It was a blessing to meet with the Union Association Sunday night. One of the blessings of going to these meetings is to see friends and to thank people face-to-face for their prayers and support.
Another busy weekend is coming up as we plan to be in Hampton and the Judson Association on Saturday morning and then down to Texarkana for the Harmony on Sunday afternoon.
Make a Concerted Effort!
Vance Havner used to say that church services start at 11 o’clock sharp and end at 12 o’clock dull. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Of all the things a person may become involved in, church is one that makes the old saying “you get out of something what you put in” true.
A preacher on vacation in the olden days decided to visit a neighboring church. At that time in history, many churches had a box by the front door to receive the minister’s pay for that day. As he and his young son entered, the father pulled out a quarter and placed it in the box. After being seated, the church was notified that their pastor was sick and would not be there the day. The deacons, seeing the visiting minister, asked him if he would fill in. He agreed to and, after the service, he passed by the box and collected its contents. He was taken aback when all he found was the quarter that he had put in. His son, seeing his disappointment said, “I guess Dad, if you wanted to get more out, you must put more in.” What a great lesson for God’s people.
Wouldn’t it be great if we all went to church with joy and expectation? Pray the prayers, sing the songs and listen to God’s Word for these are the true acts of worship. Maybe, just maybe, most of us usually get out of church what we put in. Try true and joyful worship this Sunday and perhaps not only you, but those around you will leave with more than you all came with.
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “Friday night we had a prayer vigil, and 42 people gathered to pray, read the Word and praise the Lord. In the program, we included a bonfire that produced a special atmosphere for the time of thanksgiving and personal prayers.
We started at 7:30 p.m. and finished at midnight, but we did not feel sleepy or tired because, as a congregation, we were enjoying a time of communion with our Lord.
“At 9 Sunday morning, we started a discipleship group made up mostly of the newly baptized. Then at 11, we started the Sunday service. On this occasion, we commemorated the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, taking the elements from the table of our Lord. I encourage you to pray for this new discipleship group, that they will be teachable, faithful and available people.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “We had an inspiring celebration service and a good turnout with people we have not seen for some time attending. At Ebenezer, Sunday is normally the result of our weekly meetings as the different home groups do their work during the week. Sunday is for all the groups to get to know each other, worship and be edified in the Word of God.
“Pray for the home groups to grow and multiply. We only have two active groups, and we are praying for God to open more home groups. I will be attending the Re:Charge conference this week. Pray that I will have a good trip to Oklahoma and back, and also that God will speak through the speakers. My health continues to improve. Thank you for your prayers and support for missions. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel! We had two very special first-time visitors this week. During the pandemic, we lost two of our very first members, Bill and Darlene Dillard, to COVID, and we miss them so much. Well, we were surprised Sunday morning when before the service, a camper parked out front and a couple got out.
At first, we thought it might be one of the Master’s Builders giving us a surprise visit, but when I got out there to greet them, it was Moe and Kathy Dillard, Bill’s son and daughter-in-law. O my, what a great surprise. Everyone that had known them shared stories of Bill and Darlene with them, and even those that didn’t shared the things they had heard about them. It was just a blessed time having them with us to worship. We all just loved on them, and they loved on us. We gave them a tour of the new building after the service. We all knew how much Bill and Darlene wanted to see our mission in our own building, and they are happy to see it come to pass. Moe and Kathy had given us a gift last year in his parents’ memory for the building, and we are so thankful for it and for this surprise visit. Praise God, what a blessing for all of us!
“We finished the ductwork in the sanctuary last week. Now on to the fellowship hall. We got a lot done on the lighting. We are getting closer every day and can’t wait to be in there.
“Thank you for your prayers and your support. I even thank those of you that read my ramblings here every week. Please continue. God is answering your prayers in a mighty and blessed way, and we are so grateful!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “I had the opportunity this week to join a group of men on a four-day men’s retreat sponsored by For King and Kingdom. We were able to fellowship together, study the Scripture and learn how to grow our relationship with the Lord. Over the course of these several days, we developed friendships that will last a lifetime.
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) states ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’ Often, when coming back from such uplifting times spent in the spirit, the enemy will try his best to distract you from the purpose of sharing your experience with others. We found this to be true at this week’s service. We had a few of our folks that were dealing with illness and physical pain as well as concern for loved ones in need. Please keep our mission family in your prayers as the Lord works in their lives this week.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “We continue to walk the path of grace, and with much joy, we inform you about the work that God is doing through our mission in Northwest Arkansas. The Grace Groups are consolidated in the three different cities — Pea Ridge, Springdale and Rogers.
We continue to pray for direction in terms of each site since the goal is that they will multiply into other groups in the same cities and in the future begin services in each of the cities. In the Pea Ridge Grace Group, two new people began to disciple and we are excited that the sisters who belong to this group are already inviting other people and are working in them.
“Another thing that makes us very happy is to see the sisters of the Grace Groups who are helping a woman who has just given her life to Christ to walk in the Lord. For us as a family, it is an honor and a pleasure to serve in this community that is being transformed into a community of disciples who make disciples.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “One of the goals behind the Discovery Bible Study/Discussion Method is a simple structure that can be led by anyone with minimal training. It equips and empowers all members to do the vital work of directly making disciples. I led a revival in North Carolina this week, and it was incredible.
They had 40 new visitors and the largest attendance of any revival before. One student was saved. Though I was in another time zone, the work in Pea Ridge didn’t stop. Connection Groups continued and had even more participation as leaders led in my place. Group members continued to show love to others and reach out.
“As soon as I got back, I jumped into a busy week immersed in Pea Ridge. It was Homecoming week, so my family was right in the middle of all the dressing up, parades and games!”
2023 State Missions Special Emphasis Receipts
Goal — $50,000
Previous Balance Reported (8/30 Issue of Baptist Trumpet) $29,034.25
Calvary, White Hall $2,610.00
Cornerstone, Arkadelphia $100.00
Eastside, Conway $380.00
Fairview, Jonesboro $150.00
Pocahontas, Pocahontas $1,300.00
Weddington, Fayetteville $200.00
Charles & Shirley Hollis $200.00
Total Received through 9/27/2023 $33,974.25
