Good Time at Harmony

I had a great time last night sharing during a youth/children's rally at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church near Lake Butler, Florida.

Pictured left to right are: Jerod McNeal, Minister of Youth for Harmony Free Will Baptist; Evangelist James Croft; Tim Rose, Minister of Youth for Sardis Baptist; Larry Clyatt, Pastor of Harmony Free Will Baptist.

Earth Day

In case you didn't know, today is Earth Day.  This has sparked a bit of reminiscing on my part.

During my first term on the Baker County Commission (1984-1988) I helped establish the first multi-county solid waste authority in the state of Florida. New River Solid Waste Association served Baker, Bradford and Union Counties. I began working for the association in March of 1989. During the next 17 years I helped permit a regional landfill, started recycling programs for the region and established a Certified Affiliate of Keep America Beautiful called Keep Tri-counties Beautiful. I often said I was a professional trash talker.

When I was called into the ministry in 1994, I told folks I was now a total environmentalist, my "day job" was to ensure that their environment on Earth is the best it could be and my ministry was to help ensure their environment in eternity would be the best it could be. These days the latter is now my full-time career.

I enjoyed my career in the "environmental business", because I always felt that it too was a ministry for me. I believed (and still do) that we should be good stewards of the planet God has entrusted us with, but we should never forget to worship the Creator. We can admire God's creation, but never worship the creation. Worship is reserved for God, and Him alone. A 2008 devotion in Our Daily Bread by RBC Ministries speaks of this.  I believe Jesus always gives us the example to follow and He was the first "recycler". After feeding a crowd of at least 5, 000, He asked them to take up the left-overs so that nothing was lost. You can read this in John 6:1-15.

Here's something else for you to consider. You and I, because of sin, were really "waste" (Isaiah 64:6). We were bound for the "landfill", or to be more precise, the "incinerator" (Rev. 20:15). We needed someone (Jesus) to "recycle" us (Romans 5:8). To "recycle" means to use again, so if we are "born again" (John 3:3) we are now "reusable" (2 Cor. 5:17). As a born-again believer we are now to be used by God (Rom. 12:1-2). We also have a new "eternal destination" (John 14:1-3).

Have you been recycled by Jesus? He's the ONLY way (John 14:6)!

If you would like to know more about God's "recycling plan" visit Do You Know? or view the video. You can also e-mail me and I'll try to answer your questions.

Thank you Lord for allowing us to take care of the planet you have given us. May we do better in caring for Your Creation and even more to honor You!

Oath of Office Tomorrow

In 1984 I felt the call to public service and made a run for the Baker County Commission and was elected.  During my first meeting on the commission I was elected as Chairman at the ripe-old age of 26 (See the Flashback 1984 video below).

Last year I began to sense the Lord again leading me toward entering the race for county commissioner.  After much prayer on the subject by myself and many others I entered the race in April of this year.  Our campaign was not well financed and we had a small number of volunteers.  A simple gallbladder surgery in May turned out to be not-so-simple and I'm sure some political pundits saw this as a political setback, but God had other plans.

As the campaign moved forward it began to resemble a "David and Goliath" scenario as we operated on a shoestring budget, but God had other plans. (Listen to our David and Goliath commercial below)

During the weeks leading up to the election I spoke with many citizens and spent many hours waving at passing motorists in various areas of Baker County.  Some of my supporters were worried that our efforts might not be enough, but God had other plans!

On Tuesday, August 14, 2012 the voters of Baker County elected James "The Giant" Croft to the District 1 County Commission seat with 53% of the vote! God deserves all of the glory, honor and praise!!

Twenty-eight years after taking my first Oath of Office, on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, I will be sworn-in to begin another four-year term on the Board of Commissioners.  The ceremony begins at 6pm at the Baker County Administration Building in Macclenny, Florida.  I sincerely ask for your prayers as I begin this new journey of service.

PLEASE NOTE: The various ministries of James Croft Evangelistic Association will continue; i.e. preaching, JOY Box, Ghana mission, etc.  Your prayerful and financial support of the JCEA is vital to our continuing to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world!

Elected to Baker County Commission

In 1984 I felt the call to public service and made a run for the Baker County Commission and was elected.  During my first meeting on the commission I was elected as Chairman at the ripe-old age of 26.  (See the Flashback 1984 video)

Last year I began to sense the Lord again leading me toward entering the race for county commissioner.  After much prayer on the subject by myself and many others I entered the race in April of this year.  Our campaign was not well financed and we had a small number of volunteers.  A simple gallbladder surgery in May turned out to be not-so-simple and I'm sure some political pundits saw this as a political setback, but God had other plans.

As the campaign moved forward it began to resemble a "David and Goliath" scenario as we operated on a shoestring budget, but God had other plans. (Listen to our David and Goliath commercial below)

During the weeks leading up to the election I spoke with many citizens and spent many hours waving at passing motorists in various areas of Baker County.  Some of my supporters were worried that our efforts might not be enough, but God had other plans!

On Tuesday, August 14, 2012 the voters of Baker County elected James "The Giant" Croft to the District 1 County Commission seat with 53% of the vote! God deserves all of the glory, honor and praise!!

Twenty-eight years after taking my first Oath of Office, on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, I will be sworn-in to begin another four-year term on the Board of Commissioners.  I sincerely ask for your prayers as I begin this new journey of service.

PLEASE NOTE: The various ministries of James Croft Evangelistic Association will continue; i.e. preaching, JOY Box, Ghana mission, etc.  Your prayerful and financial support of the JCEA is vital to our continuing to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world!

Below you will find videos and additional links about the campaign.

• Florida Times-Union article
• Baker County Press article
• Campaign website/Facebook page

Baker County Press video "Candidate Reactions"


"David and Goliath" radio commercial

Staples Gone!!

Dr. Timothy Hipp, surgeon, removed the staples yesterday from my attempted gallbladder surgery three weeks ago.  I'm glad the staples are gone... too bad the gall bladder is still here!!  8-)

When the doctor walked into the examining room today he was smiling and the first thing he said was "It sure is good to see you alive!"  Praise the Lord for his quick response along with the rest of his surgical team!

If you're not sure what I'm talking about... read the previous post on this site entitled "I'm Still Alive!!"

I'm Still Alive!!

As reported earlier on this site I was to have gallbladder surgery last Tuesday.  The procedure was to be performed as an outpatient at a surgery center in Gainesville.  After modeling the latest patient surgical fashion (at right) I expected to awake without my gall bladder.  However, I awoke with a ventilator tube in my throat in the ER of a nearby hospital.  I learned that I experienced a cardiac episode which required emergency treatment.  The breathing tube was removed quickly as I demonstrated I could breath under my own power.  I was then moved to a room on the cardiac floor for additional tests.  I felt very sharp pains in my chest area when moving certain ways, taking deep breaths, or coughing.  X-rays show no broken bones, which can happen during CPR, but the muscles were strained.  A heart cath on Wednesday found no heart damage, no blockages, and a very strong chamber.  That is a very good report!!

So, what happened?  Doctors believe I experienced a CO2 embolism, which is very rare, that caused my heart to "crash".  Apparently I did not "flat-line", but was close to it.  The sharp pains I'm still feeling will soon stop and were caused by the forceful chest compressions during CPR.  I came home from the hospital yesterday with, basically, a clean bill of health, and with the same ol' gall bladder.  Barring no flare-ups the surgery will be rescheduled for late summer or early fall.  Doctors say I may resume my normal schedule of activities.

I want to thank everyone for your prayers during this week.  The Lord made His presence known by surrounding me with medical staff from churches where I've preached, by Christians notifying others to add me to prayer lists, and countless calls, texts, e-mails, and Facebook posts encouraging me and expressing your love.  Again, I thank the Lord and you all from the bottom of my healthy heart!!

Help me spread the word, I'm alive, healthy and kicking!  As Mark Twain once said, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated!"  And as James "The Giant" Croft has said many times, "Boy, am I excited!"

Surgery on Tuesday

In 2008 when I was undergoing hip surgery a routine scan revealed a large stone in my left kidney and gall stones.  The kidney stone made its' presence known last year and, after two procedures, was finally removed.  This year the gall stones have spoken, and now my gall bladder will be removed tomorrow, Tuesday, May 15th.  I will certainly appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery.

I'm ready to be "de-stoned".  8-)

Good Time at Old Providence

Crenshaw, Croft, & Williams

Revival services at Old Providence Baptist Church ended Wednesday night.  I really enjoyed ministering with Pastor Philip Williams and the fellowship with his family.  It was also good to have the music of Ken Crenshaw during each service.  I have ministered with Ken in various churches and he was a part of our 2004 Ghana Mission Team in West Africa.

The folks at Old Providence Baptist Church made me feel right at home and would do the same for you.  So, if you live near the area and do not have a church home they would welcome you with open arms.  The church is located at 9316 NW CR245 near Lake Butler and south of Lake City, Florida.  For more information call Pastor Philip Williams at (386) 755-1648.

Great Week at Cudd

Pastor Danny Garrett with Eli

I preached a four-day revival meeting at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina last week.  It was great to return to the church I first visited in March of last year.  I had a great time of fellowship with Pastor Danny Garrett & his family, the rest of the ministry staff, and members I met last year.  I also made some new friends too.

Two things stand out in my mind about this revival meeting.  One is that we didn't have anyone to be "born again", that we know of, but we had a "new birth".  The pastor became a grandpa for the second time on Tuesday as one of his daughters delivered a healthy baby boy!  (See photo above)  I was able to visit with them in the hospital before returning home.

The second awesome event took place during Tuesday night's service.  I had struggled all day with a decision between two messages for that night.  Finally, about an hour before the service I settled upon the sermon I felt the Lord was leading me to.  Upon arrival at the church I viewed the schedule for the night and noticed that the special music just before the message was a perfect fit for the sermon!  The Lord certainly used the song and message in a mighty way because "He showed up and showed out" during the Time of Decision!!  The altar filled with people taking up business with God, so much so that the invitation went on for approximately thirty minutes!  Brother Danny even stated that the Lord would need to dismiss the service and left it to each person to exit quietly as they felt led by the Lord.  As folks were leaving, others were still praying all over the sanctuary.  It was truly an awesome service.

A member of Cudd Memorial Baptist described the service in a Facebook post.

"Wow is all I can say about the moving of the Holy Spirit in tonight's Revival service. James Croft's message was from Jeremiah 29, The Message paraphrase - God's word on the subject. He is on time and He will deliver you in His time. A remarkable response followed the message. Just amazing. Wow."

I praise the Lord for speaking to the hearts of the congregation and myself too!

If you live in the Spartanburg/Boiling Springs area or are passing through, Pastor Danny Garrett and the members of Cudd Memorial Baptist Church would welcome you to worship with them.  The church is located at 1301 Boiling Springs Road in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  For more information or directions call the church at (864) 542-0908.

NOTE: View photos from Cudd Memorial Baptist 2012.

Cudd Memorial Revival Photos

Revival services are underway at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina and are scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, March 28th.  The services begin at 6:30pm and include special music and the preaching of Evangelist James Croft.  An online photo album has been created at this link with photos from each service being added daily.

The church is located at 1301 Boiling Springs Road in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  For more information or directions call Pastor Danny Garrett at (864) 542-0908.

FLASHBACK: Revival Security

Since I'm preaching revival services at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina this week, I'm re-posting a video from one of last years' services.  The video is entitled "Revival Security" and features Houston Garrett, Austin Walker and Matthew Davis.

Yes, it is OK to laugh and have a good time in God's House.

Mt. Horeb Week of Services Ends

James & James

Revival services concluded at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church last night.  The meeting began on Monday at the church located at 3449 NE CR340 near High Springs and Ft. White, Florida.  I had not been to the church since 2006 and it was good to see some friends and to make new ones.

If you live in the Ft. White or High Springs, Florida area or are passing through, Pastor James West and members of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church would welcome you to worship with them.  For more information or directions call (386) 454-5238.

Huntsville Baptist Revival Update

James & Jim

I enjoyed the revival services at Huntsville Baptist Church in Lake City, Florida this week. I have a lot of friends at the church and it's always good to minister with Pastor Jim Steele. Huntsville Baptist is one of the first churches I spoke in when "struggling" with the call to ministry in 1994.  I guess the Spirit bore witness with the pastor while I was still questioning if I was being called.  Maybe Pastor Steele knew before that, because I led a youth rally there in 1981, that's 13 years before the Lord called me to preach!

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.

Mr. Auctioneer

I served as "auctioneer" for a dessert auction at Union Correctional Institute in Raiford, Florida on 1-27-12.  The event was a fund-raiser for the Union County "Relay For Life".  Over $1500 was raised for the fight to cure cancer.  A chilli cook-ff was also a part of the festivities.  It was a lot of fun and all for a great cause!

Revival and a Washing Machine

Forest Grove Baptist Ministry Team

I had a great time preaching revival services at Forest Grove Baptist Church this week.  The crowds were great and the Holy Spirit moved mightily.  God's people responded by coming to the Lord for repentance, encouragement and help with life decisions.  One of the members led someone to the Lord in their home on Tuesday.  The new believer had been present for the Sunday morning service.  I'm so thankful for the faithfulness of the church member to be about God's business by visiting and witnessing!!

I see eye-to-eye with some of the children.

On Wednesday I shared with the students at the church's school, Forest Grove Christian Academy, about our work in Ghana, West Africa.  The students asked some great questions and seemed to enjoy the various video clips from the mission trips. Pastor Warren Chesser, Associate Pastor Mark Spradley, the church and school staff, and all of the members made me feel right at home.  We had some wonderful times of fellowship.

James & Pastor Chesser with new washing machine.

The church was also very generous in investing in James Croft Evangelistic Association.  I was overwhelmed following the Wednesday service when they wheeled a brand-new front-loading washing machine down the aisle and presented it to me!  The pastor said the church wanted to be a blessing to me.  Apparently, a family member told them that a front-loader would be much easier for me to use than my "on-it's-last-leg" top-loader, which requires me to use a step-stool just to see in the machine!  The church had prayed for months about the blessing and the need was met by someone.  May God richly bless the donors and the church for being sensitive to not-always-seen needs.  I praise the Lord for the blessing and generosity!!!

If you live in the Alachua/High Springs area or are passing through, Pastor Warren Chesser and the members of Forest Grove Baptist Church would welcome you to worship with them.  The church is located at 22575 NW 94th Avenue near Alachua and High Springs, Florida.  For more information, service times, or directions call the church at (386) 462-3921.

NOTE: Additional photos are available on Facebook.

Postal Identity Theft??

Olustee Post Office

The end of last month not only ushered in a new year, but for me and many residents of Olustee, it ended an era in that we lost our post office.  Our post office was not one of those beautiful new buildings you see in larger communities, nor was it a stately historical building converted to distribute mail.  Our most recent post office was originally constructed as a voter precinct, and then a shelter was added so it could also be a fire station.  This location was preceded by other locations which all were destroyed by fire, but I digress. The Olustee Post Office was a "contract" branch of the Sanderson Post Office, which allowed rural communities to have a less costly postal operation.  Apparently it wasn't "less costly" enough.

Checking mail for the last time in Box 56.

Olustee box holders have now been switched to an existing rural route from Sanderson.  In the process we lost our own Zip Code, 32072, and our community name with the US Postal Service.  Our address now includes our 9-1-1 street address and "Sanderson, FL 32087".  But, I live in "Olustee".  Sanderson is ten miles down the road.  Go figure.  Now, I'm not saying that poor little Olustee is the only community suffering from "postal identity theft", but, hey, the stuck pig squeals the loudest, right?  And we are the ones being "stuck" right now.  We now join the ranks of our fellow county citizens in Taylor, Baxter, and other not-so-easily designated locations.

A new era begins.

Anyway, I now have a beautiful, not-so-stylish but functional mailbox on a short little post in front of my house.  I'm learning that that was the easy part.  The hard part is letting everyone know of the address change.  This is made more difficult when you consider mail received by my ministry comes from, well, everywhere!  I think I'm getting a headache just thinking about it.

So, should you need to mail anything to me or James Croft Evangelistic Association, please send it to:

5214 Main Street

Sanderson, Florida 32087-2524

United States of America

And, just to make it more challenging, I'm phasing out my home telephone number.  You will find the proper number to use on my website's contact page.

You know, they say hindsight is 20-20, maybe I should have bought some of that "identity theft insurance."  8-)

This Little Piggy

One of my nieces received this piggy bank during a recent baby shower.  It has a place for "My Money" and an attached smaller piggy bank for "My Tithe".  What a wonderful way to teach a little one about a Godly principle.  Now, if we could just get the adults to learn!  8-)

DEAR at Lake Butler Elementary

I read to Celeste Saunder's 2nd grade class at Lake Butler Elementary School on October 26, 2011.  The opportunity was part of Red Ribbon Week at the school and was called DEAR, Drop Everything And Read.  The book I shared was Max Lucado's "You Are Special".  I was surprised when Mrs. Saunders and the class presented me with a hardcover edition of the book.  After completing the book I had a great question & answer time with the students.  This is always exciting, because you never know what they will ask.  I had a great time!!

Halloween Ministry?

I'm always looking for unique opportunities to minister for our Lord.  On October 31st I donned my leprechaun attire and visited a nearby nursing home.  I purchased 80 tiny jack-0-lanterns and went on a reverse trick-or-treating mission giving one to each resident.  The visiting took a little over three hours as I talked with each resident and prayed with several.  The 80 tiny gifts only cost $22, but you would have thought the leprechaun was handing out real gold by many of the reactions.  I think the Lord blessed me more than the recipients.  It was a wonderful visit.

Many of the staff wondered about the location of the leprechaun's gold and were surprised when I produced a "gold" coin for them from my green jack-o-lantern (hey, it matched the hat).  A friend provided me with the gold coins inscribed with a verse of scripture.  The tokens were left over from Vacation Bible School.  One of the residents, looking at my bright green container, said "you picked that one a little early."

Now, I know some may take issue with the idea of even recognizing "Halloween".  I prefer to think by witnessing, sharing scripture, praying and laughing with residents a little "light" illuminated the evening.  In Matthew 5:14-15 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house."

Nursing home residents - 80

80 small gift items - $22

Time spent visiting - 3 hours

Joy & smiles of residents - PRICELESS!!

One Of The Busiest Weeks Ever

As you may have noticed no new posts were added to this blog for several days last week.  To be honest it was a combination of "busy" and "fatigue" that kept me out of "blog mode" for a week.

New Oak Grove Baptist

The morning after the Baker County Sesquicentennial Celebration on Saturday, September 24th, I began preaching revival services at New Oak Grove Baptist Church near Alachua, Florida.  The services concluded Wednesday night.  I really enjoyed ministering with my good friend Pastor Terry Elixson.  Terry also serves on the JCEA Board of Directors.  If you live in the area and are searching for a church home, the folks at New Oak Grove Baptist will make you feel right at home.  The church is located at 18100 NW 262nd Ave. in Alachua, Florida.  For more information or directions call  (386) 462-3390.

The same Sunday the New Oak Grove services got underway, one of my third-cousins, Kenneth Owen of Olustee, passed away after a nine-month fight with cancer.  He was 66 years old.  I was honored to preach his funeral service on the following Friday morning. On Monday of that same week I received word that one of my first-cousins, Lamar Crosby of Jacksonville, had passed away unexpectedly at age 50.  I hope you will remember both of these families in your prayers.

Island Grove Baptist

Following Kenneth's funeral on Friday, I made my first trip to Island Grove Baptist Church to begin revival services that evening.  The services continued through this past Sunday night.  We had good attendance at each service and I enjoyed meeting Pastor Steve Matchett and making new friends.  Island Grove is located about 10 miles south of Hawthorne, Florida on Highway 301.  If you live in this area and are looking for a church home, visit with the folks at Island Grove Baptist Church.  The church is located at 20905 SE 219th Ave. in Island Grove, Florida.  For more information or directions call (352) 317-5525.

As you can see I had an extensive week of ministry opportunities and travel.  I did get a little rest yesterday, but spent some time making contact with Baker County churches and individuals about an issue to be discussed at a county commission meeting this afternoon.  The meeting will feature a discussion on an election referendum question for voters on allowing alcohol sales on Sunday in our county.  I hope to address the commission opposing this issue.

This week I am also preparing to preach a revival service on Friday night at Oak Grove Baptist Church north of Lake City and a pastor appreciation service on Sunday at Cedar Creek Church in Sanderson, Florida.  I hope to squeeze-in time to work on the design of a church website and a nursing home visit.

Maybe I'll rest next week??