Brown's Chapel Christian Church, August 16-19

With Pastor Jeff, Kim, Kaitlyn, and Jamison Karnes

August 16-19 I traveled for the first time into the deep woods of central North Carolina.  In the heart of those woods near the small town of Robbins is Brown’s Chapel Christian Church.  I am fascinated to travel to this area of the United States, especially among the original thirteen colonies, and to take in the rich history that is all around you.  As you travel the route out to Robbins, you pass by dozens of businesses that specialize in the crafting of custom pottery as this is a specialty in this popular tourist area.  You are also struck by the heritage and history of many of the longstanding churches that are there.  

When I pulled into Brown’s Chapel, I was almost immediately struck by the sign which read, “Founded 1843.”  Pastor Jeff Karnes has been here as senior pastor for around a year and half after several church staff and denominational assignments.  I was very warmly received by the people of this very traditional country church, and two of the evening services saw the kind of response that we don’t often experience, with a vast majority of the people present coming forward to pray in response to the truth presented from the Word.  As is so often the case, perhaps that best part of the time was to visit and fellowship with Pastor Jeff, his wife, Kim, their two children, Kaitlyn and Jamison, and also Kim’s parents who were staying with them and visiting during this time.  We enjoyed meals together and also sitting outside to visit after the evening services.  Pastor Jeff also got me out on the golf course after a 10 year absence on my part, and I have to say that I really enjoyed that time.  Part of my problem in golf as a younger person was always trying too hard.  Part of what made this time so much more enjoyable was that before every shot, when I was lining up, I said to myself three things out loud (this is probably way too personal!): “Keep your head down, swing easy, and don’t care!”  

This actually became a spiritual lesson for me throughout that morning and since that day.  It reminds me to keep letting go of things and letting Jesus do through me what I cannot do in every single area of life.  It is as the prayer Major Ian Thomas writes in his wonderful book, The Indwelling Life of Christ, “Jesus, I can’t, but You can, and that’s all I need to know.”  It doesn’t matter at all what my score is on the golf course, but there are some things that He really cares about and that do matter, and I can just rest in Him for everything and enjoy this day and every day.  I am thankful for a trip to the woods of North Carolina to remind me again of this truth, 

In Christ,

John

Brown's Chapel Christian Church, founded 1843