Pastor James’ Blog

Our first anniversary service is now history and what a day it’s been. I’m full – not just from food but from the Word and from SEEING God speak through people today.

Some of our regulars were out of service due to the storms of the night but we were so blessed to have others drop in and worship with us. God is not through with Life House -by a long shot!  He has a plan and a purpose for this ministry.  Today we saw a young man (that we ALL have prayed for some time) saved at the end of the service. God has His hand upon several of our young people and we are seeing His fruit become evident in their lives.  Pray for those who have been saved that they will continue to grow in the Word and to maturity so that they in turn can reach out and reach this community for the Lord.

At the end of our service we enjoyed hamburgers and all the trimmings. It was good to be able to laugh, fellowship and enjoy our brothers and sisters in the Lord.  We even had several from First Baptist, Lewisville, AR (one of our partner churches) come over and eat with us and share in the afternoon service.  Life House is blessed to have several GREAT partner churches and this church has been with us from day one of the mission. They are a blessing to us – more than they could ever know. Thanks Bro. Bobby, Mrs Bridgette and FBC Lewisville family!!

This afternoon we shared a time of testimony and memories.  Several of our people shared what the Lord had done for them, what the church meant them and the blessing God had given them this year. Many share memories that have happened in the life of Life House in the past year.  Several of those memories mentioned were things that I had almost forgotten.   Let me share some of the blessings shared with you:

1. First Baptist Lewisville, AR coming and cleaning and painting the nursery/children’s area and while here writing scripture on the floor before the carpet was laid. Our church family is literally walking on the Word and founded on the Word of God!   (Thanks Mrs. Bridgette Daniel for sharing that with us and reminding me!)

2. One of our first events in front of the building, speaking with, getting to know, sharing food with and even praying with people off of the street. One man came on his way home from the local bar “honky tonk” and spoke with one of our ladies and allowed her to pray over him. He also “donated” his two cold “40 oz” beers to us – which got poured out and accidentally spilled on one of our ladies while she was pouring them out.

   3. One of the best ones shared though was when I called on one of our young men and asked, “What do you remember most happening this year” and he replied, “When I got saved.” — and that wasn’t too long ago!  

There are so many memories and the slide show today really put things in perspective. I only wish I could get that slide show placed on our web site so YOU could take a trip with us down memory lane and see all that God has done. 

It was a great and encouraging day. God has GREATER THINGS for us in the next year. We are going to see Him do things that only He could take credit for.  We stand amazed at all He has done and all that He is getting ready to do! 

Pray for us and know that we are thankful to be your mission in College Hill.   Time to go – I’m tired! LOL                            Pastor James

P.S. THANK YOU to all of the Life House family for all you did to make this day a HUGE success. The cooks, servers, and all who did ANYTHING really made the day a great day.  I love you all!!

Our first church to ever serve as pastor was Bodcaw #1 Baptist Church. This church was the greatest place on earth that a young preacher could ever begin his ministry. The people were loving, accepting and patient. They still are. This church has a rich history of loving pastors and their families in a big way. They also have a reputation of loving to give a man his first chance to pastor, helping them grow in the ministry and blessing his family. We were so blessed to be a part of this church for 5 years.  This church was Cindy’s Mom’s home church. She was raised in that community. Also, her Dad, pastored this church when Cindy was a baby.  This church is very unique in many ways.  

They still sing four part harmony “convention” songs. The adults and children alike (the majority of them) could lead, sing, and many even play that style of worship music.  When we first went to the church some of the “old timers” were still alive and the music was heavenly.  I could sit and listen to it all day.

The church also had a history of being simple. Now understand – that’s not a bad thing – that’s a good thing!  They didn’t complicate things…they gathered for worship, fellowship and study of the Word. They ate together, laughed together and reached out to those in need in the community with a big heart and in big ways. I’ve seen time and again them go the extra mile to help someone not even connected with the church family there.

I have many precious memories of this church. Our children were born while we were there. They were held, bounced, hugged, kissed and loved by all. They were totally spoiled (especially Josh) by several and we will never forget “Molay”, “Pa Chester” ,”Ma Jude”, “Pa Baker” and “Ma Baker” and many more letting our kids be their grand kids too. They loved them and treated them like their own. They blessed us by loving our kids. 

I remember a young spunk of a preacher (me) who wanted to win every soul in Bodcaw and grow a big church and yet in spite of his inability and poor preaching – those folks still loved me.  They were encourager’s. They still are.  The words, hugs, gifts and more proved they knew how to treat a pastor and family. That in itself is almost a lost art today.  This church has “raised” a lot of “preacher boys” and given them a start in ministry through the years. God will bless them one day for that kind of love.

This church was also (and still is) a sharing church. Many Sundays we left to go back to Texarkana with our car/van loaded down with vegetables or “garden goodies”. I remember one day leaving with 4 or 5 watermelons in the trunk of our car. Now you’ve heard of “HOPE MELONS” – well they are really Bodcaw melons carted to Hope for sale and you haven’t ever tasted GREAT watermelon until you’ve tasted those!

I remember revivals – packed out!  I remember the area preachers gathering and sitting on the front pews and serving as the unofficial “amen corner”.  I remember the souls being saved, people being baptized and the harmony that was present in that church. There was far LESS DRAMA in the church in those days. The people weren’t out for “what they could get” from the church but rather what they could give.

I remember homecomings. WOW -talk about food from heaven. I remember caramel pies, dressing, fried chicken and much, much, more. They could make a skinny fellow fat in two weeks !  They know how to cook and don’t mind sharing! The building would always be “packed out” for homecoming. People from far and near – out of towners and more would come – especially to the afternoon service. 

I remember VBS. This church loved the area children and did their best to make VBS a BIG time during the summer.  It was filled with fun and lots of love – Jesus love.

I remember so many things that time and space wouldn’t permit it all but suffice it to say – God has used this church in our lives to bless us in so many ways – even all these years after we’ve been gone.  Though many of the “old timers” that were there when we were have gone on to be with the Lord, we have some precious memories of days gone by and friendships that will never end.  Someday – we will gather once again on heaven’s shores and i’m sure there will be some “four part harmony, convention singing” in heaven. Harlan Tye singing tenor, Connie Dorman singing alto and many more! 

I’m sure I will think of alot more things to share – and might even do some “tags” on my next few blogs if I do – but suffice it to say — We were blessed to start our ministry at Bodcaw #1. Thanks Bodcaw #1 church family – we will never be able to repay you for all you’ve done for us and you will never totally know how much you have meant to us through the years. Bless you – keep on keeping on till HE comes!3

Pastor James

FOR…

1. Bro. Bobby Daniel and family – loss of his dad.  Pray for traveling grace.

2. Friend from Faith – Hershal Downs – tests and in hospital

3. Kathy Given’s great nephew.

4. Services at Life House Sunday. We believe God is about to do something amazing and can’t wait!

Thanks – Pastor James

I am excited about several “firsts” that are happening at Life House today.  During a recent trip to Dallas Avenue Church in Mena, AR to speak about the mission work at Life House Cindy and I were introduced to a 12 year old young man who had surrendered to the ministry there.  After talking with him for a few minutes I encouraged him that sometime, when he’s ready, to give me a call and I would love to have him come preach at Life House one Sunday to give him some experience.  WELL… he and his family and are going to be with us today at Life House and he’s going to preach for me!  I can’t wait to hear and see what God is going to share with us through him.  Pray for him and if you get the chance come listen and be blessed!

Also, today we will have a “first” as one of our young ladies has worked hard to get ready to sing for us this Sunday before Christmas. This is a major step in her life at Life House. She desires to get involved and be a blessing and today we will have the blessing of hearing her sing “Silent Night” during the service.  Pray for her, not just today but in the days ahead as God uses her in our church family.

   As a mission there are always “firsts” but they never get dull and they are always exciting to me and to the members of Life House. We are expecting God to “show up and show out” in our service today. Come experience Jesus with us at Life House!  Pastor James

My post yesterday must have stirred somebody to pray!  Just today God has already begun answering some prayer items for us!!  This morning I went to the post office and there were two checks in the mail. One from a partner church and one from a lady who attends a church of a different denomination. The total of the two checks was almost $3000.00.  WOW! GOD IS SO AMAZING!!!!  Now we only like $9,995.oo to go to be able to buy the van that we recently saw. You say “NO WAY” – I say – WAYYYYYY with GOD!!!! With God all things are possible! PRAY!!!

Our church family totally enjoyed being able to give out Thanksgiving boxes to 60 needy people this year and doing that only made us want to do it more!  We were praying and hoping for a way to have another opportunity to give out some food to the needy in our area for the Christmas season and it looks God is making that possible.  A preacher that attends Weight Watchers saw me this morning ( I dropped by the Center to do our staff Weigh In) and when he started to leave he asked me about our new ministry and said, “COULD YOU USE SOME CHICKEN”?  DUH – I’m a Baptist aren’t I? LOL   Well, come to find out he had some “connections” to a pastor and church that had been given a huge (12,000 pounds) of frozen chicken from a major chicken producer. They had already received 10,000 pounds of chicken and with the help of several churches gave it out to the needy.  The man gave our names to the pastor and the pastor contacted me this morning asking if we would be willing to take some chicken “off of his hands” and I said YES!  There were only two requirements: 1. That it be given to people that need it or will use it.  2. That Jesus be given the credit for it. We can give it through our ministry but in the name of Jesus. Anyone see anything wrong with that? I DON’T!!!!  So it looks like we will be the recipients of some chicken in the near future.  Glad it’s not cooked already or I might think I had died and gone to heaven!!! (Just joking for those of you with no sense of humor!! LOL) .   Praise the Lord for His provision. Praise Him for another chance to reach the community. Praise Him for it all!  

Lastly – we praise Him for the service tonight. We had a great crowd of children, youth and adults at Life Group tonight. Thanks to those who are stepping up to work and minister. Thank the Lord that we are seeing the children who once acted like they had never been in church or a structured environment begin to act like they have been in church now!  Many of the children, youth and adults bless my heart to hear them say, “my church”, “my pastor”, “our church” and such. There is a sense that they have now accepted the ministry and it’s in their heart. We thank God for those who have been reached and pray that MANY MANY more can be reached in 2009.  God has been so good to us!  To Him be glory!  My heart is full and excited about all that God is doing at Life House in our lives. It’s a blessing to serve Him.  Please continue to pray for us and contact us when you get a chance. Also, if you want – post a comment or two. It’s always a blessing to “HEAR” from those who are reading the web site and blog. We know that more and more people are reading from the web stats that our webmaster is getting. THANKS and post a comment if you will. Take care and  MERRY CHRISTmas to you!    Pastor James

It’s hard to believe that Life House Church and Ministries is almost 8 months old and that we are going to be marching into a new year of ministry in a few short weeks.  Right now I am spending time, praying, planning and looking toward 2009.  We have seen many victories and blessings and there are more ahead. We are so thankful for all that God has done in and through our sponsor church, partner churches and membership at Life House. So many people have prayed, worked and given sacrificially to get this new ministry off the ground.  We believe that God wants to use Life House Church in 2009 to continue the work HE has begun in College Hill. Pray for us. Pray that I will have wisdom, sensitivity to the leadership of the Lord and that God would show me the direction to lead this new church plant. Pray for God to save souls, add to our church family by baptism and letter and for our members to grow in the Word and in stability. 

Pray for the Life House Church family as we seek to get out into the community in 2009 and let Jesus shine among the people. There are so many hurting, sick and dying people in our area who need the Lord. There are families who are struggling and many who are falling apart – who need to know that Jesus is the answer. Pray that we can impact College Hill and the surrounding area like never before for the Lord!  If you or your church feels led – contact us and make plans to join us for one of our community outreach events or even a “mission trip” to help us reach souls this year.  We would be glad to have you do mission work with us. 

Also, pray for God to continue to meet our needs finacially. We are a baby church and it will take 2/3 years (maybe longer but our goal is 3 at most) to be able to be a self support and stable congregation.  We begin buying our present building in January 2009 and we are excited about that!  The building has been appraised at a much greater value than we will be buying it for.  Our thanks to the owner,  who doesn’t want to MAKE money off of the building, but rather just recoup the amount he paid for it many years ago. He has a heart for College Hill and wanted someone with a heart for the Lord and for souls to buy the building – THAT’S US! We are praying that we can “pay it off” in record time so that the monthly amount will not hinder us growing and doing ministry in the area.  We are buying it for $140,000.oo – it is appraised at about 7 times that much.  Pray that God would help us pay it off ASAP!   Maybe you want to help us by giving a end of the year, tax deductible gift – if so contact us!  You would be helping a new church gain financial freedom to do more ministry in 2009 than we could ever dream!  Pray about it.  All gifts toward the building (big or small) will get us that much closer to being able to pay it off!

We also are in need of a good used/new church van to be able to pick up children and adults in our local neighborhoods to get them to church. We are a “walking” neighborhood so when it’s cold or gets dark early our local people have a hard time getting to Life House. We know of a good used van for $12,000.oo and we are praying that if God wants us to have it that HE will provide the funds like He did recently when we bought the empty lot next door. HE CAN and HE WILL if it’s HIS WILL. Pray!!!

NOTE: I’m sure that some will say – “WHY NOT HAVE FUNDRAISERS TO PAY OFF THE BUILDING?”  We began Life House Church with the idea that we would never hold “fundraisers” to buy or purchase anything.  We want to be a debt free church and the only debt we hope to incur is when buying property  or building. Even at that we do not want to resort to fundraisers, because  our community already has the idea that “all that churches and preachers want is your money”.  We don’t want them to ever see or hear that from Life House. We don’t even “take up” offerings in our services – we have an offering box available so that our members can place their tithes and offerings  in it and guests can give as they feel led. 

2009 is going to be a great year for Life House! Pray for us! Come see us! Invite me to come speak to your church or group (at no cost) and come see us when you can!  It’s a blessing to serve the Lord in College Hill and to be one of your North American Mission Board Missionaries!   …’till later… Pastor James

We don’t usually have Sunday Night worship services at Life House but this Sunday we will! We will be blessed to have our Sponsor Church family (Shiloh Baptist) with us. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. Make plans now to join us for this special time of praise and worship. God is “gonna show up and show out”!!  Pastor James

There are many people who say they believe God can do anything but they don’t believe in miracles. If you don’t believe in miracles you might not want to talk to one of our couples in our church family.  This young couple were expecting a baby girl but not as soon as she chose to come into the world.  The doctors in Little Rock wanted to keep her from having the baby until it was further along and the lungs were more mature and formed better. God had other plans. The call came that the baby was going to be born early and pray that it would survive. The mother delivered the baby last Monday and was in our service – Wednesday night!  The baby is still in Little Rock in the hospital but the physicians can’t believe that she doesnt’ need all the care and attention that most babies born so early need. She is a miracle. The Mother told the doctors when they shared with her that they couldn’t understand how the baby is doing so good – “It’s a miracle because my church family was praying for us!” Wow! Praise God!  Stop by the wall in the worship center and view the new born pic of this little miracle! Praise God – He’s still in the miracle working business!   Pastor James

One of the things that we desperately need at Life House is more room for parking. We can only hold about 12/14  cars on our lot at one time. We have been praying that God would make a way for us to buy the empty lot next door. Earlier in the summer there was a real estate “for sale” sign on it and we called to find out how much they were asking. We found out that they wanted $9,000.00 for it. In our depressed economy, in our area – it’s not worth that much.  It did not sell. The sign came down.  After a month or so I found out who the owner was and called him and asked what he wanted for the land next door to us. He said, “I was asking $9000.00 but I will take $7,000.00 for it now.”  Well…..we have been praying and little by little a “lot fund” has come about.  We believe that we can get it for less than the “7″  – hopefully “5 or 6″.  God has blessed us with money coming in for the lot from time to time. Just today someone from out of town sent us a $1,000.00 check to help ”wherever it’s needed”.  Well – we NEED the lot next door!  I got a call from a lady recently who is visiting our church and due to some inheritance she has gotten she wants to donate $1,200.00 to the “lot fund”.  We haven’t received that check yet but i’m sure we will soon. God is blessing and soon we will be able to purchase use that lot for parking and future growth at Life House. Pray for us and pray that we can acquire the lot in God’s timing. 

Also, if you want to pray for “big things” that are needed: Pray for a church van for us to be able to go into the area and pick up people who need a ride to church. Many of them are walking but with winter weather on the way we would love to be able to give them a ride to church.

And..if you know of anyone who wants a big tax deduction for 2008 – tell them to call me. We will begin buying our present building in 2009 and if someone wanted to help that would be a BIG blessing!  God is so good to let us buy the building at 1/10th it’s appraised value.

WE have seen it work and cling to:  Philippians 4:19

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Thanks to all of our partner churches and friends who pray, work and give to help this ministry get off the ground!              Pastor James