Missions Effort for Honduras

Years ago God began a work that would involve Pin Oaks in many ways. Personally it would involve one our families in dramatic, life altering ways. God placed a vision for Orphans in the heart of the Waits family and today that vision is spreading through their friends and family. As the Waits prepare to leave for a mission trip to Honduras we have been invited to join them in their efforts. The need is real.

We often take it for granted what we wear on our feet. In fact, many of us have the luxury of “color coordinating” our shoes to outfits, choosing shoes based on our activity, and many times we simply throw away shoes because we have too many. In orphanages all across Honduras children live their days without the basic needs of clothing. A big part of this is shoes. We can help. We want to ship as many shoes as possible with the Waits. From now till November 8th we will take your donation of shoes (sandals, flip-flops, crocs, etc. as well as athletic shoes) to be shipped to Honduras.

The Waits will be working with Reach Out Ministries while on site and they will visit about half of their 20 orphanages. I hope you will partner with us as we begin our support of God’s work in Honduras and God’s work through our friends.

On Church Buildings

I’ve always loved old church buildings. There is just something about the smell, the atmosphere, the feeling that you get inside an old church, especially when you are alone inside the building.

I’ll always remember the church that I grew up in. It was a new building, at least compared to the buildings around it in the little town I grew up near. A friend of mine and I were the first babies baptized in the new church building in 1976. The sanctuary still has the same carpet, the pews are the same, nearly everything is original right down the the big iron bell out front. That congregation has stood in some form or fashion for 125 years.

My grandfather’s funeral a few weeks ago was held at the church my mother grew up in, where my grandfather was a deacon. It’s a much older, much bigger building, built in the 1920s. Like most buildings in Kansas, this church has a very large basement where I remember having 4H banquets, family gatherings, and visiting my grandmother when she was quilting with other ladies from the church.

I think this is the primary reason why I fall in love with old church buildings. Each one of them has a such a unique history. These buildings were the dreams of the congregations that built them, who poured blood, sweat, tears, and money into them, often sacrificially so. These buildings were where the community came together at least once a week to share their joys, their sorrows, and many times their food. These buildings held the dreams of parents who wanted to raise their children in a Christian environment. These buildings represent the starting line for couples who were married there, and the finish line for those whose lives are celebrated at funerals. These buildings are where people first come to know Christ, and where people grow in their knowledge of Him. These buildings are more than brick and mortar, wood and nails. These buildings are the heart of communities, the single strand around which everyone’s life intertwines. These buildings are built to be houses of worship, a place where we commune with God and with each other. These buildings are special.

Our church doesn’t really have that sense. We meet in an old bank building, which is nice, but it doesn’t have the history, the gravitas that a church building does. Our church is growing more rapidly than our building can hold us. It’s painful, difficult, and frustrating, but it is the situation that God has us in. However, because of the people in our congregation, our building is special. Our building is where we worship together. Our building is where we’ve had small groups meet. Our building is where we fellowship, enjoying each others stories and recipes. Our building is where people have been baptized, where people have accepted Jesus. Our building has been the starting point of service to our community. If and when we move out of this building, it will be missed.

I guess my point is that the church building is important, but yet it isn’t. The place where we meet is only as special as the people who meet there. The heart of the church isn’t the building, it’s the people and the faith we share that makes the building what it is. The old church building is a representation of the Christian heritage that we all have, a demonstration of the faith declared by those who came before us. Each building is infused with the memories, the joy, the pain, the laughter, and the tears of the people who have passed through it. When this is combined with the Spirit of God, these buildings transcend their earthly materials and become beacons of light that shine into the darkness of the world around us. The church building is special because the people of God are special.

That’s why I love old church buildings.

Falling Back This Week: DST

To This You Were Called

These are dangerous words when strung together. Pastors must walk with caution when making these statements BUT they must also not shrink from making them either. The Bible is the Bible and it’s truth has to be shared regardless of its sting! Truth be known…it only stings when it is right and you are wrong. So, if these words sting today…get right.

1 Peter 3:8-10 makes a clear mandate for Christian people…and verse 9 holds the pinnacle of that truth…as a Christ follower you are called to act in certain ways. It is not a suggestion. It is not conditional. It is imperative! We simply cannot chose to live in harmony, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility WHEN WE WANT. We are called to live by these virtues every minute of every day.

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.10 For Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

The hardest part of this call is when someone wrongs us in the church and we want to retaliate…swing away with words of insult that land a blow similar to that of a baseball bat to the head. That is not Godly according to verse 9. Stand for Biblical truth but you better act in God honoring ways. Verse 10 gives us a glimpse as to what two things we ought to consider as honoring of God when faced with evil deeds from those around us.

1. Keep your tongue from evil speech.
2. Do not deceive.

You would think these are “no brainers,” but it is just not true. We must strive daily to walk in the challenge of these verses by keeping our mouth clean, our words pure, and our intentions righteous. We cannot lie. We cannot speak in ways that intend to harm. We must refrain from insult. We can never afford to be evil to those around us as a form of revenge for wrongs they have done to us. Instead, it is this scriptures clear call that we bless these people with sympathy, love, compassion, and humility for the sake of harmony.

These are tough words but a great reminder that those who walk this path will reap a blessing from God. That blessing is a love for life and the chance to see “good days.” While that seems vague, everything I have ever received at God’s kindness has been greater than I ever imagined on my own. So, I am willing to take my chances that honoring God with my speech and the way I talk about others is the best way to live. Even more than that…it is my calling to live that way!

Parent Relief: Tim Hawkins

Muslim Demographics

Bears for Anna Fire and Rescue

As we approach Make A Difference Day we are seeing some ways we can make an impact on our community that we did not consider. What a joy… that people will allow us to come and help them take care of some of life’s struggles. Our two main work projects are simple but much needed. The other project is a “good will” effort for our local fire department. As our fire and rescue personnel run on calls they will be given the chance to make a difference in the lives of kids. Unfortunately, this is happening on these kids worst day ever. They have asked if we can help by providing them with 15-20 simple, cute, and comforting teddy bears that they can stash on their truck for just such occasions. The bears need to be new and then we can package them for safe keeping on their fire trucks.

You can help by purchasing a bear on your own and bringing it to the church by October 23. Or you can make a donation to Pin Oaks Christian Fellowship with a note or memo stating Make a Difference Bear. Our goal is 20 small, new, and loveable bears to be delivered to the Anna Fire Department on October 24th. If you need more information please feel free to email us at office@pinoaks.org.

The Family Dynamic

Interesting thing about families: they are all, constantly under stress. Stress has a way of exposing the weakest parts of our family dynamics and unless we are armed with practical advice about handling our families we run the risk of cracking under the stress. Unfortunately, many families have resigned that living with fractures and fissures in their family is the only way. The Bible has another way. Come and learn as we study some of the interesting ways God has shown us to effectively manager our family life. From Genesis, 2 Chronicles, 2 Timothy, Ephesians and more we will find the Biblical truths that will help us get AND KEEP our families healthy. The series starts November 1st and we look forward to seeing you and your family.

Second Annual Chili Cook-Off

The first year was hot! The second year will make a spicy return in what promises to be a tasty event! Mark your calendar and bring a friend.