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My Story Talk 34 Overcoming New Challenges Welcome to Talk 34 in our series where I'm reflecting on God's goodness to me throughout my life. Last time I was mentioning some of the health challenges I faced in India and today I will be describing how these continued for some time once we were back in England. I will also be talking about the serious health challenges Eileen faced during the last ten years of her life. I take no pleasure in recording all this, but an honest account of my life must include the hard times as well as the good, and, of course, the Lord has brought me through. Challenges following India Fortunately, there was little in my diary for the first few weeks after our return from India and I soon began to feel better. I thought I was back to normal and in April we set off for two weekends of ministry in Essex. We would stay with Eileen's sister Joan in Billericay and the first weekend I would preach in Witham and a week later in our old church in Colchester. On the first Saturday we drove from our home in Paignton straight to Witham, a journey of about 250 miles, and I preached in the afternoon and evening meetings. We then made our way to Billericay, returning to Witham for the Sunday morning service. I had felt fine on the Saturday, but on Sunday I suddenly started to feel unwell again shortly before I was due to preach. The symptoms were like those I had had in India, and I went outside to get some fresh air. However, I managed to get through the preaching but was grateful to get back to Billericay. The next day Joan arranged an appointment for me with her GP who, hearing that I had been bitten by a mosquito in India and suspecting that I might have malaria, sent me for tests at the hospital in Basildon. Although these tested negative, I was still worried that there was something seriously wrong with me and just wanted to get back home to Paignton. Apologising profusely, I asked our friends at Colchester to release me from my commitment to preach the following weekend and we drove home later that week, unsure of what the future might hold. The next two years proved to be extremely difficult. I continued to experience similar problems every time I preached. In May 2010 I drove up to Huddersfield for the AoG conference but was so stressed that I returned home without attending a meeting. I immediately arranged an appointment with my GP, Mark Thompson, a good Christian man, and told him my whole story. He reminded me that as Christians we are not immune to such things and recommended some books that might help explain my condition. It appears that my experience in India, caused by extreme heat, dehydration, and overwork, triggered a rush of adrenalin which produced the symptoms I was struggling with. I learnt that worrying about the symptoms only made matters worse because that causes a further rush of adrenalin. I was caught in a vicious circle, and the only way out was to embrace the symptoms, tell myself that they would not harm me, and gradually I would get better. And that's what happened, although it did take a long time. Following my visit to the doctor I cancelled my two-week trip to teach at the Bible College in Finland in May. We did go to Madeira for a three week holiday in June, but this turned out to be disappointing because of my recurring symptoms. However, in September I did manage to teach for two weeks at Mattersey, preach for a weekend in Pocklington, and assisted by Bob Hyde, teach a course at CTS in Brussels for a week. I was still experiencing the symptoms but managing to cope with them – at least most of the time. But there were still occasions when I felt unable to preach. In October I cancelled a weekend in Poynton and in November I was unable to complete a weekend's ministry in Aston. I began to wonder if the time had come for me to give up. But less than two weeks later the Lord suddenly intervened. Eileen and I were in Exeter at a meeting for Assemblies of God ministers and their wives. The guest preacher was John Glass, the General Superintendent of the Elim Churches. He was preaching on Jeremiah 1 when he came to verses 11-12: The word of the LORD came to me: "What do you see, Jeremiah?" "I see the branch of an almond tree," I replied. The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled." He explained the play on words that we find in these verses – the Hebrew word for almond is very similar to the word for watch. The almond tree is among the first to blossom in spring. It's something you watch for as a sign that spring has come. Winter will be followed by spring because God watches over his word to see that it is fulfilled. Now in England most of us don't see an almond tree too often, so John likened it to crocuses. In his garden they're the first flowers to bloom in spring. They're the sign or guarantee that winter won't be forever. Then John broke away from his notes and said something like this: There are some of you here who are feeling that your ministry has come to an end. You have been experiencing a bleak winter, but the Lord wants you to know that it will not be forever. You will experience a new springtime. Eileen and I looked at each other. Was this for us? Surely it must be. But there were a lot of other people in that meeting. Could it be that John's prophetic word was for them and not for us? We drove home after the meeting hoping, rather than believing, that this really was a word from the Lord for us. And then, that evening, Jill Cooper, one of our friends from church, arrived on our doorstep and said, I've brought you a little present. To be honest, I had bought it for someone else, but then I felt the Lord tell me to give it to you instead. What was the present? A bowl of crocuses! How good God is! He gave us the assurance that I would emerge from this dark period of winter into a new springtime of ministry. We sometimes have to go through a valley of shadow, but he is with us in it all the way. So in 2011, whenever the symptoms reoccurred, I pressed through them, knowing that this condition wouldn't last forever. In March I flew to Scotland to speak to the AoG ministers, in May we went back to Finland to teach at Iso Kirja for two weeks, in September I taught for two weeks at Mattersey, and in October I was back at CTS again. None of these occasions was easy. In fact, I often felt really unwell, but everyone always said that, if I hadn't told them, they would not have known anything was wrong with me! I'm not quite sure how much longer it took to get back to normal. In fact, I'm not really sure what 'normal' is! We all deteriorate physically as we get older and our energy levels are not what they were. When I look back at what I was doing in the years before Mattersey and throughout my time there, I wonder now how I possibly managed it all. What was normal for me then is far beyond my capabilities now, but I have moved into a new springtime in my ministry and people tell me that at 87 I'm not doing badly for my age, for which I am grateful. Challenges to Eileen's health But my health challenges were nothing compared with those faced by Eileen in the last ten years of her life. On Sunday 21st December 2014 quite unexpectedly at about 9am Eileen started to experience severe pain in her stomach as she was getting ready for church. As the pain was unrelenting, causing Eileen to pass out a couple of times, by 3pm I decided I needed to call 999. I accompanied Eileen in the ambulance while Jonathan followed by car. After waiting with her a few hours, Jon and I were advised to go home and await the results of an MRI scan. At about 10.30 that evening the surgeon phoned to ask us to go in to discuss options for Eileen. It was clear that the situation was very serious. On arrival at the hospital, we were told that the scan had revealed that the blood supply had been cut off from Eileen's bowel and that her smaller bowel had died. Without an immediate operation she would die. There was even the possibility that the condition was already too far advanced for them to be able to save her. Furthermore, even if they were able to save her, there was a strong possibility that she would need to have a permanent colostomy. Eileen agreed with us that we should agree to the operation and trust God for the best possible outcome. We prayed with her, of course, but as you can imagine, for the next few hours we were on an emotional roller-coaster, experiencing all the ups and downs from fear to faith, but with a determination to trust God, come what may. We simply could not believe that it was God's time for Eileen to go to Heaven and kept praying that he would spare her. Imagine our relief when at one o'clock on Monday morning the surgeon phoned to say that she had the best possible news for us. Eileen's bowel was alive! What had been causing the pain was an internal hernia which they had been able to fix. None of her bowel had needed to be removed and the blood supply had been restored. Now bearing in mind the certainty with which the surgeon told us that Eileen's bowel had died we were convinced that this was not just a case of faulty diagnosis, but that God had worked an amazing miracle in restoring Eileen's bowel to life. God had allowed man to do what he could but intervened to do what man could not do – restore a dead bowel to life! We were so grateful for the prayers of the many people who interceded for Eileen throughout this difficult time and to God for his miraculous intervention. I never cease to be amazed at his wonderful grace and goodness to us. But the operation had been very invasive and left Eileen severely weakened for months. And she never fully regained the strength and energy she had lost, but that, of course, may have been partly caused by the fact that she was not getting any younger. And neither was I! In April 2015 we had a few days' break in the Lake District and neither of us felt like walking very far. It was much the same in September when we went to the Isle of Wight, but on both these holidays we contented ourselves with driving around in the car, visiting old haunts, marvelling at the beauty of God's creation, and, of course, enjoying the food. We planned two short holidays for 2016, the first in Longtown, a village in Herefordshire close to the Welsh border in May. After preaching in Rugby on the Sunday morning, we drove there in the afternoon and spent a few delightful days in a charming cottage on the banks of the River Monnow, returning to Brixham the following weekend. The second holiday, planned for a week in September at the southern end of Coniston Water, never happened. In June I flew to Ireland to preach for a weekend in Sligo where Daniel Caldwell, one of our former students, was leading a church. On Sunday morning I preached on Jesus calming the storm in Matthew 8 and I remember saying that sometimes unexpected problems suddenly arise in our lives, but Jesus is well able to see us through them and get us to the other side. Who knows what might happen this week? But whatever happens Jesus is with us. And I flew home that afternoon. I have preached that message many times, but little did I know what was to happen just two days later. On Tuesday evening, sitting in her armchair Eileen had a severe stroke and was rushed into Torbay Hospital. From head to toe she had no feeling down the right side of her body. The next Sunday, still in hospital, she suffered another stroke and we were told that the outlook was extremely bleak. She was rushed to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and underwent surgery to relieve the pressure on her brain. Her life had been saved. After eleven days she was transferred back to Torbay where she remained for eight days until a bed was available at Newton Abbot where she began a course of rehab. Throughout this time we were all looking to the Lord for a complete healing, whether instantaneous or gradual, but her progress was extremely slow, and it was becoming increasingly clear that she needed a miracle if she would ever walk again. And although the healing miracle we were praying for never happened, we could see the hand of the Lord at work in other ways. Firstly, on July 28th when we were sitting in the hospital day room and eating cake to celebrate our wedding anniversary, the Torbay doctor who had told us that the outlook was extremely bleak approached us and said, I'm looking for Eileen Petts. And when he saw her he said, I can't believe it. Which was something he repeated more than once during the fifteen minutes he was with us. He clearly had not expected Eileen to survive, and this encouraged our faith that God was at work in the situation. On 10th August, after eight weeks in three different hospitals, Eileen finally came home. And that, in itself, was a miracle. We had been told just a few days earlier that Eileen would have to be discharged as her bed was needed for someone else. To continue her rehab she could either go into a care home if we could find one that would take her, or the NHS would provide rehab workers to come to our home, but we would need to find a home care company to take care of Eileen's other needs. The problem was that at the time there were over 70 people in Torbay on a waiting list! I needed an answer – quick! And just in time the answer came. Just a day before Eileen had to be discharged, Trude Hyde came to me and said that she and her twin sister Sylvia would take care of Eileen if we would like them to. How wonderful! I didn't need to ask Eileen because I knew she would love it, but for the sake of all concerned, I felt I needed to ask the Lord for his guidance. And I did foresee one possible problem. I didn't know if I would be allowed to choose Eileen's carers or if they would require certain recognised medical qualifications. I needed an immediate answer to that question, and I didn't know where to find it. I was just going off to visit Eileen, and I didn't want to mention the twins' kind offer until I knew the answer in case it led to her being disappointed. And then I remembered that Katie, the daughter of our next-door neighbour, Sue, was the lead carer for the whole of Torbay. She would certainly know the answer. I was just about to go and knock on Sue's door when I changed my mind and said, Lord, if this is of you, before I get into the car, please let Sue come out without me knocking on her door. And that's what happened. No sooner had I prayed that prayer than Sue came out of her house. In less than five minutes Katie was on the phone and told me that I could choose whom I liked. Eileen was overjoyed, and Trude and Sylvia took care of her visiting our home four times a day for the next four years until we moved to a bungalow on the other side of town, when workers from Abide Care, Brixham, took over. Eileen finally went to be with the Lord in February 2024 almost eight years after that awful stroke. She was always grateful that her condition was not physically painful, but frustrated at her inability to walk and do all those things we normally take for granted. And we both naturally wondered why the Lord had allowed this to happen. One Bible passage that Eileen found particularly helpful was 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 where Paul says: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. And the comfort and strength our Father gave to Eileen certainly did overflow to others, not least as a testimony to the dozens of carers from Abide who came into our home over the final four years of her life. Throughout this whole very difficult period both Eileen and I had been sustained by our Christian faith and by a particular word received from the Lord through Barrie Taylor, our daughter Sarah's father-in-law. Barrie and Sandra live some distance away and we normally only saw them once or twice a year. On one such occasion when Eileen seemed to be making little progress after her stroke we were all having a meal together at Berry Head Hotel, when Barrie said the Lord had given him a word for us: My Father is at work in your lives and situation which He is using as a platform to display his sustaining grace. God sometimes uses amazing miracles of healing to display his power and love, but it is often the sustaining grace that he gives his people in times of suffering that brings others to faith. Through Eileen's suffering the lives of many were touched, people who might never have otherwise heard the good news about Jesus. And since she died there have been many opportunities to share the gospel. The funeral staff at the crematorium were visibly moved and said they had never experienced a service like it and neighbours said the same thing about the church service that followed it. As Christians we know where we are going, and the knowledge that our loved ones are with the Lord is a source of great comfort and even joy. Although I still miss her every day, I sometimes weep for joy at the thought of how happy Eileen must now be in Heaven! And one day we shall meet again! But until then there is still work for me to do down here. But that's the subject of our final talk.
ptl ea listenrs!! this weeks guest features all the way from the land of the long white cloud and it is none other than Rev Wayne Goodare (Assistant general superintendent of upcinz). wonderful to have rev goodare on and share his story for his glory!!! hope he listens and enjoy!
General Superintendent Jerald Johnson offers guidance on how pastors can creatively face opposition in their work for Christ. Pastors, like political leaders, must present programs and budgets and convince others. Johnson discusses the right to dissent within the Church of the Nazarene and how opposition allows a pastor to test their ideas. He advises against reacting to opposition and instead suggests letting proposals be tested by time. Ultimately, a pastor must stand tall as a leader, minister to the church, and rely on God's help for every difficult situation. Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning.
On this episode, listen to Talmadge Johnson preach a short sermon on gratitude. Dr. Johnson served as the 33rd General Superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene. Prior to becoming GS, he was an evangelist, pastor, district superintendent, and global director of Sunday School ministries (now Nazarene Discipleship International). This recording was featured on the Layman's Tape Club in November of 1982. Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning.
My Story Talk 32 Life after Mattersey (2) Welcome to Talk 32 in our series where I'm reflecting on God's goodness to me throughout my life. Last time I was telling you how the Lord opened up a wider ministry for me after we left Mattersey and we concentrated on Countries in Europe. Today it will be Africa and Reunion Island. African Countries I have already mentioned my first trip to Africa which was to Burkina Faso in the year 2000 while we were still at Mattersey. The next trip was to South Africa in 2004, just after leaving Mattersey, which I have also mentioned already. The African countries I visited after Mattersey were Ethiopia (five times between 05 and 09), and Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa again, making a total of ten trips overall, half of which were to Ethiopia.. I visited Ghana in 2007 at the invitation of Paul Frimpong Manso, then the Superintendent of the Ashanti Region and later to become the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God in Ghana. Paul had been a student at Mattersey in the nineties, being one of the first to earn our newly validated BA degree and had later returned to take our MA too. The purpose of my visit was primarily to speak at their pastors' conference and preach at their ordination service for new ministers. I was treated like royalty despite the fact that they were all smartly dressed in suits and ties – and some even with clerical collars – while I wore a short sleeved open-necked shirt, a special concession granted to me as someone unaccustomed to the temperature which, although it was only January, was far too high for my liking – a problem I was to face later in India in 2010. It was a privilege to see the great work that Paul was doing and to know that he valued highly the teaching he had received at Mattersey. One of the things he had said to his fellow-students about my teaching on the Holy Spirit was that in Ghana they not only believed the things I taught but that they also put them into practice! Miracles seem to happen more often in Africa than they do in Europe, but often there is a lack of sound biblical teaching to go with them. The truth is, we need both. And a major part of my ministry has been to emphasise this. My visit to Nigeria in 08 was unique in that the invitation did not come from any of the usual sources. Barrie Taylor is my daughter Sarah's father-in-law and has exercised an ongoing ministry for many years visiting Nigeria and by regular visits has developed a strong relationship with some of the churches there. As a result they respectfully refer to him as Uncle Barrie. Barrie invited me to accompany him on one of these trips and I was delighted to do so. We flew to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, and were met by pastors John Sarota and Vitalis Yahemba, the CEO of Truth and Life Ministry. We travelled by car to Kaduna a journey of some 200 kilometres to the north of Abuja and stayed at the Catholic Social Centre sleeping in relatively comfortable rooms. But I confess I was disturbed at times by the high-pitched buzz an occasional mosquito flapping its wings at 250 times a second and by the fear that one might find its way under the mosquito net. Another disturbance early each morning was the sound of the muezzin calling from the minaret of a local mosque reminding faithful Muslims to pray. Kaduna lies very close to the northern area of Nigeria which is predominantly Muslim and where so many Christians have lost their lives for their faith. Despite the ever-present Muslim threat, Christians from the area gathered in large numbers, evidenced by the fact that while we were there the total attendance was around 2,500, meetings being held at Talmo College in a hall holding about 800 and the messages relayed to four marquees and translated into four different tribal languages. We both felt that the trip had been well worthwhile and I was particularly grateful for the opportunity to get to know Barrie better and to discover how much we both had in common. I went to South Africa again in November 2009 at the request of Paul Alexander to teach at the Africa School of Missions which he had founded some time previously. I enjoyed teaching the small class of students and the fellowship at mealtimes with staff members too. However, there were long periods each day when I had little to do and, apart from a quick visit to the Kruger National Park, which I had visited with Eileen in 04, I needed to find something to do to occupy my time. So I decided the start writing a new book. For some time I had been feeling that I should write something that would be useful as a tool in evangelism, and this was confirmed by something Brian Niblock said to me when he was preaching in our church in Brixham. And that's how I came to write my little book, Signs from Heaven – why I believe. To my surprise, the whole thing was finished by the time I left South Africa. But perhaps the most significant moment about the whole trip was what happened on the flight home. I checked in online at the earliest possible moment and was able to get a seat at the front of economy where there was the most legroom. But after boarding the plane I was soon asked by a flight attendant if I would vacate my seat as someone had been taken ill and needed easy access to a seat on that row. So I ended up sitting in a different seat, but on the same row and, as it turned out, right next to the man who was unwell. He was accompanied by his wife who explained to me that only a few days earlier they had flown to South Africa for a holiday but on arrival her husband had been rushed to hospital. His condition, the details of which I forget, was quite rare, totally unexpected, potentially fatal, and required specialist treatment. They were returning to England in a state of shock and understandably very worried. They asked me what I had been doing in South Africa, and I said that among other things I had been writing a book about miracles. I said something like, It sounds like you need a miracle right now. It turned out that they were Catholics and, though they hadn't been to church for a long time, certainly did believe in miracles. I shared the gospel with them, prayed for them, gave them a copy of my book on healing, and posted them Signs from Heaven as soon as it was published. Years later she told me that her husband, who had made an unexpectedly quick recovery, had now died, but that that encounter on the plane had restored their faith in the Lord Jesus. My first trip to Ethiopia was in January 2005 at the invitation of Heikki Pentinnen, a Finnish missionary who was organising an international charismatic conference in Addis Ababa and looking for a main speaker to take several sessions on the gifts of the Spirit. He had heard about me from Arto Hamalainan who knew me well through our work on the PEF presidium. Hundreds of leaders, including those from Orthodox and Coptic churches, gathered from across Ethiopia for this unique occasion and I was thrilled to see their desire to get a biblical grasp on the work of the Spirit. I made annual visits for the next four years (2006-09) teaching for one or two weeks in a Bible College in Addis at the invitation of Canadian missionaries Jeremy and Teresa Feller with whom I usually stayed. Jeremy and Teresa's parents, Brian and Valerie Rutten, had all come to Mattersey to take our MA in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies and were keen to have me come and teach in the college where they were serving with PAOC (Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada). On at least two of these occasions, I was accompanied by Eileen who loved the country and its wonderful people. Apart from the teaching in the college we were taken on lengthy trips to parts of the country which were far hotter than Addis where the climate is more acceptable because of its high altitude. One such trip in February 07 was to Awassa some 290 kilometres to the south. Eileen's journal captures the memory very well: Lush vegetation, bananas, sugar cane. Beautiful. Lakes, mountains, animals, people, donkey carts. Small groups of huts. Camels, ostrich, hyena. A dead animal being eaten by a vulture and a dog watching and waiting, Young children herding animals, carrying heavy loads, water, bundles of leaves, sticks. The Pentecostal Church in Awassa where I preached on the Sunday was one of the largest in Ethiopia. 2000 people gather at 6.00 every morning to pray. There were 6000 in the 9am service. They have six branch churches with a total membership of 12,000. God is doing amazing things in Ethiopia and I'm so grateful to have had the privilege of teaching and preaching there over those few years. And I'm grateful, too, that we were able to fund the translation into Amharic of Body Builders, my book on spiritual gifts. Despite the massive growth of the church, Ethiopian church leaders recognise their need of sound biblical teaching and if I have made at least a small contribution to that, the Lord be praised. Ile de la Réunion (Reunion Island) Located in the Indian Ocean between Africa and India, the Ile de la Réunion is an overseas French territory. I have already mentioned in an earlier chapter how in 2004 I was the main speaker at the French National Pastors' Conference in Bordeaux. It was there that I met David Cizéron who told me about his father's work in Réunion and gave me a book about him. Aimé Cizeron was now with the Lord, but I was fascinated with the account of his apostolic ministry as a result of which some 40 churches had been planted all over the island. So I was pleasantly surprised a year later to receive an invitation to be a guest speaker at the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of ADD in Réunion in 2006. They were happy to pay the airfares for both Eileen and me and, as I learnt later, as a tropical island Réunion is a much sought after holiday destination particularly for the French. But we had accepted the invitation well before we knew all this because I was determined to visit the place where 5000 people were gathering within four weeks of the start of Cizéron's ministry as a result of the miracles of healing that were taking place. So in April 06 we flew to Réunion via Paris, landing at the Roland Garros airport to be greeted by a TV crew asking how we were expecting the eight days of meeting to go. I was very tired after what had been an extremely long journey, made worse by an eleven hour delay in Paris, and simply replied, I believe the Lord will bless us greatly, which he certainly did. But that did not mean that everything would go smoothly. The very next day, our hosts, Patrick and Joanna, were showing us round a market in Saint Denis when they met a friend and introduced us to her. She then said something very strange: You are not afraid of the Chikungunya? Now there were some live chickens for sale in the market and, not knowing what Chikungunya was, I thought it must be something to do with chickens. But no. Chikungunya is a highly infectious disease borne by mosquitoes and potentially fatal! The entire island was affected by it and we had not noticed the warnings about it when we arrived at the airport. We found out later that Tom Trask, American AoG General Superintendent and guest speaker at the conference, had been warned about it in advance, but somehow no one had thought to tell us. But despite all that, we had a great eight days of meetings and the Lord not only preserved us from the chikungunya but greatly blessed all the meetings and ministry. So much so that we were invited back the following year for a longer visit where I conducted seminars for the pastors on spiritual gifts, preached in two evangelistic meetings, and took a series of Bible studies from Monday to Friday in the church in Saint Denis. The people were really hungry for the Word of God. In each evangelistic meeting over 200 people came forward in response to the gospel appeal, and there were over 700 each night for each of the Bible studies. My subject, as usual, was spiritual gifts, but I shall never forget the remarkable way some one came to Christ at the close of one of those meetings. But first I need to tell you about Véronique. Véronique was a kind lady who took us to explore various parts of the island during the daytime when there were no meetings until the evening. Réunion is a volcanic island and one such trip involved driving to the top of the volcano and then walking down into its crater. This was apparently quite safe even though the volcano erupted quite frequently and the steam was still rising from the lava months after the last eruption. One of the days we were there was a public holiday and Véronique had taken her children to the beach. While she was there she told a friend about the meetings and persuaded her to come. She came to the meeting and was so overwhelmed by the worship that she felt she had to leave. But when she was about ten minutes away from the church she suddenly heard the music from the church coming through her mobile phone. No one had called her and, unable to think of any natural explanation, she felt compelled to return to the meeting. She sat through it in tears and at the end, although I had not made a gospel appeal, came forward and asked how she could be saved. It was such a joy to be able to lead her to the Lord and to learn later that she was regularly attending her local ADD church. So the Lord was using us and blessing us in so many different ways and I look back on those years with great gratitude to God. Next time I'll be talking about our trip to India in 2010 when I began to experience very real health challenges for the first time in my life.
word from our Elim General Superintendent Mark Pugh
This episode features Dr. Samuel Young, former General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, on the fundamental issues of stewardship and faithful giving. Dr. Young asserts that the prime motivation for stewardship is Calvary, arguing that because of God's sacrifice in Jesus Christ, anything He asks is reasonable. He clarifies that the tithe is a method to be given, not a legalism to be taught. The discussion emphasizes that stewardship must have its roots in spiritual commitment and a pure heart. Dr. Young advises that pastors should speak definitely on giving once a year and encourages a generous spirit. Ultimately, faithful stewardship rests on recognizing that God is our Creator and the true owner. To purchase Hope of All the Earth by David Gilmour, click here. Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning.
Turbine 5 is back online. We talk with Steve Nelson, the General Superintendent of the Sewerage and Board, about that and the status of the power plant.
* How the calendar hurts LSU's chances of hiring Lane Kiffin * Turbine 5 is back online. We talk with Steve Nelson, the General Superintendent of the Sewerage and Board, about that and the status of the power plant.
We honor the life and ministry of Dr. Jim Diehl (1937-2025), a beloved pastor, district superintendent, and General Superintendent Emeritus of the Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Diehl passed away on November 2, 2025. Just days before his passing, on October 30, he traveled to Nampa, Idaho, to preach at Bethel Church of the Nazarene for the Holiness Partnership event. This episode features that powerful message. Dr. Diehl preaches on the Christian life as a journey that goes far beyond a single moment of decision. He outlines three key prayers that define this lifelong walk: "Lord, forgive me" (repentance), "Lord, take me" (consecration), and "Lord, make me" (the ongoing work of sanctification). Using his trademark warmth and personal stories, Dr. Diehl explains how God continually works to "pull the stumps" of things like prejudice, impatience, and fear from our lives, shaping us into more Christ-like individuals. To watch this sermon, click here
In this February 1981 Minister's Tape Club resource for the Nazarene ministry, General Superintendent Eugene Stowe shares his firm opinion that new manual changes, especially the "indefinite call," are a "very valuable innovation" crucial for achieving "longer pastorates" and building "stronger churches" by eliminating the "division and disruption" and "trauma" of periodic congregational votes. *This appeared on the Ministers' Tape Club in February of 1981 as the "state of the church" segment given by the General Superintendents. Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning.
The day after our grand opening celebration, we were honoured to welcome Mark Pugh, General Superintendent of the Elim Pentecostal Church, to bring a powerful and inspiring message. In this sermon, “Ordinary People, Extraordinary God,” Mark reminds us that God delights in using everyday people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.Through biblical insight, personal stories, and a fresh challenge for the church, this message stirs faith and calls us to step out boldly — trusting that when we make ourselves available, God does the impossible through us.Tune in, be encouraged, and discover how God can use your ordinary life for His extraordinary plans.
In this March 1981 address, General Superintendent Orville Jenkins discusses the spiritual requirements for effective preaching for holiness ministers. He states that a minister's life must be one of unreservedly giving oneself to the indwelling Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill them with joy and victory so they can preach with power and anointing. Jenkins uses the Apostle Paul as the ultimate example, noting that Paul's "outward man" was "perishing" from his intense suffering and physical struggles as a "vessel of clay". However, Paul's "inward man" was being renewed day by day through the "supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ". This daily spiritual renewal, Jenkins concludes, is God's plan for every spirit-filled minister. Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning.
Eugene Stowe addresses the critical relationship between church growth and the quality of its membership. He shares an incident where a pastor gently deferred a new convert's request to join immediately, insisting she attend the membership training class first. The core message is that a strong church demands qualified members; pastors must not compromise standards or build with "inferior material" for the sake of numbers. Training should cover church beliefs, ethical standards, and entire sanctification, ensuring new members are truly ready to accept the church's manual position. The goal is enduring quality, not statistical casualties. *This appeared on the Ministers' Tape Club in September of 1979 as the "state of the church" segment given by the General Superintendents. Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning.
General Superintendent Dr. V. H. Lewis addresses "The State of the Church". Dr. Lewis argues that the Church of the Nazarene is the "best one" to pastor, as its structure and promotion demand excellence and "calls forth the best that's in us". He stresses that the church must not fail in involving its laymen, who need to be a part of its processes and selection of leadership. Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning.
This recording features General Superintendent George Coulter from the February 1979 edition of the Minister's Tape Club. He begins by expressing his appreciation for the Church of the Nazarene's positive factors, including the generosity of its members, the love expressed toward pastors, a sound organizational structure, and the centrality of its holiness message. However, Dr. Coulter expresses deep concern over the church's dismally small overall growth rate, which suggests a greater problem with retaining members than with recruiting new ones. This leads to his primary conviction: the Church of the Nazarene desperately needs a heaven-sent revival. He warns that the church could become barren, powerless, and spiritually bankrupt if it loses its vitality. Dr. Coulter emphasizes that this needed revival is not a program or a meeting, but an inner, personal quickening and renewal that must first begin with the ministers. He challenges them to exhibit credibility, humility, and Christ's likeness, rise above selfishness, and live by God's prescription: to humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways. He pleads for a return to the joy and vitality the church once experienced. Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning.
In this no-bullshido episode, Adam Hoots chops it up with Mississippi's own Boone White, a farm-raised boy, Christ‑follower, husband, dad of three, and unapologetic agitator for change. He is a General Superintendent with ICM Construction in Oxford, Mississippi. Boone traces his path from the old “yell‑and‑cuss” era to a worker-first approach powered by Last Planner, Takt, and disciplined make-ready planning. From Houston to Mississippi, he breaks down how humility and curiosity, not just grit, unlock flow, safety, and calmer, more predictable jobs. The duo tackles integrating CPM/Takt/Last Planner, empowering trades to innovate, training the next wave of supers, and focusing on the real constraint: human-centered leadership. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Grit isn't a strategy; when paired with humility and curiosity, we can design a better workflow. CPM, Takt, and Last Planner can (and should) work together to plan for flow. The top constraint is leadership capacity: developing people, not just schedules. Celebrate field-driven improvements—innovation snowballs when it's recognized. Safer, cleaner, clearer sites = respect for people and better project outcomes. KEY QUOTES: “Grit gets you started; humility and curiosity get you flow.” “When trades own the plan, safety and predictability show up.” “CPM, Takt, and Last Planner aren't rivals—they're instruments in the same orchestra.” “Clean, calm, and clear is what respect for people looks like in the field.” RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED: The Lean Builder | www.theleanbuilder.com | Blog, book, resources, and a hub for the lean construction community. LCI – Lean Construction Institute | www.leanconstruction.org | Training, events, and thought leadership. Outbuild | www.outbuild.com | Scheduling platform aligning Last Planner, CPM, and Takt. “The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement” & “It's Not Luck: Marketing, Production, and The Theory of Constraints” — Eliyahu Goldratt | Theory of Constraints fundamentals. “Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss without Losing Your Humanity” — Kim Scott | Care personally, challenge directly. “Bottleneck Rules: How to Get More Done (When Working Harder Isn't Working” — Clarke Ching | Practical focus on constraints. GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: Adam Hoots | LinkedIn | Podcast host for Hoots on the Ground and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions. Boone White | LinkedIn | General Superintendent with ICM Construction and an advocate for Lean Construction and worker-first leadership. ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.
We invite you to join us on Sunday 14th September 2025 for our two morning services in-person at 9am and 11.15am, and also on streamed on our YouTube channel from 11.15am.This Sunday General Superintendent Mark Pugh will be bringing us a message.You can follow the message along in the YouVersion bible app at https://bible.com/events/49486174 and add your own notes! Click http://bcc.life/whats-on to find out about all our events and activities.Click http://bcc.life/give to access our giving page, where you can return your tithes to God, bring an offering or make a donation!If you ever need to know how to make Jesus the Lord of your life and come home to Father God, here is a great prayer you can pray:"Lord Jesus, I am so sorry for my wrongdoing. Please forgive me for being separated from you and from other people. I receive into you my life as Lord. Please lead me from now on. I surrender to you. I believe that you died on the cross to take away my sins, that you rose again on the third day and that you are alive and with me now. I accept you into my life. Please help me to live for you. Thank you for your gift of eternal life for now and for ever. Amen."If you prayed this prayer, please let us know! It's the best decision you can ever make, and we would love to celebrate that with you! Let us know in the chat session of the livestream, email us at admin@bcc.life! or visit https://bit.ly/BCC-FollowJesus
Quick, energetic recap from Salt Lake City plus a listener question that turns into rapid fire, practical guidance on what actually works on site. Where AI saves time today: takeoffs, RFIs, submittal registers, meeting notes, and when to still write key items by hand. Tools that matter now: ChatGPT for writing and notes, plus purpose built platforms for estimating, reality capture, and schedule insight. First Planner vs Takt vs Last Planner what each system is for and how they fit together. Roadblocks vs constraints, why over prioritizing backfires and how to visualize and clear the path fast. What is coming next: General Superintendent book progress, Takt update, student video series, and the one day Builder Huddle. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
This Sunday General Superintendent Mark Pughwill be bringing us a message.You can follow the message along in the YouVersion bible app at https://www.bible.com/events/49479939 and add your own notes!You can also watch the entire service on: https://bit.ly/BCC-SundayService24August25
A new substation for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board has been delayed again as we're in the peak of hurricane season. We talk to Steve Nelson, the General Superintendent, about what happened.
This Sunday General Superintendent Mark Pugh brings us a message entitled, 'Pure Hearts See God'. You can follow the message along in the YouVersion Bible app at http://bible.com/events/49477093 and add your own notes!You can also watch the entire service on: https://bit.ly/BCC-SundayService17August25
On this episode, director of Global Missions, Jim Ritchie, interviews Dr. Carla Sunberg, General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, and Dr. Franklin Cook, former regional director of Eurasia for the Church of the Nazarene and founding editor of Holiness Today. Jim speaks with Dr. Sunberg and Dr. Cook about a book they recently co-authored, Pulling Back the Curtain on the Former Soviet Union (The Foundry Publishing). This book chronicles the experiences of missionaries in the former Soviet Union following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Iron Curtain. It details the challenges and efforts involved in establishing a ministry and sharing the gospel in this challenging world area.
Tommy talks to Steve Nelson, General Superintendent of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, about they prepared for the tropical weather that's been rolling through.
In this episode of the Elim Leaders Podcast, Elim's General Superintendent, Mark Pugh, tackles one of the most difficult and least talked about topics in church life - money.Joined by Elim minister, fundraiser and author Wendy Pawsey, this timely conversation confronts the awkwardness leaders often feel when teaching on generosity, tithing, and financial discipleship. With warmth, courage and biblical insight, Wendy shares her own story, the vision behind her new book Generous with a Capital G, and why now is the time for leaders to embrace bold conversations around money and mission.Whether you're a church leader unsure where to begin, or looking to cultivate a culture of joyful giving in your church, this episode will challenge, equip and encourage you.Why is generosity so important? Join the discussion in the episode comments on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0LvKL4A8CMLqZX0yDfU54UPurchase the Generous with a Capital G book, download the reading plan and discussion questions: Generous with a Capital G - The Big Church ReadYOUR ELIM: We invite you to sign up for our monthly email, which celebrates the stories that are shaping our Elim churches across the nations.These aren't just updates - they're glimpses of God at work through ordinary people with extraordinary faith. Sign up at elim.org.uk/yourelim
In this episode of the Elim Leaders Podcast, Elim's General Superintendent, Mark Pugh, tackles one of the most difficult and least talked about topics in church life - money.Joined by Elim minister, fundraiser and author Wendy Pawson, this timely conversation confronts the awkwardness leaders often feel when teaching on generosity, tithing, and financial discipleship. With warmth, courage and biblical insight, Wendy shares her own story, the vision behind her new book Generous with a Capital G, and why now is the time for leaders to embrace bold conversations around money and mission.Whether you're a church leader unsure where to begin, or looking to cultivate a culture of joyful giving in your church, this episode will challenge, equip and encourage you.Why is generosity so important? Join the discussion in the episode comments on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0LvKL4A8CMLqZX0yDfU54UPurchase the Generous with a Capital G book, download the reading plan and discussion questions: Generous with a Capital G - The Big Church ReadYOUR ELIM: We invite you to sign up for our monthly email, which celebrates the stories that are shaping our Elim churches across the nations.These aren't just updates - they're glimpses of God at work through ordinary people with extraordinary faith. Sign up at elim.org.uk/yourelim
In this compelling conversation, Bishop John Downs, former General Superintendent of UPC Australia, shares his transformative journey from Trinitarianism to a deep revelation of the Oneness of God. With a logical and scriptural approach, he walks listeners through pivotal Old and New Testament scriptures that reveal Jesus as the one true God. Bishop Downs also explores the limitations of modern science in dating the earth, discusses creation from a biblical worldview, and testifies to the power of revelation and patient love in sharing truth. This episode is both theological and deeply personal—an essential listen for anyone seeking clarity on the identity of Jesus.----------Podcast Outline with Timestamps:00:13 – IntroductionNancy introduces Bishop John Downs and sets the stage for a deep dive into the oneness of God.01:09 – Discovering Oneness in IsaiahJohn shares how Isaiah 43:10–11 and 45:21–22 first challenged his Trinitarian perspective.03:25 – Connecting Old and New TestamentsTitus 2:13 and Revelation 1 confirm that Jesus is the one true God.07:13 – The Shift from Trinitarianism to OnenessBishop Downs recounts how his personal and pastoral debates gradually led him toward biblical oneness.08:57 – Creation, Science, and FaithHe shares a university paper defending a young earth and critiques the reliability of carbon dating.13:15 – The Wheel of ProphecyJohn introduces a tool that helped him understand the unity of scripture.16:47 – Jesus and the First CommandmentExploring Deuteronomy 6:4 and Jesus' affirmation of the one true God.20:42 – Revelation and the Throne of GodDiscussion of Revelation 4 and the meaning of Jesus sitting on the throne.21:32 – Jesus: The Fullness of the GodheadColossians 2:9 and Isaiah 9:6 reveal Jesus as both the mighty God and everlasting Father.29:04 – The Mystery of Godliness1 Timothy 3:16 and Colossians 1 highlight the beauty of God manifest in the flesh.34:27 – The Blindness of TrinitarianismExplaining how philosophy and spiritual blindness have obscured the truth of the oneness of God.36:05 – “This Takes the Cake” MomentJohn 14:7–11 becomes a defining passage for Bishop Downs' full revelation of Jesus as the Father.39:12 – God's Suffering and Redemptive PlanThe love of God is revealed in Christ's suffering and sacrifice.44:00 – Gutter Water IllustrationA powerful parable showing how even small doctrinal errors pollute truth.47:15 – The Name of Jesus and SalvationDiscussion on the singular authority and power in the name of Jesus.48:44 – Love and Truth in DoctrineBishop Downs encourages patient, loving dialogue while standing firm on biblical truth.52:27 – Accountability for TruthOnce you hear or see truth, you are responsible to respond to it.53:06 – Closing PrayerBishop Downs prays for listeners to receive revelation, understanding, and love for God's Word.
Dr. Sunberg currently serves as a General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene, a global position of spiritual leadership and significant responsibility, helping to guide a denomination with a presence in over 160 world areas. Before her election to this vital role, she brought her leadership and academic insight to Nazarene Theological Seminary, where she served as its president. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to service, including more than a decade as a missionary in the former Soviet Union alongside her husband, Chuck. They also provided oversight for the East Ohio District of the Church of the Nazarene as co-District Superintendents. With a background that also includes time as a registered nurse and as a published author, Dr. Sunberg brings a rich and multifaceted perspective to her ministry and leadership. We're so grateful for her time and excited to learn from her experiences. In this conversation, we discuss her journey of faith and her recent book, The Christian Life. To order this book click here Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning
In today's episode David begins teaching on the Authority, Truth and Accuracy of the Bible: 'All my life I have believed in the Authority, Truth and Accuracy of the Bible. As a boy I learnt from my father, who was the General Superintendent of the Elim Churches, that 'All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works,'' (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV).
Join us for the Elim Leaders Summit opening session, which sets the scene of our 'Equip The Saints' theme. Watch Elim's General Superintendent, Mark Pugh, unpack how you can find your place in the five-fold ministries.Over three days, we will look into how apostolic vision, prophetic insight, evangelistic passion, pastoral care, and teaching wisdom, should function together so we can reveal the multifaceted nature of Jesus Himself.
The gradual drift that precedes leadership failure rarely makes headlines until it's too late. In this profound episode, Bishop Harvey, General Superintendent of Australia and pastor of The Pentecostals of Sydney, unpacks the critical discipline of self-awareness that can protect spiritual leaders from becoming another statistic.With alarming research showing 90% of pastors reporting frequent fatigue and 89% having considered leaving ministry, Bishop Harvey provides a roadmap for sustainable leadership through seven areas of essential self-awareness. From recognizing creeping cynicism that erodes wonder, to acknowledging our blind spots, biases, and the dangerous "Messiah syndrome" that drives burnout, his message offers both warning and wisdom.Drawing from biblical examples and personal experience leading churches across Australia and the Pacific, Bishop Harvey demonstrates how small, unchecked attitudes eventually become major ministry liabilities. His practical approach includes developing disciplines like the five-minute journal, establishing trusted relationships with honest feedback, and recognizing emotional triggers before they lead to destructive behaviors.What sets this conversation apart is the rare vulnerability from a high-level leader discussing not just external leadership challenges, but the internal work required for lasting ministry impact. Bishop Harvey models the very humility he advocates, offering practical tools while acknowledging his own journey toward greater self-awareness.Whether you're a seasoned minister, emerging leader, or simply someone who cares about spiritual health, this episode provides essential insights for avoiding the subtle erosion that precedes public failure. Take this opportunity to examine your heart, recalibrate your leadership approach, and establish practices that will sustain your ministry for the long haul.We love to hear from our listeners! Thank you! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639030158?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_VZBSV9T4GT4AMRWEWXJE&skipTwisterOG=1 Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@charlesgrobinette https://www.instagram.com/charles.g.robinette/ https://author.amazon.com/books https://radicallyapostolic-merch.com www.charlesgrobinette.com
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, a ten-year veteran Alderman and the new general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. They discuss a range of topics, including Carlos's ambitious plans for the park district, his rapid learning on the job, and his strategies for enhancing community safety and engaging youth through various recreational programs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 23, 2025 City Club event description: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is the General Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Park District, overseeing the nation's third-largest park system, which includes more than 8,800 acres of green space, over 600 parks, 230 fieldhouses, and 26 miles of lakefront. He will take on the role of park […]
Tommy talks to Steve Nelson, General Superintendent of the Sewerage and Water Board, about the pumps, power supply, and prepping for heavy rain
100 Year Anniversary
On Today's Episode, you will hear a remastered version of Samuel Young's introductory lecture on John Wesley's place in protestant theology. This episode was published on The Holiness Today podcast on February 17, 2023, and since then, we have begun to clean up some of these earlier episodes for enhanced audio clarity. Samuel Young was the former president of Eastern Nazarene College from 1944-1948 and General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene from 1948 to 1972 Lifelong Learning Code: 80890 Click here to learn about Lifelong Learning
Listen to the message from March 2nd, 2025 by special guest speaker Dr. Christian D. Sarmiento, 45th General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, on prayer!Follow us on all platforms!Website https://www.lansdale.church/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lansdale.churchYouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuUsGDGeFmzHJIxZsEiBTWwInstagram https://www.instagram.com/lansdale.church/Immanuel Sermons https://anchor.fm/lansdalechurchImmanuel Podcasts https://anchor.fm/immanuelpodcasts
Dr. David K. Bernard discusses the biblical foundation and growing popularity of small group ministry.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.
Dr. David K. Bernard shares practical advice on how leaders can get things done during the busiest seasons of life and ministry. Dr. Bernard's advice and insights are applicable to any leader who wants to be efficient and effective in the coming year.For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Leadership in the Twenty-First Century, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.
Doug Clay, General Superintendent of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, joins the show to discuss the vital role of discipleship in biblical higher education and the broader church community. Drawing from his journey as a third-generation Pentecostal preacher's kid to leading a global denomination, Doug shares how defining moments and the local church shaped his ministry. He talks about the importance of investing in young leaders, differentiating between calling and assignment, and cultivating healthy, Christ-centered communities. Learn about navigating cultural turbulence, building future-ready leadership, and advancing discipleship that transforms lives.Join us as we discuss:[5:37] How culture outlines the need for a healthy, Bible-centered church[11:43] The difference between God's calling and assignment[19:19] Reverse-mentorship and pre-Christian friends relationshipsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Moody Bible InstituteThe Myth of the Dying Church by Glenn T. StantonABHE 78th Annual Meeting RegistrationTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Biblical Higher Ed Talk in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Stacey is a civil engineer and a General Superintendent with Consigli's Portland office. In her role, Stacey manages the construction of large-scale commercial projects, with a focus on life science and pharmaceutical facilities. She earned a B.S. in civil and environmental engineering at UMaine and earned her MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. A video of Stacey talking about being in the construction industry can be found here.This conversation was recorded in October 2024 ~~~~~The Maine Science Podcast is a production of the Maine Discovery Museum. It is recorded at Discovery Studios, at the Maine Discovery Museum, in Bangor, ME. The Maine Science Podcast is hosted and executive produced by Kate Dickerson; edited and produced by Scott Loiselle.The Discover Maine theme was composed and performed by Nick Parker.To support our work: https://www.mainediscoverymuseum.org/donate. Find us online:Maine Discovery MuseumMaine Discovery Museum on social media: Facebook InstagramMaine Science Festival on social media: Facebook Twitter InstagramMaine Science Podcast on social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram © 2024 Maine Discovery Museum
This week Paul is talking with someone we could call a Transit Unplugged superfan—Schneider St. Preux—who says he's listened to every podcast episode and credits Transit Unplugged with helping him in his upward career trajectory. We're so pleased to be part of Schneiders' career journey. As he says in this interview—listening and engaging in our podcast community, along with hard work, determination, and willingness to invest in himself, has taken Schneider from bus operator to General Superintendent of Bus Operations at Miami-Dade.Schneider is also one of this year's Mass Transit Magazine's 40 Under 40 winners—a fitting acknowledgment of the accomplishments in his career thus far.He also talks about the critical role of practical experience and the value of continuous education—Schneider says education gets you to the door and your hard work gets you through it.Highlighting both the challenges and triumphs, Schneider offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring transit professionals, emphasizing self-belief, goal-setting, and the importance of investing in people. Paul and Schneider also talk about the importance of training new leaders, especially those who have been "doers" in what true leadership really means.Coming up next week, we focus on a topic close to the hearts of everyone at Transit Unplugged—accessibility. Paul talks with Ron Brooks and Kristen Joyner about their new book which serves as and both a guidebook and inspiration for how to make transit, and the wider world, more accessible for everyone.00:00 Introduction: A Unique Fan Story00:42 Crazy Work Stories: The L from Hell04:24 Meet Schneider St. Preux: A Rising Star in Transit05:19 Career Journey: From Bus Operator to Superintendent09:13 Catch Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube10:09 Spending a year at Broward County Transit12:44 The Importance of Education and Self-Investment14:33 Leadership Insights: From Frontline to Management18:00 Future of Public Transportation: Challenges and Innovations18:00 Advice for Aspiring Transit Leaders19:27 Conclusion: Bright Future Ahead19:40 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged
The back-to-back hurricanes that swept through the Southeastern U.S. brought unimaginable destruction to the region. Many places are far from recovered, with tens of thousands of people still without power in some areas.But behind the scenes, transportation networks need to keep running. People need to be evacuated to safety. Supplies have to get through. Emergency workers need to get to where they are needed.This week we pull back the curtain with a special episode focused on how our transportation networks prepare for and recover from disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. On this special episode of Transit Unplugged, host Paul Comfort connected with six transportation leaders in Florida about the preparations, their Emergency Operations Centers, and what happens now to recover.We hear from:Brad Miller, CEO of Pinellas Suncoast Transit AuthorityCoree Cuff Lonergan, CEO of Broward County Transit (BCT)Dave Dech, Executive Director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-RailIvan Maldonado, Executive Director of Palm TranTiffany Homler Hawkins, CEO of Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX)Greg Slater, CEO/Executive Director of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway AuthorityThis is a unique episode that only Transit Unplugged can bring you! Make sure you tune in and share with your transit colleagues.Next week on the show, we have Mass Transit Magazine 40 Under 40 winner Schneider St. Preux talking about his 12 year transit career trajectory from bus operator to General Superintendent of Bus Operations for the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Schneider tells Paul what it took to build his career and his advice for other up and coming leaders in the industry.Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.comHost: Paul ComfortProducer: Paul ComfortEditor and Writer: Tris HusseyExecutive Producer: Julie GatesSpecial thanks to:Brand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaMarketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris HusseyIf you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - FacebookSign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter00:00 Introduction to the Eye of the Storm00:45 Brad Miller: Riding Out the Storm01:17 Coree Cuff Lonergan: Tornadoes and Transit01:33 Ivan Moldanado: Coordination and Preparation01:54 Tiffany Homler Hawkins: Orlando's Response02:22 Dave Dech: TriRail's Role in the Crisis02:44 Greg Slater: Road Networks and Disaster Management03:43Brad Miller: Firsthand Hurricane Experience11:03 Brad Miller: Evacuation and Recovery Efforts21:19 Dave Dech: TriRail's Hurricane Preparedness32:11 Coree Cuff Lonergan on Broward County's Hurricane Response36:03 Ivan Maldonado Discusses PalmTran's...
Dr. David K. Bernard shares his perspective on the UPCI's annual General Conference, which will be held this week in Long Beach, California. Dr. Bernard discusses his conference schedule and responsibilities, what he does to prepare, and how he unwinds once the event is over.You can shop Dr. Bernard's catalog of published books at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.
The last few weeks we have been talking about a time of consecration. Elim's new General Superintendent, Mark Pugh, has asked everyone across Elim's network to spend 21 days in a time of consecration. I asked everyone to have a time of personal consecration and last week, we looked at consecrating our church. Today we are looking at the consecration of the Elim Movement. Elim believes that the Holy Spirit is still being poured out on people all around the world, not just at Pentecost. It is a continuing story of changed lives and communities, being written by thousands of people who believe in the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Elim represents a global network of about 650 churches in the UK and Ireland, and over 4000 Elim or Elim affiliated churches overseas, with a weekly attendance of about 50,000 in the UK and more than 300,000 overseas, operating in some 50 countries worldwide. We honour the past. We are thankful for all that God has done. We also need to look to the present and future. What is God saying today? What will the future hold? There are those who've gone before us cheering us on. As the time of the end is getting closer, what should His Church be doing? As we finish off the time of consecration, ask God what He wants you to do. How will you fulfil the Great Commission? Believe with me that once again the churches will be full of people coming to faith in God. May we have faith to see Scotland come back to God. Scotland is known historically as the Land of the Book.
Today we welcome Stanley Harvey back to the podcast! He is the Senior Pastor of The Pentecostals of Sydney and General Superintendent of the UPCA. In this episode, he talks about understanding different cultures and why that is important for personal and church growth. -------- The 3D Gospel by Jayson Georges - https://www.amazon.com.au/3D-Gospel-Ministry-Guilt-Cultures-ebook/dp/B00OV4FVMS -------- Order Hacka Merch - https://the-hacka-podcast.myspreadshop.com/ ------------ Watch every episode - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheHackaPodcast Follow us on social: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehackapod/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hackaorg TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thehackapod
September 16, 2024 Rosa Escareño – General Superintendent and CEO – Chicago Park District City Club event description: Rosa EscareñoAs the General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, Rosa Escareño manages one of the largest park systems in the country. The $475M system has nearly 9,000 acres of parkland, more than 600 parks, […]
On this episode, listen to William Greathouse preach on "The Ministry of Christ" from John chapter 7. This sermon was preached at a theology conference at the European Bible College in January of 1981. Dr. Greathouse served as General Superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene (1976-1989). He had previously served as President of Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City (1968-1976), President of Trevecca Nazarene University (1963-1968), and as a pastor in the local church (1938-1963).
Welcome to the Holiness Today Podcast. On this episode, listen to William Greathouse preach on being called to be Saints, from Ephesians 1 and 4. This sermon was preached at Nazarene Bible College on November 20, 1974. Dr. Greathouse served as General Superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene (1976-1989). He had previously served as President of Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City (1968-1976), President of Trevecca Nazarene University (1963-1968), and as a pastor in the local church (1938-1963).
Join us as we sit down with Stanley Harvey, General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church of Australia and Pastor of the Pentecostals of Sydney. Reverend Harvey shares his insights on leading a vibrant urban church in the heart of Sydney, a city bustling with challenges and opportunities. Discover how he navigates the complexities of urban growth, drives expansion without the conventional resources like ample parking, and implements his visionary leadership to foster both local and national church development. Throughout the discussion, Reverend Harvey reveals the strategies behind his effective management of dual leadership roles and how he balances the pressures of organizational and personal life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning about innovative leadership in dynamic settings and the power of vision in overcoming obstacles to church growth.Connect with Stanley Harvey:Facebook: Stanley HarveyInstagram: stanharveyposEmail: stan.harvey@upca.org.auPurchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbookDownload The Christian Leader Blueprint – Short Guide (Free): https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprint Take the Christian Leader™ Self-Assessment (Free):https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment Learn more about the BRAND-NEW Christian Leader™ Community Coaching:https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching YouTube and Audio Podcast: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/leaderpodcast Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com#leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentalsSend us a Text Message.