Preaching, Teaching and Talking to Statues

Chiereme, John Wesley and I at VWC

I found myself talking to John Wesley the other day.  I was moving pretty quickly and was praising God for His faithfulness as I passed by his statue on campus at Virginia Wesleyan College (VWC).  Looking up, but not slowing down I said, "You'd be proud of me John, preaching 5 times in less than 24 hours at 3 different places."   Of course I then laughed at myself for having spoken.  You may not know that Wesley is estimated to have traveled more than 250,000 miles and to have preached 42,000 sermons!  To put this into perspective, if you preached 3 times every day for 38 years, you would be close to 42,000 sermons!

On September 15th, I preached at an outdoor event called: "Living Water Jubilee" at Silverbrook UMC in Lorton, VA.  The choir from Ghanian UMC sang that evening, some in their native language and some in English - powerful!  The Scripture was this amazing passage from John's Gospel.  

John 7:37-39

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”  By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

I drove to Richmond that evening staying with Brian & Teresa Gagliardi, members of Shady Grove UMC.  I met them at Pender UMC's Missions Conference where I spoke this Spring.  They are close friends with Dave & Laura Shuping who help lead the Missions Committee at Pender.  For years, Pender has been bold about missions, raising up missionaries from the congregation and raising $350,000 this year alone for missions!  This is outside of their regular giving (apportionments).  So the Gagliardi's were longing to start a missions movement at their church as well.  I was thrilled to be a part of preaching 3 services at Shady Grove on "Our God is a Missionary God."  What awesome humility . . . the Son of God leaving the glory he shared with the Father from all time, to enter into Jewish culture in the first century as a baby born to poor parents!  Yes, the Scriptures declare that the Infinite One became a Jew, entering the world as we all did, through a womb. 

I returned that afternoon to (VWC) to lead worship and preach at SOAR, our 4pm worship gathering - thus preaching 5 times in a day.  We are so thankful that the students have really jumped into Campus Ministry this year.  Our worship attendance has more than doubled from last year - we have around 50 now!  There is some great student leadership in our worship, with singers, testimonies, musicians, dancers and more. 

Evangelist & Chaplain

When my supervisor at the College said, "Continue to be an Evangelist, just take students with you," I believed I could go full time at VWC.  I saw clearly that this was a win-win and was faithful to the equipping role of an Evangelist in the Scriptures (Ephesians 4:11-13).  I took Chiereme Fortune (pictured above) and Devon Killian with me to speak at the York River District Youth Gathering.  Jonathan Diggs, the youth Pastor at Newtown UMC, recently became the District Youth Coordinator as well.  It was so cool to follow Chiereme and Devon after they shared with the High School students about following Christ at College.  

SOAR Worship - Sundays at 4pm at VWC

The opportunities for offering Christ are abundant at VWC!  I'm leading four LIFE Groups (Living In Faith Everyday), where we share our journeys and dig into the Scriptures with an eye and heart towards applying the truths, promises and commands to our lives.  There are a number of student led ministries where I serve as a "Coach" to them.  These are powerful and necessary if we are going to impact the campus which has 1,200+ students.

A Special Guest at VWC

We had around 55 students come out for the presentation!

April Havlin, our friend and the founder of the House of Hope in Nicaragua visited VWC in September!  The College is focusing on the tragic issue of human trafficking this Fall, it was perfect timing.  April comes at this issue with a deep faith in Christ, which was a powerful witness to the students.  She had jewelry for sale which was made by the women coming out of prostitution and human trafficking.  

I will be leading a team from VWC to Nicaragua during Spring Break next year.  We will be working with April and the House of Hope for 3 days.

Preaching on the Eastern Shore

Painter Garrison's UMC - Eastern Shore, VA

Psalm 85:6-7

Will you not revive us again; that your people may rejoice in You?  Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation.

Painter Garrison's UMC on the Eastern Shore of Virginia dates to 1787!  It was a privilege to preach at their Fall Revival at Pastor Becky McGee's invitation.  I was welcomed and well fed by a generous congregation.

From the beginning of the Bible to the end God desires to dwell with His people, that He would be their GOD and they would be His people.  So revival, is part of GOD's plan - that we would be awake, alive to GOD's Presence, power and purposes in and among us!  

New Hispanic Church in north Suffolk!

While I was the Pastor of Grace Harbor we had a gathering of Hispanics called Puerto de Gracia (you got it, Grace Harbor).  I felt that there would be more traction with an indigenous Pastor.  Well Pastor David Jimenez is the new Pastor of a gathering of Hispanics that meet at Ebenezer UMC in north Suffolk at 5:30pm on Saturday evenings.  Jason and Delia Gillikin are often leading in worship.  It's been a joy to see some of our old amigos getting connected with this fellowship!  I'm helping when I can, but the schedule has been challenging. If you know some Latinos in the area that do not have a church family, let me know and we'll try to connect them!

I'm way overdue in sending out an update.  My apologies.  Thank you all for your support of this ministry. The Board of Life in His Name, Inc. and I continue to meet on a regular basis to map out ministry and new ways we can serve.  

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 1:2).

Greg West

Robert Kennedy Jr. quote

Corporate capitalists do not want free markets, they want dependable profits, and their surest route is to crush competition by controlling government. The rise of fascism across Europe in the 1930s offers many informative lessons on how corporate power can undermine a democracy. In Spain, Germany and Italy, industrialists allied themselves with right-wing leaders who used the provocation of terrorist attacks, continual wars, and invocations of patriotism and homeland security to tame the press, muzzle criticism by opponents and turn government over to corporate control. Those governments tapped industrial executives to run ministries and poured government money into corporate coffers with lucrative contracts to prosecute wars and build infrastructure. They encouraged friendly corporations to swallow media outlets, and they enriched the wealthiest classes, privatized the commons and pared down constitutional rights, creating short-term prosperity through pollution-based profits and constant wars.     Robert Kennedy Jr. 

Spring Update

I hope and pray we are all more aware than ever of the depth of God's love seen in the Cross and the power of the resurrection!  

It is possible though, to move through this season spiritually asleep.  Sometimes it is a fight to stay awake to the reality of God with us.  It is the challenge of being a disciple when we have so little discipline.  Our culture keeps contesting Christ being first in all things and how quickly we yield.  Busyness, prayerlessness, distractions, 'the deceitfulness of wealth and the cares of this world' will all pull us away from the One thing needed.

"And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy."  Colossians 1:18

I am concerned for the Church, for my family and for myself.  There is a great gulf between what the New Testament calls for and the lives we are living.  I don't say this to condemn anyone, but rather to call all of us (myself included) back to the one true standard - Christ.   

I am also deeply concerned for those without Christ.  There is a strong push in our culture towards pluralism - the idea that all belief claims are equal.  I challenge people who hold this by asking, "Who else has risen from the dead?" And, I try to help people see the reality of Jesus and what he has done in a different light ...

"If someone has 'Risen from the Dead' on their resume and they are offering their services for free, you should probably hire them!  Don't you think?"

I have had numerous privileges of sharing Christ in the last couple months and look forward to the ongoing dialogue as people draw near to and trust in Christ for salvation.  

I was grateful for the opportunity to teach at two United Methodist District Training Days - Elizabeth River and York River Districts.  I've been corresponding with some of the people who took my class on "The Method of Jesus and the Method of the Methodists."  We need to take notice that our Lord did not start a mega-church while he walked among us, but rather a mini-church!  This is not a slam on mega-churches, just an endorsement of Jesus' strategy in making disciples!  We need small groups where we can share the deeper joys and struggles.

Connecting Small Groups and Missions to Nicaragua

Thanks to some of the guys at the Wednesday morning Churchland Group, there was a great connection made between the small group ministry and the missions trips to Nicaragua.  Les and Dube took up a collection and bought a guitar to send down with the team.  We used it during our group worship, prayer and sharing times.  Then on our last day we had the joy of giving it away!  Pastor Omar and his church in Tipitapa will get to enjoy the guitar.  I'm confident many will learn to play on this guitar!

Pastor Omar with the guitar from the Churchland Wednesday Morning Group

Dube & Les jamming outdoors!

On Spring Break Trip, we had 9 VWC students and Professor Allison Marganski who teaches Sociology and Criminology as well as 1 Old Dominion student.

We spent three days working with House of Hope, a ministry to women and children seeking freedom from prostitution and human trafficking.  We dug ditches, filled holes and painted - hard work which was rewarding knowing it helped such a needed ministry.  We listened to testimonies from women who have found freedom in Christ and met girls who had been rescued from brothels.  It's difficult to see and hear, but necessary.  I watched the group process and wrestle with the brokenness of the world while we talked about the One who redeems and makes all things new.

The VWC Team at House of Hope - Managua, Nicaragua

We have a facebook page from the Mission Trip up with pics, comments and videos if you'd like to see more:  http://www.facebook.com/vwcnicaragua 

You may be surprised to know that we have seven VWC graduates heading to seminary this Fall!  It's exciting to see a hunger within the next generation for the LORD and to be equipped for the work of the ministry.

Preaching & Teaching

Among many other recent speaking engagements, I preached revivals at Woodstock UMC,  in Woodstock, VA and Emmanuel UMC just outside of Winchester, VA.  The pastors, David Rash and Jim Smith are both great friends, for whom I have deep respect.  Their love for their congregations is evident.  Both churches are in the Shenandoah Valley.  I was amazed at the beauty of the mountains and all of creation.  

I will be in northern Virginia from the 20th through the 22nd at Pender UMC in Fairfax preaching at their Missions Conference. 

Crucifixion & Resurrection

Sam Brengle was a gifted communicator who served with the Salvation Army.  While in Boston a drunk man hit him with a brick, putting him in the hospital for 18 months.  While laid up, he wrote the book, Helps to Holiness.  The book was very popular and many throughout the years of Brengle's ministry would thank him for the book.  When they did, Brengle would say, "If it wasn't for the brick, there wouldn't have been a book."  And so it is with the resurrection . . . if it hadn't been for the crucifixion, there wouldn't be a resurrection.  They are forever linked and our faith in the crucified and risen One brings us near . . .

Sam Brengle

"He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God."  Romans 4:25 (NLT)

We can experience the reality of who Jesus is and what he has done today!  Oswald Chambers wrote: "The Holy Spirit is the Deity in proceeding power Who applies the Atonement to our experience."  

Let's draw near and help others to grow into this holiness (Christ-likeness) that is available to all!

Thank you for your support, prayers and encouragement.  I am so blessed to be a part of the body of Christ.  There are many who have spoken a word, shared some thoughts, or simply prayed and I have been the grateful recipient.  

 

The Board of Life in His Name meets on a regular basis to guide the ministry.  Pete Kovalcik, Laura Houck, Pastor Brian Sixby and Mike Senecal are a great help.  

With great appreciation,

Greg West

Circuit Riding 2011

There is nothing like doing your taxes to put the year into perspective!  I knew I had a full schedule with my role as Evangelist and Chaplain, but seeing the list gave me a new view on the year.  I wanted to preach more than once a Sunday and ended up preaching well over 100 times.  Oh, and I have no idea how to line up the columns - I gave up after numerous attempts!

Greg West’s Schedule 2011                                                                                                          Mileage

January 3-23 - Nicaragua Mission Trip with Family  (to Rosslyn, VA for flights)                    390 miles / 3,828 flight miles

January 26 - Evangelical Fellowship, Discovery UMC, Richmond, VA                               210 miles

January 30 - Newtown UMC, Williamsburg, VA                                                                            88 miles

February 4-6 – Portsmouth District Youth Retreat, Blackstone, VA                                           225 miles             

February 11 - Virginia Senate Opening Prayer                                                                            185 miles                             

January 14 - Volunteers in Mission Training, Thalia UMC, Virginia Beach, VA                     45 miles

January 21 - Elizabeth River District Training, Centenary UMC, Portsmouth, VA                  11 miles

February 4 - York River District Training, Chestnut Mem. UMC, Newport News, VA            22 miles

February 17 - Evangelical Fellowship Gathering, Discovery UMC, Richmond, VA                              210 miles

February 16 – Norfolk District Pastor’s Meeting, Aldersgate UMC, Norfolk, VA                     35 miles

February 20 – Chesapeake Avenue UMC, Chesapeake, VA                                                    30 miles

March 5 – Christ Church UMC Seminar, Norfolk, VA                                                                   36 miles

March 6 – Charity UMC, Virginia Beach, VA                                                                                  84 miles

March 12 – 20 - Nicaragua Mission Trip with VWC  (to Dulles Airport)                                    410 miles / 3,828 flight miles

March 23 – Memorial UMC Series, Virginia Beach, VA  (from VWC to home)                        24 miles

March 26 – Westminster Presbyterian Church, Youth Gathering, Suffolk, VA                        44 miles

March 27 – James River Community Church, Suffolk, VA                                                          20 miles

March 30 – Memorial UMC Series, Virginia Beach, VA  (from VWC to home)                        24 miles

April 1 – Board of Ordained Ministry, Glen Allen, VA                                                                   200 miles

April 3 – Portsmouth District Youth, Main Street UMC, Suffolk, VA                                            48 miles

April 6 – Memorial UMC Series, Virginia Beach, VA  (from VWC to home)                             24 miles

April 7 – Peninsula District Pastor’s Meeting Presentation                                                         25 miles

April 9 – Evangelical Fellowship, Scriptural Authority, Discovery UMC, Richmond, VA       210 miles                             

April 13 – Memorial UMC Series, Virginia Beach, VA  (from VWC to home)                           24 miles

April 18 – Christopher Newport University with Fear 2 Freedom, Newport News, VA          35 miles

April 20 – Norfolk District Pastor’s Meeting, McKendree UMC, Norfolk, VA                            42 miles

April 30 – Virginia Beach UMC Men’s Retreat at VWC                                                           40 miles

May 5-6 – Mt. View Revival, Ruckersville, VA                                                                     360 miles

May 11 – Portsmouth District Pastor’s, Monumental UMC, Portsmouth, VA                            20 miles

May 22 – Preach at Licensing School at VWC                                                                              40 miles

May 24 – Lynnhaven UMC, United Methodist Women, Virginia Beach, VA                            52 miles

May 29 – Christ Church UMC, Norfolk, VA                                                                                     36 miles

June 5 - Charity UMC, Virginia Beach, VA                                                                                     84 miles

June 8-11 - Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Assn., Ocean Grove, NJ                                         720 miles

June 15-19 – Virginia Annual Conference UMC, Roanoke, VA                                                 535 miles

June 21 – July 1 - Nicaragua Mission Trip with Newtown UMC                                                   88 miles

July 24 – Newtown UMC, Nicaragua Team Sharing, Williamsburg, VA                                  88 miles / 3,828 flight miles

July 25-27, 29 - New Creation UMC, Youth Week, Chesapeake, VA                                       44 miles

July 31, Newtown UMC, Williamsburg, VA                                                                                    88 miles

August 14 - Lynnhaven UMC, Virginia Beach, VA                                                                        52 miles

August 14 – Elizabeth River District Welcome Dinner at VWC                                                  40 miles

August 21 - Village Church, Suffolk, VA                                                                                          13 miles

August 21, 22 - Verona UMC, Verona, VA                                                                                     420 miles             

August 30 - Western Branch Rotary Club, Chesapeake, VA                                                      10 miles

September 4 - St. Matthew’s UMC, Richmond, VA                                                                       212 miles

September 12-14 - Grace UMC Revival, Fredericksburg, VA                                                    340 miles

September 19-21 - Dahlgren UMC Revival, Dahlgren, VA                                                         290 miles

September 25 – St. James UMC, Gladstone, VA                                                                          250 miles

September 26 – Harrisonburg District Luncheon Presentation                                                          23 miles

September 27 - Emmanuel UMC, Stephenson, VA (Harrisonburg to Stephenson to VWC)                            310 miles

October 2-4 - Fairview UMC Revival, Danville, VA                                                                      430 miles

October 18 – Hickory UMC Men’s Group, Virginia Beach, VA                                                   60 miles

October 23-24 – Society for Wesleyan Studies Richmond, VA                                                 200 miles

November 6 - New Life UMC, Midlothian, VA                                                                          110 miles

November 6-7 - Evangelical Fellowship Retreat, Blackstone, VA                                             170 miles

November 12-13 - Smith’s Chapel UMC, Great Falls, VA                                                          215 miles

November 13 - Harrisonburg District Conference, Harrisonburg, VA                                      350 miles             

December 4 - Ebenezer UMC, Suffolk, VA                                                                                     19 miles

December 11 - Ebenezer UMC, Suffolk, VA                                                                                  19 miles

Jail Ministry Thursdays – Portsmouth Jail 22 miles round trip 15x                                            330 miles             

Jail Ministry Thursdays - Western Tidewater, Suffolk, VA 45 miles round trip 15x                      675 miles

Totals:  Preached 82 times plus times for 25 times for SOAR at Virginia Wesleyan and 9,434 traveled miles on the road and 11,484 flight miles on the 3 trips to Nicaragua!