From the Pastor’s Pen

This weekend marks 44 years that my mother (Gayle Carwile) has been able to enjoy Mother’s Day.  My sister Kim and I have been able to experience the ride of a lifetime because of the commitment and dedication of our mom.  For many years my dad did not attend church with us and it was up to my mom to make sure my sister and I went to church to hear about Jesus.  Kim and I both were saved at young ages because of the influence of a godly mother.  It was only after I began to get older and hopefully a little wiser that I really began to realize the effect my mom had on my life.  I don’t know where I would be today in God’s plan if she had not paid the price, sacrificed and made sure I had a proper childhood and made sure I was under the influence of the Gospel.  The influence of my mom also helped to bring my dad to Christ as well.  Our words, life and actions do matter.  These few words do not do justice for my mom or any mother who day in and day out does it right for Jesus Christ. 

Take the time this weekend, make the phone call, make the visit, and really, really, let your mom know…..how much you love her.  I love you mom!  Thank you.

Honoring the mothers in my life, (Jo, Mom, Maw)

Pastor Joel

I cannot begin to tell you how much your prayers have sustained us over the last day or so.  On Saturday evening, May 3rd, the Lord showed up in an incredibly powerful way in Athens, Alabama.  Soulstock 2008 set a record in attendance of having between 20,000 and 24,000 people in attendance according to the Athens Police Department who helped to make the event one of the most successful ever.  Around 6 p.m. I was able to preach the Gospel from Ezekiel 33 as it relates to the believer being a watchman over our city, county, country and continent.  When the invitation time came scores of people came forward toward the cross in search of salvation and recommitment to Christ.  We even had to ask for more counselors.  God showed up!!!!!

We concluded the preaching with a time of intercession as thousands of people fell on their knees to pray for our country.  We need a great awakening NOW!!!!  Politicians do not have the answer, the economists do not have the answer, WE have the answer, His name is JESUS!!!!

Mike Green did a great job preaching at Valley View on Saturday.  Mike and his associate pastor, Daryl Brooks drove up, preached, and then took off back to Alabama so Mike could be back in the pulpit at Round Island on Sunday morning.  I am grateful and thankful for those the Lord has put into my life.

 I am looking forward to “what’s next?” as we serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

See you on Wednesday night.

Pastor Joel

Jo, Zeke and I arrived back in Alabama on Thursday evening and were able to spend some great time together with family and friends.  I visited Bethlehem where I served for 13.5 years as pastor and got to visit with Pastor Lon and some of the staff.  Lon showed me many of the great changes going on at the campus and I am so excited as to what God continues to do at Bethlehem.  Check out their website www.bbchg.org when you get a chance. 

 Tomorrow night I will have the opportunity to share the gospel with 15,000 plus people in my hometown of Athens, Alabama at Soulstock 2008.  Please be in prayer as we worship together and prayerfully see thousands come to know Christ and/or draw closer to Him.

 I realize the derby is being run tomorrow night at 6:05 p.m. but please come and be a part of our incredible worship then here a powerful message by Pastor Mike Green of the Round Island BC in Athens, Alabama.  Mike and his family are so loved by Round Island.  He graciously accepted my invitation for him to come back and preach again.  Be in prayer for Mike as he travels to and from Louisville.

 Jo, Zeke and I will be traveling in late on Saturday night/Sunday a.m.  I cannot wait to share with you at the 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services.  We will be speaking this weekend on Keys to Spiritual Maturity.  This is a continuation of our Discipleship series.

I love you church family.  Let’s have church this weekend.  Praise the Lord!!!!!

Serving with you,

Pastor Joel

WOW!!!!  We were able to reconnect with many of the people we have loved for many years from Bethlehem this past weekend.  The expressive worship team Broken came to Valley View along with several adult chaperones.  The Lord ministered through them powerfully in all three services.  I am so thankful for the 13.5 years the Lord gave Jo and I with Bethlehem.  It is a blessing to see so many of these students walking close with Christ during this season of their life.  Thank you Valley View for your kind hospitality and love shown to these special people in my life.  I am looking forward to our student emphasis night this coming Wednesday.  Please join us at 6:30 p.m. on April 30th, I know you will be blessed. 

With Much Love,

Pastor Joel

I cannot tell you how excited I am about this coming weekend at Valley View.  Over my 13.5 years as pastor at Bethlehem we saw many changes in our style and expression of worship.  One of those expressions of worship came in the form of a committed group of teenagers and young adults who wanted to worship the Lord Jesus in the dance.  This weekend, 4-26/4-27, will see Broken from Bethlehem Baptist Church in Hazel Green, Alabama come and bless the Lord in choreographed expressive worship.  You will not want to miss this opportunity to learn from God’s Word how we can praise the Lord in various forms of biblical worship and also see sold-out young people from the Gen-X and postmodern generation worship our King in the dance.  Continue to pray for God’s anointing on these young people, on Bro. Rod, our praise team and musicians as we worship the Lord with our whole heart and soul.  I am grateful and humbled to be your pastor!  PJ