Updates

Donalsonville, GA April 9-12, 2017

4/15/2017

Southern Georgia is a completely different world from the Chicago area I grew up in. From city streets to country roads. From suburbs to farm fields. From pizza and pasta to delicious fried food. From hurriedness to warm southern hospitality. One of the things I love to see is when a pastor is so uniquely shaped by God to minister in a particular area. Pastor Scott and Cile Messer were born and raised in this far southwestern corner of Georgia and now pastor the Donalsonville Church of the Nazarene, where I was invited to be for revival services April 9-12. I was deeply moved by the sweet welcome that I received from this church --- especially toward someone who obviously had a very different accent (though Trina and I have lived in Tennessee for most of our married lives)!

The Holy Spirit moved powerfully from the very first service as evidenced by the kind of response that we do not always see in churches -- with many, many of the people coming forward to respond to Jesus at the conclusion of that service. We saw this same kind of response again in the Tuesday evening service. There was the obvious sense among those present that God was at work in these times, and several people testified to this. What an encouraging thing it is to us when there is the sense that Jesus has touched the people of the church and has helped the church as a whole in some way. That definitely seemed to be so here in Donalsonville.

I was further blessed just to fellowship with Pastor Scott and have some time with him. I loved to hear about his heart and vision for their community. I was especially blessed to see the way he is when he is out among people: truly a pastor to the entire town, loving every person, always having a minute for any person that passed by. It reminded me again of that simple admonition I received as a ministerial student so many years ago: preach the Word and love the people. I want to do that more as we continue,

Running together in Christ,

John

Royalton, IL March 26-28, 2017

4/7/2017

Sometime last year, I was blessed to get a message from our friend, Dan Taylor. Dan had been the pastor at the Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Decatur, IL, where we had been privileged to go for revival services on a few occasions. About a year ago, Pastor Dan and Teresa had moved to Royalton, IL to become the pastor of the Church of the Nazarene there. Royalton is a very small community in far southern Illinois in an area that had once boomed with coal mining, but which has since suffered from the economic challenges common to so many of our small communities across America. I could not think of a better pastor and wife to minister to and within an area of need. It was obvious from our visit that they are well loved by the people, and we also were warmly greeted. Carey and I were able to drive up from Tennessee and arrive on Saturday evening to begin services on Sunday morning and continue through Wednesday evening. During these days and services, we heard some powerful music sung by a local young man before each message. Jesus once again showed His faithfulness and ability to do what I cannot by supplying His strength and anointing on His Word for every service. Though the spiritual battle was felt, I could see and sense His Word prevailing in the same way that Luke describes in the book of Acts. We were encouraged to see those who responded to the truth of the Word during these times and thank God for the Word being sown and watered in this church. I heard the term “great revival” more than once from people.

Once again, one of the biggest blessings was the relationships. We had some wonderful times of fellowship and visiting with Pastor Dan and Teresa. They are true and humble servants of the Lord. It was also another great time for Carey and I to be together. From the drive, to doing classes online in the hotel room, to going to work out at the local gymnasium and swimming pool, we enjoyed one another’s presence and grew in the Lord together over these days. As we drove home to Tennessee in the late hours on Wednesday night after the service, all I could do was thank the Lord for His provision and all He is doing in our lives as we continue,

Running together in Christ,

John

Issaquah, WA March 3-5, 2017

4/6/2017

It is hard to believe that this was the sixth consecutive year for Carey to travel with me to Issaquah, WA. I look at those old photos and see a 10-year-old little boy beside me who was about half my height, and now I stand beside a young man who is nearly the same height as me and is not only my son, but my friend, support, accountability, and travel partner on trips like this. What a privilege to share these experiences together. I have honestly lost count of the number of times I have been to Mountain Creek Christian Fellowship, but I know it is more than 10 and as many as 15. Just these past few weeks in our online Bible Survey class, we have been looking at the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and how he went back to the same churches repeatedly, being at the Galatian churches no less than four times, for example. One point we try to make in class is the focus on relationship and disciples that was in Paul’s heart.

Downtown Issaquah, WA

We have certainly experienced those ongoing relationships in places like MCCF. We received our normal warm reception at the church from the very first service of this weekend revival and it was so good to see the people again after a year since we had last visited. Under Pastor Vanessa Chitwood’s leadership, the church is now meeting in a more permanent location --- a beautiful church facility they are renting in a beautiful location outside of the city. I felt that the services had a special touch of Jesus’ presence upon them. There was a sweetness in the times of worship, and the still quiet voice of the Holy Spirit speaking deeply through the Word as we shared. It seemed to be time of significant impact with many people testifying to that.

One of the most significant things for Carey and me during our visits to Issaquah is our times of fellowship with Mark and Beth Miller. Mark helped begin the church as pastor in the early 90’s, and is now in a ministry role of helping to facilitate congregations through periods of transition. He has remained a close friend and brother to me over these years, and is one of a group of men around the country who the Lord has given as godly mentors to Carey. As a graduate of the Naval Academy and a veteran of the Marine Corps, Mark’s particular influence in Carey’s life has been in the area of military and firearms. It is always one of the highlights of our visit for Carey to get to go to the shooting range to get some practice and instruction with Mark. Six years have passed since Carey’s first visit to Issaquah. In a little more than two years he will graduate high school and go where God leads him.

Carey getting some instruction from Mark Miller

United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

On our way out to Seattle, Carey and I made a stop in Colorado Springs for us to do a campus visit of the U.S. Air Force Academy: one of the places he is considering for the future as he prays about a future in the military. I am thankful for each day with him, for what Jesus is doing in his life, and what He is doing in my life through Carey. Our days on this earth are short, and I pray that He will give us His heart for what matters as we continue,

Running together in Christ,

John

Elizabeth City, NC February 19-22, 2017

2/27/2017

It has been a while since I posted a trip update, but I was compelled to give a little summary of our life-changing time in Elizabeth City, NC. This was the first time we have been to an Evangelical Methodist Church, and our connection came through their pastor, Dr. Bill Ury. While I had heard of him for many years, Bill and I became acquainted a couple of years ago while working together at Camp Sychar Holiness Campmeeting in Mt. Vernon, OH. The Lord Jesus developed an instant bond between us that has continued over the course of these two years in mutual support and encouragement. We were thrilled to get to come to ECEMC to present the Word, but, in honesty, even more for the time of relationship with Bill and his wonderful wife, Diane.

We were so warmly received by this church body. It was fascinating to watch the dynamic of the Lord’s working in this church over the course of the five services and four days we were there. Things seemed to begin quietly on Sunday morning, but by Sunday night I could sense that Jesus was breaking through. This only increased day by day over the next three services, Monday through Wednesday. Each night it seemed that the attendance grew. Even more than this was the certain sense of the moving of the Holy Spirit that was growing each night. The preaching was easy for me as God seemed to honor the prayers of the people who gathered to pray before each service.

Most or all would have had no idea that my throat had been sore for the entire previous week and I was a bit concerned about how it would hold up for the revival services. But Jesus sustained and provided in an amazing and powerful way. By the final service on the final night, we had the largest attendance and the overflow of His presence was clear enough for all to see. The response was like nothing we had seen the entire week, with people coming to the altar to pray. There was a most definite sense of revival in this body, for which we were so grateful.

I had two special blessings that were equally as life-changing for me personally. First, I got to have my son Carey with me. God always does more than I can describe and it is something for which I am deeply grateful when he is able to come. There is no substitute for having those hours together in travel, in fellowship with people, and being in the services together. I am deeply grateful for the impact that Jesus is able to have on Carey’s life as well as mine in these times. Furthermore, the men of this church, as is often the case, really embraced Carey. There is always a great interest and support when people learn of Carey’s interest in and intention to go into the military. We were gifted with two special outings during our time in Elizabeth City. First, we were able to go with Bill one day to Kitty Hawk to see the site, now a national park, where the Wright Brothers conducted their first powered flight.

Equally amazing was the guided tour we received from two Coast Guard members in the church as they took us through the Coast Guard base in Elizabeth City. Carey, as usual, was completely enamored with getting to see the C-130 planes up close as it is his dream to fly that airplane. I am deeply grateful to those who take such an interest in his life and future. The other blessing was just getting to be with Bill. The time together in meals, driving in the car, being in services, or just sitting and talking. It was the richest of times, and we come away refreshed and encouraged beyond what I can say.

I am thankful for men of God who love Jesus in such a way that their lives are just a manifestation of Him. I am deeply grateful for not only the effect of this on my life, but also for the effect on my son and family. God’s blessings continue to surprise and overwhelm in ways we could never imagine, as we continue,

Running together in Christ,

John

Fallon, NV September 25-29, 2016

10/6/2016

Partly because I am cold-blooded (no comments from my family, please), I love to get warm. Anything will do: blankets, hot water, wool clothing, or especially a fire. I was thinking about this as I huddled around the fire in Paul and Tammy Slaton’s yard in Fallon, NV on this visit. We had gathered there for a Sunday night service outside in the yard, and had food and fellowship together, including smores around the fire.

As I sat near that fire, warming myself, I looked around and noticed the people around me. I was struck by the warmth of the fellowship and the unity of this church. As I have perhaps mentioned before from earlier visits, I am not sure I have been around a body more single-minded and unified in their love for Jesus Christ and for one another. There is a core group that often hangs around together long after the evening service has concluded. If I remember correctly, we did not leave the church until two hours after the service had concluded on Monday evening. While I think people got tired and those times shortened a little as the week went on, the spirit of it persisted. There were lots of hugs and warm support between one another and

Around the fire Sunday night in Fallon, NV

toward those who are being drawn into the fellowship. This is indeed happening in a special way in the church in Fallon, but I have come to believe it is not to be unique. This is how the body of Christ is to operate. People are inviting others to church, while other people are being continually drawn to check out what is happening in this church because of their ministry to the community through the food pantry and such. I go to Fallon twice per year, and the last time was in April. Yet, I did not know at least 25% (conservative estimate) of the people present on Sunday morning. People keep coming, and seeds continue to be sown and watered. The stories of what God is doing is almost unbelievable at times, but real. But the people in the church would tell you it is not some plan or program --- it is just Jesus. It is just the way He works and it is His normal. This happens to be a lot of what I preached about from Jude this time, and the response was better than ever. What an encouragement that was, and Jesus really worked in my life as well through the Word in these times together. Of course, I also got to preach again on Thursday morning at the food pantry to a group of people that consider that their church. Nearly 400 families were served that day at the food pantry, and it was a joy to take up my regular post of helping people load food into their vehicles outside.

Food pantry in full operation on Thursday morning in Fallon

I missed my partner, Carey, who stayed home to participate in his first week of practices on the local swim team. But I trust he will be back in the spring. I have to be honest in saying that I am physically tired from taking part in the ministry of the week along with my regular online teaching and such, but it is one of those deeply warming and rewarding things to be on the front lines of the kingdom. What a blessing to get to be a part of that with these beloved ones in Fallon, NV, and with you as we continue,

Running together in Christ,

John

Richmond, VA September 16-18, 2016

10/6/2016

I have heard about Richmond Southside Church of the Nazarene for many years from my dear friend Dave Kochheiser and his family, who are a part of this congregation. I have always been amazed and impressed to hear about the creative and intentional ways that this church reaches out to their community. When we first walked into the church on Friday evening to begin this weekend AWAKE revival, we were immediately struck by this intentionality in everything about the church and its warm and appealing environment. We were so warmly greeted and embraced by Pastor Wynne Lankford, the entire church staff, who were so helpful, and the congregation. What a joy to get to know these brothers and sisters in Christ and to be a part of this weekend that they had so thoroughly prepared for. Pastor Wynne had me make 6 different videos of 2-3 minutes in length that were shown in the services the previous Sunday and then sent out to the congregation each day of the week leading up to the weekend. These helped prepare us all with a prayer focus for the weekend, and I am thankful to Steve Pennington at Trevecca Community Church who edited and prepared these excellent videos for me. It seems that the videos also helped create some connection with the congregation even before I came.

We began services Friday evening, continued Saturday evening, had three services on Sunday morning (Whew!), and then concluded with the Sunday evening service. The Sunday morning service(s) was one of the most fun services I have ever been in. What a spirit of joy and celebration there was, and there was a sense of the Lord beginning to break through in these times. That only increased and overflowed on Sunday night with a clear sense of His presence breaking through in an unmistakable way and dozens of people responding to Jesus at the conclusion of that service. We all felt that the Lord had come through and answered our prayer for this weekend.

Time with the Kochheiser family

There were a couple of even more special blessings to me personally. First of all, it was an opportunity to spend some special time with the Kochheisers and share in some fellowship together. Most all, it was a rare opportunity for me to have my sweet daughter, Chaili, with me on a trip. Carey gets to come with me fairly often, but Chaili is not often able to during the school year because of her schedule. Being a senior nursing major this year, we were so

pleased that her schedule allowed for her to come for this time. I am so deeply grateful for her and these times together both in the services and just in the car together. They are times we will always remember together, including some special moments in prayer together at the altar on Sunday night as God worked in our lives. What wonderful things the Lord has done for us. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for these gifts that I will always remember as we continue,

Running together in Christ,

John

Bowling Green, MO September 11-12, 2016

10/6/2016

Have you ever had one of those experiences that caused you to realize that time continues to pass by (in other words, “I’m old”)? Nearly 22 years ago, I was at the church of my friend, Pastor Dave Phillips, for some revival services in Apple Valley, CA. Dave and Chris have three children, the youngest of whom is Wes, who was around 9 years old at that time. What a blessing it was to receive an e-mail several months ago from a pastor named Wes Phillips. I was amazed when I learned of the connection. Wes has been the pastor at the Church of the Nazarene in Bowling Green, MO for two years after being a pastor to families at another church in Missouri.

This was my very first time to be a guest at a church of a “second generation” pastor whom we have known. However, nothing about Pastor Wes would cause anyone to think he is a young pastor. I was impacted by the maturity and leadership that he exhibits and how the Lord is working through him in the church. God is already working in a mighty way in this church, with at least one-fourth of the people being new to the church and the Christian life. I was so impressed with the core values that they have put in place and how they are implementing those into the life of the church. Again, this is a testimony to the leadership of Pastor Wes. It was a pleasure and joy to get to know him, Courtney, and their son, Isaac. The church responded in this uniquely formatted two-day revival. In each of the three services, in addition to Sunday School, people were really open and seeking Jesus --- both new people and those who are long-time members. There was a real sense of revival and coming back to focus on Him, not allowing the enemy to distract us with the things of life.

With Pastor Wes, Courtney, and Issac

I praise the Lord for the positive sense of what He is doing in the life of this body of believers, and how He seemed to work through these services to add to that and take us further. I am excited to hear what will happen in this community in days ahead. I am further grateful for these new relationships. Time indeed does move on, but what a blessing to know Jesus and be exactly where He has placed us for such a time as this. Excited more than ever as we continue . . .

Running together in Christ,

John

Clearwater, FL August 15-21, 2016

8/26/2016

Some places are just like home. There is no other way to describe it. Clearwater, FL has become like one of those places for us. Our family began taking a yearly vacation there about four years ago, made possible by the gracious hospitality of Sam and Joy Burch as they welcome us like family into their home for those days, and we are graciously indebted to them and have such a deep love for them. I have heard it said that you are either a “mountain” person or an “ocean” person, and our family has definitely been captivated by the peace, beauty, sunshine (I totally get the retirement thing in Florida now!), and restfulness of the beaches of the Clearwater area in these years --- one of our favorite places in this world.

Honeymoon Island, Clearwater Beach, Pier 60, and morning runs on the Dunedin Causeway. But as much as we have an attachment to the location, I believe it is a love for the people that makes us so at home there. Of course, Sam and Joy continue to be like family to us. But Clearwater First Church of the Nazarene (CFN) has quickly become like this to us as well. What a place of blessing, warmth, love, and encouragement it has been to us, even capped off in the closing service on Sunday night as our dear brother, Pastor Pat Glenn, asked Sam to pray for our family as the congregation gathered around. The Lord Jesus really touched our lives through these people! After being at CFN for revival services in January and so enjoying our time then,

Prayer at the altar on Sunday night

Prayer conference on Saturday

we were excited to get to go back for vacation in August, with the added opportunity to teach for a weekend prayer conference at the church August 20 and 21. This was after getting to share at the church on Wednesday night and then joining in a fellowship meal with a group at the church on Friday night. This was my first time to lead a prayer conference, and we were all quite overwhelmed with how God worked in this time and in our lives. As we shared on prayer from the Word for three sessions on Saturday, the presence and anointing of Jesus through His Spirit left us nearly speechless and overwhelmed. It was a time of deep learning and all of our lives being deeply impacted.

If this was not enough, that same presence and power of the Holy Spirit overflowed into the two morning services and the evening service in a nearly unimaginable way. There were remarkable spiritual decisions and response in both of those morning services with God supernaturally at work among us. The evening service continued in this and was a demonstration of the love and grace of Jesus Christ as I have maybe never seen before as we worshiped and shared the Word one more time. Dr. Larry Dennis, District Superintendent of the Florida District, was present to make a special presentation to Sam Burch in an incredibly moving demonstration of God’s love. We heard testimonies of what Jesus had done over the weekend, and got to pray for people as well as being prayed for in those closing moments. The word “overflow” seems to best express what we experienced of God in these times together.

Jesus continued to touch us and demonstrate Himself to us through people after the service, and this continues even now through words and conversations. Thank you to Pastor Pat and Barbie, Sam and Joy, and everyone there for these precious and life-changing times, and thank you the Lord Jesus Christ for how You worked in our lives in these days. It was certainly like no “vacation” we have ever experienced before, and while we miss the sun and beaches of Clearwater, it is the people that we miss the most and hold dear in our hearts as we continue,

Running together in Christ,

John

Dinner on a beautiful evening on Clearwater Beach, FL

Sandstone, MN August 5-7, 2016

8/11/2016

It is not often you get the privilege of taking a road trip with your almost-college-graduate daughter (Chaili has nine months left for her nursing degree at Trevecca Nazarene University). She went with me last time I was at Community Worship Center in Sandstone, MN a few years ago, and she has maintained some special relationships from there as well as her love for the peace and beauty of being near the water. So it was a very personal “dad” highlight and blessing to get to have Chaili with me again on this 1,000 mile drive each way with a few days in between in Sandstone. Though it has been a few years since being there, it was like walking into somewhere very familiar to us with so many people we have known so well over these years from the time when Sam Burch was the pastor here. Jason Best is now doing a great work of just preaching and pointing people to Jesus and the Word in this growing church. What an encouragement it was to see the new people and families who are simply being drawn by the Holy Spirit to experience and know Jesus at CWC.

I was struck in these services on Saturday and Sunday by the hunger for the Word that I saw and sensed in people. There seemed to be such true anticipation in minds and hearts, including the several children that were present in the services. I was reminded again of the simplicity, though not always easy, of what God calls us to do: preaching the Word and loving people in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. This holds true in every size church in every culture and in every time.

I was encouraged to see this happening with new people this special place in Sandstone, MN --- an area of great need as are so many places in our world today. The presence of the Holy Spirit in these services was very real with some significant response to truth and renewal in the hearts of the people present. I suppose I might have been most touched by the sight of some of the young boys who were so attentive, listening, and open to Jesus in their lives. Young Elijah (7 years old) even offered me an idea for a new sermon! This is what we are all about --- passing the flame as Paul did for Timothy even while instructing him to do the same for others.

One final thing along this same line . . . . On our way up to Sandstone, Chaili and I were privileged to stop in Eden Prairie (Minneapolis area) to see a dear friend. Dr. Norman Bloom used to be a District Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene in Minnesota, but after that went to work at Olivet Nazarene University.

Shortly after this is when I came to Olivet as a new student. I had been a Christian for only a few months, and less than a year when I met Norman Bloom, who showed such great kindness to me and to my family. Over the years, Norman has continued to be the same loving encourager over and over again, and now through written correspondence. I am praying that the Lord Jesus Christ will be this through me in like manner across these years to come. One of the things Norman often says at the end of his letters is, “Heaven is getting nearer.” Indeed it is, and I want to live in that light as we are,

Running together in Christ,

John

Sebring (OH) Holiness Campmeeting, July 14-24 2016

8/2/2016

The last time Trina and I were at Sebring Holiness Campmeeting, our daughter, Chaili, was 2 years old. Those were wonderful times as a family, staying in that small room and experiencing campmeeting services and life together. Our family has always had a love for campmeeting. It was a special blessing to us, then to get to go back to Sebring Camp this summer with a 20-year-old Chaili and a 14-year-old Carey. Trina and Chaili had to go back about half-way through the camp because of Chaili’s summer work schedule, but Carey and I were both there for the duration of the 10-day long camp. Carey got to participate in the youth program, staying in the youth dorm and working in the kitchen in addition to all the services and special activities (late night bowling, anyone?). One of the highlights of the camp was meeting and working with Cory and Jess Clark.

Cory was the youth evangelist for the week and shared powerful, biblical, and life-changing truth in each of the morning youth services. I could not recommend Cory more highly, and recommend that anyone check out his webite at www.coryjessministries.com/ and consider having Cory come to speak at your church or event. Another highlight was to again be with our dear friend, Tab Beechler, who led the worship for the entire camp. Tab is a special person with a special gifting from God to be able to share a variety of music that touches people of every age from various backgrounds. I also could not more highly recommend for anyone to have Tab at their church for any kind of music ministry. http://tabbeechler.com.

John, Chaili, and Trina with Tab Beechler at Sebring Holiness Camp

I was privileged this year to be the morning Bible teacher as well as one of the main tabernacle evangelists at Sebring. I shared the “Rescued from Normal” (1 Corinthians 11 on the Lord’s Supper) material in the 9:30 morning Bible study, as well as then preaching once per day from 2 Timothy in either the 10:30 morning service or the 7:00 evening service. You can listen to some of the messages from 2 Timothy here. This was more work than I have done before in a campmeeting of this length, but I truly enjoyed getting to share the Word and was encouraged to see some of the response. The teens, in particular, were so responsive each and every one of the evening services (they had their own morning services with Cory speaking). It was great to be close to them and speak right to them as they would sit right down in the front. I was also encourage by so many of the adults who attended these services, including many who would drive in from somewhere just for the evening services, in addition to those where staying in cottages on the grounds.

One of the highlights from my week was when one of my online students and his family drove two hours from Western Pennsylvania to have dinner with me and came to the evening service. What a true joy to get to know them in person and to just encourage one another in Christ. That is what it is all about! Another highlight of the week was the concluding service of the camp. It seemed clear to me that Jesus broke through and upon us in a very powerful way in this service, from the very first moment. The altar was lined with people praying at the conclusion of the service, with many tears during and after, and it seemed like eternity was affected in these moments. I praise God for this powerful answer to prayer.

Perhaps what I was reminded of and renewed in most at Sebring was the sweetness of the fellowship that there is in Jesus Christ. We had wonderful times of fellowship with so many, from our times after service at night with our friends on the kitchen crew, to the times just sitting and talking with people and my fellow workers at the camp, to the times with my family, to the times of worship in the services. I was reminded again that campmeeting is such a special time because it is experiencing Jesus in life together for 10 days. I was moved again in my heart to make these things --- the things that really matter --- the priorities of life. I pray to simply seek to know Jesus and grow in relationship with Him and with one another in Him. That is what lasts past a 10-day camp and into eternity. I am continuing to seek Him with you as we are,

Running together in Christ,

John

Mattoon, IL May 22-23, 2016

6/28/2016

It was a brand new kind of opportunity when my friend Casey Reece wrote asking if I would be available to speak at a baccalaureate service. Providence Church in Mattoon, IL is one of those places where we have had a longstanding relationship and where Casey has been the pastor until recently. I have been privileged to share at the church on a few different occasions. But the church was now taking on a new mission by heading up the baccalaureate service for their local high school graduation there in Mattoon. For many years, they said, this service had been not much more than a presentation of some sacred music and possibly a few inspirational words. The church offered to take charge of planning for and organizing the service on the condition that they would be given freedom to make it truly a Christian service. After preaching at the church on Sunday, I then came to Mattoon High School for this baccalaureate service on Monday evening. Approximately 60 of the graduating seniors, along with their friends and family, attended this optional event. Each received a Bible and a copy of our LifeMessage 365 devotional. When it was time to speak, and according to the instructions I had been given to just preach the Word, I shared boldly from John chapter 15 on just abiding in Jesus and He in us. I preached as if it were to any congregation. Toward the end of the message, I shared my personal testimony about how Jesus reached me when I was 17 years old. Afterward, the principle of the school shared that “you really had them with you.” I did not get to speak to many of the students afterward, but it is one of those times again where we absolutely trust in the Word of God and the seeds that were sown and watered in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. I praise God for this opportunity and am continually amazed at what He does and the doors that He opens.

Running together in Christ,

John

Maine and Canada, May 1-8, 2016

5/19/2016

To be perfectly honest, 10 days is a long time to be away from home. But one of the nice parts of the twice-per-year (spring and fall) trip to Maine and Canada is the familiarity that has developed over the years we have been doing this. I fly into Portland and then drive a rental car a few hours up to Milo, ME.

Pastor Phil and Becky in Milo, ME

When I show up at Pastor Phil and Becky McGlauflin’s house sometime usually late Saturday evening, I get to stay in the same guest room I have for the past several years. Sunday morning at United Baptist Church is such a warm reception of seeing the people there we have come to know and love, and then I get to share the Word with them again over the course of the next few days, from Sunday through Wednesday night. They are full days, of course, with teaching my online classes during the days, getting to go with Pastor Phil on some calls, and then the services in the evenings.

But I find that God continues to do something remarkable in this place and through these times as people respond to the Word and keep growing, with new people coming to the church as well. I cannot help but think about what it must have been like for the Apostle Paul and those churches in Galatia, Asia, and Macedonia when he would stop back again for another time together on one of those journeys. What a love they had for the Lord and for one another, and I have certainly felt that with these folks as we grow together in Jesus Christ over these years, and I get to see a little of what God is doing in a place like Milo, ME. When it is time to go, it is always nice to be able to say to them, “See you in 6 months.”

This weather is just not right for May!!

Church of the Nazarene, Lower Sackville, NS, Canada

At that, on Thursday morning, I get back into the rental and drive a few hundred miles or so (I can’t remember exactly how many kilometers at the moment) out of Maine, across New Brunswick, and into Nova Scotia, Canada. A new addition the past couple of trips has been to stop and have a Thursday night service at the Church of the Nazarene in Truro, NS. What an awesome and exciting service this was, with a truly revival atmosphere as we had people from various congregations come and join in for this evening service. My deepest thanks to their new pastor, Pastor Matt, for allowing me to come. From there, the hour drive to Dartmouth, where I would be staying, and preparation for the 5 preaching services from Friday night through Sunday morning in Lower Sackville, NS.

Again, familiarity. I always love being with these folks. It is a small congregation, but there is something very real and powerful happening here that continues to minister to people far and wide in amazing ways. These people are some of the most committed and consistent seekers after Jesus Christ that I have ever seen. And I felt and saw that He was working in this church in a very new way lately --- these times were really alive with His presence. After the Sunday AM service at Lower Sackville, we drove back up to Truro for an afternoon service at Upper Room Fellowship, as has been our custom.

How exciting that they are into a beautiful building now that God has given them, and I have a sense that God will be continuing to bring people to this place. It is always a joy for me to share at Upper Room, and then to enjoy with them the awesome potluck meal they have afterward. But we can’t linger too long, because it is then back down to Dartmouth to preach the evening service at the Church of the Nazarene there. God again moved and spoke through the Word in an amazing and timely way in the service that evening. And that is the conclusion of preaching for the week!

Afternoon service at Upper Room Fellowship

Very early Monday morning, it is back into the rental to make the 10-hour drive back to Portland, ME in order to fly home to Tennessee, arriving home about 11 PM that night. Yes, 10 days is a long time away from home, and I am so grateful to be back with my family that I miss so much. But I can testify that Jesus provided me with an amazing and special sustaining grace and strength through these days, and I find Him working in my life and speaking to me in new ways in times such as these. What a privilege and blessing to be just exactly where He places us, and what a joy and peace there is in that.

Running together in Christ,

John

Fallon, NV April 3-10, 2016

4/23/2016

I like to share these trip updates, but I really cannot describe what is happening in Fallon, NV. Unless you are military personnel, you may have never visited or heard of it. The Naval Air Station there is the base for the most advanced tactical fighter training in the world. And surrounding that base is a small town community similar to thousands of others across America. It is always amazing and powerfully moving to see a local church, the body of Christ, give their lives for a community. I wish you could just go there to see it for yourself. Simply, God is moving in that place and Jesus is clearly demonstrating Himself in and through a group of people to the community around them. There is a special unity among this church family --- and it truly is like family. It is not always common to see a church where people love to linger and visit with one another after the service is over. It is even more uncommon that people stay 1 or 2 hours or more to fellowship after a service, and when those are multiple nights in a row. We had revival services Sunday through Wednesday (and what powerful times those were as we shared Jesus from the book of Jude --- amazing truth!), and I would find myself needing to eventually find a chair to sit on at some point after the service just because my feet were getting tired or sore. But what a refreshing thing to be among a group of people that so loves one another. And is that genuine love of Jesus Christ that is overflowing to the community through their compassionate ministries. I don’t know what to say about the weekly food distribution on Thursdays as I have never seen anything like it. I can simply post some photos to attempt to give some sense of the magnitude of ministry that is taking place week in and week out. 350 families were served on this particular week.

But the Thursday distribution is the culmination of the work that goes into it by so many not only on that day but throughout the week. The ministry of the thrift store continues to grow, now in two locations. Pastor Paul Slaton’s prayer has lately been, “God, give us the lost.” It is stirring to see how God is doing this and the way He is reaching people and transforming lives from every walk of life. I know I say this every time, but if there is a group out there looking for a place to minister for a few days or for a week, I could think of no better plan than going to Fallon, NV (and don’t forget the recreational opportunities nearby in Lake Tahoe!). It is a place to see the kingdom of God at work in a very real way.

Carey and I then began services on Thursday night and continued through the following Sunday out at the Stillwater Indian Church on the Paiute Shoshone reservation just outside of Fallon. I believe this was our fourth consecutive year to have the spring revival services with this special group of people.

The people are always excited and eager for us to come. I was encouraged this year by not only the attendance, but by the response of many of the people. There were one or two services in which there was an overwhelming response of people coming forward to pray and respond to Jesus’ call from 2 Timothy chapter 2. I was particularly gripped to look at the young people there in these services and ponder God’s call for them to carry the flame in the same way Paul was admonishing young Timothy. I continue to pray for these young people at Stillwater to completely respond to Jesus and allow Him to work through their lives to lead the next generation to Him.

Stillwater Indian Church

On a related note, we are thanking God for His touch on the life of Sandra Plants, wife of Pastor Tim Plants at Stillwater. On Tuesday April 19, one week after we were there, Sandra suffered a massive pulmonary embolism in her lungs, causing her heart to stop three times. She was revived through CPR, and then transported to the hospital in Reno, where she has shown miraculous progress, being able to now breathe on her own, sit up at moments, and do some talking. We continue to pray for Sandra’s full recovery, and for the continued work of running the race, carrying the flame, and handing off the baton through their lives. I pray the same for you and for each of us. As Paul wrote about to Timothy, may we continue to fight the good fight, finish the race well, and keep the faith.

Running together in Christ,

John

Chandler, OK March 20-23, 2016

4/1/2016

It is just a long drive from Tennessee to Oklahoma. There are no two ways about that. From my house, I go about 11 miles and then turn left on I-40 . . . and then just keep going straight west. Part of the joy of that drive has become having my son, Carey, with me, and he has now been to Chandler, OK with me several times over the past few years. We have favorite stopping places along that route, including the Golden Corral buffet in Conway, Arkansas. I missed him as he was not able to go with me this time due to some school work that he needed to get done, along with his desire to attend our homeschool conference here in Nashville. But it always brings a smile to me when we talk on the phone along the way and he asks me where I am and he can picture the different landmarks or locations. He is a well traveled young man!

It has been our custom to have a weekend revival at the Church of the Nazarene in Chandler every fall, usually near the beginning of November. Some years they have also had me come for a spring revival, beginning on Palm Sunday, and this was one of those years. I was blessed to stay at a beautiful location this time, out in a cabin on Bell Cow Lake, just outside of Chandler. It was a quiet and refreshing place that allowed me to teach my regularly scheduled online classes on Tuesday and Wednesday. I am currently teaching five different ninety-minute Bible classes to students around the world through The Potter’s School, with a total of 57 students. I teach all my classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays because those are usually my non-travel days.

Bell Cow Lake, Chandler, OK

It is sometimes a stretch to keep up with the classes and work in the midst of travel and preaching, but I am really thankful for this work, and God is moving in amazing ways in the lives of students. But that is the subject for another post!

With Keith Cole at the Boomerang cafe on historic Route 66 in downtown Chandler, OK

It is amazing to think that we have been friends with Keith and Nancy Cole for almost a quarter of a century (24 years) after our first time at their church in Minnesota in 1992 before coming to Chandler, OK in 1993 when they moved there. So, it is always like being with family: talking about what God is doing in our lives and ministry, our families, the Chicago Cubs, or just Keith giving Trina a hard time about something. But we have also come to know the church people as family. This has been one of the joys of this “running together” over the years, and it is has been a special blessing to see my son included in that also. He asks about the people by name, even when he is not there, and they ask about him. That is the body of Christ! I am encouraged to see what is happening in the church. The attendance at these revival services was tremendous. Even more, it really seemed that Jesus was speaking and moving in a very powerful way in these times. I saw a new level of response in the people, and there was just the sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit. I mentioned last time that Pastor Keith is leading a new emphasis on prayer in the life of the church, and I cannot help but feel that God is moving through this. How encouraging!

On Thursday morning, I left Chandler, drove down to Shawnee, OK, and turned left on I-40 to head eastward toward Tennessee. Another long drive (and no stopping at Golden Corral this time), but I could not help but think of some of the journeys that the Apostle Paul made, and that this is what the early church was all about: people running together, seeking after Jesus, and growing in Him. My heart was filled with thanks again for His blessing and the privilege of what He has called me to,

In Christ,

John

Milford Center, OH March 10-13, 2016

4/1/2016

God’s timing is always perfect. It was sometime several months ago, probably last fall, when my friend Ryan Bash and I finalized some dates to again come to his church in Milford Center, OH, a small town just outside Marysville and not far from Columbus, OH. This would be my second consecutive spring to be there. Little did we know at that time that Ryan and his family would be accepting a call to pastor a church in another part of Ohio before these dates came on the calendar. Therefore, my scheduled time at Trinity Chapel in March would be in the midst of an interim period when they are still awaiting a new pastor. After some communication with the church leadership, they heartily affirmed that it was their desire to go ahead with these revival services during this time. The enthusiasm in the church was so evident from the moment I arrived. One of the traits of Trinity Chapel is the warm and close-knit family feeling among people of all ages. It was encouraging to see how they have bonded together and stayed so active in ministry in their community during this “interim” time. It would seem that these special services could not have been timed more perfectly. The attendance was remarkable, and the response was even more significant. The entire demeanor and attitude of the congregation was one of openness and sensitivity to the truth, and I watched as people just responded to Jesus and the Word. It truly seemed to be a time of God moving and encouraging this church family. There was such a sense of joy and excitement there as I saw their faces and listened to their words. I praise God for that. I drove toward home with a renewed sense of the perfect timing of God even and especially when it is something we cannot see or anticipate. It gives me great peace and joy to know that this is way He always works, and I thank Him for the privilege of getting to see that once again at Trinity Chapel in Milford Center, OH. I am thankful for His calling and what I get to do.

Running together in Christ,

John

Issaquah, WA February 28-March 1, 2016

3/5/2016

What a privilege it is to run alongside of my son, Carey. He is now 14 years old and among the finest men I know. Several days per week we drive over to our local park to do our 3 mile run (soon to increase). Having spent most of my adolescent years running, I never would have imaged that I would be coaching and running with my own son 30+ years later. It has been of great personal benefit to me to help maintain my own physical health (except for those sore joints that weren’t there 30 years ago!). But the greater and more eternal benefit has been the time together. Carey is becoming quite the runner, and he has equaled me much sooner than I anticipated. It is a joy to me to run alongside one another and to take turns pulling one another along. It truly has becoming the kind of “running together” in which I so firmly believe.

I thought about this much on our recent trip to Issaquah, WA, just outside of Seattle. About four years ago or so, Trina and I felt from the Lord that it was time to begin taking Carey on trips with me. That trip to Seattle in February 2012 was his first plane trip with me, and this year was the fifth consecutive year for him to make that trip with me (among the many others that he now does as well). I was amazed to look back at the photo and see the physical growth in his life (no comments, please, on my own aging!). But Carey’s spiritual growth has been equal to physical, and for this I am most grateful. One large part of that spiritual growth has been not only being together and having experiences like this together, but also the people who have so invested in his life. Pastor Vanessa Chitwood and the people at Mountain Creek Christian Fellowship (MCCF) continue to love and care for Carey in a special way, just as this congregation has for our family over the years. My first time there was in 1994, and I have been there now more times than I can actually remember. It has always been a special place, and now it has been a part of my son’s discipleship as well. Mark Miller, the former pastor (who continues on various assignments for the district and still lives in Issaquah) continues to be a dear friend and it is a blessing to get to stay with Mark and Beth when we are there – it is just like home. Mark has been one of those godly men that God has placed in our lives, and, being a retired Marine officer, gets to coach Carey in using firearms and other things that Carey loves! (as some know, Carey feels led to be in the military). God is so good to lead us and place people in our lives through whom He shapes us.

We loved our time again with the church family at MCCF as I got to preach from the book of Jude from Sunday through Tuesday --- powerful and life-changing truth. We treasure these days to get to be with people where God has placed us and to share Jesus. I cherish these days with my family, and with my son Carey as we get to travel together. God continues to fill my heart with thanks that I get to run together with my son in these weeks and years --- a young man who is growing also to be my brother in Christ and a man of God in and through whom He is working.

Running together in Christ,

John

Clearwater, FL, January 24-27, 2016

2/4/2016

Clearwater, FL First Church of the Nazarene

Our family has loved Clearwater, FL from our very first visit there on vacation a few years ago and has made it an annual destination every year since, staying with our dear and beloved, friends, Sam and Joy Burch. There is something recuperative about the sun and ocean, but equally so in just being with people who are family to us in Christ. I cannot quite describe how exponentially that increased as I was able to be at Clearwater First Church of the Nazarene (CFN) for revival services January 24-27. I was especially grateful to be there in this time as it was strategically planned in the middle of their 21-day renewal emphasis with prayer and fasting, also leading up to their launching of a new second worship service on February 7.

I loved their theme for the revival and might adopt it for my own: “Renewed, Rising Up, and Running Together.” I told the congregation that I have not seen a congregation more prepared in prayer and focus for revival services, and the Lord worked mightily through that, I believe. We saw God moving in some amazing ways in these services, and it was often the still power of the Holy Spirit at the end of the services and during prayer around the altar that was often the most impactive, with people lingering for a long time in worship. People from all over the congregation of various ages were responding to Jesus. As is now usual with the places where God takes us, the life and interactions with the people were as much of a blessing as the services.

In the midst of having to teach my online classes during the days, I was able to participate in a few things and just be with the people. I just cannot express how much it meant to me personally to be with and get to know Pastor Pat Glenn and his family. We were so struck by his infectious joy, gentle care, and genuine love for people. Of course, it makes everything even better that he is a fellow Cubs fan, and that was a fun point of connection through the week! The entire church staff was amazing, and the generosity and ministry of this church in the community is striking. I cannot predict what God will do, but will not be surprised at anything that happens through a praying and loving church like this in the midst of a needy area.

With Sam and the Glenn family

Running with Carey and Sam on the Dunedin Causeway

Perhaps one of the reasons I felt so at home at CFN is because of how it reminded me of the church where I came to know Jesus: Chicago First Church of the Nazarene. It was there that some senior adults just loved and embraced a lost teenager who was eventually drawn to Christ through that love. So many of the senior adults and “snowbirds” at CFN reminded me of those beloved folks back there in Chicago. It was a joy to talk, share, and pray with them, and to hear their testimonies. It was a further joy to see another teenage boy, my son, standing and talking with some of these senior adults, and to see how his life was blessed through them. Not only this, but I was grateful to have him down on that second row for every service, a part of this ministry. That is how the kingdom works, isn’t it? That is the relay as we “run together” and hand off to others. That is what is happening in Clearwater, and I am so thankful to be a part of it.

Running together in Christ,

John

Venice, FL, November 15-18, 2015

11/29/2015

Divine connections and the intersecting of lives. I don’t know if I have ever experienced a time more obviously orchestrated by God. I was at the Church of the Nazarene in Venice, FL for revival services November 15-18, a date that had been scheduled for well over a year. Even over the course of that year, a warm friendship had grown between Pastor Kip Hasselbring and myself as we corresponded, spoke by phone, and prayed for one another. That only increased when we met in person and spent time together. I have such a deep appreciation for Pastor Kip and his sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit seemed to be keen throughout the congregation, and there was a real overflow of Jesus in the services. There were those moments of His sweet and unmistakable presence --- in the way that we pray for and so desire. We had prayed for revival, and God was faithful to answer, with great response and many testimonies of how He had spoken to and transformed hearts. The hand of God was apparent in more than the services, however, and this was further evidence of how He was so at work here. The intersecting of lives and renewal of relationships was so supernatural that it is almost beyond description. I was blessed to stay in the home of Gary and Cindy Bibbee, who were members for a few years at the church where I pastored in Joliet, IL, where Gary had been temporarily transferred for a job. After a couple of other stops, they had since retired to Venice and joined the church there --- months after this meeting was scheduled. What a joy to renew that relationship and have that time together! We were further blessed Monday evening when Sam and Joy Burch drove down from Clearwater to be in the service, and were able to meet Pastor Kip, the Bibbees, and several others. Another surprising blessing was when a man with a familiar face walked up to me on the first day, and I recognized him as Dr. Charles Gailey, a favorite professor of mine from seminary --- who also has retired to Venice!

There were numerous other connections at the church that are too many to name here. But one final surprise was to learn on my way to Venice that my cousin, Ron, had also recently moved there, and I was able to have dinner one evening with him and his wife. All of this and more made the trip to Venice a life-changing and extremely encouraging time for me as I saw the hand of the Lord and experienced Jesus in more ways than I can say. The beautiful weather and warmth of the sunshine were an absolute pleasure for me. As I said to the congregation on the final night, “Almost thou persuadest me to move to Florida!” However, I learned that the real warmth was the love of Jesus I experienced there, and that I take with me.

Running together in Christ,

John

With the Burches and Bibbees at Venice Church of the Nazarene

Oklahoma, November 1-8, 2015

11/11/2015

Getting ready to get on the road toward home after Sunday dinner with the people in Chandler, OK

Carey and I have been privileged to travel to Oklahoma every fall for the past several years. This trip was filled with many interesting obstacles that we came to realize as being part of the spiritual battle on this journey. It seemed to have been some of the most intense spiritual opposition I have felt in some time, experienced physically and spiritually, and so we were grateful to know of the prayers of our friends and family as we went. We began the first Sunday in Caddo, OK at the Church of the Nazarene, our very first time to be there. It was a privilege to get to know Pastor Timothy Traxel, his wife Sarah, and their two young boys, whom we were blessed to join every evening for a dinner so graciously provided by people in the church. The services continued through Wednesday evening, and we were touched by the gracious and warm hospitality of the people, and we were thankful to be able to share the Word with them from 1 Corinthians 11. I am also grateful for the way in which God is working through Pastor Tim and Sarah and others there to reach out to children and young people in this very small town. We prayed that this time would be spiritually strengthening for them and an encouragement going forward. From Caddo, we drove the two and a half hours to Chandler, OK, in the northeastern part of the state. Chandler has been our regular destination for these past several years as we are longtime friends (over 20 years) with Pastor Keith and Nancy Cole and the Chandler Church of the Nazarene congregation. Per the usual schedule there, we began services Friday evening and continued through Sunday morning, having two on Saturday. I was especially encouraged by this visit to Chandler.

We always enjoy being with our friends Keith and Nancy as we share so much in common (“Go, Cubs, Go”) and he loves to tease back and forth with Trina, even across the distance. But I was also encouraged with the church’s emphasis on prayer and how they are praying before each and every service. I deeply sensed God’s working in the church, and we were deeply touched through His presence in these times. What a blessing it is for us to get to continue to walk with people in this way. Carey and I made it back to Nashville nearing midnight on Sunday night with our bodies weary, but with thankful and rejoicing hearts for all God is doing. Jesus is at work in our lives and among His people. Thank you for being a part of that.

Running together in Christ,

John

Carey playing frisbee catch with Reba at Pastor Keith's house

Fallon, NV, October 11-15, 2015

10/25/2015

I jokingly shared with everyone on our final night there that I like coming to Fallon for the health benefits. Most everyone understood the humor in this as I always seem to react to the many different allergens in this part of the desert of northern Nevada (Fallon is one hour east of Reno, and home of the Fallon Naval Air Station and the well known “Top Gun” school for naval aviators). In addition to this, physical adjustment to higher elevation (4,000 feet) and a full schedule make every trip to Fallon a “rigorous” time (I need to stay in shape to keep up with Pastor Paul Slaton). I went on to share, however, that there is a real truth to my claim in that Carey and I always experience the spiritual health and blessing of being around the body of Christ in Fallon. There is an amazing and visible demonstration of the kingdom of God --- the “front lines,” if you will --- in this place. The ripples of this church in the community can only be described as miraculous and very Acts-like (as in the book of Acts) as Jesus continues to draw and touch people from every walk of life. Among various things, it is a moving experience to get right into the middle of the weekly food distribution on Thursdays (Carey and I usually help people load their cars) and see not only the people, but their responses.

Weekly food distribution at the church's warehouse in Fallon

This responsiveness seems to be the common thread that I see, whether it be at the food pantry, the thrift store, weekly meetings with recovery groups, various other small groups, or the services on Sunday and the revival services we have when we are there. I believe that the only explanation of this is the reality of Jesus Himself working through people who are available and dependent upon Him. Essential to this, I believe, is the genuine focus of this Fallon body on the Word of God. There is a continual hunger and seeking after Him in the Word, and new people that come to the church are drawn into this and discipled in the same kind of seeking. This is their “DNA.” I praise God for this group. It is truly the case that Carey and I are strengthened in Him every time we go there as we are reminded more of who Jesus is, what His kingdom looks like, and what He wants to do through anyone who is available to Him. It gives us a deeper hunger to be as available to Him. Thank you to our Fallon family in Christ for being such a witness. I would encourage anyone to consider Fallon as a possible destination for your work and witness or mission trip. You won’t leave the same!

In Christ,

John