Spirit Sparks Blog

August 06, 2010

Gospel Meeting in Rogersville, Alabama

Jamell Hamilton

Gospel Meeting in Rogersville, Alabama

 

If you’ve been among the fellowship of the churches of Christ for any considerable amount of time then you’ve heard of ensembles such as the “Southside singers” , “Committed”,  “C3”.  Perhaps you’ve also heard of names such as Chris Turner, The Malones (any/all of them – Jerome, Bryant, John, Tiffany etc.).  These are some of the names and groups associated with music in the brotherhood of the churches of Christ.   Well this year I received an invitation to come to the Southside church for their Gospel Explosion.  I’d always heard about Southside but had never visited.   I was filled with anticipation to see for myself what I’d been hearing from other people.  Brother Freeman Malone, the local evangelist of that church, gave the okay to his son and Daughter-in-law, Jerome and Tiffany.   I was encouraged by the invitation.  Especially because one of the unofficial, unwritten rules of ministry among preachers is that you don’t let someone in the pulpit that you haven’t heard before (doing so can be potentially disastrous) … Brother Freeman Malone had only heard about me through Jerome and Tiffany, yet at their word extended to me an invitation to come.   Brother Freeman and his eldest son who is the assistant minister, John Malone, were very emphatic and insistent that this was an evangelistic meeting…as opposed to a revival.   “We believe in Sound teaching here”, is what brother Freeman repeatedly said from the pulpit on Saturday before the meeting.   Brother Freeman would be considered by many to be a doctrinally conservative minister, having a strong emphasis on fundamental teaching.  This is why I was so encouraged; because while Brother Freeman may be considered conservative, the congregations worship and praise is very expressive, lively, high-octane as some would put it.  I’ll get to that in a moment though.   So Carole , myself and my brother-in-law Gerald got in a rental and began our 11 hour journey to the sweet home Alabama.   We left the Wednesday before the Sunday of the meeting because prior to the meeting the Southside church hosted a youth vocal camp.  That’s right;  A vocal boot camp for young people teaching them not only to sing but about all of the scriptural and spiritual aspects of praising the Lord through song.   From small toddlers to young adults the vocal camp was designed to equip them all in the area of praise and worship.   Carole and Gerald were invited by the Malones to make presentations in this camp.  

Saturday Night -  On Saturday night there was a musical extravaganza highlighting all of the groups, presenters and youth that participating in the vocal camp.   “WOW” was the word that repeatedly came from my mouth as I watched young children sing in four part harmony with enthusiasm the songs that they were taught in the camp.  It was amazing!!!  While many occupy themselves fighting expressions of praise in our brotherhood, Southside is busy raising up generations of young people who shameless praise the Lord with free sincere expression not based upon zeal only… but knowledge.   Praise the Lord!!!  And again, WOW.  The small frame building that the Southside church worships from was packed wall to wall with people young and old praise God.   It was unforgettable.   I’ve been to many congregations in my ministry but never experienced a congregation where just about EVERYBODY sang and loved to do it.  It was wonderful!!!   I have to admit, by the end of the concert on Saturday I had a godly fatigue that charged me up to preach the Gospel for the next 5 days.  (smile)  Carole, Gerald and I were floored by what we experienced.   

Brother Freeman Malone, the Patriarch-like minister of that church is a firm but loving man.  Being 70 years of age he still packs a mean punch. He’s very lively and exciting to be around.   It’s easy to tell that he loves the church, he loves the word and he enjoys seeing young people praising the Lord.   Upon my arrival to the building that Saturday night brother Malone took be to a room where he had various preachers (both living and deceased) hanging on a wall who had been to the Southside church.   Pictures of men like Reginald Dulin, Marshall Keeble, Richard Barclay (younger days), Harvey Jackson (younger days) and many others.  He informed me that now that I had been to Southside that I would be on the wall as well… what an honor. 

The meeting went well.   Carole and I had a good time fellowshipping with the saints of that church.  We got a chance to record in the renown Trinity ONE recording studio which was based in the home of Brother Bryant Malone.   We got a chance to sing with Tiffany and Jerome (vocal giants) and John Malone as well.   It was great.   The accommodations were wonderful.  We stayed at a resort like lodge that overlooked a lake; a good place to enjoy and appreciate God’s green earth.   The deer just walked around freely.  Lol.  All that good venison just walking around carelessly (of course it wasn’t deer season).   The family like environment of that church made it very easy for us to just feel at home.  Carole and I got a chance to meet many of the people we were friends with on facebook face to face.  

The Southside church would be considered a relatively small congregation yet the Lord is clearly using them to do some BIG things in their neighborhood and in the brotherhood.   They’re a fine example of what the Lord can do with a congregation that thinks bigger than its size.   I was deeply encouraged.  I am grateful to God for the opportunity to become acquainted with such a great congregation.  Near the end of the meeting there was a “watermelon fellowship” where everyone was encouraged to bring a “cold” watermelon (smile).   “Don’t bring no hot watermelon!!”, Brother Freeman said.   The whole experience felt like a big family reunion.   Southside also hosts a large homecoming every April with literally thousands in attendance, as well as a ministers retreat every year in February… small church, big things.  

I can go on and on but I guess it will suffice to just say that if you ever get the opportunity to go the small town of Rogersville, Alabama for any of their venues… take it.     It will leave you spiritually charged, encouraged and edified.  Thanks Southside.  Thanks Jerome and Tiffany.  Thanks Brother Freeman.  Thanks John, Bryant and oh yeah Tyrone too (smile).   Thanks for being family and for a wonderful experience;  and for being visionaries.  Thanks Liddel Newsome and Sean Bernard for your fire and encouragement.  The word was preached, the fellowship was sweet and this young preacher from Dallas is better for having been there. 

P.S. -  Genary… the dishes were off the chain.  An empty plate is the proof.  Lol. 

Southside… keep praising the LORD!!!!!

Posted August 06, 2010 | View

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August 03, 2010

Fishing in the deep blue sea!

Jamell Hamilton

Fishing in the Deep Sea!!!

 

Fishing is one of my favorite hobbies.  It’s a hobby that will certainly exercise your patience and temperance.  As a matter of fact, there are a host of people who enjoy fishing.   A month ago I took advantage of the opportunity to go deep sea fishing with some good friends from Houston.  Frank Melton (minister of the Shady Acres Church in Houston), affectionately called “uncle frank”, his son (Frank III), Lamont Robbins (old classmate from SwCC) and Brian (a brother who attends shady Acres church).  All of us went on a deep sea fishing expedition in the Gulf of Mexico off of the coast in Galveston, Tx.   Carole came with me but stayed with Lamont’s wife to prepare the feast that would be served with the great catch of fish.  Let me not forget my good friend and brother Allen Carter… who incidentally jumped off of the boat into the gulf of Mexico the year before to fetch his reel.   He REALLY loves to fish (smile).   Anyway, we went on a fishing boat called the New Buccaneer.  An Older Preacher, a younger preacher, 2 song leaders, and two brethren on a boat in the gulf of Mexico with fishing poles in hand and faith in our hearts that the trip would yield our dinner for that evening.   It was a 12 hour long expedition.   We rode for three hours out into the deep blue sea.  The staff or “deck hand”, as they are called, were really great hosts on the New Buccaneer.  Uncle Frank shared stories on previous expeditions of catching large fish.   We left the dock early that morning excited, energetic and anticipating a great catch of fish.  When the boat got about 60 or 70 miles into the gulf, the captain told everyone to drop their line.  Our lines were baited with squid.  The stench from the squid alone was enough to make you regurgitate a years worth of dinner.  We were determined.  It’s red snapper season so we all were anticipating red snapper… and boy were they biting.  Left and right people were reeling in the ferocious red snapper;  some were small and others were huge.   There was a two fish maximum of red snapper so after our limit was reached we began fishing for other fish.   King fish, red liners, grouper, porgie and  sword fish were all on the menu to catch.   I have to pause and let you know that if you’ve never eaten Red Snapper you are missing out!!!  Anyway,  as the day went on and the sun beamed down on the fishing boat in the middle of the day, fatigue began to set in.   After wrestling with the relentless fish, and enduring the noon day sun, we were beat.   We  did however end up with enough fish to eat for that night and the morning after.   It was great fellowship and a good work out.   We all decided that this would be an annual expedition and that we  will invite others to share in the bounty of fish.   What a great expedition!!!   Oh yeah... Allen didn't feel the urge to jump into the gulf of Mexico this year!!!  Yeah!!!  (The deck hand remembered him because of this)

Next Blog:  Gospel Explosion in Rogersville, Alabaman....   

Posted August 03, 2010 | View

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July 11, 2010

Mt. Mitchell Revival - East Texas

Jamell Hamilton

MT. Mitchell Church Revival - East Texas

There is something very peculiar about East Texas.   Having ministered in East Texas for about 4 years I can attest that East Texas has its own culture and set of customs.   It had been a considerable amount of time since I ministered in the piney woods of East Texas.  As a matter of fact, not since I've been blogging on spirit spark have I had an engagement in East Texas.   So since I received the opportunity to minister there I certainly did not want to omit this experience from my blog.   Providence would have it that I was called to do a gospel revival in Omaha which is just 10 minutes from MT. Pleasant, the city where I ministered for 4 years out of college.   Because Omaha is a smaller community my accommodations  were in MT. Pleasant.  Upon arrival,  I began immediately noticing that MT. Pleasant had changed a great deal in the 10 years since I had been gone.   Restaurants, gas stations, hotels, supermarkets, department stores and privately owned businesses where added and flourishing there in MT. Pleasant.  Brother Joe Rivers,  who was actually my wife's youth minister back in the day, was the host minister and kindly saw to it that we had what we needed.  Brother Rivers, a very eloquent minister who always has a thirst for knowledge, had labored at the MT. Mitchell church for the last 14 years.   He was no stranger to that community because it was where he was raised.    Who all went?  Well this time it was myself, Wood (armor-bearer),  my three daughters and niece.  Carole was in Nashville and would join us a couple of days later on her way back.   When we arrived at the MT. Mitchell church, after having made a wrong turn and gotten a little lost, there awaited us an audience full of East Texas folk who I had grown familiar with over the 4 years that I ministered in that area.  Uncles, Aunts, cousins, in-laws, double related folk, "big mama's" and paw-paws usually made up the congregations down there.  I don't see how anybody ever marries in that area being that almost everyone is related (smile).  Anyway, it was good to see so many familiar faces from the area congregations... black and white.   

One of the things I really missed about East Texas was the home cooking.   I mean fresh greens (collards, turnips, and mustards), picked right from the back yard;  baked and fried chicken... I hope not from the backyard (LOL); black-eyed peas, fresh onion and candied yams are just a few of the tasty dishes that lingered longer on my hips than my lips.   Not only the food, but there is something about "church" in east Texas that is informal and just plain ole' sloppy.  I mean people just sing out.  You may hear a loud soprano, a wandering alto in the front, an unpolished tenor in the middle of the church and then bass on just about every octave that there is.  Then there was another pitch that I'll safely just call a joyful noise.  Just plain ole country church is what it was.   There is a song that they sing at the MT. Mitchell church that is led by an older brother whose name is C.C. Smith, (don't ask me what the "C.C." stands for; I didn't know then and I don't know now LOL), but he'd lead the song with a raspy yet strong voice entitled "I will travel on".   The song still rings in my head even as I type this blog.  The sisters had a part where they chimed in really strong.  It was just a good time.  Usually in East Texas, for whatever reason, you get to hear songs that perhaps you hadn't heard in a long time.  It was good.  

Before the Revival ended I was joined by my wife, there was one baptism, I had visited some members from my previous ministry, I sang a duet with my wife by request of her former youth minister, brother Rivers and I watched as Reginald Woodrow stood there with a shocked expression on his face from the unique country culture of the area.   There were people there from Omaha, MT. Pleasant, Pittsburg, Texarkana (my amen corner... Sister Ray), Dangerfield and other surrounding communities.  What a time!!!!   I do regret, however, that I didn't get to go over to Pittsburg for their famous hot links...maybe next time.  

So if you ever find yourself in the Piney woods of East Texas, riding up highway 30 east toward Arkansas... just know that the church of Christ welcomes you in that area. No need to bring sophistication with you, no need to bring formality; just bring yourself and BE yourself at the MT. Mitchell church or any congregation in that area.   They will definitely leave a light of hospitality on for you.   Thanks East Texas!!!  And Take Care!!!

Posted July 11, 2010 | View

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June 27, 2010

Hopewell Youth Conference

Jamell Hamilton

 Hopewell Youth Conference


It's been a long time since I've been called to do an engagement specifically for young people.  The invitation to be the Keynote speaker at the Hopewell Youth Conference otherwise known as the HYC broke the monotony of not doing a youth event for a season.  Brother Leu Gilbert, who is the minister of the Arlington Road church and the host of this great conference extended to Carole and I the invitation to come and keynote the event.  He and his wife Lea worked diligently together with the team of people from the organizing committee.   Hamilton Landrum was the guest song leader doing an excellent job motivating the youth.  
There were over 200 youth in attendance ranging from toddlers to teenagers.  The young people, bursting with youthful energy yet full of curiosity for the word of God were very receptive to all of the presentations following along with tip toe anticipation.   The event took place on the campus of the Historically black Virginia State university.   Young people were represented from Baltimore, Philly, New York, and several areas throughout Virginia.  There was one young person who decided to give his life to Jesus on Sunday which of course was very exciting.  I was pleasantly surprised when my mother drove down from Brooklyn with a family friend to be at this event and to see her baby son.   This trip was certainly a refreshing engagement.   I got an opportunity to meet some of the other ministers in the area along with the youth counselors who dedicate themselves to guiding and positively influencing youth to pattern themselves after the prince of peace.  My prayer is that every young person is perpetually impacted by conferences and rallies such as the HYC.  Go Hopewell!!

Posted June 27, 2010 | View

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June 27, 2010

Revival in Chickasha Oklahoma

Jamell Hamilton

 Revival in Chickasha Oklahoma


It is an amazing thing how different each revival experience is for me from place to place.  Each congregation is unique in its make-up and in its personality.  The most recent experience that I've been blessed to have has been the gospel meeting/revival in Chickasha Oklahoma.  Evangelist Willie Mays is the minister there and has been for the last decade or so.  He's a very mild mannered man who loves the congregation and who equally loves the city it's in. He along with his wife, Terry, are doing a great work there in that city.  Many of you reading this may never have even heard of Chickasha but it is definately making its mark.  The congregation is racially diverse consisting of black, white and native american members.   That's right!!! Native American.  The town is smaller than it's neighboring major city, Oklahoma city, yet the church is doing some innovative and creative things to minister to hurting people.   On this particular venture I had the privilege of having my wife, Carole, my brother-in-law, Gerald and my armor-bearer, Woodrow.   The hotel we lodged with consisted of many of the very members of the 1st and Georgia church.  Stephanie, the minister's sister-in-law has a supervisor position there and uses her job as an opportunity to teach and ultimately baptize many of the employees there.  This was quite encouraging.  The people of that congregation were very warm and welcoming.   When we arrived we were greeted with a fish fry with the Bishops and evangelist's families.   Meeting many of the Native American members proved to be a great experience as well.  We got an opportunity to share in their culture with a meal that they call "indian tacos".   Very tasty, unique and delectable.    

Through the relentless efforts of the preacher, wife, her sister and the meeting there were 2 people who gave their lives to Jesus that week.   They too were Native Americans.  What I found to be intriguing and refreshing was a ministry that the congregation has that ministers to people who are recovering from addiction called the serenity group.   Several lives have been and are being touched through this ministry which is led by one of the Bishops of that congregation who himself had a bout with addiction.   I'm convinced that this is what the church should be about;  meeting real people with real issues where they are and introducing them to a better life in Jesus.   The church should be a place where broken become better and wounded becomes wonderful.  Such is the case with the 1st and Georgia church.   That town has a rich native american history that is also reflected in the church.   I am grateful to God for allowing me to have such a sobering experience there (excuse the appropriate pun).   I travel to do these meetings with the purpose of helping and encouraging the church, yet often times the encouragement is mutual and I leave being encouraged by what I experience at these engagements.   If you are ever in the town of Chickasha... you won't be disappointed should you find the 1st and Georgia church.  Thank God for this church and their ministry of reconciliation!!!!

Posted June 27, 2010 | View

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June 25, 2010

What are you doing in Crete??

Jamell Hamilton

YEARS & NO ELDERS YET???

 

“For this cause left I thee in Crete…”

Titus 1:5

In Crete but not ordaining: What are you doing in Crete?

 

 

One of the things that has baffled me in recent years is how an Evangelist can labor somewhere for years and establish no biblical leadership.   These can be some of the same men who are blunt and adamant about other fundamental points of doctrine and preach them with great fervor and power.  These are often men who can have sterling reputations throughout the limited brotherhood of the C.o.C.   (I say limited because often when many think of the brotherhood they are not thinking universally).  This blog entry will not sit well with some who prefer an autocratic style of leadership, however, elders and deacons are just as much a part of what makes up the New Testament church as is worship.    In a previous article that I’ve written entitled *“why some won’t ordain”  I explored various reasons why some Evangelists make no effort to train and ordain leaders in the church.  One of those reasons explored was the horror stories of Bishops (I use synonymously with “elder” in this article), who attempt to lord over the flock including the very evangelist that trained and ordained them.   This definitely ought not to be so!!!!  However, there is still no biblical justification for forsaking this aspect of the work of an Evangelist.    The apostle Paul was crystal clear when he said to Titus in Titus 1:5 “For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou should set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every city as I have appointed thee”.   In principle,  Titus had a purpose and Paul had an expectation.   He was left, or better yet, “left behind” in Crete to do what Paul appointed him to do.  The implication is that 1) It would take Titus some time and 2) It would be by way of process.   Paul already establishes with Timothy not to lay hands on no man suddenly (1 Timothy 5:22) so it’s no surprise or wonder why Paul literally “left” Titus in Crete to ordain Elders.   I believe that part of the process of ordaining elders was training.  By training I mean the committal of the word to faithful men who in turn could teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).  There is legitimacy to those who say that it takes time to ordain.   Impulsivity has no place when it comes to ordaining elders.  However, how many generations does it take to train and ordain elders?  What’s are we really doing in Crete?  Are we establishing ourselves in Crete?  Are we acting as dictators in Crete?  How could it be that several generations come and go in the “Crete” of a congregation and no one is qualified for leadership?   If an Evangelist can be some place for years and no one qualifies… is it a testament of the inaptitude of the brethren or the inaptitude of the evangelist to train the brethren?  If Titus had no intention of ordaining then why should he be left in Crete?   These are just a few of the questions that should be answered to examine what’s happening in the modern day Crete of our congregations via the modern day Titus.    If a congregation does not know better,  it will settle and sit idly by while one generation after another grows up and moves out of the congregation with the congregation having the minister as it’s sole official government under Christ.  Intimidation can often be used by the evangelist to keep the church in this pitiful leadership-less rut.   This is the same tactic used by some false denominational preachers who don’t want to be questioned about their doctrine.  Hmmm… go figure. 

 

Having ministered to the Mountain View Church for the last ten years I have been given front row tickets to the purpose of qualified, trained leadership.  While I’ve ministered to the masses, the Bishops ministered to the individual sheep.  Attempting to keep up with every baby born, every elderly person sick, every graduation, every marital spat, every potential wolf or thief of the flock all while maintaining their own lives and families is not a task that can be accomplished by one person; and it can even become overwhelming for a group of men depending on the size of the congregation.     Can a congregation grow and be successful without elders??  One analytical look throughout our brotherhood would reveal various congregations that are “successful”  without elders but please know that successful does not always mean “effective”.   While there are some who are content with success,  being the high regard of the brotherhood,  the Lord is calling us to be effective, being the impacting reach of the neighborhood.   I’ve heard it suggested from the pulpits of some of our national lectureships that the preacher should be questioned if he is not preaching the gospel… to which I am in complete agreement of.  However,  let me make this addendum;  that if the Evangelist has been left in Crete for decades and there are still no elders… then just what is he doing in Crete?   Not written to offend…but to empower.   

 

*Request article entitled “Why some don’t/won’t ordain”.

Posted June 25, 2010 | View

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June 01, 2010

Revival at the Bellfort Church

Jamell Hamilton

 Revival at The Bellfort Church - Houston Texas


Once again the Lord guided my path to the city of Houston.  Houston has become my favorite place to be other than home (Dallas). Perhaps it's because of the way the city feels so much like "home", or because I've become somewhat familiar with the people in that city... Whatever the case I found myself in Houston just last week.   The congregation?   The Bellfort church or "the Bell" as they call it.  The Angel of that church, Brother James Glenn is one of the most down to earth, fiery, enthusiastic and charasmatic evangelist that I know.  He's a great encourager and friend. The revival was kicked off on Saturday with a CD release concert put on by the sensational singing group, the Melodiaires.  This was a great way to kick off a revival.  I'd have to say that this was also one of the most well attended revivals that I have been involved with in a long time.  Every night there was a great number of people not only from the the Bellfort church but from surrounding congregations.   A couple of days into the meeting my wife and children joined me in Houston.  They had a wonderful time as well.   One of the things that really stayed with me after this revival was the unique way that the Bellfort church welcomed its guests.  Frank Melton Jr (or the third) would burst forth in a song that simply said "Welcome, welcome to Bellfort, Welcome, thank you for coming, welcome to Bellfort".  This was very exciting and intriguing.   Anyway,  the Bellfort church rolled out the red carpet and was beyond hospital to the Hamilton family.  I am grateful for this experience.  If you are ever in the city of Houston...you'd be placing yourself in the path of a blessing to visit the Bellfort church of Christ.   Thank God for the Bell!!!!

Posted June 01, 2010 | View

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May 29, 2010

Marriage Seminar - British Virgin Islands

Jamell Hamilton

Marriage Seminar -  British Virgin Islands

The last two weeks for me has been very adventurous and interesting.  Two weeks ago, Carole and I had to do a Marriage Seminar in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.  When I tell you that this experience was an adventure I mean it in every sense of the word.  Because this was a trip that was outside of the united states it ended up being the first engagement that required a passport.  Exciting!!!  Carole and I expedited our passports so as to get them in time enough for this trip.   Phone tag with the minister of the Duff's Bottom Church of Christ in Tortola was just one of the things that added to the excitement of this trip.  We were going out of the country.  We produced and left a video with the Mountain View church where I labor letting them know where we were going.  Tortola.... 

Since 911, Carole has a phobia of flying alone; so we booked our flights together...so we thought.   Upon arriving at the ariport we found out that the plane ride consisted of a flight from Dallas to Miami, then from Miami to San Juan Puerto Rico, then from San Juan to Tortola; at least her flight did.  That's right!!! We get to the airport only to find out that we were not on the same flight until San Juan.   We found this out at the gate.  Of course Carole was livid... and sad.... and scared.  As we were given the news at the gate, she looks into my eyes, with here eyes welled up with tears and says "I wanted to fly together".   But what could we do???  I watched her as she walked through the gate without me (hey, this makes for a good sermon).  Anyway, they inform me that my flight leaves an hour and forty five minutes later from a different Gate.  After seeing her off, I walk to the Gate of my flight.   Now whenever I have a long flight ahead of me I usually stay up the night before so as to not be awake during the flight... so I was tired.  I go to my gate and sit right in front of the entry way.   I drift into a deep sleep only to wake up 46 minutes after my flight left.  I was startled and nervous and sad.  My wife was on her way and I wasn't behind her as I thought I would be.  Needless to say I didn't meet her in San Juan.... As a matter of fact, by the time I got to San Juan she was already in Tortola.  Because the connecting flight to Tortola was already gone I had to spend the night in the airport in San Juan.  What a crappy situation.  Musical planes (as opposed to musical chairs).   

I finally arrive in Tortola a day later than anticipated happy to see my wife's face.  The minister of the church there, Neriah LeBlanc, picked me up.   He, his wife Deon, his son Josiah (cute little boy), and his brother in law David.  I had only met Brother Leblanc over the phone. I Supposed him to be a much older man because of how heavy his voice was and how mature his speech was.  Upon arrival I discover that he is actually younger than I am.  He is a very fiery focused young preacher from Dominica with a young family and a lot of vision for the church there.  

Well after spending two nights or so in the hotel/resort that we stayed in... we decided to accept the hospitality given to us by the Leblanc's to be guests in their home.  Tortola is beautiful.  Full of mountainous plains and surrounded by blue crystal clear water... very hilly also.  The Leblancs live on the side of a mountain and from their back porch we could see the carribean sea and the mountains that made up the island.  Just beautiful.   As beautiful as it was I have to note that there was not a single fast food restaurant.  No Mcdonalds, no Wendy's, no KFC or Popeyes.  The food that was there was good but very expensive (comparatively speaking).  It was here that I learned the difference between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands.... US is cheaper and has fast food (among other differences).

Well, the marriage seminar was attended well by the church and even by many in the community.  Carole and I met many christians from this island including a young man who could easily pass for my biological brother... Kenny.  I not only saw this week as a time to meet many brothers and sisters from the island and fellowship with the man of God there but it was sort of a detox from fast food.  Carole and I found ourselves going to the beach during our down time... eating off of trees.  Bananas and guava and what they call sea grapes were all good experiences.  Brother Neriah and his family were extremely gracious hosts and treated us like royalty.  Was it hot???? Absolutely.   I'm not talking Texas heat either.  I'm talking about the kind of heat that causes instant sweat.  I must have lost 5lbs there but it was a most memorable experience.   The members of the Duff's bottom church were very friendly and kind.  I have to say though, I've never been to a place where chickens are everywhere.   In the street, on the beach, on the side walk (though there weren't many sidewalks)  Chickens every where. Wild chickens.   We got a chance to eat island food... delectable.  All in all it was a good experience.   Needless to say, upon our arrival back to the states...we stormed the first Micky D's we saw.    Should you ever get a chance to go to Tortola British Virgin Islands  stop by the Duff's bottom church... I'm sure that Brother Neriah, his family and the Duff's bottom church will be happy to see you and will make you feel more than welcomed.  Oh and have some money to spend... and be prepared to fast from fast food as long as you're there.   Tortola... a beautiful island, a good church, a unique experience.  

Oh and let me not forget the people who stand in the street waiting for ride from passerby's.   No bus line.... just community.  I remember thinking to myself... wouldn't it be nice if the states were safe enough to follow suit.  I'd go back any day... preferably the cooler season (smile). 

Posted May 29, 2010 | View

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April 27, 2010

Marriage Retreat in San Antonio

Jamell Hamilton

 The Marriage retreat in San Antonio, Hosted by the South Union Church in Houston was an affair to be remembered.  I believe that marriage retreats are refreshing.  It's so easy to become stale and routine in your marriage.  Often I will purchase my favorite bag of Potato chips.  My daughters have a bad habit of digging into the bag, having their fill and leaving the bag open.  Unbeknown to me a couple of days later I'd find myself craving chips.  I'd go into the pantry, mouth watering for chips, dig into the bag of lays and grab some chips only to have my appetite broken by the staleness of the chips.  Good googly goo!!! Someone left the chips open and now they're stale.  "Who left the chips open!!"   I'd shout to my daughters in hungry indignation.   This is a fine example of how marriage can become stale.  Leaving your marriage open to the elements can sap it of freshness and make is stale.  There ought to be some closed intimate moments between a husband and wife so that freshness is maintained.  Closed moments of inside jokes, looks that only the two of you know the meaning of, private winks and sweet nothings that only the two of you share.  Marriage retreats help with these things and the South Union Retreat was no different.  Led by Brother McDaniels and Deaocn Minter, this retreat was a blessing to all who attended.   Brother Gibbs was one of the presenters.  Though I did not get the opportunity to hear his presentation by the sound of things it added sweetness to the marriages represented there.   The Mountain View church was edified and all who attended were edified I believe.   This happens every year around the same time.  Couples sat together sharing with one another.  It was great.  If you've never been on a retreat...what are you waiting for??  The South Union Retreat would be a great first experience.   Lord bless our homes today!!!  Thanks South Union church!!!

Posted April 27, 2010 | View

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April 21, 2010

3rd Ward Church April Gladness

Jamell Hamilton

Though I've been to the Houston area several times; To be exact, just about every month this year, I had never been to the 3rd ward church.   I had great anticipation about going.  Brother Royce Lemon is a very sound man of few words and pedigree so I knew that I was in for a great experience.   I was asked to give a Sunday School presentation.  Upon arriving there for Sunday School it became apparent to me that the first thing that captivated my audience was their unfamiliarity with me.  This is common when going to places I've never been before.  If looks could kill,  my wife would be getting a life insurance check today (smile).  After warming up the class finally began participating.  Asking and answering questions.   There was of course a good group of senior Saints who told their story with every line on their face and with the movement of their bodies.   Shortly after Sunday school worship began.  The praise permeated throughout that sanctuary like a fire truck siren in a closed room.   To my left I can hear brethren singing out the base line of the song.  To my right I could hear the sharp unrecognizable sounds of children who new only the melody to the songs but not the words.  Behind me I could hear what sounded like Mahailia Jackson reincarnated.  Praise was in that place.  The reception, once they warmed up to this new face of mine, was beautiful.   Young men conducted the worship service eager enthusiasm.  The warmth was felt from the least to the greatest.  After the Sermon a man walked forward with tears in his eyes, ready to give his life to Christ.  This was a wonderful experience that I pray the Lord will bless me to repeat.   Other congregations from the Houston area came to support the engagement.  It was good to see the faces of many members from congregations that  I had already spoken.    The experience at the thrid ward church was a good one.  The church was very warm and receptive.  I always look forward to going to any church in the Houston area.  They are so kind and encouraging.   The Belfort church, where James Glenn is the evangelist, is next.   Houston, here I come!!! Again.

Posted April 21, 2010 | View

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