Dan Cooper's Blog

Katherine and I just returned from a quick trip to Memphis. I graduated.  Thank you, God! Along the way we managed to connect with several of our “departed saints.”  Not “departed” in the sense that they had gone on to their reward, but “departed,” as in they moved away from us.

Craig and Diane Welburn, faithful members of this church for over twenty years, were our hosts on Wednesday evening.  We love them, and each of their four children (Craig, Jr.; Courtney, Andrew and Ashley).  Our church helped to provide this godly family a solid foundation. Each of their children are a compliment to their family and to this church.  Craig married Genia and Courtney married Corey, and the grand kids will continue to be blessed by that rich heritage of faith.

Jeff and Mary Jetton, faithful members here (along with Paige) through most of the 1990’s, moved first to Indianapolis, then to Memphis.  Their home is always open and they are better than any Bed and Breakfast.  Jetton’s treat you like royalty.  Jeff and Mary are in the process of moving back East.  One of the blessings of being a Christian is visiting “departed saints” on this side of eternity. 

Can’t wait for heaven,
Dan

The younger generation is as likely to text a message as they are to make a phone call.  I’m just now getting it!  Katherine is way ahead of me with this texting business.  She does it all the time. 

Here is a message she texted me last month.  My Dr called with scary news.  Chest X ray shows some spots so she cannot clear me for knee surgery.  Need CAT scan ASAP. When I read that message I felt sick.  I silently gasped, “Oh no, God, not again!”  The next text from Katherine came to me almost exactly 24 hours later.  That text read, Dr called. No cancer!  What a relief!  I cried.  I mean tears flowed.  I received the second text right in the middle of a meeting.  Dwight was there, too.  He gathered about two dozen men around me and prayed a prayer of praise.  He cried, too.  It was a God thing.  God had answered our fervent prayers with a resounding “YES!”

God’s text message to us today: I love (AGAPE) you so much I sent My only Son to die for you.  That was hard.  I am asking you to love (AGAPE) each other in the same way I AGAPE you.  That way the world will know you are My disciples. 

God is love.  In Him there is no darkness. 

Dan

The last few days have been very eventful around the Cooper house. On Thursday Katherine came home from her total knee replacement surgery.  That’s big! Thanks for your prayers.  Also, we picked up & delivered six tons of turkeys.

Last Saturday, Andrew and I finished preparing my state and federal tax returns for 2008. On Tuesday we celebrated Luke’s birthday from afar!  On Wednesday I mailed my tax returns, along with a check—of course!  That same day I mailed—what I hope will be—the final copy of my Guided Research Paper (thesis).  That puts me one step closer to finishing the requirements for my Masters Degree, a journey that began ten years ago.  Finally on the same day, I was in charge of feeding 100 people for the Wednesday night meal.  I breathed easier when that was done!  On Thursday I took my Comprehensive Bible Exam.  Thursday was also filled with sermon prep and a home Bible Study.  I love ministering to this church.  I love you!  Thank you for rejoicing with me as God blesses efforts that have demanded so much from me over these last ten years.  The best is yet to be!  God does provide for His own!

Dan the Preacherman

I spent a couple of days last week attending the Ohio Valley University annual Bible Lectureship. This is the third consecutive year I have attended. It was excellent. The theme this year was: “Studies in Luke-From Galilee to Jerusalem.” I was impressed, inspired, and encouraged; not only by the lectures, but also by all of the Bible majors I met. The Bible majors I met had excellent people skills, good speaking skills, and seemed to be excellent students. I commend Dr. Mike Moss, head of the Bible Department, for the superb work he is doing in developing these young men.

In case you had not realized it, there are not many young men entering full time ministry these days. What I saw at OVU warmed my heart! Not only was I encouraged to be with these young men, I was thrilled to learn that a number of them have already decided to enter Harding University Graduate School of Religion to receive further training. Amen

I was blessed and encouraged by the Bible Lectureship; but even more so, I was inspired to see the caliber of young men we have who are preparing themselves to enter full-time ministry.

Amen,
Dan

Week after week I sit in meetings with our elders. I watch them struggle over your soul.  I witness their tug of war between watching out for the conflicting interests of the children and the older folks; the visitors and the long-time members; the single and those who are married with kids; as well as the wants of the teens vs the wants of the seasoned saints.  I watch as they balance their time between the needs of the sheep, and the budget demands as we look at the new building.  I struggle with them as they attempt to balance the needs of their own family and this church family.  I watch them, pray for them, and thank God that they are our shepherds.  They have a heavy load on their shoulders.  They are not perfect, but they are wise and committed men.

They are mere mortals, but they have your soul’s welfare in their heart.  Some folks are hurt when the elders are too pushy, and others are upset when the elders are too distant.  They have a tough job.  They’ve also got to keep these two men who write these back page articles under control.  Even our wives can’t do that all the time.  Please pray for our elders.  I deeply love and respect them.

-Dan