Tommy Mitchell / The Rurban Church Blog

Open Letter to ABC!

Great day at ABC today! Lots of emotion as we said our farewell to the Williams' family!  As always, special thanks to all the volunteers who prepared the send-off! Just a few notes to the ABC family.....

1. Praise the Lord for gifted people!  Benjy Rigney did a fantastic job leading worship this morning!  We appreciate his leadership in the absence of Bro. Nick! Wow, I was jealous of his great tenor voice!

2. We are having a leadership meeting on Sunday, June 3 with a light lunch after the morning service!  At that meeting, we will unveil our fall theme - and we are excited about it! 

3. Pray for our students! They will leave on their Mission Tour next Sunday after the morning service!  Pray for them as they work in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area.

4. The Gospel must be on our hearts!  During this week, we will tell a lot of people about a lot of stuff!  Will we ever mention the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  It is our best message to present to the world - and we have been commanded to do so! Why not see what God will do with a faithful witness?

5. Pray for our family!  Everyone who has experienced a wedding for a daughter can identify!  We are excited for Kelsey and Rob! At the same time, we have a WHOLE LOT to do this week to get everything ready! So, prayers are appreciated! 

 

What Do We Do Now?

Losing a member of the church ministry team after 9 years is a pretty big deal!  We have 9 year olds - actually even 11-12 year old children in the church who have never known our church without Mark and Melanie! We have students who are graduating who were in the 3rd grade when Mark came to our church.  And 9 years is long enough, that really all our adults are just "used to seeing" Mark and Melanie!  What do we do now?

1. Pray for Mark, Melanie, Micah, and Malaree!  The 9 years they have been here make it challenging for them to go to a new place of service.  So pray that God will provide the separation they need to devote all their energy to a new place of service!

2. Continue to support them! It will be 2 to 3 more weeks before they can physically move!  Check on them from time to time and see if you can be of any help!

3. Don't panic!  I learned the lesson very well after my heart surgery that the church is perfectly capable of humming along without me!  We have volunteers who can step up and carry on! We have people who are perfectly positioned to utilize their gifts in a more active way.  So, be assured, we will continue ministering to families, children - well - everybody!  And of course, we expect everyone to be a missionary minister!

4. Get ready!  Change brings change!  If you are a worker in Sunday School at ABC, you will begin to see a Sunday School newsletter in your folders on Sunday mornings! You will want to read it to learn of opportunities and changes coming in education.  Also, we will be having a HUGE FAMILY REVIVAL in September - Saturday through Tuesday - September 15 - 18!  You may want to start familiarizing yourself with the person who is coming to help us have a great time focusing on renewing families - Brian Upshaw.  He has an excellent blog!

5. Be faithful! When a minister leaves, sometimes attendance falls off a bit!  Nothing frustrates a departing minister more than to get that report!  Our service is to the Lord - not the church staff! If anything, realizing our own responsibilities before the Lord, we should step up our faithfulness and encourage others to do the same!  Let us all be faithful and bring honor and glory to the King of Kings!

6. Pray for the rest of our ministers! We are going to be picking up some additional responsibilities and leading in areas that Mark has had covered! 

7.  Finally, I guess you can do what I do from time to time! From time to time I get a bit choked up thinking about Mark's leaving! It is a joyful and sad thing all at the same time!  I am joyful in the fact that he is following God's plan and continuing to do God's work. I am sad because Mark and I have walked through the still and troubled waters together for nine years.  I am joyful because it is wonderful that he is leaving and we, in a way, wish he would stay!  God has blessed us - but God will continue to bless us - so rejoice!

National Law Enforcement Week!

This week, May 13-19 is National Law Enforcement Week!  This is the first year in a while that I have no formal association with a law enforcement agency! If I did, I would be encouraging people to visit their local law enforcement agency with word of thanks and gifts (brownies are a big hit) of encouragement! During this week, many agencies honor those who have given their lives in the line of duty!

Here in George County, the tragedy of the loss of our Sheriff, Garry Welford, is still all too painful! Word of encouragement would be a blessing to our department and their families.  I would still encourage you to make the effort to be a blessing to law enforcement here in our county!  They will appreciate it!   Just some observations:

1. People in law enforcement live "at risk" every day! 

2. People in law enforcement seldom encounter "happy" people in their work!

3. People in law enforcement often encounter people who "know" how to do the job better than they do - though those people have never spent one day in training or in the field handling calls!

4. People in law enforcement really do appreciate the simple "thank you for what you do" kind of compliments. 

5. People in law enforcement are busy people! For every arrest made in the field, there are potentially hours of paper-work and court appearances beyond the moment of that arrest!

6. People in law enforcement, especially in Mississippi, generally work for very little money!  The work is a calling - or they would not do it!  They certainly aren't doing it for the money!

7. People in law enforcement work hard - they usually have two jobs - law enforcement and something else - the only way to pay the bills!

Would you say "thank you" in person this week?  In Lucedale, why not visit the Sheriff's Department Memorial site at the corner of the Courthouse lawn and say a prayer for them!  Be a blessing to them this week!

Open Letter to Agricola Baptist!

What a day we experienced in worship yesterday!  We were maxed out with the schedule!

1. You never go wrong honoring great Moms and graduates!   So glad we were able to honor Mrs. Myrt yesterday!  She is an 87 year old lady of prayer! Great prayer warrior!  We were also delighted to share another flower arrangement with Melanie Williams.  She has been hovering over our children for several years now - she has become an extended Mom to most of the kids in our church!

2. Seniors, you looked great - even if did sit through the whole service with square hats on!!!!!! Take the wisdom challenge and follow God's word every day of your life.

3. Enjoyed a great time of worshiping God in the morning service.  The worship team did an awesome job in worship leading.

4. What a great time at AAD last night! You miss it?  You missed it!  We had an hour long interview with Bro. Mark!  We talked about the early days for a bit at  ABC!  We examined a Biblical foundation for children's ministry - or as I prefer - children's discipleship!  It was a great hour and reminded me so much of why I will miss Bro. Mark!

5. All ABC folks need to remember that "special thing" we are collecting next Sunday!  If you don't know what I am talking about, call me!  If you plan to be gone next Sunday, please drop off that "special thing" in the church office!

6. Great line from the interview with Mark last night - "Our men have got to step up!"

7.  Remember this ABC: Love for God cannot be imitated for long! Our love for God, or lack of it, will be on display and known by everyone! Do your actions demonstrate a burning, passionate love for Christ?

The Signs of a Great Mom!

A great Mom:

1. Prepares her children for independence - not dependence!

2. Can tell her children "NO" just as easily as she can tell them "YES!"

3. Leads her children to be focused on a few things instead of distracted by many things!

4. Teaches her children to serve - not be served!

5. Teaches her children to accept responsibility instead of blaming others!

6. Teaches her children that there is no relationship more important than one with God!

7. Allows her children to experience some pain and difficulty instead of trying to shield them from every tough challenge!

8. Teaches her children the value of work over the value of hand-outs!

9. Loves her husband faithfully - setting a great example for her children.

10Gives great hugs - for a lifetime!

Great Gifts for Your Children!

I've noticed that over the last few years, birthday parties for children have changed.   Birthday parties used to be four or five kids, cake, a few gifts, and playing outside!  They have evolved into a big cash business for retailers.  Now it seems that 10 - 20 kids are there - anything from cake to a full meal is provided - and then some major entertainment is provided - jumpers - sliders - movies - theme parks!!!!!  And the gift giving looks like Christmas!  I'm not complaining - my kids are grown!!! But I do want to suggest that there are some very important gifts that kids need that many are missing.  Be sure to give your children these gifts:

1. The gift of responsibility!  At a fairly early age, kids need to learn the gift of responsibility. Simple, but important tasks can be assigned to them - make up their bed, clean their room, pick up their dirty clothes and put them in the hamper etc.   They can be assigned duties as they grow older - helping with dishes, doing the laundry etc..

2. The gift of self-sufficiency!  Some of those above mentioned tasks also help a child to learn to do things for themselves.  Many kids grow up these days and basically can't take care of themselves. They need MUCH parental help well into their 20's and beyond.  They need to learn to do things on their own.

3. The gift of work!  You may be "wealthy" enough to provide everything your child needs financially, but it is a mistake to do so.  Children need to learn the value of work and the value of earning their way!  They want an IPAD!  Consider the value of having them save their money to buy one!  Then they realize the cost and value of their purchases.  Of course you will give them gifts! But don't give them everything!  Children need to have a work ethic!

4. The gift of losing!  Children need to learn that they don't always win!  They will not always be the best at everything they do.  Let children compete - and learn to win with joy and lose with grace! Don't go "make it up" to them when they lose! This instills in them that losing is not fair - and that they should be compensated when they lose!

5. The gift of service!  Children should learn to be "others oriented" early on.  Involve them in helping others! Involve them in meaninful service projects. Expose them to real need so they will appreciate the blessings they have been given.  Help them learn to personally sacrifice their own time and resources.

6. The gift of Christ!  From the beginning teach, model, talk about, love Jesus Christ!  Help your child learn of the Lord!  Help your child come to a point of genuine repentance and faith in Christ. Without Christ, all that you teach your child will be useless for the next world - eternity!  Celebrate Jesus! Live authentically for Christ! Your kids can spot a phony!  Give them Jesus!

This Could Be the Day!

This could be it!  How absolutely beyond description it would be!  The experience itself would be unlike anything we have ever encountered! The transformation it would bring would be, in many instances, complete and far reaching!  The impact to the community would be evidenced within hours - maybe less!

This could be the day!  The day that we gathered together in worship and adoration of a Holy God! The day that somehow we collectively decided to no longer be in control!  The day that as worship unfolded we allowed the Holy Spirit full use of His roles - to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgement to come! This could be the day of yielding control of His church back to Him!  This could be the day of something far more than just a "revival!"  This could be the day that an awakening of God's spirit takes us to a place of service, sacrifice, and salvation like no other day!

This could be the day!  Sadly, many will read this, and longingly sigh, thinking it would be great - but doubtful it will happen.   We must live in expectation of this very thing - and we must live surrendered lives to the Lord ourselves!  This could be the day!

The Bible says that "He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask OR IMAGINE!" Ephesians 3:20.    I choose to ask Him who is able to unleash a flood of conviction, a flood of transformation, a flood of power upon His church today!  I choose to IMAGINE it happening at ABC!  What a fabulous day it will be!

This could be the day!

Day Two of a Tragedy!

Here is how you can pray for the Police Department in Pearl, MS today!

1. Pray for the family of the Mike Walter, the officer killed in the line of duty!  Specifically, pray for emotional and physical strength for his wife and daughter.   They will need every support available.

2. Pray for those injured.  The emotional stress of losing a brother officer and their own injuries will be a challenge for them.

3. Pray for the Police Department.  Specifically:

       Pray for their endurance.  The department must simultaneously give information to those investigating this horrible loss while greiving at the same time.  Their work does not end - even in the midst of their grieving.

    Pray for their encouragement.  The loss of an officer in the line of duty reminds every other officer of the real and present dangers of the job.  Pray that God will encourage them and keep them safe.

    Pray for their patience.  I mentioned this yesterday, but in every community there will be some "self-appointed" experts who make unfounded and ridiculous statements without any facts.  These type of people essentially grind "salt into wounds" with their commentary.  Pray that these fine officers and their families will be shielded from those who use tragedy for their own advantage.

    Pray for their leadership.  The Chief and the command staff are all under a tremendous amount of responsibility and stress today.  Among their top concerns will be the families of those killed and injured, and the morale of the rest of the department.  Pray for their wise decision making.

4. Pray for the spouses and children of the officers in the Pearl Police Department. Pray that God will strengthen them for the days ahead. Pray that God will restore to them a sense of safety and security.   

Pray for Peace!

Today a Pearl Police Officer lost his life, another officer was shot, and a third injured.  They were serving a warrant.  Serving warrants is an everyday task for Police Departments nationwide.  The reality - though done everyday - they are still dangerous. 

When something like this happens, especially to departments where I have served and ministered, it breaks my heart!  The general public may think they know something of how these officers feel, but really, you don't!  

Pray for these officers in this wonderful department!  So many of those officers who serve there are now truly brokenhearted and filled with grief for losing a brother officer.  In the days ahead, they will have a hard time even finding a safe outlet to express themselves. 

They will have many sincere expressions given to them by the public.  A simple "thanks for what you do" and "I will keep you in my prayers" will be sufficient.   Please do those things for these officers.

Unfortunately, they will also have to deal with people who know absolutely no facts - but are somehow experts on what "should have been done!"  Those people, unfortunately, are in great abundance as well. 

Remember these officers and their families in prayer!  Express a word of sympathy and support.  Understand that the officers and their families are "all family!" No one does what they do - and no one really knows how they feel - except other officers. 

Pray that God will heal, restore a sense of safety and security, and will bless all the families involved.

Pray that God will grip the hearts of people so that senseless acts of violence will cease! 

Pray for peace!

We Lost a Member of the Family!!

Well, yesterday was a glorious and tough day - all at the same time!  The emotions were high and low! Those of us who knew had a sense of anticipation - anticipation that was a cross between getting that first shot in the dentist's chair  and the kick-off to a great championship game!  It was a time of joy and sadness - crying tears of sadness and joy!

Yesterday - Mark Williams announced he and his family have completed their service in the Kingdom of God at Agricola - and are headed for new ministry in Grenada, MS.  For us - particularly those of us on staff - it is like losing a member of the family! A few things are worth mentioning!

1. Nine years is a great accomplishment of service in any church!  May 1 will be Mark's nine year anniversary!  That is quite an achievement these days!  That tenure indicates seriousness about the work, devotion to the work, and certainly obedience to the Lord!

2. Leaving is not easy!  Not in this case! There are circumstances in churches where the people and the staff member are really "ready" to separate!  It is more like a divorce than a wonderful transition! That is not the case here!  Mark has been involved in several of the greatest ministry transformations in our church!  His children have never really known any other home!  They are joyous about serving God where He is leading - but they are not "glad" to be leaving us!

3. The community will notice their absence!  Mark and Melanie have fully woven themselves into the fabric of the community!  They are an everyday presence in the schools.  They are an everyday presence at sporting events!  They modeled what every believer should do - be a missionary in the community!  Of course they will be missed at church - but for me - the mark of their effectiveness is how much the community will miss them!

4. We should take notice!  There are many folks that need to take notice of this!  Some will say, "I am so glad I served along-side Mark and Melanie!"  Others will say, "man, if I had known they might leave, I would have tried to do a bit more with them!"  The reality is that everyone of our staff, including me, are subject to leaving when God calls!  He called us here - and one day, He may call us somewhere else!  The time to enjoy serving with someone is while they are here! The time to be of help is while they are here! The time to cooperate and watch God work is while they are here! Because one day, through God's wisdom and timing, we will be somewhere else!

5. The church will go right on!  None of us, staff members or laypersons, are indispensable! We will certainly have to make adjustments and retool our people to take on more responsibilities!  And Mark and Melanie have trained and modeled themselves to enough people to enable that to happen!  One evidence of our love for Mark and Melanie will be how well we step up to do their work and continue principles learned from them! 

6. We will miss them!  Whenever you lose a member of the family, there is a season of grief!  Over the next couple of months, there will be times when we realize, "oh, Mark used to take care of that!"  But, we will never be apart from them in this world of instant communication! And it will be exciting to hear what God is doing through and with them!

7.  Finally, I will miss Mark! He and I have been best friends for my eight years here! (we have the same anniversary Sunday!)   We have seen each other at our worst and best! We have talked about the most intimate of personal things!  We have fussed - we have shown love - we have been there for each other when no one else was!  We have gloried together in this church and we have unloaded on each other about this church!  I have tried to imagine  the days ahead when there will be "no Mark" in them - as far as everyday work is concerned!  It was painful to imagine! So, I am doing what we all must do - trust God!   Knowing that God has moved Mark to other fields of service means that God is in all that will be happening here in the days ahead!

God bless you Mark - I love you dearly! I will miss you and your family!