Colboch's Christmas Letter 2017

Dear Friends,

We pray this letter and Christmas greeting find you and yours happy, healthy, and serving Jesus! For us, 2017 has brought a whirlwind of change for our family, so we decided to write a letter to bring you up to speed on where we are and the wonderful things God has been doing.

After 14 years serving the Lord in Hartsville, SC; God in His sovereign mercy and infinite wisdom moved our family to a new ministry at Grace Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, FL where I now serve as the Senior Pastor. God was so good to us through the years in Hartsville and a summary of what He accomplished during those 14 years can be found on my personal website at garycolboch.com. We left behind many very dear friends, but realize that miles don’t separate true friendships. Several have already come to visit us in FL, others call and send cards regularly, and some are already making plans to stay with us in the summer of 2018. We have not moved often in our ministry, but with each move God just enlarges our circle of friends!

Looking back, we see how amazing God is and how Psalm 37:23 is so true, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD…” God was ordering our steps, even before we realized it! In the summer of 2016, we put our house on the market for the purpose of downsizing and our house sold in a few short weeks from list to close. We tried to buy 3 houses, but each purchase fell through and just 1 week before we closed on a 4th house, God revealed our move. All along, it was as though He was saying, “You’re not staying in Hartsville... I need you somewhere else.” That became clear as on February 5, 2017, Grace Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, FL formally called me as their Senior Pastor. The church had been without a Pastor for 7 months and the Lord connected us just 3 days before they closed their search. During our 5-day visit interacting with the church members (prior to the church vote), we signed a contract on a house that wasn’t even listed on the market. (Did you get that? After months of unsuccessful looking for a house in SC, the Lord led us to a house in FL in just 5 days.) Until we officially closed on the house, God provided me with a free apartment and used a renter from Chicago to delay the closing on our new house, until Flora finished teaching in SC. Through God’s provision, we never had the pressure of 2 house payments. Oh… and did I forget to mention that our new house is… right on the golf course! Amen!

To share the next amazing detail… Grace is a place that has special meaning for Flora and me. Grace was a church plant from my home church, FBC of West Hollywood. Grace is the church where my sister-in-law grew up and where my wife and I first conversed at her brother’s wedding. Grace’s school (Highlands Christian Academy) was a big sports rival when I was competing in high school at Hollywood Christian and coaching at Berean Christian. The story of how God connected us with Grace is nothing short of a miracle and God’s hand can be clearly seen throughout the process. You can see more about Grace Baptist Church and Highlands Christian Academy by visiting:
• Church website – gbcfl.org
• Church Facebook - facebook.com/gracebaptistchurchfl
• School website – highlandschristian.org
• School Facebook - facebook.com/HighlandsChristianAcademy
• Twitter - #gbcfl or #wearehighlands

God is already blessing our efforts at Grace!
• In our first 10 months, God blessed us with 78 saved and 36 baptized in our services!
• Our total attendance has increased by 142.
• Approx. $30,000 of like-new furniture was recently donated to us. (Conference table/chairs, exec. desks & chairs, guest chairs, couches, file & storage cabinets, greenery, etc. and it’s all in great condition!)
• Our church will give $100,000 to missions in 2018.
• Our Haitian ministry launched on Dec. 10 with 115 present.
• Our Spanish ministry will launch on January 7.
• A Brazilian ministry will be launched in the spring of 2018.
• Highlands Christian Academy reached our goal of 600 students for 2017-18.
Again, we give God the glory for what HE is doing and thank Him for allowing us to be part of it!

Not only a new ministry, new house, and God’s blessings; but Flora also started a new job. When God puts the pieces together, they all fit perfectly! Flora had been working with 4K in SC for 11 years. Should it surprise us that a 4K teaching position opened at Highlands this year? The state of Florida pays schools for the 4K program, so the requirements on teachers is very high. Flora successfully completed the equivalent of 120 credit hours in 7 months (God allowed some previous CEU’s to count toward the requirements). Flora now has her FL VPK certification, national CDA certification, and is a NAEYC member! Pray for her as she works on her Spanish and Portuguese language skills to communicate with students and parents.

So… new ministry, new house, Flora’s new job… and let’s add new grandparents to the list! Our first grandchild, Hadlee Grace, was born to Courtney & Brandon on July 21, 2017. She is as cute as can be. So far, we’ve seen Hadlee (and our kids) more since we moved to FL than we did in SC. In addition, we get to Facetime regularly and receive daily videos of her progress. Courtney went back to work as an RN and Brandon continues his work as an attorney. I couldn’t be more proud as a dad and now a Pop!

New ministry… new house… new job for Flora… new granddaughter… and new son-in-law! Yep, Bethany was married to Bradley Gainey on November 6, 2017 on Deerfield Beach. The setting could not have been more perfect and I had the privilege of officiating the wedding. Justin Facenda opened the ceremony, so I could walk Bethany down the aisle. Bethany and Bradley reside in SC where Bradley works as an engineer. Bethany continues to work as a graphic designer. Bradley has been chasing Bethany since 5th grade, so we’re glad she finally let him catch her. Our family loves Bradley and it’s good to have sons-in-law that love our daughters, but also love the Lord! Two down and one to go. (No hurry)

New ministry… new house… new job for Flora… new granddaughter… new son-in-law… and a new study program for Lindsay! God answered our prayers and Lindsay was 1 of 10 accepted into the Physical Therapy Assistant program. God also provided a beautiful place for her to live with a long-time, family friend. This dear lady has taken Lindsay in like a daughter and we cannot thank her enough. We also thank our dear SC friends who still look out for Lindsay and have reached out to help her on several occasions.

As you can see, 2017 was a year of "NEW THINGS" for the Colboch family. The passage that Flora claimed this year was found in Isaiah 43:18-20; but especially vs. 19, “Behold, I will do a new thing..." For me, I chose Philippians 3:13-14 as my life's verses years ago and like the Apostle Paul, I am "...reaching forward to the things which are ahead..." We thank God for what He is doing in and through us. 2017 reminded us that God is faithful, He orders our steps, and He has a wonderful plan for us (Jer. 29:11) We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have been prayer warriors for us during this time of transition.

For those of you that live in the Hartsville area, I’ll be preaching a revival at Fourth Street Baptist Church on April 22-25, 2018. I was so honored to be invited by their Pastor and my friend, Harry Wallace, Jr. I would also be honored if you would mark your calendar and join us for that revival. It will be a wonderful time to reconnect with friends and, once again, preach the Word in the city where God allowed us to serve for so long!

We wish you a Merry Christmas,
Gary & Flora Colboch

Symbols of the Season Point Us to the Savior

You’ve heard the saying, “Jesus is the Reason for the season!” That is true, in spite of efforts to take Christ out of Christmas dating all the way back to King Herod’s effort to “take out” the baby, Jesus! Today, the Christmas season has been overtaken by commercialism and busyness. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, it is easy to forget what (Who) Christmas is all about. Yet, we are surrounded by symbols of the season that point us back to the Savior. Allow me to highlight a few of them.

Whether you are a Christian or atheist, whether you call it a Christmas tree or a holiday tree, whether you like real of artificial, the fact is that the Christmas tree points us back to Christ. It reminds us that Jesus was born for the purpose of dying. It was through His death on that old rugged cross (made from a tree) that eternal life would be purchased for all who believe.

A star is found at the top of many, if not most, Christmas trees. Stars are symbols of the Christmas season and seen on greeting cards, lampposts, ornaments, star shaped cookies, and so much more. The star reminds us of the star the wise men followed. It was the star that directed them to the King of Kings.

The practice of exchanging gifts reminds us of the gifts the wise men brought to the house (Matt 2:11). An undisclosed number of wise men arrived when Jesus was approximately two years old and came bearing three types of gifts. The gold was symbolic of Jesus as King, the frankincense symbolized Jesus as our High Priest, and the myrrh was symbolic of the spice that would be used to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.

Tied to many gift boxes are ribbons and bows. Christmas bows are often found on window decorations, atop of wreaths, and tied to mailboxes. No doubt that bows have become a staple part of Christmas. The bows are beautiful; but they are also symbolic and remind us of the “tie that binds,” that unity that Christ-followers find through Jesus Christ.

Candles have been part of the Christmas season from the beginning. Candles were used to decorate Christmas trees prior to the invention of electric bulbs and can now be found as decorations, in windows, on city lampposts, and used in Christmas Eve candlelight services. Christmas candles remind us of Jesus’ statement in John 8:12, “…“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Christmas bells are a beautiful part of the seasonal decorations and have inspired songs such as, “Jingle Bells,” “Silver Bells,” “Carol of the Bells,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “Come on Ring Those Bells,” and more. Traditionally, bells were used to ring in special days and to get attention prior to a major announcement. Christmas bells remind us of the announcement of Christ’s birth!

The colors of Christmas are red and green. Red symbolizes the blood that Jesus would shed to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind. Hebrews 9:22 reminds us, “…without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” Green is the color of the Christmas fir tree, an evergreen tree, which represents the fact that those who call on Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord will not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Red Poinsettias are often called the Christmas flower. The red color reminds us of the blood Jesus shed to purchase our salvation and the star shape of the flower reminds many of the star that led the wise men to Jesus. The annual bloom of a Poinsettia is beautiful and symbolizes the resurrection, as the flower blooms, withers, and blooms again the next year.

Boughs of green holly are often used to “deck the halls,” to decorate homes, and to make wreaths. Holly is prickly and reminds us of the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus’ head during the trials and crucifixion. The red berries remind us of the blood He shed for us.

Mistletoe is hung above doorways and light fixtures. It symbolizes love. Tommie Connor wrote the song, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” …where…underneath the mistletoe! This symbol of love should remind us that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16) and “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). God’s love for mankind is what Christmas is ALL about!

Stockings that are hung by the chimney with care are also a symbol that point us to the Savior. I know… some of you are already thinking… he’s really “stretching” this one! Think about it… when the stockings are empty, they hang limp, as though they are just waiting to be filled with gifts. Likewise, we are empty and waiting to be filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of our salvation!

Finally, for now, the Candy Cane is also a symbol pointing us to the Savior. The “Legend of the Candy Cane” tells the story of the candy cane and its rich symbolism. Click the link for the whole story or think about the “J” shape that represents Jesus, the “crook” shape that represents the shepherd’s staff, the “red” color that represents the blood of Christ, and that whenever a piece is broken-off, it reminds us of Christ’s body that was broken for us.

With so many Christmas symbols pointing back to Christ, it makes me wonder how anyone could miss the message of the manger found in Matthew 1:21, “And she (Mary) will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Without question, Jesus is the Reason for the season and the symbols point us to the Savior! This year, look for those Christmas symbols that point to Christ and receive God’s gift of salvation, if you have not already done so.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

"One of the most sacred principles in the American criminal justice system, is holding that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. In other words, the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, each essential element of the crime charged." - Nolo's Plain-English Law Dictionary. We have all heard that statement above or the term "presumption of innocence." Our American judicial system has always been based on a presumption of innocence; but the times they are a changing.

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you have heard about the accusations of sexual misconduct flying all over the entertainment world and Capital Hill recently. Having a wife and three daughters, I certainly believe men should conduct themselves properly and be held accountable whenever they cross the line of sexual harassment. Bill Cosby, Roger Ailes, Harvey Weinstein and other prominent individuals were proven guilty and deserve whatever punishment they received. On the other hand, it should concern all of us that in today's climate, any person can simply "claim" an act of misconduct and they can immediately ruin another person's reputation forever. With simply an accusation, a dark cloud can be cast and a stellar reputation can be lost whether the accusation is true or not.

Regardless of whether you are a Republican or Democrat, and whether or not you like a particular candidate; you should be concerned with what we are witnessing. Roy Moore has long been attacked for his conservative Christian beliefs; but throughout the years of accusations, he has never been accused of sexual misconduct, until now. President George H.W. Bush has had a stellar reputation and now some attempt to tarnish his reputation at age 93. I was stunned the other day when I read that Ravi Zacharias was now facing accusations from a lady who emailed nude pictures to him and then "claimed" that he solicited them. That's bizarre! In light of these recent headlines, it appears that VP Mike Pence revealed great wisdom and integrity when he stated that he does not have private meetings or dinners with those of the opposite sex.

People have always had a tendency to stomp on others as they try to climb the corporate ladder. Whether a pyramid scheme, a no-fault lawsuit, frivolous claims of negligence, or Bernie's push for Socialism; people will do whatever it takes to get money out of someone else's pocket. There is no doubt that narcissism has overtaken our society. Think of the world's affinity with selfies, social media, etc.; and it should not surprise us that people would do whatever it takes to advance their cause, even at the expense of others. I've seen it in the secular world and even in the church. I've also seen how accusations travel slow and are often snuffed out, when made against those who live by character, integrity and faith.

So what can we do? We must teach men to practice the biblical principle of being a "one woman man." Older men can teach the younger men how to properly treat and respect ladies. We can stay away from off-color jokes and comments. We can practice the Billy Graham rule of not being alone with a woman who is not your wife (at any time). Men should ask permission, prior to hugging or touching a woman for any reason. We can also genuinely love people in both business and ministry. People who feel loved and appreciated will probably help squelch the rumors. Finally, we can help comfort those who are being falsely accused. If we as believers join in the accusations without evidence, then where will hurting people go for comfort? Remember, Jesus loved the outcasts and provided many examples of extending forgiveness and facilitating reconciliation. Let's do our best to follow His example.