Dear Mission Family,
The other evening a cool front moved into McCreary County. During the previous weeks the daily temperatures had exceeded ninety degrees, with the humidity close behind it. Ah, summer in Appalachia. But we awoke that particular morning to find a bright blue sky with a pleasant breeze drifting in from the north-east. I looked to the horizon and found that this weather front had scrubbed most of the haze from the hills, allowing me to easily see the mountain-tops in neighboring Tennessee.
That same morning I sat on our front porch swing and began softly praising God for the beauty of the day. As the sun rose it began caressing my face and I had a somewhat comical picture enter my mind; an image portrayed on a cereal box. Perhaps you’ve seen it. There is a picture of a large radiant orb, smiling with human characteristics down upon the land below. This cartoon image didn’t linger. It was quickly replaced with thoughts of God, smiling upon me personally. I could almost hear my Father’s voice saying, “Your labors are not in vain. You bring me great pleasure by what you do and how you do it. I love you!”
How is it that we most often feel God smiling on us? As I listen to a great many people it would seem that receiving some tangible sign of the Lord’s favor inclines them to feel that God is pleased with them. Folks speak of sensing His affirmation in everything from receiving a large bonus on their paychecks to finding a parking place near the door at the mall. For many, material or situational blessings are the way that they see the smiling face of God.
The Lord certainly speaks to our spirits; guiding, counseling, affirming, and correcting. I have met people who say that they have never really experienced a deep spiritual moment with the Lord. While they profess a belief in the existence of God, and even in His Love, they cannot identify an instance when they feel the Creator of their souls has touched them personally in a deeply spiritual way. I’ve also found that these same individuals often do not take the “time” to seek moments of stillness before the Lord. If they have any type of devotion time, it usually doesn’t afford them the opportunity to sit quietly before God and connect with their Creator at a deeper level. But I wonder if we often tend to overlook one of the most common, and perhaps important, ways that our Wonderful God shows us His pleasure with our lives.
Many of you are aware that Rita and I have encountered a great deal of difficulty in our ministry recently. As our efforts to “be church” to the people of our community becomes stronger, so does the resistance. If I were to gauge God’s pleasure with us by the circumstances of our lives, I would often have to say we are failing. But I’ve grown in my relationship with the Lord enough to understand that for every positive, Christ-focused step we take, there is another force at work attempting to dismantle the good that has been done. This influence is especially disturbing when it seems to be impacting us through those who call on the name of Jesus.
At the beginning of this summer’s mission team visits I found myself looking for a smile, or at least a nod, from the Lord. The work was grueling and difficult relational issues influenced my perception of things. I’m certain that even if a “cool front” were to have swept in at that point, I would have still failed to feel the Father’s affirmation on my life. But then something happened! A new church family from Lombard Illinois joined us in ministry. They came into our lives and began pointing out how much they appreciated all our hard work. These saints didn’t flatter Rita and me. They simply noticed what had been done to facilitate their ministry to the poor and expressed their appreciation. Although the work-week was often accompanied by heat, humidity and clouds, I was able to feel God smiling on my life. A few weeks later I once again began feeling ineffective in my attempts to minister among God’s people. That same evening I received an email from a friend who quoted some very pointed scripture, expressing her appreciation and support of the direction that the Lord is guiding our efforts. As I read the words of encouragement, I felt God’s smile come over me.
Isn’t that how God most often seems to shower His Love upon us; through the Body of Christ, the church? At least, that’s how I see Jesus calling His Church to respond. Our Lord often reminds us of the power of our words, to bring a positive influence into a given situation or to undermine the efforts being put forth. I would like to challenge you today to find someone who you see working hard for the Kingdom of God and allow a “smile” to come over their lives. Don’t flatter them. Flattery can be an obvious shallow gesture. Instead, pray that the Lord would guide you to speak a smile over them in some manner. I can’t overemphasize how powerful that prayer can be. Actually, such a request is really an answer to the prayer that Jesus Himself offered on our behalf: “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:23)
Next month I plan to provide you with an overview of many of the wonderful things that have been accomplished by the Lord through the missionaries He has called to labor alongside us this summer. Please continue to pray for these mission teams as they minister in the hills. And remember one of your greatest callings- to be the source of God’s smile in someone’s life every day! Rita and I love and appreciate you all.
Sunset over the Hills and Hollers
Friday, July 07, 2006
Monday, June 05, 2006
Hurt and Offense
Scene from the Hills and Hollers: June 2006
Dear Mission Family,
Living in a smaller rural community, we sometimes find ourselves traveling considerable distances to secure the goods and services we occasionally need. On a recent trip to one of our “big cities”, Knoxville Tennessee, I experienced a phenomenon that used to be part of my daily life in the Chicagoland area. After waiting to make a difficult, but legal U-turn to join the continual stream of oncoming traffic, I found myself needing to be a little bit aggressive with my driving. At the next very small break in traffic I hit the gas and swiftly maneuvered into a lane. But I guess I didn’t move quickly enough. A bright red truck, piloted by a driver who obviously didn’t want me occupying a position in front of him, roared past and then cut directly in front of my vehicle. Of course this road warrior made certain that he had eye contact with me as he passed, expressing his displeasure at my move. I must admit, the only thing missing was the usual hand gesture. Perhaps by God’s Grace I missed that part of his statement. As my pulse quickened a little I realized that I was feeling some amount of offense at the other driver’s actions.
Later during the day I thought back to another experience of a few months ago. I had been sitting with a group of fellow ministers discussing some very difficult issues of the church. For whatever reason another pastor, who followed a rather pronounced Pentecostal tradition, looked at me and said, “You know, often when I begin to worship and I look towards you, I feel the Spirit of God depart. I’m unable to worship as I desire!” I believe what he was referring to was my personal, more contemplative manner of celebrating the presence of God. For whatever reason, this Minister of the Gospel felt compelled to tell me that he didn’t agree with it, and that my actions caused him distress. I don’t suppose that I need to share with you that I was deeply hurt by his comments.
What was the difference between these two situations, other than the obvious fact that the first one was a random encounter with an extremely temperamental un-churched person (a Christian would have never reacted like that, right?), while the second was experienced within the bonds of Christian fellowship? Neither person appreciated my performance in the circumstances we were faced with, but I reacted differently in each case. What was the difference? The answer becomes apparent- the presence or absence of a level of LOVE. I had some type of relationship with both of these men. The first was a momentary encounter, not based on anything other than occupying the same bit of asphalt. The second had developed over time as we served the Lord together. I felt nothing but irritation for the irate driver, but I have a level of love for my fellow minister. I forgot about the road-rage incident until I sat down to write this article, but I have pondered the church-related situation for a great many months.
As I considered these types of events in my life I was reminded of a great bit of Scripture that has helped me through similar situations.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
I had to stop and consider this passage closely. “If it is possible…” It may not be! We may find that our personalities, beliefs, interests, and ways of expressing ourselves don’t mesh well enough with someone to allow frequent close contact, even in the church. We’re instructed to live together in harmony (not uniformity), but even two voices singing distinct harmony parts don’t always blend well. I’ve found it most difficult, sometimes impossible, to work alongside highly competitive individuals with personal agendas, even in ministry.
That’s where the second part comes in. “…as far as it depends on you…” You can’t control what someone else thinks or feels. That would be unhealthy. But you can do whatever you are able to insure that some level of peace prevails. How? By the way you REACT to the perceived hurt when it surfaces!
When hurt our first impulse is to take a defensive posture. We then usually try to justify our own actions to anyone else who will listen, especially ourselves. Finally we dwell on the event for a long time, allowing the wound to fester and remain exposed. But what should our response really be? We must remember that if there is a hurt then there is some level of love involved, if only one-sided. Try focusing on this remedy:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, …noble, …right, …pure, …lovely, …admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. (Phil 4:8)
You may have to confront the person who has trod on your emotions, but just perhaps it is better to allow the situation to simply pass. Often times the other person isn’t even aware that the hurt has occurred. Look at your friend with compassion, understanding that, regardless of their position or authority, they are affected by the same flawed human nature that impacts all of our relationships. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col 3:14)
Oh, one final word about hurt. If you apply yourself to these teachings and still feel the sting of a perceived betrayal, be patient. The Lord has a way of taking all these things and working them together for something good, according to His perfect timing!
Our love and thanks to y’all… Jim and Rita
Dear Mission Family,
Living in a smaller rural community, we sometimes find ourselves traveling considerable distances to secure the goods and services we occasionally need. On a recent trip to one of our “big cities”, Knoxville Tennessee, I experienced a phenomenon that used to be part of my daily life in the Chicagoland area. After waiting to make a difficult, but legal U-turn to join the continual stream of oncoming traffic, I found myself needing to be a little bit aggressive with my driving. At the next very small break in traffic I hit the gas and swiftly maneuvered into a lane. But I guess I didn’t move quickly enough. A bright red truck, piloted by a driver who obviously didn’t want me occupying a position in front of him, roared past and then cut directly in front of my vehicle. Of course this road warrior made certain that he had eye contact with me as he passed, expressing his displeasure at my move. I must admit, the only thing missing was the usual hand gesture. Perhaps by God’s Grace I missed that part of his statement. As my pulse quickened a little I realized that I was feeling some amount of offense at the other driver’s actions.
Later during the day I thought back to another experience of a few months ago. I had been sitting with a group of fellow ministers discussing some very difficult issues of the church. For whatever reason another pastor, who followed a rather pronounced Pentecostal tradition, looked at me and said, “You know, often when I begin to worship and I look towards you, I feel the Spirit of God depart. I’m unable to worship as I desire!” I believe what he was referring to was my personal, more contemplative manner of celebrating the presence of God. For whatever reason, this Minister of the Gospel felt compelled to tell me that he didn’t agree with it, and that my actions caused him distress. I don’t suppose that I need to share with you that I was deeply hurt by his comments.
What was the difference between these two situations, other than the obvious fact that the first one was a random encounter with an extremely temperamental un-churched person (a Christian would have never reacted like that, right?), while the second was experienced within the bonds of Christian fellowship? Neither person appreciated my performance in the circumstances we were faced with, but I reacted differently in each case. What was the difference? The answer becomes apparent- the presence or absence of a level of LOVE. I had some type of relationship with both of these men. The first was a momentary encounter, not based on anything other than occupying the same bit of asphalt. The second had developed over time as we served the Lord together. I felt nothing but irritation for the irate driver, but I have a level of love for my fellow minister. I forgot about the road-rage incident until I sat down to write this article, but I have pondered the church-related situation for a great many months.
As I considered these types of events in my life I was reminded of a great bit of Scripture that has helped me through similar situations.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
I had to stop and consider this passage closely. “If it is possible…” It may not be! We may find that our personalities, beliefs, interests, and ways of expressing ourselves don’t mesh well enough with someone to allow frequent close contact, even in the church. We’re instructed to live together in harmony (not uniformity), but even two voices singing distinct harmony parts don’t always blend well. I’ve found it most difficult, sometimes impossible, to work alongside highly competitive individuals with personal agendas, even in ministry.
That’s where the second part comes in. “…as far as it depends on you…” You can’t control what someone else thinks or feels. That would be unhealthy. But you can do whatever you are able to insure that some level of peace prevails. How? By the way you REACT to the perceived hurt when it surfaces!
When hurt our first impulse is to take a defensive posture. We then usually try to justify our own actions to anyone else who will listen, especially ourselves. Finally we dwell on the event for a long time, allowing the wound to fester and remain exposed. But what should our response really be? We must remember that if there is a hurt then there is some level of love involved, if only one-sided. Try focusing on this remedy:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, …noble, …right, …pure, …lovely, …admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. (Phil 4:8)
You may have to confront the person who has trod on your emotions, but just perhaps it is better to allow the situation to simply pass. Often times the other person isn’t even aware that the hurt has occurred. Look at your friend with compassion, understanding that, regardless of their position or authority, they are affected by the same flawed human nature that impacts all of our relationships. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col 3:14)
Oh, one final word about hurt. If you apply yourself to these teachings and still feel the sting of a perceived betrayal, be patient. The Lord has a way of taking all these things and working them together for something good, according to His perfect timing!
Our love and thanks to y’all… Jim and Rita
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Back from the Holy Land
Dear Mission Family,
Greetings to you all! Rita and I recently arrived home from a ten-day tour of the Holy Land; specifically Israel and Jordan. This was hardly a vacation. Our traveling companions often said, most appropriately “We ran in the steps that Jesus walked!” Since returning to Appalachia many people have asked me, “What were the most memorable moments of your pilgrimage?” You might think it would be experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the Old City of Jerusalem; walking along the Via Dolorosa (the sorrowful way) two weeks before Easter. However, this being my second visit to this most notable part of the world, I found myself focusing more on the people I encountered than on the history that surrounded me. While I developed a great many impressions during our journey, I would like to briefly relate three which are etched in my memory.
While the Old City usually leaves visitors with a feeling of awe, I personally preferred walking the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. It was in this place that Jesus really began His earthly ministry, calling a group of common men to become the first human beings ever to receive understanding of a New Covenant between God and man. The serene hillsides that roll up from the north end of the lake provide a wonderful setting for pondering the importance of “The Sermon on the Mount”. We all embrace doctrine that seems to grow in proportion to our Christian maturity, or at least to our experiences in the church. How needful we are of often returning to the simple roots of our faith; reconciling strained relationships, casting off the things that inhibit these relationships, being faithful people of our word, giving with compassion to those in need. I believe that our understanding of advanced issues, such as the place of “signs and wonders” in the church, will come into the proper perspective if we focus on what Jesus told us our primary mission must be.
The birthplace of our Savior provided me with a wonderful opportunity to consider these teachings of our Lord. You may already know that Israel has been constructing a long fortified wall to separate itself from the areas which are under Palestinian control. As we approached Bethlehem I noticed this imposing structure with its’ large steel gate. The harshness of the dull-grey concrete barrier left me feeling cold. As we drove to The Church of the Nativity, which is the traditional site of “the Incarnation”, I asked our Palestinian-Christian driver how he felt about the exclusion which the wall presented. He gazed off at that structure for a few moments, sighed a little, and then softly offered, “The wall has always been there. The difference is that now it is visible.” I thought about how good we are, as a people in general, at building walls so that we don’t have to relate to each other.
Once inside The Church of the Nativity my feelings of uneasiness quickly dissipated. Not having time to tour the entire building, which is actually several churches and shrines tied together, we entered into the area where the Birth of Christ is said to have occurred. With the smell of incense filling the air, the presence of religious icons all about, and candles softly glowing around the altars, I found myself drawn into a certain sense of awe; not at the elaborate religious setting, but at the immensity of what had transpired in this area over 2,000 years ago. As a small group of Armenian worshippers began softly singing, I allowed my voice and spirit to join them in praise. But my worship was suddenly interrupted by a loud coarse sound. The Orthodox priest keeping watch over the church, and who was lounging in a large ornate chair beside the altar, emitted one of the loudest yawns I’ve ever heard. I looked his way to see his apparent passiveness to all that was going on about him. No doubt, for years he has experienced the conditions that were now moving so many of us. I thought about how this same reaction can creep into our own lives within “the church”; feelings of boredom, complacency, and a lack of enthusiasm for what God is doing all about us.
What significance do these experiences have here in our Appalachian ministry? I think the answers are obvious. The Sea of Galilee, at least from my perspective, reminds me of the need to keep a fresh, simple approach in drawing people to Jesus. I can’t present them with some complicated and impossible path to understanding, such as the Pharisees presented. I need to be salt and light, not a blend of spices and many hues of illumination. I must also be wary of wall-building. One of the high profile, more prosperous churches in our community, also has the grandest wall surrounding them. People are invited into the compound, but they never venture outside of it to embrace others who are different from them. Lastly, I must never lose the awe of being in God’s presence. Actually, if you are truly focused on what the Lord is doing in your life, I don’t think it is really possible to lose that awe. When I shift my attention from the work of God to my own existence, then I become complacent.
As our ministry gears up for a very busy summer mission schedule, please continue to pray for us. The needs in this community are great. Pray that the missionaries who come will be salt and light in an area that needs Christian savoring and illumination. To God be the Glory! Thanks for your ongoing support of what He is doing through us.
Celebrating the Christ of Christmas, every day… Jim and Rita Cmolik
Greetings to you all! Rita and I recently arrived home from a ten-day tour of the Holy Land; specifically Israel and Jordan. This was hardly a vacation. Our traveling companions often said, most appropriately “We ran in the steps that Jesus walked!” Since returning to Appalachia many people have asked me, “What were the most memorable moments of your pilgrimage?” You might think it would be experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the Old City of Jerusalem; walking along the Via Dolorosa (the sorrowful way) two weeks before Easter. However, this being my second visit to this most notable part of the world, I found myself focusing more on the people I encountered than on the history that surrounded me. While I developed a great many impressions during our journey, I would like to briefly relate three which are etched in my memory.
While the Old City usually leaves visitors with a feeling of awe, I personally preferred walking the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. It was in this place that Jesus really began His earthly ministry, calling a group of common men to become the first human beings ever to receive understanding of a New Covenant between God and man. The serene hillsides that roll up from the north end of the lake provide a wonderful setting for pondering the importance of “The Sermon on the Mount”. We all embrace doctrine that seems to grow in proportion to our Christian maturity, or at least to our experiences in the church. How needful we are of often returning to the simple roots of our faith; reconciling strained relationships, casting off the things that inhibit these relationships, being faithful people of our word, giving with compassion to those in need. I believe that our understanding of advanced issues, such as the place of “signs and wonders” in the church, will come into the proper perspective if we focus on what Jesus told us our primary mission must be.
The birthplace of our Savior provided me with a wonderful opportunity to consider these teachings of our Lord. You may already know that Israel has been constructing a long fortified wall to separate itself from the areas which are under Palestinian control. As we approached Bethlehem I noticed this imposing structure with its’ large steel gate. The harshness of the dull-grey concrete barrier left me feeling cold. As we drove to The Church of the Nativity, which is the traditional site of “the Incarnation”, I asked our Palestinian-Christian driver how he felt about the exclusion which the wall presented. He gazed off at that structure for a few moments, sighed a little, and then softly offered, “The wall has always been there. The difference is that now it is visible.” I thought about how good we are, as a people in general, at building walls so that we don’t have to relate to each other.
Once inside The Church of the Nativity my feelings of uneasiness quickly dissipated. Not having time to tour the entire building, which is actually several churches and shrines tied together, we entered into the area where the Birth of Christ is said to have occurred. With the smell of incense filling the air, the presence of religious icons all about, and candles softly glowing around the altars, I found myself drawn into a certain sense of awe; not at the elaborate religious setting, but at the immensity of what had transpired in this area over 2,000 years ago. As a small group of Armenian worshippers began softly singing, I allowed my voice and spirit to join them in praise. But my worship was suddenly interrupted by a loud coarse sound. The Orthodox priest keeping watch over the church, and who was lounging in a large ornate chair beside the altar, emitted one of the loudest yawns I’ve ever heard. I looked his way to see his apparent passiveness to all that was going on about him. No doubt, for years he has experienced the conditions that were now moving so many of us. I thought about how this same reaction can creep into our own lives within “the church”; feelings of boredom, complacency, and a lack of enthusiasm for what God is doing all about us.
What significance do these experiences have here in our Appalachian ministry? I think the answers are obvious. The Sea of Galilee, at least from my perspective, reminds me of the need to keep a fresh, simple approach in drawing people to Jesus. I can’t present them with some complicated and impossible path to understanding, such as the Pharisees presented. I need to be salt and light, not a blend of spices and many hues of illumination. I must also be wary of wall-building. One of the high profile, more prosperous churches in our community, also has the grandest wall surrounding them. People are invited into the compound, but they never venture outside of it to embrace others who are different from them. Lastly, I must never lose the awe of being in God’s presence. Actually, if you are truly focused on what the Lord is doing in your life, I don’t think it is really possible to lose that awe. When I shift my attention from the work of God to my own existence, then I become complacent.
As our ministry gears up for a very busy summer mission schedule, please continue to pray for us. The needs in this community are great. Pray that the missionaries who come will be salt and light in an area that needs Christian savoring and illumination. To God be the Glory! Thanks for your ongoing support of what He is doing through us.
Celebrating the Christ of Christmas, every day… Jim and Rita Cmolik
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