Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your Martial Arts and Outreach for Christ.
" Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
Jesus Christ
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord."
The Apostle Paul
"Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city."
Proverbs 16:32
Martial artists are part of an ancient legacy of warriors from every corner of the world and segment of society. Some of the greatest warriors of history came from Israel, God's chosen people. One of the most powerful and influential warrior of Israel's history was King David. He defended Israel against mighty armies and powerful warriors. David expanded the territories of Israel and made it one of the greatest empires on earth. So, why would the king's son write this: "Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city"? How could a patient man possibly be better than a warrior who protects his people and has the skill to take a city?
Patience has a long history with God's people. Patience is often connected to waiting on God's promises. If God promises something will happen, it will happen. What God's people have had to do is wait and have faith that God will do as He promised. Waiting is not something that is built into the natural character traits of human beings. We are born impatient. We hate to wait. We want what we want when we want it and we don't want to wait for it. That's our way. God's ways are not our ways. God's timing for everything is perfect because He is perfect. Our timing for everything is imperfect because we are imperfect. We experience success in life as we wait patiently and expectantly on Him. Waiting is never easy, but waiting on God is a sure thing. We know He will always live up to His promise.
God promised Adam and Eve that He would provide them a "seed" who would bruise the head of Satan. It was hard for humanity's parents to see their firstborn son kill his brother. They had to wait on the Lord to fulfill His promise to them - and He did! "And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD." (Genesis 4:25-26)
God called Abram and promised he would become the father of many nations. Abraham believed and was rewarded. "For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." (Hebrews 6:13-15)
Abraham's grandson Jacob called his sons together moments before his death to tell them what would befall them and their descendants after he was gone. In the middle of telling his sons about their future, Jacob said: "I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD." (Genesis 49:18) Jacob's future was with God. He had waited so many years to realize the promise of eternal rest and it would be his within minutes. He continued to prophecy to the rest of his sons, then died, realizing the great promise God had made him.
God promised David he would one day lead the great nation of Israel, but David had to wait. David was a great warrior, but had many emotional weaknesses. Through the process of facing many enemies and depending on God, David learned the strength and power of patience.
"Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (Psalm 27:11-14)
"Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee." (Psalm 33:18-22)
"I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." (Psalm 40:1-4)
"But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints." (Psalm 52:8-9)
"Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold. Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah. They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear? But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence." (Psalm 59:1-9)
"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." (Psalm 62:5-8)
"Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning." (Psalm 130:1-6)
Patience is one of the important Biblical character qualities taught in Christian martial arts programs around the world. We teach children, youth and adults to train hard and be patient as they learn techniques and skills and earn their belt ranks. We teach our students to show respect toward teacher and fellow student and be patient with them even as we are patient with them. As we understand the importance God places on the quality of patience, it will become an even greater part of our classes. Yes, it is important to train our students to be warriors for good and righteousness. However, it is even more important to train our students to be patient.
"Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32)
Notice that God defines a patient man as a man "who controls his temper." Training people to be warriors (martial artists) must be balanced with the character quality of patience (controlling one's temper). To train an impatient man, one who cannot control his temper, is to cause irreparable harm to society. Christian martial arts instructors have an obligation to God and to families and communities to prepare people in the art of self-defense who learn patience and how to control their temper. That means training people to be compassionate in the face of danger and the heat of battle. If we train people only in the art of destruction, we have done them and the people they will know in their lives a great disservice.
Patience is an important aspect of the Christian lifestyle. It is a vital part and cannot be skipped in the process of growing to be like Christ. Jesus is our great example of the strength of patience. He had the ability and skill to destroy everyone who opposed Him, but Jesus chose the stronger path of patience.
Those who Christ commanded to preach and teach the Gospel of God's Grace understood the place patience plays in a powerful Christian's life. It is at the very core of who we are and what we do.
"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:9-21)
"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore.Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5: 4-18)
"But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." (2 Thessalonians 3:3-5)
"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." (1 Timothy 3:2-6)
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." (James 5:7-8)
"Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." (1 Peter 2:18-20)
We see how important patience is for a Christian martial artist, but how do we develop that character quality? It is a process, and not an easy one at that. What develops patience in a Christian's heart and mind is difficulty along the journey.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5)
"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." (2 Corinthians 6:1-10)
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:" (Colossians 1:9-13)
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:" (2 Thessalonians 1:3-5)
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:6-12)
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:1-17)
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:2-4)
"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:2-8)
Patience is an important lesson to learn along the path toward success and fruitfulness in God's Spiritual Kingdom. May we learn it well and teach it well as God's warriors for peace!
(Mark McGee is Director and co-founder of Grace Martial Arts Fellowship. He teaches martial arts from a Christian perspective in Tampa, Florida.)
Here is a general model for how we deal with various situations in life. It is helpful in identifying some of the rots of our behavior and emotions. This can serve as an aid to direct you to follow God's Truth in your growth process.
Situations ----> False Beliefs ----> Ungodly Thoughts ----> Emotions ----> Ungodly Actions
Situations ----> God's Truth ----> Godly Thoughts ----> Emotions ----> Godly Actions
In practice, our actual relationship experiences may not be quite so neat and precise. Our emotions, beliefs and behavior are the products of years of experiences and relationships. They can be very strong, very confusing and very difficult to understand. Are there any situations in your personal relationships that might pattern the above diagram? List some examples:
Repentance - a Tactical Weapon
Repentance means "to change." To change ones mind, purpose and actions are a decision done by faith before God. It is much more than the experience of sorrow. It is changing your attitudes when you have realized that they are based on a false belief system that is dishonoring God, others and yourself.
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psalms 119:9,11)
(Next newsletter: Away With PBA!)
No, I'm not talking about music!
I am talking about Christianity and Jesus, spoken of as a "stone
of stumbling", and a "rock of offense! It is obvious
that, more and more, this country of ours, and the world in general,
is finding true Christianity offensive. The U.S., as always, leads
the pack in new laws and decisions to limit, suppress, and even
eliminate Christianity from the public view. Why is this? True
Christianity is not politically correct! It deals in absolutes,
and teaches that individuals as well as governments are responsible
to God for their choices. And, above all, it is exclusive!
True Christianity teaches that there is only one God, one Savior,
Jesus, and one true revelation about God, man, origins, sin, and
salvation: the Bible. So, there it is. Does this offend you? It
offends many who would like to think "we're all okay if we
just do our best, and follow our own hearts, beliefs... Whatever!"
Some even have the gall to state that Jesus, the founder of Christianity,
did not teach these things. They state that the Apostle Paul added
on to, or even contradicted what Jesus taught. They make it seem
as if Paul were the founder of Christianity. Let's set the record
straight! Let's see what Jesus taught, and then decide for ourselves
if He is as exclusive and "offensive" a "Rock"
as I believe Him to be.
First, Jesus was an "in-your-face non-conformist. He did
not conform to the religious leaders of the day. He said that
a person,s righteousness had to go beyond that of the most religious
(Matthew 5:20). (That's why he paid the price of sin and gave
us His righteousness.) He didn't give in to their demands to produce
"credentials" of His being the Messiah, the chosen one.
He broke their "religious" laws, by not keeping the
Sabbath in their prescribed way, but even claimed to be above
the Sabbath (Mat. 12:1-8). He did not cater to the rich. He warned
against living for the day and gathering up riches that wouldn't
last while ignoring the soul (Luke 12:16-21). He even spoke of
how hard it was for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven
(Mat.19:24). He didn't always spoil the poor. He tested the faith
of one woman saying it was not fit to give the children's bread
to dogs. But when she said, "yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat from the
crumbs that fall from the table,"
He granted her request for healing (Mat. 15:22-28).
Jesus spoke in absolutes and did not pull any punches. He compared
some religious hypocrites to white-washed tombstones which simply
hid death and decay (Mat.23:27). He called some "vipers"
and warned of damnation and hell (Mat.23:33). He spoke out against
lack of faith (Mat.8:26). He stated that without repentance all
would perish (Luke 13:3). He even said that following Him was
more important than family relationships (Mat.10:37). He showed
that sin was a matter of the heart, not just action, when he said
that even to lust after a woman was to commit adultery (Mat.5:28).
He claimed he was "one
with the Father " (John
10:30), the "I
am before Abraham" (John
8:58), "the
door" (John 10:9),
the "light
of the world " (John
8:12), "the
bread of life" (John
6:35), "the
way, and the truth, and the life, and that no one could come to
God except through Him" (John
14:6). Now if that isn't exclusive and absolute, I don't know
what is! He clearly believed in His deity. His name, Jesus, means
Savior. In the Old Testament, God said that He was the Savior,
and beside Him there was no other. (Isaiah 43:11) Guess what?
Either God messed up, or Jesus is equal, and one with God! He
was also called "Emmanuel", meaning "God with us.
Did Jesus claim that man was a sinner, lost, and in need of salvation?
In speaking of Himself, Jesus stated "The son of man has come to seek
and to save that which was lost" (Luke
19:10). He said "except
ye all repent, ye shall likewise perish." (Luke 13:3). He spoke of the need for believing
in Him and receiving Him in no uncertain terms: "He that believeth on the Son
hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall
not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36) Does anyone have doubts
as to what the "wrath" of God alludes to in this text?
Notice he says the one believing "has" eternal life.
No doubts here, no possibilities; only a conclusive statement!
All this tends to offend the unbelieving and hardened of heart.
This should not come as a surprise. Isaiah prophesied some 700
years before Christ as to Him being a stone of stumbling and a
rock of offense (Is. 8:14). Both Paul and Peter, by the Holy Spirit,
reaffirmed this with Peter going a bit farther to state that it
is the "disobedient who stumble" and they "stumble
at the word" (Rom. 9:33; 1 Peter 2:8). It is not by chance
that God chose the "rock" as a symbol for Christ. A
rock is hard, solid, unyielding and "set." It is your
choice to fall on the Rock, and be broken before God, or for the
rock to fall on you and be "ground", or destroyed (Matthew
21:44). Jesus was not some "let's please everyone, politically
correct, I just want peace" kind of guy. In Matthew 10:34
He said "Think
not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send
peace, but a sword." A
sword cuts. It splits. It divides. Truth will always divide. And
it will call for a decision. Jesus is the Truth. He calls for
your decision and for mine. "Who do you say that I am? "(Matt. 16:13) Have you decided? Is
Jesus your Lord? Are you on His side? "As for me and my house, we will
serve the Lord!" (Joshua
24:15)
Most of my life has been dedicated
to Martial Arts. My first recorded experience was in 1945. Since
that victorious battle against three opponents I loved the taste
of victory. It was great to feel unafraid of bullies, the personal
satisfaction of confidence and a higher degree of esteem made
my life a lot nicer to live. The ability to protect myself and
to stand up for others who were afraid and weaker than their antagonist,
gave me a sense of direction that has governed my lifestyle for
all these years. I'm no hero by a long shot, however, I believe
strongly that justice and fair play are important. I remember
one time in the 7th grade, I think at St. Mary's Junior high or
grammar school, whatever it was called back then in Orange, Texas.
There was a certain bully who cherished seeing the pain in other
children as he tormented them with mental abuse or physical beatings.
It was just a month or so after my conquest of the East Side Navy addition gang. HA! I thought I was pretty tough. On this particular day after school as we were all leaving the building that the bully was picking on a weaker foe that was terrified of him. The bully was kick, stomping his foot into the spokes of the other kid's bike. The victim was just setting on the school steps crying, and I could not stand to watch this scene any longer. I screamed like a crazy man, charged the bully and before a teacher could get there to break us up I must have hit that bully a good number of times. From that moment on, I became known as the Captain marvel of Mercy, the patron saint of the weak and meek. Dear God, how does one get into situations like that. God does act in mysterious ways. Catholics somehow appear most likely to become aggressive if provoked, than other denominations.
Forgive me father for I have sinned. I beat the stuffing's out of some fellow at the dance last night. (Priest response) My son you must try to control your temper more, ok? Now say three Our Fathers, three Hail Mary's and a good Act of Contraction. Control my temper? Yea! Right!
It's a good thing there's confession every Saturday. The problem with being a "super hero," pardon my jest, is that how does one keep up the pace? I mean really! There must be a needed protection act going on every day, somewhere. By the time I was in High school I had toned my fighting skill to a sharp degree. However, things were different at Saint Michaels and at Crowley High School. Besides covering my own skinny self, and the other Nerds, Geeks and misfits like myself, there was a new dimension to consider. For some reason I had become a big brother stereotype. Gad! Some of the most beautiful girls in school were suddenly crying on my shoulder because their boyfriends were treating them badly. What a smuck! I should be so lucky to have just one of these beauties as my sweetheart. But No, all I ever got was "Oh! Billy, you're so sweet, you're like a brother to me. Cheesh! Here I was a fellow who would have gladly treated any of these beautiful girls like Princesses, but they preferred the fellow who treated them like an old shoe. Women? So what would happen was I had the dubious self-proclaimed duty to negotiate between the two.
When these negotiations came out friendly, which was three out of seven, I felt happy, like I had accomplished something good. When they didn't because of the boyfriend's attitude of " what it's to you" or "this is none of your business" Or "beat it squirt, before I pound you." These words usually set me off into my Spiderman mode, which left the culprit knocked out or wishing he had been. As for me, Let's see how many times was my nose broken? Black eyes? To many to count, and bumps on my head, woo-boy. The sad part is many times I was chastised for beating up my friend's boyfriend. Talk about feeling foolish. I didn't start any of the fights, no, not one, but what's a guy going to do, when another fellow takes a swing at your noggin?
Then a thought came to me in about the tenth grade. A Honking big football player, although bleeding like a stuck pig, had my 128 pounds of boxing charm down on the ground and it appeared like I was about to be pounded into a pulp. (Just because I told him to treat his girlfriend with more respect). Then someone suggested that this big football player get off of me and fight like a man, not roll around in the dirt like pigs. I think my opponent realized that his advisor was the current three times Louisiana State Heavyweight boxing Champion. Well, the football player got off of me, and we stood facing each other. His eyebrow needed around 8 stitches, and people in the crowd were yelling for someone to call an ambulance so he could go to the hospital. One of his friends offered to drive him instead and they left. God saved my hide again. Twice in just a few minutes. However, I still felt like a fool for trying to help someone. Some folks might call my foolishness, meddling, or sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong. I suppose they might be correct, but were there is injustice I suppose I am a fool for at least attempting to change things. The thought I realized that day was, it would be a lot easer on me if I just taught others how to fight for themselves.
I would teach special friends what to do in case of their being attacked by a bully. But I was too young to really create a fighting style. I was a pretty good football player at Welsh High, even though I weighed only 128 pounds. On the Players rooster they put me down as 148, to make it look better. Ha! I was so light that I couldn't play offense because if I ran with the ball or caught a pass the opposing team could just instead of tackling me to the ground would pick me up ball and all and run down the field with me on their backs embarrassed beyond words.
Basketball was a total bust for me. I could dribble like meadow Lark Lemmon (I'm really dating myself here, remember the Glob Trotters?) Yes, well with all that skill I couldn't shoot a basket if my life depended on it. Old hooplamis would have been a good nickname for me. My temper got the best of me during a game and I threw the ball right into the face of the fellow, got myself kicked off the team for that. It just appeared to me that the fellow who was crowding me by bumping me inappropriately, at least I thought it was. No man can do that, so if he wanted the ball that bad, I just backed up and booty bumped him back far enough for me to slam him in the face with the basketball. Certainly not a very sportsman like conduct.
Boxing was the only thing I was blessed with and that was just a teeny blessing. In baseball I was a fair player with a great pegging arm from center field, even did a triple play unassisted, while playing second base. The thing is, however, I couldn't hit a curve ball and my temper was too uncontrolled when the pitchers hit me with the ball. Well what does this have to do with foolishness? Just think about it a moment. Only a fool would lose his temper and do the things I did. Not to mention butting my flat nose in other folks business, and getting it punched.
We've received some wonderful e-mails through the years from Christian martial artists wondering what they can do to share the Gospel of God's Grace through martial arts. Here's one we received just days ago.
"How can I use my martial arts training to benefit God's kindgom in my area? "
This is a great attitude to have! We want every Christian martial artist to look for ways to minister in God's Name where they live. Here are some ideas. Let me know other ways you're using your martial arts training in your area and we'll share them in the next GMAF newsletter.
Now is the time to get involved in sharing Christ. Please contact members of GMAF to see what they're doing to reach people in their area. Their ministries may give you a good idea about how to start one in your area. Please let us know when you start something new and we'll share it with everyone in the next GMAF newsletter.
Thanks and have a great summer!
In Christ's Love and Grace,
Mark
GMAF
Confident Kid Martial Arts is looking for Christian martial artists who want an exciting opportunity for a new ministry in 2006! Dr. Robert Xavier is founder and director of CKMA and has openings for sponsors and instructors in developing the lives and hearts of young people across the United States. If you would like to be part of an exciting organization that is reaching out to touch the lives of thousands of children and young people through Christian martial arts, please contact Dr. Xavier to learn more about how you can start a CKMA chapter in your community. Confident Kid Martial Arts is also planning for new training opportunities, so we appreciate your prayers in the coming months as the ministry expands.
We would love to hear from you about any topic relating to Christianity and the martial arts. Please send your thoughts and articles for publication to mmcgee@gmaf.org.
BLACK BELTS FOR CHRIST SEMINAR SERIES BBFC is introducing a series of seminars that will bring BBFC Offical Schools and their students the best Black Belts in a specific area of martial arts with a focus on sharing their knowledge in a Christian environment of fellowship.
BBFC will be hosting Sensei Leslee Williams (Vice President of the United States Naginata Federation and Regional Instructor under Helen Michiyo Nakano) for an intensive 4 hour naginata seminar.
Although the naginata is a Japanese weapon, the seminar promises to be a great time of fellowship for all martial artists of all styles. Its a great opportunity to learn another interesting and traditional weapon!
The cost of the seminar is $20 for BBFC members and Black Belts, $30 for non-members.
Space is limited
to 15 members per session.
Equipment will be provided.
Dress attire: Martial arts uniform or lose clothing
SEMINARS WILL BE SCHEDULED DEPENDING ON DEMAND
CLICK HERE to register for The BBFC Seminar in your area.
Leslee Williams
Sensei is the instructor for the Naginata dojo in Tallahassee,
Florida
and is the Regional Instructor under Nakano Sensei.
Helen Michiyo Nakano Sensei is the Chief Instructor of the Southern California Naginata Federation and Co-Founder of the United States Naginata Federation. She has studied Naginata for over 30 years, and currently holds the rank of Godan Renshi (5th degree black belt).
FUN TOURNAMENTS FOR THE MID-WEST:
Ask me about any of these fine tournaments by calling 812-290-5488 or mail at joecom50@earthlink.net
KARATE FOR CHRIST..... JUNE
SMOKY MOUNTAIN CLASSIC IN NEWPORT, TN.... JUNE
MASTER BOWLINGS INVITATIONAL IN SOMERSET, KY... JULY
CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC IN FRANKFORT, KY.... AUGUST
BATTLE OF GATLINBURG.... SEPTEMBER
SMOKY MOUNTAIN CLASSIC.... OCTOBER
THANKSGIVING BASH IN LONDON, KY.... NOVEMBER
P.U.M.MA NATIONALS AND BANQUET IN FRANKFORT, KY.... DECEMBER
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS :
June 10th,
KFCI Tournament in Pigeon Forge, TN
This is the Big One! Jim Carpenter will be hosting the KFCI World
Championships again this year in Pigeon Forge TN. For more information,
log on to: http://www.aacma.com/tournament.html
Jim is giving to Asia Reach Ministries / Korea Missions from the
proceeds.
June / july
Seminars in NC and VA
Possible seminars in Murphy, NC and VA during this time. A couple
of schools have expressed an interest, but we have not discussed
dates as of yet.
July 22nd KFCI
HOMECOMING in North Carolina
This event will be held in Lumberton, North Carolina, hosted by
David Price, KFCI State Representative for the Carolinas. Guest
instructors from all over the United States will be present. More
info. To follow in future newsletters. You don,t want to miss
this one. Pictures from inside North Korea and the ministry there
will be presented during the "Missions / Bible portion of
the Seminar.
August 19-23rd,
Asia Reach Ministries Conference in Midland, Michigan:
Pastor Jim Payne of Midland Baptist Church in Midland, Michigan
will be hosting the Asia Reach Ministries Conference. This will
be your chance to meet all of our KFCI / Asia Reach Missionaries
at one time.
The conference schedule is as follows:
August 19th - Golf Tournament with Steak Cook-out Dinner
August 20th - Sunday School Hour - Bro. Hugh Taylor presents Asia Reach Ministries Overview and his ministry to Asia.
August 2oth - Preaching Hour - Message by Brother Tim Faulk, Missionary to the Philippines.
August 20th- P.M. Service - Brother Bobby Monger, Missionary to Communist China
August 21st - P.M. - Brother Daryl Covington, Missionary to North and South Korea
August 22nd - P.M. - Brother Tim Faulk, Missionary to the Philippines.
August 23rd-
P.M. - Pastor Jim Payne, Host Pastor of Asia Reach Ministries
November - KFCI Tournament in Fayetteville
November - Shinsei Camp in West Virginia
2007 - KFCI
Christian World Martial Arts Seminar
Many GMAF members have told us their favorite part of the monthly newsletter is Fellowship News. It's wonderful to see Christian martial artists praying for each other across the United States and around the world. No distance is too far for Christians. The instant we pray, God hears. We impact the lives of our brothers and sisters positively through our prayers. God answers prayer. It is pleasing to Him. Thank you for caring so much for each other!
Here are some of the notes of prayer and praise we received at GMAF the past two months.
(I know you will join us in praying for each of these Christian martial artists, their families and ministries.)
Our website has
really "Filled up over the past few years. Karate for Christ
International now has 45 CERTIFIED schools! Amen! Due to the fact
that our membership is now at 15,000 - including students of all
our schools, we are going to have to make some changes. Much of
our web time is spent updating members sites that we never hear
from until they get a promotion.
We have removed all comments from non certified schools to reduce the amount of space taken up on our domain, as well as reduced Bios.
KFCI now, after a year of saying so, will have two different memberships. We are still FREE, and open to anyone that wishes to join that ascribes to our statement of ministry and belief. Those that join are associate members, can wear the KFCI patch, receive our newsletter, attend our events, etc.
Those that are "CERTIFIED schools will be able to wear a Certified Schools patch, have their full Bio listed on the web site, along with student promotions, and will be given web space to put up pictures of themselves, their school, or ministry, as well as take advantage of our ranking board.
This will enable us to help the guys that are Certified a bit more than the general membership.
For those that desire to become certified, contact David Dunn. We have a couple "in progress now, to include our new member school in Murphy, NC that I will be personally handling. The certification process is simple, painless, and FREE!
This is the only way we can legitimately recommend someone,s child to attend your school. We have to know who you are! That is the "gist of the whole certification process.
Again, those that are not certified, you are still just as much a member of KFCI as you ever were. Back when we had 40 members a few years ago, we could keep up with everyone pretty easily. Now, we can,t.
If you have been around in KFCI for a while as an active member, have spent some mat time with us, and are not listed on the web site as certified, fire me an email and let me know. I may have simply overlooked a few guys, and we can "grandfather you in as a certified school.
It is my prayer that ALL our schools get certified so we can get to know the membership.
A NOTE ON THE RANKING BOARD:
We have a legitimate path for those seeking training in Hapkido with the Shinse Hapkido system. We also have Dr. Petrotta to oversee some other Korean Martial arts, as well as provide Kukkiwon certification. We have some of the best Judo and JuJitsu players on the planet to help in those areas, as well as Mike Lewis over our Japanese systems. Jim Carpenter, Barry Bandy, and Karl Marx can also help in their respective styles. Just remember, we do NOT offer cross ranking, nor do we "test" anyone in an art we do not have someone that has trained in that art to oversee it. Ranking boards that "give rank" to people in arts that they are not teaching are BOGUS to say the least.
I look forward to seeing KFCI continue to prosper, and getting to know the magnanimous number of new members that have recently joined. Again, I pray we will ALL go through the certification process so KFCI can legitimately say, "Yes, we are well familiar with this school, have seen them on the mat (or by tape), have a pastoral letter on their ministry, and can gladly recommend them to you as a Christian ministry where your kids will be well taught in the Scriptures and the arts. That is the whole purpose of the certification process to better serve the Children. Amen?
Please send your news, pictures and information to Mark McGee for the next newsletter!
We welcome these new members to Grace Martial Arts Fellowship.
Instructor ... Kung Fu San Soo
Phoenix and Queen Creek, Arizona
Member of The Touch of Love Healing Ministry
Red Belt ... Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do
Blue Belt ... Ed Parker Kempo
Training in Aiki Jiujitsu
Began martial arts training Phoenix, Arizona in 1982
Moved to California in 1984 and began taking Tae Kwon Do in college
Seriously injured in car accident in 1995. Recently returned to active training in Tang Soo Do
Worked as a councilor in Alpha Teen, a Christian program for addiction and emotionally troubled teens
Currently living in Arizona
1st Degree Blue Belt ... Youn Wha Ryu
Pastor of 1st Church of God (Reformation Movement, Anderson, Indiana).
My son and I are currently 1st Degree Blue Belt (5th Keup) in the Youn Wha Ryu system and my Wife and I are studying Tai Chi. We have been training a little over a year now and my son and I have been invited to begin the process of becoming certified instructors over the next year or so. The martial has been a great way for my family to grow together and as an outreach for our church.
White Belt ... Tae Kwon Do
Lives in Hope, Kansas
Studies at Sidekick TaeKwonDo in Herington, Kansas
Missionary Pastor with Village Missions serving at Countryside Community Church in Hope, Kansas
New recording
artist with the release of my first CD "There's Hope!"
Personal website is www.jeffgrindle.com
Please let us know if you have moved, changed jobs, received a belt promotion, started studying a new martial art, started a Christian martial arts ministry, etc. We want to be sure your listing in the GMAF Internet Directory is all you want it to be.
You'll find every previous GMAF newsletter at http://www.gmaf.org/gmaf_newsletters.html . These newsletters are a gold mine of information about Christianity and the Martial Arts.
Please send us a picture and information about your martial arts ministry and we'll feature your group in an upcoming newsletter.
We'd like to hear from you! Let us know what you do in your martial arts ministry that you think is special and we'll share it with the Fellowship. Many members write us each month asking for guidance in developing and expanding their martial arts ministries. Please send your ideas to mmcgee@gmaf.org .
We appreciate your Fellowship in the Gospel of the Grace of God. We are praying for you and your opportunities to serve Christ. Please let us know about ways GMAF can help you in your service. If you know of anyone who might be interested in reading this bi-monthly newsletter, please ask them to e-mail Mark McGee. We'll be glad to put them on our mailing list.
If you would like to join Grace Martial Arts Fellowship ©, contact Mark McGee.
Grace Martial Arts Fellowship is a ministry of GraceLife Ministries ©.