Still on the Road

Crystal and I are in Newark, New Jersey. We came straight here from Memphis. I am preaching a 3-night meeting for the local Evangelistic Board (a group of pastors and churches that are working together to fulfill the Great Commission here in Newark). Last night was a great beginning. I am looking forward to the next two nights.

The meeting is being hosted by my boyhood friend, Joe Carter, pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church. He just turned 35 this past Thursday. And, hands down, Carter is one of the best pastors and preachers I know. He epitomizes the connection between shepherds who lead and feed that I wrote about a few blogs ago. I have known him virtually all of my life. In fact, he is the first boy preacher I have ever heard of. I don't think I would have accepted my called to preach so early (if at all), if I had not seen how the Lord was using "Joe Joe" as a boy. I remember when Joe preached for my dad when he was just 17 years old. I still have the video of that service. Afterward, one of my father's associate preachers came up to me after service and said, "Junior, that was preaching And you will never be able to preach like that!" Lo and behold, he was right. almost two decades later, I am still in the shadows of Joe Carter. And that's cool.

Joe and I don't get to talk often. But when I arrived Monday, we picked up our fellowship just were we left it last time we were together. It was as if we had just been together the day before. That's how our friendship is. But I don' t think that's unique with me. Joe is just a very personable guy, in general. He doesn't meet strangers. He loves being around people. So when we got to town, he swooped up me and Crystal and took us to NYC to eat dinner. We had a great time. It was Crystal's first time in Times Square, or New York for that matter. And Carter and his staff had made it their business make sure that she has a good time while she's here. I really do appreciate it. And I am really happy that Crystal is having such a good time. She doesn't like going on the road with me when I preach. But this trip has proved to be the exceptioin, even though I think we both are starting to miss the kids really bad now.

It's been fun to watch how Crystal has responded to meeting people here that she has heard so much about. I really enjoyed watching her in worship last night at New Hope. Outside of MSMBC, New Hope may be one of my favorite places to preach. Their wordship is always filled with joy. And they love to hear good preaching. If you don't feel like preaching at New Hope, you ought to re-examine your calling. I hope and pray that the ministry of the word will bear much fruit this week.

Two Additional Matters for Prayer: Last night, we got the news that Dr. J. Allen Caldwell of the historic Burnette Baptist Church in Detroit passed away yesterday. I have been preaching for him since I was 16 0r 17. And his kindness to me has known no bounds. For several years, Joe and I were doing two of his three major church revivals. He will be greatly missed. Please pray for his family and the Burnette Church. Likewise, it goes without saying that we should be much in prayer for all the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Praise the Lord that Psalm 46:1 is still true: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (ESV)