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Moments with Your Mission Strategist Dr. Dennis Love “Some Lessons From Cows“
I grew up on a small farm. We had a few milk cows, and we also had a few beef cows. The other day while driving down the road, I noticed a herd of cows grazing in a field and my mind took me back to the cows we had on our small farm growing up. I remember watching them out in the pasture. There were times that I just stood at the fence and watched them graze. You cannot help but feel relaxed because cows graze and move so slowly, taking their time, and even slow to lift their heads and look up if they hear a loud sound. They rarely rush to do what cows do, and they certainly appear to me to never worry about anything. Right here’s some very good lessons we can learn from cows. (1) Slow down and enjoy the fact that God has given you yet another day. (2) Don’t be alarmed at all the many sounds going on in the world today. (3) Don’t worry, be happy! Rather good positive lessons from cows, if you ask me. But there’s a negative lesson we can also learn from cows. Have you ever noticed how a cow will stick its head through a fence and reach out as far as it can with its neck just to get a bite of tender grass? I have seen them lean against the posts and push through the wire, even if the barbs were sticking into their necks and noses, just to reach a few blades of grass. They will stretch out their lips and even stick out their tongues trying to get those few blades of grass that escaped them. I have thought to myself, that grass must be mighty tasty, or at least I hope it is for their sake. I think God drew my attention to that memory, so He could deposit a thought in my mind, that in return, I can share with you. I understand that there are times when we all lean against the post and push through the wire, so to speak. You see, God loves us so much that He has put up boundaries in our lives, or our own fences to keep us from going too far. Without our fences, we would be like those cows and roam wherever our eyes and appetite may lead us. So, God blesses us with fences in our lives. Those fences show up in our laws, our social norms and our tightly held beliefs. But the most important fence is made up of 783,137 words, 31,102 verses, 1,189 chapters, 66 books, and 2 testaments all wrapped up in 1 Bible. And that fence is not meant to deprive us, but to protect us. But like those cows, sometimes we try to test our limits; we try to reach through the wire for blades of grass that we’re convinced are better than we already have. In most instances, it’s not even close to being better, but yet we will still lean against the posts and push our heads through the wire even when we are getting stuck with barbed wire while doing it. So, the final lesson from cows is a hard lesson for all of us to learn. (4) Keep your head within your own fence, or you will find yourself getting eaten up with barbed wire, because the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence, even if it appears to be!
God is Good
Dennis
Eph. 3:20-21
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Her office is located at 130 Logan Street, Marion.
Phone number is 828-559-7710.
This month my article will be a little different than normal. The focus this month will be specifically on the practice, the people reached and the needs of the ministry. I will also explain how I work directly with Hope In Christ.
Hope in Christ was founded a number of years ago out of a need for Christian counselors in McDowell county. Hope in Christ was started mostly by Baptist pastors/parishoners who worked together to support the ministry. The idea was to help provide funding through a sliding fee scale and come along side Christian counselors to offer them support. Initially, Hope in Christ worked with Chuck Tripp, who is also a licensed therapist. Chuck began working towards retirement in 2002. This was also the year I opened my private practice, Spirit of Truth Christian counseling. I have worked hand in hand with Hope in Christ since opening my private practice. In addition to the sliding fee scale, I do accept some insurances and bill those for the clients.
During 2022, services were provided to at least 70 individuals, mostly adults but some children and adolescents, and three couples. The counseling provided during 2022 focused on anger management, trauma focused therapy, family/relational issues, depression, anxiety and Spiritual needs. In 2023, 120 clients were served. Of that 120, 7 were couples in marital counseling, 26 were children or adolescents who were being seen for anxiety, depression, ADHD, mild Autism/social skills, trauma related issues, anger management and spiritual issues. Of the individuals served, there were 53 women and 24 were men. The primary issues in counseling with adults has been trauma focused therapy, treating anxiety and depression, Anger management, family/relational issues, job stress/dissatisfaction and Spirituality. To date, there have been 80 people seen in 2024 with similar issues as listed above.
Ultimately, there is a great need for Christian counseling. Most of the people I work with are affiliated with a local church. However, many of those people are not attending church regularly or implementing their spiritual beliefs into their everyday life (ie, reading the Bible, praying, ect). While I do not try to impose my beliefs on clients, I do encourage them to help their beliefs line up with their practice. I also encourage clients to reach out to their spiritual community.
Hope in Christ has been funded over the years in a few different ways. The board applied for and received a grant for a number of years. Fundraisers have been held in the past to support the ministry. Lastly, some of the churches locally agreed to pay a portion of the cost for clients from their particular church. In addition, a couple churches have pledged a monthly donation.
However, over the last few years, the large grant we were receiving has not been available to us. We have also applied for other grants but in a couple of cases, were turned down due to our “Christian” emphasis. Because of inflation, there have been less donations as well. So, I share this with you to say that Hope in Christ is in desperate need of financial support. Because of this, we have had to ask for more money from clients and at times, clients are unable to afford therapy.
Many of you reading this are pastors or lay leaders within your church. I would encourage you to speak with your congregation about supporting this ministry. If you are unsure how to help, reach out to me, Dennis Love, or one of our board members. (Jonathan Tipper, Greenlee Baptist Church, Andrew Walker, East Marion Community Church, Drew Dalton, Old Fort First Baptist, Glenda Glen, Grace Community, or Robert Gay, Glenwood Baptist Church).
VAN NEEDED
APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS BACKPACK OUTREACH
Because of the generous giving of North Carolina churches, 21,142 backpacks were collected in 2023. The goal for 2024 is 22,000 backpacks! You can be a part of this wonderful ministry! More information can be found here: baptistsonmission.org>Appalachian-Christmas-Outreach. Hankins Baptist Church does a great job every year of putting backpacks together. If you or your church cannot put the backpacks together, but would like to contribute, gift cards or financial gifts may be given to Hankins Baptist Church. The donations will be used to buy items for backpacks.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
07 Dr. Dennis Love Blue Ridge Baptist Assoc.
13 Mrs. Vicki Love Blue Ridge Baptist Assoc.
18 Rev. Michael Chambers Cross Memorial Baptist Church
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
01 Rev. & Mrs. Andrew Walker East Marion Baptist Church
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
13 Rev. Barry Gouge Vein Mountain Baptist Church
15 Rev. Marty Conner Chapel Hill Baptist Church
OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES
25 Rev. & Mrs. Barry Gouge Vein Mountain Baptist Church
Mission Ministries Alliance: A Call to Action: Partnering to Serve McDowell’s Homeless
We are grateful for the growing support from the faith community as we continue our mission to serve those experiencing homelessness in the McDowell community. The Lord keeps providing a way for us to continue this mission. Our State Street location, which has the greatest need, recently added two additional bathrooms and showers, as well as a washer and dryer, to provide the unsheltered with a place to maintain their hygiene and access clean clothing. This essential service not only meets a basic need but also restores a sense of dignity and self-worth to those who are struggling, reminding them of their inherent value in the eyes of Jesus.
As it says in Matthew 25:35-36,”For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” We are called to embody these words, and we need the churches in our community to partner with us in this mission.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Hygiene Items and Food Needs:
We urgently need volunteers to prepare and serve meals to the homeless at our State Street location. Additionally, we seek volunteers to help with check-in at our new Day Center on State Street, which provides a safe place for the unsheltered to go during the day when the overnight shelter is closed. The need at this location is great, and we are calling on the churches to partner with us in showing Christ’s love to the least of these in our community. These individuals need love and care, and your support can make a profound difference in their lives.
In addition to volunteers, we need hygiene items, including:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap and hand soap
- Towels
- Razors
- Deodorant
- Powdered laundry detergent
We also need non-perishable food items, such as noodles or microwavable meals.
Preparing for Winter:
As we approach the winter months, which are often our busiest time, we are calling on the faith community to help us prepare for the increase in individuals who will be seeking shelter at the Friendship Home, John Thompson Center, and the overnight shelter. Your support is crucial in ensuring that we can continue to provide care and warmth to those who need it most during the colder season.
Your contributions, whether through volunteering, donating supplies, or offering prayers, make a tremendous difference in the lives of those we serve. If you or your congregation feel led to assist, please reach out to us at crystal.sweatt@m3life.org. Together, we can continue to share the love of Christ with those who need it most.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
In His service,
Crystal Sweatt
Executive Director, Mission Ministries Alliance
Loving Hearts Bear Closet: Making a Difference in Our Community
Loving Hearts Bear Closet is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to support individuals and families in need. Our diverse range of programs aims to provide essential items and services to people of all ages.
We offer hygiene products for all ages, baby diapers, wipes, and baby equipment to ensure that every family has access to the necessities. Additionally, our 24/7 outdoor food pantry is available to anyone in need, providing food options around the clock.
Every Wednesday, we serve 150-250 precooked to-go meals, free of charge. Understanding the challenges some families face, we also offer delivery services for those without transportation when our gas fund allows, ensuring that no one goes hungry.
At Loving Hearts Bear Closet, we believe in the power of community and the importance of helping each other. Together, we can make a positive impact and support those who need it most. Our organization takes donations every Tuesday 2 pm to 4 pm and Wednesdays 12pm to 4pm. We can make arrangements to pick up donations if you cannot drop them off during these hours. Non-perishable food items are a critical need, as well as adult hygiene items, baby wipes, baby shampoo, car seats, and Pack-N-Plays. Christmas is just around the corner so if you wish to adopt a child for Christmas, please contact us directly by phone at 828-803-8790.
For more information, please check out our website at www.bearclosetofmarion.com
Volunteers are always welcome.
Philista Gossett, Director
Loving Hearts Bear Closet
828-803-8790 / www.bearclosetofmarion.com
NCBAM’s (NC Baptist Aging Ministry) curated artisan fundraiser will feature NC’s finest craftsmen, food vendors, live music, and a bounce house!
Your attendance and donation will provide “help for the journey” and change the life of an aging adult in North Carolina!
Natasha Ivanova was born in Eastern Europe, A few years before Western USSR and Eastern Europe felt the horrific ramifications of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
Come hear how this sweet lady’s life was changed by a colorful shoebox. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 563 Pleasant Hill Church Road
Rutherfordton, NC 28139, Wednesday Oct 16, 2024 , Time: 7:00pm
Fishers of Men
I had the honor to represent our association in Wilkes County by preaching at Mountain Valley Baptist Church on Sunday, July 7th. The people responded well to the preaching of the Word of God.
I was blessed to worship with the good people at Grace Community Church on Sunday, July 14th. Pastor Jerry was preaching a sermon series titled, “Counter Culture.” It’s a series on the Sermon on the Mount. He did an awesome job on Matthew 7:13-29 by explaining the danger of choosing the wrong way, the danger of being deceived by others, and the danger of deceiving ourselves. Thanks, Pastor Jerry, for delivering a very insightful message.
I had the honor to preach at Old Fort First Baptist on Sunday, August 4th. Pastor Drew and his family were away on vacation. I shared with them how that some of the foundations that made our country great are falling and what the righteous can do about it. Psalm 11:3 asked the question, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” I answered that question, and the people responded very well to the invitation. I know God was pleased with the response of His people.
I was honored to speak with the kids and youth during their summer camp at Cherry Springs on Wednesday, July 17th. I shared with them how they could be a witness for Jesus in Cuba by raising money to purchase a water filtration system for a village church. They are hoping to raise enough money to purchase several systems. Praise the Lord!
It was a joy to worship with the good people at Bethel on Sunday, August 25th. Interim Pastor, Roger Hayley preached from Mark 2:1-12 where four men brought a paralyzed man to Jesus. He reminded us that as Christians we should be bringing people to Jesus. He shared with us that reaching people for Jesus takes effort, persistence, time and prayer. Thanks, Brother Roger, for bringing a good word from the Lord to His people.
Glenwood Baptist Church honored Mary Jo Aldredge on her retirement for playing the piano for 40 years on Sunday, August 25th. They had a hymn service with her playing. They placed a small plaque in her honor on the piano. They gave her a beautiful plant. She was interviewed, and then it was played back before the entire church. And they honored her with a luncheon after the service. Thanks, Mary Jo, for your many years of service to our Lord and His church called Glenwood. “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”
Hope 29:11 serves kids in McDowell County, ages 10-18, that do not live with their natural parents, are high risk or referred to our program through a local agency or school. We strive to provide a safe environment for kids and teens to learn responsibility and gain self confidence by caring for animals and exploring the natural world. Our vision is to share with each kid they are deeply loved, uniquely created for purpose, and there is hope through knowing Jesus.
JOIN US FOR OUR FALL GATHERING
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2024, 6:00 P.M.
CLINCHFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH
This is a time for all of us to come together and worship. We will also hear about local ministries and how we can be involved. A time of fellowship will follow.
BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOMES
63rd ANNUAL WESTERN AREA CONFERENCE
September 5, 2024 – 4:00 p.m.
Broyhill Home Clyde, NC
BBQ dinner, program, cottage tours and more
SENIOR ADULTS WILL BE LEAVING FROM GLENWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH AT 2:30 ON SEPTEMBER 5 TO TRAVEL TO BROYHILL HOME.