Hugh's News & Commentary

It is so refreshing to find a young man committed to Almighty God and one who desires to serve God in the gifting he has been given in the local church.

J. Brian Williams, who is currently leading Christian Life Worship Center in Athens, GA, is such a man. He like Ezra in the Old Testament who was committed to the study of God's Word, obeying the Word and applying it is his life, family, and ministry, and teaching others.

God has given Pastor Williams wisdom beyond his years. He is on the cutting edge of what he believes God is doing in the lives and ministries of his congregation. He has the unique ability to release people for their ministry without micro managing them. Consequently, God is touching the hearts of the people to step forward and do the work of the ministry of the church. Volunteerism is thriving and is currently at an all-time high.

Last Saturday, August 14, Pastor Williams led his congregation at Christian Life Worship Center in hosting their inaugural Community Festival that drew some 200 visitors to their church campus. This event was far more than introducing the church to the community, but enabling the church to meet people who are searching for meaning and purpose in an imperfect and troubled society in which we live. God honored their efforts, and one young woman accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord. Not only that, but she returned on Sunday morning for worship.

Other miracles from God surrounded them. The weather man predicated an 80% probability of rain. It was raining early that morning. The workers gathered in a circle of prayer by joining hands and hearts in believing prayer for God to stay the rain until the festival was over. Their prayers were answered, and young Christians saw the marvelous effects of corporate prayer for this miracle. That direct answer to prayer will not soon be forgotten.

A rising new musical band called, "Leaving Araby," was introduced. This band leans more to the secular than the sacred, but the church was trying to reach youth who may not enter the doors of a church on Sunday. One of the leading members of the band, Justin Reynolds, is the son of the Tracy Reynolds, dean of the School of Christian Ministries at Emmanuel College.

The New Life Drama Company from Cleveland, TN, were invited to participate in the Saturday event, as well as minister in drama on Sunday morning. On Saturday afternoon a half dozen singers and musicians performed. Among that group were Greg and Stephanie Morgan, who sang, played piano, and the flute.

There were balloons and games for children and youth, as well as for adults. One senior citizen brought his golf cart (he doesn't play golf) on his utility trailer and passed out free bottles of water to all. There was plenty of food and refreshments for all who came. It reminds me of a song by Rodgers and Hammerstein,"Real Nice Clambake":

This was a real nice clambake,
We're mighty glad we came.
The vittles we et
Were good, you bet,
The company was the same.
Our hearts are warm, our bellies are full,
And we are feeling prime.
This was a real nice clambake,
And we all had a real good time.

I am sure that someone who reads these lyrics can take them and compose new words that will adequately describe the community festival sponsored by the members of Christian Life Worship Center.

Joe Vanhoose covered the story in The Athens Banner-Herald newspaper on Friday, August 13, 2010. You may go to this website to read the story: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/081310/liv_694112565.shtml

[Editor's Note: Since I wrote the article about Christian Life Worship Center needing financial help in raising money for two new air conditioners for their sanctuary, at least one reader of Hugh's News has sent $100 to the church for this special need.  Melvine and I will give our offering to this project on Sunday when we worship at the church. Pastor J. Brian Williams informs me, and that upon my request, that they still need $11,545.70 to meet the total need of $19,990.00. Thus far, the congregation has given of their resources $8,444.30.

I trust that God will speak to you about what He would have you give on this project to pay for the two new air conditioners for this church in Athens, GA.

Please make out your check or money order to: Christian Life Worship Center, and designate it for the Trana Air Conditioners.

Then, you may mail your check to:

Pastor J. Brian Williams
Christian Life Worship Center
125 Kathwood Drive
Athens, GA 30607

You may call the church at: 706-353-1978.