Blessed By Another!

Today is the birthday of one of our senior adults at Southside.  As I think of her birthday, I am amazed by the many ways that God uses her in our church and for missions around the world.  Tonight, I clicked on her facebook page to send her a happy birthday message from our family and as I clicked on her page, I could not help but notice all of the birthday messages she has received from our young adults and some who are new to the kingdom.  My heart began to rejoice as I read the notes because it was such a blessing to see how the young adults were responding to a lady that has selflessly given of herself to invest in future generations for the kingdom.  WOW, we will never know until we go to Heaven the impact that this precious lady has made on our church and community.

Her example challenges Laura and I and makes us often say, "We hope we are just like her when we are her age!"

Happy birthday ! Thank you for touching so many lives at Southside.

This picture is a picture of her (Mrs. Pat along with her husband) on a mission trip last summer to another country. 

An Amazing Day

Last night after everyone was in bed, I went for my evening walk and then came back in to do some Bible reading.  While I was reading, I felt the Lord leading me to stop and pray.  I started praying as I sat on the sofa and I felt the Lord leading me to get on the floor in the family room and lay before Him in prayer. I was reluctant, but I finally obeyed my Lord.  As I spent a while "burning the midnight oil with Jesus," I found myself begging Him to lead our day today at Southside.  I kept saying,  "Lord let this Lord's day be an awesome day for YOU."

Now, as I sit here tonight, all I can say is WOW, GO GOD!  I could write and write about all the powerful things that God did today.  I am grateful to be a Christian and to know that God holds all power over Heaven and Earth. 

Thank you JESUS for this Lord's day, January 30, 2011.  You are so wonderful!

Baptist Children's Homes of NC

Today, some of our students at Southside Baptist Church went on mission with God to The Baptist Children's Homes of NC in Thomasville NC.  This campus that houses our NC Baptist Orphanage is located about 20 miles from our church.  I am so proud of this group of students for making a sacrifice on a beautiful Saturday to go and share God's love to some of the most needy children in the world. We have the most amazing youth at Southside and it is such a blessing for me to pastor these amazing youth.  I am proud of you guys and I can't wait to see how God continues to use you on mission for Him in the days ahead.

Luke - Hanging up-side-down from the climbing tree

Luke's favorite place in the world is the climbing tree at his grandparents farm.  This tree sits sideways and was named the climbing tree because the grandchildren love to spend lots of time on it.  Here is a picture that was captured of Luke.  This is one of my favorite pictures of my little man.  I am so proud of him and I know that God has really big plans for his life.  It is evident that God is working and it is amazing to hear him share his love for Jesus.  I am thankful that God is answering our daily prayers for Luke.

Our moms with 3 of the little Fuller's

Last weekend, our kids were blessed to have their grandparents together with them at the cheer competition in Charlotte.  Here is a picture of Laura's mom (Granny) as she holds Anna Brooke. My mom (Nana) is holding Paul and Sarah Belle.  We are so blessed to have our moms and they are such a blessing to our family.

Welcome to our new Student Ministries Pastor

On January 1st, our church was blessed to have Pastor Chance Walters come and join our ministry team staff as our new Student Ministries Pastor.  God is already using Pastor Chance in a remarkable and real way.  I have known him for 10 years and it is a true blessing to see how God is using this young man for his glory.  I have complete confidence in Pastor Chance as he leads our students to fulfill the vision that God has put before us as we seek to see radical transformation come to our city.  If you have not had the opportunity to get to know Pastor Chance yet, please take time to come by the office or invite him out so that you can be blessed by the mighty man of God that he is.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is a day that is set aside for our nation to remember the effect and events that forever changed the fabric of our nation from one of our past leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  As I think about his impact on our society, many things could be said and shared.  However, I can sum up my thoughts by saying that I am thankful and blessed to be a part of a community, church and school system that embraces diversity and loves everyone.  I am also thankful that my children live, worship and attend school in a diverse environment with people from all walks of life.  It blesses me to see that my children and our younger generation has the freedom to enjoy people and value them for who they are inside of their soul rather than by what they look like on the outside in the physical realm of life.

Many of you know that Dr. King's nephew was one of our strong Baptist pastor's here in Greensboro for many years until his tragic death last year.  He was a delightful gentleman that loved our community and enjoyed seeing us come together for the sake of presenting JESUS to our city.  One of our deacons at Southside was a close friend of Dr. King's nephew and just told me recently about how God used him to help this precious deacon in his own walk with the Lord several years ago. 

As we think about the future of our community and city here in Greensboro, let us be mindful that everyone needs JESUS and that God has brought the mission field to us.  As we cross lines of diversity in our community, workplaces, and schools, may God be glorified as we share the love of JESUS.