February 17, 2009
*** As the efforts expand (subtly and not so subtly) to silence Christians,
it is vital that we take opportunity to do all we can to build one another
up and to encourage one another in the faith.
We are extending one such opportunity here Saturday as we host a simulcast
half-day seminar featuring Tony Dungy. This simulcast is in a number of locations
throughout the country. For further information call: Church Communication
Network or visit on the web:
http://www.ccn.tv/uncommon/hostsites.htm
Phone: 800-321-6781
The simulcast begins promptly at 9:30 am. Breakfast will be served for
those who register for it beginning at 8:30 am.
Come join us on Saturday, February 21, 2009 for an incredible journey!
To place a reservation or more information, please call Kimberly at 231-924-4050
We have individuals coming as far as Detroit (3 1/2 hours away). Don't miss
this great opportunity. We have fathers coming with sons and a caller this
morning - mother with son.
Tony Dungy, as most of you know, is a recently retired NFL football coach.
Anthony Kevin "Tony" Dungy (born October 6, 1955) is a former professional
American football player and coach in the National Football League. Dungy
was head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996 to 2001, and head coach
of the Indianapolis Colts from 2002 to 2008. He became the first African American
head coach to win the Super Bowl when his Colts defeated the Chicago Bears
on February 4, 2007. On December 18, 2008 after securing his tenth straight
playoff appearance with a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dungy set
a new NFL record for consecutive playoff appearances by a head coach. On January
12, 2009, Dungy announced his retirement as coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
Tony Dungy is also known as a man very committed to Jesus Christ and to his
family!
Dungy stresses that coaches are essentially teachers who put faith and family
ahead of football and do not belittle their players or scream at them. Also,
like Dungy, they remain calm when things go badly. They guide instead of goad,
and Lovie Smith (presently coach of the Chicago Bears) found that perhaps
the most instructive thing of all.
Smith said,
"We talked about how to do it, being a teacher instead of screaming
and yelling, all that stuff."
Smith also said,
"I think as you look to young coaches coming up in the ranks, a lot
of us have a picture of how a coach is supposed to be, how he is supposed
to act...And I think what Tony Dungy showed me is you don't have to act that
way."
Dungy said,
"I really wanted to show people you can win all kinds of ways. I always
coached the way I've wanted to be coached. I know Lovie has done the same
thing. For guys to have success where it maybe goes against the grain, against
the culture ... I know I probably didn't get a couple of jobs in my career
because people could not see my personality or the way I was going to do it
... For your faith to be more important than your job, for your family to
be more important than that job ... We all know that's the way it should be,
but we're afraid to say that sometimes. Lovie's not afraid to say it and I'm
not afraid to say it ... ."
[taken from Wikepedia]
For more information, including information about the other speakers and
participants, see:
http://americandecency.org/updates_new/2009/February/02.21a.09.php
==============
Comments from yesterday's email
Easy answers? An email action point? Not this time.
http://americandecency.org/main.php?f=updates_new/2009/February/02.16.09
*** So right on Bill. Times are as dark as I have ever seen them. We deserve
what we are getting and yet I so desire God's mercy.
Todd and I are being bold in our testimonies of late and we are seeing many
come to Christ at our church and in Grand Rapids. God is still working. We
are meeting Him where he is at. That is the key.
D.V.
*** Bill, as sad as it may be, you have hit the nail right on the head. I
am sad for my country, maybe for the first time! Unless the Lord intervenes
I see very little future for my country. I think the last election shows the
mind set of Americans as a whole. Me and my family will continue to live for
the Lord and do what we can with the Lords help and guidance until He returns!
G.G.
Chattanooga, TN
And lastly, this, powerful comment to which I add a hearty AMEN.
Mr. Johnson,
The action point being, those of us who follow in God's ways must walk out
godliness in our everyday lives. We cannot change our culture, but we don't
have to follow it. We can and do set a higher standard.
There is such a dichotomy today between good and evil that those who follow
God's ways "stick out".
Telling the truth, being courteous (even to those who are rude), going to
church on Sunday night and Wednesday night (instead of to numerous other events)
are simple things. Yet these things bring raised eyebrows from people who
follow the culture.
My husband opens the door for me (including the car door) - regularly. We
walk hand in hand while out shopping. (Mind you, we are in our 50's.) We are
happy together and it shows. I've notice that people watch us. Several people
(strangers) have commented positively on our behavior. We frequently tell
people about the God that is the source of our joy.
I give out tracts everywhere I go. I've done this since I was a young teenager.
Ninety five percent of people appreciate this simple gesture when given with
a smile and the statement, "here's something interesting for you to read
when you get the chance". If they look at it with a confused expression,
I simply say, "It's a gospel tract. It's good news for you".
People appreciate the fact that someone cares about them. People are
starved for some good news. We are the ones to give it to them.
We ARE the action point!
Mrs. G.T.
=================
To donate online:
http://americandecency.org/folder.php?f=donate
American Decency Association
Bill Johnson, President
P.O. Box 202
Fremont, MI 49412
ph: 231-924-4050
http://www.americandecency.org
