I can’t figure it out!

I told you last week about my cousin who knows a week in advance when she won’t be at church the following week. There must be something more to this, I’m stumped!

I told you last week that there would be no bulletin this week because I would be in Wyoming. Yet, here I am, preparing the bulletin that wasn’t supposed to be. Although, maybe it is my fault. I did ask God that He would inspire someone to step in for a week and put the bulletin together.

Whenever Woody Blalock makes his plans, he always says, “the Lord’s saying the same.” I announced in advance, like my cousin. I said, “the Lord’s saying the same,” like Woody. What did I do wrong?

But, all I got was a leaky water pump in my truck. The pump and pin-holed hose revealed a cracked, split, and accident-waiting-to-happen timing belt. Oh sure, I appreciate not being “on the moon” before discovering these problems. I thought I had taken care of this more than a month ago. So much for all that nonsense about preventive maintenance and regular check-ups! To top it all off, when I picked up my truck, it ran rough. When I realized something wasn’t right, I made a bee-line back to the shop, only to discover they had closed—for the weekend.

When it became apparent that I might not be leaving town by Wednesday, I called Pastor Rigsby and asked him to lift the curse, promising that I would be present for prayer meeting.

What happened? Instead of the curse being lifted, I not only didn’t get my truck back, I got sick. Oh, I’m better now, thank you. I don’t remember this being the way things are supposed to happen. Becoming ill was not exactly what I was expecting.

There is a ray of sunshine in all this. While the rest of you are buying that expensive over $3 a gallon gas, I’m still burning the under $3 a gallon fuel! You remember those days, don’t you?

I felt a little entrepreneurial and was going to auction off my tank of “classic gas” on eBay (you know, to cover the repair expenses and all). I had a hard time believing that people would be duped enough to out bid one another for more than they would pay at the pump, plus shipping, just so they could say, “this was originally purchased, “in the old days, when fuel sold for under $3 a gallon.”

My dreams of wealth were short lived, though. I think I am getting two gallons to the mile now. I’ll go to church Sunday. The truck goes back to the shop Monday. Why do I feel like this cycle is starting over?

So, I am not going to announce this week that next week there might or might not be a bulletin because I may or may not be “you know where.” But, here is a clue: if you don’t get a bulletin, you know why. If you do, it will be a surprise to both of us, won’t it?

As to “the Lord’s saying the same,” it is a good thing Woody and Barbara are coming for a visit soon. Maybe I can learn how to know when “the Lord’s saying the same” and when He isn’t.

Yes, I read Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Yes, but what does that have to do with “the Lord’s saying the same”?

I just finished printing the bulletin and realized all the things I accidentally left out—oops! So, here is my attempt at making amends.

The nursery project. Well, at least we have ceilings in all the rooms again. It was an awkward feeling to use the restrooms with a view to the roof. Although, I suppose that is better than a view to the moon. Today the walls and ceilings were to be textured, but…. I intended to give you an update.

Deadlines. Rocio Garcia (from the Spanish congregation) presented what she will be doing this summer with InterVarsity-UCLA a couple of weeks ago. Rocio will be helping in inner city Los Angeles befriending children and youth, tutoring, and teaching in Bible Club type gatherings. You may remember reading her letter about a month ago. It has not yet worked out for Jayson Jun (from the Korean congregation) to come and explain what he will be doing. Jayson is going to Turkey, living with a host family, and with his team, teaching English, and as they are able, talking about Jesus Christ. Both are raising the funds it will take to be involved of these ministries. There is a May 1 deadline for contributions. I intended to ask you again to keep these two in your prayers.

Resurrection Sunday (and the very long weekend that preceded it). For months, the Korean congregation was planning a concert featuring the ones who play various instruments (violin, flute, cello, guitar, piano). The practice sessions were always a delight to hear. Saturday evening was the concert. By contrast, the Spanish congregation had an (almost) impromptu series of challenging and evangelistic meetings with a missionary they support in Argentina, Daniel Bustamante. They met Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening, as well as special early morning prayer times Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The English congregation did nothing special or unique. No “door-hanger” distribution invitations. No “breaking into the cemetery” Sunrise Service. No Easter lilies “across the platform.” The only difference was No “maybe we should have met” Evening Worship Service. Why do I feel like I am telling the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? I think God must have put us all together so that when He gets tired of all the woe of the world, He can look down on Perry Road and have a good laugh! I don’t figure we’ll ever be a model for the church growth experts. One works like busy bees, and God blesses. Another makes the most of an opportunity, and God blesses. The third follows S.O.P., and God blesses. Go figure! If you are looking for the “secret” formula to God’s blessing, you won’t find it. Why? Because it is not about us. It is about Jesus Christ, who was crucified and buried, who rose from the dead three days later, and is one day (soon) coming again. I intended to encourage you to give praise to the Lord, who is risen, indeed.

Israel Report (a.k.a. “The Rigsby Report”). This report has been a long time in coming. Sunday night, Pastor Rigsby will present slides with narration about our January adventure to Israel. Don’t you think it would be cool if Donna played the organ along with the slides and narration, like one of those old black and white silent movies I’ve only heard about? Imagine the feelings of suspense, thrill and horror the music would add! Now all I need to do is convince Donna. I am anxious to hear what Pastor Rigsby has to say. For that matter, I am anxious to see which slides I (I mean, he) will show. I intended to get that project done; that is, I intend to get it done; that is, I had better intentions.

Finally. I have a cousin who used to know, as much as a week in advance, whether she would be at church the following Sunday. I’m still not sure how she knew, it must be one of those intuition things. Following her example, I am giving notice today that I won’t be at church in Bell Gardens next Sunday. I intended to tell you because this also means there won’t be a bulletin next week, April 30. I’m pretty sure “the Lord’s saying the same.”

Hello Everyone!

I am usually excited to receive the newsletter from First Baptist Church of Hughson each time it comes in the mail. When I opened up this issue, I was astounded (more than usual) at what I read.

If you don’t remember, First Baptist of Hughson is the church where Pastor Don and Wanda Slaven went after leaving Bell Gardens. What’s so astounding about that? Here’s what Wanda says:

“Easter Sunday, April 16, 2006 will complete 25 years of ministry for Pastor Don and me here at Hughson First Baptist Church. I was reflecting on those years and so much life has been lived and so many events happened during this time.”

Say what? Twenty-five years? Can it really be true? Wanda continues:

“Over these 25 years, we have had 4 children get married, been blessed with nine grandchildren. Celebrated 44 years of marriage and ministry together. Experienced the joy of living close to my mother for eight years before she was diagnosed with cancer, and was able to personally care for her, along with my sister, the last year and 9 months of her life. Pastor Don and I have both lost mothers while living here. Seventeen years ago Jill had her car accident and everyone in the church and the community gave us such love and support during that year she was in the hospital.”

Pastor Don also reflected on reaching this milestone. He says:

“Any pastorate that long is a testimony to the grace of God, the patience of God’s people and the faithful, loving encouragement of a Godly wife.

“It has been our passion, along with the Church, to bring Christ to our community. This effort would never succeed without the help of committed Christians who take seriously their call to be Disciples of Christ. And true discipleship is always measured by making other disciples. Our Lord’s commission is unmistakable! …

“The joys of ministry are as profound as the challenges. …

“What a blessing it is for me to minister in this part of the kingdom, called Hughson. And I firmly believe the best is yet to be. Often I tell my friends that this is the best time of my life, and it is not over yet! What makes this true is flesh and blood (real people) who love God, love each other and love his work. For me, to be part of this ministry during these last 25 years, with all of its’ complexities, is a joy like none other!”

And, many of you reading this were recipients of Don and Wanda’s ministry when they were at Bell Gardens. A word of congratulations for and encouragement to continue in their faithfulness is certainly in order! (P.O. Box 296 / Hughson, CA 95326). Who knows, maybe they will even send you a complete copy of the articles they wrote.

Someday I am going to learn the real secret of their lengthy and glorious ministry in Hughson. I’ll be expecting something profound, some kind of witty, sage advice, like “behind every ‘don’t-can’t’ is a silver anniversary if you ‘can-do’.” But it is more likely I’ll be told, “the secret is…don’t drink the water,” or “for longevity in one place…you need a custom painted set of Bell Gardens Baptist Deacon Golf Balls.”

Congratulations!