Report from the Field (Literally)

This blog is written by Tim Taylor for Jack...

It was our intention to maintain this blog weekly and we are recommitting to this goal.  You will read often from me as I seek to communicate the thoughts and musings of my Dad.  To jump start your attention, allow me to report on the highlights of Dad's past several weeks of travel, on which I had the opportunity to accompany him.  Please do no be offended if something concerning your involvement is omitted, but we have limited space and you have limited time...so I report only the highlights this week.

Two events distinguish the past weeks.  One is the discovery of the best kept secret in Georgia.  God is building a community of believers that are being captured by the Kingdom of God in Moultrie, Georgia.  Dad calls it a "diamond in a peanut patch."  Pastor Julian Griner is leading a congregation which is self-describe as those nobody else wanted.  God is establishing a Kingdom outpost in south Georgia of people whom the religious system neglected and He is making them a people everyone needs.  The worship at Lifespring Community Church is vibrant and original.  The atmosphere is open and accepting.  The people are loving and caring.  The property God has given them is amazing and providing.  They receive an annual offering from the crops grown on the land around the building. 

Pastor Griner considers himself a spiritual son of Jack Taylor and his love and appreciation for Dad is as evident as Dad's influence in his life and ministry.  Among his staff are his two sons and the congregation is an extension of his family naturally and spiritually.  I have experienced love and acceptance at this high level in few places in my life.  God has given this precious local expression of the Body of Christ a vision to transform their community.  They currently maintain a rehab center for women and are seriously contemplating opening a free health care clinic on their property.  Situated on one of the major gateways to the city of Moultrie, Lifesprings is poised to change their world and see the Kingdom come.  Equipped with people with a passion for God and for their community, God has raised Lifesprings up to impact their city, region, state and nation.  It is just like God to raise up his leaders from places no one has heard of.  David came from Bethleham and Jesus from Nazereth.  Why not Moultrie?

The other event that stands out is time Dad and I spent in the mountains of Burnsville, North Carolina.  Hidden in the hollers is the most beautiful 60 acres.  Dad and I went there to spend time with David and Janice Van Cronkhite who are giving new purpose to the place.  You will hear more of Burnsville, but what was outstanding about the three days spent there this time was the activities we engaged in.

I though that you might like to see Jack Taylor in another setting.  Dad mowed several fields, whether they needed mowing or not.  He moved rocks and stumps and even got the tractor stuck in a mud hole.  A 16 foot chain is now available to pull him our of any hole he may find himself in.  You would no believe how much he enjoyed himself.  Harking back to his days as a boy on the farm, Dad and the tractor were one.  Dad left his mark on the property in more ways than one.

Both of these places speak of one vital Kingdom truth that cannot be overemphasized.  The Kingdom of God is all about relationships.  Fellowship is the means by which the Kingdom comes.  His presence in our presence changes the very physics of the universe and we get to enjoy it.  In the coming days of uncertainty that are sure to worsen, God is calling us to a deeper trust in Him.  Cast all else aside and abandon everything to trust in Him.  He will not fail you!  He is shaking everything that can be shaken so that we can see what is unshakable!  He is calling us to relationships that will prove Himself to us.

I welcome your feedback and comments...

Tim Taylor

Comments

[Richard Wagoner]

Thanks Tim! I have been praying for your Dad, and it was great to get an update.

[Marcia Boyd]

I am from South Georgia, not far from Moultrie and have never heard of the church you spoke of. Would like to visit one day.
Your Dad was a friend of my fathers. I think so much of him.. heard him preach several times and have many of his books... reading one about God's economy now. Looking forward to him coming back our way again one day. A group from our church would love to hear him again.
My name is Marcia Mallard Boyd and my father, was James Mallard. He pastored Dawson , FBC.. I recently found your dad on line and contacted him.. My dad died in 2001. Preaching the 4 Sundays after he found out he had liver cancer and died on a Sunday morning.
It is great to hear his reports and to know your dad is still preaching.
Sincerely, Marcia Boyd