Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them
Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them
7.3.09
Bet you guys thought I was talking about a woman. But I’m really talking about my boat, although there are many similarities with a woman. The boat needs just the right fuel/oil mixture, cost a lot of money to operate, engine needs to be primed, battery fully charged, very fickled to start and will leave you stranded. I think you can see the similarities.
I have a very old boat and motor. I had a friend visiting from Wisconsin and wanted to take her and my neighbors by boat to the harbor to see the tall ships and eat at California Dreaming. My boat started right up and I cruised on down the river, to meet Steve at the landing and fill my boat with gas. I started the engine, put the boat in reverse, but we weren’t moving. The motor had gotten caught in seaweed. I shut the motor off, raised the motor, and pulled the seaweed out of the propeller. I went back to start the engine again, but the boat still was not moving. So I gave it more gas. I went back to look at the motor and it was out of the water. The motor works a whole lot better actually in the water. If water is not flowing through the engine it can be burned up.
By the time I realized what had happened, we were floating downstream. I had to jump out and pull the boat to shore. Now the engine would not start. Took my battery charger and started the engine, left to go down river and the engine died again. Now we are going to drift to the next dock. Met there with a battery charger, started the engine and pushed off. But the engine died again. Missed the next dock, so I was floating down river. Steve had to tow me back to the dock. Needless to say through all this heat, frustration and my “piece of junk” boat, I made quite an impression on my out of town guest. Our little harbor cruise was scrapped.
I have bought a new battery, fuel filter, & spark plugs to fix my boat, trying to avoid a big repair bill. We’ll see….
Psalms 46:1,3,4:
1 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
Stranded no more,
Pastor Larry
Golf Tournament
Golf Tournament
6.25.09
Santee National
This past Saturday was our Tania Burgbacher Memorial Golf Tournament. It was named after her by recommendation of the committee for a couple of reasons. It was five days before the tournament last year, about this time, that my wife passed. Needless to say I didn’t play, as my world was rocked.
The second reason it was named after Tania was that she really loved missions. All the proceeds go to Light for the Lost, which is our men’s ministries project that buys literature and equipment for the missionaries on the field. It looks like we raised about three thousand dollars!
I want to thank Santee National for the great rates they give us for golf. Our bank, First National Bank of South Carolina made a donation as well. I especially want to thank Charlie Rhodes for gathering all the give-aways and prizes.
My team didn’t do so well. We couldn’t chip close to the pin and never did drop a putt. But we had a great time and next year we will do better.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Giving thanks for Tania, Missions and Great Fellowship,
Larry
Storms
Storms
6.16.09
Had a big softball game last Thursday night, which we won. Finally, my sleeping bat has come alive! The sky was blue with a few clouds and the birds were singing. Reveling in our victory, I jumped on my motorcycle to head home.
When I got to 17A, the wind was kicking up and the sky had turned black. I had to stop for gas and when I got back on the road, the wind was blowing my bike all over the road. The rain was stinging my face and my glasses were fogging up. Every once and a while I would go through a large puddle and it would grab my tires. The scariest was the lightning cracking all around.
I debated pulling over, but I was already soaked and had no idea how long the storm would last, so I opted to slow down and pray I didn’t get hit by lightning the last 14 miles of my trip. I guess you can figure out by now that I made it home and because you saw me on the exercise equipment Sunday morning you can see I did not get injured. Thank God for His continual protection.
Storms in life are like that. The skies can be blue and everything going well, when out of nowhere the sky turns dark, the winds kick up, rain comes down and lightning fills the sky. It can happen with your physical health, your finances and in your relationships. You can even lose someone you love very much unexpectedly as was the case in my life. But God promises to be with you in every storm that pops up in life, and He is able to bring you safely through.
Psalms 91:4-5, 14-15
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
Covered by His Love,
Pastor Larry
Anniversary
Anniversary
6.8.09
Today, June 8th, marks my 35th wedding anniversary to my incredible wife Tania. It was possibly one of the greatest days of my life. She was a beautiful bride. Our marriage was typified by that song, “Even though we ain’t got money, I’m so in love with you honey…”. Our wedding reception consisted of cake and punch.
Our first night was spent in a luxurious Red Roof Inn, followed by a three night stay in Galveston, Texas. It was all we could afford. I was a naive 19 year old and Tania was 20. The one thing I knew for sure, I was in love. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life, but without a doubt the best move I ever made was marrying Tania.
Ironically, the worst day of my life occurred this same week, on June 10th, one year ago. On that day my beautiful wife went home to be with the Lord, taken in a car accident. That day started like any other day. I kissed her goodbye and told here I loved her, and left for the church. My world was rocked that afternoon. How many days and nights I wish I could hold her or talk to her again. We were a team in every sense of the word.
I am glad this first year without Tania is coming to a close. Time has seemed to drag on, but as I look back, so much has happened. In some ways it seems like only yesterday I got the phone call from EMS.
The last year I have been somewhat of a workaholic, both in the church and in my own physical workouts, keeping my mind busy and my time filled. My son Jason and his wife Jessica and their three wonderful children moving in with me has also been a wonderful blessing. While lonely for intimate companionship, I have never been alone. I am so grateful for family and friends.
The last three months I have felt much better. The worst is definitely behind me, and I am looking forward to a God-blessed future. Our church has never been stronger.
Than you for letting me ramble on. Thank you for allowing me into your lives and being my friends.
Proverbs 31:10,28
10. Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
28. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her
Your friend,
Pastor Larry
WLCNHD-Channel 18
WLCNHD-Channel 18
6.1.09
Excitement is growing around Faith Assembly as we prepare for the launch of our new T.V. station on June 12th. Every time I come out to the campus I discover new employees: Engineers, Producers, News Anchors, Camera men, Traffic Operators, Sales Personnel and Secretaries.
WLCN stands for “We’re Lowcountry Community Network.” Our purpose is to reach the lowcountry with the good news of Jesus Christ. The station will feature local news and sporting events with heavy religious programming mixed in. Pastors Jason, Jonathon and Craig will be developing programming for youth, children and families and some other familiar names will show up as well. Our main services will also be broadcast twice a week. This is an incredible opportunity for Faith Assembly of God.
Our first challenge will be to get on the major cable outlets - Comcast and Time Warner. Both have taken a “wait and see” attitude, but everything looks favorable. If these are your carriers or even satellite then please write a note or give them a call and let them know you want WLCN on cable. Until then we can be seen on Knology, Home TV or on channel 18 on your digital converter box.
Or you can click on this graphic for the info and contact information:
Jesus was very clear concerning the church’s mission:
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen
Let’s Be About the Father’s Business,
Pastor Larry
The Top Thrill Dragster
The Top Thrill Dragster
5.27.09
First of all, let me just say to my blog friends that I am sorry this is late in getting out. I had even toyed with the idea of stopping my blog because my life is not all that exciting. A person can only be chased by alligators, run the Cooper River Bridge Run, and go on a Safari in Africa so many times.
In order to provide my readers with fresh excitement, Sunday afternoon I hopped on a plane and flew to Akron, Ohio to see some old friends, Mark and Jan Ford. They are friends from my Central Bible College days and we were in Ohio ministering at the same time. Mark also preached two revival meetings for us at Faith Assembly of God. Mark would tell you it was what turned Faith Assembly around.
You can’t come to Northern Ohio without going to Cedar Point, the Roller Coaster Capital of the world. We had just finished riding the Iron Dragon and were in line for the Millennium Force, when the rains shut everything down. Gloom, despair and agony on me! But after about an hour and a half, the heavens cleared.
Some of my favorite rides were the Mantis where you hung suspended standing up. The Raptor featured six loops and the Maverick was voted “Best New Ride of 2007″. But the Millennium Force was the Granddaddy of them all. The first drop was 310 feet, 80 degrees at 93 miles per hour. What in incredible rush.
But just when you thought it was safe and you conquered everything, we came upon the “Top Thrill Dragster”. The coaster was shot out of the starting gate and went from 0 to 120 mph in three seconds. Then it ascended straight up a corkscrew slowing to 5 mph to crest the top. Then plunging straight down another corkscrew to the bottom. Probably the most intense adrenaline pumping 30 seconds of my life.
{click image(s) for larger view}
We did not get to ride every coaster because we left early to catch the Cleveland Indians baseball game that night. Club seats, which is another way of saying all the food you can eat. All in all it was a great day.
The challenge for this blog is my deep, meaningful spiritual lesson. Let me just say I am thankful to be alive and I had a great time.
I Thess. 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Thrill Seeker,
Pastor Larry
Ordained for Ministry
Last Wednesday night we had the privilege of hosting the South Carolina District Council. Our praise team did a wonderful job. There was tremendous joy and a sense of God’s presence in the house. Randy Hurst brought an excellent message on the calling of the disciples, from Mark 3:13-15. {video below} They were sent out to preach and have power, but first they were called to be with Jesus. Out of that relationship comes all ministry.
The highlight came when Jason was ordained for ministry with the laying on of hands by the elders. In the Assemblies of God, after a minister has been licensed for at least two years and has a proven record of ministry, he or she can be ordained. To say I was very proud of him would be an incredible understatement.
1 Timothy 4:14
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
Congratulations Pastor Jason,
Dad
The video of the service:
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day
5.11.09
Mother’s day was one of those bitter-sweet days I have journeyed through in this last year. Tania would start preparing to preach several weeks out. I’d come home and find her sitting at our table on the back porch with her books spread out. She always had a banqueting feast of God’s word for us on that Sunday morning. With Tania, not only were we treated to a feast, but she lived what she preached.
I enjoy preaching and have plenty of years of experience, but it was a daunting task filling Tania’s shoes Sunday morning. I am thankful for God’s grace, and that when I am weak, He is strong. She was a wonderful mother, and for Chad, Jason and Lindy, a great model of faith. When I was absent at the church late, or out of town, or on pastoral calls, she was the driving influence and glue holding our family together. I feel for my kids on this first Mother’s Day without her.
God’s grace is sufficient and His presence was so strong in our services. Thanks again for all your love, support and encouragement.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Blessed and Highly Favored,
Pastor Larry
Gator Bait
Gator Bait
5.4.09
+ 
The weather is getting beautiful, which can only mean it is time to get out the kayak!
There are so many things I love about kayaking…it is typically scenic, calm and peaceful. Recently I headed out and found the current on Durham Creek to be quite swift, so I headed up Chicken Creek instead and I saw a grey heron flying and carrying a long snake! The gators were really out as well. I saw a small baby and several large ones.
Typically when my kayak gets close to a gator they drop under the water, but this time I eased up on a big gator and for some reason she did not submerge. In fact she turned parallel to me as I tried to slip by about five feet away from her.
As she moved closer I began to pick up the pace when all of the sudden she swung around and begin to chase me. I looked back and she was coming at the back of the kayak with her mouth open. I paddled as fast as I could, not looking back until I had gone about 50 yards - when I looked back, she was gone.
One big problem came to mind, I had to go back out that same way…but I went further up stream before turning around and fortunately I got back home without incident.
I couldn’t understand why this gator’s behavior was so aggressive, but I later discovered that in the Spring the mothers guard their nest. And if you get too close then you are perceived as a threat. I think I’ll wait until the summer before I venture up Chicken Creek again…it is just too narrow.
The freakiest thing occurred when I got back to the dock. I went to tie off the kayak and the back handle was missing. The gator had bit it off!
Last fall I was out with gator hunters, but on this day I was almost gator bait.
Psalm 91:2-4
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Angels working overtime,
Pastor Larry
Awesome Safari
Awesome Safari
4.27.09
At the close our our missions trip to Africa, we had scheduled a two day safari. You can’t fly all the way to Kenya without taking in some of God’s beautiful creation. What a totally incredible experience!
We flew out to the Masa Marai on the border of Tanzania. It is the same location “Out of Africa” was filmed. Normally I am not a big fan of camping in tents, but the tents we stayed in came complete with showers, sinks, toilets and beds. The wake up call came with our stewards bringing coffee or hot chocolate to our tents. And the food at the lodge was excellent.
After lunch our first day we boarded five land rovers with elevated seats. Now for all of your animal lovers, this is not a hunting safari - it was a picture taking safari. And we saw lots of animals up close…real close. Giraffes, elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, ostriches, hyenas, leopards, buffaloes, gazelles, topis, elons and zebras, just to name a few.
Probably the most exciting event occurred on Wednesday morning. A gazelle was standing alone. A cheetah was moving through the tall grass heading in its direction. When the gazelle realized he was being stalked it was too late. It ran, but with a quick burst of speed the cheetah took it down. Four other cheetas came out and began to gorge themselves on the fresh kill. National Geographic stuff! We couldn’t believe all this was happening right before our eyes.
The lesson is simple, but powerful. Stay with the rest of the herd. If you separate yourself from fellowship in the body of Christ, you are a sitting duck for the enemy. Vulnerable to be taken down. Get yourself in church and stay in fellowship.
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
One of my most exciting days,
Pastor Larry
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Pastor Larry Burgbacher is the senior pastor at Faith Assembly of God in Summerville, South Carolina. -
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