Chris Maxwell's Newsletter

CHRIS MAXWELL SAYS GOODBYE TO ORLANDO

After pastoring in Orlando, FL, for 19 years, it is time for Chris Maxwell to say goodbye. Chris, his wife Debbie, and their youngest son Graham, are packing their bags and moving to the area where Chris grew up---northeast Georgia. Launching into his new role as Campus Pastor and Spiritual Director for Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Chris will also work as a Writer, Editor and Motivational Speaker for LifeSprings Resources.

Chris sums up his thoughts about the change this way: "I am honored to work with the students at Emmanuel College. As they prepare for shaping our world, I hope to encourage them to pursue their dreams while remembering life's most important values. And, writing for LifeSprings is another thrill. Debbie and I will miss the people of Evangel; they have been such true friends. But we know God has a new season for us and will bless the congregation of Evangel in many ways."

Ten years ago many did not know about Chris' future. Few would have envisioned him on staff at a school of higher learning. In 1996, encephalitis almost ended his life. Though he lived, his permanent brain damage and his ongoing battle with epilepsy could have closed many doors and left him defeated. As he wrote with honesty in his book, Changing My Mind, Chris chose to view the obstacle as an opportunity to help others walk through life's disappointments and find victory.


Dianne Chambers, Office Manager at Evangel Assembly has this to say:
"I began working for Chris Maxwell a little over 11 years ago. I was reluctant to work for him because I was afraid I would find out that, away from the all-seeing eyes and ears of the Sunday morning and Wednesday night churchgoers, he would not be the same kind, caring, loving man he always seemed to be. Imagine my relief to find that the Chris Maxwell who stands up in the pulpit every Sunday morning and Wednesday night is the same Chris Maxwell you will meet at any other time at any other place.

Chris has been my pastor, my friend, my counselor. He’s been kind to me when I’ve needed it, and lovingly firm when necessary, forcing me to come out from behind a self-imposed barrier of long standing to start to become the woman God intended me to be.

I am beside myself with joy about this new opportunity for Chris. It is a perfect fit for him; it is the opportunity that will allow Chris the freedom to soar toward the future God has for him. At the same time, I am personally devastated at the thought of losing the day-to-day, personal contact with him. I will miss the laughter, the tears….He is simply irreplaceable in my life and heart."

In addition to his positions at Emmanuel and LifeSprings, Chris will continue traveling and speaking at conventions, churches, schools, hospitals, epilepsy groups, and writers' conferences. Chris has recently been selected as a spokesperson for Epilepsy Ambassadors. His website www.chrismaxwellweb.com gives information about his writing, his speaking schedule, and how to order Changing My Mind or his earlier book, Beggars Can Be Chosen. His regular email blog, Another Day Along the Way, invites readers into his thoughts and offers honest ways of finding truth in a mixed up world.

Emmanuel College’s Vice President for Student Life, Jason Croy, expresses his excitement over Chris’ upcoming arrival:

“We are greatly anticipating the arrival of Chris Maxwell to our campus. Chris will have the honor of providing spiritual leadership and vision for the Emmanuel College community. Through spiritual formation programs, student ministries, short-term missions, and weekly chapel services, Chris will have numerous opportunities to utilize his creativity. I foresee his countless talents and abilities inspiring our students to reach their full potential.”

Chris can be reached by email at: CMaxMan@aol.com.

Another Day Along the Way
Thursday, April 20, 2006

Another day,
Did you meet a friend this week?

Not just a friend you've known for a long time. What about a person who became your friend after you met them for the first time?

I know. It isn't that easy. We live in a fast-paced world and hardly have time to enjoy friendships we already have. So meeting people for the first time and choosing to invest ourselves--time, energy, conversation, care--is difficult because we have little energy left in our account.

But I'm glad I spoke to a man this week. I arrived early at a breakfast meeting. He was there, eating with a friend. Later--after the scrambled eggs were all gone and I headed out the door with my dear friend--I voiced a few comments to the stranger I had not yet met. We both smiled, introduced ourselves to each other, and went separate ways. My other friend and I prayed, said goodbye, and I headed to my car. The stranger came by again and realized he had heard of me after all.

So we talked again. I wanted to become a friend to him. We prayed and then drove different ways. We've talked since through email; it all reminded me of how our Maker makes connections. We just need to be willing to notice, to care, to listen.

Let each of us choose to meet a friend this week. A new one; a person in need of care. Smile and say hello. Grab a little time for kindness.

Someone just might be kind toward you one day when you need them most.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: Be kind, for everyone you know is facing a great battle.
(Philo of Alexandria)

Another Day Along the Way
Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Another day,
Several of you have emailed me about my silence. Not many Another Days these days. And today isn't much about me. It is about us, about our God, about our hope for a future.

This is the poem I've been praying, the song I've been singing. I invite you to join in.

Psalm 46:1-11 (NIV)
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
[2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
[3] though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah

[4] There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
[5] God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
[6] Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

[7] The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

[8] Come and see the works of the Lord,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
[9] He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.
[10] "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

[11] The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Prayer Spoken: (Psalm 46:5, The Message)
God lives here, the streets are safe,
God at your service from crack of dawn.