Pastor A

Today Tucson Baptist Temple celebrated her 55th anniversary. Founding pastor, Louis Johnson, was able to be in the service at 92 years old. The service had many special recognitions:

World of Difference: Over the past three years we have now been able to recognize 14 of our church members who have truly made a significant difference. Last year’s recipients (Dave Argraves, Kristi Wilbur, Glenda Lowrie, Jim Grantham) were all in the service. I am very, very thankful for the group that we recognized this year as over the past 12 months they have made tremendous contributions (as did last year’s recipients for their prior 12 months of ministry involvement).

Today we honored David Parpart (buildings & grounds), Luz Gonzales (buildings & grounds), Robert Lopez (technology), Ionia Sipe (helping hands), Connie Scharpnick (helping hands), and Tina Craig (nursery). All six of these ministry volunteers were dynamic in their ministry involvement over the past 12 months.

Several completed their Discipleship Course. This 20-26 week course takes much work and dedication. It is a joy to see our church desirous to grow in their faith and walk. We honored each person with a certificate of completion.

The Be Like Tych award was announced and the feedback from this afternoon has concurred that the right choice was made. Mr. Joe Jones received the Be Like Tych award based on Colossians 4:7. Joe is involved in numerous ministries! Joe serves as the Chairman of the Board of Deacons, drives one of our Sunday morning bus routes, always participates on church work days, VBS set-up, Missions Conference set-up, and whenever and wherever needed. Joe has been on the China and Iceland mission teams. Joe and Janet have three daughters. It truly is a pastor’s dream to have church members like Joe! I’m thankful that we have several like Joe at TBT.

Lynn Anderson played a beautiful offertory with his flute. He has been given quite a talent. The choir sang two fantastic songs! The song, “Honored, Glorified” has always blessed me and the choir was dynamic today. It is amazing what 58 people can do when they sing together.

Our guest speaker was Pastor Ken McCormick of Tri-City Baptist Temple in Gladstone, Oregon. Dr. McCormick was saved more than 45 years ago at TBT under the ministry of Pastor Johnson. After surrendering to preach, Dr. McCormick went off to Bible college and then began Tri-City Baptist Temple where he has pastored these past forty years. Pastor Johnson and Pastor McCormick enjoyed spending time together on Friday and today.

The Spanish congregation joined us until fellowship time. The Spanish church had 125 in attendance today…. simply awesome and thank you Pastor Arias for all of your hard work and leadership in this area of our ministry. Just before Pastor McCormick preached, John Cutright sang a wonderful and powerful song that was a tremendous blessing to all.

After the morning message, our Board of Trustees and Board of Deacons recognized Shelli and me for our four years of service here at TBT. Bud Savage and JoAnn were so gracious in their comments and loving care as they presented Shelli with flowers and informed us that the church will fly our children home this coming weekend so that they can spend Mother’s Day with Shelli. Shelli has been “weepy” all afternoon and evening. Her excitement is through tears!

Dinner on the grounds consisted of fried chicken, green beans, corn, rolls, and dessert. I’m so thankful that many, many volunteered to help and it really was fantastic to see everyone working together. It took just 15 minutes to have more than 725 people go through the line. Thank you to all for set-up, serving, and clean-up.

Today was a remarkable day and it continues to be the greatest privilege to pastor TBT… even though, outside of Christ, I am not worthy of this honor to serve the membership of TBT.

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I am so very pleased that after numerous hours of interviewing, a personal visit to our ministry, reviewing background references, and much prayer, I am able to announce that with the unanimous support of both the Board of Trustees and the Board of Deacons and upon review of our offer, Pastor Matt Lozano has graciously accepted the invitation to join the Tucson Baptist Team team to serve as the Youth Pastor.

Pastor Matt and Rachel will arrive on Saturday, February 2 and will teach his first Sunday School class on Sunday, February 3. There will be a church-wide fellowship to welcome the Lozano family on Sunday, February 10 following the evening service.

The Lozanos share a facebook, so please ask to be their friend and welcome them to the TBT family. Their FB address is    MattandRachel Lozano

There were over 50 men and women who have served in our military present in our services yesterday. What a thrill it was to see each person stand when our choir sang and mentioned each branch of service. We had members representing each branch of service except the Coast Guard. Of course, the Air Force was the largest branch of service represented.

I thank our choir for their wonderful ministry to all who have served in our service yesterday morning. It is awesome to see our church love the military and those who have or are serving.

I was so impressed with the four young men who presented colors at the beginning of the service. Cameron, Caleb, Mason, and Ronnie looked terrific in their uniforms and they did an excellent job!

We just completed our 4th Annual Missions Conference here at Tucson Baptist Temple and what a joy it was to be part of this year’s conference. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank our wonderful church family for their attendance and participation. This year’s conference reached new levels of accomplishment.

We were just shy of 700 in our morning services with over 650 staying for dinner on the grounds. The Missions Conference Committee served some 650 people in the serving line in 12 minutes! Way-to-go and thank you for this impressive service!

We had numerous compliments from our seven missionary families for the warmth and hospitality that was demonstrated over the course of five days. Thank you TBT family for loving missions. The seven missionary families represented China, NYC, Hawaii, Papua New Guinea, Ireland, Spain, and South Africa. We had two main speakers (one for English and one for Spanish) preaching and teaching on Faith Promise giving.

Even with the current state of our economy, our Faith Promise commitment as a church increased over $8,000 from a year ago. Praise the Lord and thank you TBT. Let’s continue to impact this world with the Gospel message!

I would like to thank our choir and all who were involved in our Patriotic Concert today. In spite of a few distractions and technological glitches, the choir was a tremendous blessing to the huge crowd on hand. We had at least a dozen first-time visiting families. The comments following the service were very positive.

We continue to be a blessed people to be able to live in the United States of America. As we examined the passage found in Hebrews 10:23-25, I would like to remind those who know Jesus Christ that we must continue to DO because:

1. It is our Duty to Profess Christ
2. It is our Duty to Provoke Others
3. It is our Duty to Persuade the Lost

We are living in a day that continues to demean all things Christian. Islam and apathy are rapidly growing like a plague or cancer in our country. As we fail to profess, provoke, and persuade others; we cannot then be surprised when our country falls under the weight of tyrannical religion or politics.

We must stop talking and start doing!

Our teenagers met at the church this morning at 9:00 a.m. to pack their luggage and prepare for a week of camp at Grand Canyon Baptist Camp in Prescott Pines. We have 44 teen campers this week! Praise the Lord! We had two cancellations at the last minute or we would have had 50 total with sponsors. The speaker this week is Evangelist Billy Ingram. They are scheduled to have the largest week in the camp’s history with over 225. This will certainly be one exciting week in the lives of our teenagers.

I am praying that the Lord will work in the hearts and lives of our teenagers; as well as, the parents here in Tucson. It can always be a little intimidating for a parent to have their teenager come back excited to serve the Lord. Mom and dad, please do not pour cold water on that which God does in the hearts of your teens this week. Pray that God will do amazing things in the lives of your teenagers.

Sunday, May 20 was Graduate Recognition Sunday at Tucson Baptist Temple. It is always great to acknowledge the hard work and successful completion of each TBT member. I would like to take this opportunity to recap Sunday morning’s graduates. We had five “groups” that we recognized:

1. Although Timothy Ford did not go to school for over three years, we felt it important to acknowledge Tim’s passing of his GED. In spite of struggling and even having to retake part of the GED, he never quit! Pastor Woody was always encouraging him to not give-up. I appreciate Timothy’s faithful attendance and participation here at TBT.

2. Jonathan Armstrong graduated from Pusch Ridge Christian Academy and is planning to attend West Coast Baptist College. Carissa Frisinger graduated from Santa Rita HS and will attend the U of A in the fall. Shelby Jones graduated from her homeschool studies and will attend West Coast Baptist College in August. Alex McCarthy graduated from her homeschool studies and her future plans are incomplete at this time.

3. Flora Flores (mother and grandmother) graduated with an Associates Degree from Pima Community College in Early Childhood and General Studies. Paige Spalding (unable to attend) received her Associates Degree in Baking and Pastry (still has not baked anything for her pastor) with a 4.0 from the Art Institute of Tucson.

4. Brian Beitel (son of bus director, Kelly Beitel) graduated from NAU with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Christina Knagge (single mom) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from NAU. Emily Morrison (mother and expecting) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Liberty University. April Stephens (wife and mother) graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies (Accounting and Business) from Liberty University Online. Lindsey Syers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from NAU.

5. Dennis Dwyer graduated with a Master of Divinity from Phoenix Seminary. You can read my earlier post on the graduation ceremony for Dennis.

Congrats to all for their hard work and successful accomplishment. The high school grads received a Bible and each college graduate received a gift certificate. I’ve written to each one of them to “Do Right in this next chapter of their life!”

On Saturday morning, Pastor Howard and I had the privilege to conduct the funeral service for long-time member, John Wilbur. The attendance was tremendous and was of great encouragement to the family. The following information comes from the handout that was distributed to family and friends who attended the service.

John Clinton Wilbur was born on November 12, 1936, in Johnson City, New York, as the fourth child of Earl Clinton and Gladys Doane Wilbur. he came after two boys were lost during pregnancy following John’s older sister, Lois. Raised on a small farm in northern Pennsylvania, John learned his hard work ethic at a young age by helping with all of the daily farm chores.

After losing is mother at age 11 and being raised by his sister, who was five years older, and saddened father, life became difficult. John’s mother knew the Lord and faithfully served Him right up until the time of her death. His father was a preacher but became discouraged when he couldn’t support his family and stopped serving the Lord when John was only three. Praise God, a hired hand on the farm took John to church where he accepted the Lord as his Savior in his early teen years.

At the age of 17, John lost his fingers in a farm accident and a year later contracted Bulbar Polio, which almost took his life. After graduating from Harpursville Central high School in 1955, he began working at Demerees Garage as a parts runner. It was then that a friend invited him to a birthday party where he met Winona. They soon fell in love and he made the second best decision of his life. They were married on September 28, 1957.

John and Winona had seven children in nine years, taking the verse, “be fruitful and multiply”, to new heights. The work ethic that he had learned on the farm helped him to provide for his large family. The Wilbur family visited Tucson in 1972 at the invitation of close friends, Dick and Pat Kishbaugh. They attended Tucson Baptist Temple both Sundays during that visit and quickly fell in love with TBT, as well as with February’s weather. They began making plans to relocate their family, and in February of 1974, made Tucson home and joined TBT.

John’s playful personality and easy going manner made most people very comfortable, and he could easily put a smile on their face. He enjoyed bantering back and forth, making up strange names (George Brown) and teasing others. he made sure to welcome newcomers and they would soon look forward to what name (Lucy Jones) he might call them.

The Lord entrusted John with various health issues, the last being cancer which quickly spread throughout his body. His family could not be more proud of him, as he faced his new battle with the measure of grace the Lord gave him, keeping his smile and cantankerous nature to the very end. The Lord promoted him to Glory at 11:30 on Friday night, May 11, 2012. We can imagine the Lord called to Gladys and saying, “Come meet your son at the pearly gate”, as they were able to enjoy their first Mother’s Day together in 65 years.

Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…”

John and his infectious smile will be missed at TBT. John never missed a service and I do wonder, WHO will replace John at TBT? Who will stand in the gap?

Each time I am invited to a sporting event, play, recital, etc. by one of our parents or children, I try to go so that I can encourage the children of our church. I love getting to know our church families and this is an excellent way to do so.

I had the opportunity to go watch Trinity and Harley in their school play. Both had singing parts and really did an excellent job. As is the case with most children when there is an audience, there were nerves; however, the students were able to remember their lines, in spite of this pressure. It was good to see Fred and Helen Vanley at the play supporting this family. Patty, Harley and Trinity’s grandmother, was so excited to see all of us show up for the play!

Patty Cox is working hard to keep her granddaughters in church and making right decisions. I certainly have an admiration for all grandparents who have taken up the mantle to train their grandchildren when the parent(s) are unavailable. Patty, keep up the good work you are doing!

I was able to capture these two pics during the play. Harley is the top pic and Trinity is on the right with the yellow flower in her hair.

I always enjoy watching the children and youth of our church participate in sports or other activities. I was invited to watch Justin play for his high school, Santa Rita High School, on Friday afternoon. Justin is a home-school student and is allowed to play for Santa Rita. Justin plays third base and pitches.

I appreciate Justin’s hard work and great attitude. Justin is very faithful here at TBT and as a freshman, he always attends the prayer meetings in my office. He is a great member of our youth group!

Delaney plays soccer and is her team’s keeper! We were invited on a beautiful January day to watch Delaney play. The field at Golf Links Park is amazing. I think it would be great to play on this field.

Delaney played very well and her team won 6-3! Way to go Delaney! I learned in this soccer game that girls are far nicer than boys! Girls don’t like to get dirty and will stop to clean their knees if they have dirt on them.

Delaney and her family are very active at TBT. It was a joy to spend some time with the family and see their life outside of TBT.

Thank you for inviting us to watch you play!

Bethany is one of our teenagers who is home-schooled and plays soccer for Santa Rita High School. We were given an invitation to watch Bethany play soccer. It was a very, very cold night; however, we bundled up and headed to the high school. Beth has been recovering from an ankle injury and had been give the green light to play on the night we visited her school.

Beth played valiantly, as did her teammates, but a victory was not to be on this particular night. Beth’s ankle was not quite ready for a full game; however, we enjoyed watching Beth play in the first half and fellowshipping with her family during the second half. Beth is actively involved in our ministry by singing specials, singing in the choir, helping with “Date Night,” and in her youth group. Beth is a blessing to have in the TBT ministry.

I am so thankful that in this year 2012 that God is still saving and changing people’s lives. On Saturday, January 14, we had our normal door-to-door visitation and around 25 out for visitation. Two of our ladies knocked on a door and invited the family to TBT. As a result of this visit, the family attended church on Sunday, July 15. At the invitation time, both the husband and wife left their pew and walked to the front of the church. Both the husband and wife were talked to by our counselors. Both accepted Christ as their own personal, Lord and Savior. It truly was thrilling to see the joy that flooded into their soul.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Spears, a young couple in their 20′s, took the next big important step in their new found faith. Last night they followed the Lord’s instruction to be baptized. They publicly identified with Christ (as did 14 adults) and made it known to our church family, their own family, and their friends that a change has taken place in their lives. It is so true… personal invitations to church still works!

Two ladies did not try to go on visitation, they went on door-to-door visitation. As a result of their obedience, two adults have now made the most important decision of their lives. The changes have been evident in just one short week. Praise the Lord for His abundant goodness to this family.

Don’t try today; DO today!

Our revival was rich with words of encouragement and challenge; in fact, here are emails that I’ve received… may they encourage you this day!

Pastor,

I had never taken fasting very seriously until this year.  Now don’t think I’m terrible but I thought it was old fashion and not something many people did these days.  Shame on me!!! I thought o.k. with everything going on in our lives maybe I should try it and see what happens so I did fast on our Thursday fast a week ago.  And boy was I happy I did!  What a revival in me took place that day!  Ask and ye shall receive.  I prayed that the revival would start with me that day and all of a sudden as I prayed that day my worship and service for the Lord took on new meaning I was able to put my goals in perspective and I felt a revitalizing from the Holy Spirit I hadn’t experienced before.  I found a peace with everything going on in my life I hadn’t felt in a long time!  I’m really excited!  Brother Shrock was the perfect evangelist to keep that fire going!  I promise I will never again doubt the power of adding fasting to my spiritual life!

Thank you for scheduling the revivalmeetings!

Have a wonderful blessing filled day,

Love in Christ,

Another email from a TBT member…

Pastor Brent and Bro. Mike,

_____ and I just want to take the time and encourage you both from  the Revival this week.  We thoroughly enjoyed each message, and as I mentioned to you, Bro. Mike, I have sat at the feet of Bro. Dave McCracken several times.  We have enjoyed learning from God’s word from Bro. Dave, Bro. Mike (That’s you), Bro. Kent York, Bro. Mike Pelletier and many others.

This is to you, Pastor – please schedule Bro. Mike again as soon as reasonably possible.  What a wonderful choice for the Revival.

God bless you both!  Bro. Mike:  I am practicing increasing my Virtue and Temperance tonight.  ‘Nuff said.  Neither _____ nor I have ever heard 2 Peter 1: 5-7 taught so brilliantly as to edify us to take action.

Malachi 3:10

Still another email…

Pastor Brent–Thanks for everything you do for our church.  I appreciate all the hard work that you and your family put into making our church AWESOME!!  Revival was amazing I’m DOING more this year than I have in the past.  Thanks for the challenge!!

Your blogs are an encouragement to me and a reminder to DO in 2012.

Thanks and God Bless,

Yet another response…

Good morning Pastor A,

Congratulations on a wonderful week! Your selection of speakers was right on point. You have had several good speakers here through the last 2 1/2 years. Bro. Mike just made such an impact upon our church. The people enjoyed listening to him, the time did just fly by, and more importantly life changing decisions were made. I understand that Neal led a young man to Christ, and that you led the wife to Christ after the service.

My cup runneth over.

Thank you  again for having Bro. Mike  be our guest speaker.

I must echo the last email – my cup runneth over and I am super excited about this coming weekend!

May 10, 12, 13, and 14 are important dates in the life of Tucson Baptist Temple! It is time for our annual Stewardship Dinner Series. Last year was our first Stewardship Banquet and we only had one; this year it has grown to four banquets. How amazing! I will attempt to help others see the need for our campus improvement projects for the 2011-2012 year!

There is so much to be done; yet, together I absolutely know that we can make it happen with the giving of God’s people and the blessing of God upon our ministry. We can never be satisfied that last year was enough. We must press forward to tackle a new mountain of seeming impossibility. I eagerly anticipate the new excitement that will be generated with the three specific projects that will help our campus in a great way!

Our 2010-2011 Stewardship Campaign closes on May 31. The TBT membership was amazing in actually exceeding the pledged amount of $125,000! What a thrill to be a part of a congregation that is willing to give and even give sacrificially to change the face of their church by improving our ability to reach Tucson one family at a time.

Thank you TBT; let’s tackle the next mountain!