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Another Big Day at CrossPoint

Oh, what a day!

I know I have written about this before, yet the Sundays at CrossPoint are increasingly better and better each weekend.

I emailed Bryan Haskins this morning to tell him that worship was over the top. He did a great job selecting the music, preparing the choir and leading the congregation. I loved “All About Your Glory”. I hear us singing that glorious song a few more times this year, don’t you?

It was fun introducing the many new members, and asking them to stand across the front of the room. For those of you who were there, what did you think about the new tradition we started in the third worship celebration? At the coffee bar I had potential new member ask me when the next membership class would be available so they could join. Now that is good stuff.

Speaking of the coffee bar—watch out Starbucks! I really like all the space we have to mix and mingle. I also like the changes we made to the front entrance. We have more space for traffic flow now. Plus, I think the new coffee bar area will be a better place for me to meet and greet guests.

Our open house was a great add on to the day. I was surprised with the number of people who attended. It was good to see so many Center Pointers come to take a tour. We were equally surprised to meet a number of guests who came in response to the advertisements we placed in the area newspapers. CBS 42 surprised us as well by recording a segment for the Sunday evening news. Did any of you see the segment during the 5:30 PM broadcast?

Next weekend we turn our attention to the final message of our introductory series on God’s Glory. The message title is “Do All to the Glory of God” from 1 Corinthians 10:31. We will also participate in the Lord’s Supper at the conclusion of each worship celebration. I want God’s glory to consume us. If the remaining 49 Sundays are like the first three Sundays of the year, I think God’s glory will fill us.

That’s enough about Sunday. It is my desire to return to a daily routine of writing blogs this week. I plan to do that as soon as I turn the corner on my jet lag. Now there’s a blog—overcoming jet lag. Whew! I’m tired. Is it time for bed? It sure feels like it.

This Can’t be What It’s all Cracked up to Be

Tom Brady is the quarterback of the New England Patriots. His team is currently on a 16-0 winning streak, with the possibility of going 19-0 if they win the Super Bowl. Brady was recently interviewed by Steve Kroft on 60 Minutes.

The interview took a serious twist when Brady made this vulnearable comment:

"Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there's something greater out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot of people would say, 'Hey man, this is what is.' I reached my goal, my dream, my life. Me, I think, 'God, it's got to be more than this.' I mean this isn't, this can't be what it's all cracked up to be."

When the Kroft asked him, "What's the answer?"

Brady responded, "I wish I knew. I wish I knew. I love playing football and I love being quarterback for this team. But at the same time, I think there are a lot of other parts about me that I'm trying to find."

Wow! This guy has it all—according to the world’s standards. He dates actresses. He makes big money. He owns three super bowl rings. Again, by what the world says, this guy is the epitome of success, and he still says, “This can’t be what it’s all cracked up to be.” Even though Brady is surrounded by all the accouterments of success, it is apparent his life is empty.

If you had 60 minutes with Brady, what would you say to him?

First I would commend Brady for his honesty. I appreciate his transparency. Brady is more forthright than most people in his shoes. I would encourage Brady to remain open. His openness will lead to his answers.

Next, I would let Brady know that God has the answers to his questions in the Bible. For starters, the Bible has something to say about this thirst in Brady’s heart. This emptiness in his heart is there for a reason—it’s a desire God placed there. The Bible says,

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

The Bible is clear; every human has a God-given desire for eternity in his heart. Yet man’s biggest problem is that he cannot quench that desire on his own. God must fill that void.

Obviously, I would communicate with the All-Pro Quarterback everything Jesus says about life, death and eternal life. I would begin with these truths:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Luke 19:10

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:45

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:1-7

Then, I would inform Brady that a heart filled with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the answer. The thirst in everyone’s heart is a thirst for meaning and significance. Super Bowl rings, dates with super models, endless wealth and everything else the world says we need is not the answer. The answer to life’s quest is a life filled with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul said,

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14

Finally, I would inform Tom that he is not much different from anyone else. Sure, Brady is mega-wealthy and extremeley famous, yet his struggles are the same as everyone else’s. Brady’s answer is found in God’s Word. And God’s Word will tell Brady that someone who has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ finds meaning and purpose in life. That is when I will give Tom the opportunity to repent of his life of sin and place his full confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. Until then, Tom will continue to say, “This can’t be what it’s all cracked up to be.”

Chelsea Lee's Story

Three years ago I shared a powerful a story in one of my messages of a very brave girl. Her name was Chelsea Lee. Perhaps some of you will recall her story.

My mentor Harry Lucenay was Chelsea’s pastor. Chelsea was a courageous young girl who fought a long and arduous battle with cancer. The Lord took Chelsea home to be with him after living on this earth only 7 years.

Chelsea was the first one in her family to be born again. Soon after receiving Christ she requested Dr. Lucenay to come to her hospital room to talk about being baptized. She was too sick to follow through with that biblical command of immersion by water. That is when my friend, Harry, used his creative gifts to ensure the young girl’s heart’s desire was fulfilled.

Harry went to her home just days before she died to “baptize” her. The baptism was unconventional, yet meaningful. Harry anointed Chelsea’s forehead and face with peppermint oil as a symbol of her death, burial and resurrection in Jesus Christ.

Chelsea said to Harry during her baptism, that “the smell of my baptism in Christ is sweet.”

Soon after, Chelsea went home to be with the Lord.

My family had the distinct honor of sharing a meal with Chelsea’s parents, James and Melissa Lee before departing Hong Kong. As a result of Chelsea’s faith, her mother, Melissa was born again. Six months later, her father repented of his sins and placed his faith in Jesus Christ. One of Chelsea's aunts, received Christ in the automobile with Dr. Lucenay on the way to Chelsea’s graveside. An uncle, one of James's brothers made his profession of faith soon after driving home from the graveside.

James informed me that more than half of his family has come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ as a result of Chelsea’s faith and subsequent death. He has requested we pray for his eldest brother who has not yet been born again.

If you want to experience a very real blessing, then I encourage you to click here and learn more about Chelsea’s testimony:

http://www.chelsealee.com/

Take a moment to listen to her radio interview by clicking the Audio Clip from ‘RTHK’.

Only the Lord Jesus Christ can use the battle of a brave child, and her faith in Him to introduce so many others to their own salvation.

Trust In the Lord

Psalm 115:4-9

4 Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.

5 They have mouths, but do not speak;
eyes, but do not see.

6 They have ears, but do not hear;
noses, but do not smell.

7 They have hands but do not feel;
feet, but do not walk.
and they do not make a sound in their throat.


8 Those who make them become like them;
so do all who trust in them.

9 O Israel, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and shield.

A Report From Some of Our Missionaries

Alan and Melissa are really special people. They are missionaries of the Southern Baptist Convention. Fifty percent of our World Missions Offering goes to support more than 5000 mission personnel like these dear people. Alan and Melissa have been on mission in Asia for 14 years, and have spent the last four years in Hong Kong, where Alan is the Property Manager and Treasurer of the Hong Kong Baptist Mission.

During a meal with these folks, they recounted for us some recent stories and statistics about Southern Baptists’ efforts in mainland China.

• More than 700 mainland Chinese students each year study at Hong Kong Baptist University. The IMB along with Kowloon International Baptist Church is targeting these students during their four years of study, and we are successfully reaching many of them for Christ before they return home upon graduation.
• Taylor has befriended a new convert from the mainland. His name is Edward. Edward was recently baptized at KIBC. He participated in his first Lord’s Supper last Sunday, and he could not thank me enough for what he learned. It was refreshing watching him participate and learn from the Bible.

Brian spent the day with us the other day while we toured Lamma Island. Brian is a Chinese national who is not a believer and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, but he is a seeker. Maik, the student minister for Kowloon International Baptist Church, brought him along on our excursion so he could hear more about Christ. Brian is the President of the Chinese Student Union of HKBU. Imagine what the Lord will do through him once he repents of his sin and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am so thankful CrossPoint is part of the Southern Baptist Convention, where we are making a difference for the kingdom of God. Please pray for our mission efforts in this part of the world.

Another Photo Blog

Enjoy!!

Taylor dropping to a knee and praying for me after he found out I spent the day shopping with my girls at the Ladies Market

Kelsey and her new boyfriend

people praying at the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas

Taylor and Kelsey at Temple of 10,000 Buddhas

My family atop Victoria Peak

Family at Victoria Peak, overlooking Victoria Harbor

Thank the Lord for His Protection

Okay, I am glad I did not know last week what I know this week about Beijing.

Last week I knew the communist party controlled many things in China. However, I did not know the government monitors everything that goes on in many central areas like Tiananmen Square with spies, secret police and video monitors. For example, I learned last night from some of our IMB missionaries that even street sweepers in the Square are government spies. Their job is to listen for fools like me who spread the gospel or who try to usurp the government.

Can we all just take a moment to thank the Lord for protecting your boisterous and obtrusive pastor who asked more questions than he should have the day his family toured the Square?

I now know why so many people were staring at me the morning I stopped to take a break from my run through Tiananmen Square. Additionally, no wonder our tour guide was not interested in disclosing much information about the June, 1989 student uprising where more than 7000 students were killed by the government.

For those of you too young to know or for those who have forgotten this horrible event, check out this video on youtube:



My children were appalled when they viewed this and many other videos.

It is my understanding that many of the Chinese nationals who have relocated to Hong Kong believe this videos are staged and that this event never happened. One recent convert cried as he watched the video. After watching it he said, “I used to live around the corner from Tiananmen Square and no one ever told me this happened.” And that is exactly what the Chinese government does; they treat this incident as if it never happened.

Once again, now I know why our tour guide would not divulge much about the uprising.

Perhaps he did not know about it.

Speaking of government control, when television reports from other parts of the world tell something about democracy or free elections, the Chinese government interrupts the segment with a commercial, with music or most of the time with a blank screen. It is also my understanding that not too long ago, Google agreed to let the government monitor web the citizen’s web searches so that too can be controlled. Once again, no wonder I could not connect to my blog. So, believe it or not, the Chinese people really do not have much flow of information from the outside world.

The Whitleys in China Photo Blog

If a picture's worth 1,000 words, then this could be the longest blog yet. You can click on each picture to enlarge and get more details of each photo. Enjoy!

Taylor and Kelsey at Tiananmen Square

The only part of a new suit I could afford

Vonda, Kelsey and me at a beautiful village off the coast of the Pacific

Kelsey holding a building at the Forbidden City

Me with the kids on a frozen lake at the Summer Palace

Family at Great Wall (20 degrees with 40 MPH wind). Don't you love Vonda's new hat!

Taylor picking up our "rental car" in Hong Kong

Taylor's new girlfriend

Has She Ever Heard of Jesus Christ?

The last day of our stay in Beijing included a tour of a personal home in the Hutong Village. We met a woman and spent about twenty minutes with her in her home. During the conversation my family experienced something we had never before encountered.

As we did in all of our conversations, we asked the interpreter to inquire if this woman had ever heard of Jesus Christ.

The interpreter was puzzled by my question, wrinkling his brow and shrugging his shoulders. At first I thought he did not understand my inquiry, so I explained it with a few more detail. Yet when I probed, I realized the interpreter himself did not know who Jesus Christ was.

This was a moment of sheer amazement for my family.

I said, “Jesus Christ, God’s son.” Still the interpreter looked puzzled.

Then I said, “God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins.” Again, the man was confused.

That is when I went into a full blown explanation of the gospel. It was not until I said the word “church” did the man have a clue. Additionally, when the woman responded she said she did “go to church.” There was no mention of Jesus Christ.

I probed deeper by asking if she believed in God.

As many people in this part of the world do when asked that question, the woman talked about her parents belief in Buddha, yet she said she did not believe in God.

This is the same answer our daily tour guide gave us when we talked to him about Jesus.

Jacky said his parents worshipped Buddha, and they believed in good luck, but that he did not have time to think about God because he was so busy working. Jacky said people in their 50's and 60's usually think about God, and that maybe when he reached that age he too would think about God.

When I asked him what would happen if he died before he reached that age he said he did not know. My family spent the remainder of the week discussing the Gospel of Jesus Chris with him. The message of eternal life through Jesus Chris was obviously something Jacky never before heard or considered. Each conversation we had with him was a challenge.

Please join me in praying for Jacky, and many of the 1.4 billion people in China who have not heard of Jesus Christ.

Catching Up

It has been a while since I have written my blog. Beijing was a 24/7 trip. Anyone traveling on this side of the earth must go to Beijing. It was an unforgettable experience.

Okay, so where do I begin?In three hours I will lead HKIBC in the Lord’s Supper during both morning worship celebrations. I am excited about that awesome privilege.

While in Beijing, my Internet connection was limited. I could not connect to my blog, or to any other Christian websites. I was informed last night from some Hong Kong residents that the government monitors and literally controls the web. How chilling is that?Speaking of the Communist Government, one night a maid knocked on our hotel room door to tell us to close our curtains. What did I do? You guessed it; I opened those puppies in democratic defiance.

The Beijing people were just as gracious as the people of Hong Kong.

It took us 24 hours to get adjusted to the culture. After that we soon found our way around our part of Beijing.

Having a guide with us each day helped immensely. There would be no other way to see Beijing, than with an English-speaking guide.

As for historical sites, you name it we experienced it. Each day was better than the previous day. We experienced many different venues.

The Temple of Heaven was fascinating. This is the place where the emperor would offer sacrifices for the fall harvest. It is now a park where the retired people of Beijing spend their days. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of retired people gathering there that morning. They were singing, dancing, playing games, exercising all over the place. That was really neat.

Included in our final day was a tour of private home in Hutong Village. We met a woman who lived in 300 square foot flat with her husband and daughter. Now that was interesting.

During the visit I encountered something I have never witnessed before in my years of ministry. I will try to post that story, along with a few others later this week.

Before leaving Saturday morning I decided to take a run through Beijing, and I am so glad I did. I think I ran about five miles; I am not sure because I stopped so many times to watch what was happening in front of me.

My goal was to run around Tiananmen Square, which I did. The Square was about a mile from our hotel. The closer I approached the Square, the larger the crowd continued to grow. People were flocking to the northern end. I ran down to that end to see what was happening. I estimate at least 3000 people gathered that morning to watch the military raise the Chinese flag. I stood along the street’s edge.

For some goofy reason people were staring at me just as much as they were staring at the flag-raising ceremony. I think it may have had something do with my goofy running attire. By the way, did I mention it was about 22 degrees that morning? When I arrived back at the hotel and saw what I looked like I realized why they were staring at me.

We have more pictures to post. Taylor and I will do that later today, when we have time to work through all the photos.

Thank you for praying for us. We are experiencing the power of your prayers firsthand. We look forward to our return, and to sharing with you what we experienced.

OK, Beijing Is Awesome!

I think we have finally adjusted to the time change for the other side of the world. We went to bed last night (Tuesday) at 7:30 and woke only once around 1:00 AM and then slept a little longer until 5:00 AM. That is a good night’s sleep.

We spent the day at Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. All three experiences were just too much to handle in one day. The history behind each location is so comprehensive. Tiananmen Square is a great symbol of communism. I will write more on that later. The Summer Palace puts Biltmore in the ground. The Forbidden City is 600 years old and looks like it was constructed last year.

We should be sending photos in a day or two. Believe it or not, Internet connection in Beijing is not too swift, plus it is expensive to access from our hotel. Taylor and I are looking for an Internet Café each time we venture out.

By the way, my kids are treated like rock stars around here. At Tiananmen Square a family approached us to have their photo made with us. Of course, we had our photo made with them.

Okay, it’s time now for a few insights:

• Who is telling all these people about Jesus?
• Always take an extra potty break before you leave your hotel.
• I find it humorous that it takes the sun so long to rise here in the East. Ha!
• Seriously, the sun does not rise in Beijing until 7:30 or later.
• If you grew up in Beijing you would be used to the restroom facilities.
• Chinese children are precious.
• Be sure to carry toilet paper with you, wherever you go.
• Who is telling these people about Jesus?
• Who is responsible for telling these people about Jesus?
• Who has accepted responsibility for telling these people about Jesus?

There is so much more I could write. I must stop for now. We are heading out to eat, and then we go to a martial arts show at 7:30 PM.

Below, you'll find a few pictures of our journey so far.

Grace always.

29 hours later, we arrive in Hong Kong

the chapel where Taylor preached last Sunday. See if you can spot my 3 blondes.

Whitleys at Victoria Harbor on New Year's Eve

We're in Beijing

I have no idea where to begin with today’s entry. We are wide open. We have not stopped since we left Birmingham. This is a 24-7 venture for my family.

As I posted earlier, where are we? What day is it? What time is it? Time, distance and location have no meaning in a trip like this.

We departed Hong Kong early this morning for Beijing. The difference between Hong Kong and Beijing is much like the difference between New York City and Remlap. Hong Kong is more westernized, while Beijing looks and feels like a third world country. Do not get me wrong, however, Beijing is unique, and it is beautiful in its own way. More than beautiful, this place is matchless in its history.

After checking into the hotel, Kelsey requested some real food. We have already had our fair share of Chinese and Thai food the last three days. So we asked the hotel concierge where we could find some western food. She sent us to the Beijing Hard Rock Café. Yes, we splurged. The bill was $721!!!—that’s RBMs.

Our hotel is just blocks away from Tiananmen Square. We head there in the morning, followed by a visit to Temple Paradise and several other places.

Speaking of Tiananmen Square, it is extremely unsettling seeing the numerous Peoples Liberation Army soldiers posted throughout the city. I think our hotel is near a PLA base. Speaking of the PLA, just about every other block has a government building in place.

In addition to the old buildings, you also find new construction every where. Buildings and stadiums are going up in many areas due to the 2008 Summer Olympics being hosted here. We caught a glimpse of the Olympic Stadium while driving down an 8-lane boulevard.

One more note and I am off to bed.

Please pray for Josh. He came to Hong Kong International Baptist Sunday morning. I met his father first. His father is a believer and about my age. Josh is 19 years-old. He confided in me that he is now seeking God in his life. He’s home from school in the UK for the holidays. He told me he came to church that morning to find out more about God. How awesome is it that the Lord inspired me to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Please pray for Josh.

He wants to meet Taylor next weekend, and I am excited about that meeting since I know Taylor will explain the gospel to him in an easy-to-understand manner. So remember to pray for Taylor as well.

Okay, it’s late (6:30 PM!) and I am exhausted.