A Scotsman in Cleveland

For those of you who have never been to Cleveland, try to imagine the scene at the beginning of 'Newhart', the tv show from the '80's. A quiet community, rolling hills, the leaves of oaks and maples slowly changing colors as fall takes over this unassuming community. Well, we're actually not in downtown Cleveland we're in Streetsboro and Aurora communities--suburbs of Cleveland. This is what we've been enjoying for the past few days, no busy streets, no towering sky scrapers like Chicago, its a feel of America from 50 yrs ago. Why on earth would we come to Cleveland? Well, on a practical side, its a nice half way point between Chicago and Washington DC. It is also the home of Parkside Church, where Alistair Begg preaches regularly. Shonet and I had the privilege to attend this church on Sunday morning and evening; I also was able to meet several of their staff on Monday afternoon to learn from each other's experiences. If you have never heard Alistair preach, I would encourage you to google: www.Parksidechurch.com and follow the links to hear any of his sermons--you will not be disappointed! Its fascinating to be here just a few days after being in Lawndale in Chicago. This church has a budget of over 4 million US, here's the kicker, they've already reached their budget for 2010! This is a wealthy church in a wealthy neighborhood, whereas Lawndale is in a poor and violent neighborhood. Both churches have unique gifts. Parkside is able to support missionaries and mission agencies all around the world, as well, they have a radio broadcast that sends Alistair's messages globally--they are also a training church for young pastors. Both congregations would have such different challenges. Parkside has a retreat feel to it, a place to rejuvenate, be fed and be refreshed, whereas Lawndale feels like you're in the trenches with heavy fire coming right at you. I suppose both are needed and God raises each congregation up for His purposes--in both churches, the leadership expressed to me that they desire to be faithful to what God has lead them to do and be--what else can be asked for? On a different note, if I haven't made my fondness for this area clear, Cleveland area is beautiful! We spent some time this morning hiking through a national park that is within the city limits of Cleveland, quite an inspiring place.
Tomorrow we head back into the city, we're off to Washington DC to attend the weekender conference for pastors at Capital Hill Baptist Church--I've been reading the 150 page document they sent me to prep for their sessions. Please keep praying for our safety as we travel along, we've already spent over 20 hours in the car and have more than double that to go till we're all finished. Our car, whom we've named Robert, has done quite well, no shimming, no loss of oil, no flat tires. See ya in Washington. Oh yeah, the reason this title is about a Scotsman in Cleveland is that Alistair Begg is from Scotland, there's something about hearing a Scottish preacher that makes you want to read your Bible and be holy...perhaps I should work on a Scottish accent while away...

Ken