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I arrived here last night after a 24-hour flight that began Friday morning in Dayton. I am speaking at a large Presbyterian church today and at two different pastors' conferences this week. The Korean people are wonderful, and as I discovered on my first trip here in 1994, they are very committed to prayer. For an American, it would be hard to believe, but they have asked me to speak for 1 hour and 45 minutes today (pray for me)! I started the morning with an hour run on the treadmill in the hotel gym, which was a refreshing beginning to a busy week after the long flight. I am praying for you all to have a rich Lenten journey, and I will be back home next Saturday night. God bless…
Posted By: Pastor Mike Slaughter on Feb 21, 2010 12:00PM
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So glad you arrived safe. I've been listening to your messages, from a couple years ago, on the seven deadly sins. It really touches my heart. I'm praying for you. Thanks for the up dates.
Posted By: Sandy Kenney on Feb 21, 2010 06:35PM
Glad you arrived safe and sound. My prayers are with you and thank you for this blog, really appreciate the updates and encouragement you give us. God Bless you and keep you!
Posted By: Daniel Simes on Feb 21, 2010 07:47PM
While in my internship at IHOP, we hosted 180 Korean pastor's for a conference, and their priority for prayer is evident. Everyone but me, it seemed like knew what it meant to pray "Korean style." At the leaders direction, he gave what I heard later translated, was a shout of "praise Him!" 3 times, each time they answered "praise HIm!" and then they all bombarded heaven at once! They prayed for us, the American's, and we prayed for them. It was one of the most powerful times of prayer I have ever experienced, to be on the receiving end of that intercession.
Posted By: Lisa Sowry on Feb 21, 2010 10:15PM
Mike I remembered to pray for you this morning and I prayed for Carolyn's protection back here in the states while your gone as well.
Posted By: Suzanne on Feb 22, 2010 08:21AM
Christians have entered the introspective season of Lent. The 46 days to Easter are days of sacrifice (giving something up) and self -examination for the purpose of right-aligning our life direction with God’s life path. Jesus talked about the path that leads to life being very hard and that very few people ever really take it. The majority of folks find themselves taking a less strenuous way that bypasses God’s intended destinations. All of us are on a path. The right question is “whose path?” I love the last line from that famous poem by Robert Frost: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” The snow that affected every state but Hawaii this past weekend found Carolyn and I isolated on a North Carolina mountaintop. No one dared attempt to navigate the mountain roads by car, so we decided to venture out by foot on a snow-covered road. Rabbit tracks in the virgin snow were the only signs of fellow travelers. It would have been easy to stay indoors with a hot cup of coffee and a good book by the fire (we did some of that also), but we would have missed some of the most spectacular beauty of God’s creation that I have witnessed in my 58 years. The narrow less traveled road is a hard way that requires discipline, self-sacrifice and obedience, but God’s path is definitely not boring. Jesus’ way leads us to the most spectacular, abundant life experiences of God’s love and provision. I look forward to joining you in our Lenten message series, The Road Less Traveled, that begins this weekend. God bless…
Posted By: Pastor Mike Slaughter on Feb 18, 2010 02:00PM
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Our current home is situated on the side of a low-lying, graduated mountain. Not as spectacular as your photos above, but I did manage to get some awesome footage early before the snow was disturbed. Sounds like you two could use a helicopter. And how bout another dog...We've got a Yorkipoo you'd love. Ha, Ha
Posted By: Helen Combs on Feb 18, 2010 02:04PM
Friday night my wife and I were driving the that snow storm in Georgia. It usually take me three hours to drive to Tenn. It took us six hours. Highway 75 north was closed while most people sat on the highway I decided to take the road less traveled. We drove down two lane roads and had no idea where we were but we knew we were heading north on the road less traveled. After about hour we found highway 75 north and the highway coming from Georgia was deserted. I was amazed that no one followed us down the road lest traveled. We got back on the highway, byway of the road less traveled. Mike why do people just sit and stay safe. People need to wake up. I knew GOD had my back. Hundreds of cars just sat on the highway most traveled, we drove that night by FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT. Jesus is waiting for us on the road less traveled. People get off the highway of life and take the dirt road of life and have faith in GOD that he will keep you safe. God to care of us Friday night and got us safe to a hotel with hot running water. God is good all the time. PEOPLE WAKE UP, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, JESUS IS COMING BACK FOR US.
Posted By: CRAIG BRUNTZ on Feb 18, 2010 03:07PM
I find it easier to navigate the road "most" traveled. I find the way, not necessarily more comfortable, but more distracting. Because, while you use the image of the picturesque road covered with snow, the road God calls me to travel is not a pretty road by the world's standards. And, if we can take another road, then why subject ourselves to the hard of work of acknowledging our "stuff" and from our pain reaching out to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Ultimately, taking the road less traveled, as with Lent, is not about denial and discomfort, but about transformation.
Posted By: Chris Schoolcraft on Feb 18, 2010 04:42PM
The narrow and wide gates referred to in Matthew 7 pretty much sum it up. Isn’t it funny how sacrifice rewards us in all aspects of our existence? That narrow road that leads to life is only found by a few – paraphrasing of course. I have in my possession “Change the World – Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus”. I look forward to reading your work.
Posted By: Rich B on Feb 18, 2010 08:50PM
Love the pictures!
Posted By: Mary L. Mikel on Feb 21, 2010 02:32PM
I need a little help from my friends. This past week my newest book, Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus, was released nationally. This book can help change the focus of the church from getting people on the outside in, to getting those of us on the inside out into the world serving the oppressed and marginalized. Will you help me in getting the word out by ordering one or more discounted copies through Amazon.com? If enough copies are ordered this week, it will help create national recognition and support a great cause. Please help me in spreading the word. The book is also available for two weeks as a free Kindle download. Below is an excerpt from chapter 1:
God bless…
Posted By: Pastor Mike Slaughter on Feb 11, 2010 04:00PM
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Thanks for sharing a small portion of the book...looks like a winner so far
Posted By: Glynda Mikolajewski on Feb 11, 2010 06:48PM
I know that this sounds pompous, but it is simple honesty. I have never seen my life, and call as a Christian any differently than you describe in your excerpt above. Not that I haven't had setbacks, attacks, detours, and things that I just plain didn't understand happen, but I think I've always understood the larger-than-life, if you will, implications of the mission including it's far-reaching application not limited by geography, socioeconomic status or even the laws of physics, and science. It's a mindset of faith I think, and we get that beautiful gift to sustain us through so much.
Posted By: Helen Combs on Feb 12, 2010 03:45AM
You know, I think the audience for this book is quite large, but scattered. Many could use the inspiration, but I it would do the most good for people if top leaders would read it. Of course, that's a challenge in itself. Hopefully, you have a strategy for reaching them. I know if I had a message for them, I certainly would have a strategy. My problem is that my strategy would require tremendous marvels of God, and I don't see Him doing a lot of what He used to do in terms of miracles. We seem to do most of it with our technology. I say all of this as though He doesn't know what He's doing, and that He's not in control. lol...I keep tryin' to convince Him that when it's all Him then there's no room for pride in those He uses. I know He's listening, it just doesn't feel like it. What is it you always say Mike, "It's not about how I feel?"
Posted By: Helen Combs on Feb 16, 2010 05:46AM
Did you watch President Obama’s State of the Union message last week? The divided aisle and animated reactions from the Congress are painful reminders of American’s very partisan politics. I am not naďve enough to believe that it hasn’t always been this way, but it appears that the majority of our public servants are more concerned with defeating the opposition than finding ways to work together to lead the country forward in a time of global economic crisis, escalation of poverty in the U.S. and the lingering threat of terrorist attack. Some in the church would seek out places of worship that tend to embrace their personal political persuasion, excluding from “true” fellowship anyone who doesn’t see eye to eye. Too many allow their political ideology to determine their theology rather than a careful study of biblical theology informing their politic. This partisan spirit of disdain and exclusion prevents many outsiders from experiencing the resurrected Christ and drives seekers from the church. Jesus pointed out a critical deficiency in the biblical interpretation of the religious leaders of his day that continues to threaten the church today: “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human tradition” (Mark 7:8). Each of us brings a blend of political ideology, personal prejudice and folk religion together and then mix in some biblical truth to form a personalized system of life doctrines. We must repent of our worldly ways of thinking and seek the mind of Christ. A commitment to follow Jesus is a commitment to a higher politic that places one’s allegiance above party platform. My good friend Tony Hall (D) served for more than 20 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and recently served as Ambassador to the U.N. Agencies for Food and Agriculture. Tony is the only person that I publicly acknowledge voting for as a write-in candidate for President. Tony has stood courageously against his party’s platform on the abortion issue while continuing to be more liberal on public policy for the widow and orphan. I was privileged to get to travel with Tony to the Middle East last year as part of his Middle East peace initiative team. Tony has a way of gathering folks who are both Republicans and Democrats to work together for issues that strike at the heart of biblical justice. Each morning a group of political leaders from both sides of the aisle gathered with us in Tony’s hotel room for prayer and Bible study. You want to know what I really love about the church? The church is the one place where people from both sides of the aisle come together and partake from The One Loaf. We worship and serve side by side! God bless…
Note from Ginghamsburg Staff: Pastor Mike’s new book, Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus
Posted By: Pastor Mike Slaughter on Feb 04, 2010 11:00AM
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Bingo on this one, Mike.
Posted By: Barry Hall on Feb 04, 2010 09:59PM
Mike,
Posted By: Rusty Eshlleman on Feb 09, 2010 02:34PM
I remember seeing the same animated responses when Bush was in office. The Democratic party was formed because there were issues that the Republic simply didn't address or find plausible. They (Democratic Party)came into being shortly after the U.S gained independence from Britain. So, I would say that it has probably always gone on even though both parties looked a lot different back then. There's so much political confusion now. Many of us are probably seeing a greater need for unity especially with the technological advances available to terrorist groups. The persuasion being ethos in nature is more important that ever, but a logos position is very necessary also because the tendency is to make a pathos appeal, and it's too emotional for the situation (hence the animated gestures).
Posted By: Helen Combs on Feb 09, 2010 08:26PM
Hi, I just had to respond to this one, we have to get out of the way and let GOD perform his miracles. I saw a very intelligent and Blessed doctor yesterday at OSU Medical Center and the doctor gave me a devastating blow, I need inspiration and I mostly get that from God, we still need the kindness of our fellow humans. In my opinion we all need that love that He has put in our heart to shine through. Let's all give love, accept love and keep in prayer for our Leaders of the Government. Blessings, Mikki
Posted By: Mikki on Feb 19, 2010 03:23PM
We all fall down. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). To deny our propensity to sabotage Christ’s reputation is a sure prescription for failure. Peter, who demonstrated bravery in his attempt to defend Jesus with his sword, would later find himself as sermon fodder (for the next 2000 years) as the one who denied Jesus in his hour of need. As a matter of fact, the Bible is really a story about broken human beings who fail morally and spiritually in spite of their faith and best intentions. Some like Peter make great comebacks, and others like Judas run away from God’s restorative grace. I’m disappointed to share that Kyle McCarty will no longer be on staff with Ginghamsburg as the adult music director. As you may have read or heard in the media, Kyle will be incarcerated for three months to one year in Utah for a theft he was alleged to have committed while working for another church. When we hire staff members at Ginghamsburg, we are very careful in our hiring processes to try to select the right person for the mission. We conduct team interviews, run national background and credit checks, make multiple reference calls, hire the Gallup organization that created the Strengthsfinder tool to do a 45-minute interview assessment with the candidate, etc. Even with all of that, it was never brought to light as we evaluated Kyle and other candidates that Kyle had worked at the Christian Life Center church in Layton, Utah, nor did the pending legal case surface. And, Kyle failed to disclose those in the resume and application he submitted, no doubt hoping, naively of course, for a fresh start at a new place for himself and his family while a legal process of many months played out. Not surprisingly, those were secrets that couldn’t, and shouldn’t, be kept. On Christmas Eve, an attempt was made to extradite Kyle back to Utah to ensure the legal case would be resolved once and for all. Shortly following, we placed Kyle on a 30-day paid administrative leave so that he could immediately make plans to return to Utah to make things right, however that might play out, AND so that we could track down and assess all of the details. We will immediately begin the search for the right music director. In the meantime, we serve a God who can redeem all things for the greater good. I am reminded of a saying that I heard as a new Christian 40 years ago: “The Church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners.” The depth of God’s love exceeds the scale of our ability to fall. We can never fall far enough to find our way out of God’s restorative love. We can only refuse to yield ourselves to God’s recovery process. The Baptist pastor Will Campbell, author of Brother Of The Dragonfly, served churches in the segregated south in the early 1960’s. His people openly criticized him for his proactive work for civil rights. This Christian pastor found church people actively working against him while non-Christians and atheists were working alongside him. One of the men working with Pastor Campbell was murdered while sitting at a restaurant counter. An angry reporter who professed to be an atheist wanted to know how Campbell could give himself to such a religion. “Tell me in ten words or less what Christianity is about.” “Ten words or less?” Campbell replied. “Well just this: we are all bastards, but God loves us anyway.” Thank God for amazing grace! Please join me in praying for Kyle and his family as he pays a heavy price for these failings and that God will redeem it ultimately for the good of both Kyle’s family and our Ginghamsburg Music Ministry. God bless…
Posted By: Pastor Mike Slaughter on Jan 28, 2010 05:00PM
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Thank You Mike for the prayers for the music ministry. It is much needed and appreciated.
Posted By: Julie on Jan 28, 2010 08:31PM
Kyle is an amazing man with an amazing gift. We are all so blessed to have had him in our presence even if it was only for a short time. While people will make judgements, I believe that we must remember that ONLY GOD can judge each of us, and that ONLY GOD knows the truth in this matter.
Posted By: Lauren on Jan 28, 2010 09:45PM
I am not in a position to judge anyone.
Posted By: Barry Hall on Jan 28, 2010 11:06PM
I know this probably sounds weird, but I find myself thinking that at least it wasn't for murder or rape or some terrible crime as that. Not that theft is okay or anything.
Posted By: Helen Combs on Jan 29, 2010 02:35AM
I saw the story on the news the other night but my first thought was (and I think influenced by your sermons of the past 3 weeks), there but for the grace of God go I. I am reminded of your words Mike that In the flesh we are all capable of these sort of things. In the flesh we all are capable of being a Tiger Woods. Succcombing to sin. Our hearts will lead us astray and therefore we should not listen to our hearts but to Gods word and God word in my mind is about grace, forgiveness and redemption. I don't know the music director personally but will add him to my prayers this morning, as well as his family.
Posted By: Suzanne on Jan 29, 2010 05:53AM
Mike - thank you for the update of facts - now, all rumors/wonder can be dismissed. I will pray for Kyle and his family to be restored by our Lord - may they draw close to HIM and feel his peace.
Posted By: Bev on Jan 29, 2010 07:44AM
Prayers, prayers, prayers! We all have our angels to encourage us, and our demons to fight. And at any given point, any of us can fall down. The key is to get back up and keep fighting those demons, keep walking (or sometimes even crawling) with God, and to let him restore us, restore our future. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but God can turn our mess into a message!
Posted By: Nicole on Jan 29, 2010 11:39AM
Kyle is an extremely gifted and annointed minister of music. My prayers are with him, his family and all affected. I pray what the enemy meant for evil, God will restore and multiply in all directions.
Posted By: Brian K. Brown on Jan 29, 2010 02:09PM
I was truly saddened by this news, but encouraged that God will turn this around for the good of his people. I'm praying for Kyle, his wife and his daughter.
Posted By: Dan Simes on Jan 29, 2010 06:41PM
John 20:21-23 (NIV) 21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of anyone, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Posted By: Jim Hinkle on Jan 30, 2010 10:11AM
There is a reason that no one stuck around when Jesus said, "whoever has never sinned can throw the first stone". I am thankful that God's grace applies to my public sins that everyone finds out about and also to those that I have hidden from everyone but God.
Posted By: Dave Hood on Jan 30, 2010 10:19AM
Thank you so much, Mike for this update. To give us the truth of the situation and bring it into the light so that healing can begin for ALL of us.
Posted By: Marilou on Jan 30, 2010 01:15PM
Mike thanks so much for your openess and honesty in sharing this process. Iknow the level of checks and balances you and Senior staff have in our hiring practices @ Ginghamsburg. Somehow this accusation of Kyle slipped thru all the cracks.
Posted By: Pete Cullen on Jan 31, 2010 08:09PM
It's hard to have heard all of the happenings at GUM, especially second hand, and this post definitely clarifies some of the 'facts'. But as Frank Loyd Wright said "The truth is more important than facts."And in this instance I think everyone should leave it to God, we are called in Matthew 7:2 to not judge hypocritically... "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:2 (NASB) That holds true, none of us have the right or the place to judge this situation, and if we have no place - shouldn't we just accept God's grace on the entire situation and give it to Him? Matthew 18:15 (NASB) says "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother." There is a time and a place to help someone, but once the time has passed you have helped your brother, so no need to continue to converse about the situation... for in conversing judgment resides. I pray that GUM follows where God leads, for it is all for His glory.
Posted By: Lucas on Feb 01, 2010 10:29AM
Thank you for the update at the worship service, Mike. Your honesty was appreciated. When I read about this in the paper, I was hoping it was all just a big misunderstanding.
Posted By: Janet Wymyslo on Feb 01, 2010 10:33AM
Mike- I am so delighted when I often hear great things about how you and and the people of Ginghamsburg continue to serve Jesus faithfully in Ohio! And still my heart brakes when I hear of this latest news. You and Ginghamsburg are in my prayers. May God grant you wisdom in your search for a servant to lead the music dept. Grace and Peace to you!
Posted By: Matt McNeece on Feb 02, 2010 12:01PM
Disclosure is always the best policy. I’ve learned – sin is sin; doesn’t matter the severity. If you repent, HIS amazing grace will save you. My prayers for Kyle will be that he understands the error of his way and that Gods grace will surround him again. Our society however requires restitution for crimes against members so he’ll have to pay that debt.
Posted By: Rich B on Feb 03, 2010 04:21PM
We all do fall down. I will never forget just how much the Grace of God meant to me. I have been praying for our music director and his family. I thank you for your honesty. I liked the statement "the church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners." God bless you.
Posted By: Angie M on Feb 04, 2010 02:44AM
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