Josh and Tasha Via

Quick shout out to Josh Via! Josh and Tasha led worship for us on September 20th and did a great job. They will be back with us on October 4th at South Pointe. Here is the link to his latest blog and what he shared about South Pointe. Click this link: http://www.joshvia.com/2009/09/9-20-09.html

Our new "Q and A" series started today at South Pointe. If you missed, be sure to check it out online. The first message dealt with the question: "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

Coming this week: "What does the Bible say about alcohol?"

The Joy of Baptism

Yesterday was a cool day! I had the privilege of baptizing my youngest child, Ben at South Pointe's first ever baptism on a Sunday a.m. I have baptized several 100 people over the last 13 years of ministry, but none more special than my 3 children.

Jesus displayed for us obedience by being baptized Himself in the Jordan River 2,000 years ago. Baptism has no saving power in and of itself, but is simply an act of obedience and serves as a symbol of what Jesus did for us as He died and was resurrected 3 days later.

Baptism is one of those things never gets old for this 38 year-old pastor and is something that should be celebrated by all who witness it. It was a special day for Ben, myself, our family, and the fellowship at South Pointe - one we will never forget and will continue to celebrate long after the 20th of September.

Cell Phone Hysteria!

Cellphone's seem to be one of those necessary "evils" in today's world. I admit I am fully in that group that depends way to much on this technology. I realized that for sure after dropping my phone in water over the weekend. I instantly lost all access to the internet (college football scores), e-mail, and the ability to talk to anybody. On Sunday, I was relegated to my wife's old regular phone. Not fun!

On Monday, I was down at the cellphone store getting a new phone. What bothered me the most was not having my contact list. Who remembers people's numbers anymore? I still have not gotten that resolved which is driving me crazy.

I think the issue in today's world is connectivity. The younger culture has this need to be "connected" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, wherever they are on planet earth. I am 38 and I feel this way to a certain extent and did not even grow up in the middle of this technology boom. If I feel that way, how do you think our teenagers or college students feel about it. Scary?

I hope this little absence of busyness and information will help me to slow down a little and not put my dependence in a little piece of hardware, but push me to more dependence on God.

Maybe dropping that phone in the water was a "good" thing! We shall see!

Graduation Day

I absolutely love this picture! This is my son at his kindergarten graduation with his beautiful mom. It is a gentle reminder to cherish these "precious moments" with my children, because they grow so fast. Stephen is now in 3rd grade and on the fast track to his 12th grade graduation. It flies by doesn't it? Hard to believe I will be celebrating my 20 year high school reunion in a month. Wow!

May we all live this day to the fullest, enjoying every minute the Lord gives us. James is so right when he says our lives are like a vapor - here one minute, gone the next. May each of us live a life of No regrets!!!

Single Mom's Oil Change Blessing

Operation Blessing rolls on! We changed the oil for about 16 single mom's in the area this past Saturday a.m. It was great! It was neat to meet these ladies and to encourage them through this act of service.

One of the mom's blessed me more than I blessed her: I left my phone in her car while bringing it around from the garage...30 minutes later she brought it back. What a blessing to me!!

Next up - Guys nite out - this thursday at "The Pointe". I hear little "carolina" is playing...we'll see!

FOR SALE: 2007 White Jeep Wrangler

I am not real big into cars. Matter of fact, my first car was a 1972 olds with a 455 engine. We nicknamed it "The Bomb". It was a classic! From there I upgraded my senior year of high school to a 1985 Nissan Pulsar 2-dr with a sunroof. It had a stick shift and was my baby. By the time we had our first real baby 9 years later, it had about 225,000 miles and was no longer very practical with a baby seat. Being the family man and all, I then drove a 1998 white ford taurus. Nothing flashy at all, but it got the job done. Then finally, I moved up to a toyota 4-runner. Great vehicle and has been a blessing even now just crossing the 100,000 mile threshold.

That leads to Sunday night.... I was at the student center and there drove up a 4-door jeep wrangler with a for sale sign on it. Boy, it was nice and it even had a stick shift. I fell in love right then and there. My friend Dan Wooten saw my admiration and took a quick snap-shot. I already could see myself driving around with the top down, music playing in my new jeep.

Then of course, Dave Ramsey pops up in my head. "Live like no else, so later you can live no one else." So true - my toyota 4-runner was just fine and best of all, it is paid for. You know, they say when you get close to age 40, you start making some weird decisions, especially with cars. Maybe that's it? It was nice for a minute and I appreciate Matt from Keffer Dodge in Charlotte allowing me to indulge for a time. Who knows maybe one day, I can own one. If and when I do, I stick to paying cash for it. No loans - being debt free is worth it!!

By the way, through our Operation Blessing series, if you find yourself in a pinch and need a little financial counseling, give us a call at the church office at 843-672-2761. We are giving away free, "Total Money Makeover" books by Dave Ramsey to each person or family that attends a session. Just a thought....

BTW, the jeep shown above was a 2007 with 33,000 miles and was being priced at $23,000.00. Jeep is pretty proud of their product, huh! :)

"The Team"

In ministry, the value of a strong team can not be under-estimated! It has been a privilege to work with this team of folks at South Pointe. Each is uniquely gifted and has made a significant impact upon the kingdom of God in the Pageland community.

Thanks to Joni for her second straight summer pouring herself and Jesus into our kids! Her love for children is obvious and she will be missed as she goes back to North Greenville University to begin her junior year. Pray for her that God will continue to direct her path and be a shining light for Him on the college scene.

Gary and I had the privilege of working together for 18 months in the ministry. If you know Gary - you learn quickly that his passion is music and leading people to worship God. I have admired and respected how he has stretched himself in the area of student ministry. Having no prior experience in this area, he learned quickly that a strong student ministry is built on relationships. If kids know you care, they will come back. I don't even think Gary realizes the impact he has had on our students during this time. Gary will be missed greatly, especially by me. I appreciate his friendship, prayers, and support! I thank him also for teaching this "old pastor" a thing or two about worship. It has been a blessing my brother - and I wish you the best at East Taylorsville!

Dan Wooten - You survived your first year as principal/administrator of the school ministry! Dan is just a great all around guy and is one of the most level-headed, even-keeled persons I know. It takes a lot to rattle Dan and I appreciate his passion for Christian education. His desire is to see kids come to know Christ and for our school ministry to make a difference in families lives. Thanks Dan for all you do brother for the kingdom! Your friendship and constant feedback of encouragement to me is a blessing!

Well - you have all heard the statement there is no "I" in team". The South Pointe team is now down to "2". It's you me and Dan!!! What we are experiencing is what happens in ministry and is a constant reminder to all of us that the ministry is bigger than us. We are simply servants to the King of kings and trust Him to guide and lead us everyday. I can't wait to see who God adds to our picture soon. Stay tuned!