Pastor James’ Blog

      It’s hard to believe that I have been in the ministry for 30 years as of today – but I have. Where to from here? I don’t know all that God has for me but I do know that HE has been faithful for these many years and has never let us down. He is so awesome!  He has a plan, purpose and always provision.  It’s exciting serving and trusting HIM.  Many miles, hours and ect have been seen through these years but I thank God for it all.  I’m a noboby, called by Somebody to do a work to help anybody who will be saved.  It’s a joyful journey and i’m glad He has allowed me to be a part of it.  I’m off – gotta go pick up food from Harvest Texarkana for the church – but between me and you – it’s gonna be a good day – serving HIM!   Look out future – if God wills – here I come – serving HIM!   Pastor James

    I’m sure MOST Christians have read Matthew 25 where Jesus speaks about feeding the hungry, giving the thirsty something to drink, inviting the stranger in, clothing people, visiting the sick, and visiting those in prison. Even though we have “read” it – have we really taken it to heart.  Everything you read there is simply the heart of Jesus in action – LOVE.   Jesus came to “seek and save that which was lost” but while He was here He made it a point to touch lives by helping with basic needs and ministering to those who were hungry, thirsty, sick and hurting.  It’s one thing to say you care – it’s totally another to SHOW you care.  We are to be a people of ACTION – LOVE is an action word!! 

     I’m so thankful that Life House has taken on the challenge from day one to try to show love in action t all people.  Our church will never be about “bank accounts”, ”CD’s” and the like. It won’t be about a building or about the ”looks” of things…this ministry will be a hands on ministry that uses whatever means God provides for us to meet needs, touch people and reach them for Jesus.   Let me give you a quick example of what I mean.

This past weekend some of our friends, who have opened up a new ministry downtown called “I Love Evelyn”,  cooked up some hamburgers, opened their hearts, fed some homeless, hungry people and just spent the afternoon loving on them with God’s love.  No cost involved. No high pressure.  This couple has become a part of the Life House Church  Family and they invited any and all who showed up Saturday to eat to to go with them to church on Sunday morning. Those who wanted to go to church Sunday were to meet in a particular location and they would have the church van pick them up.  Well, when they went to pick up those who wanted to go to church – the very people who said hat they wanted to go church didn’t show but four others did. This group came to Life House Sunday morning, shared in our Life House Coffee Shop Fellowship time before the morning service then stayed for worship with us. The LORD showed up in a mighty way and two of those four men as well as one other young man – GOT SAVED in the altar!  The tears were flowing and Jesus was all over the building and the glory came down!!   A simple hamburger, a show of unconditional love and willingness to open your heart resulted in some people having their lives changed for eternity.  HMMM….now how much is ONE soul worth? At least the cost of a homemade hamburger? At least a couple of hours of your time?  YES, YES, YES – a THOUSAND TIMES YES!

  I’m convinced that this is REAL ministry.Ministry that goes beyond the “religiosity” of the day (and that’s a Ross”ism” -but it simply means – full of religious look and feel but empty).  How close is the average church today to looking like the church in the book of Acts? Sadly, I’m afraid in many cases there is no comparision. The average church today is so far removed from their purpose, design and calling all because we’ve “dressed it up” and made it more of a “religious country club” rather than allowing the church to be what it was created to be — the hands, heart and feet of Jesus.   

The gospel according to Matthew 25….give it a try…I CHALLENGE you and your church family to get down on your knees, on your feet, out in the street and love somebody to Jesus today.   You will NEVER be the same when you do it in JESUS NAME!   Pastor James

    The service at Life House was totally awesome today!  God poured out His Spirit in a very real and “thick” way. It’s been a long time since I saw what I saw today!!  We had a few of our regulars out but God sent new faces to be with us and then during the service saved three men and the Holy Spirit was EVERYWHERE in the building. Folks were touched, some looked like they were about to shout, some crying, some praising and some in awe.  From the first note to the last AMEN the service had a special touch…and we praise God for allowing us to be a part of it.   This afternoon we saw three people come and complete the membership study and join our fellowship. There are others who are working on it and praying about it.   God has “shown UP and shown OUT” at Life House  today!

                        Praise Him for saving souls and adding to His church!!  Pastor James

   While serving as pastor of FBC Shady Grove, Laurel, MS I was invited to come to Fouke, AR and preach a revival at New Hope Baptist Church.   My Dad was pastoring the church there and it was a good chance to share the Word and get to be with my parents for a week too.  My family had other obligations such as school and work in Mississippi so I made the trek alone.   The first night of the revival I was told that “several churches had come together to help with the revival effort”.  It seems several churches came together to help form a choir and one church had even supplied a piano player.  The crowd wasn’t exactly huge that first night but one thing I did notice was that it got larger and larger as the week progressed – I was ignorant as to why.  On Thursday night of the revival, while shaking hands after the service, a man came up to me and asked if he could talk to me when I got through – of course I agreed to do so.  He and a small group of people stood with me in the auditorium area and they shared with me that they were the “pulpit committee from Faith Baptist Church in Texarkana, AR” and that they felt God wanted me to be their next pastor.  I was totally blown away for several reasons.  1. I didn’t even know there was a pulpit committee that had been visiting in the services all week.  2. I was NOT Southern Baptist at the time – I was BMA.  3. I had never really heard (or so I thought) of Faith Baptist Church.   I shared with this committee that I was perfectly happy where I was at this time. They encouraged me to “pray about it” and I agreed to do so.  I shared with them that I was not Southern Baptist and one of the men simply said, “If you become our pastor you will be.” — hmmm he was right. 

The next night following the revival I made my way home, back to Laurel, Mississippi.  I had no intentions of even seriously considering Faith Baptist Church – but God had other plans.  After much prayer, wrestling with the Lord and more – I began to “check out” Faith Baptist Church.  As a matter of fact, I even called the pulpit committee and asked if we could “meet with no strings attached”.  They agreed. They graciously wanted to “put us up” in a hotel while we were here for that “no strings attached” meeting but I wouldn’t agree to them doing anything – didn’t want to be obligated to them in any way. The day we met, Cindy and I met a group of people who formed possibly the most honest, upfront, pulpit committee that I’ve ever been associated with.  They shared with me how they felt God wanted me to be their full time pastor but they didn’t have a house for me to live in and didn’t know if they could afford to pay me a full time salary or much of a salary at all.  The “amount” of what they could pay was never even discussed and we didn’t know how much we would receive even the first  few weeks we were there.  Many of my family members and friends thought I was crazy for not knowing how much  the  “salary amount” would be  before we took the step of faith to move and begin this new ministry – but God is/was faithful and will never lead you where HE can’t provide for you. 

 The story is long – so suffice it to say – after much prayer I agreed that for some reason God wanted me to move to Texarkana and become their pastor.  The Chairman of Deacons assured me that they were going to “buy a parsonage” before we moved. We gave two weeks notice at FBC Shady Grove and by that time the church in Texarkana, found (that’s a story to be told also), bought (another story) and moved us into the new parsonage  in just  two short weeks .   It was really a miracle and step of FAITH.  The church family had already taken several steps of faith by calling us, making commitment to provide house and salary for us – and they really didn’t have it.  But God did!   In a short 10 1/2 months the church family paid for that parsonage IN FULL and it was a great home to my family and I for almost 9 years. 

Over the next almost nine years – I saw a congregation that was hungry for God to do something in their midst. They had FAITH like you haven’t ever seen.  Faith without works is dead and that little group – which grew steadily – had LOTS of FAITH and WORKS.  They pulled together, worked hard, prayed hard and EXPECTED God to show up and show out and HE DID.   Every step of the way we took steps of FAITH together  to go to the next level of ministry.  We went from around 70 or so in worship to almost 500 on a regular basis.  This church stepped out in Faith to build a building (amount doesn’t matter) that many said they would never be able to pay for or fill.  They never missed a payment while I was there (even payed ahead on the note most months).  For almost 9 years this church followed their pastor as he sought to follow God.  My family and I are totally blessed to have experienced the love, support, prayers and deep FAITH that the good people at Faith Baptist shared. 

Time won’t suffice me to share almost 9 years of stories with you – but here are a few things I remember:

1.  The old fashioned altars and how God filled them almost every service – with souls being saved, folks being baptized and lives being changed – in that old building. (8 foot ceilings and all!!)

2. The people working hard to reach people in the community and grow a church for the Lord.

3. The people being willing to follow their pastor as he tried to lead them. They were so supportive.

4. The church sharing, eating, laughing and crying together through all the things God was doing in our midst.

5. The church family being willing to tear out walls, move classrooms and “pack in” together just to make room for new people to come worship. 

6. The love and support of the deacons and church family.

7. The way the church operated by FAITH and not as some do – focusing on money.

8. The way that people worked hard and in unity to get the job done….fried pies and all!!

9. The sign – “GOD DID IT” being erected and the truth of it. NO ONE can take credit for the souls saved, lives changed and growth at FAITH Baptist Church – except God.  Many prayed, may plowed, many planted, many watered – but GOD gave the increase.  I long to someday see a sign on that hill that says “GOD IS STILL DOING IT!”

    When Cindy and I resigned last April from Faith Baptist Church it was with full hearts,  sad hearts but excited hearts over the next stage that God has for us in ministry.  We love the people of Faith Baptist Church and pray God will use the next pastor to lead them to even greater growth (spiritually and numerically) than they have ever experienced.  Pray for their search committee as they seek the man GOD would have them have and pray that they will once again operate by FAITH and not by sight. God has the right man out there and I pray they will find him, follow him and never stop operating BY FAITH.  It’s easy to walk by sight but it takes REAL FAITH in GOD to trust HIM and walk BY FAITH!    We will never regret our time there and we will always love the people of Faith Baptist Church.   While some (as in every church you resign from) didn’t understand why we were leaving – it was time. God has His time and it was time.   God has proven to us in this last year time and again that this new church plant (Life House Church) in College Hill was HIS will for us and it was the right time to plant a new church.     God has HIS seasons for his servants and our season at Faith is one we will never regret and never forget.   I’m thankful for the years there and I pray that in the days ahead God will bless the great people at Faith like they’ve never been blessed before.

Thanks Faith Family for being a church through the years that walked by faith. Thanks for loving my family and me and showing it. Thanks for taking care of my family and me for all the years we were there.  Thanks for being willing to follow your pastor as he tried to follow the Lord. Thanks for being willing to love your imperfect pastor and your perfect Jesus with all your heart.  Pray for us and know that we love you all and pray only God’s ”good things” for you now and in the future.  I can’t wait to see what God has in store for FBC in the days and years to come.  Keep on walking in FAITH and God will bless like never before.  Much love – and prayers.  Pastor James  

P.S. – I could write a book filled with many memories – and just might do that someday soon!  We were blessed to have known and loved some great people that have gone on to be with the Lord while we were at Faith. Many faithful people passed through the doors of that church and touched the life of Faith Church and our lives as well.  I’m glad that someday we will be able to see them again.  In all honesty …through all the years we were at Faith there were lots of good times, times filled with laughter, times filled with tears and times that weren’t so easy.  Through it all – I thank God for allowing me to have served at Faith Baptist Church – Texarkana, AR.

Today is my 34th spiritual birthday!  March 30, 1975 – Richmond Road Baptist Church in Texarkana, TX was the day and place I gave my heart to Jesus and He saved me.  I never will forget that day – no matter what.  Many hills and valleys have come in my 47 years of life but never – never – NEVER has the Lord ever let me down.  He is my Savior, my Father, my Keeper, my Healer, my Provider, my Encourager, my Guide — He is my friend.  He has blessed me in so many ways through these many years and I don’t deserve a one of them.  I celebrate today not because of who I am, what I may or may not have accomplished or any thing else I have done -  I celebrate because the same Jesus who touched me, drew me to Himself, saved me, keeps me and walks with me – wants to do that in YOUR life too. I celebrate that my JESUS loves all people. I celebrate that my JESUS forgives, saves and restores any and all who will come to Him by faith.  I celebrate Jesus today!!!  Thank you Jesus for it all!!!  Pastor James

  The Lord really “Showed Up and Showed Out”  around Life House yesterday!!!   The day began with God’s people gathering together for the weekly Sunday Celebration Service. We had a few new faces and the Lord blessed with a total of 84 present.  Of that 84 – 21 of them were children in kid’s worship!!  PTL!!!!     We had one man come forward desiring believers baptism at the end of the service.  

I announced at the end of the service that “tomorrow night we will have our first ever observance of the Lord’s Supper at Life House”.   I encouraged all baptized believers to be present for this special service.  At the end of our service yesterday one of our ladies,  who was awaiting baptism,  asked to go ahead and be baptized so she could participate in the Lord’s Supper.  We had a total of five awaiting baptism (we planned to baptize them on Believer’s Baptism Celebration Day – May 3).  Before the day was out  all five ended up desiring to be baptized last night. Since we  do not have a baptistery and it was getting later and later in the day I decided that the easiest thing to do would be to borrow my folks  “hot tub” and baptize the group last night.  24 people  from Life House went together to  Macedonia Baptist Church in Doddridge, AR – to attend the start of their revival and at the end of the revival service we all “trekked” to my folks, got ready and baptized all five of our newest believers in a hot tub! PTL!!!   It was a great event in the life of Life House Church!!  Hopefully, we will be able to post the pictures taken from it on our website soon.  

Another big blessing…  one of our men had the blessing of leading his mother to the Lord yesterday during lunch!!  The “neat” thing is that one of his daughters had asked what the “prayer box” at church was all about before the service started yesterday morning. When the Dad explained that we write out our prayer requests and put them in the box so that the church family can pray with us about the needs. The little girl wrote out a request about her grandmother – who ended up getting saved later that afternoon!!!  Isn’t God awesome!!!

     God continues to amaze me at all He has done and is doing at Life House. I count it a blessing to even be able to sit back and watch His hand in the lives of people in our area.  I’m having the time of my life!  Who would have thought that 30 years into ministry Cindy and me would be involved in a new mission plant and seeing things we’ve never seen before in ministry?  Not me!  But I’m glad God saw fit to allow us to serve Him at Life House!  Keep praying for us – we have a long way to go, many souls still need to be saved, touched, delivered, fed, loved and more.  The work has just begun and Jesus is leading the way!!!   Pastor James

After almost 8 years of ministry at Bethany Baptist Church in Spring Hill, AR God called my family and me to work with the First Baptist Church of Shady Grove, in Laurel, Mississippi.  This move was a big one for us!  We had never lived more than 50 miles from “home” and we were about to embark on a new ministry that was 6 hours from our folks and friends.  While it was a big decision,  we knew God wanted us to go and help build this great church.  It’s always hard to leave your family and friends and begin a new life but move we did!!  While I know it wasn’t “halfway around  the world” , my family and I did enter into a new life that was quite different from the one we left behind. Though the people were much like the people “back home”,  there were some local differences in their likes and dislikes, various phrases and meanings of words and for many people in the area  their particular “personal” religious beliefs about the church, Bible and people in general.   We never got used to “boiled peanuts” or even hearing the phrase “turnips and roots” (top is turnip and bottom is root – here – we have greens and turnips) but those are just a couple of examples of different phrases used that were weren’t familiar with.  We always considered ourselves very conservative when it came to our particular doctrine and beliefs about the church, Bible and ect. but almost immediately it appeared that we became almost “liberals” because of some of our beliefs. Let me clarify that we didn’t have any problems “doctrinally” with the people of FBC Shady Grove but it seemed that there were many in the state association that held to the belief that the KJV Bible was/is and always will be the only “Bible” one can use. Some even (and I heard it with my own ears at a big associational meeting) believed that the “KJV was good enough for Paul so it’s good enough for me”!  Hmm,  last I checked the Apostle Paul didn’t have the KJV Bible but then again what do I know since i’m not a Bible scholar with a dr’s degree?  Some also held to the belief that their particular denomination was the ONLY one who would be in the “bride of Christ” and some of the ”preacher brethren” also held that “a real preacher wears a suit”.  If i’m not mistaken those are personal opinions (which i respect for anyone who holds them) but they are not written anywhere in the Word of God – KJV or otherwise!.  

One thing that WAS the same as “back home” was that  FBC Shady Grove has some of the best cooks on the face of the earth and they ALL want you to eat!!  I was a heavy guy before I got there and didn’t lose one ounce while there!!  They can still cook and they still love to share. Lots of good eating memories there!

When we first arrived and moved in the parsonage at FBC Shady Grove we were greeted by a loving church family. They (throughout the time we were there ) took good care of us. They shared their garden goodies, they made sure we were comfortable, they provided so many things and in so many ways and we will always be grateful to them for their care.  The parsonage was LARGE and roomy (although it was located next door to the church and on a major highway) and provided a good home for us while we were there.  The church building proper had been built many years before. Located on a major highway into the city,  it was clearly seen by many people in the surrounding area.  The building needed “updating” and so almost immediately we began that project.  We voted to “re-model” the auditorium and we moved into the newer fellowship hall building for worship.  The pews were placed in there and we set up a “worship center” to be used while the auditorium was being re-done.   The people were patient and excited.  It was a joy to be involved in the remodel. There was a lot of hard work, time, prayer and etc done to get that building cleaned up, remodeled and back in shape to be used for worship. There is no way to name all of the people at the church or in the community that worked countless hours to get the job done.  One thing for sure the majority of the people were willing to follow and work to get the job done.  During my time there it could easily be said of the people at FBC Shady Grove, “the people had a mind to work”.  I don’t know what they’ve done or accomplished since our time there but I KNOW they worked hard while we were there.  At the end God blessed by allowing us to move back into the auditorium and it was beautiful.  New carpet, re-done pews, plaster walls re-done and painted, sound booth built, new lighting and beautiful stained glass windows were placed in the church. Without a doubt it was a beautiful place to worship the Lord in.  

We also had the blessing of pastoring some of the greatest people on the face of the earth while there and lest I forget anyone that is living I will only mention a couple who have already gone on to be with the Lord.  Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Kellar were both in the membership of this church while we were there. Dr. Kellar & Mrs. Mary Lou were both “big names” in the BMA of America.  Bro. Gerald & Mrs. Mary Lou were (still are) highly respected people and the thought of me being his pastor was one that caused me to tremble. The fact is – i’ve never met anyone more humble, loving or kind than the Kellars. They both went out of their way to love me and my family and be an encouragement to us on a regular basis.  Even when I felt the message “flopped” Bro. Kellar always patted me on the shoulder, shook my hand or hugged me and said something positive and sought to build up “my pastor” as he called me.   I laughed many times at his idea that “chocolate pie is the nectar of heaven” or his talking with Cindy about the Cowboys .  They loved the Lord, loved God’s people and loved FBC Shady Grove. 

We had the blessing of visiting many homes, eating with many people, laughing, crying, sharing, burying, baptizing, and marrying many people in that area. We to this day have fond memories of the church there and still keep in contact with many of the people from FBC Shady Grove. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll preach a revival there or even have the blessing of going to attend a service and see some of those great people. Many of the people we loved are now gone on to be with the Lord. Many who touched our lives in a positive way are still living.  We can join the apostle Paul in saying, “I thank my God for every remembrance of you”.  

While we were there the church called Bro. Jonathan Russell to serve as our youth pastor.  He moved along way from Brockman Hill, AR to begin a new life in Mississippi and to this day he is still in Mississippi and now pastoring a great church – Raymond Road Baptist Church in Jackson, MS. Bro. Jonathan continues to be a friend to this day.  Bro. Jonathan became the pastor of FBC Shady Grove after Cindy and I left the church to move back to Arkansas and pastor Faith Baptist Church in Texarkana, AR.

One of the best words that I could use to describe the attitude of the people and atmosphere at FBC Shady Grove while we were there is the word “cooperation”. The people there were willing to follow their pastor and try new things to reach people for the Lord.  We saw souls saved, people baptized and many join the church by letter. When we left the church we left knowing that it was stronger than when we came. 

We also made some good friends while we were there. Many of the people there touched our hearts and lives and will never know what they mean to us this side of heaven.  Sure, there were a couple of people there who weren’t “as big a blessing” to our  lives  and ministry there but there are those kind in most churches.  I am reminded of a sign on the highway as you enter one town in Mississippi…. “Welcome to _________, the home of 300 friendly people and a few old sore heads.” ,  I wonder if it’s legal to hang that kinda sign in front of most churches? All in all we know God  sent us there and we are thankful for that short period in our lives.  Lest you think that we left on bad terms because we were there such a short period of time (almost 3 years) — we didn’t. As a matter of fact, we left on good terms but felt God calling us to move and help a church get back on their feet.  

  Our prayers are still with the good people of FBC Shady Grove. We pray for their Pastor and staff as they seek to lead this great church into the days ahead. We pray that souls will be saved and that God will move this church (as I pray for all churches) “out of their box, out of their comfort zone ” and into seeing many souls saved, the church grow numerically and in the Word and be found faithful when Jesus comes. 

Thanks FBC Shady Grove Family for your love, support and prayers for my family and me – even to this day.  You have touched our lives and we pray that somehow we were a blessing to you while we were there. 

BTW…one big blessing in the area is “CHARLIE’S” “fish camp”   in Ellisville, MS (near Laurel) . If you haven’t eaten there – you’ve missed it.  I made a promise to myself (and Cindy to) that we would there every time we  visit the area – and so far I’ve kept that promise!! LOL  

                                         With good memories, great love and prayers for the future -  Pastor James

   Life House Church places a big emphasis on the study of God’s Word and the importance of it.  As a church we must always “stick to” God’s Word, study it, learn it and apply it to our daily lives and the life of our church.  It is important for EVERY MEMBER of our church family to be faithful and teachable not only on Sunday but also to Life Group.  Presently we are studying “Training Faithful Men & Women” during our Life Groups. The purpose behind the study is to get some foundational truths molded into the lives of our core group of believers in order to train them to be leaders for the future ministry of our church.  We cannot make a lasting impact on the community until we have a strong core group that is willing to dive deeper and grow stronger in the Word.  From the pastor to the people – we all must remain teachable, willing to learn and ready to hear God’s Word.   Last night we discussed what it means to lose  your “first love” and the evidences in the life of a believer that he/she has lost their “first love”.   What a great study.

Next week, on Monday night, instead of “usual”  Life Groups we are going to have our FIRST Lord’s Supper as a church family.  This will be done in the adult setting for the first time in order to teach our adults the truths and importance of observing the Lord’s Supper as a church.     The plan for the next Life Group was to go to Lesson 4 but that has changed.  We are going to join the men and ladies group together to learn about the scriptural “PRINCIPLE OF AUTHORITY”.   I want to encourage you to make it a point as a member of Life House and anyone who wants to learn this foundational principal to be with us.  You can’t grow deeper in the Word, with the church or in your faith until you get the basics and this principle is very basic to our growth.  Visitors from other churches are welcome but I challenge you to be present for the “Principle of Authority” study.    

I love you and CHALLENGE you – get in the WORD – today!  Pastor James

Our first “full time” church was Bethany Baptist Church in Spring Hill, AR.   It was a sad day but also an exciting day when Bethany called my family and I to serve there. We loved the church family at Bodcaw #1 so much that it really hurt alot to leave but we knew it was time and that God was calling us to a new church and ministry.  When Lloyd Turner and friends pulled into our yard with the moving truck that would take our little families belongings to a parsonage in Spring Hill we were very excited.  New town, new church, new people and new life and new ministry. We didn’t know that we were going to be starting a long ministry there and grow to love the people like our own family.  The parsonage was so beautiful and the church so welcoming and  the  community so friendly it was next to impossible to not love the whole new life God had laid before us.

Immediately we started to work at the church and in the community to seek to minister to the church family and reach new people for the Lord and church.  It was an exciting time as we began to go into the community, meet people, visit the sick, preach/visit the nursing homes and hospital.  We have such precious memories of many of those people who have already gone to be with the Lord.  Hugh & Verna Garner, Rinaldo Sooter, Les & Ressie Huckabee, Mrs. Mae Turner  and more.   We had many laughs and many tears as a church family. We rejoiced at births of babies, souls being saved and lives changed. We cried at deaths, sickness, and tragedy.  

We remember “Hubie burgers” (Huburt & Vena Mae Kidd Grocery) and later it was “Mrs. Julie’s Store” – the friend fish, burgers, and more.  We remember the school and the first day of kindergarten for Josh – Mrs. Ruth Hicks was his teacher.  We grew to love the school and the Spring Hill Bears alot. 

We remember “shorty” our little pembroke welsh corgie and how he loved everyone in the community. Everyone around our home fed him. He loved going down to the school which was near the parsonage and getting treats from the c hildren there.  He loved the “woods” and the pond out back. 

We remember the great VBS each year.  Talk about big VBS days!! Kids would come out of the woodworks to come to Bethany VBS.  The church vans would run two and three times just to pick them all up!  We remember the t-shirts that were given out every year for perfect attendance and seeing those Bethany shirts throughout the year on children at school, restaurants, and in the neighborhoods around. 

We remember the world famous “BETHANY QUARTET” that we all loved and enjoyed “back in the day”. lol Churches all over would invite them to come sing and though they might not have ever been on TV or big time radio they sang with all their hearts and blessed alot of people in the area.

We remember revival and great church services. We remember souls being saved and baptismal services on a regular basis.

We remember the way they treated their pastor and family – with love and they did their best to “take care of” us.   The “poundings” and more.

I also remember a two year period that I did more funerals in that short amount of time than i had ever officiated and have since officiated.  It was during that time we lost some of the best people you could have ever known in the church and in the community.  One thing for sure – when death hit Spring Hill – it didn’t matter what church you went to or who your family was – the community pulled together to help and get the survivors through it. 

We made memories in that church that have lasted through the years and friendships that still linger on to this day. While I’m sure that Bethany has seen many “great days” and good pastor’s through their many years as a church – it was our blessing and privilege to be a part of their lives for about 8 years. 

Thanks Bethany family for the way you loved us, took care of us, supported us and helped us during those years of ministry. Thank you for what you meant in the life of my wife and boys. You sowed some memories into our hearts that we won’t ever forget. Thanks for your prayers and support – even up until this very day.  We cherish our time there and we thank God for having been able to be a part of your church ministry. 

Wow – we were so blessed and we ARE so blessed…… Pastor James

Yesterday for some reason it hit me “big time”….over the last 10 months I’ve seen real Christians, doing real work for no glory and no pay. The members and friends of Life House are active in so many ways trying to touch hearts, meet needs and “do” the work of the ministry each week. They seek to be “HIS HANDS, HIS FEET, HIS HEART.”   Just like yesterday – at one given time there were men and boys outside working on the lot next door to get it shaped up, some were inside working on the children’s area getting it ready for today, some were folding clothing that has been collected for the homeless, others were practicing the music for today’s service, another was working on the computer, some were cleaning the building and more.  These were God’s people in action. While I’m sure I could have picked any of the other 300 days that this new church has been around (because there has been A LOT of work done in these past 10 months by many people) this one day it just “HIT ME” — this is the church in action.  Jesus never intended for us to be concerned with buildings, budgets and our own little kingdom. He loved people and wanted to reach, touch, love, meet needs and more. He was “moved with compassion” on them. We should be too.  I’m glad that I’m a part of a church “in action”.  Come join us…it’s not “church as usual”. It’s not about ME or YOU — not about a building, clothing, money, who sings best, who is most important or who is most popular or who has the most power – it’s about a love relationship with Jesus and getting out and doing HIS work – that HE has called us to.  I love you Jesus and I love you Life House Church family.  Pastor James