by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 14, 2013 | Christian, Christianity, Current Affairs, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Sunday Worship Experience, Teamwork, Vision
On Sunday, January 13, 2013, the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago launched “Water Sunday.” It’s part of our global outreach strategy to make Christ know to the “uttermost parts of the world.” I want to personally thank Shauntai Stowers, my wife and leader of our Women of Worth Ministry for leading this initiative. They did an outstanding job leading and organizing this initiative.
The lack of safe water and adequate sanitation worldwide is a crisis. This crisis steals the lives of 5,500 people each day – more than war, natural disasters, AIDS or hunger. This crisis rarely makes the headlines – it is today’s silent killer.
We challenged our members & guests to skip their regularly purchased beverages and have water instead. And then for four weeks, take the money that they would normally spend on soda, coffee, tea, etc. and put it in one of these water bottles labeled “Water Mission Sunday.”
We had an OVERWHELMING response!
Over a thousand adults & children decided to partner with us and provide safe drinking water to people in developing & devastated countries. I’m proud of our members & guests who provided water bottles for everyone.
If you were not able to attend Sunday’s services or want additional bottles, you can pick them up Wednesday, January 16, 2013 during Diggin’ Deeper (7PM). We’re asking that you return your bottles on Sunday, February 10th filled with your sacrificial offering of at least $10.
Thank you Mars Hill & friends…you are great people!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 11, 2013 | Christian, Christianity, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Teamwork, Vision
Every day, close to 1 billion people wake up to another day without safe drinking water. Children are sick and weak. There is a constant struggle to find the most basic of human needs. Generations of poverty grip millions and won’t let go. The lack of safe water and adequate sanitation worldwide is a crisis.
As a result, the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago is happy to a announce…”Water Missions Sunday (January 13, 2013)
Our Partner
Water Missions International (WMI) is a nonprofit Christian engineering ministry providing sustainable safe water solutions to people in developing and devastated countries. WMI implements safe water projects in 9 countries: Haiti, Honduras, Belize, Mexico, Peru, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya and Indonesia.
The Problem
Approximately 884 million people around the world lack access to safe water. Waterborne illnesses result in the deaths of nearly 1.5 million children every year. By partnering with WMI, Mars Hill Baptist Church will be a part of the solution.
Our Response
On Sunday, January 13, 2013, we’re challenging you to skip your regularly purchased beverages and have water instead. And then for four weeks, take the money that you would normally spend on soda, coffee, tea, etc. and put it in one of these water bottles labeled “Water Mission Sunday.”
Should you decide to partner with us, the water bottles will be provided by Mars Hill. Please be sure to pick one up on the day of our launch, returning it on Sunday, February 10th filled with your sacrificial offering of at least $10.
This endeavor will help us fulfill one of our 2013 goals, Global Outreach. As well, it will fall in line with our Year End Special Offering.
Mark your calendars, “WATER MISSION SUNDAY”, launching Sunday, January 13th and continuing on through Sunday, February 10th. Please join us in this great endeavor! Your sacrifice will provide one person safe water for life!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 20, 2012 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, Decisions
Here’s a fact: God doesn’t need our approval before He acts.
In case you didn’t hear me, let me repeat it again: God doesn’t need our approval before He acts. There, I said it twice.
Poor Joseph— God didn’t get his approval before acting. Joseph received the worst news of his life: his hopes and dreams for a wife and family came to a dreadful halt (Matt. 1). Before Joseph could follow God’s path, he had to decide if he was on the side of propriety, or scandal.
Before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, Mary became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph and Mary were not yet married, when Joseph was shocked to learn that Mary was pregnant.
Mary and Joseph were in the one-year waiting period when Mary was found to be with child. They had never had sexual intercourse and Mary herself had been faithful. While little is said about Joseph, one can imagine how his heart must have broken. He genuinely loved Mary, and yet the word came that she was pregnant.
His love for her was demonstrated by his actions. He chose not to create a public scandal by exposing her condition to the judges at the city gate. Such an act could have resulted in Mary’s death by stoning (Deut. 22:23-24).
Instead he decided to divorce her quietly. Then in a dream (cf. Matt. 2:13, 19, 22), an angel told Joseph that Mary’s condition was not caused by a man, but through the Holy Spirit (1:20; cf. v. 18). The Child Mary carried in her womb was a unique Child, for He would be a Son whom Joseph should name Jesus for He would save His people from their sins.
God did all of this without asking for Joseph and Mary’s approval.
Can you recall moments when God moved without asking for your approval?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 13, 2012 | Christian, Christianity, Christmas, Encouragement, Mars Hill Baptist Church
Over the next few weeks, congregations will be taking up love offerings (hint, hint) and gifting their pastors with nativity-scene Christmas ornaments, sweaters, neckties, baked goods, and framed pictures of the church building.
Some pastors have no problems articulating their Christmas wishes (I’m one of them). However, some may be sheepish about their requests or feel awkward sharing their wishes.
But what do pastors really want for Christmas?
I thought long and hard about what I would like for Christmas and here’s my list:
(more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 10, 2012 | Book Reviews, Books, Christian, Christianity, Self-Leadership
Just finished Empty Promises: The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You’re Believing by Pete Wilson, author of Plan B, as part of the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program
Publisher’s Description:
We all long for more of something in our lives. In our endless pursuit to feel worth and acceptance we find ourselves sacrificing everything for the promise to be a little more beautiful, a little richer, a little more powerful and successful, a little more loved.
How do we break free from these empty pursuits and start chasing the only Promise that will ever satisfy? How do we uncover the hidden idols that are driving us and turn our devotion toward the one true God?
Join Pastor and best-selling author Pete Wilson in discovering the joy and freedom that comes with seeking after God with your whole life. Learn how to replace, and not just relinquish, life’s empty promises by turning your focus and worship toward Him. It is the only thing that will set you absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else.
My Thoughts:
I became aware of Pete Wilson after reading his first book Plan B. I was at a crossroads in life and his book help me think through the issues. I was thrilled when I saw that I had the opportunity to review Pete Wilson’s new book Empty Promises. His first one, Plan B, is one that I frequently recommend to others and have been told it has changed their lives. I also love reading Pete’s blog and couldn’t wait to see what his next book held for me.
Empty Promises: The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You’re Believing addresses head on the issue of idols in our lives. Wilson notes that “idolatry is when I look to something that does not have God’s power to give me what only God has the power and authority to give. He then goes on to explain that we, including those in the church, are practicing idolatry on a daily basis not allowing us to achieve our purposes. Wilson then chronicles the common idols of our day, including the warning signs that we are worshiping at a false idol. These idols include; power, success, money, beauty and religion. Wilson notes that humans are inclined to worship and that only by worshiping God can we achieve our true purpose of reflecting Him. Wilson finishes with practical tips for connecting with God and throwing off false ones.
Conclusion:
Not every page in this book will apply to you. But this book is definitely worth the read. You will find yourself in some of those chapters and find out how to pray for those you know who can be found in other chapters of the same book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
by Clarence E. Stowers | May 14, 2012 | Book Reviews, Books, Christian, Christianity
Life has a way of dealing us the wrong cards. Many of these cards come with painful circumstances which leave scars. Scars are visible reminders of a painful event in our lives. Steve Arterburn’s book, “Healing Is A Choice” shows us how to deal with our painful past.
In 11 chapters, Arterburn explores 10 choices we need to make if we are to experience the healing that comes from Christ. These Choices are as follows (these are also chapter titles):
- The Choice to Connect your life
- The Choice to Feel your life
- The Choice to Investigate Your Life in Search of Truth
- The Choice to Heal Your Future
- The Choice to Help Your Life
- The Choice to Embrace Your Life
- The Choice to Forgive
- The Choice to Risk Your Life
- The Choice to Serve
- The Choice to Preserve
I would recommend it for those who must look at their scars daily. “Healing is a Choice” provides a fresh touch from God. This book shouldn’t replace a pastoral counseling, but could be helpfully useful on your journey towards healing.
FULL DISCLOSURE:
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via booksneeze.com in exchange for this fair and honest review.
