Well, it just doesn’t seem possible that another year with another State meeting has passed. God was gracious, as always, again this year. It was good to visit with dear friends we seldom get to see, hear reports from our fellow laborers and share what God is doing in the area of State Missions.
We had a wonderful meeting with your Advisory Committee, where much was accomplished. To round out the meeting, Michael Hight, along with Neptaly and his wife, Manuela, joined us. This was the fruition of something we have been discussing over the last several months. Praise the Lord; by the time the meeting was over, we had a new missionary to present to the Missionary Committee, which convened at 11 a.m. The association later elected Neptaly Molina and his wife to serve as missionaries and they will be joining Michael and Jenifer in the Cabot/Jacksonville area.
I had requested that the churches allow us to try planting with a different slant. Instead of sending single individuals out alone, we suggest that we proceed with a team approach. It was exciting to see this concept take off in Cabot/Jacksonville. Please pray souls will be reached for God’s glory.
Blessed
Thank you for electing me to serve as your missions director for the 15th year. I love what I do. Also, I was humbled to have the honor of bringing the annual message, and I want to take this opportunity to thank each of those who acknowledged their gratitude.
I want to thank everyone for their help and understanding as I struggled to climb and descend the stage steps. I have lost some strength in my legs, and I have an upcoming doctor’s appointment to find out the cause. Please keep me in your prayers. Love you all.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “It was such a blessing to see you all last Thursday! Every year, our annual association meeting fills us with excitement. I feel so much joy when I see you all, but also a lot of nerves when sharing what God is doing at Ebenezer. Thank you to those who came forward to commit to praying for the missions. I have said it many times — churches and missionaries are a team in God’s kingdom, working together to spread the gospel to the lost.
“At Ebenezer, we normally enjoy an atmosphere of grace and harmony. Our prayer is that this harmony will continue forever. At times, we have faced challenges in our fellowship with one another, but God has been able to resolve them. Please continue to pray that God will bring us people who are spiritually thirsty. I see that harmony manifested every Sunday in the joy and love I share with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Today, Monday (Nov. 10), as I write this report, Sister Avelina Santos, who is the first member of Ebenezer, is celebrating her 90th birthday. She is visiting with her family in Guatemala, and we hope to have her back with us in January.
“Our Discovery Bible Studies (DBS), English classes (ESL), Singing class and various ministries are continuing. Pray that God will raise up a leader to take charge of the ESL ministry. They just need to speak English and have a heart for service. Thank you for your prayers and support. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “What a great week we had at Faith Chapel! We had a young man saved this week! Praise God! We are planning His baptism for Nov. 30, the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We thank our Lord for bringing this wonderful, faithful family here and for saving Samuel! May he become a true disciple.
“I was blessed also this week by being able to attend the State Meeting. It was great to see many dear friends and even make some new ones. I loved hearing about what the Lord is doing across Arkansas, among the missionaries, and within the churches. I love our association and being a part of it! And I must say, CBC has always done a wonderful job hosting us, and their orchestra and both of their choirs were amazing!
“We want to thank you all again for letting us do this, for your support and especially for your prayers! Because of your help, more young people like Samuel, and more people from this community, will come to know the Lord. Thank You Jesus!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “This week at Faith Journey was another wonderful reminder of how God is at work! We held our monthly Mountain Movers meeting at a local middle school, and it’s exciting to see how this group continues to grow. What started with around 48 sixth graders has now grown to about 60 students as they’ve invited their friends to join us. We brought pizza and shared a lesson about Samson and Delilah, focusing on the importance of choosing friends — and future spouses — who share your faith and love for the Lord. It’s always such an honor to spend time with these students and watch them grow in their walk with Christ.
“On Thursday, we attended the state BMA meeting in Conway. It’s always a blessing to gather with pastors and fellow missionaries to hear what God is doing throughout our association. I had the opportunity to share about all that the Lord has done through Faith Journey over this past year, and it was really encouraging to look back and see how far God has brought us.
“We also had great morning and evening services this Sunday. One of the highlights was seeing one of our young ladies, who had been very sick and in the hospital earlier this week, back in church with us. What a beautiful reminder that God hears and answers our prayers!
“During our study of the book of James this week, we talked about what it means to be doers of the Word and not just hearers. We also focused on being faithful throughout the week, not just on Sundays. It’s amazing to see how God is working in the lives of those who are growing in faith and living for the Lord each day.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Greetings, sisters and brothers in Christ. In our connection group in Rogers, it was very special to see the entire Garcia family attending the Bible study with great enthusiasm. Each one asked questions with great interest, took notes, and time passed quickly. We finished at around 10 o’clock. How wonderful it is to be among people who are hungry for God.
“On Thursday, we were able to travel to Conway for the annual meeting of the state association and present my report. It was a blessing that Patty, my wife, asked for leave from her work to accompany me. We spent a fabulous time with the other missionaries in the state, the new missionary couple and with people we hadn’t seen in a long time.
“On Sunday, we had a wonderful time of worship, followed by a beautiful sermon by Elton Maccan on the price of bitterness. At the end, I was able to share with several brothers who were very touched by the message. A woman told me that she was 20 years old, harboring a bitterness that she had been unable to forgive. We invited them to the fellowship room to share a delicious lunch. In the end, I was able to share the gospel with three people who have been visiting us for a short time and have not made their decision for Christ.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “Hallelujah! That is not something that typically rolls off my tongue, but when I received the text on Friday afternoon and then again on Friday night, that is what came out. Our Bella Vista Connection Group launched. We have actually had prospects and sights on a group there for a year and a half. Then new leaders emerged, Marty and Denise. Marty has been in seminary and served as a pastor. He has led worship for us for the past year. They have been praying and inviting people. He said on Monday that it seemed like they had two interested parties, but he wasn’t sure. Then, on Friday afternoon, I received a text that it looks like it is going to happen. While I’m watching my daughter perform with the band at the halftime show, I get the text. We had two join us! The Bella Vista Connection Group has officially met!
“I heard once of a church where the associate pastor who was over small groups would dress like a doctor on the mornings a new group would start to celebrate. And it is worthy of celebration. We still have work to do in getting that group on solid ground, but we look forward to it. Those first-time visitors plan to be with us for worship and celebration next week.”
