By now almost everyone has heard of the tragedy that
took place on Sept.15, when a gunman entered Wedgwood Baptist
Church and killed 7 people and injured 7 others before taking his own
life.
That morning had been the day of "See You at the Pole,"
when students gather around their flagpole in the
morning to pray for their school and nation. What
the media hasn't reported, however, is how God has
been so evident, both during and after the shooting. He has
done amazing works!
Before The Shooting:
***Our pastor, Brother Al, had prayed that God
would do whatever it took to expand the ministry of Wedgwood Baptist
Church. Our church is one that is used as a model of how NOT to pick a
location, because no one in the world can find it. Now almost everyone
in the world knows exactly where it is.
Evidence of God's Control During The Shooting:
***To enter the church, the gunman walked past our
children's playground, which should have been full of kids, but
for some reason every single children's and preschool class was
running late. No one had made it to the playground yet.
***He fired over 100 bullets into a crowd of over
400, but only 14 people were hit.
***He did not shoot the over 60 bullets he still
had with him.
***The bottom fell off of the pipe bomb he threw,
and the bomb landed without ever exploding.
***One of the youth that was wounded (she was
shielding a disabled friend with her body) has scoliosis. The curve in
her spine directed the bullet away from major organs, saving her from
serious injury.
***Because the first 911 call came in on a police
radio, emergency vehicles were dispatched immediately, without
spending precious time to verify that call was real.
***One of the people in the church at the time was
a paramedic, and he was able to stop bleeding and stabilize injured
people before the emergency crews arrived.
***Leaders were able to get the children out of the
building without the kids having to see any victims or any of the
mess.
***Each children's worker stayed with his/her class
even though they all had children elsewhere in the building, and some
had teens in the sanctuary. Not one worker left his or her post.
***None of the adults who died have children.
***All 7 victims were not just Christians, but bold
Christians who were passionate about their faith.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for
good to accomplish what is not being done, the saving of many lives."
(Genesis 50:20)
What God has done since the shooting:
***Many denominations have pulled together to offer
help and support. One example is the United Methodist Church
who sent 15 people the following Sunday to cover our childcare.
They didn't want any church members to have to miss the service
because they were taking care of the children.
***A church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, drove over 5 hours
just so they could march around our church and pray during our
Sunday morning services.
***The Fort Worth Police Dept. planted flowers in
the flower beds before we reentered the sanctuary to worship.
***We have received over 10,000 emails, 5000 cards,
and $60,000 from all over the world Al Meredith, our pastor has had
the microphone in his face continually and has over and over given an
outstanding answer to the reason for our hope. He presented the gospel
beautifully on Larry King Live when prompted by a question asked by
Vice
President Al Gore.
***Because of the live news coverage and
interviews, over 200 million people have heard the gospel because of
this
tragedy.
***Fifteen thousand turned out for a community wide
service at TCU football stadium. Brother Al gave a very serious
challenging message calling for a day of fasting and heart searching
(Monday the 20th). The service was broadcast live in its entirety on
WBAP 820 which is a news station that covers most of north Texas. This
same
news station has replayed our pastor's first press conference due to
people calling in and requesting to hear his comforting words again.
***CNN also broadcast the memorial service live.
Amazingly, because one of the victim's families lives and works in
Saudi Arabia, that country allowed the service to be broadcast there as
well. In Saudi Arabia it is illegal to say the name of Jesus on the
street.
***Because of that same CNN broadcast, 35 people in
Japan gave their lives to Christ.
***When President Clinton finally got through to
him, Brother Al ended their conversation by praying, after gaining
permission, for the Clinton family.
***At several schools, students met around their
flagpoles the next day. At one school 25 students accepted Christ, and
110 at another.
***A teacher led 22 students to Christ in her
classroom.
***Christian teachers all over North Texas have
been able to share with their classes because the students are asking
questions about their teachers' faith.
***In Burleson, prayers and Scripture are being
said over the intercom.
***On the east coast, where "See You at the Pole"
was delayed because of the hurricane, record numbers of kids
showed up to pray.
***Governor Bush and the Fort Worth mayor quietly
came to our pastor's home while the staff were meeting and
praying and joined in the prayer meeting. This was not political! Only
those who are close to staff members heard about this; the media never
knew.
***Governor Bush has visited with our pastor several times, and
Brother Al has had an impact on him. Just think of the influence our
pastor could have if Governor Bush is the next president!
***A caller to an area Christian radio station said that he didn't
know what those people had but he wanted it. The DJ
proceeded to lead him to Christ. Many notes left in front of the
church contain the same sentiment. Those who don't know Jesus want what
we have!
***The church has received so many emails asking us
how we are able to have hope and continue on. There are teams of
church member volunteers responding to these emails.
***My friend Jodi has been praying for her husband
for years. She and their 4-yr.-old daughter were at the church that
night. 3 days ago Scott gave his life to Christ.
***We have had over 70,000 hits on our web page
which displays the plan of salvation in multiple languages.
***Many members at Wedgwood Baptist are healing
broken relationships within the body and experiencing spiritual
renewal.
These are just a few of the miracles that are
happening. God's grace is almost overwhelming. Every time the gunman
fired a bullet, he intended to take a life. Yet God turned that around
and saved several lives for each bullet fired. The faith of those who
died has been multiplied many times over.
"I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of
you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.." Romans
1:8
Are you not amazed? May I point out a few things we
should glean from this?
1. While reading, I was fascinated and amazed that
we have found out about some of these stories...salvation
decisions made in Japan...a DJ leading someone to Christ...etc. This
is not coincidence. Note that God is PRESERVING the testimonies, not by
accident, but by Divine intention.
2. The plan of God is magnified and so evident
through these stories: Do you see how it is His heart's desire
to extend the boundaries of His kingdom? That "He is not willing that
any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"? (2 Peter
3:9)
His plan is to save...His purpose for saving-to receive glory.
3. Realize that while He is accomplishing His plan
to save and His purpose to be glorified, we as Christians are being
comforted and strengthened. How great the realm of His ability
to work! What perfect timing He has on every front.
4. Have you noticed that YOU are excited to hear
the great things the Lord is doing? That your heart has been
stirred and that you are desirous of spreading His glory? Rejoice, for
that is the evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life. "For it is GOD
who
works in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure" (Phil. 1:6).
His
good
pleasure is to spread His glory.
5. Last, when was the last time you asked the Lord
what His plan and purpose was for your life? Do you want to
know? If so, look! He is showing us RIGHT NOW what it is. We are to
mirror His purpose and plan, and join Him. Spread His glory, by your
own life of worship, which once submitted as a "living sacrifice"-will
draw people to Him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind
word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of
caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Author.....Unknown
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
We are left wondering why and how someone can have so much hatred in their hearts that they are able to kill innocent people. Satan continues to seek control of our children's lives. Christians can join together, in prayer, on our knees, for the lives lost on September 16th 1999, and for those left behind to grieve. We must also pray for a newfound commitment in all communities, to fight the enemy, rebuke him, and claim victory in Jesus over each and every life. I do believe in the power of prayer! Let us not turn our backs on this tragedy, saying there is nothing one person can do to change things. Maybe one person can't change things, but if we ban together in the name of Jesus a mighty Revival will take place across this nation.
Notes from the Valley - Sept 24, '99
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me."
Psalm 23.
WHY DID GOD LET THIS HAPPEN?
Bad things happen to good people. From where we sit, it's not fair,
it's not right, but it happens all the time. And we want to know why.
With the latest shooting at Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort Worth,
Texas, I know many people are turning their eyes towards heaven and
asking, "Why did you let this happen God?" I know I've asked Him
that question many times in my life - often in anger. But, because of
His infinite grace and love, God has ignored the anger and ministered
to my pain. I'd like to share with you some of what He taught me. But,
before I start, please keep the following in mind as you read. If the
beliefs I express here differ from your own personal beliefs, please
don't let that create a separation between us. Seek the Bible and God's
Holy Spirit to find and hold fast to that which is true.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-21)
Sometimes people get hurt simply because they're the victims of
another person's poor choices. Other times, they're the victim of
their own poor choices. In either case, when those choices involve
sin, there are consequences for everyone touched by that sin (victim
and victimizer). Someone, overcome by the hurts of this world,
chooses to inflict his pain on others and innocent, good people die.
Not spiritual death, which is the wage of sin. Jesus clearly paid the
price for that. But physical consequences for each sin committed in
this physical world. Now, I know many people see God as the one
dishing out those consequences. To them, He is a very stern and
cold-hearted judge who watches every move we make and the minute
we do something out of line, He's jumps on us with both feet. Maybe
that's the way the shooter in Texas felt. Maybe he blamed God for all
that was wrong in his life. He couldn't get to God, so He took his anger
out on some of God's children. And because of what he did, maybe
you're angry and blaming God now too. I don't want to get in a fuss
with you about your beliefs. I just know that's not the way God
revealed Himself to me.
God is most certainly the final judge of us all. He is most certainly
omnipresent, so He sees everything we do. He judges us fairly
according to the law and our choices. But He's not the one doing
the jumping. The devil is. He's the prosecutor and the punisher.
If we are foolish enough to bow before sin, as Adam and Eve did,
the devil demands his due and God must release His covering over
us while the devil inflicts on us the consequences of our choices.
Sickness and suffering entered into this world when those in authority
sinned and let the devil in. Sickness and suffering came in with him.
The same sickness and suffering that probably drove a man to aim a
gun at innocent worshippers and himself and pull the trigger. The
same sickness and suffering the devil will use to drive you away from
God now if you'll let him. Sickness and suffering were never God's
will. God's will was obedient and abundant life in the Garden of Eden.
Likewise, in the Book of Job, it's not God who inflicts the suffering on
Job, but the devil, once he had the Judge's verdict that he legally could
do it (under spiritual law). But just like in Genesis and Job, God the
just
Judge is also God the loving Father. Even while we suffer at the devil's
hands for our sins or the consequences of another's sin, God is moving
on our behalf, working within the law and within our hearts to teach us
and recover us back under His protective and loving care.
I've suffered the loss of some loved ones in my life. I made the wrong
choice in response to those losses. I lost my Dad in an accident with a
drunk driver when I was twenty. My Mom died the next year from a
broken heart. I know what my anger at God did to me then. I screamed
"Why?" and then turned my back on Him for 18 years. Rage became
my constant companion. I can't begin to tell you the level of suffering
I inflicted on myself and others, all the while blaming God for the
condition
of my life. Life lost it's value and meaning. It would have been a short
step for me to become like that lost and angry soul with a gun in Fort
Worth.
That's the power of anger and unforgiveness if we're foolish enough to
chose them over the outstreached arms of our Father, God. He offers us
so much more.
Since I came back into my Father's arms, He's literally turned my life
around. It is so richly filled with blessings. It's also been filled
with
"broccoli." "Broccoli" is my name for those lessons God teaches me
when I've tried to do things my own way and everything goes wrong.
So wrong, that He finally has my undivided attention. Lessons that are
hard to chew, harder to swallow, not very tasty, but admittedly "good
for me." Those "baby trees" my Mom made me eat as a kid were never
a favorite. But, because I can be so strong willed, there have been many
times when "broccoli" was exactly the "diet" I needed to get my focus off
of me and back onto the one who loves me. Loves me enough to discipline
me even as He provides for my needs. Key among the many lessons He's
taught me is the necessity to serve Him by serving others. Kneeling to
serve like Christ instead of bowing to sin like Adam and Eve. Chosing to
heal instead of hurt.
God recently reinforced that critical lesson for Cathy and me with a very
special blessing. Our church held a Saturday Leadership Summit a couple
of weeks ago. A joyous experience with fun filled activities shared in the
fellowship of some truly wonderful people, both from the pastoral staff and
from the serving members of the congregation. But the moment that will
forever remain etched deeply in our hearts came when we were asked to
follow the example of Jesus in the Gospel of John, Chapter 13, having our
feet washed by members of the Pastoral Staff and then washing one another's
feet. What a humbling and heart changing experience. I have read those
passages over and over again for years without fully comprehending the
meaning of what Jesus did or how it must have affected His disciples.
But that Saturday we experienced both first hand. Tears flowed freely
from every eye and love flowed like a fountain from the depth of every
heart. Walls of pride crumbled as we saw in each other a vision of our
Lord Jesus, the Christ, on His knees before His disciples. We experienced
the full measure of His love for His disciples and for us as expressed in
that
simple act of service. We experienced the fulfillment of that love in us
as
we went to our knees in the same act of service to one another.
We experienced the heart of Christ.
My heart aches for the victims of Wedgewood Baptist Church.
I know just a small measure of what they must be feeling. I ask
that all of us be in fervent prayer for them; for the choices they
will make as they struggle with the pain and suffering the devil
has inflicted upon them through one lost and tortured soul.
They are seeking the answer to the question, "Why?" The devil
will offer them the bitter fruit of anger and unforgiveness. The
Father will offer them "broccoli" sprinkled with the sweet healing
power of His love and grace. Reach out to them in prayer and, if
you can, with letters of encouragement. Their mailing address is:
Wedgwood Baptist Church, 5522 Whitman Avenue, Fort Worth,
TX 76133.
I remain His servant and your Brother, a work in progress,
sheltered under His wing, and overwhelmed by His love.
Steve Hall
GOD'S ANSWERS
(Contributed by Linda Layton)
Editor's Note: I've shared this before, but it needs repeating now.
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: "I love you" (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: "My grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: "I will direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: "You can do all things" (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: "I am able" (2 Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: "It will be worth it" (Romans 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: "I FORGIVE YOU" (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: "I will supply all your needs" (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME" (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: "I give you wisdom" (1 Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)
CRACKED POTS
(Contributed by Chaplain 777 - Author Unknown)
A water bearer in India had two large pots. They hung on each
end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots
had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always
delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from
the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only
half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer
delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master's
house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of it's accomplishments,
perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked
pot was ashamed of it's own imperfection, and miserable that it
was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke
to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of
myself and I want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able for these past two years to deliever only half
my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out
all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws,
you have to do all this work and you don't get full value from your
efforts," the pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked
pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's
house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice
of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the
path and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still
felt bad because it had leaked out half it's load and so again it
apologized to the bearer for it's failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers
only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's
because I have always known about your flaw and I took advantage
of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path and every day
while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two
years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate
my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would
not have this beauty to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots.
But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His
Father's table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste.
So as we seek ways to minister together, and as God calls you
to the tasks He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws.
Acknowledge them and allow Him to take advantage of them,
and you too can be the cause of beauty in His pathway. Go out
boldly, knowing that in your weakness we find His strength.
Editor's Note: As I was reading this for the first time, the Lord
brought the following scripture to mind and it blessed me so that
I had to share it with you. "Then I went down to the potter's house,
and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel
that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he
made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to
make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house
of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD.
Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand,
O house of Israel." Jeremiah 18:3-6
A MESSAGE FROM THE VICTIMS
(Provided by C. J. Jones, Inspiring Words List)
Wedgwood Baptist Church WebSite at 10:00 am, September 16:
"They came last night to praise and to worship you, God. What joy!
They are now praising and worshipping you in your presence! But,
God, we're going to miss them:
Kristi Beckel
Shawn Brown
Sydney Browning
Joseph Ennis
Cassie Griffin
Kim Jones
Justin Ray
And, God, you are dealing with the gunman with your own
vengeance. We don't have to. Father, give us peace, even
when we don't understand."
"Our hearts are broken. You need to know these people
were Sunday school teachers and one of the favored
soloists in the church, the children's choir director, kids,
youth members, some active, some just getting active,
some just beginning to find God. Our hearts' desire is
that God's people not be overwhelmed with grief."
Pastor Al Meredith, Head Pastor, Wedgwood Baptist Church
THE WILL OF GOD
(Received from Linda Layton - Author Unknown)
The will of God will never take you,
Where the Grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the Arms of God cannot support you,
Where the Riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the Power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the Wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the Army of God cannot protect you,
Where the Hands of God cannot mold you.
The Will of God will never take you,
Where the Love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the Mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the Peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the Authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the Comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the Miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the Omnipresence of God cannot find you.
__________________________________________
Notes from the Valley and Humor from the Valley are
never intended to offend anyone. They're meant only
to brighten your day and encourage you along the way.
Should you decide you don't want them or if you received
them in error, please let me know and I will remove you
from the distribution list immediately, without question.
Most of "notes" and "humor" are a collection of items
provided to me by other subscribers and friends.
Credit is given where the true author is known.
If you are blessed by them, please feel free to
make copies and pass them along to others.
Please take a moment to leave a message for the families of Wedgewood Baptist so they know you are thinking about them?
RETURN TO HOME