Saturday Thoughts...Dad's funeral services

Just to continue some thoughts regarding Dad's funeral services Thursday evening and Friday.

We arrived back home today around 1:30 pm. I really appreciate all the flowers, gifts, e-mails, cards, and phone calls we have received. I know many of you would have liked to have attended but couldn't because of the weather, distance, or having to work. That's very understandable. Nevertheless, thank you so much for your prayers(I don't know what people do that are not covered in prayer)and kind words and deeds.

The service itself yesterday was beautiful. Everyone did a wonderful job. The crowd was made up of some family, friends, and many, many pastors and ministers. My uncle from Arkansas led off in prayer. He is faithful Baptist deacon who has been a successful small businessman in Arkansas for as long as I can remember. He and his wife Carolyn came up Tuesday ahead of the snow storm and went back Friday. They are precious people.

My other uncle, Pastor Jerry Ballard (Columbus, Indiana), followed his brother Bud with the reading of the obituary and a Eulogy. He did a wonderful job sharing about their boyhood growing up in Pumpkin Bend, Arkansas. He talked a lot about the mischief he, dad, Bud, and Gene (my deceased uncle) would get into and how my grandfather would discipline them (the old-fashion way which would be considered abuse today). Jerry and dad have always been close. Dad led Jerry to Christ when they first came up to Indiana to work. Later, Jerry led dad in receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I really appreciated Jerry's wife, Geraldine. Geraldine has been the Executive Secretary & Treasurer at the Indiana State Office for a long time. The State Overseer of Indiana refers to Geraldine as the "real Overseer" of Indiana (he's kidding of course..I think). Anyway, Geraldine made so many phone calls for me this week and printed the programs for the service. I don't know what we would have done without her. She is a jewel!

My dad and mom's pastor, Maggie Phipps, who pastors a church called "Caring and Sharing" in Indianapolis followed with another eulogy. They have a wonderful ministry that feeds and provides clothing and lots of other services to many, many people on the west side of Indianapolis. Maggie is well-known throughout Indianapolis and loved by the community. She is quite a servant of God.

Next my sister's family shared. My niece, Bree, who is a gifted writer, shared her thoughts about dad. The funeral director later told me has has never seen someone so young share so eloquently in that kind of setting before. Then, my sister and her husband shared their memories back to back. One thing that Bob (my brother-in-law) shared that I had never heard before really blessed me. He said back in the early 90's when he and Candace moved to the east side of Indy from Lee College. He got a job selling cars at a car lot not too far from where my dad worked at the Kroger plant before dad went into full-time ministry. Bob told us that he would often run into people that worked at Kroger. He would ask them if they knew Don Ballard. Now this is fifteen years after dad had left Kroger. But Bob said that everyone that he talked with that knew or remembered dad spoke of his "high character and his Christ-like life."

Candace was not on the program to share. Nevertheless, she did a wonderful job. I am really proud of Bob and Candace and their beautiful children, Bree, and Danielle.

Afterwards, everyone viewed a video tribute to dad. I had worked on this particular video all week and I would cry as I would work on it. Annette watched it with me for the first time Wednesday night and we sat and cried together. Anyway, as you can imagine, I don't think there was too many dry eyes in the place. I might play it Sunday AM if the KP family wants to see it. If you attend KP and you want to see it, please let me know before the service starts.

My brother followed the video. I felt sorry for him. But he is such a powerfully anointed speaker...he did great. Tom and I both were with dad when he died Monday. He shared a little about that and some other humorous stories. I might share some of Tom's thoughts at a later time. It was really good!

After Tom, the assistant pastor of dad and mom's church shared an old song called "God Walks the Dark Hills." Of course, it was one of dad's favorites. Then, Woodrow Alley, one of dad's long-time pastor friends shared some thoughts and stories. Woodrow and his wife came and prayed for dad about this time last year. God really used Brother Alley to prophesy over dad. I sincerely believe that God gave dad one more year to fulfill Brother Alley's prophesy. Brother Alley is 75 years old and still evangelizing. I know the KP family enjoys his ministry.

Finally, I concluded the service with a few thoughts and an altar call. It all started with dad back in the early 60's which would eventually lead to all of dad's family (dad, mom, and six siblings) coming to Christ. Dad's children and grandchildren know Christ as their Lord and Savior. But dad was always burdened for a few family members and close friends that were still out there lost. It is my prayer and dad's that everyone that was at the funeral service left there with the assurance of eternal life. Dad will be looking for you when the rapture takes place very soon. I hope he finds you there.

Dad's body was buried in a little country cemetery in Clayton, Indiana, not too far from where Annette and I lived before coming to Ohio. It's a beautiful little spot with a farm and cornfield not too far away. It is definitely dad's kind of place. One day soon he will be looking down on that very ground when his body comes out of that grave (I Thessalonians 4:15-18) and joins his spirit in the air. I plan on following his body to that great homecoming in the air! Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

-Pastor Randy

Friday Countdown...Dad's funeral service today

It's really late and I am emotionally and physically beat. But I wanted to share a few initial thoughts regarding dad's service last night and today. I will share more tomorrow.

The visitation went well Thursday evening. I hate that the weather was so bad in Ohio. I know that others wanted to come but just couldn't due to the bad road conditions. Nevertheless, I so appreciated your prayers.

We had two people share some memories and thoughts about dad on the half hour during the visitation beginning at 6:30 pm. I had never seen it done before, but I thought it worked out pretty well. We done this because we had so many that wanted to share something that we couldn't possibly work it all into the Friday service. It was really neat hearing from some of the youth that I had grown up with at the Greenfield Church of God. I appreciate their humorous stories, kind and comforting words.

Dad's life touched many lives. Not just as a pastor, but the 17 years he served as a lay person working at the kroger plant in Indy. This was pretty evident by the testimonies and the outpouring of love shown the last few days.

This week we have received emails, cards, and phone calls from so many people all over the country. It has been very touching!

I love you all. I will share plenty more tomorrow.

-Pastor Randy

"I Didn't See A Sting"

Sorry, its been awhile. As you know, its just been really, really busy. This morning we went to the funeral home and made the arrangments. I think everyone knows but the visitation is set up for Thurs. 5 to 8 pm and the service will be at 10 am Friday at Jones Family Mortuary in Mooresville, Indiana. The funeral home bought a church building located behind the home. They have turned it into a very nice banquet hall/chapel. It is very spacious and should serve us well.

I really don't want to write too much about Dad's passing Monday at this point. Of course, it is still very fresh and emotional for me. Today on my way back from Indy, I received one phone call after another. Sometimes I would get choked up during the phone calls and many times weep in between the phone calls. It is as hard as I thought it would be but at the same time the joy I feel for dad is a great comfort. Truly, when a dad is saved and lives for God, his salvation is a wonderful gift to his children and wife when he dies.

One observation I do want to share about dad's passing. As I watched dad breathe his last breath and pass on into eternal life a scripture passage hit me in the face that I have preached many times. The scripture came from 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, " O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

I am here to tell you from what I saw UP CLOSE THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO STING IN DEATH FOR THE BLOOD-BOUGHT, REDEEMED BELIEVER IN CHRIST. The hebrew word for "death" denotes "point or poison." Some translate it as "hurt." At noon Monday, for the first time in my life I saw a body of a dear man that had held me, carried me, hugged me, kissed me, that gently and firmly touched me throughout my life turn lifeless. As painful as that was to watch, there was no stinger. Jesus removed the sting at Calvary and all my brother and I could do was rejoice with tears and hands raised in victory.

Well, I need to go. I have so much to do. Please KP family remember Linda Apke, Anna Hilton, Ken Brumfield this week in your prayers. And thank you so much for your prayers for me and my family. Like wings they have carried us. I love you!

-Pastor

Sunday Wrap Up

Hello everyone. I trust you have had a great day of worship. I thank Brother Tim Orr for preaching both services today. I heard he done a wonderful job and you had good worship services today.

The latest on dad is he is hanging in there. It's little after 11:00 pm here. My mother, brother, sister, and I are in the room with dad. It has been a hard few days but very soon I believe dad will be with the Lord. I am anxious for him to experience heaven and for his time of suffering to end. Thanks so much for every one's prayers. If he goes home soon, I will post the services times on this blog and the church office will be sending out e-mails.

I love and appreciate you all!

Saturday Thoughts

Dad had a very restful night. He is only taking his medication for pain at this point. He is unconscious, but comfortable. I had a good time with him and the Holy Spirit this morning. I put a "greatest hymns" CD in and we worshiped and read the psalms followed by a great time of prayer. The presence of God was wonderful. Even though he was in an unconscious state, I know he heard everything and joined in.

Dad had a lot of visitors today, most of which were family. Mary [Robinson] Roland and her husband and son came. Pastor Larry Pyeatt also came to the hospital. Mary's dad, Elmo Robinson, as I wrote in yesterday's blog, was dad's best friend until his passing. Mary was more like a sister to me growing up. Mary was a very gifted and anointed solist. She went on to sing and travel with Nancy Harmon for many years. Mary was very special to dad and I know he was too her as well.

Well, I came back to my mom and dad's house this evening to rest up some. My brother is staying with dad tonight. I plan to get back up there pretty early in the morning...Lord willing.

I appreciate everyone's prayers. We can feel them! Have a wonderful worship time tomorrow. Give God your best in every aspect of your worship!

-Pastor Randy

Friday Countdown...updated at 10:26 pm

Hello everyone. Annette and I are on our way to Indy today. My father is not doing well and doctors are giving him just days to live now. If you would, please remember my mother and our family in your prayers. The KP family is a praying church and I know you will be lifting us up all the way. I love and appreciate you!

Update on Dad, 10:26 PM

Dad is resting now. He has had a lot of stimulating today...most of the family was up here throughout the day. He pretty much went to asleep around 4:30 pm and has been sleeping pretty sound. He cannot swallow at this point. So we can't give him anything to drink or eat. However, the doctor says the Parkinson disease is keeping him from realizing that he is hungry and thirsty.

Tonight, I read a little from Don Piper's new book, "Heaven is Real." He is the man that wrote "Ninety Minutes in Heaven" a few years ago that is still selling off the shelves. I read tonight where Rev. Piper said death is like a bridge between earth and heaven. He said for him the second he died he was instantly in heaven...no transition, no long tunnel, etc.

Last night as I was praying late the Lord gave me a vision of dad entering into heaven. I saw lots of familiar faces coming up and hugging him and patting him on the back. I first saw his dad and mom, Arlice and Amy Ballard. Both of which received Christ toward the end of their earthy lives. Then I saw dad's three sisters hugging him: Midge, Doris, and Helen. They were really, really glad to see him. Midge had only been there herself a few weeks and she seemed the most joyous of all of the three sisters to see dad. Then, I saw his oldest brother, Gene, who lived in Oregon, who dad never got to see very much after he left home. And then, there was Elmo Robinson, dad's best friend. Elmo died in the late sixties when he was fairly young. Him and dad were really close. We went to their house seemly every Sunday night after church. Elmo left a wife, Daisy, and four children. Dad I think kind of tried to take Elmo's place as Diane, Gary, Mary, and Sheila grew up.

In my vision the people just kept coming: Sister Silcox, Sister Wright, Pastor Jack Gambill, Pastor Rick Philpott, and many, many others. There was my grandpa and grandma on my mother's side who were waiting anxiously in line to greet and hug dad. There were many people that I didn't think he knew but they knew him. As my vision of dad in heaven ended, he seemed overwhelmed and caught up in what seemed to be a personal homecoming just for him. He had crossed the bridge and what was waiting on the other side was only the beginning. Wow!

I know I will miss him when he crosses over sometime soon. He has been a great dad and I would rather God heal him and keep him here. However, what awaits him is so much better than anything he could experience here. Someone once said, "When were born, we cry and the world rejoices. When we die, we rejoice and the world cries." Well, I would rather cry now knowing that my dad is rejoicing in heaven for eternity!

-Pastor Randy Ballard

Top Ten Thoughts Regarding the Inauguration

10. As an American, I feel less secure today than I did yesterday. In his first day in office, Obama already is closing Guantanamo Bay and banning all torture techniques. I wonder what kind of message that will send to Terrorists around the world. About "come over and bomb us and do whatever you want...and if we capture you we promise we will put you up in an Holiday Inn Express." GOD HELP US!
9. But I do find myself praying more for Pres. Obama than I did for Pres. Bush.
8. I didn't like him (Obama) taking time to single out the Muslim world in his speech. With his Muslim roots and past Muslim associations, I don't trust him to speak or associate with the Muslim world.
7. I thought his (indirect)rebukes of President Bush was uncalled for and very unprofessional. If our nation is still in existence eight years from now, history will treat Pres. Bush very generously.
6.The booing of President Bush was classless. And what was worse than that was the media acting suprised and rebuking the booing crowd. "It was because of the media's constant criticism for eight years that caused them to boo in the first place."
5. I can appreciate the historical significance that President Obama's inauguration meant to many people, especially to African-Americans everywhere. I too am proud that our nation can vote an African-American man or woman into the highest office in the land. I just wish that person would not have been so liberal in their politics. I would have loved to have seen J.C. Watts, Supreme Court Justice Thomas, Condi Rice, or even Bill Cosby represent the African-American population as President.
4. From all reports (including Pres. Obama's), President Bush and his staff did a first-class job in making the transition. This was not true when the Clintons handed it off to the Bush administration.
3. President Bush and his wife were very gracious throughout the day until the very end. Even though he proved to be a "big-time government spender," President Bush proved to be a very principled man and a man who was not afraid to lead.
2. God help us all if something happens to Pres. Obama and VP Biden or House Speaker Pilosi is running the country. Just another reason why all of us should earnestly pray daily for Pres. Obama.
1. I have never heard the name of Jesus invoked so much in a prayer. Great job, Pastor Rick Warren. Hopefully, Pres. Obama will seek after godly council from Pastor Warren throughout his presidency.

The above is a light commentary regarding the inauguration. If it makes you angry, you are probably a little too democrat and not enough Christian. Just my thoughts! Have a wonderful day.

-Pastor Randy