Richard Burson: a life of guidance (Part 2)

     Pastor Richard Burson had accepted the Lord and completed his studies to become a pastor, but he still had obstacles to overcome in his Christian walk.

     Though briefly mentioned in part one of the interview, Burson believes the fact that he was an introvert was a major obstacle to overcome. It had caused him to grow up with a lack of self-confidence. In fact, he still admits to having less confidence than he would like: giving God the credit for getting him through many situations he lacked the human confidence to endure.

     Burson admits to realizing what made the difference was God calling him into the ministry: that there was a message God had given him to share with the world --- the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

     The message became such an important part of his life, after all it was his chosen profession, that he felt it gave him a sense of freedom to proclaim it --- and God has continued to bless him as a result.

     Burson contends he found a way to express himself through God's word.

     Anger was another obstacle he had to overcome. It was a character trait that paved the way for Burson to engage in various sinful acts that he had been a party to throughout his life.

     "I had a temper, and did a lot of fighting growing up," said Burson. "I wasn't happy just to whip someone in a fight, I had to hurt them."

     He recalled times when he tried to drown a boy, beat another boy in the head with a rock, and stomped a man's head on concrete during a bar fight.

     Psychologists inform us that such angry outbursts are often signs of individuals with low self-esteem, or a lack of self-confidence. It gives them a brief, although false, sense of power.

     That same insecurity manifested itself into an exaggerated "fear of God," said Burson. An unrealistic fear that had him believing God would punish him for every infraction. And he recalls the feeling of "walking on eggshells," where God was concerned.

     That fear and dread vanished when Burson finally realized the extent of God's love for him: for all mankind. He remembers the transformation occurred when John 3:16 became a personal revelation, and not just some nice sounding words on a piece of paper.

     When he acquired the proper perspective and attained a much deeper relationship with God, he was able to master the anger and violence issues in his life.

     "I realized true Christians don't act that way," said Burson, "and I've had a different view of people, and myself, from that point on."

     God had kept the problematic areas of his life continuously in the forefront until Burson finally dealt with them properly. A lesson for anyone who seems to keep running into the same obstacles over-and-over.

     Pastor Burson admits that the subsequent four decades of ministry have not been without additional hurdles to overcome, but the blessings have far outweighed the problems and his past.

     He readily acknowledges the blessing of his "wonderful wife" Josie, three "great kids" (Susan, Rick, and Rose), and six "equally great" grandchildren.

     "Josie is a story unto herself," Burson said. And he confesses his continued amazement at how she remained with him during those early years when he was not a true Christian, and still had the anger issues.

     "I treated her horribly," he said. Yet she remained because of a Christian heart, and her love for him, the children, and especially for Jesus.

     Burson credits the success of their 46 year marriage initially to his wife's focus on Christ... and now, their continued focus on Christ as a couple.

     When you view your mate's actions through godly eyes, instead of your own, it's amazing how much you can forgive: a principle Burson believes whole-heartedly.

     Though Burson admits to being blessed materialistically as well, it is clear that relationships are what he views as his "biggest blessings." And those relationships extend far beyond the immediate family.

     Additional blessed events during Burson's ministerial walk have been the unexplainable or miraculous incidents, which continually surprise him no matter how often they may occur.

     During his years as a minister he has spent time at the VA hospitals, along with being a hospice chaplain at a community hospital. In other words, Burson has become somewhat of a specialist in dealing with the spiritual needs of the sick, dying, and the families of the dearly departed.

     Having been a witness to so many transitional events has given Burson a unique perspective that most individuals could not understand. It has also allowed him to observe various unusual situations that can only be described as miraculous.

     On more than one occasion Burson was invited to pray over comatose patients, and yet, upon his arrival the patient was already awake and waiting for him (because a mysterious person informed them he was coming), or they awoke while he began to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

     Similarly, family members of those he prayed for would later reveal how they had received a vision or dream that he would be the one to help their loved ones find salvation before passing on.

     One patient awakening from a coma at the moment Burson arrives or begins to testify about Christ might be accepted as a coincidence, but multiple comatose patients over various years --- that is no coincidence.

     Sadly, all the patients he offered the good news to did not accept. Even in situations when Burson believes God allowed them to recieve one last chance to escape dying in their sins, some still refused.

     God will not overrule their free will, and their hearts were hardened to the point of rejecting salvation even on their death beds.

     Burson recalls a few of these individuals dying within minutes after his conversation with them.

     Thankfully, Burson contends that a majority under those circumstances realized the uniqueness of the situation and accepted Christ.

     He recalls one lady, who had been on hospice watch for six-months, and constantly claimed to already be a Christian (having attended church for many years), became hysterical as her time approached. Her family sent for him because she kept screaming, "I'm going to die, and I'm going to hell!" Over and over she yelled the phrase as she thrashed about her bed.

     Not until Pastor Burson arrived and honestly led her to the Lord did she finally calm down. And she remained calm for the next three days until she passed away.

     "You cannot simply pay God lip service and expect to be saved," said Burson. "It has to be a heart felt repentance." And the fore mentioned lady realized that just in time: she had attended church for years, but she had never truly repented of her sins.

     If God had not showed such a wonderful example of loving and compassionate guidance toward Pastor Burson throughout his life, he would never have been able to show the same style of guidance to the many needy souls that have crossed his path throughout the many years he's been in the ministry.

     As he and his wife say, "good-bye" to FBC, on the way to a new ministerial endeavor, they will continue to rely on God's guidance.

     "We've let God down," Burson said, "but He has never let us down."

Richard Burson: a life of guidance (PART 1)

     At a time when only 50% of the students exiting Bible colleges honestly believe in the supernatural characteristics of an Almighty God, it is refreshing to speak with a pastor like Richard Burson, who believes in divine intervention and guidance from an omnipotent and loving Creator.

     Pastor Burson has been the spiritual leader at the First Baptist Church in Madras, Oregon, for the past 8 1/2 years. However, today was his last sermon at FBC. He and his wife, Josie, are heading to Estacada, where he will take over senior pastoral duties at Clackamas Valley Baptist Church.

     Burson views these transition periods as a continuation of God's ongoing guidance in the lives of His children. In fact, his life could be summed up in the periods when he needed to be guided (or led) to the Lord, receiving a more in-depth guidance during his Chrsitian walk, and then taking what he learned to guide others through the ministry in which God has placed him.

     While growing up, and as the third child out of eight (along with two step-sisters), it was easy for Burson to lose sight of his true identity. He admits to struggling as an introvert for most of his life, especially during the early years.

     His family was poor. For the first ten years of his life they resided in a canyon seven-miles up a back country road near the town of Dillard, Oregon.

     "We were pretty self-sufficient," said Burson. A pioneer style existence: they grew their own vegetables, and the main course would often be rabbit, gray squirrel, or venison. In fact, it wasn't until he was ten years old, and the family moved to Roseburg, that they got electricity.

     Spiritually speaking, up until that point, they only attended church on the important days, like Easter or Christmas.

     The close proximity to civilization increased attendance a little, including events like Vacation Bible School. However, it was also at ten years of age that Burson first recalls standing out on the street corner and having serious thoughts that he "needed to be in church." And yet, without the proper mentoring or encouragement, little was done about it.

     Three years would pass before Burson pinpoints another instance of spiritual guidance. He was exiting junior high, and across the street was a church, and he both felt and heard confirmation that he would attend that church: and he eventually did. And he continued there for quite some time.

     Two years later, while attending a Christian concert at an Assembly of God church --- the same church his brother would be married at in a couple years --- he discerned the Holy Spirit telling him that he would someday preach at that pulpit. It would take 45 years, but that prophetic word came to pass when he preached there at his brother-in-law's funeral.

     Unfortunately, during those early years of church attendance, he wasn't truly a Christian, since he had no personal relationship with God. And Burson admits that during that time he definitely had no plans on becoming a pastor. In fact, when he met Josie, his future wife, she was the professing Christian, not him.

     They got married fairly quick, in July of 1966: the same year they met. However, he soon received his draft notice, and entered the Army in September of that year: though Josie was able to accompany him when he was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington.

     They rented a place above a garage, and Burson attributes their destination to part of that ongoing divine guidance. If living with a Christian wife wasn't influence enough, both the tenant's in front and behind them were sons of preachers. Therefore, between the three, they were more than enough influence to get him back into church.

     They were attending a little Baptist church at the time he recieved his orders to go to Vietnam. And one day, while the preacher was giving the invitation following his sermon, he said, "If you die today, do you know for sure that you'll go to heaven?"

     "I realized if I went to Vietnam and got killed," said Burson, "I'd go to hell." So he lifted his hand and went forward. After many years of sporadic church attendance he finally accepted the Lord.

     Unfortunately, upon returning from his tour of duty and discharging from the Army, they returned to Roseburg where Burson went to work at the mills, and he likewise returned to his old sinful ways.

     Since he worked hard he felt he was entitled to play hard as well, which included barhopping.

     "Josie always had a Christian heart, and loved the Lord," Burson said. "I was leading her away from that."

     However, she wasn't led too far before deciding it was time for her and the kids to get back to church.

     She had extended the invitation to him, but he chose to "go to the bars, drink, and play pool."

     That's when God decided it was time to increase the volume, and instead of the easily dismissed still small voice, the urging within him became so continuous that he put down the pool cue, left the tops on the bottles, and sat himself down with his family in church.

     This time the Lord provided some wonderful friendships, additional discipling, and eventually a new pastor, named Doyle Collins, who emphasized ministering and ministry.

     Burson wasn't sure how to respond to the unction of the Spirit at that point. He had already tried to become a deacon in the church, a position he really wanted, but lost the nomination by one vote.

     He wrestled with the decision of going into ministry for over a year and a half after receiving the calling. That is, until one day while laying on his bed, he asked for God's guidance on beginning the ministry. This time he heard a clear voice tell him, "You'd be a fool if you didn't."

     Those words, along with an identical confirmation, was all he needed. Burson, and his family, headed to Texas where he and Josie attended a Bible College.

     As you can see, the road to becoming a pastor is not always clear and easy. It required a lot of inner struggle and external guidance for Pastor Burson to reach this point. Stay tuned for part 2 of the interview, and see that there are often as many obstacles to overcome after becoming a pastor as there were prior to entering the ministry. However, there were many more blessings after he made the choice to follow God's will for his life.

A different holiday consideration

     Yesterday, St. Patrick's Day, was not a day for wearing the green in Boynton Beach, Florida. Black arm bands would have been more appropriate for an evening prayer vigil to honor two young street preachers who were gunned down January 30th while evangelizing.

     Tite Sufra, 24, and Stephen Ocean, 23, had witnessed to Jeriah Woody, 18, for fifteen minutes before the latter received a phone call and departed. However, Woody returned, and when Sufra went to greet him, he was hit point-blank with a shotgun blast. And when Ocean attempted to flee he was shot in the back, and then finished off execution style with a shot to the head.

     "The increasing demonization of Christians in our culture makes some feel its open season on Christians," said Gary Cass of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission, according to the Worthy News North American Service.

     Cass further pointed out that not one national news organization reported the incident. And he additionally suggested that if it had been two Muslims, two feminists, or two homosexuals, the media would be all over it.

     Unfortunately, he is right.

     What happened to Sufra and Ocean is a tragedy, and we need to pray for their families and congregations. However, praying is not enough.

     Too many Christians have become complacent. And when complacency becomes status quo we see a continuing loss throughout the Christian community: a loss in faith, a loss in political standing, a loss in education, parenting, and every other area of concern.

     Everyone who claims to be a Christian and refuses to get involved in Christian issues shares responsibility for the negative consequences.

     Think about that the next time you ask God to answer your prayers.

     Instead of living the secular version of "what have you done for me lately?" try asking yourself "what have I done for God lately?"

(Some information and quotes for this article were acquired from Worthy News.com)

God is still on campus

     Some of the best lessons learned on campus have nothing to do with school.

     As some of my readers know, when the economy nearly hit rock bottom I lost both my job and approximately 92% of my entire life savings, so I opted to return to college three decades after last stepping foot on campus.

     For those of you that have not been on a college campus recently let me just say, as a 50+ year old widower with a conservative background and Christian beliefs, I was not welcomed with opened arms.

     Ironically, one of my character traits --- though some may call it a flaw --- is that I rarely, if ever, allow the negative opinions of others to persuade me to forego a chosen path. In fact, such response predominantly inspires me to dust off the proverbial gloves and I step into the ring for some symbolic faith-wielding fisticuffs.

     I quickly realized that approximately 99% of both instructors and curriculum are solidly grounded in a liberal - humanistic foundation, which hinted at the truth that my class time would not be boring.

Christian students can still choose their topics.

     Presently, I am about to finish my fourth semester since returning to the world of education. Each semester has begun, proceeded, and finished in a similar fashion. The semester begins with me being treated like an outsider; then proceeds with me working hard, standing my ground, and being true to my beliefs; and finishing with me near, or at the top, of each class.

     I have found that putting forth the effort and remaining true to oneself wins over far more people than outward conflict. And it is a better testimony for God as well.

     How do I know it is a better testimony? Because the Lord has allowed my educational efforts to sway at least eight classmates, that I know of, to forego their atheistic or agnostic beliefs for a belief in God.

     How is this possible in the modern-day classroom environment where God is no longer allowed in the humanistic curriculum? Because students are still allowed to choose their topics in many of the classes. Therefore, when my young classmates select from the abundance of liberal fare, such as pro-abortion and gay marriage, I select faith-based topics like intelligent design versus evolution or the truth about miracles.

     Through the unction of the Holy Spirit the Lord has blessed these choices and the effort I put into them. Even when I felt I was not fulfilling the expectation I imagined for the topic, the Holy Spirit still used my efforts to touch one or more classmates.

     As Christians, all we have to do is seek God's will for our lives and put forth an honest effort: the rest is up to Him.

Don Courtney: A Man of Integrity... coping with crisis

     What do you do when you are fresh out of college, struggling to make a marriage grow, just acquired a mortgage, and your first child comes two months premature?

     It is an emotional and financial crisis that "brings you to your knees," says Don Courtney of Madras, Oregon.

     A crisis he admits to being ill-equipped to handle at the time; for although Don and his wife, Ellen, called upon God, stuck it out, and made it through, the situation took its toll.

     Many churches, and many Christians individually, fail to follow through in the area of supporting the brethren, Courtney claims. They will make the initial contact to offer their best wishes and support, but usually the offer mysteriously vanishes after they leave.

     When looking back on it today, Courtney realizes that lack of support, and no follow-up discipling, was instrumental in his choice to seek answers elsewhere. And when the answers were not found the closeness he felt with God became overshadowed by the endless grind of trying to dig out from under of the huge medical bills, pay the mortgage, take care of his family, and establish himself in management at the Kahneeta Resort in Warm Springs.

     Courtney admitted he became a workaholic, and when that did not satisfy his inner need he ran into a problem with alcohol.

     Sadly, the stress and the toll it took, became too much to bear, and Courtney and his wife separated. Thus, he found himself on his knees again.

     What is it about human nature, Courtney wonders, that causes many of us to push it to the edge, until we cannot push any farther?

     "It's as if we are trying to keep control of part of our lives," says Courtney, "turning only a percentage over to God." But he has learned that God will not accept partial relationships: it's all or nothing.

     Courtney realized he needed to "surrender all to God." And when he finally chose to surrender a transformation took place that continues to this day.

     True repentance is always reflected in change, and Courtney's life shows that change.

     He and Ellen remarried, and they now have five kids: Brad, John, Ellen Renee, Dawnlynn, and Christian Cash.

     Subsequently, he has been sober over twenty years. He left the resort after 14 years, and entered law enforcement. And after donning the uniform he worked hard, climbed the ranks, received extensive training   --- including graduating from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia --- and eventually became the Police Chief for Warm Springs: twice.

     Courtney remained in law enforcement until a situation arose, where continuing under a new administration would require him to compromise his ethics and intergrity.

     He viewed it as a test, and God blessed him when he made the right choice to leave.

     However, the blessing was not instantaneous. It required faith, patience, and obedience on Courtney's part.

     He accepted employment with the school system, teaching a new program called "Inspire:" dealing with kids who have social and behavior issues. And then a year later a management position with the Health and Wellness Center at Warm Springs was unexpectedly offered. Yet Courtney prayed for several months before accepting the position. --- Since he had never sought the job, he wanted to make sure it was God's will. --- And in less than two years he has risen from the third ranked managerial position to the top slot: Public Utilities Manager, overseeing the entire Warm Springs Reservation.

     When Courtney surrendered all to God, he never looked back. And as he rose in the secular arena, meeting challenge after challenge, he equally found himself getting more involved with church and outreach programs.

     In 1995, Courtney and his family, started attending the First Baptist Church of Madras. And although his life in the secular arena continually brought him into contact with individuals in crisis who needed to be witnessed to, uplifted, and supported, he said the constant turnover at the church kept him in the pews.

     After seven years another new leader, Pastor Richard Burson, asked Courtney to become the Recreational Director. A position which led to a church council seat. This was followed by taking over as Music Director, along with revamping the Sunday School classes. And, eventually, leading to a ministerial position, and receiving his Ministerial License on March 16th, 2008.

     Courtney confirms that through each experience God clearly had His hand on his shoulders. And today, he is more equipped to handle each crisis which arises at home, work, or to complete strangers who need wisdom, strength, or the compassionate heart of someone to show they care. Like the "Good News Club" in Warm Springs, where young males are spiritually mentored. Up to 30 boys a week, 26 weeks a year, the youths get to escape the confines of their homes to learn Bible verses, and enjoy fellowship and activities in a positive atmosphere. And Courtney joyfully proclaims that several of the youngsters accepted Christ last year.

     When asked how he now deals with crisis, or what spiritual advice he would give to others facing trials, he relayed a 5-step outline which he claims to personally practice.

     First, keep your focus on God. As Courtney says, "continue believing with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul that He is in control." And he emphasizes that God is still in the "miracle working and healing" business.

     The second step is prayer. "I can't emphasize enough the power of prayer," Courtney claims. "Give all your cares, troubles, and requests to God in prayer."

     Third step, get into God's word. "As Christians," he continues, "we know we're suppose to read the bible, but we often allow daily needs to get in the way." Yet consulting God's word often, especially during times of crisis and testing, always increases our chances for victory: spiritually and otherwise.

     Step four, fellowship with other believers. Primarily with mature Christians who understand their role is not only to "encourage you" and "support you," but they should do their best to "assist you in whatever crisis situation you're going through," Courtney adds.

     Far too often we believers let each other down.

     Courtney recalled a situation which happened recently to him and his family. The tragic  loss of his daughter's newborn was understandably difficult. And when Courtney reached out to a fellow believer, asking that individual to please spread the word, so that he could focus on his family, the individual never followed through.

     Therefore, the emotional support, which is so vital during such devastating times of loss, was not there.

     Eventually, as the sad news circulated through other means, the outpouring of support did come. But it should be there immediately, if Christians do their part.

     One final point, Courtney shows by example: he has already forgiven the individual who let his family down.

     As a man of integrity he knows he needs to balance compassion along with the other positive traits, such as truth, honesty, courage, and responsibility.

     The fifth and final step, share the Gospel. And sharing the Gospel includes sharing your testimony: heartaches, experiences, good times, bad times, and as Courtney says, "what God has done in your life."

     The person in crisis, or facing a trial, needs to do this from a different perspective. They often need to vent, to give voice to the problem and how they feel. Let them. And let them know you have ears to listen, arms to hug, and a shoulder to cry on if needed.

     It's not always easy or pleasant to comfort and support brethren in crisis. However, they need to know someone is there for them.

     Courtney encourages everyone he counsels that, "God is never going to place anything on our shoulders that we are not able to handle."

     We can all overcome crisis with God's help, and the help of each other.      

Three cheers for Lauren Ashley!

     At present they are still calling Lauren Ashley "Miss Beverly Hills," though that may change in the near future if Beverly Hills has anything to say about it.

     What was the alleged "crime" that would turn the city officials against the 23-year-old Miss California USA hopeful? --- She quoted from the Bible.

     "If man lies with mankind as he would lie with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination."

     As soon as the quote was rendered on Fox 411, and reported on Fox News' Pop Tarts, the liberal media once again began the verbal joust of political correctness, lashing out with the claim to fame of intolerance against Ashley, in a quick comparison to the former Miss California Carrie Prejean.

     It always amazes me that they use the "intolerant" defense, when they are breaking their own rule. After all, are they tolerantly allowing Ashley to think and act as she wants? Or, in liberal-speak, is that only allowed for the individuals with aberrant behavior?

     Coincidentally, it is the liberal media that loves to fuel this fire. For instance, there were several headlines immediately following the quotes and reports on Ashley that insist "the beauty queen wanted gays put to death," which is a total fabrication from the truth, and piss-poor journalism.

     In actuality, Ashley quoted a couple verses from the Bible, and the liberal media took the wild leap from the context of those quotes, and began claiming it was what Ashley wanted, when she had made no such claim.

     I, for one, applaud Ashley for having the strength and fortitude to announce her true belief. In a day when most young people succumb to peer pressure, it is refreshing to see strength of character in one so young.

     Three cheers for Lauren Ashley!

     May God continue to bless you as long as you follow His chosen path for you.

Extreme Depths

     This was originally written soon after my wife died in 2008, but there have been several deaths lately within my church and local community, and I felt compelled to post it here as a reminder to those who have the power to make a difference... if they just step up when needed.



     I never realized the depth of love a man could reach until I loved Karen --- than lost her to a cruel combination of cancer and an auto-immune disease called "Wegener's Granulamatosis Vasculitis."

     Six and a half of the seven blessed years Karen was in my life she was, sadly, fighting for her life. And after such a lengthy battle it might be assumed that the remaining mate would have been prepared for what the medical profession called, "the inevitable." --- Especially since I had stayed beside her through every ordeal, and eventually became her live-in caregiver for the last several months of her life.

     However, no amount of preparation could have prepared me for the depths of grief that overwhelmed me at Karen's passing. I was literally inconsolable.

     Having given myself totally over to Karen, as she did with me, we had discovered why God's word says, "they are no longer two, but one." And when Karen went to be with the Lord, I felt that part of me had also died.

     The situation compounded after Karen's memorial service, when family, friends, and church members left me to deal with this extreme grief alone. No calls or visits for weeks on end.

     I was going through the worst emotional pain of my life, and having to do it without any support.

     As a partially disabled Veteran who, at one time, used to pick up dead bodies for a living, I thought I knew how to handle grief. And I had already lost friends, along with my father, whom I loved dearly. But nothing could reach me through the grief of losing Karen. It was an emotional bottomless pit, and I just kept falling.

     No hands to hold, no shoulders to cry on, no ears to listen. As if family, friends, and the church body each equally adhered to society's image of how a man should act: even under the most stressful conditions.

     Perhaps it was because they knew I had grown up on the violent streets of Los Angeles, was an ex-recon scout, an ex-stuntman, and an ex-private investigator who had seen my share of stressful situations. Maybe it was because like most men in this society, when others were near me, I put on the standard mask of little emotion.

     However, as soon as I returned to the home Karen and I had shared, no wall, shell, or mask could hold back the torrential rain of tears. I could not turn in any direction and escape her presense. Nor did I wish to. Every house plant she had grown, every craft she had made, and every piece of clothing she had worn invoked precious memories, which only served to remind me of my great loss.

     So-called specialists in the secular arena claim men do not know how to commit to relationships. But they are wrong.

     Karen and I had become one, like God intends a man and woman to be. And when that relationship was severed the only thing capable of bringing me back from the depths of despair was the only like-minded relationship available, God's totally committed love for me.

     It was still no easy task, but God was willing to love me back every slow and painful step of the way. And I'm eternally grateful.

     However, let me challenge you to not leave everything to God alone. We are to be His hands as well. And it's not easy in this society for a man in pain to reach out. So please, look passed the masks of men in their time of grief and take steps to support them when you can.

Food Is A Way To The Heart

     A few Central Oregon Community College culinary students made a delicious difference at an annual Valentine's event.

     Daniel Taylor was the driving force behind changing the ordinary community potluck into a culinary delight for the Valentine's dinner Saturday the 13th, 6:00 pm, Madras Baptist Church.

     After being approached by Pastor Richard Burson to take over cooking duties for the annual community dinner, Taylor decided it was time for a change. As a culinary student at COCC he took his idea to the instructors, and put out a request for volunteers.

     "Eighty-hours of a 300 - hour cooking requirement can be made up of volunteer work," said Taylor. He said the requirement gives students valuable experience through practical application.

     The dinner, along with entertainment and door prizes, was held in the Fireside Room at the church. The event was free and open to everyone, though donations were gratefully accepted. And over half the attendees were not members of the congregation, including some homeless individuals who were more than welcomed.

     With the help of volunteers, led by Ellen Courtney, the dining hall was transformed into a one-night Bistro. The mosaic of tables were slanted, adorned with linen covers, topped with floating candles, and sprinkled with rose petals. The overhead lighting was turned off, and softer floor lamps were spaced along the walls. Multiple plant and floral arrangements were brought in, along with lighted trees, and two soothing waterfalls to add to the ambiance.

     Kyle Price and Chelsea Anttila, both COCC culinary students, assisted Taylor with the multiple courses, including two entrees: braised chicken breast and seafood risotto.

     "We get class credit," said Price, "but I would've done it anyway."

     All three students confessed and interest in community service and charity work.

     "I would also eventually like to teach," Anttila said, though it is the delicate sugary concoctions that look more like art than food that fascinate her the most.

     Other than a 15-minute delay on the serving time, three broken dishes, and some comedy relief when Pastor Burson knocked over a large flower vase, the event was a success.

     "It gave a lot of us a chance to experience what it would be like at a fancy restaurant," said Pat Beno, a guest, who was not shy about going for seconds.

     Touching lives with good food was a desire mentioned, in a variety of ways, by each culinary student volunteering at the event.

     "Doing this on the heart-centered holiday," said Taylor, "is the proverbial icing on the cake."

Stop, look, and listen

     I dislike letting so much time go between posts, but sometimes life simply gets in the way. I'm sure everyone has had similar circumstances, wondering if it's possible to squeeze a few more hours into each day. And yet, there are times you just have to stop, look, and listen.

     Yesterday was one of those days.

     The first two weeks of the Winter college semester have been rather hectic. This has been made worse by the variety of winter weather we've been having; everything from snow to sleet, freezing rain to whiteout fog. Then include normal responsibilities with family, friends, and congregation, which still need their share of attention.

     Last night was rehearsal for the worship team. Our keyboardist will be absent this week, and I usually step up with the guitar when needed: though I'd prefer to stick with my primary instrument, drums, if everything falls into place.

     Missing most of our musicians, and down to one female voice, the need for a little extra work on a few tunes was in order. But we took it in stride, accomplished the tasks, and finished with our customary prayer.
However, just as we finished, a young man entered the auditorium, which is a bit out of the ordinary. It's a small church, with nothing planned for Friday nights except worship practice.

     For the sake of privacy I will call him "Bill." Bill has not been a member of the church very long. Just a few months back he rededicated his life to Christ, then followed the profession of faith with baptism a week later.

     Bill is partially disabled, and attempts to make do with a fixed income. He lives with a roommate, who shares the financial burden. Unfortunately, the continuing economic crisis continues to devastate our small Central Oregon community. And Bill's roommate has just joined the ranks of the unemployed.

     This is not a casual or quick fix problem in an area plagued with a much higher rate of unemployment than the national average. An area that sees thousands of people going after a few dozen jobs.

     Bill's partial disability payments are not enough to make the monthly bills. And just because he's partially disabled does not mean he doesn't have the normal amount of male pride. He eagerly wants to work, even if it's only part-time. Yet there isn't anything available.

     Bill is at his wits end. He humbled himself before the few remaining worship team members. That's not an easy thing for any man to do in this society: a society that raises the bar high on what it allegedly means to be a "real" man.

     With regard to the worship team members, I realized, after everything was over, we spent more time with Bill than we did for the entire rehearsal. We each forgot our own problems for awhile, and dismissed the usual urgency of our daily grinds, while attempting to comfort, help, and find solutions for one of our brothers in Christ.

     I am not bringing this up for any verbal pat on the back, but as a reminder to us all. Even though most of us have our share of difficulties, it doesn't take any of us too long to find someone worse off than we are. If we simply stop, look, and listen we can find many opportunities to help. And even though helping the victims in Haiti is a positive thing, we can find just as many starving and/or shattered lives right here. Maybe right next door.

Not another alleged rapture date prediction!

     An article posted on SFGate.com by Justin Berton, Chronicle Staff Writer, on New Year's Day proclaims, "Biblical Scholar's date for rapture: May 21, 2011."

     The article tells how Harold Camping, who runs Family Radio, an evangelical station with a global following, has a laugh over the "fairy tale" Mayan prediction for the world's end in 2012 (as portrayed in the new movie).

     As an 88-year-old alleged biblical scholar who claims to have studied the Bible for nearly 70 years, and states "he has developed a mathematical system to interpret prophesies hidden within the Good Book," he then makes his own prediction, claiming May 21, 2011 will be the "end of times."

     Camping is the same so-called biblical scholar who prophesied for two years that September 6, 1994 would be Judgment Day. A day when dozens of his gullible flock gathered within Alameda's Veterans Memorial Building to "await the coming of Christ."

     Unsurprisingly, a day that came and went without the heavenly trumpet blast, and Camping reaching for any excuse to cover up his faux pas. He settled on the possibility that he might have made a mistake on his calculations.

     He made a mistake all right, but it has nothing to do with his mathematical calculations.

     However, it obviously did not deter him from giving the old cosmic roulette wheel another spin, and coming up with his present prediction. Nor did his egg-faced followers forego their loyalty and, in fact, have helped sponsor and spread his present message around the world.

     Answer me this: how does a self-proclaimed biblical scholar, with 70 years of studying the Bible, never come across the words of Jesus claiming that "no man" will know the time of his return, only God?

     But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels, but my Father only. --- Matthew 24: 36

A fact which is stressed various times in God's word: for instance, Matthew 24: 35-51, Mark 13: 32-37, and Luke 12: 35-48.

     Then why does a so-called scholar continue to engage in the same foolish action that brought such laughable disgrace to himself, his followers, and his alleged faith?

     Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful: but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves wise, they became fools. -- Romans 1: 21-22

And:

     As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. --- Proverbs 26: 11

     Needless to say, I would urge you not to be as this man and his followers. Do not be overly concerned about the day or hour, it is not for us to know. Likewise, do not allow the foolish interpretations of those who take the Bible out of context to destroy your faith. Just continue to do your best, and be as Christ-like as possible. Let God handle the rest.

[Quotes and facts about Camping taken from Justin Berton article in SFGate.com]