CHARLESTON SOUTHERN and BRETT FAVRE?

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Brett Favre is leaning toward returning for another season with the Green Bay Packers, according to comments he made to his hometown newspaper.

In a story posted on the Web site of the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun-Herald, the record-setting quarterback says he isn't approaching Saturday's playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks like it will be his final game in Green Bay. "Each week, I bring more stress on myself wondering if this is too good to be true," Favre told the Sun-Herald. "I want to continue the streak and winning. When I talk about the streak, it's not the [consecutive] starts; it's the hot streak we are on. Then, I ask what can I do better?

"I am trying to enjoy it because this could be my last game in Green Bay," he said. "For the first time in three years, I haven't thought this could be my last game. I would like to continue longer." At least two members of Favre's family don't want him to retire: his daughters, Brittany, a freshman at Charleston Southern, and Breleigh.

"Brittany was up here [in Green Bay last weekend] and drove to get ice cream," Favre told the Sun-Herald. "It was like pulling teeth to get Brittany and Breleigh to get out of the car to get the ice cream. But we didn't argue about it being my last game like we have in the past. We talked about Brittany coming back in this weekend from Charleston Southern for what could be my last game. "Breleigh then spoke up and said, 'Dad, don't retire.' And Brittany said, 'Dad, I think you need to play one more year," Favre told the newspaper.

While it has been widely assumed that Favre would come back to play next season after having one of the best years of his career, both he and Packers coach Mike McCarthy have said the future Hall of Famer would wait until after the season to address the issue. In his 17th season, Favre led the Packers to a 13-3 record with 28 touchdowns, 4,155 passing yards and a quarterback rating of 95.7, his best in 11 seasons. For his career, Favre has 442 TD passes, 61,655 passing yards and 5,377 pass completions.

Favre's now-annual flirtation with retirement has taken on a life of its own in Wisconsin. He has taken weeks and even months in recent years to make up his mind. "I have a lot to think about. It's been a fun year and winning has made it a good year," Favre told the newspaper. "For the first time in a couple of years, at this point, my focus is solely on Seattle and winning a playoff game at home."

Favre's favorite receiver, Donald Driver, said Wednesday he hoped Favre would return. "Oh, yeah. Of course," Driver said. "I hope so. ... But I don't know. I hope he comes back, but if not, he had a great career. I'm happy for that, and I'm glad I'm a part of it."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

~ kudos to Mary Torretta for giving me this wonderful report found online at ESPN

Copeland ministers in vacation land

Page 27 at the following link: CSU Magazine - Winter 2007

Thanks Charleston Southern University for a great ICO ad!

The Christmas Dance - by Peter

Hey, I just made a total elf of myself with my New Christmas Dance. This is never seen before footage with me all decked out in my Elf garb and ready to be on Dancing with the Stars. Check it out by clicking the link below.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1219667753

the wind is cool

It has been difficult all day thinking & knowing that it is already December 1st!

Here is a little november catch up for all those wondering:
- the second weekend of the month, i met my parents in new orleans and enjoyed an extended weekend visit exploring the city, good eats, and well a bargain here and there
- i returned from new orleans for two days at the south carolina baptist state convention in florence, and it was a good opportunity to see friends and pastors in ministry
- then, i was in atlanta for the national youth workers convention, youth specialties, where i was recruiting youth pastors and leaders to come to myrtle beach for their '08 mission trips. while at the conference, i was able to join third day-chris tomlin-shane and shane-phyllis tickle-doug fields in worship
- i spent thanksgiving in columbia with just my parents, and of course after-thanksgiving shopping
- this past week todd and i were able to be part of the association of resort and leisure ministries (arlm) conference in ocean city, maryland. what a stupendous opportunity to meet brothers and sisters in Christ who are sharing in my specialized area of ministry all over north america

NEPAL:
I will be leading a team of 10 people next wednesday the 12th to the country of nepal and return late on sunday the 23rd. Most of us will be prayer-hiking up and around the mountain doing ministry and distributing small gifts to children, while a few others will be doing medical clinic type of ministry. Please pray!

USC:
Most of you know how much i love USC Gamecocks, yes - there is only one USC. They started decent, then got better, and ended still unsure of who the quarterback is. Fumbles, turnovers, and lack of quarterback proved a 6-5 record for 2007. We need to get better, and Spurrier needs to make some better decisions. The lost against Clemson was his fault. Bowden would have been at fault for Clemson if they had lost. The so-called palmetto bowl was lost by both coaches, Clemson just ended the game with the "W" on their side.

FINALLY:
I am telling as many retailers, hair-cutters, fast-food and restaurant workers... MERRY CHRISTMAS. I hope you will remember the REASON for this wonderful CHRISTMAS SEASON. Praise the Lord above, that he is the GOD WITH US - IMMANUEL!

Interesting political 411

I received the below information in an email from a friend of mine. I am hoping all the information is correct since I have no way of verifying it:
"Senator Barack Obama, Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Hillary Clinton and Ruth Harkin stand during the national anthem.Barack Hussein Obama's photo (that's his real name)......the article said he REFUSED TO NOT ONLY PUT HIS HAND ON HIS HEART DURING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, BUT REFUSED TO SAY THE PLEDGE.....how can a man like this expect to be our next Commander-in-Chief????"

October's autumn

I have always been intrigued by the season of autumn, maybe it's the name but I found in my life that this special season each year is a time of reflection, evaluation, and motivation.

I recently spoke on the campus at North Greenville University and challenged students with the Deuteronomy 6:1-13, and how before we can love anyone or anything else, we must have the understanding that God, first and foremost, should be the love of our life. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind!"

I don't know about you, but the more news I watch, the more advertising for self I see, and the more our world becomes so self-centered, I am to the point I'm no longer shocked. Maybe that is good and maybe that is bad. I just don't know.

For the past week I have watched fire after fire in California, and just Sunday early morning, a house with college students caught a blaze and students lives were taken. Why the taking of lives? Why the taking of homes that mean so much? I think when I look back at all the bad news Job received, material possessions gone, servants killed, his own sons and daughters lives taken away, Job's response amazes me. Job 1:20 says "Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, fell to the ground, and worshiped."

The question for us - is that our response? When life seems to throw curve balls, when we receive the bad news, when we get the bad doctor's results, or when our best friend no longer wants to hang out anymore, what do we do. Finally in Job 1:22, Job responded, "Naked I came from my mother's womb and naked I will return, the Lord gives the Lord takes away, Blessed be the Name of the Lord."

The question before us: do we bless the Lord at all times. I shared this story of Job very passionately this summer with our student mission teams and I can't tell you how many students paid attention to this one in particular. I told the students if they didn't have a life verse or theme for their life that Job 1:21 would be a great one.

I don't know what will happen in the days ahead. I don't know what catastrophe may happen in my own life. I don't know necessarily why God allows certain things to happen to certain people. And I don't know why these crazy things we hear of and see today affect so many people around, but what I know is God is listening for His children, ready to forgive his people, standing ready to help in times of need, and always ready to love.

No matter what, no matter when, no matter where, no matter who - bless the name of Jesus!

Soldier's mom finds Silly String shipper

After months of frustration, a mother of a soldier in Iraq has found someone to ship about 80,000 cans of Silly String to the troops, who use the foamy substance to detect trip wires on bombs.

"I am so happy right now, I am shaking. I just think it's awesome that it's finally going," Marcelle Shriver said as boxes were loaded into a truck Monday afternoon.

The thousands of cans of Silly String are boxed and addressed to individual servicemen and servicewomen in Iraq. But since the string comes in an aerosol can, it is considered a hazardous material, and only certain companies can ship it.

Thom Campbell, one of the founders of Capacity LLC, a New Jersey-based shipping company experienced in hazardous materials, heard about Shriver's problem and decided to help out.

Shriver and Campbell communicated for weeks by phone and e-mail but met for the first time Monday when the boxes were picked up. Each praised the other for making the shipment a reality.

"The determination that she's shown over a year ... deserves to be honored," Campbell said. "Mine is not a glamorous industry nor is it the kind of industry you get a lot of opportunities to do something like this."

Shriver had been storing the boxes in this community across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. They will be inspected by the company and then delivered to the United States Postal Service for transport with other letters and packages bound for Iraq.

Shriver's Silly String campaign began late last year after her son, Todd, a soldier in Ramadi slated to leave Iraq in November, asked his parents to send cans of the product.

Soldiers can shoot the substance, which travels about 10-12 feet, across a room before entering. If it hangs in the air, that indicates a possible trip wire.

Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a military spokesman in Iraq, said recently that Shriver's efforts are appreciated, but that commanders decide which items troops need. He said the spray was used heavily in the early stages of the conflict but is not as widely needed today.

"If commanders on the ground are screaming that we need this stuff, we'll get it to them," Garver said.

Shriver, 58, got one shipment of 40,000 cans out in January through the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove in Pennsylvania but officials told Shriver they didn't know when they'd have more flights headed to Iraq and didn't have space to store the boxes. McGuire Air Force Base declined to take the shipment.

Despite her frustrations, Shriver said the Silly String campaign was worth it.

"If this saves one life, I'm happy," Shriver said.

-Rebecca Santana, Associated Press

Books are for Bookshelves and Reading - part 2

On my recent trip to Kenya, I have been able to finish some of the books I was reading and to read another one in it's entirety. (Look a few posts down to see part 1):

Books I have read:

Here is to LSU!

A picture for the only season lost at Death Valley in 2008. Thanks LSU!

Convergent

[The four] marks of a convergent church, as reflected in 1 Thessalonians 1 are:

1. missional focus to worship that recaptures the wonder of God

2. theology that brings together the Gospel message, culture and church

3. ethics that impact the community; evangelism that matches a transformed life

4. a lifestyle that attracts converts.


- Dr. Alvin Reid, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Books are for Bookshelves and Reading!

Since graduating from seminary nine months ago, I have slacked off on my reading skills. Not because I hate reading, I was just so full of reading I needed a break. So here we go....

The only book I've read in it's entirety:

A couple of the books I'm reading:

Prayer Network

Tonight, we had our Prayer of Dedication service in one of our associational churches. I was asked to lead in a prayer for God's favor upon every effort of our new prayer network, and for God to be glorified and His kingdom furthered. Below is the prayer (I actually wrote out, yes, totally new for me) I prayed on behalf of associational staff for this new prayer network. I thought this was worth putting up.

"Father as we have assembled here together tonight united together in your Spirit, we wait anxiously for you work and the moving of your Spirit in our efforts to network and pray for our association and all of Horry County. We pray fervently this evening that you oh God would find favor with us in the days ahead as we diligently and attentively work for Your glory, honor, fame, and kingdom in every part of this prayer endeavor. Our hearts desire is to see you work in the lives of everyone involved in this network, that you would call others to join us in this prayer initiative, and you Sovereign King of Kings and Lord of Lords would receive all recognition, honor, and praise. Make us your people with a clear focus of prayer for those around us, but also a prayer of repentance for those sins in our lives that do not bring you glory and praise. Together, we expect you to do great and mighty things in our meager yet humble efforts through this prayer network. Father tonight, would you bring your kingdom here to Horry County, to our Waccamaw Association, and to each invidual heart and life in this network. May your kingdom be furthered, your Gospel be advanced, and your presence be felt as we seek to pursue you in this special way in our lives. May our affections be set on the joy you have to offer to us as we seek to glorify you in our lives. Amen"

What others are saying about ICO

I am writing to recommend to all South Carolina Baptists one of the best mission trips I have ever been on right here in our own backyard.

Intracoastal Outreach is absolutely one of the most effective and well-organized groups touching people with the love of Christ in the Myrtle Beach area, as well as tourists from all over the world. They require a training class, and they allow you to choose the ministries that your group would like to accomplish.

Our group from Summerton Baptist Church participated in conducting a children’s day camp at Myrtle Beach Travel Park each day. We also had an afternoon of presenting the gospel via Frisbees on the beach, handing out “hospitality bags” to hotel and motel workers, and conducting a “block party” at a low-income multi-housing facility. Not only did we touch people with the love of Christ, we also came home with some ideas that we can incorporate in our local missions efforts.

Todd Wood, Peter Copeland, Kim Mitchell and the staff of college students worked very hard to make our experience the best, and it was. The staff provided worship services each night and assisted us with every ministry and missions activity that we participated in. I enthusiastically recommend Intracoastal Outreach for your next mission trip. Their Web site is www.intracoastaloutreach.org.

Waccamaw Baptist Association and the North American Mission Board have done well in making Intracoastal Outreach a tool to reach people for Christ from all over the world, right here in South Carolina.

- Robert Pierce, Pastor of Summerton Baptist Church in Summerton, South Carolina

Published August 3, 2007, Baptist Courier (http://www.baptistcourier.com/1781.article)

ICO update 06-17-07

On the eve of mission week three, I thought I would write a few notes and lessons I've learned this summer both as mission speaker and staff supervisor.

The aim for our services each night for our student mission groups is to expound on the knowledge and need to be satisfied in Christ, and in Christ alone. On Sunday night we look into the very life of Enoch, a man who walked with God. On Monday we look at Job and how even in the midst of uncertainty and difficult situations, he was a man who feared God. Wednesday night we reflect on not only the call of Moses but that he in fact asked to see the "glory of God" and how God hid him in the cleft of the rock allowing Moses to be a man who saw God (well his back really). Thursday night has been our creative service and we have closed the week declaring that without Christ, life is meaningless. That life in and of itself is nothing apart from the fulfillment, joy, unity, and contentment that we find in Christ's satisfaction.

Seeing as I am 8 to 3 years of age apart from "my" summer missionaries, it has been a growing experience for all of us. I find myself saying often... "As your supervisor do this (fill in the blank), but as your friend and brother in Christ do (fill in the blank)." The past couple of weeks have been difficult not only professionally but also personally, and they have been so greatfully caring and loving through it all. Just last week over 8 people received Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives, and I prayerfully thank God for His working and moving them to take the Gospel Message to the ministry sites, beach walks, and evening services we share with our mission groups.

I will try to write more as time allows and as the Lord continues to show His will and speak to me.

Good night - Peter

Goodbye Falwell

In the tribute and funeral for Brother Jerry Falwell,

"'Vines noted that Falwell knew the 'will of God, the work of God and the welcome of God,' and that Falwell had a 'three-fold anointing of God.' One was as a prophet to the United States and 'not just some preacher who decided he would dabble into politics.' Another role was as an educator, said Vines, who said he would belabor the well-known story of Liberty University, but invited everyone to 'look around.' The third role was as a pastor. 'God used this man to build a Gospel-preaching church. [Falwell] was a mega-church pastor before mega-churches were cool,' Vines said."

May God be with the Falwell and Liberty University Family during this time.

found online at: http://www.baptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=25697

Summer 2007

~PLEASE PRAY FOR ICO THIS SUMMER~

Will you please pray for Intracoastal Outreach this summer. Our summer missionary staff will begin Friday, May 25th at noon and go through orientation and training till our first summer group arrives on Sunday, June 3rd. We will minister for ten weeks this summer on the beach, in apartment complexes, campgrounds, neighborhood block parties, and in a myriad of ministry locations.

We have over 550 volunteers coming to serve with us from all over the USA and we are excited about what God is going to do through our ministry, labor, sacrifice, and selfless-ness. Each Tuesday in June and July we will serve over 150 lifeguards and build relationships with them. Our desire is that each lifeguard will have a one-on-one opportunity with our summer staff to not only hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also to accept His amazing gift of salvation.

You may not be able to come, visit, or bring a group this summer, but you sure can pray for us.

Thank-you ahead of time for your prayers, and we look forward to letting you know how God will use all of us for His glory and name this summer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!

www.intracoastaloutreach.org

Charleston Southern U. Says It Lost $10-Million in Economics Professor's Swindle

Federal authorities have accused a locally prominent economics professor at Charleston Southern University of fraud, alleging that he bilked about 300 investors through three investment companies he runs. His college is among those that say they lost money, and it has sued the professor, his wife, and their companies, claiming a loss of $10-million.

Meanwhile, the professor, Albert E. Parish Jr., has reportedly been hospitalized, after telling acquaintances that he had amnesia, according to a report in The Post and Courier, a newspaper in Charleston.

University officials could not be reached for comment on Friday, as the institution appears to have been closed for the Good Friday holiday.

The newspaper reported that in Charleston Southern's lawsuit, filed on Thursday, the university said it had given Mr. Parish $10-million to invest over the past five years, relying on his "oral representation and alleged expertise."

The amount of the university's claimed loss is equal to about one-quarter of its annual operating budget. The Baptist institution enrolls about 2,500 undergraduates and 300 master's-level students. The current value of its endowment, if any, could not be determined on Friday. But as of 2003, it was worth about $10.6-million.

Mr. Parish, who also directs the university's Center for Economic Forecasting, could not be reached for comment at several numbers found for him, including those listed on a Web site for one of his companies, Parish Economics LLC. (The Web site does include a caricature of Mr. Parish, showing him as a superhero cartoon character called "Economan.")

The Post and Courier, where Mr. Parish, 49, sometimes published a column, described the South Carolina native as a "local whiz kid" who was well known in the community for the investing tips he would give out in local speeches and for the economic forecasts he gave regularly to the Charleston Area Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Through the forecasting center, a joint project between the university and the chamber, Mr. Parish also commented on national economic trends. (His latest prediction, updated on March 29 on the center's Web site, which appears to have been taken down over the weekend, said that "over all the forecast is pretty good for 2007.")

According to a civil-fraud lawsuit filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission in the federal district court in Charleston, Mr. Parish, Parish Economics, and a third company he owned -- Summerville Hard Assets LLC -- have been "grossly misrepresenting investors' returns and assets" since at least January 2005.

The SEC complaint, which cites five counts of fraud, says Mr. Parish and Parish Economics, which began operating investment funds in 1986, lied to investors about rates of returns on investments "to lure new investors to the funds and to lull those already invested into a sense of security."

The lawsuit says that the funds purported to have assets of about $134-million but that, "without disclosure to the investors, virtually all of the assets of the funds have been dissipated."

written by:
Mary Torretta
Editor-in-Chief, 2007-2008
Federal Circuit Bar Journal

The Most Important Thing

THE FOLLOWING CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT AN AMAZING EVANGELISTIC SITE TO HELP YOU SHARE THE GOSPEL AT WWW.MOSTIMPORTANTTHING.COM:
The Most Important Thing to Peter Copeland

Thank you for taking time to respond to the card I left you. The most important thing in my life is my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I made a decision when I was eight years old at a summer camp to follow Jesus. The past 17 years since I made that decision has been a moving experience.

In a world of open ended questions and when people are finding their purpose in the world, I am reminded that God loves me and you with an amazing and unconditional love. No matter what you have done or the things you are doing now, Jesus Christ loves you and has a plan for your life.

On the right side of this page is a symbol in red that reads "CROSS". I encourage you to click on the icon and read how you can have an abundant and fulfilling life in Jesus Christ like I have today. Thanks for reading about my most important thing, and I pray that your most important thing is found today in a relationship with Jesus!

Check out my church, Waccamaw Baptist Association.

as Mardi Gras 2007 comes to an end...

Tonight at midnight the parade is over, the people stagger back to their residence, and the trashmen come out. As the clock strikes twelve the fun throwing beads and king cakes end as it comes time to clean up all the mess.

Oh how we need the same clean up in our hearts everyday. Oh how important it is to confess before the Lord the mistakes, faults, the dropped balls, missed opportunities, areas where we just flat-out fail, and sin everyday.

I'm so glad I am loved by a God who forgives and forgets. I'm so glad that I've been called to serve in the midst of uncertainty and open-ended questions. Even mardi gras can be a time of reflection and realization.

REJECTED

Growing up the word "rejected" meant loser. And boy did I feel like one VERY often. But I guess I know how the usual super-bowl party churches feel now. Recent news of how churches (in particular) are unable to show the "big game" if their televesions and/or screens are more than 55 inches, is ABSURD.

One of the things I really hate in ministry is the word "rejected" or the word "denied". Granted the words may cause church splits in the area of services and styles of worship, but here we see the NFL (also known as the 'no fun league' by some) trying to crack down on the televising of their game. A recent report I found here gives some grave details in to this new phenomenon on cracking down for the 'big game'.

Once again, another organization is trying to deplete the ministries of the local church. Well i'm sure the ACLU is loving this one, because it is usually them who have to get Baptist feedback for ridiculous charges and accusations they try to pin on Baptists. I think this goes to show that our MESSAGE of the GOSPEL should never ever change, but the METHODS by which we share must continually engage a culture that is far more into themselves then other people around them.

But this isn't just a Baptist thing, many churches of all denominations hold these type of outreach events, whether in a small home or church facility. And by the way, bars are ok because they charge a cover according to the UN-FUN FOOTBALL LOSERS. But i got news for them, i passed a sports bar/grille on my way to church and they advertised "NO COVER".

What do you think bloggers?

ps. 212-450-2000 is the NFL number and the commissioner's name is Roger Goodell

Thinking

Tomorrow will conclude about 4 weeks here at Intracoastal Outreach. Todd and I are so excited about this that we are headed to a collegiate conference to recruit for summer staff. hahaha:)

My vision for the next years while I serve and minister in Myrtle has been this: To empower, excite, and equip local churches to do the Great Commission through the Great Commandment.

Yes, it is easy to go and teach, baptize, disciple, and always remember that the Lord is with us wherever we go. But how hard is it do those things in and with love? People are the essence for which we do ministry both in and out of the local church. If we don't love people, we can never fully do ministry effectively, so the question I ask myself is do I love people.

"Hear O Israel the Lord are God is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Sounds easy but man is it hard! To love God means to love Him with EVERYTHING!

just thinking...

What do you think?

TOP 10 PREDICTIONS for 2007:

1. The Bible will still have the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

From the Newsletter

Greetings Beloved!

I'm sitting on 4th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, SC, just to the left of the First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach all cozy and feeling great. Today was the first big day of my new position here and an affirming goodbye to class and textbooks for atleast two full years. I am still unpacking and of course getting acquainted to all the new information, numbers, files, and operating systems that keep Intracoastal Outreach in order. We had our first ICO staff meeting this morning, lunch at the christian chicken, errands, and then back for a full afternoon of getting adjusted and doing some things around the office. So life is as the slogan goes "Life is Good".

This past weekend was a blessing to be with my girl and my parents as we ate, watched football (great win USC Gamecocks), shopped, flea-marketed, and played board/card games. Pray for Kate as she endures another semester at seminary and 4 hours away from me! I am looking forward to traveling as the position will have me away probably a dozen times this year. Maybe I can catch up on some of the books i got for a really good deal at lifeway and never got to reading. Forget the resolutions this New Year, I am going to continue to worship God in everything I do (i.e. 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Well just a little blip about me and how i'm doing after the kamikaze last couple of weeks of exams, graduating, christmas, moving, new years, and the start of my first ever full-time position in ministry. Keep posted weekly on my blog. For those with my ICO cell number, please call it during the hours of 8AM-9PM as I am on an unlimited minute SunCom plan with it.

May this year be a year for you to WORSHIP in Spirit and in Truth at ALL times. Just because I am out of the classroom does not mean take me off your prayer list. Keep praying for me and the opportunities to worship the Creator here in Myrtle. Everytime your feet hit sand, lift up a prayer for me PLEASE,

END of 2006

So here's the update as of 12-28:

I am in myrtle beach unpacking the many boxes and trying to make a home for myself on 4th avenue north, just a few blocks from the "old" Pavillion.

I am heading to see Kate tomorrow at home in Columbia for the entire weekend and will return here New Years night to begin my new position as US/C2 on Tuesday, January 2nd.

Watch out for those Kentucky'ers you tigers, a tiger rag-whipping is in store so stay tuned tomorrow afternoon.

For all you GAMECOCKS out there, we're going to win another and end the 2nd season with Spurrier as the "ole ball coach" very well.

How to Blog...

What a great semester, and I am glad it is finally over. The blog-world has been my new found interest this semester and having a blog has become an important part of learning outside the classroom this fall.

I have learned a great deal from my professor's blog and have found an idea that he has constantly written over and over again concerning the practice of blogging and I want to share it with each of you.

Blogging is about issues, thoughts, opinions, rants, preferences and the such. Blogging is NOT about attacking the person! For all who post on this blog in the days to come, blog on the issues and not on the blogger him/herself.

CONTACT update

Peter Copeland

501 4th Avenue North
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Call: 803-920-3763 (cell)

Click for: My Website & My Blog

Paul declared, "Therefore, whatever you eat or drink,
do all for the glory of God" 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB)

25.5 hours to graduation.. and this is what i just read!

AMERICANS PREFER RELIGION OVER SEX & VIOLENCE -- The American Bible Society and Zogby International conducted a poll in November called “What Is More Offensive on Television: Religion or Sex and Violence?” and what they found is contrary to what most television networks and advertising agencies contend.

Results indicate that 85 percent of American viewers desire more religious values and references to the Bible and less sex and violence in television programming.

“Here at the Bible Society, we advocate for the Bible and its place and role in society. We firmly believe that the Bible plays a critical role in the ongoing development of our culture and the social fabric of our country,” Paul Irwin, president of the American Bible Society, said. “Although America is a nation of many faiths, and in some instances no faith, Americans still believe that the Bible's teachings and values are an essential part of our common character.”

Three more polls are set to follow, asking television networks and movie producers to explain why they cut most faith-based references in their programming.

BIG NEWS - Goin' Coastal

Just the other week at Lifeway Christian Store (where I work), a lady said she needed help and she called me by name. Granted I have a name badge and a lifeway embroidered shirt that looks exceptionally hott with my khakis, but this lady "knew" who I was. She knew because me because she saw me this past summer as I gave my testimony at the TravelPark Campground service on the first of eight Sunday campgrounds services that our ICO (3-person) team went to. I have to tell you, that over the past 4-5 months, God has affirmed His next ministry for me over and over again this semester. I cannot tell you how many goosebumps I have had, how much I have prayed, and how people in my life have encouraged and affirmed God's leading in my life come January 2007. After I graduate from Southeastern Next Friday the 15th, I am packing and "Goin' Coastal"!

Yesterday, Tuesday the 5th, I was approved by the North America Mission Board (NAMB) to serve as a US/C2 missionary in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The US/C2 position is a 2-year appointed position by NAMB to serve in the USA. My position title is "Church and Community Ministries Missionary." I will work with the Waccamaw Baptist Association, which is comprised of over 72 local baptist churches in the Myrtle Beach area. I will serve with the Intracoastal Outreach of the association partnering with churches from all over the USA to minister through the summer in the Grand Strand Community, the 3rd top tourist city in the USA!

I AM TOTALLY EXCITED AND READY TO SERVE THE LORD IN THIS CAPACITY. I NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT AFTER SERVING THIS SUMMER WITH ICO THAT I WOULD SERVE FOR TWO YEARS DOING MINISTRY TO PEOPLE WHO NEED JESUS AND EQUIPPING LOCAL CHURCHES FOR THE GREAT COMMISSION THROUGH THE GREAT COMMANDMENT IN THE MYRTLE BEACH COMMUNITY.

Will you covenant with me in prayer for the sand ahead, the churches I will work with, the people I will serve with, the opportunites that abound, and the creativity that will arise to share Christ's love and His Gospel?

Look for me on myrtle with my yellow shirt -- GOIN' COASTAL

Why? Because Missions is a Lifestyle!

Books and Various

• Have you taken the Quiz? Find out how much you think you know about Peter Copeland by clicking on this link to take a 10 question quiz and see how well you know him.

• Connector Blog will release a huge announcement on Wednesday with some post-graduation news from Peter Copeland.

• Peter's 25th Birthday is coming Monday the 11th and his last final exam is on Tuesday the 12th.

• Let me share with you some books I have read since mid-September that you may want to read for yourself (Title of the book, Author, and Publisher):

1. The Dangerous Duty of Delight (John Piper, Multnomah)
2. The Christian Educators Handbook on Teaching (Gangel-Editor, Baker)
3. Marriable (Michael and Haley DiMarco, Revell)
4. Darwin's Black Box (Michael Behe, Free Press)
5. What the Cross Means to Me (Holt-Editor, Harvest House)
6. Soul Searching (Smith & Denton, Oxford) - most of
   
7. Purpose Driven Youth Ministry (Doug Fields, Zondervan) - part of
8. Christian Apologetics Handbook (Kreeft, Intervarsity) - part of
9. Choosing God's Best (Raunikar, Prince Press) - some of
   

Do you know PETER ?

YES? NO? Maybe SO?


take a quiz and see if you do:


CLICK ME FOR QUIZ

Parody Found on the Goatkeeper:

"Fantasy leagues are no longer restricted to football and baseball. Be among the first to start your own Chapel Fantasy League. Choose your players well, and you could be the next Fantasy Chapel Souper Bowl Champion.

Build your team around your Guest Speaker, add a Master's prof, a Leavell prof, and let your worship leader clean up house. Who will the number one pick? Will it be the seminary president? Maybe the SBC president? Will you risk your season on the NAMB speaker, or will you break the bank on a heavy hitter like the LifeWay speaker?

Score points on lengths of sermon, style, spitting distance, attendance, volume level. Extra points if your speaker is done by 11:30.

League play is Tuesday through Thursday 11:00 am-12:00 pm. No changes to rosters after start of first chapel each week. Attendance at chapel is not required, but is encouraged. Pack a pew and help your team out!"

Ps. Everyone needs a little seminarian-humor!

For all you TURKEYS

Have you ever been called a turkey? Well I have and I still do not know what it means. I have been called a turkey when I have done something stupid and I have been called a turkey when I was being crazy. So when have you been called a turkey? So for all you who have been called a turkey.... the official day for turkeys is upon us.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING YOU TURKEYS

An open letter to NBC

As a graduate student with an undergraduate degree in Communications and as an avid watcher of your Nightly News cast for the past 12 years, I have noticed something that I thought should shed light to your broadcasting. I have been pleased with your coverage of Hurricane Katrina most notably as I was studying in New Orleans for my grduate degree and left two days before Katrina ravaged the city. I have enjoyed watching coverage of election results for the past six years and the tenacity and commitment you maintain to get the correct news information.

However, I have watched time and time again very apalled at the slant you give certain government individuals much more coverage and air time on your news cast. Specifically, I have questioned your view on leaning much to the "left side" of the issues in a Republican controlled government for the past six years. Just within the last year I have made note of the key individuals on the Democratic side of things concerning who you broadcast, interview, and feature. These noted individuals like Hilary Clinton, Al Gore, Barack Obama, just to name a few. While even on the Republican side of things, individuals like Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Lindsay Graham, and the re-elected Trent Lott are usually the only ones you broadcast, interview, and feature.

So the question arises, is NBC that biased? Is NBC only giving the information and the views they want the tv-watcher to know? Why not allow other great men and women in Congress some national air time? People sometimes say "that we are a divided country" and I wonder if this is fueled by the NBC corporation, or any other news-related corporation for that manner!

JUST SAY NO to WAL-MART

the following is from the American Family Association and information I have kept up with lately:

Wal-Mart has gone on record that they are an advocate for the homosexual agenda. In the Out & Equal 2006 Workplace Summit Program Guide, Wal-Mart placed a full-page ad which explicitly stated that it would be an advocate for the homosexual movement. Keep in mind this ad was developed for the homosexual conference and aimed at participating homosexual groups.

Not only did Wal-Mart place the ad in the program guide, they also gave $60,000 to Out & Equal, a homosexual organization pushing the same-sex agenda, including same-sex marriage, in the workplace. Out & Equal served as conference host and the donation went to help sponsor the Out & Equal Workplace Summit held this past September in Chicago.

The purpose of the conference was to train homosexuals to convince the companies for which they work to support the homosexual agenda and to encourage other companies to do the same.

At the conference, Pride, Wal-Mart’s in-house homosexual group, presented a PowerPoint presentation detailing how they were successful in getting Wal-Mart to support the homosexual agenda. The PowerPoint presentation, telling Pride’s story, contains 51 frames. Each page of the presentation contains the line “Confidential Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.” It was used to encourage conference participants to follow Pride’s example in the companies for which they work.

Millions of Americans are not aware of Wal-Mart’s support for homosexual marriage. PLEASE LET ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY KNOW THIS INFORMATION!

(And Richard, if you read this, thanks for leaving Wal-Mart so I can post this)

Shut Up Elton

I checked Yahoo News early this morning before heading out to church and found this startling and in-appropriate news blip (click here). Now when does Religion lack compassion? Well if you include Islam as a religion the statement is clear and true. But I am reminded of story of the Good Samaritan who had compassion and love for the beaten man and not only picked the man up but provided lodging as long as the man needed. I saw compassion as 13 other ICO staff members and the various student groups who shared our summer with us who loved and hugged and played with children from all walks of life and told them about Jesus. Compassion must be embodied by children of God at all times to all people for the glory of God.

Now to hatred of homosexuals. Elton is definitely speaking out of turn. Yes, some "religious people" may show/express hatred to homosexuals and for that I even cringe and lose heart. But men and woman of God (i.e. saved believers) must continually love homosexuals. If I had the chance this week, I would give Mr. Elton John a hug saying Christ loves you and died for you. I do not condone or agree with the sin of homosexuality friends like Mr. Elton, as time and time again, Scripture after Scripture speaks against the sin of homosexuality. The whole concept here is that Mr. Elton has once again put his foot in his big-gayish mouth. Granted the guy has made some decent songs in my lifetime and Disney even received some credit for the Lion King for one, but Elton John needs Jesus. Just like the people in our neighborhoods, schools, churches, workplaces, civil clubs, and organizations need Jesus. I hope that you and I go against the "religiousity" of this world and that you and I emphatically love people.

"Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your Mind." As with Jesus' reply to the one who asked what the greatest commandment, he then added "Love your neighbor as yourself." Oh that you and I would become the ones to lavish out Christ's love on the homosexuals, the needy, the poor, the homeless, the unqualified, the sick, the isolated, the imprisoned, the orphans, the persecuted, but most importantly the one's who need an ear to their rumbling, a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, and a friend to walk with through the trials, circumstances, bad health, and even the death of a loved one.

Do you love God with all your heart? soul? and mind?

GREAT NEWS!

In the past 13 months on campus at Southeastern, I have managed to adjust and situate myself into a new seminary with new rules, harder grade-scaling, and better affordable campus housing.

Today, my brother (who is a student at Leavell College on the campus of New Orleans Seminary) gave me a link to one of my favorite things from NOBTS. The link is a myspace page of the GOATKEEPER.

The GOATKEEPER was a parody newspaper by NOBTS students of the different events happening around campus. I have included the link below for you to share in the humor and parody of the GOATKEEPER

2006 Reunion

2006 ICO SUMMER
STAFF you are
invited to the.....

2006 Summer ICO

Staff Reunion
Myrtle Beach, S. C.
December 19 - 21

RSVP by Wed. November 8th

Come and be blessed as we share our memories, our random oddities, and how God has blessed us this semester at school. I do not have to tell you that you will not want to miss this special time of blessing, crazyness, and "oh no you denton"!

October 20th UPDATE

• This Sunday, October 22nd, I will be preaching at the Calvary Baptist Church in Meggett, South Carolina, for their 102nd Homecoming. The service will be at 10:30AM. I will be traveling down to Charleston Saturday and will return late on Sunday.

BIG NEWS:

• I will be traveling Nov. 9-10 to Alpharetta, Georgia to complete the interview process with the North American Mission Board for the US/C2 missionary position.

• Please pray for me and those who will be conducting the interviews as we do all for the Glory of GOD!

• Thank you for your continued help and support during this application process!

Blogging is...

Blogging is.... typing what your feeeling
Blogging is.... letting people you know whats on your mind
Blogging is.... wandering if anyone even reads your blog
Blogging is.... allowing those closest to me to hopefully be blessed, encouraged, & challenged to live their faith out & share their faith with others. Throughout this year, I have really given much thought and heart into the verse of 1 Corinthians 10:31, (and ICO staff lets say it together) "Therefore, whatever you do, whether you eat or whether you drink, do all for the glory of God." This is the life verse of Peter Copeland. This verse humbles me. It makes much of God, and God alone. As Christ INCREASES in my life, I can do nothing else but DECREASE. If everything I do is done for the glory, the honor, praise, exaltation, magnification and worth of God in Heaven, then everything I do must be done in purity, obedience, sacrifice, and in His strength.

When I first made my CopelandConnections webpage in geocities, I captured the following verse found in Isaiah 43:1-2 at the very top of the webpage, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you...For I am the Lord your God..."

I recently had to put up (yet, again) a desktop photo of the "It's Not About Me" book cover by Max Lucado. It is a constent reminder, that my life is for His glory. I was created to worship, I am called to worship, and I cannot do anything in this life on this side of the cross WITHOUT worship.

So the question is: Who or what is your life about?

Merry early Christmas to the ACLU!

Yes, Christmas cards! This is coming early (really early) so that you can get ready to include an important address to your list:

What a GREAT idea! Fun with the ACLU...... Wanna have some fun this CHRISTMAS? Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD this year. As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, CHRISTIAN, card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world. Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it. Here's the Address, just don't be rude or crude. (It's Not the Christian Way):

ACLU
125 Broad Street
18th Floor New York, NY 10004

Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing contributions. So spend 39 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a "Holiday Tree". . . It's a Christmas Tree even in the fields!!

(this was a forward, but i have edited it for great content and a great suggestion for all of us to share Christ even with the ACLU)

Senator Jim DeMint

When I travel home mid-October, I intend on voting absentee. Over the past year I have some, though very little, correspondence with South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint. First, I contacted his office about the hostility by India's government and Hindu leaders concerning the Emmanuel Ministries in Kota, India. A bill was put before the senate and Demint gave his approval for the bill. Second, I learned that DeMint would be speaking to the South Carolina Baptist Convention in November and I emailed his office letting DeMint know I was praying for him, as he would be giving his testimonty to the SCBC messengers.
I am an avid reader of the Baptist Press webpage and the following was released at this page concerning Senator DeMint:

Sen. Jim DeMint, R.-S.C., has blocked a confirmation vote on President Bush’s nominee to head the Food and Drug Administration unless he acts to suspend the sale of the abortion drug RU 486.

I know where I stand and vote when it comes to S.Carolina Senator Jim DeMint!

It makes me "feel good"? well not really

Over the past couple of years, the preacher/speaker of Joel Osteen has made me cringe. Concerning the following two articles found on this page, it is very evident to me that Joel Osteen does NOT preach the whole counsel of God's Word. He is picking and choosing the feel-good and inspirational parts of the Bible.

Maybe this could be an open conversation between us in the coming days. But the following found on the weblink above really makes me skeptical on the "preacher" of Joel Osteen:

[Joel Ostee] was at a Boston bookstore signing books when he was asked his opinion about "gay marriage," which has been legal in Massachusetts since 2004. According to the Boston Herald, Osteen "suddenly got sheepish." "I don't think it's God's best," Osteen said, according to the Sept. 2 edition of the Herald. "I never feel like homosexuality is God's best." Pressed further, Osteen added, "I don't feel like that's my thrust ... you know, some of the issues that divide us, and I'm here to let people know that God is for them and He's on their side."

Writing in his weblog, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. said Osteen's answer fell short."Put that alongside the fact that Stephen Green was recently arrested in Great Britain for passing out pamphlets that included Bible verses clearly declaring homosexuality to be a sin," Mohler wrote. "Christians in many parts of the world now risk arrest for declaring openly what the Bible clearly teaches. Mr. Osteen can be assured that his weak and evasive non-answer to this reporter's question will put him at very little risk for arrest. But then, pandering prophets are rarely at much of a risk from the public anyway."There was no conviction in his answer; no clear declaration of biblical truth; no Gospel, no judgment, and no promise. Just a non-answer with a smile. Pathetic ... simply pathetic."

It is not the first time Osteen has given a somewhat evasive answer to a moral question. In June 2005, during an appearance on CNN's "Larry King Live," Osteen was asked about his positions on "gay marriage" and abortion."You know what, Larry? I don't go there. I just ...," he said, according to a transcript. "... I just, you know, I don't think that a same-sex marriage is the way God intended it to be. I don't think abortion is the best. I think there are other, you know, a better way to live your life. But I'm not going to condemn those people. I tell them all the time our church is open for everybody."

"You don't call them sinners?" King asked."I don't," Osteen said."Is that a word you don't use?" King asked."I don't use it," Osteen responded. "I never thought about it. But I probably don't. But most people already know what they're doing wrong. When I get them to church I want to tell them that you can change. There can be a difference in your life. So I don't go down the road of condemning."

Got Tracts?

Here is the story from a week ago and now this is what I am thinking:

As many of you know I faithfully work at Lifeway Christian Store in Raleigh on Capitol Boulevard between 10-20 hours a week. Our store has it's own unique customers granted, but there are some worth blogging about! A lady has come in like two visits out of the last three weeks I have worked. Noting at the checkout counter, " you need some more tracts, do you know when you'll get some more in." And on the way out after she paid her ten bucks worth of 'gospel' tracts, imperatively noting something to the effect of, "how can i tell these kids if i can't get tracts here."

Now excuse me for a moment, when was the last time you needed a tract to tell someone about Salvation in Christ? People may respond to tracts. People may throw the tract on the ground. People may even pass the tract on to some other more likely tract reader. But when did having a tract become the only way to tell someone about Salvation in Christ?

If this is the mind-set we have given about tracts, we have failed. Man can not live by bread alone, and I would substitute the word tract for bread. Man cannot live on tract alone! Take the life-changing Gospel to the hard places, to the hard peoples, not only living it but telling it as you go along. Don't rely on on the tracts, rely on the Father who came and dwelt among us...Who embraced a cross on our behalf so that we could become the righteousness of God!

Mid-September

Sorry for the eleven day gap in this post and the last one, I have been catching up on some school work.

First off, let me share with you some books I have read since August that you may want to read for yourself (Title of the book, Author, and Publisher):

1. Bible Study Methods (Rick Warren, Zondervan)
2. When God Builds a Church (Bob Russell, Howard)
3. Real Teens (Barna, Regal)
4. Darwin on Trial (Phillip Johnson, Intervarsity)

Second, I hope for you as the autumn days begin very soon, that your relationship with Christ will continue to grow and you will remain steadfast in your faith.

Third, let us all remember to pray for the upcoming November election. I hope that we all do our homework and prayerfully consider those whom are running for office. We need leaders with a Biblical world-view that will help shape and form our society to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

My Favorite Chapel preacher

To quote a hebrew expression: "WOW"

This has to be the most famous quote of Dr. Charles "Chuck" Kelley, President of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Thursday, September 7th, Dr. Kelley addressed, preached, and everything else to our chapel audience at Southeastern Baptist Seminary. Speaking from his heart and his shattered life in the past year, Dr. Kelley expounded on a familiar passage found in Isaiah 43:1-2.

Here is a link to the message found on the SEBTS webpage to hear this incredible message by a powerful preacher and communicator of God's Word: click here

Not your normal post :

I recently wrote the following to the Richard Furman Scholarship Committee of the South Carolina Baptist Convention,

"I am grateful and honored to be a recipient of the Richard Furman Scholarship I received on May 26, 2006, which will assist my seminary education at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. I recognize this letter of thanks is overdue, but I received the scholarship letter while serving for ten weeks this summer with the Intracoastal Outreach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. After overcoming a move from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary due to Hurricane Katrina just one year ago, I have seen the power, provision, and love of God in amazing ways. I will graduate from SEBTS on December 15 this year with a Masters of Divinity degree in the area of Christian Education. Furthermore, I will be obtaining a Youth Ministry Certificate from the New Orleans Seminary. I know my parents share in appreciation with me in this special financial gift. I am personally thankful for the people of the South Carolina Baptist Convention who are giving through the Cooperative Program as they seek to help and train men and women of God for Kingdom work by giving sacrificially in this way. The Cooperative Program is making education a reality for me!"