welcome Pastor Ben!!!

Christmas is almost here, Pageant is really close, Thanksgiving is already here. God is good all the time. I love being His follower.
Praise Him today – just for who He is!!

rp

And Who Shall Go for Us? David & Tracy...

2007-11-08T09:58:00.000-05:00

Ok, I still get a lump in my throat whenever I'm around missionaries. My mom and dad just instilled that in me a long time ago.
Tonight, I got a huge blessing being in Springfield, Illinois as we commissioned 82 new missionaries. All of these new Southern Baptist missionaries are very committed and sacrificing so much to go all over the world to tell people about Jesus.

The blessing was mutiplied by the fact that one of the couples being sent to the mission field is one of our families from McGregor. David and Tracy Delac were a part of this service. They are preparing to go as SBC missionaries to South Africa in the Spring. What a blessing. Unbelievable. Awesome.
To see David and Tracy with tears in their eyes as they respond to God's call on their life to share the love of Jesus was wonderful.
David and Tracy, I love you guys and I'm so proud of you, and happy for you. God will bless you richly for your obedience to follow His Will for the rest of your lives. You are my heroes!!

It reminded me that we are all called to be missionaries. Some as full-time missionaries (like David and Tracy), some as teachers, doctors, home-makers, businessmen and women, or wherever God has called you to serve. Remember, our primary calling is ALWAYS to share Christ no matter our vocation.

So, on behalf of David and Tracy, let's join them and tell someone about Jesus in Ft. Myers and they go to South Africa to do the same. They are being faithful to God's call on their life - I hope and pray each of you are too.

rp

October...

2007-10-25T11:30:00.000-04:00

Unbelievable month of October (and we’re not done yet!)

- Many, many decisions in our services. New members, new believers, tearful rededications – awesome.
- This Sunday will be wonderful. Dr Gary Frazier will be preaching. He is the primary speaker with the “Left Behind” series of conferences around the nation. Dr. Frazier has been an evangelist for 30+ years primarily speaking on eschatology, our Biblical relationship with Israel as a nation and as a Christian people. He is also the owner of the company that we are traveling with to Israel in the Spring. The last time I took a group from our church to Israel, he preached for over one hour on Sunday morning as we over-looked Jerusalem – unbelievable time of inspiration. You will be hugely blessed.
- New staff – what an answer to our prayers. Cynthia Turner, our new Preschool Ministry Director, will be here for our Family Fest and begin her ministry then. And – wonderful news here – we have extended a call to our new Single Adult minister. He is one of our own – Arthur Keeley. I am so excited about Arthur, he is a wonderful and deeply committed man of God and many of our Single Adults already know and love him. Welcome aboard !!
- Pageant is on the way (tickets selling fast!!), Family Fest will be awesome, the Thanksgiving fellowship time (tickets are selling fast to that too) and concert with Mark Harris will be a great time of worship and inspiration. I love Mark’s voice (he used to be in 4HIM and TRUTH) but I also love his heart. He truly loves the worship that happens when the family of God gathers. He will bless us

So much going on – so much yet to do – so many people praying – such a great God and Savior.

Let’s stay radically committed to Jesus.

rp

Getting Away with God...

2007-10-11T15:55:00.001-04:00

I started a routine several years ago that just gets better with age.
Preaching is such a "drain." Don't get me wrong, I love to preach, but it is so draining spiritually.
It is the single most important reason that my devotional time is easy for me to protect.
Several years ago I started a routine of getting away for several days twice each year to pray, plan and prepare to preach.
No phones, no people, no razor - really, I seclude myself as much as possible and just "do business" with the Lord.
I love these times. I cherish the "wilderness" experience with the Lord.

I'm there right now. I check emails for about 15 minutes twice a day and have received dozens of emails from people who knew this was my study week. People praying for me, asking God to speak clearly to my heart - what a blessing.
I've experience many "mountain-top" experiences in my life and ministy and I hope many more yet to come.
Yet, few will ever rival this time of just getting away and focusing on the Lord and His Word.
What a blessing.
Want to come join me? Sorry, I forgot - no people. So play your time away with the Lord. Maybe in segments like me or in smaller times each day so God can set the agenda for your day.

Be blessed. I am.

rp

Human Resources...

2007-10-03T08:44:00.001-04:00

We say this often, and it is very true. One of McGregor's greatest assets is our very strong and spirit-filled staff.
We have one of the finest church staff teams that I know of anywhere in the country. Because they are so strong, sometimes they are called of God to other places of ministry and service. Thinking big picture and "Kingdom perspective" means that's OK, but then God keeps bringing us incredible new staff leaders.
We are blessed with a couple of newer staff ministers in Shawn Bergen and Tod Tanner. I hope you are getting to know these two men and their wives and children. Both are great additions to our "team."
I have some wonderful news on two fronts.
First, I am so glad to share with you that God has answered our prayer for a Preschool Ministry Director. Cynthia Turner will join our staff at the end of this month in this position. She is a newly wed (four weeks!!) who comes to us with a wealth of experience from two wonderful churches. She has a heart for preschool ministry and a great vision for leading our preschool volunteers and encouraging preschool parents. Can't wait for her to get here.
Also, I'm so happy and excited for Hank Garner and Dawn O'Neal. These two staff members are getting married this Saturday. I've never had this to happen before but it has been so fun to watch. These two team members are very gifted in their ministry area, and then to see them sense and follow the Lord's lead into marriage is awesome. Dawn and Hank, I love you both and am so happy to see you getting married.
I"m so grateful for the ministry of Jeremy Emory as our High School Minister. He and Sharon came here as "Interns" and have progressed in the staff arena. Jeremy has done a wonderful job with our students and they love him so much for his personal care and his caring personality. Jeremy will be greatly missed (and Sharon and Brayden) but I really believe God has great things in store in Jeremy's new ministry that lies ahead. I will miss them both greatly.

Please continue to pray for our staff - the best of the best!!!

rp

Praise Him in the Storm

2007-09-17T17:37:00.000-04:00

Tornadoes hit our area.
We have hurricane threats in Southwest Florida nearly every season. I never say this publicly, but I fear tornadoes much more. Tornadoes were a regular part of the weather pattern in Mississippi, where we lived for almost 10 years. They are unpredictable, stealthy and deadly.

Join me in praying for opportunities to turn this sudden tornado tragedy into a witness for the Lord.

Much like tornadoes, the threats of unchecked temptation pops up like an isolated thunderstorm – unpredictable, stealthy – and that temptation leads to sin. We can sometimes see and hear the warnings that a personal tornado is coming if we give in to that temptation, and we choose to ignore it. Unfortunately, the damage can be devastating for our lives, our homes, our families: people that we love and care about – all because we ignored the warnings. Ask the Lord today to show you areas of your life where temptation could lead sin, confess it to Him, and ask him daily to deliver you from it.

In other news…
I am so excited to see God at work in our PEOPLE.
I talked to one friend, who sent me his friend who was asking serious questions about the Lord. And, I talked to four prospect families who are new to the area and praying about joining McGregor.
We’re gearing up a comprehensive evangelism strategy to launch soon. It’ll be so exciting because I love seeing new “soul winners” head out into the harvest fields – and the fields are white in our “Jerusalem.” Shawn Bergen, our new Minister of Evangelism, is already working hard on the details.
Pray with me (as I hope you already are!!!) about a new Preschool Ministry Director and a Single Adult pastor. It’s unbelievable that so much goes
on behind the scenes to make Preschool Ministry and Singles Ministry happen, and we’ve been praying for quite awhile for just the right people to take the lead in those ministries. God may be about to answer both of these prayers!

Pray for two people I have come to love and appreciate who serve on our staff - Hank Garner and Dawn O'Neal.
Both a super ministers here at McGregor, but beyond that, God has brought them together for an even greater purpose -
to begin a life together as husband and wife. They will be getting married on October 6.
I love to see God's BIG picture. Yes, God brought both of them here to serve with us, but also to find each other for a lifetime.
That is a blessing to me in a huge way.

The winds of change are blowing at McGregor. I am excited even as I deal with the personal side of the change - it knocks me out of my comfort zone.

God is good -- all the time...

Be blessed in Jesus.

rp

Until He Comes or Calls Us Home...

2007-09-13T00:26:00.000-04:00

I don't like to travel. I love to serve the Lord, so sometimes I have to.
I'm one of the Trustees of the International Mission Board of our convention and we're meeting in Ashville.
We have 5200 missionaries around the world. Awesome
At this Trustee meeting, we have invited over 2000 recently retired missionaries to come to Ashville North Carolina so we could worship together and share our appreciation for their service.
I am so humbled to be around these incredible people who have literally given their entire life to go all over the World to tell people about Jesus. They have sacrificed so much for the sake of the Gospel. They are my heroes.
Last night, after the worship service, one of the retired missionary couples (I can't remember their names) was heading to their hotel and had a terrible accident. He was seriously injured and she was killed.
Unbelievable. So disheartening. Until I am reminded by the Lord, that they gave their life to get people ready to die - and they were so ready.
It just reminds me of why I do what I do. God called me to give my life to sharing Jesus in the local church.
We are all missionaries where God has called us to serve. Some of you are missionaries at your office, or school, or plant, or neighborhood - or wherever you are called to serve or work. Your calling is as much from God as is mine or any missionary. We are to share Jesus at any time and with anybody.
Pray for God to use you to lead others to Christ.
Pray for the family of this missionary couple so devastated by this accident.
Pray for all our missionaries as they minister all around the world.
Pray for God to use YOU in the same way.

rp

To Everything There is a Season

2007-09-13T00:25:00.000-04:00

My parents always told me that the only things that never change are death and taxes. That includes church.

Recently, we shared with our folks about a change in our worship schedule. Many, many people have shared with me how excited they are about the new schedule.
For me, it's change -- a change in what I've been used to for a LONG time. I have really wrestled with this one.

Here's the deal… I am so excited about what this will do for our church's ministry for years to come. More importantly, I absolutely believe God will use this to increase our effectiveness.
Sunday night for several years, has been a tough time to come back to church for many of our young couples and senior adults. And attendance on Sunday evenings has gradually dwindled, even while this service has been a great time of worship and praise for all who came. In many ways, it is my favorite time of worship. I LOVE gathering with the family of God.
In these days of faster-paced, hectic lives and heavy traffic all over our area, so many of our people travel from so far that returning for Sunday night services is tough, and we know that our families with young children have a hard time getting the little ones back to church AND ready for school the next morning.

Our Wednesday schedule has become far better attended by young and old alike.

Our purpose as a church is to reach people and disciple believers. Reaching people is the primary purpose of Sunday morning. Discipling believers has always been the purpose of the second service. For decades, Christians have used the Sunday night service for that purpose. There's no real Biblical reason, it was merely tradition that served the church well for a long time.
Now, the needs of our church family have changed. Our Biblical purpose hasn't changed, but our schedule needs to shift in order to better meet this need to disciple our believers.

I can foresee our Wednesday night service growing for years to come. Hundreds can gather for worship and Bible study and discipleship. We’ll continue to have children’s programs for kids of all ages. I can see many believers gather for that mid-week spiritual feast from the Word of God. What a great way to hear from the Lord and fellowship with the church family in the middle of each week!

Change is beneficial, even if it takes some getting used to.
Many years ago, most church (practically ALL churches) only had one service each week. I'm so glad years ago somebody stood up and said, "let's have a second worship service, especially designed to teach the Bible." So they planned a second service in the evening. Very few could come mid-week. Most members were farmers and worked sun-up until sun-down. But their lifestyle and schedule allowed services Sunday morning and evening. Nothing has changed - really. Only that the lifestyles and schedule of our members lends itself to a second service that is mid-week instead of Sunday night. This will actually INCREASE our effectiveness in doing what God has called us to do - disciple our members through that second service.

As you pray, please pray for our Sunday night services through the rest of this year. We have some AWESOME services planned - you don't want to miss them. Then, after the first of the new year, we will have an incredible, God-anointed service that includes some great praise and worship and Bible teaching aimed at challenging and discipling the believer.

Pray that God will always challenge us to be more effective than ever in reaching people for Jesus and making disciples.
Remember, we do "whatever it takes" to help people become fully devoted followers of Christ.

rp

2007-08-29T23:00:00.000-04:00

OK, OK, I know, it's been a while. My bad. I'll do better in the future.

I have always been a big fan of "landmark" moments in life. I've been blessed to have many. The day I was saved, my wedding, the birth of our kids, and many more. Recently, the birth of our grandson who turns ONE on October 20, the wedding of our two oldest to wonderful mates. Kayla continues to provide them.
This one is different. I won't ever forget this one.
Last Friday morning, about 4 am, Lu and I were awakened by a police officer yelling at our front door, "Police, anyone home?"
Frightened yet trusting of officers, we answered and were told that someone had stolen a car, and after a high speed chase, had rammed through the gate of our subdivision, parked accross the street from our house and fled on foot.
That's scary enough but it gets worse. I had left the garage door open and the police were afraid that the theif might be in our garage, or worse, perhaps in our house somewhere.
They came in with several officers and a K-9 officer (dog) and looked in every nook and cranny of our house.

It was my fault and I have changed some long overdue habits about security yet there is a bigger issue here.
In Christ, there really is no such thing as luck or coincidence. God is in total control. I believe that and love believing that. I find peace in trusting my circumstances to my God.
Yet, even though we live our lives rather transparently, it shocked me to the core to think of someone having been in our house.

No real deep spiritual stuff going on here - for me, it's just a reminder that in the good and bad, God is always in control. That's easy most of the time, it was hard last Friday. I like my house, I like my stuff, I love my wife. I'll keep praying for God's protection, according to His will.
By the way, I pray for you too. I want you to be in the center of God's will - in everything. The good times and bad. Even at 4 in the morning.......

rp

A Life Lived for Jesus...

2007-07-23T20:50:00.000-04:00

I like living! As a matter of fact, I love life!!
I’m a “cup is half full” kind of guy. One of my mentors in the ministry told me one time that the key to effective pasturing is to “love Jesus and love people.” I got those cover with change to spare.
But, everyone faces sad times -- including me. In fact, I’m facing a really sad time right now. One of my closest friends here at MBC (or anywhere) passed away Saturday night. Warren Wilkin was one of the greatest Christians, one of the greatest leaders, and one of the sweetest friends I’ve ever known.
I know he is in Heaven and that is a GREAT comfort. His sweet wife knows that. Yet, it’s tough to lose a man of that depth and closeness – anytime.
When I picked up my wife at the airport, when I saw my daughter Sunday afternoon, when I called my dad – all of these moments meant just a little more than ever because I am reminded that in this wonderful “rat race” called LIFE, it’s people and relationships that matter most.
Jesus tells us over and over in the Bible, that God loves us and wants a relationship with us. I preach that all the time. And from time to time, life reminds me of how true that really is.
The last time I saw Warren before he went home to Heaven, we prayed together. I told him how much he meant to me and my family. I rejoice in his homegoing, and in him memory, I’m desiring to establish more relationships with more people as we live each day for Jesus.

rp

Landmarks

2007-07-12T17:51:00.000-04:00

All of us have milestones in life. People, events, situations that are "markers" in life for us. Our wedding, the birth of our kids, certainly our salvation, etc. There's a verse in the Old Testament that talks about remembering the "landmarks" in life.
For me, here's a partial list of "landmark" events for me: My salvation, my baptism, my public and significant rededication, my ordination to ministry, my first sermon, my wedding. There are others but those are pretty important events that God used to help shape my life.
ALL THOSE LANDMARKS happened in ONE PLACE - really, one room. Yesterday, on vacation in Spartanburg, my home town, I visited my home church with Heather and Kayla. I opened that back door of the worship center at the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg and stepped inside the sanctuary (that's what we called it back then.)
I stood there - motionless, speechless, - all I could do is just stand there in awe as my heart smiled.
I wasn't in awe of the building or the room, just in awe of how God has blessed me and my family in so many ways.
So much of it is because of commitments and decisions I have made in that room. They have defined my life even until today.
Often, we forget that the decisions we make largely define the course of our life. God chooses to bless us or remove His blessings from us largely because of the decisions we make either to commit to Him or not to. My life has been far from perfect - but I am overwhelmed by His blessings and I am tremendously grateful that I have chosen HIM as the focus of my life - my total focus. His blessings have been worth it by a mile.
Make your choices - for Jesus, in little ways and in big ways. A devotion time each day is a little thing - a life commitment is a big thing - each is a "landmark" that pays big dividends of blessings from Him.

Be blessed today - landmark this day for Christ.

rp

2007-07-06T11:44:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows me (and perhaps even those who don't) knows that family is very important to me.
I pastor a wonderful church family, but my primary responsibility is my own family. I take BOTH very seriously. These last few days have been days where I have had the joy of having my whole family together.
Heather (our oldest), husband Andrew, and grandson Aidan are here from Virginia. Alan (only son) and his wife Brycie are here from Los Angeles. Kayla (youngest) is with us for the whole summer from college. LuAnne and I have all of our family together for a few days. Awesome!
We are at Myrtle Beach - all of us, together, in one house, a very small house, all of us - together!!
It is WONDERFUL.
It simply reminds me of one of God's best blessings - the gift of life, the gift of love, the gift of family.
I grew up in a large church where -- remember this was many years ago -- we used to sing the Doxology every Sunday as the ushers brought the offerings back down the aisle and put them on the Lord's Supper table for everyone to see. I guess the Pastor and church family were thanking God for the offering. I get that.
But for me, I break out in a silent doxology of the heart for this blessing of being with my most precious human blessings - my wife and kids, and now spouses and grandson.
I believe I am one of the most blessed of God men that I know - God is WAY too good to me. I'm reminded of that often - especially these last few days.
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.

rp

2007-06-21T12:17:00.000-04:00

I was sitting in the den at my house with my wife and youngest daughter, Kayla. My oldest daughter, Heather, and our grandson, Aidan, were arriving that day for a visit. Sitting there in that moment I was really overwhelmed with God’s goodness to me and my family. I shared this feeling with LuAnne and Kayla – how God has been and is so good to us.

I know some of you may be having bad days or tough times to go through, and I’m dealing with some personal things too, but, I am constantly amazed at God’s goodness. I love my wife (even more today than the day I married her 27 years ago), we are blessed with three awesome kids, and two “in-law” kids – all who love and serve the Lord. We serve along side one of the best church staffs at one of the greatest churches anywhere – I’m almost ready to shout!! Thank you Jesus. I am so totally grateful for His awesome blessings.

But I am scared!

I am concerned.

Not in a “I don’t have enough faith” kind of way. But in a “I don’t want to do anything to mess this up” kind of way.

I want to see God do even MORE in the days to come in my life and in our church’s ministry.

I have a pastor friend who challenged his church in this way – I think it’s right for us too. Would you pray and believe God with me?

Let’s pray that, as a church family we will…….

- NEVER be satisfied with where we are!

- Always be thankful for what God has done!

- NEVER limit what God can do!

- ALWAYS dream big – and take bold steps of faith!

- NEVER stop reaching people for Jesus!

- ALWAYS spend money for Great Commission ministry!

- NEVER let the critics and skeptics silence us!

- ALWAYS be willing to make time for Christ in our lives!

- NEVER forget where our source of strength comes from!

- ALWAYS celebrate where we are going – even before we get there!

- NEVER allow creativity to supersede Scripture!

- ALWAYS show the world how relevant the Gospel is!

- NEVER lift up personalities!

- ALWAYS lift up the name above all names – JESUS!!

We are so blessed here at McGregor. And I think the greatest blessing is that God’s greatest blessings are yet to come!!

dRP

I was just thinking...

2007-06-08T13:49:00.001-04:00

...about the irony of what the next few days hold for me. Today I'll experience the culmination of a tremendous week of VBS. Our whole staff acts and play like kids because we are playing with kids - hundreds of them. Check out the crazy pictures on Mark's Blog. It's been a great week. So far, at least 42 children have asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior this week. I'm praying for a great harvest tonight. Precious young lives are being changed right in front of our eyes. Some will never be the same - only time will tell. It is up to us as a church family to make sure that McGregor is always a fun and safe place for kids so that, when they're older, they'll remember their church experience fondly and long for their children to experience the same.

This Sunday night's VBS Family night is huge. Many families, many who would normally NEVER go to any church will be here. I LIVE for these moments. We have a real chance to introduce them to Christ and our church - and some will be drawn to both. THAT is what I am so excited about. I'm more than praying for this; I'm begging God to show up, touch hearts, bless as only He can. Lives are on the line.

Then, Monday I leave for the Southern Baptist Convention. I love my convention. Sometimes, as a Christian at my age, I feel very alone in my love for this great old convention. So many are bolting for less bureaucratic lines of church development and Kingdom growth. The convention grows........old. Every year. I pray that the SBC's influence isn't diminished among younger believers in the future.

There are numerous Baptist distinctives that I believe are very important guidelines for applying our theology and doctrine, as well as church polity (the practice and governance of "church"). Additionally, the SBC has what I believe to be the most extensive network of missionaries and mission endeavors of any other evangelical organization -- all supported by Cooperative Program gifts of our church and the 42,000 other member churches. Read more about what we believe in the Baptist Faith & Message. It's an incredible story of God's faithfulness, where we, as Southern Baptists, have come from and where we're going.

All of that being said, I was just thinking about how I absolutely love these young, innocent, growing, maturing VBS kids and their families. And, I also love our old, somewhat tiring, somewhat outdated Convention. I think BOTH are absolutely crucial to the advancement of the Kingdom. Yet, they are so.......different.

I love both the kids and the Convention. They seem sometimes to have so little in common and so little respect for each other.

I was just thinking...

dRP

I'm Not in Management...

2007-06-02T22:04:00.000-04:00

...just in sales. As a pastor, especially at McGregor, I have a lot of great pastors and "teammates" who help me make a lot of decisions that affect a lot of people. That keeps my prayer life very current: "Lord, give us wisdom that we might not mess up today..."

Sometimes, though, "decisions" get made for me. At the Pastor's Golf Challenge this weekend, things were taken completely out of our control and it was a real mess -- not due to anyone's planning; rather, it was Tropical Storm Barry on the FIRST DAY of hurricane season! The weather, the timing, the conditions, the effect on the tournament - it was all a mess.

Rain soaked the Friday round - some guys just quit (including me) and some fought on through. I'm sure for them, it was way less than an enjoyable round of golf. Saturday was canceled and re-scheduled for next Saturday (June 9). Any teams that didn't finish on Friday because of the weather can join us on Saturday and complete the tournament.

I really want this to be a GREAT tournament - and lots of folks want to beat me - bad! That's ok because my only real desire is to raise as much money as possible for the students going on mission trip. Everything we make from this tournament goes to help our students go around the world to share the love of Jesus. That's really important to me. Remember, I'm in sales. If you love Jesus, you are too.

I'm reminded of Paul's encouragement to the Christians at Thessolonica: "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Especially when we can't control the outcome, we need to recall God's faithfulness to us and praise him through every situation, whether the sun is shining on the golf course or you're playing through the storm.

dRP

I Know What You're Thinking...

2007-05-31T12:18:00.000-04:00

...all preachers do is play golf (and we only work on Sundays and half-a-day Wednesdays, too, right?)! This weekend, I'm playing a lot of golf -- for a life-changing cause. On Friday and Saturday, I'm playing in the PASTOR'S GOLF CHALLENGE. We use this every year to raise money to send middle school, high school, and college/career students on their mission trips. This changes lives. Not the golf, but the trips. I've seen so many kids have their lives and hearts transformed dramatically through these mission opportunities. That's why I'm playing golf this weekend. Call Cary if you want to play this weekend, or e-mail me.

MY FIRST BLOG POST
Yes, this is my first venture into the blogosphere. I'm just a pastor musing on life together with the family at McGregor Baptist Church -- the best people anywhere. Check back for updates. I probably won't have something new EVERY day, but definitely often.

dRP