September, 2010 

Good People

It’s hard to believe!  By the time this addition of the Highlights has been published Canaan will have hosted its last Lakeside Worship for the summer.  Our summer activities will be officially over for 2010 when it seems they’ve just started.  I imagine there are a number of people around the lake who feel the same. 

During these gatherings, there were two messages we were trying to communicate.  The first was that the real story of Christ exists outside the walls of church buildings.  The teaching, Spirit, and invitation of Christ is available to everyone right where they are.

The second message was one of solidarity.  Many church people and pastors in our area realize that we are all of the same faith despite our particular distinctions.  The response and participation of so many pastors and musicians was living proof.

For me there was also an unexpected reward.  It was affirmation.  We’ve all become a bit more cynical, or at the very least, suspicious in current times.  Far too often we are let down by individuals and organizations that are less honorable than they pretend to be.  It seems that the higher the alleged integrity, the greater the chances of deception.  Unfortunately the church has also suffered from this.  So it is extremely reassuring, to come across the real deal.

In the course of partnering with other churches I have found that there are some very genuine, committed people in our own community.  For example: Pastor Harlan Kincade of Whitestone Church came and shared in music and message.  Not long ago someone was talking to me about Pastor Harlan.  They said they have lived around here for quite some time and heard Pastor Harlan’s name come up on a number of occasions and no one has ever had a negative thing to say about him.  He is respected as one of God’s servants by a great many people. 

Pastor Buddy Goss of New Winchester Baptist church spoke to us on our first Sunday back up on the Point.  Pastor Buddy is obviously a skilled speaker.  But the real attraction is not merely his words, but his manner.  He has a gentle and compassionate quality that makes me think of the words of St. Francis of Assisi.  “Preach the Gospel at all times –when necessary use words.”

Pastor Jason Allmon of Bainbridge Christian has done an incredible job bringing that church to life.  He has poured, what seems like limitless energy into the task and it shows!  We’ve even reaped benefits over at Canaan.  He hooked us up with the group “Mosaic.”   These young people have extraordinary talent; but the real power was in the focus of their spiritual commitment. 

Speaking of musicians, the Gospel Bluegrass group, “Upward Journey” played a full concert for us at the Point.  They didn’t ask for payment of any kind but did it for the sheer joy of singing music with a message.  Of course, fortunately we have a little thing we call “the gift of gas” (a love-offering for those traveling any distance) and those who came were able to show their appreciation.

And of course, there are the people of Canaan who lugged equipment, towed banners, and participated despite the summer heat.  -And others such as Pastor Rick Fay and Calvary Chapel Fellowship of Greencastle.

I guess in a way this is a thank-you to them all.  But the real focus of this article is affirmation.    Philippians 4: 8 says “Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about … good things in others.”  

There are still those genuine people all around us who are in fact, the real deal.  This summer has been an honor in partnering with some of them.  My life is richer in knowing them.

As well, Canaan thanks Charlie Beard and the POA for allowing us some great times in such a beautiful setting.  It is inspiring and challenging to realize there are still so many good people all around us.  They are keeping it real.  

Pastor Kevin