Our annual Special Emphasis 2025 is currently in full swing. I have had the privilege of sharing this ministry with several already and am looking forward to those I have scheduled.
It was a blessing to be with my good friend Paul Bullock and the wonderful people of College View Missionary Baptist Church in Magnolia on June 29. I love having the opportunity to thank our supporters face-to-face. One of the highlights of the evening was meeting two GMA students and having my picture taken with them. The GMA ladies are such a blessing to me. I want to encourage all of them and thank those who lead them. You are, as our theme says, “Making a Difference.”
Often, our schedules prevent us from setting up a time for me or one of the missionaries to visit during May, June or July. We are available at the time that is most convenient for you. Please pray for your missionaries as they serve on the field.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “As is tradition, this year at Ebenezer we went back to Lake DeGray for our annual day of fellowship and baptisms. Each year, we have two clear purposes in mind — to celebrate the baptisms of new believers and to enjoy a time of fellowship. We are very grateful that Yeissys Giraldo and Pablo Rumbos were baptized on this occasion. Afterward, we held our Celebration Service and the Lord’s Supper. Then we shared a meal, played games and had free time to enjoy the day.
“We were very happy to welcome visitors and share the gospel with them. We ask for your prayers that the seeds sown will bear fruit in due season. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel. Most of those who have been sick or travelling were back, and we had a great number and a wonderful time of worship.
“We had a week without any rain for the first time in a long time, but as I write this, it is thundering, and the forecast has a chance of rain every day this week. Thank you, Lord, for the rain! The saying we have around here is that we are never more than two weeks away from a drought, so we are thankful for it when it arrives, especially in the summer.
“Our yard sale to benefit the kids’ playground is taking shape and coming up on July 19. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello, grab a hot dog and lemonade, and pick up something to take home. It is for a good cause.
“Our yard sale to benefit the kids’ playground is taking shape and coming up on July 19. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello, grab a hot dog and lemonade, and pick up something to take home. It is for a good cause.
“We are still working on the electrical and ductwork in the classroom addition. It takes time, but we are getting closer every day. We want to thank you all again for your prayers and support, and we are grateful to God for you and this association.”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July. We are grateful to live in a country where we have the freedom to gather and worship our Lord, Jesus Christ, every day.
“Faith Journey had a productive and positive week. A new church library has been established, offering over 300 Christian books for the mission family to borrow and grow in their faith. A weekly bulletin is also being launched to include lesson notes, announcements, praises and prayer requests — helping everyone stay informed and connected.
“Sunday morning saw a strong turnout for worship, and the evening service was especially powerful. The message focused on the theme: ‘We have not because we ask not.’ Our folks broke into small groups to share their current prayer needs and reflect on things they should be praying for but haven’t. Everyone was challenged to keep a prayer list and share answered prayers to build each other’s faith.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “This week we had many absences from our meetings. Some went on vacation, others were not in town due to work commitments, and others, like Brother Elton, are home after undergoing surgery.
“The ministry of women of grace, from this Monday, will meet every Monday at 6:30 p.m., and they are studying the book of James.
“On Wednesday, a group of sisters were sorting and pricing for the garage sale we will have on July 26. This is our second community event of the year. Mayerlin and Patty, my wife, volunteered to prepare food that day. This week, we have already prepared the flyers that we will print as evangelistic tracts and invitations to our service.
“The Lord is leading me to make an emphasis on reminding the brethren of the mission that all believers must evangelize and disciple, since by talking to many they are not witnessing regularly, so we will have workshops, prayer and planning of visits to Hispanic neighborhoods of the city to witness of Christ this second part of the year. I ask you for prayer because there is a lot of fear among Hispanics to go to public places, and even when we go to their doors to testify, out of fear of immigration policies. That is something that has affected us a lot in attendance.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “Our Woodbridge Connection Group met this week even with it being on July 4! The group is meeting on Fridays during the summer instead of Sundays.
“Our leaders for our Garfield group were all gone on vacation this past week and did not meet.
“Part of the week, we went to visit family in California, which took us out of the ‘Bible Belt.’ We were shocked to see how few churches there were. Our eyes were opened to the lostness around us. This summer, with our family vacation and this trip, I have become even more aware of the need to train up a church that shares its faith.
“We’re looking forward to the ‘second half’ of the summer as we prepare to make the most of the time of school starting back and families getting back on schedule.
“We also have something exciting in the works. I look forward to sharing soon.”
