IT'S BEEN A WHILE.....

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while – but over the past three weeks my life has been consumed with two very important matters – one, VBS, and the other vacationing! First, concerning VBS. For the most part, the first half of July usually in my life and ministry is almost entirely focused upon VBS.

Every year around this time, the Prater house becomes a little obsessed with Vacation Bible School - in my defense, it is kind of part of my job. (And I guess there are worse things to be obsessed with). It so interesting to me the different perspectives people have about VBS - tired teachers, thankful parents, frustrated tech guys, and people who know that the results of VBS are worth all of the work that goes into it!

Why am I telling you guys this? Because I believe that VBS makes a difference. And I know it’s hard work for VBS directors (and their wives), teachers, and volunteers, but I know that the results make it worth all of the work that you do. So be encouraged, and when you get frustrated, or overwhelmed, or you just can’t get the Boaster song out of your head, remember the opportunity you have to change kids lives forever.

We had a tremendous opportunity to share God's Word with these precious souls. We averaged 86 kids (only counting kids) each day. On Friday evening we had over 200 attend our House Open Program. So many of these were guests and visitors who have never been to our church before.

Following the week of VBS, the Prater family took some much needed rest and “getting away from it all.” The first part of last week was spent in Shawnee around the house – cleaning house, just playing with the kids. We did accomplish some much needed “summer” cleaning and cleanup/organizing of our garage. I also was able to do so over neglected yard work one day as well. Then, on Wednesday, we traveled to Tulsa to “drop the kids off” with grandma and grandpa and Maggie and on Thursday morning drove to Dallas where we spent some seriously needed alone and quiet time together. It was so nice to be alone and not having children tugging on you and crying, etc. and as well to just do whatever we wanted to do - no real plans, schedules, etc. On Friday evening, I surprised Maggie by having us picked up at the Hotel by a chauffeur service in a very nice black Lincoln Executive car where the driver took us on fabulous tour of the mansion and beautiful homes in the Dallas Preston area. We then drove out to the beautiful Lake Hubbard where there were a number of shops, nice restaurants, and a beautiful walking trail near the lake. It was truly a special night to be alone and spend some time telling the woman I married just how special and how much she means to my life.

We came back to Tulsa late Saturday evening and attended worship on Sunday morning with Maggie’s family at Carbondale and Sunday evening with my mom and grandparents at Okmulgee before heading back to Shawnee late Sunday evening.

We enjoyed a great week of time off and rest. It's during this time of the middle of the year right after most of the busy summer season that am also in need of some time to evaluate life, ministry, family, and the future. I critically needed to spend some time with God and His Word instead of making sure I am blogging.
Now, it’s time to get back to work.

Below are some pictures of VBS that just highlight the amazing week we had. I hope to be able to post more pictures later and I'm stilling working on posting now still both the Camp and VBS picture slideshow. Be patient. I'll eventually get it posted.

God bless

Riding the Fence

God through His faithful prophet Elijah, called His people, and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." (1 Kings 18:21)

Elijah accuses Israel of wavering between two opinions. Israel was trying to have it two ways at once. Israel was trying to serve God and Baal at the same time. Israel was trying to having an altar to God right beside an altar to Baal. Israel's policy here was one of tolerance: she was trying to tolerate two religions at the same time.

Elijah challenges Israel to make up her mind. Elijah challenges Israel to stop limping back and forth. Israel is told to stop her waffling and wavering and wiggling between two positions. Israel is challenged to make a choice. Israel is like a traveler on a journey. She has reached a fork in the road. She must now decide which way to go: whether to the left or the right.

I cannot help but notice that many people today are like Israel at Mount Carmel. The cry of postmodern thinking is that we must "tolerate" everything. Every "alternative lifestyle," worldview, or personal belief must be viewed as equally valid, we are told. The cardinal sin of our age is daring to offend someone else.

The result of this type of thinking is that no one seems to be courageous enough to take a stand for anything. We attempt to placate everyone and speak out of both sides of our mouth. No one seems to be confident in their beliefs or bold enough to take a firm position.

The devil loves this. Toleration is a ploy used by him to suck in the people of God. After all, who wants to be accused of intolerance? In today's world and culture, intolerance is the biggest and worst sin. But as Paul tells us, what connection is there between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial? (2 Cor 6:14ff)

Although postmodern Americans tend to "hesitate between two opinions" there is some indication that people are now hungering for people who are bold enough to be "straight shooters." Whether or not you agree with these people, the popularity of Dr. Phil, Bill O'Reilly, and even Rosie O'Donnell demonstrates that we long for people to stop dancing around issues and "tell it how it is."

Christians should not be crass and tactless. We must always let our "speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" (Colossians 4:6). This is a principle that many outspoken television hosts forget. However, while we are careful to speak with compassion we must also be bold and confident in our convictions.

So yes Elijah confronts us today with the same challenge he confronted Israel with: "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." What do you think? How are we being tempted and even willing more and more today to believe and practice toleration at the expense of truth?

For Christ,
Rob Prater

Churchgoer vs. Christian part 2

Another video Spoof video on the Mac vs. PC ads from the Southern Hills Church of Christ.

All joking aside, I do see the end to the statis quo church goer mentality and now living in a post-Christian culture who doesn't go to or want to at all. Dan Kimball in his book "They Liked Jesus but not the Church" shines light on this important issue. Many people are okay with Jesus and all but going to church is viewed by them as a waste of time. Church is not connecting to a generation who Desperately needs Christ' church. I think it is going to take the influence of the "Christian" in this video for that to happen. Truly a living, breathing witness and testimony to the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

May God help us to live out the words of the apostle Paul, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." (Colossians 4:5)

For Christ,

Rob Prater

Churchgoer vs. Christian

I found this video from a fellow blogger. Thought it was pretty good food for thought. Loved the reference to 728B! This video is part of a series of video presentations from the Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas promoting their Summer HIP (High Impact Praise) time which focuses on being the Jesus Next Door to our Neighbors. It is obviously a spoof on the Mac vs. PC commercials. But the video challenges us to consider whether we are simply “church-goers” or if we live everyday lives that reflect the life of Jesus. Click on the video and check it out. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

For Christ,

Robert

CAMP

Last week was Central’s session at Burnt Cabin Christian Camp. It was a tremendous success this year. We had 156 campers and a staff of 34 join us for a fun and spiritually-uplifting week of camp. I made many wonderful new friends. Christians I didn’t know, now I love. Counselors who were genuine, caring, and real. We shared the sunrise, the games, and classes; singing praises to Him never felt so sweet. This truly was a life-changing week at Lake Tenkiller. Beginning with a tremendous staff, including many first year ones and several zealous college students. Youth Groups from places like Central and Northridge in Shawnee, Choctaw, Tenth & Rockford & Crosstown in Tulsa, Cleveland, Clinton, AR, Bixby, Perkins, and even some from Texas!!

As always our Bible classes served as the bedrock of our camp along with devotionals and worship periods (we heard some great classes and lessons straight from the heart and Truth from the Word), Bible Bowl, memory verses, etc. helped everyone focus on iGod – the need to be connected with God. Plus canteen, sports, and great fun entertainment (Secret Talents of the Counselors, Unbound and Skit Night). And did I mention the inspiring singing. There were plenty of timely hugs of encouragement, and Christian role models draw out the best as Satan is turned away.

I am constantly amazed at the impact camp can and does have in the lives of so many. Does it cost a lot of money to put on a camp? Yes! Does it take a lot of man hours from many volunteers to maintain and conduct the camp? Yes! Is it all worth it? That can be easily answered by asking, “What are the souls of our young people worth?”

Now camps like this do not just happen. A lot of people invested time, energy, and effort to make this week a reality. I am especially grateful to all those from Central who helped so much to make this week a great success. I thank God for your service in this effort.

Once again this year, our own Nathan Kelly put together a terrific camp slideshow. Graet job Nat! I hope to be able to post this slideshow on this blog or some other website and many other camp photos online. Keep checking back for updates.

Here are a few pictures in the meantime.












God bless,
Rob Prater

BURNT CABIN CHRISTIAN CAMP

Our camp session out a Burnt Cabin Camp on Lake Tenkiller near Tahlequah, OK begins Sunday! We are expecting one of our largest numbers ever with around 180-190 people (campers & staff). Keep us all in your prayers that we may have a safe, fun and spiritually uplifting week in the Lord. The congregation here at Central is so very generous in supporting this camp week. I’m thankful to my elders for support and encourage they give us. .

I thought I'd share a quick post. Here are ten things I've loved about church camp at Burnt Cabin.

• Singing with all your heart – I love the awesome singing.
• I love the fact that fun and faith CAN go in the same sentence.
• Breakfast cereals - every Day at camp, there are about 4 or 5 cereals
available.
• Canteen!! (Need I say more)
• Great Bible classes and lessons! (This year we are studying about iGod – being
connected to God and looking at the life of David)
• Renewing old friendships and making new ones.
• Sports time
• Senior Hike on Friday night
• Late night talks
• Finally, I love about camp the fact that after spending a week with these young
people, it always makes me realize that the church has a BRIGHT future!!!

So, there will be no blogs next week – but I’ll tell you all about it when I get back!

Until next time…

Rob Prater

A Return to Modesty

I always know when summer has arrived. No, not because of the days with highs in the 90's. I know by seeing the return of spaghetti straps, bare midriffs, and unbelievably short shorts. This immodest choice of clothing is to be expected among those of the world, but it is disturbing to see it so prominent among self professed Christian women. God's word has not changed and the command is still written, "I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly...as is proper for women making a claim to godliness" (1 Tim. 2:9-10). These words clearly demand we dress in an appropriate and modest fashion and prohibit the indecent exposure of one’s body.

Clothing reflects the character of a person. (Read 1 Peter 3:1-6) Genesis 38:13-18 gives the account of Tamar putting off her widows garments and putting on the garments of a harlot. When she did this, not only was she treated like a harlot but she acted like one. Proverbs 7:10 speaks of the harlot’s attire as well. Shouldn’t this cause the Christian to admit provocative, sexually explicit clothing invites sexual activity? Besides, what message is being sent to a lost world when Christian women (men as well), who profess themselves to be godly, dress in sexually provocative clothing? As Christians we are the salt and light of the world. (Mt. 5:13-16)

But it is shocking to see the clothes that teens (and even pre-teens) are wearing these days. It is likely that teens are obsessed with "looking sexy" because their mothers have obsessed over this as well. May we return to the Bible, and may we (to borrow from Shalit's book) "return to modesty." Let me recommend the following reading on this topic for your consideration:

Read Margery Eagan's column in the Boston Herald (3/22/07) titled "Oh, Mothers! Just Act Your Age!"
Read Wendy Shalit's book A Return to Modesty (available from Amazon.com)
Read Wendy Shalit's NEW book Girls Gone Mild (available from Amazon.com)
Read Jeff Pollard's little booklet Christian Modesty and the Undressing of America (available from Amazon.com).

God help us to be the salt and light of the world,
Robert