Off to Spain!!

Heading to Spain with my lovely wife for a couple of weeks.  Awesome!!!

Team Building Through Paper Cuts

Yesterday, the communications team sent out an all points bulletin to the staff. They were sending a 3 piece mailing to about 5000 residents and needed to get it stuffed and sealed by the afternoon. So, our staff lounge was then lined with tables and people converged on this task.

Yes, we got the task done, but I also noticed another byproduct of this job. TEAMBUILDING. Here are a few observations.

Getting the Big Picture — It is easy for us to get wrapped up in our individual ministries and not see us as a whole staff team moving toward a common goal. We do have staff meetings where we all worship together and learn from one another but this mailing brought people together from all ministries with a “it’s about Hope” attitude and not just it’s about MY ministry area.

The Laughter Factor — There is something about everyone being together, messing with one another and just having fun that brings a team together. And music always adds to the fun.  We had  everything from Christmas to the Rolling Stones. (Also, read the sign above that was left after we completed the job. Pretty funny.)

From Overwhelmed to Manageable — The communications team had a daunting task before them that became manageable with the help of the rest of the team. They would still be stuffing and sealing today if the crowd had not come.

Everything was great except for the paper cut. I cut my little finger on one of the inserts and when I started bleeding on the table, they excused me back to my office. Banished from the team!! Next time I will be ready with a quick band-aid and then get back at it.

VOTE!!!!

Laurie and I got up early this morning and headed to the polls.  There was a pretty long line at 6:30, but we had completed our civic duty by 7:30.  Not too bad.  We commented how grateful we are to live in a country where we were not afraid to vote —- where we have the freedom NOT to vote —- and that no matter who wins the presidential election there will be a peaceful change in power come January.

Let the Love Flow

These x-rays below make me feel much better.  I had some pain in my back that seemed to get more intense when I exerted myself (which is not very often!!!).  After a stress test and a heart cath, it was confirmed that I had a blockage that needed a stent or two.  I am thankful for the discovery, the skill of my doctors, the caring of my wonderful wife and the prayers and support of my family and  friends.  And of course thankful to God for a new lease on life.  I am a NEW MAN!

Pre-Stent Heart Flow

Post-Stent Heart Flow

City of Immigrants

My wife, Laurie, is the granddaughter of an Armenian immigrant who landed at Ellis Island as a 14 year old searching for a dream.  Laurie now touches the lives of the refugee and immigrant community in Memphis day in and day out. Tonight, we have one of her “kids” staying with us who is sick and lives in a somewhat dysfunctional family who were not able to care for her.  It is part of our ministry.  It is a normal part of our lifestyle.  We would not have it any other way.

Lately, we have read much about the plight of immigrants in our country and some perspectives on the U.S. response to the issue of illegal immigrants.  I ran across this video today where Steve Earle sings of New York — the city of Laurie’s grandfather’s landing — this city of immigrants.  It reminds us that “we are all immigrants’.

“Livin’ in a city of immigrants
I don’t need to go travelin’
Open my door and the world walks in
Livin’ in a city of immigrant”

These words from this song, “City of Immigrants” reminded me of the motto of Laurie’s ministry Multi-National Ministries ——- “Reaching out to the world… Right here in Memphis!”

Enjoy this video of Steve Earle on Letterman

Remembering on Father’s Day

As I looked through some old files on my computer, I ran across a letter that I had typed up for my Dad over ten years ago.  He was 83 at the time.  He did not know how much longer he would be on this earth so he wanted to send a letter of faith to his family.  I teared up as I read through this sweet letter.  Dad passed away a couple of years ago so I remember and honor him this Father’s Day. 

My new life began at age 31 in 1946 after completing two and a half years in the U. S. Navy in California. After arriving in Memphis, I immediately took my job back at Ford Motor Co. They were very nice as they promised my job would be there when I returned from service. I was a frustrated person and not happy with anything. I stayed there several months and then a friend left and went with Chicago Southern Airlines now, Delta Airlines. He encouraged me to come with him as they needed a payroll clerk. C & S was a new and aggressive company with a future. I worked there a couple of years then on to another job.

Then my life changed. Modelle and I were attending a meeting one evening, and the question was asked, “Have you ever accepted Christ as your personal Savior?” My answer was; I think I have. I’m not sure. I go to church and enjoy my friends and am active in every way. Then he asked, “Would you accept Him as your personal Savior and put your life in His hands and be sure?” My answer was yes. Modelle and I both bowed our heads and asked Jesus Christ to come into our lives and take control. Praise God from that day forward I know He lives within me and the spirit of God guides in all that I do.

When I was young and at home, we always attended church, but I can never remember personally accepting Christ. I was baptized at the age of 10 in Mobile and married a sweet girl in 1939, and we have been happily married for 58 years with 2 sons as ministers. Our life is full of happiness and joy. Our greatest times now are watching our grandchildren play basketball and enjoying life to the fullest.

With this note I am sending you a copy of 1^st John 5 from my Bible. When I accepted Christ, these Scriptures came to life and changed my life and gave me the assurance of my salvation. Praise God!

Marvin Gaye’s Impeccable Timing

I was in an important meeting a couple of days ago with the boss of my boss — i.e. our Sr. Pastor.  Things have been a little stressful around here at Hope — giving down, sanctuary to pay for, attendance up but not as much as we had hoped….  So, in my area of ministry, we are looking for ways to reach more people and encourage folks to go through our new members class.

Just when things were getting warmed up, and I was feeling the full pressure of my pastoral responsibly to grow the church — my phone rang.  Which would not have been a big deal — yes, I should have had it on vibrate but Craig’s phone had sounded off earlier so that was not a big deal.  The issue was that my wife was calling, and I had her customized ring on  —- Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On”.  As Craig figured out what the ring was, he laughed and said, “You know, I think I would answer that!”  Pretty funny.

Downtown in Memphis

What a great opportunity Laurie and I had this weekend. We were able to get away to downtown Memphis and play the tourist. It was a blast. We ate some delicious food — Sauces, The Majestic Grill, Cafe’ 61, Bluff City Bakery. We listened to some music on Beale — Beale Street on a Saturday night? We have NEVER done that. It was packed because of the Music Fest.

Check out some of our pics.

Riding the Tolley Down South Main —- Beale Street Music Festival – Note Mighty Mississippi River

W.C. Handy Statue on Beale —- E & H – Great Burger — Top Floor=Former Brothel – Walls Can’t Talk Thank God!

National Civil Rights Museum Saturday Night on Beale Street

Ted & Matt – Hope Musicians – Playing in Beale

Cool Trolley Shot by Laurie Downtown Memphis Reflection

Atop the Residents Inn

New Director of Multi-National Ministies

I am thrilled to announce that Laurie, my lovely wife, is the new director of Multi-National Ministries here is Memphis. James Kellum, the founder of MNM, retired at the end of December and Laurie received the nod to be the successor. It has been so exciting to see how God has developed Laurie both personally and professionally for this new challenge in her life. Her vision is large and her faith is great.  I expect God to really bless this ministry under her leadership.

Back Home

Wish we were there!! The “there” in this picture is the eastern shore of Kauai. What a beautiful place.

We are back from this great vacation to the reality of Winter in Memphis. We went from 75 and Sunny to 34 and Rain. It is always good to be home but wish we could have transported the weather back with us.