During a recent trip out west I observed a gentleman doing some "street corner preaching." This was not the first time I had actually seen this being done. A few years ago I saw a few people preaching to the crowds entering Texas Stadium before an athletic event.
The more recent "preacher" was inside the walkway at Mount Rushmore and was commenting on the ill-conceived ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States regarding same-sex marriages.
It seemed that nearly everyone was politely stepping around the preacher and ignoring him and his message. There was no confrontation, nor was there any lingering to hear the message.
In reflection, I held the belief (long held actually) that this kind of preaching is very limited in its impact. Small-scale personal conversations with people interested in listening are probably much more powerful.
A reality that I could not miss, however, was that this man was actually doing something. Many of the rest of us are content to be distressed, but not enough to spur us to those "more effective" communication strategies.
Isn't it interesting how easily we can be drawn into evaluating the strategies and methods of others who are at least doing something, while being personally content to confine our own activities to that of a critic.
He was at least doing something! Perhaps it is time for the rest of us to follow suit.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
"Living For Jesus" is a 24/7 Gig
Sunday evening I was walking into a large retail store and passed a man and a boy standing outside of a pretty new Class A RV (a 40 foot bus kind of RV). The man was a little greasy and wearing jeans and a T-shirt. The 9-10 year old boy was wearing shorts and a shirt.
As I walked up, the boy asked me if the motor coach was mine. I told him that I was in the coach further down the parking lot. We had left a few hours earlier on a trip. The boy was really impressed with the idea of being in a big, RV.
We talked awhile and I learned:
1. They were from a town about 150 miles away;
2. They had been in town taking care of the man's mother;
3. His mother had died earlier that day;
4. They couldn't relax at the house, so they had come to this 24-hour store just to walk around;
5. Their car had a problem that caused it to "die," so he had to do some work on it in the dark;
6. They had come to the store after the car was fixed, because they had to get out of the house;
7. They camped a lot in a tent;
8. The boy thought that being in a motor coach would be about the best thing in the world.
As I talked and listened, I assumed that, other than the recent death, they were probably living a physical life similar to mine. It occurred to me later that they may well have been homeless. Tent-camping may have been their standard housing. Taking care of "mom" may have been their opportunity to get in out of the weather for a few days while helping mom during her final few days. The problems with the car may well have been the rule instead of the exception.
While with them, I spoke about the advantages of an RV like these. I also spoke of my fondness for tents: the mobility, the night sounds, etc. I took my turn when it came to me and talked about the way I like things.
What I did NOT do was talk about Jesus. They were in pain, in need, in want... and I talked about me. I could not help them with their pain. I could not help them with their need. I could not help them with their wants. Jesus can help them with all of those and so much more, and I just talked about camping and my preferences.
Had I been thinking about my destination (eternity) instead of focusing on my journey (the trip to Mount Rushmore) I would have turned the conversation to Jesus, as well as God's grace, comfort, and peace.
When will I learn that my life is not about me, but about God and His purposes, and the best interests of others?
As I walked up, the boy asked me if the motor coach was mine. I told him that I was in the coach further down the parking lot. We had left a few hours earlier on a trip. The boy was really impressed with the idea of being in a big, RV.
We talked awhile and I learned:
1. They were from a town about 150 miles away;
2. They had been in town taking care of the man's mother;
3. His mother had died earlier that day;
4. They couldn't relax at the house, so they had come to this 24-hour store just to walk around;
5. Their car had a problem that caused it to "die," so he had to do some work on it in the dark;
6. They had come to the store after the car was fixed, because they had to get out of the house;
7. They camped a lot in a tent;
8. The boy thought that being in a motor coach would be about the best thing in the world.
As I talked and listened, I assumed that, other than the recent death, they were probably living a physical life similar to mine. It occurred to me later that they may well have been homeless. Tent-camping may have been their standard housing. Taking care of "mom" may have been their opportunity to get in out of the weather for a few days while helping mom during her final few days. The problems with the car may well have been the rule instead of the exception.
While with them, I spoke about the advantages of an RV like these. I also spoke of my fondness for tents: the mobility, the night sounds, etc. I took my turn when it came to me and talked about the way I like things.
What I did NOT do was talk about Jesus. They were in pain, in need, in want... and I talked about me. I could not help them with their pain. I could not help them with their need. I could not help them with their wants. Jesus can help them with all of those and so much more, and I just talked about camping and my preferences.
Had I been thinking about my destination (eternity) instead of focusing on my journey (the trip to Mount Rushmore) I would have turned the conversation to Jesus, as well as God's grace, comfort, and peace.
When will I learn that my life is not about me, but about God and His purposes, and the best interests of others?
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Human Trafficking
These words, "human trafficking," conjure up dreadful images of foreign nationals crammed into terrible living conditions while being transported to some distant locale for prostitution and other abuses. It is a terrible picture, but we seldom think that human trafficking happens around here, in our community, in Jackson County, in Middle Tennessee, in 2015.
Jane Jolly, Field Director for Senator Bob Corker's Knoxville office, cleared up some of my ideas about trafficking this morning. The most common thought that comes to people when they think of "human trafficking" is prostitution. That is certainly one area where it occurs, but there are others: Bonded Labor (think of working off a debt that never is actually "worked off), Forced Labor (similar but no debt involved), Terrorism (children used in Viet Nam and by ISIS to blow themselves and others up).
What struck me was the clarification of the sex trade and what it might look like locally. The average age for a person approached with the intent to lure them into the sex trade is 13 years old. The average lifespan of the person recruited is 7 years. In areas where poverty and drug abuse are prominent, family members may "rent" their children out as sexual favors in order to receive money or drugs.
In addition, confused or abused children who "run away," or are emotionally detached from a close family system are targeted and offered "love," only to find out they have become trapped and can not seem to escape. Runaways are usually approached within the first 30 hours and there is usually chemical substances involved.
There have been several times that I found myself counseling a community adult who contacted me about what they suspected was going on with a child in our community. The adult wasn't comfortable, but also was not willing to call Child Protective Services (877-237-0004 toll free and anonymous) to report their suspicions. I always advised them to make the call, but suspect that a percentage do not.
This is a serious issue in our world, and it reaches all of the way to Jackson County. There are children and adults in our community who have endured the damage of the abuse that I have described.
It is imperative that we all become diligent in protecting those who can not protect themselves (James 1:27).
If you see something that doesn't seem right, and want to talk to someone about it call CPS (877-237-0004). If that seems premature call me (931-319-0084) or the local law enforcement agencies to talk about it.
I will probably advise you to call CPS, but we will know more after we talk. Just do not ignore what you suspect.
Wayne
Jane Jolly, Field Director for Senator Bob Corker's Knoxville office, cleared up some of my ideas about trafficking this morning. The most common thought that comes to people when they think of "human trafficking" is prostitution. That is certainly one area where it occurs, but there are others: Bonded Labor (think of working off a debt that never is actually "worked off), Forced Labor (similar but no debt involved), Terrorism (children used in Viet Nam and by ISIS to blow themselves and others up).
What struck me was the clarification of the sex trade and what it might look like locally. The average age for a person approached with the intent to lure them into the sex trade is 13 years old. The average lifespan of the person recruited is 7 years. In areas where poverty and drug abuse are prominent, family members may "rent" their children out as sexual favors in order to receive money or drugs.
In addition, confused or abused children who "run away," or are emotionally detached from a close family system are targeted and offered "love," only to find out they have become trapped and can not seem to escape. Runaways are usually approached within the first 30 hours and there is usually chemical substances involved.
There have been several times that I found myself counseling a community adult who contacted me about what they suspected was going on with a child in our community. The adult wasn't comfortable, but also was not willing to call Child Protective Services (877-237-0004 toll free and anonymous) to report their suspicions. I always advised them to make the call, but suspect that a percentage do not.
This is a serious issue in our world, and it reaches all of the way to Jackson County. There are children and adults in our community who have endured the damage of the abuse that I have described.
It is imperative that we all become diligent in protecting those who can not protect themselves (James 1:27).
If you see something that doesn't seem right, and want to talk to someone about it call CPS (877-237-0004). If that seems premature call me (931-319-0084) or the local law enforcement agencies to talk about it.
I will probably advise you to call CPS, but we will know more after we talk. Just do not ignore what you suspect.
Wayne
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Guest Speaker Planned on July 19th: Brandon Pruitt
Brandon Pruitt will be speaking at the Gainesboro Church of Christ, Sunday, July 19, 2015, 10 AM & 6 PM. Brandon has been with us several times over the past few years. He is Johnnie Faye Pruitt's grandson. He is an excellent speaker, who (like we said back home) has a real job. He is not a full-time preacher, but he is a full-time Christian.
Nate McCurdy will be teaching the "Library Class" in my place that same day. Nate is soft-spoken, but very knowledgeable and a great servant of God. His greatest claim to fame may be that he is Clara's dad!
Plan to join us if you are in the area that Sunday.
Wayne
Nate McCurdy will be teaching the "Library Class" in my place that same day. Nate is soft-spoken, but very knowledgeable and a great servant of God. His greatest claim to fame may be that he is Clara's dad!
Plan to join us if you are in the area that Sunday.
Wayne
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
The New Normal is Cause for Re-Evaluation
I have recently overheard some of our public school teachers discussing the National Education Association President's celebration of the Supreme Court's decision on same-sex marriages (http://www.nea.org/home/63142.htm).
It is one thing for such an organization to respect the legal ramifications of such a decision. It is something altogether more disturbing to have them celebrating a decision that strikes at the heart of families, morality, godliness, &...you get the idea.
It is even revealed that the NEA provided a brief to the SCOTUS in support of the decision made. That seems a bit far off course for a professional educator's association/union.
I suspect there are concerned NEA members across our nation re-evaluating their involvement with this organization. There are other professional associations that provide the liability insurance, information and support for educators. Some of the other groups provide the benefits without diverting membership monies to support agendas like the NEA does.
Like these teachers, we should all be constantly evaluating our involvement in groups and activities that may have, at their inception, been wholesome and uplifting for society. Over time social groups and organizations change course and purpose.
Believers are always to be "setting our minds on things above." This is a great reminder that we can be caught in the "drift" and end up in a place we do not want to be.
Wayne
It is one thing for such an organization to respect the legal ramifications of such a decision. It is something altogether more disturbing to have them celebrating a decision that strikes at the heart of families, morality, godliness, &...you get the idea.
It is even revealed that the NEA provided a brief to the SCOTUS in support of the decision made. That seems a bit far off course for a professional educator's association/union.
I suspect there are concerned NEA members across our nation re-evaluating their involvement with this organization. There are other professional associations that provide the liability insurance, information and support for educators. Some of the other groups provide the benefits without diverting membership monies to support agendas like the NEA does.
Like these teachers, we should all be constantly evaluating our involvement in groups and activities that may have, at their inception, been wholesome and uplifting for society. Over time social groups and organizations change course and purpose.
Believers are always to be "setting our minds on things above." This is a great reminder that we can be caught in the "drift" and end up in a place we do not want to be.
Wayne
Monday, July 6, 2015
Jackson County Prayer Warriors July Meeting at the Courthouse
A group of people who are intent on praying for our community and our nation are gathering this evening (July 6, 2015) at the Jackson County Courthouse in the Courtroom.
There has been so much evidence of Satan's work in our culture recently that we look forward to more and more concerned Jesus followers to join us.
I realize that there are many who are hesitant to be a part of a gathering like this. I suspect the reluctance is due to fears that others will think everyone in the group has reached the same conclusions on doctrinal issues.
Let me set your mind at ease. Everyone there agrees on these things:
1. God is sovereign and still on the throne;
2. Mankind has made a mess of things, and will continue to do so;
3. We need God to cleanse us and work in our culture to bring us to where we need to be;
4. We can ask Him to do this.
Beyond these things, there are agreements and disagreements among us. Our gatherings are not a forum to address these differences. Our gatherings are a time to come together to ask God's intervention in our culture.
We pray for our families, schools, public servants, area spiritual leaders... well, you get the picture.
Participate. If not with us at the monthly gatherings, then at home.
This prayer group meets on the first Monday of the month at different locations in Jackson County. Next month's gathering will be at the Jackson County High School, August 3rd, 6:30 PM.
UPDATE: 21 people gathered this evening and prayed together for the following list suggested by the group:
Moral Values in our nation
Our elected officials on all levels
Reconciliation in broken families
Homeless/ Needy/ Hungry/ Sick/ those struggling with addictions
Everyone involved in the Law Enforcement Community and Judicial system
Children/ Schools/ School Workers
Homeschooling families and providers
Resolution of human conflict among different groups
For God's strength to come into those trying to serve Him
For those who do not know the power of God's love
Churches and spiritual leaders
Organizations like and including Maranatha and Cookeville Pregnancy Center
For efforts to help the discouraged like the upcoming "Single-Parent Day"
For God to move throughout the Islamic World to change hearts and actions
Praise and Thanksgiving to God for all blessings (especially raspberries said young Clara)
Join us in prayer for these and other needs until we meet again.
Blessings,
Wayne
PS: This prayer group meets on the first Monday of the month at different locations in Jackson County. Next month's gathering will be at the Jackson County High School, Monday, August 3rd, 6:30 PM.
UPDATE: 21 people gathered this evening and prayed together for the following list suggested by the group:
Moral Values in our nation
Our elected officials on all levels
Reconciliation in broken families
Homeless/ Needy/ Hungry/ Sick/ those struggling with addictions
Everyone involved in the Law Enforcement Community and Judicial system
Children/ Schools/ School Workers
Homeschooling families and providers
Resolution of human conflict among different groups
For God's strength to come into those trying to serve Him
For those who do not know the power of God's love
Churches and spiritual leaders
Organizations like and including Maranatha and Cookeville Pregnancy Center
For efforts to help the discouraged like the upcoming "Single-Parent Day"
For God to move throughout the Islamic World to change hearts and actions
Praise and Thanksgiving to God for all blessings (especially raspberries said young Clara)
Join us in prayer for these and other needs until we meet again.
Blessings,
Wayne
PS: This prayer group meets on the first Monday of the month at different locations in Jackson County. Next month's gathering will be at the Jackson County High School, Monday, August 3rd, 6:30 PM.
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