Our family realizes that it is because of the prayers of many of you that we are able to do what the Lord has called us to do. We absolutely could not do this without the help and support of so many people that we care for. As we are in the most joyous time of year, it is our prayer that each and every one would have a joyful and Christ centered Christmas this year. We look forward to the days ahead and the exciting things that the Lord has for us as we soon prepare to move to southern
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Merry Christmas from the Campbells
Monday, December 10, 2007
Keep Pushing
A story has been told of a time when the Lord told a man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of the man’s cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. This the man did, day after day. For many months he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might. Each night, the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out.
Seeing that the man was showing signs of discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man’s mind such as: “You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn’t budged. You are never going to be able to move it.” These thoughts began to discourage and dishearten the man even more.
In the midst of battling discouragement, the man decided to make it a matter of prayer and take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. “Lord,” he said, “I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which You have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a centimeter. I am failing You.”
To this the Lord responded compassionately, “My friend, when I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to me, with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and sturdy, your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven’t moved the rock. But, son, I did not ask you to move the rock. I simply asked you to push. It is my job to move the rock.”
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Thankful That God Knows Best
I receive a daily devotion from Pastor Paul Chappell in
Most of us have heard the story of the first Thanksgiving—at least, of the Pilgrims, but not many have heard of all the events leading up to that first Thanksgiving. Historians believe that around 1608—more than a decade before the Pilgrims landed in the New World—a group of English traders, led by Captain Hunt, sailed to what is today
But God had an amazing plan for one of the captured Indians—a boy named Squanto. A well-meaning Spaniard, who treated him well and taught him the Christian faith, bought Squanto. Squanto eventually made his way to
It wasn’t until 1619—ten years after Squanto was first kidnapped—that a ship was found. Finally, after a decade of exile and heartbreak, Squanto was on his way home. But when he arrived in
We can only imagine what must have gone through Squanto’s mind. Why had God allowed him to return home, against all odds, only to find his loved ones dead? A year later, the answer came. A shipload of English families arrived and settled on the very land once occupied by Squanto’s people. Squanto went to meet them, greeting the startled Pilgrims in English.
According to the diary of Pilgrim Governor William Bradford, Squanto “became a special instrument sent of God for [our] good . . . He showed [us] how to plant corn, where to take fish and to procure other commodities . . . and was also [our] pilot to bring [us] to unknown places for [our] profit, and never left [us] till he died.”
Only God could have orchestrated these events to preserve the Pilgrims when they landed in the
It is good as we approach Thanksgiving to thank God for all He has given and done for us already, but let’s remember to thank Him for His providence and for what He is doing right now on our behalf though we may not see how He is working.
.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
The Unknown Man
“The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.” —Thomas Carlyle
It seems that too often we strive to have a big name, to be the one that everybody knows. It is human nature to strive to be someone that everyone would look at and think what a great job we are doing. However, that is not what is really important. I read this quote several days ago and it really struck me. Where are the folks that are willing to work behind the scenes to do whatever good is needed to accomplish the task. I often think of those that support us, whether it be through prayer or financially. Everyone may look at our family and think that we are doing a good work. However, we could not do what we do without the support of many people. It is those folks, the ones that are unseen, that are secretly making the ground green. Thank you Lord, for those that You have given to us to help us and aid us in the task that you have called us to.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Did You Rest Well?
This morning as I was doing my devotions, I read Psalm 127:2. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. I began to think about how many times we have all had sleepless nights, due to worry. How many times are we so distraught by something that is completely out of our control, that we are not able to get the rest that we need. As I read this, I was reminded that there is no place for worry in the life of the child of God. God’s desire is not that we sit up half the night worried about things, or get up early worried. His desire is that I might trust in Him. His desire is that because of my complete trust in Him, I would be able to sleep through the night. As we awake after a good night’s rest, how much more refreshed are we? Aren’t we in much better shape to serve the Lord, after a good night’s rest? Let’s all commit to trusting Him, so that we might better serve Him.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Modern Day Headlines
I found these in a church bulletin recently and thought I would share them with you. They give a pretty good idea of how Biblical events would be reported today. I thought they were funny and thought they may be a good way to brighten your day. I hope that you enjoy them.
On
WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE
Pursuing Environmentalist Killed
On David vs Goliath:
HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION
Psychologist Questions Influence of Rock
On the Birth of Christ:
HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS LEFT HOMELESS
Activists Enraged by Insensitive Couple
On feeding the 5,000:
PREACHER STEALS CHILD’S LUNCH
Disciples Mystified over Behavior
On raising Lazarus from the dead:
FUNDAMENTALISTS PREACHER RAISES A STINK
Will
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Never Before
I heard of this quote made by a missionary in
Monday, August 13, 2007
A Good Day
I trust that you all had a good day on the Lord’s day yesterday. I know that our family did. We were at a couple of churches in the north
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Parenthood 101
I saw something today that left me rather disturbed. Seth and I had to run to the local grocery store for a few things this afternoon. I know that it’s hot everywhere, but it is just sweltering here in
Monday, August 06, 2007
It's In The Book
Many times we seem to be intimidated to preach about money. With so many televangelists and crooked “preachers” out there, we seem to be afraid that if we mention money we will be lumped in with them. I think the question to ask, when considering should we preach about money, is this “Is it in the Bible?” I was given these statistics the other day and found them quite astounding to be honest. I have not personally checked these to confirm their accuracy, but the source from which they came was reliable, so I have no reason not to believe them.
Think about these statistics:
16 of 38 parables are about money
There are about 500 verses in the Bible on Prayer.
There are less than 500 verses in the Bible on Faith.
There are more than 2350 verses in the Bible on Money.
I guess this definitely answers the question “Is it in the Bible?” Yes it is. It is obvious that it takes money to do the work of God. I get the feeling that many of the churches that we visit think that all we are concerned with is money. No, that is not our only concern. We also need your prayers. However, we would be foolish to think that it does not take money to accomplish things for the Lord. We must have money, just like anyone else must have it to live on. Should we be intimidated and afraid to preach on giving? I say absolutely not. If we are to preach the whole counsel of Scripture, than that is a part of it just like any other.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Excited
It’s Thursday and I can report to you that we are quite excited. Today kicks off a month that we are calling Awesome August at
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Snakes in the Woodpile
Here is a thought for you today, something to think on. In
- The deceitfulness of snakes
Paul had no clue that the snake was in the woodpile. We never know when there are snakes in the church. They are certainly quiet. They camouflage in the woods well. They have no odor or large size to point them out. You would never know they are there. They are deceitful.
- The danger of snakes
They say that typically, a snake is more afraid of you than you are of it. Most of the time, a snake will not harm you. However, it will cause you to harm yourself. How many times have pastors harmed themselves because of fear when they find a snake? They react too quickly or too harshly in fear of those snakes and they cause great harm to themselves, more harm than the snakes could have caused on their own.
- The destruction of the snake
In
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Are You A Practicing Atheist?
This morning, I heard a message that dealt with a sin that so many of us are guilty of, yet we do little to try and hide it. It is the sin of worry. Yes, it is a sin to worry. In this message, the preacher made the following statement that really caught my attention and I thought it might make you think as well. He said, Many of us are not professing atheist but we are practicing atheist. We do not say there is no God, we only live like it. What great truth this is. We would never say that there is not a God, yet when we worry if He is able to keep His Word, or meet or needs, that is exactly what we are doing. We become practicing atheists. May we strive and determine to trust Him. As my pastor often says, Even when you can’t track Him, trust Him.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
What Are We Here For?
I am afraid that too many of our modern day churches have lost their direction. We have lost our clear vision of why we are here, to preach the Gospel. Often times, it takes someone that you least expect to point us back in the right direction. Kirk Cameron, former star of the ‘80’s sitcom Growing Pains and now a born again believer, recently spoke at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in
Can I speak to you from my heart for a moment? I realize that, theologically, I’m not worthy to wash your socks. But imagine this scenario with me, if you will: Imagine I’m a “seeker”- I’m a non-Christian, sitting in your church week after week after week listening to you. Am I ever going to hear the message that will save my soul from Hell? Will you ever tell me the truth clearly enough so that I realize that my sin has made me an enemy of God: that I am currently on the path that leads to destruction, with the wrath of God dwelling upon me, and that unless I repent and put my faith in the Savior, I will perish? Or have you decided that it’s better to simply entertain me, and on Sundays I can come to have my “felt needs” met with good music and good advice? Pastor, while I would appreciate that, it’s the ultimate betrayal of my trust in you if you don’t tell me the truth. Will I ever hear the words “repent,” “surrender,” “turn to the Savior,” “be born again”? If you don’t tell me those things, how will I ever know to do it? Please don’t leave it up to the Wednesday night small-group leader. They’re taking their cues from you. You’re leading the flock.
And now I speak to you as a Christian. If you and I fail to teach the whole counsel of God, and we don’t warn sinners to flee from the wrath to come, and run to the love of Christ on the Cross to save their soul, we make a terrible mistake. It doesn’t matter how happy a person is- how much a sinner is enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season- without the righteousness of Christ, he’ll perish on the Day of Judgment. The Bible says, “Riches profit not on the Day of Wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” You see, that’s how Kirk Cameron realized he needed a Savior. I had riches, but I knew that it was the righteousness of God that I needed in order to be saved from my sin.
How many people left church this past Sunday having been entertained and not exhorted? How many churches had comedy but no conviction? I think it is high time we placed our priorities in the right place again, on the preaching of the Word of God. God’s Word will always get the job done. As I prepare to plant a church, I need to hear this thought ringing through my mind, Preach the Word.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Great Weekend
We had a great weekend this past weekend. I enjoyed the privilege of preaching twice on Sunday and had a great time. I always enjoy meeting new people in the churches that we visit and this past weekend was no exception. We met some wonderful people, many of whom said they would be praying for our family. What a great blessing. We pray that if it be the Lord’s will, these churches would take us on as part of their missionary family. If not, the Lord’s will be done.
On a side note, also this weekend Seth had a close encounter with a table at the restaurant we ate at Sunday. It resulted in his first black eye. I think he was kinda proud of it to be honest with you. It didn’t seem to bother him to much after he got over the initial shock. That is one tough kid…
Is There A Need?
Yes, there is a need. A need for what you may ask? A need for missionaries in the United States. Recently, we met a young lady in a Bible belt state. This young lady was probably in her early to mid 20’s and had grown up in a northern state. After some time getting to know her, Seth enjoyed her company as a friend and they had a great time playing together. As he is so prone to do, he decided it was time to preach and sing. He wanted to sing Jesus Loves Me and asked this young lady to sing along. She told him she did not know that song and had never heard it. I was shocked. However, it reminded me that there are people all around us that do not know the saving grace of Christ. There are people that live in the south, in the Bible belt, that have never even heard Jesus Loves Me. We must be busy. I am afraid that so many times we concentrate on the rest of the world, and there is a great need there, but we are losing our own country. Let’s determine that our own neighbors and fellow citizens will not be left out on the Gospel message. Let’s do our part to take it to them as well as the rest of the world.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Have A Great Weekend
It’s Saturday afternoon and we hope everyone is having a great weekend. We are in NC and are looking forward to some great meetings tomorrow. Pray for us as we will be in Harmony, NC tomorrow morning and Apex, NC tomorrow night. Please help us pray that the Lord would use us to be a great blessing to these churches and that we will effectively share the burden with them that the Lord has placed on our hearts. We are excited about the opportunity to share our vision for southern
Thursday, July 12, 2007
How Far We Have Come
Don’t know how many of you saw this today, but for the first time in our nation’s history, a Hindu led the opening prayer for the United States Senate. This is from a nation claims to be “One Nation Under God.” Certainly, you would agree that the same God that this nation was founded upon is not the deity supreme that Rajan Zed was praying to. Hindu is a polytheistic religion, having gods in everything, be from the sky to the earth to the ants. This is not my God. My God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the one who hung the moon and stars in the sky. My God is the one who created the sky, earth, and ants. I do realize that one of the most beautiful aspects of our nation is the right to pray to whom we choose. If Mr. Zed wants to pray and meditate upon the earth, so be it, that is his choice. However, for us to claim to be a Christian nation and allow this sort of thing is a travesty. I can only wonder how our forefathers, the men who sacrificed so much for us to have this great country, would feel about this sort of thing. I am almost certain that it would not have happened without more of an outrage than there was. My, how far our great country has come.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Greatest Gift
It has been a lot of fun this week to watch how excited Seth gets about going to
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Do you know what time it is?
I talked with one young man this evening that reminded me of so many people. He was seven years old and had never, ever told a lie. Not even one. He had never disobeyed his parents or his teachers. He was not a sinner. He could not bring himself to admit that he was a sinner. My how that reminds me of so many adults. People everywhere refuse to admit that they need a Saviour. They think their good works are sufficient. They don't cheat or steal. They are good people. They are too proud to recognize themselves as sinners. What we need is for the eyes of man to be opened so that they see themselves as God sees them, wicked and sinful. We are all sinners in need of a Saviour. Until we realize that profound truth, we can never be saved. Pray for Bible Time. It concludes Wednesday night. We're trusting the Lord for great things.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Time at Home
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Happy 4th of July
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Camp Canaan
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Wow, it's been a long time.
Seth is doing a great job as a big brother. He is very loving and kind to Ethan. I think they are going to have a lot of fun together.
Deputation is going well, as the Lord is really blessing. We should be somewhere around 63% of our needed support. The end is getting closer and closer and we are all starting to get a little more excited about getting to the field. I really look forward to starting the work the Lord has called us to.
Well, just a quick update. We'll do more when we get the chance, and we will do our best to make sure it's not another six months before we post again.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Almost Here
We had another good weekend this past weekend. Hopefully, this is the last weekend that I will have to travel by myself. It certainly was different. I enjoy having my family with me as we travel and meet all the new people the Lord has for us to meet. We will take a couple of weeks at home to begin adjustments and then we will hit the road again. Please be in prayer for us tomorrow and rest assured that just as soon as I am able to post pictures I will.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Great Weekend
Friday, January 19, 2007
Exciting Times
With several churches having promised to begin support in the month of January, we should be over the 50% mark. This is exciting because we have been praying for this for sometime now. The Lord has answered prayer. I sorta feel like this is some kind of milestone on the deputation trail. The next milestone is 60%. I am praying and I would like for you to pray with us, that we will be there by the end of February. If this happens, we can start getting a little more serious about looking down the road at a date to leave on. I don't know about you, but I choose to believe that God can do it. I know He can. Would you please call upon Him on our behalf and ask Him to provide this? Thank you so much.
In other exciting news, we are only about a week and a half away from the scheduled birth of Ethan Luke Campbell. Wendy is scheduled to have a section on Tuesday, January 30th. The time is almost here. Continue to pray for her in these last few days that the Lord would strengthen here and the baby. We are excited about this addition to the family and looking forward to training this child to serve the Lord. Seth seems to be excited about having a new brother as well. As soon as I can, I will post pictures here for you.
Again, we want to thank you for praying for us as we travel and do the Lord's will for our lives. We have been in some great meetings lately and thank the Lord for it. Please pray that the Lord would continue to bless our labors.