.
.
|
| John's Blog about cTc.tv (and messages instead of e-mail, tweets or social media) |
Musings and thoughts (Most recent posts are at the bottom of this page) |
December 17, 2011:
A wise person just summed it up well several days ago during a coffee chat about this tiny ministry: "Web sites are for sharing information, and social sites are for sharing communications." The matrix of social sites and options seems to be cross-linking and growing at an exponential rate.
This mission is not funded to hire experts to leverage its reach, so it is stumbling along this learning path with very little spare time. The hit rate, re-visits, and unique visitors count suggests that guests and users of this web site could quickly spread awareness of this fact: "Go to cTc.tv" for immediate links to the best of the free non-denominational Christian resources that we have found.
The original vision of providing a church location service has been superceeded by the unexpected global reach of this little mission (some remnants of the original work are still on this web site to serve those who still use the effective church locating feature, yet also to reflect a deeper appreciation of Philippians 1:12-18)).
Your prayerful help to develop widespread awareness of cTc.tv would be better than any freewill financial sponsorship as we seek to do the Lord's work without the Federal paperwork burdens and restrictions on free speech placed on the mouth of 501(c)(3) non-profits. Prayers and suggestions are most welcome. |
Posted April 28, 2012: Richmond, Virginia, prayer supporters of cTc.tv -- please give thanks to the Lord for how He has redirected the work on this micro-mission and for how it is being discovered by more and more users around the globe. Note: This web site exists to let the Light shine -- and we pray that all who care will come to understand the meaning of "One nation under God" and "In God We Trust!" Remember the National Day of Prayer each May ("Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD" Psalm 33:12)
PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE WEBMASTER on January 14, 2012:
|
Message from cTc.tv webmaster and update posted: June 12, 2012:
Thank you for your patience as we moved the list and location map of the nominated churches in Richmond, Virginia back from the archives to pages that you can now access via the sub-pages under USA Church Maps tab. Likewise the Rochester, NY map.
The original plan in 2003 was to develop a locating service across the USA, with development and market testing of the concept for Richmond, VA, but that is now history (the original Churches That Care vision was to develop a better way to connect single parents of pre-teen children with churches that are exceptional with first time guests. The strategy involved developing pre-need awareness via a very focused on-going, low frequency and metro-reach media campaign at a cost equivalent to a small bottle of drinking water per participating church member per month. The concept landed with a dull thud. We are very thankful for the number of prayer supporters who prayed that this endeavor would find an even better way to respond to the call of the Great Commission. Do you think that is happening now? Nevertheless, website statistics indicate that a number of people in Richmond and Rochester still like to use the mapping service, so it has been restored, but THE MAPPING SERVICE is not currently being maintained or updated.
This situation could change at some point in time if it is the will of the Lord. Please pray that this little seed continues to grow. Many of the hits on this web site are now coming from links within web sites that are hosted in countries other than the United States -- so Praise the Lord!!!
cTc webmaster, steward and servant of the Lord. |
> Little whisper on June 24, 2012 said the initials for cTc.tv could also mean"
"christians that carry the vision". Could even say "Children that carry the vision" too?
> Is this a useful phrase that also helps recall of the website name?
> TV could mean True Values, for example, Christians That Care . True Values
> Do you have any ideas for good messages that are even better and more memorable using the "C T C TV" initials?
> What do you think? feedback@ctc.tv
|
Some history and recent developments regarding cTc.tv, by John Randall, October 13, 2012:
Messages sometimes come from your friends and prayer supporters in little pieces -- and you have to pray for the wisdom of the Lord to help you put them together to get the message.
What did my prayer supporters (sought in accord with Proverbs 15:22) say?
One, a very wise man (M.B. who lives in Boone, North Carolina) said, "John, cTc is a great idea! Simply give it away to the users." I thought, "You have to be kidding -- I had second mortgaged our house to the hilt to be able to spend the time to research and develop the mission concept and web site. Surely some religious leaders will see the merit and sign on to support it -- after all, it only cost about the same as a small bottle of drinking water per local church giving unit per month to maintain the service for about 50 churches in Richmond, Virginia or Rochester, New York. This included a carefully crafted very low cost, yet effective, metro-region awareness campaign (the pilot of the first message is now on the home page of cTc.tv, a gift to all who care to use it). The intent was to inspire parents of young children to bring them to effective local churches that care (the genesis of the mission's Internet domain initials CTC is "churches that care").
Another said, "John, it won't work. Most organized religion churches compete with each other for wandering Christians, not wondering potential Christians." Those words from this good friend and prayer supporter (M.B. who lives in Richmond, Virginia) struck me as odd -- don't churches want more of the wondering lost to come in to discover the Gospel and the love of our Lord? I thought so, and indeed many apparently do -- but at that point in time, the mission was flat on its back -- and I was falling behind on our mortgage payments to BB&T Bank.
Yet another said, "John, you have to monetize cTc.tv if you want the mission to survive." Those words from an old friend and now a prayer supporter (N.V.) several years ago still haunt me. I had drained our liquid assets -- and then some -- to do the research for resources and to develop the mission business plan, only to discover that I had made some seriously wrong planning assumptions. Not a good thing! Worse yet, the bank had sent us a foreclosure notice.
But the Lord was by my side. At the tender age of 72, one day when I was trying to sell a copy of a book I authored, I was instead offered a part time job as an Adjunct Professor to teach night school business classes. I jumped at that, as I love to help others! That gig takes almost all of my time, the very modest income is steady, and we recently were able to reverse out of the house mortgages, so we did not lose our home. Praise the Lord!
After a lot of prayer and reflection, the mission concept was also redirected to being a virtual ministry, on-line, and totally independent of any institutional religion, organized religion or denominational church. The statement of faith of cTc.tv is simply the Holy Bible. The ministry is now intended to appeal to the curious, rather than the seeker or wanderer. It targets the otherwise unreachable lost around the globe. It uses a very unique Internet marketing strategy -- and it is maintained on a "de minimis" budget (I now have no choice). The wonderful outcome is the global response to this service. So how do I make ends meet? Most importantly, I trust that the Lord is beside me every step of the way as I strive to respond to His call to bring His light into dark places -- no matter where darkness is on the globe. I work day and night six days a week. I sell my time and some books to cover our living expenses. I try to keep an average of one hour a day free to work on cTc.tv. I am lucky to have some meals together with my dearest wife of more than 52 years, Joanne.
But now -- a recent reality -- I am almost 75. Younger instructors with PhD's are aplenty. Although I have a Master of Science, I can see the end of the part-time Adjunct Professor gig on the horizon. My course load -- and compensation -- has recently been reduced to the lowest base level (I do not have a PhD), new faculty and staff are showing up on the University campus, and my earthly body clock keeps on ticking. Praise the Lord for the ticking!
Now what? The books I have authored for business operators (and the truly ambitious who want to develop an enterprise), in particular the Guidebook, Mastering Your Marketing, already have my many decades of time sunk in real-world enterprise research, development and then writing them. My only expense now is printing and shipping them. Sales of the books help support my household and allow some time for the mission.
Now just three book sales a week would free me up to devote full time to the mission. The book is expensive, $299.00 So are classic textbooks from academia and the huge publishers that dominate the market. Unlike traditional academic textbooks, this unique Guidebook is like 24 condensed books under one cover. It is a self-paced learning experience. It can be easily read and applied. I wrote it for high school drop-outs, but have found that marketing professionals and consultants also love to use it! Users range from Florida to Maryland -- and not one copy has ever been returned under the money back guarantee.
Bottom Line: Book sales are essential for continuity of my household and the cTc.tv mission. Business people and start-up enterprises can write the cost off as a legitimate expense, not a donation. All I really ask for is prayers. But, if you feel compelled to help, and are curious about the book I wrote, Mastering Your Marketing, my son Steve will fill your order -- just go to: http://www.RGIofVA.com. Even if you do not buy a book, a visit to that web site will allow you to get a FREE copy of Marketing Tips and Insight for Entrepreneurs. I am more interested in helping you than selling books. But if you wish to buy a copy of the book to write-off as a business publication expense (see IRS publication 535 and your tax advisor) -- well I sincerely say, "Thank you!" You also get a quiet thank you from the growing number of thousands around the globe that have quietly discovered and use guidance to the Light from the "best-of-the-best" free Internet resources for those who are "wondering about God" that are provided to them by http://cTc.tv. The reality is that cTc.tv has no ads, no pop-ups, no passwords, no advertisements, no e-mail address demands, no place to make donations, no kidding!
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all God's people, and thank you for your prayers.
In Christ,
John
|
| Do You Like Psalm 23? |
Psalm 23 is one of my favorite places in the Holy Bible. It was written by King David. As a youth, David was a shepherd of sheep before he was called to deal with Goliath. Over the years, this Psalm has meant a lot to me. Recently I learned more that has made it even more meaningful to me -- and I am sharing that with you here:
About 35 years ago, an author who was a real shepherd of real flocks of sheep, kindly took each phrase from this Psalm, and shared his insights in written form.
Since then, more than two million copies of his book, A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, have been distributed by Zondervan: (http://zondervan.com/9780310274414).
The book content is also available in audio unabridged (English): (3.7 hours, http://zondervan.com/9780310305194) and audio abridged: (1 hour, http://zondervan.com/9780310260981).
Just copy and paste the link of interest into your browser to get current price and availability information.
NOTE: In accord with the policy of this web site, this is NOT an affiliate marketing link, and this is NOT to promote the book. It is my sharing an insight with you, and the resource, while not free, is very economical. This is a courtesy to make your follow up quick and easy. All we ask is for your prayers and please tell a friend about http://ctc.tv to help us spread the Word around the globe.
John January 31, 2013 |
PALM SUNDAY, March 25, 2013 Every child is a gift from God. The child whose birth we celebrate on Christmas Day, Jesus Christ, was the ultimate gift from God to all of us. Jesus, the son of God and the son of the virgin Mary, showed the love of God for us in so many ways. Let us learn the true meaning of Love from His grace and the ultimate obedient sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins by his death on the cross. Let us be in complete awe next Sunday as we celebrate His life on earth after He was dead and buried -- and three days later was living again among those still in their earthly life as He shared his guidance with hundreds who saw and heard Him prior to His assension to Heaven and his final words to Saul -- who became Paul -- and The Message of His Word was extended to all mankind. Thank you Lord God for your mercy and grace. So be it and Amen!
Each week when I have a few minutes and take a look at the Network Solutions Webstats and hit maps, I celebrate how the Lord works in and through me to bring this global Internet ministry to you. Praise the Lord. This month, one out of every 30 who find the site now stay on it for more than 15 minutes, and for this I give heartfelt thanks.
On a personal note, I also give thanks for my wonderful wife, Joanne, as we approach 53 years of marriage and I approach my 75th birthday. Her maiden name, when translated, means "God's Friend"! Joanne has lived up to that description every day as she continues to be my very best friend and as one with me on this journey of faith on earth with an eye on God's promised home in Heaven for those who place their faith and trust in our Savior, His Son, Jesus Christ.
To all who use this website, a heartfelt "thank you" for your prayers and for sharing it with your family, friends and others. May you discover the real meaning of freedom that comes from understanding the promises and love of God as recorded over the centuries in the Holy Bible.
John
|
TRUST GOD, NOT MANKIND!
A simple question: 1. "What is the difference between a statesman and a politician?"
Another simple question: 2. "What is the difference between a leader and a self-serving fool?"
And one more: 3. "When the dust settles, what is the most powerful of these three: might, money or mind?
Consider this: 4. "After more than 2,000 years, who is the most respected all-time servant-leader and teacher?"
And finally: 5. "Is it better to trust in the Lord, our God, than to put confidence in mankind?"
What do you think?
P.S. Are you doing your own thinking?
The answers (in my opinion):
1. A statesman serves the people. A politician is self-serving.
2. A leader seeks the truth, reflects integrity, and has honest character. A fool is fooled.
3. A mindful mind does the thinking and seeks the ultimate wisdom and understanding of the true meaning of love. Might and money are transients with the passage of time (might and money may provide power to those with it, yet the inherent sinful nature of mankind -- when combined with absolute power -- eventually leads to absolute corruption).
4. Jesus Christ. His life, death and life witnessed by hundreds after his death on the Roman executionor's cross, and His assension to Heaven witnessed by many, is recorded in the New Testament. Why not read the Holy Bible and learn the details for yourself?
5. What do you really think? What have your life experiences so far taught you? Do you seek the material things of earth, or the ultimate Wisdom? Are you really happy with your life the way it is?
For more insights as you ponder your own response to these questions, why not read the Holy Bible from cover to cover, just like you would read any other great book? After all, it is the greatest book in all of recorded human history.
If you would like specific insights, try Psalms 118:8, and 1 Samuel Chapter 8, and finally John 3:16. Consider the message. Then personally pray and seek wisdom as you select and place your faith and trust in your personal choice for your leadership.
John June 14, 2013
|
July 11, 2013
PRAYERS FOR ONGONG PROVISIONING OF THIS MISSION ARE NEEDED RIGHT NOW.
MY PART-TIME WORK (THAT STARTED WHEN I WAS ONLY 72) IN ACADEMIA HAS HIT BOTTOM AS A FLOOD OF YOUNGER PhD HOLDERS ARE NOT ONLY FILLING THE SLOTS, BUT ARE ALSO BEING MORE FREQUENTLY MANDATED BY ACCREDITORS.
This mission is not a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) or any of the other Federal tax favored entities. I support it and my household by selling my time for market research, business strategic planning, CEO private counseling, public speaking and conducting seminars and workshops with the hope of honariums, fees, and/or sales of practical books that I have authored.
The Lord has blessed me with good health and a wonderful family, including my dear wife for 53+ years, Joanne. Friends of this mission are encouraged to directly support the free resources linked from http://cTc.tv that they find personally useful.
This web ministry is a free gift to all who discover and hopefully use it. Nevertheless, this old ox now needs a few grains left on the threshing floor*. As a secondary action, if you feel compelled to do so, please pray that more of those who can benefit from my skill set and personal purpose in this life take steps now to do so. Being only 75 years young, most of my income-producing work comes from word-of-mouth and I thank you for your prayers.
John
* Deuteronomy 24:4 1 Corinthians 9:0 1 Timothy 5:18
|
August 13, 2013
I praise the Lord for every day! He is my Rock. Please pray as hard as you know how that some doors open -- very soon -- for the use of my services or sales of the books I have authored so that I can sustain and grow this mission. My primary source of earned income choked off to zero earlier this year. While so many simply use the Internet for all of their learning, I still feel that face-to-face, interactive exchange of ideas and experience, with actual events to illustrate points, is also an essential part of the learning process.
You are encouraged to attend a church near you so that you have a face-to-face learning opportunity. If you are a business owner or business student, please support your local church, then perhaps support one or more of those missions that are presented to you on http://cTc.tv, Then, and only then, if you feel the Spirit urging you to help sustain my time to grow this mission, why not consider purchasing a business book or publication that I have authored? A free sample of my original writings (a business e-book) awaits you by simply going to www.RGIofVa.com for more information.
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection and prayers, and God Bless You.
John |
Blogs, Tweets, Facebook posts about cTc.tv are encouraged!
Links from your web site, social media, etc., are welcome!
Church Web Site Master or Owner? Freely link to and use this web site.
Terms of use & legal stuff. cTc.tv is "not-for-profit", but is NOT a 501(c)(3): it is a gift to you. Feedback@cTc.tv
YOU are FREE to use this website any time you wish; so is your church!
No cookies, no sign in, no passwords, no advertisements, no pleas other than for prayers.
Mission launched by Christians that care in 2003.
Last update 08/20/2013, from cTc.tv in Richmond, VA
|