Rev. Kent Wilfong
Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.
-
Get to know those you help
Posted Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 12:00 AMWinter is coming full blown upon us. For the next few weeks, according to some experts, we can expect cold, maybe snow, and wintery weather. There may be school closures and even postponements. Winter in Southeast Missouri is often unpredictable... -
What did you find? Christmas is the start, not the end
Posted Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 12:00 AMThe biggest mistake we make around Christmas is we think that after the decorations are put away and all the toys are broken, it’s over. (until next December). We often forget that Christmas is really the beginning, not the end. Matthew 2 is the only place where we learn of the Magi. ... -
Advent, part 2: Get ready, get set and go
Posted Sunday, December 17, 2023, at 12:00 AMI know that I am going to stir up some controversy in what I am about to say, so here goes. I think NHRA drag racing is better than NASCAR. (I can hear the collective inhale of breath as you read this.) I realize these may be fighting words, but quite frankly, I was raised around dragsters. When my uncles and my dad tuned engines, they were tuned for the hole shot, not the left turn... -
Remebering the life of Larry, an angel among us
Posted Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 12:00 AMIn June 1942, a child was born. The child had many, many health issues and according to the doctors, he needed to be institutionalized. He wasn’t going to live long, and the young couple needed to concentrate on building a strong family... -
Advent reminds us to be ready
Posted Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 12:00 AMAdvent is defined as “the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.” As of Dec. 3, we are fully in Advent. Advent also marks the beginning of the church calendar, which consists of the four weeks before Christmas. Now this is not to be confused with the 12 days of Christmas. Those start on Dec. 26, and end on Jan. 6, or Epiphany (we’ll talk more about that later)... -
Don’t forget to be like Martha
Posted Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 12:00 AMThere is a beautiful story in the book of Luke. In Luke 10:38-42, we have a scene set in Bethany. Jesus and the boys have stopped by to visit a good friend, Lazarus, and his sisters Martha and Mary. As Martha gets supper ready, Mary sits and listens to Jesus with the rest of the guests... -
Your ‘Come to Jesus’ moment
Posted Sunday, November 19, 2023, at 12:00 AMJuly 2, 1505, was a stormy day. Martin Luther was on his horse during a thunderstorm. As he sought shelter under a large tree, the tree was struck by lightning. The fact that he survived led him to go from being a lawyer to being a monk. He felt that God had saved him for something, and that was his “Come to Jesus” moment... -
Salvation is free, but being a disciple isn’t
Posted Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 12:00 AMEarly in my journey through ministry, I had the privilege of organizing our youth to go on a mission trip. We were to go to Alabama and help with hurricane cleanup. The kids and parents were all excited until I shared what the cost would be. I had planned for a few fundraisers to make the trip. The response I received was, “You really expect me to pay so I can work?” As an inexperienced pastor, I was at a bit of a loss on how to answer that. Now it isn’t much of a problem... -
Don’t leave, try to fix it
Posted Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 12:00 AMI asked a fellow amateur radio operator which radio brand he thought was the best. There are so many to choose from and I was sure his expertise would guide me in getting that “perfect” radio. His response to me was this, “The best radio is the one you have.”... -
What are you putting first?
Posted Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 12:00 AMMatthew 6:25-34 is a great passage to go too when you are anxious or worrying. Verse 33 is of particular significance to me — “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”... -
Evil is ugly and real
Posted Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 12:00 AMAs I write this today, Israel is in a multi-front war. Terrorists have infiltrated its borders and went on a killing spree. The Israeli death toll has reached over 1,000, including United States citizens. We haven’t much of an idea of the toll on the citizens in Gaza, or the number of terrorists that have been killed. Regardless, it is the innocents that pay the price for war... -
The privilege of following Christ comes with a cost
Posted Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 12:00 AMPaul’s letter to the church in Philippi, and others, was written while in prison at Rome. He was waiting for an audience with Nero, then emperor of Rome. It evidently was quite a wait, but while waiting Paul put his time to good use. The “prison letters” really help us focus on what it means to be a follower of Christ. ... -
So what’s on your list?
Posted Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 12:00 AMWhen we turn on our respective entertainment devices, we run the gamut of advertising paraphernalia. The ads just don’t stop. They each vie to be the first and foremost on your mind. Whether it’s a new mower or a juicy hamburger, advertisers want you to think of them first. Even churches advertise to let you know they can out do, or out preach another church... -
Death is not to be feared
Posted Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 12:00 AMThis past week, my wife and I received some hard news. A very dear friend suffered a heart attack and passed away. I have no doubt of her destination, but still, it is sad for her family and her friends. Notice I used the words “passed away.” Have you noticed that when we talk about death, we try to soften the blow through our words? Our loved one has “gone on to the Lord” or “has passed away.” Even Jesus softened the blow for his disciples when he said Lazarus was asleep (John 11:11). ... -
Let’s ask the right questions
Posted Sunday, September 17, 2023, at 12:00 AMIf I may, I wish to address the elephant in the room. These past couple of weeks have been difficult for our communities. Labor Day weekend and the week leading up to it led to more than a few casualties. This in turn led to funerals and the inevitable question of “Why.” Questions like, “Why did God let this happen?” or “Why does God allow suffering in the world?” It seems in trying to seek comfort, we seek reason behind the actions of our world... -
Church isn't perfect, but it is wonderful
Posted Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 5:39 PMWell, it’s becoming that time of year. School has started and now it is time to get into our fall/winter routines. This means attending school functions, getting ready for the plethora of celebrations, and focusing on going to church. (Did you really think I would leave that out?)... -
Works can’t save, but they do show faith
Posted Sunday, August 20, 2023, at 12:00 AMWhen you get a chance, I would like to suggest that you read the book of James. Throughout the New Testament we are told what to believe and why to believe. James seems dedicated to telling us how to make our faith work. I call James the “Rubber to the Road” book... -
Jesus Christ is always enough
Posted Sunday, August 13, 2023, at 12:00 AMIn each of the Gospels there is a story of the feeding of the multitude. This is the history of Jesus feeding 5,000 men plus their families and friends. This was done at the spur of the moment and with no forethought. Just to sum up, it was late, the people were hungry, and Jesus told the disciples to feed the people rather than send them away. ... -
Church needs to be the priority
Posted Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 12:00 AMThe dog days have set upon us. We alternate between thunderstorms and record setting heat. Sometimes your breath gets taken away just stepping out of the door. It gets hot this time of year. This also is kind of a slow down time for the summer. We are in that in between time of going on vacation and getting ready for school. Oh, I know that in a couple of weeks there will be that last push to doing something before school sets in. I was wondering how your church attendance has been... -
The call of Matthew 18 on VBS
Posted Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 12:00 AMLike almost every church in our area, we at DUMC have Vacation Bible School. Currently we are preparing the church for little ones to come and learn about Christ. It takes a lot of extra work for many people to prepare for VBS. Then we need the volunteers to work during VBS. ...
View all blog posts (71)