Late last week I got a phone call from my grandson in Indiana. He said, “Hey papa…” and went on to explain that the court making the decision on the adoption of his new brother had ruled and it was final. He had a new brother…from Ethiopia. His name is Isaiah Tamrat McDaniel. He told me I could look on line and watch a video that his mom had prepared sharing this great news.

So, after soliciting a little technical help, I watched the video about my new grandson with one of my little granddaughters on my lap…who sweetly kept asking me why I was crying. Her little hands wiped tears from my face, while she tried to “comfort” me. I got to tell you…it doesn’t get much better than that! That moment was followed by a great Bible study with believers that I love. This was followed by a deacon’s retreat in the mountains (which was great fun) and a wonderful day of worship on the Lord’s Day. I also got to put my arms around Rob and Lee Clarke, welcoming them home for a while. So, even though right now it’s a gray, windy, rainy day, filled with challenges, I just have to share my joy with you.

There are certainly many hard, difficult, and painful days in life and ministry, but something I often think and say to people on those good days is, “You’ve got to cash the happy days when they come.” They are precious. So, I know there are challenges ahead, but today…in the rain…I’m cashing a few of those happy days! God is so good and kind, isn’t He?

In Him,

P. Tim

As I mentioned in church this past Sunday, a Bible story, a Bible “picture” that has deeply and permanently defined my view of my place in ministry is the story of the feeding of the 5000. It’s not the 5000 men that ate that grabs my attention or the frustrated response of the disciples who were told to feed them. It’s the boy, the little boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fish. What he had was clearly not enough, what he did was not enough, but when placed the little that he had in the hands of Jesus, He made it more than enough. That’s how I see myself and my ministry. I am merely a boy, an “old” boy by now, but still only a boy. I have only meager resources of my own, BUT if I place them in faith into the hands of my Savior, well, He can do whatever He wants. He may even choose to do great things. If He does, the praise is ALL HIS, because the power, passion, and wisdom is ALL HIS. If He chooses not to use my 5 loaves and 2 fish in that way, praise the Lord the choice is His. He can use them as He chooses. So, my “plan”, my passion, is to keep giving Him my 5 loaves and 2 fish and live with eager anticipation of what He will do with them. He does great work. I can’t wait to see more of it!

As a prayer request, Miriam Depew’s father is in Haiti and has lost his home and much of what he owns. He and all our brothers and sisters there need our prayers. I will be making an announcement Sunday morning as to how we might respond to his need, to their needs.

An invitation—This Sunday morning we’re back in our Study of Hebrews and begin our study of chapter 11, “By Faith.” Living by faith is the most terrifying, exhilarating, humiliating, yet glorious way to live. I love it. I hate it. Come join us in our study. It should be a great time. See you Sunday, Lord willing.

In Him,

P. Tim

Well, we certainly hit the ground running after the holidays. Last Sunday was a gloriously refreshing day of worship and fellowship. A number of people shared in the leading of the Lord’s Supper in testimonies, with powerful and passionate congregational singing, and sharing the Word. It was all that it should be with believers experiencing real and passionate fellowship around our Great Savior and His cross. The evening was spent in a celebration of the 25 years of ministry of Dr. Doug Finkbeiner, from his years as a Jr. High Youth Pastor to his service as a professor in our seminary. It was quite an encouraging day.

On Monday morning I had the privilege of team teaching a Doctor of Ministries course with Ron Clark and a small group of pastors. After teaching Monday morning I flew to Detroit to speak at Student Global Impact, which is a bi-annual mission’s conference for college aged young people. Hundreds of young people from around the country gather for preaching, worship, seminars, and networking, all around Christ’s commission to us to disciple the world. The fellowship with these young people and the other pastors and missionaries was powerful and profoundly encouraging. It truly refreshed my soul.

After speaking there I flew back to finish teaching the seminary course here, yesterday and today, to teach our Growing Kids class last evening, our Bible study tonight, and finish preparing for this Lord’s Day. This week has been full. It has been refreshing…so far. Oh, by the way, the offering we received to help with the Clarke’s medical expenses on the field, quickly passed more than double the goal! Isn’t that great! Praise the Lord! Well…sorry I have to run…time to teach again.

In Him,

P. Tim