As a boy, I was raised on a farm owned by someone other than my family. Under this arrangement, one party provided the money (means) while another went into the field to tend the crops. As a result, when the harvest time came, both parties benefitted from this partnership.
That is somewhat like what State Missions is to the churches of the BMA of Arkansas. We, as individuals, churches and associations, provide the means to support a work and a missionary provides the necessary labor. Bear in mind, like farming, there are more months spent on planting and plowing than on the harvesting itself. But in due time, all involved rejoice in the harvest under this arrangement.
Think about it. Every person who supports missions is personally involved in every life that is changed, family relations restored, conversions, baptisms and new church being planted — talk about reaping better than we have sown! So, please look past the idea that you are only investing in salaries and light bills, but rather investing in people’s lives all over our state.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “On Monday, I returned from Northwest Arkansas after dropping my children off at the University and preparing for the night visit to pray. As I have told you in different reports, during January, we dedicate ourselves to visiting every family in Ebenezer that opens their doors to pray and dedicate their home to God.
This week, we prayed for the Santos, Ahmed and Hernandez families. It was a good time to pray and share with each family.
“Thank God we had a good Celebration Service. We had Caring Hearts Pregnancy Center as our guest. In previous years, we have supported this ministry through our mother church, but this year, we wanted to be more intentional in involving Ebenezer in this community ministry. For several years, we have been praying that God would lead us to support the community, and we have decided to join our mother church in the same community project. Pray that God will raise up volunteers with passion, as there is a need for Spanish-speaking volunteers.
“Thank you for your support and prayers. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “Well, we had a great week in a different kind of way this week. It snowed again overnight, and we canceled services Sunday morning after we got reports of slick sideroads and bitter cold. Making that call is hard, but I never would want to put anyone’s safety at risk.
I would feel terrible if someone ever got hurt because of trying to come in inclement weather. So, we worshipped and prayed from home.
“But we did have a nice blessing last week. Karen and I visited Mt. Magazine for a few days to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. We went to breakfast in the restaurant at The Lodge, and there was only one other couple there. At first glance, they looked familiar, but we couldn’t quite place them. But all of a sudden, we realized it was Dale and Daisy Redmond from The Master’s Builders! They were also looking like they were trying to figure out who we were, so I went to their table and asked, ‘Did you help us build our church?’ They said, ‘Yes!’ Their waitress just looked at us in amazement in one of those small world moments. We visited with them and saw them again the next day, and it truly was a blessing! Thank you, Lord for brothers and sisters in Christ!
“Thank you for your prayers and support. We are truly grateful for both of you and for all of you!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “Faith Journey mission was blessed to have some returning visitors this week and one first-time visitor! Our people have been faithful to keep inviting, and the Lord is blessing their efforts.
“We are looking for new ways to reach our community, and we are still seeking a permanent place to help grow the mission. Please continue to pray for God’s direction and wisdom as we continue to establish Faith Journey mission.”
“Some of this week was spent wrapping up 2024 by finishing all data entry and handing out end-of-the-year statements. Once the administrative chores for last year were completed, we shifted our attention to the new year.
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “This week we had our first prayer meeting. We gathered to cry out to God for several of our needs, the nation and the people who suffer in it.
“On Saturday, my wife, Patty, started a new study with the women from the church in our apartment. The study is about Abigail from I Samuel. This study is 10 weeks, and the sisters who cannot come can connect by Zoom.
“We also started our Sunday school despite the cold 18-degree temperatures. Several brothers and sisters arrived, and I prepared coffee and muffins for them to enjoy breakfast together while sharing a lesson that summarized what we had discussed last year.
“Our Sunday service was missing several families because of the weather, but we were still able to worship the Lord, exalt His name and speak of His wonders through our series on the book of John.
“Again, thank you for your prayers and support. Pray for our leadership formation process.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “This week, on top of our Connection Groups, we had our first Student Gathering. This was for our 6th-12th grade students. Our Woodbridge Connection Group regularly has 15 kids, ranging in age from 1 year to 9th grade. We have recognized that we needed to offer a ‘next step’ for our teenagers.
Still, beyond just a ‘youth group,’ we want to keep our ‘DNA’ of being focused on reading the Bible together, being missionaries in our own context and discipling others. Our goal is to work alongside the youth who have been in the multigenerational connection groups and mentor those students to serve as missionary coaches to their friends.
We started this week by gathering at Pea Ridge’s new community center. It was amazing to see how all our students invited friends. It just came naturally after being in our Connection Groups. Unfortunately, sickness kept some from coming, but it was a great start. The most awesome part of the night was that each of our adult coaches wrote a text encouraging the students.
Pray for our families with students in that age group — the Leatherwood, King and McCandless households. Also, I want to brag on our Garfield Connection Group. With one of their members in the hospital, they called him in the middle of their gathering to pray for him! How cool!”
