Finally Home

I finally made it back to the States today. All in all, I have been traveling for about 16 straight hours. I am tired. Had to get a haircut and some rest. Now I am up in the middle of the night and i have to preach in the morning. Pray for a brotha. Shalom

Filling in the Blanks and getting ready to go home

In less than two hours, we will be on a bus to make our trek home. i will be traveling for almost 24 hours. I must admit I am so ready to go home. Not only do I have service at my church on Sunday, but I am also in revival in Pelham, NC, with my good friend Pastor Nathan Scovens and the Smith Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Scovens is one of my dearest friends, someone I look up to. He is a tremendous preacher. I consider him my big brother. Well the trip is almost complete. It has been a good time. I have seen many sites and sights. Today was one of my best days here. I got to relax. I found a nice Messianic Jewish Bookstore and I stayed in there for hours. Truth be told, I am a big nerd. I love to read. I guess that is why I am always in school. I just have a passion for learning. Perhaps the reason is because I was told early in my academic career that I would have to be in remedial classes. I have been fighting to prove people wrong ever since then. I guess I am just an overachiever. I guess I will miss my fellow pilgrims. We have had an interesting time together. Some I clicked with, others I did not. Just the nature of the beast. I hope to stay in contact with them. I am encouraged by their love of ministry and God. One has even invited me to preach at her church. That should be an experience, one I look forward to. I was able to pick up a few things, so I hope that everyone is happy. Hope I did not forget anybody on the list. As I make one last reflection on my time in the Holy Land, i must say that I have been blessed to be here. One of the highlights was leading worship and communion at the Garden Tomb. They did not know the songs that I was singing, so now they see how I felt at our other services. Everyone remarked about how well I could sing. I cannot wait to tell my church. They give me a hard time. I think I am actually pretty good (hahahahaha). I am getting better. Pray my strength as I prepare to venture back in the states. I believe that is when the true reflection of my time here will take place. Pray for me, as I am hitting the ground running for the next 2 months, preaching and school. Stay Tuned, Shalom, PG

Updates on the Trip

It has been a while since I have had access to the internet. We arrived in Jerusalem on Sunday after having worship on the Mt. of Beautitudes. We stayed in a convent attended to by seven nuns. No TV, but that is cool. I need some down time to reflect and write. I have been feeling so inspired and have written about seven sermons so far. I pray that these be uplifting to my congregation as I am eager to get to my pulpit and preach. I have not gone 2 weeks without preaching in three years, so I am going through preaching withdrawal. I almost forgot to mention that on our last night in Tiberias, I was sitting at a local pub, drinking a diet coke and writing in my journal, when three youths walked in with AKA-47's across there shoulder. At the sametime, 2pac's "Me against the World" song was blaring through the speakers. These youths were not much younger than me. Made me realize that Freedom is a luxury only a few get to experience. Jerusalem (Old City) was cool. Walked down Hosanna Road, Church commemorating where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, and stopped by the Garden of Gethsemane. This was probably my favorite spot. I was so overcome with emotion here. When we went into the church and the Garden it rained, but it stopped as soon as we came out. Deep. Got to follow the 14 stations of the Cross and walk down the Via Delorosa. We finally made it to the place where they believed that jesus was crucified. The place was crowded on this day. I am not one for crowds, so I was irritated. I got to see so many places, the empty tomb, calvary's rock, stone of the annointment. It was something to be there. I have so many pictures, however, I must admit a bad taste was left in my mouth. I just feel like there was so much exploitation of Jesus by the different sects of Christianity here. They were fighting over places and rocks. The Greek Orthodox claiming this spot, the Catholics claiming this step, the Armaneans claiming this wall and so forth. I see why Jesus wept and said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." We made a few more stops the rest of the week. We got pulled over at a stop. There is so much political turmoil here, it is unbelievable. Seem like everybody got a gun. It is something to read about it and see it on TV, but it is another thing to see it live and in person. I believe that all Christians ought to be able to help the cause over here. There are many Christians who are getting persecuted in the Holy Land. I am going to try and figure out my own plan of action. I have so much more to say, but my time is quickly evaporating. I have some errands to run and I found a great bookstore. This is our free day as we leave around midnight 2nite. I will fill in some more of the blanks later. Until then, Shalom. PG

Been a Long Time

We made it to Jerusalem on Sunday. We stayed at a Convent all week. This is my first chance to get on the internet. I do not have long. i will write later. Just want to clarify, Pastor was not trying to fight (he fight all the time, just like Anthony Mason (Kings of Comedy)). Just a theological difference of opinion. I prefer to be a peaceful man in my old age. this was our last day of the actual tour. Tomorrow is a free day, then we go home. I have so much to catch you up on. Until then, Shalom, PG

A Holy Experience

Yesterday was a pretty cool day. We went to Caesera Phillipi, Banias Falls and the Golden Heights. The Banias falls were so beautiful. Could not help but appreciate the beauty and wonder of God's creation. The next place was Ceasera Phillipi. this has major theological implications, because this is where Jesus asked his disciples "Whom do men say that I am?" It is also the home of the temple to the greek god Pan. It also is one of the sources for the Jordan River. i got some Jordan River water, because I am not sure if I am going to be able to get baptized in the water. Last stop was at the Golden Heights, the border between Israel and Syria. there is a major rift between these two countries over land. many have lost there lives. made me appreciate freedom more. Dinner was ok last night, I am just tired of eating stuff that i have no idea what it is. Spent some quality time with some on the trip. We have a unique blend of personalities and cultures on this trip. I am the only African American and that can be different. I really came on this trip for a Worship Experience, not to sight see. Some have there on agenda. i really embraced the fact that I was getting away from everything. That means that sometimes I like to get in my own world. I am moody enough without everyone invading your space. I did not come to impress anyone, just to get closer in my spiritual journey with God. A misunderstanding yesterday really got to me and i wanted to lay my religion down, but I was told it was not worth it. Well, just pray for a brotha. Today is a free day (Sabbath). I slept late and went to McDonalds by the Sea of Galilee. they are everywhere. i am about to go to the pool. i have some work to finish 2nite. We are packing up 2nite and after having service at the Mt. of Beautitudes, we are making our way to Jerusalem. I am so excited. Hopefully there i can experience more and get some shopping in. Everybody and there momma want something, but it is funny, nobody gave me any money to get anything with. Go figure. until Next Time, RevCEGJr

Second Day wore me out

Today we went and visited the Mount of Beautitudes, Capernaum, Tarsi, saw the 2000 year old boat and took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. I was deeply moved at the Mount of Beautitudes. I was able to read the sermon on the mount(actually a plain, perhaps Luke got it right) and pray there. I was sorta disappointed, because they had fenced off the area where I really wanted to go, the actual spot where they believe Jesus spoke from. Our next stop took us to the place where it is believed that Jesus fed the five thousand. They have a rock right under the altar which is the supposed rock for which Jesus blessed and passed the fishes and five loaves. A beautiful mosaic depicts it right before the altar (only shows 2 fishes and 4 loaves of bread. They say that Jesus is the fifth loaf(Bread of Life)). We then went to Capernaum and saw Peter's house and the Synagouge for which Jesus did a lot of teaching from. These visits really give a great reference for texts for which i have read and studied. We had lunch and we ate St. Peter's fish. I ate the pizza, because the fish was way to bony for me. We stopped by the place where Jesus met the Demoniac and then we went to the exhibit about the 2000 year old boat. That was fascinating. To cap our day, we took a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. What a sight and ride. I was extremely wore out. I have not had a "Monday (Preachers Sabbath)" this week. I went right to bed. I slept thru dinner and morning prayers. I really needed the rest. Was able to write 2 sermons today and hopefully i can knock out some homework while I am here. Tomorrow is a new adventure and a new experience. I cannot wait until i can get these pictures on here. Until Next Time, RevCEGJr

First Day of Pilgrimage Complete

Well, we finally made it to the Holy Land. It was a loooong plane ride. I slept so much. My body has yet to adjust to the time change. There was a bombing in Tel Aviv, the place where we landed the day before. There was a little apprehension, but everything was cool. Woke up this morning and had breakfast by the Sea of Galillee. What a view! Today we went out the cities of Sepphora and Nazareth. Sepphora was a great historical site. I enjoyed it immensely. When we got to nazareth, we visited two Churches, both claiming to be the place where the angel visited Mary and announced the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ . It was powerful both places. I was able to drink and wash in the spring of Nazareth. This is the samwe place many believe mary went to to, as well as Jesus. It was just awesome. I was able to get some of the water to bring home. After returning, I barely had time to lay down and collect my thoughts. We had dinner and prayers and I was able to go out on the town for a few. I am excited about our excursion tomorrow. Hopefully I will be able to get online and catch everyone up. i have been journaling by hand, so hopefully I will be able to write down my reflections. i have plenty of pics as well. i do sorely miss my family and church family. My prayers are with all. RevCEGJr

Easter Sunday and Preparing to Travel

This has been a long and exhausting weekend. We had our Easter play on Saturday Night. It was entitled "Salvation at Calvary". It was a tremendous job done by our Drama and Fine Arts Ministry. I was so blessed and I know that everyone in attendance was blessed as well. Easter Sunday went well. Music was good and the place was packed. I do hope and pray that the message was received. Easter is a hard time to preach, ask any preacher. I just hope that the Spirit took up the slack where I fell short. It was a long day as I made some rounds to see members and fellowship for a little while. Trying to deal with church stuff as i will be out the country for 2 weeks. I am going to desperately miss my people and family and my prayers will be with them. As usual, I am late packing. I have a few errands to run befor I go to the airport. Pray my strength in the Lord as i embark on this journey to the Holy Land. As soon as I am able to get to a computer, I will send updates pertaining to the trip. Until Next Time, Remain Steadfast in HIM, PG

Preparing for a Pilgrimage

I am now trying to pack as I am leaving on Monday for a pilgrimage to Israel Palestine. I was selected to be apart of the Institute of Preaching and Pastoral Renewal program through Candler School of Theology. I am excited and nervous. I will be gone about 2 weeks. I am going to treat this as a spiritual retreat. I am going to miss my family and church family so much. I hope and pray that I have a home and a church to come back to. Packing is such a tremendous chore. On top of that I have an Easter play at the church tonight, as well as get ready for our Resurrection Service on tomorrow morning. I am preaching "Good News from the Graveyard"(Luke 24: 1-12). I pray that this message perks the heart of the people. Easter is such an uncomfortable time for a preacher. I will explain in further blogs. It stretches one to become creative. Being a Baptist preacher, if you don"t end with "EARRRRRRRLY Sunday Morning", they might vote you out the church. Pray for a brotha as I meander through a busy week. Blessings

My First Post

Today is my first post. I am new to cyberspace. I am interested in just expressing myself. I have been so encouraged by the blogs of others, especially another Pastor named H. B. Charles, Jr. from L. A. I pastor a wonderful church in Salem, AL, Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church(www.pleasantviewmbc.org). I love the people that God has allowed me to shepherd. There have been ups and downs, but I thank God for the love of God. I have been pastoring for about three years. I started pastoring at 23 years old. I hope to share my views of life, ministry, and other tidbits that may arise. God has favored me to travel to share the most precious thing in the world to me, and that is the Word of God. I also hope to write books in the future, as I am now a Doctoral student at Wesley Theological Seminary studying Preaching in the 21st Century. I look forward to this journey. Blessings and Peace, RevCEGJr