The Passing of a Pop Star

A very tender and inciteful article

The Pinnacle of Success?

July 8, 2009
I am an aging, white conservative Baptist. My taste in music runs from Bach to Mozart to Lawrence Welk. Indeed, my staff might say I am the un-hippest man alive.
So you might think that I am surprised by the frenzied and non-stop media coverage of the death of Michael Jackson—perhaps the greatest pop star of all time. But I’m not.
You may think that I don’t “get” why his fans by the millions are grieving, buying up Jackson CDs like they are going out of style, holding vigils at his mansion, desperately trying to get tickets to his memorial service in Los Angeles. But I do.
Here is why they have reason to mourn: Michael Jackson was, by any standard, a musical genius. His albums and his videos thrilled successive generations of pop fans. In fact, I was enthralled myself when I first watched his video presentation at an Epcot exhibit some 20 years ago.
There was, indeed, no one quite like Michael Jackson. And now there will be no new albums, no comeback concert tour, no new dance moves. That’s why they’re mourning.
But here’s why they—and all of us—should mourn the real tragedy that Michael Jackson’s story is. Andrew Sullivan at the Atlantic Monthly blog said it well: Michael Jackson “was everything our culture worships; and yet he was obviously desperately unhappy, tortured, afraid and alone.” He was, as Sullivan noted, nothing but a creature of our culture, which puts “fame and celebrity” at its core, with money as its driving force, without regard for the person caught up in it or the character he exhibits.
By numerous published accounts, Jackson was emotionally abused by his father, a man consumed by the idea that his child could be a superstar. Jackson was a drug addict accused of pedophilia, given to all manner of bizarre behavior. He was, in the end, as Bob Herbert opined in the New York Times, “psychologically disabled, to the point where he was a danger to himself and others.”
It makes the scenes of adoring crowds pushing and shoving to get near yesterday’s memorial service, and the non-stop live television coverage, all the more bizarre and tragic. We worship the celebrity for his fame, degenerate lifestyle not withstanding.
Jackson achieved the summit of what this culture values most—fame—and paid for it with his life. And that is a tragedy.
Life is filled with teaching moments. And for parents, this tragedy is an opportunity to talk with our children about what they really want out of life—what matters most.
And it’s also a time for parents to look in the mirror and ask what we really want for our kids. If the answer is success in life, then we had better know what that definition of success is.
That’s because even Christian parents are not immune to the siren song of fame and fortune for their kids. It’s great that your child can sing and dance. It’s wonderful that he can hit a baseball a country mile. She just might win that academic scholarship to Harvard.
But winning that scholarship, or playing in the major leagues, is not the Christian definition of success. Doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with your God is.
Character matters. Not fame. No matter how un-hip that sounds.

www.breakpoint.org

July/August 2009

July/August 2009 Dear Friends, As we reflect on our trip to Romania, our hearts are just full. The highlight of the trip was to see 144 precious people respond to the gospel message. Several years ago we met a precious Campus Crusade missionary, Cristina Marinescu. We became involved in helping her through your gifts to our work. I had the joy of sharing with her sister, Ionela, on one of our earlier trips and she was saved. Cristina has been burdened that her parents come to Christ. Her Mother was saved earlier, and that left her Father. He is a professor in a university in Ploiesti, Romania and every year has come to our meetings there. After church this year, after the team had prayed faithfully for him, Bro. Mike Goforth had the joy of leading him to Christ. Cristina interpreted as he was saved!

We were able to give to the Viisoari Gypsy Ministry the funds for continuing the program through the 2009-2010 school year. What a quality ministry! We were there for a morning and saw several respond to the gospel. Also, we delivered funds to the Esther Foundation. They continue to help young ladies and couples as their babies are born. Romania leads Europe in abortions, but our help saves many precious lives each year. Thanks for helping me bear the burden for these ministries. We will go back to Romania in June of next year. Why not begin to pray about making this trip with us.

One of our most faithful supporters was a lady named Lena Lively! We met Lena over 30 years ago in a meeting in Baton Rouge. Every month she faithfully sent a small check and a note of encouragement. We will miss her so much. The last time Ann and I saw her was at Jefferson Baptist Church. She probably weighed less than 100 pounds, but came with her oxygen bottle to support us. Pray for her family and know that our ministry survives on the Lena Livelys’ who feel impressed to pray for us. Lena looks on from heaven and is a motivation for us to be faithful.

This year our Labor Day mission will be to New Orleans, LA. There has been so much trouble and publicity about the borders of Mexico, that I felt it would be wise to divert to another plan. We will leave early on Friday morning of September 4, drive to New Orleans and then on Saturday minister at the Global Maritime Ministry until noon. The director, Phillip Vandercook is a long time friend. That afternoon we will work with Pastor Dave Fochum and the River Place Campus of Celebration Church. We will have a block party and then stay for the services on Sunday morning. We will leave from Shreveport, but if you want to join us in New Orleans, be sure you send a $50 deposit to our address by August 1.

We have a busy schedule the remainder of the summer – there are some good dates still available this fall. Pray with us that we will fill these dates as the Lord leads.

The year is quickly passing – it won’t be long until January and the Night of Praise. What a great night is planned for January 8, 2010 with Aaron Wilburn, Johnny Parrack and the Calvary Boys. Circle this night in red on your personal calendar. God bless – pray for us to be faithful, healthy and in the center of HIS will.

In HIS love, Price and Ann Harris

MAY - JUNE NEWSLETTER

May/June 2009

Dear Friends:

My Choice

I want my breakfast served at eight, with ham and eggs upon the plate,
A well-broiled steak I’ll eat at one, and dine again when day is done.

I want an ultramodern home, and in each room a telephone,
Soft carpets, too, upon the floors, and pretty drapes to grace the doors.

I want my wardrobe, too, to be, of neatest, finest quality,
With latest style in suit and vent: why should not Christians have the best?

But then the Master I can hear, in no uncertain voice so clear,
“I bid you come and follow me, the Lowly Man of Galilee.”

If He be God, and died for me, no sacrifice too great can be
For me, a mortal man to make; I’ll do it all for Jesus sake.

Yes, I will tread the path He trod, no other way to please my God;
So henceforth, this my choice shall be, my choice throughout eternity.

Missionary William McChesney
(martyred in Congo – November 24, 1964)
http://www.inlovewithjesuschrist.com/slain-missionarys-mother

I have pondered and prayed several months about sharing this poem with you all. However, as we approach our leaving time for Romania this summer – it was good for me to reflect on on our purpose for making the trips. So many of you give to make it possible – we want to labor for the Master and for Him alone. Pray for us – we’ll leave on Tuesday, June 3 and return on Monday, June 15. There will be 16 travelers from all over. It will be a great blessing to have Bro. Carl Carrigan with us this year. This will be his first trip – and the people will love his ministry. Also, Jim Lyons, a long-time friend will be going with us. Jim is a world-class weight lifter and has won many awards in his age category. Jim is from Louisiana but lives in Dallas and is a member of Prestonwood Baptist. He really felt God speaking to him about the trip at our Night of Praise in January.

As has been our practice, for several years we will be taking gifts for the two special projects that we support there – The Esther Foundation (a pregnancy crisis ministry), and the Viisoara Gypsy Feeding ministry. Your gifts this month will help us complete the goal for this year. Pray that God will save many precious souls and that God will use us to encourage the people. We have in our garage a great collection of children’s clothes that friends have donated. We will be getting these ready to ship over between now and our departure date. A precious lady in Bossier City has given us knitted caps for each of the gypsy children. Every work for Jesus will be blessed! The offerings for Millions for Missions (pennies and special gifts) have been more than $4500.00 since the first of the year. About $1500.00 are actually pennies that we have received and counted. “Little is Much When God is in It”.

Thank you for your continued prayers for our family and for Jon specifically – he is back at work. God has done a great work!

In HIS love,

Price and Ann Harris

Pray for our son, Jon!!

March/April - 2008

Dear Friends, Our trip to Jamaica was a great blessing. We had a team of eight, and I was
amazed at the amount of ministry we had over the island. We had church services, impromptu evangelistic meetings, large school assemblies, and a street meeting. I am so grateful for everyone who participated in making this possible.

As we were preparing to leave, we had a call from our daughter-in-law, Amy, informing us of a critical situation with our son Jon. She had called earlier to tell us that he had the flu – that he was not doing well – but the evening before, her call was more encouraging. On Tuesday morning he was rushed to the emergency room, and by evening he was extremely critical with pneumonia. His body immediately became sepsis. (Sepsis is a severe illness caused by overwhelming infection of the bloodstream by toxin-producing bacteria.). After a monumental decision, he was transferred to L. S. U. hospital and placed under their care. The team has been so thorough and helpful throughout his treatment. As I write this letter (Feb. 11), he is still critical, but we are so encouraged with his progress. Please pray for Jon and Amy and his three wonderful sons – Parker, Jackson, and Jake Hayden. We are trusting God for his complete restoration physically. Jon is a joy to our heart - Please pray for Him and for Amy and his boys - Parker, Jackson, and Jake Hayden! I was scheduled to be with my friend Bill Bolton in a meeting during this crisis and he was so gracious to allow me to be with our family.

I have been so blessed by our friends who love and pray for us. One particular scripture that has been particularly sweet is Matthew 14: 25-31:

“25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

When Peter began to sink, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid, but he still looked to Christ. We must remember in our troubles that He is the only one who can help – and He is always there.


We love you all – if you write in March you’ll receive the DVD of this year’s Night of Praise! Thanks you for all of your concern and your support. Our next mission trip will be in June. Our plans as of now are to go to Romania to minister!

In HIS love,

Price and Ann

NIGHT OF PRAISE - JEREMIAH RAAB

Price Harris Night of Praise Delivers
Jeremiah Raab

On Friday, January 9th, crowds descended upon Calvary Baptist Church of Shreveport for it’s annual Price Harris Night of Praise. Musical groups and soloists from all over the country used their talents for the glory of God through singing and fellowship.
If there had been tickets for the show, it would have been close to being sold-out. The floor seats were filled, forcing those that were late to move to the balcony. Thankfully, there was not a bad seat in the auditorium.
The musical acts included The Allen Family, The Needhams, Johnny Parrack, Cheri Taylor, and many other special guests.
The Allen Family now officially reside in Branson, Missouri, but stay on the road for most of the year, logging thousands of miles a year traveling to and from shows. Their set provided beautiful harmonies provided by Todd and Michelle Allen, and accompanied by their eight children. This was their 12th appearance at the annual event.
The Needhams have been playing music for a decade. Hailing from Tennessee, their sound was melodic, rife with family harmony, and their songs were rich with gospel imagery.
Johnny Parrack, now pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Alma, Arkansas is known for his unwavering tenor singing voice. He has sung for many years and sang with the Kingsmen, as well as other groups.
After their performances, all of the acts could be found in the lobby, where attendees could fellowship with the artists or buy their favorite music of the night.
But most importantly, the cause of gospel evangelism was furthered by the concert. There was a love offering taken, and as the Needhams played their song, “Pennies from Heaven,” the audience was given the opportunity to bring all of their pennies and donate them toward mission work. Last year alone, Price Harris Ministries raised $21,000 in pennies to further the call of evangelism in the world. At this year’s event, probably 600 pounds of coins in were donated.
In the end, everyone at the concert seemed to share in the same desire of seeing the Lord Jesus Christ glorified: through singing, listening, fellowshipping with other believers, and giving. Next year’s program will be on Friday, January 8, 2010.

Night of Praise - January 9, 2009

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE NIGHT OF PRAISE ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2009! WE'LL START AT 6:00 P. M. THIS WILL BE SWEET SINGING AND SWEET FELLOWSHIP. JUST A LITTLE REHEARSAL FOR ETERNITY. PLEASE INVITE SOMEONE AND COME EARLY!! PRICE

Excited about Sowing the Seed!!

This week I listened to a message by Dr. Roy Fish. He used the illustration that we have placed here from Godtube. Don't miss listening!

I am going to Australia in November. I'll be traveling with my long time friend, Dr. Robert Meyer. Robert was so instrumental in my coming to know the Lord and then in showing me how to grow in Christ. Robert is the Southeast Asia director of Baptist Internatial Missions. We'll be visiting several of his churches and also his son who is a missionary pastor in Brisbane, Australia. Pray for our trip. Don't fail to watch this video.

In HIS love,

Price