“Don’t Grow Weary . . . work with all your might.”

I spoke recently with several different members of our church about all of the different ministries that our church offers and how so many of us are involved in one, if not several, of the ministries. I was in agreement with many of those who felt that our church is literally stretched to its capacity in volunteers, workers and helpers. Simply put, we are a church with a true heart to serve our God . . . and that is a good thing!

However, I think we all go through spells where we get tired. We get emotionally tired . . . we get physically tired . . . we even get mentally tired of doing what the Lord has called us to do. We have to become expert managers of our families and our time making sure we keep up with our kids’ soccer games, school events, after school events, hair appointments, car tune-ups, balancing the checkbook, paying the bills, work, meetings, mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, lessons, fixing breakfast, packing lunch, planning dinner, shopping, watching TV, keeping up with Facebook, cleaning the house, talking on the phone . . . and it goes on and on. LIFE goes on.

Are you getting tired? You know, that’s ok. But don’t quit!! Rest if you must, but don’t you ever quit!!

In Ecclesiastes 9:10, the Word says “Whatever presents itself for you to do, do it WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or skill in the grave where you are going.” Kind of an eye-opener, huh?

I coached soccer for many years and with each team, good or bad, young or old, boys or girls (or both), I always told them this: NO MATTER WHAT, LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FIELD. PLAY HARD AND DON’T EVER QUIT! WHEN THE CLOCK HITS :00 , THEN YOU CAN REST. No matter how much we were winning or losing, I told my players to give it everything they got. I also told them that one day, they would not be playing anymore and I wanted each of them to look back and say that they did everything they could for the team.

Let me encourage you today . . . give it everything you got! Are you tired, that’s ok! Rest if you must, but don’t you ever quit!! Whatever ministry you are called to, don’t let anyone or anything hold you back . . . do it to the best of your ability and do it with all your might. I look forward to the day when my heavenly father can look at me and say “Well done!!”

-Pastor Chris Blackburn

The Ministry of Friendship...

Often, as I read through scripture, I wonder, “When are we, the True Church, really going to start doing what God asks us to do?” Just take this passage for instance: Matthew 5:42, 46-47. Jesus says, “Give to Him who keeps on begging from you and do not turn away from him who would borrow [at interest] from you…For if you love only those who love you what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that?” Now often Christians will say, “Well, I give to my church and my church helps the poor. I even help with the programs of the church that give handouts to the needy.” But is that what Jesus meant: Help with a program or a particular ministry?

It definitely seems safer to help the poor through a program so that they never really know our names or where we live or whether or not we have children. It’s a very real risk to try to help a stranger by yourself as an individual, but I have seen often in many churches and many different ministry situations, that when we help through a program there is a constant “we” and “them” mentality. There are usually reports of people from the community (“them”) who “get saved” through the program, but rarely do those people then join up with that church and become faithful members. We seem to think that if we give people something for free then they will want to come back and be with us and find out why we would do such a thing. And we plan that when they do we will tell them that it is because of the love of Christ within us for them. But does a handout show Christ’s love effectively? In my experience, very few people because of what they have received from a church or ministry then desire to be with the people of that church or ministry at any future event that does not include a handout of some sort. My personal conclusion is that a handout by itself is not enough to show the love of Christ, we need to pair it with something else – loving friendship.

In 1 Thess. 2:7-8 Paul says, “But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother nursing and cherishing her own children. So, being thus tenderly and affectionately desirous of you, we continued to share with you not only God’s good news (the Gospel) but also our own lives as well, for you had become so very dear to us.” Are we sharing our own lives as we give handouts? Are we tenderly and affectionately sharing God’s Good News, or are we just herding people through the line so that we can get everything handed out. It seems to me that often in our outreach ministries, we talk to those who come, we feed them, and we give them the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but do we, as individual servants in the body, really cross the line and make friends with people in the community that we are reaching out to, or are we just showing up to do our part? Perhaps this is why we have more converts than long-term disciples. We need to ask ourselves if we are really loving the people we say we are serving or are we just “doing ministry”? And if we’re not really loving people, then it’s no wonder that they are not coming back to participate in that love again; our handouts to them are no different than the handouts from the government.

Now this all sounds a little harsh and critical, but I am preaching to myself as much as to anyone else. I know I’m not good at loving strangers and I don’t have much desire to actually be involved in the lives of those whom I consider irresponsible. I simply do not relate well to people who don’t have the same values that I have and I’m sure that’s why God is showing me these things in scripture. It’s an area where I need to grow, but perhaps you need to grow in this area as well, so let’s continue.

If we look at the example of Jesus we can see that everything he did was personal. He did not see the crowds of people who came to him for healing and just wave his hand to heal everyone at once (even though it was certainly in his power to do so). Instead he healed each one individually. He gave them a personal experience of Himself because of His love for them. He taught and fed more than 5000 people at once, but he had those 12 disciples with whom He shared Himself daily.

The main instruction that Jesus leaves with the disciples, and with us as their spiritual descendants, is to make disciples and teach them everything that Christ has commanded us (Matt. 28:18-20). Teaching everything that Christ commanded is sure to take a long time. Again, loving friendships will be the most effective means of discipleship relationships (long-term, one-on-one or small group relationships). So why do we keep settling for hearing a salvation prayer from someone? Because it’s easier and because we can’t get them to come back for more, but if we really took the time to make friends with those we serve, and with others already in the body, then that love relationship would bring them back wanting to know more of Christ. I know we can’t all make friends with everyone who passes through a line to receive something, but we can each pray and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit while we are serving, so that God can lead us to the one or two people with whom He wants us to make friends. It we each make a couple friends and they are not just the people we randomly pick out, but instead those whom God chooses for us to invest in, then we can be sure that they will be the people whose hearts are ready for discipleship. It will most likely start out as uncomfortable and inconvenient, but God does amazing things even when He starts with nothing. Let’s trust ourselves to Him and let Him give us the love we need in order to care for and disciple others. Let’s cross the “we/them” line and pull more souls into a journey of true discipleship.

-Jenny Greene

Are you sure you are on the right path? Need guidance?

Recently, I was looking at my daughter who entered her teenage years this past year and it made me think back on my own middle school years. It was a time of trying to figure out who you are and where you are going. No longer at the age that your parents are continually holding your hand, telling you what to wear and wiping your nose. It is a time of emotional ups and downs. Friends are changing; decisions that have to be made are becoming more difficult.

It was this time in my life where I started to search. If there is a God what does he want of me and what does he expect of me? Is he just someone I read about or does he truly know me? During this search I was blessed to get saved, got involved in a spiritually active church that helped me grow in Christ. I started to since that there was even more for me. God had a plan. Not only a plan but he sent his Spirit to help me! Let’s look at some scripture and see what it says about the Holy Spirit:

Who gives us the Spirit and who can receive it?

Luke 11:13 (NIV)If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Acts 2:38 (NIV) Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Why do I need the Spirit?

John 14:26 (NIV)But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 16:13 (NIV) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

2 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV) He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Galatians 5:22-24 (NIV) 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.

God gives us some instructions.

1 John 4:1 (NIV) Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Through life’s ups and downs, as an adult or child we must know that our heavenly Father has sent us something to help us along the way and that is His Holy Spirit. I praise God for His Spirit that has been a counselor, life giver, truth teller, and has given me love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Even though sometimes we stumble these gifts are always waiting for me.

- Carolyn Hanneman

Touching Heaven...

It really goes without saying that working with children in any way, shape or form poses many different challenges. You want adventure? Don’t bother joining the Army. They’ll ship you overseas, make you wear green and make you eat awful food. (No offense to our military intended! It’s a noble and necessary calling, really!) But if you want adventure right here in your own back yard, help a kid. It is indeed a challenge and an adventure, but it’s worth every minute. Parents know this; parents who care, that is. Teachers know this; teachers worth their weight in post-it notes, that is. Daycare workers know this; daycare workers who have a passion for helping kids and seeing to their well-being, that is.

Approached in the correct way, with the proper attitude, these challenges can really result in some very rewarding experiences, most importantly for the child, but also for the parent, teacher and daycare worker. Seeing a kid’s face light up when you tell them they have the potential for great things is just one of those rewards. Watching a kid beam with joy when you tell them you’re going to call their parent, not because they’re in trouble but because you just want to brag on them is another. Having a kid smile to themselves when they know they’ve answered a question correctly just adds to the long list of rewards you get when you work with kids.

Perhaps the biggest reward in working with kids comes when you realize that you are doing what the words to a popular song say: “Touching heaven, changing earth.” Jesus told his disciples to “suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of heaven.” He also told his followers that unless they became as little children they could not enter the kingdom of heaven. Kids of any age, even the ones who are indeed impossible to deal with or seemingly even reach are pieces of heaven. When you make a difference in the life of a child we touch heaven and change earth, even if it’s just for them, because then that child, hopefully and prayerfully, goes out and changes his earth.

Go touch heaven today. The piece of earth changed just may be yours!

-Ben Hanneman

LifeChange: 5th Quarter and Lock-In

This past Friday night (Nov.6th) over 100 teens and Jr. high students from Radford gathered at Radford Worship Center after the Radford/Giles football game for what we thought would be our last 5th Quarter of the football season. It was a great night. At midnight, the Jr. High students went home and the teenagers went to our youth sanctuary for a time of being ministered to by our Heavenly Father.

The worship band rocked as they always do and the kids responded to God in praise. The Word was preached and a great time of ministry followed. There were kids who accepted Christ and there were kids who needed the loving hand of the Father to reassure them that He loves them and has a future for them. It was a great privilege to pray and give out hugs to these precious young people.

After the service, we all headed back over for the basketball tourneys, rock band, pedicures, game room, food and the café. Luke Buzzard and Katie Osterbauer took teams of 5 kids each back over to the educational building for a very creative scavenger hunt designed by Luke. Every young person I talked to who participated in the scavenger hunt loved it and was glad they did it.

Once 5:30am came….we started getting them ready to head home at 6am. It had been a long night but the time was well spent. Everyone was pretty much asleep on their feet which always makes for an interesting time of taking kids home on the vans and bus.

After all of the cleanup at 7:30am and we were ready to head home. The great thing is that since Radford beat Giles, we get to have another 5th Quarter this Friday……oh what fun.

Thanks to all who volunteered, prayed or donated food for this great event.

- Pastor Mike
Pastor LifeChange Youth Ministries

Prayer Vigil for Mrs. Jean

Don't forget we are having a Prayer Vigil for Jean this Friday November 6th at 6pm in the Main Sanctuary. If you haven't signed up for a time slot please contact the Church office today before 3pm. Let us come out to support and petition our Heavenly Father for our precious sister Jean.

Here I am

Then [Jesus] said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
--Hebrews 10:9-10 (NIV)

What a wonderful verse of scripture… the Son of God saying to the Father “I’ve come to do your will”…
I realize that good biblical interpretation says that the “first” is the sacrificial system of burnt offerings that was replaced by the ultimate sacrifice of Christ; but look at the above in the following manner… In order to do His will (the 2nd part) we must deal with and set aside the 1st part (here I am). So often we stand in the way of the will of God. We just are not as interested in the 2nd as much as we are in the 1st part…

In the course of 25 years of ministry I know I have been in the way of what God has wanted to do. Like many of us I sometimes believe I can help God out. There used to be a very old cartoon when I was a kid (yes we had TV then) the super hero would sing “here I come to save the day…” many saints today have the same mentality… I’ll save the day we’ll do it my way; after all God gave me these incredible gifts and abilities. Thank God that Jesus had a different mentality; He never did things any other way than God’s way. Here I am I have come to do your will. We can only do His will when we make His will ours. When you’re doing His will your not interested in the limelight or the spotlight…it doesn’t matter what people think of you or don’t think of you…it only matters that you do the will of Him who sent you.
Blessings may your way become Yahweh

Dr.Dave

The Body of Christ...

The summer has all but passed, the air is taking on the familiar feel of Fall and another great opportunity for ministry is in the books. Our annual Summer program at the New River Valley Detention center finished well, with over 15 salvations and an incredible opportunity to invest daily into the lives of incarcerated teens. We at Crossroads would like to thank all those who donated their time and resources to the cause of reaching these young people for Christ.

A question that is often asked of me and others who are involved in the same type of ministry is “Do you ever see any of the people you minister to on the outside?” or “Are you ever able to do any follow up?” and I have to confess this is one of the toughest aspects to this type of ministry. The people we minister to are from different localities, they often do not have a phone, and usually have no reliable transportation. So, to say that it is a challenge is an understatement and just when I might be tempted to be discouraged God reminds me we are only one small part of a whole body that God desires to use. There is a complete body to fulfill His purpose.

In the book of 1 Corinthians Paul writes;
(1Co 12:4) There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.

(1Co 12:5) There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served.

(1Co 12:6) There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person.

Because of the different parts of this body God is using at the Radford Worship Center, we are given the awesome opportunity to minister to people at their point of need. As a result, every month people we minister to on the inside (Jail or Detention Center) are ministered to through one of the ministries at the Radford Worship Center. What an awesome privilege it is to work with a church where I can refer someone who needs counseling or someone who needs food or medical assistance. We have parents whose kids attend the Rock Club and teens that are involved in LifeChange. What an awesome demonstration of His love! It is truly an honor to be a part of a ministry where, even in the depths of a Jail or a Detention Center, the practical love of Christ can be seen through the working of His Body.

-Pastor Ted Farmer
Director Crossroads Ministry

More of the Word...

I have been teaching from the book of Mark chapters 1-3. Learning and receiving from my students is a blessing. We have been looking at Jesus' Authority (power, right, and privilege) in preaching, teaching, forgiving sins, healing diseases, casting out demonic spirits, and being Lord of the Sabbath.

Our Sunday is a day of worship, rest and refreshing. Or minds, emotions, and body need rest and refreshing. Our spirits and mind need renewal and instruction from the Word. Should we not submit to Jesus' authority in our lives?

1 Corinthians 6:19,20 says, "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

Romans 12:1,2 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed my the RENEWING of your MIND, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect, will of God."

Yes, I LOVE the WORD!!!

Psalm 119:48 says, "My hands also will I lift up unto Thy commandments, which I love; and I will meditate in Thy statutes."

Psalm 63:4 says, "Thus will I bless Thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in Thy Name."

The Word is not boring!

Jesus said in John 6:63, "My Words are spirit and life..."

Thanks for reading.
I love you.

Are you submitted and committed to Jesus???

- Jean Ratcliffe
Adult Bible Teacher

What makes it all worthwhile...

All the planning,
All the funding raising,
All the packing,
All the traveling...



All the balloons,
All the face paint,



All the playing,
All the praying,
All the waiting...



All worthwhile...

Thank you to all who gave so that we could help change lives.

Pastor Mike and Allison
Bobby and Susie Hickman
& The South Dakota Team

On the Importance of Church Family...

Hebrews 10:24-25 "We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming."

At the end of the school year as I was looking through what seemed to be an endless mountain of used workbooks, worksheets and notebook paper I ran across something that I found to be quite heartening. I say this not because my child is a great wordsmith or author (yet) but because of the person he chose to write about in the character essay he had been assigned.

Those of us with children in public school know the necessity of a refreshing moment after re-teaching something taught spiritually incorrect at school. I’m sure those that home school also have the need to be strengthened after spending countless hours devoted solely to the education of their children.

It is at this place in a Christian parent’s life that our church family becomes so encouraging. It is at this point of a child’s need that our church family is ever so willing to intercede, instruct and sometimes even intervene. And it is with a grateful heart that we parents call Radford Worship Center our home. Having said that, I would like to share this essay and in doing so I hope it is an encouragement to you because you are making a great impact.

Brother Tony
By: Jeremy Nelson

There is a nice elderly man at my church. His name is Brother Tony. He is a good citizen. He always shows great friendship and kindness. I will tell you why I picked Brother Tony.

Brother Tony is always there when you need him. He shows great friendship by this. When he sees you he gives you a great big hug.

Brother Tony always shows great citizenship. Our church takes up money to send to South Dakota. Brother Tony goes to South Dakota to take the Native Americans food. He always has a smile on his face.

Brother Tony shows kindness and love by praying for you. Brother Tony calls me “Buddy” because I think he can’t remember my name.

Brother Tony is spectacular. He shows citizenship, kindness and friendship. I think that Brother Tony is outstanding. Brother Tony is always on your side.

-Cindy Nelson

Crossroads Summer Program Prepares to kick off in July

There are so many ministries at the Radford Worship Center and I would like to take some time and let you know a little about one of them, Crossroads Ministry. Crossroads is dedicated to recognizing and meeting the needs of incarcerated youth, adults and their families. We currently are operating within four facilities, providing bible studies, life skills classes, counseling, weekly services and our summer program “Planning for Success on the Outside”.

Most Juvenile Detention Centers have limited funds for programs. As a result there was a hole in the summer schedule during regular school hours at the local juvenile detention center. So they asked if we could fill that hole - a time slot of roughly 8:30 to 3:00 five days a week. We saw this as an excellent opportunity to help these teens grow in Christ. With that began our first year of conducting the “Planning for Success” summer program. This is one of the most exciting opportunities we’ve been given at Crossroads.

The summer program is a unique blend of class room and hands on activities designed to equip the teens with some of the life skills necessary to become successful in life. The really cool thing about the program is the whole thing is centered on Jesus! We invite grounded adults from all walks of life and professions to come and invest in the teens. Last year we had a former home ec teacher do cooking classes, a banker teach on finances, physical therapists taught proper exercise techniques, pastor Mike taught on a biblical view of sex, other ministers came to invest their time with studies, and a former gang member from Atlanta came to share his testimony of how Christ changed his life.

It does not take being around the young people long to realize how much investment it takes with this population to see a real change in their life. In many cases you find yourself having to re-parent them. Last year there were many times that I was reminded of a scripture in 1 Corinthians 4:15 “You may have countless Christian guardians, but you don't have many spiritual fathers. I became your father in the Christian life by telling you the Good News about Christ Jesus.”

The awesome thing about the whole summer is we get to see these young people begin to really embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ. Last year we had many come to Christ, and actually had the opportunity to hold a baptism service in the New River.

We always have opportunities for qualified individuals to come and be a part of what God is doing. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested in what opportunities we have for this year’s summer program. This year we will begin on July 6th.

Pastor Ted Farmer
Director Crossroads Ministry
540-230-3720

JUST AS I AM...

A couple of months back, I was asked to begin teaching a group of middle school kids from the Radford area as part of a ministry group our church does on Tuesday nights. The previous Pastor did a fantastic job week after week giving the kids a series of messages that pertained to the times and culture they currently live in. In my spirit, however, I felt a burden that we needed to teach these kids about the most simplistic, yet most wonderful part of our faith . . . Jesus Christ.

I went back to a time when, as a boy, I received Christ. I was maybe 6 or 7 (I really don’t remember), but I do remember what song was playing that night at church. A simple hymn called Just As I Am. The music was soft and inviting and the words were simple, yet compelled my heart to go forward toward the altar. I heard that song many times as a boy and each time I can remember feeling a need to draw closer to Him.

This song has a note of importance as to its origin. I found this on the internet in several places. The song was written by Miss Charlotte Elliott back in the 1800s:

“Miss Charlotte Elliott was vi­sit­ing some friends in the West End of Lon­don, and there met the em­i­nent min­is­ter, Cé­sar Ma­lan. While seat­ed at sup­per, the min­is­ter said he hoped that she was a Christ­ian. She took of­fense at this, and re­plied that she would ra­ther not dis­cuss that quest­ion. Dr. Ma­lan said that he was sor­ry if had of­fend­ed her, that he al­ways liked to speak a word for his Mas­ter, and that he hoped that the young la­dy would some day be­come a work­er for Christ. When they met again at the home of a mu­tu­al friend, three weeks lat­er, Miss Ell­i­ott told the min­is­ter that ev­er since he had spok­en to her she had been try­ing to find her Savior, and that she now wished him to tell her how to come to Christ. “Just come to him as you are,” Dr. Ma­lan said. This she did, and went away re­joic­ing. Shortly af­ter­ward she wrote this hymn.”

A couple of weeks before my first lesson with these kids, I found in my dad’s collection of CDs one from a Mennonite Choir. One of the songs was “Just As I Am”. I listened to that CD several times on a business trip to Nashville. Once again, I found myself wanting to draw closer to Him. As I prayed, what was revealed to my spirit was both simple and beautiful. God was telling me to teach these kids to come to Him just as they are.

Today’s generation is bombarded with messages from their home, school and from society that are simply designed to pull them away from God and His standards set in the Bible. They feel that they are unworthy of love or acceptance by God because they are judged for the clothes they wear, the money they have (or lack), their social status or by sinful acts they have committed openly and behind closed doors. Once judgment has been passed by Christians and non-Christians alike, they don’t feel worthy. Much like the story of Charlotte Elliott, they take offense to anyone who genuinely cares for them and is concerned about their spiritual well being. How do we reach them?

When we speak to them about Christ’s love for them, read John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The world includes all of us . . . the good, the bad and the ugly. It includes you, me and all of those who walk the Earth. The key part of this scripture is WHOSOEVER believes in Him . . . any of us, no matter how far from God we are or how unworthy we look in the eyes of others, we can ask Jesus into our hearts. How do we come to Him? . . . Just as we are!

-Pastor Chris Blackburn
Children's Pastor

Terence Rose this Sunday

Just to let everyone know Pastor Terence Rose will be ministering in the 10:30 service on Sunday May 3rd. We can't wait to hear what the Lord is saying to our Church. Let everyone know.

To serve or not to serve

I blame my parents, but not like you might be thinking. Many blame their parents for anxieties and hang-ups…me I gladly blame them for serving. They worshiped God through a lifetime of serving others. They dragged, forced, demanded that their children be involved with serving others.


I remember our family being the first ones there and the last ones out; if there was something that had to be done the priest just had to ask; the answer was always “yes we can do that”. It didn’t matter what needed to be done we did it: nursing homes, mowing the church, painting, remodeling, and yes feeding people. My mother (Marge) often said her idea of heaven on earth would be to run a soup kitchen…constantly feeding people. We were taught early and often that the best way to serve God was to serve others. My dad would tell us boys that while we were mowing the cemetery that we were walking on the graves of saints and that it was an honor and privilege to take care of their grave sites. Plain and simple your life was meant to serve and to be a blessing to others.


The above serves as a backdrop for His Provision food ministry of which we are honored to be a part. His Provision food ministry does several things: 1st it meets the immediate physical needs of the people we serve. 2nd it provides service for the saints to do in a practical manner.


It is humbling to sit across the table with a family of 5 or a precious elderly saint on fixed income, the young mother with several children, the disabled - all in need, all looking for help. To me one of the real blessings is for those who help. Not all of the saints are called to preach but all are called to serve. His Provision provides a place where the saints can meet the physical needs of people in the community. Come and serve, you might be filling plastic bags with food, tearing down cardboard, running food to the cars that pull up, or maybe just holding hands with someone that needs comfort. Believe me we will find something for you to do.


Please join us this Thursday night at 5pm. Come and serve God by serving others


-Dr. David Osterbauer
Director His Provision Food Ministries

On Being Disciples...

During the last few weeks in Kid’s Church we have been teaching about the twelve disciples. The twelve men that Jesus chose to help carry out His ministry on earth represented a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and personalities. They did not have minister’s credentials, they were not prophets, nor did they possess any special abilities or talents; they were ordinary men. However, there was one attribute they all had in common: their willingness to serve and obey Jesus Christ. In choosing the disciples, Jesus chose men who would follow Him and had a heart to do the will of the Father.

All believers are to be disciples, or followers, of Christ. Jesus also commanded us to go and make disciples of every nation …and teach them to obey everything He has commanded us (Matthew 28:19, 20). As His disciples, it is our job to fulfill our purpose in Him. It is God’s purpose for us to serve, obey and love Him in every aspect of our lives. As believers, this should be easy. We love Him because He first loved us (I John 4:19). God’s word tells us we will be blessed for our obedience (Deuteronomy 8:1). Jesus said that those who love Him will be obedient to Him and will be loved by Him (John 14:21). We serve to give honor and glory to God (I Peter 4:11). Many church-goers believe they are followers of Christ, but their actions, words, and attitudes do not reflect a life of service, obedience and love. Why, then, is it so difficult for people to be true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Jesus tells us in Luke 14:33 “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple”. Our love for God should surpass our wants and desires. When we focus on the cares of life around us, those things take priority in our life and consume our love, obedience and service. God should be the first priority in our lives always. Jesus clearly stated that we are not to worry about material things or our circumstances, but we are to seek His kingdom first and everything else will be taken care of (Matthew 6:33).

I love explaining the following concept to children in Kid’s Church. Children understand it much more clearly than adults, because they do not look for shades of gray. When a believer makes a conscious decision to sin, who are they serving? Jesus said that no man can serve two masters. Can you sin and serve God at the same time?

Sin easily entangles us, making it ever more difficult to live the life of obedience and service to which God has called us. Once we receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we should die to sin. Sin is not our master; we become slaves to obedience, not to sin. (Romans 6:1-18). As we all know, even Jesus’ disciples fell short: Peter denied, Thomas doubted, Judas betrayed. But thank God for His mercy and grace! If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we’ve done wrong (I John 1:9). Jesus said in John 8:31 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free”. In order to be a true disciple, we should always seek a life of obedience and reject even the smallest temptation to sin.


As followers of Christ, we should do all things in love. The world in which we live is consumed in bitter division, anger, hatred, dishonesty, greed, etc. But we are called to love and show that love to all. Love should be the primary motivation for all that we do; it is the love for our Savior that compels us to love, serve and minister to others. As Paul wrote in I Corinthians 13:1, 2 “but if I don’t have love, I am a loud gong or clashing cymbal. I may have the gift to speak what God has revealed, and I may understand all mysteries and have all knowledge. I may even have enough faith to move mountains. But if I don’t have love, I am nothing.” We must possess the love of Christ in our hearts and lives in order to be a true disciple. In our interactions with others, do we sound like a clashing symbol or gong? Or do your words and actions always convey love? When they do, people will know you are a disciple, one who truly loves and follows Jesus Christ. Jesus clearly tells us in John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”.

-Pastor Tina Blackburn
Children's Pastor

On Any Given Tuesday.... LifeChange

Tuesday nights around the Radford Worship Center are never boring. LifeChange Youth Ministries takes over the campus to bring the Truth to teenagers in the NRV. The teens who come are treated to night of Food, Hanging Out, and a Service where Jesus is the Center of it all. At 5:30 the vans leave to pick up kids that have called saying they need a ride.











The night starts off with a bang as the doors open at 6:15 pm and the teens are able to eat, play basketball, hang out in the cafe, and play video games in the game room.











At 7:30 everyone heads over to the Sanctuary for service. They just keep coming...



and coming...



and coming...



Inside they are met by the Band and who start the service with Praise and Worship...






and get everyone ready for Pastor Mike and what he has for them.



These are our kids, our heart, come out and meet the ones that keep us going... on any given Tuesday.

This Sunday

Just to let everyone know, Pastor Terence Rose will be speaking in the 10:30 am service this Sunday the 22nd. Make plans to be in the service to hear him.

COUNTING THE COST . . .
Some years ago, a good friend of mine made a comment to me that really grabbed my attention. He said that I was too involved in our church and that I should not make any more commitments or be involved in any more ministries. Now, knowing my friend, I am sure that there was no malice intended. In fact, it was probably more out of concern that I seem to always be busy. Either way, it began to bother me. Later that night, I started thinking about why I was so involved in ministry work and should I, perhaps, cut back a little?
I went back to Luke 14:25-35 and began to study what Jesus really meant about counting the cost of being a disciple. Jesus basically said that we must be willing to abandon our fathers, mothers, wives, children, brothers and sisters . . . even our own lives! This must be done in order to be a disciple. The truth is that Jesus did not want us to literally turn our back on our families. What he meant was that we must choose to prioritize our lives. The work of the kingdom of God should come first, then family, and then those things which define our lives, such as employee, coach, friend, workout fiend, TV watcher, or anything else that takes up our time.
Before I truly gave my life to the Lord some 12 years ago, I was saved and had been baptized as a boy. I would go to church on occasion but never really commit myself to anything more than a Sunday Service or an occasional Homecoming meal. I had other things to do. I was a married man with two small boys. I was working two jobs in order to make ends meet. I coached soccer teams seemingly year round. I had my hobbies and I loved to watch a lot of TV. I was comfortable. I was not necessarily happy or content, but I believed I was being a good citizen.
Then, I was approached by a member of our church and asked if I could help with a boy’s ministry called Royal Rangers. I never will forget reading the material and talking with him about camping, hiking, canoeing and other outdoor activities. I would laugh inside because I was not an outdoors kind of guy. Then the Lord really got a hold of my spirit. I remember thinking . . . AM I MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HIS KINGDOM? The answer, frankly, was no.
In Luke 14:28-30, Jesus spoke, asking his disciples “Suppose you want to build a tower. You would first sit down and figure out what it costs. Then you would see if you have enough money to finish it.” Have we really taken the time to sit down and count the cost? What is the cost to the kingdom if we choose 4 hours of TV over 4 hours of ministry per week? What is the cost when we choose the internet over intimacy with God? What is the cost when our families see us choose what we want over what God wants? Jesus says that those who do not count the cost will fail to lay the foundation and will not be able to finish the job. We all have a plan and purpose in God’s kingdom. Have we really counted the cost of what we must sacrifice so that we can truly serve Jesus, who gave His life for us?
My encouragement to you is to make that time, today, even now, and evaluate where you are spending your time and talent. Count the cost so that you are confident that you are where God wants you to be in His kingdom. Count the cost so that you know that you are fulfilling His plan and purpose for your life. Don’t be afraid to lay down those things that seem important or that take our focus off of what you have been called to do. It is important in these last days that we spend our time wisely, doing the work that Christ has commissioned us to do. In the end, the cost we pay now will be worth what reward we will receive in heaven. If nothing else, to hear Him say “Well done.”

-Pastor Chris Blackburn

Last Thursday

The fourth Thursday of every month we have His Provision, our food distribution ministry. This past Thursday John Spraker spoke during the service and over 500 people in over 160 families received groceries. Not just a box of food, but bags of groceries, and anyone who has had to haul these groceries knows that there is a lot in those bags. Registration begins at 5:30pm with service starting at 6:30pm. Those that are helping out, we meet at the Food House and begin bagging the groceries while everyone is in service. It takes a lot of people to make the night happen, but we all pull together and have loads of fun while we work.

Here is a peek:




People listen as John speaks on Thursday night.



Lots of people help out during the night:



Lots of groceries to bag...



To move...



And to load into the cars.




-allison