Friends

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Do you have this kind of relationship with God, the kind that he considers you to be His friend? Friendship is important to God. He wants to be our "Best friend". A best friend is the kind of friend that you can say anything too and still be loved and accepted. Its an "unconditional love". Beside God, its important to have friends in our lives. It is said that over a life time a man has maybe "5" friends. Thats not very many. I've had very few friends over my life. Even though I have shown myself friendly to many, friends have been hard to come by. Having been a pastor, friends are even more difficult to come by. And having resigned the pastorate it becomes clear who my true friends are. Job said "My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;". A friend is one who takes prayer seriously, is willing to shed tears to God for his friends. He takes problems and situations about his friend to God in prayer. Its interesting how Jobs friends treated him when he was going through the most difficult time on his life. They criticized him, judged him and left him alone to suffer in his afflictions. Job says "All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me." David says "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." There is a risk to develop close friends, a friend that you become open to and tranparent to, one with who you share your heart with. The pain is deep when a close friend turns against you. Many just dissappear. Solomon said "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

Friends are important, we need them. We need friends who love us and will help us when one falls. Modern friends I think enjoy twisting the knife in ones back, enjoy pouring salt into a wound, enjoy seeing one hurt. There is hope though, Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. As I have made decisions in my life and have found who my friends are, I am blessed to have a friend that I can talk to face to face, one that will never leave me, a friend who is loving and compassionate and will also speak truth to me when needed. Thank God for Jesus, My friend!

Whewwwww!!!!!!

On Thursday my trainer picked me up and off we went. He had run out of hours so he tossed me the keys and off we went carring a load of diapers from Laredo to Houston Texas. All went well even having to navigate Houston during rush hour. We dropped the load in Houston and picked up another one back to Laredo. Its been pretty much non-stop. I'm back in Laredo sitting in a hotel until Tuesday or Wednesday, my trainer has the weekend off and then has to go to court on Tuesday to get custody of a girl he is trying to adopt. I have some time to update my blog and to, pay some bills and get ready for the next trip. It looks like I will be going back and forth between Laredo and Houston for another 4 weeks and then start going 48 states until training is over. My trainer is a Christian man (Luthern) so we have some things in common. Drop me a comment, I enjoy reading them ALL, nice to hear from you.

Orientation finished

Today I finished orientation with Werner Enterprizes and will be assigned a trainer in a couple of days. Then I will have to accomplish 275 driving hours and pass a driving test to be assigned my own truck and start to work. I've been bunking with a man from Baton Rouge and come to find out his momma and sisters attended Bethany for a while and this guy has been running from the Lord. He knows that we are together for a couple of days coz he has a momma that is praying for him. He hasn't been to open to recieve Gods love but the seed is being sown into his heart. This is a different mission field but the goal is still the same, win souls and make disciples. Isn't it a joy to serve others?

I am excited to see how God is blessing Word of God Church with the addition of Danny and Lorena Rodriguez. With out a doubt they have a fresh enthusiasm and zeal to see this church grow and be a blessing to the community. As I observe them take the lead I can see Gods wisdom in having me step down. Jesus is the head of the church and He knows what he is doing. I encourage you that are members and a part of the family to embrace the new pastors and support them with the same energy that you did with us. You will be blessed as you find your place in the body of Christ and serve others.

Vasti

I recently returned from India. It was good to see the children again and to meet a new comer "Vasti". Vasti is about 6-7 yrs of age and came by the home begging for some food. After some questioning it was learned that her mother died of aids and her dad was an alcoholic. He was so addicted to booze that he sold his daughters blood to buy his next drink. Not much else is known about her other than observing her she needs to get some meat on her bones and fatten up abit. Ther other kids are doing great! I got to get some hugs and kisses from several of the children. Five or so were out at a school sporting event for the days that I was there. I can't imagine what the lives of these kids wopuld be like if they were left on their own.

Construction will soon begin on the childrens home. We have raised enough money to start and it will be good to see this project get under way. Keep these kids and this project in your prayers. It still is a joy to serve others.

Life Goes On!

Yes, this is a true statement, "life goes on". No matter what circumstances come our way, life continues to move on. Today I passed my CDL test at the Roadmasters Drivers School and I have been pre-hired with Werner Enterprizes. I will be starting with them in the middle of February. After orientation I will travel with a trainer and then step out on my own. Life goes on! Today I had another opportunity to share with a fellow class mate about the the Word of God, sowing life into him. Yesterday one of the students was complaining about her glands beginning to swell up so I asked it I could pray with her and today she came back without any pain. Life goes on! Isn't a joy to serve others?

Ministry is were you are

This is what Jesus meant when he said that we are salt and light. Light is to minister to the darkness and salt is to minister to what it is applied to, to give taste. We are to bring light and taste to the world. We are to minister to the needs that we find. People need life. They are dead in their tresspasses and sins. Just minister where you are. Let God's love flow through you. Let people see your good works and glorify God.

Miracle Fruit?

A friend of mine sent me information about this berry found in the Amazon rain forest. Could it a miracle fruit? Check out my webpage www.mymonavie.com/patrickveach

Tell me what you think.

My Grand Girls

Anna is 5 months now and is a "Jewel". Calista is a beautiful young lady, very intelligent and loving. I am very blessed to have such beautiful girls to spoil and love. Ahhhhh, the joy of being Grandpa!

Pastor Installation this Sunday

To all my friends that drop in to read my thoughts, I want to invite you this sundays AM service to witness the installation of the Danny Rodriguez as pastor. There will also be a food fellowship in the evening for the folks to get aquainted with Danny and his family. As the board of directors prayed, fasted and sought God about this appointment I am expectant of what God is fixin to do. I am confident that the folks I love and preached to will be well taken care of and treated with respect. Paul said, I sowed, Apollos watered but God gave the increase. It's time to see the increase for WOG church.

Artic Blast

Brrrrr..... We were dismissed yesterday from school at noon as the temperture began to approach 32 degrees. With roads iced over the next morning classes were again cancelled for the day. I can't think of better conditions to learn to drive than on roads covered with black ice! Can you imagine a bunch of rookies behind the wheel of a 18 wheeler trucking down the road? I'm sure in the future that I will get my chance to drive in adverse circumstances. Can't wait!

Serving in a new place

I finished my first week of truck driving school. It was quite a challenge. There is a big difference from the atmomsphere of our nice comfortable office at church and the class room I find myself in. I'm so thrilled that I have an opportunity to be light in the dark and take light into a dark place. I find myself still with a desire to pastor, but now its not to pew sitting folks its to lost folks. I'm realizing that I might be the only person who will share Gods good news to these people and already opportunities are arising to be light and to share Gods light. I find myself offering to pray for people even though are are total non believers in God. I've found that there are very few folks who will refuse an offer to pray. Jesus said, "you are the light of the world." My pulpit has changed from a building to the world. I will let my light shine before men so that they can see my good works and glorify my father in heaven!

Transition

On January 14th, I announced my resignation as the pastor of the church I served since 2001. I must say that I served a great people, a people that love God and love others. I will really miss everybody and the privilege to serve them. Danny Rodriguez will now have the joy of serving this flock. I'm confident that he will be a great blessing to the people and take them onto the next level of growth. As in any transition there will be change. Change is good. We often times get stuck in a comfortable ruitine and stay there. God has to stir the pot so that we will stay on our toes. God has a great plan for this people and I am excited to see God continue to move in the lives of His people. Remember, Jesus said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." It's his church, He is in charge and He knows what is best. Trust Him and His wisdom.

My other friend Darrell

Yes, it is that time of the year again. Darrell Stott is with us. What a wonderful time we had last night! The presence of God brought great joy into our midst as people were enjoying God's presence. I'd suggust that those living in the RGV and have the opportunity to come and visit us, you will not be disappointed. He is here through Sunday the 7th, call the office for more information.

Fasting

At the first of every year I have been practising a fast. Usually I go for 21 days on water only. After the 3rd day it seems to get easier as hunger pains come to a stop and don't start up again untill until the end. The hardest part about it is that I normally am a muncher and I find myself walking to the frig, opening it and seeing what is inside or walking into the pantry and looking around. It's really silly coz I know that I'm not eating. This year I tried to do the Masters cleanse. It is a form of lemonade that you make up and can drink several times a day. It has a good taste to it but I think still stimulates enough to make one hungry. One thing for sure is that after fasting the third day I can really sence the presence of God. That is worth it all!

Merry Christmas!

Tomorrow, Sunday, we have our yearly Christmas celebration at the church. Our children and youth will exhibit some of the finest talent in christiandom here in the Rio Grande Valley. You'll not want to miss out on this celebration of our Lords birth. Remember we meet at 10:30am and start promply on time. Arrive early to find available seating. C u there........

What's a Pastor to do?

When I went into the ministry 30 years ago, I entered with the sense that I could do no wrong. There was a confidence, I beleive from God, to go and do impossible things. The Word says, that if you can beleive all things are possible to him that believes. With a tremendous desire to serve Him and to see His kingdom grow I defied the doubts and disbelief of men and went forward confident in His ability to confirm his word. There are casualties though along the way. Just like in war we see friendly fire, when soldiers from the same side accidently shoot and kill one another. There have been sadly to say, casualties in my ministry over the years. I can honestly say from my heart that there has been no malice to anything done intentional to hurt or harm Gods special people. I can see though that some have been wounded in my attempt to serve God. No pastor enters into the ministry will any desire less than to serve and be a blessing to Gods people. The problem is that pastors are fallible and make mistakes. I have made my share of mistakes along the way. It's possible that some of my readers have been offended by something I said or did along the way, if that is so, I apologize. Sometimes people have come to me in the past sharing something I said or done that hurt them while others just disappear without saying a word. My suggestion to anyone who has been offended by a minister or someone in leadership to at least send a note letting them know how you feel. Most leaders will make an effort to change the error of their ways if communicated with. Being a parent, I have made mistakes with my kids, as a pastor I have made mistakes with some folks in my congregation. There is not doubt though that in my heart there is a love placed there by God to love and serve His people. I'd like to hear your thoughts, drop in a comment, if you want to do it anonimously. Give your minister a break! He is not perfect.

Theraputic

I've been bloggin now for one year and two months. I almost feel like I'm in a twelve step program. "Hello, my name is Patrick and I'm a blogger." Bloggin has given me a way to communicate and share some of my thoughts, concerns and projects. Looking back, for me this has been theraputic. It's been fun, and for the first time in my life I've been able to keep some kind of journal. I would encourage you to blog and when you get your page up, let me know so that I can be amused by reading about what makes you tick.

House for sale

Yep, its time to sell. When I was a teen I remember hearing a green beret preach at our church and his title was, "Don't put your stakes down too deep, you might be pulling out tomorrow." Obviously in war one has to be ready to get his gear together and be ready to get on the move. God will allow some people to put down roots but others to be ready get moving. Our homes over the years have varied from real dumps to very nice homes. Like Paul we have abased and abounded and in everything and circumstance I've learned to be content. So, its time to sell, retrieve our capitol and see what to invest in next. If you are looking for a nice home in the country with the opportunity to raise horses or a couple of cows, look no further, this place is for you.

Heart breaking

It was brought to my attention that there is a 5-6 yr old girl virtually living with the pigs in a village in India. She was seen obviously abandoned by her parents, eating what she could with a momma pig and her ten babies. The girls leg was wounded by the adult pig biting her. She has been sleeping under bridges and other shelters to protect her from the elements. We in America cannot fathom a need like this. Our minds are clouded and our understanding altered to such suffering. I am trying to do something though to assist such tragedies. As I hear about this and see with my own eyes similar situations my heart breaks and I ask myself, what really is important in life? To date I have raised around $25,000.00 US dollars for our childrens home in India. I'm a quarter of the way there. The mountain seems at times too high to climb, but if I don't make an effort, who else will? I know that I cannot erase the human suffering of the world, and God doesn't expect me too but I can do a little bit. I can do what I can and invite others to join with me to make a difference in childrens lives in this part of India. A childrens home for 100 kids will soon get off the ground. Thanks for your prayers and support.