July Recap

Here is a look at all the posts that appeared during the month of July.

• Happy Independence Day - Listen to some great Independence Day music!
     
• Planned Parenthood's Plan for My Child - Stephen Simpson wrote about the frustrations of a simple postcard.
     
• Birds of the Bible - Birds of Samuel & Kings - Lee Dusing added another post to her popular 'Birds of the Bible' series.  As always, her post paired great writing with excellent pictures.
    
• "A Tribute to America's Heroes" - On July 3, 2011, we (FBC) honored some of America's Heroes greatest heroes.  Specifically, we featured video of Pastor Osborne honoring these heroes.  
• US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone
• Firefighter Jim Davis
• Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Weppelman and Bissett
• Mom & Dad - Rod & Judy Nyeholt
     
• The Blessed Fruit of Indirect Teaching - Matthew DelValle continued his "Two Men I Thank God For" series by looking at the lessons he has learned through the 'indirect teaching' of RC Sproul & John Piper.
     
• Why Do You Serve In Your Local Church? - Stephen recommended a book that probed the reasons behind why we serve.
     
• Homeschooling, Motherhood, Space Shuttle Atlantis - July's edition of Headlines pointed to some excellent pictures of the final Space Shuttle mission, some thought-provoking articles on homeschooling, and two excellent articles on Motherhood.
     
• Is Camp Necessary? - This article by Connie Simpson, one of our Faith's 100 Missionaries, explains why Camp is absolutely necessary because of the lives that are changed at Camp.
    
• Do You Shop on Amazon? - Stephen shared how your everyday shopping can benefit FBC.

Previous Monthly Recaps:

• June
• May
• April

Do You Shop on Amazon? (by Stephen Simpson)

Have you ever purchased anything on Amazon.com?  Maybe you bought a book or some sheets.  Perhaps you splurged and bought a kindle.  Whatever it was, did you realize that your purchase could have helped support the ministry at FBC?

It is really quite simple.  Amazon has created an affiliate program where websites (like ours) can earn money by promoting Amazon.  In other words, Amazon will send FBC money if we send them paying customers.  The neat thing is that many of us already shop at Amazon.  We have already found out that they often have the lowest prices around and they offer Free Shipping for many of their orders.

How does this work?

Once again, it is really quite simple.  You may have noticed that we have links to Amazon on the sidebar of our blog.  We also place links to items within our blog posts.  For example, all of the links in this post are 'FBC links.'

If you go to Amazon.com through one of our 'FBC links' and complete a purchase, then FBC will earn a commission from your purchase.  If you simply type "www.amazon.com" and then complete your purchase, then FBC will not earn a commission.

Will Amazon.com charge me more for purchasing items this way?

Nope.  Their prices are same regardless of whether FBC earns a commission or not.

Does FBC earn a commission on everything I buy?

Yes!  You can buy dishes, books, laptops, mp3 players, tools, diaper bags, formula, jewelry, exercise equipment, automotive parts, etc.  Think of Amazon as your 'online supercenter!'

How much does FBC earn?

The base earnings rate is 4% and increases as more items are purchased.

So, we encourage you to shop at Amazon through one of our affiliate links.  Your purchases will help support the ministry of FBC.  Leave us a comment if you have any questions about this.

What do you like to purchase from Amazon?

Is Camp Necessary? (by Connie Simpson)

Gary & Connie Simpson are Faith's 100 missionaries who serve at Camp Gilead in Polk City, FL.  As their summer camp season is winding down, Connie shared the following article with us.

I have been thinking about the necessity of camp for quite a while.  Six weeks of summer camp requires a  tremendous amount of year-round work.  Extra staff is needed.  Tons of food and snacks are purchased. Buildings are cleaned.  Why?  Camp makes a difference in lives!!!

Ask the campers who come to us from very dysfunctional families and find unconditional love through Jesus Christ, demonstrated to them by loving counselors.

Ask the campers who come here hungry, and are able to have three meals every day — with seconds.

Ask the kids who come from great Christian homes but their material possessions have become more  important to them than God — and hear them say they have decided to go home and “Live for Jesus."

Ask the newly saved young person who recently came to Camp Gilead for the first time. Coming from a  home that has a nearly non-existent family structure, this young person is practically homeless — sleeping  wherever a bed (or floor space) is available.  Camp provided FUN, a bed to sleep in, food to fill the  hollowness of the stomach, counselors and adults that care, & spiritual food to give strength as they return to  a dismal life, having to be self-supporting at a young age.

Ask the young man who attended Camp Gilead and gave this testimony, 

“I have been severely abused in my life.  But that is NOT who I am.  I am not defined by that.  I am new in Christ.”

Ask Karen Edscorn Board, who came to Camp Gilead at age 9, from an unsaved family.  She saw the joy of the Lord in her counselor, wanted that joy, understood her need and accepted Jesus as her Savior.  Eventually, her entire family came to know the Lord.  Karen and her husband, Randy, have spent 10 years serving as missionaries in China, teaching English.  Their desire is to return to the mission field.  Camp made a difference in this family — for 3 generations — Karen & her siblings, her parents, and now her children, nieces & nephews.

Ask the Camp Gilead Winter Volunteer, Twila Stidham.  She and her husband are retired and come south each year to volunteer at camp.  Twila was saved at camp as a teenager.  She has a desire to see children come to know Christ while they are young.  Camp was certainly significant in her life and she wants to see children come to know Him.

Ask young men in Russia.  They came to know Christ because many years earlier a young teenage boy came to Camp Gilead and was saved.  He returned to Camp Gilead for many years, grew in the Lord, completed college and went to Russia as a missionary.  He even had Camp Gilead in Russia.

 

Ask the mother who e-mailed and said her daughter is now enthusiastic about living for Jesus.

Ask the young man who wrote to us a number of years ago, telling us his mother was in jail.  His aunt & uncle paid for him to come to camp and being here helped him forget all his hardships. He grew closer in his walk with God and learned to pray.  He met people who did not judge him because of his situation or lack of finances.  He said “Camp Gilead has good role models for me.”  We have learned that his mother has been released from jail, and he is preparing to go to college.  He said to his aunt, 

“I learned to pray at that camp you sent me to.  I never stopped praying for my mom, I just did not think it would take so long.”

Ask me, Connie Simpson.  As a young teen, I was saved on Palm Sunday.  That following summer I had the opportunity to attend camp and I have two vivid memories of that week.  For the first time ever, I read Psalm 51.  My heart was broken over my sin.  Later that week, I walked the dirt aisle of that rustic chapel, knelt, and promised the Lord that I would live for Him all my life, doing whatever He wanted me to do.  That summer camp experience changed me!  Little did I realize when I was only 14 years old, that someday I would be working at Camp Gilead.

God changes lives at camp.  Which life will He change next?

Related Links:

• campgilead.com
• Watch a short video about the history of Camp Gilead
  

Homeschooling, Motherhood, Space Shuttle Atlantis

 Here is this month's edition of Headlines - our monthly post where we feature articles and links from around the web that have recently caught out eye.  Feel free to leave a comment and let us know about a great article you've read recently.  It may appear in our next edition of Headlines. 

• Tim Challies recently three-part series on his blog entitled The Weaker, The Stronger, The Homeschooler.  He shares some wise counsel. 
  

  "Primarily I want to talk about how the Lord calls us to relate to one another—how homeschoolers are to relate to public schoolers and how public schoolers are to relate to homeschoolers."

• Desiring God has recently posted two excellent articles on their blog written by Rachel Jankovic.  Both articles dealt with the topic of Motherhood. 

  "At the very heart of the gospel is sacrifice, and there is perhaps no occupation in the world so intrinsically sacrificial as motherhood. Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity to live the gospel."  (from Motherhood as a Mission Field)

  "Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for." (from Motherhood is a Calling (And Where Your Children Rank)

• The Big Picture has a nice roundup of photos from the last Space Shuttle mission - 'Space shuttle era ends with Atlantis.'

  
Now it's your turn.  What 'headlines' have you enjoyed recently?  Leave us a comment and let us know.

   
Past editions of Headlines:

• More Heroes ~ A Truck Driver, A Brazilian Pioneer Missionary, & A Persecuted Pastor
• Social Gospel, Seeds Family Worship, and 'Tempted and Tried'
• Facebook Makes Us Miserable, AFD in Baptist Bulletin, and Haiti Video

Why Do You Serve in Your Local Church? (a book recommendation)

(recommended by Stephen Simpson)

Serving is part of the fabric of any healthy local church.  Most churches would cease to exist without the hundreds of individuals who serve on a weekly basis.  Nate Palmer's book Servanthood as Worship: The Privilege of Life in a Local Church helps address the reasons for why we should serve in a local church.  I highly recommend this book.  It will challenge you to evaluate the motivations behind your service.

"The purpose of this book is to present a biblical vision of service so that believers from all sorts of churches can say, along with Joshua, 'but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' (Joshua 24:15)" (p. 12)

Some highlights from the book:

• "Most of the time we are simply serving ourselves." (5)
    
  
• "We always serve who we see as the king of our kingdom."  (6)
    
  
• "When Christians are gathered into a local church, that form of worship called biblical servanthood can be practiced and expressed in ways that are not possible in any other context."  (25)
    
  
• "God is calling us to serve despite our inconvenience and discomfort, because his top priority is the glory he will receive as our lives become more and more conformed to his image.  He wants to do real work in the church - through us - to help clean up the mess that is our collective sin." (29)
    
• "One reason the church is the primary context for serving is because it is where messy people go when they know they need help." (29)
    
  
• "Through the practice of servanthood-as-worship in local churches, believers and the lost alike come to more clearly taste and see God's provision and love.  As chairs are arranged, children watched, books sold, instruments played, local outreaches conducted, prayers prayed, and Bible studies taught, a great testimony of praise is offered up."  (34)
    
• "Biblical servanthood is a reaction to God, a response to a holy God's forgiveness of our sins.  We do not serve for salvation but from salvation.  Serving is intended to magnify the gospel, not replace it."  (43)
     
• "When trials come knocking, we are tempted to just quit serving God and start serving ourselves again - and apart from cultivating the work of the Spirit in our lives, that's exactly what we will do."  (59)
     
• "Some acts of service God calls us to may be heroic, but most are quite simple.  Meals do not cook themselves, lawns do not mow themselves, and clothes do not give themselves away.  Babysitters do not appear by magic, and taxis don't take people to church or the grocery store for free.  But we can do these things.  They are not difficult, and when we do them our lives point to God."  (70)

Other Recommended Books:

• Singing and Making Music:  Issues in Church Music Today
• The Trellis and the Vine:  The Ministry Mind-Set that Changes Everything
• Adopted for Life:  The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches
  

The Blessed Fruit of Indirect Teaching (by Matthew DelValle)

photo by Paul Cleveland

It is often that we choose to read a book or watch a film or listen to a message because we know what we will learn. We have a general awareness of what we’re getting ourselves into. We read a book on money management so we can learn principles for better stewardship. We watch a documentary on Martin Luther to learn about the Reformation and how it affects us today. We listen to a seminar on parenting to help us train up our children in the way they should go. We pick books to read and films to watch and messages to hear because we know the direct teaching these resources will provide.

What often goes unrecognized is indirect teaching. There is so much we can learn just by observing methodology. The methods used to transfer information are often as enlightening as the information itself. Or to say it another way: How something is said is just as important as what is being said. Therefore, teachers do not just “teach” when they convey information; they also teach by how they convey information.

Over the years of reading, watching, and listening to R.C. Sproul and John Piper, I have been the beneficiary of much indirect teaching. As much as I have learned from them through direct teaching, I have learned just as much through indirect teaching. By asking myself questions like, “Why did he say this here and not there?” or “Why did he explain it that way and not another way?” I force myself to think through not just what is being said but how it is being said. There is great value in this.

We may not read the same authors or listen to the same preachers, but we all receive indirect teaching at some level. So allow me to share just two fruits of the indirect teaching of R.C. Sproul and John Piper in my life. There are many things I wish I could share, but space does not permit me to do so. Nevertheless, my hope is that in listing these two benefits of indirect teaching in my own life, you too will seek to benefit from the indirect teaching of other authors and preachers.

Philosophical Logic
I didn’t take a philosophy class until my senior year in college. I had never opened a philosophy textbook or read the works of Aristotle or anything like that. But I had read R.C. Sproul. Even after taking philosophy in a formal setting, most of what I know about philosophy I learned indirectly from Dr. Sproul. Dr. Sproul is not only a theologian; he is also trained in philosophy. Not surprisingly, his philosophical bent seeps into his books and messages. Quite frequently, Dr. Sproul will use philosophical logic to help make a point.

Perhaps an example will help. At this year’s Ligonier National Conference, Dr. Sproul explained how there are only three possible explanations for our existence:

1. eternal existence (we’ve always existed)
2. self-creation (we created ourselves)
3. creation by something or someone who is eternal

He then commented on the second explanation, saying self-creation is rationally impossible. That is, it makes no sense. It is a logical fallacy because it violates the law of non-contradiction.

What is the law of non-contradiction?

The law of non-contradiction states that for something to be a contradiction, it must be A and not A at the same time and in the same relationship.

The concept of self-creation violates this principle. Dr. Sproul explained it this way:

“To self-create, one has to be before one is.”

This, of course, is rationally impossible. It makes no sense. Therefore, we can reject self-creation as the reason for our existence. Point taken.

Dr. Sproul uses philosophical logic like this all the time. Every time I read one of his books, somewhere in that book he will make a point by sheer force of logic. As a result, he has indirectly helped shape my own thinking and given me tools for evaluating right and wrong. Philosophical logic is one of the blessed fruits of Dr. Sproul’s indirect teaching.

Poetic Sensibility
Ever since I was a young boy, I have had an affinity for poetry. I’ve enjoyed reading it and writing it. However, it was after reading John Piper that my love for poetry blossomed. Dr. Piper has a poetic sense that engulfs all of his writing. He does write poems, to be sure. I have learned much about writing poetry just by reading his poems. But even his prose has a kind of rhythm and rhyme to it that I find particularly captivating. He has a way of expressing truth in a beautiful, poetic manner.

Again, perhaps some examples will help. Look at this sentence from Dr. Piper:

“You will not know what prayer is for until you know that life is war."

If we split the sentence into two parts, we can observe a few things. “You will not know what prayer is for | until you know that life is war.”

Notice the parallel wording in each half: “You will not know / until you know.” Note also the closely rhymed endings: for/war. There is also a balanced rhythm in each part. If “prayer” is pronounced in one syllable like “pray’r,” there are exactly eight syllables in each half. Thus, the whole sentence would read: “You will not know what pray’r is for | until you know that life is war.

This is an example of poetic sensibility in writing. Did Dr. Piper intend to teach his readers this poeticism when writing that sentence? Probably not directly. But indirectly, his method of explaining truth instructs his readers. The value is memorability: it is much easier to memorize poetry than prose. Just think about all the song lyrics you know from heart. By writing this truth about prayer in such a poetic fashion, Dr. Piper is helping his readers remember truth easier.

There are numerous examples of this kind of rhythmic flow in Dr. Piper’s writing. One of my favorites is,

“The wisdom of God has ordained a way for the love of God to deliver us from the wrath of God without compromising the justice of God.”

Another favorite is,

“Grace is the pleasure of God to magnify the worth of God by giving sinners the right and power to delight in God without obscuring the glory of God.”

Both of these sentences have a four-part structure, each part ending with “God.” There is a rhythm in each one that is aesthetically pleasing to read. Apart from the glorious truths being directly taught, there is a kind of beauty in writing being indirectly communicated.

One final example is alliteration. Consider this sentence from Dr. Piper:

“More of Christ’s mercy was magnified in multiplied converts to the Cross.”

Note the bolded and italicized letters. For the most part, each word in the sentence begins with a “c” or “m.” Again, truth aside, this is a wonderfully worded sentence. And indirectly, it teaches the discerning reader something significant about literary beauty in writing.

Ask, Observe, and Reap
So I just want to encourage you to read slowly, ask questions, and observe not just what is being said but how something is being said. How is an author conveying a point? What words are being used? What’s the sentence structure? You will be amazed at what you can learn just by carefully considering an author’s methods. And don’t be limited to books! Do the same thing when you watch a film or listen to a sermon. Why was that scene included in the film? Why did he lower his voice at that point? Ask questions, observe patterns, and reap the fruit of indirect teaching!

Other Posts in this series:

• Two Men I Thank God For
• RC Sproul Helped Me See the Truth
• What I Learned from John Piper
• The Blessed Fruit of Indirect Teaching
• The Greatest Asset of Any Pastor
• Carrying on the Legacy

"A Tribute to America's Heroes" - Rod & Judy Nyeholt

On July 3rd, 2011, Faith Baptist Church presented a special patriotic program entitled "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  Throughout that program several 'heroes' were recognized.  Two of those heroes are a Mom and Dad - Rod & Judy Nyeholt.

He was born in 1959 in New Orleans.  He was the oldest of John & Jane's four children. When he started 9th grade, his parents moved to Michigan where he would graduate from Hudsonville High School.  After attending Grand Rapids Baptist College for a year he decided that work was a better option.  He was talented with his hands and could fix anything.  Yet, there was a hunger to serve God in a unique way with the gifts God had given him.  So, in 1981 he moved to Lake Wales, Florida to serve with the Agape Players.  He became the driver, the mechanic, and their sound technician.

She was the youngest of three girls born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  Her Mom and Dad were George and Martha - not Washington, but Thornton.  She graduated from Central Cambria High School.  For the next two years she worked in her community until everything changed in the 1977 Johnstown Flood.  She knew God wanted her to serve Him in some way.  A group from Florida came to town called the Agape Players.  She decided to try-out.  She auditioned, was accepted, and in 1979 she moved to Lake Wales, Florida to be one of the players in the Agape Players who would travel across the United States and even the oceans to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

They met in 1981.  Three years later in 1984 they had their first date.  Then, on the bus while driving back from a church concert, he asked her to be his life-long mate.  On April 27, 1985 at Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven, Florida, Pastor Robert Whitney officiated at the service that brought Rod and Judy Nyeholt together as husband and wife.  In 2011 they celebrated 26 years of marriage.

In 1987 their first son, David, was born.  David has graduated from Lake Region High School.  He received his AA Degree from Polk State College and a Bachelor's Degree in Exceptional Student Education from Southeastern University.  He is now a teacher at Polk City Elementary.  He wants to get a Master's Degree in Exceptional Student Studies and serve God on the Mission field.  David says,

"My mom and dad are always here for us.  They are dedicated, kind, generous and hard-working."

In 1992, their second son, Jonathan, was born.  Jonathan graduated this year from Harrison School of the Arts.  He has played his violin in Chicago, France, and most importantly - the FBC orchestra.  He is enrolled at Southeastern University to study Music Education and Performance.  Jonathan says,

"They (his mom and day) are consistent in everything they do - in their parenting, in their teaching, and in their beliefs."

In 1994, their third child was born - a little girl named Heather.  Heather is a special gift from God.  She is enrolled at Karen M. Segel Academy Learning Center for children with special needs.  Rod and Judy are eternally thankful to God for their three children.  Judy is very grateful to God that their children have chosen to stay in church and follow His path.  Judy says,

"It takes a strong church to help us raise our kids."

Rod is very proud of all his children and how they have applied themselves in school and church.

The verse they have for their children is found in Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

Faith Baptist Church proudly presents the Medal of Freedom and Citizenship for being heroic parents to Rod and Judy Nyeholt.

Others Recognized During "A Tribute to America's Heroes"

• US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone
• Firefighter Jim Davis
• Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Michael Weppelman & Mike Bissett
• Mom and Dad ~ Rod & Judy Nyeholt
  

"A Tribute to America's Heroes" - PCSO Deputies Weppelman and Bissett

On July 3rd, 2011, Faith Baptist Church presented a special patriotic program entitled "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  Throughout that program several 'heroes' were recognized.  Two of those heroes are Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Michael Weppelman and Mike Bissett.

Deputy Michael Weppelman has been a deputy in the Polk County Sheriff's Office for over 22 years.  He is married to Mary, who is a retired EMS and currently the director of Angel's Care Center of Eloise.  He has 2 children.

Deputy Mike Bissett has been a Law Enforcement Officer for almost 21 years.  He also served our country as an Officer in the Army Air Defense Artillery for 4 years.  He and his wife Renee have been married for 20 years.  He has 3 children.

Deputy Weppelman & Deputy Bissett

Working as deputies in the Sheriff's Department is an honorable profession and it is a high privilege to wear the green uniform and serve the people of Polk County.  It can at times be a very dangerous job.  Deputy Weppelman and Deputy Bissett's lives intersected last year when they were called out to what appeared to be a routine domestic dispute.  There is nothing routine about being a deputy sheriff.  On this particular day, the bad guy pulled a gun and fired at these officers.  Because we have a gracious God and good training in the Sheriff's department, Deputies Weppelman and Bissett handled this situation in the most professional way.  They were instrumental in keeping the community safe and protecting the citizens of our county.

Sheriff Grady Judd & Deputy Weppelman

Deputy Weppelman said,

"I enjoy serving the good people of our community.  I will do whatever service the people need - from retreiving an alligator  from a swimming pool, getting a snake out of a house, talking to a lonely soul on a dark street, to replacing a widow's mailbox, to putting away the bad guys."

When Deputy Weppelman joined the Sheriff's Office, he thought it was going to simply be a stepping stone to something else.  It turned out that the Sheriff's Department became a family he just couldn't leave.

Deputy Bissett said,

"I think it's nice that the people of Polk County know that their police officers really care."

Deputy Bissett and family

Deputy Bissett wanted to be a police officer ever since he watched the old Adam 12 TV programs as a boy.  His favorite thing about serving as a deputy is that every day is different.  You never know what to expect when you go to work.  His wife Renee, who teaches in the Special Education Low Functioning Autistic Unit at Garner Elementary said,

"I pray for and completely support my husband.  His being a deputy is part of our lives."

His daughter Hannah thinks that it is fine her dad is a deputy.  She wants to go into the Criminal Justice field and someday be Sheriff Judd's lawyer.  Josh said he also wants to be a police officer and serve on the SWAT team.  Sarah said she used to be scared a little about dad being a deputy but now she thinks it's cool.  Her first question to dad when he gets home is "Did you catch any bad guys today?"

Mike Bissett says that his job is enjoyable because the people of Polk County are very appreciative to the Sheriff's Department.

This year Deputy Mike Bissett and Deputy Mike Weppelman were awarded the Medal of Valor for their effective action in the face of life-threatening circumstances.

Faith Baptist Church is proud to present to Deputy Mike Bissett and Deputy Michael Weppelman and to their families the Medal of Freedom and Citizenship for their heroic service to our community in the Polk County Sheriff's Department.

Others Recognized During "A Tribute to America's Heroes"

• US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone
• Firefighter Jim Davis
• Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Michael Weppelman & Mike Bissett
• Mom and Dad ~ Rod & Judy Nyeholt
  

"A Tribute to America's Heroes" - Firefighter Jim Davis

On July 3rd, 2011, Faith Baptist Church presented a special patriotic program entitled "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  Throughout that program several 'heroes' were recognized.  One of those heroes is Firefighter Jim Davis.

Jim Davis was born in a little out of the way place called Wauchula, Florida.  His Mom and Dad were named Charles and Weida.  He grew up next door to the fire station.  As a kid he would get an RC Cola and spend his time around the station talking to the firemen.

As a student, he really was not a troublemaker, but he was always in trouble.  The teachers thought that he wasn't paying attention.  In reality, he had an undiagnosed hearing loss, short-term memory loss, dyslexia and a speech impediment.  No one, except his parents, thought he would go very far in life.  As a child, Jim prayed two prayers:

1. Please God, don't let me vomit.  (because he couldn't stand the thought of throwing-up)
2. Please God, let me be smart.

I don't know if God answered the first prayer the way that Jim wanted Him to, but the 2nd prayer was answered in ways that defy the imagination.  Jim had to learn how to cope with the things in his life that would make others want to give up.  Jim developed the PEG system for memory.  That system for learning and memory has taken him to:

• South Florida Community College where he became an EMT
• Polk Vocational Technical Center where he passed the State of Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards
• Polk Community College where he earned an AA degree in General Education and an AS degree in Fire Science Technology
• Rollins College where he earned a BS degree (with honors) in Fire Safety Administration
• University of South Florida where he earned a Master's degree in Education and where he is currently writing a dissertation for a PhD in Cognitive Instructional Technology.

Yes, God made Jim Davis smart.

At 18, Jim volunteered at the Wachula Fire Department.  There were times back then when you were out of radio range and you just had to fight the fire by yourself.  By the age of 20, he was a full-time fireman in Wachula.  In 1975, he was hired by the Winter Haven Fire Department.  Those were the brutal and harsh growing up years where Jim learned to endure mistreatment without getting bitter.  He fought fires and buried himself into reading and studying every shift.  When test taking time came, Jim was more prepared.  In spite of being the youngest person and the least experienced person on the force, Jim was promoted to Captain.  Jim spent 36 years serving Winter Haven and Polk County as a Fireman, a Captain, and as a Deputy Chief.

Some significant memories of fires are the different packing house that have burned as well as St. Paul's Episcopal Church.  What haunts his mind are the times he had to watch as people lost their lives in fires where he couldn't do anything to help them.  Sometimes people run back into burning building for insignificant things or things that are easily replaced only to lose their lives.

Jim has won multiple awards including Firefighter of the Year in 1987 & 1995.  He is a teacher, an instructor, a writer and a mentor to young men and women all over Polk County.

Jim married Elizabeth on November 4, 1995 and they make an outstanding team serving God and their community.

Jim is an outstanding son.  He and Elizabeth took care of Weida and Charles until their deaths.  They look forward to their reunion in heaven.

Jim is also a gifted artist.  His company, Inspiration Paintings, features Jim's artwork of Jesus Himself or an angel sent from Christ, assisting the firefighter and law enforcement officer.  Jim's prints are found in homes, fire stations, churches, and many other places throughout the world.  Many people find them as a source of comfort during a difficult period in their life.

Jim and Elizabeth's love for the Lord Jesus Christ is evident in all they do.  A verse these two hold on to is John 15:13,

"Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Faith Baptist Church is proud to present to Jim and Elizabeth Davis the Medal of Freedom and Citizenship for their heroic service in the firefighter's community in Winter Haven and Polk County.

Others Recognized During "A Tribute to America's Heroes"

• US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone
• Firefighter Jim Davis
• Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Michael Weppelman & Mike Bissett
• Mom and Dad ~ Rod & Judy Nyeholt
  

"A Tribute to America's Heroes" - US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone

On July 3rd, 2011, Faith Baptist Church presented a special patriotic program entitled "A Tribute to America's Heroes."  Throughout that program several 'heroes' were recognized.  One of those heroes is Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone.

When asked the question, "Why did you join the Army?" Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone answered:

"I feel it is my duty to serve this great country in which my family lives in freedom.  I believe everyone should serve their country in their community in some way."

Staff Sergeant Pantalone is the Section Chief of Bravo Battery of the 2nd 116th Field Artillery in Winter Haven.  He has served the United States and Winter Haven for the last eleven years.  He was deployed to Afghanistan for a year in 2005-2006 and he was deployed again to Kuwait in 2010.

The most significant things that are in the forefront of his mind when he thinks about the war are the countless children in those war-torn countries.  He is very grateful for the packages from the United States, full of toys, shoes, and good drinking water, that he and his men could pass along to the Afghan children.  He remembers how the children would love to hold the soldier's hand because it made them feel safe.  The faces of those children still stick in his mind.  The second significant thought about the Army is the camaraderie of men at arms.  That friendship is like no other because it is built on a trust that must never be broken.

Seven years ago on July 2nd, Dustin married Alicia and they have three children:  Jacqueline (6), Olivia (4) and Mason (2).  When a spouse is deployed to war half-way across the globe, even though the family left behind does not face literal bullets and bombs, the struggle is just as hard on their hearts and minds.

   

Alicia said that the first deployment was not too bad.  Dustin was even given leave and made it home just hours before Jacqueline was born.  The 2nd deployment now with three small children, was much more difficult on the home front.  But with a strong faith in God and loving family members, she and the children made it through until Dustin returned home.  Alicia said, 

"Other than the leaving and separation which is hard, I am so grateful that Dustin serves our great country.  He is a wonderful leader in our home and for the men in his unit."

Today, Dustin is currently at the Police Academy where his classmates voted him in as the Class Commander.  He believes in Sheriff Grady Judd's goal and mission and desires to continue to serve our community in the Polk County Sheriff's Department.

Faith Baptist Church is proud to present to Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone and to his wife Alicia and their children, the Medal of Freedom and Citizenship for their heroic service in the United States Army.
   

Others Recognized During "A Tribute to America's Heroes"

• US Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Pantalone
• Firefighter Jim Davis
• Polk County Sheriff's Deputies Michael Weppelman & Mike Bissett
• Mom and Dad ~ Rod & Judy Nyeholt

Birds of the Bible - Birds of Samuel & Kings (by Lee Dusing)

Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) by Africaddict

I have been reading through 1st and 2nd Samuel and 1st Kings lately in the English Standard Version (ESV). So far I have found seven references to "birds", "birds of the air", or "birds of the heavens."

Five of the verses have to do with the birds coming to do something, especially to eat. I'll save that for later. One verse is keeping the birds from eating and the other is totally unrelated to eating.

European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) by Ian

Let's start with the easy one. In 1 Kings, Solomon was made king after his father, David, passed away. He asked the Lord for wisdom to know how to rule and do what was right. He was still a youngster. He was given wisdom that has surpassed any.

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish. (1 Kings 4:29-33 ESV)

To save a war, seven sons were given to the Gibeonites, who hanged them. Then the mother of two of them, Rizpah, came and spread sackcloth over their remains and protected them from the birds of the air. That is told in 2 Samuel 21.

Then Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until rain fell upon them from the heavens. And she did not allow the birds of the air to come upon them by day, or the beasts of the field by night. (2 Samuel 21:10 ESV)

Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus) by Africaddict

The next five incidents have to do with judgment and the birds coming to feed on the carcases of those who died.
Goliath, the giant Philistine threatened David with:

The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field." (1 Samuel 17:44 ESV)

Then David told Goliath that the LORD would cause the Philistines to be delivered to David and the birds would be feasting on him and the other Philistines there.

This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, (1 Samuel 17:46 ESV)

Keep reading in 2nd Samuel 17 and you will find out who the birds feasted on.

Peregrine Falcon Lift Off Into The Mist by Ray

In 1 Kings 14:11, 1 Kings 16:4 and 1 Kings 21:24, three bad kings and their families were judged for the evil they did of not serving the LORD and causing their subjects to also fall into sin.
Jeroboam, Baasha, and Ahab all died and the birds of the heavens were invited to come and eat. Not a pretty picture, but God keeps His Word.

Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat, for the LORD has spoken it. (1 Kings 14:11 ESV)
Anyone belonging to Baasha who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the field the birds of the heavens shall eat. (1 Kings 16:4 ESV)
Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat. (1 Kings 21:24 ESV)

Not knowing for certain which birds actually came and did the eating, my guess is that it would be those from the birds of prey families. Those birds are known to be carnivorous and would have arrived at the LORD's will as prophesied.

Some of the birds of the large Order of Accipiitriformes - Raptors would have been involved. Those are the New World Vultures, Secretarybird, Ospreys, Kites, Hawks and Eagles. Then the Falcons and Caracaras of the Falconiformes Order possibly would have arrived. Owls from the Strigiformes Order might also have come.

But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23 ESV)

Related Posts:

• Wordless Birds
• Birds of the Bible - Swan Loyalty  
• Birds of the Bible - Niamey, Niger
• Learning from the Birds - Overwhelmed
• Other Birds of the Bible Posts

Planned Parenthood's Plan for My Child (by Stephen Simpson)

God's Plan is better than Planned Parenthood's Plan
Abigail Marie Simpson - 2007

Planned Parenthood (PP) recently sent my wife a postcard.  It really ticked me off.  I'm obviously more sensitive right now because my wife is pregnant, but nonetheless, it really made me upset.  Granted, it was a 'bulk mailing,' but it really bothered me.  Just to be clear, I was extremely offended by a simple little postcard.

What is Planned Parenthood?  
If you know anything about PP, then you know that they are 'the nation's largest single provider of abortions.'  (source)  In 2009 alone, PP performed 332,278 abortions.  (source)  That is an average of over 910 abortions every single day.  You would think that they would be somewhat deceptive and covert about their abortion services.  Nope.  They proudly list it with all of their services.  In fact, their website clearly states - "Abortion is a safe and legal way to end pregnancy."

The postcard was dripping with irony.  The slogan read "We're Here For You!"  What the postcard did not say was "We're here to help you make a decision that you will regret for the rest of your life.  This decision may wreck your life with guilt.  It may keep you up late at night for the rest of your life."   Planned Parenthood is not "here for you!"  They are 'here' to pad their wallets.  They are here to prey on scared women.

The slogan was simple, "We're Here For You!"  My question was, "Who's Here For the Baby?" Sadly, they do not bother to answer that question. 

Planned Parenthood's Plan for My Child
Since that fateful trip to the mailbox, I've been asking myself, "What would PP's plan be for my family?"  Well, given my wife's extreme sickness, I have no doubt that they would recommend abortion.  My wife falls into the category of a woman whose life is endangered during pregnancy.  Most likely, they would tell us, "We can make you feel all better and take all of your sickness away."  They would offer to murder my unborn child so that my wife would no longer be sick.  Further, they would have the gall to tell my wife that she would not live with regret for the rest of her life.  They would probably tell her that it is just a "routine procedure." Abortion is anything but a 'routine procedure.'  God has a special and unique plan for the child that is currently growing inside of my wife.  While I may not know what that plan is, I do not believe that it involves an abortion.

By now you may be asking, "What is the Point of writing about this?" 

1. Awareness.  The main point of this post is to make sure that you know that Planned Parenthood is here in our town.  They have "two locations to better serve you" in Lakeland and Winter Haven.  Abortion is real and it is happening right around the corner.  This should make you weep and mourn. 
2. Alternatives.  There are wonderful alternatives to Planned Parenthood.  LifeChoice Pregnancy Center (Winter Haven) and A Woman's Choice (Lakeland) are both excellent resources for pregnant women.  Praise God, for these local pregnancy centers that are fighting for unborn children.  Praise God that they are working hard to help women.  These Pregnancy Centers can truly say "We're Here for You and Your Baby."
3. Action.  What can we do?  I do not think that we need to camp out in front of their offices.  I'm not convinced that this method is productive.  Instead, we should fervently support healthy alternatives to the insanity that is Planned Parenthood.  Support one of these local pregnancy centers.  Volunteer your time.  Send them your money.  Pray for them. Pray that Planned Parenthood simply becomes irrelevant and withers away.

Related Links:

• Abort73.org - This website is the best I've seen at describing the horrors of abortion.  It is graphic, but very moving.
• Desiring God - John Piper has preached several sermons about the sanctity of life and the horrors of abortion.
• An Exhaustive Report on Planned Parenthood - The report lists "Planned Parenthood claims to be a 'trusted health care provider,' but the AUL Report clearly shows that there is little to trust about Planned Parenthood." 

Happy Indepedence Day!

Happy 4th of July!  When I think about this holiday I always think about Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.  Listen to this musical masterpiece and be thankful for our great nation.