Jesus and “Out of the Box” Forgiveness

Here is the prop for my sermon on Sunday September 14th. It is going to be a busy week and I desire your prayers. Can’t wait to see you on Sunday. Thanks to Donna for the drawing.

Ronnie

 

LOST – ONE DOG

Brown hair with several mange spots, right leg broken due to auto accident, rear left hip hurt, right eye missing, left ear bitten off in dog fight, Answers to the name Lucky.

REWARD TO THE FINDER

Matthew 18: 21-35

21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”  22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!  23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.  26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ 27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.  28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.  29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. 30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.  31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.  35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”

Carroll man founder of On Track Ministry: Another Local Ministry

Local Author: Todd Shaw

You hopefully read the article in the Carroll News today about On Track Ministry with Todd Shaw. I have spoken with Todd and we are putting our heads together and planning somthing big. Stay Tuned!

http://www.ontrackministry.com/

Ronnie

Churches, Youth groups or Special Meetings.
 

P.S. Enjoy the Article

Published:

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 5:24 AM CDT

To some people, a go-kart race means the roar of engines, a spray of dust and lots of excitement. But for Carroll County’s Todd Shaw, the founder of On Track Ministry, the real thrill comes with in sharing the love of Cod with drivers, track workers and their families. Previously a NHRA Chaplain, Shaw turned his attention to go-kart racing because he has a “passion for working with teenagers.”

Copyright © 2008 – The Carroll News

“I was a youth pastor for 18 years,” Shaw said. “I always prayed, ‘God, how can reach I reach more teens for You?’ and God said, ‘Why don’t you just go to them?’” So we became missionaries to the mission field of karting. “We try to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We build relationships first by serving of the racers and their families; you have to earn the right to share the Gospel.”

A Christian outreach ministry, On Track Ministry travels to go kart races up and down the East Coast and the Mid-West covering some of the nations largest 2 and 4 cycle go-kart racing events. Working with the World Karting Association, the American Kart Racing Association and the Florida Championship Series, Shaw and other chaplains with On Track Ministry covers about 24 races a year.

On Sunday mornings, Shaw holds trackside Worship services with attendance reaching over 125 people at the larger events. He also has performed marriage ceremonies and memorial services for racers. But Shaw’s greatest thrill comes in knowing that in the eight years that he has been doing this ministry; over 250 people have received Jesus Christ through the ministry.

“I do not race, but I do love racing,” Shaw states.

Today’s racing go-karts can go 70 mph and on larger tracks, like the Speedway in Daytona, the karts reach speeds up to 125 mph. During the races, Shaw can be seen standing beside the track ready to respond if a driver needs help or if there is accident.

A young driver recalls the time when Todd and his wife Lisa came to his aid: “They are always cheering you on! They always tell you to keep on trying when your kart isn’t doing well. When they talk about Jesus it makes you feel special and you want to be more like a follower of Jesus. I met Todd and Lisa at South Bend, Indiana when I wrecked. Since then, they have always been there for me.”

Mart Anderson, director of operations for Ocala Gran Prix in Florida, said he was a little skeptical of the ministry when he first heard about it.

“I was unsure of it at first,” Anderson said. ‘I thought; well, religious karting. Motor sports religion. But I was really impressed with Todd. During the race itself, when we have so many young kids racing, if something goes wrong with kart, kids get upset. Todd is right there. He calms then down. He stymies the situation directly.”

Anderson recalled one incident when Todd broke up a fight between two teenage boys.

“As soon as they got off the track, an argument ensued,” Anderson said. “They were pushing and shoving and Todd jumped in and within two minutes they were laughing and smiling. It saved their racing for the day.”

Quilly and Harriett Andries also have been impacted by On Track Ministry. While watching one of their boys race at the Homestead Miami Speedway; Quilly had severe chest pains and had to be rushed to a local hospital. He was diagnosed with a collapsed lung. Quilly’s wife was in St. Petersburg at the time. But Quilly wasn’t alone. Todd’s wife, Lisa, went to the hospital with the other family members.

“It meant a lot to me,” Quilly said. “I was worried about my son being at the track by himself. Lisa and Todd made sure that he had everything he needed.”

When he is not at the races, Shaw spends his time speaking at churches and corporate events. With years of experience in training leaders in and out of the church, Todd has the know-how for motivating people to action. The principles he teaches are tried and true methods, ones that many are still living out today. Pat Williams, vice president of the Orlando Magic, cited Todd’s skill in leading and encouraging others by including many contributions in his book Coaching Your Kids To Be Leaders.

Todd is the author of Out of the Box and loving it, his book helps bring into focus ways to build ministries using God-given gifts and characteristics unique to each person. This easy to follow guide can help anyone discover and create a personal plan to reach others for Christ. This engaging and motivating book brings new meaning to the Great Commission!

For more information or to contact Todd, visit www.ontrackministry.com

Calendar for FUMC and Downtown

NOTICE (we will be leaving Downtown @ 6:45 to support Whitney Perry who is speaking at Carroll County High School at a Youth Event there) September 10th First Wednesday Evening Service for Youth @ FUMC Downtown Center:

Doors will STILL open at 3pm, come do homework, have coffee, soda or just hang out. 

September 11-13 is XEE Launch here in Hillsville VA. Call for details 276-728-2434 and speak to Ronnie

September 14th Ronnie will Preach @ 8:30am, 11am and SNL @ 6:30pm @ FUMC Main Campus

September 14th SNL w/ SouledOut & Ronnie @ 6:30pm

September 15th Church Council 7pm FUMC Main Campus

September 19th Liberty University Lock-in Contact Gator and Stephanie King for Details

September 19-21 Family Camp Weekend@ Camp Dickenson

September 20th Ronnie is Preaching at Camp Dickenson @ 7:30pm

September 21st See You At The Pole Rally @ The Carroll County Fairw/ SouldOut and Ronnie @ 4pm

September 21st No SNL it is at the Carroll County Fair @ 4pm

September 24th See You At The Pole Adult Prayer Rally @ FUMC Downtown “Out of the Box” @ 6am

September 24th See You At The Pole @ All Local Schools

September 26th CCHS Football Game @ Home

September 29th Cluster Meeting @ FUMC Downtown “Out of the Box”

The Carroll County Fair has a lot to offer this year, 2008

Agriculture on display for Carroll County Fair

By Allen Worrell, News Writer

Published:

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 5:24 AM CDT

No matter who you are, your age, or your walk of life, if you live in Carroll County, you have been impacted by agriculture. With nearly 1,000 farms in the county, agriculture remains one of the biggest and most vital aspects of life in Carroll.

Copyright © 2008 – The Carroll News

Parlaying that message to the public, especially the younger generation, is part of the goal of the Carroll County Agricultural Fair, which will begin Sept. 18 and run through Sept. 21.

“One of our goals in this is based around trying to educate the young folks of the impact of agriculture to the local economy,” Fair Chairman Kevin Semones said. “The whole thing is centered on agriculture. Sure, they will be hay rides and games and things of that nature, but it is all centered around agriculture. Agriculture is a very important part of our economy and hopefully this will showcase some of the things our farmers are doing.”

As part of the educational process for the younger generation, the fair committee will bring in second and third graders from all school systems in the area. Students will tour stations involving crops, bee-keeping, storytelling, the Future Farmers of America, livestock, and others.

“Hopefully it will be information that will be applicable to 2nd and 3rd graders and be applicable to their SOLS,” Semones said. “It is all centered around agriculture in this area, which is still a vital part of our economy. I think it is important we educate folks about agriculture in this region and hopefully this fair is a part of this process. We do want it to be educational, but for everybody, not just children.”

To that end, antique farm equipment and an antique tractor pull will be part of the fair. Several local equipment dealers will bring in top-of-the-line modern equipment as well.

“Our logo is Past, Present, and Future,” Semones said. “We want to showcase some things to give an idea of what agriculture in this area was like 100 years ago, but we are also trying to show how this thing has changed since 1900.”

While many of the popular exhibits and activities from the fair’s recent past will still be available, there are several exciting new events this year. After a one-year absence, the Miss Carroll County Pageant will be back, and entries are still being accepted. The Blue Ridge Motorcycle Club will also host a motorcycle cruise-in Sept. 20, where a best-in-show and a top three will be determined. The Carroll County FFA and 4-H will also team to host a horseshoe pitching contest on Sun., Sept. 21.

The past three fairs have all ended on Saturday, but this year’s fair has been extended to Sunday. Many events have been moved to those days since it is harder to draw crowds on weekdays as opposed to weekends, Semones said. Sheep Shows and Horse Shows have been moved from during the week to Sunday this year, while two local groups will sing gospel music on Sunday afternoon and Ronnie Collins will offer a sermon that day.

Another new event will be a horse pull on Saturday night, which will follow a tractor pull at the Grover King VFW Post 1115.

Even if you aren’t particularly interested in agriculture or farming, Semones said the fair offers a little something for everyone.

“It’s all centered around trying to educate folks about our agriculture and trying to get them involved, but it’s not all about agriculture. Hopefully there is something for everybody,” he said. “Anyone interested in photography or arts and crafts, or home canning, there will be classes in the VFW about all those things, and cooking contests as well.”

Semones said it’s the hope of the fair to give everyone a taste of what like was like in the area. Several local musicians and groups will perform, while there will be a pet show on Saturday afternoon. A Salsa Festival will be featured again this year on Sept. 20 showcasing Mexican culture, foods and music, while the Jubal Early Sons of the Confederate Veterans Chapter 1691 will talk about the Civil War and the hardships local citizens faced during that period.

There will also be a sheepdog demonstration, while local Animal Control Officer Terry Woods and other law enforcement personnel will do demonstrations with attack dogs and tracking dogs.

Forestry field events will be held for intermediate school-aged children, as well as an adult version. And while the fair will be filled with educational exhibits and demonstrations, there will also be plenty of family games and events.

“Just about anything in Carroll County is represented at the fair, that is our selling point. It doesn’t matter if you like painting or photography of whatever, it is in there somewhere,” Semones said. “We will have beef and dairy shows on Thursday night, a goat show on Friday night, and all your livestock in the county. There will be a stockman’s contest on Thursday afternoon.”

With such a wide range of events over the course of four days, the planning and manpower needed to take on such an event is massive. Semones wanted to thank everyone that volunteers their time, effort and money into making the fair possible, though there were just too many to name. Still, the fair committee is always in constant need of more volunteers.

“We always need more help. We have issues with parking and taking up gate money. It takes all of us to keep things running because there is something going on all the time,” Semones said. “We particularly have to thank the VFW for letting us use their property. A lot of folks have pitched in over the years and we thank each and every one of them for helping this thing continue to get better. Every year has its problems and every year has its successes. I hope we have learned from the failures and hope to make the successes a little better.”

A full list of times and events, as well as more detailed information on the fair, will be available in the Sept. 17 edition of The Carroll News.

Entry forms and more detailed information can also be found at .

Prayer Room Update: Tattnall Square Academy in Macon Ga

I heard from Sarah today and Tattnall will have a mission group who will be coming to Hillsville in March 2009, we can’t wait to see what God is planning for that reunion. The picture below is of the prayer room that some of our mission group helped to pait while we were in Macon this summer. Isn’t it awesome that each student and teacher is prayed for by name each day.

Ronnie

Prayer Room @ Tattnall Square Academy in Macon Ga.

What is a BLOG?

blog, weblog, web log

Well, a blog is really anything that you want it to be. It is your personal space, sort of like myspace but different. There is a couple in the church that first saw the need for the pastoral staff to blog. When Ed and June came to me I just said I wasn’t interested, I am already busy with so many things. I don’t remember if they said something to me again or if I just couldn’t get it off my mind. To be honest I didn’t really know what a blog was.

Some weeks after that I was in Lifeway and spotted a book titled “The Blogging Church”, I picked it up and read the first chapter there in the store and decided to buy it. I knew before I left the store that I was going to blog but I also wanted to read the book to know more about what it was I was going to do.

The book explained that your blog can be anything that you want it to be. It can serve as a place to share your thoughts, a place for people to get to know your family and what your life is like, it can even be used as a bulletin board for your church. I guess in the end my blog is about my passions. I love the Lord and I write often concerning Christianity. i love to run and I share here about races and then results of the run. I have shared much about adoption and foster care because Misty and I have a heart for kids who need a home of their own.

web log – When I think of a blog I think of John Wesley. I have said from my reading that John Wesley wrote every thought he ever had. Therefore we get a great insight into who Wesley is and what his life was like. My wife says that I blog every thought that I have and I take that as a compliment, John Wesley and I have more in common.

Anyway, a blog is what you want it to be. If people choose to read it then GREAT. When I started this blog I averaged about 15 views a day and it gradually grew to an average of 30 views per day. For the month of September the blog has averaged more than 100 views every day. There have been 2 days that went over 200 views. People are reading, they are finding out what my passions are and they are hearing about Jesus Christ.

Go ahead, blog. Just one piece of advise and it is a pet peeve of mine, if you are going to have a blog, keep fresh information on it. I never bother with those who blog every few weeks. If you keep it fresh they will read it.

Ronnie