Sunday, November 13 was the departure date for our EBC Holy Land travelers. Those in our group included Gary & Flora Colboch, Justin Facenda, Milton & Pat Frazier, Billie McManus, Ramona Pippin, Zack Pippin, James & Jane Sparrow, and Dickie & Tammy White. We had a great time and I gained MANY sermon illustrations througout the trip, but I promised not to share too many!
On Sunday, we attended the morning services at EBC, enjoyed a Bojangle's chicken lunch together in the Fellowship Hall, then loaded for the trip to Atlanta. We took 3 vehicles (1 being a Suburban for sake of the luggage). Our departure goal was 1:00pm, and we were right on schedule. For the sake of convenience, we stopped in Lexington to save Zack the trip to Hartsville. When Zack got out carrying a bag only slightly larger than a computer bag, I thought he was joking; but having traveled extensively, he had truly packed for a 10 day trip in a bag smaller than the typical carry-on. I was taking notes for my next trip!
The rest of the travel day was rather uneventful and we arrived in Atlanta at approx, 6:00pm. Upon arriving at the Drury Inn at the Atlanta Airport, I was informed that they didn't have a reservation for us. The company we booked with had actually made our reservation at the Drury Inn in Marietta, which was 1 hour away. The hotel staff was great, made the correction, and accommodated us without any delay. I'd recommend them to anyone, and will definitely stay there again when flying out of Atlanta. Another great example of the benefits of customer service!
There was a Ruby Tuesday next door to the hotel, where we enjoyed supper. There was excitement in the air as we were finally "really" underway on our long anticipated trip!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Just Returned From the Holy Land
Last night, we returned from a 10 day trip to the Holy Land. The trip started when our church family designated our 2010 Christmas offering toward sending the Frazier's back to the Holy Land for one more visit. Milton & Pat served our church for 36 years, before he went to serve as the Chaplain at Piedmont Bible College in Winston Salem, NC. The Frazier's led 17 trips to Israel and we all knew they wanted to go one more time. Our church family desired to be a blessing to them, so God's people gave generously. Once we knew they were going, we opened the trip to the church and had an additional 10 people (including my wife and I) who joined them for the trip.
The trip was absolutely amazing and really brought clarity and understanding to the places and events recorded in the Scriptures. I plan to tell you about the trip on a day-by-day basis via this blog. I feel this will be the easiest way to convey the information to the most people. So, check back daily over the next week (or more).
I feel that EVERY Christian should visit the Holy Land at least once in his or her lifetime. In fact, every church should make a concentrated effort to send its pastor to Israel, and seminaries should require the trip for pastoral majors. It was eye opening and confirmed our misunderstandings and efforts to "Americanize" the Scriptures, without regard for or understanding of the culture, customs, language, geology, and geography of the Jewish people and land.
One thing is for sure... I will never be the same after this trip!
The trip was absolutely amazing and really brought clarity and understanding to the places and events recorded in the Scriptures. I plan to tell you about the trip on a day-by-day basis via this blog. I feel this will be the easiest way to convey the information to the most people. So, check back daily over the next week (or more).
I feel that EVERY Christian should visit the Holy Land at least once in his or her lifetime. In fact, every church should make a concentrated effort to send its pastor to Israel, and seminaries should require the trip for pastoral majors. It was eye opening and confirmed our misunderstandings and efforts to "Americanize" the Scriptures, without regard for or understanding of the culture, customs, language, geology, and geography of the Jewish people and land.
One thing is for sure... I will never be the same after this trip!
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Trunk-or-Treat 2011
AMAZING... doesn't quite cover the experience of last Sunday night EBC's Trunk-or-Treat. Nearly 2,000 people showed up for this Halloween alternative event. Over 40 car/truck/and motorcycle trunks were decorated and candy was being given out from each trunk! Prizes were given for best decorated trunks and the winners were: 1st Place - the circus side show, which included a bearded lady; 2nd Place - Popeye & Olive Oil, who were handing candy out of their boat; and 3rd Place - our own cafeteria staff serving it up with pots and pans!
In addition to giving out over 1,200 pounds of candy, those who came enjoyed concessions, ponies, and inflatable games. Almost 500 Bible were handed out to those who said they didn't have one in their home (that still blows my mind), and gospel tracts were given to each person!The only snag of the whole night was that the inflatable provider only provided 1/2 of what he was contracted to bring, so the lines were a little longer than they should have been. For that we apologize and that problem will be fixed for next year.
I want to thank all of our EBC folks who brought candy, decorated trunks, helped with concessions, security, keeping candy stocked, event setup, cleanup, and anything else that was needed. God has truly blessed EBC with some amazing people!
In addition to giving out over 1,200 pounds of candy, those who came enjoyed concessions, ponies, and inflatable games. Almost 500 Bible were handed out to those who said they didn't have one in their home (that still blows my mind), and gospel tracts were given to each person!The only snag of the whole night was that the inflatable provider only provided 1/2 of what he was contracted to bring, so the lines were a little longer than they should have been. For that we apologize and that problem will be fixed for next year.
I want to thank all of our EBC folks who brought candy, decorated trunks, helped with concessions, security, keeping candy stocked, event setup, cleanup, and anything else that was needed. God has truly blessed EBC with some amazing people!
Sunday Summary 11.06.11
This past Sunday was EBC's 85th Homecoming service. Pastor Emeritus, Milton Frazier, reminisced during our Life Group hour. He and Pat served EBC for 36 years and he shared much of the history of our church and then gave us a challenge to keep reaching people with the gospel.
Paul & Cathy Youmans returned as our guests of honor, and Paul preached in our morning service. The Youmans served as Youth Leaders at EBC in the early 1990's and God is now using them to lead a church in Orange City, FL. This was our first year without a Homecoming feast, but we did enjoy a time of Krispy Kreme Donuts, coffee, and milk between the Life Group hour and worship service. The Life Groups met for prayer and fellowship groups on Sunday night.
In the past two weeks, we have seen 3 people baptized and to join our church family. Jamie and Brandi were recently saved, followed our Lord in believer's baptism, and joined our church family. Bill & Jody have jumped into service with both feet. We had two more children register for AWANA... which is now running over 100 children! It's been exciting to see what is happening at EBC after 85 years!
Paul & Cathy Youmans returned as our guests of honor, and Paul preached in our morning service. The Youmans served as Youth Leaders at EBC in the early 1990's and God is now using them to lead a church in Orange City, FL. This was our first year without a Homecoming feast, but we did enjoy a time of Krispy Kreme Donuts, coffee, and milk between the Life Group hour and worship service. The Life Groups met for prayer and fellowship groups on Sunday night.
In the past two weeks, we have seen 3 people baptized and to join our church family. Jamie and Brandi were recently saved, followed our Lord in believer's baptism, and joined our church family. Bill & Jody have jumped into service with both feet. We had two more children register for AWANA... which is now running over 100 children! It's been exciting to see what is happening at EBC after 85 years!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday Summary 10.23.11
Yesterday was a wonderful day at Emmanuel. We were blessed to see Kerri follow in believer's baptism after trusting Christ as her Savior just 2 weeks ago! In addition, last week, we celebrated the addition of two new families to our EBC family - Bill & Jody, and Lori & her 2 daughters.
Yesterday's message was the first in a three-part series on biblical principles for handling personal finances. I'm drawing information from various authors including Ron Blue, Larry Burkett, and Dave Ramsey. These men understand that handling money is a spiritual activity and they give some wonderful financial principles derived from the Scriptures.
Our church, as most churches, has been hit by the downturn in our economy over the past few years. While our giving is strong, individual families are hurting. This series is designed to make sure we are wise stewards (asset managers) of the resources that God entrusts to us. God has promised to bless us with much, if we prove ourselves to be faithful with the little. We'll have two more weeks in this very practical series.
Last night, I shared from my heart the concerns I have as a pastor seeing people professing with their mouths to know God, but in works denying Him. Based on what the Bible teaches, there are many who claim to be saved, but they won't be in Heaven. (See Titus 1:16, and Matt 7:22-23)
Yesterday's message was the first in a three-part series on biblical principles for handling personal finances. I'm drawing information from various authors including Ron Blue, Larry Burkett, and Dave Ramsey. These men understand that handling money is a spiritual activity and they give some wonderful financial principles derived from the Scriptures.
Our church, as most churches, has been hit by the downturn in our economy over the past few years. While our giving is strong, individual families are hurting. This series is designed to make sure we are wise stewards (asset managers) of the resources that God entrusts to us. God has promised to bless us with much, if we prove ourselves to be faithful with the little. We'll have two more weeks in this very practical series.
Last night, I shared from my heart the concerns I have as a pastor seeing people professing with their mouths to know God, but in works denying Him. Based on what the Bible teaches, there are many who claim to be saved, but they won't be in Heaven. (See Titus 1:16, and Matt 7:22-23)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Emmanuel Bible Insitute
Emmanuel Baptist Church brings another first to Hartsville, as it launches the Emmanuel Bible Institute. In 1963, Emmanuel Baptist Christian Day School was birthed. Forty-eight years later, ECS is still going strong and remains an academic leader in Darlington County. This fall, Emmanuel started a new arm of its educational ministry as it opened the Emmanuel Bible Institute in an effort to help Christians grow in their relationship with God by gaining biblical knowledge.
Emmanuel Bible Institute (EBI) will focus on teaching the Bible, not denominationalism, so it will be a great educational tool for any individual believer, lay leader, or pastor. Since EBI is web based, the church hopes it will not only benefit people locally, but will also benefit missionaries and national pastors world-wide through the online resources and training. EBI is a professionally-planned, state-of-the-art, online Biblical program that will allow Christ-followers around the world to learn biblical truths at a college level from the comfort of their own home. Each student will be able to study at his personal computer, on his own schedule, and at his own pace using online video, integrated presentations, online and printed curriculum, printable student workbooks, quizzes that are auto-graded online, unit tests, and will eventually include an online bookstore.
The EBI program will consist of three courses of study: Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, and Systematic Theology. Each of the courses will consist of forty-five lessons, broken down into three semesters of fifteen lessons in each. The fee for each semester is $105 or just $7 per lesson. Upon completing all three courses, the student will receive a Certificate in Biblical Studies. After earning the certificate, the student will have the opportunity to take an Institutional Challenge Exam (ICE Exam) at Liberty University or another participating college and may receive up to twenty-four college credits. In addition, accreditation will be pursued through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACCS).
Mr. Robert Johnson, who will soon complete his Ed.D from Liberty University, will serve as the Dean of EBI. Mr. Johnson also teaches Bible classes at Emmanuel Christian School, and will implement the EBI curriculum into the ECS Bible classes in 2012-13. This will mean that ECS students who complete all three EBI courses, could attend a participating Christian college, take an I.C.E. exam and receive up to twenty-four college credits toward Bible or electives.
Those interested in more information, may call the church at (843)332-2271 or visit the EBI website at www.emmanuelbibleinstitute.com.
Emmanuel Bible Institute (EBI) will focus on teaching the Bible, not denominationalism, so it will be a great educational tool for any individual believer, lay leader, or pastor. Since EBI is web based, the church hopes it will not only benefit people locally, but will also benefit missionaries and national pastors world-wide through the online resources and training. EBI is a professionally-planned, state-of-the-art, online Biblical program that will allow Christ-followers around the world to learn biblical truths at a college level from the comfort of their own home. Each student will be able to study at his personal computer, on his own schedule, and at his own pace using online video, integrated presentations, online and printed curriculum, printable student workbooks, quizzes that are auto-graded online, unit tests, and will eventually include an online bookstore.
The EBI program will consist of three courses of study: Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, and Systematic Theology. Each of the courses will consist of forty-five lessons, broken down into three semesters of fifteen lessons in each. The fee for each semester is $105 or just $7 per lesson. Upon completing all three courses, the student will receive a Certificate in Biblical Studies. After earning the certificate, the student will have the opportunity to take an Institutional Challenge Exam (ICE Exam) at Liberty University or another participating college and may receive up to twenty-four college credits. In addition, accreditation will be pursued through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACCS).
Mr. Robert Johnson, who will soon complete his Ed.D from Liberty University, will serve as the Dean of EBI. Mr. Johnson also teaches Bible classes at Emmanuel Christian School, and will implement the EBI curriculum into the ECS Bible classes in 2012-13. This will mean that ECS students who complete all three EBI courses, could attend a participating Christian college, take an I.C.E. exam and receive up to twenty-four college credits toward Bible or electives.
Those interested in more information, may call the church at (843)332-2271 or visit the EBI website at www.emmanuelbibleinstitute.com.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday Summary 10.16.11
A special thanks to everyone who filled-in yesterday in Joey's absence. Rob, thank you for coordinating and overseeing things to make sure all went smoothly. Heather, thank you for leading our congregational worship through music this morning. God has blessed us with wonderfully competent and talented people!
In the morning service, God blessed us with 4 new members and 1 coming to be baptized next Sunday. I challenged our folks to fulfill the Great Commission, as too many believers see Matt. 28:19-20 as the "Great Suggestion." I often hear excuses that make you think some believers feel they have been given and exemption, opted out, been excused, or feel it doesn't apply to them. I've heard others state that they don't have the "gift of evangelism"--- FACT - no one does, in spite of what some spiritual gift tests imply. Every believer has been commanded by Jesus to share the message of God's love with others.
Last night, we had a WONDERFUL time of communion! Pastor David and I were able to speak encouragement to our church families and thank them for the role they play at EBC. Following, a deacon prayed with each family and other deacons served communion to them. The families were able to then go back to their seats and take communion together. It was a very special time of tears, hugs, and encouragement. At EBC, people truly love God and love each other.
Lord, thank you for what YOU are doing in our church family. Thank you for people who truly love You and seek to share Your love with others. Please continue and protect the sweet Spirit of unity that we are experiencing as we seek to serve You!
In the morning service, God blessed us with 4 new members and 1 coming to be baptized next Sunday. I challenged our folks to fulfill the Great Commission, as too many believers see Matt. 28:19-20 as the "Great Suggestion." I often hear excuses that make you think some believers feel they have been given and exemption, opted out, been excused, or feel it doesn't apply to them. I've heard others state that they don't have the "gift of evangelism"--- FACT - no one does, in spite of what some spiritual gift tests imply. Every believer has been commanded by Jesus to share the message of God's love with others.
Last night, we had a WONDERFUL time of communion! Pastor David and I were able to speak encouragement to our church families and thank them for the role they play at EBC. Following, a deacon prayed with each family and other deacons served communion to them. The families were able to then go back to their seats and take communion together. It was a very special time of tears, hugs, and encouragement. At EBC, people truly love God and love each other.
Lord, thank you for what YOU are doing in our church family. Thank you for people who truly love You and seek to share Your love with others. Please continue and protect the sweet Spirit of unity that we are experiencing as we seek to serve You!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Power of Unity
Just a quick thought... Due to the focus on sharing the gospel through JH, our church is experiencing a great unity as we work together to fulfill the purpose to which God called us. A church that is focused on its mission and is busy trying to fulfill it, doesn't have time to get distracted and focus on things that don't matter. In the churches that are growing, I'm assuming they are united in purpose and lives are being changed through salvation, baptism, and discipleship. In those that are infighting and struggling, I would bet that there is division and they rarely (if ever) see people saved, baptized, or discipled.
What a great lesson Jesus taught us at 12 years old... We (the Church) must be busy about the Father's business, they we wouldn't have time to fight over non-essentials.
What a great lesson Jesus taught us at 12 years old... We (the Church) must be busy about the Father's business, they we wouldn't have time to fight over non-essentials.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Judgement House 2011 (Weekend 2)
The word "amazing" would not suffice to describe what God has done through Judgement House this year. We had 2,458 people walk through JH, 361 make decisions for salvation, and 194 recommit their lives to Christ. After eight years, we have had over 12,500+ people walk through JH at EBC. A special thanks to everyone who volunteered to make JH a success!
A couple of great stories: 1) A little boy walked through heaven, turned to his dad and asked, "Where's my mommy?" The mother had died this past Mother's Day. 2) A mother and her two daughters were all saved at JH. They were in different groups, so none knew of the other's decision, until they arrived outside. 3) A youth pastor sent an e-mail telling us how much JH impacted his youth group and revival was beginning. 4) A wife was standing on the sidewalk crying and when I asked her if she was okay, she stated, "I've been praying for my husband for years and tonight he accepted Christ!" There are so many other stories that people told in their own words on the testimony boards posted around our Worship Center. I hope our members will take time to read them and feel the impact of your hard work.
Jeff Huey preached yesterday and God moved. We were encouraged to add spiritual items to our bucket list such as: 1) Know Christ, 2) Serve Him, and 3) Lead others to Him. Two adults that were saved in JH came down the aisle to make that public and my wife had the privilege of showing a lady how to be saved. It was a good day, in spite of the tiredness due to JH.
A couple of great stories: 1) A little boy walked through heaven, turned to his dad and asked, "Where's my mommy?" The mother had died this past Mother's Day. 2) A mother and her two daughters were all saved at JH. They were in different groups, so none knew of the other's decision, until they arrived outside. 3) A youth pastor sent an e-mail telling us how much JH impacted his youth group and revival was beginning. 4) A wife was standing on the sidewalk crying and when I asked her if she was okay, she stated, "I've been praying for my husband for years and tonight he accepted Christ!" There are so many other stories that people told in their own words on the testimony boards posted around our Worship Center. I hope our members will take time to read them and feel the impact of your hard work.
Jeff Huey preached yesterday and God moved. We were encouraged to add spiritual items to our bucket list such as: 1) Know Christ, 2) Serve Him, and 3) Lead others to Him. Two adults that were saved in JH came down the aisle to make that public and my wife had the privilege of showing a lady how to be saved. It was a good day, in spite of the tiredness due to JH.
Monday, October 03, 2011
Judgement House 2011 (Weekend 1)
This is our 8th year to host Judgement House at Emmanuel. In the first 7 years, over 10,000 people have walked through JH at EBC, and we expect 2,000+ again this year. This has become our largest evangelistic effort and our church family has really bought in! In fact, this is the first year that people are "dependent" on our church staff and we are serving as "support" personnel. To me, that is the sign of a great church, and a very strong ministry!
Again this year, over 100+ volunteers are involved as actors, tour guides, counselors, registration, security, concessions, runners, support personnel, and more! This year, JH is being offered on Oct. 1-2, 8-9 and all of our reservation slots are already full. We've reserved room for walk-in's, but we encourage those to come on Saturday night beginning at 5:00pm.
The results after the first weekend are as follows:
- Over 900 people walked through.
- 121 salvation decisions.
- 73 recommitted their lives to Christ.
- 4 to be baptized this Sunday.
- And many amazing testimonies!
I want to especially thank Justin, Billy, and Brian for their leadership and oversight of JH. I also want to extend our thanks to Jeff and his team for ALL the help that Extreme Ministries provides! These guys have become like family and I invite you to come hear Jeff preach this Sunday at 10:30am at Emmanuel. You will also see the baptisms and hear some testimonies from JH.
Again this year, over 100+ volunteers are involved as actors, tour guides, counselors, registration, security, concessions, runners, support personnel, and more! This year, JH is being offered on Oct. 1-2, 8-9 and all of our reservation slots are already full. We've reserved room for walk-in's, but we encourage those to come on Saturday night beginning at 5:00pm.
The results after the first weekend are as follows:
- Over 900 people walked through.
- 121 salvation decisions.
- 73 recommitted their lives to Christ.
- 4 to be baptized this Sunday.
- And many amazing testimonies!
I want to especially thank Justin, Billy, and Brian for their leadership and oversight of JH. I also want to extend our thanks to Jeff and his team for ALL the help that Extreme Ministries provides! These guys have become like family and I invite you to come hear Jeff preach this Sunday at 10:30am at Emmanuel. You will also see the baptisms and hear some testimonies from JH.
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