Open Dates

I currently have several open dates on my preaching calendar through the end of this year.  A list of these dates are available on my ministry calendar viewable at this link.  I am always ready to serve our Lord's Church through preaching, teaching, and special programs for all ages.  Please let me know if I may serve your church or group.

Why use an evangelist??

 
The Biblical office of evangelist is often one of the most overlooked and underutilized resources that God has presented in and through the local church to reach the world for Christ.  Why use evangelists?

• Evangelists are called by God to specifically reach the lost.
• Evangelists are able to communicate a direct Biblical message with a passion and zeal.
• Evangelists cooperate with the ongoing work of local churches to reach their communities for Christ.
• Evangelists encourage Christians in their daily zeal for soulwinning and discipleship.
• Evangelists help churches culminate their long-term evangelistic efforts in harvesting the fields "white unto harvest".
• Evangelists affirm the work of the local church pastor and the vision God has for his ministry through the local church.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

The James Croft Evangelistic Association (JCEA) led by 3'10" tall evangelist James Croft of Olustee, Florida is working to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.  This ministry utilizes various means to win lost souls, to stir revival fires in believers, to educate Christians on Biblical and social issues, and to be an encouragement to all.  These methods include James' preaching ministry, foreign and local missions, and use of the internet utilizing podcasting and videos.

Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire?

The Back Pew

Artist Thomas Kinkade dies in California at age 54

"Sunrise, a Prayer of Hope for the Millenium"

SAN FRANCISCO –  Artist Thomas Kinkade, whose brushwork paintings of idyllic landscapes, cottages and churches have been big sellers for dealers across the United States, died Friday, a family spokesman said.

Kinkade, 54, died at his home in Los Gatos in the San Francisco Bay Area of what appeared to be natural causes, David Satterfield said.

Kinkade's sentimental paintings, with their scenes of country gardens and churches in dewy morning light, were beloved by middlebrow America but reviled by the art establishment. He claimed to be the nation's most collected living artist, and his paintings and spin-off products were said to fetch some $100 million a year in sales, and to be in 10 million homes in the United States.

Read more on FOX News.

NOTE: The painting shown, "Sunrise, a Prayer of Hope for the Millenium", was described by Kinkade this way: "As we approach the year 2000, I feel compelled as an artist to celebrate not the passing of the old millennium but the beginning of the new millennium.  To me the new millennium represents a pivotal point in human-history—a chance to change the world for the better."

I thought this was an appropriate painting and description with tomorrow being Easter Sunday.

It's Friday... but Sunday's comin'!!!

No Greater Love

Our Daily Bread

Read: John 15:1-13

 

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. —John 15:13

 

Bill and his wife were driving through the Rocky Mountains when a near-miss with a truck caused their car to swerve off the road and plunge into the Colorado River. After scrambling out of their sinking vehicle, they frantically treaded water in the swift current. A truckdriver, who had seen the accident, ran ahead along the shore and threw a rope to them. Bill swam behind his wife and pushed her to where she could grab the rope—and the man pulled her out. Bill, however, was carried downstream and didn’t survive. He had given his life for the woman he loved.

To give your life so another person can live is the ultimate proof of love. During the night that Jesus was betrayed, He told His disciples of His intention to give His life in exchange for mankind. He told them: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). And then He set the ultimate example of self-sacrifice by going to the cross.

Have you ever given any thought to the fact that Jesus did that for you—that He died in your place? In so doing, He not only proved His love for you, but He also made it possible for you to be forgiven of your sins and to have an eternal home in heaven.

He who gave Himself to save me,
Now will keep me to the end;
In His care securely resting
On His promise I depend. —Bosch

 

Christ’s sacrifice was what God desired and our sin required.

Golden Years

The Back Pew

The Story of Easter Told Through Social Networking

The Story of Easter Told Through Social Networking from neids on GodTube.

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.

Temporary Baptistry

The Back Pew

Olustee Block Party Today

The James Croft Evangelistic Association will have an exhibit at the 4th Annual Block Party sponsored by First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida today, March 31, 2012.  The event will be held 1-6pm along Pintail Road in Olustee near the Olustee Train Depot Museum.  The party will feature a K-9 unit demonstration, a two-lane slide & bounce house for the kids, games, one mile fun run, Sparky the fire dog, cakewalk, plenty of free food and much more.  First Baptist of Olustee Music Director Kevin Owen will also provide special music.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

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.

Slam Dunk

The Back Pew

FBC Lake Butler Tonight

I will be preaching in supply for my pastor, Jason Johns, at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler tonight 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.

Cudd Services Begin Sunday Night

Click to enlarge

I will travel to South Carolina later this week to preach revival services at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church.  The meeting will begin Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 6:30pm and continue Monday-Wednesday, March 26-28, 2012 at 6:30pm.

This will be my second time preaching at Cudd Memorial Baptist.  We had great services there in March of last year.  You can read about the week of events in this previous blog post and view photos from the week in this photo gallery.  I also created a humorous video with the help of three of the church's youth called "Revival Security" that can be viewed here.

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

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.

JCEA Director Earns Masters

James and Terry

Terry Elixson, Pastor of New Oak Grove Baptist Church and member of the James Croft Evangelistic Association Board of Directors, recently earned a second Masters Degree.  He received a Master of Arts in religion in 2009 and now has a Master of Divinity.  Both degrees are from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.  Terry's Bachelor's Degree is from Baptist College of Florida.  He has served as pastor at churches in Attapulgus, Georgia and Winter Springs, Florida before coming to New Oak Grove Baptist.

New Oak Grove Baptist Church is located at 18100 NW 262nd Ave. in Alachua, Florida.

Random Readings

The Back Pew

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.

Old St. Paddy

The Back Pew

Address Change

In December the post office in Olustee, Florida closed and residents were placed on a route from Sanderson.  Now the James Croft Evangelistic Association has a new mailing address.  All correspondence (business, donations and personal) should now be mailed to:

5214 Main Street

Sanderson, Florida 32087-2524

Please update your records accordingly.

Donations to the ministry may also be made online by following the link below.

JCEA Donation
Click this button to make a donation to be used as needed.

NOTE: 

The James Croft Evangelistic Association is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) corporation and all donations are tax deductible.

Mt. Horeb Services Begin Tonight

I will be preaching revival services at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church beginning tonight at 7pm.  The services will continue through Friday at 7pm nightly.  The church is located at 3449 NE CR340 near High Springs, Florida.  For more information or directions call Pastor James West at (386) 454-5238.

Mt. Horeb Services Begin Monday

Click to enlarge

I will be preaching revival services at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Monday-Friday, March 12-16, 2012. The services will begin at 7pm each night. The church is located at 3449 NE CR340 near High Springs, Florida.  For more information or directions call Pastor James West at (386) 454-5238.

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.

The Dalton Gang

Our Daily Bread

Read: Proverbs 4:10-19

 

He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death. —James 5:20

 

The Dalton brothers were infamous outlaws during the late 1800s in the US. They started out on the right side of the law as officers. But then they followed a gradual descent into crime and became known for bank and train robberies. Their day of reckoning came when they tried to hold up two banks at once. Hearing of the robberies, the townspeople armed themselves and began to fire on the Dalton Gang. When the smoke cleared, Emmett Dalton was the sole survivor.

After serving 15 years in the penitentiary, Emmett was pardoned and set free. While in prison, he had come to see the error of his ways. So when he was released, he wanted to deter young people from a life of crime. Drawing from his own experience, Emmett wrote and starred in a film about the Dalton Gang in which he showed the folly of being an outlaw. In many ways, Emmett’s film was telling others: “Do not enter the path of the wicked” (Prov. 4:14).

In a similar way, when we have sinned but have genuinely repented and experienced God’s forgiveness, we can tell our own story. We can encourage others not to make the same mistakes we have made. James wrote, “He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death” (5:20).

If others learn from our mistakes,

And it saves them from the pain

That we ourselves experienced—

Then it wasn’t all in vain. —Sper

 

When we learn from our mistakes, we are less likely to repeat them.

JOY Box 2012 Wrap-up

All of the 153 JOY Boxes collected for nursing home residents have now been delivered.  The total number of boxes was slightly higher this year, so five nursing homes in Baker and Columbia Counties received boxes of JOY.

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 153 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
• Donate for JOY Boxes

Chapel Hill VBS Scheduled for June

I'll be taking off into the wild blue yonder the first week in June as I teach Vacation Bible School at Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida.  The theme of VBS 2012 is "Amazing Wonders Aviation: Awesome God!  Amazing Power!"

The children's VBS will begin on Monday, June 4, 2012 and end on Friday, June 8th at Megg's Barn off Riverton Road in Tallahassee, Florida.

For more information or directions call the church office at (850) 222-6900.

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.

Leap Day

What is Leap Day?  February 29 is known as a leap day in the Gregorian calendar.  Although most years of the modern calendar have 365 days, a complete revolution around the sun takes approximately 365 days and 6 hours. Every four years, during which an extra 24 hours have accumulated, one extra day is added to keep the count coordinated with the sun's apparent position.

It is, however, slightly inaccurate to calculate an additional 6 hours each year. A better approximation, derived from the Alfonsine tables, is that the Earth makes a complete revolution around the sun in 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 16 seconds. To compensate for the difference, an end-of-century year is not a leap year unless it is also exactly divisible by 400. This means that the years 1600 and 2000 were leap years, as will be 2400 and 2800, but the years 1700, 1800 and 1900 were not, nor will 2100, 2200 and 2300.

The Gregorian calendar repeats itself every 400 years, which is exactly 20,871 weeks including 97 leap days. Over this period, February 29 falls on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday 13 times each; 14 times each on Friday and Saturday; and 15 times each on Monday and Wednesday.

For more information visit Wikipedia.

FBC Macclenny Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Edsel Bone at First Baptist Church of Macclenny this Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 10:45am.  The morning service is also broadcast on WJXR 92.1 FM beginning at 11am.  The church is located at 372 S. 6th. Street in Macclenny, Florida.  For more information or directions call the church at (904) 259-2933.

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.

And the Oscar goes to...

The Back Pew

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.

FBC Lake Butler Sunday Night

I will be preaching in supply for my pastor, Jason Johns, at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler Sunday, evening, February 26, 2012.  The service will begin at 6pm.  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.

A Part of America Died

In memory of

Clay County (Florida) Sheriff's

Detective David White

killed in the line of duty

on Thursday night.

"A Part of America Died"  
Author: Unknown

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.

What is that handshake thing?

When NBA star Jeremy Lin was asked about that thing he does with teammate Landry Fields prior to each game, he sets the record straight.

"We do a handshake, put on some glasses, he (Landry) opens the Bible, we read a passage together, put our glasses away and point toward the sky to remind ourselves that we're playing for God."

Is this the NBA version of "Tebowing"?

Huntsville Revival Begins with Homecoming this Sunday

Click to enlarge

On Sunday, February 19, 2012, Homecoming Service will serve as a kick-off for revival services at Huntsville Baptist Church in Lake City.  The homecoming service will begin at 10:45am.  Four more services will follow: Sunday night at 6pm and Monday-Wednesday, February 20-22 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.

Super Bowl Ticket

A man had two of the best tickets for the Super Bowl.  As he sits down, another man comes along and asks if anyone is sitting in the seat next to him.

"No", he says, "the seat is empty."

"This is incredible!" said the man, "who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the Super Bowl, the biggest sporting event of the football calendar and not use it?"

He says, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me.  My wife was supposed to come with me, but she passed away.  This is the first Super Bowl we haven't been together since we got married."

"Oh... I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. I guess you couldn't find someone else, a friend or relative or even a neighbour to take the seat?"

The man shakes his head......."No. They're all at the funeral."

Mt. Horeb Services Scheduled

I will be preaching revival services at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Monday-Friday, March 12-16, 2012. The services will begin at 7pm each night. The church is located at 3449 NE CR340 near High Springs, Florida.  For more information or directions call Pastor James West at (386) 454-5238.

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.

Stark Raving Calm

The Back Pew

Calvary Baptist Tomorrow

I will be preaching for Pastor Ivan Clements at Calvary Baptist Church tomorrow, Sunday, February 5, 2012.  The services will begin at 11am and 6pm.  The church is located at 776 NW County Road 25A in Lake City, Florida.

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.

Old Providence Meeting Scheduled

I will preach revival services at Old Providence Baptist Church beginning Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 11am and 6pm.  The services will continue Monday-Wednesday, May 7-9, 2012 at 7pm nightly.  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.

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.

Cudd Dates Finalized

I will travel to South Carolina in March to preach revival services at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church.  The meeting will begin Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 6:30pm and continue Monday-Wednesday, March 26-28, 2012 at 6:30pm.

This will be my second time preaching at Cudd Memorial Baptist.  We had great services there in March of last year.  You can read about the week of events in this previous blog post and view photos from the week in this photo gallery.  I also created a humorous video with the help of three of the church's youth called "Revival Security" that can be viewed here.

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

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.

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!

Jesus and Duct Tape

The Back Pew

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.

Why Evangelists?

The Biblical office of evangelist is often one of the most overlooked and underutilized resources that God has presented in and through the local church to reach the world for Christ.  Why use evangelists?

• Evangelists are called by God to specifically reach the lost.
• Evangelists are able to communicate a direct Biblical message with a passion and zeal.
• Evangelists cooperate with the ongoing work of local churches to reach their communities for Christ.
• Evangelists encourage Christians in their daily zeal for soulwinning and discipleship.
• Evangelists help churches culminate their long-term evangelistic efforts in harvesting the fields "white unto harvest".
• Evangelists affirm the work of the local church pastor and the vision God has for his ministry through the local church.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

The James Croft Evangelistic Association (JCEA) led by 3'10" tall evangelist James Croft of Olustee, Florida is working to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.  This ministry utilizes various means to win lost souls, to stir revival fires in believers, to educate Christians on Biblical and social issues, and to be an encouragement to all.  These methods include James' preaching ministry, foreign and local missions, and use of the internet utilizing podcasting and videos.

Twitter and Facebook

Follow Evangelist James Croft and the James Croft Evangelistic Association on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the images below.

James Croft Evangelistic Association on Facebook

James Croft

Create Your Badge

My first revival of 2012 begins Sunday!

Revival services begin at Forest Grove Baptist Church near Alachua, Florida this Sunday, January 22nd.  The services will begin at 10:15am and 7pm on Sunday, and continue at 7pm 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.

Forest Grove Baptist Revival Services Begin Jan. 22nd

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.

Chapel Hill on Sunday

I will be preaching on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Chapel Hill Baptist Church.  The service will begin at 10am.  The church meets in the Workforce Development Building at Tallahassee Community College at 444 Appleyard Drive in Tallahassee, Florida.  For more information or directions call the church office at (850) 222-6900.

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.

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-)

2012 JOY Box Deadline is Thursday

The James Croft Evangelistic Association JOYBox Ministry for 2012 is drawing to a close.  The deadline for boxes and donations is this Thursday, January 12th.

We are continuing to collect plastic shoeboxes filled with small gift items for residents in Baker & Columbia Counties nursing homes.  The boxes may contain a variety of items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, and socks.  We also place a copy of God’s Word in each box.  Last year churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations shared “JOY” by preparing shoeboxes.

A section of the JCEA website offers full details of the ministry including a video explaining how you can participate.  If you are unable to prepare a box, but would like to contribute financially toward this ministry our website provides details for that too.

Drop-off locations for JOY Boxes are:

·        Davis Golf Carts, 126 South 5^th Street in Macclenny, FL.

·        BeulahBaptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive in Lake City, FL.

Deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Your prayers & consideration of this ministry are greatly appreciated!

Gotta Share!! (The Musical)

Does this remind you of any churches?

Cool JOY Box Suggestion

This is a great JOY Box gift idea for ladies boxes. Remember the deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12th.  For more information visit the JOY Box website.

Baker County JOY Box Drop-off

This message is for our JOY Box participants in Baker County, Florida.  If you have prepared JOY Boxes and need to deliver them this week, call us at (386) 867-3199. Our Macclenny drop-off location, Davis Golf Cart & Small Engine Repair, will be closed this week due to a death in their family.  Please remember the Ulys Davis Family in your prayers.

A section of the JCEA website offers full details of the ministry including a video explaining how you can participate.  If you are unable to prepare a box, but would like to contribute financially toward this ministry our website provides details for that too.

Drop-off locations for JOY Boxes are:

·        Davis Golf Carts, 126 South 5^th Street in Macclenny, FL.

·        Beulah Baptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive in Lake City, FL.

Deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Your prayers & consideration of this ministry are greatly appreciated!

NOTE: The video below provides additional info about the JOY Box ministry.

Biblical Resolution?

The Back Pew