Pastor James’ Blog

Yesterday was an awesome day at Life House. The Lord was so present. Many people commented after service how they felt God’s Spirit moving among us.  God blessed with 96 present and many were “first timer’s”.  We continue to see new people from the community and we continue to see a field that is “white unto harvest”.  Pray for us as we labor in the harvest.  We are praying for continued growth, dedicated members and people that “have a mind to work”.     God blessed the services Sunday with great fellowship, people in the altar and a real spirit of worship.  

Sunday night we had Praise & Prayer Service and it went great. Our people began to share their hearts about their desire for Life House and for what they long for God to do in and through it.   Circle prayer closed the service and we dismissed to go out to Hwy. 82 for an end of the year fellowship.  Some 43 people showed up and ate burgers, many swam, drove the golf cart and just “hung out”.  Great time of fellowship and getting to know each other better.  

Today  was Labor day.  I planned to try to get some yard work done.  Since we are almost never home and when we do come home it’s usually late ….the yard really needed some serious attention.  I felt that “TODAY WAS THE DAY” and was gonna jump right in and get it done.   One of my new friends, that I met at church this weekend, asked if he could come help. All I had to do is go by and pick him up and he wanted something to do today.  I began mowing about mid-morning and while starting the front yard a neighbor – a man from down the street that we have been praying for, came riding up on his LARGE commercial mower and started mowing.  I was shocked.  When we got through mowing the front yard, I was going to let it dry so I could go over it again later.   I headed out to pick up my new friend and bring him to help and when we got back he started “weed-eating” and I started cutting limbs and clearing some fence that needed it.  Later I jumped on the riding mower and was going around back to mow  and the neighbor came riding up again with his mower and helped get it done too!!  When I thanked him he just said, “I just wanted to help. I would have mowed the back when I was over here the first time but didn’t think the back gate was open.”     18 months ago he would barely look our way, barely wave and for months never spoke to us.  This is the second time he’s helped me with my yard.  – GOD IS UP TO SOMETHING IN HIS HEART!  Pray for HIM.  I won’t give his name out here but God knows who he is.    Anyway, to close this blog (I warned you that it was rambling) – I’m thankful for the help these two men gave me today.  18 months ago I probably wouldn’t have felt comfortable in their presence. I probably would have spoken quickly and moved on.  I wouldn’t have allowed them in my life and surely not in “my space”.   What a blessing I would have missed.  One knows the Lord and has “come home” to Him after having problems in his life recently. One of them needs the Lord and i’m praying that somehow He might be saved soon.  Pray for Cindy and I to be the witness’ we need to be.    Long day, yard looks great -   till tomorrow….NIGHT!   Pastor James

      I wish you could join us for lunch some Tuesday or Friday.  It’s free. You can even have “2nd helpings” and “3rds” if you want.  Life House Community Cafe is NOT about the food – although the food is wonderful.  It’s about LOVE, it’s about RELATIONSHIPS, it’s about REACHING out to people.  We are blessed with some great volunteers who cook, serve, wash dishes, clean up and most of all, love on those who come in for a meal.  God has and is providing the food necessary to feed people and for that we are thankful.  It’s our job, (Life House members and friends who volunteer for this ministry), to simply LOVE.  By not charging for the meals, by being willing to feed until they are full, we are allowed to get into the hearts of those who come to eat.  We do not preach to them, hit them over the head with the Bible, or even stipulate requirements in order to eat with us. We simply say COME IN, EAT and find LOVE.   Life House was started with the idea that we would never CHARGE for anything.  WE GIVE IT AWAY FREE because that’s how Jesus did things. He GAVE HIMSELF FREELY.  No garage sales. No hamburger sales. No bake sales. No candle sales .  NO SALES PERIOD.  Just give ourselves away to show Jesus love….and that includes the meals on Tuesday and Friday. We are not a business – we are a body of believers who are supposed to show the world JESUS LOVE and HOPE.  We don’t need their money, we are after their heart. We want to see Jesus touch their hearts, give them LIFE and LIFE to the FULL (John 10:10).  God has already promised to provide the things we need (Philippians 4:19).  As a church we have needs – but NOTHING that HE can’t supply. Our trust for “things” and our needs is in HIM. HE WILL PROVIDE!  So Christians, let’s stop SELLING our faith but let’s give it away and make an impact on a lost and dying world. The world has gotten a bad taste in their mouths when it comes to “CHURCH”…they think we don’t want anything from them but their money. We should want their souls. We should desire to help them find LIFE in Jesus.  It’s HIS passion and it should be ours.  Let’s just simply LOVE people and try to LOVE them to Jesus.  

Please pray for us that God would continue to provide volunteers for the Life House Community Cafe’ ministry (you don’t have to be a member of our church), that He would provide us some commercial utensils, pots, pans and etc for this ministry and MOST OF ALL PRAY that we can love those that come to eat with us TO JESUS. Nothing would be better than for someone to be saved at Life House Community Cafe’.

      With the new food ministry (Life House Community Cafe’) on the threshold of serving it’s first meal it seemed doomed to the fact that we were going to need to purchase a major piece of equipment for our kitchen in order to use the stove.  The money isn’t/wasn’t there.  Time was not on our side.  We simply COULD NOT use the stove in our kitchen to cook for the upcoming food ministry.  The volunteers got together – planned a meal which they could cook in “crock pots” and the meal went forward anyway!   It tasted great and the first ever meal at Life House Community Cafe’ was a huge success.  The volunteers worked hard cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, serving and simply loving on folks as they came in for a meal.  The crew served 40 people and we believe that this ministry is going to grow, Grow, GROW.  Friday is coming and the menu is planned and it looks like another “crock pot” meal but it’s gonna be great too. We only pray that somehow the residents that come eat with us begin to sense that “Jesus loves you and so do we.”.  Pray for this new ministry.  The economy is tight for everyone and many struggle to make ends meet and a free meal may not “make or break” them but it sure is a nice treat.  Several agencies in our town serve great meals – even some non-profit organizations and most of them charge a small fee for the meal…but we are determined with God’s help and His provision that we will never charge for anything at Life House.  We will  never have a garage sale, fundraiser or any such event that enables Life House to profit off of the community.  We receive clothing, food, school supplies and ect – and it’s all given away.  Freely receive, freely give.  Jesus never charged for anything. It’s not about being a money making business – it’s about being the church and sharing love.  In spite of obstacles – the food ministry moved forward and we saw a VICTORY.  Pray for us, spread the news about the food ministry and come see what God is doing at Life House for yourself.   Can’t wait until Safe Haven tonight (children and youth ministry).  Come experience our kids and youth for yourself.    Pastor James

    Yesterday was a “big day” at Life House and in our community.  Volunteers from three churches joined the Life House Church family,  for a total of 80 people,  to hit the streets of College Hill in Texarkana, AR — picking up trash, sharing bottles of cold water and handing out pamphlets about Life House Church.  The excitement and joy was everywhere. We enjoyed breakfast together and then a short worship time and after prayer hit the streets full force.  The community took notice.  Many, many contacts were made during this four hour event.   Only time will tell how it has impacted the kingdom work of God.    As pastor of Life House – it was a blessing for me and for our church to see so many volunteers willing to come help us “do” such an event.  It is amazing and remarkable what can get done when people are willing to give time, love and hard work to touch the lives of others.  We are very blessed to have some great “Partner Churches” who don’t just “talk” missions – they DO missions.  They don’t just send a check  – they send a check to mission work all over the world and then DO mission work by getting physically involved.    I’m sure some are reading this saying, “I’m not going to pick up trash because I didn’t throw it down.” or “It won’t do any good to pick up the trash in that area because it will be trashy again in a few days.”   Hmmm…. you are right…but does that negate our responsibility as Christians to try to show the world that we are servants for our Savior and that we love them enough to go the second mile?    Jesus went alot of places, touched alot of lives, got “down and dirty” with mankind – getting involved in alot of peoples lives that were hurting because of THEIR choices – but he went to them, touched them and made a difference in their lives.  He set the example. He has called us to go. He desires for us to get out of our “comfort zones” and our big box religion and put on work clothes!  THANK YOU Partner churches and groups for being willing to get “down and dirty” for Jesus.  THANK YOU  Southwest Arkansas Baptist Association, Arkansas Baptist State Convention, North American Mission Board, Shiloh Baptist Church – Texarkana, AR (Our Sponsor Church) and all of the rest of  our partner churches that give either time, money or whatever to make reaching souls for the kingdom possible in our neighborhood.  

Working TOGETHER for the Kingdom is awesome!!      Stop talking missions in your church – start DOING missions – your church WILL be blessed!!                                        Pastor James

Yesterday was such a blessing to me!   The atmosphere at Life House was almost electric as God’s people began to gather together to worship. New faces, familiar faces and plenty of smiles and hugs were everywhere.  God’s people sang with all of their hearts as the praise team and worship band led us.  When it came time to share God’s Word with our people they were eager and ready.  What a blessing to see people taking notes, listening attentively and also seeing the Holy Spirit begin to move on people BEFORE we even began the altar call.  Tears were flowing through the service, hands raised, hearts melting as the Spirit began to convince and convict us of sin. I preached on “God Wants You Back” and the idea is that God will DO anything He needs to do to bring a wandering child of God back to Himself.  The altars were full and even people kneeling at their chairs.  I can’t wait till next Sunday! 

SATURDAY IS COMING: Come join us!  College Hill Clean Up. We are “shooting for” 100 volunteers to come, eat continental breakfast – served from 7 – 7:45 and then after prayer HIT the streets, picking up trash, passing out water, sharing Jesus, pamphlets and more.  God is about to do a work in College Hill and the Devil “ain’t ready for it” and won’t be able to stop it!  PRAY and come join us as we clean up and run the devil off the hill!!

Pastor James

It’s been a few days since I have blogged but wanted to share some exciting things that are happening at Life House with you.

FIRST: God continues to bless with new faces and great services. We’ve seen several saved in the past few weeks and it’s exciting to see God’s hand moving. Pray that we can see even more souls come to know Him and find freedom in Jesus!!

SECOND: The Lord is opening new doors for us in our community to better serve the people that live here.  We will be having a COLLEGE HILL COMMUNITY CLEAN UP on Saturday, August 22, 2009 starting with breakfast at 7 – 7:45 a.m. and the heading out to pick up trash at 8 a.m. until lunch (at 12 Noon).  We hope to physically clean up the area and even better get the chance to talk with residents, talk to them about why we are doing it (we love them and so does Jesus!), talk to them about their souls and even give them an invitation to Life House. This one day event could impact this community for a long time.  YES, I’m not totally stupid – I know there will be more trash thrown down where we pick trash up but it’s the act of serving the community and loving them that we want them to see.   PRAY for this event!

THIRD:  Today we were approved to begin feeding the hungry in our community and town. The food will come to us at no cost and we will use volunteers to cook, serve, clean and bless the hungry and needy in our area.  If you are retired or have free time during the day and would like to get involved in this type ministry – hit me up for more information.   It’s gonna be a blessing when we are able to get it started.  I’ve already made the first order for food this afternoon – now to get prepared otherwise! PRAY that we can meet the needs of the physically hungry and also share the love of Jesus with them too.

FOURTH: It’s a blessing to be able to serve the Lord as one of your missionaries.  We may not be on a foreign mission field but it’s a mission field nontheless. THANK YOU to all of our sister churches who so willingly give, work and help us get this misson off the ground. THANKS for prayer, love, support, words of encouragement and more.  God has HIS hands all over this work.   PRAY.

Well, better get off here because in a few short minutes we will begin to see children/youth start to arrive for Safe Haven. It’s always a blessing to see the kids/youth, feel their love and love them back.  God is doing a work in some homes.   Later…..Pastor James

This past weekend was one filled with many miles but it was great!   I started Thursday by going to a community in Southwest Arkansas called Nathan. Nathan is a located outside Nashville, AR.  I had the privileged of conducting the funeral of an eighty five year old man that I had been blessed to lead to the Lord and baptize three years ago.  His service was really a celebration of his life because he was always a “good man” but all he needed was Jesus in his heart and life.  Thankfully that service was one where we celebrated his home-going – to heaven to be with his Father.

Saturday afternoon Cindy  and I had the blessing of attending the Innovative Church Planters Conference at Oasis Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas. This meeting was sponsored by Arkansas Baptist State Convention and held at the church our youngest kids attend.  It was a great time of meeting other church planters in the state, hearing their experiences, sharing some insights with each other and hearing from out state leaders who have a heart and passion for souls.  It was definitely a time of encouragement for us.  There will be more of these type meetings through the year and we can’t wait to attend more of them and see all that God is doing in church planting.

Yesterday morning we were in Texarkana with our own church family – Life House Church.  It was exciting seeing new faces and feeling a spirit of excitement in the service.  As a mission church we realize that it takes time for the Lord to put together a mature group of believers and spiritual growth is one baby step at a time.  Cindy and I rejoice everytime we see a new believer making those “baby steps” and see them little by little walking in a new way.  Pray for the new believers at Life House and pray for even other souls to be saved in the days and weeks ahead.

Sunday night we traveled to Lake Degray so that I could preach in a church camp that is being hosted for Rock Creek Baptist Church (located in Maud, Texas).   There were 36 youth present and that does not include sponsors.  There are seven schools represented in that one youth group and God is doing a good work pulling the hearts and lives of those students together in one church to form a powerful, loving youth group.  It was exciting seeing God move during the service and during the invitation.  Lots of youth in the altar, lots of tears flowing and lots of hugging, tears, prayer and sharing even after the invitation was over.  It was a great time and we really appreciate the Rock Creek Youth Council for allowing us to be a part of the camp one night. 

     Another exciting thing for a church planter is realizing that even when they are gone from their church like we were last night, we left the church in capable hands to go ahead and have church service without us.  Our church family has been having “Praise and Prayer Service” at 5:30 on Sunday nights.  Last night they held the service and from the account I received it went great.  Thanks to all who so willingly “filled in” for me.  

Planting a new church is a journey of faith, a journey of growth (physically, emotionally and spiritually).  It’s a journey that needs the assurance of being “CALLED” into it.  Cindy and I are thankful for the calling to plant Life House Church in College Hill. We thank God for His faithfulness and His continual reminders that we are here because He called us and He shows Himself faithful time and time again.  Pray for this mission.  Come visit with us.  Call and let’s plan a “mission trip” for your group of students, members or any group you have.  Come join us in the harvest.    Pastor James

   It’s been a few days since I took the time to “blog”,  so I wanted to “catch you up” on some of the most recent blessings at Life House and in our lives.     In recent weeks we’ve had two groups of students come from Mississippi – two different churches and both were a huge blessing. One group stayed a week in Texarkana and the other did a quick “overnight mission trip”  – both accomplished some great things to help us in our mission here.   It’s great to be a part of a denomination/group of churches that not only GIVE MONEY to missions but also GET OUT AND DO MISSIONS.  We are blessed by their love, spirit and willingness to serve.    We’ve been blessed in the past few weeks with many professions of faith and seeing several new faces in our services.  Last Sunday God blessed the service as we saw several new faces, enjoyed the ordinance of Believer’s Baptism and ate together.  The music was awesome, the spirit of worship was alive and God moved on our hearts.  He has plans for Life House.  I totally believe the Lord wants to use Life House to be His hands and His feet in our area.  We are to be a SERVING church – touching people, feeding people, loving people, reaching out to them — getting in the streets and making a difference in our world.  One of my friends wrote on face book last night the question: “If your church were to disappear from your town, would your town miss her? ”  I SURE HOPE that people would miss Life House. Not because she is the biggest church in town or has the nicest building (we aren’t and we don’t!) but rather because they see the love of Jesus and feel His love in her witness to the community.   There is much work to be done.   Many souls still need to be saved. Many lives, homes need to be changed. God has a work for us to do — and we must “be about our Father’s business”.    His business is PEOPLE!   Jesus didn’t call the church to endless committee meetings, budget battles, Constitution and by laws meetings or even business meetings — we’ve met long enough!  The world is dying and going to hell and the church is sitting in endless meetings!!!   It’s time to stop being a “business” and be the CHURCH!!  Get out and bring them in!

Lord help me, help Life House — to have your heart and to be effective in showing LOVE to those in our world.   Help us never to get caught  up in the trappings of being a “business” or  a ”christian country club” but help us to be the church – not DO church!                                                                                                                                         Pastor James

           Life House Kingdom Builders Youth Program begins tonight and we are totally excited!  We believe that this is going to help our youth begin to mature in the Lord, find places of service, begin to “do” acts of service and grow deeper in the Word. Please pray for us as we introduce this new program tonight. It WILL require work on their part, accountability and dedication. As a mission we are building the kingdom by reaching souls, teaching them a new life and the Word of God and helping them to memorize God’s Word in order to begin to walk in it daily. God has blessed Life House with some great youth and many of them have been saved in the last few months. Pray that we can use this new program to be a blessing to their lives, their families, our church and our community too.   Pastor James

You know what I mean. One of “THOSE” Sunday’s where you KNEW that the Lord was present and all over the place. You could feel Him, sense His presence and see Him moving?  We had a service like that yesterday. The Lord was present and it was GREAT!  From the Prayer Walk Service to the closing note – God was all over the place. We are excited about all that we see God doing now and all that He is going to do in the future at Life House.   Two souls were saved yesterday and that is so awesome!  We know God has a purpose and a plan for us at Life House and that purpose is to reach souls for Jesus, love on people and try to meet needs where we see them. Pray for us and come see us!     Pastor James