Tragedy, it's a fact of life. That doesn't mean it's normal, pleasant, or even acceptable. It only means that it happens. But why? Why do bad things happen in this world? I can't tell you all how many times I've been asked that question - and how many times I've asked this question myself.

About 2 years or so ago, my wife and I suffered a miscarriage. Our child died in her womb. And even though it was early on in the pregnancy, we still felt as though we lost a child, because we did. My wife's mother just passed away this last Saturday. She was only 45. Bad things, terrible things happen in our lives. They do. It is painful. It isn't easy. Often times, it seems impossible to get through.

And the only thing I can say, and I don't mean to belittle any tragedy you or I or anyone has went through - is this: We live in a fallen world - a world that is drenched in sin & death. And even though God is in control (i'm confident he is), these terrible things still happen.

If you're reading this, and looking for an answer - I don't have one. I often wonder why God allows these terrible things to happen. But I know that he sees everything, and has a plan. I know that I can trust him. I know because his Word says so, and I believe it. I know that if I put Him first, he'll take care of everything. And I know that if I love him, he'll work ALL things out for good.

In the midst of tragedy, it often seems impossible to see God's hand. But keep looking. Keep praying. Keep serving, and keep loving Him.

Does that mean you shouldn't grieve? Not at all! You need to. I need to. We all need to. And it's ok to ask God those questions. "Why?" Why this, why that. But keep in mind, we may never know.

I may never know why God allowed our child to die before he was even born. But I do know that one day, I'll get to meet him, hold him, and kiss him. One day, in paradise, I'll get to be with him. And I know that until then, he's being taken care of.

The truth is, I still cry about that - and it was two years ago. But I know that God is in control. God sees the big picture, and he will never leave us or forsake us.

So, be strong - God strong. It's only by His strength that I can get through each and every day.

Blessings & Love,
Pastor Elgin

Let me as a question. Do you care what people think of you? If you're normal - you do. My flesh is always seeking approval of people. And I hate that. I keep hearing how people are or have been disappointed in me or you or whoever - and the buck stops here. It doesn't matter what people think of me! It doesn't matter what people think of you! It ONLY matters what GOD thinks of me! And everything I do from here on out - I do ONLY for the Lord. I'm sick of getting down on myself when I hear that so-and-so is dissapointed or aggrivated with me. If you're reading this, you may be thinking that I'm mad at people. I'm not. I'm mad at myself for letting myself be governed by what people think of me. I'm sick of working for the approval of men - and I shall do so no longer. Seem radical? Seem a bit angered or over-the-edge?

Read 1Thess. 2:4-6
⁴On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. ⁵You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. ⁶We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

God's opinion is really the only one that matters. So, can I put my head to rest at night, knowing I've done everything for the Lord? That's the question. I do not any longer seek praise or compliments from people. I only seek approval from God.

Finally, I leave you all with another scripture.

Galations 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

If I seek to please men, I am no longer a servant of Christ. I will not let that happen to me - don't you let that happen to you.

In Christ Alone,
Pastor Elgin

*sigh* Times are tough. Times. Are. Tough. Trouble hits us left and right, and it is SO easy to get discouraged. I know - I've been there, as I'm sure most everyone has been. And if you haven't, just wait. :) Just a few Sundays ago, we had an evangelist by the name of Joshua Sullivan preach at our church - and boy was it incredible. There were many things that he said that really spoke to me, but one stood out more than others - and just today I was reminded of it when I read a blog that a wonderful Jesus-loving friend of mine wrote. I won't mention her name, because I didn't ask permission. But she reminded me of what he said - and it came and the best time, because - boy have I felt pretty junky today. Anyways, Joshua asked us if we were "enjoying the journey". By that, of course, he was referring to the journey of following Christ. And to be honest, sometimes I am, but sometimes I'm not.

I will second what my friend said in her blog - I hate when "Christians" act no different than non-Christians. And when I encounter people like that - it makes it hard to find unity in the body of Christ. I realize that we're all different, and none of us are perfect, but it still bugs me to no end!

And so I started thinking - how do I enjoy the journey - even when I sometimes don't enjoy the journeymen & journeywomen? I think there's really only one way. Hebrews 12:2 says "fix your eyes on Christ." And that's what we should do. We shouldn't look to have faith in each other, or our circumstances - but in Christ alone. And you know, when we do that, we'll fall so much in love with Him that our love will rub off on others - and it will really change our world! It will cause our journey to be the best it could ever be!

It really comes down to that. We've been studying the book of John at youth group for the last several (many) weeks. And this next week, we're studying John chapter 11 - and boy and I excited! As I read it over and over this week, I realized something. We always say we should be "In the world, but not of it." And that's good - but it's not enough to stop there. We - as Christians - should be in the WORD just as much as we're in the world! If not, we won't have the mind of Christ - no matter how many spiritual experiences or times of prayer we have. We must DIVE into God's Word so passionately that it permeates our very life & guides us in all we do.

Don't get me wrong - prayer & spiritual experiences are great and greatly needed. But God's Word is the basis of it all! It must be! As the psalmist, David, said in Psalm 119:11, "I have hidden your WORD in my heart that I might not sin against you."

So, have you hidden God's Word in your heart? Have you been taking a daily dose of The Bible? We need to!

Ever since I got back from national youth convention, I haven't left my Bible behind anywhere. I've been taking it with me wherever I go. And not just that - but READING it too! We need to get hooked up to the I.V. of God's Word! Let's be Word Junkies! Ok, that was corny. Sorry.

But seriously - that's what we need to do. And we don't just need to memorize it - or get it in our heads. It needs to make that 10 inch trip from our heads to our hearts! Let's not just quote the Word - let's live it!

So yes - I am (finally) enjoying the journey. Today - I can say that. Yesterday, I couldn't. But praise God, his grace is sufficient for me. I thank God that he's patient with all of us, and that he is supreme in my life.

Let's not just quote the Word - let's live it! TOGETHER!

-Pastor Elgin

So, I intended to update every day, but by the end of each day, I was too tired to think. That said, this year has been fantastic. The festivities aren't quite over though. We have one more service this afternoon where the entire General Council & the National Youth Convention will be worshiping together & veteran youth pastor, Jeanie Mayo will be speaking.

So, let's get to it - shall we? RESULTS: Aleda received a SUPERIOR rating for her vocal solo! Jordan received a SUPERIOR WITH HONORS rating for his short sermon! And Nichole received a SUPERIOR WITH HONORS rating for her digital photography entry! GREAT JOB YOU GUYS!

They really did a terrific job. It was so awesome to see them all participating in something they love, and I for one am really excited to see them continue to use the gifts God has given them!

I'll talk later about the worship services because right now, I don't have it in me!

-Elgin

It is now morning of day two (Wednesday) of our National Fine Arts/Youth Convention trip. When we first arrived to Indianapolis, we went to the hotel that PT had booked for us and realized that it wasn't even a 1 star. PT had no idea because he had AAA book it. It was a motel 6. I've stayed in a motel6 before and it wasn't bad at all. Well, I went into a room to check it out, and it was tiny. the two beds were almost pushed up against each other, and you could barely walk around them to go to the bathroom. Normally, I wouldn't care about the size at all. I mean, it's just a place to sleep. But because it was so small, we couldn't set up Lilian's bed. BIG PROBLEM. So, we decided to cancel that reservation (gutsy..) and go straight to the NFAF/NYC. We made it to registration fine & we participated in the opening service. It was all great. Really. Amazing. Then, when we left, we needed to find a hotel. So, as any youth pastor with a laptop would, we pulled into the nearest hotel parking lot we could find and STOLE THE INTERNET! lol. Then, on travelocity, (tried priceline and failed) we booked an Econolodge 2star hotel. J U N K Y. It was supposed to be good. But when we got there, they were like "We're out of rooms." And I said, "I already paid for it, and I have proof (showing them my laptop) of payment." So, they gave us the only open room, which was without a window curtain, shower curtain, and no hot water. And it doesn't look like it's been vaccumed in like 3 years. The toilet & sink were dirty. ......Anyways - praise God the beds were nice! And in the midst of all this bad stuff, we are still having a fantastic time! And that's what is important! Jordan preaches in just about 2 hours & Aleda doesn't sing until late this afternoon. Well, I'll keep you all posted. Oh yeah, and Nichole got her photography entered and we're gonna go look at it today. SEE YA!

-Elgin, Christina, & Nichole

You need the joy of the Lord. Seriously. You do. No matter what comes your way - don't let anything steal your joy. Nehemiah 8:10 says "...the joy of the Lord is your strength." That is so true.

Just this last week, I came back from a great two weeks of camp. Upon arrival, I walked into more bad news than I could fathom - and I mean bad! Problems here, problems there. People mad, health issues, family issues, relationship issues, etc. But I made a conscious decision to not let it steal my joy. God gave me the strength to smile, to push on, and to really be happy. Not to just smile on the outside, but on the inside too!

It's so important that we don't neglect to spend time with the Lord. If we want his joy, we need to be like him. And the only way to do that is to be around him - a lot!

Don't be self-seeking either. There are too many people nowadays who push their own agenda while claiming it's of God. I've been guilty of that many times - and every time it ends in bitterness, rage, anger, malice, envy, and the like. It's not a road to travel by any means.

The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 " But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

In other words, if you don't like how things are going - don't simply try and change them yourself! Seek God first. Align yourself with his will. Gain his joy & understanding. Then tackle the issue at hand - by following God's leading.

This will truly help you (and the people you are in contact with) keep the JOY OF THE LORD!

In His Grip,
Pastor Elgin

It's been some time since my last blog. I apologize. I was told by a good friend to get my booty in gear and start writing again. So, here ya go.

For the last several weeks, I have been preaching through a series I called "Becoming Heroes." The theme comes from the hit TV show, "HEROES" which is on Monday Nights on NBC.

The catch phrase of the trailer for HEROES is this: "Ordinary people discovering extraordinary abilities in themselves."

Have you ever noticed that our culture seems to be looking for heroes? They are. They are looking for people to rise up, seize the moment, give them hope, and change the world. Maybe people won't admit it, but I'm positive that most everyone wants this world to change.

Everyone wants a hero.

The truth of the matter is, if you are a Christian, you ARE a hero - or at least you're supposed to be. God has called you to be extraordinary. God has called you to be a hero to this lost and dying world.

As disciples of Christ, we are part of the greatest, most extraordinary story ever told: The story of Redemption. We have been redeemed, we have been forgiven.

And you have a story that is like no other. Your story is 100% unique. Your story is extraordinary. Your story holds the extraordinary power to reach this world for Christ; it holds the power through the Holy Spirit to open up people’s eyes to see the Kingdom of Heaven.

And as Heroes, we need to tell people about Jesus. But let's be honest; have you ever tried to just go up to someone random and say, "Excuse me, do you know Jesus as your personal Savior?" It's awkward. And most times, you don't get the results you're hoping for (if you've ever done it in the first place). Normally, people will blow you off. There are those Christians who will take that response and say that those people are simply blinded to the truth. However, I would tend to disagree and say that some of the blame for their reaction falls directly on us.

Yes, telling people about Jesus is the greatest act of love we could do for someone. But the problem is - THEY DON'T KNOW THAT.

So, how can we help them to see that? If we really care about their eternal destination, how can we show them we care? Don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those "Let's just love them into the kingdom" kinda guys. Why? Because that doesn't work either. They MUST here the story of Christ and know that they are sinners and see the need to repent. But we must approach it differently.

If we really care about people's salvation, we must KNOW our story, LISTEN to their story, CARE about them, and BE GENUINE.

What has God done for you? What has he done in your life? Did he save you? What from? Has he ever interviened in your life? KNOW your story - and tell it!

Instead of simply telling people the story of Christ, we need to start by telling them the story of - us.

I think I'll stop their for now... More to come next week.

-elgin