Spiritual Growth

Into the World

Publication: Pastoral Letter, September 2006 Dear Friend in Christ: I grew up in a small, South Alabama community that could be grouped in several ways: White or black, wealthy or not, going to church or not. As a pastor’s son, I was especially aware of the latter group. Many church-going. [...]

Through the Storms

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Summer 2006 TRUSTING IN THE LORD AND WORKING TOGETHER CAUSE FAMILIES TO OVERCOME TRIALS One rule for writers is, "Write what you know." I seem to be writing (and speaking) a lot about storms lately. Last year, as you are aware, our area was hit. [...]

The Road to Unity

Publication: Pastoral Letter, June 2006 Dear Friend in Christ: I am writing this letter from Houston, Texas, where my wife, Carolyn, is a patient at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She is currently in a trial program due to a return of her cancer. She is feeling well with no symptoms,. [...]

Graduating for the Glorious Clause

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2006 IT’S NOT JUST WHAT YOU LEARN, BUT WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU LEARN! As we approach this time of year, we look ahead to graduation season for millions of students. Graduations come in many forms; sometimes from school, and sometimes through other. [...]

Coming Home

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Winter 2006 A PROPHETIC LOOK AT THE DESTINY OF THE CHURCH “Where is the church going?” “What do you see happening?” Sometimes I get asked these questions, perhaps because I travel and visit many churches. I always answer, “Lots of different things are happening.” There. [...]

Getting Real

Publication: Pastoral Letter, January 2006 Dear Friend in Christ: Thank you for your faithful support last year. The Lord spoke to me that 2005 would be a year of tests_it certainly was. For our family personally, we faced my wife, Carolyn’s diagnosis of cancer, and local hurricanes among other issues.. [...]

How to Have an Overcoming Faith

Publication: Pastoral Letter, November 2005 Dear Friend in Christ: Faith is the key to where God wants you to be; therefore, it is vital. My parents were “faith missionaries” when I was very young. Faith was a serious issue for our family. I remember my parents’ prayers. Today, our daughter. [...]

Faith That Works

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2005 What we believe will determine how we act at this critical moment in history. Several years ago, I shared a conference speaking platform with a Roman Catholic Cardinal. I remember a striking comment that he made: “The question is not faith or works,. [...]

Storm Stories

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Summer 2005 What Is the Reason for Hurricane Season? [caption id="attachment_5726" align="alignleft" width="262"] Hurricane Ivan Aftermath photo courtesy The Pensacola News Journal. Used with permission.[/caption] There is a peculiar, and not at all pleasant sound that the wind makes when it is trying to dismantle. [...]

Forward through Adversity…An Interview with Jim Tully

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Summer 2005 When you are in the midst of trials, there is a comfort and encouragement gained from those who have been tested by fire and found faithful. Their strength is not imparted through pats on the back and extensive shoulder crying sessions (although there. [...]

You Can Stand

Publication: Pastoral Letter, May 2005 Dear Friend in Christ: My father used to tell a story about a small boy who insisted on standing up in the church pew. His father told him to sit down but the boy continued to stand. Finally, the father physically put him down in. [...]

What Do You Think When…?

Publication: Pastoral Letter, April 2005 Dear Friend in Christ: Sometimes it is hard to know what to think. There are times when one can hardly think at all. Such was the case a few days ago when the doctor told me that my wife, Carolyn, has ovarian cancer. “We feel. [...]

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