PDF file - Bible Teaching Resources

WINTER 2007

COACH’SCLIPBOARDby Don AndersonA Gift Too Wonderful for WordsMary and Joseph journeyed to Jerusalem. As the curtainopens on the scene, we met a beautiful old man. Scripturetells us that “there was a man in Jerusalem whose namewas Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout,looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spiritwas upon him” (Luke 2:25). Immediately, we know fourthings about this elderly gentleman.First, Simeon was “righteous.” He desired to seegoodness and holiness enacted in his life. Such peopleare given a wonderful promise in Matthew 5:6, whereChrist says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst forrighteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (NASB). AndSimeon was satisfied whenhe, at long last, was given aglimpse of the Savior.We also know that Simeonwas “devout.” The worddevout, in this usage, indicatesan anxiety to do well. Itmeans “to take hold of withreverence.” It is an attitude ofthe heart. Man looks on theoutward appearance and judges another as righteous byhis actions; only God can look upon the heart and know ifone is truly devout, as was Simeon.This old man also constantly looked for something:“the consolation of Israel.” When things get bad for us,we often say, “Well, at least we have one consolation….”Israel, in Simeon’s day, was under Roman domination.The single consolation to which the nation could cling wasthe promise of God that the Messiah would come. He wastheir last hope, and Simeon probably spent many a nighton his knees praying for the arrival of this King.We also read of Simeon that “the Holy Sprit was uponhim.” The Bible never minces words. The Holy Spiritwas not in Simeon because the Spirit had not yet cometo indwell believers. It would be 33 years later whenChrist, in the upper room, would promise His disciplesthat God’s Spirit would live within them (see John 14:17).Simeon simply experienced the Holy Spirit’s presenceupon him so that he might perform special service. Hewas a man who walked with God, and God used him. TheHoly Spirit was with him temporarily.Simeon was a classic example of a man who had notbecome bitter with age, but better. Some of us do not growold so sweetly. We find old age the height of frustration.Why? It’s because we cannot perform as we once did.The old body just isn’t what it used to be. We tire moreeasily; the ticker skips a beat or two; the eyes don’t allowus to read everything we want. We indulge in self-pity,becoming cranky, cantankerous, critical, and just plaintough to live with.Psychiatrist and theologian Paul Tournier writes ofgrowing old in his 1963 text, Season of Life:The die is cast. That which I have been able to do, to learn, or toacquire is gradually losing its value. The doing and the havingare giving way to the being. What is important for the agedis not what they are still ableto do, nor yet what they haveaccumulated and cannot takewith them. It is what they are.(Tournier 54-55){ }The more we get to knowthe Lord, the more we’regoing to love Him.The era for Geritol andpacemakers is also the timewhen, as Tournier suggests,what we are becomes farmore important than what we are able to do. God designsour bodies to slow down in old age, so that He can refinethe being, rather than the doing, in our lives. Recognizingand accepting that truth is how we become better withage. Simeon had learned the priceless lesson that what aman is vastly outweighs what a man does in the eternalscheme of things. With the Holy Spirit upon him, he wasrighteous, devout, ever looking for the consolation ofIsrael.And God made him a marvelous promise. Luke 2:26says of Simeon, “And it had been revealed to him by theHoly Spirit that he would not see death before he hadseen the Lord’s Christ.” Through faith, Simeon knewthat before he died, he would gaze upon the face of theMessiah, the consolation of Israel.Like Simeon, the more we get to know the Lord, themore we’re going to love Him, and the more He’s goingto share with us the secrets of His heart. Part of spiritualgrowth involves the sheer joy of having the Lord imparttruth to us as we spend time with Him in prayer andin the reading of His word. It is a delight to partake ofprecious, secret, special thoughts offered us as we growcloser to Him. As Proverbs 3:32 states, “For the crookedcontinued on page 18Bible Teaching Resources

Reflections on the Camping35 Years of Bible Teaching Resources(As part of our celebration of 35 years of ministry, board member Clyde Womack reflects onfamily camping through the years with Bible Teaching Resources.)It was 1987. Mywife, Kathy, andher friend NancyMcDonald werelooking for a campfor our families toattend—one thatwould provide a“shared experience,”but also “relief” fromtoo much “togetherness.”They thoughtabout Pine Cove inEast Texas but thatseemed way too hot.Another friend, SarahBoyd, mentioned a fabulous family camp put onby Don Anderson Ministries at Trail West Lodge inbalmy Buena Vista, Colorado. Frankly, I was not toofired up about driving all the way up to some Christiancamp with two screaming kids to listen twice aday to some Bible preacher I had never even heardof. However, I bit the bullet and we ventured off toColorado with the McDonalds and our kids. We hadcar trouble on the way. Thinking back, we had cartrouble almost every time we went to Trail West. Ithink we became some of the Buena Vista Chevroletdealership’s best customers. Martin McDonald and Ifigured that our wives and kids could go to the Biblestudies and we’d head down to the Buena Vista Bar& Grill.Believe it or not, we never made it there. However,I have heard stories of people who hid in theirrooms during the Bible studies and only participatedin the sports and activities at camp, that is until theLord got ahold of them.Back then, Donna and Mark Skorheim (Don’sdaughter and son-in-law) were in charge of team activitiesat family camp and the action was non-stop.Of course, I arrived already worn out, stressed outand done in. I also managed to get altitude sickness.The first night, they made me a team captain andI will forever be grateful to Doug Boyd for coveringfor me. I laid low most of the week, but by thefamous Nerd Night, I was feeling a little better andmade my coming out appearance, managing to effortlesslysecure the title of King Nerd with an outfitstraight from my closet and my hair (that’s backwhen I had hair) parted straight down the middle.Sue Smith was Queen Nerd. I don’t think anyonehas ever come close to robbing us of our titles.Sitting in those Bible studies at that first familycamp, I quickly realized that I was really out ofwhack spiritually and exhausted physically. I wasso out of shape that first year, I could only make itabout half the way up Cottonwood Pass. I vowed toget in shape (like Don) and I purchased Don’s tapeson Ecclesiastes and theMid-life Crisis. I beganto listen to them as Iworked out and grewin my relationshipwith the Lord overthe months followingBible Teaching Resources

Ministry by Clyde Womackcamp. The next year I made it all the way to the topof Cottonwood Pass with my daughter Whitney onmy shoulders.Another summer I was having some issues atwork and it was tough to get away, but we managedto make it to Trail West once again. I was sitting onthe porch and saw a brown UPS truck heading upthe drive. I thought, “Someone is getting a packagedelivered.” Unfortunately, it was a delivery for mefrom work. At first I was mad. Then I thought, “HereI am looking up at the mountains. Enjoy the beautyand just do your work here. Quit feeling sorry foryourself.”We attended Trail West for seven straight years.Our daughters, Missy and Whitney, were six andthree when we began. Justto let you know how greatthose times were, one summerwe gave our girls thechoice of DisneyWorld orDon’s camp. It was Trail West,hands down. Both Whitneyand Missy were baptized byDon in the swimming pool atTrail West. We wouldn’t takeanything for the years we went to Trail West. Theexperiences we shared and the people we met havechanged our lives and blessed us beyond measure.Missy also went to Frontier Camp (Don’s kidscamp in East Texas) when she was six years old. Wefelt so guilty about leaving her at such a young agethat we drove to the nearest town and mailed hersome cards so she would receive them the first partof the week. Kathy and Whitney followed in Missy’sfootsteps and attended Frontier Camp in a subsequentsummer. The summer that Kathy helped out,her camp name was “Daisy,” and no one will everforget Whitney crying all week long.Kathy and I started attending Don’s Bible studiesin Fort Worth at various friends’ homes, and Ihave attended the downtown Fort Worth study since1987. We have also been to many wonderful couplesconferences at Kaleo Lodge (and we have the poundsto prove it, courtesy of Johnnie’s famous cooking).We joined Don’s board and I was immediately on theColorado campcommittee. It hasbeen a privilegeto be on the boardall of these yearsand to fellowshipwith so manywonderful Christian board members.Don married Missy and her husband, Dave,three years ago last September. Don did a great jobpersonalizing the ceremony and vows, so much sothat person after person commented on how uniquethe ceremony was.From Don’s Bible studies we have learned somuch about the scriptures. His teachings are so consistentand true to the Word. Don inspired me to startmemorizing Bible verses. Through Don’s encouragementand enthusiasm I started doing daily devotionalsand daily prayer. I have my prayer time in themornings and do my daily devotional late at night.Unlike Don, I am a night owl.Also unlike Don, I am a geek type. My favoriteguy in my office is the computer guy. I suggestedthe name “Bible Teaching Resources” so that whenpeople search the internet looking for help in teachingor learning about the Bible, they’ll land on Don’sministry first. This will hopefully help keep histeachings going on when he finally retires from beinga traveling Bible study teacher.Kathy and I are already signed up for CannonBeach. We can’t wait to see Don’s heaven before weget to heaven.Clyde and KathyWomack live inFort Worth. Clydeis a CPA and theProfessional PracticePartner-Auditfor the Dallasand Fort WorthBusiness Unit ofKPMG LLP (in his 41st year with the firm). Kathy is a retiredCPA and homemaker. Missy is now 25 and Whitney is 22. Clydealso has two older sons, Bill and Chris. The Womacks worship atMcKinney Memorial Bible Church.Grapevine

The Prophet’s ChamberPat & Cindy Hawkinsby Jane RodgersOne day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-dowoman was there, who urged him to stay for ameal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there toeat. She said to her husband, “I know that this manwho often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s makea small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, achair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there wheneverhe comes to us” (2 Kings 4:8-10 NIV).Fort Worth’s Pat and CindyHawkins, longtime friendsof Bible Teaching Resources,have done something prettyspecial. They have turned asmall room off their garageinto a “prophet’s chamber”for Don Anderson to useduring Bible study tours.“Don started calling it the‘prophet’s chamber,’” musesCindy Hawkins, who explainsthe room’s origin: “We usedto live in another home withan upstairs garage apartmentwhere Don stayed. We bought my grandmother’s housefrom her estate when she passed away. She was 103 whenshe died. There was a little room off the garage. It waspractically condemned! The floor was falling away. It wasa servant’s quarters originally. As part of our two-yearremodeling effort, we decided to have it redone becauseDon was doing his Bible classes and coming twice a year.”“It was hard getting all Don’s equipment up the stairsof that garage apartment” says Pat. “The new room isground level. That makes it easier for Don. He can parkwithin ten feet of the door. There’s a desk, a lamp, a bed,and a kitchenette.”“It has an old fashioned tub, too—with a skirt on thebottom. Don has to shower in that. He has a hard time!”laughs Cindy.While the Hawkinses,with characteristicmodesty, underplay theircontribution, Don Andersoninsists the “prophet’schamber” has been ablessing. He describesa typical week: “I drivein on Sunday afternoon,get groceries at CentralMarket, and spend everynight of the week in thisperfect place. I have a bed,table, lamps, TV, phone,microwave, refrigerator, sink, toaster, coffee maker, a nicecloset and bathroom. I drive to the front door and settle infor the week. With all my needs cared for in this way, I amable to study and work on projects that need attention.”Pat and Cindy Hawkins have long been generoussupporters of Bible Teaching Resources. The two met on ablind date and married in 1972, but Cindy recalls havingcontact with Don even before then.“Don had some of his first Bible studies in mymother’s house,” recalls Cindy. “I had two sisters. Westayed upstairs!”After spending a few years in Dallas, Pat and Cindymoved to Fort Worth in 1975 and started attending Don’sBible classes within the year. With their sons Corey andBible Teaching Resources

Lawrence (daughters Mary Elizabeth and Staley wereborn later), the Hawkins family attended Don’s familycamps in East Texas and Colorado. Pat, a fellow runner,recalls early morning runs with Don from Trail WestLodge to Buena Vista, Colorado. The pair also did 53laps (a half marathon) around the high school track atHawkins, Texas.“Don’s the kind of guy who, when you run with him,likes to be in front. If you scoot up next to him, he movesahead,” recalls Pat with a chuckle. “I chased him for 13miles on that high school track!”Pat helped Don finish his first marathon by runningthe last five miles with him, and offering orange juice andencouragement along the route.Today, Pat and Cindy enjoy their lives in Fort Worth,where Pat is a senior vice president with Wells Fargo andalso invests in real estate. Pat serves on the board of BibleTeaching Resources and on the elder board of McKinneyMemorial Bible Church. Cindy is a homemaker. The twoHawkins boys are married and they and their lovely wiveshave given their folks three beautiful granddaughters.Daughter Mary Elizabeth recently wed Edward Crawford;Don performed the ceremony. Staley is a high schoolsenior.“We just love Don and Pearl to death,” says Cindy.“We were talking about family camp the other day. Whenwe went to the Colorado camp we took our niece andnephew—and they still talk about what a special time itwas. That was June 1979.”“We spent a Thanksgiving family camp with Don andPearl in East Texas when Corey was barely three—andLawrence almost one. I can remember Corey sitting inmy lap singing ‘Jesus Loves Me’ for the first time. All thewords!” recalls Pat.So far Don has been the only occupant of the“prophet’s chamber” at the Hawkins home and that isokay with Pat and Cindy.“We did it with him in mind,” insists Cindy. “Heheadquarters here. He studies, prays, cocoons in there.We try to get him to come over for breakfast or lunch, buthe’s happy with his meals from Central Market. He isdedicated! It shames us all!”In that last sentiment, Don Anderson would beg todiffer. Pat and Cindy’s kindness has been without bounds.Encouragers such as Pat and Cindy Hawkins put us all toshame with their thoughtfulness and generosity.And for our readers, is there a spare room in yourhome that you might convert to a “prophet’s chamber”?Many a visiting missionary might be able to use that extraspace! Your church may need to house youth interns in thesummer. The possibilities are many. Why not look aroundand see what the Lord might have you do?God’s GiftOn a beautiful, crisp, crystal clear morn,Jesus Christ, our living Savior, was born.To save the world from sin and strife,He would later willingly give up his life.For all who would repent and then believe,Eternal life, his gift, they would receive.The shepherds were frightened at the glorioussight,Of the angels that appeared in the sky that night,And left their owners with their flocks of sheep,To go to the stable to bow at the Christ child’sfeet.The wise men hurried to the town of Bethlehem,Following the star that through the journey had ledthem.Jesus was in a manger in the stable that day,No room or a bed as he lay on the hay.Mary and Joseph were so excited that they boweddown,For the presence of the Christ child was allaround.The living Messiah was sent that day from above,And through him we would all feel God’s love.We now celebrate this occasion on a day setaside,Thanking God for his love as in him we abide.Merry Christmas to all who celebrate this birth,For through his coming we have, “Peace onEarth.”Richard BeeneGrapevine

Bible Teaching Resources FAXRecipes byRobichauxKaleo Lodge’s JohnnieRobichaux givesus another yummytreat—perfect for aholiday company breakfast!Fresh Apple Muffins3 Granny Smith apples (peeled,cored & cut into small pieces)1 cup sugar1 cup all-purpose flour1 cup whole wheat pastry flour2 teaspoons baking soda2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1 teaspoon salt2 eggs1/2 cup vegetable oil1 cup raisins1 cup walnuts (coarsely chopped)Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Lightly grease a 12 cup standard muffinpan. Combine dry ingredients, siftingthem together. In a separate bowl, beatthe eggs and combine them with theoil. Make a well in the center of thedry ingredients and pour the egg-oilmixture in it. Using a spoon, blend themixture slightly. Do not over mix. Foldin the raisins and nuts, just until evenlydistributed. Bake for 20 minutes in thecenter of the middle oven rack. Removethe muffins from the tin and cool onwire rack. Makes one dozen muffins.MEDIA UPDATESXM Radio: Bible Teaching ResourcesNow Broadcasting on Family TalkXM Satellite Radio subscribers can now tune in to XM’s Family TalkChannel 170 and hear Don Anderson every Sunday morning at 7:30a.m. (CST). Broadcasts started in October. Keeping Bible TeachingResources on the Family Talk channel costs $300 per week. Friendsare welcome to sponsor an individual broadcast or may make regularor one-time contributions. Contributors will be listed in the Grapevineunless they otherwise specify. Please prayerfully consider helping uscontinue this ministry.In the works…a series of one-minute spots for East Texasradio KGLY…we must first secure a recording studio to produce these.Please pray for this effort and for other opportunities to share God’swork over the airwaves.For the future…Fort Worth’s Garner Roberts is also looking intothe idea of presenting Don’s Bible study classes via video conferencing.Bible Teaching Resources plans to offer Don Anderson’s Bible teachertraining classes on DVD in the future as well.OnePlace.comDon Anderson ‘s teachings are also available 24/7 at www.OnePlace.com under the link “Persevering and Pressing On.” This ministrycontinues to attract new listeners and faithful friends.www.BibleTeachingResources.orgDid you know that our website, www.BibleTeachingResources.org, hadover a half million hits last year? Visitors included folks from the U.S.,Germany, Australia, Singapore, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan,Great Britain, United Arab Emirates, India, Malta, Cameroon, and SouthAfrica We’ve received requests for materials from all over the world,including India and Nigeria.SPECIAL: Don Anderson’s book of timeless ChristmasdevotionalsA Gift too Wonderful for Words is available this season for only $6.00.Order from our offices or use the order blank on page 10.A Great While Before Day& New CatalogBy now you should have received our updated resource catalog andthe newest edition of the Bible Teaching Resources devotional, A GreatWhile Before Day: Issue 6. Extra copies of both are available from ouroffices.Catch Don 2007!Sundays, 8:00 and 10:45 a.m. services at Hide-A-Way LakeCommunity Church, near Lindale, TX. 1500 Lake Park Circle,Hideaway, TX 75771. See www.hideawaychurch.com, contactthe church office at 903.882.6966, or email the staff at admin@hideawaychurch.com for more info.Bible Teaching Resources

Pearl’s ReflectionsXM Family Talk Channel 170Sundays, 7:30 a.m.Winter TourJanuary 7 – February 15, 2007.See back cover for details.Kaleo Couples Conferences 2007April 27-29, May 4-6, May 25-27, 2007 at Kaleo Lodge,Mineola, TX.35th Anniversary Family CampJune 23-30, 2007 at Cannon Beach Conference Center,Cannon Beach, OR, featuring Bob Vernon, RussellNewport, Larry Kent, and Don Anderson. See detailson page 11.KaleoCouples Conferences2007April 27-29, 2007May 4-6, 2007May 25-27, 2007Join Don, Pearl, andstaff at lovely KaleoLodge in the pineywoods of East Texasfor one of threecouples conferencesthis spring. You’llenjoy time in God’sword and time withyour spouse inKaleo’s comfortableaccommodations. Theschedule offers plenty of free time for shopping, golf,fishing, and just hanging around. Six scrumptiousmeals served up by Kaleo’s famous Johnnie Robichauxwill make this a weekend to remember. Cost for theentire conference, including all materials, two nightslodging, and six meals is $325 per couple. Use the formon page 10 to secure your reservation, phone our officeat 903.939.1201, or reserve your spot online at www.BibleTeachingResources.org. Hurry, places filled upfast last year!Martin Luther was 42 years oldwhen he married a former nun. Ayear later a son, Hans, was born tothem. Luther was devoted to hisson. Five years later he wrote thisChristmas carol for him. Luthercalled it “A Christmas Child’s SongConcerning the Child Jesus.” It wassung each year during Christmas Eve festivities at theLuther home.For over 500 years, this song has been one ofLutheranism’s greatest carols, delighting children todayjust as it thrilled little Hans in the sixth century. Thestory I’ve shared was paraphrased from the book ThenSings My Soul: Book 2, by Robert J. Morgan (5). Luther’shymn follows.From heav’n above to earth I come,To bear good news to every home;Glad tidings of great joy I bring,Where of I now will say and sing.To you, this night, is born a ChildOf Mary, chosen mother mild;This tender Child of lowly birth,Shall be the joy of all your earth.‘Tis Christ our God, who far on highHad heard your sad and bitter cry;Himself will your Salvation be,Himself from sin will make you free.These are the tokens ye shall mark,The swaddling clothes and manger dark;There shall ye find the young Child laid,By Whom the heav’ns and earth were made.“From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”by Martin Luther, translated by CatherineWindworthThe study of how the Luthers celebrated Christmasin the sixth century adds a sense of continuity,connection, and stability to our celebration in thetwenty-first century. The focus was, is, and always shallbe on the birth of the Christ-child: God-man, deity, Godin human flesh, God’s most precious gift to man.May we celebrate the legacy from past generationsand likewise leave a memorable history that futuregenerations will treasure and find a blessing.Grapevine

Registration & Order FormBooksA Gift Too Wonderful for WordsCHRISTMAS SPECIAL—$6Keep the Fire—$15Keep the Fire audio book—$15God Wants a Relationship—$15A Word from the Word—devotional book—$20MARRIAGE CDMaking a Fresh Start—$60Kaleo Couples Conferences 2007April 27-29May 4-6May 25-27Last year’s conferences filled up quickly!NAME_______________________________________________________ADDRESS____________________________________________________CITY, STATE, ZIP______________________________________________E-MAIL_ _____________________________________________________HOME PHONE_ ______________________________________________BUSINESS PHONE____________________________________________FAX_________________________________________________________CHECK MC VISACREDIT CARD NUMBER_ ______________________________________EXPIRATION DATE_ ___________________________________________SIGNATURE_____________________________________________MAIL TO:Bible Teaching ResourcesP.O. Box 6611, Tyler, TX 75711-6611Phone: 903.939.1201Toll free: 877.DAM.PRAYFAX: 903.939.1204Outta the MailbagThese letters, excerpted below, have encouraged us. Welove to hear from you!Regarding the book Drawing Closer & Growing Stronger:It has been a blessing to teach this series. We haveordered three times now to get enough books for ourSunday school class—praise the Lord…Thanks for yourencouraging words and especially the way you back upyour subjects with a lot of great scriptures.From Fort Collins, CO:Had my 86th birthday in January. Playing piano fordevotions and other times when needed….Love youtwo for what you have meant in my walk with the Lord.Without Him I could do nothing.From Georgetown, TX:I have been “meaning” to write for sooo long…Godbrought our paths together …30 years ago….Over theselast 30 years, Jesus has grown dearer to me than ever.Through the markers of life: a wonderful, Christ-centeredmarriage; raising two incredible mature, responsible,loving Christian children; financial and job strains andchallenges; much laughter and love; tears and heartache;family and friends; travel; joys of grandparenting—JesusChrist has been my rock, my foundation, on which allelse is built. And through it all, Don Anderson Ministrieshas been there as well. For 30 years I have received theGrapevine…You’ve even followed me through two moves.From Tyndale House publishers regarding the prison ministry:We are so grateful for your personal interaction with theinmates and that Tyndale can partner with you to givethem a copy of God’s precious Word. I have recentlyuncovered a box of softcover books entitled Lifer. It’s abiography of a life-sentence prisoner who found Christ…[now] out of print. We’d like to ship the box of booksto you if you feel you could place them perhaps in prisonlibraries—for access by many.From Fort Worth, TX:Thirty-five years is a long time since that first boardmeeting together. Much has happened….I’ll be 70 thismonth and I still believe God’s BEST is just around thecorner.From Bullard, TX:[The “Fresh Start” weekend] was truly a time of spiritualrenewal and…renewal of our relationship. We certainlyfelt God’s presence in that peaceful place.10 Bible Teaching Resources

Miracles Still Do HappenCannon Beach Family Conference June 23-30, 2007“Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).We have been dreaming of the day when we could host another family camp, and this summer is thetime. We have long desired to give our Texas friends a preview of heaven. The closest thing we canthink of is the Oregon coast.Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center in Cannon Beach, Oregon, has consented to do a jointventure with us for the week of June 23-30, 2007. The camp will also be a celebration of the 35 yearsof ministry of Bible Teaching Resources.Cannon Beach will handle all the registrations and children’s programs.Former LAPD chief Bob Vernon and his wife, Esther, will be joining us as part of the program.Larry and Mary Kent and Russell and Carolyn Newport will be along to provide music and fun.We are so EXCITED!Registrations are coming in so think about signing up soon. We would really love for you toattend. There will be activities for all ages and lots of free time for exploring on your own. Just likeTrail West, you will have several options of tours and excursions during the week, too.We suggest you fly into Portland, Oregon, and rent a car because there are lots of things to seein the area. Cannon Beach is less than a two hour drive from the Portland airport. We will provideshuttle service from the airport for those who desire it and let us know in advance.Costs for the week will vary, depending upon the type of accommodations selected at CannonBeach (there are many options), number of guests, ages of guests, etc. Cannon Beach will be handlingall reservations and financial arrangements. Contact the conference center at this toll free number,800.745.1546 or via the web at www.cbcc.net.“Now to Him who by His power within us is able to do far more than we ever dare to askor imagine—to Him be glory in the church through Jesus Christ forever and ever, Amen!”(Ephesians 3:20-21 Phillips).Love you,Don & Pearl AndersonGrapevine 11

Simple Ordinary StuffMary & Larry Kentby Jane RodgersSimple Ordinary Stuff is the title ofMary Kent’s new book, basedupon the adventures and at times,misadventures, of the Kent family.Friends of Bible Teaching Resourcesreadily recognize Larry and Mary, forthey have helped at many conferences andretreats. They’ll be on hand to provide musicand fun at Cannon Beach this June, too.Larry is a gifted musician and singerwith numerous CDs andsongs to his credit. He hasbeen a music pastor atchurches in Texas, Michigan,and Utah. The Kentsreturned to the Dallas areain 2003 where Larry accepteda position as Pastorof Worship at ClearwaterCommunity Church inRichardson. Their son, Zak,attends Texas A&M.“Zak’s name, an acronym for Zachary AndrewKent, stuck in preschool as I started labelingthings with his initials,” laughs Mary.It’s not unusual for Mary to laugh…her humoris infectious.Mary and Larry met in high school whilegrowing up in Paris, Texas. They dated through collegeand married while attending East Texas StateUniversity. After Larry graduated from ETSU, theymoved to the Detroit, Michigan area as newlyweds.There Mary finished her fine arts degree at EasternMichigan University while Larry worked as a youthand music pastor. Mary, whose first love in the artsis the potter’s wheel, currently works as a free-lanceartist making functional and decorative stoneware.She also enjoys opportunities to share her potterydemonstration for groups and retreats.The Kents loved the three years theyspent in Utah, ministering at the EvangelicalFree Church of Salt Lake City, then one of thelargest non-Mormon churches in the state.“There was a pioneer spirit in termsof spiritual things in Utah,” recalls Mary.“Almost all our neighbors were Mormon.We were in the minority: one percent of thepopulation was evangelical Christian. Alarge percentage of the people were drawnto the area as environmentalistsor sportsmen claimingno religious affiliation.Mormons made up about50 % of the people in theSalt Lake area. We quicklyrealized that we werenot in the Bible belt anymore.”The Kents lived in SaltLake during the 2002Winter Olympics. Mary calls their Olympic experience,“…one of the highlights of my life.” Larry andshe volunteered: “I worked with the Salvation Army,handing out free water to visitors at the speed skatingoval. Larry sang in music groups in the downtownarea. It was just a blast.”Forbidden to hand out tracts, the Kents participatedin unique outreaches. Mary explains, “Pintrading is big at the Olympics. We traded a pin called‘More Than Gold’ that was an effective way to presentthe gospel. We had something better than gold!…We also passed out visitor guides and distributedgoodie bags. The outreach efforts were coordinatedby the Utah Games Network, a coalition of Christianorganizations. It was a neat time of drawing theevangelical churches in Utah together. People setaside their denominational differences and a spirit ofunity prevailed for those two weeks.”{ }When you need a breakfrom the stress of your dayand just need to laughawhile, pick it up.12 Bible Teaching Resources

Larry, Mary and Zak KentThe Salt Lake experienceinspired Mary to write her book.“When we first moved to Salt Lake,I didn’t know anybody, so instead ofpicking up the phone, I wrote downfunny things that happened to me ande-mailed them to friends. The friendswould answer and tell me how they had laughed atthe crazy stuff that happened to us and that I shouldsave the stories and put them in a book.”Mary describes her initial reluctance aboutpublishing: “I kept brushing off the thought of doingsomething like a book. A handful of friends kept encouragingme to pursue it. Finally, I thought maybe itwas the Lord talking to me through these friends.”Simple Ordinary Stuff is just that—a collection of storiesof everyday happenings, many occurrences witha decidedly funny Kent-twist. In the chapter entitled“Livin’ on the Edge,” for example, Mary describescatching “Big Air” unexpectedly while inner tubingon a snowboard jump. Suffice it to say she landed inorange safety fencing—“hanging in the fence like abig tuna caught in a net”—yet still laughing (109).A devotional application at the end of each chapter,coupled with appropriate scripture verses, makes thebook ideal for quiet times, family devotions, groupdevotions, or just reading on your own.“One thing I like about the cover of the bookis that it makes you smile. Everyday life can be sofull of stress that sometimes we need to lighten upand just laugh. I think it is very spiritual to laugh. Itlifts our spirits to realize God created laughter whenhe created us,” says Mary, who believes women willespecially like the book.“A man might buy it for his wife, mother, ordaughter. It is definitely a baby boomer book. Peoplewith families—women, moms—will like it and willbe able to relate to the humorous life experiences.”The chapters, although written chronologically,are designed to be read in any order. “You canread chapter 36 before you read chapter 1,” explainsMary. “Read the introduction first so you know themain characters in our family. Stick it in your purse.You don’t need to spend an hour of focused thoughton it. It’s not deep theology. When you need a breakfrom the stress of your day and just need to laughawhile, pick it up. I pray God will use the book to encouragepeople to see His hand in the everyday stuffthat happens to us. Things that look like a wreck tous may not be that at all from God’s perspective. Parentslaugh at their kids doing funny things. God maybe entertained by us when we do crazy stuff, too!”There’s a lot to laugh at in Mary’s book.Simple Ordinary Stuff feeds the soul with solid scriptureand good, old fashioned humor. For a sample,see this issue’s Homework section where Mary hasgraciously allowed us to excerpt a chapter. We havebut one thing to quibble with though. Ask those whoknow them. A day with Mary and Larry Kent is usuallyanything but ordinary!Mary Kent’s Simple Ordinary Stuff(Xulon Press) is available from theKents or online at the followingsites: www.barnesandnoble.com,www.target.com, and www.amazon.com. Contact Mary at www.LarryandMaryKent.comor e-mail theKents at beaver79@sbcglobal.net.Grapevine 13

The Cowboy Christmas Storyby Sam DavisFor two years I’d been cowboyingUp along the great divide,And I’d headed home for Christmas,Which was about a two week ride.I was trying to make it to this littletown where I could get myself a bed.Cause it was getting’ dark and snowingAnd my horses needed fed.It was one of those quiet nightsand the big flakes fell straight down.And the only noise was my horses hoovescrunching snow against the ground.When through the falling snowI saw this yellow lantern light.And it flickered through the darknesslike a beacon in the night.And as I rode a little closerI heard singing from inside.And at the hitching rail out frontThere were buggies and horses tied.Then I saw it was a country church,So I stopped there beneath a tree.And listened to, “Oh How I Love Jesus,Because He First Loved Me”.Then I felt an urge to go inSo I got down and shook off the snow.And quietly crept in the door,And sat down there on the back row.Two lanterns hanged from the ceiling,And in the corner was a potbellied stove.And about fifteen in the whole congregationIt was then that the preacher arose.He was old and stooped at the shoulders,And his hair was as white as the snow.In his hands he held a tattered old Bible,And he turned the pages deliberate and slow.He had a countenance of wisdom about himThat testified of the life he had lead.Then he looked up from the pages of his Bibleand his voice trembled a bit as he said,I’ve preached Jehovah’s sweet messagefor nigh on to sixty year.And of all the stories in this book,there is none that is quite as dear.As the birth of Jesus, my SaviourIn a lowly stable in Bethlehem.And how a bright star in the east,Lead wise men there to worship Him.All about the precious gifts they all broughtAnd how they bowed down in worship thatday.To that special child who would change thewhole world, lying in that manger of hay.How the Angels came to the shepherds thatnight,with the good news of his birth and thenHow heavenly host sang glory to God,And of peace and good will toward men.Aw, but you know the story of howHe grew up and lived among men.How He went about healing and serving,and lived His whole life without sin.Then how Judas His disciple betrayed Him,And how He died on the cross all alone.But the best part is, He overcame deathAnd now sits next to God on His throne.And He did all of this just for you and for meso we could be free from our sinSo when we knock at heaven’s front doorHe’ll know us and bid us come in.So the Christmas story is more than a birthit’s a resurrection to life, you see.So that’s why I love my Lord Jesus,It was because He first loved me.Since that night I’ve not been the same,For now I know I’ve been set free.And where ever I go, I’m never alone,And every day is Christmas to me.From The Cowboy Christmas Story by Sam Davis. Abilene:Sam Davis Publications. Copyright – Sam Davis, 1996.All rights reserved. Used by permission. Contact Sam Davis@ P.O. Box 53 Abilene, TX 79604.14 Bible Teaching Resources

Christmas MessageFrom The BoardPatsy and I were married 50 years ago inSeptember 1956 in the Old North Churchin Boston where Paul Revere mandatedthe famous signal. We had been marriedonly two weeks before I went to Antarctica on theUSS Glacier, a Navy ice breaker. What a long andlonely cruise that was. We were separated on ourfirst Christmas as a couple and I remember thatChristmas because I was standing watch in theengine room when I received a package from theRed Cross. There wasn’t much in it—just some hardcandy and a little toy. But it was appreciated just thesame. There still was not much joy for me aboard theship. Our next Christmas Patsy and I were together,but in Norfolk, Virginia, away from our families. Itwas special time for the two of us as we spent thecelebration of Christ’s birth together for the first timeas a couple. Those are special times we will neverforget.We spent the following 40 years in Dallas wherewe started our family and served at Shiloh TerraceBaptist Church. In 1993, we moved to Hide-A-WayLake and joined Hide-A-Way Community Church.Some four years ago, the church was seeking apastor and it was my responsibility to help findone. We talked to Don and he agreed to become ourinterim pastor while the pastor search continued.After hearing Don for a few months we decided wecould not do without him so we removed interimfrom his job title. That was my first experience withDon and his ministry. It has been a real joy to servewith him these few short years. The first time wemet we made a pact that we would pray for eachother every day and we have continued to do that.So you see, Patsy and I are new kids on the blockas far as Bible Teaching Resources goes. Already theministry has become so real to us because of Donand Pearl’s dedication in teaching the saints andreaching the lost. Don has blessed our church familyand other groups with his Bible teaching tours. Andhow could we forget the couples retreats where hebrings marriage relationships alive, crowning theconferences with the renewal of wedding vows?Of course the food at Kaleo Lodge makes everyconference a success.Patsy and I have been on the board for a year andhave been amazed at the quality and dedication ofthe board members, who leave no stone unturnedin allowing themselves to be used to further theministry. The board members remain focused intrying to provide the resources and funding to makethe ministry a success—including making materialsavailable for believers here in the states and aroundthe world. I am excited about our recent decision toplace Don’s teachings on XM radio. Soon one-minutemessages will be broadcast on the local Christianradio station in Tyler. What an impact these will haveon all listening! Pearl’s prison ministry continuesto bless those less fortunate as she sends Bibles andliterature to help those incarcerated to grow in Christwhile locked away from the world. These Biblescan be a real tool for the prisoners to get their livesrefreshed through scripture. What better use of theirtime than Bible study?This year at Christmas as we think about thebirth of the Christ child and the impact He hasmade on the world throughout history, we prayfor God’s guidance for Don and Bible TeachingResources to spread the gospel to the far cornersof the earth by equipping believers with resourcesto accomplish this mission. Thank you for yourprayers and support. Be assured, your gifts are usedconscientiously and carefullyfor the furtherance of God’skingdom.—Richard and Patsy BeeneChristmas 2006Grapevine 15

Cinnamonby Mary KentH O M EEver since ourfamily haddecided to moveback to Dallas from Utah,our son Zak’s friends hadlogged as many hours withhim as possible. I always enjoyed having Joe,Travis, and Drew around. They were usuallyhungry and all three had different foodfetishes. One didn’t do dairy, another didn’thandle hot and spicy, and it was no tomatoesfor the third. Raw cookie dough was high onthe list of common favorites. I developed atradition of baking cinnamon rolls for breakfastafter they had slept over. You would thinkthose Pillsbury treats were recipes I’d slavedover for hours, the way the guys relished eachsugary bite!One Friday snow blew in at record speed,covering the hills with fresh powder andcreating a magnetic pull for those fellas to hitthe slopes. The guys asked me to drive them toSpruces, a campground park, where there wasa great hill for boarding. Since they were notdriving yet, I qualified as the available adulton that Saturday morning to make the trek.I didn’t mind; in fact, I was glad to have thechance for some snow play on my inner tube.Gathering up the gear took a few minutes.The pile of gloves, helmets, jackets, waterbottles, goggles, and snow boots grew highin the floor. Enough personal stuff. The guysbrought in snow boards, snow skates, rails,shovels, and of course, my inner tube. Zak andJoe had built a rail to slide on that needed toaccompany us and the last item to haul up thecanyon was a wooden door to make nice jumps.We had to fit into the Explorer with all thisstuff!...After stacking and shoving it in, welooked like homeless folk driving up the hillwith our vehicle packed to the ceiling, a doorand wooden rail bungeed to the top rack. Zakcranked up the volume on the CD and thestrains of Metallica pulsed through our layeredclothing.We had a fabulous day on the hill! The snowwas perfect. We were alone. The guys built theirjumps; I carved out a tubing path. We munchedon delicious mountain fare—granola bars, beefjerky, cheese sticks, Gatorade. Again and againthe guys boarded over the ramps and jumps.Again and again I climbed to my perch and flewdown the snowy tubing path. What great fun!Wet from sweat and melted snow, the wearysnow fanatics climbed back into the Explorer,homeward bound. With Metallica pulsingthrough our beings, we laughed and happilyrelived the day. I’m not sure if the guys wereentertained by my silliness or if they just put upwith me for the ride. Either way, I’m glad I gotto be with them and experience again the fun offriends playing in the snow.16 Bible Teaching Resources

W O R KRolls“What’s up for supper?” they asked as weapproached the house. Maybe pizza and salad,and of course, cinnamon rolls!Good friends! Can you ever have too manyof them? I think not. Friends make us laugh,help us with geometry, hold us accountable,share our favorite places, and generally makeour lives full and rich. “Friends are the familywe choose for ourselves” is an accurate saying.Can you imagine what it must have been likefor those disciples who hung out with Jesus?They ate, slept, relaxed, walked, prayed, joked,and performed miracles with Him. What anincredible experience to have Jesus physicallylooking across the table at you! He calls usHis friends if we do His will. What a powerfulthing—to be called the friend of Christ.Proverbs 27:9James 15:14-15Editor’s note: The above has been adapted from MaryKent’s Simple Ordinary Stuff (Xulon Press). Copyright 2006by Mary Kent. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Available from the Kents or fromwww.barnesandnoble.com, www.target.com, andwww.amazon.com. Contact Mary at www.LarryandMaryKent.com or e-mail the Kents atbeaver79@sbcglobal.net.B O O K S H E L FIs God Really in Control? Trusting God in a World ofHurt by Jerry Bridges (NavPress)This is a superb book on trusting God’s sovereignty inthe times of great adversity. In Jerry’s words:In the arena of adversity, the Scriptures teach usthree essential truths about God—truths we mustbelieve if we are to trust Him in adversity. They are:God is completely sovereignGod is infinite in wisdom.God is perfect in love. (19)If God Is in Control, Why Is My Life Such a Mess?by Michael Youssef (Thomas Nelson)The subtitle of this book, Experiencing God’s SovereigntyDuring Dark and Difficult Days, says it all. Michael isa new writer to me, but I am enjoying this expositionof the life of Elijah, which emphasizes God’s controlthroughout tough circumstances. Youssef advocatesprayer: “Even though God is in control and He isworking everything out in conformity with His eternalplan, He still instructs us to pray….Too many of ourprayers are focused on trying to accomplish our plansand purposes, not the divine purposes of God. Ourgoal in prayer should be to determine how we can fitinto and further God’s sovereign plan. When we prayin this manner, God will allow us a glimpse into Hiseternal perspective on events—a sneak preview, if youwill, of what lies ahead of us” (9).31 Days Toward Overcoming Adversityby Joni Eareckson Tada (Multnomah)I always love Joni’s works. A quadriplegic for 30plus years, she is certainly qualified to testify toGod’s ability to provide sufficient grace to endurethe greatest adversity. As Joni puts it, “This paralysisof mine has drawn me so much closer to Christ.It has given me a richer experience of His grace,encouragement, and sustaining power” (128).The Vanishing Power of Death: Conquering YourGreatest Fear by Erwin W. Lutzer (Moody)In this wonderful work, Lutzer recalls the followingconversation with a dying seminary classmate, TomCondran: “A few weeks before he died, he called onthe phone and I took notes of his final words to me.In a forced whisper he said, ‘These are good days.Nothing has taken away my peace and joy. When Ifound out that I had cancer, I feared that I would notbe able to live up to the sermons I preached. But Godhas not allowed me to waver. The finish line is in sight.Good-bye, Erwin, I’ll see you in heaven’” (29).Grapevine 17

Clipboard continued from page 2 which You have promised, and it is enough. I am readyman is an abomination to the Lord; But He is intimatewith the upright” (NASB; see also Amos 3:7, Daniel 2:19).Led by the Lord to a Long-Awaited RewardNo wonder Simeon received God’s seal of approval! Hewas an upright man, always open and vulnerable to theleading of the Lord. We read in Luke 2:27 that Simeon“came in the Spirit into the temple…when the parentsbrought in the child Jesus that they might do for Himaccording to the custom of the Law.” The Spirit of Goddirected the elderly man to the temple on the specific dayand at the specific hour when Mary and Joseph arrivedto present the Christ-child. Perhaps Simeon hadn’t evenconsidered walking to the temple at that time. Then camea message from the Lord and he got moving as fast as hisarthritic legs would carry him.God’s timing is always perfect,and His prompting shouldnever be ignored.How did Simon react?Luke 2:28 tells us that Simeontook the Christ-child intohis arms, and cradling himthere, he “blessed God” (Luke2:28). Babies are hard to resist,especially at six weeks of age.Gurgling and cooing infantsbeg to be held, and Simeon was by no means immune tothe appeal of Mary and Joseph’s little one.Yet he realized that this was no ordinary baby, for hebegan blessing God.Departing in PeaceAfter Simeon blessed God, he said these words:Now Lord, let Your bond-servant be departing in peaceaccording to Your word;For my eyes have seen Your salvation,Which You prepared in the presence of all people,A light for revelation to the Gentile and the glory of Your peopleIsrael (Luke 2:29-32 NASB).Once he had seen the Christ-child, Simeon was readyfor his own demise. He was prepared to go home to bewith the Lord. The word depart is basically the sameone, with a different prefix, which the apostle Paul usesin Philippians 1:23: “But I am hard-pressed from bothdirections, having the desire to depart and be with Christ,for that is very much better” (NASB). It means to pull upthe tent stakes or to turn loose of the ropes so that onemight set sail. It conveys the idea of leaving behind thetemporary in order to gain the permanent. In Simeon’scase, he was essentially saying, “I am ready to depart,Lord. My life has been fulfilled. I have glimpsed that18 Bible Teaching Resourcesto go.”Simeon’s response should be a description of thedeath of every believer. I think of my friend Cliff. Oneday, close to the end, as I stood before his bedside, hewhispered the words, “No trouble. No trouble.” Dayslater he was practically incoherent, teetering on the brinkof death. The night before had been a fitful one for Cliff,according to the nurse, and so I stood beside his bed fora few moments, and then I said, “Thou wilt keep himin perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee” (Isaiah26:3 KJV). Cliff just started repeating the words in a lowmurmur, “Peace, perfect peace, peace, perfect peace.” Hewas ready to depart, to pull up the tent stakes, to crossfrom the night of mortal sickness into the light of eternity.Two days later, I preached his triumphant funeral serviceon a cold, blustery Christmas Eve afternoon.Cliff’s funeral wastriumphant because he knewJesus Christ as his personalSavior. He experiencedfirsthand the salvation ofthe Lord. So did Simeon. Asthe elderly man proclaimedwhile holding the baby inhis arms, “For my eyes haveseen Your salvation” (Luke2:30).As we grow older,some of us begin to feel useless or awkward in ourrelationship with the Lord. We can’t mow the churchlawn or help build the playground equipment or stayawake during board meetings or even make it to everyservice, especially the evening ones. But salvation is notfound in a performance! It is found in a person. The onewho was in Simeon’s arms would heal blind eyes, calm astormy sea, feed the multitudes, and ultimately die uponCalvary’s cross for man’s sin. Salvation is wrapped up inthat tiny child who became that sinless man. It involves arelationship with Him, not human works and not humanperformance.Salvation is open to all who will believe! As Simeon,still holding the baby Jesus, goes on to say of God’ssalvation, it is that “which You prepared in the presence ofall peoples” (Luke 2:31). Salvation is not earmarked for agroup, but rather, as Colossians 3:11 states, it is “a renewalin which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew,circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slaveand freeman, but Christ is all, and in all” (NASB).Salvation also involves, according to Simeon, “A lightof revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your peopleIsrael” (Luke 2:32). And Christ is both the light and theglory of His people. Jesus Himself said that He was thelight of the world (John 8:12). Cries the psalmist, “Lift upyour heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors,{ }As we grow older, someof us begin to feel uselessor awkward in ourrelationship with the Lord.

Winter Tour 2007January 7-February 15, 2007SUNDAY6:30 p.m.—FT. WORTH EVENING CLASSBroadway Plaza at Cityview Retirement Community5301 Bryant Irvin Rd., Ft. Worth, TX 76132Dr. & Mrs. Barry Watts 817.763.9180Dr. & Mrs. Ben McWilliams 817.423.9653MONDAY12:20 p.m.—FT. WORTH BUSINESSPEOPLES NOONCLASSSt. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 10th & Lamar,Ft. Worth, TX 76102Garner Roberts, office 817.763.5831Ronnie Montgomery, home 817.732.0978(Lunch available at 11:50 a.m.)7:00 p.m.—GRANBURY EVENING CLASSLakeside Baptist Church500 W Bluebonnet Dr., Granbury(On the hill at Hwy 144 and Contrary Creek Rd.)Don & Fran Saddoris, home 254.728.3200John & Loretta Miller, home 817.326.4968TUESDAY12:00 p.m.—WACO NOON CLASSStudy begins at 12:20 p.m.Gratziano’s 254.752.8789217 Franklin Street, Waco, TX (next to Ninfa’s)Gary Gray, office 254.772.0024Ronnie Marroquin, office 800.815.23237:30 P.M.—GREENVILLE EVENING CLASS608 Mink Dr., Greenville, TXDonna Stainback, home 903.455.8077WEDNESDAY12:20 p.m.—SHERMAN/DENISON BUSINESSPEOPLESCLASSGrandy’s3201 Texoma ParkwaySherman, TX 75090Larry Watkins, office 903.868.1623Tom Cassidy, office 903.465.6063(Lunch available at 11:45 a.m.)7:30 p.m.—FORT WORTH EVENING CLASSMcKinney Memorial Bible Church4805 Arborlawn Dr., Ft. Worth, TX 76109(Use south entrance, room # and directions postedinside entrance.)Tom & Joan Cochran, home 817.738.1855 or cell817.907.7763THURSDAY11:45 a.m.—FT. WORTH STATE NATIONALCOMPANIES CLASS8200 Anderson Blvd., Ft. Worth, TX 76120Terry Ledbetter, office 817.265.2000Kay Gaudin, Administrative Assistant, extension 12157:30 p.m.—TYLER EVENING CLASSHide-A-Way Lake Community Church1500 Lake Park Cir., Hideaway, TX 75771Ministries office 903.939.1201Class hosts:Doug & Alice Byrd, home 903.882.1419Tom & Beverly Hall, home 903.882.6644If you do not wish to continue receiving this free magazine,please return the address label to our offices.BIBLE TEACHING RESOURCESP.O. Box 6611Tyler, Texas 75711-6611NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDCENTRAL TEXASPRINTINGCHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED