Craighead beginnings- 1st. service on new lot-Jan 97 & 98 Curtis,Dyer & Spurgeon, Ethopian saved, Sis. Carlene's dream finds church lot, Toddlers on Gods holy hill!

CRAIGHEAD BEGINNINGS

SEPTEMBER 1998

 (1st Service on Holy Hill)

I had previously spent the year preaching over the island and like my Brother before me John the Baptist my message was "repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." US brethren traveled to the little island nation and joined me on occasion preaching in Jamaican synagogues (churches).

Elders Dean Dyer, Don Curtis & Ron Spurgeon (Pastors) on several occasions two years prior helped me in the laying the groundwork and did accompany my wife and I in January '97 to make the move to the island Fairview Memorial Missionary Baptist Church of Bowling Green, Kentucky hosted a farewell service at their annual New Year’s sing for Lynn and me and on Monday we were flying out to a strange country  to begin our mission work.

On arrival (by a previous invitation given), the brethren and I attended the “Church of the Firstborn” in Mandeville. True to: Act 13:15 “And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”

Brother Ron (a singing tenor for gospel groups) on that beautiful Lord's Day, first sat quietly in the congregation. Jamaican tunes filled the room with joy. Then they sang a hymn Brother Ron was familar with. Brother Ron sang loud well above the crowd in his signature high tenor voice. The pastor came off the platform and placed Bro Ron in the choir.

Brother Don Curtis during the service in his "say-on" way preached a message that day that stirred up the lost and several came to the altar seeking the Lord; one I know of testified of being born again that morn.

That week Brother Dean set the scene in the marketplace for a number of other US brethren who came after preaching of the impending disaster of this present evil world. On one occasion during the marketplace preaching I remember well the crowd that gathered there at the curb of the busy thoroughfare; their lively voices filled the air in the Mandeville town square. Joesph Johnson, a Jamaica Baptist preacher was our host it appeared he was sent out by the Baptists to pasture and he went to preaching on the streets. He was a resident of Mike-town. He pleaded for me to come there and I conceded for the Lord taught me early on in the mission field "one lost soul is precious as one-hundred.  

Now, the atmosphere around this little corner on the square made folks aware of a divine presence; for when the preaching began many came to stand and listen (curious seekers) to hear  the overseas preacher-man.

The preaching was bold as the preachers told of a salvation you could feel & know for yourselves; that God is real & by His Holy Spirit He instills in the heart of a repentant believer -- a know-so salvation.  

Several fell, fearful of descending into hell, moved by the message and truth of the sermon that the bible describes hell as a  place of torment several cried out for forgiveness as they repented of their sins. I counted 15 that fell down on bended knee in the street crying and seeking the Lord. Several acknowledged a born again experince that was real by the fruit of the Holy Spirit they could feel. One particular Jamaican traveler a woman of a sorrowful spirit stood out to me. I saw her walk off a bus from Kingston and as she walked toward the other side of the square where she would have jumped on another bus to the southern part of the island, she was struck by the boldness of Tennesee's Barry Brawner's preaching.

I watched her as her countenance changed. Standing there it was evident the Holy Spirit was convicting her heart. I saw inner emotions affected by her broken and contrite spirit as she fell onto the street begging the Lord to save her. Her pleas unto God touched me very much; As I made my way off the curb of the street I bowed and prayed near her with my own heavy heart. When she rose up from off the road she no longer carried a heavy load but stood with hands clapping motivated by the joy she was now feeling; happy that the Lord saved her soul. Like the Ethiopian eunuch the woman went on her way boarding another bus, as she thanked us for praying for her as she continued her journey rejoicing on the road to St. Elizabeth. To this day our paths have never crossed, only the Lord knows the rest of the story and in glory I will see again the Ethopian woman of Jamaica saved on the road in the Mandeville square.

GREAT REVIVAL OF APRIL '98

For 14 months I had already seen much action on the battlefield for the Lord. I had been cursed by a voodoo priest tossing down white bones at my feet while standing & preaching on holy ground. I had been roared at by Rasta’s wolfs in the Lion's den in George's valley; chased by a madman in a Mandeville alley, nearly mugged by a Jamaican thug in the market and continuously the target of bandits waiting to steal. I learned that only the greedy nag and the needy are quiet in their affliction.

Craighead is a little English settlement in Northeast Manchester parish & legend has it dating back over 200 years and home to many yam farmers. The Anglican Church had a great influence on the community when the Lord sent me and Brother Dwen there to hold what I call “The great revival of 98.” Brother Barry Collins, Craigheads charter member claims he is the offspring of the old Scotsman by the same name who migrated to Jamaica long ago.  

The lofty hills upward which rose above the  hillside of Craighead it was alledged had a reputation lately harboring thieves and men and women of ill refute. Some residents come to detest my presence in their community while others welcomed the opportunity to come and hear our doctrine of repentance & faith and a heart-felt salvation as it was "strange things to their ears." Decisional Regeneration has swept over the tiny nation as it had in America and even around the world. There are more recipients of the deceivers "Accept Christ" phraseology then true belivers in Jamaica "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat."  Brother Dwen and his football (soccer) team built a little meeting place out of ply board with a tin roof and spread the word of a revival 7PM nightly. The crowds were inside and out, some walking about during the service. The Lord visited and the Holy Spirit came and many in the crowd resisted the draw to call on God but a good number fell on the altar and about three days into the meeting the altar was full of mourners and I was mesmerized by the scene. I was rejoicing at the souls who came to know the Lord as I had known Him in the free pardon of sin.

Young & old men were saved & would bring their friends and family and they would get saved. Young & old women would get saved and bring their loved ones to the revival. In all, there was 35 souls dating their salvation time & place to that great revival of 98.  

The mission was established Easter Sunday 1998 with 15 souls who told that day of being saved during the revival.

CRAIGHEAD CHURCH BEGINNINGS ON THEIR NEW CHURCH GROUNDS

SEPTEMBER 1998 - PSALMS 99:9

The lot I bought with donations from my Missionary Baptists church friends is seen in the above picture. I found its rocky ground in the most unusual way. After asking the little congregation to help me pray for permanent church grounds, Sister Carlene came to me wanting to share her dream. It is a Jamaican tradition often in their dreams strange things appear; some bring cheer, others sadness.

Sister Carlene set the scene for me. Her thoughts were on the prayer I asked when she laid down to sleep. Most dreams are inspired by our subconscious mind, but not this time. Sister Carlene's dream, like Daniels, was divine and the Lord gave me the intrepretation. In her heart she saw an old neighbor standing tall beside his donkey saddled ready to go to the bush staring on a lot she remembered walking by in her childhood.  As he stood gazing she then saw a Jamaican babe in diapers crawling, calling out to her. “Suddenly Pastor,” Sister Carlene said in her dream, "the babe stands up, walking and talking, pleading for me to 'buy me this lot and build me a house 'pon it'.” The interpretation of the dream; the Jamaican babe was saying "Buy me this house and build a house of prayer on it." The old man and his donkey turned out to become I call today my Anglican neighbor, Mr. Dixon, it was his brother that sold the lot to us. And today many toddlers are crawling and walking on this holy hill. What an awesome God that has favored our Missionary Baptist undertakings!

Toddlers

                                                                     Dwen's Kim

                                                             Bro Steves Tasha

                                                               Warsop kids

Craig Kids

Today there two Old Timey Missionary Baptist churches in Jamaica

Brother Dwen Gritton, My Dear Freind & Brother in Christ

DWEN-MY BROTHER & MY FRIEND
About the time Lynn & I met him 14 years ago

“When Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26).

Brother Dwen was Lynn and I' Jamaican Apollos. I found him in a Jamaican synagogue testifying how God had saved him the year before. It was his mothers church where I was holding a revival with a few visiting brethren. They were very emotional and the only one I found to be genuine and spiritual that night was Brother Dwen. That was 1997 when the Lord (Rev.8:3, 4) from the storehouse of heaven answered the “prayer of the saints” stored there on behalf of my mission work.

I preached in Missionary Baptist churches scattered in several states expressing my burden to relocate to the island of Jamaica and begin a mission there. I had asked humble as I knew how my church friends to bow and pray, that God would send a Jamaican brother as I knew no other could help me better than a native of the island. That year was 1996.

After meeting Dwen I soon found he was saved in the spring of the year the same time while I made this cross-country mission tour asking the churches to pray for such a one who like Timothy has become like my own Son. What an awesome God preparing the path for me in Jamaica I must trod.  That was this spring 14 years ago. 

 In the fall of 1998-after a year of going with me over the island preaching in the Jamaican synagogues and in open-air meetings in public market-places with a number of US preaching brethren; Brother Dwen was moved to become a Baptist and what a thrill to bury my brother in the watery grave after he died and was saved, 16 months after the fact. He was the first to be baptized of 27 into the fellowship of Goodson Missionary Baptist church.

“And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen 1:1). Almost like Moses was describing the origin of the ocean waves. The Caribbean Sea was a turquoise green and made a heavenly baptismal scene; as I knew that the Heavenly Father was well pleased and favored our undertakings; as the Lord God had been with John the Baptist and Jesus His Son in the Jordan River.   

Brother Dwen

First Jamaican Baptized

September 1998

                                             

Brother Dwen, Sister Carlene, & Sister Donna baptized together

"unto the place the rivers come, (Sea) thither they return again" Ecc 1:7    

                                                   

This brother unlike the others in Jamaica has seen his brother saved, his sister saved, 3 of his cousins saved, and a number of friends. I have baptized six of his kinfolk & freinds  into the fellowship of Craighead.  It sounds like a great payday from the Lord for his longtime service to the Missionary Baptists.

 He is my designated driver over the island after I braved the roads of Jamaica for two years I gave it up to my best friend Brother Dwen in Jamaica. He is loved by all Church & US friends and I beleive will help his brethren carry on the work when I'm gone.

Dwen & Me March 2011

MY PIKE ALL-AGE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

I have been acquainted with Pike All-age school for 14 years and it is a door of utterance the Lord had opened unto me when I first began my preaching on the island. Much of the learning institutions here are founded through a church under the Ministry of Education.

So it was a surprise to me when I was asked to come and lead the morning devotional. That is all but gone in our school system.

A Pike teacher heard me preach in revival and asked me if I could come to preach for the students in their morning devotional. I learned from Brother Dwen this was his former school and several of the teachers taught him in class.

The morning I went with Brother Dwen, "Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven was at hand," bore on my heart; but I thought “Oh Lord wouldn't the golden rule be more suitable for a school.” As I arrived the children first stood outside in line with their appropriate classroom. “Good Morning students” said Principal Brown and in unison they replied adding "How are you." Then with an English twang they sang their national anthem titled "Eternal Father Bless Our Land."

As we gathered inside for the morning devotional it was a sight to see and I must confess the experience humbled me. I was so nervous but just before the service was to start Principal Brown introduced herself and said “Brother Jones, feel free to preach; you have full liberty here at Pike.”  Her encouragement that morning at Pike school reassured me to preach on “repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2) and not teach on the golden rule.

It was some six years later in Silent Hill revival a young student now a young adult ended up in the altar and related back to that first I came to preach at Pike and of his being there. I have learned in mission work you can search to your heart’s content results may be sent to you at a later date. Several brethren have had the opportunity to come and preach to the kids at Pike churches & others have brought shoes, sports items and school supplies to the children and for their kindness I’m grateful for their desire to aid the poor in Jamaica.

Today, I have a mentor class at the school in Pike and in Craighead. I call it the bully class I think I’m babysitting more than anything. But the Lord has blessed me in this new effort in my mission work on the island. Several of the students have jumped on the bus to go to church with us. Pike & Craig schools as I have already said have been a blessing and for the record I did teach later at Pike on the Golden rule.     

My creditials salvation experience-calling of God to preach & old Antioch like ordination

Brother Rick at age 16
saved, baptized & called to preach!

My Salvation Experience

My salvation experience begins down on the old Boyd Farm in the rolling hills of the Southwest Missouri Ozarks where historical Missionary Baptist churches dot the countryside.

The church where I was saved originally was called Bethel and was organized in 1889. The church is located in Charity, Missouri; once a thriving Dallas County Missouri hamlet. The local Missionary Baptists call Charity church "Hog-eye."

After seventy seven years of “earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” I was saved in this rustic one-room frame it was there I sought to be rescued from hell, crying out unto God on a mourner’s bench. I was not raised in church, as a mischievous boy was sent there so kindly religious folks could babysit me. Although, a good man he was an alocholic and my mother seldom attended church.  My grandmother was the other influence on my life, as the wife & widow of a Kansas preacher. When her eyes became dim she would have me read the Holy Bible to her and sometimes, she would break out in tears and sing old hymns. She told me there was coming a day in my life when the preacher’s preaching would condemn my heart and I would feel condemned of my sin. I want you Richard, Grandma would say, when that moment comes you feel your heart broken set apart from God kneel down and pray on the altar, repent and ask the Lord to save you. I kept that promise at old Hog-eye church one summery night before my 16^th birthday (45 Yrs ago) I was fourteen years old when I became lost. I was working in the alfalfa field. That night Uncle Francis Boyd loaded us kids in the back of his truck and carried us to an old fashion revival meeting where the bible becomes a path unto your feet. Hobart "Bud" Bybee, son of Ozark preacher Sherman Bybee preached and conviction swelled up in my dying soul. I did not get saved at Green Mountain Missionary Baptist Church that year, but a fear of God set up in my heart that I never forgot.

That next summer when I came to work on my Uncle’s dairy farm again my cousins and their friends wanted me to go to Hog-eye church. Don't you know I did not want to go! To entice me into going that Sunday night, they told me about the deacon’s daughter about my age, and how pretty she was. I have to confess I did have girls on my mind that summer’s night and she was a sight to see. I joined the other sinner boys my age sitting uninterested in the service. I had my eyes feasted on the deacon’s daughter. The hymn time came and during their melody-making the older church members testified and some shouted out loud. I thought of the strange behaviour of this crowd and what have my cousins got me into. But I soon found these folks weren’t crazy. They were heaven bound and I knew something divine had to have moved them to express from the heart such bliss.  And I wanted some of this! When the preacher came to the pulpit to preach his message on hell it got my attention. He preached hell so hot I soon forgot that pretty deacon’s daughter. Bro Alvie Dill instilled with power and in demonstration of the Spirit made hell a real and terrible place for a lost soul to spend eternity. His was a message that had my name written all over it and made my soul tremble. The congregation was singing the hymn "O' Why not tonight." The evangelist, Paul Raymond Gann, now there stands a lanky sort of preacher man in his Key brand of over-alls who had an uncanny resemblance to Honest Abe. He gave the altar-call exhorting sinner-boys like me to flee the wrath of God which is to come. I realized that my sins were going to imprison me forever in this place of torment; I knew in my heart, I needed to go to the altar & repent. I hesitated to go besides the Ole devil that angel of light sang in the ear of my soul "Why not tommorrow night!"  My heart was filled with pride that night. I tried to hide my feelings, I didn’t want my cousins and these strange people see me crying.
Psalms 34:18 “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

While standing during the altar-call I turned to look at my backside; I just knew the seat of my britches was on fire for I could smell the scent of smoke in the air. Hell was made so real to me that night and as I said ran to the mourner’s bench crying & praying in my heart that the Lord would save me. Exhausted in earnest seeking & weeping I submitted to Gods’ will and trusted in Him to rescue me from hell where by now I saw myself falling down deep into its burning flame. As I rose off the altar of prayer I experienced the sweetest peace in the depths of my soul and I know like Apostle Paul in whom I have believed that the Lord saved me.

I remember that winter (in 20 degree weather) my baptism in Mill Creek just across the Missouri line near Olathe Kansas. JC Pinkley an old home missionary from the Ozark hills, a 50 year veteran of the gospel buried me in the watery grave having been previously saved that summer. I became the first member by baptism into Oxford Missionary Baptist Church organized in October 1966.  

      My preaching experience

The Lord called me to preach in my 16^thyear while a junior in Olathe High School. I was a new born babe happy I had been saved from hell. I was sitting on the front pew my 1^st cousin, George F. Medlin, newly-elected pastor of Oxford Missionary Baptist Church preached that night.  The one-hundred year old one-room school house made of clapboard siding abiding even after the rain, wind, & storm of a bygone era; became the site, one Sunday night on the southwest corner of the front church pew where God called me to preach. The call to preach for several weeks brought me much unrest. I couldn’t sleep I tossed and turned in my bed. My mother thought I was sick and took me to the family physician; but no pill could cure my ill from that still small voice calling me to preach God’s word. Finally, I submitted to God’s will in my life and one wintry Sunday night, I told the church how the Lord called me to preach. From that night I never again sat on the site where the Lord called me to preach in the southwest corner on the front pew. Tears stained the pages as my first sermon was taken from Psalm 1:1-6 stressing “how we need to be careful not to stand in way of sinners.” At first the source of my ministry came from my head; instead from within my heart for I could not get self out of the way. Uncle Joe, the church deacon appeared to know my trouble and his suggestion was “just be me and try not to be a carbon copy of another preacher.”

And since 1982 that is what I have tried to do; rise from the church pew depending on the Holy Spirit to preach my sermon. J.H. Smith Missionary in Japan, said it best:  “Know when to stand up -speak-up & shut-up."

Ordination into the full work of the Ministry

I was ordained by Oxford Missionary Baptist Church June 3 1984. Contrary to the tradition of the fathers ordaining a brother to serve a church as a Pastor, I was ordained to the full work of the Minstry as the Apostle Paul & Barnabas was by Antioch, "I was sent out for the work in Arkansas "whereunto I was called." I have been blessed laboring in ten mission efforts in 5 states and 2 foreign nations. I have see seven of those missions organized into sister Missionary Baptists churches. My mission work in Jamaica and in the Gulf of Mexico is under authority of the Old Timey Missionary Baptists in Craighead with Warsop blessing.  

My uncle Deacon Joe Pinkley, son of baptism adminstrator, JC Pinkley presented me the bible at my ordination service and marked within it pages a special scripture I still abide by it today. A tribute to my early preaching experience. Psalms  121:1 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Today, I have preached for 30 years in churches of like faith in 16 US states, 6 associations, and 2 foreign countries & traveled over a million miles on land, in the air, and across the sea preaching and doing mission work. I have been blessed to see many saved & baptized. I take no personal credit for the Lord edits all my mission work. I’m but His unprofitable servant and He deserves all praise and honor. I have seen my three children saved & still active in churches as well as six out twelve of my grandchildren saved all in one night; a sight to see their grandmother shouting jubilant praise moved by the Spirit making a joyful noise unto the Lord. I’m still having a fulfilling ministry besides a history filled with unique experiences as a sheep (harmless as a dove &wise as a serpent) in the midst of ravening religious wolves on the battlefield for my Lord.

US & Jamaican Missionary Elder Rick Jones

Pictures of Church before & after the Fire

Craighead Church before the fire!

Brother Stan Stringer assisted by brother Hunton

& Jamaican Brethren tiled floor & Brother Stan

installed the tongue & groove all destroyed in the fire! 

                                         Church Ablaze

Craighead's 911- 2008

The church building the Missionary Baptist built

& the devil destroyed in matter of an hour!

Original church then Dwens home

 

Brother Dwen survey's damage

Aftermath

The morning of our 911 experience the sun had risen and was shining "ever so" brightly on the holy hill in Jamaica. That awful morning I wished my tears could have put out the fire ten years in the making the beautiful building the many sister churches of like faith helped their fellow sister church build, so many acts of kindness by so many US brethren instilled by God  in a matter of few hours destroyed. That dreary morn my Anglican neighbor saw me in my distress standing; staring in awe! He & I embraced and Mr. Dixon replied "Brother Rick, take courage your church has not died it is alive and well; standing in awe with you at your backside!"

Dwen lost his household belongings. The house burnt to the ground. In this plyboard frame here many members found the Lord while seeking after Jesus on the mourners bench when it housed the membership in the early years of the Church.

Clean-up after the fire

Church services one week after fire 

Brethren from Alabama & Sw Tn

Craig Church Brothers Dwen, Steve

Warsop Brothers Patrick, Simon & Lennox 

Before the new roof

                                                          Before the new roof

                                                           Building scaffle

                                                                 Church new rafters

Beginning church new steel roof

                                                                       New Roof

New roof Crew

Carpenters & plummers



In spite of the devil setting the church ablaze, Gods Amazing Grace  fell on the church & crew on Sunday morning. Brother Jeffery from over at Warsop fell in the altar a mourner and rose up with a bright smile and a testimony sharing how the Lord saved his soul.

Perhaps had the fire not happened that service where Warsop came over to visit its sister church of like faith would have never materialized under the divine providence of Gods will and Jeffery might still be lost.

Jeffery baptized in the Hector River

Monkey-See-Monkey-Do

PUBLISHED IN THE LINN COUNTY NEWS



                                                
According to the phrase-finder Monkey See-Monkey-Do, is a traditional phrase used for commenting on someone's (often a child's) tendency to imitate whatever he or she sees someone else doing. Wikipedia encyclopedia says: the old adage probably originates from the folklore of (Mah’lee) in West Africa?

It became a popular saying in America in the 1920’s and still is commonly used.

Answers.com says: it means “You see what you do! Parents & guardians, careful what you see and do for your little ones are imitating you. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6.”

Solomon knew the early childhood had be founded on that which is good.

The Parents & Guardians should not leave their child’s training & discipline totally up to the teachers. The bible says you are to train them up in the home by example in word and deed. Some Parents & guardians look to the school as a daycare and the teachers as babysitters. That shouldn’t be. Monkey See, Monkey do.

You see what you do, exhibiting unruly behavior while your boy or girl is standing beside you. Fathers, the Biblical traditional head of the family; have you brought your children the bible way? Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Traditionally fathers are specified (but it includes mothers growing up children without fathers) as being the fountains of domestic authority & discipline. Not beating or abusing your children; spanking them without anger and in love, the bible says will not endanger the child.  Pro 3:12: “For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

Solomon instructs us “chastisement from above is always exercised by our heavenly Father in love. The theme of our discourse today is the old axiom “Monkey see Monkey do.” Parents & guardians you should be your child’s first role model let them see this in you, 1^st Thessalonians 2:11 “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children” Monkey See Monkey Do. 

1Ti 5:14 “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.”  What you should instill in your child is God’s goodwill. What kind of shoes do you wear when you walk & talk in the community with your child at your side? Monkey See-Monkey Do!
A walk and talk reflecting Christ while your child is imitating your every step.  What kind of brand of shoe do you place upon their little feet; the most popular shoe sold in the marketplace may lead them to walk down a very dangerous street.  Monkey See Monkey Do.

Parents & guardians, May the Lord above by his Spirit guide you and your little child to walk together side by side, as the songwriter penned “Hand in Hand with Jesus.    

Magic church bus in jamaica

This FEDEX style van the Jamaican kids call the Magic Church Bus!

The religious opposition in Jamaica thinks were fools conducting revival beneath the open sky while the air in the mountains is so deathly cool.

But, the crowd said it all and four came to pray during the altar call.

My landlady’s granddaughter was genuinely broken-up and appeared to pray seriously for her soul on Friday night. Then came with us to church on Sunday and gave her testimony of being saved on Friday night.

 Brother Patrick (Warsop Preacher)preached a good salvation message and we are thankful for the reproving work of the Holy Spirit. I’m convinced others should have been on the altar but held back.

A large number of them rode the magic church bus tonight.  

The youth who love the truth we preach refer to the 17 seater van as the "magic church bus" it has been a blessing for us to get it up and running again. Tonight 35 Jamaican young boys and girls from four different communities rode the magic church bus with us.

It has taken a long time to repair the magic church bus; the engine blew after two years of use a new engine was purchased and gear box, then to find a reliable mechanic; but it has been worth the wait.

 The interest from the new community, (where we are conducting revival this month and next) for me has been heart-warming as we trust in the Lord to help us get underway with another mission in Jamaica. Although we have no word of any being saved six have sought the Lord this week. One of them was the grandson of Brother Williams (our deceased Craighead member of the past Silent Hill mission).  

Brother Williams was the former singing companion of Brother “Happy” Green who by the way is still with us at 76.

Brother Williams was in his 70’s when he fell on the altar at Silent Hill during a tent meeting there and got saved. He was a gentle snowy white haired old gent and the Lord sent him a humble spirit.
Oftentimes, tears so divine trickled down his wrinkled skin falling from his saintly grin. I remember when he testified, he cried; then got so tickled in the Spirit rejoicing over his salvation experience. I truly miss him so; for it is these kindly old saints which make for preaching a blessed challenge.

The bapty fed by a fountain of natural water which flows down the mountain in the bush or Jamaican wilderness is where I baptized Brother Williams. It was my John the Baptist experience like that of Aenon near Salim (John 3:23). I’m told Aenon means fountain and some scholars claim it was 53 miles northeast of Jerusalem and west of the Jordan River.

His grandson had climbed high in a tall tree (said to be a century-old) to watch me baptize his grandfather a perfect image of him at age seven. I glanced into the heavens and saw the lad prostrate on a limb perchance, I thought maybe someday I would baptize him like his grandfather. Lo’ and behold he was on the altar last night in the revival. Please pray for him he is still lost and about 14 years old now. 

In Jamaica (as around the world) I have found deceivers outnumber true believers walk the isle smile awhile religion is the norm and few bow in the altar to mourn and confess; true I guess to Jesus declaration to the Pharisees "For many are called, but few are chosen” Matthew 22:14. 

I’m glad I was among the few. How about You!

Connie saved in an open-air service is singing Jamaica national anthum

at a function where Dr. Mike treated patients all-day in a portable medical van at the Pet-com property in Christiana, Jamica Dr. Mike will be in July partispating in this back to school

event this year.

Sister Connie's baptism March 2010

 

Another Jamaica memoir

The night I was sanctified “women’s way” in Jamaica

The night the Lord saved me the Apostle Paul said it best in 1 Co 6:11 “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God”

One dark night in Jamaica, not even a star sparkled in the sky. I attended a crusade, definitely a religious experience and not a bit spiritual.

Battersea community, a lofty hill which rose above Williamsfield in Manchester parish was the setting for a tent crusade by candlelight.  Deacon Dwen, my Jamaican fellow-laborer and I sat on the chairs on the back row. Little did I know the pastor would come and ask me to fill in for the evangelist that night!

Then one of the young men off the platform came to inform me they like to pray for the preacher.

I consented and followed him outside the tent. His complexion was a little darker than mine, so he blended well with the darkness. I was standing in the grassland with hands folded in front of me and could see nothing everything went mysteriously quiet. Then four women’s voices began reverberating; mumbling sounds rumbled as I could feel their fingers running downward touching all four sides of my generously-proportioned frame; and all I could distinguish from their intonations of clatter was “in Jesus name” it was as a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. I did not know whether to stand still or high tail - it and run.

I have never found written down (or the need of it) in the Holy writ where women were admitted to sanctify the preaching brethren. The Apostle Paul said to the Galatians (5:9) “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” Jesus referred to doctrine & form of worship as leaven.

Much of the forms of worship today are not sanctioned from heaven, rather religious men and women have introduced into the worship service skits that should make us all nervous for the Lord seeks “true worshippers” who are led by his Holy Spirit and not some “Brother or Sister Simon” who dictates our form of worship.   

The Lord sanctified or set me apart from this world and anointed me with the Holy Ghost enabling me to preach the gospel and in spite of the religious women’s clatter and crawling touch over much of my body I will give the Holy Spirit the credit for the sermon that gloomy night in Jamaica.

Pike School "mentor class"

Pike School is Bro Dwens alma mater

Dwen leading a lively chorus at Pike morning devotional

Pike School Mentor Class

Lesson 1

Abstain from shame

Merriam-Webster defines abstain as “to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice.” Gluttony the same as riotous overeating and drunkenness are examples of desires that we should abstain from versus their shame. Under the Mosaic Law serious consequences followed those who did not practice abstinence. The Jewish parents with unruly children (an idler) were brought before the local elders of the city to be judged. Deuteronomy 21: 20, 21 “And they shall say unto the elders of his city, this, our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.” In days gone by, peoples’ lives were governed by the Bible and saw themselves held liable before their Creator for the life they lived. It was an age when “the fear of the Lord was the beginning of knowledge;” something divine you will not learn in college. As a Mentor teacher here at Pike, Dwen and I have been asked to instruct you “how to discipline yourselves” using God’s Word to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Th. 5:22).  Discipline is defined as the “training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.” This week’s lesson on “abstain versus shame” Dwen and I will be schooling you to think seriously about not fooling around with “strong drink” doing so you disobey the Eternal Father and walk on unstable ground. This week’s text will be taken from Pro 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” This scripture is self-explanatory. Contrary to what some people think it is sinful to drink; and get drunk. Only the wise will despise intoxicating substances and the fool will think “strong drink” is cool! Jamaica is famous for many things, Bauxite, Reggae, Rastafarianism, and tourism. It is an island paradise, a nice and spicy place to have fun in the sun. But the kind of fun spun in the sun in Jamaica is contrary to the Bible way of living. I have flown with many in the atmosphere above Jamaica coming here to party; overtaking or indulging in merrymaking in things the Bible teaches we would do well in forsaking. A Proverb is a word which Encarta Dictionary defines as “a short well-known saying that expresses an obvious truth and often offers advice.” An old Jamaican proverb “Duppy know who fi frighten" [Bullies pick on those who can defend themselves the least] the obvious truth in this old Jamaican adage is avoid the shame and abstain fully from being a bully. Bible proverbs are from God’s Holy word and they need to be practiced and not just heard.  Proverbs 23: 29-32 “Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions? Who hath babbling? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine; look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder” (small venomous snake). These scriptures are relating to us an obvious truth that “strong drink” is raging and whosever, is deceived thereby, is not wise. What motivates people today to come and play on the emerald shores of Jamaica? Could it be Jamaica Rum and Red Stripe Beer? They are legendary “strong drinks” of Jamaica and motivate a behavior that places them outside the favor of their creator. Read with me an excerpt from Appleton Rum’s own historical report describing rum as “crude liquor” under the title “Kill Devil: ‘Ancestors of Rum: When cane juice is boiled under vacuum, sugar crystals are formed and separated from the residual molasses. Widely used as food for the poor and cattle feed by the rich, it was only a matter of time before the intoxicating properties of molasses were discovered. This sucrose-rich brown syrup mixed with water eventually ferments and becomes diluted alcohol. When distilled, this 'crude liquor' appeared to engender such loutishness by whoever drank it that it became known as 'Kill Devil.’ Under the title “How Rum Got His Name” the raw fiery alcohol, Kill Devil, was said to 'light a blaze' and provoke unruly rumbustious behavior. Although riot and mayhem are no longer part of the rum experience, the spirit's vibrant origins seem enshrined within the very name 'rum'. Experts fail to agree on the origin of the word. However, various romantics propose that the name 'rum' is derived from the rum bullion, rumpus and rumbustion that were essential parts of the drinking experience. The Appleton Rum report gives a perfect description of what happens to those who expose themselves to “wine mixed with water.” By the 17th Century, there were distilled spirits throughout the region and Jamaica gained the enviable reputation of being the source of the finest rum in the world. Appleton Rum became known as Bend Down or Ben Down. Back then it was not only a sin but illegal to sell rum of a certain proof in ordinary bars and shops and Appleton Rum was only sold in private clubs. But Appleton was so preferred by patrons they sold it anyway. It was not displayed, but kept under the counter. As it was not wise to ask loudly for Appleton Rum in the bar, the customer would whisper that he wanted a drink of Bend Down. (Psalms 90:8 “Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance”) That which is forbidden by the Eternal Father can never be hidden - every sin is known unto Him. J. Wray and Nephew Ltd., a company with a rich tradition of producing fine rums and spirits has made Appleton Rum popular around the world. Nestled in Jamaica`s Nassau Valley in the centre of the island, the Appleton Estate covers over 11,000 acres of land. The magnificent rums that are produced on the Estate are of a unique style produced only in Jamaica and only at Appleton. These rums are a legacy of days past when our ancestors developed Jamaica. Let me and Dwen sum it up for you. Rum is a “strong drink” made famous around the world by J. Wray and Nephew forbidden by Jamaica’s Eternal Father (Proverbs 20:1) who recommends it be eschewed, a Bible word which means to abstain from the use thereof. Jamaica honors the Eternal Father in their anthem asking Him to bless their land. On the other hand Jamaica celebrates Appleton Rum and Red Stripe Beer advertising them as the drink of Jamaicans. An old preacher summed up Jamaica’s Appleton Rum this way “It deceives by its fragrance, intoxicates by its strength, and renders the intoxicated ridiculous.” I ask you do you really think your Eternal Father is pleased with the success of J Wray and Nephew and those they have deceived and made unwise from their popular “strong drink?” I had an Anglican priest at a hospital function in Spalding’s chuckle because I refused the “strong drink” they were serving and asked for a glass of water instead. He remarked shaking his head with a spark in his eye “some preachers are narrow-minded; but not I.” To the man sitting by me I whispered, “I beg to disagree, I’m scripturally-minded” quoting (Proverbs 20:1); “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Red Stripe (lager) Beer is 4.7% alcohol, another “strong drink.” Some think “they will have a bokkle of Red Stripe when they get to heaven.” The Bible is pretty clear you should abstain from “strong drinks” like Appleton Rum and Red Stripe Beer, no matter how popular they appear to Jamaica and the world.  Some misuse the word of God and claim there is no shame in drinking by quoting 1^st Ti 5:23 “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach sake and thine often infirmities.” The Apostle Paul was not talking about drinking strong drink for pleasure; but using a little wine for medicine.  The Apostle Paul in Eph 5:18 recommends to the church members and the unbeliever “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” To be filled with the Spirit is to be born from above. Think about it? If the Eternal Father warns us that “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosever, is deceived thereby is not wise” when the Lord reappears to retrieve Adam’s offspring and bring us all to Judgment, I would not want to be reveling in Jamaican Rum and Red Stripe beer at a local midnight abashment; for me I think abstinence from “strong drink” does make good-sense.  

My mentor class at Pike All-age school Pike PO Manchester
           

make your