New England news & perspectives
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Silent Revival in Vermont
When you are in the middle of the forest, it is difficult to see the overall landscape. That is how it feels sometimes serving in the mission field of Vermont, especially during the recent flooding event.
The Generational Cycle of Sin, Judgment, Repentance, and Rescue
“Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD.” Very familiar words to those who spend time in God’s Word. These words begin a cycle that has been repeated from the beginning of God’s creation. We see it in the Garden of Eden and we see it in our lives today. The cycle has four parts and has repeated for generations.
Obedience as a navigational tool
It all began with three pastors from Ridge Baptist Association in South Carolina coming to Vermont for a vision trip in February 2022 – yes, major snow season in Vermont. We had so much fun visiting pastors and churches during those few days. There was an emergency pulpit need that one of them covered and God showed His Favor upon this potential partnership in a mighty way during those few days.
In the darkest times, God’s light shines brightest
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
These are Jesus’ words to his disciples, including us. Our trouble is what we have just spent the last two years navigating through with God’s help. This type of trouble is no stranger to those of us who serve in New England.
Vermont Snow Camp for pastors
Our BCNE Vermont Pastors and families recently shared a powerful experience together as they gathered for Snow Camp at Rumney Bible Conference Center in NH. Each family had their own room and enjoyed fellowship, food and fun in an area of stunning natural beauty that reminded them of the awe of God’s Creation.
The generational relay race
As much as 2020 was a year of shut downs, frustration and anxiety for so many, it was also a year of creativity, miracles and divine intervention. One thing I have particularly noticed in the region where I serve is that I am beginning to see a transition. The baton of church leadership is being passed on to the next generation, and those handing off the baton are grabbing hold of another baton as they enter a new Kingdom role.
Faith and thanksgiving
Ever since I can remember, Thanksgiving has been my favorite annual holiday. We were a typical New England family that would prepare a typical New England Thanksgiving feast, and as we sat around the table everyone would express one thing they were thankful for. As a young boy I thought it was pretty cool that a federal government would set aside one day each year for its citizens to stop their busy lives and gather with family to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us. This led to a lifelong infatuation with Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower and these courageous folks that travelled across the Atlantic Ocean in the fall of 1620.
An appeal to Heaven: Christ is the only hope for our nation
If we are to truly believe God’s Word, then we must realize that God created us “for such a time as this.”
We say this often, but do we live it out? These are definitely strange times in our culture, and the opportunity to serve God has never been greater. Being a Baby Boomer, I remember well the last big period of upheaval we saw in this nation. There was so much confusion during the 1960s that both a president and a godly man who preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ were assassinated in plain sight.
Carpe diem regno
I get excited to meet with people weekly to disciple believers in their walk with God. During the last few months, face-to-face relationship building has been difficult, but not impossible. In fact, God allowed me to continue making new acquaintances and even have some of the strongest discipleship moments I have ever had in a one-on-one setting while the country went into shut down mode.
God’s Spirit is being poured out
Three months later, we are in the throes of a global epidemic such as our generation has never experienced. Yet God’s Spirit has indeed been poured out upon people. While church buildings may have closed down, the Church is more alive than ever. Small flocks are stepping into the technological age and are seeing remarkable things. One pastor who shepherds a flock of 25 saw one of their services posted on YouTube receive over 350 views. He was amazed!
The generational ripples of sin
Have you ever given much thought to how your life impacts others? I remember the last funeral we had in town for a young life that ended far to early due to self-medication. Seeing the sorrow and hurt left behind after this death crushed my heart.
When relating to folks deeply entrenched in their sin there is a phrase that is all too common: “I am only hurting myself.” This is a lie straight from the father of lies. Have we truly stopped to ponder the effect our sin has on those around us? Have we ever considered the ramifications our supposedly small or inconsequential act of disobedience toward the Father might have for future generations?