PHASE 1

I am now at Ft. Jackson for the completion of phase 1 training. I only have until Friday to be here but I am tired and I miss the family. Tomorrow is a KILLER run day, so pray for rain! It has been a good phase with a good class. I have learned allot at this school about myself and about ministry. We had a Dr. from the Marine Collage come speak to us about Islam and the Iraqi people. She is a very conservative Christian and had spent time with the Iraqi people. We can translate the Koran however we want to just as Muslim interpret the Bible however they want to. But the reality is that a Muslim who goes by the Koran will not be a terrorist. They will just be wrong! What we have in Iraq is a group of people who just check the box. Do we not do the same as Christians? We can check the box and say we are Christians but do we really go by the book? Is there something we do that is contrary to who we say we are? If so why do we do it? For what reason? And is that reason good enough? It is time that I take a deep look at myself and not people around me. I pray that I will be more than a box checker.

SPIRITUAL COMFORT -- A CLOSER LOOK AT BATTLEFIELD CHAPLAINS

1st Texas Sunday

Yesterday was my first Sunday at Faith as a resident Texan. Numbers were up from 115 to 154 in morning worship and from the low 70s to 88 in Sunday School. I know when a pastor first comes to town numbers go up because people want to see what tricks the new monkey can do. But it doesn't matter to me, just happy to be here. I can't describe Faith other than to say there is freedom here. Freedom to preach and be heard, freedom to shout, raise your hands, clap or worship anyway that you are led. This is a very different Baptist church to say the least. I have come to a point were I don't feel obligated to try the newest thing to make the church better, this church will make me better. Shouldn't that be the goal of a church with a new/young pastor; make him better so that he can lead better? I am glad it is this way in New Boston. For those of you who say "wait till the honeymoon is over" stop hating and start praying, it will do both you and me some good!

Here he is! Austin Berry

Big Brother Noah and Austin

Blackhawk Ride

Went on my first blackhawk ride yesterday. It was awesome until they seemed to try to make me sick. And they succeeded, I didn't puke but I felt bad until we landed. When we landed I felt great but the last 15 minuets were rough! Finishing packing for the big move this weekend. We are excited about finally living with our Church family. We has a representative from Samaritans Purse come and speak about Operation Christmas Child. This is a great opportunity to touch children's lives with the Gospel in places most of us will never physically be able to visit. The whole church is behind it and it will be great to see what God will accomplish through this worthwhile ministry.

"Revolutionary" Ideas

Getting ready for the move to Texas and looking forward to it. We spent last weekend with our new Church family and really enjoyed it. God has led me to take a simple revolutionary approach to leading Faith.

1. Love Him
2. Love Them

Easy to say but harder to do, but we will work on those two things untill we get it right. My guess is that it will take awhile to perfect maybe even for the rest of our lives.

Military ministry still goes well. Had over 10 profess Christ as Savior during Wednesday's service. And I led a young soldier from the Bronx to Christ later that day. Said he was a Baptist by denomination but he was ready NOW to his faith in Christ, so he did.

"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him." The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:24-25

Addition to the Kingdom

Had the pleasure of leading another young soldier to Christ this morning. My orders are up Sept. 30 and I will be heading to New Boston Texas soon after to pastor Faith Baptist Church. God has really blessed allowing me to minister to troops the last couple of months. I pray that this will energize me for Faith as we prepare to enlarge the Kingdom of God together. I have personally been able to lead 26 people to Christ this month. Is Iraq in the future? Possibly, probably, but until then I thank God for the oppertunity to pastor Faith.