Merry Christmas everyone

My favorite time of year is finally here.  Merry Christmas everyone.  There is so much evil being done in this world it almost seems overwhelming.  Be this as it may, we must double our efforts to DO good.  It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.  There are many who curse and complain, but let’s be a part of those that bless others in practical ways and thereby advance the kingdom of God right here in Navarre.  Are you one of the cursers or Kingdom advancers? 

It was great to hear from our team that went to Atlanta.  They are part of the Kingdom Advancers and I have a sneaking suspicion that they will spread the fire to others.  Remember  our ministry called, “Blanketing the Streets” and lend a hand to Donna and Charley on Monday nights.  That will change your life and bless the heart of our Savior Jesus.  “If you’ve done it unto the least of these you’ve done it unto me” he says.

And he goes on to say, if you not done it unto the least of these you’ve not done it unto me.  Wow.  Makes me want to be more deliberate in his work.  More concerned and more thoughtful. 

Love yall and let’s make this Christmas season a real blessing for our community.

Don’t forget; Decorating tomorrow at 10am and the live nativity scene.  See Jay G.

Or Greg C.

Love Pastor Skipper

Hello Saints of the Most High

God is doing great things through us. We just handed out 6,000 pnds of sweet potatoes and tons of canned food. People were streaming in off the highway to get free food. What a great time to bring joy and goodwill to men. People really need to see God's love in action these days that are full of crime, poverty and joblessness. There seems to be a spirit of cynicism and skepticism permeating our society. Good will is in short supply and violence and abuse seem to be more commonplace than ever before. Our TV society has changed the norm from the world of “Norman Rockwell" to the immoral lives of the Jersey Shore crowd.

Let me fill you in on a little secret: people don't live like that and they don't talk or dress like those hoochie mammas either. Well, in the real world, that is. On the left coast and the right coast they are living in a post-Christian Zoo. Not a society- but a zoo. Only animals act so vicious and immoral.

Thank God for the rest of us. We actually have standards, morals and a deep sence of propriety. We have clearly defined standards of decency and moral public conduct that are a part of the American ethic. As much as Hollywood would like us to act like there are no standards we refuse to acquiesce. Let's not let the left and right coasts redefine who we are and how we act in society. As children of God and those expecting a future judgment we must always act decently and with dignity. We must never lose sight of the ever watching eye of the creator who expects us to represent him well.

I love all of you and hope you have a happy Thanksgiving.

To Him we give thanks

Pastor Skipper

Hello GP (God's People)

I missed last week because I was on a mission’s trip to Cabo San Lucas. In case you don't know, that's on the very tip of the Baja peninsula of California. The sea of Cortez connects with the Pacific Ocean just off the coast and the depth drops to 3,000 feet just off the beach. I was joined by 25 men and women of God for four days of fund raising. We all showed up to make a pledge for Convoy of Hope. This is a food distribution ministry that is second to none on the planet. Our speaker was fabulous and spoke about all the great ministry Convoy is doing in the U.S. and around the world. One phrase he said just stuck with me: "it doesn't matter that you have a big church but how are you impacting your community" In other words, what are you doing to make a difference.

We also got to minister to the local people of Cabo through our one on one witnessing and our generous tips. I would leave a tip each day for my made with a little note with a Christian message on it. I'm sure my spelling was off but I hope they got the message. One little boy we prayed for had a latex allergy and was unable to play with balloons. The family called the hotel the next day to say that the boy was healed and played with a balloon all night.

I was very impressed with the caliber of people that I hung out with. They were from A/G churches all over the country and were committed to ministry. Although we were strangers, we laughed more in three days than I can remember. God's people are so loving and easygoing that we bonded in no time as if we had known each other for years. Some of the guys would ask the mariachi bands to come over and tell them that it was their friend’s birthday. The band would start playing a birthday tune for the embarrassed friend, since it was never anyone's birthday. They just loved to play tricks on each other.

Our "Cardboard Testimony Service" yesterday was so wonderfully anointed. If you didn't get to see it you will definitely want a video of the service. The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord was powerfully moving on hearts. Grown men were weeping and people were wonderfully touched by the Spirit of God. Leslie Cox gave a tremendous testimony and there wasn't a dry eye in the place. When I got up to speak I just opened the altars and people flooded down. We took our time and layed hands on everyone. I know God is touching many people.

Don't forget that we have a giant Thanksgiving dinner after the second service next week. We have rented a tent and we want everyone to come and bring a friend.
Let's blow the doors off this church.

Love

Pastor Skipper

Working together in unity

I just have to declare today, on record, for posterity, that I have the best church in the world.  Last night we hosted the town for our annual Fall Festival.  By all accounts it was an amazing success.  The crowds that came were huge and the helpers were numerous. 

I told Julie when we got home how proud I was of all of our servant leaders who showed up early and stayed late to help out.  Our board members, staff and leaders showed up early and worked together like a well trained combat division.  I saw the power of the gospel message, “how blessed it is when brethren dwell together in unity”.  Working together in unity is a very powerful and attractive thing.

Many of our new families also came and worked very hard.  “Wow” and double “Wow”

I am just beside myself, today as I write to all my millions of readers about God’s wonderful people.

Love you all and hope to see you Wednesday.

Pastor Skipper