Dan Cooper's Blog

I could be bragging on two of our deacons, Aaron Pearl and Tim Davis today, because they are up at Camp Manatawny serving as co-directors for Jr. High I Week of camp.  Or I could be bragging on other deacons (Mike B., Dave P., Bud B. and Chuck O.) because those four deacons are also up at camp working for the week.  But I am not bragging on any of those guys. I could be, but I’m not. Rather, today…

I am bragging on another deacon, Rich Rinne.  Rich and his loyal wife, Joann, have coordinated our Wednesday night meals through another entire cycle, Sept.-June.  This past Wednesday night they threw their annual appreciation dinner for all those who’ve hosted a Wednesday night dinner.  Hosting a meal for 100 people is a big deal.  If you have done it, you know what I mean.

So, Wednesday after Wednesday, all school year long, the Rinne’s see that we have meals served.  That is huge!  How would you like to be yoked with the responsibility of serving 100 people every Wednesday?  Way to go, Rich and Joann.  W

e all appreciate you,
Dan

Tears flowed from his eyes, his voice quivered.  His name was Mr. Honachker.  He had been away from the Lord for over 40 years when I first met him.  D-Day, when we suffered such horrific losses, devastated him. He told of the ocean being red with blood. He told of friends who were shot up, wounded and killed. He was horrified!

He wanted to know three things from me: 1) Can God forgive me for what I did? 2) Why did God save me [and not my buddies]?  3) What am I supposed to do with my life to make a difference?

Every person alive needs to know their life mattered…that we made a difference.  That’s why this note from France, just sent by Craig Young, was so significant:  “Thank you again so, so much for the incredible mission you all accomplished among us.  So enjoy working with you.  So much accomplished at the camp - so much more accomplished in the lives of those who joined us - especially Hatem.  Danny and Katherine Finn had a great week with us at the CEM summer session.  Getting ready for Bible camp - heading back to the Centre. Partners in Ministry, Craig Young” 

Our church is making a difference! 
Dan

I woke up at 2:30 AM today.  Recovering from the jet lag of our France trip!  2:30 AM here is 8:30 AM there! Hey, I slept late according to their time zone.

You can be so very proud of our team of workers.  Our faith and works moved a mountain; well almost!  Still, if you were to drive up to Centre Bonnefoi and look at the chalet from the outside, the “before and after” appearance would reveal very few changes.  That’s because most of the work we did is not apparent at a glance; most of our work was done inside.  Windows were cleaned, extensive painting was done, our “cleaning machine” worked in high gear, electrical and plumbing work was completed, a trench was dug for a sanitation line and then covered over, sheet rock and taping was completed, tile was added to both floors and ceilings, and broken roof tiles were changed; but much of the progress is simply not apparent from the outside!

So it is in our lives as Christians.  Many of the changes we make are not initially obvious.  Big changes are happening inside our lives even when those changes are not obvious to others.  Nonetheless, the changes are significant and very real.  Are you making changes that no one but Jesus sees?  That’s okay.  Jesus specializes in seeing the unseen.  This is just one important lesson I learned on our France trip. 

Keep on.  Jesus sees the progress in your faith journey,
Dan

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

Do you remember a time in your life when something seemed too good to be true?  When Katherine said, “yes” to my wedding proposal, weeks after we first met, that seemed too good to be true.  When I first heard that Matt and Becky were expecting, that seemed too good to be true.  When I heard Andrew and Jennifer were expecting that seemed too good to be true.  When Dr. Huffard said “finish these last two things, and you’ll be done with your paper” that seemed too good to be true.  When Katherine’s recent CAT scan came back negative, and the text message said “No cancer” that seemed too good to be true.

Here is a “too good to be true” line for you.  If you give ten dollars to our Reaching Out in Faith expansion effort, it will turn into twenty dollars.  It is true!  See all of the details inside on the top of page two! For the month of June all “new money” to our expansion effort will be doubled, up to $2,000.  One family, who wishes to remain anonymous, has completed their initial faith commitment, and is now giving more.  They want to spur others to overflow in generosity, too. God is good!  His word is always true. 

Dan

I love it when I hear a wife bragging on her husband.  Read what one of our wives said about her husband in a recent e-mail, as she described how proud she was of her husband for coaching their son’s Little League team.

“I am thankful that Rich is coaching.  The other coach is good but is crazy with the 8 year olds. He thinks they are the Phillies going to the World Series.  One of the boy’s father is dying of cancer and the other coach has been upset with the boy for being late for games; but Rich, in a very respectful way, talked with him about how his father has cancer and we need to be there for the boy and his family. The little guy is not a great pitcher but his father made one game so Rich let him pitch so his father could see him. It may be the only game the father gets to see.  The other coach would not have done that. 

“Rich has been such a good example to these young boys. This is the way Rich has been spending a lot of his time.  He would not like me telling you all this, but I’m very proud of him and thankful he is so willing.” 

Way to go Rich.  We are proud to have you serving as a deacon at the Pitman Church of Christ. 

May God increase your number,
Dan the Preacherman

Several have asked me “How does it feel to be done?”  So far, the strongest emotion since finishing my “Guided Research Paper,” hence my Master’s degree, is RELIEF!  Joy is intermingled every now and then, but here it is two weeks later, and the strongest feeling is still simply relief. 
Other emotions will eventually surface, but for now I am just relieved to be done.  I had a real day off last Monday, the first Monday that I wasn’t working on my paper in ages. I have promised Dottie and Katherine that my desk will be cleaned off by the end of May.

Gratitude
A second strong emotion I’m feeling is gratitude.  God is good, and so are you! Thank you for your kind words, cards, gifts, and your many kind expressions.  I know you’ve been praying for me, and you’ve been rooting for me even as you have been patient with me.  This is a ten year journey we’ve been on! On Saturday, May 2nd, that journey officially ended, as I was granted my degree.  Now, you are celebrating with me.  I appreciate your support more than words can say. 

Dan the Preacherman

Other than when I was a little child, and Christmas Day was coming, I can never remember asking for gifts.  It’s just not the proper thing to do.  But, I am throwing caution to the wind today, and I’m asking for your gift. 

In the last ten days I have celebrated two major events.  One event only comes around once a year: My birthday—and they even named a special holiday for me—“Cinco de Mayo.”  The other was May 2nd, the day I graduated from Harding University Graduate School of Religion with a Master’s Degree in Church Growth.  Ten years in the making!  Rejoice with me. Not just any gift, but what I would really love is your honoring me for those two special days by making one donation to our “Reaching Out in Faith” campaign in my name.  That’s it.  Kill two birds with one donation!  Unashamedly, I am asking you to be generous in your donation to our expansion effort.  Remember what Jesus said?  “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.
 
I am blessed by the Best,
Dan the Preacherman

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