April 17, 2021

Dear Friends,
I mentioned in my last newsletter that I was teaching the Adult Sunday School Class at First Baptist in Russiaville (the local church we attend when we are not traveling).  This has been a mind-expanding study for me.  The title of the series is “Is Your Christianity Cultic? – What is Real Christianity?”  I have often thought about this subject for many years, ever since I did church planting in Utah, an area of our country that is highly religious.  What has been interesting recently is we are in a church that takes this topic very seriously.  Over and over again I have watched the people of First Baptist live out Biblical Christianity.  It is amazing what can happen when the people of a church remove “religious activity” and replace it with “relational interaction” toward each other.  God is the God of Relationships and always has been.  In eternity past God had perfect relationship within Himself.  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit enjoyed the harmony of unity in one.
 
An example:  Recently, on my birthday, I sat in church without Beabea.  (She has been in Tennessee helping our daughter with our granddaughter, Laurie, who has had health challenges – by the way Laurie is doing much better.)  The people of the church knew Beabea and I have been apart quite a bit in the last year because of this.  I also mentioned on occasion that I had been missing my grandkids in Tennessee.  So, there I was sitting by myself in church on my birthday when the pastor announced there was going to be special music provided by some visitors.  I glanced over my shoulder down the aisle and thought, “Hum, that first kid looks a lot like my granddaughter, Morgan.  It was then that I realized the visitors were my daughter, Christy, and her three children including, Laurie!  Many commented on the very surprised expression on my face.  Then Beabea quietly came up behind me and gave me a kiss.  I remember thinking that better be Beabea or we have a serious situation here!  I found out after the service that the people of the church had paid the cost for these family members to come up and see me on my birthday.  The church even had a surprise birthday cake (at the fellowship afterward) with presents!  Beabea's birthday is close to mine so they celebrated hers as well!
 
This is just one example.  There have been many including financial gifts from people in the church (we are at the 50% support level) to physical help around our home when there is need.  Recently there has been need because of the increasing severity of pain in my left knee.  This has been going on for a couple of years – but now it is at the level that requires surgery.  On Friday, April 23^rd, I will be having my second knee replacement.  (The first was the right knee back in 2004 and it has done very well.)
 
I have to admit that I am not exactly thrilled as I anticipate this upcoming surgery.  I remember in Bible College praying for the Rapture just before finals.  I am experiencing a very similar emotion.  However, I love the definition of faith that I have lived my life by for many years.  “Faith is the decision to trust God even with all my doubts and fears!”  Circumstances are not what brings “Hope”.  Hope comes from the quality of who God is – that He is trustworthy.  The trustworthy God has been meeting my needs for the upcoming surgery in many ways.  (Another example of Relational Christianity is a couple from the church brought over their kids and moved my office from the basement to a room upstairs because of the knee surgery!)
 
So here are some prayer requests…
 
Please pray for the upcoming knee replacement surgery.  Of course, I don’t mind you praying that I heal quickly, but more important, pray that I will live out Christ to the many people who will be a part of the surgery and the recovery afterward.  God has always amazed me how He opens doors of opportunity to encourage those around me with the wonder of God.  He especially seems to do it when I have a medical need.  I get to interact with people I normally wouldn’t be involved with and that is special!
 
Pray for strength and patience for Beabea as she takes care of me after the surgery.  (It is great having her back!  She is a fantastic cook!! – not to mention really pretty!)
 
Pray for Christy, our daughter, as she will not have Beabea to help with Laurie while I am recovering (and of course, continue to pray for Laurie).  While you are at it, pray for all of my grandkids!  They are very special!  After all, they have Beabea’s genes!
 
Continue to pray for our ministry and the upcoming travel this fall.  With Covid cases dropping, doors are really starting to open up.
 
Finally, Relational Christianity is precious.  Thank you for the relationship we have with you, and your interest in our lives!
 
Your fellow servant and brother in Christ,
 
John (and Beabea) Rogers
jtrbem@gmail.com