Do You Believe In Love

It's late night Thursday night and I'm blogging to the groovy tunes of Huey Lewis and the News. I digging into some older CDs and remembering why I enjoyed this music so much! Today was a full day and a good day. I tried to visit a friend in the local jail, but I haven't done all the paperwork they require. My thanks to Garvis Seymore, President of Magnolia Bible College for helping me get a letter that will help. It seems I have to be 'ordained' and show proof! Well, I think a letter from the President of my alma mater did the job. I have not talked about MBC very much on the blog. Garvis is doing a great job as President. They have a lectureship coming up in October. You can check on the schedule HERE. I'm pretty sure that I can say that my thoughts about some things do not match what I was taught at MBC, but even so whenever I am on campus I have been treated with warmth and kindness. (I don't want anyone to blame MBC for my ideas!) And if you desire a fully accredited four-year degree in Bible, be sure to check into MBC as you consider which school you are going to attend. I have many wonderful memories of my years in Kosciusko. A group of students came down and did a lot of work in our community last year, and fellow alumnus Danny Dodd spoke several nights in a row. I hope the school does well and the work done there leads to many lost souls finding their way to the Kingdom of God.

Mike King and David Kilbern

I spent the afternoon with Mike King. Mike is a Pascagoula resident for many years. He really has an incredible story to tell of being raised in various foster homes, facing nightmarish adversities, and ending up in Pascagoula. I think Mike knows everyone in town. He has the kind of personality that reaches out to people and blesses them with joy. After Katrina Mike's life, like so many others, was moved into a FEMA camper. Mike's health is very poor at this time and he faces each day with considerable pain. When he was in the hospital a few months ago for a week, his camper was regarded by inspectors as abandoned. They removed his belongings (he still doesn't know where they are), and removed the camper. Mike spent some time staying with the Salvation Army, but he worked with us all day long. After a few weeks we invited him to come and stay at Central. He has proven to be an invaluable helper, in spite of his illness. We also rejoiced to witness Mike being baptized into Jesus Christ one Sunday morning. I took Mike to the doctor today in Biloxi to see a specialist. He was one of those doctors who doesn't want to spend much time with you, and gave Mike a pretty bleak report. We spent the rest of the afternoon in America's Thrift Store, visiting Keith in the hospital, and going to Wal-Mart. And walking around Wal-Mart with Mike is an adventure. Like I said, he knows EVERYBODY in town! He also invites everyone he sees to the Central Church of Christ. I left Mike in pretty good spirits this evening. During the day today I said, "Mike we can get on the internet and do some research about your illness." He said, "Let's do some research about the Lord, that's what I'm interested in." An overcomer, an optimist, an encourager, and a hard worker. I admire this man very much.

And about Keith, well, I know this post is getting long but I know he needs your prayers. Keith came down a few months ago from South Carolina to find work. The "friend" who brought him dropped him off at the church buildng, left, and didn't come back. We at first agreed to give him housing for a few nights, but we found out what kind of man he was and he stayed with us longer. He got a great job and was saving his money to get his own place. With no motorized transporation, he rode his bike to work each morning. Earlier this week while riding across a parking lot a young man driving too fast in a pickup truck hit him. He is still in MICU, but is recovering well. He will have surgery on a broken knee this Monday. He is in good spirits and gives thanks to the Lord for his life. I think I counted 17 staples in the back of his head, and he has a fractured backbone. The first thing on his mind? "When can I go back to work?" And also on Keith's mind is a desire to see the young man who hit him so that he can release him from his guilt. He is concerned that the driver may be carrying around a burden that Keith does not want him to bear. I'm impressed.

I believe in love. I've seen it today in a man with a terminal illness that wanted to spend his afternoon visiting his friend who is in ICU. I've seen it in a man suffering at the hands of another, who wants to offer forgiveness for the pain inflicted. I've seen it from ages ago on the hill of Calvary. There an injured man prayed for those who were killing him. May our hearts be filled to overflowing with sacrificial love for those in our surrounding communities.

ON THE BLOGS...

Look Who Is Watching. Gary Kirkendall reveals that other groups are watching our unity efforts between Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. What they see could lead to quite a revival of the restoration ideal ... or it could lead to a sad testimony to the reality of sectarianism. Read the post and leave Gary a shoutout!

Bewitched! is the title of Danny Dodd's new blog post. You can even get involved in a theological debate in the comments!

What was your conversion to Christ like? John Alan Turner wants to know.

What if your church could no longer meet in their building? Les Ferguson, Jr. would like to share that experience with you.