We are now at that time of year when things start popping. And truthfully, it feels good to get back on the road to see many of you who make this ministry possible. Our 2025 Special Emphasis period came to an official end on July 31, and we are truly grateful to those who made donations. I finished up at Oak Grove in Jonesboro with my good friend Wynndel King. However, remember that it is never too late to participate.
On Sunday, I will be traveling to Mountain Home to preach at The Bridge and to visit with my compadre, Hershel Conley. Praise the Lord! I have been asked to preach a revival at Macedonia Baptist in Jonesboro later this month. A special thank you goes out to their pastor, Don Seat, and the wonderful people there.
Our fall Advisory Committee trip to all our mission points is also scheduled for this month, and we look forward to visiting with them.
I will finish on Aug. 24, Lord willing, filling in for Grace Temple between Paragould and Lake City. I always look forward to being a part of this church family.
But then there is always Aug. 31.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “It has been a week full of blessings. We are overjoyed with the birth of Ezra Caleb and to see his parents adjusting to this new stage with their firstborn.
“On Wednesday, we had our Discovery Bible Study (DBS) at The Cove Cafe. We are so grateful that they set aside a space for our group, which allows people who work nights the opportunity to attend a Bible study at 11 a.m. I also feel very joyful to witness the change that God is working in the life of Camilo Jaramillo. He is a man from Colombia whose life was not a good example. About a month ago, he came to me to talk about the difficult circumstances he was going through and said, ‘Pastor, I need to change.’ In this short time, God has transformed his life for the better. He now has a stable job, and on Saturday, he told me that he already has a car and has moved his residence. It is a clear testimony of how the gospel not only transforms the spiritual life, but also the whole environment of a person. I ask for your prayers for Camilo to make his decision for Christ and to be baptized.
“As a family, we will be on vacation this week and hope to return on Friday. It will be a precious time to share as a family with Kory and my children. Thank you for your support, to God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “What a great week we had at Faith Chapel! Some were out, for various reasons, but we still had a really good number with four first-time visitors and a great time of worship!
“I was sick for most of the week with a summer cold, but by Friday, it started getting better. By Sunday, I wasn’t completely without symptoms, but was well enough to attend and preach, even while avoiding close contact with people and lathering up with hand sanitizer.
“Our inaugural Adult Sunday School class was a success and well attended. Our teacher, Russel King, did a great job!
“We are pretty sure we have made a deal on some playground equipment — a nice big set. We just have to go to Joplin, get it and then reassemble it here.
“To top off a great week, during the altar call of our morning Worship Service, the young man I told you about a few weeks ago, Mylz, came forward and made his profession of faith public, and asked to follow in baptism. What an emotional peak to an already wonderful week!
“We thank you all for your prayers and support! And we thank God for you!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “Over the past couple of weeks, Faith Journey has focused on building relationships with new text message groups designed to encourage one another in daily spiritual growth. These threads include Scripture, short video sermons and uplifting messages. These messages help remind everyone that they’re not walking the Christian life alone, and it keeps everyone encouraged throughout the week.
“Attendance has continued to grow, with several first-time visitors coming to the mission. Faith Journey is doing well at The Cabin, even as the search for a permanent location continues. We are seeking God’s will in this and will continue to work while we wait.
“This week’s morning sermon focused on the Exodus from Egypt, emphasizing the importance of passing down stories of God’s deliverance to future generations. In the evening service, our folks enjoyed a fun but competitive Bible scavenger hunt, which helped reinforce the importance of studying God’s Word and becoming more familiar with it. “We would like to take a moment to thank the BMA for their prayers and support for those of us who are following God’s calling of planting our local BMA churches. May God continue to bless you, as you have been such a blessing to us.”
“We would like to take a moment to thank the BMA for their prayers and support for those of us who are following God’s calling of planting our local BMA churches. May God continue to bless you, as you have been such a blessing to us.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “This week, I was able to meet with a group of four young athletes, preach the gospel to them, and pray for their lives and careers. They are working hard to move up to the big leagues.
“On Saturday morning, we had our congregational devotional with two new attendees, Yohan and Meick. We were praying for the brethren of the church, the weekend meetings and for the month ahead.
“In the afternoon, we received a visit from Juan Carlos Posadas, who made an institutional visit to us as president of the Hispanic Association of Churches of the BMA of the State of Arkansas.
“On Sunday, we had Sunday school with full attendance. We began the Unete course, a path for Biblical membership, where we introduced candidate members to our church’s vision, mission, values, doctrine, expectations for members and the benefits of membership. In our service, Pastor Juan Carlos invited us to the different activities of the association and ended with a sermon based on II Samuel entitled ‘We reap what we sow.’”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “I get a bit giddy the first of August because throughout my time as a pastor and focusing on outreach, mid-August through Thanksgiving has always been the time where we’ve seen the most growth and had the most impact. We’re getting there. We are close. This week, our Connection Groups were small, but we’re positioning ourselves to make the most of the coming weeks.
“This Sunday is our August Collective Gathering, where the whole church gathers for worship, message and celebration. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow our groups and moving to a second monthly gathering for the whole church.”
