December 2005 Scroll

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GETTING TO KNOW OUR TEACHERS   --  LUCRETIA CHITTY K-5

From The Desk of Pastor Matthews . . .

Hightower Highlights . . .

YOUTH NEWS

What’s New in Our Library

 You Might Be a Baptist…

COUPLES’ TRAIN ADVENTURE

SOAR - (Students Overcoming Academic Restrictions)

APPRECIATION

GETTING TO KNOW OUR TEACHERS   --  LUCRETIA CHITTY K-5

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From The Desk of Pastor Matthews . . .Frankie Matthews

Lately we are seeing more and more a revisionist view of our national heritage. The dictionary defines revisionism as an “advocacy of the revision of an accepted, usually long-standing view, theory, or doctrine; especially a revision of historical events and movements.”

We are being told that the founders of this great nation did not envision a nation that publicly acknowledged God. He shouldn’t be mentioned in the hallowed halls of the judiciary or in the scholastic halls of education. They (the founders), we are told, designed a constitution to separate this nation from the influence and acknowledgment of God. There are those who are revising our history. Why would anyone want to change our history? What advantage would it be to revise the longstanding record of historical events that shaped our great nation? The answer is none unless you want to shape future public policies. David Barton rightly says: Revisionism attempts to alter the way a people views its history and traditions in order to cause that people to accept a change in public policy. For example, during the 150 years that textbooks described the Founding Fathers as being devout men and Christians who actively practiced their faith, civic policy embraced and welcomed public religious expressions. But in recent years as the same Founders have come to be portrayed as atheists, agnostics, and deists who were opposed to religious activities, public policies have similarly been reversed.

This revisionism has never been seen more clearly than in the recent discussion of the “victory” (the word used in the editorial of our local paper) by the commissioners who supported the US Motto being placed on the county building. The editor asks, “Are we a Christian nation in the same way that Iran is a Muslim nation or that Israel is a Jewish state or that the former Soviet Union was an atheist state?”

My response would be yes! The pilgrims came here specifically for the free exercise of their religious beliefs. By the way, they were not Jews, Muslims or Atheist.  They were Christians. They were different from those who were sanctioned the official “Church of England.”  They were Christians who feared and desired to freely serve the Lord God Jehovah of the Bible. They established a nation where the free exercise of that belief system would not be stifled. They wanted no state sanction nor did they want state control. They wanted freedom!

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Revisionism: How to Identify It In Your Children's Textbooks             By David Barton

As I have had opportunity to travel outside the US, I have constantly observed that we (the United States) are referred to and viewed as a “Christian” nation. I personally disagree that we are Christian. Never-the-less, outsiders view the US as a Christian nation. The editorial continues by continuing the logic to its conclusion, is Davidson a Christian county? Well, logically, if we are a Christian nation, then yes, that implies that we are a Christian county.

The argument is then carried to the illogical conclusion that, (being a Christian county) would be a determent to the continued financial growth and welfare of  this county. The implication is that Jews, Muslims or Buddhist would not be welcomed by those types of Christian commissioners. I would challenge anyone to find that conclusion true in the history of this great nation.

Has being viewed a Christian nation ever hindered our prosperity? Have other nations ever refused to trade with us because of our Christian “discriminatory” practices? What detriment has being viewed a Christian nation ever been. It has only stirred a jealous hatred in those who now target us as a nation that upholds the idea of the God given right of every individual to freedom. This revisionist view of our nation is leading to such reversals of public policies, i.e. the display of our national motto (because it invokes the name of God), Christmas carols being sung by school choirs, and now I’m told saying “Merry Christmas” by local merchants.

Now the revisionism is being seen when in the editorial the writer says that “the founders ordained that government should be neutral when it comes to religion.” The meaning being that the government should not acknowledge the guidance, or call on the mercy of the Lord God. Now there is a call for a change in public policy (don’t use the motto). Now when their position (the revisionist view and call for a change in public policy)  they question the integrity of commissioners who claim to be Christians. The editorial continues to declare that “excessive celebration of any particular heritage becomes exclusionary.” In other words one heritage is just as good as another! Our heritage is no better than that of any other nation. One god (be he Allah, Buddha or the belief of no god) is just as good as another!

I don’t believe the founders of this nation would have agreed! Neither should we stand by silently by as this revisionist attempt is made without sounding the alarm.

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Hightower Highlights . . .Dan Hightower

I’m writing this while at the National Soccer & Volleyball championships. Last night, I lay in my bed and listened while the guys in my cabin talked. The conversation went something like this: “Oh no! Mom didn’t pack me any towels.” “Hey that’s a neat blanket. Where did you get it?” “Mom made it for me for Christmas.” “Wow!” “Mom must have forgotten to iron my shirt. It’s wrinkled”- [even though it just came out of the suitcase]. As I thought about these boys discussing their moms, I also remembered recently hearing two moms ask for prayer for their sons. I remembered seeing my wife’s prayer list beside her makeup table with our kid’s names at the top of the list. And, finally, I remembered hearing my own mom pray for me. Then, I’m reminded of Paul telling Timothy in II Tim. 1: 5, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”

We, as parents, don’t realize how much of an impact we have in all that we say and do for our kids. God gave us a beautiful diamond in the rough and it is our job to help chip away some of the imperfection in order to view the magnificent beauty He has created. Stay strong in Christ as you do those daily things for your children. And as Philippians 1:6 tells us, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” He will continue His work in your children as well.

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 YOUTH NEWS .. Ethan Woodward

Once again, the Lord has providentially worked things out so that the writing of this article perfectly coincides with a major event occurring in ENDZONE Youth Ministries.  Hopefully, you are already aware of the spring Missions trip that the youth group of Sheets Memorial Baptist Church is planning on taking.  If not, please allow me to briefly tell you about it.  This coming April, eight youth members and 4 youth leaders will be taking a trip to the Dominican Republic.  While there, we will partake in a variety of ministry activities including: presenting the gospel at orphanages/schools, feeding a sugar cane village, and performing gospel laced puppet shows for Dominican children.  What a tremendous opportunity this will be for these young people to be exposed to world wide missions and have the occasion to showcase God’s love to countless people!  Most of the teens understand that this is not a vacation or a chance just to see the world.  Although, having fun will certainly be a by- product that stems from this trip, it is not our primary goal.  Conversely, we want to be used by God in any way possible to help spread the truth of his Word.

Please be praying for every aspect of this trip.  As the youth pastor of ENDZONE Youth Ministries, I have several goals that I would like to see accomplished from this trip.  Will you pray along with me concerning these following goals?

* Increased Spiritual Growth in Mission Team

* Awareness of how foreign missions and missionaries work

* Bonding of ENDZONE Youth

* Broader World View

We crave God’s blessing and hope that it will be an amazing time for all involved.  Also be praying how the Lord might use you to support the mission team financially.  Several of the young people have stepped out in faith by paying their initial deposit while trusting the Lord to provide the rest of their funds.  We know that nothing escapes God’s notice and that He will provide as He sees fit.

As always, whether it is here in Lexington or in the Dominican Republic, we pray that the Lord might be honored in everything we do.

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 What’s New in Our Library

 May we express our deepest appreciation for each gift of books, money, supplies and assistance.  Thanks to Amber for shelving books and reading to the students.  Thanks to Carolyn Bruff for repairing and covering books.  We are proud of our library filled with thousands of great books to meet your reading needs.  Come by and pick up a book.  --  Lee Wrenn, Librarian

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 You Might Be a Baptist if .....

Take a minute from your busy schedule and meditate with me over a great spiritual truth. Since I was a Baptist pastor for almost twenty-two years, let me have some fun with Baptists to teach a spiritual truth.  Someone has said: You are probably a Baptist if…..   

          You believe you are supposed to take a covered dish to heaven.

          You have never sung the third verse of any hymn.

          You clapped in church last Sunday and felt guilty all week.

          You woke up craving fried chicken and thought that you were called to preach.

          You think that God’s presence is always strongest on the last three pews.

          Your definition of fellowship has something to do with food.

          You honestly believe that the Apostle Paul spoke King James English.

          You think Welch’s grape juice and crackers were served at the Last Supper.

          You think “Victory in Jesus” is the National Anthem. 

Many of us can relate to this and laugh a little, but remember this truth: Don’t get so conformed to tradition that there is no room for the Holy Spirit to make change.  The Pharisees were steeped in tradition and rejected changes, even those that Jesus wanted to make. Tradition is the living faith of those now dead.  Traditionalism is the dead faith of those still living. ---Courtesy of WHPE

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COUPLES’ TRAIN ADVENTURE by Ralph and Molly Barrows

    On Friday, Nov. 4th around 4:30 pm, Pastor Frankie cranked up the mid-sized loaner bus (gratefully offered from East End Baptist) and did a quick head count of couples destined for the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad.  Those of us seated in anticipation were, of course, our illustrious captain at the wheel, Pastor Frankie with Edith seated just behind him; Greg & Beth Mize, Linda & Ashby Lanier, Jay & Pam Myers, Dawn & Randy McGuinn, Becky & Tim Byerly, Katie & Nate Johnson and us, the Barrows.  What a glorious early evening it was as we admired the colorful harvest of autumn leaves, while watching the fiery red sun dip down into the horizon.  And just as I began to slump down into my comfy bus seat, thinking we were making really great time, we slow down, where are we?  Pulling into the Statesville Cracker Barrel!!  What?  I asked myself.  Oh well, 1 1/2 hours later (after playing a harmless joke on Tim Byerly to pass the time) we were headed back on the road again for a good 4 hour ride to Bryson City.  YeeHa! 8:00 am Saturday morning and the early risers check-out of a most pleasant stay at the Sleep Inn in Bryson City.  Where’s everyone going, we asked?  They’re heading out to the “golden arches” for breakfast!  What?  Not us.  Settling into a lovely relaxing private breakfast nook, we dive into the full course continental breakfast delights!  Hmm, an hour or so later we wonder where the gang is.  Man are we enjoying this relaxing time away from the hectic fast paced life.  Oh look, here comes the bus!  And on the road again!

    As we ride towards the quaint town of Bryson City we all enjoy the leaves of color everywhere.  Upon arriving, Pastor Frankie unloaded us and went to park the bus.  We wandered aimlessly around like a pack of hobos, cruising in and out of quaint little mountain shops and past little train depot homes waiting to board the train!  We walked past 15 or more train cars in order to get to our car (named Sylva), which was the third car in front of the caboose.  Soon our car was connected to the rest of the train and we slowly chugged out of Bryson City. Once seated, we had no choice but to enjoy the self proclaimed witticism of the train’s conductor Bob, assigned to our car.  He was a real character well into his years.  The train cars were reminiscent of old 1930’s B&W movies (as were some of the cast of characters that we provided, ha ha).  And some of us enjoyed reliving that feeling of the 1930’s.  The main conductor told tales of Indian history along the way, which fueled our imaginations of what the gorge along the Nantahala River was like back in those days.  Onward to our halfway destination at Nantahala River Gorge.  Before arriving, we enjoyed the sites of the local beauty surrounding us through rolling meadows and kudzu!  Some decided to ride in the open car to take in the mountain air at full force.  We enjoyed Fontana Lake (it was low because of winter pull down to make way for the winter rains and snowmelts).  We were all surprised to see that lake houses there were different from High Rock, as they were floaters suspended from cables much like a fishing bobber on a line.

    When we arrived in Nantahala Gorge we were right beside the Class 6 Wesser Falls (virtually unrunnable to sane paddlers).  We disembarked and walked along the track with the multitudes of other passengers.  Soon we were competing with what seemed like 1,000s for limited lunch provisions! We enjoyed eating along the river bank at Nantahala Outdoor Center just below the “Falls”.  Soon we heard our queue and the warning of the train’s 5 whistle blows meant to board the train immediately.  As we boarded it was suggested by Bob, the conductor, to trade seats with our neighbors so we could see what they saw riding up into the gorge!  Back through, and away, from the gorge we chugged with the backdrop of the Smokey Mountains  simply a sight to behold!  How gorgeous was the autumn countryside and the many mountain farms and churches along the way.

     Well, we all gave a big sigh as we headed back to the bus.  An uneventful, beautifully relaxing time had been had by all….until we are highway bound, by-passing Asheville right around Biltmore Village and BOOM!   Right under Katie Johnson’s feet, we thought an explosion was upon us!  It was a blown-out tire with a large piece of recap that had flown off, beating up against the bus floorboard.  As we ventured around the downtown area of Asheville to “recommended” tire repair shops, stopping finally by dark at our “last chance” tire shop, it seemed gloomier than the other 2…Beth Mize emphatically requested that someone should really please pray!  And so Deacon Randy prayed with the group and we saw the Lord absolutely bless us with a change of heart in those tired workmen.  They fixed us up with a new tire at a discounted price and we were on our way back home!

Thank you Lord for our special time together with other couples.  We all enjoyed getting to know each other better!

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SOAR - (Students Overcoming Academic Restrictions) by Becky Hightower

This summer, I knew that many of you were praying for Rachel and me as we flew to California and attended the classes on Dyslexia. Thank you!!! I wish I had learned these things earlier so that I could have helped the many students who have gone through my class that struggled with Language, Reading, Spelling, and sometimes Math. Many people are scared of the word Dyslexia and don’t like to use it.  But the research done by the National Institute of Health proves that Dyslexia is a difference in the way our brains were created. God created us to be different, none of us are alike. He gave to those who are Dyslexic gifts that a non-Dyslexic person does not have.  Unfortunately, these things are often the “extras” in school and not a part of the core curriculum. Dyslexic students often have problems in Language, Reading, Spelling and Math as the result of the lack of Phonemic Awareness, Visual Memory, Word recall, and Directionality (spacial difficulty). Many Dyslexic people grow up to be very successful adults. You might be surprised to find that you have admired the success of a Dyslexic person. Have you ever heard of Agatha Christi?  Did you know that Barbara Bush has two dyslexic sons? Without the Dyslexic Thomas Edison, you would be in the dark. The list goes on and on. Sadly, the opposite can also be true.  If a child never tastes a success, they quit trying and often become prey to drugs and alcohol.

My heart is so burdened for these students. Twenty percent of the population has some degree of Dyslexia.  That means that in the average class of 20, I could have 5 students each year who are Dyslexic. These are students who must learn to read and spell differently than the average student.  If I continue to teach them the same way I teach my other students, I condemn them to fail. There is hope. The NIH studies have proven over years of study that an Orton-Gillingham method of tutoring can help the Dyslexic child learn to read and spell the way their brains were meant to learn. We are in the process of purchasing the Barton System which is an Orton-Gillingham based program.  The initial purchase is quite expensive.  However, with the site license, we will be able to use this with as many students who need our help for years to come.  The total cost will be about $9000.  The first two have been purchased, but we will need the others as the students complete the first two parts. We also need tutors, who would be willing to learn this method and work with a student two days a week for one hour.  You can make a difference in a child’s life just by giving them two hours a week.

One of “my kids” has struggled since Kindergarten. Each year he tries, but he is never able to be successful as a student. His mother told me one day that every morning before she brings him to school they sit down together and pray for his teacher and that he will have a good day at school. You could be the answer to that young man’s prayer by giving toward the purchase of the Barton System or by giving your time to tutor. If you would be interested in making a difference in the lives of children in this way, please contact Dan or Becky Hightower, Rachel Ward, or call the school office. Please pray about what God might want you to do to help.

     If you are interested in learning more go to www.BrightSolutions.US

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APPRECIATION

Dan Hightower, Dennis Burnette and all those who helped prepare oyster stew, potato soup and chicken stew.  The meal was great.  And what a large turnout!!!

Special Thanks to those who have given to Pastor Matthews for his mission trip to Egypt with Baptist Equipping Nationals.

Special Thanks to those who donated items for the hurricane victims and for the candy for the Fall Festival.

Special Thanks to all the Sunday School classes who participated in running the games at the Fall Festival.

Special Thanks  to all those who helped prepare the Poor Mans Supper.

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