Impact, Transform, Lead ...

So how are you impacting your community?


If your church ever left the community would it be missed?


How are you being transformed?

Transforming others?


How are you leading?

Others leading you?


What would you say is your impact factor?

Around this time of year is the ever important evaluations. People evaluate the leaders, the ministry, see what we done, and where we are going. How is it measured? People's stories.

This past year we had 11 baptisms, 5 funerals, 2 renewing of vowes ceremonies, several dedications, and one oil annointing.

As I reflect back on the past year I think of several events: Easter Balloon Launch, VBS, Harvest Party, and the several Bible readings we did this past year.

I think of being with several families who lost loved ones: Myers, Huntsberrys, Reeds, Peli, and their stories.

And of course of newborns: Ava, Harlem, Lilah, David and others ...


But it comes down to my own self evaluation ... How am I doing? How am I being Jesus' hands and feet.

If I'm honest, I would say not as good as I'd like to be. How about you?

Remember 9-11

Here is what I wrote only a few days after Sept 11 - Sept 15,2001

In a week, where healing, comforting and tragedy has overtaken us; the only words I find myself asking is "What can I do?" Than I found out I wasn't alone. Knowing God was in control; and uplifting prayers; and having prayer services; making phone calls to check on churches in DC and NY. Getting donated goods; getting people to donate blood ..but there has to be more. So without delay; last nite - a band of Christians left to deliver good to NY. A six hour drive. Left 8pm back before 3pm Saturday. In the several hours we spent dropping off goods; praying with others there; and seeing as close as we can the devastation ..I don't think I'll ever be the same.

It is worse than even what you see. In walking by Vincent Hospital ..the "lost" notices ....the New Yorkers telling their stories at 3am in the morning; and the scenes of police; workers; and heavy equipment being transported. I was wondering; and hoping; and praying. I'll never be the same. It was a memorable; sleepless; prayerful nite. One in which you sense evil; see good; and embrace and seek God.

 It took me a 10- 12 hour trip late last nite to find that my journey is different now. God is there even as the dust is settling in the midst of Manhattan. Picture, after picture ..it is not just the faces on TV; but these were real; real to me. I talked with some; prayed with some. Hoping God used me; yet questioning; not having the answers; but knowing Who does. Just thought I'd share my adventures as a band of Christians late last nite dropped off some goods for the WTC relief. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As I reflect after 10 years, where was I? I was in a Student Ministries of Virginia meeting when the phones started going off telling us to turn on the news. What we saw was devastating. Soon, we had to leave. One youth minister's wife worked near the Pentagon. Several were from VA Beach area and had to head home because the Naval Base and their families were being put on lock-down. It was a quiet ride home listening to the radio, wondering.

 I was a solo Minister of a church of over 100 and young, naive, and yet wondering Why? I left my pregnant wife to go to NYC to help later that week. We help our chapel open and several prayer services. Praying, seeking..

Through the years I would even meet the Beamers (Parents of Todd Beamer of Flight 93 "Let's Roll"). I had the opportunity to introduce their preacher at a local convention and the Beamers. It was quite an honor helping behind the scenes with one of the final North Carolina Christian Convention that year. (2005 I believe it was) Through it all God was in control. To this day, I can never forget some of the faces, people we prayed with, seeing

Celebrating 50 years Together

Congrats to Cathy and Earl. Cathy is sister to my favourite mother-in-law. Cathy and Earl are great examples of what a great Christian marriage looks like. They've been through the UPs and DOWNs. They have a great family - and I had to chance to volunteer and marry into this great family.

Two things I appreciate about Cathy and Earl (Dubbie) is how they ask me about the ministry and how the family is doing? (They're very active with their sons in a sister church in the Richmond, Va area - Fairmount Christian)

The second is how they accept me No matter the silly things I do. Trust me. When I first met them. I did something similar to this video. Walked right into a glass door without seeing it.



What do you look for in a great marriage?

Who is your example of a great Christian marriage?

May Earl and Cathy get to celebrate 50 more or until the Lord calls them home.

My Connection to the Show: "Vanished" Kyle Fleischmann

Episode found here


It was November 9, 2007 that Kyle Fleischmann

went missing. It would be only days later that some of his friends from Raleigh wanted a "pastor" to pray and hold a prayer vigil for their friend at the Buckhead Saloon at the same time they held one in Charlotte. They had called several churches in the area - with no response. Finally they called Cary. I responded and said that would be fine. It wasn't very long. One news crew, a handful of friends, and myself and some candles and we prayer ... and prayed ... and prayed. Finally it was time to depart. One of the leaders talked with the news crew and I was on my way to our Teen Service (Called Access). I thought that they would either find him soon or find his body within days. Now it is years later and people are still wondering what happened?

Every now and then I watch America's Most Wanted - goto the Fleischmann facebook page in hopes of closure for the family. If you would this day - pray for this family. They need it. Thanks.

A Dwarf Adoption Story - Praying for the King Family.

You would think some things have happy endings. My friends, Tina and David ... (who I've met a few times) adopted a baby boy. ( Story


Video promo ...



It has been a few years now ... and this past month ...

David Allen King 38 went to be with the Lord.

Video done in David's memory


David was a good man. Loved his family. I appreciated his honesty. Wish I could of gotten to known him more. keep the family in your prayers.

Minor League Ball Game Turns into a Big DEAL.

So I went to a Hagerstown Suns game this past weekend. Got General Admission tickets .... and took two of my children. Doubleheader (Due to the rain the night before) - Great Game. Suns won both. Got some FREE bobbleheads, and caught some foul balls. (Got 3 in all ...one I caught - one was given to my daughter, and one given to us from the field). My kids were getting their hats and balls autographed. My Daughter got to parade on the field for Girl Scouts and even got to go on the field to sing "Take me out to the Ball Game ..." and lead the crowd.

Now one of the players told my son ... "Wait until after the game when you have a pen and I'll give you my autograph .."(I was like ..sure right ... you're just blowing this off) - so after the game ...this player just walks on by my son. My son is disappointed (He cries after some other player told him ...that player might not come back). So I tell this tale to some others and immediately one of the coaches or managers - tells me the player is taking a quick shower and to wait right here and he'll be out. (I didn't expect that - so we waited and waited and waited)I was about to head home ... when the same manager comes and says --meet us at the front door. We are now out by the bus the players are to get on. I ask for the player by name - #40 ...Kevin Keyes. He comes right up to us ...apologizes and signs my son's hat and my daughter's as well. (At first he asked if we wanted a bat or something ..) He really didn't have to do that. (Actually I wasn't expecting him to really come back at all ...and know they have a tough schedule). You would of thought my son had the autograph of some major celebrity, some major league player ...someone like Jeter, or someone from the Boston Red Sox.

Kind of cool.

Celebrating 40!!

This week (Friday) I celebrate 40yrs.

Here are 4 things (As I look back on my 40yrs) that I'm proud of:


I. Being a Husband. I love my family and am trying to be the best husband I can be. Of course it helps when you marry up.

II. Being a DAD = I love my kids and would do anything for them.

III. Thankful for the opportunity to be an Ordained minister and to serve the Church. Nothing is ever better. I've had the opportunity to work with some of the best people ever. Thanks for the amazing Grace that I've been given through Jesus.

IV. Thankful for some amazing friends and family.

So what are you thankful and proud of?

My Friend Lives on

Its been over 6 mths since my friend, passed away. I have many fond memories of this young Christian putting a lot of us to shame. In her 40s and yet had so much more to life. God was in control. And my friend, Evelyn let us know that. It was weird and yet respectful at this year's Relay for Life. A Brick was made in memory of Evelyn. I had a chance to take some pictures and even lay the brick along the memorial that was there for all those that lost their lives due to cancer.

It would of been 2yrs (June 27) had my friend and her fiancee got married (They asked me to perform the ceremony but later postponed it due to her illness).

Evelyn taught a lot of us about life; but most importantly to depend on Jesus. I was just honoured that she called me a friend.

I miss my friend. But do know the impact of Jesus she had on others. In that she lives on.

14 Things I've learned.

I've been married for over 14 years now and here is 14 things I've learned in those fourteen years.

1. It is all about love.

2. There will be change.

3. People change.

4. Choose wisely your battles.

5. Dealing with death is never easy.

6. Parenthood is an adventure.

7. Family is important.

8. Soul care is important.

9. Be careful who you trust.

10. Words are powerful and can hurt.

11. Encouragement goes a long ways.

12. More prayer is needed.

13. Don't burn any bridges.

14. Live each day as if it is your last.

What's your Story?

So what is your story? Ever been hurt? I been thinking of this lately. With the whole Sin, grace, Manipulation and the whole reality of  ministry. The reality is that there are horror stories out there. You will be wounded. Don't give up. I'm not perfect. I'm messy. I've messed up, in fact, as a result of alot of my failures and shortcomingings; it helped mold and make me into a better minister.

So what is your story? . Mine: A messy Canadian who ended from interesting life to Bible College to a few short ministries, to some good ones, and continues along the journey. Husband. Father. Role model. And still amazed by God's Grace. What about you?

2010 Reflections and Goals.

As I look back to 2010  ...  Here are some Highlights for me:


I. Getting to send support to the Dominican.

II. Our VBS was a blast. Brought our people together.

III. Baptisms never get old.

IV. People expecting babies. My "sister" Katie is having her child soon. Congrats to her and Caleb.

V. Going to South Dakota on a Missions Trip where I wasn't a leader. Amazing trip - where God did some amazing things.

VI. Performing a wedding ceremony for former youth group members from a church over 15yrs ago. What an honor ... and for my family to participate as well.

VII. Getting to be mentored and coached by a fellow preacher.

VIII.  The honor to do a memorial for Sweet Families honoring their loved ones.

 IX. The Chance to preach and be a living sermon.

X. My family. With all the kids back in school, and my great wife ... it has been a joy.

Here are some goals I have to 2011:

I. I Would pray more. A giving, and living and breathing church is a praying church.

II. That my dash mark wouldn't be about me - but about Jesus. If I were to die today - may it be said that I wasn't that great, but boy, was his God Great.

III. I live a life of balance. Seems either I'm too much off balanced.

IV. Plan ahead more.

V. Be the Leader God wants me to be.

A Ministry Idea

Here is an idea you can use. I have done this recently and think it is a good habit. After my funeral message, I have asked the family if they wished a copy of my message and would send it to them for their own records. Why do I do this? One for closure. People like to have something special and remember their loved one in their final good-byes. Secondly it helped showed I cared to give them a copy and that extra something they can cherish. And finally it says you're trying to be helpful in people's time of need. Don't forget to follow-up on those hurting and griefing.

Update on See You Tomorrow

So I got in the habit of telling one of my friends, "See You Tomorrow." Finally, my friend asked me "What does that mean?" (Is there a joke?) My reply: "No joke. Just I'll see you tomorrow whether here, there or in the air. Lord willing."




We're not always guaranteed today; but when THAT "Tomorrow" comes; we shall be reunited with HIM.  No matter what happens; we're going to Praise HIM. Praise the Lord in all things.



2 Peter 3: 8-14 reminds us of this. We get to look forward to a new earth and a new  heaven, the home of righteousness.



1 Thess. 5: 10 says "He died for us so that, whether we wake or asleep, we may live together with him."



My friend's health isn't great. I don't know what the future holds for my friend,(Nor for me) but I do know WHO holds the future. And until then, I'm going to continue to tell her "I'll see you tomorrow."

We serve a GREAT God.



Tomorrow offers Hope, faith, and love. Tomorrow exists because of Jesus. Thank God for His Grace.



I'll see you tomorrow.  I had arrangely wrote this October 13, 2010. As of today ... my friend went to be with the Lord. The last time I said "I'll see you tomorrow" was last nite .... We sang some songs ...(Amazing Grace and It is Well ... as well as I read Psalm 23) Keep the family in your prayers. Thanks.

A Daring Rescue, A Chapel, and a Trail.

Sunday afternoon, I had to call 9-1-1 ...concerned for one of our elderly - but to find that she was safe and sound at home. Praise goes to the Lord.

My family had a good time on Monday Visiting  The Chapel
, the Antietam Battlefield and even getting to go on Appalachian Trail over I-70.  Been a busy week. How about you? what recent adventure have you had?

My Ordination: 15 years Ago.

15 years ago I was a young naive, zealous young minister - wanting to be ordained.
My Home church ordained me May 28, 1995.  8 Church leaders from that congregation participated along with 2 others from Ohio.

As I reflect on the past 15 yrs: With 5 different locations; several funerals; 3 weddings; lots of baptisms; one marriage; 3 children .... What would I do differently? 

I think I would admit my weakenesses.

I would pray more.

I would be myself more. (There were times ministry was like walking on eggshells)

I would laugh.

I would thank those I worked with more.

Do I regret? Sure. Do I look back? Sure. But am I glad where God has me? You bet.

I look back at my life and how God has molded me and still isn't done; and think; what a ride ...with much more in store.

So How does a Canadian end up in the US ministering?

I get this question a lot.

Long Story short: God. I grew up in Canada, went to a church as a young man and was thinking ministry (Due to the influence of the godly men and women from my home church included several families like the Hoovers, Donovons, Kindys, Sevenpipers, Mrs.C, The Ladies Group, and of course Terry Tanner). I was looking at several different schools - then this one from NC came. I didn't have any $$$. They just said - come, God would provide. (And HE did). So I ended up on a campus I didn't even see, and going to school with people I hardly knew except by this Choir Tour.(The school originally was called Roanoke Bible College now Mid Atlantic Christian University)

Originally my plans was to be a youth minister - and go back to Canada. But God had other plans. When I was at school, I was probably the class clown ... but also wanting to do what was right. In my Junior Year, I met my future Bride. We married 4 years later.

I had my first ministry in Ohio and went from student to youth minister and Religious Worker. (According to the then INS) then I went back to school and took some seminary classes at Anderson University's School of Theology. From there I ended up in Virginia as a Associate/Youth Minister with a Christian School ... and then my last youth ministry as the Youth and Family Minister at Cary Christian in Cary, NC.

Several times I had tried and applied to positions in Canada but God had shut those doors. Including contacting Canada Church Growth, Impact Canada, Maritimes Church planting, our 2 Bible Colleges there etc. This last time, God shut the door Big time. I wanted to try to minister in Ontario, but was told the timing was not right.

Somehow God lead me to the ministry I'm currently in. I can't picture myself anywhere else. It truly has been a God thing. I've been married almost 13 years and 3 kids later. The Church I serve now is where God wants me to be.

I get asked a lot ...so what is your current status? I came here legally, I have some final paperwork to do ... (after consulting a lawyer) and going through the final hoops after some work for years. My children can be dual citizens.

Sometimes I joke about being a Canadian missionary to the States. Ultimately my citizenship is in heaven.

So in answer to the question "How does a Canadian end up in the States ministering?" Only by the Grace of God. I'm still amazed He allows such a messy disciple and jerk like me to be serving. Thanks for His indescribable gift.

The 4 Rs in dealing with Death.

Recently, our church has had several family members whose family have since passed away. A year ago today I did a funeral of a young man who took his own life. This past weekend, a 43yr old man while shoveling his driveway just fell and was gone with one teen boy mere feet away. And then one of my college friends' sister (also a facebook friend) passed away at 35.

Here are some insights I have. First is I don't have all the answers, only God does. And that in such times I just listen, and be there.

Here are the 4Rs.

I. Reality. We are all going to die. When is the question. But we're all going to die. Death is an enemy.

II. Reason. Death was alien to God's plan. We were never intended to die - but due to sin.

III. Realm. There is a realm of separation of the soul from the body.

IV. Readiness of Death. Live your life in such a way that speaks of eternity.

I do not like Death. In fact as I'm writing this - today I have to go to 2 different funeral homes for funerals. Death, dying isn't easy. It affects you. I still carry the scars and wounds that death has had on me ...but it has made me stronger. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

How have you encounter death?

What do you say to someone that has lost a loved one?

And on a smaller note - if you would please pray for those families that lost loved ones and we're trying to minister to in the midst of tragedy. Thanks.

Selkirk, Ontario

Selkirk, Ontario


I grew up in Selkirk. Was born in Hamilton, but raised in Selkirk. Fact is my one brother, Mike, still loves in the home I grew up in.

I call where I grew up the Florida of Canada. It is about as south as you can go until you hit the border. Fact was growing up we can pick up both Buffalo, NY and Erie, PA stations.

I loved Selkirk. Great people. Not too many famous things happened there. I know the history of the churches. Fact is the only famous "Residents" from Selkirk (Other than the family connections like Hoover, Kindy, Cooper) had some connections to church.Jim Johnson (Now a famous preacher in the midwest once Interned at the Selkirk Church of Christ Christian Chapel - my home church). Terry Tanner is listed as my mentor but interesting his wife is mentioned more and quoted in a Restoration history book about the Restoration Movement in Ontario.

I do love Selkirk. I'm one of the few that left and haven't been back that much. I know have several publications, but don't think of myself as that famous of a resident of Selkirk. (Though I know some of the older people who impacted my life from that little brick church might argue otherwise)

If you need a break or ever visiting near Niagara Falls or want a scenic route from Buffalo to Detroit ... might consider visiting my home town of Selkirk. It has some great moments. Great camps like the provincial camp, Camp Selkirk. It is the place I love and sometimes hurt for some of the people there. Continue to pray for them as well. Thanks.

Our Church Breakin!

Here is the note I wrote our Church Family, after the church breakin last nite and informing them of such.

Jan. 11, 2010


Dear Church Family,

I want you to pray. Pray for our Church and our leaders. If you can do that RIGHT now that would be GREAT!!! It seems sometimes when we take 2 steps forward - Satan wants to throw a WRENCH into the plans. In the Spiritual Warfare that is going on (READ Ephesians 6:10-20) there are things that might discourage us. But TAKE courage God is with us; who can be against us?!

Now for the Spiritual battle or rather the Minor Wrench that Satan tried to discourage us today. You see last nite our building was broken into. The police were called this morning. There is some damage. Doors - locks etc. It looks like someone tried to get some loose change and was looking for the offering $$$. The good news is nothing of value (Sound System, laptops, computers, TVs, Equipment etc is missing) A few doors were damaged and a few cabinets. Whoever did it was through all the offices and ramaged through the whole building from the attic to the food pantry to the clothes closet. The Good news is there wasn't much of a mess. There was a few missing coins from the coin jar & from Naomi and I's caffeine addiction but other than that God really protected.

We're looking into getting estimates to what it would be to repair/replace the doors etc and work through our insurance company and the leaders here. One of the things I want to let you know about this is because sometimes people misunderstand or see the police at our building or rumours get started etc. We had a minor breakin. God really protected. A few of us are shaked about it. Please pray for the young person or person(s) who did this. Pray not just for justice; but they would come to know Jesus. (In some ways I wish they took one of our Bibles). Pray that God continually protects as HE always does. Also PRAISE GOD that we have this tool of a building to come to. PRAISE God for our GREAT services yesterday. And in all things, PRAISE HIM, through the good times and the bad.

Thanks for listening. Keep faithful for our King, after all, Woohoo ... Jesus Loves You!!

In Him,


Gerrard R. Fess
http://www.cchmd.com
Lead Minister

All I ever learned in Life I learned from my wisdom teeth.

Article


So I recently had my wisdom teeth out. They were horizontal. (See image)

The interesting thing about this whole process is some lessons I've learned.


1. Don't take your family for granted.

2. There are some things you just won't remember.

3. Pain isn't always a good thing.

4. It is ok to talk like a chipmunk when you're little; as an adult - not so much.

5. Silence sometimes is a good thing.

6. There is a lot of time to reflect.

7. Sleep helps one heal.

8. Healing doesn't happen overnight.

10. Taste is a good sense.

11. Learn to choose your words wisely.

12. Be thankful for friends and the few blessings you have.

13. It is always a bad idea to think about Steak when you can't eat it!

14. Take care of yourself; not too many other people will.

15. Prayer is always a good thing.