Pastor Mark and Sarah Lehman

day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Thu, 4 Jan 2024 11:38:00 -0600

Battling some tiredness. Really want to eat. Really realizing that it's a sacrifice to not eat, that's what I want to do. Trying to humble myself, and not just check the box for fasting.

Reading and re-reading the gospel of Mark, as I'll be preaching on it later this year. Settle than Matt redman's Lamb of God album. Already down about 10 lb.

Sensing increased mental clarity, to the point of not being able to stay asleep! :-)

This is my experience with Samaritan’s Ministries, a Biblical non-insurance approach to health care needs

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Mon, 2 Nov 2015 17:37:00 -0600

My Story: I was without insurance*

In 2013 we decided to have my wife step away from permanent employment and only work on a PRN basis, (i.e. as needed.) This meant our family no longer qualified for health insurance.
We sought out private policies that were similar, with much headache and no success. Everything was twice the cost, or not worth even having.
I had heard about Christian Medical Bill Sharing services before, but now I had a reason to look into them. I chose Samaritan’s Ministries.**
Want to read the official info? Go to their website here. Even better to call them. I did, and I had lots of questions.

My Experience

For $405 a month my family of 3 joined Samaritan’s Minstries in January of 2014.
For 2014 we never had a need to submit. Any needs that total under $300 are not shared with the membership. We paid the few of those we had out of our own pocket.
In 2015 I needed an MRI on my back. I thought, “Here we go, we’ll find out if this is worth it or not.”
I called to confirm my lower back pain was “covered.” It was. No other tests required. Not second opinion. No forms. The person on the phone prayed with me and sent me the forms to fill out.
I went to the doctors I wanted to. I received all my bills. I simply requested the best self pay (no insurance) discount I could get. I turned the bills and forms in.
This included the doctor visits. The chiropractor visits. The hospital MRI. The physician fee for reading the MRI. The steroid Rx.
My out of pocket expense was $0. Yup, you read that right, zero dollars. No co-pay. Because the self-pay “adjustments”the health care providers offer as a discount to their “full charges” totaled morethan the $300, my out of pocket expense was $0.

After mailing in the bills and forms, about 45 days later, I started getting, “checks in the mail,” literally.

And handwritten notes with prayer on them! Literally.

Some other thoughts

This is not insurance. Read over all the info carefully. Call them and ask any and every questions you have. (I did.) Not everything is covered. Neither is it with a typical insurance policy.
Samaritan’s Ministries meets all the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (i.e. ObamaCare). Click here for more info.
I like the fact that I am only sharing medical expenses with people who must meet Samaritan Ministries rather stringent qualifications of living a Biblical Christian Faith. (i.e. non smoker, non drinker, church attender, etc.)
You pay your own medical bills. Other members send you reimbursements of those expenses. It can take 60-90 days.

My take

I am pleased with my decision and in all my dealings with Samaritan’s Ministries.
I found them to be very personal, friendly, and knowledgeable. I have yet to come across anyone I could even come close to describing as “pushy” or “uncaring.”
If you think this might be something you would be interested in, and you would like to ask me some questions, feel free to call me if you know my number, or email me at marklehman@gmail.com.

Full Disclosure

* If you join Samaritan’s Ministries, and if you list me as the referring member, I will receive one time discount on my next month’s membership fee. I hope you will list me. But, if this bothers you, simply don’t list me as the referring member.
** Crazy enough, it was the insurance agent that I was dealing with who told me about it, as he was a member, as he could not qualify due to health reasons for the insurance he was selling!

What do you love most about your spouse?

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 08:50:00 -0600

What would your list look like. Here's mine. In no particular order.

She never wavers from following Christ.

Her attendance record at work is spotless. She is dependable.

She is content with an inexpensive car.

Her growth has a leader has been leaps and bounds in the past 5 years.

I have never had a reason to doubt her faithfulness once in 23+ years.

Special days are made special in our house because of her. Otherwise, my home would be packing color.

She forgives me.

Our parenting of Conner would be highly unbalanced without her input.

Her hair, regardless of style, is always amazing.

She likes some sports, and doesn't make me watch Hallmark movies with her. (she actually wanted to see the 3 Stooges movie with me)

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 13:00:00 -0600

How was your 2013?

Read about our 2013 in 300 words or less.

Click here to read the PDF.

Click here for the large image.

Thankful list. 2013.

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 09:07:00 -0600

Which number spurs thankfulness in you?

Wife who loves Christ
Son that follows Christ
Job that I love
Great staff to serve with
Health beyond what I deserve
23 years of healthy marriage
My grades from high school haven't hindered the rest of my life
Cars that run
Roof that doesn't leak
Integrity of pastors I have served under
Ability to embarrass 15 year old son in public without even trying
Sandi Patti is not the only Christian music available
More financial resources than I need for basic survival
A new heart
Sin forgiven
Freedom in Christ
American citizenship
Global worldview
Educational opportunities that I didn't waste
Friends with mechanical skills
Ridiculous amount of safe travel this year (Israel, West Monroe LA, Cleveland OH, Haiti)
Weekly before school breakfast with my son
Great community for my family to live in
Congregation that continues to put up with me
Wife who doesn't make me watch Hallmark movies
Strength to resist temptation
Faith almost as big as a mustard seed
That I didn't invest in Nokia 8 years ago
Birth family and great childhood
God's faithfulness
The Love of Jesus Christ

Harvest Time

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 21:39:00 -0500

Ever since I heard of another minister (Terry Yancey) going out on a combine in during wheat harvest I looked forward to the opportunity.

Getting good a better idea of what it means when Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, says, "look unto the fields, they are ripe for harvest, pray therefore to the Lord of the Harvest to send forth workers."

Other agricultural biblical applications abound. Loving forward to unpacking them soon.

Vacation and High School Graduation

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:54:00 -0500

Thankful for the good reasons (not funerals) that bring families together.

Enjoyed our trip to Cleveland, all 2,200 miles of it!

Are sermons good marketing? Man of Steel thinks so.

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:50:00 -0500

This article, comments on the ethical value of movies using sermons as a marketing tool.

While there are certainly good questions to be raised what stands out to me is this: the world's marketing machines believe that the Sunday morning pulpit has influence!

Let's use that influence for the advancement of the kingdom of God, and if free movie tickets are thrown in, so be it.

Mark and Sarah start Sabbatical

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Tue, 28 May 2013 08:00:00 -0500

In June my wife and I celebrate 13 years of ministry in Pittsburg at Family Life. It’s been amazing. Effective. Fun. But tiring. Draining actually.

The stats on pastoral burn out are insane.

After 9 years here our Board instituted a simple sabbatical policy, one month off after 2 years of full time pastoral service. We took our first sabbatical back in 2009.

Due to our building being completed we were unable to take the break last year, so we are taking it now. Our other pastoral staff receive this same benefit.

We will be in non-ministry mode during the month of June. (literally May 28-June 28) You can read our church’s sabbatical FAQ here.

We are looking forward to unplugging and unwinding so we can continue to be effective for the Kingdom and FLAG church for many years to come.

I wrote about our previous sabbatical here.

Power of a a Lunch Habit

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:48:00 -0500

When John first called me I was away at a conference. He had heard me speak at the PSU football team chapel.

We started having lunch every other week. Keeping the conversation spiritual was difficult. I felt like I was making no progress at all, but he was still willing to meet, so I (church) kept buying lunch.

Summer break came and I wasn't sure he would be interested in connecting again in the fall.

John called that summer. Something was different. There was humility. Teachability. Our lunch meetings that fall moved to Wheat State Pizza. And continued until he left town.

Today I am privileged to perform his wedding. His walk with Christ is inspiring to many.

The picture attached was taken on location at our habitual lunch place. Many, many conversations over salad and pizza loaded with unique toppings.

The power of a habit. Routine. Almost a ritual. There can be power when the Holy Spirit is invited

Israel day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:28:00 -0600

Internet is very limited and expensive where we are. So just a quick post and photo.

Today was all Jerusalem and all Jesus all day. Started at the Mount of Olives and ended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Some very powerful moments I look forward to unpacking soon.

Picture is us on the Mount of Olives. Background is Jerusalem.

Started the day at the mount of olives. Powerful.

Israel Tour–Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:15:00 -0600

Today marked the official start of our tour. Great stuff.

First stop. Beer’sheva. Also known as Beer’sheba. Home of Abraham. 10,000 year old ruins.

Later in the day, the Desert of Zin. Two hikes. Both amazing. The wilderness is the desert. It is not a lush forest. Quite the canyon.

5 minutes of total silence with tour group at the bottom of the canyon, near a broom bush, near a cave. See 1 Kings 19 for parallel.

See other Facebook pics here.

Israel

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:19:00 -0600

We arrived yesterday. Tour starts tomorrow. Hearts and bellies are full, mind is ready to be filled.

Thankful for financial provision for the trip, great support for our family from friends (watching our son), and great ministry from our staff during my absence.

If He Can Get It Through You, He Can Get It To You

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:46:00 -0600

We received an amazing gift from God!

During the last 33 months God has gotten over $23,000 through my wife and I towards a $25,000 Faith Promise we felt God lead us to almost 3 years ago. These funds were directed towards the building campaign of the church we pastor.

We could have used those funds elsewhere. Our cars are 10 years old, but start every time, and keep us warm and cool when we desire. Our house's roof looks likes a teenage acne breakout, but still keeps us dry.

But we lack nothing.

I opened some mail on Wednesday and came across the picture attached.

Blown away.

Sarah and I have talked about going to Israel "sometime." Last fall we had actually "window shopped" the very trip we are about to embark on. All the trip details here.

If God can get it through you, He can get it to you.

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he can never lose.

Dedication Day Highlight Video

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Sun, 7 Oct 2012 13:00:00 -0500

Highlights from our September 23, 2012 Dedication Day.

Offertory–Adult Youth–Dedication Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 10:22:00 -0500

Here is a rough video of the offertory from the Dedication Service.

Remember, it is all about those following after us.

First Services in New Facility

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:39:00 -0500

Click to enlarge photo

Thankful for all the support, great staff, encouragement, and hard work that went into a great day glorifying God yesterday.

With 158 chairs set up, the 9 am service was wonderfully full. Approx 130 adults in attendance.

The 10:45 service had over 180 fill the new auditorium. Chair problem!

Counting children’s church and nursery: just short of 420 people. Highest non-Easter attendance ever.

Then 28 were baptized at the City Pool later that day!

“Take my life and let it be, all for You and for Your glory.”

*blogging irregularly now, only for major events. Follow @PMarkLehman for regular updates.

Conner’s Soccer Season

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Sun, 20 May 2012 22:05:00 -0500

My son has followed a bit in my footsteps by playing soccer.

Having a September birthday, he also has experienced being the youngest player on many of his travel teams.

It has been a joy to watch him mature in this arena of his life.

Click to enlarge.

Ladies Spring Luncheon–Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Sat, 5 May 2012 20:41:00 -0500

My wife does a great job of leading this annual event.

More than 50 ladies enjoyed a great meal, lots of fun, and a powerful message!

5K Under 30 Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:01:00 -0500

“I’ll take his hash browns!”

That was my response when eating with someone doing that crazy low carb diet thingy. I knew I could never give up bread and carbs.

Until I got a bad lab report from the doctor about 2-3 years ago.

With synergy from my wife, my diet changed, and so did my cholesterol and more importantly glucose levels. The pounds eventually started to come off as a side effect.

If I can do that, I wonder, . . . can I still run a mile?

I hadn’t run a mile without stopping in well over 20+ years.

Over the past year, step by step, plodding along, I got to the place where I entered a true chip timed 5K race.

27 minutes. 22 seconds.

When is the last time you did something for the first time?

Sheet Rock Is On Site!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:07:00 -0500

We are moving forward!

Preach Better Sermons–Conference Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:18:00 -0500

Below is a link to my notes from the online conference.

My favorites were Andy Stanley and Judd Wilhite, although listening to Charles Stanley break down when talking about the responsibility of preaching was very impactful.

Preach Better Sermons – Conference Notes

Faith Promise and First Fruits Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:34:00 -0600

Below is the announcement of the congregation’s commitments.

$170,000+ of Faith Promises over the next 15 months!

$$17,000+ First Fruits offering.

Gallbladder Is Gone. Thankful for Care!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:23:00 -0600

2 am on Tuesday we headed to the ER. This was the second night in a row with unquenchable stomach pains.

Within an hour the CT scan had been completed and showed a gallbladder issue.

Fast forward to today, Friday, 11:30. Home and resting. Thankful for so much and so many who helped me and my family during this time.

Thank you Sarah for proving again that my trust in you in well placed. I appreciate your love and unquestionable support.

Thank you Conner for loving my wife and being an overall great son.

Thank you Gary and Sophie Hisle for driving 6 hours round trip to help my fatigued and sick wife with some housework so she could be with me at my surgery.

Thank you staff and Board at FLAG church. Tyler, Anthony, Steve, Micky, Alan, Ashley, Cassie, and Bryan. Thanks for everything I am aware of, and all that I am not.

Thank you FLAG Church. Prayer was constant, needed, and effective.

Thank you Juli Kelley for sharing a dinner with my wife and son on Wednesday and letting my son crash at your place that night so my wife could rest.

Thank you Via Christi Hospital. My care was quick and excellent from ER, CT, 2nd Floor nurses, OR, Dr Cedeno, and the student nurses.

Thank you to everyone who prayed, called, cared, brought food, flowers, magazines, visits, Facebook support, etc.

Looking forward to recovering quickly and moving forward!

Merry Christmas From The Lehman’s

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Lehman) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:34:00 -0600

No letter this year. Infographic!

Click to enlarge.