Walking With The Giant Blog

Bethel Baptist in Starke on Sunday

2012-05-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jason Cain at Bethel Baptist Church in Starke on Sunday, June 3, 2012. The services will begin at 11am and 6pm. The church is located on County Road 230A in Starke, Florida. For more information call (904) 964-5117.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Angel Flight

2012-05-28T10:47:00.000-04:00

This video features a discussion by the writers of the song "Angel Flight" about the true story behind the song. The song follows the discussion and is powerful.

I pray our nation never forgets those who gave all that we may live free!!

Olustee First Baptist Sunday

2012-05-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

I will be preaching at First Baptist Church of Olustee, Florida on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 11am and 6pm. The church is now searching for a pastor. First Baptist Church is located at 23311 Lakeside Lane in Olustee, Florida. Please be in prayer for these services and the search for a new pastor.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Please Note Our New Address

2012-05-22T10:33:00.000-04:00

In December the post office in Olustee, Florida closed and residents were placed on a route from Sanderson. Now the James Croft Evangelistic Association has a new mailing address. All correspondence (business, donations and personal) should now be mailed to:

5214 Main Street

Sanderson, Florida 32087-2524

Please update your records accordingly.

Donations to the ministry may also be made online by following the link below.

JCEA Donation
Click this button to make a donation to be used as needed.

NOTE:

The James Croft Evangelistic Association is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) corporation and all donations are tax deductible.

I'm Still Alive!!

2012-05-18T18:38:00.000-04:00

As reported earlier on this site I was to have gallbladder surgery last Tuesday. The procedure was to be performed as an outpatient at a surgery center in Gainesville. After modeling the latest patient surgical fashion (at right) I expected to awake without my gall bladder. However, I awoke with a ventilator tube in my throat in the ER of a nearby hospital. I learned that I experienced a cardiac episode which required emergency treatment. The breathing tube was removed quickly as I demonstrated I could breath under my own power. I was then moved to a room on the cardiac floor for additional tests. I felt very sharp pains in my chest area when moving certain ways, taking deep breaths, or coughing. X-rays show no broken bones, which can happen during CPR, but the muscles were strained. A heart cath on Wednesday found no heart damage, no blockages, and a very strong chamber. That is a very good report!!

So, what happened? Doctors believe I experienced a CO2 embolism, which is very rare, that caused my heart to "crash". Apparently I did not "flat-line", but was close to it. The sharp pains I'm still feeling will soon stop and were caused by the forceful chest compressions during CPR. I came home from the hospital yesterday with, basically, a clean bill of health, and with the same ol' gall bladder. Barring no flare-ups the surgery will be rescheduled for late summer or early fall. Doctors say I may resume my normal schedule of activities.

I want to thank everyone for your prayers during this week. The Lord made His presence known by surrounding me with medical staff from churches where I've preached, by Christians notifying others to add me to prayer lists, and countless calls, texts, e-mails, and Facebook posts encouraging me and expressing your love. Again, I thank the Lord and you all from the bottom of my healthy heart!!

Help me spread the word, I'm alive, healthy and kicking! As Mark Twain once said, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated!" And as James "The Giant" Croft has said many times, "Boy, am I excited!"

Surgery on Tuesday

2012-05-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

In 2008 when I was undergoing hip surgery a routine scan revealed a large stone in my left kidney and gall stones. The kidney stone made its' presence known last year and, after two procedures, was finally removed. This year the gall stones have spoken, and now my gall bladder will be removed tomorrow, Tuesday, May 15th. I will certainly appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery.

I'm ready to be "de-stoned". 8-)

Justa Mom

2012-05-13T22:51:00.000-04:00

The Back Pew

I've been FRAMED!!

2012-05-12T12:40:00.003-04:00

Do you think I need a lawyer??

Good Time at Old Providence

2012-05-11T12:07:00.000-04:00

Crenshaw, Croft, & Williams

Revival services at Old Providence Baptist Church ended Wednesday night. I really enjoyed ministering with Pastor Philip Williams and the fellowship with his family. It was also good to have the music of Ken Crenshaw during each service. I have ministered with Ken in various churches and he was a part of our 2004 Ghana Mission Team in West Africa.

The folks at Old Providence Baptist Church made me feel right at home and would do the same for you. So, if you live near the area and do not have a church home they would welcome you with open arms. The church is located at 9316 NW CR245 near Lake Butler and south of Lake City, Florida. For more information call Pastor Philip Williams at (386) 755-1648.

Last Night at Old Providence

2012-05-09T08:39:00.000-04:00

This will be the last night of revival services at Old Providence Baptist Church. The service will begin at 7pm. The church is located at 9316 NW CR245 near Lake Butler and south of Lake City, Florida. For more information call Pastor Philip Williams at (386) 755-1648.

The Wright Stuff

2012-05-04T09:44:00.000-04:00

Our Daily Bread

Read: Genesis 1:1-23

Let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens. —Genesis 1:20

On September 29, 1909, a young man took flight in a strange contraption that resembled a huge box kite. As he gained altitude, the pilot manipulated the levers so he could fly over New York Harbor. People looked up in amazement. In the harbor, boats celebrated by sounding their steam whistles. Crowds near the Statue of Liberty exploded with cheers at the sight of Wilbur Wright taking a flight into the heavens.

Wilbur’s brother Orville, who had piloted the first airplane flight 6 years earlier, reflected on their inspiration to fly: “The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who . . . looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space, at full speed, above all obstacles, on the infinite highway of the air.” The Wright brothers spent a great deal of time studying birds in flight before designing their planes.

In Genesis we read that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (1:1), and He said, “Let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens” (v.20). We applaud the inventiveness of the Wright brothers. Yet, the Creator, who made creatures capable of flight in the first place, deserves the ultimate glory—for the birds and for every other creation He has made!

Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Soaring bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee. —van Dyke

The design of creation points to the Master Designer.

Evergreen on Wednesday

2012-05-01T09:30:00.000-04:00

I will preach the first night of revival services at Evergreen Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 2, 2012. The service will begin at 7pm. The church is located at 2509 224th Street south of Lake City, Florida. For more information call (386) 935-3497.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Old Providence Meeting Begins Sunday

2012-04-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

I will preach revival services at Old Providence Baptist Church beginning Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 11am and 6pm. The services will continue Monday-Wednesday, May 7-9, 2012 at 7pm nightly. The church is located at 9316 NW CR245 near Lake Butler and south of Lake City, Florida. For more information call Pastor Philip Williams at (386) 755-1648.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Change of Address

2012-04-26T11:10:00.000-04:00

5214 Main Street

Sanderson, Florida 32087-2524

Please update your records accordingly.

Donations to the ministry may also be made online by following the link below.

JCEA Donation
Click this button to make a donation to be used as needed.

NOTE:

The James Croft Evangelistic Association is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) corporation and all donations are ta

Full Custody

2012-04-24T06:00:00.002-04:00

How about this sign?

MC for Baker Co. Relay for Life Saturday

2012-04-23T13:50:00.000-04:00

I will be one of the MC's (Master of Ceremonies) during the annual Baker County Relay for Life activities this weekend. The event begins at 6pm this Friday and concludes at noon on Saturday at the Baker County High School track in Glen St. Mary. I will be introducing the events and performers from 10am-12pm Saturday.

All donations received from this event goes to the American Cancer Society for the fight against cancer. You can also donate online at this site.

For more information or to participate call the Baker County event coordinator, Kristie Fletcher, at (904) 708-9013.

NOTE: What is Relay?

FBC Lake Butler on Wednesday

2012-04-17T09:53:00.000-04:00

I will be preaching in supply for my pastor, Jason Johns, at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler Wednesday, April 18, 2012. The service will begin at 6:30pm. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. For more information or directions call the church at (386) 496-3704.

As Titanic sank, he pleaded, 'believe in the Lord Jesus!'

2012-04-16T06:00:00.002-04:00

Posted on Baptist Press, Apr 13, 2012 | by Douglas W. Mize

John Harper

Editor's note: Sunday (April 15) is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

TAYLORS, S.C. (BP) -- It has been 100 years since Titanic, the greatest ship of its time, sank on its maiden voyage, killing more than 1,500 passengers. The "unsinkable ship" had done just that, and on the tragedy's centennial we stand captivated by the story. Many movies, documentaries and books have familiarized us with some of the passengers, such as entrepreneur John Jacob Astor IV or the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown. Yet one of the supreme stories of the Titanic involves a heroic pastor and his passion to save lives and souls.

When pastor and preacher John Harper and six year old daughter boarded the Titanic it was for the privilege of preaching at one of the greatest churches in America, Moody Church in Chicago, named for its famous founder Dwight L. Moody. The church was anxiously awaiting his arrival not only because of the pending services, but to meet their next pastor, as Harper planned to accept their invitation. Harper was known as an engaging preacher and had pastored two churches in Glasgow and London. His preaching style was suited for an evangelist as testified by the words of another local pastor. "He was a great open-air preacher and could always command large and appreciative audiences. ... He could deal with all kinds of interrupters, his great and intelligent grasp of Bible truths enabling him to successfully combat all assailants."

When the Titanic hit the iceberg, Harper successfully led his daughter to a lifeboat. Being a widower he may have been allowed to join her but instead forsook his own rescue, choosing to provide the masses with one more chance to know Christ. Harper ran person to person, passionately telling others about Christ. As the water began to submerge the "unsinkable" ship, Harper was heard shouting, "women, children, and the unsaved into the lifeboats." Rebuffed by a certain man at the offer of salvation Harper gave him his own life vest, saying, "you need this more than I do." Up until the last moment on the ship Harper pleaded with people to give their lives to Jesus.

Read more of this story on Baptist Press.

An Internal Audit

2012-04-15T06:00:00.002-04:00

The Back Pew

Open Doors

2012-04-14T06:00:00.005-04:00

Our Daily Bread

Read: 1 Corinthians 16:1-12

For a great and effective door has opened to me. —1 Corinthians 16:9

The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) wrote: “If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but . . . for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible.”

The apostle Paul saw some great ministry possibilities in his life situations. He used the open doors God provided to witness for Christ. When he was arrested in Jerusalem and appeared before Governor Felix, he used the opportunity to proclaim the gospel (Acts 24:24). While he and Silas were in prison, they shared the gospel with the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:25-34). And later Paul used his imprisonment in Rome as an opportunity to encourage the Philippian believers in their faith (Phil. 1:12-18).

In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul told the believers he wanted to visit and spend some time with them, but that he needed to stay in Ephesus because of an opportunity for ministry: “I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me” (1 Cor. 16:8-9). And Paul also involved others by asking them to pray for open doors so he could speak clearly about Christ (Col. 4:3).

Ask God to show you possible open doors of service. You might be surprised at what you see.

Jesus said to one and all:
“Take your cross and follow Me.”
When you sense the Spirit’s call,
Seize the opportunity! —Hess

God writes opportunity on one side of the door and responsibility on the other.

Union County Sunday Night

2012-04-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

I will be preaching in supply for my pastor, Jason Johns, at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler Sunday, evening, April 15, 2012. The service will begin at 6pm. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. For more information or directions call the church at (386) 496-3704.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Old Providence Meeting in May

2012-04-10T06:00:00.002-04:00

Click to enlarge

Open Dates

2012-04-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

I currently have several open dates on my preaching calendar through the end of this year. A list of these dates are available on my ministry calendar viewable at this link. I am always ready to serve our Lord's Church through preaching, teaching, and special programs for all ages. Please let me know if I may serve your church or group.

Why use an evangelist??

The Biblical office of evangelist is often one of the most overlooked and underutilized resources that God has presented in and through the local church to reach the world for Christ. Why use evangelists?

Evangelists are called by God to specifically reach the lost.
Evangelists are able to communicate a direct Biblical message with a passion and zeal.
Evangelists cooperate with the ongoing work of local churches to reach their communities for Christ.
Evangelists encourage Christians in their daily zeal for soulwinning and discipleship.
Evangelists help churches culminate their long-term evangelistic efforts in harvesting the fields "white unto harvest".
Evangelists affirm the work of the local church pastor and the vision God has for his ministry through the local church.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

The James Croft Evangelistic Association (JCEA) led by 3'10" tall evangelist James Croft of Olustee, Florida is working to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. This ministry utilizes various means to win lost souls, to stir revival fires in believers, to educate Christians on Biblical and social issues, and to be an encouragement to all. These methods include James' preaching ministry, foreign and local missions, and use of the internet utilizing podcasting and videos.

Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire?

2012-04-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

The Back Pew

Artist Thomas Kinkade dies in California at age 54

2012-04-07T11:18:00.000-04:00

"Sunrise, a Prayer of Hope for the Millenium"

SAN FRANCISCO – Artist Thomas Kinkade, whose brushwork paintings of idyllic landscapes, cottages and churches have been big sellers for dealers across the United States, died Friday, a family spokesman said.

Kinkade, 54, died at his home in Los Gatos in the San Francisco Bay Area of what appeared to be natural causes, David Satterfield said.

Kinkade's sentimental paintings, with their scenes of country gardens and churches in dewy morning light, were beloved by middlebrow America but reviled by the art establishment. He claimed to be the nation's most collected living artist, and his paintings and spin-off products were said to fetch some $100 million a year in sales, and to be in 10 million homes in the United States.

Read more on FOX News.

NOTE: The painting shown, "Sunrise, a Prayer of Hope for the Millenium", was described by Kinkade this way: "As we approach the year 2000, I feel compelled as an artist to celebrate not the passing of the old millennium but the beginning of the new millennium. To me the new millennium represents a pivotal point in human-history—a chance to change the world for the better."

I thought this was an appropriate painting and description with tomorrow being Easter Sunday.