February 26, 2008

WHATEVER STATE – Over the years as I traveled on deputation or reporting back to supporting churches my first wife was often asked to give a testimony or speak to a women’s group. I was reminded recently of a verse she often used. Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Women need the stability of a home and being on the road and sometimes without any particular roots between ministries, etc. she would use this verse. She knew that the word “state” referred to conditions or circumstances but she liked to use it in the sense of our traveling and ministering in different states across the country. Christian servants need to learn early on “to be content” and that can be difficult, especially for a wife. Whatever the circumstances of our life of service or the country or state we are serving in, we need to trust the Lord to give us that “peace” or “contentedness” that prevents us from being unsettled or disturbed by our “state.” I have known men who had to give up their ministries because their life partner could not adjust to their circumstances, how sad. Kathy use to tell me “Blow in my ear and I will follow you anywhere.” Thankfully, both of my wives have been willing to be content in whatever “state” they are found.

A FRUIT INSPECTOR – Over the years I have been accused of wrongfully judging people as to their whether or not they are true Christians. I must honestly admit that only God sees the heart and knows exactly who is and who isn’t a true believer. However, family is recognizable and true believers are a part of God’s family and are recognizable to one another. Years ago in Auburn, Washington I belonged to Bible Baptist Church (it was a C.B.A. Church). At the time my wife and I were working with the youth group of the church. An Irish Evangelist was holding evangelistic meetings at our church. One evening after preaching and making some distinction between a group not being Christians and those who were, a lady approached him up front at the close of the service and reminded him of Matthew 7:1, telling him to “JUDGE not, that you be not judged.” He quickly reminded her of verse 16 in the same chapter which says, “You will know them by their fruits” and told the lady, “I am a fruit inspector for the Lord.” Something an unbelieving world does not realize is that a born again Christian is given the Holy Spirit of God to dwell in them, giving them a discerning spirit. There is a common bond among believers that is usually quite readily recognized, especially of those who are actively living in the Lord. By the same token, the life and actions of nonbelievers are recognizably different. Belief and practices belie the false claims of some who tell us they are Christians with no apparent fruit to support their claim. I realize there are people who have made decisions to receive Christ as their Savior but no longer live the life or manifest the “fruit.” Two thoughts come to my mind in these circumstances: (1) They may be backslidden from their faith and will enter heaven by the “fire” mentioned in I Corinthians 3:13 or (2) what we read in I John 2:19, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” If I were to find myself backslidden or not living or walking the Christian walk, I would do some serious soul searching and settle the matter while there is still time. These people will either be eternally lost or enter heaven devoid of any of the promised rewards the Scriptures tell us about. I think I have the beginning of a good evangelistic sermon going here, but I will forego for now.

EARLY TRAVEL & INDEPENDENCE – At Christmas time my great grandson Quentin flew by himself from Texas to here in Columbus to be with his grandma and grandpa Newell (Gary & Donna). He was here at our home as well on Christmas Eve. I think he is six years old. You don’t often see children traveling alone. This event took me back to my own childhood, the product of a broken home. I recall traveling between my parents and grandparents alone at age of five or six and beyond. It was usually by bus and once by bus part way and then by train. I remember having a note being pinned to me to make sure the bus driver would know where I was suppose to go. Broken families often create critical problems for children. Some are embittered, sending them down a wrong path. Thankfully, in my case there was no embitterment. In fact, I believe those early experiences led me down a path of independence. Though I have a picture of my mother and father with my father holding me at a very early age, I do not have any memory of my mother and father being together. Thankfully, there were grandparents that filled in the gap that I believe made a great difference. My grandparents on both sides were Christians, giving me some direction toward Christianity. I knew they prayed for me as well as taking me into their homes as occasion required, particularly on my mother’s side. Times spent with my paternal grandparents were during summer vacations while my maternal grandparents had me during preschool times and during K-2nd grade. There was always loving care, even though I was not with my original parents. My stepmother had more to do with my growing up years than my own mother. Through all of those growing up circumstances I believe they led to an early independence that I do not always see in a lot of adolescents coming of age.

GARY’S POEM – We have been getting a lot of comments back about Gary’s poem about his brother John whose funeral we attended this month. When he prepared that for the graveside service we didn’t know it would also be requested for the memorial service the following day. It touched a lot of hearts and rang so true to those who knew John’s life, ministry and witness.

AN UPDATE ON BEN – They have now put Ben on a heart pump and are keeping him sedated to give him an opportunity to heal following the surgery. He is also having problems with his defibrillator going off and the doctors don’t understand why. Your continued prayers for him, his wife and mother are greatly appreciated.

OBAMA COMMENTS – I have gotten a couple comments back on what I wrote in the last “Musings” about Obama’s presidential campaign as well as additional information. Some long time friends informed me about a seminar dealing with Muslim’s and Islam. You might find it interesting to check out his website out. I have thought for a long time that we need someone that is knowledgeable to help our churches know how to witness to Muslims while understanding the great differences in belief. Check Usama K. Dakdok out.

Thanks for the Fish

The following is a poem written by Gary in honor of John. Gary read this poem at the graveside service on February 8, 2008.

Leslie John Newell
June 10, 1950 – February 2, 2008

“Thanks for the Fish”

John sat by the fire;
The skillet was hot,
And filled with the trout
That he had just caught.

He then bowed his head,
And got down on his knees
In that outdoor cathedral
Of tall Douglas fir trees.

“Lord God I thank you
For creating this scene
Where the river is singing,
And the forest is green.

I thank you for Ethel,
My wonderful wife.
I promise I’ll love her
The rest of my life.

For Timmy and Benjie
And David – My boys.
Lord, help me to teach them
All of life’s joys.

Please give them a life
That’s filled with Your grace;
Daily searching Your Word,
And seeking Your face.

Lord, please let me take
Your Gospel to others;
So when they believe,
They’ll all become brothers.

So on that great day
I won’t stand alone
As we’re singing Your praises
Before your bright Throne.

Today, I saw a big cloud
With the sun shining through,
I watched it with hope-
Hoping it was You!

But then my skillet-
It started to hiss-
Oh - And by the way God-
Thanks for the fish!”

Many years later when
Jesus called John by name;
John entered His presence
Without doubt or shame!

Standing before Christ
On this glorious Day;
Knowing Christ’s Blood
Had washed his sins away!

Falling before his Savior
In Heavenly Glory;
Together reviewing
His familiar life story.

John, you have been faithful;
A good husband and dad;
Sharing My Gospel
Every chance that you had.

A true fisher of men;
Teaching “God’s Word says this” –
Oh – And by the way, John,
Thanks for the fish!

February 20, 2008

FAMILY REPORT – It has been a couple weeks since I have gotten a “Musings” off to you, having made the trip to Oregon because of my son John’s death. My son John’s wife Ethel became ill and ended up having surgery for an intestinal blockage before funeral arrangements could be completed. Most of the burden of making funeral arrangements fell to my grandson Timothy. He did an excellent job dealing with a difficult situation. They had decided to have a graveside service on Friday and the memorial service on Saturday. On Thursday evening Tim had not received a response from the man that was to have the graveside service so I told him I would do that service if they would be patient with my emotions. I’ve known men who have conducted family funeral services but I never felt I’d be able to do so because when emotions are high and tears come I get choked up and lose my voice. But the Lord gave grace and enabled me to get through that as difficult as it was. My son Gary was a great assistance in writing a last minute poem about his brother to also include at the graveside service. He was also asked to repeat it at the memorial service. Many people were moved by the poem it as it so clearly described John’s love for the Savior and his love for the outdoors and fishing. My son in law Albert closed the graveside service with prayer. For the memorial service on Saturday the church was packed out with several hundred people and another room was set up with sound and video. The service lasted two hours with special music, the pastor’s very personal message and people sharing thoughts or stories of their ties and experiences with John. It was a very moving experience. He had touched a lot of people. The church provided refreshments following the service. / As for my grandson Ben, he will remain in the hospital hooked up to several IV’s until a heart is found. His wife Meaghan is almost continually with him and friends are caring for the two children, bringing them up every couple of days. Logan starts his weekly chemo treatments this week hoping to stop the growth of the brain stem tumor.

THANK YOU – We have received many cards and flowers of condolence because of my son John’s death. We are grateful for your many prayers, expressions of concern and love during this time for sorrow. It is such a blessing to have so many friends and co-workers in the Lord. Thank you so very much; you have touched my heart upholding the family before the Lord. I am also very thankful for my son Gary going to Oregon with me. I am not sure I’d have made it back without his help, considering all his driving while there and then the great distance between gates in changing flights in Houston.

CHILDREN-FRIENDS – When we start our families we have to raise, correct and provide for them as children, enjoying them of course, but calling for and expecting obedience and respect. There are sometimes difficult teen years, dating and the beginning of their families. Fortunately our relationship has always been close and in due time they became more than children, they are also my friends. What a wonderful transition and joy to visit and spend time with them and to have regular communication and sharing even when they are great distances apart. Scattered from Ohio to Texas, Oregon and places in between. That even includes a granddaughter and her family in Brazil as missionaries. God has been very good to me to allow my children to also be my friends. I will greatly miss those short and long visits with John over AOL every day or two, often in the wee hours of the morning because of the three hour time difference. How sad it is when families go their separate ways divided by disagreements and assorted problems. Add to that the joy of knowing one day we will continue those family ties and friendship in glory in the presence of our God and Savior. We have a great hope and my heart goes out to those families that don’t have the same ties, relationships and the hope of eternity together. I often wonder how people survive the circumstances of life without that wonderful hope. So much for family thoughts as I now turn to other things.

THE OBAMA’S & THE ELECTION – The events and news in recent days are quite revealing. While so many seem to be taken in by rhetoric and personal appearance of Obama I have some concerns. There is a picture that has made the circuit several times in my e-mail of Clinton and another saluting the flag of these United States while Obama stands there with his hands to his sides. Senator Clinton has her hand over her heart, as does the other person but not Obama. Why doesn’t he show respect for the Flag? He also refuses to wear a flag pin on his lapel as many do and when he is asked about it he makes an excuse of not wanting to use it to make or not make (which ever it was) a political issue over it. I don’t have the exact quote but you get the picture. Then in recent days his wife Michelle made the statement regarding her husbands success in running as a candidate for the presidency, “For the first time I now have something to be proud of as an American.” (I hope I have stated that properly.) Until her husband was running for president she didn’t have any reason to be proud of America? She made the statement twice and because of all the flack she has been getting over it, she has been trying to explain the gaff away. He doesn’t salute the flag and refuses to wear a flag pin and now his wife couldn’t find anything to be proud about America. Where are these people coming from? Is there a secret agenda? Knowing he attended Muslim schools as a boy and that Muslims can say or go to any extreme to make a gain for their cause, I wonder if that is in his agenda. I would like to hear a denial of his having any Muslim ties. Further, he belongs to a black African only Christian Church and I really wonder if he is truly a Christian or is it just a matter of knowing that it is pretty much the norm for those running for the presidency to be thought of as a Christian. Belonging to an African only church I wonder if he has some racial prejudice while trying to appeal to whites to vote for him? I would really like to have some answers to these things before he is elected president of this nation. At the moment it looks like he is going to end up as the Democratic candidate for the office. As much as I’d hate to have Senator Clinton as President, I believe I’d rather take my chances with her. In reality, I won’t be voting for either one of them.

THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE – It appears to be nearly over with McCain being the choice. I don’t see him as the conservative he claims to be. I’ve never forgotten his attacks on Bush and Bob Jones University for his speaking there in the 2000 election. I know he has since apologized to the University and spoken there himself but I am not convinced of any change of attitude. The list is long that conservatives have put together in opposing his candidacy. People like Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, James Dobson and several others have marked him pretty well as not being a true conservative. Dobson has actually said that this will be the first time in his lifetime that he has not voted in a presidential election because of his opposition to McCain. That will be a difficult choice and if many make that same decision we will have a liberal for president. That would be a tough choice.

A WITNESS IN FLIGHT – As Gary and I returned from Oregon to Houston a young woman sat with us. She was Catholic and her husband was from a Mormon family. She seemed open to conversation about these matters so I shared the realities of the origin of Mormonism since she had mentioned having received instruction from Mormon missionaries that she had been impressed by. She them asked me the differences between Roman Catholics and Baptists that I was glad to share with her. I offered to send her further information and she gave me her mail address. To start with I have mailed her my lessons from the Comparative Religion Course I taught last year. I will follow that up with a book and other materials. Please pray for Anne that she might come to a true knowledge of Jesus Christ.

February 3, 2008

SORROWING YET REJOICING – Many of you have been praying this past week for my son John, thank you. His heart had stopped beating and it was a good while before they got it started again. Testing Friday finally verified a great deal of brain damage and Saturday afternoon the decision was made to turn off the ventilator, etc. He passed into glory at 6:31 Saturday evening. I understand the memorial services will probably be held next Saturday. – My heart is breaking, I tried going to church this morning and attended Sunday school and the beginning of the service but I could not sing and the tears began to flow after the pastor had made the announcement of John’s passing and I went home not feeling I could face everyone during the greeting time, I am too emotional. So, going home I am trying to update all of you who have been so faithful in praying for the family. John bore the weakness of his cardiomyopathy for so many years and inability of doing much that required physical activity. John spoke often to me of wanting to be home with the Savior and to see his mother and son David who had preceded him and now he is with them. With the three-hour difference between here and Oregon we spoke often in the wee hours of the morning over AOL as well as other occasions. He would read inter-net reports and Christian analysis of world events and Israel in particular and he was convinced that the rapture and prophetic events to follow were close at hand. I believe he was probably right but he beat the event home to glory so I rejoice in my tears. My son Gary will be flying out with me in two or three days to be with the family. My daughter Patty and her husband from Houston will also be flying out. John and Ethel’s son Tim has already been out there several days from the Wheaton/Chicago area.

MY GRANDSON BEN – You have also been praying for Ben who is in the same hospital John was in. Ben has been moved from ICU down to the cardiac floor to await a heart transplant. His heart is weak but stabilized for now, though he is still experiencing some nausea. Your continued prayers for him will be greatly appreciated. Chemo for little Logan has been postponed for a few weeks. Thank you for praying for him too.

A SIN IMPACTED WORLD – The scriptures indicate that world conditions in the last days will grow increasingly worse. I am constantly amazed at mans violence and inhumanity toward one another and it all speaks to the depravity of the human heart without Christ. Bank robberies, drive by shootings killing innocent children inside their own homes, rapists killing women & their unborn babies, husbands killing their wives, police officers being killed as they endeavor to protect society and the terrible suicide bombings, even using retarded women to carry out their schemes. My mind cries out, “How can people be so horribly vicious.” You begin to wonder if it is safe to go shopping. We have a new grocery store just a couple blocks from our home and if you go shopping in the evening there is a police officer just inside the door, hired to prevent a possible robbery. People are being ushered into eternity without the saving grace of Christ. Our hearts cry out for the Savior to come and establish His Kingdom and set all these things in order. In contrast, how sweet the fellowship of believers in the places of worship and various gatherings as we enjoy the company of those who will one day be called into the presence of our Savior and the loved ones who have gone before. Heaven grows sweeter as loved ones are gathered in before us.