Return from Hiatus

Yes, I have been absent. September & October were crazy months for us. A lot has happened in that time. So even though this blog is not intended to be a personal journal I feel the need to explain a little from the author.

For one thing, I lost access to my my primary home computer. The Lord has restored that through the generosity of my previous employer. Yes, I said previous. So I have more time on my hands and I'm actively seeking Him regarding this new direction.

Speaking of new directions, this blog is about to take a new focus. It will stay true to it's original intent (in the title header) and begin to outline some of the neat things that God is doing in the areas of preparing His bride, the church, for the days ahead. As some of you may know, the Lord has been really speaking to me and dealing with me in regards to disaster response and all the forms of preparation that are required for His body to come together to "reach the harvest in crisis" (to borrow someone else's words).

So today starts a new season. Just as the leaves are falling to the ground so this is a time of transition. Even as the trees are preparing for dark, cold, dry times ahead so we too, as believers, should be getting the people ready. But not from a place of fear, but from wisdom and faith because we are protected through a divine covenant and scripture shows us promise after promise. And like every Spring the trees flourish once again in beauty and bringing forth fruit.

The Pool Nearly Full in August!

The "pool of Siloam Springs" was nearly full (steps to steps) the morning after we had a meeting of 21 adults representing 7 different churches to discuss a biblical approach to security in the context of disaster preparedness and relief.

Siloam Springs received 2 1/2" of rain the night we met at Terry & Diann Meythaler's home. Jordan Roach of the Naval Academy presented an outstanding biblical approach to security. We met for two hours from 6PM-8PM and added probably another 30 minutes afterward for food and fellowship.

We prayed for the home a couple of streets over that was struck by lightning and burned in the severe thunderstorm. There was much engagement and discussion. Tabbitha Easley led us in worship singing and playing her guitar. We look forward to meeting again in two weeks.

- Wade Baker

United Christian Charities

I attended a meeting last night in Bentonville about a growing group of individuals moving into Northwest Arkansas to build a Christian disaster relief center here. The team's name is United Christian Charities and it is acting more as an umbrella organization for this Arkansas project.

This non-profit organization's prinipal leader is Vincent Xavier who is currently based out of Southern California. They believe they have a strong word from the Lord to begin the disaster response center vision in Northwest Arkansas. His partner in ministry, Billy Stout, moved to Northwest Arkansas the 8th of this month to provide local leadership for the project.

In the meeting last night they announced having closed on 10 acres on the 15th of this month. The land and included property is near the small town of Decatur which is about 15 miles north of Siloam Springs.

- Wade Baker

BlackBerry Test

I am testing creating a new post via my BlackBerry.

BOVHOP at Old Settler's Day

BOVHOP (Big Ol' Van House of Prayer) is a group of musicians out of the International House of Prayer - Siloam Springs. They travel and tour and play at various venues around the region. They have a unique techno-bluegrass sound and are known to bring the joy of the Lord.




The BOVHOP team was gracious to bring their talents to an evangelistic outreach in neighboring Colcord, OK. Old Settler's Day is a festival that's been observed in Colcord for a number of years but this year the 7 churches in the area came to together and really took it over. BOVHOP brought the music and I think people enjoyed it and were touched.

- Wade Baker

John 9:11

This is a verse that has been heavy (in a good way) on my heart for nearly a year now for the greater community of Siloam Springs, Ark.

"He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight." - John 9:11 (KJV)

Many of you may know that we have an old spring downtown that some have nicknamed our very own Pool of Siloam or Pool of Siloam Springs. I submit that there may be another Pool of Siloam in this community.

What if the 50-60 churches that call Siloam Springs home is collectively the Lord's figurative Pool of Siloam?

Selah

(In scripture that word can mean, "Pause, submit it to the Lord and reflect on this for a moment.")

If that can be true then the next question on my heart is, "What are the implications?" Meaning, what do we know about the biblical Pool of Siloam? One of the clearest attributes is that the Lord used it in healing. Can this somehow be applied to our city? Many people's thought probably naturally drift the the physical spring in our community. But what if... the Lord wants to bring healing to and/or through our community through the greater body of Christ, His bride, the church? How would that happen? Wouldn't we need unity? Because otherwise were not talking about a pool, we're talking about 50-60 puddles.

Can the Lord use a puddle to bring healing? Certainly! But what if we had a pool? Can you see it with me? A deep, crystal clear reservoir of bubbling spring water. And even better, one that is so full that it begins to spill out and become a stream that goes out to the surrounding communities. Streams of living water (John 7).

I just wanted to share with you what a blessing this verse has been for me. May God use it to also speak to you and bless you as well.

- Wade Baker

Invitation

I would like to take this entry as an opportunity to invite those who have testimony about what the Lord has done in and/or through the greater community of Siloam Springs to share it with me and let me know how you would feel about me posting it on this blog. I'm particularly interested in historical information (anything pre-dating this blog) but also interested in current events as well.

Topics can include, but are certainly not limited to, personal testimony that is tied to Siloam Springs, words the Lord has given you that you have seen fruit from, or Christian heritage information. This blog is especially interested in testimony of Jesus that is expressed through cross-congregational or cross-denominational unity.

Please feel invited and welcome to submit any entries to my personal email address:

unitedbride@gmail.com

Blessings to you all!

- Wade Baker