'The Time For Deeds'

I found this in one of my many books of poetry and thought it worth posting. Though this was written in World War II, in a time of great tradegy, it is still applicable in all the many fronts being taken on today. Some things don't change,...

'The Time For Deeds'
We have boasted our courage in moments of ease,
Our star-spangled banner we've flung on the breeze;
We have taught men to cheer for its beauty and worth,
And have called it the flag of the bravest on earth.
Now the dark days are here, we must stand to the test.
Oh, God! let us prove we are true to our best!

We have drunk to our flag, and we've talked of the right,
We have challenged oppression to show us its might;
We have strutted for years through the world as a race
That for God and for country, earth's tyrants would face;
Now the gage is flung down, hate is loosed in the world.
Oh, God! shall our flag in dishonor be furled?

We have said we are brave; we have preached of the truth,
We have walked in conceit of the strength of our youth;
We have mocked at the ramparts and the guns of the foe,
As though we believed we could laugh them all low.
Now oppression has struck! We are challenged to fight!
Oh, God! let us prove we can stand for the right!

If in honor and glory our flag is to wave,
If we are to keep this - the land of the brave;
If more than fine words are to fashion our creeds,
Now must our hands and our hearts turn to deeds.
We are challenged by tyrants our strength to reveal!
Oh, God! let us prove that our courage is real!

Oh, God! let us always put our trust and hope in You! May that also never change!

The 'Tall and Short' Of Things Around Here

There is another wave of marines getting ready to 'ship out' through-out the next month. But the Lord is 'shipping in' some new people too. Here is Bro. Rhee Joyce (who is leaving for this present Iraq) and our own Bro. David Shaller (who is a faithful brother).

Martin Luther King Day - Mission... Snow!

Here in southern California, where it remains a consistant balmy 70 - 75 degrees just about year round, there were certain among us that expressed a desire to see snow. Sooo..., where in California to find that?!!! Big Bear Mountian is where it was at!



The BIG Dream

In Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream", he said, at that time of his speech, that it had been a hundred years since the Emancipation Proclaimation with very little progress of freedom and equality. His dream was that all children from every race could come together and fellowship in unity. Through the impact and power of his speech, and others like it, we see a drastic change in America and its culture. His children and the grand-children are seeing this dream realized today. What greater way to spend this holiday then in harmony and fellowship with men and women from various backgrounds; laughing, playing and enjoying each others company on the snow covered hills of Big Bear Mountian!

There is another 'Emancipation Proclaimation', although, that was brought to us from the hill called Calvary. The One that came to set the captive free had a far greater, grander plan for all mankind that we could live in harmony and fellowship with God and man; that there would be no racial, economic, or social barriers. This freedom is being enjoyed by those who have cast down the bondage of sin for the liberty of salvation.

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, 'Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.'" - Revelation 7:9

The greatest common denominator for peace, liberty, joy and happiness is and always will be a true relationship with Jesus Christ. That is the message being proclaimed through out the world by His ministers and His children. Let's keep the message alive!

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Praying that all is well with each and everyone of you and that the coming year is the best yet!
We have been soooo busy these past couple of weeks despite everyone being home for the holidays. The first one comes back today... whaahooo! We sure do miss everyone.

There was a Christmas Eve gathering on Christmas Eve. A great time was had by all - faithful and new alike.

Well, it has truly been a great year! God has been and will always be faithful. We are so blessed. Even in our lowest of conditions we are still blessed in that we have the hope of His coming and knowing that the best is yet to come! What a truely marvelous wonder!

May God bless you and keep you in the coming year is our continual prayer for all.

Who Shall I Send

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here I am; send me." - Isaiah 6:8

Out of the myriad of choices that young men and women can make and the many opportunities presented to men of ambition; there are some that have resisted the call of the world to answer the call of God.

All Marines can remember the last hours of the crucible, when weary, worn, and exhausted they were handed the rewards of their accomplishment - The Eagle, Globe and Anchor, the symbol of excellence. So now, the Marine brothers and sisters who have left the ranks of the military to join the ranks of the ministry, will soon stand on a platform and be recognized for their hard work and sacrifice, as ministers of the Gospel.

From the Church in Oceanside, CA - We want to give a big "Euraaahh!" to Sabrina Campbell, Kweli and Sophia - (Sis. Marine - by association) Talbert, Amy Clark - (Sis. Moto), Allen Downing - (Beaker), (Wild) Rob Larson, (Rowdy) Greg Legister, and Deck Thompson (U.S. Marshal). These have entered seminary this year.

Keep up the good work - the best is yet to come!

Surprise Birthday Party!

Thankful Ponderings

Now that we are stuffed to the gizzard with turkey and savory trimmings, we are all ready to slumber in the lap of contentment. BUT,... wait! Not yet! There's so much to be done! Even as we slip into a near comatose snooze, a draft agenda for the next month is already taking form in our mind. Let's not forget the reason for which we are forming these eternal run-downs, schedules, and lists. The birthday of our Saviour Christ Jesus! Don't forget to put Him at the top!

Now having said that...

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day Dinner! Loads of food! There were two turkey's, a ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, almond stuffing, green beans w/ bacon, candied sweet potatoes, broccoli salad, strawberry and spinach salad (that was oh so good), cranberry sauce and fresh baked bread. For dessert, cherry cheese pie, cranberry walnut cheese pie, banana pudding, molasses cookies, mince meat pie, fresh fruit salad, frosted sugar cookies, brownies, ice cream and... well,... um... we forgot about the pumpkin pie. Anyway,... uh... moving on!

Each person came with a thankful spirit, of which, some felt the need to express. Being that Christ gave His life for them on the cross and giving them the life that they now have in Him. I echo these sentiments and add, however,... What if He never came? Where would we be if He'd have hung it up for the comforts of this life? How could salvation have ever come to our relief and aid had He not have accepted the cup that was set before Him? Who else is willing to take up the task and mission of 'Operation Saving Souls'? In what state would mankind be today if He had not given all that He had - for us? Answer... We would be without hope and forever lost. Condemned to eternal destruction with no way out. Wherefore, we as fellow Christians are truly grateful for the place that He has secured for us in heaven by doing so. Utmost and foremost is our gratitude for this provision of eternal life. To escape the damnation that was pending. To have this opportunity extended to us is the greatest gift in all of life. We should feel a sense of obligation and duty to repay. He saved our life! To love Him because He first loved us! This is what makes Thanksgiving Day the more worthy of celebration and laud. A day to appreciate and proclaim acknowledgement of the blessings He has bestowed on us.

So before we dash off, lets take the time to acknowledge another form of feasting. The keeping and continual maintenance of this precious gift that we have received. It was not intended to be treated like a pet rock, (that which is set on a shelf and forgotten) but it is to be cared for. To be watered daily with the Word of God without fail and to be warmed by the 'Son' and His rays of light through prayer and supplication. These are the basic 'root-iments' of salvation that cause us to flourish in the strength and power of God. Too often it is thrown aside or pushed off only to be replaced by something far less substantial which make for wimpie christianity. We oft times allow ourselves to be distracted. It is a grave and ponderous error to discredit the seriousness of the lack thereof. We must not disregard its vital urgency but, rather, cultivate and nurture the habit to pray and read God's Word at the set-off. Take time to cherish this sacrificial gift that has been committed to us. Put Him first at the top of each and every daily list. And maybe...You just might find the time to do the things that ordinarily time does not allow you to do.

Hmmmm?