Thank you for volunteering at Marathon.
Eddie made a good point changing things up Sunday and making us take the time to really worship God. Do you ever just sit in church wondering what the next song will be, or actually wondering what you will have for lunch? I think it happens to all of us. My brain wonders did the ushers count? Did everyone get greeted? Did we run out of donuts? We all have somewhere we wonder off to. Church is a time for us to take time for the Lord. In everything we do on Sunday should be for God. If it is greeting, ushering, information, or preparing coffee, it is for God. You should give it all you have as if the Lord is standing right beside you. How would you prepare God's coffee, how would you greet God? We would give it all. God is with us on Sunday, just let Him work through you. It will make a difference for yourself and for many others.
Prayer Requests from Sunday:
Dewey's dad has an infection now.
Pam McCormick's mom
Penny Evan's eye
Abbey Turner's dad - health issue
Vicki Gill is sick
Emily DeRoberts aunt at GMH
Renee Dempsey's unspoken
Karen Craven's unspoken
Have a wonderful week and I will see you Sunday!
For His Work,
Crystal Riggins
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hi wonderful volunteers!
I am a little disappointed that we did not receive snow. I love snow! It is so peaceful.
Invite Cards will be handed out this Sunday for the February series. Welcome team does a great job getting these out.
New Prayer Requests and Prayer Requests Updates
Dewey's dad has been from CCU to ICU. This is a praise.
Shawn's dog is doing much better and she has a job interview this week.
Kim James(greeter and volunteer central) is having some health issues. Had tonsils removed yesterday.
Prayer works!
See you Sunday. Have a great week!
I am a little disappointed that we did not receive snow. I love snow! It is so peaceful.
Invite Cards will be handed out this Sunday for the February series. Welcome team does a great job getting these out.
New Prayer Requests and Prayer Requests Updates
Dewey's dad has been from CCU to ICU. This is a praise.
Shawn's dog is doing much better and she has a job interview this week.
Kim James(greeter and volunteer central) is having some health issues. Had tonsils removed yesterday.
Prayer works!
See you Sunday. Have a great week!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Ongoing Repairs
I woke up on Saturday morning to frozen water pipes, and knew that my agenda had been set for the day. If you have read my blog for awhile you’ll know that any home repair project usually takes me all day, not due to the difficulty of the job at hand, but due to the lack of expertise in the hands doing the job. Still, I occasionally attempt to make repairs, and sometimes even improvements.
Our house is not a mansion; it’s more like me - sort of small to medium, with more of a sturdy build than any graceful elegance, and with a definite mind of its own. Like me it is resistant to change; even openly hostile to my ideas of what it ought to be. But slowly, surely, and occasionally even patiently I am enlightening it, changing its self-concept, convincing it that it is not an ugly, old house - it is a great space that I would like to inhabit and be on friendly terms with - a space full of promise and beauty and order and life.
I suspect that it wants to cooperate, but it's hard to trust in your builder, so I must be patient. Whoever it was that shaped this place before we came along did so with some pretty big nails, deep cuts, hard hammers and rough saws. And sometimes in the heat of the toil of my labor I give in to fits of selfish rage - frustration more over my lack of skill than over the house’s lack of progress.
Still, I am strangely moved by the place and I proclaim the gospel to it softly. I say, "I know how it hurts to be torn up. I am often choked on the litter left by my own remodeling. I know what it's like to settle into the despair of believing that you are wasted space. I have felt the blows of heavy hammers that nailed me to a sense of uselessness. I have been shaped by some pretty careless workers who came to the task of making me and lacked the craftsmanship or artistry to do so. Even worse, much of the damage and decay that I suffer from was self inflicted. I know the pain of wanting to be changed and yet being distrustful of changes, of wanting to be worked on, but being suspicious of the intentions of the Worker. But here is some good news:
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6
Now THAT is good news. However messy we may be now, however confusing and scary it appears, however endless the task may seem, we will some day be glorious, beautiful, and alive!
There is much tearing out to do - a lot to give up. No thin coat of new paint, no shallow, petty piety will do. It's not good enough to cover up imperfection, it must be corrected. Art, beauty, function - these things take time. They may indeed take until the end of the age. But we are not wasted space, we are temples of a Being greater than ourselves, temples being built to be inhabited and brought to Life.
Though we may not understand the process, our Builder does. We are being made by a Master Carpenter. We are His workmanship and the place where He lives, and we can never give up, because He certainly never will.
Our house is not a mansion; it’s more like me - sort of small to medium, with more of a sturdy build than any graceful elegance, and with a definite mind of its own. Like me it is resistant to change; even openly hostile to my ideas of what it ought to be. But slowly, surely, and occasionally even patiently I am enlightening it, changing its self-concept, convincing it that it is not an ugly, old house - it is a great space that I would like to inhabit and be on friendly terms with - a space full of promise and beauty and order and life.
I suspect that it wants to cooperate, but it's hard to trust in your builder, so I must be patient. Whoever it was that shaped this place before we came along did so with some pretty big nails, deep cuts, hard hammers and rough saws. And sometimes in the heat of the toil of my labor I give in to fits of selfish rage - frustration more over my lack of skill than over the house’s lack of progress.
Still, I am strangely moved by the place and I proclaim the gospel to it softly. I say, "I know how it hurts to be torn up. I am often choked on the litter left by my own remodeling. I know what it's like to settle into the despair of believing that you are wasted space. I have felt the blows of heavy hammers that nailed me to a sense of uselessness. I have been shaped by some pretty careless workers who came to the task of making me and lacked the craftsmanship or artistry to do so. Even worse, much of the damage and decay that I suffer from was self inflicted. I know the pain of wanting to be changed and yet being distrustful of changes, of wanting to be worked on, but being suspicious of the intentions of the Worker. But here is some good news:
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6
Now THAT is good news. However messy we may be now, however confusing and scary it appears, however endless the task may seem, we will some day be glorious, beautiful, and alive!
There is much tearing out to do - a lot to give up. No thin coat of new paint, no shallow, petty piety will do. It's not good enough to cover up imperfection, it must be corrected. Art, beauty, function - these things take time. They may indeed take until the end of the age. But we are not wasted space, we are temples of a Being greater than ourselves, temples being built to be inhabited and brought to Life.
Though we may not understand the process, our Builder does. We are being made by a Master Carpenter. We are His workmanship and the place where He lives, and we can never give up, because He certainly never will.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Paul Cox Newsletter Jan 09
PAUL’ S AMAZING RACE
The story of one man’s journey to Africa and beyond for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
The Gospel beyond the preaching, teaching, and healing
Hey everyone! I know it has been awhile since I sent out a newsletter but for the longest time I struggled with how best to explain what I’m doing so that everyone will see and believe that I’m still doing His will. I know from my own experience and from people I’ve talked to that unless you’ve been in the missions field, most people see missions as all preaching, teaching and healing. Well I’m here to tell you that it’s so much more than the basics. It’s also about building relationships and discipling the next generation to go fulfill their calling.
Of all the jobs I’ve been asked to perform in the past month, the job of diplomat (building relationships) is probably the easiest and yet most difficult for me. In the past month I’ve been to two funerals and have had a third within our local workers. Building relationships is a 24/7 task and yet you never know if you’re making a difference till you see the fruit you bear. We might not ever see results of our commitments till we go Home but that shouldn’t keep you from spreading His love on earth. No day is immune from this calling and our Christmas day started at 6 am when we ferried a local church to another village to spread His love. Then we met with the headmen and elders of the village closest to the base. Afterward we ate lunch at a neighbors house and saw a play on the birth of Christ. We left from there to pick up the same church from where we dropped them. Our day ended at 10 pm when we finally got back to the base.
So being a missionary isn’t all about the salvations, it’s also about what you do in between. Since the beginning of the year I’ve had a few people come to me and say how much they appreciate my being here and how much it means to them all that I do. It is very humbling when a headman comes to you and tells you that he’s glad you’re here. Fruit produced.
Creating a haven for missionaries and weary travelers
At our Rapid 14 base, we provide a base camp for Overland Missionaries to prepare for and recover from trips to the African bush. The trips are planned out and if you come thru Overland Missions everything is provided. From the gear to the food and vehicles. You will also get a an experienced team leader and assistant to look after you. Before that happens though someone needs to prepare the way. The buildings and land must be prepared and maintained. The vehicles and equipment needs to be maintained and readied for each trip. That someone is me and my team of local workers and fellow missionaries. In the time since I’ve gotten back from Malawi I’ve worn many hats: plumber, electrician, mechanic, gardener, accountant, construction supervisor, and, like I said earlier, diplomat. It is amazing how God has prepared me for this time and how He is preparing me now for what’s to come next.
We also provide free camping for people and groups traveling thru Zambia. Most are traveling overland to see Africa and some come as missionaries. It has been such a blessing to me to meet everyone who has come thru. Most who come thru are Christians and the ones who aren’t get to see Christ’s love in action.
Even though it’s free most end up leaving a small donation as a way of saying that they support what we are doing. I really look forward to who the Lord will bring down the road next and into our lives.
That’s just a small sample of what has been happening in my life. It is my prayer that this newsletter reaches you happy and blessed. I want to thank everyone who has partnered with me in the past. I just received word that my two year work permit was approved and as such I’ll be able to stay in Zambia and continue serving Christ in whatever capacity He asks of me. As of November 10th (which is also the Marine Corps’ birthday), I’m officially on staff with Overland Missions. When I came on staff they gave me a financial goal of $1500/mth, part of which goes to base fees and part will go to a savings fund for unexpected and expected expenses. If you feel the Lord leading you to partner with me and would like more information you can contact me at paul@overlandmissions.com, or you can just make a donation
thru Marathon Church, just specify that it’s for Paul Cox.
Thank you and God bless.
Paul S. Cox
Contact Info:
Marathon Church, ATTN: Sherry Anthony
315 Roe Rd., Greenville, SC 29611 or 220-0632, ext. 232
The story of one man’s journey to Africa and beyond for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
The Gospel beyond the preaching, teaching, and healing
Hey everyone! I know it has been awhile since I sent out a newsletter but for the longest time I struggled with how best to explain what I’m doing so that everyone will see and believe that I’m still doing His will. I know from my own experience and from people I’ve talked to that unless you’ve been in the missions field, most people see missions as all preaching, teaching and healing. Well I’m here to tell you that it’s so much more than the basics. It’s also about building relationships and discipling the next generation to go fulfill their calling.
Of all the jobs I’ve been asked to perform in the past month, the job of diplomat (building relationships) is probably the easiest and yet most difficult for me. In the past month I’ve been to two funerals and have had a third within our local workers. Building relationships is a 24/7 task and yet you never know if you’re making a difference till you see the fruit you bear. We might not ever see results of our commitments till we go Home but that shouldn’t keep you from spreading His love on earth. No day is immune from this calling and our Christmas day started at 6 am when we ferried a local church to another village to spread His love. Then we met with the headmen and elders of the village closest to the base. Afterward we ate lunch at a neighbors house and saw a play on the birth of Christ. We left from there to pick up the same church from where we dropped them. Our day ended at 10 pm when we finally got back to the base.
So being a missionary isn’t all about the salvations, it’s also about what you do in between. Since the beginning of the year I’ve had a few people come to me and say how much they appreciate my being here and how much it means to them all that I do. It is very humbling when a headman comes to you and tells you that he’s glad you’re here. Fruit produced.
Creating a haven for missionaries and weary travelers
At our Rapid 14 base, we provide a base camp for Overland Missionaries to prepare for and recover from trips to the African bush. The trips are planned out and if you come thru Overland Missions everything is provided. From the gear to the food and vehicles. You will also get a an experienced team leader and assistant to look after you. Before that happens though someone needs to prepare the way. The buildings and land must be prepared and maintained. The vehicles and equipment needs to be maintained and readied for each trip. That someone is me and my team of local workers and fellow missionaries. In the time since I’ve gotten back from Malawi I’ve worn many hats: plumber, electrician, mechanic, gardener, accountant, construction supervisor, and, like I said earlier, diplomat. It is amazing how God has prepared me for this time and how He is preparing me now for what’s to come next.
We also provide free camping for people and groups traveling thru Zambia. Most are traveling overland to see Africa and some come as missionaries. It has been such a blessing to me to meet everyone who has come thru. Most who come thru are Christians and the ones who aren’t get to see Christ’s love in action.
Even though it’s free most end up leaving a small donation as a way of saying that they support what we are doing. I really look forward to who the Lord will bring down the road next and into our lives.
That’s just a small sample of what has been happening in my life. It is my prayer that this newsletter reaches you happy and blessed. I want to thank everyone who has partnered with me in the past. I just received word that my two year work permit was approved and as such I’ll be able to stay in Zambia and continue serving Christ in whatever capacity He asks of me. As of November 10th (which is also the Marine Corps’ birthday), I’m officially on staff with Overland Missions. When I came on staff they gave me a financial goal of $1500/mth, part of which goes to base fees and part will go to a savings fund for unexpected and expected expenses. If you feel the Lord leading you to partner with me and would like more information you can contact me at paul@overlandmissions.com, or you can just make a donation
thru Marathon Church, just specify that it’s for Paul Cox.
Thank you and God bless.
Paul S. Cox
Contact Info:
Marathon Church, ATTN: Sherry Anthony
315 Roe Rd., Greenville, SC 29611 or 220-0632, ext. 232
Monday, January 12, 2009
Prayer Requests from Sunday 1-11
Sunday was a great day. I came out of the service with a lot from Eddie's message. Sometimes life gets so busy that even I forget how much God loves me (little ol' me). I loved Eddie's point #3 that stated "When I realize that God accepts me through Christ, I am no longer living for His approval but from His approval". A lot of times we try and try to meet people's approval with in a job, personal relationships, etc. but we already have the approval that we need FROM God if we have a relationship with Him. He loves us for who we are.
Right now times are hard for many people even people that attend Marathon. I received several prayer requests yesterday that would like to be shared where more people can lift them up.
1. Jobs - we have several volunteers without work right now.
2. Dewey (8:30 usher) - his dad is in the hospital
3. Cathy Ward (welcome team and 10 am greeter leader) - sick
4. Jason Griffin's cousin and wife lost their newborn baby. (Jason - Welcome team)
5. Shawn Cormier's dog and work situation (Shawn - 10 am greeter and 11:30 greeter leader)
Thank you for all you do. Marathon volunteers are wonderful!!!
Have a fantastic week!
Keep RUNning,
Crystal Riggins
Right now times are hard for many people even people that attend Marathon. I received several prayer requests yesterday that would like to be shared where more people can lift them up.
1. Jobs - we have several volunteers without work right now.
2. Dewey (8:30 usher) - his dad is in the hospital
3. Cathy Ward (welcome team and 10 am greeter leader) - sick
4. Jason Griffin's cousin and wife lost their newborn baby. (Jason - Welcome team)
5. Shawn Cormier's dog and work situation (Shawn - 10 am greeter and 11:30 greeter leader)
Thank you for all you do. Marathon volunteers are wonderful!!!
Have a fantastic week!
Keep RUNning,
Crystal Riggins
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Equipped To Serve?
I was asked on Sunday if I thought a certain person was "equipped to serve". The only answer I can give is: "Are they willing to serve?"
Think about this:
God did not give Joseph any special information about how to get from being the son of a nomad in Palestine to being Pharaoh's right hand man in Egypt.
What He did give Joseph was eleven jealous brothers, the attention of a very loose and vengeful woman, the ability to do the service of interpreting dreams and managing other people's affairs and the grace to do that faithfully wherever he was.
So the question is never "Are you equipped to serve". The question is always simply, "Are you willing to serve?"
Be God's!
Robert
Think about this:
God did not give Joseph any special information about how to get from being the son of a nomad in Palestine to being Pharaoh's right hand man in Egypt.
What He did give Joseph was eleven jealous brothers, the attention of a very loose and vengeful woman, the ability to do the service of interpreting dreams and managing other people's affairs and the grace to do that faithfully wherever he was.
So the question is never "Are you equipped to serve". The question is always simply, "Are you willing to serve?"
Be God's!
Robert
Monday, January 5, 2009
Volunteers
Robert and I are real excited about beginning to keep a blog to help with communication among the Sunday morning teams. If at any time you wish for a prayer request to be shared, please email me directly at crystalriggins@marathonlive.org and I will get it on the blog.
Thank you for all you do. You are wonderful faithful servants of the Lord. I treasure knowing each of you.
Have a wonderful week!
For His Work,
Crystal Riggins
Thank you for all you do. You are wonderful faithful servants of the Lord. I treasure knowing each of you.
Have a wonderful week!
For His Work,
Crystal Riggins
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Welcome To Volunteer Central
Welcome everyone, to our new Volunteer Central page!
Crystal and I will be using this forum to communicate with all of the volunteers. As it develops, we hope to add devotional and inspirational posts, as well as announcements, special stories and prayer requests.
You will also be able to add comments of your own, simply by clicking on the comments link at the bottom of each post.
Be sure to sign up as a "Follower" of this blog over in the right side margin, and you will be notified each time something is posted.
See you on Sunday, and until then...
Be God's!
Robert
Crystal and I will be using this forum to communicate with all of the volunteers. As it develops, we hope to add devotional and inspirational posts, as well as announcements, special stories and prayer requests.
You will also be able to add comments of your own, simply by clicking on the comments link at the bottom of each post.
Be sure to sign up as a "Follower" of this blog over in the right side margin, and you will be notified each time something is posted.
See you on Sunday, and until then...
Be God's!
Robert
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