Dan Cooper's Blog

This past Sunday we studied Nehemiah as a vision caster.  I mentioned some past and some current “vision casters” at our church.  Jay and Sue’s trip to France in 2001 inspired greater congregational participation in France missions.  Carl Steiner planned the Tanzania Mission Trip in 2005 which focused us on the Great Commission anew.  That mission trip was followed up by our BIG trip to France with 21 workers in 2007. (Right now, 35 of us are signed up the France trip this June).  Steve’s vision for a Men’s Mentoring Group is unfolding.  Dwight is beginning a men’s mentoring group in Hammonton.  Jay’s vision to open the doors into the adult education curriculum at Clearview High School led to his “Spiritual Growth” course.  Here are a few other Pitman Visionaries:  Aaron’s auto repair workdays at Pearl’s Garage.  Robin’s children’s playgroups. Linda’s Tuesday Morning Ladies Bible study. Kareem’s “Feed My Sheep” and the “Church Without Walls” class.  Rachel’s reaching out to students at Rowan University via RCF.  And there are countless others.  Thank God for 21st Century Vision Casters. Who else would you name as a vision caster among us?

It is painful to even think about what I am about to tell you.  Those of you under 40 will have trouble believing this, but during my lifetime I remember seeing “Colored Bathroom” signs in America.  Pitiful!  Sickening! Disgraceful!  Shame on us! Those days are gone, thank God.  In those days, electing a black president was incomprehensible. Then this past Tuesday, Barack Obama, a black man became the 44th president of the United States of America.  I thank God that I was able to witness this monumental event.  America has come a long ways.  We still have a long way to go before we erase prejudice and inequity, and that is ultimately a moral issue, not a political one!  But last Tuesday was at least a symbolic step in demonstrating that we are addressing racial inequality!

However you voted on Nov. 4th, now is the time to set aside personal preferences and party affiliation and to obey Romans 13:1-7.  Furthermore, “I urge that entreaties, and prayers, petitions and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

Praying for our new president, Dan the Preacherman

Jesus said it, I believe it, that settles it!  And you, dear Pitman member, have blessed us again.  You give so much.  You give to feed the needy in Trenton; to our “Reaching Out in Faith” campaign; you give via regular weekly contributions; and now the Sikes and Cooper’s are the recipients of your generous giving again.  We are humbled.

Like many of you, Katherine and I have given more money to God these last two years than ever before.  We’re blessed to have been able to give like we have.  Did it hurt?  Yes.  Was it sacrificial?  Yes.  Did we do without?  Yes.  But it was so worth it, and I would not change a thing!  We intend to repeat this pattern of giving in 2009.  We feel blessed to be able to give.

Then last Sunday you blessed us again by extending your love via your generous Christmas gift.  As is our custom, we are doing some special work on our house to serve as a constant reminder of your love.  We’re sharing with our children.  Plus, we are giving “above and beyond” because of your gift.  We are able to treat ourselves, do some home improvements and give more to others.

Proud to serve you, Dan and Katherine

As we peek into 2009, I am wondering what God has in store for this church family.  There will be some disappointments as we are still living in a fallen world (Thanks, Adam and Eve!); but I’m also confident that God will provide us with some huge victories.  The biggest victory would be realized if Jesus would return a second time, for his grand finale.  But short of that…

In 2009 I believe this church will touch the lives of hurting and needy people like never before.  (The “Kids for Kids” program is our latest venture.)  In 2009 we will be a “Great Commission” church like never before.  We’ll continue our evangelistic outreach throughout Jersey to Tanzania, China and to France.  (We now have three dozen committed to the missionary trip to France this June.)  I believe our commitment to deepening “family values” will provide a front line attack on one of Satan’s favorite targets, my marriage and family—and yours, too.  Finally, I believe that 2009 is the year that we will break ground on our desperately needed new building. (It will become a place to aggressively minister in an expanded way.)  Finally, I’m out on this limb to tell you that God will use us to minister as never before in 2009.  - Dan