Walking With The Giant Blog

Jesus and Duct Tape

2012-01-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Revival and a Washing Machine

2012-01-28T11:30:00.000-05:00

Forest Grove Baptist Ministry Team

I had a great time preaching revival services at Forest Grove Baptist Church this week. The crowds were great and the Holy Spirit moved mightily. God's people responded by coming to the Lord for repentance, encouragement and help with life decisions. One of the members led someone to the Lord in their home on Tuesday. The new believer had been present for the Sunday morning service. I'm so thankful for the faithfulness of the church member to be about God's business by visiting and witnessing!!

I see eye-to-eye with some of the children.

On Wednesday I shared with the students at the church's school, Forest Grove Christian Academy, about our work in Ghana, West Africa. The students asked some great questions and seemed to enjoy the various video clips from the mission trips. Pastor Warren Chesser, Associate Pastor Mark Spradley, the church and school staff, and all of the members made me feel right at home. We had some wonderful times of fellowship.

James & Pastor Chesser with new washing machine.

The church was also very generous in investing in James Croft Evangelistic Association. I was overwhelmed following the Wednesday service when they wheeled a brand-new front-loading washing machine down the aisle and presented it to me! The pastor said the church wanted to be a blessing to me. Apparently, a family member told them that a front-loader would be much easier for me to use than my "on-it's-last-leg" top-loader, which requires me to use a step-stool just to see in the machine! The church had prayed for months about the blessing and the need was met by someone. May God richly bless the donors and the church for being sensitive to not-always-seen needs. I praise the Lord for the blessing and generosity!!!

If you live in the Alachua/High Springs area or are passing through, Pastor Warren Chesser and the members of Forest Grove Baptist Church would welcome you to worship with them. The church is located at 22575 NW 94th Avenue near Alachua and High Springs, Florida. For more information, service times, or directions call the church at (386) 462-3921.

NOTE: Additional photos are available on Facebook.

Why Evangelists?

2012-01-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

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.

Twitter and Facebook

2012-01-18T11:38:00.000-05:00

Follow Evangelist James Croft and the James Croft Evangelistic Association on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the images below.

James Croft Evangelistic Association on Facebook

James Croft

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My first revival of 2012 begins Sunday!

2012-01-17T09:31:00.000-05:00

Revival services begin at Forest Grove Baptist Church near Alachua, Florida this Sunday, January 22nd. The services will begin at 10:15am and 7pm on Sunday, and continue at 7pm through Wednesday, January 25, 2012. The church is located at 22575 NW 94th Avenue in Alachua, Florida. For more information call Pastor Warren Chesser at (386) 462-3921.

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.

Forest Grove Baptist Revival Services Begin Jan. 22nd

2012-01-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

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.

Chapel Hill on Sunday

2012-01-11T11:44:00.000-05:00

I will be preaching on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Chapel Hill Baptist Church. The service will begin at 10am. The church meets in the Workforce Development Building at Tallahassee Community College at 444 Appleyard Drive in Tallahassee, Florida. For more information or directions call the church office at (850) 222-6900.

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.

Postal Identity Theft??

2012-01-10T14:34:00.001-05:00

Olustee Post Office

The end of last month not only ushered in a new year, but for me and many residents of Olustee, it ended an era in that we lost our post office. Our post office was not one of those beautiful new buildings you see in larger communities, nor was it a stately historical building converted to distribute mail. Our most recent post office was originally constructed as a voter precinct, and then a shelter was added so it could also be a fire station. This location was preceded by other locations which all were destroyed by fire, but I digress. The Olustee Post Office was a "contract" branch of the Sanderson Post Office, which allowed rural communities to have a less costly postal operation. Apparently it wasn't "less costly" enough.

Checking mail for the last time in Box 56.

Olustee box holders have now been switched to an existing rural route from Sanderson. In the process we lost our own Zip Code, 32072, and our community name with the US Postal Service. Our address now includes our 9-1-1 street address and "Sanderson, FL 32087". But, I live in "Olustee". Sanderson is ten miles down the road. Go figure. Now, I'm not saying that poor little Olustee is the only community suffering from "postal identity theft", but, hey, the stuck pig squeals the loudest, right? And we are the ones being "stuck" right now. We now join the ranks of our fellow county citizens in Taylor, Baxter, and other not-so-easily designated locations.

A new era begins.

Anyway, I now have a beautiful, not-so-stylish but functional mailbox on a short little post in front of my house. I'm learning that that was the easy part. The hard part is letting everyone know of the address change. This is made more difficult when you consider mail received by my ministry comes from, well, everywhere! I think I'm getting a headache just thinking about it.

So, should you need to mail anything to me or James Croft Evangelistic Association, please send it to:

5214 Main Street

Sanderson, Florida 32087-2524

United States of America

And, just to make it more challenging, I'm phasing out my home telephone number. You will find the proper number to use on my website's contact page.

You know, they say hindsight is 20-20, maybe I should have bought some of that "identity theft insurance." 8-)

2012 JOY Box Deadline is Thursday

2012-01-09T09:14:00.000-05:00

The James Croft Evangelistic Association JOYBox Ministry for 2012 is drawing to a close. The deadline for boxes and donations is this Thursday, January 12th.

We are continuing to collect plastic shoeboxes filled with small gift items for residents in Baker & Columbia Counties nursing homes. The boxes may contain a variety of items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, and socks. We also place a copy of God’s Word in each box. Last year churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations shared “JOY” by preparing shoeboxes.

A section of the JCEA website offers full details of the ministry including a video explaining how you can participate. If you are unable to prepare a box, but would like to contribute financially toward this ministry our website provides details for that too.

Drop-off locations for JOY Boxes are:

· Davis Golf Carts, 126 South 5^th Street in Macclenny, FL.

· BeulahBaptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive in Lake City, FL.

Deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Your prayers & consideration of this ministry are greatly appreciated!

Gotta Share!! (The Musical)

2012-01-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Does this remind you of any churches?

Cool JOY Box Suggestion

2012-01-07T20:00:00.000-05:00

This is a great JOY Box gift idea for ladies boxes. Remember the deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12th. For more information visit the JOY Box website.

Baker County JOY Box Drop-off

2012-01-03T10:52:00.000-05:00

This message is for our JOY Box participants in Baker County, Florida. If you have prepared JOY Boxes and need to deliver them this week, call us at (386) 867-3199. Our Macclenny drop-off location, Davis Golf Cart & Small Engine Repair, will be closed this week due to a death in their family. Please remember the Ulys Davis Family in your prayers.

Drop-off locations for JOY Boxes are:

· Davis Golf Carts, 126 South 5^th Street in Macclenny, FL.

· Beulah Baptist Association, 189 NW Cali Drive in Lake City, FL.

Deadline for boxes is Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Your prayers & consideration of this ministry are greatly appreciated!

NOTE: The video below provides additional info about the JOY Box ministry.

Biblical Resolution?

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

The Back Pew

Tax Deductible Donations

2011-12-29T05:44:00.000-05:00

This time of year, the non-profit status of James Croft Evangelistic Association lets your generosity help you and our ministry at the same time. By giving before the end of the calendar year, you may enjoy the ability to deduct your gifts in income tax calculations for 2011. You can help our Gospel ministry at the same time!

To make an investment in one or more of our ministry areas with your credit card or PayPal click the appropriate "Donate" button(s) below.

To make a contribution by check or money order follow

this link.

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

JOY Box Donation
Click this button to make a donation to the JCEA JOY Box Ministry. Donations will be used to cover expenses in providing shoe box gifts to nursing home residents.

NOTE:

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

Thank you for your consideration!

Snowman's Church

2011-12-28T10:51:00.000-05:00

The Back Pew

Should Tebow tone it down?

2011-12-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP) -- Denver Broncos quarterback and former University of Florida football star Tim Tebow has been getting a lot of advice lately about how much he should be talking about Jesus.

In November former Bronco quarterback Jake Plummer said about Tebow, "I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ then I think I'll like him a little better. I don't hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff ... like you know, I understand dude where you're coming from." In other words, Tim, tone it down.

Just before the turn of the millennium, another Christian quarterback, Kurt Warner, was the Cinderella story of the NFL. Never in the history of professional football had a player so rapidly ascended from unknown to Super Bowl champ and MVP. When the lights were shining the brightest and the platform was the largest, Warner seized the opportunity to boldly proclaim his faith in Jesus Christ to millions.

For a decade, through ups and downs, Warner was consistent in his bold public witness. During the postgame celebration of the 2009 NFC Championship, a game in which Warner led the Arizona Cardinals to victory, Warner declared before millions watching on TV, "Everyone's gonna get tired of hearing it, but I never get tired of saying it. There's one reason why I'm standing up on this stage today…that's because of my Lord up above. I gotta say thanks to Jesus. You knew I was gonna do it; I gotta do it."

So one would think that if anyone is excited about Tebow's bold witness, it would be Warner, right? Well, not necessarily. Not long after Plummer's comments, Warner weighed in on the issue with the Arizona Central's Dan Bickley: "Put down the boldness in regards to the words, and keep living the way you're living. Let your teammates do the talking for you. Let them cheer on your testimony." Again ... tone it down, Tim.

Read more of this article on Baptist Press.

Christmas Shopping Humor 2011

2011-12-26T06:00:00.005-05:00

I found humor while Christmas shopping at the Oaks Mall in Gainesville, Florida.

I always love seeing Santa at the mall.

I ate chikin till the cows came home.

This store charged an "arm & leg" for everything! Too expensive for me!

What should be the caption for this photo?
A) WOW! What a BIG present!!
B) WOW! What a little man!!
C) I hope this fits in my car!!
D) Hmmm, I could get in this box and give myself to _____!!

Is Chick-fil-A the Tim Tebow of restaurants??

What's It All About?

2011-12-25T06:05:00.002-05:00

Luke 2:1-20 (NKJV)

Christ Born of Mary

¹ And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

    ⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
       ¹⁴ “ Glory to God in the highest,
      And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

No Substitutes

2011-12-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Back Pew

The Truth About Christmas

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

CHRISTmas Wrapping Paper

2011-12-24T05:55:00.001-05:00

Sharing JOY on WJTK

2011-12-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

By Ken Allen, WJTK 96.5 FM, The Jet

• Tue, Dec 20, 2011- The James Croft Evangelistic Association has kicked-off its JOY Box Ministry for 2012. JCEA is again collecting plastic shoe boxes filled with small gift items for residents in Baker & Columbia Counties nursing homes. The boxes may contain a variety of items including shampoo, body wash, puzzle book, magnifying glass, and socks. A copy of God’s Word is also placed in each box. Last year churches of various denominations, individuals, businesses, school clubs and organizations shared “JOY” by preparing shoe boxes. James Croft was a guest on 96.5 the Jet, WJTK's North Florida Today show to talk about the Joy Box Ministry. The interview is below.

Chapel Hill Baptist in January

2011-12-22T16:28:00.000-05:00

Rerun: Peaceful Christmas Village

2011-12-20T08:58:00.000-05:00

A miniature Christmas village is the illustration used by the miniature evangelist James Croft to discuss "peace".

Rerun: Christmas in Ghana

2011-12-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

A rebroadcast of the December 2006 Walking with the Giant interview with James Croft Evangelistic Association Ghana Ministry Coordinator Evangelist Raphael Adjei Kingbi. Christmas traditions & celebrations are discussed. Photos from the JCEA 2002-2004 mission trips to the West African nation are included.