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James Is The Giant

This past Sunday night I spoke to students in the AWANA program and adults during the evening service at Gateway Baptist Church in Lake City, Florida.  The theme for the evening was "Super Size".  How appropriate is a 3'10" tall man nicknamed "James The Giant" speaking on the theme of "Super Size"???  Of course there is only one subject that I felt would be appropriate for this setting - David and Goliath.

I shared the story of this great event from 1 Samuel 17:1-52.  At one point I had an AWANA student play the role of David while I stood on a chair and played Goliath.  Hey, James The Giant should play the role of the giant... right??

I had a great time sharing with the students and they seemed to enjoy it too, and maybe the adults even learned something.  8-)

Spartanburg Revival Begins March 6th

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I will be preaching revival services for the first time at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church beginning on Sunday, March 6, 2011.  The Sunday services begin at 11am and 6pm, and continue Monday-Wednesday, March 7-9, 2011 at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 1301 Boiling Springs Road in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  For more information call Pastor Danny Garrett at (864) 585-3113.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Starting a Revival

Croft & Steele

This week I had the honor of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ during a revival meeting in Lake City, Florida.  The services were held at Huntsville Baptist Church as part of their 32nd Anniversary celebration.  I'm unable to report to you that the sanctuary was filled to capacity each night or that a multitude of people were saved during the meeting.  In fact, the attendance was about average for the church and no one received Christ (that we know of).  However, you never judge a revival meeting by what happens during the services.

"Revival" doesn't just happen because we plan a series of meetings; have great numbers in attendance; experience electrifying music or preaching; nor does it happen because we say we want it.  I have seen churches have a great series of meetings, but then after the meetings the church returns to their "normal" mode.  "Revival" only begins when the "born again" believer completely surrenders to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, replacing our will for our life with His "Perfect Will" for our life.

With that said, the indicators (for lack of a better term) of a church or believer in revival will become evident after the series of meetings.  Some of these "indicators" may be, but are not limited to, increased faithfulness by the believer in personal Bible study, prayer, serving, and sharing Christ with the lost.  This faithfulness by the believer in these areas should lead to increased faithfulness in attendance, worship, serving, giving, and meeting the needs of others.  The result: a church wholeheartedly committed to furthering the Kingdom of God by impacting their community and the world for Christ.  Sounds like the start of "revival"!

So, was "revival" sparked during this week of services?  Only the Lord knows the future.  I do know that I was blessed by the faithfulness of those attending, their apparent sincerity in seeking God's face, and by the loving fellowship shown to visitors and each other.  I hope you will join me in praying for the Lord to use my dear friend Pastor Jim Steele and everyone at Huntsville Baptist Church.  God has certainly used them for the past 32 years in reaching and loving others in Jesus' name.

If you live in the Lake City, Florida area or are passing through, Pastor Jim Steele and members of Huntsville Baptist Church would welcome you to worship with them. The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road in Lake City, Florida. For more information or directions call at (386) 752-2089.

Morriston On Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Keith Stewart at Morriston Baptist Church on Sunday, February 27, 2011.  The services will begin at 8:30am, 11am and 7pm.  The church is located at 20291 SE 33rd Street in Morriston, Florida.  For more information call the church at (352) 528-4080.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Surf On Over

As technology advances, the James Croft Evangelistic Association believes Christians must keep up with it, using the tools God gives us to spread His Word so that all may know Him.  With over 1.5 billion people already online, the potential for web evangelism is staggering. This is a day of opportunity!

The JCEA maintains a strong presence online with our ministry homepage.  From this website you can access all of our web resources and ministries including: videos, ministry blog, e-mail newsletters, ministry resource links and our social networking pages on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

Surf on over to JamesCroft.org and check us out!

Camp Sonrise Again This Summer

I will once again be speaking each day during an annual children's camp sponsored by several churches in North and Central Florida June 27-30, 2011.  "Camp Sonrise" will be held at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Campground near Madison, Florida.  I will be leading devotions in the morning and preaching each night for the campers.  I really enjoyed last years' event and am excited to be participating again.  Please be in prayer for this opportunity.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Civil War Reenactor Chaplain

Yesterday was the annual reenactment of the Battle of Olustee (a.k.a. Battle of Ocean Pond) here in my hometown.  I was not able to attend due to a full day of ministry opportunities in nearby Lake City, Florida.  The weather was great for the event and I understand the crowd was large.  In light of this event, I decided to go back into the JCEA archives and republish an interview from the March 2008 episode of Walking With The Giant podcast.  The video below allows you to hear the interview and view various photos from past reenactments.

Dr. James Gipson of Macclenny, Florida is a chaplain for various civil war reenactment calvary units including the Alabama Volunteer Brigade, the Tenth Tennessee Calvary, the Florida Division Calvary and the Winston Stephens SCV of Macclenny, Florida. He also pastors River City Family Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Gipson shares with us about this unique ministry opportunity.

Heavenly Cake?

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1.5 Billion People Online

There are over 1.5 billion people online in the world, are you reaching them with your message or product? A website is a must and Giant Web Plans is the place to start!  (Click image to enlarge)

 Giant Web Plans

Revival Begins Sunday with Homecoming

Homecoming Service will serve as a kick-off for revival services at Huntsville Baptist Church this Sunday in Lake City.  The service will begin at 10:45am.  Three more services will follow Monday-Wednesday, February 21-23 at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road near Lake City, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Jim Steele at (386) 752-2089.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Goat for Dinner

A young couple invited their elderly pastor for Sunday dinner.  While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having.

"Goat," the little boy replied.

"Goat?" replied the startled man of the cloth, "Are you sure about that?"

"Yep," said the youngster.  "I heard Dad say to Mom, 'Today is just as good as any to have the old goat for dinner.'"

Gateway Baptist AWANA Sunday Night

I will be speaking to the AWANA of Gateway Baptist Church Sunday as their theme for the night is "Super Size".  The presentation will be held as part of the normal evening service beginning at 6pm.  The church is located at 3252 SW State Road 247 in Lake City, Florida.  For more information call (386) 755-4447.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Friending

Our Daily Bread

Read: John 15:9-17

 

You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. —John 15:14

The social networking Web site Facebook.com was launched in 2004 as a way for college students to connect with each other online. It is now open to people of all ages, and currently there are an estimated 500 million users. Each user has an individual page with photos and personal details that can be viewed by “friends.” To “friend” a person means opening the door to communication and information about who you are, where you go, and what you do. Facebook friendships may be casual or committed, but each one is “by invitation only.”

Just before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples: “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:14-15).

Unselfishness, oneness of purpose, and confident trust are the hallmarks of true friendship, especially in our relationship with the Lord. Christ has taken the initiative by giving His life for us and inviting us to know and follow Him.

Have we responded to the Lord Jesus’ invitation of friendship by opening our hearts to Him with nothing held back?

Friendship with Jesus,
Fellowship divine;
O what blessed, sweet communion—
Jesus is a Friend of mine. —Ludgate

Jesus longs to be our Friend.

No Bulk Foods

The Back Pew

Huntsville Homecoming and Revival Begins Sunday

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On Sunday, February 20th, Homecoming Service will serve as a kick-off for services at Huntsville Baptist Church in Lake City.  The service will begin at 10:45am.  Three more services will follow Monday-Wednesday, February 21-23 at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 5720 NW Lake Jeffery Road near Lake City, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Jim Steele at (386) 752-2089.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

V-Day for Dummies

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Alachua and Graham This Weekend

New Oak Grove

I will be the guest speaker at a Valentine Banquet for senior adults at New Oak Grove Baptist Church on Saturday night at 6pm.  My presentation will have a "comedy" theme, or at least I hope it will.  The church is located at 18100 NW 262nd Ave. in Alachua, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Terry Elixson (386) 462-3390.

Praise Christian Assembly

I will be preaching at Praise Christian Assembly in Graham this Sunday morning, February 13, 2011.  The morning worship service begins at 10:30am.  Praise Christian Assembly is located on County Road 18 east of Graham, Florida.  Please be in prayer for this church as they search for a pastor.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Revival Meeting Scheduled for 2012

I have scheduled a revival meeting at Forest Grove Baptist Church near Alachua, Florida for January of next year.  The services will begin on Sunday, January 22, 2012 and continue through Wednesday, January 25, 2012.  The church is located at 22575 NW 94th Avenue in Alachua, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Warren Chesser at (386) 462-3921.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Final JOY Box Delivered

Photo by Jon M. Fletcher

All of the 105 JOY Boxes collected for nursing home residents have now been delivered.  The total number of boxes was much less than last year, so the number of nursing homes reached was reduced.  W. Frank Wells Nursing Home and Macclenny Nursing and Rehab in Macclenny; and Baya Pointe Nursing Home in Lake City were this year's recipients.

I would like to thank everyone that took the time and effort to prepare a shoebox gift and those that sent financial contributions for the James Croft Evangelistic Association to prepare the boxes.  We had 105 smiling faces as a result of your efforts!

It's not too early to begin praying and preparing for next years' box collection.  You can find all of the program info and the latest JOY Box news by visiting the following links.

• JOY Box website
• Facebook page
• Blog posts
• Photo galleries
• Donate for JOY Boxes

Wednesday Night in Lake Butler

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jason Johns at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Wednesday evening, February 9, 2011.  The service will begin at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.  For more information or directions call the church at (386) 496-3704.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

100 Years = A Long Time

The family of William Paul & Virginia Hurst Mikell of Olustee, Florida.  The girls married name is in parentheses.  All of the males last name is Mikell.  Pictured are (standing left to right) Owen, Shep, Ruby (Harvey), Gertie (Owen), Ina (King), Rosie (Mott), Ethel (Dowling), Ernest, John, Earl, & George; (seated left to right) William Paul Mikell (father), Paul, Virginia Hurst Mikell (mother), Dorothy (Stumpe), & Pearl (Croft).

This past Saturday, February 5th, my great-aunt Rosa (Rosie) Mott celebrated her 100th birthday during a party the family held at Baya Pointe Nursing Home in Lake City, Florida.  She is the last surviving child of Paul and Virginia Mikell of Olustee.  There were 14 children, 7 boys and 7 girls (see photo above).  She was the 11th child born in the family.  Her husband, Lester, died in the 1940's and her only child, a son "Buck", passed away in 2003.  She had 25 nieces and nephews of which 20 are still living, 9 of them made it to the celebration (pictured at right).  My grandmother, Pearl Mikell Croft (died in 1981), was her oldest sister.

As I made the plans for the "centennial celebration" I began to research events and inventions that have come to pass in the last 100 years.  Most of us never lived without many of these inventions and we have only read of many historical events in books or online.  Here are a few of the things I shared during the celebration.

• The first "old-age" home opened in Prescott, Arizona on 2/6/11.
• The first transcontinental airplane flight arrived at Pasadena, CA from New York on 11/5/11. The flight lasted a whopping 82 hours, 4 minutes.
• Clarence Crane created Life Savers candy in 1912.
• In 1913 the crossword puzzle and the modern zipper was invented.
• In 1919 the pop-up toaster was invented by Charles Strite.
• Earl Dickson invented the Band-Aid in 1920.
• In 1923 Clarence Birdseye invents frozen food.
• Aunt Rosie didn't use a notebook with spiral bindings in school because this wasn't invented until 1924.
• PEZ Candy and Aerosol cans came along in 1927.
• 1928 seen the discovery of penicillin, and the inventions of bubble gum and the electric razor.
• How did they wrap presents because Scotch Tape wasn't patented by 3M until 1930.
• In 1935 Wallace Carothers and DuPont Labs invents nylon (polymer 6.6).
• The ballpoint pen came along in 1938.
• In 1943 some fun stuff came along with the invention of the "Slinky" and "Silly Putty".
• The microwave oven invented by Percy Spencer in 1946.
• Mobile phones were first invented in 1947; however, cell phones were not sold commercially until 1983.
• Velcro, the Frisbee, and the Wurlitzer jukebox were invented in 1948.
• I guess cakes were made from scratch before 1949, because cake mix was invented.
• The first credit card came along in 1950 (Diners).
• In 1951 came Super Glue.
• Mr. Potato Head was patented in 1952.
• Aunt Rosie never enjoyed a "Happy Meal" at McDonalds as a child because the restaurant chain did not open until 1954.
• The Hula Hoop was invented in 1958.
• Aunt Rosie never played with a Barbie doll because the toy wasn't invented until 1959.
• Permanent-press fabric invented was invented in 1964.
• The first men walked on the moon in 1969 (Neil Armstrong was first and "Buzz" Aldrin was second).
• Post-it Notes came along in 1974.
• Aunt Rosie was born when William Howard Taft was President.  She has lived under 18 different US Presidents.

This list is by no means all-inclusive and I do not guarantee complete accuracy as it was compiled from various online sources.   The list also does not include all of the wars, conflicts, political changes, fads, technological inventions, etc. that have taken place since 1911.  I hope it gives you some idea of the things that a 100 year-old person has seen in their time.  Even more interesting to me is the things Aunt Rosie grew-up without!

Happy Birthday Aunt Rosie!!!

NOTE: Additional photos are in this photo gallery.

Valentine Sale

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Aerobic Workout

Youth Retreat and VBS In Tallahassee Scheduled

I will be teaching during a youth retreat sponsored by Chapel Hill Baptist Church, June 3-5, 2011.  More details on the weekend event will be posted later.  After completing the youth retreat on Sunday, I'll begin teaching the church's Vacation Bible School on Monday, June 6th and continuing through Friday, June 10th.  The children's VBS will begin at 10am and end at noon at Megg's Barn off Riverton Road in Tallahassee, Florida..  The VBS will feature lessons and activities included in the "Big Apple Adventure" Vacation Bible School. For more information call (850) 222-6900.

From Lake Butler to Honduras

From Lake Butler, Florida, to Siguatepeque, Honduras, hear how a group of women have become missions motivators in their church.

This video was produced by the Florida Baptist Convention and features my home church, First Baptist of Lake Butler.


Women on Mission: Following Jesus, Serving People from Florida Baptist Media Services on Vimeo.

Cloud Watching