It’s official, DeSoto Hills is now over four months old. My how time flies, but then again it seems like we been here for much longer. The Lord is good. I look back with wonder at where we have been, and give Him such thanks for where we now are. The road to get here was long and at times taxing, but the for me the Spirit that prevails in this place is just a further confirmation that the move was of Him. There is a need for a church like DeSoto Hills and we must continue to ensure that it remains a family of faith focused on Christ and Christ alone. I just don’t want that to be a resolve, but a reality. Pray for your staff and other church leadership as we continue to deal with the challenges associated with growing pains. These are “good” problems, but nevertheless they are problems. How we approach them and seek to solve them are critical for the continued health of our church. I just don’t want to impress people with our buildings or programs. My heart felt desire to impact them with the message of Christ, so in turn they can impact others.

Blessed Beyond Measure,

Bro. James

 For many Baptist the name Saint Francis of Assi brings up images of a man in a habit feeding squirrels with a bird seating on his shoulder, or perhaps for those of us familiar with Memphis we might think of a hospital located just off of Popular Avenue which bears his name. However, for me the name has in recent years been associated more with a great quote, for it was Saint Francis of Assi, this nature loving priest, who nailed what the gospel should be about when he said,

“Preach the gospel and when necessary use words.”

Now certainly you know this preacher loves to use words, but they are not the only avenue through which to share the gospel. Actions do speak louder than words, and sometimes a picture is worth a thousand of them. Sunday we have a wonderful opportunity to see the gospel portrayed, not through words, but clay as we welcome Dr. Sam Gore to DeSoto Hills. Dr. Gore is a sculptor and educator at Mississippi College. It is my prayer that this extraordinary “sermon” will not only remind us of what Christ did for us, but also remind us of what Christ can do through us. Use your gifts, whatever they may be, to “preach the gospel”.

Learning to Listen,

Bro. James

Guest Speaker Gary Linville

 Gary Linville [29:49m]: Download (168)

It is difficult to convey with mere words the impact Blue Mountain College has had upon your pastor. It is where I found the Lord, it is where I found my wife, and it is where I found direction for life that has not wavered in thirty years of church life during the good, the bad and the ugly. Foundations for ministry were laid there that continue to impact me today and in turn impact each one of you. The Lord has certainly used other experiences and other opportunities I have had to build on that foundation, and yet the foundation remains as true and sound as it was way back then. Sunday we welcome Blue Mountain College to DeSoto Hills via Gary Linville. Gary is a graduate of BMC and native of DeSoto County. He serves on staff both at the college and at Ingomar Baptist Church outside of New Albany. I have been impressed with this young man for years now, and I know you will join me in prayerfully listening to what the Lord wants to say through him as we focus on the fruits of faith based education.

Proud to be a Grad,

Bro. James