Central Penn Ministries

2008-08-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends. I wanted to share a special email that my wife sent to me while I was going through a rough and challenging time. Her email filled with kindness and love really helped me! Here is what it said:

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

Sean Dietrich Live!

2007-06-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

2007-05-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Father & Son, Just relaxing. This is a picture I took of my son Elliot, (and my feet) while we enjoyed a nice spring day on the porch. Very calm and cool.

This picture is one that I cherish!

2006-01-16T19:43:00.000-08:00

KIRK CAMERON, RANDY STONEHILL, MATTHEW WARD AND SEAN DIETRICH
HEADLINE FAITH NIGHT 06 EVENTS!

(NOTE: We had two wonderful events in 2006! Thanks to our entertainers as well as our sponsors for making this ministry outreach possible! Many People Came To Know Jesus Through These Outreach Opportunies! Praise God!)

After a great show by Russ Taff in 2005, we are pleased to announce that Faith Night has grown to two locations! We are praying for your help and support to spread the Gospel in 2006. Both events include a baseball game and faith outreach!

For the July 14th Faith Night event in State College, we are pleased to welcome Kirk Cameron.

Christian Actor Kirk Cameron will be attending The State College Spike’s 1st ever Faith Night 2006 on July 14th At Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, 701 Porter Road, University Park, PA. Game Time is 7:05pm. He will be throwing out the first pitch to open the Spikes vs. Tri City Valley Cats game and at the end of the game, he will talk with the audience about his Christian faith.

Mr. Cameron is best known as the lovable teen hearthrob Mike Seaver, of the award winning series Growing Pains. He entertained audiences worldwide as the charmed troublemaker. He is also known to every Christian as “Buck Williams” from Left Behind: The Movie—based on the NY Times runaway best selling novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

The Second event is scheduled for September 1st 2006, at Blair County Ballpark. We have the pleasure of welcoming Matthew Ward (Formerly of Second Chapter of Acts) and Randy Stonehill. Both are legendary award winning Christian singer/songwriters Mr. Ward and Mr. Stonehill will perform after the September 1st 2006 game at Blair County Ballpark between the Bowie Baysox and Altoona Curve. Game Time is 7:05pm. (MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!!)

We need your help! We need Sponsors Like You!

These events are great ways to spread the Gospel! Great opportunity for you as a business or organization to reach the Christian community too!

We are writing to ask for your help! We are working very hard to raise money for performer honorariums. You can help us by sponsoring this event!

We need your support! Our honorarium goal is $5000--($4000 for Altoona event and $1,100 for State College as of July 13th). We are seeking sponsors who love Jesus, Baseball, and great Christian music & entertainment.

All sponsors / donors will receive promotional announcements along with game and concert tickets PLUS YOU MEET THE SPEAKERS / SINGERS after the event in a private meet and greet...

We ask that you pray for our events and give a gift from your heart. Any size tax-deductible gifts are welcome. We are in need of securing the honorarium before the event.

To learn more about Randy Stonehill or Matthew Ward, click:
www.matthewward.com or www.randystonehill.com

Learn more about Mr. Cameron’s ministry at: www.wayofthemaster.com

Learn more about the State College Spikes at: http://www.statecollegespikes.com/

Learn more about the Altoona Curve at: http://www.altoonacurve.com/

Learn more about Altoona First Southern Baptist Church at: http://www.localconnect.net/~a1sbc/ or http://menofcourage.blogspot.com/

WTLR 89.9 FM Is The Official Radio Sponsor For Both Events. Learn more about them at www.cpci.org

Please share our need with friends and clients.

May God Bless You!

Donald Mast
(Work) (814) 235-1783 ext. 286

(Cell) 814-935-2039

(Home) (814) 942-6695

dmast@atlanticbb.net

Mail donations to:

Faith Night 2006 c/o Altoona First Southern Baptist Church
903 N. Fourth Street ~ Altoona, PA 16601-5711
Make Checks Payable to: Altoona First Southern Baptist Church

(Updated July 13, 2006) OUR SPONSORS INCLUDE:

Altoona Curve Baseball

State College Spikes Baseball

Way Truth Life Radio 89.9FM & Camp Kanesatake - http://cpci.org/

State College Assembly of God Church http://scassembly.blogspot.com/

Dick's Homecare

The Matt Garber Family: www.ilovealtoona.com

Pure Freedom www.purefreedom.org/

Grace Prep www.graceprep.com/

Good Steward Software http://www.energycap.com/

Family Talk Live www.familytalklive.com

The Capozzi Group, Rick Capozzi www.capozzigroup.com

State Representative Richard Geist

Michelle Ward / Wildfire Productions

Family Life Of Penns Valley, Assembly Of God

Alan Hancock, CLU, CHFC Insurance

Donald G. Snyder, Jr. O.D.

Mennonite Mutual

Michael Madeira Centre County DA

John Rudasil Electronics Altoona

Senator Rick Santorum - Campaign 2006

Bob Casey For United States Senate Campaign 2006

Altoona First Southern Baptist Church

Conemaugh Valley Baptist Association http://www.byhisgrace.cc/cvba/

Keystone Baptist Association http://www.keystonebaptist.net/

THANK YOU & GOD BLESS YOU!

A Savior Is Waiting...Waiting for YOU!

2006-01-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

The Sav-ior is wait-ing
to en-ter your heart
Why don't you let Him come in?
There's noth-ing in this world
to keep you a-part
What is your an-swer to Him?
Time aft-er time He has wait-ed be-fore,
And now He is wait-ing a-gain
To see if you're will-ing to o-pen the door
O how He wants to come in!

If you'll take one step towards
the Savior my friend,
You'll find his arms open wide,
Receive Him and all of your darkness
will end,
Within your heart He'll abide.
Time aft-er time He has wait-ed be-fore,
And now He is wait-ing a-gain
To see if you're will-ing to o-pen the door
O how He wants to come in!

Baptist Hymn

SHARE GOD'S WORD TODAY!

2005-10-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

Two of the biggest problems facing Christians in America today are people not reading the Bible on a daily basis and Christians who are not actively sharing their faith! The Pocket Testament League's ministry addresses both these challenges!

Pastors or representatives of The Pocket Testament League present the "Read, Carry, and Share Challenge" to church congregations, nationwide every week. Church members leave equipped with free Gospels to use in their personal evangelistic efforts that day and are encouraged to both read and share His Word daily! Rick Warren, senior pastor at Saddleback Church, recently wrote:

"I'm excited that each Gospel from the Pocket Testament League comes with the plan of salvation, an offer for a free correspondence course, and a place to go to get more free Gospels to share. I'm also thrilled about the Pocket Testament League's ongoing efforts to encourage and equip congregations to read, carry, and share the Word of God!"

During the first eight months of 2005, Gospel orders were up 60% over 2004 and member orders increased by 100% in the same period. Since beginning the membership program two years ago, over 130,000 people have joined the League and shared Gospels with 4,500,000 people!

The Pocket Testament League was founded in England in 1893 by a 13-year old girl named Helen Cadbury. Helen was shy about sharing her faith and found that using Scripture brought people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. She and a few of her friends started a club where members promised to read some part of the Bible daily, carry a small New Testament in their pockets, and share Scripture with people when God presented the opportunity. Thus the League's emphasis of Read, Carry, and Share.

Jim West, Executive Director, helps pastors present the League's program. Audiences range from the full congregation to evangelism classes, men's or women's Bible studies, or high school or college groups. The League supplies everything from the Gospels of John and League member sign up cards, to the presentation itself (35 minute written sermon available also on audio cassette) and a DVD. The League ask for a small donation to off set the cost of all these materials and their shipping.

The League currently does not supply Gospels for large outreach events as orders by individual members for the free Gospels steadily increases each month! Occasionally we will do so if a ministry or church supplies a donation sufficient to replace the Gospels they take for their event. The geographic focus of the Read, Carry and Share program is the United States and Canada.

Since beginning the church presentation program a little over four years ago, over 1050 presentations have been given or are scheduled! Besides helping pastors present the program, the League is also looking for volunteer speakers who would like to represent the League and schedule their own presentations with churches in their areas.

Membership, as well as the Gospels, is FREE too! Members are asked to pay the cost of shipping and fulfillment which varies depending on order size. There are no dues or other costs. Membership means the person has made it a goal of their life to Read, Carry, and Share God's Word. Once a person has their membership number, they can get on the Internet at www.pocketpower.org or call the toll free phone number and order more free Gospels every month for their personal evangelistic efforts. Once a month, the League sends its members an encouraging story from a member who has written in telling us how God used them in the prior month in sowing the Gospel seed!

As mentioned, the League's focus is helping the Christian share their faith with friends, family and co-workers in an easy, non-threatening way. These are not tracts. They are the entire Gospel of John with a clear presentation of the message of salvation included! Most people accept Christ when a friend shares with them how God has changed their life. This tool, God's Word, is ideal to give someone and say, "This book changed my life and I'd like to give it to you as a free gift. I hope you enjoy it." Isaiah 55:11 tells us that God's Word will not return void--we just need to do our part and sow the seed!

The League is very sensitive to manpower issues in churches and does not require time commitments from church members or pastors to run the program. Your church's information can easily be inserted into League Gospels of John. Your congregation will grow as they share God's Word and invite others to join your group to learn more and become grounded in the Word. By carrying Gospels of John with them, your church members will have a tangible reminder to read and share their faith and be equipped to do it when the opportunity comes.

The League is a nationwide ministry and members in good standing of ECFA. Billy Graham has said about The League, "I am completely sold on the work of TPTL, and continue to pray for those associated with it."

To learn more about how you can either: 1) present the "Read, Carry, and Share Challenge" to your church; or 2) become a volunteer Speaker Representative of The League, either call our headquarters in Lititz, Pennsylvania at 1-866-626-8106 Monday to Friday 9AM-2PM Eastern Time, or email Jim West at jwest@pocketpower.org today. Check out the Pocket Power website: http://www.pocketpower.org/ or mail your questions to: Pocket Power Headquarters, PO Box 800Lititz PA 17543-7026.

As one pastor recently wrote, "While many have been faithful to carry the Gospels, one girl in particular is worth mentioning. She gave her Gospel to her ex-boyfriend that night, he read it, and she prayed with him to accept the Lord. Hope this encourages you to keep up the good work. Thanks again." We receive hundreds of letters each month from folks who are being blessed by sharing God's Word with others!

The League provides Gospels in the following translations: New International Version (NIV), King James Version (KJV), New Living Translation (NLT), Spanish and Chinese. We also supply Ready References and Children's books.

Isaiah 40:8 tells us "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever". A few weeks ago, Mike Brickley, the president of The Pocket Testament League, raced into his office after a 5 hour trip from New Jersey to Lititz, Pennsylvania. His lunch appointment was waiting in the lobby. He ran in his office to grab something off his desk, covered with "things to do" and the phone began to ring. He didn't want to answer it, but he did.

There was a woman on the line, and she said, "I wonder if you can please help me.....I really would like to become a Christian." At first Mike though it was a friend playing a joke on him, but it was real. He talked with her and found out she was in Nashville, Tennessee and someone she didn't know gave her a League Gospel of John that morning at a bus stop. She had read through it and wanted to accept Christ. The man had not put his name or contact information in the Gospel, so she had called the League office in Pennsylvania!

Mike prayed with her and she received Christ that morning as she stood at a pay phone at a convenience store with the noise and people doing their business in the background. The League connected her to a local church so that she could be discipled. What is incredible, and happens daily, is that one of the League members gave her a Gospel and he had NO idea how God used him to reach someone -- someday he will know!

Don't you want every member of your congregation reading, carrying and sharing God's Word?

Altoona First Southern Baptist Church is a Pocket Church--If you need Gospels to share with others, give me an email message at: dmast@atlanticbb.net or call (814) 942-6695.

May God Bless You!

Don Mast

*All information was printed with permission from the Pocket Testament League and Mr. Jim West

Working for Jesus!

2005-09-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord!

This is me...and Pastor George Sanders.

I wanted to share my wonderful Baptism experience!

Sunday July 24th 2004

This experience reminds me of this song:

Here I Am, Send Me --Keith Green

Oh lord, there's just so much to be done.
Oh lord, so many souls to be won,
Oh lord, this world is falling apart,
Dying for love from a broken heart.
Here am i, send me, though there's really not that much I can do.
What I have seems so small, but I want to give it all to you.
Oh lord, you said the harvest was great,
But lord, looks like the workers are late.
It's getting hard to understand,
How they ignore your great command.
Here am i, send me, though you said the ones who labor are few,
Still my heart hears the call, and I wanna give it all to you.
Oh, to reach the ones nobody does,
Give up my pride and even work in the mud,
I wanna be like those who spilled their blood,
And gave it like water to you.
Oh lord, there's just so much to be done.
Oh lord, so many souls to be won,
It seem this world is falling apart,
Lord won't you send me?
Oh lord, there's just so much to be done.
Oh lord, so many souls to be won,
Oh lord, this world is falling apart,
Crying for love from a broken heart.
Here am i, send me, though there's really not that much I can do.
What I have seems so small, but I want to give it all to you.
Here am i, send me,
Though you said the ones you've chosen are few,
Still my heart hears you call,
And I wanna give it all to you.

Dear Friend, If you are reading this blog--I ask you this question: Do you know Jesus? If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus--Contact me dmast@atlanticbb.net -- I will pray with and for you and I will share how you can be saved and know that you will meet Jesus in Heaven! If you would like Pocket Gospels to share the Word with others--please let me know, I will mail them to you! We are all to work for Jesus everday! Go out, Share the Love of Jesus! He died for you........So go work for him!

It is time to share! We need to go out!

2005-09-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Click image for larger picture...
Dear Friends--

In America today, about 180 million lost people remain outside the reach of the local church. These are not strangers in some distant land but rather familiar faces we see regularly: family members, good friends, neighbors, co-workers, and extended family. 'His desire is that not one of these dear children should be lost.' (Matt.18:14)

(I found this information at The Jesus Plan website: http://www.thejesusplan.com/ )

We need to wake up and share the word. Break out of your comfort zone and reach out to the hurting, the sick, the hungry, the weak, and anyone who needs the Peace that God offers. Let me remind you that life is short--We are responsible for this generation of souls -- many are sold out to the world--We need to be busy witnessing and praying for all! We need to go out into our community and share our talents, share our time, share our love and compassion--Do it all in the name of the Lord. I hope that the lyrics from Keith Green's song "Asleep in the Light," may open your eyes and motivate you to do something today for the Lord.

May God Bless Your Day--Don Mast.

Asleep in The Light by Keith Green

Do you see, do you see
All the people sinking down
Don't you care, don't you care
Are you gonna let them drown
How can you be do numb
Not to care if they come
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done
Oh bless me lore, bless me lord
You know it's all I ever hear
No one aches, no one hurts
No one even sheds one tear
But he cries, he weeps, he bleeds
And he cares for you needs
And you just lay back
And keep soaking it in
Oh can't you see it's such a sin
'cause he brings people to you door
And you turn them away
As you smile and say
God bless you, be at peace
And all heaven just weeps
'cause jesus came to you door
You've left him out on the streets
Open up open up
And give yourself away
You see the need, you hear the cries
So how can you delay
God's calling and you're the one
But like jonah you run
He's told you to speak
But you keep holding it in
Of can't you see it's such a sin
The world is sleeping in the dark
That the church just can't fight
'cause it's asleep in the light
How can you be so dead
When you've been so well fed
Jesus rose from the grave
And you, you can't even get out of bed
Oh, jesus rose from the dead
Come on get out of your bed
How can you be so numb
Not to care if they come
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done
Don't close your eyes
Don't pretend the jobs done
Come away, come away, come away with me my love
Come away, come away, come away with me my love

KATRINA RELIEF

2005-09-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

KATRINA DISASTER RELIEF
Support for Katrina Victims can be sent to the North American Mission Board of the SBC:
Online: www.namb.net/disasterelief http://www.namb.net/root/beonmission/donations/

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, NLT).

Hurricane Katrina Response Donations

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief FundToll-Free: 1 888 571-5895Mail: PO Box 116543, Atlanta, GA 30368-6543 (make checks payable to North American Mission Board)

Louisiana Disaster Relief Fundc/o Louisiana Baptist Convention PO Box 311 Alexandria, LA 71309

Mississippi Disaster Relief Fund c/o Mississippi Baptist Convention Board 515 Mississippi St. PO Box 530 Jackson, MS 39205-0530

Alabama Disaster Relief Fund Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions 2001 East South Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36116

At this time, in-kind donations (e.g. food, clothing, etc.) are not being received due to logistical issues. Please continue to check back, as we are working on a process to accept your in-kind donations.

(EVERY DOLLAR WILL GO TO DISASTER RELIEF--NO FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR ADMINISTRATION COSTS)

2005-09-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

BUDDY MULLINS COMES TO CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA CHURCHES AND WILL CLOSE THE KEYSTONE COUNTRY FESTIVAL WITH A CONCERT ON SUNDAY!

The Conemaugh Valley Baptist Association http://www.byhisgrace.cc/cvba/ has invited Buddy Mullins to perform at many churches beginning Saturday, September 10th, and he will close the keystone Country Festival at the Blair County Convention Center with a concert on Sunday evening (Sept 11th 2005!). Learn more about the Keystone Country Festival at: http://www.amcvb.com/functions.php?viewIndividualBio=1&NewsIDnumber=57

Church concert addresses/dates/times are below--More to come when available! We are accepting a love offering during each concert.

Grace Baptist in Somerset, 390B West Main St, Somerset, Ph: 443-0691 and Altoona First Southern Baptist Church, 903 North Fourth Street, Altoona Ph:944-3822

Buddy Mullins Biography : Clear to the Soul

Not often do we encounter people who cause us to feel as if we know them I mean, really know them from the very first time we meet. Many times it's easier for us to keep people at arm's length, buffeted by the safe and comfortable distance. We can be polite, even hospitable, but it can be risky to venture beyond that with just anyone.

So when a person shows a sincere interest in our lives and a willingness to honestly share his, you can't help but be drawn in. It's this kind of transparency that has come to consume Buddy Mullins' life. It doesn't allow for the convenient compartmentalizing of friends, activities, or behaviors. Rather the absence of disguise causes his life to have a rare consistency one where his spiritual journey is his life, and his life is his ministry; they're all one in the same.

Many of us spend our entire lives trying to achieve this unique blending, and Buddy confesses it didn't come easily to him either. “Ministry used to be a catchphrase to me,” Buddy admits candidly. “It was a performance, what I did on stage. But now I've come to learn that ministry is all about relationships first with Christ, and then with others.”

Though he didn't know it then, the learning curve for this lesson began at the age of 8 when Buddy hit the road with his family. His dad was a traveling evangelist and the rest of the family joined him on the road to sing gospel music. “Even then music was a powerful motivation in my life,” Buddy says, quick to concede that at that age he enjoyed the attention he received from being a talented youngster.

As he matured, so did his voice and his ability to perform. He was invited by Bill Gaither to join the Gaither Vocal Band in 1993 and traveled with them for two years. During the same time, Buddy continued to pursue a personal dream, one that had been in his heart for a long time he was working with his own band called Sunday Drive. The group, comprised of six men who were like brothers, achieved great things as they toured with Mark Lowry, Clay Crosse, and Jaci Velasquez.

Buddy's climb up the ladder of success was going well according to his plans. But perhaps that was precisely the problem. In 1999, Buddy felt God strongly urging him to give it all up. He didn't understand why, but his decision was confirmed when all six members of Sunday Drive expressed they felt the same leading from God. Now, not knowing what was next and not having his band mates to rely on, Buddy found himself feeling lost and disheartened.

Working in a way only God can, He used that same time to make things crystal clear for Buddy.

“After some really difficult and painful months,” Buddy conveys, “I realized that a lot of my relationship with Christ had been more of a staged performance than a real relationship. Oh, I'd been saved, but I hadn't been growing. I really think God was showing His jealous side, removing all the distractions from my life so my focus could be renewed.”

It's from that time of turmoil and searching that Buddy was able to write a lot of the lyrics he sings today. As evident in songs like, “Hold On Today,” “Child of the Father,” and “Comfort Me,” Buddy deals with issues like starting over, healing, and restoration in his music. These are themes many people can relate to, and ones Buddy wants to use to connect people, reminding them that God is worth believing and trusting in. “He's worth the trials you've been through,” Buddy says with conviction.

It's this kind of authenticity, stripping away all the distractions and facades we hide behind that is so evident in the life and ministry of Buddy Mullins. “That's what God has called me to,” Buddy says. “God has called me to be a voice to the Church a voice that says let's trust God, and trust in a way that seems outrageous to the world.”

Now, that's a message that cuts clear to any soul.

Learn more about Buddy Mullins by clicking on www.buddymullins.com
Learn more about the Conemaugh Valley Baptist Association by clicking on http://www.byhisgrace.cc/cvba/

Russ Taff to Sing at Altoona Curve Event!

2005-07-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Russ Taff with Pastor George Sanders & Wife Norma

Russ Taff Signing Baseballs after concert.
Russ Taff, Norma Sanders, Don Mast, Angelina Mast with my Son Elliot!

PRAISE THE LORD! RUSS DID A GREAT JOB!
SPONSORS WILL RECEIVE AUTOGRAPHED BASEBALLS!

OVER 2,000 people enjoyed the concert. Please take a moment and THANK all of our community sponsors! God is working in Central PA!

ENJOY THE SHOW! Let me know what you thought of the show----email: dmast@atlanticbb.net

SPONSOR LIST

Sylvan Learning Center (Altoona, Johnstown, and State College)

Dick's Homecare

Dr. John Wells / Blair Animal Hospital

Martins Food Stores

Conemaugh Valley Baptist Association

Good Things Publishing (Houses of Worship Directories)

Ward Trucking

REV FM 89.1

The Capozzi Group http://www.capozzigroup.com/

Representative Rick Geist

Representative Jerry Stern

Congressman Bill Shuster

Grace Bible Church

Cannarsa Music Emporium

Alan G. Hancock, CLU , ChFC, AEP (The Hancock Group, Inc)

Dr. Donald G. Snyder, Optometrist (Rich's Optical)

Lamar Outdoor Advertising

Ron's Carpet and Upholstery

CPCI Ministries http://www.cpci.org/

Emanuel Baptist Church

Central PA Podiatry

Special Thanks to: Angelina Mast, Chris Mundhenk (Altoona Curve), Altoona Mirror Newspaper (Great Russ Taff Story), Pastor George Sanders (Altoona First Southern Baptist Church), and Street Level Agency (Russ Taff's Agency).

Our Mens Meeting!!!

2005-06-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Men's Ministry Meeting has been scheduled for the third Saturday of each month at Altoona First Southern Baptist Church. We invite you to join us and bring a friend. All meetings are open to all who wish to attend. Time of the meeting is 1:00PM.

Our Church is located at 903 North Fourth Street, Altoona.

For More information call Pastor George Sanders at 942-5834 or Don Mast at 942-6695!

Our goal and mission is to engage every man in who enters our life each day with a credible offer of Christ and provide resources to help them grow. I welcome you to join us and bring your enthusiastic love for Jesus. Together we can change lives and make our community better.

Help Our Ministry grow. Send Tax Deductable Love Offerings to:
Altoona First Southern Baptist Church Men's Ministry
903 N. Fourth Street ~ Altoona, PA 16601-5711

Altoona First Southern Baptist Church Men's Ministry Blog

2005-06-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR WIFE

By Andrew Templeton
Communicating Wisely, June 21, 2005

As with anything that one desires to build, the foundation is always the starting point. You cannot have a house that will last without a strong foundation; you cannot build an office complex or a church without a firm foundation; similarly you cannot build a strong marriage or relationship with your children without a strong and firm foundation.

With the understanding being that Christ must be at the center of everything in your life, including your relationships and your marriage; I would suggest that communication be the key foundation to a lasting and strong relationship. Communication is not easy for men. The primarily reasons are because it involves opening up, expressing yourself, expanding your word count, and sharing intimate details.

Here is a secret — a woman wants meaningful communication and memorable conversation, but instead she gets little more than she did decades previously in elementary school on a playground. Our brains operate and function completely different than from a woman’s brain. For example, when a man argues and fights he seeks to win and conquer. However, when a woman argues and fights she is simply doing so for the right to be heard and to make her position known. Women want to be validated and want to receive reassurance, which can only come through their man opening up and validating her and reassuring her.

The following are four tips that Dr. Greg Smalley encourages men to use in opening their life to a deeper and more meaningful conversation with their wife:

· Use your personal history: Paint a big picture for her so she can have insight to what makes you the way you are.

· Use your work experience: There is a big difference in communicating with fellow employees than with your wife, but by discussing with her your day and things you did throughout it will build intimacy and help her see more of who you are.

· Make feelings out of facts: By rephrasing common facts throughout our day we are really showing how we feel about things such as instead of simply saying today was a long day; try “Honey, this is how my life feels today.”

· Use word pictures: Allow your wife to see with crystal clarity the point of what you are saying.

Altoona First Southern Baptist Church Men's Ministry Blog

2005-06-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Men's Ministry Roundtable Discussion

From June 18, 2005

“Family Leadership and Fatherhood?”

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (I John 3:1, NIV).

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for the sweet-smelling savour” (Ephesians 5:2)

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6)

“I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” (Psalm 101:2)

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that we on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, We will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God."
(I Thess. 2:11-12).
"turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers ..." (Malachi 4:6, NIV).

“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” (John 15:10)

“And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 32:46)

“Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.” (Deuteronomy 4:10)

“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” (Proverbs 20:7)

“The living, the living he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.” (Isaiah 38:19)

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” (Genesis 18:19)

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

“If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:11-13)

“A child identifies his parents with God, whether the adults want that role or not. Most children “see” God the way they perceive their earthly fathers.”
—James Dobson

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass.” “We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply. “We’re raising boys!”
—Harmon Killebrew

Leading Your Family: Part One, June 9, 2005, Andrew Templeton

We live in a different world than that of the famous television familyknown as the Walton's. Times have changed. Values have changed.Priorities have changed. But, the need to effectively lead your familyhas certainly not. We have all heard the statistics regardingfatherlessness in America (37 percent of children under the age of 18live absent their biological father); but that is but a portion of thestory. Henry Biller, author of The Father Factor and the Two ParentAdvantage, found fewer than 25 percent of young boys and girlsexperience at least one hour per day in one-on-one contact with theirfathers. This survey was compiled from children who live with bothparents. Overall, the average one-on-one father/child contact in Americaresides at only around 30 minutes per day. Time is essential in leading one's family. Children need both parentsactive and involved in their lives for more than a mere 30 minutes perday.Touch is a necessary for all children regardless of gender and age.Wrestling, hugs, high fives, brushing hair are all wonderful andappropriate ways to let your children feel your love.Talking always helps build relations. Learn to talk about and share whatinterest you both. Ask lots of questions and be a good listener.Tenderness is not limited to females. As dad's we must be tender in ourlove and in how we interact with our children and family. Every childdeserves at least one person who is crazy about him or her; be thatperson.Teaching is a key role every man plays in his family. You are alwaysteaching something whether you realize it or not. Your children areconstantly watching you. Don't miss an opportunity to teach them theright way.Tenacity is always difficult. Being constantly persistent seems to tireus out, but when our heart is in something and we stay close to God, Hewill empower us to never quit.Our families need leaders. Be a leader in your family. Use these easyand basic principles to be an effective leader for your home.

Leading Your Family: Part two ,June 10, 2005, Andrew Templeton

Leading our families in today’s post-Walton world is not always easy. By being present and available to your family you can make an enormous impact on their lives. Studies have proven that father’s make a unique contribution in the lives of their children. I encourage you to make that unique contribution daily in the lives of your family. In accepting your role as leader of your home, you will be honored and respected for who you are. By being present and practicing a few basic principles you will move from being the head of family to being the head of an effective family.

(One) Effective families practice unconditional love. The story of the Prodigal Son is an excellent example of how a family needs to unconditionally love and accept you as you are. As dad’s we need to be accepting and loving at all times to both our children and our wife.

(Two) Effective families learn to become communicators. There is a method to communicating. There is also a difference in the method depending on one’s audience. For example, how you communicate with colleagues at work is different than how you would communicate with friends on a basketball court. Similarly, there is a difference in how you communicate in home with your wife and how you communicate with your children. James 1:19 reminds us “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Remember, these are the people you love most; have conversations that are filled with love and grace.

(Three) Effective families make the home a teaching center. Teach your family what the Lord has spoken to you. You are their pastor in the home. You are their best teacher. You have the greatest influence on who they will become. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road when you lie down and when you get up.”

(Four) Effective families learn to treasure time. “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psalms 90:12, New Living Translation). We are responsible for every minute we are given in regards to being responsible for our families. Treasure this time. Honor this time. And, use this time to invest all that you can into helping them be effective for the Kingdom.

A Healthy Fear
June 15, 2005
Andrew Templeton

Eighty-six percent of Americans profess to believe in God
Seventy-nine percent profess to believe in a Judgment Day before God
Forty-six percent say they attend church regularly
Sixteen percent say they read the Bible on a consistent basis
The church parallels society in almost every measurable statistic: divorce, teen pregnancy, abortion, bankruptcy, etc. Fearing God’s wrath has not had any real effect on the behavior patterns of those who claim to follow God. Why? Simply stated, it is because the fear of retribution does not change a heart; only love can accomplish that.

This principle is complimentary to the idea of fathering the heart as opposed to fathering for performance that has been discussed the last two days. Defining a standard of acceptable behavior is important. It should also be noted that how this standard is communicated and enforced is vital to how your child will respond. We all desire our children to honor, love and respect us. What we need to be careful of is that this is not motivated in your child’s heart because of fear of rejection but because of healthy fear of respect for the position that God has entrusted you with. Children should fear punishment for foolish behavior, but that should not be the overriding reason for good behavior.

Having a love and respect for your parents should be the governing factors that bring about cautious consideration before participating in any activity. Each of us is a representative of our family. Our actions reflect on who we are, who are parents are, and even who are fellow brothers in Christ are. It is for the latter reason that the media gives so much attention to Christian leaders who make a mistake.

We are witnesses. We are ambassadors for God and for godly living. But, why do we do this? Because we love Him. Why do we desire our children to live life in a godly manner, because we want them to love God and fear Him and because we desire their respect. Author and pastor Tom Lane has said, “We cannot fully understand the fear of God and its shaping influence on our behavior apart from this kind of relationship with our fathers. In its essence, the fear of God is demonstrated through attitudes and actions of reverent respect.”

My father influenced our family by his character and guidance, not by intimidation. I wanted to please and obey him because I love and respect him. My desire to please him created a fear of disappointing him. My respect for my father and the corresponding desire to please him were never the result of fearing rejection. It was a matter of choice.

As we rear our children, it is their love we should seek first, the obedience will follow. That is why when they are only a baby we love them, then when they can walk and do things on their own, they will listen and obey.

Thinking About Dad On Father's Day Getting a Good Dad-Attitude June 14, 2005 - by Dr. John Townsend

Father's Day is a day dedicated to Dad - to give honor to our respective fathers as the men who helped mold and form us. Father's Day is a good time for deepening our understanding of what fathering is all about, and for reflecting on how we were parented. One cannot overstate the importance of the fathering we receive. God, in His role as Eternal Father, has appointed human dads as His vehicle for creating and nurturing the qualities He wants to develop within us. Our earthly fathers have a profound impact on how we turn out as adults. I'd like to offer some insights into fathering and suggest how you might mend those gaps in your life where Dad's parenting failed to meet your needs.
The two tasks of fathering.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for "father" connotes benevolence and protection. This is a wonderful summary of the good things God intended fathers to bring to their children. Let's see what these two aspects of fathering are about.
Benevolence has to do with kindness: a good dad brings warmth and caring to his kids. He makes them feel safe and secure and totally accepted, no matter what their faults and failings. This translates into children who are able to receive love and care from God and other people, and to give it as well. They become relationally-based individuals in the world. The dad who spends time listening, talking, and simply being connected to his children brings benevolence to their hearts, souls, and emerging character. In relating to his children, a good dad lavishes this love and benevolence on them: "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (I John 3:1, NIV).

Protection, on the other hand, relates to a father's strength in guarding his children from harm or evil. This protection helps kids grow into strong, responsible, and free adults, ready to encounter the world and take their place in it. A dad protects by keeping his children away from harmful influences or people. He also protects them from their own immaturity and impulsivity by correcting, guiding, and disciplining them. His children experience his guidance and protection and eventually become responsible grown-ups, able to protect themselves: "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God." (I Thess. 2:11-12).

If things don't go as planned.

Despite the best of intentions, however, human dads make mistakes in parenting, some small and some large (as a father of two teens, I know this very well). As you reflect on the fathering you have received, you may be aware of some lacks. Instead of a father's benevolence, you may have experienced emotional distance and harshness, or instead of protection, inconsistency and lack of structure. Or perhaps you experienced benevolence and protection some of the time, but not enough to fill your needs. These problems affect how we view God, ourselves and others, and they get in the way of our spiritual, emotional, and personal lives. We end up with wounded hearts.

God in His wisdom, however, has provided for the repair and healing of whatever did not go right in our fathering. He offers us the resources to transform our woundedness and neediness into wholeness and completion. He is a father Himself, and a healer, and He is our prime resource: "O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me" (Ps. 30:2).

Our second resource is His Word, which has power to help us grow up anew: "He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave" (Ps. 107:20).
God's people are a third major resource we can draw on to help us grow and change: "God sets the lonely in families" (Ps. 68:6). We are helped the most when we combine all three of these resources into some form of spiritual growth process, in particular, the type of growth process you find in a small group setting. There, in an environment of safety and love, you can receive whatever care, acceptance, encouragement, structure, and wisdom you did not receive from Dad. Submitting to such a growth process gives you (and Dad) a second chance at life and a future full of hope.

This Father's Day, let's strike a balance between gratefulness and forgiveness. We can be grateful to our dads for filling the position and role God gave them in our lives, and for providing whatever degree of benevolence and protection they were able to. At the same time, we can forgive them for what they did not provide, and find the fathering we need elsewhere, so that God can finish what He started in us. In this way, we will honor both Dad and our God and receive the blessings of growth that God intended all along.

God bless you this Father's Day!

A Father’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the best example of a father that I can look to, and thank You for offering wisdom in Your holy Word that I can go to for guidance. Please help me to love my children the way that You love me, and when discipline is necessary, help me to lovingly administer what is needed the way that You do for me. Help me to guide and direct in a godly way. Help me to have fun with my children and to provide a secure environment that will allow my children to feel confident in who they are. Please help me to be a spiritual leader—one who emphasizes the importance of a close relationship with You! And Father, constantly remind me of what a blessed man I am to be a father. In the good times and bad, help me to remember that my children are a wonderful gift from You. Thank you Father. Amen

Altoona First Southern Baptist Church Men's Ministry Blog

2005-05-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Altoona First Southern Baptist Church
Men of Courage Ministry

A Men's 24/7 Christian Resource

Men EVERYDAY need to work hard to be role models for our youth, cornerstones for our families, and leaders for our communities. Men need to live and share the Word of Jesus!

We welcome you to attend our monthly Men's Ministry meeting. The meeting is scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of each month at the Church. We also welcome your prayer requests. Please see below for all the details.

THE OFFER STILL STANDS!

God’s Purpose:
God loves us and has a purpose for our lives. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 God’s purpose is that we have eternal life.
We receive eternal life as a free gift (Romans 6:23).
We can live a full and meaningful life right now (John 10:10).
We will spend eternity with Jesus in heaven (John 14:3).

Our Need:
As we search for meaning in life, we discover our sinful nature keeps us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.
We are all sinners by nature and by choice. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23.
We cannot save ourselves (Ephesians 2:9).
We deserve death and hell (Romans 6:23).

God’s Provision:
God is holy and just and must punish sin. Yet He loves us and provides forgiveness for our sin. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father but by me.” John 14:6
Jesus is God and became man (John 1:1,14).
Jesus died for us on the cross (1 Peter 3:18).

THE OFFER STILL STANDS!

Jesus was resurrected from the dead (Romans 4:25).

Our Response:
The only way Jesus can affect our lives is for us to receive Him.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” John 1:12.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out...” Acts 3:19.
Repentance is turning away from our sin and turning to God.
We must place our faith in Jesus. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God” Ephesians 2:8
We must surrender to Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10).
Surrendering to Jesus as Lord is giving Jesus complete control of our lives and not just saying it (Matthew 7:21).

Prayer of Commitment:
“Dear Lord Jesus . . . I believe You are the Son of God . . . and died to forgive me of my sins . . . I know that I have sinned . . . I ask you to forgive me . . I turn from my sins and I receive You as my Lord and Savior . . . Thank You for saving me and help me to live the rest of my life for You. AMEN”

We Are All Here To Reach Out and Serve Others...

“Loving Him is to be our cause. He can take care of a lot of other causes without us, but He can’t make us love Him with all our heart. That’s the work we must do... Anything else is an imitation.”

"Jesus wants each of you to be part of what He is doing. God is calling forth a radical generation of fierce worshippers. You can be part of the new breed: Be unwilling to compromise with the world.
Stand up for what is right. Speak the truth. Show mercy. Befriend the lonely. Defend those suffering injustice. Love the unlovable. Be passionate for Jesus. Don't be ashamed of the Gospel. And always remember to show compassion to the poor, the hurting, and the lost. No matter how old you are, where you live, or what you have—you can help someone with a need, and pour the tender hope of God into someone who has none."

–Christian Singer and Song Writer, Keith Green

Here is what we discussed during last week's Men's Meeting!

Q: “Does everyone want to hear it?” (Do People want to hear the Word?) We are told to go and spread His Word! Our group was established to Share the Word...

Go to the highways and hedges to compel them to come to my banquet table!

Taken from KJV

Matthew 28:18-20,
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15-16,
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Acts 1:7-8
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Luke 14:16-24
Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

We are exploring and sharing ideas about places we can go and share the Word in our community: Calling Nursing Homes, Veterans Home, Teen Shelter, and other places to go and spread the Word.

We need to go out and share the Word!

We Welcome you to Join our men's group. We welcome your prayer requests!

The next Men's Ministry Meeting is scheduled for the third Sunday of each month at Altoona First Southern Baptist Church, Juniata. For more information about the meeting or for prayer requests, please call the church 814-944-3822 or email Pastor George Sanders at: a1sbc@nb.net !

Always Remember, JESUS LOVES YOU!

Please stop back. We will update the site weekly! Please pray for our Men's Ministry.

In Jesus,

Help Our Ministry grow. Send Tax Deductable Love Offerings to:

Altoona First Southern Baptist Church Men's Ministry

903 N. Fourth Street ~ Altoona, PA 16601-5711

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT OUR CHURCH?

Altoona First Southern Baptist Church Worship Information:

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30AM

Sunday Evening Worship 7:00 PM

Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:00PM

All are welcome! Bring a friend!!!