FBC Plant City, Florida

It was my privilege to be with and share with the wonderful people of First Baptist Church,Plant City, Florida. Pastor Michael Lewis,a native Georgian, was a gracious host. I had the joy of serving with him for a short time on the SBC Executive Committee. He has served FBC for just three short months, coming from Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. In those brief months they have seen over 100 people come to Christ. Recently they had their first F.A.I.T.H. outreach visitation and saw over 200 people go on visits and 6 people come to Christ the first night.

I had the privilege of speaking to over 300 public service personnel on the eve of the 8th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America. It was a great honor that I will not long forget. In addition I will not forget the hospitality of Pastor Lewis and the wonderful people of 1st Plant City.

Am I or Am I Not A Senior Adult?

Depending on where I shop or dine these days, I may or may not be a senior adult. Some places don't ask, they just look at the white hair and think, "man he's old. He has to be a senior adult." Yet, there are places that you have to be 65 and produce an id to qualify. That's discrimination isn't it?

Oh, well, I appreciate all the discounts I can get but there is one discount I don't want. I don't want to be discounted as an old sour "stuck in the mud" by the youth at church. I want to make a difference. I want to be "relevant." I want to be admired and respected by those younger than myself like some of my heroes of days gone by.

I don't want to be one that complains about "their" music or clothes, or hair or "worship style." I want to be their biggest cheerleader. I want to be an encourager. I want them to want to be like me when they grow up. I think you know what I mean?

Bob Roberts in his book, Multiplying Church writes, "Old men and women play a crucial role in the future church; it isn’t to hold on to the forms, but to hold on to a personal Jesus movement in their hearts so that young people can say of old people, “Oh man, I want to know Jesus like they know Jesus.” It is not, “I want to do church like they do church.” The only way that will work is for old folks to pour themselves into young hearts and mentor and love them so much that they would die for them."

In my roll as a church specialist I visit a great number of churches of all sizes. At 56 I visit some churches where I am among the youngest. I don't think I need to point out that there is not much future unless they change. Problem is they don't see it.

I can spot those when I walk in and as I preach who are turf protectors rather than tillers of new soil Those who thirst for living water are a blessing, while the stagnant waters of the dead sea can kill a movement of God in a heartbeat.

If I start to sour someone please throw some sugar my way.

Ella Reese Strickland

On Thursday, August 13, Ella Reese Strickland came into our lives. The first addition to our youngest daughters family, she became our fourth grandchild. Matthew and Katie will make great parents. Although they have much to learn Ella will put them on the fast track in short time. Phyllis and I have watched as technology makes it possible to communicate one's arrival. Moments after Ella's birth word spread to Monroe, Winder, Cumming, Americus, Albany and Camilla. It made it's way to Springfield, MO, Louisville, KY and Reston, VA. Katie's sisters in Springfield and Louisville, have met Ella through Skype. You can't hold her but see her. Her cousins have got to see her from a distance and she has had a constant flow of visitors.
I know that just like Elijah, Sam and Asher she will bring much joy to Mimi and Pops and all that she comes in contact with. Here are a few pictures from her first days.

San Francisco - Epic Church

I just returned from San Francisco. My son-in-law, Ben Pilgreen, along with our oldest daughter (and our three grandsons) will be moving to SF June 2010 to plant Epic Church in the Mission Bay/South Beach area of the city. Around 20 minstry leaders from across the country that are (or are considering partnering with them spent three days touring, praying and dialoging about what God would do in this wide open US city.
Only about 2% of the population attend any church. NAMB and other local church planters from the area joined us on occasion to offer encouragement and strategy input.
On Tuesday afternoon we prayer walked the area around AT&T Park. This is the home to the MLB Baseball Giants. It stands in the center of the focus area. As I walked around the area I could not get Chris Tomlin's song "The God of this City" out of my mind. I believe that God is going to do incredible things there.


God has blessed Epic church with a great leader and a great team. At least 4 other families are packing up next June to move to the Bay Area with Ben and Shauna to provide leadership. Stay tuned for some great stories in years to come.

Fireproof Cast Together Again

The 2009 Freedom Festival was another opportunity for some of the cast from Fireproof to reunite. We were there to meet the fans and sign some autographs. So many people came by to visit with us. We were honored to meet so many wonderful people. The highlight of the night however were the 55 first time decisions for Christ. Praise the Lord.


In this picture: Erin Bethea,Harris Malcom, Phyllis Malcom, Jason McLeod, Perr Revell, Faye Sharber, Dwan Williams, Renata Williams and Eric Young.

Fairhaven Retreat

Recently, Phyllis and I had the opportunity to be with Allen and Lisa Atkins and the deacons and wives of Fairhaven Baptist Church from Demopolis, AL. We met Allen a couple of years ago at the Refresh Conference at Sherwood. The retreat took place at Lay Lake the home of Alabama's State 4-H encampment.

We had a great time, but most importantly, God had a great time. It was evident in the way He worked in hearts and lives over the weekend. I believe that the Spirit of God is going to do some great things at Fairhaven. If the hearts of the people will follow the hearts of their leaders who are following the heart of God revival will come.

Grandchildren

The Bible says that "children are a gift from the Lord." Not only is that truth, but also true. In addition I have heard it said that "grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your children." Although we never considered murder, we are enjoying three wonderful grandsons and awaiting the arrival of our first granddaughter.
Elijah, Samuel and Asher Pilgreen live in Springfield, MO (for the moment). They will be moving with their mom and dad to San Francisco, CA in June 2010 to plant a new church. We don't get to see them often so we have to be creative. Our most recent visit was enroute to lead a marriage retreat in Harrison, ARK. Proximity allowed us to stop in Springfield for a day and a half to love and spoil da boyz.
Their dad is presently teaching pastor at Second Baptist Church in Springfield. Mom (our oldest daughter) is a writer and stay at home mom.

Graduations

Two of our daughters have reached new horizons in their educational pursuits. Katie recently graduated with her masters in childhood education from Brenau University. Natalie completed the requirements for her masters in missiology from The Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, KY.
Of course we are very proud of them and their desire to please God with their lives. Katie continues to teach in the Hall County School system. She is also pregnant with her first child. She and Matthew await the arrival of Ella Reese Strickland scheduled to arrive around mid-August.
Natalie waits on the Lord for the next step. She will continue to live in Louisville where she has established roots for a while.
Our oldest daughter, Shauna, has not been pursuing academic degrees, but she is involved in writing her first book. Although there is not much I can say about it at the time we are hopeful that a national publisher will think as much of it as we do.

After All These Years

Friday, May 8, 2009 I graduated from Truett-McConnell College. I started there in the fall of 1971 (it just takes some of us longer than others!). Along with Phyllis we were greated by Mike Simoneaux, Daniel Moosbrugger and Edna Holcombe. A few weeks ago after speaking in chapel, Phyllis and I had lunch with Daniel and his wife Robbie. He asked me when I graduated and I told him that I had not, but had transferred to another school for my 4 year degree. Truett was a Junior College back then. Daniel Moosbrugger is a catalyst. He gets things done. He is going to be a tremendous asset to TMC.
He told me to get him a transcript which I did. In a few short days he and Mike Simoneaux had "done the academic thing" and transferred a couple of courses back in and now I have an associates degree in business. Who would have "thunk" it. Well it was not anything I would have thought about, but will always be something I will treasure.
Truett will always have a special place in my heart. Phyllis and I met there over 36 years ago. It is where our story starts. God has blessed us in so many ways and Truett is that place where God brought us together.
It is the second time in my life when I have received a degree the same year that one of our girls did as well. Over the next two weekends both Katie and Natalie will receive Master's degrees. Not too many people get a Batchelor's, Masters and Doctor's degree and then an Associate, but hey, what a story to tell the grandkids.

Thunder over Louisville

Following our trip to Truett Phyllis and I flew to Louisville, KY where we were the guests of the Christian Academy of Lawrenceburg. Their faith and family forum is an annual event for the community. I was the keynote speaker. Following a time of praise and worship led by "Poor Man's Riches" I had the opportunity to share the gospel.

The next day we visited Frankfort (Kentucky's capital) and the grave of Daniel Boone.

Then it was on to Louisville and our daughter Natalie for a pre-Kentucky Derby event called Thunder over Louisville. 52 tons of fireworks are shot in a 30 minute period with approximately 4000 lbs coming in the last 30 seconds.



Joined by our nephew Michael Bagwell and Natalies friends James and Heather Knowles we were among a huge crowd gathered by the Ohio River.

It was quite a night.

Truett McConnell: Alma Mater

It was the fall of 1971 and I was off to college. Truett McConnell, a Baptist School in the N. GA moutains was small and a good fit for me. Long time friendships were begun there. Life decisions were made there. And best of all I met my partner for life there.

As I look back over the years the decision to attend TMC was one of the best of my life. The little school has struggled for most of it's existence, but I believe that it's best years are ahead. I believe that in a few short years it will be mentioned along with schools like Liberty University, Union University and Mobile College. It is a great place to call Alma Mater and a great place to send students.

Phyllis and I had the opportunity to return to TMC in April of this year and speak in chapel. It was one of the highest honors of my life and ministry. I told Phyllis at breakfast that morning that there was one other time that I was more nervous than the morning of chapel and that was the day I preached my first sermon.

Just a few weeks earlier, Dr. Emir Caner was inagurated as the eighth president of the institution which is now a four-year college. Dr. Caner is already making his mark and placing his thumbprint on our school. Yet I see a more wonderful thing happening as God is placing His entire hand on TMC.

I pray that God will bless Emir and Hanna along with their three children: John Mark, Daniela, and Anna.


May our God do exceedingly abundant above all that we can ask or think.

National Release of Fireproof on DVD

Christian Supply in Spartanburg, SC was the site of the national release of the Fireproof DVD. Over 500 people waited in line for autographs and pictures with the writers and cast from the blockbuster movie. Chuck Wallington and his tremendous staff played host for the evening.

I had the privilege along with Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel, Steven Kendrick, Jim McBride, and Jason McLeod to respresent the Fireproof cast. Young and old, firefighters and Sunday School teachers were there in numbers. Two former college classmates from Truett McConnell College class of 1973 came out. I had not seen them in over 30 years. We all agreed that we look a little different these days.

The trip home on Tuesday included stops at LifeWay Christian stores in Buford and Columbus as well as Family Christian Store in Duluth. I am still amazed at what God is doing. Not surprised so much because He is God and can do anything, but constantly amazed at the stories and changed lives. His grace still amazes me. Praise be to our mighty God.

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008 has come and gone. This was a unique year for us in that our immediate family was together Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for the first time in a number of years. It was a great blessing that you cannot take for granted as time passes and your children grow up and begin their own lives. We are excited for what God is doing in their lives and that of their families.

Our oldest daughter Shauna and her husband Ben now live in Missouri. They were home with Elijah, Samuel and Asher. Shauna was able to stay a few extra days aloing with the boys while Ben had to fly home to preach the last Sunday in December.

Natalie our middle daughter was home from Louisville, KY where she is beginning her last semester at Southern Seminary. She was able to stay a few days before returning home. She is in the middle of J-term, an intense week where an entire semester is condensed into one week. She will be going to Niger this spring.

Katie and her husband Matthew were down from Gainesville. Katie surprised us with the news that they will be having their first child in August 09. This means grandchild number 4. It just gets better. We praise God "from whom all blessings flow."

Papa Malcom came down from Monroe in his classic '55 Ford Crown Victoria. He has spent every Christmas Eve with us in Americus since mom died in 2002. He anticipates this time of year just like a child.

Following Christmas we went to Atlanta to be with Phyllis' extended family. Katie played host and Uncle Doug, Aunt Lisa (cousins' Bella and Emily), Uncle Phil, Bai and (cousins' Tim and James) and a friend of Bai's from Laos, La. We caught up, looked at old pictures and had a wonderful time together.

Piercing the Darkness

Thanksgiving holidays 2008 remind us once again of the lostness that pervades humankind. The "stampede" that killed a Walmart employee in Long Island, NY; the terrorist attacks in Mumbai (Bombay) India and a high profile professional athlete discharging a handgun in a public nightclub are just a few reminders. Lost people walk in darkness.

Jesus has called us to be light in a dark world. He calls us to pierce the darkness with the Gospel message. Each of us who have been transformed by the power of the gospel have a story of His grace on our life. We are commissioned to GO TELL the story of Jesus.

In 1997 during my wife's (Phyllis) tenure on the IMB as a trustee the board implemented change that included strategy to advance with the gospel into previously closed regions. Ten years later "New Directions" strategy produced increased baptisms (300,000 to over 600,000). New churches increased from 3,300 to 25,000 last year. According to President Jerry Rankin, "More than a thousand unreached people groups engaged with the Gospel and partnership with other Great Commission Chrisians resulted in explosive impact on a lost world."

With all the success of "New Directions" more change is coming. Why more change? The answer is simple. The world constantly changing. The world of 1950 was not the world of 1997 and the world of 2000 is not the world of 2008. (Boy, I wish the American church was wise enough to figure that out). World diversity, post-modern influences, the decline of traditional values and the fact we are closer to the end of time than ever before make the time in which we live both "desperate" and "opportunistic."

Those of us that are assigned stateside serving our Lord in and through the local church hold the ropes for over 5,000 of our missionaries serving in international locations. Through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions we enable these servants of God to GO TELL the story of Jesus.

I am excited to be a part of a denomination that has vision. Vision to reach the whole world with the whole gospel of Jesus Christ. Passion to do it right which is why more change is coming. When you keep doing what you have always done you keep getting what you have always got. (Once again when will the local church get it?)

This is why we must all GO TELL the story of JESUS.

Black Friday Madness

I am not bragging, as a matter of fact I might be a candidate for psychiatric help, but I was among millions of other people out at 5:00 the day after Thanksgiving to take advantage of "super savings." I know that there are many people who thrive at moment like this, I'm just not one of them.

I had my short list of things to buy. I actually came home with two of them. You see when a man shops it is a mission. Game plan, strategy, and eventual conquest. I was whipped before I entered the second store. A man should not try this alone.

I was not alone, however, because I did see a well known "blogger" and a denominational employee out as well. Helps to know that I am not the only crazy one. I surrendered early and went to Chic-fil-a. Short line, coffee and biscuit. Now there's a plan. I then went back to my daughters and spent time with the grandboys.

In our present economic situation in America people are definitely looking for bargains. I didn't take an economic situation for me to look for a bargain, I enter a store looking for the "four letter word" SALE! Today, I saw intense faces, frustrated shoppers, perturbed patrons. I saw people laughing and even some crying (but I'll get over it). I saw people dressed in what looked like pajamas, others that must have been asleep when they dressed and then there were those who must have heard that there would be awards given out for weirdest dress.

Unfortunately, I heard that in Long Island, New York today a Walmart employee was killed in a stampede as shoppers entered the store. In Buford, GA two men fought over a TV and a lady was injured. The police were called in to the situation.

I believe I am going to begin my 2009 shopping in January. I figure if I buy one gift a month I wil be through by Thanksgiving 09. Otherwise, I think I will do the rest of my shopping on line.