9 Jul 2010

Support for Friend with Testicular Cancer

Fred Knott and FamilyFriends -

I would like to bring your attention to a friend and good man that is in need of some support at a difficult time in his life.

My friend, Fred Knott, defeated testicular cancer 10 years ago, but recently was diagnosed with a recurrence of the cancer.  The treatment plan is intensive and very costly, especially since his health care provider has denied coverage, claiming pre existing conditions. Through the Mercy of God I believe that Fred has the strength to fight this disease, as well as the daunting treatment plan, and come out in better health and stronger than ever.  I am asking for a show of support and love for this man that is an incredible father to three girls, a devoted husband, and a great friend.

Friends and family of the Knotts are hosting FEARNOTFEST, an event to raise money to help offset expenses like lost wages, medical bills and other costs associated with this health crisis.  FEARNOTFEST will take place on July 16th, 2010.

Please join us in our support of the Knott family by visiting http://fearnotfest.blogspot.com to make a donation and follow Fred’s recovery story at the Fred Knott Update Page on Facebook developed to share updates and inspiration.

Any assistance you are willing to provide to help us raise funds for this worth cause would be greatly appreciated by those of us organizing the event and especially by the Knott family.  Please Email Me if I can answer any questions.

Kind regards,
Jonesy

13 Jun 2007

Simplicity…

I read one of the most important thoughts I have read in a few weeks on ministry today on Scott Hodge’s blog.  The post focuses on how and why simplicity is cornerstone to The Orchard. The thoughts that Scott shares are full of great advice that can be applied to the ministries that I am involved in, as well as my personal life.  

Enjoy the post!       

6 May 2007

My Heart Not My Duty

How often have we been reminded about our obligation or the need to contribute to the mission of Christ with our time, talents, and finances? Often this discussion is accompanied with a dash of guilt and a call of honor and duty.  If you haven’t experienced this, then you are blessed. Those of us that have grown up in the modern evangelical church could most likely recite the sales pitch in a blink of an eye.

 I bring this up, because I was reading through Matthew and in the 23rd Chapter there is a story that lends something to this topic.  In the passage Jesus is sharing a meal with some religious leaders and he offends them by not observing a ceremonious act of the day, washing of the hands before a meal.  They chastise Jesus for not following the convention of the day.  What happens is the indignant Jesus that we rarely talk about addresses the Pharisees.   He calls them out; by comparing their actions to washing of a cup and that they are only cleaning the outside, while leaving the inside filthy.  I can only imagine the tension in the room.  He goes on to tell them that is better to have pure motive and heart than to do good to be respected or out of duty.  There it was in black and white, deeds based on duty and need is dead in God’s eyes if it isn’t in your heart.  I believed for years that it was better to give, give, give and eventually my heart would fall in line.  I admit it; there were times that I even gave from guilt when I wasn’t right with God.    

I was first challenged by this when I saw a close friend’s lives this in his life.  He refused to engage in key roles or ceremonies, because he did not feel that he could, because it wasn’t out of a pure heart.  I first didn’t really get this and would suggest giving which would lead to God working those things out, but he never gave in.  Now I can see the wisdom in my brother’s reservation.  God doesn’t want my tithes, offerings and time.  He wants my heart.   I mention all of this to challenge you, as I have and still today to challenge myself in the area of giving.  Why do you give is it because you are required or because you love the Lord?  Â