Dan Cooper's Blog

The Pitman church of Christ has been so well represented.  You can be proud of us, in a humble sort of way.  About half of our group will be flying home while you are in church this morning. Others will be returning in coming days.
Our Team has reminded me of the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the walls around Jerusalem.  Many jobs are going on simultaneously.  It is an amazing coordination of efforts from plumbing to painting to cleaning, to running sanitation line, to roofing, to electrical, to sheet rocking, to spackling and sanding, to ceiling tiles, to floor tiles, to painting and staining wood and so much more.  Three dumpsters have been filled to over-flowing, too.  Judi C. has cleaned around and behind dozens of radiators.  The speed with which Carl S. moved in completing the electrical work has impressed everyone.
Remember you are invited to our house for the July 4th picnic.  We’ll provide plenty to drink to keep you refreshed, but you will need to bring your own chair or blanket. 

Love to All from France, 
Dan

Greetings from France!  As you read these lines this Sunday morning, 33 of your favorite brothers and sisters in Christ are in Marseille, France.  Six hours ago we worshipped with the French Christians here.  Normally, language separates us, culture separates us, and a big pond—the Atlantic Ocean—separates us. But today there was no separation.  We all gathered around the communion table and celebrated our oneness in Christ.  We are members of the same heavenly family.  By God’s grace we’ve all been adopted into the same family by Jesus Christ.  We are family!

From Marseille we head up into a mountain range adjoining the French Alps.  We will be working at an elevation of about 5,000 feet above sea level on a major renovation and improvement project.  We’re working at the only Church of Christ-affiliated camp in all of France.  We’ll work from Sunday night through noon on Friday, and then we’ll have a free day on Saturday. Photos will be sent out daily via the church e-mail so you can check out our progress and see the jobs we are doing.  Thanks for being a “Great Commission” church. 

Dan the Preacherman 

I look all around South Jersey and Philadelphia and I see, unfortunately, churches that are stagnate or dying. That is a universally recognized problem in America today. I look at our church and I see lives being changed, mission trips, conversions, mentoring, excellent classes, plus an exhausting and almost over-whelming array of activities and opportunities for growth.  I am glad I’m where I am!

So what’s the difference between the stagnant and the vibrant churches?  The stagnate, dying churches are typically not led by servant-hearted shepherds.  Churches in decline are typically led by those who do not invest substantial amounts of time and attention to their flock.  They are frequently led by those who depend upon themselves, and their own abilities rather than prayerfully seeking out to God’s direction.  In stark contrast, our talented leaders are humble men who sacrifice their time, unique talents, money and countless hours of their lives in meetings.  I thank God that I work with strategic leaders…the four older ones, and the two newer ones. Just as Jesus came to serve and not to be served, our elders are servants.  In brief, we are growing because we have Christ-centered leaders. 

-Dan the Preacherman

Once again this past Tuesday, Steve prayed for me.  I am always touched by his prayers.  He prays for you, too.  And if he forgets you by name, one of the other brothers in our prayer meeting is likely to remember your name and your needs.  Something divine happens when we pray for each other.  One of the reasons our congregation continues to reach out and touch new people is because of our commitment to prayer.  Four times each week men gather at our building to pray for this church body!  There is power in prayer!

In Steve’s prayer, he thanked God that Dan and Katherine are hospitable.  He went on to say, “Thank You that I have stayed in their home.  Thank you that Danny lived in their home.  Thank You that Chad and Amy and their children are staying in their home right now.  Thank You, God, for Dan and Katherine’s hospitality.”  I was touched by his prayer.  Katherine and I have been inspired by the OT woman who built a room for Elijah. Now that our children are grown, we have an “Elijah room” where God’s children can stay and feel welcome.  We have entertained angels this week! Heb. 13:1

Dan