Now, we are gearing up for a summer of camps, plus a wedding in the fall for my son Ross and his fiance, Melissa Thrush.  In addition to all of this, we will have the one-year-old birthday party for MaKinzie.  Yes, June 18th she will be a year old.  Please pray for her.  She is having some health problems with regard to her immune system.  They still don’t know what it is or how to treat it.  She has been the delight of our lives for the last year. 

Both Ryan and Megan, and Ross and Melissa have bought houses this spring.  Rene is back in school at Lourdes College, hopefully working toward a degree in child psychology or education.  I am very proud of her and believe that she will succeed.  My wife is a wonderful help mate to me and is doing a lot of teaching, speaking, writing and leading at this stage of her life as well.

I am working on my second book in the Leadership series.  I have about 5-6 chapters to go before I submit it to be published.  I will tell you this…I am not bored with life.  I feel energized, motivated and positive about the future!  There are just not enough hours in the day to get it all done.  I like what I read the other day, though.  “There are not enough hours in the day to get everything done, but there is enough time to get all the important things done!”  My problem is…I think everything is important.  Oh well.  I will have to decide sooner or later.  Meanwhile, I keep on working.

The funniest thing that happened had to be when Jenny, my sister from New York, tried to fix Mother’s hair.  After a few minutes, Mother reached up and yanked the new “do” down and slicked it back again.  She said it bothered her and she had no idea that Jenny had just fixed it up for her.  Jenny got perturbed and did it over again.  A few more minutes passed and Mother did the same thing.   Up went the hair again.  Down went the hair a third time.  After that, Jenny gave up.  It was a scream.  These days, Mother’s priority in life is to feel comfortable.  Dressing fit to kill—-which is what she was known for all of her life—-was no longer comfortable.  At ninety years old, she doesn’t worry abut impressing anyone.

 I was so grateful for all the people who came.  Family members who came were Jenny Teets, Vicky and Joe Carpenter, Joe and Sherri Carpenter (and Joshua), Angela and Jay Jones (and Kelsea), Cindy and Rodney Clark, plus my gang of Ryan and Megan Jordan (and MaKinzie), Ross, Rene, and my wife Sandy and me.  Jonathan Perry, a great nephew, came by.  Several church members who visit my Mother on a regular basis also came.  Although Mother did not remember the party after she went back to her room, we remember and it meant so much to us.

Other than the mental issues, Mother seems to be healthy.  She falls occasionally and she has bouts with depression because she wants to go home.  Her home was sold two years ago and all her possessions were liquidated.  She has no recollection of this however, so she often expresses her desire to go back to Jackson.  This is one of the sad realities we have to deal with now.  I’m just glad that I can have her about five minutes away from me in these sunset years.

Any friends or family who want to send a card or letter should follow through.  Mother will enjoy it over and over. 

The people who came to the conference spoke loudly for unity by just being there.  All of the HQ executives were there (KH, JJ, PM, RK, plus FMD Dir., HMD dir, Youth dir. and most of the RD’s), and supts. from at least thirty districts were there.  Many missionaries were there.  As I absorbed the atmosphere, it dawned on me that this is exactly where I want to be…not Alexandria or BOTT, but the fellowship of the brethren who don’t have an agenda, who are not breathing down your neck, but are just wanting to love God together with you.  I know it can and should get a little more defined than that, but that sentiment lies at the core of my response. 

The Manguns pulled off another masterpiece.  In their leadership, they truly serve us all.  They deserve all the thanks in the world for their sacrifice and excellence.  

An effective rebuttal needs to take the context of the article or speech into account.  Ignoring the context in which a person’s point was made can easily lead to false assumptions and making statements that appear ludicrous.  Certain points I made, for example, were drawn from my cultural experience in the UPCI that others in the organization would readily recognize.  Had the article been written to non-members, I would have explained some things more thoroughly.  Also, the context and history of the issue itself should have been understood before launching a critique. 

An effective rebuttal needs to be expressed in the same tone as the original article.  I tried to write my article in a respectful, persuasive manner.  I may not have succeeded, but that was certainly my intent.  When the objection is put in harsh, sarcastic terms, it fails to unseat the contentions made in the article.  I have no idea what the intent of the rebuttal’s author was, but it seemed more reactionary to me than a sincere attempt to correct any problems in my article.

An effective rebuttal should engage the main points of the article and provide solid evidence that they are wrong.  It is not enough to simply criticize them, as though they should never have been made in the first place.  It is not enough to try to discredit the author.  It is not enough to make fun of the subject and hold it up for ridicule.  Dismissing contentions as silly without proving exactly why they are silly will never be effective.

An effective rebuttal should demonstrate that the writer truly understands the subject in its entirety.  An outsider’s view, a bird’s eye view, a hearsay view or the view of a preconceived notion all fail to negate the points.  The communists, for example, routinely misunderstood the culture and fiber of America during the cold war.  Their criticism came off as inane to American citizens who were a part of this country. 

An effective rebuttal should not advance new arguments that were not a part of the original article.  If the one who objects wants to develop his own affirmative article, he needs to do exactly that.  Otherwise, he flings out quick-hitters that he hopes will score points, but they have no effect on the original article.  If someone has legitimate criticisms of the UPCI, for example, let him write it out fully, document his points, provide proper examples, complete his thoughts and open his work up for others to criticize.

All this being said, I still defend anyone’s right to launch a rebuttal on anything they wish.  They should remember, however, that their writing will come under the same scrutiny that they placed on the work of others.   I learned a long time ago that I had better make sure of my thinking when I write something for the reading consumption of others.  I know that my work will be judged.  I never resent the process.  I do intend to be a part of the process, from beginning to end.  I find it all extremely enjoyable.  -JMJ

Those who leave the UPCI because they dislike resolution #4, will join others who share the same dislike.  Their common bond will not necessarily be the things they like, but it will be the one thing they don’t like, namely, the UPCI.  While they may deny this, it will show up in their sermons, their conversation, their literature and their celebrated causes.  They may preach about outreach, but they will qualify it as being better than the UPCI.  They may build congregations, but they will tout them as being holier than the UPCI.  They may form a new organization, but they will promote it as being “preferred” over the UPCI.  The UPCI will always be their reference point.  They will try to make it different, but it will never be any other way.  Why?  Because their very raisons d’etre is a negative emotion against the UPCI.  A good way to test this is to ask them the following question:  Why are you leaving the UPCI?  Their answer will be some form of criticism of the UPCI.  They will not say, “Because we have found something better.”  They may intend to create something better, but that ideal does not yet exist.  In my opinion, it never will.

For those ministers who have a history with the UPCI, a negative reaction to the UPCI will always have relevance.  They will get energized when they hear their former organization criticized.  I fear for the the next generation, however.  Their kids will grow up without that history.  Thus, bashing the UPCI will have little or no relevance to them.  It will become annoying, petty and dated.  One day, they will ask their elders, “Dad (or Grandpa), why don’t you get as excited about preaching about the cross or Acts 2:38 as you do about bashing the UPCI?”  Lest someone think I am engaging in wild, unfounded speculation, I would remind them that I have seen it all happen before.  Over time, it is hard to sell a negative thought. 

I appeal to all who think they will be better off if they leave.  Please think long and hard before you make such a radical move.  Your decision involves much more than a reaction to resolution #4.  You will affect the lives of your families, your congregations, and your community.  You will force every aspect of your spiritual identity to become a function of one small point… a point that will soon be even more moot than it already is.  The chasm into which you will leap contains many more hazards than the one you think you are escaping.  If you want your ministry to revolve around doctrinal truth, a holiness lifestyle, worldwide outreach and aggressive evangelism, stay with the people you know.  The UPCI, with all its imperfections and manifest inequities, still represents the premier choice for Apostolics in the 21st century. 

Two letters have been sent out from ministers who have taken great offense at the passing of the resolution.  I’m not sure how many others they officially represent, but I’m sure they express the feelings of many preachers.  Neither of them said that they would leave the UPCI.  As of this moment, I am only aware of one minister who has terminated his fellowship over this issue. 

One of the most vocal opponents of the resolution, J. R. Ensey, editor of the “Minister’s Library” magazine, wrote only a very brief response in his latest issue.  It was a non-commital, “wait-and-see” article.  Bro. Mark Parker wrote a letter that he sent out on the internet which appealed to those who were considering a radical response to the resolution.  He urged them to remain in fellowship with the organization, reasoning that this would not have a major affect on us as a whole.  No one who has a conviction against the use of television for advertising purposes would be forced to violate their position.  It was an excellent, balanced letter.

I think that, in the end, few ministers and churches will advertise on television anyway.  Many in rural areas don’t have a real need to use this medium, and others may not have the capability to produce a product that could use with confidence.  I predict that only 1-2% of our constituency will use television advertising in the near future.  Yet, even that small percentage may see results that will make the resolution worth it.  Some will reach literally millions of viewers.  If someone gets saved as a result of an ad they saw on tv, who among us can speak against their salvation?  They will be eternally grateful for someone who reached them with the gospel.

The UPCI needs a balanced constituency.  I have many friends who are on the other side of the issue.  I love them all and I want them to know that we need them to stay with us.  There will be many more challenges in the future that will call for their expressions and convictions to keep us on the straight and narrow.  Actually, I am on the same page with them on almost every other issue.  What a shame to part company over something that may be so insignificant at this. Some say it is the straw that broke the camel’s back.  If it was, it was truly a “straw” in every sense of the word—lightweight, insignificant, of little consequence.  I also wonder where the bulk of the weight came from before the straw hit?

For anyone who contemplates leaving the UPCI, I think it would be a mistake of gargantuan proportions.  First, after the tv advertising issue is no longer viable, what other issues will be front and center?  Will the new fellowship draft a new charter or manual?  Where will it start and what will be its priorities?  I dare say that many will find themselves at odds with their fellow ministers on points that were never before considered.  A large organization like the UPCI has benefits and advantages that will be a long time coming to a start-up group.  If such a move were necessary because of heresy or some extreme issue, then one would simply have to bite the bullet and leave.  This issue, however, provides no such compelling reasons.  In fact, some ministers have been advertising on television for years.  Nothing was ever done about it, but neither has there been anyone stepping forward to claim damages.  This entire protest movement has begun to look more and more like it was manufactured.  One prominent minister has actually stated that resolution #4 was not the real reason for the pull-out.  As for me, I think that in this day and age when the coming of the Lord is so imminent, a political squabble is exactly what we don’t need.  It will cause a distraction from the real business of the kingdom at a critical time in spiritual history.

 Anyway, that’s my take.

I was the recipient of a marvelous book review and promo by Cleveland Becton to the entire body of ministers who attended the business session. It paid off handsomely.  The clerks at the Pentecostal Publishing House display said it was the best seller of the conference, selling nearly 450 copies.  It may not have been the best book there, but I definitely had the best book reviewer!

It was great to see all of our friends over the past 40 years at the conference.  We always have a fabulous time there, and this time was especially good because of MaKinzie Manning Jordan.  I have to tell you that Kinzie was the talk of the conference.  Her name was mentioned in a number of the ladies meetings and whenever we had her, we were constantly stopped by people who wanted to ogle her.  Perfect strangers stopped us and took photos of her.  It was fun.

The conference time went by in a whiz.  I hit the ground running with a Board of Publication meeting on Monday, as soon as I arrived at the hotel from the airport.  I didn’t stop until Sunday evening at midnight.  I was so tired when I got home that I haven’t felt like writing this little piece until Friday morning.

Speaking of General Conference, this will be a critical year for those who believe the television advertising issue is paramount.  Despite the fact that I have carried the banner for this issue, I will neither be elated nor disappointed at the outcome.  Whatever happens happens, and we will go on.  I wrote Bro. Haney a couple of weeks ago and volunteered to openly discourage anyone from voting for it if they felt it would damage the fellowship.  He called me back and urged me to leave it alone.  He felt that if we do not resolve this matter now, it will only come up again in a different form next year, and the next…and so on…until we handle it.  I just didn’t want to be the cause of a major rift in the organization.  The UPCI is too precious to me to see it harmed in a way that would be debilitating to its mission.  By this time next week, we will know the results.  I’m sure I will have something to say about it all! 

I do have some other interests in the UPCI this year besides “The Issue.”  I hope UGST is funded and promoted as much as possible.  It is a veritable gold mine of theological wealth and is proving to be a tremendous asset to the Apostolic movement.  Also, I am keeping my eye on the position of Youth President.  Due to Bro. Gaddy’s departure, there will be a shakeup in the division.  We need to pray that the right choices will be made.  Finally, PPH needs to be supported and strengthened.  I am concerned that we institute the right policies that will stimulate growth in this phase of ministry.  Of course, both home and foreign missions are in my priority list as well.  That goes without saying.  

The temperature will be around ninety degrees in Tampa.  Dress cool.  I will enjoy it all from air conditioned meeting rooms.  The conference could be in Alaska as far as I’m concerned.  See you soon.

The next week after coming home, I attended our Ohio District Men’s Retreat.  Awesome messages delivered by Gary Keller, Jonathan Perry and Doug Klinedinst had a deeply moving effect on the men.  Doug Klinedinst agreed to come on a moment’s notice because the announced speaker had a conflict in his schedule and couldn’t come.  He had never spoken at a men’s conference before, but no one could have guessed it.  He said many memorable things, like “In a marriage, it’s takes three to make two to become one.”  His down-to-earth approach to men’s subjects was refreshing and very much appreciated.

General Conference looms before all of us.  I am glad it is in Tampa, FL and not in Ohio this year, although we enjoyed the experience in 2006.  My good friend, Pat Williams, Florida District Superintendent will get the blessing this year.  C. Patton and I attended Texas Bible College together back in the dark ages.  He is doing a wonderful job at the helm of the Florida district and I know we will have a fabulous conference.  This year brings to a head the issue of advertising on television.  If we ever needed the direction of the Holy Ghost in any matter, we need it this conference.  I have much trepidation going into the proceedings this fall, but God has never failed us yet.  I can honestly say that I do not necessarily want my way…I want God’s will.  May it be so.

My back is so much better.  Some pain irritates me occasionally, but nothing that I can’t deal with.  I’ve played golf several times in August and September and I am as bad as ever.  I am shooting anywhere between 86 and 91, so I have achieved normalcy again.  Bro. Urshan used to say that if you scored 70 or lower—-or 120 or higher—-you need to quit playing golf.  If you were at 70 or lower, you are playing way too much.  If you shoot 120 or higher, give everyone a break and hang it up.  I’m about in the middle range of his prediction. 

Added to the mix of all our busyness is the little matter of the basement flood. Actually, the carpet got soaked and we have to replace it.  The insurance covered it all for which we are very grateful.  The whole process is very time consuming, however.  We’ll be glad when it’s over.  I have too much going on to spend very much time in our basement.

Keith grew up in Toledo.  He graduated from Apostolic Christian Academy and was part of our youth group and then served as our youth leader for a brief time after Travis Miller left for St. Louis.  Keith had a sterling record here and was a friend to everyone.  We missed him very much when he left to be youth pastor in Troy, IL, but the First Apostolic Church couldn’t be more proud of him today.

Men from this church pastor in various places around the country.  Dave Olsen, in Lincoln, RI, Charles Hurst, in Bangor, ME, Ed Nichols, in Rittman, OH, Max Manley, in Salinas, CA, A. J. Dummitt, Radcliff, KY, and the late Victor Bentley in Marietta, OH.  Missionaries David Ward, Paul Dennis and Roy Well also call this church their home.  Minister’s wives also hale from Toledo, including Michelle Curatti, Tiffin, OH, and Patty Arnold, Gainesville, FL.  We view all of these ministries as extensions of this church.