McKee Road Baptist Blog

What a great time we had at the Hawaiian Nite Adult Fellowship.  We had shishkabobs galore and all kinds of summer fruit including pineapple, honeydew, cantelope, strawberries, bananas, and, of course, watermelon.  Then we played the  most hilarious version of beach volleyball I have everbeen apart of using a beach ball.  It is good to fellowship with God’s people.  We all thought that we would have to do it again before the summer is out.  (Look for Hawaiian Nite ‘09 II!)

The first night of Patch the Pirate Club

Tonight marked the inauguration of a new children’s ministry, Patch the Pirate Club.  Besides those pictured here, there were six others, making a total of 13 plus two adult workers.  Ron Hamilton, “Captain Patch,” has written many wonderful and instructional children’s songs that have been a blessing to a whole generation of Christian young people.  This kid’s club is themed with his music and other good Bible songs and stories that encourage the children to walk with God daily and sing praises to Him.  They are encouraged to excel in Scripture memory and character development, while singing in the children’s choir.  Let our children know you are rooting for them in their newest adventure!

KiD Ministries Day Outing--June 22, 2009

Monday, we enjoyed an activity with some of the children of our church.  Because of summer school and other activities, many of our children were not able to make it.  But that did not stop those children who went from having fun.  The weather was cool and the fruit was ripe, and the kids were energetic–what a great combination!  I praise the Lord for the children of our church.  Next children’s activity–VBS (July 20-24).

I was sent an email (as I am supposing you were also) from whitehouse.gov which was written from Mrs. Obama.  In it she linked to the whitehouse blog which was highlighting President Obama’s town hall meeting on fatherhood.  The video on that page was very interesting in that the President said in his remarks, “…we need fathers to understand that their work doesn’t end with conception, what truly makes a man a father is the ability to raise a child…”   (see the video) And although, I am sure, he does not connect the two, we know that conception is the beginning of fatherhood–it is when a life is started. 

It is difficult to separate the idea of conception from the reality of childhood.  When does an embryo gain life?  This is a question blurred by those who defend abortion; but we need not be deceived by this tactic.  God knows the life that is not yet birthed into this world. 

Psalm 139: 16 says, “Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”  This word “unperfect” means in the embryonic state.  God knows the little fingers and toes, the heartbeat, the birthday that would have been even before the baby is born.  May we be the voice those who yet have no voice.

I think of all the times that I come in the front door of our house and I here those words, “Daddy’s home!”  Then those words are followed by some of my favorite words to hear in the world–”I love you, Daddy!”  I think if we could really hear what they mean I think we would hear in those words, “We need you, Daddy.”  In a day where fathers are running out, we need dads that will hang in there for their families.  Consider the following stats on dads in America from the National Fatherhood Initiative. 

Isn’t it amazing that God had it right all the time!  One man with one woman in the bonds of marriage is still the right recipe for raising children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (or a healthy environment for that matter).  So, hang in there dads.  Your being there makes a difference!

Due to a good surgery and quick recovery, Donna Cullip was released from the hospital today.  Her neck surgery was a success and doctors feel like she will be back to normal in 4 to six weeks.  Praise God for this good report!

I have been silent in my posting for several days.  After loosing the baby, I felt it good to take time to reflect.  I don’t want the post to become heavy or discouraging to the readers.  So our daily post will resume.  Hope that it can be a help in some way.

Isaiah 45:12 says, “I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.”   It is amazing to think that the hands that made the mighty universe also hand-craft every child in the womb.  “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee… before thou camest forth out of the womb…” (Jeremiah 1:5)
I had the privilege to hold our small baby boy, Titus, moments after birth and see what God’s hands had crafted–how amazing His handiwork.  I can say with the psalmist, “I will praise thee; for [he was] fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”  (Psalm 139:14)  Every feature was crafted with love and care and was perfect–a perfect little baby.

I need to tell you that I trust God’s hands.  They are the loving hands of my Heavenly Father.  Those hands are the hands of provision, protection, and peace.  Now has come a time when I have to trust those hands with my son.  I can trust Him.

June 5, 2009–I can’t tell you how much the prayers of my church family have meant to my wife and I these past few days.  It is only God’s grace and peace that have sustained us in the past 48 hours.  God hasn’t taken the tears away, but He has eased the pain.  For all of those who have been praying for us…thank you. 

We love all of you so very much.  Keep us in your prayers.  We will be very quiet for awhile, not wanting to talk while we grieve.  But that doesn’t mean we don’t love you all.  There will be a time not too long where we will be ‘okay,’ but for now we thank you for your understanding.

June 3-4, 2009–As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.  (2 Samuel 22:31)  Today, our little boy went to Heaven.  We know that it was the perfect time for our child to go home to be with the Savior. 

David knew our sentiments when he wrote, “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”  (2 Samuel 12:23)  We are sad, but not angry.  We are hurting, but not bitter.  It was all in the Father’s hands–and that is where we will leave it.  We praise God for His sufficient grace–it is enough.