Love London

It's good to be back after six days in London. This is a world city with a history that is remarkable and a future that is hopeful. We had the opportunity to interface with many of the Brits, and we came away encouraged by the response to PowerPoint and our ministry with the Word of God. We experienced overflow crowds and made connections for the future that will allow us to make an impact upon this great city for Christ.


I am including some photos of our moments there. Click here to download an interview that I did with call-ins from the audience to give you an idea of what Brits are interested in and the answers that I gave to some very intriguing questions. Please pray for PowerPoint and its ministry in the United States and around the world. These are uncertain times, but we have a sure Word from God to share with people who desperately need to know and respond to Truth.

London

Today, Deb and I, along with a team from PowerPoint, will leave for London and an opportunity to preach the Word of God in this great world city. Our daily radio program is heard each day in the "Mother Country," and the response has been remarkable. The radio audience is growing and we are connecting with people on a personal level. Lives are being transformed and the Scripture is being taught.

Western Europe, including Great Britain, is becoming increasingly secular. Alongside of this is the explosion of the Muslim population and the advance of Islam. With the current birthrate in Europe, most countries will be predominately Muslim within the next 50 years. So it is extremely urgent that the Gospel is preached now. This is a tipping point for the world.

There are signs that God is beginning to move in London. Asian, African and Australian immigrants are reaching large communities for Christ. The Brits themselves are open to the Good News. Revival is touching many of the churches. When we were in London last year, more than 2,000 came out on a Friday night to hear our message. I was deeply moved and encouraged by what we experienced. Premier Christian Radio is providing us and other strong ministries the opportunity to proclaim the Word of God, and this is having a certain impact.

At the same time, many pastors and church leaders are discouraged. One of our privileges this week will be to speak to a large group of pastors and encourage them to stay in the battle and fight the good fight of faith. Deb will speak at a Women's Conference. We are doing radio and television interviews, and then on Friday, October 3, we will have a PowerPoint rally and worship service at one of the largest evangelical churches in London. Please pray for these opportunities God is giving us and that the Holy Spirit will enable us to exalt Christ and declare Truth. On Sunday I will be preaching at the very fine Trinity Baptist Church and inviting people to follow Jesus. So, as you can see, we have a full schedule and an amazing privilege for which I am very grateful. There are a number of you who would like to see the detailed schedule and may have friends who want to attend. By clicking here, you can get the day-by-day itinerary.

One of my preacher heroes is the renowned Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who is considered by many as the greatest pastor/preacher in history. He preached in London in the 19th Century. Vast throngs of people came to hear him at the Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle. All of London heard the Gospel. Today, it is very different in Great Britain and most of the churches are struggling. But God is still on the throne and Jesus is Lord. I believe God still moves and so do many believers in England. The God of Spurgeon, Wesley, Wilberforce and Whitfield is able to bring Britain to Christ. With believing hearts, we go knowing that He will use us. Please pray. —Jack

MINISTRY TO THE MARKETPLACE

PowerLunch is a marketplace ministry of Prestonwood. Years ago, I believed it was extremely important to cross over into the business community with the Good News, so we began this outreach into the business community of West Palm/Palm Beach, Fla. We have been doing it ever since, and you know, it is more effective than ever. We have changed speakers and formats but the basic idea is intact: People inviting their friends from the office or neighborhood to a great lunch to hear encouraging, inspiring, motivating messages that add value to life every day.

This week began a new season for PowerLunch with a new feature...dynamic guest speakers each Tuesday with a strong, life-building focus. E.D. Hill, FOX News commentator, show host, and author, spoke this week to more than 700 guests on parenting, based on her new book, I'm Not Your Friend, I'm Your Parent. Our upcoming guests include authors, athletes, business and ministry leaders, a U.S. Congressman, and me every now and then. Go to http://www.prestonwood.org/powerlunch for a detailed schedule for this fall. I know you will agree that this will be an outstanding opportunity to enrich your life and to invite friends to a strong introduction to Christ and the Church.

The marketplace is where our light is to shine. 24/7-faith is lived out in the workplace each day. You are a witness. The question is...are you a good one? Our goal should always be to make a difference, not just a living, as we work each day. I challenge you to look for ways to invite your friends to church and to make sure your co-workers and friends hear the message of Jesus.

STORMS

As I write this on Saturday morning, the rain from Hurricane Ike is moving through Dallas. The impact of Ike is still unknown, but once again we are reminded of the need to pray for families who are experiencing devastation today in the aftermath of this massive storm. Please stop and pray for these, along with the churches in the Houston/Galveston region. I spoke yesterday with Dr. Edwin Young of the Second Baptist Church of Houston and assured him of our support as this great congregation ministers to displaced people with food, clothing and shelter. They, like many other churches in the area, are doing a super job of responding to the needs all around them.

Hurricanes like Ike remind us of our need to find our shelter in Christ who gives peace in the midst of the storm. Many people will walk into our services Saturday and Sunday in the middle of a personal storm of some kind. Pray they will find refuge in Jesus and a hope that endures...til the storm passes by.

September 11

Today I co-hosted a pastor's event at Prestonwood. In cooperation with KWRD Christian Talk and Teaching Radio and Salem Communications, several hundred pastors and ministers joined us for a time of encouragement. I have had the opportunity to do these kinds of events around the country in major cities such as New York, Boston, London, Miami, Tampa Bay, Houston, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Denver, Atlanta, San Diego and San Francisco. One of my goals is to encourage other pastors in their calling and challenge them to stay in the battle. Many are discouraged and almost giving up. As many as 100 ministers quit each month throughout the country. We should do everything we can to strengthen the servants of Christ, and that starts with prayer. Please pray for your pastor and ministry leaders. Remind your pastor of 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Since this is September 11th…I reminded all of the urgency and emergency of a post 9/11 world. The church must rise to the call of our generation to proclaim the Gospel and advance the Kingdom of God…which is His rule in the hearts of believers. We had an incredible time together.

This reminds me that on October 20-22, we are having our second Pastor and Ministry Leaders Conference…ENGAGE. If you are a pastor, staff member or church leader, such as a Bible teacher, you are invited. Click here for the website and registration information. I am speaking several times, along with my friends Greg Laurie, David Jeremiah, Jonathan Falwell, and Kerry Shook. Also, Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers will be telling his story. Our ministry staff will lead breakout sessions covering a variety of subjects pertinent to life and leadership. Help us get the word out by inviting your Pastor to join us for an enriching three days.

Catch you later…Jack

27,000

Prestonwood recently passed 27,000 members. This is a number which represents a remarkable story of faith. The church is determined to continue reaching and teaching people for Christ and nurturing them in Christian growth and service. Our mission at Prestonwood Baptist Church is to glorify God by introducing Jesus Christ as Lord to as many people as possible and to develop them in Christian living using the most effective means to impact the world, making a positive difference in this generation.

Church membership is often diminished and even disregarded by some—but it is a clear core value we find in the New Testament. While it is clear that numbers should never be the focus, it is equally clear that membership matters as every person matters to God. What is the value of church membership?

The Church is a place to BELIEVE…where faith is born and nurtured. We are baptized in confession of faith and identify with His Body on earth. In the church, we commit together to worship and discover truth for living. We bring ourselves under the authority of church government and mutual accountability.

The Church is a place to BELONG…because we need one another. Some move from church to church and never experience a real spiritual home for themselves and their family. This is contrary to the practice of New Testament believers who identified with local congregations, practiced ordinances, enjoyed fellowship, and ministered to one another. The idea of believing in Jesus without belonging to His Body—the church—is never taught in the Word of God.

The Church is a place to BECOME…we are called to grow together, advance the message of the Gospel, exercise spiritual gifts in service, invest personally and financially in the work of Christ, experience community in the teaching of the Scripture, and become more and more like Jesus as His representatives in the world.

The 27,000-and-growing membership of this church is a testimony to the grace and glory of God and an opportunity for every member to effectively change the world. If every member would become a minister, just imagine the impact we could make for the Word of God and testimony of Jesus!

Yankee Stadium

Known as “The House that Ruth Built,” Yankee Stadium is perhaps the most well-known sports venue in America. Several pastor friends and I were invited as guests of Yankee Manager Joe Girardi, who is a committed Follower of Christ. My lifelong friend O.S. Hawkins, Evangelist Jay Strack, Pastor Ken Whitten of the Tampa Bay area and Pastor James Merritt of Atlanta all met for one last game at the stadium—since this is the final year of the stadium, built in 1923. A new version is being built adjacent to the current ballpark.

I grew up a Yankees fan in the era of Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Bobby Richardson, Whitey Ford, etc. So I was like a kid again—in awe of the great Yankee teams and players of yesterday and today.

We were on the field for batting practice and for conversations with players like Andy Pettitte and future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, who is the greatest playoff and World Series closer of all time. Both of these men love God and live their faith. We talked about the Lord, God's Word, and family and friends. The games were tough losses for the Yankees as the Red Sox beat them.

The most impressive part of Yankee Stadium is the memorial area just beyond the left field fence. The Yankee greats are remembered here. My favorite is the one of Mickey Mantle pictured here. I love the description: “A Great Teammate.” This incredible athlete played not for himself but for the team. This attitude is often missing in sports today. Enjoy these photos of our time there...especially if you love baseball.