The Contender
A Cry from Jack's Heart
August 2023
Psalm 46:1-4 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.”
“The spiritual comforts which are conveyed to the saints by soft and silent whispers, and which come not with observation, are sufficient to counterbalance the most loud and noisy threatenings of an angry and malicious world.” (Matthew Henry)
John 7:37-39 “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, ‘If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.’ (But this spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
In Evil Long I Took Delight
I want to say a special thank you to my precious encourager: Gil Trusty (Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia / Philadelphia Police Chaplain) for the following quote from ‘repenter’ John Newton* who expresses most convincingly what must be my own personal view of the Christ of the Cross:
In evil long I took delight, Unawed by shame or fear,
Till a new object struck my sight, And stopped my wild career.
I saw One hanging on a tree, In agonies and blood,
Who fixed His languid eyes on me, As near His cross I stood.
Sure never till my latest breath can I forget that look:
It seemed to charge me with His death, Though not a word He spoke.
My conscience felt and owned the guilt, It plunged me in despair;
I saw my sins His blood had spilt, And helped to nail Him there.
Alas! I knew not what I did! But now my tears are vain:
Where shall my trembling soul be hid? For I the Lord have slain!
A second look He gave, which said, “I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom paid: I die, that thou mayst live.”
Thus, while His death my sin displays, In all its blackest hue,
Such is the mystery of grace, It seals my pardon too.
With pleasing grief, and mournful joy, My spirit now is filled,
That I should such a life destroy, Yet live by Him I killed.
*A few weeks before he died, John Newton (writer of the hymn, ‘Amazing Grace’) said:
“My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things:
that I am a great sinner, and
that Christ is a Great Savior.”
Back in Prison
It’s with great joy that I tell you that we are now back inside the Chapel of the Chester County Prison!
This very week, it’s been a great joy to see Steve Mayo join us in speaking God’s Word to our prisoners. My own personal teaching has centered on Psalm 51:1,2 “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindess: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquities, and cleanse me from my sin.”
Each one of us in the chaplaincy services is deeply grateful to God for our prison’s administration and correctional officers for securing our way forward in what have been Dark times for each of us!
Family Vacation
The late arrival of this brief update is due to my recent family vacation. All ‘20’ of us found ‘rest’ together and though having lost a week of August, have returned refreshed and ready to take on the busiest weeks of summer’s remaining days.
Fourth Sunday Night Solemn Assembly
The last of 2023’s Fourth Sunday Night Solemn Assemblies features one of CCGM’s own Board Members, Chief Don Hayes (Alexandria, Virginia Police). Here below is a short introduction:
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Don Hayes was installed as Pastor of the Oakland Baptist Church April 2, 2006. A native of Washington, DC, he was the 9th pastor in the 130-year history of the Oakland Baptist Church. He stepped down from his role as pastor in April 2022. He and his wife, Gloria, have two adult children – Kianna and Quentin and two granddaughters Harper and Aria.
Pastor Hayes has shown himself to be a capable teacher; nonetheless, he continues to be teachable and is a strong advocate for education and training. He has received his MDIV from Liberty University Theological Seminary and he holds a master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Johns Hopkins University. He is passionate about proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, making the Word of God relevant in the lives of believers, and building the Kingdom of God in the congregation and community. He has a heart for the lost and has completed two short-term missionary assignments to Nigeria where he was used mightily by the Lord.
A resident of Alexandria, Virginia, Pastor Hayes has been employed with the Alexandria Police Department since 1981 and currently serves as the Chief of Police and Chaplain for the Department. He is also an active Chaplain for the FBI. He is currently serving as the Interim Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia.
“…to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men that I might by all means save some…” 1 Corinthians 9:22
The meeting will commence at 6pm and include a critical update of Summer 2023! Address: 127 Brandamore Road, Brandamore, PA 19316
Great Concerns for Prayer
Here are several great concerns I pray shall touch many of your hearts:
- We host the Pointman Leadership Institute’s International Summit, September 13th-16th at Camp at Old Mill. There is a GREAT NEED FOR ‘AIRPORT DRIVERS’ to assist in transporting precious, police leaders to this vital summit. Write or call me: 610-322-3392 or jackccgm@aol.com
- We have need of a vehicle for one of our staff families. Their car was ‘totaled’ in an accident months ago (not their fault ) but the loss has been of great cost!
- We have need of ‘housing’ for two missionary families. The need is real and fulfillment of this concern will secure their most needful labors in the next 12 months.
Please plan to attend this FOURTH SUNDAY NIGHT MEETING on August 27th! This is a critical ingathering of precious loved ones and we will testify of the faithfulness of God!
HIS GREAT DEBTOR,
Jack Crans, Psalm 51:16,17
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