How Cool Is That?

New Oak Grove Baptist Sunday Night

I will be preaching at New Oak Grove Baptist Church this Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 6pm. This will be a special service following the Camp Sunrise Children's Camp. New Oak Grove Baptist Church is located at 18100 NW 262nd Ave. near Alachua, Florida.

Rushing Wind 25th Anniversary

The Southern Gospel singing group Rushing Wind from Macclenny, Florida will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of sharing Jesus in song on Saturday, June 27th. The celebration will be an open-air gospel sing at Grace and Praise Ministries Church near Lake City, Florida. I will be serving as the master of ceremonies for the free event that begins at 6pm. Two other groups will be joining Rushing Wind, Pure Heart and His 4. Food will be available for a donation to the church's youth group. The church is located on Highway 441 south of Lake City and north of High Springs near Ellisville. For more information call Jimmy Hartley at (904) 259-2344.

Camp Sonrise Underway

We had the first worship rally at Camp Sonrise last night and I know of at least one camper that was saved. Boy, is that exciting! I met with the campers this morning for a brief devotion. I will be speaking each day during the morning devotion and each night at the worship rally. This an annual children's camp sponsored by several churches in North and Central Florida. "Camp Sunrise" is being held at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Campground near Madison, Florida. We have approximately 120 2nd-6th graders and over 100 adults and youth also assisting with various camp activities..

The churches that participate in this camp are: New Oak Grove Baptist from Alachua, Antioch Baptist from Live Oak, Corinth Baptist from Madison, Sardis Baptist from Worthington Springs, Shady Grove Baptist from Live Oak, First Baptist of Orange City, and First Baptist of Dowling Park.

Please be in prayer for this week's activities and services.

Our Judeo-Christian Nation

Congressman Randy Forbes asks the questions "Did America ever consider itself a Judeo-Christian nation?" and "If America was once a Judeo-Christian nation, when did it cease to be?" on the floor of the US House.



NOTE: Share your thoughts about this or any other post by clicking "comments" below.

Sardis Baptist Service Canceled Tonight

Sardis Baptist Church in Worthington Springs, Florida has been struck by lightning. Minister of Youth Tim Rose told me there is no electricity in the entire building, so they will only hold a Bible study this evening and have postponed my preaching engagement. Please be in prayer as they begin the repair process.

Raise Your Hand

The Back Pew

Camp Sonrise Begins Monday

I will be speaking each day during an annual children's camp sponsored by several churches in North and Central Florida June 15-18, 2009. "Camp Sunrise" 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 over 120 2nd-6th graders. There will be over 100 adults and youth also assisting with various camp activities, so 222 total participants.

The churches that participate in this camp are: New Oak Grove Baptist from Alachua, Antioch Baptist from Live Oak, Corinth Baptist from Madison, Sardis Baptist from Worthington Springs, Shady Grove Baptist from Live Oak, First Baptist of Orange City, and First Baptist of Dowling Park.

Please be in prayer for this opportunity.

Sardis Baptist Sunday Night

I will be preaching at Sardis Baptist Church on Sunday,June 14, 2009 at 6pm. The service will serve as a "kick-off" for Camp Sonrise Children's Camp beginning the next day. Sardis Baptist Church is located on State Road 121 in Worthington Springs, Florida. For more information call Pastor Paul O'Steen or Minister of Youth Tim Rose at (386) 496-3685.

Bedtime Prayer

The Back Pew

FBC Lake Butler Tomorrow Night

I will be preaching in supply for my Pastor Jason Johns on tomorrow, June 10th, at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. 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.

The Offering Diet

The Back Pew

Boomerang Express Day 5, Tallahassee, FL

We had had a great week of Vacation Bible School this week at Meggs Farm in Tallahassee, Florida. The most important news of the week is that 3 boys and one girl were saved during the week. One of the boys, a 16 year old, was saved on the last day. We had a total of 25 children, 2 years to 6th grade, enrolled for the week. The Boomerang Express Vacation Bible School was a ministry of Chapel Hill Baptist Church. The church had a greaat number of adult and youth workers on hand each day and everything went smoothly, even when we had rain on Thursday. I really had a great time and am greatful to share in this ministry as the Bible study leader, excuse me, I mean as "Boomerang Express Engineer".

You can view photos from this week by clicking the Boomerang Express Photo Gallery image below. The church also has videos from each day online at Vimeo.com. The latest video, from Friday, is embedded below.

If you don't have a church home or will be visiting the Tallahassee area, I encourage you to visit Chapel Hill Baptist Church. The church is located at 224 Chapel Drive in Tallahassee, Florida. For more information or directions call the church at (850) 222-6900.

Chapel Hill Boomerang Express

VBS - Day 5 Recap from Chapel Hill Baptist Church on Vimeo.
VBS - June 5, 2009 at Meggs Farm - sponsored by Chapel Hill Baptist. www.chapelhillbaptist.org

Boomerang Express Day 4, Tallahassee, FL

We had one 7th grade boy to be saved this morning during the Boomerang Express Vacation Bible School at Megg's Farm. I've added more photos to the Boomerang Express photo gallery. You can view these and previous day's photos by clicking the image below. The church also has videos from each day online at Vimeo.com. The latest video is embedded below. The VBS will continue through tomorrow 10am-12pm. For more information or directions call Chapel Hill Baptist Church at (850) 222-6900.

Chapel Hill Boomerang Express

VBS - Day Four Recap from Chapel Hill Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Boomerang Express Day 3, Tallahassee, FL

We had an exciting day at the Boomerang Express Vacation Bible School at Megg's Farm today. Two of the children, a boy and girl, accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. I've added more photos to the Boomerang Express photo gallery. You can view these and previous day's photos by clicking the image below. The church also has videos from each day online at Vimeo.com. I've embedded the first three videos below. The VBS will continue through Friday 10am-12pm. For more information or directions call Chapel Hill Baptist Church at (850) 222-6900.

Chapel Hill Boomerang Express

VBS - Day 1 Recap from Chapel Hill Baptist Church on Vimeo.

VBS - Day 2 Recap from Chapel Hill Baptist Church on Vimeo.

VBS: Day 3 Recap from Chapel Hill Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Boomerang Express Day 2, Tallahassee, FL

This was the second day of Boomerang Express Vacation Bible School at Megg's Farm in Tallahassee, Florida. A total of 23 students got on board today, that's 2 more than yesterday! I've added more photos to the Boomerang Express photo gallery. You can view these and yesterday's photos by clicking the image below. The VBS will continue through Friday 10am-12pm. For more information or directions call Chapel Hill Baptist Church at (850) 222-6900.

Chapel Hill Boomerang Express

Chapel Hill Boomerang Express Underway

The Boomerang Express pulled into Megg's Barn today in Tallahassee, Florida. This was the first day of Vacation Bible School for Chapel Hill Baptist Church. Twenty-one children got on aboard for music, crafts, recreation, snacks and Bible study. I'm serving as the "engineer" for the week leading the Bible study. You can check back here each day for new photos from the event. The VBS will continue through Friday 10am-12pm. For more information or directions call the church at (850) 222-6900.

Click the image below to visit the Boomerang Express photo gallery.

Chapel Hill Boomerang Express

Home Church June 10th

I will be preaching in supply for my Pastor Jason Johns on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. 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.

American Idle

The Back Pew

First Meeting Scheduled For 2010

I have just scheduled my first revival meeting for 2010. I will be preaching at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in January. The services will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 11am and 6pm; and Monday-Wednesday, January 11-13, 2010 at 7pm nightly. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church is located at 5635 County Road 316-A in Bushnell, Florida. For more information call Pastor Phillip Howe at (352) 424-0723.

Starke Revival Services Scheduled

I will be preaching revival services Sunday and Monday, July 26-27, 2009 at Sampson City Baptist Church. The Sunday services will begin at 11am and 6pm, and Monday at 7pm. The church is located at 13797 SW County Road 227 in Starke, Florida. For more information call Pastor Mark Driskell at (904) 964-6808.

On The Boomerang Express In June

Next month I will be teaching during a Vacation Bible School sponsored by Chapel Hill Baptist Church. The event will be held Monday-Friday, June 1-5, 2009 from 10am to 12pm at Meggs Farm in Tallahassee, Florida. The VBS will feature lessons and activities included in the Boomerang Express Vacation Bible School. For more information call (850) 222-6900.

Offering Etiquette

The Back Pew

Monavie Independent Distributor

On a personal note, I have recently signed-on as an Independent Distributor for Monavie. I began drinking this juice, which contains açai berry and 18 other body-beneficial fruits, including cupuaçu, camu camu, aronia, acerola, blueberry, bilberry, and pomegranate, several weeks ago. I have found that I have more energy. I'm not saying it will have the same result for you, but I know it does contain vitamins and antioxidants that our body needs. I figure I need all of the help I can get with my erratic eating schdule, especially when I'm on the road.

If you would like more information on the Monavie products, nutritional information, or the Monavie bussiness opportunity visit my Monavie site. You can also purchase products and enroll as a distributor on the same site.

NOTE: Click image to enlarge for better viewing.

Bluegrass At Nahunta Revival

The Wilson Family Band provided special music during the Monday night revival service at Riverside Chapel Baptist Church in Nahunta, Georgia. The video below features a medley of a few songs from the service.

It's always a pleasure for me to minister with this fine family. Robert, his wife Melissa and I go back many years to when I was actively involved in the Bluegrass Music industry. A previous post on this site provides more info about our bluegrass days.

Pictured in the photo are (left to right in back) Pastor Randy Wainright of Riverside Chapel Baptist Church, Robert Wilson, Clint Wilson, Melissa Wilson, (front) me and Katie Wilson. Additional photos from the services are viewable in this photo album.

I posted another medley of songs by The Wilson Family Band in 2007 and it is currently the most viewed video on my YouTube Channel having been played over 20,000 times. I've included this video below for your convenience.

All of the music for the services has been really good. Different musicians are featured each night.

By the way, the services at Riverside Chapel Baptist Church will continue at 7pm tonight and Friday. The church is located at 1998 Riverside Road near Nahunta, Georgia. For more information or directions call Pastor Randy Wainright at (912) 462-5067.

Jump Clarence, Jump!

The Back Pew

Nahunta, Georgia Tonight

Revival services begin tonight at Riverside Chapel Baptist Church in Nahunta, Georgia. I will be preaching Monday-Friday, May 11-15, 2009 at 7pm nightly. Riverside Chapel Baptist Church is located at 1998 Riverside Road near Nahunta, Georgia. For more information or directions call Pastor Randy Wainright at (912) 462-5067.

The Children of Israel

"There's something I can't figure out," Little Joey said to his Sunday School teacher.

"What's that, Joey?" asked the teacher.

"Well, according to the Bible, the Children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, right?"

"Right."

"And the Children of Israel beat up the Phillistines, right?"

"Er, right."

"And the Children of Israel built the Temple, right?"

"Again you're right."

"And the Children of Israel fought the Egyptians, and the Children of Israel fought the Romans, and the Children of Israel were always doing something important, right?"

"All that is right, too," agreed the teacher. "So what's your question?"

"What were all the grown-ups doing?"

Mother's Day Offering

Riverside Chapel Baptist Revival Begins Monday

Revival services begin Monday night at Riverside Chapel Baptist Church in Nahunta, Georgia. I will be preaching Monday-Friday, May 11-15, 2009 at 7pm nightly. Riverside Chapel Baptist Church is located at 1998 Riverside Road near Nahunta, Georgia. For more information call Pastor Randy Wainright at (912) 462-5067.

National Day Of Prayer 2009

National Day of Prayer 2009

Who's The Potter?

NOTE: If you have a good digital photo of a great church sign, send it to me and I may post it on this site.

Here Comes That Insurance Man...

Lake Butler First On Wednesday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jason Johns on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler. 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.

Life's Too Short?

"Life isn't too short. It's the longest thing anyone will ever do." - Unknown

The Swine "Flew" Pandemic

The Back Pew

Nahunta, GA Meeting Begins May 11th

Click image to enlarge.

Men's Breakfast Monday

Evangelist James Croft will be the guest speaker for the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Men's Ministry breakfast meeting on Monday, May 4, 2009. The event is held at Shoney's Restaurant located at 3739 West US-90 in Lake City.

High Springs Herald Article About Evangelist

NOTE: The April 30, 2009 edition of the High Springs Herald (Florida) has a front-page article titled "A Giant Nonetheless" about my preaching at Hague Baptist Church this week. The article is written by Tara Massagee and includes four photos by Sarah Hsu. The newspaper's online version only shows three of the photos, but allows you to make comments about the article on their website.

Croft uses his height to make big points at church
By Tara Massagee, Photos by Sarah Hsu For The Herald

ALACHUA – Those sitting in the rear pews of the church could barely see evangelist James Croft at the altar above the heads of other church members.

Croft is only 3 feet 10 inches tall, but that does not bother him.

“I would not know how to live as a taller person, he said. “This is all I know. This is how I am. This is how God made me.”

Monday night was the first of a 5-part series of lessons that Croft will be preaching at Hague Baptist Church. There will be a lesson today, Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. and the last lesson will be Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.

“He’s a little man, but when he preaches, he sounds like a giant,” Church Pastor Sam Brown said. “Brother James is going to revive us some more.”

Croft insists on spreading his message of the Word of the Lord.

Standing at his custom-made pulpit that was half the size of Brown’s, Croft began the revival by telling the congregation to hold their Bibles up in the air.

“Shake them at the devil, because he can’t stand the Word of God,” Croft said.

Read this story, view photos and make comments on The High Springs Herald.

Bird Hymn

Hague Meeting Begins Tonight

The revival meeting at Hague Baptist Church gets underway tonight at 7:30pm. The services will continue through Friday, May 1, 2009 at 7:30pm nightly. I'll be preaching the services and there will be some special music too. The church is located at 6725 NW 126th. Ave. in Hague, Florida near Gainesville. For more information or directions call Pastor Sam Brown (386) 454-1384 or call the church at (386) 462-4152.

Avoiding Salt

Hague Meeting Begins Monday Night

Hague Baptist Church will hold revival services April 27 - May 1, 2009 at 7:30pm nightly with 3'10" tall evangelist James Croft. The church is located at 6725 NW 126th. Ave. near Gainesville, FL 32653. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Patience

Nahunta, GA Meeting Scheduled

I'll be preaching revival services at Riverside Chapel Baptist Church Monday, May 11th through Friday, May 15th. The services will begin at 7pm nightly. The church is located at 1998 Riverside Road near Nahunta, Georgia. For more information call Pastor Randy Wainright at (912) 462-5067.

Susan Boyle Teaches Us A Lesson

On April 11, 2009, viewers of Britain's Got Talent were treated to what one of the show's judges called "the biggest surprise... in three years on the show." What they saw was a 47-year-old woman that didn’t have the physical qualities of the stereotypical star. She didn’t appear to have the grace or eloquence of a singer on the national stage. As if that wasn’t enough strikes against her, Susan Boyle dared to openly express a dream to become a professional singer in the vein of Elaine Paige. Before the first note of the song was heard, the book was judged by its’ cover.

We see this pre-judging all of the time and probably to a certain extent, we have done the same thing. It may not be a person’s lack of beauty; it could be their skin color, their accent or speech, their waist size, their height or lack there of. We make judgment calls every day often without having all the facts before us. Britain’s Got Talent judges, Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan seem to have made their decision during Ms. Boyle’s introduction. To her credit, the third panelist Amanda Holden appeared to be more neutral before the performance. Those in the audience even seemed to be preparing for the worst. Then the music started, and a beautiful voice began to fill the venue. A voice that certainly could not be coming from the one on the stage… it didn’t fit. Oh, but it was Susan Boyle, revealing a talent that no one thought possible, except for the singer herself. After the first line of the song, the faces of the judges and audience members transformed from shock and awe, to sheer delight as the auditorium filled with cheers of support, and maybe, even admiration.

I think panelist Amanda Holden summarized the experience best when she said, "I am so thrilled, because I know that everybody was against you, I honestly think that we were all being very cynical, and I think that's the biggest wake-up call ever."

The question I ask is “why was everyone against her?” The answer is most people think that “beauty = talent”, especially when it comes to females. Of course, deep-down we know that is not always the case. Susan Boyle proved that physical beauty is not needed to have true talent. The problem is we don’t always take the time to look for the talent if the “packaging” isn’t pretty. I am glad that Ms. Boyle was afforded the opportunity to prove herself and to prove us wrong.

I’m very glad that our place in eternity is not based upon us being in a pretty or perfect package. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that we all fall short of the glory of God. We will not be judged on how pretty we are or by what status we have achieved in society. In the book of Acts (10:34-35), Peter says that God shows “no partiality”. I’m grateful that we are now live in the “Dispensation of Grace”. In fact, if we were still under the “Dispensation of Law”, I would not be allowed to minister before the Lord because I am a dwarf and blind in one eye (Leviticus 21:16-20).

Jesus Christ provides the only way to salvation (John 14:6). This “way” is not determined by our looks, talent, works, finances or any other thing, but by way of the Cross.

I have embedded the video of Susan Boyle singing I Dreamed A Dream from Les Misérables below. Even if you have seen it, you may be like me, and watch it again and again. In fact, the last count I’ve seen is over 40,000,000 views of the various clips that are on YouTube alone. I must admit that it moved me to tears. I guess deep down we all root for the “underdog”. Now, if we would be just as excited about sharing Jesus Christ with others…

NOTE: Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? For more information visit “Do you know?"


Susan Boyle from Chris Yehuda Zimmerman on Vimeo.

Gnawsome?

Hague Meeting Starts In 5 Days

Click image to enlarge

Macclenny And Bryceville Tomorrow

I'll be preaching at two different churches tomorrow, Sunday, April 19th.

First Baptist Church of Macclenny will be my first stop with the service beginning at 10:45am. I'll be filling-in for Pastor Edsel Bone while he is on vacation. This service will also be broadcast on WJXR 92.1 FM beginning at 11am. The church is located at 372 South 6th Street in Macclenny, Florida.

At 6pm I'll be preaching the evening worship service for Pastor Rusty Bryan at Brandy Branch Baptist Church. The church is located at 1906 Brandy Branch Church Place in Bryceville, Florida.

Please be in prayer for both of these services.

Life On Mars

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Frogs In The Top Ten

Brandy Branch Baptist Rescheduled

My preaching engagement at Brandy Branch Baptist Church has been rescheduled for this Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 6pm. I was originally scheduled for Sunday, April 26th. I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Rusty Bryan. The church is located at 1906 Brandy Branch Church Place in Bryceville, Florida. For more information call (904) 266-4314.

Render Unto Caesar

Hague Baptist Revival Promo

NOTE: Please share this video with others via e-mailing this link or by embedding on your blog or website. The poster for this revival is here. Your prayers for this meeting and assistance in promotion will be greatly appreciated.



Hague Baptist Church will hold revival services April 27 - May 1, 2009 at 7:30pm nightly with 3'10" tall evangelist James Croft. The church is located at 6725 NW 126th. Ave. near Gainesville, FL 32653. Everyone is welcome to attend!

For more information about the ministries of James Croft Evangelistic Association visit http://jamescroft.org.

Tomb For Sale

The Back Pew

First Baptist Macclenny On Sunday April 19th

I will be preaching at First Baptist Church of Macclenny on Sunday, April 19, 2009. The service will begin at 10:45am amd will also be broadcast on WJXR 92.1 FM beginning at 11am.

First Baptist Church of Macclenny is located at 372 South 6th Street in Macclenny, Florida. For more information call the church office at (904) 259-2933.

Extra! Extra! Tell All About It!

The Back Pew

Truth And Tradition

The Back Pew

Photo Gallery Updates

These are the latest additions to the JCEA Photo Galleries:

• Naylor Gospel Explosion
• Coupons
• Church Signs
  

God's Romance Book?

Sunday's Comin

Easter Prophecy Card

Check out this Easter prophecy card. You may want to share it with others.

Hague Revival Begins April 27

Click image to enlarge

Fast Food Fast

Busy Sunday

Sunday morning I attended the first service of a revival meeting at First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida. The meeting is being led by Evangelist Rodney Keith of Jacksonville. It was good to see him, his wife Mandy and their children (pictured with me at left). Rodney is the president of the Conference of Florida Baptist Evangelists, of which I am a member.

Sunday night I was off to Wellborn Baptist Church in Wellborn, Florida for a service featuring Clyde Annandale. He is an outstanding Christian actor that portrays men of the Bible. This particular service portrayed Jesus Christ.

It was a great Lord's Day!

Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

4 Additions To Photo Galleries

Our ministry website's Photo Galleries section had four additions this week. The first 2 galleries contain photos that have not appeared on this blog. The other 2 galleries contain photos previously posted on this site.

• The Health Center of Lake City

• Suwannee Baptist Association Ministry Fair

• Clayland Baptist Church

• Rusty The Mini Horse

I'll post updates about new galleries as they are added.

JCEA Board Member's Daughter Called Home

Regina (Gina) Miller, daughter of Don and Fran Freeman of Lake City, Florida, passed away at 12:45am today as a result of cancer. Gina was only 48 years old and is survived by her husband, John Miller; a brother, Tim and his wife Katherine; a sister, Marisa and her son, Daniel; and her parents. Gina, a C.P.A., served as Vice-president of Design Containers, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Columbia High School in Lake City. A memorial service is being plnned for next week, but arrangements are still tentative at this point.

The Freeman’s and their family have been dear friends of mine for many years and Brother Don has been my mentor in the ministry since the beginning in 1994. He also serves on my ministry board of directors.

Please join me in lifting up this dear family in prayer to our Lord.

Match Made In Heaven?

Internet Evangelism Day Is April 26

With over 1.5 billion people already online, the potential for web evangelism is staggering. This is a day of opportunity! Please take time to look at the Internet Evangelism Day website, and find how God is using this new medium. You may have the gifts to be involved in web evangelism yourself – and surprisingly, you do not need to be technical!

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. Along with this blog the JCEA provides the following web resources and ministries including:

• Online plan of Salvation
• Ministry website
  
• E-mail newsletters
• Social networking: MySpace and Facebook
• Online videos: Video Blog, iTunes, YouTube, Vimeo, Tangle, GospelTube
• Podcasting: iTunes, Podcast Blog, Online player
• Online content syndication utilizing RSS Feeds
• Ministry resource links
  

NOTE: The May 2006 edition of the Walking With The Giant podcast featured an interview with Dr. Sterling Huston, Chairman of Internet Evangelism Coalition and Director of Special Ministries for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.