Since 2000 A Monthly Christian Newsletter Publication October 2008 Life Events Celebrate The Sweet Life! LIFE EVENTS MELVA S CORNER Inspirational Messages ARE YOU WAITING ON GOD? TIME TO STOP LOOKING BACK PRAISE REPORTS ANNOUNCEMENTS October Birthday s Arbra Ackee Lillie Daniels Martha P. Henessy Tammy Parker Alicia Williams Love and Devotion HOME BIBLE WORKSHOP WEBSITE OFFERINGS ENTREPRENEUR NETWORK Visit Us at www.mcclainministries.org Wedding Anniversary Well Wishes to: Frankie & Marc Regis Deborah & Albert Watson 1
You may be in a waiting time. Waiting for the answer. Waiting for direction. Waiting for peace. Waiting for hope. Waiting for healing. Waiting for victory. Doubt and uncertainty may have set in. You may be left with questions and fears. Whatever is the focus of your wait, trust His timing... it is always right. ARE YOU WAITING ON GOD? Tapping the Source of Power Central Truth: His timing is always right! I have discovered three realities about trusting God s timing. First, trusting His timing is sometimes hard. There are times when I eagerly lay my cares down, but then I decide not to wait for God to work and pick them back up again. There are other times when my concerns must be ripped from my hands. My doubts and fears take over: What if He does not listen? What if He hears the wrong thing? What if He chooses to act in a way that I do not like? Second, trusting His timing is sometimes easy. There are times when waiting for God to work His plan is easy. Laying my concerns at the feet of the Lord and leaving them there comes naturally. I have experienced answered prayer soon after making the request. I receive His "Yes" with joy and gratitude. Third, whether easy or difficult: I have learned over life and from His word, that the Father's timing is always right. Solomon said it this way: He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV). He has made everything beautiful in its time. Scriptural References: He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV). Time To Stop Looking Back Tapping the Source of Power Central Truth: God wants us to live today! As we get older, we have a tendency to look back, and if we aren t careful, to give in to the selective eyesight that sees only the problems and failures of the past. It's too easy to look for someone in the past to blame or resent and way too easy to stumble around in bitterness and regret. The best thing to do with the past is to learn from it, while keeping our eyes on today and looking forward to the days to come! 2
Jesus talks about a man who "looks back" because he is not ready for service in the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). Now what that passage is telling us is that the past can be a distraction that keeps us from being what the Lord needs us to be today! The apostle Paul talks about "forgetting what is behind" and moving on toward the things that God has ahead (Philippians 3:13). We've got to stay centered in today, seeking to honor God and living for His future. Remember what Jesus taught us to pray: "... your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10 TNIV). The best way to change the past is to live the way God wants us to live today, rooted in the moment and living for God in service to others and in service to the Kingdom. In doing so we must have a destination. Let s not beat ourselves up for not arriving. You see, a lot of folks live in the past. They stagnate and feel guilty because they haven t gotten anywhere in life. Others try to live in the glory days of the past. That s just as bad. But then they don t have a clear picture of where they want to go, so they go nowhere. You probably know the saying: If you head out for nowhere in particular you are bound to get there. Well, it s true! So we need to have a godly goal to go after. One that is bigger than our dilemmas, our problems, and ourselves. We need a godly goal! We need something that draws us onward and upward, something to set our sights on. Better yet, we need our sights set on someone greater. Pray for His wisdom, His insight, His help, His guidance, His power, and His strength to help you identify that something and then go for it. More than likely you probably already know these steps. They may even sound simplistic. But when you get down to the bottom of most complex problems, there are usually some very simple solutions that help you put together a plan to solve them. One at a time, eye on the goal, going through the simple steps and one day the problem is solved or the goal is achieved. Have you ever wondered how Paul was able to bear up under stress, persecution, and pressure? He learned to put the past into the past by forgetting what was behind him. Second, he was always looking forward toward what was ahead and kept on shufflin toward it. Third, he had a goal, a mission, and he pressed on to that goal. For Paul, that goal was heavenward. You know what; I think if we keep at it, we may just find ourselves in the same place with Paul. Scriptural References: I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven... You who are mature Christians will agree on these things. (Philippians 3:12-15 NLT) ELECTION DAY TUESDAY, NOVERMBER 4, 2008 Write it down, remember it and cast your Vote! GOD is counting on us all to be HIS voice in the voting booth. Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever. 3
THROUGH IT ALL GOD IS IN CHARGE Mary Jordan Smith The Baptist World Youth Conference meets every five (5) years. This year, we met in Leipzig, Germany. On July 24, 2008, I left Jackson, MS, to meet my group in Detroit. We left Detroit at 6:00 p.m., scheduled to arrive in Denmark at 6:00 a.m. the following day. But, as fate would have it, one of the passengers got sick on the plane. I heard the flight attendants make three different announcements for anybody who had medical experience doctor, nurse, EMT, etc. to come forward because their help was really needed. The passenger was sitting about four rows behind my row. Finally, four or five medical experts gathered and consulted. The captain finally announced we had to make an emergency landing. The passenger needed medical attention that could not be administered on the plane. We landed in Garner (I think), Newfoundland. By the time we got to Denmark, our connecting flight had left. I went immediately to an agent. Her reply was, Oh, they have already rebooked you. While speaking with the ticket agent, there was a lady with me who required wheelchair assistance changing planes. When I got to the gate to board the next plane (to change in Paris, then on to Vienna, Austria), the person in the wheelchair was nowhere to be seen. I asked the gate agent about my lady in the wheelchair. She said, She is on board. Wouldn t you think that means she is on the plane you are about to board? Since my seat was toward the front of the plane, I am still thinking my lady is on the plane. When we landed in Paris, we (the other five of my group) went directly to the next gate to board for Vienna. Again, we are waiting; but no lady in a wheelchair appeared. Here I go again. I asked the gate agents about the lady in the wheelchair. The first agent turned it over to another agent, maybe a supervisor. This agent asked me her name. When I gave her the name, she raced to the computer and came back to me with this weird look on her face. She said she is not on this flight. Those who know me are aware that I am about to lose it! I said, What do you mean she is not on this flight? She did some more research and came back with, They [that word again] booked her directly to Vienna from Amsterdam. Now, I am a little nervous because I did not know if she was uneasy. The five of us finally arrived safely in Vienna, many hours after the original schedule. My lady in the wheelchair had maneuvered her way to the hotel; had contacted the tour operator; and was doing fine. But guess what? We are in Vienna, but the bags for three of us were not! We went to the counter and made a baggage claim. They promised us they would bring the bags to our hotel when they arrived on the next flight from Amsterdam. In the meantime, the transportation from the airport to the hotel that was included was not available. I immediately called to inquire about a refund since, it had been paid. I got the hotel operator. She suggested that I get a cab, and we would talk about reimbursement the next morning. By the time I saw that lady who I spoke with on the telephone the next morning, she was singing a different tune. I am still trying to get my $83.00 in cab charges back! 4
I forgot to mention this. There was a young man (James Harris) who had never flown before this was his first flight in life! Can you imagine his first impression of what it takes in the physical realm to get from point A to point B? To continue the saga regarding our luggage, we expected our bags at least by the next morning. As soon as my eyes opened, I called downstairs and asked about the bags. The response was, There are two bags here. Guess whose bag did not arrive. You guessed it. James bag did not come. For two days, James was waiting on his luggage to arrive. On the second day, we are getting ready to leave -- James bag arrived just in time. The remainder of the stint in Germany was enjoyable! In fact, for me to stand at the Bitten berg Gate, where they did not allow Senator Barak Obama to speak was a joy to me. I told the young lady who took my picture that was standing there for my boy, which is my name for Senator Obama. We rode right down that street where the 200,000 gathered to hear him; the guide pointed it out to us. I thought about: Look at God working it out! I arrived back home on August 4, 2008. Guess what? My luggage did not make it with me. They brought it to me the next morning. What I gathered from all this is God is still in charge. Sometimes he tests us to allow us to see if we can pass. He knows the outcome all the time! What a mighty God we serve. On August 8, 2008, I went to California. Since this is my landmark year, my children gave me an unforgettable birthday party! I ll never forget it. I did not raise them just to give me a party; and, I know they did not owe me a birthday party. But, it was an incomparable bash! God is a good God. THANK GOD Cheryl Y. Hudson Just wanted to thank God for my continued recovery from a surgical procedure I had on Monday, 9/8/08. Sister Bobbie Williams was kind enough to pick me up and take me to the hospital by 6:15 a.m. I thank God for her friendship and support. The procedure was successful and even though I was in pain most of the week, I started to feel better by that next Friday. I went back to work on this past Tuesday and I have continued to feel better each day. I thank God for all of my friends and family for their support and their many calls, emails, cards, and flowers. God is good. Prayer Request: August 24 - FANNIE MAE JONES, 75 was admitted to St. Dominic Hospital yesterday. She is now on a ventilator. She has pneumonia, a bladder infection and fluid on her stomach. 2 nd Prayer Request September 16 - Please continue to lift up Fannie Pearl Jones. A tracheotomy was inserted over the weekend and today the doctors are saying Fannie has another infection and it has the family very disturbed. Update by Denise Jones on September 18 Yesterday Denise was there when Fannie was taken down for a CAT SCAN Fannie's whole body is swollen especially her stomach. She's heavily sedated so her tongue is hanging out of her mouth and her eyes are gray. The CAT SCAN did not look good at all. It shows where something is going on with her COLON and it has BURST. The doctor said he didn't see any feces but there is a bowel blockage that looks like a big bubble. They wanted to do surgery or, the other option was to give her medication to see if it would work. Then they would do another 5
CAT SCAN the next day. He also said that she is in a lot of pain so they are also giving her morphine. The doctor told my sister in - law and me that she is VERY, VERY SICK and things do not look good at all. If they do surgery tomorrow the incision will start right under her breast down to her naval. Fannie is a DIABETIC she has already been cut for the tracheotomy and its still bleeding. I rubbed her stomach with oiled hands and prayed yesterday. Update from Denise Jones on September 19 -I just received a call from my sister-inlaw. The doctor just left out of Fannie's room NO SURGERY TODAY! The medication seems to be working so they are going to let it continue to work over the weekend and do another CAT SCAN. Fannie is awake and in good spirits! She is wiggling her feet and smiling. She just finished watching "THE PRICE IS RIGHT" on T.V The doctor s report is that all her vitals are good. Fannie has come along way but please DO NOT STOP YOUR PRAYERS. Prayer Report on September 9: Please pray for the well being of ANGELA PORTER and her Baby. She is in the 2nd Trimester of her pregnancy. She has been 'diagnosed' with a thinning cervix and threatening miscarriage. Her doctor has placed her on complete bed rest. Her condition is very serious. Her health and the survival of her baby are at risk. Praise Report: Angela has been at work this week. She is doing a little better. She has returned to discretionary light duty at work until her next doctor s appointment. While she is not completely clear, she is doing much better. www. mcclainministris.org IF ONLY I HAD? If we focus on the future, we can be prepared for what is ahead. There were commercials a few years ago that started with the simple phrase: What if? It was as if someone flipped a switch in the actor s mind and they had a fresh new approach, a different direction to address a problem. A positive approach. Ever play what if with your life, your marriage, or future? What if works great when it deals with the future, but when it deals with your past it can be down right destructive psychologically. Do you remember Tom Hank s character in the movie Castaway? I should have never gotten on that plane? He had years on a deserted island for him to think about what could have been in his life and marriage. It can be down right destructive spiritually, also. The enemy preys on our past failures. We can spend years of spiritual futility by wallowing in our what ifs. We don t choose when those thoughts enter our mind, but we can choose how long we dwell on them and whether or not we believe them. Remember what the apostle Paul said,...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (Corinthians 10:5b NIV) Proverbs addresses the what ifs beautifully: Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. (Proverbs 4:23, 25 NIV) 6
If we focus on the future, we can be prepared for what is ahead. If we focus on the past, what s behind us, we will trip-up in our life and our future. Mistakes can be a learning tool. Take a look at Peter s life as he moves from one disaster to another, until he is prepared to launch the greatest movement the world has ever known at Pentecost. But, we don t want to live in the past. We learn our lesson and move on! The road ahead, lies ahead, not behind. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mark your calendars for the months October and November 2008. Please join us and take the next step in your walk with God. Home Bible Workshop Schedule So I am here today to say continue on - dream on; even if you have been disappointed. Every day we wake up to new possibilities, new opportunities, and new challenges. Do we dare to dream of what could be? Are we willing to run the risk of being disappointed? Are we ready for what will happen if the dreams don't come true? Is it worth the risk? Perhaps the more important questions are: Can we afford not to dream? Is that worth the risk of never seeing dreams come true? Is the safety of not dreaming better than the thrill of experiencing a dream come true? Would we really want to live a life without dreams? Saturday, October 18 5:00 P.M. CST The Power of Intercessory Prayer Including Video Conferencing National Bulletin Board Synergy Meeting (Entrepreneur Training Session) October 4 and November 22 5:00 7:00 PM CDT 1050 Ridgeside Drive Brandon, MS (601-824-7498 - Melva) LET S CONTINUE TO BRING THESE GAS PRICES DOWN Have you contacted your representative yet? https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml I am so thankful our paths have crossed. In fact, I believe it was a divine appointment. Over twenty - five years ago, an encounter with God changed my live forever, and I believe He ll do the same for you. I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to share the truth of His life-changing power and grace with you. God called me to teach the truth of the Gospel to the body of Christ with special emphasis on God s unconditional love and the balance between grace and faith. 7
At McClain Ministries we are working diligently to fulfill that call by training others and by developing ministry materials designed to help you in your relationship with the Lord. Your interest in partnership is evidence of the fact that not only has this ministry affected your life, but you also have a desire to help someone else and believe this message can provide that help. Together, through partnership, you and I can reach thousands of people with the good news of the Gospel. I believe the message the Lord has entrusted me to deliver will change the way the body of Christ perceives God. However, it doesn't matter how important the message is or how well I deliver it, until the message is sent, no one will hear. Partnership makes the delivery possible. The Apostle Paul understood his role as the messenger, but he also understood that partnership was not only about what he received but what the partners received as well. In Philippians 4:19 he wrote, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This was written by Paul to his partners. The Philippians were the only ones who supported him after leaving town. In fact, they wanted to give more but didn't have the opportunity. Paul was saying that there is a special provision for those who recognize the power in partnership. For me, it has never been about "you" supporting "my" ministry. If you're a partner, then consider this our ministry, and together we will accomplish God's will. In fact, I'm an extension of you and your obedience to God. Like Paul, I'm just the messenger that God has called for a specific purpose. If I fulfill that call, the fruit will be evident to everyone, and if I don't, then God will find another messenger and direct your support to that person. Although I am committed to doing my part to bring revival to America, we have an awesome opportunity to make a big difference in people s lives around the world. Our current projects must be funded by those of us who are more blessed. Do you remember when you first began to partake of the message from this ministry and how it affected your life? There are thousands just like you all over the world, waiting to hear the truth that will set them free. Will you help us? Together, we can do it. You may never realize what your gifts accomplish during your life on earth, but I can promise that in eternity, people from all over the world will thank you for your investment in their lives. I want to thank you in advance for your consideration and response. Please make your gifts payable to, McClain Ministries. All funds given for Community Outreach projects will be used for that purpose exclusively until the projects are fully funded. Any surplus will then be applied to the McClain Ministries general account. HERE ARE OUR CURRENT PROJECTS: Computer Clinic Tutoring Classes Community Pantry National Bulletin Board Service Internet Radio Station 8
All of our projects are funded through donations. We are pleased to offer the ability to make donations to McClain Ministries online using your credit or debit card. COMMUNITY PANTRY Just simply use the link to go to our website at: http://mcclainministries.org/ Then Click onto the DONATE button Enter the amount and update Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see the following narrative. Your credit card or bank account (where available). Continue Click on Continue and follow instructions STANDING TOGETHER AS 1 Thank you for your Support! THE GOD EFFECT OF PRAYER 6:00 P.M. Hour of Prayer SPEND TIME PRAYING FOR OTHERS Use this wonderful supernatural tool the Lord has blessed us with the 6 o'clock hour of power. This is the time to intercede for the needs of others, the concerns of the ministry, and to pray for the leadership within our community, our nation, and our world. Hearts throbbing as one, prayers ascending to heaven multiplied by those praying in one accord. Sharing burdens, joys, and petitions to bear. Lay all your cares at the foot of the cross and encourage others to do the same. Lives are being changed. Breakthroughs are happening. McClain Ministries is a non-profit organization which focuses on "ministering" to the entire community - the young, old, poor, ambitious, learned, unlearned, disadvantaged, and challenged. Our ultimate goal is to make as much of life easier for persons in communities in our service area on a long-term basis as possible. We don't just want to provide fish for them to eat, but we want to teach them how to fish. The geographical location of McClain Ministries is Brandon, Mississippi; however, the services and programs are being provided for several cities surrounding the ministry headquarters, some of which are Jackson, Madison, Ridgeland, Pearl, Clinton, and Byram. Our immediate goal with the community pantry is to partner with local agencies including soup kitchens and shelters in an effort to supplement there services by providing can good items on an as need basis. This activity will serve as reinforcement to current community outreach programs. And the good news is that we are well on our way to obtaining two corporate sponsors. If you would like to help with this project-contact: melvamcclain@bellsouth.net 9
McCLAIN MINISTRIES ENTREPRENEUR NETWORK The Network was created in 2006. The idea was simple to create a cross sector peer group of like minded individuals who could share ideas, knowledge, inspiration and opportunities in a relaxing environment. A non trading environment where real business is discussed and introductions are welcomed. Somewhere younger Entrepre-neurs can tap into the experience of those who have been there and done it learning from their mistakes and soak up invaluable business knowledge. A transfer of wisdom that supports growing businesses, nurtures emerging talent and helps to create the wealth, jobs and opportunities that are a major contribution to the sustainable transformation of our Global economy. The growth of the network, which has seen over 158 Entrepreneurs join forces since it was launched, proves that the concept by Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs works and it works superbly well. Our members are completely cross-sector in terms of business activity and are at all stages of development, from large, long established businesses to those just starting out with ambitious growth orientated entrepreneurial businesses. We re a non - profit organization whose aim is to foster enterprise and Entrepreneurship Nationwide in order to encourage more successful start ups and assist existing businesses. Our Vision: To build the world's most influential community of Entrepreneurs. Our Mission: Engage Entrepreneurs to learn and grow. Mission Statement: To use personal experience to foster and champion Entrepreneurship Objectives: To take the lead in encouraging a culture of enterprise in our nation The Network believes that by raising the image and profile of Entrepreneurs, developing emerging Entrepreneurs, encouraging Entrepreneurs to network and linking Entrepreneurs with new opportunities, the network will help develop an Entrepreneurial culture 10
and promote enterprise nationally and internationally. The network provides a powerful cross-sector network that will mobilize the private sector under the banner of Entrepreneurship. This is being made possible by a committed and energetic board all of whom are fulltime entrepreneurs, yet are willing to devote their time and energies to a project that will benefit our nation and the world. However, this is just the start of a process that can have both a major short-term impact and sustainable long-term benefits. To be the natural focus for high growth business owners The Network is organized by Entrepreneurs who have high growth businesses for Entrepreneurs with high growth businesses and high growth expectations and has created peer groups that come together and share business challenges. To help new and developing businesses This is achieved by sharing practical experiences and providing learning opportunities for younger business people by lessen the pain and seemingly shorten the distance between the starting line and success. Benefits of Membership: Membership of a group of inclusive, growth-orientated Entrepreneurs; providing support, stimulation and inspiration in a non-trading environment to help you and your business succeed Provides a national database for consumers Free access to many Entrepreneurial events Access to our mentoring program we can match up members who need help or guidance on particular issues with those who have the skills and experience in the relevant areas. All of our mentors come from within our broad-based membership and offer their time and support altruistically. The Entrepreneur Network is always working on new initiatives to promote and foster Entrepreneurship. Members are kept informed via the McClain Ministries website, through events and via our monthly newsletter. Registration: Registration is simple just go to our website complete the form and someone will contact you within 48 hours. Here is the link to use: http://mcclainministries.org/e_list_registration/ 11
McCLAIN MINISTRIES ENTREPRENEUR NETWORK EXPANSION If you re already running a business, this Network will connect you with people who could help move you to the next level. If you re developing a business idea or are about to turn an idea into reality, you ll find inspiration from others who ve been there already along with practical guidance. It s all about sharing experiences and learning from those around you in a growing online community of like-minded Entrepreneurs and aspiring Entrepreneurs who support each other with insight and practical help. Our Entrepreneur Network is all about encouraging a spirit of Global Entrepreneurship inspiring people to set up businesses, grow them faster, have vision, grasp opportunities, and recognize that people of all background can become successful Entrepreneurs. Our Network will grow into a virtual community of like minded Entrepreneurs inspiring others looking to set up businesses and support each other with insight and practical help. As the community grows, we're confident that there won t be much its members haven't experienced. All of the Entrepreneurs who have already contributed to this Network would say the same thing - that they didn t do it on their own and that they ve all had great advice and support from their peers. As the functionality of our Network develops to serve the needs of its users along with a huge bank of user-generated content there will be profiling tools, signposting and powerful on-line mentoring enabling one-to-one relationships across the widest range of business issues. It s not all about senior Entrepreneurs imparting their wisdom although there is plenty of wisdom to guide you on your journey it s about all Entrepreneurs sharing their tangible and intangible knowledge. If you think you haven t got anything valuable to contribute, we urge you to think again. 12
Even if you re only 6 months down the line, the fresh (and sometimes raw) experiences you can share with those just starting out could make the difference between success and failure. Next Step: The Network is growing exponentially requiring its own support staff. The umbrella of McClain Ministries will remain accessible but the day to day operation of the Network will function with its own director and staff. Registration is simple just go to our website complete the form and someone will contact you within 48 hours. Here is the link to use: http://mcclainministries.org/e_list_registration/ or, you can simply complete and mail in the form found on Page 15 McClain Ministries 1050 Ridgeside Drive Brandon, MS 39042 Phone: (601) 824-7498 Email: melvamcclain@bellsouth.net Website: www.mcclaiministries.org 13
McClain Ministries E-List Registration Form Name Address Phone E-mail Company Website Position Other Signature Date McClain Ministries 1050 Ridgeside Drive Brandon, Ms 39042 601-824-7498 melvamcclain@bellsouth.net www.mcclainministries.org 14
Deuteronomy 16:17: Every man shall give as he is able according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee. This Ministry has been such a blessing to me I want to share in reaching others with a monthly gift of: $30 $40 $50 $100 Other $ Enclosed is my ministry additional financial donation of: $ Total Enclosed: $ Name Address Home Number Work Number Fax Number Email Please send to: McClain Ministries 1050 Ridgeside Drive Brandon, Ms 39042 15
GLOBAL OUTREACH MAILING LIST Fill in the information below and mail using the self addressed envelope enclosed. Date Name Address City State Zip Code Telephone Number ( ) Fax Number Email Address Send To: McClain Ministries 1050 Ridgeside Drive Brandon, MS 39042 16