Hey all,
Last night while taking some time to "veg-out" Shelly and I watched the Billy Graham Christmas Special. For most of you reading this you may be able to remember a time when the BG Christmas Special was at the forefront of Christmas viewing. In recent years it had all but disappeared. I began to think to myself, isn't it interesting then in these times of economic upheaval, here is this hallmark of American television, back again (this time hosted by his Billy Graham's son, Franklin)
The show was very Christ-centered, with prominent Christian music artists performing much to my astonishment especially in our "tolerance drivien society". It is apparent to me that even in the most desperate times, we cling to that which we know to be true. And for Christians that is the hope of our Blessed Savior Jesus Christ. That is the hope that defies all description. The hope that makes you cry, not in terms of sadness, but the joy that God puts inside you. Don't let the economics of this world affect your celebration of Jesus Christ's birth. That is, what Christmas is. A celebration of the birth that changed the world. I challenged our teens this week to celebrate December 25th as just that, a huge birthday party for Jesus Christ. We as a youth ministry will be doing that on Thursday December 18th. Our teens will have a huge birthday party for Jesus!
I believe that it is in that mentality that we won't get caught up in all the shopping for "the right gift", in all the busyness that this time of year can bring. Don't forget what we are celebrating.
However small and insignificant showing Christmases from years past might have been during that show last night, I think it reminds us that it is not the gifts we will remember as much as the times with family and loved ones that we will spend together. And in that togetherness we can face the hard time. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Philippians 4:13.
May God bless and renew you this week!
Pastor Jason
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Count Your Blessings
Hey all,
On Tuesday I had the awesome opportunity to take 17 teens who are in Youth Disicpleship to volunteer in Detroit at My Brother's Keeper. For those of you who don't know, on the last two Tuesday's of the month we support in the way of food ministry, 2 impoverished local areas. Grace center's of Hope in Pontiac, and My Brother's Keeper in Downtown Detroit. As I gave the message I was reminded of the fact that the area we wereministering in was about a 10 minute drive from where I grew up. It was a very emotional moment for me to say the least. As we prayed , sang, and the teens shared scripture it warmed my heart to see them work so hard.
I must tell you as I sit and type this I think of the words of Proverbs 10:5, especially when it comes to our teens. They need to recognize that there is a world out there. Something beyond their homes, where people are suffering. In truth we all do.
There will be those that sit at their tables and not have food to eat on Thursday. On tuesday we got the opportunity to serve over 70 people who needed a meal. Further, we were able to give them a spiritual meal (definitely something that will last). One of our teens, Joel, gave his testimony to those in attendance. It was a powerful moment.
As our teens wrestle with lifes tough questions the fact that is does not take a mission trip to another country to open their eyes, but a 45 minute drive to Detroit to make a difference. As our teens begin preparations for our 30 hour Fast to raise money for the Homeless in January 2009 (see calender) be in prayer for them.
As we debriefed on the way home, many of the teens echoed that, "it just doesn't seem fair", and that they want to do more to help people. I challenged them to pray as to how they will be used by God. Again I think, "The Hour of opportunity" mentioned in Proverbs 10:5. Isn't it exciting that they are not willing to "sleep the time away", but to recognize a world of need beyond their own.
Perhaps you thinkto yourself as you read this. "What can I do". I say, support our feeding ministries, and support our teens as they get involved! Challenge them, because they are ready to fight for something. Isn't it awesome that they are choosing to fight for God! Let us support them as they strive to do so!
May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on you all.
Truly be Thankful for all that you have!
Pastor Jason
On Tuesday I had the awesome opportunity to take 17 teens who are in Youth Disicpleship to volunteer in Detroit at My Brother's Keeper. For those of you who don't know, on the last two Tuesday's of the month we support in the way of food ministry, 2 impoverished local areas. Grace center's of Hope in Pontiac, and My Brother's Keeper in Downtown Detroit. As I gave the message I was reminded of the fact that the area we wereministering in was about a 10 minute drive from where I grew up. It was a very emotional moment for me to say the least. As we prayed , sang, and the teens shared scripture it warmed my heart to see them work so hard.
I must tell you as I sit and type this I think of the words of Proverbs 10:5, especially when it comes to our teens. They need to recognize that there is a world out there. Something beyond their homes, where people are suffering. In truth we all do.
There will be those that sit at their tables and not have food to eat on Thursday. On tuesday we got the opportunity to serve over 70 people who needed a meal. Further, we were able to give them a spiritual meal (definitely something that will last). One of our teens, Joel, gave his testimony to those in attendance. It was a powerful moment.
As our teens wrestle with lifes tough questions the fact that is does not take a mission trip to another country to open their eyes, but a 45 minute drive to Detroit to make a difference. As our teens begin preparations for our 30 hour Fast to raise money for the Homeless in January 2009 (see calender) be in prayer for them.
As we debriefed on the way home, many of the teens echoed that, "it just doesn't seem fair", and that they want to do more to help people. I challenged them to pray as to how they will be used by God. Again I think, "The Hour of opportunity" mentioned in Proverbs 10:5. Isn't it exciting that they are not willing to "sleep the time away", but to recognize a world of need beyond their own.
Perhaps you thinkto yourself as you read this. "What can I do". I say, support our feeding ministries, and support our teens as they get involved! Challenge them, because they are ready to fight for something. Isn't it awesome that they are choosing to fight for God! Let us support them as they strive to do so!
May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on you all.
Truly be Thankful for all that you have!
Pastor Jason
Monday, November 3, 2008
One Year Later
Hey all,
It is unbelievable to me that on Nov. 17th I will be celebrating my one year anniversary being married to my darling bride Shelly. The adage, "Time flies when you are having fun", comes to mind. I am really excited, much like our honeymoon we will be going on a cruise with some close friends. We will be visiting Cozumel, Grand Cayman Island, and Jamaica. What a welcome respite to all the goings on in the world around us (yes, even though I can't swim, I am excited!). As most of you will atest to it is nice to get away, especially with the one you love.
In addition this last weekend Shelly and I got to babysit my new nephew RJ. He is 3 months old and awesome! Kudos to all you parents and grandparents out there, my sister gave us a long list of things to keep an eye on with the baby. I hadn't realized how much goes into taking care of children, especially wee little ones (afterall in ministry I usually get them at age 11 or so:). So to all you who are raising or have raised kids, I praise God for you! Having RJ was just such a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
Many of you may know, but I believe wholeheartedly that RJ is here due to prayer. My sister was told that she could never conceive children. Due to the Power of Prayer from many people, I believe God granted us all this blessing. Don't you just love it when God shows up like that! He is truly an awesome God! May your week be filled with warm memories and good times, no matter what is going on in the world, we serve a gracious Lord who loves each and every one of you. And with Jesus Christ, "ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE"!
Talk atcha when we return! Be praying for a safe restful time for us!
Pastor Jason
Pastor Jason
Shelly and RJ 
RJ, PJ and India (sis/mom)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Mighty to Save
Hey all,
Y'know I think there are specific moments in each of our lives when God is urging us to do something and, if you really think about it, these are the most awesome times. I find myself praying at all times for lots of different people. That he breaks down strongholds, that he reveals himself in a mighty way.
I think one of the major things we need to remind ourselves of is that when we mess up, God will never put us up for Adoption. He stays there, and guides us through the rough times. He is the author of our salvation. So what is your story, and have you shared your story with anyone in awhile. Our culture is built around compromise. Compromise for the sake that we don't want to be looked at as different. In truth, ladies and gentleman, we are different. We should not be so quick to act and react ast he world does. We are to be an extension of our savior.
I think a great starting point is letting your light shine so bright that the whole world sees. Let God do the saving, just be the vessel that he has called you to be. Indeed, our God is mighty to save, and he will. It all begins with prayer (something that we saw very evident and powerful in Crossroads/GAPP last week. Go to God and talk to him about those who you are worried about, and let him do the rest. Trust that he will use you, because he will. Believe that!
May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on You!
Pastor Jason
Y'know I think there are specific moments in each of our lives when God is urging us to do something and, if you really think about it, these are the most awesome times. I find myself praying at all times for lots of different people. That he breaks down strongholds, that he reveals himself in a mighty way.
I think one of the major things we need to remind ourselves of is that when we mess up, God will never put us up for Adoption. He stays there, and guides us through the rough times. He is the author of our salvation. So what is your story, and have you shared your story with anyone in awhile. Our culture is built around compromise. Compromise for the sake that we don't want to be looked at as different. In truth, ladies and gentleman, we are different. We should not be so quick to act and react ast he world does. We are to be an extension of our savior.
I think a great starting point is letting your light shine so bright that the whole world sees. Let God do the saving, just be the vessel that he has called you to be. Indeed, our God is mighty to save, and he will. It all begins with prayer (something that we saw very evident and powerful in Crossroads/GAPP last week. Go to God and talk to him about those who you are worried about, and let him do the rest. Trust that he will use you, because he will. Believe that!
May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on You!
Pastor Jason
Monday, October 13, 2008
When God Speaks!
Hey all,
So much drama on the news isn't it. As Pastor Mick illustrated in the conclusion of the, "Making him known" portion of our vision did youfind yourself thinking about what God is trying to say to you. You simply have to turn on the news to see what perilous times we are living in. The economy, undependable-- people in general--undependable. But isn't it awesome that you have the invitation by Our Great God to stand on the Solid Rock!
Situations as well as people can be a shifting as the sand on a seashore, but always remember we put our hope in the righteousness of our blessed savior. This last week Shelly and I had the opportunity to get away to Chicago for 3 days. This was the first vacation we had since our honeymoon almost a year ago, and it was just awesome to get away for a bit. This is one of my favorite places to go. To walk around the city, to stand at the edge of a pier and look out over Lake Michigan. Now I'm sure there are plenty of more beautiful sights, but for me this is one of my favorites. To behodl the majesty of God, and all the things he has created is a humbling sight.
As all the many dramas unfold in your life never lose sight that God is there. He is our provider and will walk along with you in those times distress. Never forget how Awesome our God is! Trust that no matter what the obstacle he will see you through to the end.
May God Bless you and Heaven smile on you!
Pastor Jason
Monday, September 29, 2008
Mission 3:16
Hey all,
Take a look at this:
For God so Loved: HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
The World: LOOK AT WHAT THE WORLD HAS BECOME!
that he gave his: HIS SON
only begotten son: A GIFT TO US!
that whosoever believeth in him: NO DISCRIMINATION
shall not perish BUT have everlasting life: HE LOVES U
Isn't it wonderful to read and re-read this verse. We can never forget God's love for us. We need to be reminding ourselves everyday of how much he loves and cherishes each of us. In that same light, we must strive to talk to him everyday. Like I said yesterday, isn't it awesome that the King of the Universe wants such a close personal relationship with each of us.
What a mighty God we serve!
May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on you!
Pastor Jason
Take a look at this:
For God so Loved: HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
The World: LOOK AT WHAT THE WORLD HAS BECOME!
that he gave his: HIS SON
only begotten son: A GIFT TO US!
that whosoever believeth in him: NO DISCRIMINATION
shall not perish BUT have everlasting life: HE LOVES U
Isn't it wonderful to read and re-read this verse. We can never forget God's love for us. We need to be reminding ourselves everyday of how much he loves and cherishes each of us. In that same light, we must strive to talk to him everyday. Like I said yesterday, isn't it awesome that the King of the Universe wants such a close personal relationship with each of us.
What a mighty God we serve!
May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on you!
Pastor Jason
Monday, September 22, 2008
Beginnings!
Hey all,
This Sunday September 21, 2008 marked a milestone in my family. Together we were able to dedicate my little nephew, Rodney DeShawn Endsley Jr. It was an honor for me to stand alongside my sister India and Rodney, along with my grandmother, dad and relatives to support my sister.
Now if you know me you know how important family is to me. Over the last 10 years (yep, I've been at CWC for 10 years this October, wow the time flies) I think back to when I first started attending CWC. I came without any of my family to a newfound church family that opened it's arms to embrace this baby Christian guy from Detroit. And now as I serve the Lord and continue my journey as a minister of the gospel what an awesome feeling of God's grace that I could look out and see my family, but church and immediate gather together to worship the king of kings. And this precious little life is what brought everyone together. As we prayed for him I just thanked God for this blessing, and prayed that he will grow up to be a strong man of God someday!
As we look at our children we must never forget that they are the future, and no matter how bleak things may look in the world, we have got to work our hardest to help lay foundations for our kids. So as you look at this picture of the smallest member of the Fullum Family, think of all of our babies and how we must make ourselves disciples of Christ in order to minister to them. The harvest is here ladies and gentlemen, lets be about God's business!!!
Pictured: PJ (Uncle) India(sister) Ed (stepdad)Rodney (dad) Recia and Dillon (cousins)May God Bless you and Heaven smile on you!
Pastor Jason
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
