God Has His People Everywhere

Saturday, my wife, Kim and I, were officially welcomed to our new leadership calling in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey with a heartwarming reception at Weaver Markets Banquet Hall in Denver, Pennsylvania. What a relaxing and refreshing and glorious good 3-4 hours we experienced.  

Take it from me: “God Has His People Everywhere!” We are thrilled at this new God-orchestrated partnership we have been invited into. Pray for us. God is on the move and it’s hard to keep up with a band of angels but it sure is exhilarating trying to. 

Presence Matters Most! 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

What Can I Do?

Presence Matters Most!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

The Future is Now

24 years ago, I came as a young pastor, age 33, to Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene in Virginia. Almost immediately I borrowed words of vision from Psalm 22:30 — “Future Generations will be told about the Lord!” In fact, this became the engraved message on our hearts and on the cornerstone of our new church building in 1999. 

I have always believed in young people. I once heard Dr. James Dobson say: “We are always just one generation away from godlessness!” God forbid. 

Yesterday, my wife, Kim, and our Coonhound, Lucy, loaded up in our Four Winds RV and headed into our next full-time God-assignment to oversee the Nazarene Churches in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. So far, my joy-desription seems to be “to refresh the hearts of God’s people and to strengthen the churches here.”

So on our first, journey as full-time on the Philadelphia District, we purposely drove what seemed like forever to the northern reaches of our district to spend two days and nights with the junior highers and senior highers at their summer camps. 

We arrived ten minutes before the evening service. Kim and the pup were weary, so they rested in the RV but exhilaration overcame me and I entered the service. What energy met me!!! The worship was off-the-hook. I was immediately embraced by Trevor, Danielle, Tim and a host of other young champions for Jesus. In a room overflowing with young believers, I felt immediately embraced. When I left the platform after being introduced as the new district leader, the students high-fived me joyfully all the way back to my seat. It was so humbling and fun, too, I might add. 

Pastor Jay from Allentown was the evening speaker. He preached passionately like an old campmeeting evangelist. His love and concern for the young souls was inspiring. His vulnerable theme, “Change Your Mind About Sin!” 

Conviction from Heaven suddenly settled in the room, and when he compassionately called for seekers, the young men ran to the altar first, followed by the young ladies. It was an off-the-hook holy thing to behold. My heart was strangely and wondrously warmed. 

Listen friends, let’s find young people in our lives, yes, in our local churches to believe in. Let’s... Love them. Encourage them. Support them. They are the generation that needs to partner with us to find our way from the present to the future. And... the future is now!

Presence Matters Most!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Remember Me

Jesus gave us Holy Communion, saying: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” 

It is natural for us when we go away to say to those we love: “Rememeber Me.” 

Last night, I packed my church office after 24 years of pastoring one congregation, I turned in my church key, and I loaded my vehicle and left the parking lot. Two words were on my heart as I left the building, so much so, that I went to our Gethsemane prayer room and wrote through tears-filled eyes two words on a prayer card and folded it and stuck it in our prayer wall. The two words were: “Remember Me.” 

However, the true meaning is this: “Please remember me so you will remember Jesus in me.” 

This morning I awoke with this 1998 song in my mind and piercing my heart. I now share it with you... tenderly.

https://youtu.be/16YYBoQ3YMI

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

In a Storm?

These thoughts came to my mind today. Embrace the truth within them, with me...

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Goodbye Sunday

Yesterday, was June 24, 2018, and our Goodbye Sunday as the pastoral family at Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene. It was a tender day, but also a day for God to change the trajectory of our lives for His glory. 

Our Harrisonburg people are so loving and generous and kind. We were overwhelmed with the outpouring of true care and compassion. We are humbled as debtors to their expressions for forever. 

Today and Tuesday, I will complete the packing of my office and by midday Wednesday, Kim, Lucy and I will be RVing northward to Pennsylvania and then southward to New Jersey. Pray that our comings and goings will be God-ordered, Jesus-led and Spirit-saturated. 

Here are a few images from Sunday:

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

When God... Called Me...

This passage came strongly into my spiritual thoughts this week... 

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Assurance Song

This morning a friend sent me this song clip. I can only think of two words as I listen to it: “Assurance Song!“

https://youtu.be/8OlMGnPUAdw

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful

The Promise of His Presence

This verse spoke deeply to me today:

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

“A Band of Angels”

I once heard Harmon Schmelzenbach, missionary to the great continent of Africa, tell about God’s mighty working to bring the Good News of Jesus to the precious souls there. Harmon told passionately how God answered one prayer of faith after another and doors flew open giving him favor for his calling as a ministry partner with Jesus. 

The miracle-experiencing missionary put all of his testimony in one powerful phrase that I have never forgotten: “It’s hard to keep up with a band of angels!!!”

The past few weeks God has brought this phrase to my own personal calling. As I am beginning to partner with Jesus on the Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene, the faith-inspired excitement of those leading alongside me has been truly amazing. 

One example, last evening I had my first district advisory board meeting. The room was full of people of faith, fully expecting God to begin a new work among us. And their strong and obvious belief in the vision God is showing us both started my heart and even startled my heart — in a wonder-filled kind of way. 

The meeting did not end until after 10 PM as we shared holy communion together and prayed the Lord’s prayer while holding hands.

As I left the office, that powerful phrase came into my spirit fresh and anew: “Yes!!! It’s hard to keep up with a band of angels!!!” (But it sure is fun trying to!)

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Transition Nearly Reality

Well, I have been overlapping two responsibilities for several weeks now. It has been challenging at times, however, it has always been a blessed privilege.

Pastoring the people who call themselves Nazarenes in Harrisonburg, Virginia, has been a tender calling for me these past 24 years. It is coming to an end this Sunday as we finally and formally say goodbye to one another. I will cease to be the local shepherd but I will always carry this flock in my heart.

Today, I am journeying up towards Philadelphia for meetings as the district superintendent of Nazarenes in this region. Tonight, will be my first meeting with the district advisory board, those who hold me accountable and partner alongside me in leading the district.

My heart is fully trusting God, because I know this new call is in His heart for me. Surely, He will lead me in this new responsibility and His people here will become my people and their God is already my God.

People have asked me if I will continue this blog?Certainly, I will. This blog is the best place for me to share my heart and to share good news. I pray that my feet will become more beautiful as I continue on towards the preferred future God desires most and onto my heavenly home.

Romans 10:15.

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

People Need the Lord

We, the people, need the Lord. Apart from God’s good gifts and amazing grace we really cannot take a step or breathe a breath. Whether we admit it or not, we are in need of God’s Goodness, y’all. 

And here’s some Good News: We need God and God wants us! 

This older song is ringing in my mind. It’s all true. 

https://youtu.be/1uZcGaixMhg

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Daddy’s Grave

Very few Father’s Days, do I get to have an early Sunday morning visit to the cemetery, but today I did. Standing in Virgie Mae Cemetery on Harkers Island at Daddy’s Grave is emotional, nevertheless, hope-filled, too. 

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Project Galilee #6 / Save the Dates

Six years ago, the Lord placed on my heart a vision to call leaders together along my coastal homeland of North Carolina. We come together to attend the Presence of the Lord within our own souls — , yes, to see increased intimacy with Jesus in our interior lives as church leaders.

We invite you to consider attending this year. It promises to be, as always, a season of inspiration, restoration, and friendship. Our theme this year will be “Kingdom Conversations“. The teaching sessions will be on Thursday and Friday, November 8-9, 2018. 

This year we will begin our sessions at 1 PM on Thursday and end by 1 PM on Friday. Of course, some will choose to come early just for some quiet time or stay late for the same. There is no charge for the registration of the gathering itself. We will meet once again in Beaufort, North Carolina at the Bridgeway Church of the Nazarene.

Each person plans and pays for their own travel, lodging, and meals. Please visit our website for more information at www.ProjectGalilee.org and register today to breathe in unity with us where the sea meets the shoreline. Presence Matters Most. 

http://www.projectgalilee.org/

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Save Us From Our Sins (Meaning)

My childhood friend, Ken Davis, went to be with the Lord a few years ago. I had the joy of partnering in his baptism with another childhood friend, Pastor Paul Gillikin. (I was also humbled that I was asked by Ken to officiate his gomegoing celebration.)

During those days, Ken and my Dad encouraged each other through their final battles with cancer. One day at the Hospice House in coastal North Carolina, my dad was near the end — Ken would have a few more months to live — Ken made a surprise visit to cheer my Dad who had lost his hearing. Ken held a poster board, displaying His life-verse, Matthew 1:21 — “Give Him the name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” It was such an encouragement to Ken, to Dad, and to me. Good News, Indeed! 

It wasn’t until this week, however, that the verse really moved my heart deeper and saturated my soul more wonderful than ever. I was reading from The Amplified New Testament. Read it below and if the enhancement of the verse — explaining in detail what it means to have a Savior to save us from our sins — doesn’t inspire you, read it again and again until it does. Because it should. You are welcome. 

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

A Salt Water Day

Yesterday, was a salt water day for me. Here are some images I captured along the waterways of my native coastal homeland.

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

“The End of the Road”

My recent Instagram post:

Grateful

June 12, 57 Years Later

I was born June 12, and now it’s 57 years later. A life passes by so quickly. I pray the rest of my days will count even more for eternity than my previous 57. 

When it comes to regrets, I have a few, nevertheless, I know the future is preferred for Jesus-believers. And I am one. So the expectations ahead of me are greater than any regrets behind me. 

For my birthday, if you want to celebrate with me, click this link below and worship the Lord of Faithfulness with me. It was the first song I heard today and it captures how I feel.

https://youtu.be/XZDyMJhd4Bo

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

A Rainy Monday

Well, it’s a rainy Monday. I mowed our yard at 7am as raindrops fell in a light mist. With heavier downpours expected throughout the day, I had no choice but to mow when I did. Either mow now or make hay later. 

As the day develops, fog is now present and the sun seems absent. An atmosphere so dreary can make my brain feel weary. Yet somehow the day matches my demeanor. Ever notice how the weather can be an illustration of our lives? It’s all true. 

So, what’s the point of this blogpost? Honestly, I just needed to have a lighthearted conversation with someone about something. Why not the weather? Thanks for listening. 

By the way. God’s not mad at us, He’s mad about us. God sends rain to the just and the unjust. He blesses everyone with sun and rain. (Read the second sentence in Matthew 5:45 below.) Also, I am so glad His love for us is not wishy-washy like the weather.

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Tender Sunday, June 10, 2018

Sunday, June 10, 2018, has been a very tender day for my heart. 24 years ago I came with my wife and our young children, to be the local pastor at Harrisonburg, Virginia, First Church of the Nazarene. Today, I led my final three worship services as local pastor here. It was a sacred day with God’s favor all over it. An estimated 40 people were even spontaneously baptized. So my emotions are something other than sad. Just tender, I’d say. 

I am humbled to go into the future God has chosen for me — to be District Superintendent of the Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene. I look so forward to being a sanctuary of the Holy Presence of my Savior to many new, precious people there. To be an encourager of pastors and local churches in Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey will be a holy opportunity indeed. Still, today has been tender. 

I have given my very best to this local community that was not my home, but became my home. I leave the daily encounters with dear partners I have shared ministry with. Even our son, who worked alongside me for seven years, will now have to find his way forward without my daily influence in his life and I will now have to find my way forward without his. Yet, I rejoice because he remains in a local church family that he loves dearly and that dearly loves him. Tender, indeed. 

Years ago I adopted a vision statement of sorts for myself. I did not know how true it would become: “My dream holds to sail beyond the sunset.” Well, my friends, it’s happening. One friend who’s been with me for the whole 24 years said: “The mission was to save the church, and it has been saved but not for me/Kerry.” 

So, now I set sail with the north star before me. The mission, “to strengthen the churches in the region of Philadelphia, and to refresh the hearts of God’s people there so souls might be saved.” Pray Godspeed ahead of Kim, Lucy Pup, and me.

Photos from my final day of leading as Pastor:

Pastor Joe welcomes the people...

Angela Sipe served alongside me 22 years especially in prayer but many others ways. She was given The Beacon Award.

Gethsemane Gathering Worship and Prayer

Encouraging the people with Good News 


The final blessing from Numbers 6

Final winding up of mic cord atop final order of service 

Praying with Mr. Fulk, Angela Sipe’s Dad, Pastor Adrian approaching in the background 

 

God is good. My “Timothy” taking the helm. The future is preferred for Jesus-believers! 

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Remember

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

A Gethsemane Gathering — June 10, 2018

Because God opened a new door of ministry before me — to oversee local churches on The Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene, this Sunday, June 10, 2018, I will lead my final service as local pastor at Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene. 

After much thought and prayer, I have decided that Jesus would be most pleased if I end my 24 years of pastoring with a prayer lab rather than a preaching lecture. So, A Gethsemane Gathering Prayer Laboratory is my focus.

After one of my discipleship journeys to the Holy Land, the Lord inspired me with a format of worship designed to give Jesus back that hour of prayer when His closest disciples, Pete, Jim and John, wearily slept the opportunity away. It was the night of His betrayal and arrest, and it all happened in the shadows of the Mount of Olives, just east of Jerusalem, in Gethsemane. Matthew 26. 

So, the format this Sunday morning will be based on 7 themes of prayer. Carefully selected songs and prayerfully thought-through words will be shared as everyone is invited to personally pray. 

Here are the 7 themes: 

1. Desperation — Cry for Hope

2. Adoration — Call to Worship

3. Intercession — Contend for Souls 

4. Appreciation — Come say Thanks

5. Restoration — Connect for Healing

6. Celebration — Consider it Joy

7. Benediction — Claim the Blessing

I will close this gathering by praying the beautiful Benediction given for God’s people in Numbers 6:

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20vu

Grateful 

O Holy Spirit / A Prayer

Maranatha — “Come, Holy Spirit!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Imitation vs. Intimacy

The buzzword for Holiness these days seems to be Christlikeness. I’m not against Christlikeness, but I think it sounds more like imitation of Christ than intimacy with Christ. 

The word I like best for Holiness is Jesus-possession. In other words, the last 7 words of Jesus in John 17, yes, His High Priestly Prayer, explains what He’s after: “...That I Myself May Be In Them!” 

More than following Jesus and attempting to be like Him, I want to be a sanctuary of His Presence, yes a carrier of Christ. I want oneness with my Lord. And I am sure oneness with my Lord is what I need!

Matt Mayer says it best in his song titled “I Need You” — “Holiness is Christ in me!” 

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

My Prayer for a Brother in the Lord

This morning I received a desperate prayer request from a dear brother in the Lord. I sensed the Lord passionately partnering through me to pray this prayer for him: 

“Dearest Father God; Your dear, precious child, my brother, is calling out for a touch of Your mercy — for a healing that You alone can give. I plead with him, Lord. We plead together the Blood of Jesus. We call for help in the Name of Jesus — yes, in the Almighty Name of Your Son and our Savior. Show Your power. Overwhelm this physical challenge for Your glory and for Brian’s good, please Lord. We have no where else to turn. We need no where else, because You alone Love and Care for Your own! Lift my brother out of this bondage, mend his body, hold Him close, whisper Your peace. In faith, I call out. I know Your ear is not deaf and Your arm is not short. Come to my brother, I cry. Amen.”

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

God Has His People Everywhere

I have been in the role of District Superintendent for just a short season so far, however, I have learned with just a few stops from village to village one thing for sure — God Has His People Everywhere! 

Today, we were part of a church dinner after the morning worship service and we sat with a couple of 90-year-olds who have been married for about 65 years — Irene and Charles. What a joy. A double-joy, indeed. 

Irene was so delightfully dignified, while Charles could easily be a stand-up comedian. When I asked him if he had lived in the town all his life, he replied dryly, “Well, not my whole life. I’m not dead yet.” 

My message today was titled: “Presence Matters Most!” Preaching it from the pulpit was awesome for my own soul and practicing it at the table with Irene and Charles was equally awesome.

And l don’t  have time to tell you about our supper this evening with the pastor and his wife, and their parents who are retired missionaries from Africa. O my. Talk about Presence!!! Indeed, God Has His People Everywhere!!  

Let’s be present in the present with whoever we happen to be present with. And let’s remember The Presence of Jesus within us is the essence of our existence.

Missionary Rev. Ron Calhoun was our chauffeur to and from supper Sunday evening. 

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful 

Will We Be Saints or Sinners?

My Instagram post today:

Grateful 

Problems Qualify Us For Miracles

Last night I had the joy of meeting with a local church that has had some problematic days. There was such a spirit of hope in the room before our gathering closed.

This sacred experience reminded me that if we have problems it surely qualifies us for miracles. Unless there are challenges in our lives we will not need Christ. 

Please join me in prayer for this lovely church family. I truly believe the future will be fulfilling for each of them who place their faith in Jesus, the miracle-working Savior.

And if life’s problems have you overwhelmed, I pray that you will also really believe in Jesus and become an overcomer in His holy name.

Our Great God is surely able to deliver us from the burdens of life. I can hear Jesus saying in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me all you who are burdened and I will give you rest.” Sounds like an invitation to experience a miracle, to me.

Flowers at the Erma Holiness Campground, Cape May, New Jersey, where we are blessed to be staying for a few days. Meeting new friends in Jesus’ Name. 

Maranatha — “Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev. 22:20

Grateful