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Last week I attended the National Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship Rendezvous in Eagle Rock, Missouri. FCF is an Assemblies of God ministry associated with Royal Rangers (a ministry to boys), and centers its mission on mentoring and serving one another. Here are some pictures of the event.
Paul Serb, our FCF Chapter President (for Kansas)
Adam Simpson, our FCF Chapter Scout (for Kansas)
Paul Serb (in front, on the other side of the canon)
This past week I attend the Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (FCF) National Rendezvous in Eagle Rock, Missouri. It was a wonderful time of spiritual refreshment, getting reacquainted with friends, and refining the vision for our church. FCF uses the motif of the Fur Trading Era in America (pre 1840's) to focus on personal discipleship, missions, and spiritual mentoring.
During this week, I was reading a book about a Frontiersman by the name of Jedidiah Smith--a man of impeccable character who faced insurmountable odds to discover the West. Although most of his contemporaries lived less that godly lives, Jed was committed to serving God and living out his faith in everything he did. He possessed the courage to face problems and to fulfill his God-given purpose.
We need that kind of character and courage today!
As I put the final touches on my message for Sunday morning, I think of all the challenges people are facing just in our church alone. Marriages, family, jobs, finances, direction, health--you name it, people are going through some very difficult issues. As I prepare for tomorrow, my prayer is that God will reveal the importance of seeking Him. It's like a journey--there are a lot of "unknowns"--a lot of things to be afraid of. But, as a follower of Christ, we are called to make this journey--and make it to the Better end. Maybe you are one of those people that are going through a difficult time. Don't give up! God's Word gives us the ingredients to be over-comers. God has a Word for you! Hope to see to Sunday.
Right after Sunday morning service, an Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship contingent left for Eagle Rock, Missouri, to participate in the National Rendezvous that happens only once every four years. This will be a great time of fellowship, encouragement, and developing a strong vision for FCF and Royal Rangers. I have been in FCF since 1998, and enjoy the friendship and passion for ministry that many participants embrace.
Last Monday, Paul Serb (Royal Ranger Senior Commander at my church) took me out fishing. I had a blast. I caught only two (a large mouth and a small mouth bass), but it was fun.
The war on faith continues--and reveals itself as a overt hatred for God and those that follow God. According to an article in the Times of London, dated July 8, 2008, a discovery of a tablet in the Dead Sea (and its interpretation) calls into question the validity of the death and resurrection of Christ (see article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article4295804.ece)
I desire good scholarship and good investigations on the claims of Christ and the Bible. I continue to be convinced that the historical record underscores the truth of God's Word, especially as it relates the the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, I think those that are unbelievers do a disservice to their cause when they use obviously poor or deceptive practices on archaeological and historical discoveries. Even in the Times of London's article, it is obvious that the aim is to discredit Christianity rather than to discover the truth.
Instead of discouraging my beliefs, these militant atheist continue to strengthen my faith in the truth of God's Word. Their attacks reveal something more sinister at work--they are in open rebellion to the obvious truth (see Romans 1:18 and following). So, in the end, I welcome the investigation--what I want is honest work--not shady, deceptive practices that reveal dishonesty and hatred.
