Across the country and even right here in Rock County, WI - new data centers are popping up and with them come quite a bit of controversy. Its tempting to dismiss these arguments as just the typical "not in my backyard" conjecture, but these are real people in real communities. They have a voice. Among those opposing this particular data center are my friends Pastor Ray Jewell and Janesville City Council candidate Reese Wood. Listen in we recorded a live interview at the Roxstar Bar in Janesville as Reese met with voters signing his petition.

Recommended Resources:

Reese Wood for Janesville City Council

No Janesville Data Center

Roxstar Bar

This week it was a thrill to have David Varnam on the program. David is running for Lieutenant Governor here in Wisconsin. You will want to hear his story of how he went from a theology major in Bible college in California to the mayor of a rural town in Wisconsin and along the way bumps into James Dobson! He's a great candidate with a great message.

Recommended Resources:

Varnam for Wisconsin

Merry Christmas! But, wait, do we really understand what Christmas is about? Is it possible to know the story of Christ's birth front and back but still "miss the plot"? Joining me on the Podcast this week is Pastor Allen Nelson, IV who is going to chat with us about his new book, The Gospel According to Christmas. Check out our Facebook group in order to for a chance to win a free copy!!!

Recommended Resources:

The Gospel According to Christmas by Allen S. Nelson IV

Providence Baptist Church

Amputated Baptist Facebook Group

Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode three of my boys join me on the podcast to not only tell us what they are thankful but to read a few things you all said you were thankful on our social media pages.

Recommended Resource:

Gobble Gobble by Matthew West

Today's episode was recorded on National Adoption Day while waiting in the drive through line at Chick-Fil-A! I wasn't really planning on an episode this week as I am struggling with a really bad man cold, but my son Davontae really wanted to be a guest on the podcast. So, you'll hear a lot of background noise, but you'll also hear a fourth grade understanding of the gospel and a few thoughts about adoption sprinkled into Davontae's insights on life.

Recommended Resources:

Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches by Russell Moore

In this edition of the podcast we resurrect the Reigning in Ray format, in which Pastor Ray Jewell and I answer your questions. This week we talk about a book idea Ray has for the both of us then spend the rest of the podcast talk to Ray about what living life with Parkinson's Disease is like. If you have a question (theological, political, person or random) you would like us to chat about in a future episode, leave a comment on one of our social media posts or email it to amputatedbaptist@gmail.com.

Recommended Resources:

Unity in Weakness as the Body of Christ: The Message of the first Letter to the Corinthians by Ray Jewell

To the Glory of God Ministries

This week's episode was recorded at the Stateline Youth Conference last week. As I manned my booth, right across from me was cartoonist Paul Cox of Reftoons, a fascinating ministry. Where else would you find a graphic novel describing the Reformation or even Calvin's Institutes? His website tells us that their goal is to "preserve the legacy of theologians of the past by producing humorous and thought-provoking comic strips that bring clarity to various biblical teachings through visual storytelling."

Recommended Resources:

Reftoons

This week on the podcast we travel all the way to the Africa to learn about an important ministry helping both spirit and body. "Jonathan’s House Central Africa is a gospel-centered mission that exists to provide physical and spiritual help, hope and healing to vulnerable children and their community in the Central African Republic, so that they become self-sufficient, gospel-centered disciples of Jesus who are equipped to serve others." Joining us is Donna Bixby, the group's international director.

Recommended Resources:

Jonathan's House

Jonathan's House - Facebook