My Inner Thoughts

A Politically Correct Christmas...

2011-12-25T23:04:00.001-06:00

For Our Liberal Friends: Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to observe religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2012, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures.

For Our Republican Friends: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and may God bless you and yours in 2012.

This time of the year is about change; it's about the future. We look at the New Years celebration as a change of the year and look forward to all of the exciting things to come that year. But Christmas is also about a change - it's about a change in the World for the rest of the future, not just a year. When Jesus Christ was born in a manger, it signified a change; it was the start of a beautiful future full of possibilities that last much longer than a year, but an eternity.

So, this holiday season, don't just look to 2012, but look to the rest of the future. And the future is bright. In this Christmas and Holiday Season, let's work to change the future and change the World. And we as Republicans, can do just that if we stay focused, stay energized, stay loyal, and remain the best party on Campus. Look to the future, my friends. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

(Jeffrey Isbell, a pentecostal minister and, is a former UIS College Republican and field representative for the College Republican National Committee. He is also a candidate for County Commissioner in his home county in Southern Illinois. His website can be visited at www.jeffreyisbell.com)

Jeffrey Isbell to Announce Campaign for Commissioner

2011-11-27T20:38:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

It is with great excitement and sense of responsibility that I explore a run for Williamson County Commission representing this county's 66,000+ citizens. There is a fundraising drive happening RIGHT NOW with a goal to raise $1,000 by the end of the weekend.

Would you consider visiting my website at www.jeffreyisbell.com and click "DONATE NOW"? I'd consider it a personal favor. You currently have a huge opportunity to DOUBLE your donation; all donations received by 11:59pm on Sunday night will be doubled(up to $500) by a generous contributor. The website takes Checks, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards.

For as long as I can remember, I've committed myself to helping other people. My grandfather lived a life of sacrifice, like most in his generation. He served his country ably in the Army during the Korean War, he was a retired civil service employee, was a fighter until the day he died, and most importantly was a Christian. He taught me about sacrifice and standing for what is right. Visit my campaign website by clicking here.

I've lived in Southern Illinois my entire life and am proud to call this my home, however, my home could use a little work. We need more transparency and accountability in our government, we must create a business friendly environment to lure large companies to our county, and we have to keep our spending in check and look at ways to reduce the tax burden on our residents.

The task before us is great and will require your support. As we launch our campaign, consider volunteering and/or donating. I look forward to seeing you as we journey together to make Southern Illinois the greatest it can be. Once again, visit my website and contribute!

Yours in Service,
Jeffrey Isbell

Cell: 618-889-9148
Email: jeffreyisbell@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/jeffreyisbell

P.S. Your donation will help us purchase some of the necessities as we launch this campaign. Click here to donate today.

For Immediate Release: Southern Illinois native plays large role in Bachmann Victory

2011-08-14T08:37:00.000-06:00

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Jeffrey Isbell

618/889-9148

Southern Illinois native plays large role in Bachmann Victory

July 1, 2011 - On Saturday, August 13, over 45 buses filled with over 1200 people from across the state rolled into Ames, Iowa to support Congressman Michele Bachmann (R-MN) in the Ames Straw Poll. The transportation director for the Bachmann for President Campaign in Iowa was 24 year old, Southern Illinois native Jeffrey Isbell from Herrin.

"I want to thank the people of Iowa for this tremendous victory. Together we sent a message that we intend to make President Obama a one term president. The Iowa Straw Poll was a important first step in what will be a long race for the presidency. Now we turn our attention toward winning the Iowa Caucuses and taking our message of reining in wasteful spending, keeping taxes low, growing our economy and creating jobs to the people of New Hampshire, South Carolina and all 50 states."

"When I received the call from the campaign asking me to come on board, I was there the next day because I believe in Congressman Bachmann and what she stands for. Victory is certainly a sweet thing after long days and hard work, but there is a long road ahead and I look forward to being a part of that process throughout the nation as the campaign moves forward."

Congressman Bachmann received over 4800 votes at the Ames Straw Poll solidifying her spot on the presidential ticket and as a leading candidate. Of those 4800 votes, nearly 25% were brought in on buses coordinated by the transportation division of the campaign.

"I am honored to work on the Presidential campaign for Congressman Michele Bachmann, especially as my first presidential campaign. I've had the opportunity to work on political campaigns throughout the nation, but nothing as exciting and life-changing as this."

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Media Advisory: Goreville Farmer's Market

2011-04-19T16:44:00.000-06:00

MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact: Jeffrey Isbell

Phone: (618) 889-9148

Email: jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

GOREVILLE FARMER'S MARKET THIS SATURDAY

What: Goreville Farmer's Market

When: Saturday, April 23 starting at 8:00am

Where: Johnson's Siding Lot (across from the Goreville Park)

Who: Organized by citizens of Goreville

Details: Citizens of Goreville are organizing their first Farmer's Market for the village of Goreville. Vendors will be selling home made and home grown items on the lot of Johnson's Siding across from the community park. The Farmers Market will start at 8:00am on Saturday, April 23.

Vendors are still needed and are asked to reserve space by calling (618) 889-9148 or (618) 364-6690. So far, we have vendors selling craft items, baked goods, and home grown fruits and vegetables. Civic organizations and churches throughout the area also encouraged to participate.

In case of rain, the event will be cancelled. Goreville Farmer's Markets will be held weekly starting April 23, 2011 at this location.

###

(Please note that I have attached the flyer as well. We would greatly appreciate your assistance through distributing this on your websites, community calendars, and mailings.)

Dunaway's In Concert PSA

2011-02-09T11:48:00.000-06:00

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

THE DUNAWAY’S
From Philadelphia, MS
In concert
@ Herrin Civic center
101 S. 16th Street, Herrin, IL

Friday, March 4, 2011, 7:00 pm

Tickets $7:00 (in advance)
$10.00 at the door

For information :

Rev. Terry Griffith: 618-942-7918 / 618-694-5387
Rev. Rex Goforth: 618-697-1805
Herrin Civic Center: 618-942-6115

An offering will be taken for The M. J. Wolff Campground

*Tickets are available at area Christian Bookstores

Biker Sunday PSA

2010-09-01T11:04:00.000-06:00

Please see attached Public Service Announcementsfrom West MonroeApostolic
Church, Herrin IL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Biker Sunday at West Monroe Street Apostolic Church

Herrin, IL – September 12, 2010– West Monroe Apostolic Church invites the public
to Biker Sunday from 10am to approx. 4pm. There will be a service, bike judging
and blessing, good music, and a bike ride. Lunch will also be provided. Starts
at 10am, come out and enjoy the day, bring your bike! We are located on the
corner of 30th and West MonroeStreets. Please contact us at 1609 West Monroe
Street, Herrin, IL; (618) 942-4163 with any questions or more info.

###

(Please note that I have attached the flyer as well. We would greatly
appreciate your assistance through distributing this on your websites, community
calendars, and mailings.)

Biker Sunday PSA

2010-09-01T11:02:00.000-06:00

For Immediate Release: Block Party Follow-Up

2010-08-20T10:04:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jeffrey Isbell, Event Coordinator Adam Mach, Pastor

(618) 889-9148 (618) 922-0412

jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

New Church introduces itself to Carterville Community through Block Party

On Sunday, August 15, 2010, the Pentecostals of Southern Illinois hosted a very successful community block party in Carterville, Illinois celebrating the opening of it's new location at 201 East Illinois Street (the old Masonic Lodge).

"The event was a great success and the first of many to be held in the city of Carterville by the Pentecostals of Southern Illinois. At one point, more than 60 kids and countless adults were on the grounds of our new location enjoying free food, music, and the kids' favorite, the Waterslide" said Children's Pastor Jeffrey Isbell.

"We were so excited to open the doors of our church to the community of Carterville and find it extremely important to not only be a church within the community, but a church of the community. We invite everyone to come out to one of our services on Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm or on Thursday nights at 7:00pm," commented Pastor Adam Mach.

The congregation would like to thank Inflatable Fun of Southern Illinois, the Carterville Fire and Police Department, the Bank of Herrin at Carterville, Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home, and the Carterville City Hall.

###

The Pentecostals of Southern Illinois was established in December of 2009 by Rev. Adam Mach of Goreville. He along with his wife Jaime, serve the thriving congregation who had been having services in the Full Gospel Tabernacle just south of the Rt 148/13 intersection. Just recently the Pentecostals of Southern Illinois purchased the Carterville Masonic Lodge and have been working tirelessly since to renovate the historic building into a modern church. The church now holds weekly services at 2:00pm on Sundays and 7:00pm on Thursdays at their new location.

PSA

2010-08-19T10:07:00.000-06:00

Please see attached Public Service Announcements from West Monroe Apostolic Church, Herrin IL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Betty Loyd, Prayer Ministry Director
(618) 942-4163
wmac@wmac1.org

8th Annual Back to School Prayer Rally at West Monroe Apostolic Church

Herrin, IL – August 29, 2010 – West Monroe Apostolic Church invites the public to the 8th annual Back To School Prayer Rally on Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at 6 pm. This is a community meeting with focused prayer for our schools. It will feature students, teachers, and community leaders from across the area in prayer and inspirational thoughts. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated. This year we are including a choir of students from all denominations. If you know any students (Junior High, High School, or College) that would be interested. Please contact us at 1609 West Monroe Street, Herrin, IL; (618) 942-4163.

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(Please note that I have attached the flyer as well. We would greatly appreciate your assistance through distributing this on your websites, community calendars, and mailings.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Tom Hopkins, Azuza Street Riders
(618) 942-4163
wmac@wmac1.org

Biker Sunday at West Monroe Street Apostolic Church

Herrin, IL – September 12, 2010 – West Monroe Apostolic Church invites the public to Biker Sunday from 10am to approx. 4pm. There will be a service, bike judging and blessing, good music, and a bike ride. Lunch will also be provided. Starts at 10am, come out and enjoy the day, bring your bike! We are located on the corner of 30th and West Monroe Streets. Please contact us at 1609 West Monroe Street, Herrin, IL; (618) 942-4163 with any questions or more info.

###

(Please note that I have attached the flyer as well. We would greatly appreciate your assistance through distributing this on your websites, community calendars, and mailings.)

For Immediate Release: Church to host Community Block Party to Celebrate new Location

2010-08-06T10:10:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jeffrey Isbell, Event Coordinator Adam Mach, Pastor

(618) 889-9148 (618) 922-0412

jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

Church to host Community Block Party to celebrate new location

On Sunday, August 15, 2010, the Pentecostals of Southern Illinois will host a community block party in Carterville, Illinois to celebrate the opening of it's new location at 201 East Illinois Street (the old Masonic Lodge).

The Pentecostals of Southern Illinois was established in December of 2009 by Rev. Adam Mach of Goreville. He along with his wife Jaime, serve the thriving congregation who have since been having services in the Full Gospel Tabernacle just south of the Rt 148/13 intersection.

Just recently the Pentecostals of Southern Illinois purchased the Carterville Masonic Lodge and have been working tirelessly since to renovate the historic building into a modern church. The church holds weekly services at 2:00pm on Sundays and 7:00pm on Thursdays.

On Sunday, August 15, the church will welcome the community to an open house block party starting at 1:00 pm with music, free food, entertainment, and a kids zone with inflatables. Church service will be held outside beginning at 3:00pm.

"We are so excited about our new building and being in downtown Carterville. We invite you our first of many upcoming community events as we introduce ourselves to our new neighbors. So come out on August 15 to meet us and have a great time," stated Pastor Mach.

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The media is asked and welcome to attend. Please let us know in advance if you or your paper/station will be attending by contacting Jeffrey Isbell at 618/889-9148.

Let's Get Real

2009-12-26T07:07:00.001-06:00

I want to be a member of the Real Deal Club.

I want to be authentic on the inside and outside.
I want my actions to match my words.
I want to get out of the center of my own universe.
I want to lay down my personal agenda in favor of what God is doing.
I want to treat people better than they expect.
I want to get over it fast when someone does me wrong.
I want to be in secret what I am in public.
I want to always remember that it's not all about me.
I want to accept God's forgiveness when I mess up.
I want to be able to laugh at myself.
I want to notice when someone else is hurting.
I want to talk to God and listen to what He says.
I want to relax and let God do the stuff I can't do.
I want to stop occasionally and remember what is important.
I want to stop pushing my opinion on others.
I want to learn new ideas.
I want to enjoy making adjustments from failures.
I want to live like I believe God can do anything.
I want to stop being consumed by success.
I want to stop taking on burdens I can't carry.
I want to do what is right even when it costs me.
I want to love people I don't like.
I want to do what I say I will do.
I want to keep appropriate boundaries with the opposite sex.
I want to trust God without telling Him how to do things.
I want to keep from expecting more from people than they can do.
I want to read the Bible like God wrote it for me.
I want to own up quickly to my mistakes.
I want to stop living in the past.
I want to see the big picture.
I want to let go of small irritations.
I want to admit it when I don't know something.
I want to let others succeed without being jealous.
I want to let others fail without being critical.
I want to be really happy when something good happens to someone else.
I want to try new ideas just for the fun of it.
I want to be secure with who God made me.
I want to be thankful for what God has done for me.
I want to be thankful for what I have.
I want to learn from others without feeling threatened.
I want to be peaceful.
I want to listen more than I talk.
I want to be interested in what interests others.
I want to learn to enjoy my work more.
I want to be a blessing to someone else when I can.
I want to face the future knowing my God has already been there.
I want to be the real deal.

Children's Benefit Fundraiser this Saturday - Grandma Helen's Restaurant, 6:00am to 10:00am

2009-11-20T12:37:00.000-06:00

THIS SATURDAY!!!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21
6:00AM to 10:00AM

GRANDMA HELEN'S RESTAURANT
Energy, Illinois (2 Miles North of Rt 13/148 Intersection)

COST: $5.99, All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet

A portion of all sales will benefit Christmas for All Kids

Christmas For All Kids is a unique, community-driven program designed to help families across the area provide a seemingly impossible Christmas for their children. Many children view Christmas as just another day and that's unfortunate. Every kid should have a great and memorable Christmas – that's our mission and with your help, we'll work to make that happen for as many kids as possible.

To make a donation to Christmas For All Kids, please send checks to
Christmas For All Kids, PO Box L, Herrin, Illinois 62948.

Christmas for All Kids is a community project of the Children's Ministry at WMAC.

Please forward this message to all of your contacts.

Kids Church Update for November 8

2009-11-03T12:29:00.001-06:00

Well Good afternoon! God is great! I was so excited that we had such a great turn out of kids in the prayer room, sitting on the front pew actively worshiping, and in the altars (closing down the altars, in fact). It's hard not to be proud when seeing our church kids really become what God desires them to be - we were in the prayer room and before we left, the kids wanted to put their hands in the middle and on three shout "Prayer Warriors" before going into service. It makes a heart melt and a face smile.

This Sunday is setting up to be awesome! It's Limo Sunday and we're believing God for 35 through the limo only. This Saturday, we'll be doing outreach for that specific thing. So, plan to be there if you can! Also, a few surprises for this sunday - Sis. Adams will be doing our "Illustrated Sermon" on Petitions and I've invited Bro. Brad to do praise & worship for this week if his schedule will allow. We have a few people that have expressed interest in joining our staff and I've gotta talk with Pastor about getting those nailed down and we'll have even more hands, Lord willing.

The schedule for this week has changed a bit, so disregard the information you have. We'll probably start class at about 10:15 unless we get some huge kinks worked out with the Limo schedule.

Breakfast: Biscuits & Gravy, Juice and Milk (David Gammage & Vanessa Webb) - Needs to be out and ready by 9:15!!!
Promotion: Limo Sunday (which you will hear more about soon)

Schedule:

Opening (Jeffrey Isbell)
Praise & Worship (Tentative: Brad Burris)
Game (Destiny Gibson)
Puppet Song/Skit (David Wright) - Let me know your thoughts on this
Prayer Requests (Marci Tripp)
Lesson (Cindy Adams)

For Immediate Release: Herrin Back to School Prayer Rally

2009-08-23T22:22:00.001-06:00

(Your cooperation in helping us get the word out on this event through advertisements, on air interviews, placing this on your websites, community bulletin boards, etc would be greatly appreciated. We are anticipating nearly 200 people to be in attedance. - JI)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jeffrey Isbell, Promotions Director

(618) 889-9148

jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

Betty Loyd, Coordinator

(618) 967-5204

Church to host Seventh Annual Back to School Prayer Rally in Herrin

On Tuesday, August 25, West Monroe Apostolic Church in Herrin, Illinois will host the seventh annual Back to School Community Prayer Rally at 7:00pm. Students, teachers, school staff, area pastors, and local community leaders will come together at 1609 West Monroe Street in Herrin for a time of prayer and encouragement for the upcoming school year.

"Every year, we look forward to hosting this event. We invite everyone from across Southern Illinois to join us to pray for our cities, local schools, colleges, and students across the region," said Pastor Terry Griffith of West Monroe Apostolic Church.

The featured speaker for the rally will be Will Stephens, host of "The Will Stephens Show" on 103.9 WXAN Christian Radio in Ava, Illinois. He'll be joined by Mayor Vic Ritter, local boy scouts, area pastors, educators, and other city leaders.

Betty Loyd, coordinator of the annual event, commented, "Our children are the greatest treasure we have and we cannot neglect the burden that rests upon our shoulders to do all in our power to protect them from the evilness in this world."

Other speakers for this evening include Pastor Steve McKeown of Christian Life Center, Pastor Andy Lee of Whiteash Freewill Baptist Church, Pastor Dan Smith of First Church of God, Principal Gary Hernbeck of Northside Primary Center, Teacher Deanna Woolard of Herrin Middle School, Pastor Duane Faulkenberry of Bryan Street Baptist Church, Pastor John Yoe of Energy Baptist Church, Pastor Joel Gray of Apostolic Life Church in Carbondale, teacher Amy Calliss of Northside Primary Center, and Children's Pastor Jeffrey Isbell of West Monroe Apostolic Church.

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Flashback: When Invisible Children Sing

2009-08-14T17:04:00.000-06:00

I am currently reading "When Invisible Children Sing" by Dr. Chi Huang. I can honestly tell you that this book made an impact on me from just reading the preface before it even got into all the details. This book is not based on a true story, it is a true story based on real facts, real stories, real children living on the real streets in Bolivia.

Nobody cares about these children and they often find themselves mistreated, taken advantage of, and left to freeze to death on the cold Bolivian nights. I just started it, but all I can say is you need to find it, buy it, and read it. In all seriousness, I believe your life will be changed because of it; I feel the change in my life already just from reading the first two chapters.

A quote from the book, "Why was I alive when so many others die from cancer, HIV, TB, war and famine? Why was I born in South Carolina and not in a developing country, earning less than a dollar a day? Why did I have two caring parents rather than abusive parents who beat me every night? Why was education stressed in my life and not just getting by? Was it luck? fate? ... Everyone loves children, as long they belong to someone. When they belong to the street, few love them. And the children know it. Those cupped hands never ask for love. They ask for money."

You can buy this book at most book stores. I bought mine at Gospel Land Book Store. Amazon also has used copies. You really do need this book. Check it out on Amazon here.

[WMAC Kids Church] A Special Prayer Request

2009-08-13T22:58:00.001-06:00

Dear Friends,

I've sent this email to a few folks (both inside our local church and out) that I sincerely believe will help me in interceding for laborers for our children's ministry at West Monroe Apostolic Church. Over the past couple of months, our staff has dwindled to a few faithful members, a handful of our kids have been in and out of the hospital (all in very serious condition), and the family unit has really faced some hardships. Most of our children come off the streets through our bus ministry - most of these are from low income public housing and even the local homeless shelter. Satan is fighting, but that's because God is working: Over the last month, we've seen 11 kids get filled with the Holy Ghost, a handful of kids get baptized (even more express an interest), our kids have begun to come up to the prayer room to pray together before service, and the kids are working the altars to pray for the adults. Not to mention, right now, we are teaching them how to teach a basic, plan of salvation Bible Study to other kids = Kids Reaching Kids! Satan has a reason to fight as we are ready to radically change how we view children's ministry and take it to the next level.

We need laborers. I have identified some key areas in which we need laborers that will help us meet our goals for this year and beyond. Now we're going to intercede, and I believe God will intervene and provide for the need. I view our children's ministry as a church within the church. Every area you could put a laborer in the church itself, I could use in Kids Church - and I believe that's the way it oughta be and you'll see some of that below. So, won't you join me in fasting and praying for workers in the following areas. And I pray this prayer, "Lord, Your harvest is ready, but the laborers are few. We need help and if the person you desire to fill a role isn't sitting on one of our pews, then bring them here from somewhere else. You know the person you want for that role - make it happen. This is Your business, You run it, You'll staff it and You'll see the increase with or without our help, but I believe You desire us to be a part of the process."

Thank you for joining with me in praying and fasting. It's all about changing the world!

For His Kingdom,
Jeffrey Isbell

KIDS CHURCH
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS FOR AREAS IN NEED OF LABORERS

Outreach Director	Coordinates all outreach and follow up activities for our KC kids to ensure increased attendance and growth. Brainstorms ideas for further growth and evangelism.



Music Director	Responsible for leading the kids in Praise and Worship each service through utlizing multimedia, action, and live worship songs.



Audio/Visual Director	Responsible for all sound and projection aspects of Kids Church from playing music, putting slides on the screen through the projector, etc. Should be familiar with sound system, project and computer software.




Kids Prayer Director	Coordinates the prayer sessions in Kids Church and Sunday Night prior to service; teaches prayer in a fun and interactive way; and teachs children how to involve prayer in their daily lives.



Food Service Director	Plans the menu, cooks, and serves a hot breakfast for our KC kids from 9:20-9:50am each Sunday morning and is responsible for clean up of breakfast and kitchen.



Food Service Asst	Assist the Food Service Director in cooking and serving a hot breakfast to our KC kids and clean up afterwards.


Puppet Team Director	Directs all puppetry for Kids church including special services and events. Responsible for creating, practicing, and performing puppet skits/songs.



The above positions would fall into one of the following categories depending upon the desire of the person filling the role:


Teaching Staff	Responsible for preparing and teaching their lesson segment(s) for the Kids Church service. Monitors kids before, during, and after service. Prime focus is teaching.
(Can be filled from an above position)
(Can be filled from an above position)

Support Staff	Responsible for monitoring/sitting with kids before, during, and after service. Serves as a "go-to" person for the rest of the staff during the service.
(Can be filled from an above position)
(Can be filled from an above position)

2009-08-13T22:18:00.001-06:00

Kids Church
Position Descriptions for Areas in need of workers

Outreach Director	Coordinates all outreach and follow up activities for our KC kids to ensure increased attendance and growth. Brainstorms ideas for further growth and evangelism.



Music Director	Responsible for leading the kids in Praise and Worship each service through utlizing multimedia, action, and live worship songs.



Audio/Visual Director	Responsible for all sound and projection aspects of Kids Church from playing music, putting slides on the screen through the projector, etc. Should be familiar with sound system, project and computer software.




Kids Prayer Director	Coordinates the prayer sessions in Kids Church and Sunday Night prior to service; teaches prayer in a fun and interactive way; and teachs children how to involve prayer in their daily lives.



Food Service Director	Plans the menu, cooks, and serves a hot breakfast for our KC kids from 9:20-9:50am each Sunday morning and is responsible for clean up of breakfast.



Food Service Asst	Assist the Food Service Director in cooking and serving a hot breakfast to our KC kids and clean up afterwards.


Puppet Team Director	Directs all puppetry for Kids church including special services and events. Responsible for creating, practicing, and performing puppet skits/songs.



The above positions would fall into one of the following categories depending upon the desire of the person filling the role:


Teaching Staff	Responsible for preparing and teaching their lesson segment(s) for the Kids Church service. Monitors kids before, during, and after service. Prime focus is teaching.
(Can be filled from an above position)
(Can be filled from an above position)

Support Staff	Responsible for monitoring/sitting with kids before, during, and after service. Serves as a "go-to" person for the rest of the staff during the service.
(Can be filled from an above position)
(Can be filled from an above position)

For Immediate Release: Church to Host Seventh Annual Back to School Prayer Rally

2009-08-10T21:03:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Church to Host Seventh Annual Back to School Prayer Rally

"Every year, we look forward to hosting this event. We invite everyone from across Southern Illinois to join us in praying for our cities, local schools, colleges, and students all across the region," said Pastor Terry Griffith of West Monroe Apostolic Church.

The featured speaker for the rally will be Will Stephens, host of "The Will Stephens Show" on 103.9fm WXAN Christian Radio in Ava, Illinois. He'll be joined by Mayor Vic Ritter of Herrin, local boy scouts, area pastors, educators, and other city leaders.

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Kids Church Briefing for July 19

2009-07-16T10:00:00.001-06:00

Good morning everyone!!!

What a great time we had in service last sunday. 9 people were filled with the Holy Ghost. I wish we had more Kids Church kids there, but I'll take whatever God sends us and rejoice over it! Please read this email carefully as there are a lot of important things.

If you can make it, please plan to be in attendance at our 8:30 Staff Devotion & Prayer time. I've really enjoyed our times together thus far in these and look forward to great things this sunday morning.
We'll begin our split session this week for the next month. Joining me in that session will be Sis. Marci Tripp who I personally invited to join me. The lessons are: (1) Being a Leader; (2) Kids Reaching Kids Bible Study; (3) Kids Reaching Kids Bible Study; (4) Reaching a World for Jesus. This session will take place in the Old Library. This class is specifically for our older kids - they'll likely be about 10 kids in that session. Please notice the schedule below. When the kids are in that session, the other kids will be in the fellowship hall with "normal" kids church.
It's hard to say how many kids will be left in Kids Church during the split session. This will allow you to really work with them in a small group and focus your teaching. Please follow the schedule precisely especially the timing. When we come back in about 10:40, I want to be ready to start the Illustrated Sermon.
The Lord has really been dealing with me recently about having Altar Calls in Kids Church. In fact, that's always been his desire, it's just not always worked out. Well, we're going to make it work out! And if we do so, God will change lives!

Regular Kids Church Schedule:
J. Isbell - Preliminaries (8)
------CLASS SPLIT------

All - Snacks (5)
C. Adams - Games (5)
D. Wright - Puppet Song (4)
D. Gibson - Testimonies/Prayer Requests (6)
A. Bowen - Worship Song (4)
C. Adams - Object Lesson on Forgiveness (6)

------CLASS COMES TOGETHER------
J. Isbell - Sermon Illustration (20)
All - Altar Call

Follow-Up with Me
Sis. Cindy - What game and Object Lesson you'd like to do. Possibilities are endless. I can provide suggestions.
Bro. David - What puppet song you'd like to do (also inform Bro. Albert)
Bro. Albert - What worship song you plan to do.

For Immediate Release: Church to Host Charity Golf Scramble

2009-07-02T14:00:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jeffrey Isbell

Phone: (618) 942-4163

Email: jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

CHURCH TO HOST CHARITY GOLF SCRAMBLE

On Saturday, July 25, 2009, the West Monroe Apostolic Church will host its annual golf scramble to be held at Hickory Ridge Golf Course in Carbondale, Illinois. The proceeds of this event will benefit Sheaves for Christ.

Sheaves for Christ is a project of the General Youth Division of the United Pentecostal Church International and funds an orphanage, an unwed mother's home, an at-risk boy's ranch, substance abuse programs, transportation for foreign missionaries and many other projects across the world. It also provides college scholarships and funds youth camps for teens across America.

The scramble will shotgun at 2:00pm with check-in starting at 1:00pm. All teams are asked to pre-register as space is limited. The cost is only $60 per person or $240 for a 4-person team which includes green fees, carts, driving range use, and lunch. Hole Sponsors are still available for $100 each.

Pre-Register by Saturday, July 11 to secure a slot in the tournament. Registration will also be taken at the door on a first come, first serve basis. For more information or to register your team, you may contact the church office at (618) 942-4163 or the tournament director at (618) 889-9148.

###

(Please note that I have attached the flyer as well. We would greatly appreciate your assistance through distributing this on your websites, community calendars, and mailings.)

Kids Services on July 12

2009-07-02T13:36:00.001-06:00

Good afternoon everyone!

July 12 will be here before we know it! I hope your excited about what God is going to do! We're gonna pull in more bus kids than we've ever seen in this church with the help of two stretch limos!

Our theme for the Day is going to be "ALOHA". We'll deck the auditorium out in Luau decor. Aloha means "Hello", "Goodbye" and "I love you". The morning service, our running theme will be "God's Love for Us" and the evening theme will be "Our Love for God".

I have spoke with "The Avenue" (Dustin, Josh, and Jordan) and they will be doing music for the services. I gave them some suggestions, but I'm sure they'll run wild with it (which is exactly what I'm hoping for!).

The services won't be as jam packed as usual because I want to give ample time for the speaker and altar call. I hope to use as many of you as possible in the services, but the real need is for staff to sit with kids (which I hope to have billions (ish) of!).

AM SERVICE SCHEDULE:
Smiley Face Countdown, Media (5 Min)
High Energy Song, Praise Band
Intro/Preliminaries, Albert Bowen
Praise/Worship (2 Songs), Praise Band
Run On Skit/Speaker Intro, David Wright/Jeffrey Isbell (I'll email you my idea for the skit - It's entitled, "I'm In Love with Love")
Illustrated Sermon, Shannon Peacock
Altar Service

PM SERVICE SCHEDULE
Countdown, Media
High Energy Song, Praise Band
Intro/Preliminaries, David Wright
Praise/Worship (2-3 Songs), Praise Band
Junior Camp Video, Media
Run On Skit, Speaker Intro, Cindy Adams/Jeffrey Isbell (I'll email you my idea for the run-on skit. It's real quick and easy)
Illustrated Sermon, Shannon Peacock
Altar Service

(June 28) Weekly Kids Church Update

2009-06-24T12:57:00.001-06:00

Good afternoon everyone!

I hope your week has started great. It's hard to imagine that we are quickly wrapping up the month of June and this curriculum on the Beattitudes. After this upcoming weeks lesson, we only have one more remaining. Great things are happening, so please be attentive to this email as I have quite a few notes this week to pass along:

Erica Stacy will be joining the Kids Church team for the rest of the summer as a member of our support staff. She'll be focusing on Outreach and Promotions. Each week, she'll be sending out post cards to our First Time Visitors and Absentees as well as coordinating promotional sundays until Mid-August. Already, she's had a great idea that we've thrown around before - for the next 6 weeks (starting July 5), the kids will be able to earn "Kids Cash" that they will be able to use in a special gift shop. She will also be coordinating special promotions each week like "Popcorn Sunday" etc in an effort to try to boost our attendance. We've been at the same level for quite some time now and I'd really like to push above the 30 mark by school time. We welcome her to the team and to ministry.
July 11 will be a huge day of outreach for us. Right now, Sis. Kendra Rex is working on the outreach plan for that day but it will consist of going to three different housing complexes to promote our special Kids Services on July 12. She should have a game plan to me by the end of the week and I will pass that on to you. I would ask that you plan to be apart of our outreach activities on July 11 if at all possible - few things are more important than going out and telling . We need as much help as possible.
July 12 will be a great day of Kids Service with Children's Evangelist Shannon Peacock. I'm still working to confirm the details for those services but you should certainly be hearing more on that by the end of the week as well.
We will soon be adding a few more to our staff. We've been praying for some people for quite a while and God is preparing the way right now. So keep praying that everything goes accordingly and we should have some new staff announcements by early July.

Writing those notes has got me excited. I hope the same for you! Because great things really are before us and it's just up to US to make the best out of them. I stand upon a promise from God where He wants this ministry to go, but He needs the laborers to go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in.

Our Beattitude this week is "Blessed are the Peacemakers". Here's the schedule for this upcoming week:

Opening - Jeffrey Isbell
Memory Verse - Destiny Gibson
Praise/Worship - Albert Bowen
Testimonies/Prayer Requests - Cindy Adams
Illustrated Sermon - David Wright
Handicrafts - All Staff (we'll be making some craft items from Hobby Lobby)

If you have any questions, please let me know. Also, I look forward to your reply to this message.

God Bless,
Jeffrey Isbell

Weekly Kids Church Briefing (June 21)

2009-06-15T18:21:00.001-06:00

Good evening team,

I hope your week is off to a fantastic start. So far, mine is sleep deprived. We took our kids up to Conquerors Camp last night and it was certainly exciting (and trying!). Sunday morning was great! We had a good graduation service, I liked the use of the multimedia in the Illustrated Sermon, and sincerely appreciate your committment to our kids.

Some Notes:

We will be meeting at 8:30 in the fellowship hall for a time of Prayer and Devotion for all the staff. Please be there at 8:30 sharp.

As you know, this past week, we "rocked it out" in the parking lot preservice and I plan to do this again. As you know, I'm willing to try anything that will draw attention to us. And considering the police didn't come and shut us down, I'd say we're a-okay! We're definitely going to be doing this the next couple of weeks as well just to further this experiment of mine.

I have been looking ahead to our curriculum we're starting in Aug/Sept. It's Knights of the Kingdom and I'm absolutely loving it. It's so much fun - it trains our kids on the Armor of God, prayer, standing firm, etc. It certainly goes along with my desire to disciple and train our kids. You'll be hearing more about that in the near future - but just know it's super cool.

This upcoming week, we're going to continue to keep it simple. One of my most favorite camp memories was... Kick Ball. And weather permitting, we'll go out the last 30 minutes to play. I'm also looking at bringing in a guest speaker (from within the church) to do our Illustrated Sermon. If this doesn't work out, I'll do it, but I'm hopeful I can secure the person I have in mind and waiting for a response.

Our Beatitude this week is "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." This week, as we prepare, I want that to be our prayer.

Here's the schedule -

David Wright - Opening (Prayer, Pledges and Rules) (8 min)
Cindy Adams - Memory Verse (Matthew 5:8) (6min)
Destiny Gibson - Testimonies/Prayer Requests (8 min)
Albert Bowen- Worship Song (I'd like for you to do "Open the Eyes of My Heart" as it goes with the day. We do have it on DVD if that'd be preferred.) (6 min)
___________ - Sermon Illustration & Prayer (15 min)

Jeffrey Isbell - Rec Time (30 min)

Let's try to stick to the time constraints of this schedule as much as possible. PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS MESSAGE. If you have any questions on this, let me know. God bless you all and your burden for our children!

For His Kingdom,

Jeffrey Isbell

Weekly Kids Church Briefing

2009-06-08T17:44:00.001-06:00

Good evening team,

I have a quick moment that I got to turn my laptop on (and it's charging for the moment - Praise God!) so I wanted to send out our weekly message. First of all, a scripture that has been on my mind since the SHINE services:

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (Luke 14:23)

When's the last time we compelled someone to come in? We need to tell the people that Kids Church is the best thing going and that their children will be disadvantaged if they don't participate in it. We must COMPEL. This works the same way for finding additional staff.

If all goes accordingly, I'm going to try out an experiment this upcoming sunday. We're going to set up a banner, speaker, and some lighting outside our doors preservice and play a "Kids Praise Mix" that I'm working on. I want people to know that we are here and we're cool. It's a place to have fun while learning about God. I had this idea Sunday morning and it was confirmed to me by the Lord Sunday night when Sis. Adams came to me mid-service and told me that there were kids under the carport listening to the music being played inside the church during service!!

This upcoming sunday, we'll keep it simple. It is graduation which is going to replace our "Special Activity" time, but I still plan for us to teach. In fact, we must in order to stay on track with the schedule I've set for us as far as curriculum. We have four more beattitudes to go, and I want to end those on July 5 (assuming we're having service that morning). July 12, we'll be having kids revival services where I'm trusting God to fill all of our kids with the Holy Ghost. God is certainly able to do so, so let's expect it! We have a LOT of hungry kids!

Here's the schedule -

Jeffrey Isbell - Opening (Prayer, Pledges, Rules)
David Wright - Memory Verse (Matthew 5:7)
Destiny Gibson - Testimonies/Prayer Requests
Albert Bowen - Worship Song (Let me know what you decide on - I'd like you to do it Live and begin playing as Destiny prays and then go immediately into the song afterwards)
David Wright - Sermon Illustration & Prayer - (Note: Whatever you would feel would go best with the memory verse - Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy, let me know what you decide on)

Sis. Adams - I purposely didn't put you on the schedule as I'm sure you'll have a pretty crazy morning. But would you be willing to make some cupcakes?

I would ask everyone to be real patient this sunday as things are going to be pretty crazy. We'll do some of the schedule before going into the auditorium and save the rest for after. It's gonna be interesting ;)

If you have any questions on this, let me know. God bless you all and your burden for our children!

Kids Reaching Kids

2009-06-01T02:27:00.001-06:00

Take a minute to watch these videos (some are longer than others) about this Kids Reaching Kids program we're going to soon be implementing with our Children's Ministry. My heart is so overwhelmed right now, I can't even sleep. I'm hoping to kick off this "Kids Reaching Kids" class in July through mid-august. We'll need a few extra hands to assist during this time period, so pray that God would prick the hearts of our saints both young and old to get involved as we plant these seeds.

Kids Teaching Kids (2:16) - This is what happened the day our kids taught Children's Church!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRaPQnlkOUM&feature=channel

Meet the Kids (1:31) - Here are some wonderful kids from Faith Tabernacle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUq3aDD3giM&feature=channel_page

Shelby, Caitlin and Christina (1:47) - Shelby was one of the first child soul winners in her church. She won Caitlin, then Caitlin won Christina! Kids are the Church of Today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3fUZueJ0cs&feature=channel_page

Olivia and Hannah (:26) One of the youngest soul winners in the world!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knw-sGHeOAk

Nevan the soul winner (3:02) - At nine years old, Nevan Reynolds has already become a soul winner! He simply threw a party, during which he taught a Bible Study. He is one of the youngest soul winners on the Planet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqkfC8HW0us&feature=channel_page

For Immediate Release: Benefit Golf Scramble for Mission's Program

2009-05-27T20:35:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jeffrey Isbell

Phone: (618) 942-4163

Email: jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

CHURCH TO HOST BENEFIT GOLF SCRAMBLE FOR MISSION'S PROGRAM

Sheaves for Christ is a project of the General Youth Division of the United Pentecostal Church International and exists to help foreign missionaries, children's homes, an unwed mother's home, substance abuse programs and many other projects across the world. It also provides college scholarships and funds youth camps in nearly every state across the nation.

For more information, you may contact the church office at (618) 942-4163 or the tournament director at (618) 889-9148.

###

Please note that I have attached the flyer as a .jpg as well. We would greatly appreciate your assistance through distributing this on your websites, community calendars, and mailings. Thank you for helping us spread the word.

Weekly Kids Church Update

2009-05-18T23:06:00.002-06:00

Praise the Lord, staff!

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, once said, "Some men's passion is for gold; other's passion is for fame; but my passion is for lost souls." Tonight, I stand in agreement with him. That is my passion and I pray it's yours. We have kids that require you to be passionate about their souls - because few others on the face of this earth care. And I speak that not pessimistically, but as a realist.

I'm excited about what God wants to do and is doing in Kids Church. God is ready to pour out His Spirit in ways we have not seen. While God can do everything, there are some things that He has left to us. And we should be thrilled and live a life of passion and purpose because of that.

We had a fantastic Sunday this past week and I'm looking forward to a great time this upcoming sunday. It was good to get back in the swing of things after having a week off. This upcoming week our Beattitude will be "Blessed are they that Mourn for they shall be comforted."

Since we have a special speaker this week (see below), I can't stress enough that we must be cautious of the time. I hate to cut any part of the schedule as it's so important, so let's all be mindful of that and I understand that some (most) of the time, it's my fault.

A few notes:

* Bro. David will not be with us this sunday. He has to take care of some business at home with an insurance adjuster and we certainly understand that. He'll be missed. I love having him in Kids Church. He'll be gone the following week as well as him and Christie celebrate their 50th (??) wedding anniverary.
* This Sunday, Bro. Rick Walters will be with us during our "Special Activity" time. For those that don't know, Bro. Rick works at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the Soil and Water Conservation area. When I was a young boy, I remember him coming to my classroom to talk to us as apart of a school project. I'm excited about welcoming him in this sunday.
* I'd like to do a puppet this week. We built the new puppet stage and I'm ready to use it. So, I'll bring out "Dodo Bird" to do the memory verse with the help of Sis. Adams.
* Bro. Albert, would it be possible to play a DVD (for Making Melodies song) through your MAC and hooking up speakers to it? That may provide some better sound. I'll leave that up to you as you're the pro.
* Sis. Adams - could you bring something small for the kids to snack on during the Intro? I'm thinking like the individually wrapped packs of Gold Fish crackers/Rice Crispy Treat or something that's little work and quick. Just let me know.

I'll wrap this up with one quote that's been on my mind. It was said by John Knox, the leader of the scottish revival - he said, "How can I sleep when my land is not saved?" He was known to say, "Give me this land or I die." Now that's a passion for lost souls. A passion that I pray would make it's home in each of our hearts and lifestyles. There's a great work to be done, God's just looking for those whom He's already called and ordained to do the work He desires them to do.

I love you all and wish the best for you, your families, our kids, and our church.

For His Kingdom,
Jeffrey Isbell

Below is the schedule:

Weekly Kids Church Update

2009-05-18T23:05:00.000-06:00

--- I look forward to your reply to this message ---

Bro. David will not be with us this sunday. He has to take care of some business at home with an insurance adjuster and we certainly understand that. He'll be missed. I love having him in Kids Church. He'll be gone the following week as well as him and Christie celebrate their 50th (??) wedding anniverary.
This Sunday, Bro. Rick Walters will be with us during our "Special Activity" time. For those that don't know, Bro. Rick works at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the Soil and Water Conservation area. When I was a young boy, I remember him coming to my classroom to talk to us as apart of a school project. I'm excited about welcoming him in this sunday.
I'd like to do a puppet this week. We built the new puppet stage and I'm ready to use it. So, I'll bring out "Dodo Bird" to do the memory verse with the help of Sis. Adams.
Bro. Albert, would it be possible to play a DVD (for Making Melodies song) through your MAC and hooking up speakers to it? That may provide some better sound. I'll leave that up to you as you're the pro.
Sis. Adams - could you bring something small for the kids to snack on during the Intro? I'm thinking like the individually wrapped packs of Gold Fish crackers/Rice Crispy Treat or something that's little work and quick. Just let me know.

I'll wrap this up with one quote that's been on my mind. It was said by John Knox, the leader of the scottish revival - he said, "How can I sleep when my land is not saved?" He was known to say, "Give me this land or I die." Now that's a passion for lost souls. A passion that I pray would make it's home in each of our hearts and lifestyles. There's a great work to be done, God's just looking for those whom He's already called and ordained to do the work He desires them to do.

I love you all and wish the best for you, your families, our kids, and our church.

For His Kingdom,
Jeffrey Isbell

Below is the schedule:

KIDS CHURCH
MAY 10 AM SERVICE

Theme:		Beattitudes, Nature/Camping
Illustrated Sermon:		Blessed are they that Mourn
Memory Verse		Matthew 5:4

Staff	Section	Time	Specifics	Props

J. Isbell	Camp Blessing Way Intro	15	Prayer, Pledges, Rules, Schedule, Song (Feel like…)
J. Isbell	Camp Blessing Way Intro	15	Prayer, Pledges, Rules, Schedule, Song (Feel like…)

D. Gibson	Praise Break	5	"Making Melodies"

A. Bowen	Testimony Time	8
A. Bowen	Prayer Requests	8

C. Adams	Memory Verse	7		Bird Puppet

J. Isbell	Sermon Illustration	15	Luke 8:41-56 - Jairus' Daughter
J. Isbell	Prayer	15	Luke 8:41-56 - Jairus' Daughter

	Special Activity	25	Rick Walters

		75

2009-05-12T11:59:00.001-06:00

When a hurricane meets a Hurricane...

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Sheaves for Christ Golf Scramble

2009-05-06T23:13:00.001-06:00

On July 25, the West Monroe Apostolic Church in Herrin, Illinois will be hosting a SFC Golf Scramble at Hickory Ridge Golf Course in Carbondale, Illinois. The cost for the event is $240/4-person team. We are asking churches from across the area to try to get at least one team to participate.

It will shotgun start at 2:00pm and lunch will be served prior to the event. We are still seeking sponsors for the tournament at a variety of levels from $1500 to $25.

We're excited to announce that the the Hole-In-One prize is a 6 Day/5 Night Trip to the Master's Package valued at $19,000. We have lots of prizes and excitement prepared for this tournament and you won't want to miss it. You should be getting a flyer very soon.

I don't have to tell you of the importance of Sheaves for Christ, every year we see the direct affects of SFC through our youth camps and convention. Not to mention, thousands upon thousands are affected by our SFC offerings.

If you would like more information or to register a team, call

Church Office (618) 942-4163

Church Fax Number (618) 942-5378

Tournament Directors

Jeffrey Isbell (618) 889-9148

Tom Hopkins (618) 694-5396

Michael Tripp (618) 694-9191

Horse!

2009-05-06T12:09:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone,

I am looking for someone in the Herrin-area that would want to show off their horse(s) to our Kids Church kids on a sunday morning. As you know, our theme is Camp Blessing Way and each week, I'm trying to show the kids a different aspect of summer camp.

I'd want someone that could briefly talk about the horse, the equipment, and proper care.

If anyone knows of anyone that might help, let me know.

Jeff

The Kind of Fast Day I'm After

2009-04-26T23:35:00.001-06:00

This is the kind of fast day I'm after:
   to break the chains of injustice,
   get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
   free the oppressed,
   cancel debts.
What I'm interested in seeing you do is:
   sharing your food with the hungry,
   inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
   putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
   being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
   and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
   The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
   You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'
If you get rid of unfair practices,
   quit blaming victims,
   quit gossiping about other people's sins,
If you are generous with the hungry
   and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
   your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
I will always show you where to go.
   I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—
   firm muscles, strong bones.
You'll be like a well-watered garden,
   a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,
   rebuild the foundations from out of your past.
You'll be known as those who can fix anything,
   restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,
   make the community livable again.

April 26, Kids Church Debriefing

2009-04-26T22:50:00.001-06:00

Good evening everyone,

What a great time we had this morning - nearly 30 kids! God is doing some great things, we had 5 first time visitors. This morning, we planted our seeds for mother's day. I'm gonna go back through them tomorrow to make sure everything is good to go. The seeds take 7-10 days to begin growing. So, who knows - by next Sunday, the kids may have something and should definitely have something to take them home by Mother's Day. They won't have a full flower, but they will have a uniquely decorated pot, a growing flower (that they planted!), and a poem for their mom. We also showed a video promoting Junior Camp. Some of the kids were really excited about it - now, I just have to convince the parents.

Class was great, but it really took a toll on me. I came home having had a great service, but upset and sick. My biggest fear is us not being able to handle the promise God has given me for Kids Church. I know where God is going to take us and I want us to have enough staff to meet that need. Otherwise, we're going to lose kids. My fear is that kids were lost in the gap this morning as I didn't get a chance to connect with all of them. Another problem that I faced was discipline - for the first time ever, I had to send a kid to sit with Bro. Mike. I don't ever want to do that again (I never wanted to before), but I couldn't handle him and focus on the others by myself. The boy apologized to me at the end of class, but it was me that really should have apologized. It honestly broke my heart and still does.
.
I understand things come up, people get sick, people go on vacation, etc and that's all fine, but we need to get to a place where we have several teachers so we don't miss a step when someone is not there or it's not so overwhelming on the ones that are - I think we all would agree on this. I'm thankful for Sis. Marita who helped me tremendously this morning. I also pulled some of the young people in to help as well. So pray, we need people. For our children's sake (and my insanity), God has to intervene quickly.

Find a time to pray this week for our services on Sunday morning and our children. God has given us this city, we just need enough hands to reach out and claim it as our own. I know I've been highly transparent in this email, but hopefully, it will encourage you and further shed light on my burden and desire to secure the future of our church.

In the next few days, I'll be sending this upcoming week's schedule. I know we'll be decorating pots, transplanting the seedlings, and making ice cream. We'll also be briefly talking about the Beatitudes in general.

God bless you all,
Jeff

Stop Kids Church!

2009-04-14T16:46:00.000-06:00

OK, I don't mean,Stop your Kids Church...I mean Stop and consider the current status of your Kids Church program. Is it up-to-date? Do the kids like it? Does the staff like it? How about the parents? If you answer NO to any of these, consider a Kids Church (Re)Development Program. Is your Kids Church the same format you had when you were a kid? (yawn). Let's be honest.....today's kids church is not the same as it used to be. Times have changed. We have updated our sanctuaries, our gyms, our fellowship halls. We have put forth the best we can in our music, instruments, the quality of our singing and applied every bit of technology our churches can afford. We are able to impress every adult that walks through our doors. This has been a great achievement in our time and it's all well worth the effort....the buildings we gather into, that represent the House of God deserves the best we can make it.

However, as we stand proud and shake the hands of the saints and visitors as they come through the doors, we funnel our children into some unkept, dimly lit, dusty spare room....located in the far reaches of the building. Bare walls, 12 year old puppets that are missing an eye or nose, curriculum posters barely holding on for dear life from 1989, extension cords hanging from the ceilings that are connected to a light bulb that has another extension cord connected to a CD/radio player purchased at Big Lots about 9 years ago from a Sunday School cake auction fundraiser. Only one speaker works on it now, the CD player does not work but hey...the tape cassette player still does, it won't rewind but it plays our Sunday School tapes from 1974...all two of them! Off to the side, there's a fiberboard cabinet with no handles and a missing hinge full of junk teachers supplies---scrap pieces of construction paper accumulated from the last 2 years, that nobody has ever reused....that pile has remained there with about 7 bottles of dried glue, partial balls of yarn and multiple broken crayons.

The kids will arrive just in time as that tiny window AC unit starts to spit out an air current to help circulate the stuffiness for all to enjoy.

Yep, they're gonna have a lot of fun back there! Don't you wish you were a kid again to be there yourself?

Sound outrageous? It really exists. Today, even. I've seen it. For the benefit of doubt, I understand that circumstances vary from place to place; some churches are just beginning to take care of this problem but it's obvious, that other places have ignorantly denied the need to revitalize the children's ministry in their facility, due to lack of funds or more often, the lack of passion for the children's environment within the church. There is a remedy!

We have given so much to the adult side of our churches, that it seems the children's side has been left behind. Everything is updated with the exception of the Kids Church.

Why have we been afraid and why have we held back from giving our kids what they need in Sunday School and Kids Church?

Stop. Consider the cost of building a tower of evangelized children and staff. Churches spend, literally, thousands of dollars for outreach programs, soul winning camps, Bible study events, revivals, concerts and our drama teams....and we throw our kids a tub of dried out markers and the first edition of Veggie-Tales on VHS to watch from an obsolete 12" computer monitor.

We have operated in the "now" without investing into the "later". If our churches to continue to function kids church as described above, no wonder those kids do not hang around nor do they stay when they are adults. As these kids grow up, they begin to comprehend how much you invested into the big people and how little attention was paid to the little people! We proclaim our children represent the church of the future but we can't retain them for today!!!

When was the last time you spent that lump sum of money on a Children's Revival and (Re)Development Program for your staff? We don't hold back on paying the Big Names to preach a night or two but give the chicken feed to some unknown children's evangelist that has spent hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars themselves for props, gimmicks, costumes....you know, stuff that kids like. No wonder children's evangelist are so far and few. A limited amount realize the importance of maintaining Children's Evangelism. When was the last time you really got on the kids level and displayed an act of love for kids in your church by going overboard for them? It takes more than coloring books and 12 x 18 posters on the wall, to capture their attention and to retain them. Other churches are giving them what they need, why aren't you? They will go to church, make no mistake. But they will go where they are getting lots of attention....and I'm not talking about a mere handshake and a piece of bubblegum either!

This article may ignite some concerns about me. Just look at it this way, "I am your red flag". Our children deserve and need more attention than we have offered to them in the past. This day requires an entirely new Kids Church format and method of ministry. I am using this site as a megaphone! Your children need you more than ever! Stop ignoring what they crave in a wholesome and entertaining children's program! If you don't give it to them, the other church down your street has it going on and those kids will go there! Be a trend setter for your children.

Remember, as we kneel at the feet of Jesus, he has a child on his lap!

(This article was written by Randy Mocaby, one of the leading Children's Evangelists in the UPCI)

2009-03-28T17:31:00.002-06:00

2009-03-26T17:32:00.000-06:00

No more liberal than this

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2009-03-25T01:38:00.001-06:00

I'm looking for...

2009-03-25T00:18:00.001-06:00

I've never done this despite many youth leaders (I think i've had, what... 47ish? j/k) encouraging me to do so. Tomorrow night, I'm teaching on youth class in "Living Your Best Life" and one point in it is choosing a mate/spouse. I will encourage the young people to develop a list of things they are looking for in the other person. So, before asking them to do such a thing, I figure I better do the same.

First and foremost, I'm looking for a girl that is completely sold out to God and His Kingdom. These two go hand in hand. This particular girl will assist me in my current ministries, be willing to be spontaneous in ministry, and be willing to develop her own work of which I will be fully supportive.

I'm looking for a girl to marry. I'm not interested in dating someone that I see no future with. To this point, I can't look back and point to an instance where I've wasted any time. I'm not looking for a girl that's just interested in wasting time with no outlook on the future.

She must be passionate about helping people, have a great personality and sense of humor, and MUST desire to be successful in even the little things. I'm a go-getter and look to succeed in whatever I put my mind too, she should be no different.

She doesn't have to be as outgoing as I am, but she should enjoying having a good time both with just me and large groups of people. It seems I'm always around people and I really enjoy that.

She must be willing to get settled a little before having children. I'm not looking to have children right away even though I can't wait to be a dad (and a grandpa!). But I want to be able to spend time with just the two of us, have fun with life, and get settled in a home we can grow in.

She must be a visionary. Together, we should be able to look at our lives now and in the future and chart a course for meeting our desires and goals. Not only must she join with me in charting a vision for our personal relationship and future but also for our ministry and church.

She should enjoy some of the things I enjoy - politics, history, and the outdoors. I'd say my perfect environment would be sitting on a Civil War Battlefield admiring God's creation while talking politics. Okay, she doesn't have to be as nerdy as me - but it doesn't hurt.

As cheesy as this sounds, I don't want to ever fight. I fully understand that there will be days that are better than others. But at the end of the day, I want us to look at each other and be happily married prepared to spend the rest of our lives together.

I'm looking for that "good thing" according to Proverbs. I've not found her yet, but one day, she'll come in my scope and stay there forever.

Excellence

2009-03-22T22:00:00.002-06:00

God requires excellence from us. As a Student Minister of both children and teens, it's important that I try to live a life of excellence. I lead a staff of several that I require to be excellent in their duties. It's been said that I require too much, but in all actuality, I require no more than what God demands from those very same people (and myself). I try to surround myself with excellent people who get this, sometimes I fail in doing so.

This life is too short and the cause is to great to lolli-gag around. I understand that some people don't like me. And quite frankly, I don't care. God has put me here for a reason and I plan on doing His work even if it means stepping on some toes. I love nonsense (I'm a Children's Minister!), but when it comes to reaching people, I'm a no nonsense kind of person.

I work hard in the ministry because if I don't, we may not have a future church. People don't get that what I and the other student ministers are doing is securing the future of the church. Granted, it is about today, but today is not the end result - it's about tomorrow, but more importantly 10 years from now.

I don't have time to play games. I don't view the souls of children, teens, adults and eternal damnation as pawns in a bigger game. The way I see it, you give your absolute best to God and those you serve or you step out of the way so someone else can. No one is irreplaceable - not even me.

Eat Pizza? Save money!

2009-03-05T01:12:00.001-06:00

Dear friends,

The youth group at WMAC is selling Domino's Pizza Cards (The Official Fundraiser of Domino's Pizza). Seeing that the economy is in the tank, I wanted to pass this great offer along to you. For $10, we'll give you a pizza card worth 16 Buy one, Get One Free Pizza Deals. Through your first purchase, you will already be saving money. This card is good until December 15, 2010. With this card, you'll save nearly $200. Plus, you can choose carry out or delivery! When you call your local Domino's, just tell them you have this card, present it when you pay for your pizzas, and they'll take off one of the stickers on the back of the card. It's that simple!

By purchasing a card, you'll help us take our young people to Illinois Youth Convention over Easter break. It's a great experience for young people filled with dynamic speakers, split sessions, and a lot of fun in the heart of Lincoln country, Springfield.

If you'd like to purchase a card, please reply to this email. I'd be happy to meet you somewhere or even drop it off at your house. These make great gifts. Also, some of you work at places where you could potentially sell a ton of these (maybe even as easy as sending out an email like this one). If you'd be interested in selling some for us at your work (or wherever), I'd give you a free card just for helping. Just let me know.

Thanks for helping,
Jeff

I want to be the real deal

2009-02-21T15:58:00.001-06:00

I want to be a member of the Real Deal Club.
I want to be authentic on the inside and outside.
I want my actions to match my words.
I want to get out of the center of my own universe.
I want to lay down my personal agenda in favor of what God is doing.
I want to treat people better than they expect.
I want to get over it fast when someone does me wrong.
I want to be in secret what I am in public.
I want to always remember that it's not all about me.
I want to accept God's forgiveness when I mess up.
I want to be able to laugh at myself.
I want to notice when someone else is hurting.
I want to talk to God and listen to what He says.
I want to relax and let God do the stuff I can't do.
I want to stop occasionally and remember what is important.
I want to stop pushing my opinion on others.
I want to learn new ideas.
I want to enjoy making adjustments from failures.
I want to live like I believe God can do anything.
I want to stop being consumed by success.
I want to stop taking on burdens I can't carry.
I want to do what is right even when it costs me.
I want to love people I don't like.
I want to do what I say I will do.
I want to keep appropriate boundaries with the opposite sex.
I want to trust God without telling Him how to do things.
I want to keep from expecting more from people than they can do.
I want to read the Bible like God wrote it for me.
I want to own up quickly to my mistakes.
I want to stop living in the past.
I want to see the big picture.
I want to let go of small irritations.
I want to admit it when I don't know something.
I want to let others succeed without being jealous.
I want to let others fail without being critical.
I want to be really happy when something good happens to someone else.
I want to try new ideas just for the fun of it.
I want to be secure with who God made me.
I want to be thankful for what God has done for me.
I want to be thankful for what I have.
I want to learn from others without feeling threatened.
I want to be peaceful.
I want to listen more than I talk.
I want to be interested in what interests others.
I want to learn to enjoy my work more.
I want to be a blessing to someone else when I can.
I want to face the future knowing my God has already been there.
I want to be the real deal.

God is Changing...

2009-02-05T23:35:00.003-06:00

No, God's not changing, but God is Changing ME! Tonight, I'm reminded about a time about a decade ago, I was at Teen Camp in Wappella, Illinois and we had a powerful move of God. We heard from a missionary to the Phillipines - it was one of the services where every teenager was in the altar laying in their snot (it's a pentecostal thing) and felt the "call" of God to the Phillipines. I was ready the next day to board a plane and go to the Phillipines and everyone on that camp ground would've joined me. Those are some of the great moments of a young person's life.

Let's fast forward ten years to today - I have never felt as strong of a desire to go on a mission trip than today. Now, for those that don't know me well, I would tell you that I'd never think I'd make it in a foreign country because I'm a picky American eater, let alone eating some random foreign food.

But God is changing Me! We've been doing a project to help some kids in a Kenyan orphanage and I've really felt a strong burden for these kids. So, I began to research all the details of going over there. I did discover that it's not overly expensive - $2,000 for 2-4 weeks and that includes airfare.

I looked at their food list, "The staple food of the people of the country consists of maize, beans, rice, bread, chapati and vegetables. Ugali is the national dish of the country. It is basically a cornmeal porridge eaten with chopped spinach or sukuma wiki (a leafy green vegetable). Potatoes are eaten in plenty over here and form the main ingredient in most of the dishes."

I don't like any of that and 6 months ago, that would have immediately turned me off. But today, I looked at thought and said, "I could handle that for a few weeks." Those that really know me, know that that is a miracle in itself.

God is changing Me in a unique way - I'm finally learning that helping others who desperately need it is well worth the sacrificing of my comfort and convenience. It's time we lay that stuff on the altar, it's not about us; it's not about what's easy; it's not about what's fun; it's about what's right. It's about God. And God is changing me to realize that.

For Immediate Release: Donations needed to send clothes to Kenya

2009-02-05T14:51:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jeffrey Isbell, Children's Minister

(618) 889-9148

jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

CHURCH SEEKS DONATIONS TO SEND CLOTHING

TO CHILDREN IN KENYA

Herrin, IL – February 5, 2009 – Throughout the month of January, the Children's Ministry of the West Monroe Apostolic Church in Herrin, Illinois collected children's clothing for orphans at the Gathiga Children's Hope Home in Kenya, Africa. The drive was named after six-year old Lily Baldi who had the idea to send clothing.

"Lily has always been a nurturer and a mothering type. It doesn't surprise me that she saw a need and responded to it. Now that we've collected all these clothes, we need to fulfill her dream and get these clothes to the orphans who need them," commented Lily's mother, Brandi Baldi.

On January 23, Lily was featured as the Unsung Hero on WSIL TV. Anchor Edan Schultz reported, "Clothing, boxes and bagfuls at a time is piling up at a local church. It will soon go to needy people across our region and on the other side of the world all because of the selflessness of a six year old."

"The community has really come together and far exceeded all of our expectations. We have more clothing for children and adults than we had anticipated. The adult clothing will benefit local organizations and shelters, but we want to send as much of the children's clothing as possible to Kenya. The cost is about $100 per box of clothing and we have more than ten large boxes we could send," said Children's Minister, Jeffrey Isbell. "Whatever clothing that is not sent will help local children in need."

Florence of the Gathiga Children's Home in Kenya said, "We appreciate so much and we really need the clothes. Thanks so much we are appreciate everything you are doing. May God bless you all. We lack the right words to say thank you."

Donations can be sent to West Monroe Apostolic Church, c/o Jeffrey Isbell, 1609 West Monroe Street, Herrin, IL 62948. You can the church office at (618) 942-4163. All donations are tax deductible.

###

Media Advisory: Church to Host Prayer Service for local employees, economy

2009-01-27T00:54:00.001-06:00

MEDIA ADVISORY

Church to Host Prayer Service for local employees and economy

What: West Monroe Apostolic Church will be hosting a community prayer service for the local employees of WPS, the economic situation in Southern Illinois, and for citizens across the region. The service is open to the public and will feature local leaders and singers.

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Location: 1609 W. Monroe Street (30^th and Monroe), Herrin, Illinois

Time: 7:00-8:30pm

Comments:

"With the economic situation the way it is, we want to provide hope to citizens throughout our region. We invite the community to join together with us as we pray for local employees of WPS, others who have lost their jobs, our leaders, and this economic situation."- Pastor Terry Griffith

Contact: Jeffrey Isbell

(618) 942-4163 (Office)

(618) 889-9148 (Cell)

jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

More information will be available in the coming days.

*More than 300 people may be affected by a possible closure of the WPS facility in Marion, Illinois. (http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=6557&type=top)

###

25 Randoms about Me

2009-01-26T23:02:00.001-06:00

Once you’ve read this, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you.

1. I love Kool-Aid.
2. I’m addicted to carmex, the kind in the canister.
3. I have a heart for reaching kids.
4. I’m a kid at heart.
5. I’m cautiously optimistic about Obama’s presidency.
6. I run a group called “Apostolics Vote”.
7. I absolutely love politics, but it’s not a priority in my life at this time.
8. The Kingdom of God is what I seek first – and then His righteousness.
9. I absolutely love my church – West Monroe Apostolic Church.
10. I’m a go-getter. If I see something I want to accomplish, don’t get in my way; it could get dangerous especially the night before the deadline.
11. Honestly, I’m shy around people I don't know. I’ve tried overcoming it, just doesn’t work.
12. I’ve been told that I look like Scott Graham.
13. I’d love to be a Grandpa – nothing like spoiling kids and then sending them home with Mom & Dad.
14. I love Popcorn.
15. I received a scholarship to one of the top culinary/business schools in the nation, but didn’t go.
16. I attended the University of Illinois at Springfield for a year before leaving to do political work.
17. The Simpsons and King of the Hill are my favorite cartoons.
18. I’m a huge history buff and would love to re-enact early American History.
19. I love flavored sodas – cherry coke/pepsi, Orange & Grape Crush, etc
20. I once received the award of "Best Job Interviewee in the Nation"
21. I think the restaurant with the best bread is hands down – RED LOBSTER.
22. I serve the greatest group of young people around – 3116 Youth Ministries.
23. I absolutely love community activism.
24. I’d prefer to be at the church than any other place.
25. If I had to move, I’d seriously consider D.C., San Diego, or Salt Lake City, UT.

What Makes Me a Conservative...

2009-01-22T00:42:00.000-06:00

~ My belief that less government is the best goverment and that government should primarily be led on a local and statewide basis.

~ My belief that Life is mandated by the constitution of the United States and every human being should be afforded that opportunity.

~ My belief that we should be frugal in our spending.

~ My belief that a strong national defense is a necessity.

~ My belief that the founding fathers wrote the constitution in a way that would stand the test of time and not be challenged by far leftists who rule from the bench.

~ My belief that we have three, equal but separate branches of government.

~ And, most importantly, my belief that we are One Nation Under God and that under God is the absolute best place we could ever be.

Lily's Clothing Drive

2009-01-15T19:25:00.001-06:00

Please forward to you friends and contact lists. The response has been overwhelming since being featured in local newspapers across the region, but the more clothes we collect - the more children we can help.

It's good to be in

2009-01-12T12:02:00.001-06:00

It's good to be in WIBI territory.

For Immediate Release: Lily's Clothing Drive

2009-01-09T00:50:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jeffrey Isbell, Children's Minister

(618) 889-9148

jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

West Monroe Apostolic Church to sponsor

LILY'S CLOTHING DRIVE

Herrin, IL – January 9, 2009 – Throughout the month of January, the Children's Ministry of the West Monroe Apostolic Church in Herrin, Illinois will be partnering with the organization, Jump For Joel (www.jumpforjoel.org) which assists the Gathiga Children's Hope Home, an orphanage directly outside of Nairobi, Kenya.

After watching a promotional video for this organization, one seven-year old girl, Lily Baldi, was so overwhelmed with what she saw, she wanted to help give these kids some clothes that she didn't wear anymore.

"Lily really is an inspiration to us all. She saw a need and reacted to the need. The least we could was act upon her desire to assist kids on the other side of the world and make it a reality. And not only do we want to help this orphanage, but we want to help agencies across the region that help Children in need," Children's Pastor Jeffrey Isbell said. "This is a project where our children will help other children who may not be as blessed and we hope to make it a great success."

Lily Baldi is the daughter of Jimmy and Brandi Baldi of Herrin, who also attend the West Monroe Apostolic Church.

Children's clothing of all sizes can be donated by leaving a voicemail in the church office at (618) 942-4163 or by calling Jeffrey Isbell at (618) 889-9148. All donations are greatly appreciated and will help children in need both in Kenya, Africa and across our region.

###

Jump for Joel and Related

2009-01-03T21:33:00.002-06:00

2009 Goals, Just 7 of them.

2008-12-25T00:23:00.003-06:00

It's not much, and really consists of traveling, which I didn't do much of in 2008. Don't get me wrong, 2008 has been filled with blessings, but I hope 2009 will be better.

1. At the end of 2009, be in a full time job that I could see myself in for 2010. Throughout my life, I’ve really been blessed with the opportunity to do a lot of political work, but oftentimes, it’s not for more than a couple of months at a time. I’d like something more along the lines of a career in 2009.

2. Visit Disney World – I’ve stayed at a Disney Resort, saw Disney Characters in person, have had numerous friends work at Disney, and even visited Downtown Disney, but alas, I’ve never been to Disney World.

3. Go out to New Mexico to see a friend – I’m still planning on it, Kyle. Hopefully, the Minutemen won’t be banned by Obama.

4. Trek up to Canada – it’s there and it’s so big. The only thing missing is me as I can’t expect it to come here and visit.

5. Go over yonder to DC – I love Washington, DC and try to visit every year.

6. Stay at a Bed & Breakfast Cabin in the middle of nowhere – I had this planned for 2007, but didn’t get to. I hope to in 2009.

7. And, above all, Just a Closer with Thee…

Pretty close to failure... ONE!!

2008-12-11T05:14:00.005-06:00

I wouldn't say I made it all the way to failure, but I'm pretty close.

On December 17, 2007, I claimed 2008 as the "Year of Possibilities" and wrote seven specific things on this blog that I wanted to pursue in 2008. I said, I'd look back in one year and see where I stood - I did one of them. And some were really doable and others were far fetches that I didn't even pursue.

I don't even have the words to describe how I'm feeling at this particular moment. In my entire life, I don't believe I have ever felt so let down by my own actions.

Just Like Jesus

2008-12-10T22:53:00.000-06:00

Last night, I was facing a personal trial and just needed to spend some time alone with God. Some of my greatest moments have been while driving by myself. Jesus and I have had some good experiences driving around the country together. So, last night, as I was driving, I was praying for direction and I ended up in a bookstore. The first book that caught my mind was "Just Like Jesus" by Max Lucado.

The very first line of the book is a question - "What if, for one day, Jesus were to become you?"

It goes on to ask, "What if, for twenty-four hours, Jesus wakes up in your bed, walks in your shoes, lives in your house, assumes your schedule? With one exception, nothing about your life changes. Your health doesn't change. Your circumstances don't change. Your schedule isn't altered. Your problems aren't solved. Only one change - your heart is replaced by his heart."

I began to think about this and think how great that would be. And then I had to ask God for forgiveness right there in the middle of the bookstore. You see, I'm filled with the Holy Ghost - Jesus does live in me. I thought my heart was his heart. I thought along time ago, I had given it to him. And not only given my heart, but everything - my lifestyle, my thinking, my future.

Oh, how our life would be different if we truly gave ourselves to Christ. I pray I can get over myself enough to focus and live a life Just Like Jesus. I pose you the question that Jesus through the writing of Max Lucado posed to me - "What if, for one day, Jesus became you?"

(side note: this is my 275th post!)

Make a Child Smile...

2008-12-04T13:10:00.002-06:00

Find more videos like this on Everyone's Apostolic

Only from a kid...

2008-10-29T12:31:00.001-06:00

One day a fourth-grade teacher asked the

children what their fathers did for a living. All the

typical answers came up -- fireman, mechanic, businessman,

salesman, doctor, lawyer, and so forth.>>However,

little Jerry was being uncharacteristically quiet, so when

the teacher prodded him about his father, he replied,

'My father's an exotic dancer in a gay cabaret and

takes off all his clothes in front of other men and they put

money in his underwear. Sometimes, if the offer is really

good, he will go home with some guy and stay with him all

night for money.'>>The teacher, obviously shaken

by this statement, hurriedly set the other children to work

on some exercises and then took little Jerry aside to ask

him, 'Is that really true about your father?'

'No', the boy said, 'He works for the

Democratic National Committee and is trying to get Barack

Obama elected to be our next President, but I was too

embarrassed to say that in front of the class.'

SOMETHING MORE...

2008-10-02T21:34:00.001-06:00

Have you ever just knew you needed something? Sometimes you just need something else besides the status quo, but sometimes there is that desire to having something in addition to the norm. I think I'm in the latter boat. I don't really know what it is to an extent but in a sense i do. So, I'm out driving around with God, Christian music, and my thinking. It must run in the family- my grandpa always drove when he had something on his mind - i miss him. don't get me wrong, i am blessed. In fact, I'm one of the most blessed people i know but there is something more that God wants to do. I feel that but i just don't know it. But as always, i submit myself to his kingdom and will. In Jesus name, let it be done.

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

Media Advisory: Community Block Party

2008-09-02T23:08:00.001-06:00

MEDIA ADVISORY

Community Block Party to be held at Herrin Housing Complex

on September 6^th from 12:00-3:00pm

What: West Monroe Apostolic Church will be hosting a community block party at the housing complex on North 6^th Street. The event is free and open to the public. It will feature entertainment by Christian artist James Simms of Kansas City, Josh Linville of Herrin, and Caleb Trexler of Carterville as well as games and face painting for the children and give-a-ways for children and adults. Food will be free on a first come, first serve basis.

Date: September 6, 2008

Location: Community Center at 417 North 6^th Street, Herrin

Time: 12:00 to 3:00pm

Comments:

"As a church, we are taking on one of the greatest outreach endeavors we have done in a long time. When people think of the church, they think of a building – we believe that WE are the church. We are here to help our community and are going to do exactly that through throwing them a huge party and giving families the chance to spend time together in a free, safe and friendly environment. We welcome everyone to come out and join us in having a great time this Saturday." - Jeffrey Isbell

Contact: Jeffrey Isbell, Children's Minister

(618) 942-4163 (Office)

(618) 889-9148 (Cell)

jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

Media availabilities can be arranged prior, during, or after the Block Party. Photographers and video crews are encouraged to attend this public event as well.

###

For Immediate Release: Community Back to School Prayer Rally Follow-Up

2008-08-26T19:49:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jeffrey Isbell, Children's Minister

(618) 889-9148

jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

More than 150 attend successful

Community Back to School Prayer Rally

Herrin, IL – August 26, 2008 – For the 6^th straight year, the West Monroe Apostolic Church hosted the city of Herrin's Back to School Prayer Rally. Community leaders, school administrators, educators, pastors, parents, and students will join together to pray for the nation, community, and the success and safety of local schools and their respective students.

Betty Loyd, Coordinator for the Back to School Prayer Rally opened the rally by saying, "Once again, we've come to pray for our children. Prayer is God's chosen way of communicating and he wants us to communicate with him. You and I have access to that, so let's use it."

Mayor Vic Ritter presented a Proclamation declaring Tuesday, August 26, 2008 as the Back to School Prayer Rally Day in the city of Herrin and encouraged participants to also pray for our troops and those that won't enter our schools – the aborted children. He challenged attendees to pray for parents and doctors who perform those horrific procedures that they may have a change of heart.

Judge James (Randy) Moore of the 1^st Circuit Court was one of many speakers at the night's event. He exhorted the crowd through reading the Lord's Prayer and encouraged the attendees to never stop praying. He noted that the prayers really benefit his life as he has eight children, two of which will be deployed to Afghanistan soon.

According to Jeffrey Isbell, Children's Minister at the West Monroe Apostolic Church, "This was the greatest Back to School Prayer Rally we have ever hosted. Of all the things we do all year long, few are more important than praying for the safety and well being of the children of the City of Herrin and surrounding area. We were honored to open our church to a praying communicating focusing on praying our community and it's leaders, our schools – it's educators and students, and for our nation. We look forward to seeing everyone again at next year's rally."

###

DNC: Kennedy

2008-08-26T00:43:00.002-06:00

Watching the Democratic National Convention and wow, what a tribute to Ted Kennedy. My prayers are with him and his family. I pray for a speedy recovery. I view him as a great leader. I rarely agree with him on issues and frown upon some of the things he's done in his life, but he certainly appears to be a great senator with a great legacy.

Herrin's Community Prayer Rally

2008-08-22T11:44:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

6^th Annual Back to School Community Prayer Rally

to be held on Tuesday, August 26 at the West Monroe Apostolic Church

Herrin, IL – August 26, 2008 – For the 6^th straight year, the West Monroe Apostolic Church will host the city of Herrin's Back to School Prayer Rally. The event is also sponsored by the Daughters of Zion – a ladies' prayer group dedicated to praying for the safety and salvation of children within the community and around the world.

Community leaders, school administrators, educators, pastors, parents, and students will join together to pray for the nation, community, and the success and safety of local schools and their respective students.

Speakers this year include 1^st Circuit Court Judge Randy Moore, Herrin Mayor Vic Ritter, City Clerk Marlene Simpson, Pastors Brent Fitzgerald of Christian Life Center (Herrin) and Terry Griffith of West Monroe Apostolic Church (Herrin), Youth Pastor Courtney Hill of the First Baptist Church (Herrin), Velda Ervin of Southern Illinois Worship Center (Herrin), Gayle Wolff of the Agape Christian High School, Herrin Elementary School Principal Mark Horn, Herrin Middle School Guidance Counselor Sheila Ahlgren, Herrin High School Principal Terry Ryker, Herrin High School Librarian Cheryl Fitzgerald, and Pete Moake, teacher at the Johnston City High School

According to Jeffrey Isbell, Children's Minister at the West Monroe Apostolic Church, "This is setting up to be the greatest Back to School Prayer Rally we have ever hosted. Of all the things we do all year long, few are more important than praying for the safety and well being of the children of the City of Herrin and surrounding area. It's a night of fellowship and prayer for our community and it's leaders, our schools – it's educators and students, and for our nation."

The Back to School Prayer Rally will be held at the West Monroe Apostolic Church located at 1609 West Monroe Street in Herrin, Illinois on August 26 at 7:00pm. The community is invited and encouraged to join us for this annual event.

###

Contact:

Jeffrey Isbell, Children's Minister

(618) 889-9148

jeffreyisbell@gmail.com

Betty Loyd, Coordinator

(618) 967-5204

Herrin's Community Prayer Rally

2008-08-22T11:21:00.001-06:00

Dear Friends,

On Tuesday, August 26, the West Monroe Apostolic Church will be hosting the 6th Annual Back to School Prayer Rally. Speakers include Judge Randy Moore, Mayor Vic Ritter, and several area educators, pastors, and school administrations. This is a great night of prayer and community fellowship. The event starts at 7:00pm at the West Monroe Apostolic Church located at 1609 W. Monroe St. in Herrin. We look forward to seeing as many as possible attend this annual event.

Also, on Saturday, August 30, we will be hosting an All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet with biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, milk, juice, etc for only $6 per ticket or 2 tickets for $10.00. The Breakfast will be held at 1609 W. Monroe Street from 8:00-10:30am. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please contact me at jeffreyisbell@gmail.com or (618) 889-9148. The proceeds of this event benefit the Back to School Block Party being held on September 6th at the 6th Street Public Housing Complex.

If you could pass these events along to your email list, that'd be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support and I hope to see you soon.

God Bless,

Jeffrey Isbell
jeffreyisbell@gmail.com
(618) 889-9148

KC

2008-08-15T15:57:00.000-06:00

I've been clean...

2008-08-12T11:59:00.001-06:00

I have been clean of dark soda for over a month now. that's no coke, dr. Pepper, etc. and i don't really have a reason for doing it so if you know of one let me know.

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Skiing!

2008-07-31T22:09:00.001-06:00

I'm watching a show on HBO about Skiing and it's highlighting the Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah - AHHHHHHH! I so wanna go back, it's so beautiful.

Promo Video: What do you say?

2008-07-23T00:36:00.001-06:00

Promo Video: He wants you to be like ME!

2008-07-23T00:35:00.000-06:00

Promo Video: She was only 9 years old!

2008-07-23T00:34:00.000-06:00

Promo Video: Did You Know?

2008-07-23T00:33:00.000-06:00

Well th college and career

2008-07-21T20:27:00.001-06:00

Well th college and career class is no longer a storage room. the kids church room is pretty much complete praise god!!
-PF

watch out Herrin here i

2008-07-11T13:01:00.001-06:00

watch out Herrin here i come! wooooooo!
-PF

47 Out of 47 campers

2008-07-10T20:18:00.001-06:00

47 Out of 47 campers that needed it got the holy ghost plus 2 visitors this week at junior camp! what an experience!
-PF

Well it's here... the last

2008-07-10T06:52:00.001-06:00

Well it's here... the last full day of camp! it oughta be a fun one. have a good day yourself!
-PF

Day 3 of camp as

2008-07-09T07:58:00.001-06:00

Day 3 of camp as well as my 3rd day without any soda and i'm still having a ball & have only killed 23 Kids. woot!
-PF

It's looking like ten more

2008-07-08T19:52:00.001-06:00

It's looking like ten more people or so got the holy ghost, so nearly everyone that needed it has gotten it.
-PF

2008-07-08T09:41:00.000-06:00

That my friends is a world famous camp shake. new post at www.Myinnerthoughtsblog.com

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Youth Camp, Junior Youth Camp...

2008-07-08T08:03:00.003-06:00

WoW! It's wet and misty in Wapella, Illinois today! We are in Day 2 of Junior Youth Camp and it's been a blast thus far. Here are some highlights:

(By the way, I will now be sending regular updates to this blog from my cell phone so check regularly - ie constantly!)

"Bean-o exit"
No, I didn't have a personal gas problem, but I was almost completely out of gas. My marker was past the empty line and there was not a gas station to be found. So, I'm driving down the interstate looking for Exit 159. I get to exit 162 before realizing I missed my exit. But then I think, "I didn't see no exit!" So I pull around, drive back and sure enough there was no exit 159. I get to exit 157 (Monticello) pleading the blood the entire time as I knew I was going to run out of gas at anytime. Not only did God provide me with a gas station, but he also provided a Piatt County Sheriff's deputy there for directions. Little did I know I-72 and I-74 are not the same, which would explain why my exit wasn't there.

"My Reputation"
Last night, I'm trying to get the guys to sleep and all the other dorms are quiet, when I hear, "But you got your reputation." Now, the statement that provoked this was, "I guess I'm going to have to be mean as being nice just doesn't work." Folks back home, I have these kids fooled - they think I'm nice!

"C.L. McKinnies"
I have a lot of Section 2 people in my dorm (about 10). 5 of these are from DuQuion (2 of which are Tim Ford's sons). These kids will just not go to sleep. So, I pull the line, "Don't make me call your dad," and received, "You don't know his number." Little did they know, I actually had his number and read it to them aloud to prove I did. Well, this didn't work... but this did: "Alright guys, if you don't go to sleep, I'm just going to have to call Bro. McKinnies tomorrow, " to which a kid replied, "Dan?" I said, "Oh no! Not Dan.... C.L." prompting the reply, "No, no, no! We'll go to sleep. If we're bad he'll make us stand up in front of the entire church and apologize for giving the church a bad name." Oh! If only all the kids knew of C.L.

Side Notes:
----->My Rec team won our basketball game yesterday thanks to my superior coaching skills.
----->Boys won 4-2 in Fun Time
----->I had the breakfast line this morning - fun, fun, and more fun.
-----> 23 kids got the Holy Ghost last night, praise God and even more were close.
----->I left my dress shirts at home, on accident.

Don't forget, I'll be sending regular updates via cell phone.

Youth Camp, Junior Youth Camp

what kind of kids go to youth camp?

Fat Kids, Skinny Kids, Kids that eat a lot

Tall kids, short kids, even kids that sleep on cots

It's youth camp, Junior Youth Camp

The Place Kids love to go!

Dogs gone wild!

2008-07-04T16:13:00.003-06:00

A wise man (or Andy Rooney) once said, "The average dog is a nicer person than the average person." With that, I point to this FoxNews story:

ALTON, Ill. — A disabled Alton woman is mourning her beloved miniature dachshund, "Roscoe," even though the 1-year-old dog is believed to have gnawed off her right big toe while she was asleep.

Linda Floyd, 56, who has no feeling in her toes because of nerve damage from severe diabetes, discovered the toe was missing after awaking from a nap Monday afternoon. She called one of daughters, who then called 911.

While she was being treated at Saint Anthony's Health Center, Floyd decided to have "Roscoe" euthanized for the safety of others.

Nonetheless, she told The (Alton) Telegraph on Wednesday that she still loved and missed the little dog.

A veterinarian said the toe had been bandaged because of a healing hangnail and that may have somehow attracted the dog.

(Side Note: I haven't read a story about your average person gnawing off a person's toe in their sleep.)

Best Quote Award

2008-06-24T13:34:00.003-06:00

It is with great humor and lots of laugh that I recognize Jack Huff as the recipient of the "Best Quote Award" with this quote said on Sunday, June 22, 2008,

"I'm not making fun, I was scared. I didn't know what was wrong with him"

What a great way to look at it! Kudos to you my friend!

Luke 22: 39-44: OH TO BE...

2008-06-23T21:34:00.003-06:00

As Pastor was preaching last night on "Compelling Love," he mentioned this passage of scripture. I'd like to share some of the continual thoughts I've had on it today.

Luke 22:39-44
(39) And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
(40) And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
(41) And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
(42) Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
(43) And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
(44) And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly...

Wow! What powerful scriptures. I left the rest of verse 44 off because I'm working on another post on it (check back in a few days). Let's imagine the scene:

Jesus Christ in the garden of Gethsemane with several disciples a few stone throws away, 3 disciples closer, and then the man of God praying by himself. It's dark outside, the voices of nature are making their usual noise - or are they. I'm going to stop right there for a minute - I wonder nature's reaction as Jesus prayed these last prayers. How many birds, animals, the wind, the rain, all the elements were ready to fight on behalf of Jesus knowing that the end was near. The bible teaches us that if we don't praise him, the rocks will - so don't even try to say that God made things can't take on life to fight for their creators using whatever force they have. I wonder if that night whether all of the heavens were shining with stars, the moon was bright, or was it a dark, gloomy, foggy night because even the moon was to upset to show it's face (or did it want a front row view of it's creator praying for all of creation that it was looking upon?)

Jesus prays and prays and prays some more for 3 hours in hour increments each time going back to find his sleeping disciples. The bible says he prayed so hard that out of his pores flowed great drops of blood, he was in agony, I can't even imagine his weakness and the burden that was upon him. This is one of the fews time we really see the "human side" of Jesus - we're so used to reading the teachings and miracles and how godly his actions and words were. But here is the creator of the universe, God manifest in flesh, interceding for a world, for the present, and for the future. Even more so, he knows his end is near and he questions his spiritual self on the necessity of what the prophets said he was to endure. But there's still the willingness, the knowing that he was sent here for that time and for such a high purpose and calling. (Let me side note again - we run from callings and God-given purposes constantly, could you imagine being called to be a sacrifice for all of creation, maybe being called to preach, or to the mission fields, or to be a pastor doesn't sound like such a hard thing afterall).

But I digress, let me jump to the purpose of this post. Verse 43 states, "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him." Maybe even more so than being called to be a sacrifice for all of creation is this calling that this angel received - strengthen the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The angel quickly jumped to attention, but you know in those times of strengthen there was questioning, "What if I'm not doing enough?" "What if he isn't being strengthened by my actions?" "What if I let him/God down?" "Why me? Why not someone else?"

But oh to be that strengthening angel. Oh to be the one that can say, I was there when the Lord needed strengthened. Oftentimes we look to the Lord for strength, but I was there to strengthen the Lord. There's no pride in heaven, but could you imagine!

My friend, my brother, my sister. The Lord is struggling - he needs to be strengthened! He looks upon this earth knowing that his return is very soon, but seeing all the people that won't spend eternity with him unless we act. God Almighty must spend his days in tears trying to motivate an uncaring church and world. We don't do enough, plain and simple. I don't do enough. God needs us to strengthen him. We can strengthen him through our actions. He just needs a little help and that's why he's called us. That angels sole-purpose in life may have just to been to strengthen the man, Jesus Christ, think about it. Oh to be that angel!

(I have felt the moving power of God as I have typed this. I pray you realize that you can be as that angel. My friend, you have been called to this place, for this time, for a DIVINE purpose and through the fulfilling of that purpose, you will be as that angel - you will strengthen God. The Lord is good!)

Just Pray...

2008-06-21T19:12:00.001-06:00

(This week, I'm reminded of this past blog post; enjoy!)

Mark 4:37-41

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. (38) And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (39) And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (40) And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (41) And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

My brothers and sisters, storms of life are often troubling our walk with God. But no longer do you have to put up with the storm. There is a way out. Jesus is on board, just wake him up in your life, and he's right there. Know that Jesus is able to meet your need, heal your body, deliver you from your addiction, and save you!

We learn in this passage of scripture that Jesus was asleep on board the ship. How often is Jesus "asleep" in our life? Maybe put on the back burner? You know, not the greatest priority? Oftentimes we like to take the situation into our own hands and then when things begin to come uncontrollable, we turn the back burner on. Jesus suddenly becomes the priority. Jesus is awakened.

I like the translation of this passage of scripture from the Bible in Basic English. In Matthew's writings (8:25), they say, "Help Lord, DESTRUCTION is near." Why is that we wait until destruction is near to call upon the lord for help? In just the previous verses we learn that the waves were taller than the boat and the boat was nearly full with water. So, why not call upon the Lord when the storm begins to rise up against us?

Let me tell you that if you will just PRAISE and trust in Jesus regardless of your situation and know that the storm you face will make you stronger and if the storm gets too unbearable, Jesus is there as the master of seas and winds.

If we look to Peter we can fully get the picture of focusing on Jesus regardless of the situation. In Matthew 14, Peter sees Jesus walking on the water and then goes to Jesus, himself walking on the water. It's often overlooked that this, too, is in the middle of a storm. In verse 30 of chapter 14, the bible says, "But when he saw the wind he was in fear and, starting to go down, he gave a cry, saying, Help, Lord."

Now, the story doesn't end there. Jesus lifts Peter up by the hand and walks back to the boat, likely, hand in hand WITH Jesus. Pay attention here (v. 32), And when they had got into the boat, the wind went down. So you ask, "What are you getting at?" Let's jump back a few scriptures (v. 24), "But the boat was now in the middle of the sea..."

Jesus and Peter, hand in hand, walked back to the boat through the STORM! It's wasn't until they were in the boat that the storm was calmed. So, don't just think that with Jesus on board, you won't experience storms, but when Jesus is in control, Jesus IS in control! Focus on the storm and watch it batter you, focus on Jesus and the storm won't even matter.

Fun Times in Church...

2008-06-08T23:22:00.003-06:00

I love my Pastor, seriously, but I have to share these pieces of randomness from tonight:

Pastor was announcing that "the Memorial Day Picnic has been rescheduled for July 6 as July 4th is the 4th" and it would be a great time for it.

Pastor said, "There is no perfect church, in fact, I know this church isn't perfect because I'm in it;" at the point a man said, "Amen", and Pastor responded, "Thank you Bro. John, I appreciate that." (and then we all kinda laughed you know as you laugh at those such times).

And then the craziest, most random thing in the world. First of all, this whole situation tells me that when Pastor speaks - God listens and randomly does things just so we can all be in awe of Pastor - He was preaching hard and said, "and about that time darkness fell" and I kid you not, the power went off for a good 15 seconds - completely!! So, knowing everything that's happened in past weeks and in awe at the amazingness of the situation, I just blurt out "You've gotta be kidding me". Good times, really.

So, writing these, I realize that they really are "you had to be there" things. I'd tell you to get the tape, but they didn't videotape tonight as we're having horrific sound problems (especially up in that area). But, it really was fun, random, but crazy fun!

2 Minutes in Hell... (sort of)

2008-06-07T14:56:00.006-06:00

I just had a traumatic experience that I must share with you. I was sitting in the office and was talking to Michael "Dubya" Tripp about all sorts of randomness (as normal), I start to walk out of the office and the door handle comes off in my hand! I begin to freak (seriously). I'm like, "I can't get out of the office, the doors broke, pastor broke the door (he did), I'm stuck, I gotta go"

So, I light up the phone with text messages to our intercessors in the church as I am stuck in the church office. The door is broken and I'm going to rot and die in the church office until someone finds (right, so we do have a meeting in 30 minutes, but still....)

Finally, after pleading the blood, 2 round house chuck norris kicks, and 14 "glory to God, hallelujah, shan-da-la-hiya's", I got the door open.

Dear God it was traumatic. You laugh, but it was scary - I saw my life flash before my eyes and it wasn't pretty!

In all seriousness, for those taking pleasure in reading this post, I reiterate the words of my Brother, Barry, "pleasure will send you to hell, Glory to God, Hallelujah!"

Pastor Frank...

2008-06-03T00:34:00.002-06:00

It's been asked, "Jeffrey, is this where you got your myspace name from?"

Well my brothers and sisters, sadly it is not, keep trying... (and it's a ummm... "wow-type" of video)...

True Statement: If your life is dull, come to church!

Jeffrey Names...

2008-06-01T14:04:00.003-06:00

Mona Griffith - Loretta (Lo-Lo for short)
Jenny Sivels - Mabel
Destiny George - Ruth
Jordan Griffith - Walter
Jason Adams - Herbert (Herb for short)
Josh Linville - Rufus
Mindy Brock - Patsy
Danielle Macaluso - Susan
Jimmy Baldi - Jales (UPCI name)
Mike Tripp - W. (pronounced 'dub-ya')
Me - Pastor Frank, Earl, Albert and/or Velma (i'll pretty much answer to anything)

...and of course, I'm always looking for people to add to this distinguished class of people.

... and then I have a few other names for people not on this list, but some aren't too nice ;) Just kidding, but seriously...

Top 15 in Recent Memory

2008-06-01T00:50:00.002-06:00

Here's too the top 15 funniest in recent memory (in no particular order)...

Pastor Terry Griffith (and his "but-dust")
SB (and his falling down the choir stairs)
WB (and her clapping)
The singing ones (he's god in.....)
MH (and his hallelu's....)
Sis. Anna Faye Holden (and the time she hit the clown!) -RIP
My Grandpa Robert Simonds (and his wig) -RIP
Roberta and Co. (and the red spandex, dancing-man, and the confederate soldier)
JH (and being a cheerleader)
SC (and her random remarks in church)
KF (and storming out of the room)
GW (his green sport coat and rocks research)
DG (and her pronunciations and "graping" incident)
The Tambourine Lady (and her hips)
DH (going to convention on crutches and Do-Shon!)

And it seems like there was a few more (I'm sure I added some that weren't originals).

Re: FAIRLY Major Announcement

2008-05-19T23:17:00.002-06:00

Well, here it is the moment of truth as promised.

The FAIRLY Major Announcement is:

THERE WILL BE A REALLY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
MADE ON THIS BLOG ON WEDNESDAY!

I HAVE SOME FAIRLY BIG NEWS THAT I WANT
TO SHARE WITH ALL MY READERS.

AFTERALL, YOU WOULDN'T READ MY BLOG
IF YOU DIDN'T CARE WHAT HAPPENED IN MY LIFE.

THIS IS TRULY LIFE-CHANGING, BUT
I JUST WANT TO BE FAIRLY CERTAIN OF IT
BEFORE I MAKE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS.

I WOULD ASK THAT YOU ALL PRAY
THAT GOD'S HAND BE IN THIS AND
THAT HE WOULD BE FAIR.

FAIRLY Major Announcement!

2008-05-18T22:20:00.004-06:00

Right here on My Inner Thoughts Blog, I will make a FAIRLY major announcement that will likely affect many people. It should be posted sometime tomorrow evening!

Side Note: WoW! This week is setting up to be quite hectic. I have something every night of the week. Monday - Financial Seminar & a planning meeting for this week's events (that's how busy this week is). Tuesday - Youth Prayer. Wednesday - Church. Thursday - Herrin Fest kicks off. Friday - Summer Kick off at the Park. Saturday - Bake Sale, Parade, and other potential fundraiser. Sunday - Church. Monday - Memorial Day Picnic. Plus the Golf Scramble is quickly approaching. It looks like another week living at the church (think pre-Comedy Extravaganza).

Back Track: This past week marks the one year anniversary of the passing of the great Rev. Jerry Falwell. Here's how it was covered on My Inner Thoughts Blog:

May 15: RIP Jerry Falwell...
May 15: Jerry Falwell...

May 23: Guest Commentary: Falwell Funeral

But you went to school with my sister!!!!

2008-05-16T22:11:00.003-06:00

This post and many new ones daily is also posted at My Inner Thoughts Blog which I have maintained for 15+ months with more than 225 blog posts ranging from Dreams to Convictions to Funny Stores to randomness.

I was really craving something sweet so I went into Wal-Mart. When I went in, some kids (high schooler's) were being yelled at to calm down. They checked out at the same time I did. I bought my cinnamon rolls and they just bought plastic cups.

I headed outside and one boy yelled at me from a white Suburban. Here's our conversation:

"Hey, come here"
(Me) "no thanks, I gotta get out here"
"How old are you?"
(ME) "23"
"If we give you money can you buy us beer?"
(ME) Ha, I don't think so.
"But you went to school with my sister"

I got in my car and left the parking lot. As I was driving, I noticed they were the second car behind me. They cut a car off to get beside me. Right as they do, I make a sharp left turn losing these four stooges.

It was all quite humorous to say the least. Ohhh, good times!

Side Note: The penalty for purchasing alcohol for minors is up to a $1,000 fine, 60 days in jail, and community service. (And you know, with me and my good looks, I wouldn't make it an hour in jail and God knows I ain't got an extra $1,000 or anything up to it.)

Back Track: A Matter of Conviction... Alcohol

This Blog...

2008-05-15T17:30:00.003-06:00

This post is my 226th Post on this blog. This blog was established in February, 2007. Since that month, we've averaged 15 blog posts PER month! That's quite an accomplishment if I must say so myself.

Here are my personal favorite posts of 2007 as we celebrate this 226th Post, Also coming soon is "My Inner Thoughts Blog" Awards! And you could win one of them!

February 22, 2007: A Message for Backsliders

March 7, 2007: Police Encounters - Others Driving

March 13, 2007: Death is Upon Us

March 27, 2007: Assertive Leadership

April 17, 2007: Psych Out: The Police!

April 24, 2007: When you take on Chuck...

May 7, 2007: Master of your own Destiny

May 24, 2007: Mayor's Banquet, HerrinFest, and Ball Game

June 20, 2007: Sitting in Darkness Shows Me the Light

July 1, 2007: I about went "Chuck Norris" on Her!

July 23, 2007: Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

August 21, 2007: A Scary Night...

September 2, 2007: Cell Phone Pet Peeves

September 3, 2007: State Fair Round-Up

October 6, 2007: Have You seen me?

October 30, 2007: 21st Birthday, Still Alcohol Free

November 7, 2007: Election Night

December 17, 2007: Life is what we make it

December 19, 2007: Be the Church

December 31, 2007: Here's to you in 2007

Bush and the Whiney Dems!

2008-05-15T10:23:00.003-06:00

One of the funniest political moments of the year is happening right now - and the president is coming out the victor. This story reminds me a lot of our youth group - the youth leader (The President) says something referring to no one in particular and the youth group (liberal democrats) all think they are being talked about. Here's how it is playing out.

President Bush is visiting Israel and while speaking to the Knesset, he said, "“some people” believe the United States “should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along." And then went on to use this example, "As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: 'Lord, if I could only have talked to Hitler, all this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is—the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history."

Now, those were the basic remarks that have the democrats so riled up, it's humorous.

From Senator (and Former Dem Presidential Candidate) Joe Biden: “This is bullshot, this is malarkey. This is outrageous, for the president of the United States to go to a foreign country, to sit in the Knesset . . . and make this kind of ridiculous statement.” (Joe Biden also happens to be the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee)

From Illinois' own Congressman Rahm Emmanuel: "The tradition has always been that when a U.S. president is overseas, partisan politics stops at the water's edge. President Bush has now taken that principle and turned it on its head: for this White House, partisan politics now begins at the water’s edge, no matter the seriousness and gravity of the occasion. Does the president have no shame?"

From the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi: "[The Remarks] were beneath the dignity of the office of the president and unworthy of our representation" at the celebration of Israel's 60th anniversary."

From Democratic Presidential Nominee, Sen. Barack Obama: ""It is sad that President Bush would use a speech to the Knesset on the 6Oth anniversary of Israel's independence to launch a false political attack"

From former Democratic Presidential Nominee, Sen: John Kerry: "Bush is still playing the disgusting and dangerous political game Karl Rove perfected, which is insulting to every American and disrespectful to our ally Israel. George Bush should be making Israel secure, not slandering Barack Obama from the Knesset."

I think Press Secretary Dana Perino (who attended the University of Illinois at Springfield) said it best, "I understand that when you are running for office sometimes you think the world revolves around you. That is not always true and it is not true in this case."

Good hand, Mr. President. You got them all riled up just based upon what you didn't say.

Look what I found...

2008-05-15T03:10:00.004-06:00

My Dear Sis. Buck!

Me, The Buck, and Her Husband (Pastor Buck)

And while we're at it, all of us at Youth Congress 2008 in Charlotte, NC (and I do believe that's a rare sighting of Luke Murray in the picture)...

Happy 29th Birthday, Mindy!

2008-05-15T00:17:00.005-06:00

It's my good friend, Mindy Brock's, birthday! So, Happy 29th Birthday!

(3116 also wanted to wish Mindy a happy birthay, below are some pictures of the decor!)

The Great Blackout of 2008!

2008-05-11T23:27:00.002-06:00

What a day! Humor always seems to follow me and thankfully so, otherwise I wouldn't have anything to post here.

This morning started out as the usual Sunday. We headed to church, I dropped my carload off at the door and then proceeded to go on in myself. It wasn't 2 minutes until the lights went off and the emergency lights came on after me entering.

So, I went to the usher closet to get the usual supply of flashlights (this wasn't my first lights out rodeo) and playing Underground Church in the dark gave me the heads up. There were about 8 flashlights in the drawer. Two, of which, worked. YAY! So, I went to the office to find our usual supply of UC flashlights and sure enough they were no where to be found.

This was right before service was supposed to start so all the musicians and choir members were ready to go on and having quite the ball. Bro. Colp and Bro. Venus were working on the books. People were all over the church and coming inside by the tons. It was a normal sunday, but there were no lights!

The sunday school classes came over to the auditorium - so kids were all over the place (sure enough on this day, the van would have to make two trips full of kids). Bro. Zeilke (being the one always on top of things) started putting post it notes on the broken emergency lights (ie the majority of the emergency lights). (Side Note: Apparently, emergency lights are just something you don't think about checking until the power goes out.)

So, church was cancelled at about 10:15 after doing the Mother's Day drawings for flowers, announcements, and of course, taking the offering. Everyone seemed to have a good time overall, apparently, they're all fascinated by the "church emergencies" too.

Just another exciting Sunday.

Just a...

2008-05-02T23:37:00.006-06:00

(Pay no mind to this post, it's simply to draw people to the site)

Wayne Francis, Lee Stoneking, Scott Graham, Kenneth Haney, Tom Trimble, United Pentecostal Church, Apostolic, UPCI, UPC, Holy Ghost, Jesus Christ, West Monroe Apostolic Church, First Pentecostal Church, Reverend, Calvin Jean, General Youth Division, Youth Congress, Youth Convention, Jerry Jones, Bruce Howell, Foreign Missions, Terry Griffith, Mona Griffith

I got the V-I-C-T-O-R-Y (Report)

2008-05-02T10:02:00.003-06:00

A couple weeks (or even a month) ago, my car started acting really funny. And by this I mean, I could be driving down the road, it would slow to a crawl and then start rolling backwards all while in drive with my foot on the gas! I know, pretty freaky.

So, we took it to a mechanic who said the transmission was completely dead. I thought "you have got to be kidding me." See, we still owe about $6500 on the car and it's worth a mere $3500 in perfect condition. Without a working transmission, it's worth about $1,000 (MAX!).

So, we were going to trade it and my grandpa's van in but things didn't work out and we begin to question what we were going to do. As I laid here Monday night, I questioned God saying "I do all of this for you and yet you can't work out this one simple thing for me." I was quickly scolded back, "you haven't even asked me to take care of it". WOW! It was true. I wanted God to take care of something that I hadn't even given him the go-ahead to take care of, but yet I blamed him we he didn't. I find this is the case in many of lives most of the time.

So, I begin praying that God would somehow work it out because we simply can't afford the car payment on my dead car and on my grandpa's van. So, we thought the van was going to have to go back to the bank and the car was just going to sit at the mechanics until we saved up enough money.

Well, God is Good! Last night, someone test drove the van and is wanting to give $4500 for the van. The van's pay off price is $3,500 leaving us a thousand towards getting the car fixed. Well, today, I just got a call from the Mechanic and they have worked out a special thing with Chrysler and are going to completely fix the transmission for about a thousand dollars when they normally told me it would be $3000-3500!!

Once we put everything in God's hands, he is certainly capable of taking care of it all! WoW! God is good. If we'll just turn to him more, we may spend our lives more blessed than we can imagine. This was quite a miracle in my life as I didn't know what we were going to do but God had it all figured out and I am certainly grateful for that.

Following the Leader, the Leader...

2008-04-22T00:08:00.003-06:00

In writing this, I am reminded of the song sang by the Lost Boys on Peter Pan, "We're following the leader, the leader, the leader, we're following the leader wherever may go..."

My friend Amber told me, "Just follow God" and what great advice it was and continues to be. I'm doing a youth service in a couple days and I had a new thought (opposed to an old one, right?) that I was absolutely loving and knew it was going to be a great message. I'm telling you, it may be one of the best messages I have ever written and studied for.

However, (don't you hate the "however") I wasn't feeling it today. Not at all. So I begin praying, reading my bible, and looking through some past notes. And then I got it! So, friday night will not be an original thought from me, I've preached it before (only once I think) but I believe it certainly applies to this hour and day.

So, I'm going to follow your advice Amber and just follow God and thank you for reminding me how important that is. Often times as preachers and ministers, we forget that and then at the last minute God changes our mind. Praise God he did it before the last minute this time. I really am looking forward to Friday night and being with some old friends. I am thoroughly excited about it.

WWJD

2008-04-17T21:04:00.005-06:00

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said that "men are not prisoners of fate but only prisoners of their own minds". You know, this is exactly the way God works. Oftentimes, it's us that holds us back from fate which I define as what God would have us do.

When compared to the problems of people around me, I can say that I am blessed. But don't let a constant smile and typical good mood con you into believing that everything is perfect. In fact, things are far from perfect as I am the most imperfect person I know.

As I was sitting on the altar just a while ago, I was thinking about the life I had been dealt - the blessings and then the lessons (you know, those not so good things you experience). I begin to think about life right now and how I am but to an extent not satisfied with life.

I begin to think about those job offers I declined and where I may be now had I accepted one and even contemplated a move to somewhere (anywhere) else. But in February, I chose Southern Illinois specifically Herrin, well, maybe it chose me a little too. I knew it was Southern Illinois and life wouldn't always be up to my standards but I thought I could adapt my career motives and perfect life to fit in Southern Illinois. God, I hope that doesn't sound too harsh, but Southern Illinois just doesn't have everything for everyone.

My check book shows that I need a job (in fact, it shows I needed one a couple weeks ago) and I've looked and applied in a few spots, but really nothing has struck me but then again, maybe I'm being to selective and picky. I love the ministry but it's quite disheartening because I know that I will never be what God wants me to be until man made restrictions and opinions are broken down. I love my house, but quite frankly, it's too cramped with 6 people in a 3 bedroom house with me sleeping on a couch, and I desire that independence I've had before.

So I got to thinking about all of this stuff and realized that little of it matters unless it's put in God's hands. It's hard to do because it requires total dependency, patience, and sometimes painfully wondering and God knows that I hate all three of those. But I know that I don't know how anymore, God is a lot of things, but one of the greatest things he is to me is "My Option".

We often laugh at the cliche, "WWJD", but I am learning that until you can master the questioning of that, you're not going to be what Jesus would want you to be and you're not going to do what he would have you do. When Jesus, God manifest in flesh could, do nothing else as he was dying on Calvary, he turned to his father and when life seems equally as harsh, it's important that we (and I) do the same.

So we may not know what tomorrow holds, how that loved one is going to make it, how we're going to financially make it, or what God has in store for us within our ministry, but if we look to Jesus Christ and question what he would do if in our situation and then act upon that, everything will be okay (eventually).

Writing in Frustration...

2008-04-16T18:02:00.002-06:00

I have a ton of things I could be writing about right now, but right now, I am facing some frustration.... Get ready, here it comes...

If a restaurant is open from 10:00am to 8:00pm, you would expect that restaurant to have key items available from that time. For instance, you wouldn't expect McDonald's to run out of Hamburgers an hour before closing or starbucks to run out of coffee before closing.

Well, my mother went to Subway to pick me up a sandwich and, lo and behold, not only were they out of my Italian Herb and Cheese, they were also out of just regular ole Italian! How does this happen! Two of the most ate breads at Subway and they run out? As an employee, something would say to me, "Ooops, we're getting ready to run out of this.... I better make more".

This is the second, that's right second time this has happened to me. Next time, BOYCOTT! I've already boycotted Sams (because they didn't have their world renown free samples... sad day), I was forced to go back - they had some good ones that day, so I forgave them. Then, I went back the other day, and sure enough, nothing but cruddy samples - so Strike 2 for them too!

Oh, the madness! Needless to say, I'm still getting my subway, wheat, ugh! Why can't they just be smart and prepare extra ahead of time!

A Night of Mischief and MUD!

2008-04-05T01:33:00.000-06:00

Well, Praise the Lord, Church! It's been a while. Tonight was a good night. All day (Friday), I was locked in my house working on this ad book for the Comedy Extravaganza (Quick Commercial Break - April 12, Herrin Civic Center, Tickets - $7.50). Well, tonight, I broke free, went to eat at Sergio's and then we decided we were going TPing. So we head to Goreville, that's right Tripps, it was you (but keep in mind you were our second pick). We drive by once and park. Hear a barking dog, and one person says he sees a man in the yard. Once everyone gets back into the van, he says he was kidding. Oh well, we decided to head down to Happy Hollow and this one person was freaked out. There was this one time where another person screamed and boy did it get me, whew, it still gets me thinking about it.

Happy Hollow was fun. So, still in Goreville, we decided we'd go back by the Tripp's. The dog is still there, but I wanted to leave the a little something, you know, to prove we had the chance to get them but decided not too... And we sent them a message with a few rolls.

Then, with all these rolls left over, who would we get? Well we drive a little ways and get a certain family that goes to the church. In the front yard, I slip in the mud! That's right, slip and fall in the mud. So, while I attempt to clean it off of me with our excess toilet paper, the other people come running. Right when I think I had it off, sure enough, I fall again this time really good.

So we got that family decently, but we'll definitely get them again because it's a nice location. Anyhow, that's my night without sharing too many details or any names. And just for the record, I do not go TPing and frown upon those that do. I am so disappointed anyone would lower themselves to that level. Shame on you all.

Happy TPing and by TPing, I mean TeePee-ing, you know, like the Indians live in.

Man-made restrictions on God's Calling...

2008-04-01T00:28:00.002-06:00

I'm finding and personally experiencing what it is like when we put restrictions, requirements, or specifications upon God's calling. Now, I don't believe God would call a woman to lead a Men's Ministry group, or a man to lead a Ladies' Group, or a single person to lead a young marrieds, but oftentimes we put other restrictions upon people that are called by God.

Hmmm....