History Maker 2010

It seems that in life the things which we seem to enjoy the most last for but a fleeting moment, and so it was with our just completed odessy in Vanadzor, Armenia. Vanadzor, just a few short years ago the name had no meaning for me, but now after seven trips to Burning Bush Church, I can picture in my mind almost every mountain, valley, farm, and village on the journey from the airport in Yerevan up the mountain to the Glory that is Burning Bush Church.

Vanadzor, is not the ultimate location for a romantic getaway, nor is it the ultimate spot for tourism and fancy free living. But the city, ravaged by its Soviet occupiers several decades ago, nearly destroyed at the same time by a severe earthquake that some believe cost over 100,000 lives, and now shackled by 80% unemployment is the very location that the Holy Spirit chose for History MAKER II to take place. And why God chose this particular location, where 120 youth from 8 different nations assembled, will only be known in the months and years to come.

We came seeking "Fresh Fire" for our nations and for our own lives. We came with a desperation to meet God, experience revival in our hearts, and take it back to our own churches.
The vision for HMII, like most visions, shifted and grew as it developed, but one thing for sure didn't change, and that being our desire to seek the heart of God.

If you were to talk to each of the US delegates, you would probably get 19 different responses as to what the Holy Spirit did. If you were to survey the international delegates from Georgia, Latvia, Sweden, Holland, Jordan, Israel, and of course Armenia, you would get the same response. But let me try to delineate, from a pastor's perspective what I saw and experienced.

There was a re-establishment of hunger to worship God and not just go through the motions; thanks to our Armenian worship team, Dimitri Sparatel, Jeff and our international worship team. There was a renewed reverence for the authority of God's word and a hunger to experience it in a deeper way.One young man on our team was saved, baptised, and now headed for YWAM. Another young man surrendered his heart and bondages were broken, and he was gloriously filled. There was deliverance, healing, miracles in various situations and generational bondages broken. There was a powerful move of holiness and purity that swept one morning session as Margaret Shlabach spoke to the women and Dimitri to the men. All of these things plus too many more to mention added up to one thing: we came asking God to meet us in the least likely of all locations, and as the Holy Spirit always does, in the midst of our weaknesses He showed up in power and strength!

We knew, as a team, on the first leg of our journey, when we were grounded in Washington, DC with NO HOPE of flying to Europe let alone Armenia, because of a missed international flight that something special was happening. As we prayed all night and waited for the next morning to try ticketing again, we had no doubt that we were going to leave for our destination and destiny. When 18 tickets seemed to appear out of nowhere, we stood in awe of His majesty and knew that we were going to truly make history.

Yes, as the testimonies begin to filter in during the days, weeks, months and even years to come, what is not clear now will become vibrant in color and clarity as the mountain is from the plain. We drew a line in the sand in Vanadzor, letting the whole world know that Jesus is Lord over Armenia and that the "BURNING BUSH" which blazed for just a few short days in our midst , as we assembled together, will illuminate the lives and countries of those who were there and participated in shaping History for years to come.

Leia Mais…

Remembering Wanda Wolfe

Thursday's funeral for Wanda was a very hard day for me personally, as well as for many who are part of High Mill. It is hard to say good bye to someone who so faithfully gave her life to serve so many. Wanda was an extraordinary young lady who, for approximately 20 years, was as she put it, "My Armor Bearer." Simply, whenever I was in need of prayer and support, Wanda always seemed to know. With that big smile and outstretched arms, she always seemed to make things better.

Wanda was not without her own pain and struggles, but they never superseded her desire to put someone else first. Somehow, seeing her occupy her favorite seat in church, always seemed to make me more assured that church was going to be great that particular Sunday, because Wanda was there, praying and always playing her tambourine.

As I think back over the years and all the people and experiences that have added to my life, none are more memorable than those which have shaped my destiny and have made me the person that I am today. Wanda was one of those people, and I would not be the person that I am today, if Wanda had not been praying for me.

How can one define "friendship?" For me , I have to go no father than what was modeled to me through Wanda's example of "servant love." The words which come to mind are loyalty, unconditional love, commitment, faithfulness, and encouragement. My office is filled with cards, scriptures, poems, pictures, and other "labors of love," which Wanda blessed me with; often when I needed them the most.

Proverbs 18:24 sums up what a true friend looks like with these words, "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Wanda's love for me and you far superseded what this earthly life could offer, because her love came straight from the throne of God.

Seasons of time will come and go, and soon for most people, Wanda's name will be left for the ages and soon forgotten. But for those of us whose lives were touched, for one brief moment in time by her giving heart and spirit, we will never forget, because we have been forever changed.

Leia Mais…

Is there a "Trojan Horse" at the Church's doorstep?"

The prophet Amos challenged Israel's sinful culture in Amos chapter 6 with these powerful words, "Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never- failing stream." He was notifying the nation that it was time to stop playing religious games and get serious with God!


'Justice' has always been a code name for being and acting "Christian" in the church since its inception. Certain denominational traditions tend to equate "justice" and people who commit just acts as definitive of how one becomes a Christian (ie. "The Social Gospel") , while traditional evangelical churches teach that 'justice" is not the means of salvation but the fruit of what happens in one's life when he or she accepts Jesus as Savior and Lord. Either way," the role of Justice,"is central to the teachings of Jesus and the meaning of salvation.

But today, there seems to be a lot of "redefinition" of terms happening by those who would seek to hi-jack the church for their own political purposes. In some sectors, "justice" has been redefined in 'social terms' trying to equate good church behavior with supporting government projects which have nothing to do with Biblical Justice but wreak with political agendas. Could it be that as in the days of the Trojan War, there is a "Trojan Horse" sitting at the doorsteps of the modern church, and we don't even know it. Let me explain.

The past presidential administration believed in supporting "faith based initiatives, " where government financial support was funneled to religious based institutions which were involved in communities for the social good. Those who follow a "left leaning" political persuasion cried that such policies were an infringement of 'separation of church and state.' Much was accomplished but so much more could have been done without the usual political wrangling; this time over a term that was never even mentioned in the US constitution but has become a sword used by some to attack Christian principles.

So it has become very interesting to view the political landscape today and this present administration's approach to faith based initiative and the separation issue, because we are suddenly seeing a redefinition of terms to fit a new agenda that again has very little to do with a Biblical or moral agenda. The term that I am referring to is "Social Justice." And that is the Trojan Horse that I want to briefly address.

Presently, there is a study being done that would support the combination of efforts between the Government and Churches to meet out 'social justice' to the hurting and needy. In the early part of this countries history, the church handled the welfare programs and did very nicely without Uncle Sam's help. But just recently, the speaker of the house, echoing the words of the administration while speaking at a political conference, declared that it was time for pastor's to get involved and speak to their congregations in support of programs dealing with issues concerning immigration, global warming, and clean air. Wow! What about the separation clause? Where is the A.C.L.U.? Why isn't the press up in arms because the wall between church and state is being breached?

When Jesus spoke of "Social Justice, " He was talking about feeding and taking care of the poor, which was a direct result of the Gospel working in our hearts. Today, the government is thinking about merging the EPA with "Faith Based Initiatives", because the government knows best just what is best for you! This partnership or church 'take-over", whichever you want to call it, will lead to charitable deductions on your tax returns removed and Government bearing down on churches to come in line with their political agenda. The term 'falsehood' refers to putting on the hood of something false and pretending to be what you are not. There is a lot of falsehood going around right now. Not since the days of King George in Colonial Virginia have we witnessed an attempt by government to control the church at large. And though it has not happened yet, the 'Trojan Horse' is at our door.Worse yet, many pastors are buying into the falsehood of this new social justice order.

In Nicaragua, a number of years ago, a political movement known as the Sandinistas combined Marxism with Christianity attempting to forge a union under the banned of 'Social Justice.' Whatever Washington has in mind in suddenly wanting to "cozy up"to the church; even going so far as to help churches with building new sanctuaries if they will "get on board" and go 'green', we have to remain vigilant and faithful to what Jesus meant about "social justice" and not some new government plan that has 'control' written all over it and at the very least leans towards socialism and at the worst Marxist in philosophy. Let Justice roll on like a river but let's be sure that it's the justice the Bible declares and not a Trojan Horse waiting at our gates.

Leia Mais…

Giving Our Lives Away

Last week, I was standing in front of a giant stage in a park in downtown L'viv ,Ukraine where we were about to have a concert featuring "Master Plan 2.0" from our church when a young man approached me with a smile as wide as the stage behind me. I didn't immediately recognize him, but that smile gripped my heart as my mind raced back through time and the many trips that I had made to L'viv.

Then our team leader and base guitar player in the band walked over, and with a big grin of her own said, "Pastor Chuck, do you remember Victor?" As I looked into his bright brown eyes, I suddenly found myself back in an operating room in a L'viv hospital, and the year was 1994. There, standing in front of me was a scared little boy whose eyes were so turned inward that all that could be seen was the white part of the eye ball. Victor's eyes were so crossed that he was doomed to a life of not only partial blindness but ridicule and humiliation. Now here he was standing in front of me, a handsome young man whose eyes were perfectly straight glistening with God's Spirit and most of all a heart of gratitude.

Suddenly I was overwhelmed with a sense of fulfillment and purpose knowing that standing before me was the fruit of our first medical outreach to L'viv; Victor was six years old when we first met in that operating room and Dr. Bobbi, from our team, operated on his severely deformed eyes. Now, at 21 years of age, his future lay before him as a gift from those who were willing to give their lives away as a testimony to God's love. But even more so than fulfillment, I felt a sense of gratitude for the people that make up this wonderful church here at High Mill that have so faithfully given of their time, money, and talents so that others could receive the saving message of the Gospel of Jesus and have their bodies healed at the same time.

When I meet believers who are seemingly bored with life and are not involved in the lives of others, I am reminded of the words of Jesus that ," You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world...Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. " When you are busy giving your life away, you don't have time to live joyless lives or be bored. He gives you a sense of Destiny that suddenly gives your life new meaning. So I ask you, Who are you giving your life to?

Leia Mais…

We need a Revolution!

It seems today that most of the media, both right and left, are consumed with mud slinging and word fights that only cause more consternation and anger among the general populace. Literally, just 22% of voters believe that Congress has any chance to solve the myriad of problems that we face. From nuclear proliferation in Iran to the health care debate at home, our government seems clueless as to the wishes of the American people and our future dreams and aspirations.

Yes, we need a revolution to bring things back in line, but apart from a revolution at the ballot box in November, there is a much greater revolution that must take place if America is to be saved; I am talking about a spiritual revolution that begins in the heart and spreads to the conscience and spirit of a people desperate for answers.
As Christians, if we truly believe that Jesus is the answer to the ills of this nation and our culture, then it is time for a 'NEW REVOLUTION' spreading from the pulpits and pews of our churches into mainstream America challenging this nation again to spiritual greatness.But just where do we begin?

Paul told the church in II. Corinthians 4 that," light has shined out of darkness into our hearts filling our earthly vessels with God's treasure." Wow! What a powerful statement! Out of the dark vastness of an eternal universe, Divine light has burst forth into the hearts of mankind depositing the very essence of God within us! Paul goes on to say in Romans 8:9, that because of that deposit, we no longer are simply mortal but now dwell in a new supernatural spiritual realm!

Let me make it very simple; what are you doing with that deposit invested in you? Are you now walking as one filled with His spirit, or is life, "business as usual?" Shortly after Easter, a Revolution took place in Jerusalem that has shaken the world for 2010 years! A small band of believers who had followed the greatest revolutionary of all, Jesus Christ, within 200 years conquered the greatest empire that had existed to that time-namely Rome. And guess what? They did it not with armies armed with sophisticated weapons but with people filled with supernatural power which had been deposited within them at Pentecost. So, you might ask, what does that have to do with me?

When Jesus told his disciples that he had to leave so that the "comforter' the Holy Spirit could come and fill them, He had something even greater in mind. He went on to tell them in John that it was to their benefit that He leave so that they could be filled with radical power to accomplish even greater things than they had accomplished in those 3 short years. Well again, guess what? That word "disciple" has as much to do with you and me as it did with those early disciples. So my question is this: are you sitting on your giftings ? Have you surrendered to some hurt or fear that has put you on the sidelines? Have you decided that it is 'safer' to hide out in the back of the church than sit on the front row getting involved and serving ?

Maybe you need to get acquainted with the Holy Spirit again, or maybe even seek a deeper walk and baptism in Him. Whatever the case, God is looking for "a few good men and women." He is looking for a whole new generation of radical warriors, willing to spread Revolution spiritually to every corner of this planet known to man. He is looking for a new generation of Revolutionaries, who will carry the cross of Christ to the ends of the earth, beginning in our own neighborhoods.

How about you? Paul Revere is riding again, only this time the message is spiritual. The enemy is at our doorstep, but our weapons, fashioned in the spirit, are far greater; we only need warriors willing to pick them up.

Leia Mais…

Living Supernaturally Naturally

The Easter Season can mean a lot of things to different people. For students, it can mean a break from the rigors of studying and classes. For others it coincides with the annual pilgrimage to the American version of Mecca, namely Myrtle Beach. For many, it's just another day in the calendar where businesses try to make a quick buck. But for followers of Jesus Christ, who see Him much more than just a "holiday experience," Easter has a totally different meaning. Because of this day, and an empty tomb to back it up, believers have been given the opportunity to live each and every day with the conviction that in their grasp is the power to live" Supernaturally Naturally." Let me explain it by painting this simple picture.

Every waking moment we are presented with the possibility of making a difference in someone's life; the question is are we aware of the opportunities surrounding us, or just as important, are we even looking to be used in making a difference? What it boils down to is a basic understanding of why we exist and the power present to pull it off. It also is a matter of the heart, as to whether my "rebirth" experience in Jesus has led to a repositioning of my priorities away from what I can get to how I can be His hands and feet. From 40 years of experience as a believer, I can assure you that when a person has a true experience with Jesus and not just a fleeting emotional one, the vision to reach the whole world takes on a whole new dimension. I'm not saying that one automatically becomes an evangelist, but what I do know is that "relational evangelism"-extending" Jesus love" to anyone who will listen and then following up words with action, takes center stage.

The Apostle Paul put it this way in Romans 8:11. "The Spirit of God, who raised Christ Jesus from the dead lives in you, and just as God raised Jesus from the dead, He will give life to to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." Wow! God wants to place supernatural power into the lives of those who believe in Him. If that is true, shouldn't supernatural living be a natural bi-product of simply living life? I believe the answer is definitely yes but the application is a bit of a problem for most believers. Let me illustrate.

Six months ago, I came to the realization that my life was ceasing to be as productive as it had once been. I always seemed to have a knack for "Divine Appointment" type experiences. From the streets of Southern California to the back woods of Armenia, God has always had adventures waiting for me in meeting all sorts of people who were seeking to know Him. But something seemed different; Divine Appointments were far and few between and with that said, excitement and joy seemed to be a thing of the past.

I had all sorts of reasoning's; maybe my evangelical fervor was being channeled in other directions, and even worse, maybe that part of my life was just over. It all came to a head one Sunday morning when a young lady from our youth group asked me to meet one of her friends from high school visiting for the first time. When I didn't do it and worse than that had no desire to, I became very fearful of just where I was at. After all, a pastor who doesn't want to be around people is a problem indeed; for me , it was an issue that I had never faced as a believer.

But thankfully, we serve a God of second chances, because the following week the young man returned, and his faithful friend gave me no chance to miss a second opportunity. As she escorted me to the back of the church to meet him, I suddenly began to shake all over. Then ever so clearly, in my spirit, I heard these very simple words; "You asked me if I was done using you...I never left you...I have always been there waiting for you...Now I have set before you someone if you will pour your life into, I will use him to shake the nations..."

The past six months have been as spiritually rich as the past year had been as dry as a desert. Suddenly, I began to flow again in authority and power. As I became obedient to that soft still voice that had my knees knocking, divine encounters have taken place in the craziest of places and many have come to know Jesus again, including that young man.

Practically speaking, we all go through seasons where nothing seems to be happening let alone supernatural encounters. But what I learned, I want to conclude by sharing with you, that you might again flow in the power that is rightfully yours. First of all, never take for granted your giftings and God's desire to teach you new things, no matter how long you've been a believer, because there are times when He wants to get our attention and revive us. Secondly, recognize when your focus turns within, it will effectively cut off any discernment with those around you. I know now that I was struggling with mild depression which was a culmination of any number of things, and that depression blocked my spirit from seeing the needs around me. Thirdly, always be listening to others words that your response and comments might build bridges of communication, trust, and relationship. Pray for openings. I believe that relational evangelism is the key in reaching this generation which is fatherless, in many ways hopeless, and desperate for love.

We should be living lives filled with supernatural excitement that are a natural by-product of the God who lives inside of us. If you are a believer and are bored with life, then you must get reconnected to the source of power and be willing to use it passionately. Only then can you fulfill the reason for which you were made; LIVING SUPERNATURALLY NATURALLY!

Leia Mais…

Balance is the Key to Everything Spiritual

Recently, while in Armenia, I visited a pastor who lived deep in the forest outside of Vanadzor, where our sister church is located. The beauty was breathtaking, with emerald green mountains rising on either side of his small wooden home to meet the turquoise blue sky high above. The simplicity of he and his family's life being lived out before me brought to my mind what America must have been like 150 years ago.

After we had been blessed with a wonderful dinner of I'm not sure what, the pastor took me into his small office which was the size of most American bathrooms. There, he pulled out his prize possession- a small satellite dish which, he claimed could pick up American Christian programming from all across the USA. My first reaction was one of thankfulness, until he began to tune in various channels. It was then that I began to get a very sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I quickly recognized a variety of evangelists, teachers, and speakers, whose messages left me with some feelings of anger and dismay. It almost seemed like many of the programs, at the very least, were espousing some different doctrine or beliefs that were counter to Historic Christian Belief, and at the very worst some of the programming was down right heretical.

My first reaction to all of this was what should I say, if anything. I didn't want to attack my fellow American teachers and leaders, but at the same time, I didn't want my dear friend to be "taken in " by the latest spiritual fad sweeping the church landscape. After all, I had, first hand, experienced the destructive and divisive nature of 'unbalanced teaching' when it takes hold in a church body, leading people away from the purity of Christ and into false teaching and manipulation, as well as personality cults. Before I could say anything, my friend responded with the wisdom of a spiritual father and mature leader. As he flipped through the channels, he looked me directly in the eye and responded in a very gentle way. "Pastor Chuck, I watch a lot of speakers on tv, from your country and around the world, but I don't believe everything that I hear."

To the say the least, I was overwhelmed with a sense of peace, knowing the he moved in the gift of discernment and had the wisdom to know the truth and not be swayed by fancy words, emotional appeals, and doctrines not found in God's word.

Sometime ago, while interviewing a pastor on television, I listened with deep interest as he shared his particular view of "health, wealth, and prosperity. " After a period of time, I asked him a simple question. "Pastor, of course you have taught this same teaching in the poor and developing nations of Asia and Africa, right? How did they recive your teaching and did it bring forth fruit?" Well, that was simple enough, but as he stumbled over his response, it only revealed something very wrong in what he was teaching.

We immediately went to a song break after his weak response, and it took him no more than 5 seconds to express his extreme displeasure with my very direct question. "What are you trying to do to me, he shouted?" With no more than 3 minutes before we were to be back live, I had to respond quickly, as well as very simple. " Pastor, I began, if your teaching cannot be applied in those countries as you teach it here, then it is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

The American church is facing a dilemma. It is facing a "down sizing" of the truth, as Historic Doctrine is taking a beating from those who are taking liberty with Scripture and coming up with all sorts of abherrant teaching that emotionally inflames our passions but leaves us bankrupt spiritually. Of course, I believe in Faith.I believe in God's desire to prosper His saints and bring healing to our mind ,soul, and bodies. I believe in prayer and prayer summits and gatherings. But when each of these areas of our spiritual walk or any other area becomes unbalanced in focus and purpose, error, confusion, and salvation by works result.

Let me illustrate. God had a very special love for His people Israel. All that He ever desired was to have an intimate relationship with them. But Israel repeated the same mistake over and over again; a mistake that the church in America is making today. Israel repeatedly left that simplistic first love which they had with God for other idols; other teachings and false gods which aroused their emotions but led them astray. From the "golden calf" to acceptance and compromise with false foreign gods, Israel always seemed to be looking for a new spiritual high that would excite their spiritual appetites.

Let me be very direct. I have lived long enough to see many doctrinally "unbalanced" waves hit the church at large. While their leaders mostly have right motives, the directions which they seek to lead the church are dead wrong. I don't care whether it is any of the aforementioned spiritual dogmas or others not mentioned, when we take a specific aspect of faith and doctrine and raise it out of context and make it central instead of supportative to the Love of God, we are out of balance.

Jesus gave us 2 commands, which were to love the Lord God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourself. That is pretty simple, and I might add direct. Lifting any other movement, thought, doctrine, faith venture, or new spiritual fad above love, is out of balance.

Why do we Christians make believing in Jesus so difficult? We are losing this generation which is seeking truth that is relevant but instead often sees the church as irrevelant. Why do we confuse new believers with a litany of rules, regulations, and strange twists on doctrine which are not Biblical and certainly not conducive to growth? I have to confess that sometimes I see people coming to Jesus despite the believers surrounding them who should be there to encourage them in love but seemingly are all too ready to espouse some spiritual fad that is here today and gone tomorrow. For reference, consider all of the "revivals" that have broken out across America and Canada this past decade which in a few short months burned out like a Fourth of July rocket. True Revival has lasting power and brings about true growth.

When we stop preaching Jesus and His love, when we cease to relationally build bridges to the lost, and finally when our focus becomes centered upon one aspect of faith, no matter how valid, we cease to be the hands and feet of Jesus and sink into the swamp of spiritual imbalance and misdirected focus, pleading the newest spiritual abberation and not being the light of the world Jesus called us to be.

Leia Mais…