FIRST BORN

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:53:20 -0500

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what
God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Rodney!! Congradulations! God has adopted you into his body of fellowship. I couldn’t be more happier when I herd that Rodney was studying the Bible. Although Rodney and I have known each other for a short period of time God has brought us together and I feel as if we’ve known each other forever. Seeing Rodney just go through the studies and eagerly wanting to make changes for God was such and encouragement for me. Rodney went from being really enclosed, to really allowing people be a part of his life , but also sharing his struggles and convictions with other teens. Rodney’s love for God has really grown throughout his conversion. He started sharing his faith at school and praying with Tyler in the library. As a result, people started to ask him more questions about his faith. I’m really proud of Rodney and how he knew that he wasn’t going to get any closer to God until he made Jesus Lord of his Life. Rodney I know God is proud of you and all of the changes that you’ve made. I know he’s ready to use you in powerful ways.

RELATIVITY

Sat, 1 Dec 2007 19:29:23 -0500

Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Isa 43:6b-7

Like most young boys, I developed a thirst for combat early in life. I wanted to be the most skilled and invincible warrior in my imaginary universe. Initially, my mom supported these dreams of conquest and became the financial sponsor for my training. She bought me boxing gloves to spar with friends. She provided toy weaponry from swords to laser guns. She even supplied the nutritious meals every growing soldier needs. But there came a time when my financial backing was abruptly cut. I still received the meals but after a few minor injuries and alterations to our apartment my sponsorship ceased. I was then forced to use my own resources to continue my training. I found items in my home that were either disabled or seldom used and converted them to very practical artillery. My greatest invention was a chopstick-shooting crossbow with a bamboo barrel and a high tech scope made from a dry cleaning hanger. Needless to say I learned how to repair dry wall at a very young age. I also learned that almost any device could be transformed and used for a new purpose.

In Isaiah 43, God makes the purpose behind our creation very clear. We were created for His glory. We were formed and placed on this planet to remind every person and every being in heaven of the greatness of God (Eph 3:10). Like a car with no wheels or a television with no picture is a life that does not glorify God. Sure, you can find some kids that'll have fun pretending in a car that doesn't move. And there are some, like in my family, that'll use that broken television as platform for plants, pictures, figurines or another television that actually works. Anyone can find an alternate use for any disabled or worn out device. But unless that device is restored it can't accomplish what it’s created to do. In the same way, if the Creator's purpose doesn't permeate every area of our lives then we can’t accomplish his task. We have not truly lived until our daily activity relates to His eternal purpose (Jn 10:10).

"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." -Jn 17:4

What brings glory to God? Jesus' answer is the completion of work God gave him to do. I've always believed the task God sent Jesus to complete was a sacrifice of atonement. But well before Jesus cried, "It is finished" on the cross, he states he has completed God's work. What work is Jesus referring to? The task of revealing the Father and His word to those God put before him (Jn 17:6-12). By the time Jesus prayed this prayer he had given the twelve all the knowledge needed to change the world. After spending years with Christ they now truly knew the Father! In John 17:3 Jesus defines salvation: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." Jesus' life was consumed with the direction and purpose of seeking and saving that which was lost by revealing himself and the Father that sent him (Lk 19:10). Everything he did related to this purpose.

How does Jesus' purpose and work relate to our lives? As followers of Jesus the purpose of revealing Jesus and the Father is our purpose. Whether it's to disciples or to non-disciples we must devote our lives to accomplishing this task to complete and fulfill our existence.

If you ask most students why they go to school, they may say, "to graduate." And when you ask, "Why do you need to graduate?" they probably answer, "So I can get a good job.'' If you proceed with asking why you'll probably hear something like "So I'll be stable, get married, provide for my children, send them off to college so they can graduate, etc." All these goals can be useful in life. But if their purpose doesn't relate to His glory, they miss His mark. If the purposes of your goals are confined to this world they are futile.

What is the purpose behind your daily activities? Why are you pursuing that degree? Does it relate to fulfilling your dream or God's dream? Why do you work hard at school? Is your motivation the promotion of yourself or for promoting the influence of the God you preach? Is your recreation used to deepen relationships within the body of Christ, influence someone to Christ or to just entertain yourself? Even relaxation should be viewed as a method of recharging for God. The only way to make your time on earth count is if it's for God.

The relationships Jesus had were for the advancement of God's kingdom. Our relationships need to have the same agenda. We must evaluate the purpose and direction of our friendships. As a youth minister my prayer is that teens reach maturity in Christ. I know the only way that can happen is if teens have spiritual relationships with various adults in the family of God. In 1 Kings 12 Judah and Israel part because Rehoboam valued the words of his childhood friends more than the advise of his elders. Events might have differed had he developed deeper relationships with his elders. Befriending and learning wisdom from elders is vital for advancing the kingdom. All of our relationships should be viewed the same.

Living with this mindset requires you to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. It will keep your life from being lukewarm and allow His lordship to reign in every area of your life. God will allow your work to be effective, your parents sigh relief and your life to witness to His miracles. Let everything we do relate to the advancement of His kingdom.

-Ronnie Rose

Thatch the Dream

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 16:47:01 -0400

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

What can we say?! We are overjoyed and overfilled with God's love for our family! Everything has happened so quickly, but looking back we can now see God's perfect plan for Chris and our family. I think it is important for us to share that Chris had some really rough times over the past few years. There were times were it was obvious that he had made a strong decision not to follow God and to rebel against the teachings of his parents and the entire village that has raised him. So, it is nothing short of a miracle to see his heart change so quickly. To see Chris seeking God, relationships and becoming a learner has impacted us and caused us to re-evaluate our convictions over and over. It is mind-blowing to see how God wants our family to get to heaven and how he is using each and every one in the Thatch household to make it happen.

After going through hard trials in New Jersey, we decided to step out on faith and move to South Carolina. With no jobs and approximately six months worth of living expenses saved, we wanted to do what was best for our family. Chris was in desperate need of a change in his environment. After moving, Chris made friends within the church quickly and each and everyone of his new friends (disciples and non disciples) softened his heart. Then, after serving at camp (SWAMP) and breaking his nose, Chris returned to SWAMP and was convicted by the word of God. We still would have loved to be a fly on the wall during that experience!

We are so blown away with how easily Chris makes being a disciple "cool" and we have seen him boldly share his faith and invite anyone to church that will listen. He had a visitor out just yesterday! He is also excelling in school and is in mostly honor classes as a Visual Arts major at Irmo High School.

To know Chris is to know that he is special and he is our Mighty Teen of God! Special thanks to the entire teen ministry. Special, special thanks to Ronnie Rose, Andrew Rowland, Tyler Wise, Eric Thomas, John Ramsey, Perry Keeve, John Curtis, Kyle Brand and all the teens and parents of teens that have supported Chris.
- Norman and Thela

More Than Conquerers

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 16:40:31 -0400

Tyler is our first born and was given to us on March 15th 1992. We began to pray for him to become a whole-hearted disciple from that day and we are so greatful that his heart remained soft through the years. Growing up Tyler was always very social and loved by all of his teachers for his good behavior and example. I will cherish most of his report cards mostly for the individual comments made on his character by his teachers. A very specific prayer that we prayed with our kids was that they do what is right and not give in to the pressures of others. Along with social skills came a large wave of popularity with the girls and the cool factor among his peers. We are so proud of him for loving Jesus more than the praise of others. As Tyler grew and matured -at age 13 he told us one day, out of the blue ,that he wanted to study the bible and be a disciple. We were amazed at his seriousness---as he began to set goals for himself to get baptized. Tyler’s first lessons were of trust and Gods timing.

Tyler has always loved church and and the fellowship of his kingdom friends and we are also greatful for Gods timing with us in bringing us back to him at a young age and in the early stages of our marriage. Tyler also loved Swamp camp. It was this summer that he came back from camp with a deepened faith, awe of God, and a deep appreciation for the cross. Its amazing as well as humbling to hear that your 14 year old teenager wants to go sit outside on the porch, look at the stars, and think about God! As parents who always beleived camp was a great tradition but sometimes struggled with the cost--we can now tell everyone firsthand --It is well worth it! As Tyler studied the bible he quickly repented and challenged himself in many areas of his life. We were all encouraged by the decisions he made with his music choices, turning away from popularity and temptations at school-as he is now nicknamed "preacher boy " at school. We would also like to thank Swamp, the Teen Boys and Workers and Leaders who set a great example and spent time with Tyler and will continue to 'teach him to obey'.
We are encouraged by our sons faith and so greatful and humbled by Gods unconditional love. As for Tyler we are confident that," In all things you are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For we are convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,nor any other powers ,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, well be able to separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" . ( Roman 8:37-39) Amen!!

A Long Day

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0400

WOW!!! That is all we can say. We have been praying for our children to have a heart for God since they were small but it was still amazing to watch those prayers be answered. Just as each child is an individual, their journeys were equally different. Matthew’s older sister, Sarah-Laney, was baptized into Christ 1 ½ years ago, and we think watching her transformation helped Matthew to see that all things are possible with God.
Matthew is truly a gifted child and consistently ranks in the top 5% of the nation academically. This has been great, as he has never had to struggle with tests or assignments, but it had also been a stumbling block for his faith. Matthew is a very logical person, and not one to be persuaded to believe anything unless he has proof. This led to his questioning the validity of the Bible, and even God’s existence. But God is able to use all things for His good.

That very skepticism led Matt to his own personal convictions. He did not want to discuss with us, his parents, the things he was reading and studying in the Bible. He said he wanted to make sure that he wasn’t being influenced by our beliefs or anyone else’s. We definitely respected that. We also respected that he decided not to pursue football this year because he wanted to focus on pleasing God, and not being put into situations that might cause him to sin.
We have seen a great transformation in Matthew. This guy who always tutored others is now humble in seeking advice and has become very teachable. He seeks out relationships that will help him become a better servant of God and wants to imitate what he sees in those who imitate Jesus.

For any parent, what you want most is to prepare your children. For this life and the eternal life that follows. It is hard to watch them struggle even though you know there are some things they have to work out on their own. We are just very humbled and grateful for all of the advice and love from the Kingdom, the kids’ teachers, and leaders of the church. But ultimately, we are blown-away by the grace and compassion that Christ gives us, and now has given our children. Wow (& whew!).

- James & Sandie Long

The Power of A Indestructible Faith

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400

The 22nd day of the month is special in the Ware household for two reasons. It was on Dec. 22nd that God gave us a healthy, newborn baby girl whom we named Lydia, and it was on April 22nd (16 years later) that God gave her to us as a newborn disciple. It was amazing to baptize Lydia into Christ after years of prayer. We are awed by God's graciousness and power.

He has used dear friends over many years in New Jersey and South Carolina to encourage, teach and model for Lydia what it means to follow Jesus. He has also used life circumstances to develop and mold her character into a young lady who is a light that shines. As a matter of fact,
one of Lydia's teachers recently commented that she is not only a very good student, but that he is most impressed with the fact that she has a good heart. He went on to say that she will make a positive difference in the world.

Our attempts, meager at times, to impress God upon her (Deut. 6:4) have helped to develop a sincere faith. Furthermore, God has worked through various experiences to build upon Lydia’s faith. She attended a seminar in 2002 at Madison Square Garden that has had a lasting impact. At this seminar, she came to appreciate the power of Jesus’ life. As a result, one of Lydia’s favorite scriptures is Hebrews 7:16, which make reference to the indestructible life of Jesus. Moreover, she went to the SWAMP Summer Teen Camp in 2004 and heard Sonny Sessions preach about the cross. She returned home with a deeper appreciation for God’s love and a determination to one day become a disciple of Jesus Christ.

We named Lydia after the faithful disciple mentioned in Acts 16, and like the Lydia of the N.T., our daughter has embraced the scriptures with an open heart. And as her parents, we like Mary in Luke 1:46 can proclaim “…my soul rejoices in the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God our Savior.”

Willis & Deborah Ware