What is God Up To?

By Mark Tuggle

I didn't know a soul when I came to Colorado seventeen years ago as a young lieutenant in the Army. Penny and I had been married only two months, and she was still back in Virginia, finishing school.

God used a "chance" meeting in line at the FT Carson Ski shop to lead me to Pulpit Rock, and I've never looked back, except with fondness. For the first time in my life, I received formal discipleship training. Penny and I grew into our faith as many others took interest in our spiritual formation and my leadership development. I was encouraged to seriously consider whether God was calling me into vocational Christian ministry.

After I left the Army, the church leadership took a chance on me as a pastor, even though I had only just begun taking classes at Denver Seminary. In my 12-1/2 years on staff, I've had eight different job titles. Most of those roles came about when a ministry was in transition. It's been a pattern for me here—to help lead ministries through tough transitions.

I am fully invested and committed to this church; that's why it's easy for me to give up the Senior Pastor role. I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is what's best for Pulpit Rock. As of February 1, I have resumed my position of Executive Pastor, and Thomas Thompson is the new Senior Pastor. And I believe God is up to something huge.

Two years ago, God gave me a picture of Pulpit Rock Church as a fallow field. After many years of harvest, its soil was depleted, worn out. It needed a Sabbath rest to be replenished with nutrients. We have been preparing the field for planting. It's been tough work to get ready for planting season.

And now we are ready. The field is well-tended and freshly seeded for God to bring the harvest in season. God confirmed this to me in Luke 13:6-9. This parable refers to God's efforts with His people and their failure to bear spiritual fruit. God is giving them one last chance, making an extraordinary effort in sending Jesus to tend to them. If they don't respond to Jesus' efforts, God's going to cut them down and plant a different tree.

I feel like God is talking to me about my church through this passage. He is letting me know that He's done some extra work tending the garden of our church, and although we have not born much fruit recently, it is time for us to bear much fruit. We have had a season of preparation and seeming barrenness, but God has been at work, graciously cultivating our "tree" these last couple of years. We are entering a season of bearing fruit; we will not be cut down.

I'm more excited about this church right now than I've ever been. I hope this vision gives you some excitement too. I am excited about this transition, eager to serve our church family as Executive Pastor. Most of all, I am full of optimism and expectation at what God is doing (and about to do) here at Pulpit Rock Church. Penny and I have been here for seventeen years, and I am convinced the best years of life and ministry at Pulpit Rock are upon us. *

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Mark has been active in ministry at Pulpit Rock since 1993. After five years as an Army officer, he resigned in May 1997 to answer a call to pastoral ministry. He earned his Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary in 2004. Mark is passionate about the local church and rejoices when followers of Jesus "plug in" to the local church body. He is married to Penny and they have three children, Asher, Abigail, and Emma.

From the Big Desk: February 2010

By Senior Pastor Thomas Thompson

Thanks for your support and graciousness through this transition. I am honored to be your Senior Pastor. I am excited to "Expect Again" as God leads us from sowing in tears to reaping in joy.

We have been praying and speaking about changing our expectations of God. Do you believe in His ability to do more than we ask or imagine? Is He daring us to laugh joyfully at the days to come, knowing He has big plans? Great men and women of God, it is that kind of laughter we seek—the laughter of seeing God do unexpected things for undeserving people.

With that in mind, keep considering these two questions out of Psalm 126:

1. What are you expecting God to do in 2010 that if He did, you would just laugh?
2. What would you pray if God promised you it would happen in 2010?

Already some of you have begun sharing your answers with me. I would love for you to respond to these so I can pray with you and feed off your expectations. *

Led to the Lord

By Eunisha Rabbipal

I have to admit, I cried the first day I went to DivorceCare. We had to introduce ourselves and tell a bit of our stories. When it was my turn, I started to say why I was there, but my emotions were uncontrollable and flowed with my tears.

My life felt very lonely, and I was living a hurtful existence. Each day I woke up with heartache and hopelessness. DivorceCare was recommended by family members who knew that I was hurting and knew I needed some sort of support. As I continued attending the weekly support group sessions, I felt more comfortable opening up and sharing my hurt and journey with others in the class.

After a few weeks, God made Himself known to me.

Even though the sessions were good, I was still lost, hopeless, and without faith. I was sitting on my bed that night, doing homework from my DivorceCare handbook when I suddenly realized I needed to invite Jesus Christ into my life.

I prayed, saying, "Yes Lord, I understand what You are all about and what I need to do. I am ready." Immediately, a sense of warmth overcame me and my attitude changed. It was a spiritual euphoria that I can't put into words. I knew I wasn't alone and didn't feel scared anymore. I knew God came to me to save and protect me.

As the days went by, I looked forward to my relationship with God. I want to see Him in my life and hear Him speaking to me. I have immersed myself in books and programs to help direct me toward God. I feel blessed that He knew me at my lowest of lows, yet He still came to me.

DivorceCare also helped me know that I was not alone on this journey. All the feelings and emotions I was going through was a normal part of divorce, and what I was feeling was not crazy but normal. Hearing others' stories and seeing God in them has shown me that life still goes on. I need to get up, dust myself off, and move on.

Today I am still hurt and I know the hurt won't just disappear. But I’ve given much forgiveness, and I’m trying hard to wake up each day with a smile because I know that God has a plan for me. *

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Eunisha Rabbipal's journey to the United States began almost 13 years ago when she left South Africa and made America her new home. She is married to John Mark Amundson, and they have twin boys, Eli and Jed.

Missionary Mailbox: George & Cathy Brown

European Christian Mission International

George and Cathy Brown have been involved in international ministry for more than 25 years. Having served with Greater Europe Mission (GEM) for 20 years, including 7 years in France as church planters, they also helped GEM launch VisionQuest Alliance, a shared services ministry.

Pulpit Rock Church commissioned George and Cathy in November 2008 to serve with the European Christian Mission International (ECMI). George is the Executive Director of the U.S. section of this organization. His job involves developing ministry strategy and resources for the broader work of ECMI.

ECMI has more than 120 missionaries made up of 20 nationalities serving in 19 of Europe's 53 countries. Most people consider Europe to be a post-Christian continent; meaning that over time, it has gradually assumed values, culture, and worldviews that are not necessarily Christian (or any other world religion's standpoint). The number of Christ-followers makes up less than 2% of the people in most countries. It is the only continent in the world where the Christian church is declining. ECMI's mission is to establish and develop reproducing churches that evangelize and disciple the people of Europe.

Over the past year, ECMI-USA has been able to send out three new missionaries to the field (Spain and Belgium) and has appointed two new couples for ministry in Italy and Spain. Visits to schools, churches, and Urbana 2009 (a triennial missions conference), have produced more than 350 inquiries of interest for ministry in Europe.

Along with his work in the States, George has also ministered the Word of God and seen firsthand the work of ECMI in Poland, Spain, Romania, the United Kingdom, and France. Please pray that the Lord will raise up workers for Europe. *

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George and Cathy Brown have three adult children: Christopher, Michelle and David. They have attended and served at Pulpit Rock Church in a variety of capacities since 1994 when they moved with Greater Europe Mission from the Chicago area. You may contact them at george.brown@ecmi.org.

100 Years Strong

By John Bender

What do you think of when you hear these words together: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent? Have you guessed it? It's the Boy Scouts of America, which turns 100 years old this month.

On February 14, we'll celebrate the centennial with our own Pulpit Rock Church Boy Scout Troop 71, which has been together for a quarter of that century! But what is Boy Scouts?

Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell, England formed Scouting out of his experience training and then admiring young military scouts in Africa. He desired to train up boys to be honorable leaders and envisioned an international movement of young men to literally seek world peace. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

In 1917, after three years of war, Baden-Powell wrote, if "a considerable proportion of the future citizens of each nation forms part of this brotherhood, they will be joined by a bond of personal friendship and mutual understanding such as has never existed before which will help to find a solution to terrible international conflicts."

Years later, Baden-Powell assigned a new mission to Scouting: strive for and maintain peace. He visited other countries continuously, encouraging National Scout Organizations to educate for peace and understanding between peoples.

Besides promoting peace, the Boy Scouts have been eminently "green" before passing environmental trends. Baden-Powell wrote, "Nature study is designed to develop a realization of God the Creator and to infuse a sense of the beauty of Nature."

As we believe that all truth is God's Truth, Pulpit Rock Church supports our boys by supporting Troop 71. The primary goals of Troop 71 are fourfold: to promote growth of moral strength and character in boys ages 11-18; citizenship and service with a focus on relationships to others, society, and government; physical, mental and emotional fitness; and to maintain the spiritual values and training of Pulpit Rock Church.

What a joy it is for dads and moms to journey with their sons through some of the most critical years of their lives—their teens. I've seen young boys traverse the mountain of youth to adulthood. I've seen them under the godly influence of leaders, seen them achieve and grow, become self-confident and honorable.

"The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him." (Proverbs 23:24)

Be sure to visit The Gathering Place on February 14 to learn more about the Boy Scouts at Pulpit Rock Church or visit www.scouttroop71.com. Troop 71 meets in the main auditorium every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. *

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John Bender is the Troop Committee Chairman of Pulpit Rock Church's Boy Scout Troop, Wes Sawyer is the Church Representative, John Dewsnap is the Committee Secretary, and Steve Hoiberg is the Assistant Scoutmaster.

What One Person Can Do

By Madelene C.

When I heard about the disaster in Haiti, I could not imagine how horrible it would be to be there. Families were separated and family members killed—all when they were already poor!

My mom and I were talking about the difference that one person could make, and she told me an inspiring story about a 7-year old boy who raised over $200,000 for Haiti by riding his bike eight kilometers (five miles) around a local park. His age didn't stop him from doing something that helped people, and he was just one person.

I'm 10 years old, and I have decided that I want to help too! My mom recommended holding a bake sale at our church because I love to bake. So the Haiti Fundraising Bake Sale will be on Sunday, February 21 in The Gathering Place. I'll be doing most of the baking, as well as making posters for our table.

I am one person, and I am stepping forward. My goal is to raise $850 to help families in Haiti. *

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Madelene is 10 years old. She has always had a compassionate heart for people. She is very creative and loves to draw and design new fashions. She also enjoys riding her bike and playing games with friends and family.

Behind the Woodshed: February Family Love

By Tawdrie VanScandalcam

I have decided to make a New Year's Resolution. (Yes, I'm late, but who's counting?) I resolve to stay positive and to seek out gossip that is celebratory. Good news can be very interesting news! So I'll avoid reports on people throwing up or falling down, but that's all I can promise.

For starters, let's celebrate the fact that Shelly Myers is doing very well. As some of you know, she went to the hospital last month and came out with a shiny new appliance near her heart that will keep her doing the Rhumba for years to come.

A big HOORAY for the Middle School Youth Group who beat the High Schoolers in a game of "Assault" at the Camp Elim retreat. Young Jake Myers showed exceptional athletic ability, but he did not have to hold his team alone. Josh Allen, who was nearly thrown by the sight of his mom, Amy Allen, lip syncing to "You've Got the Beat," was able to hold it together long enough to help bring home the win.

Elinor Granzow was recognized as a Hometown Hero last month by Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial for service to the community. I'm not sure what she did, but I'm proud of her. Maybe she saved a baby from a burning building. At any rate, way to go, Elinor!

Tre Pinyerd recently graduated 3rd in his class form the Colorado Springs Police Academy. Congratulations! His girls, Deb, Mayce, and Taytum are surely delighted by his accomplishment.

A couple of Sundays ago, I wandered into a colorful room full of balloons, great little gifts and tasty cake. Can you believe it? Children's Pastor Bonnie Aldrich was celebrating a few little ones who all did the same thing: They accepted Jesus Christ as their savior some time last year!

I promised that if they gave me some cake, I would publish a photo of them, so see above. Pictured from back left are Noah and Jeremiah Smith, Tucker Garrett, Seth Shoop, and Colin Smithouser. In the front row are Bethany Lugauer and Chloe Hanson. Thanks for the cake, and welcome to God’s family!

A giant celebration is still being held by Danny and Angie Theda. They now have two little adopted boys in their home! I would tell you more about this fantastic story, but the Editor says there will be a whole article on them in next month's Front Porch and not to scoop her. *

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Tawdrie may not be fast on her feet, but her quick wit makes up for it. If you have anything your family or friends are celebrating, email me at tawdrie@pulpitrock.com.