Catching Up

With the end of the year, I have been frantically running to renew my annual advertising contracts for KSTA radio, plus the usual holiday celebrations (both Christmas and New Year's), weekly outreach canvassing activities, dates with my wife and the preparation of sermons and Bible studies. Thus, I haven't had much blogging time lately.

It seems though, as things are calming down, so I have time to give you an update. One of our regular attendees was in Central Texas last weekend, and another family was sick, so we wound up with 8 people present for the second Sunday morning in a row. While that did shoot down my Morning Worship average for my monthly report, the truth is that I am not doing this work for the sake of filing reports.

Last week, we didn't have services at Market Place due to it being Christmas Eve. We are having services tonight, though.

Currently, we are working to bring more people into the Grace Pointe fold.

Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes

George Jones had a hit a couple of decades ago titled, "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes?" It was a song about the legends of Country music. His question was, as these men get older and pass away, who will play the Opry, or come up with classics like the Wabash Cannon Ball. (I realize some of this might be Mandarin Chinese to some of you, but bear with me).

Country music has a long tradition of being a part of American life, especially rural America, where people would tune in their radios to WSM 650 AM on Saturday nights in hopes of being able to pick up the Grand Ole Opry, and hear the Country Music Stars of the day playing their signature hits and engaging in playful banter, both for the audiences in the Ryman (which is no longer the home of the Opry), and those on radio (based in Nashville, WSM covered most of the Southeast US at night).

In addition to Opry stardom, these artists recorded new albums almost every year and toured relentlessly. Then there were the TV show appearances and movie cameos (Who could forget Mel Tillis in Smokey and the Bandit II.... "We're cl-cl-cl-cl-We're closed!")

Despite the passing of generations, Country music is still one of the top formats in America. With artists like Brad Paisley still growing in popularity, and the legends like George Strait still cranking out popular music, it looks like the traditions of the Opry will continue for years.

More important than the Opry, however, is the state of our churches and evangelism. I look back on the years following the ABA split of 1950 with some amazement. The men who surrendered to the ministry in those days really surrendered. They left everything behind to go to seminary at TBI, or LMBIS, or another seminary. Then, they ministered to where God called them regardless of financial situations. They sacrificed. They went out and did mission work without the promise of an associational salary. They went to areas where few ABA churches were, where fellowship would be limited, and attacks on their new work would be numerous. Still, they ministered, discipled and evangelized. I think of the work Jack Dean did at Northcrest MBC in Snyder, or how about the work of Jim Slocumb in Andrews?

Where are the missionaries and church planters today? Where is our zeal for expanding the Kingdom of God? (It may be alive and well, just show me!) I think the statistics being compiled by Bro. David Smith are telling. Few new works are being started, and often times once a new work is started, it may take 10-15 years for that new work to be self-supporting, and even longer for it to reproduce. At the same time, the lost and unchurched population of our nation, our state, and even the counties where we have numerous churches is quickly rising, and our average attendances are quickly falling. Who's gonna fill their shoes?

Look, I'm not calling anyone out. Nearly every minister I know is banging his head into a brick wall trying to figure out what more could be done. Many church members I know are overwhelmed by the task at hand. I am not being critical of our work at all!

All I am saying is "Who's gonna fill their shoes?" Where are the men going to come from who will plant new churches, lead existing ones through revival, and work sacrificially for the cause of Christ, throwing worries to the wind?

Sunday report

It's a blessing to be able to travel home and visit with family and friends for Christmas. We had one family that did just that, and some others weren't feeling well Sunday morning, which resulted in us having 8 in attendance. Still, things are moving in the right direction.

Canvassing efforts

We bought 600 door hangers that read "A New Beginning" and 300 that read "Extreme Home Makeover, Family Edition." The "Extreme Home Makeover" door hangers are for a sermon series I have coming up in February on restoring the family from Nehemiah. We'll be handing out the "New Beginning" hangers throughout the rest of December and January.

Our presence in the apartment complex is pretty interesting. We can hold services, invite people to church, but we've been cautioned against repeated door-knocking. So, we can put out these door hangers every single week.

Today, Jessica and I put out 200 door hangers at the Brownwood Apts I & II complexes, La Villita, and another nameless complex within a stone's throw of the Phase II community room.

Also, we'll begin having midweek services there on Tuesday nights (mostly Awana), as I have gotten clearance from management to use the room on Tuesdays. Management at the apartments has been really responsive, receptive and enthusiastic about our ministry, and we are glad to be able to help.

Getting back on track

I did some praying and Bible study, as well as some reading in "Spin-Off Churches," and I feel like I'm getting back into the swing of things. Emotional and spiritual ups and downs are something I have experienced since being saved in November 2002, but it seems like my emotional and spiritual roller coaster has been more erratic since moving to Brownwood, and I am not sure why. My spiritual highs are higher, as are my emotional highs, but the lows are lower, and sometimes (especially during stressful times) we move from the highs to the lows back to the highs rather quickly.

I have identified some spiritual issues I am struggling with. These issues are:

• The lust of the flesh - I am struggling with a mild case of gluttony. I know which foods I should be eating, but still I gravitate toward hamburgers, junk food, fried chicken, chicken fried steak, and soda. Not only that, but I often overdo it. Gluttony is no less a sin than is pride, and has a devastating effect on one's body. If I am going to have a long, successful ministry, I have got to get this in check quickly.
• The pride of life - Ever since I was in high school, I wanted to be the best at whatever I did. From being the best on the debate team, to being the best at shooting the bull, to being the best at scoring concert tickets, etc, I wanted to be the best. (Oddly enough, this pride never translated to a desire for academic achievement). At work, I find myself wanting to outperform the staff in Brownwood (even though they have three-times the radio stations and four times the population). To do such would require me to work long hours, which would adversely affect the mission. As far as the mission goes, I often find that my motivation is wrong. God did call me out here, and I am doing His will, but too often I find myself thinking about the monthly reports and what we could do that would look good there. On both of these fronts, I have to get myself back in line, because pride comes before the fall. If my motivation in mission is the monthly report, eventually I will stumble. I'll either fall into heretical practice, or I'll be disobedient to God, choosing to please man rather than God. As for work, I have often seen those who want to be #1 fall flat on their faces.

If we look within ourselves, we will find sin. (If we say we have no sin, then we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us). Still, this sin needs to be dealt with, because if we choose to write it off as "everyone has sin," then our sin will eventually surface and cause us great harm.

God bless you, wherever you are, and in all your struggles.

Out of Sync

Yesterday was amazing. I booked nearly $13,000 in advertising for KSTA radio, aired my Red Steagall interview, which is one of the best celebrity interviews I have ever done, had 17 in services at the Market Place Apts, had wonderful services with a sermon that came out better than I had planned, and enjoyed some of the finest Chicken and Dumplings known to man.

Last night ended on a bad note, though, and I lost a lot of sleep on it. In fact, I didn't get to sleep until 2 a.m. I woke up at 4:30 a.m., got ready, and went into the station to host my radio show. I just can't shake the "incompetent" feeling that I have today. I feel weak. I feel like a loser.

Granted, the bad ending to last night and the lack of sleep are probably playing a role in this, but I think there is a deeper spiritual issue at work here. I've got some praying and meditating to do today.

Sensational Seniors!

We had 17 in our services at Market Place tonight as I preached "Lessons Learned from the Birth of Christ" from Luke 2:1-20.

I. The Humility of Christ.
II. The Peace of Christ
III. The Proclaimation of Christ.

We've had several who have had family members who have passed away, but this has not dampened spirits at Market Place. In fact, one of the ladies there excitedly shouted, "I'm next!"

One big church, or many small churches

Which would be more effective in reaching a community for Christ... a church of 1,000, or 10 churches of 100?

Or, how about one church of 500, or 10 churches of 50?

Spin-Off Churches, Chapter 1 Review

The author (Rodney Harrington) chronicles how church planting was on the back-burner of ministerial vocations up until approximately 20 years ago. So, Chapter One is titled, "Recovering a Practical Theology of Church Planting."

In this chapter, Harrington notes how theologians of centuries past focused on their theological passions, so there are no ancient texts outside of Acts that focus on the study of church planting... although he did refer back to the Nicene Creed and noted the word "apostolic church" could mean a church that is a sending church. I was uncomfortable with his referral to the Nicene Creed, but he does have to sell books to non-Baptists, afterall.

Harrington also noted that the church growth movement taught that the Great Commission was obeyed by building large, mega-churches. He also noted during that time, the number of churches and church members declined per capita when compared to the growing North American population. He went on to say that church planting is a way to obey the Great Commission.

My opinion on all this is that God sent us into the world to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20), to Baptize them and to teach them the doctrines Christ taught us. If we are obedient in that we are doing this all over the world, and in our pwn back yards, new churches will emerge.

The first six chapters of this book deal with church planting fundamentals and attitudes. This may get pretty interesting.

Spin-Off Churches

I'm normally not one to purchase books, but I saw this one at Family Christian Bookstore in Abilene. I picked it up, skimmed through it and liked what I saw.

Spin-Off Churches chronicles what pastors, denominational leaders and church planters are saying about mission work. It also discusses indigenous church planting and mission work in adverse environments, like crime-ridden intercity areas. It discusses the phenomenon of multi-site church plants and "Set-Free Churches."

More than just a "check out the new trends" and a "how-to" church planting manual, this book seeks to motivate churches to become sending churches. It is put out by the North American Missions Board, the same board that brought you Church Planting Village. The North American Missions Board is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

I'll be posting reviews on this book in the days ahead.

Grace Pointe on the upswing

We had 18 in attendance this morning, with all who attended last Sunday returning this Sunday. I preached from Matthew 2, my sermon was "Wise men seek Jesus." While the wise men sought Jesus in Matthew 2, all men who seek Jesus are wise men.

Market Place recap

We had 14 in services tonight as I preached from Luke 1:38-46 about magnifying God.

I. We magnify God when we submit to His will (v 38)
II. We magnify God when we worship (Mary quickly went to visit Elisabeth).
III. We magnify God when we believe (Blessed is she who believed).

Coming soon to Grace Pointe MBC

At the request of the overwhelming majority of the members and attendees at Grace Pointe, we will be launching an Awanas program at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II, hopefully by January.

A proponent of the Discovery Club, I had mixed emotions about this at the start. However, after reviewing the doctrinal statement of the Awanas program, and learning that they do not mind that we teach local/visible church only, and observing the enthusiasm people have for this program... I think going with Awanas is the best option at this point.

Putting the cart before the horse

It's true. I was guilty of this Sunday. For the past two weeks, the congregation at the Brownwood Housing Authority has been giving tithes and offerings. At the present time, we have no overhead as far as church operations go (no building, no utilities, etc). So, I recommended that we begin giving 10% to missions and spend the rest on Awanas. Several in the group were quite puzzled. So, I dropped the issue and told them we would work toward establishing an Awanas program by January.

I realized after services that my mistake was just assuming that everyone understood the purpose of a church and understood that a church should give to missions. We are still at the basics in this situation and I pushed just a little farther than the group was ready. So, in the weeks ahead, I'll continue discipling this group and working with them. As time goes on, I am confident that they will come together and function as a church.

That's the real challenge in organizing churches, btw. It's not getting people to show up and give tithes, it's getting them to understand why they are there, the role of the church and why that's important.

Wild and wooly Sundays

We had 16 in attendance this morning as I preached Matthew 1:18-25, discussing how that passage is a fulfillment of God's promise to save His people from their sins (those promises made in Isaiah 1:18 and Isaiah 53). We had 7 adults and 9 children.

The children got out of hand a couple of times, but that will happen on occasion. Much of the problem was due to a lack of classroom space. There is a possibility we can expand into another community room at the apartment complex, but there are some hoops we'll have to go through to get there. Either way, we're going to have to reassess our approach to children's ministry and get a better structure in place.

Tomorrow night, Bro. Jeremy Moore and I will have a Bible study. We are studying the doctrinal statement of the American Baptist Association.

Leland's talk-radio playtime

Friday, I got the opportunity to fill in on the "Coming Home" program on News/Talk 96.9 KXYL in Brownwood. Among the highlights was the interview with former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski (pictured right).

Bill was quite prolific in the NFL, and was known for making big hits, both on his opponents and team mates. Some of the highlights from the interview were:

Leland: Would it be safe to assume you enjoyed playing linebacker?
Bill: Oh, heck yes!
Leland: What was your favorite part?
Bill: Knocking the (daylights) out of people.


Leland: Some of your critics would say that you took some cheap shots at people.
Bill: You know what? I did. I really did... people go to football games to see the big hits... where do you draw the line on what a cheap shot is?
Leland: To quote a famous philosopher, that's above my pay grade.

Leland: What's your opinion on the NFL's personal conduct policy?
Bill: Roger Goodell's doing a good job... you take the situation with Plaxico Burress. What does he have a gun in a nightclub for?
Leland: He'll tell you for protection and quote Shawn Taylor.
Bill: You know what? You hire a body guard.
Leland: Then you wind up throwing him through a hotel mirror.
Bill: I think Goodell is doing a good job.
Leland: At least these guys still have a future with the Dallas Cowboys.

I let my operations manager, and regular host of "Coming Home" ask Bill about his BALCO scandal and his Nutrition 53 company. Talk radio is a lot of fun.

IDF

IDF is a military term meaning "Indirect Fire". It is a situation where the enemy is firing morter rounds in your general direction without knowing your exact coordinates. The idea I get from talking with soldiers is that when you are taking IDF, you often hear the rounds explode in the distance, and often close to the base, sometimes too close, but rarely do you actually suffer a direct hit.

Granted, I am no expert on military matters, but soldiers I know that have been to Iraq told me that they could take IDF two-to-three times per week, sometimes daily. I never heard them discuss getting hit, though. In fact, the U.S. Army still didn't require their soldiers to wear body armor unless they were leaving base.

The reason I bring this up is that Mission: Brownwood has been taking IDF from satan's forces since May of this year, when we began the final preparations to move to Brownwood. Satan would seek to stir conflict in mine and Jessica's marriage via miscommunication. He would try to drive a wedge between me and my sponsoring church via miscommunication. Once on the field, he would attack through various people we met on the field.

Satan's attacks in these instances amount to IDF, in my opinion, because my family and ministry have been directly attacked by satan in the past. In various places in my ministry, I feel like he brought on an all-out attack. These attacks ranged from temptations to false accusations, to attempts to assassinate my ministry through the false accusations and rumors started by other preachers, to all-out rebellion by the members of the body of Christ where I ministered. I remember thinking in some instances that these attacks would literally kill me. Once, it almost did, but that's a whole other story altogether.

No, in comparison to previous experiences, these attacks have been mild... hence they are IDF.

The IDF we are experiencing right now comes from the apartment communities where my wife works, where I also minister. There are those there who love us and want us to continue ministering to them. Then, there are those who live there and would rather Jessica and I fall off the face of the planet. Neither these people, nor these complexes have ties to our mission-church, Grace Pointe. However, they still oppose our ministry.

So far, the attacks have been limited to lies, false accusations and rumor-mongering which has gained no traction with the ownership of the apartment communities, or the company for which my wife works. Still, it is annoying and is having a draining effect on my wife. (One courageous man boldly confronted my wife while she was alone in an elevator... yes, we have elevators in Brownwood). Others have also vandalized property.

Our plan is to stay the course. When God calls us to a ministry, we also understand that He calls us to a battlefield. Satan has no respect for God's people, or His creation, and will oppose the spread of God's word everywhere he can. We understand that. We just covet your prayers.

Last night, we had 10 at our Wednesday evening services at Market Place. Four were out of town at a funeral, one was having surgery, one was recovering from surgery and one was tending to her mother who just returned from surgery.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Oh, and things at Brownwood Apts. II are still going well. This will be where we build the core group (which is already taking shape) and be able to organize and launch the church.

Mission: Brownwood November 2008 report

Mission: Brownwood starts Grace Pointe Missionary Baptist Church

Grace Pointe Missionary Baptist Church (mission status sponsored by Rocky Springs MBC) held its first Sunday worship services Nov. 2 at the community room of the Brownwood Apts. Phase II community room. Only three were in attendance, but we felt encouraged by the Lord to continue. We had five the following Sunday, then saw 20 join us for services on Nov. 16. We experienced our first additions Nov. 23 (four by statement, one on promise of Baptism) and collected our first offering Nov. 30 ($365).

Our plans for Dec. 7 are to establish a missions budget, an operations budget, and begin plans to implement our youth program. We hope to have youth programs established by mid-January.

We expect this congregation to grow as we have a decent meeting place and have been canvassing the area weekly since the beginning of November.

Market Place rolls on

Our ministry at the Market Place apartments continues to build momentum, with new people attending and the weekly faithful hanging on. High attendance was 18 on Nov. 19, low attendance was 13 on Nov. 5.

Missionary Acker approved by the messengers of the MBA of Texas

It was an incredibly humbling experience to stand before the messengers of the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas as they stood and approved our request for half-salary. Seeing a full house stand at Calvary Baptist Church in Henderson was truly encouraging, and I thank you for your support.

Finances

Income: MBA of Texas $955.50; Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $150; Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $450; Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $200; John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25; Beacon BC (San Angelo, TX) $150; Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50; Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $99.97; Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $293.13; East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100; Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40; Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $400; Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50; Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock, TX) $100; White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100; Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50; 58th Ave. MBC (Amarillo) $144.90; Bassett Road BC (Palestine, TX) $75.

Expenditures: Salary $1000; Housing $740; Vehicle repair $644.71; Printing $61.20; Fuel $50.20.

Another good Sunday

We had 13 in morning worship Sunday, down a little, but it was a holiday weekend and there were illnesses. The core is sticking together, though. My new colleague, Jeremy, brought a message on Bringing Children up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord. He will eventually step into the role of Children's minister at Grace Pointe.

We collected a good offering, and will decide how to budget our finances next Sunday. Top-of-the-list is missions. One of our goals is to be sending out missionaries in all phases of mission work within the next six years (local, state, interstate and foreign).

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a Merry Christmas season. I just love this time of the year.

Wednesday night at Market Place, we had 15 people present, with several of our regulars being out visiting family.

Thursday, we enjoyed Thanksgiving with one of our families in the mission, and watched the Cowboys beat up on the Seahawks. Later, I watched the Texas-TAMU massacre.

We're looking forward to good services on Monday. Jeremy will bring a message on bringing children up in the nurture and admonition of hte Lord. God bless you. Merry Christmas.

Blessings

We have been having great turnout at Grace Pointe. We had 17 last Sunday, 20 the Sunday before, several that are about to join on statement, and one who will join by Baptism. I got an EIN today for Grace Pointe, and we will open up a bank account tomorrow. The members/attendees are already asking about tithing and giving to missions.

I can't wait to see what God does next.

Sunday report

We had 17 in services this morning at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II. One came forward to join by Baptism.

Market Place recap

We had 18 in Wednesday night services last night at the Market Place Apartments. I continued the Faith Hall of Fame series with a sermon on Abel.

An amazing end to an amazing week

This week has been totally awesome. Here are a few reasons why:

• I was approved for state missions support.
• We had 17 on Wednesday evening at Market Place.
• We had 20 in our Sunday services at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II.
• I have sold a personal record amount of advertising this week, despite being absent 2 1/2 days.
• I think we are about to have our first additions.

Concerning the group at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II, they are already getting excited about getting involved. One lady wants to bring cakes and coffee for Sunday mornings, while several others want to start a children's ministry. Some even asked about tithing.

Last night, I preached at Northcrest MBC in Andrews, TX. I'm really excited about the work God is doing there as well. They have offered support in getting our children's Bible clubs started.

Spiritual Food

Bro. Cory Page, one of my classmates from seminary and one of the most passionate men of God you will find anywhere, has written a wonderful piece on what should motivate us in ministry. You can read that post here.

Bro. Page and I spoke about this subject Tuesday night after the opening session of the state meeting. What he had to say about his personal walk with God in this issue was very convicting to me.

Good News

Mission: Brownwood is now an official state missions project as I was approved for half-salary by the messengers of the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas today.

In other news, Market Place had 17 in my absence with Bro. John Kight preaching a message on Jesus walking on the water.

Sunday Services Report

We had five in attendance at our Sunday services this morning at the Brownwood Apartments Phase II Community Room. We canvassed both Phase I and Phase II Saturday, but still only had our family in services this morning.

None-the-less, I still feel optimistic. Jessica and I are planning a backyard bash at the complex to get to know the residents, plus we are planning to canvass the surrounding neighborhoods and explore the possibility of doing Discovery Club in lieu of Sunday School. Despite our slow start, I feel like we can build a work here.

I preached on Isaiah 1:18.

Oct. 2008 Report

Mission: Brownwood expands outreach

October was a busy month for Mission: Brownwood. We secured a meeting place for Sunday morning services at the Brownwood Apartments Phase II Addition (pictured here). We will be using their community room. Upon securing the meeting place, we began canvassing the Brownwood Apartments complexes, working mostly in the phase II addition. Plans for November are to expand our canvassing efforts to Phase I. These two complexes are similar in size to the Brownwood Housing Authority, where we held VBS over the summer, and are located less than half a mile from the housing authority.

We sponsored a fall festival at Market Place Apartments in Brownwood. We had a great turnout and generated a lot of interest in our services there.

We averaged five in attendance on Sundays in my home studies, 15 in attendance at our Wednesday services at the Market Place. Current plans are to continue canvassing these complexes and build up our services there.

Finances

Support: Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $571.45; 58th Ave. MBC (Amarillo) $117.66; Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $300; Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50; Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock) $100; East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100; Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50; Westwood BC (Odessa) $300; RidgeCrest MBC (Levelland, TX) 75; Wyndrock MBC (Abilene) $40; Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $111.37. White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $300; Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $200; John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25; Faith MBC (Round Rock, TX) $200; North Side BC (Snyder, TX) $200.

Expenditures: Salary - $1,000; Housing - $740; Travel - $68.81; Printing - $86.40; Promotional - $78.77; Cleaning supplies for meeting facility - $13.48; Angel Food - $49.

Market Place update

We had 13 in services tonight. We are maintaining the same group at Market Place. Current series is the Hebrews Hall of Fame from Hebrews 11.

Heading to Market Place

I'm expecting a down night tonight as my wife and kids are sidelined by illness and there has been another round of controversy at Market Place. Satan just seems to be attacking on all fronts. Tonight, I'm preaching on why we need faith from Hebrews 11:1-3. You can read my sermon outline here. Of course, you can catch up on all my primer articles and devotionals here.

Getting active online

I have begun posting sermon outlines and previews, as well as supplemental materials on one of my other blogs, Grace Pointe MBC. This will be the official blog of the new church, and will be used for announcements, study helps, and teaching supplement. It will be promoted during worship services. Feel free to visit, then come back here and let me know what you think.

In the days ahead, I plan to reactivate my other blog, MyFaith.com, but probably under a new name. The purpose of this blog will be to promote the Gospel and the truth of God's Word to anyone who reads it. I will be adding other online services as well.

MySpace is a tool that I will use to invite people to church. Hopefully, these added efforts will give us an edge.

Well, It's a start!

We had three in our first Sunday Service at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II Community Room. Aside from the low attendance, we were able to witness to several people in the complex over the weekend, with one possible salvation.

Ramping up for Sunday morning

We are out canvassing the Brownwood Apts. Phase II today, hopefully, we'll have some people attend services tomorrow morning.

I'm really nervous about this. So far, we have had success in apartment communities. Hopefully, God will continue to bless that.

Market Place recap

We had 17 in attendance last night, with one of our regulars missing due to surgery and one missing due to illness. I preached Romans 8:31-39. "We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus."

The group at Market Place needs your prayers. They are facing various financial, emotional and health problems.

Keep me and Jessica in yoru prayers as well. We are facing many challenges on the field here and Brownwood. While we are meeting those challenges head on, and God is propsering our efforts, we still need your prayers. I feel like we are closing in on a breakthrough.

Mission: Brownwood expands into Brownwood Apts. Phase II

Beginning Sunday, Nov. 2, we will begin having Sunday morning services in the community room at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II addition. This complex is comparable in size to the Brownwood Housing Authority, and is located across the street from Northwest Elementary and just down the road from a potential "permanent" (nothing is permanent) meeting facility.

We will begin at 11 AM Sunday, Nov. 2. You are invited to attend. Need directions? Just email me. GracePointeMBC@aol.com.

Next week, we begin canvassing the apartment complex.

Southwest Mission Rally

The Southwest Association of Missionary Baptist Churches will hold a mission rally at North Side MBC in Snyder, TX, on Saturday, with the mens meeting and ladies auxiliary activities beginning at 10 a.m. and the rally taking place after lunch. I will be preaching the afternoon missions sermon.

The Roman Road goes on forever at Market Place (and the Fiesta never ends)

We had 16 in attendance tonight at Market Place as I preached Romans 8:28-31, preaching that if the promise of Romans 8:28 is to come true, we must align ourselves with God's purpose, not try to get God to align himself with ours.

You see, Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for the good of them that love God and are the called according to His purpose. The called are God's appointed, those that repented of sin and trusted Christ as their Savior. When God saves, He saves for service. Every Christian is called to service. So, We must be obedient to that call, and obedience is how we love God. (John 14:15, John 15:14). So, if we are obeying God's call for our life, He will work all things together for our good according to His purpose... which means we'll be successful in what He's called us to do, not in what we want to obtain.

Then, in Romans 8:29, we discussed being conformed to the image of Christ. Then, we discussed foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification and glorification. Admittedly, this sermon might have gotten too deep, theologically speaking. However, you can't expect anyone to grow if you never challenge them.

I'm not sure what we are going to do next week. We'll either move on into Chapter nine in Romans, or we'll skip ahead to chapter 12, a la Bro. Brock. (You TBI guys will get that!)

We end each Wednesday night with a fellowship meal... hence the Fiesta!

More Presidential politics thoughts

So, I am driving home tonight when my daughter Rachel begins to talk about how most women don't want to support Obama because he will raise taxes... hmmm. Maybe I've been listening to Hannity too much in the car... then I find out she learned a lot about the candidates from her teacher. I sure am glad I live in a red state.

I still need to vote early. Rachel says she's upset that she can't vote until she's 18... so she'll never get to vote for McCain. lol.

Just a reminder

We are representatives for our Heavenly Father while we are on this earth. Our actions and behaviors reflect on him and therefore, anytime we misrepresent God, it is akin to blasphemy.

I have once again come into contact with a group, who, flying under the banner of Christianity, behaved very snottily toward me. We need to make sure we keep our attitudes and behavior in check.

I feel a devotion coming on.

Upset over politics, again

Well, early voting is underway and it appears that Barak Obama is getting the upper hand in many of the battleground states. If this nation, indeed, elects Barak Obama, then we will get exactly what we deserve.

This is a man who had a 20-year association with a preacher who spewed anti-American venom. This is a man who owed his political career to a man whose organization bombed the pentagon. Though those events happened when Obama was 7, or 8, that same individual was lamenting that they should have bombed more buildings in the New York Times on Sept. 11, 2001 of all days. Had his views been moderated during the days he helped Obama get into politics? I think not.

Obama is a man who favors killing unborn babies, favors bombing Pakistan where we have allies, yet will sit down with our enemies without preconditions, and prefers being a citizen of the world over being an American citizen.

If we indeed elect this man, who disregards life and owes his allegiances to anti-American parties, it reveals that America is morally, intellectually, and mentally weaker than we previously thought. Furthermore, it shows how dilusional we really are. May God have mercy on us all.

Report Card

Time to evaluate how well we are sticking to our core values:

The Bible
A+
We are doing everything in accordance with scripture. Furthermore, opportunities at Market Place have enabled me to teach more doctrine.

People
B
We are still working with our neighbors, plus some individuals we have met through our apartment ministries. End the end, our success is determined by our ability to reach people, so this continues to be a focus for us. On the other hand, I wish we were working with, and reaching, more people.

Discipleship
B
We are still bringing our neighbors along, plus we are foraging relationships with people in the apartment complexes and teaching a lot of solid doctrine to the group at Market Place. There is a lot of one-on-one interaction.


Outreach
C
While apartment ministries have continued, much of our effort this month has been to work with those with whom we have been able to forge relationships. We need another great outreach event. Plans are in the works, details are forthcoming.


Community
n/a
Little community service is taking place in Brownwood, though I am accomplishing some community service work in nearby Coleman. Jessica is making some things happen which I am excited about. There is no church right now in which to foster community. This grade will show up and get better as the work progresses.

Missions
n/a
No church = no missions program.

Sunday morning plans steam forward

Jessica and I have made an agreement with a manager of a local apartment complex in Brownwood that will allow us to hold Sunday services in their community room at no cost to the mission. The agreement is pending approval from the apartment's owners, plus we have to tie up some loose ends for security purposes (they don't let just anyone come in and do this).

When the smoke clears, we'll be having a full slate of Sunday morning services and classes beginning Nov. 2. Hopefully, we can get some good fishing done in the apartment complex that will result in many residents attending.

Wednesday evening services will continue at Market Place.

As if life couldn't get any sillier

Country Music Star Reba McEntire believes she has been reincarnated... noting that in a previous life she believes she was a man. She reconciles her belief in reincarnation with her Christian faith by saying, "I'm sorry, but this is how I live my life, this is what I believe."

Now there's intelligence for you. To add to this sillyness, Reba says she fears criticism from Christian fans. You can read the article here.

I'm not going to be critical of Reba, but reincarnation is not compatible with the Christian faith, period. Why do intelligent people think they can have it both ways? It probably has something to do with the new self-actualization, self-seeking and diluted messages being preached in pulpits today. Such efforts are aimed at building mega-churches, nothing more.

All this being said, I still like listening to Reba's music on country radio.

Market Place recap

We had 15 tonight at the Market Place apartments. I preached Romans 7, about sin, God's Law, temptation and the two-fold nature of man.

Status Report

I seem to be falling off my blogging lately, hopefully you'll understand that I am working to honor my commitments to the Lord, my brethren, my employers and my family.

For those who are wondering how things are going, here are some highlights and lowlights:

• Home Bible Studies are going horribly. Attendance is non-existant. My neighbors have been experiencing health problems which has been preventing their attendance, and we have been unable to draw anyone else in. We have moved the studies to the evenings to allow for people to get up in the morning. We are also trying to bribe them with dinner, but to no avail.
• The results of home Bible studies have flustered my Sunday morning plans. The idea was to assemble a few (2 or 3, including my own) families, then launch. However, since this has not materialized, I am forced to adjust my plans. Today, I will be meeting with the manager of an apartment complex to see about having Sunday services in their community room.
• I am meeting with a prospective helper/partner next week about helping us reach the people of Brownwood.
• Market Place services seem to be rebounding, with 17 in attendance last Wednesday, with a visiting minister. Something about me leaving draws numbers.... (that's an inside joke, those who know my history with Denson Springs will get it.)
• Work is going well, but the recent downturn in the economy and the presidential race has stifled any revenue growth I thought I would bring to the table so far. If things don't get better soon, my 4th quarter revenues may actually come in behind last year's, which will be a huge embarrassment for me. Other than that, things are going well. I am planning on partnering with the Cub Scouts for a food drive utilizing the radio's airwaves to drum up support.
• I will be seeking half salary at the state meeting in Henderson in November. I look forward to seeing you and fellowshipping with you there. If anyone has any questions about my work, I am available to discuss them with you between now and then. Just call me at 325-200-8531, or email gracepointembc@aol.com. Or, you can ask me on the floor of the meeting. It's just that the latter option makes me nervous.

Mission: Brownwood has added some supporting churches over the past couple of months. I would like to welcome Bassett Road MBC of Palestine, Memory Lane MBC of Palestine and Salmon MBC of Elkhart. I enjoy a friendship with the church at Bassett Road which dates back to my days as youth director at Vanderbilt Baptist Church in Tyler, a mission co-sponsored by Bassett Road. I have enjoyed a friendship with Memory Lane since preaching there one Sunday during my second year of seminary.

Salmon MBC of Elkhart, TX will always be special to me, as that church partnered with us for Vacation Bible School and nursing home ministries when I pastored at Denson Springs MBC. I have never seen two churches that were such close friends.

Wednesday activity report

Jessica reported 12 residents attended Wednesday services at Market Place last night. Including our fill-in preacher and my family, that brings the total to 17 people.

Bro. Ricky Hatter filled in for me, and Jessica said he did a really good job and the residents liked him. Bro. Hatter is a member of RidgeCrest MBC in Levelland, TX, where he is the mission committee chairman, and where he does nursing home ministries and Meals on Wheels. I am appreciative of his work with us and I have yet to be able to adequately show that appreciation.

As for me, I spoke at the Faith-Promise Missions Conference at Faith MBC in Round Rock last night. Bro. Roy Fikac is the pastor there. Round Rock is currently sponsoring missions in Ft. Worth and Kerrville. They let me speak, took up a generous love offering for me and filled my belly at the Cracker Barrel. It was truly a great time and I appreciate their love and encouragement.

Hey, if anyone feels burdened for state missions, please take a good, long look at the Texas Hill Country and West Texas. There are so many towns, cities, people, all with so few ABA churches. The average distance between ABA churches out here is probably 90 miles. Contact me or Bro. Fikac if you have any questions.

Pre-Associational meeting

The pre-associational meeting in Hillsboro was rather harmonious with brethren congenially asking questions and missionaries giving reports.

For those who would like to know that happened, here is the rundown.

Bro. Paul Clark, pastor of Walnut St. MBC of Hillsboro, gave a devotional, noting how Paul and Barnabas split, but meybe they were both right. Maybe both men had God's will in mind.

After that, the missionaries gave their reports and requests. Those proceedings went as follows:

Life Touch MBC in Irving is requesting support for Pastor Larry Chalker.
Bro. Chalker gave his report. Bro. Rusty Denny from Mt. Pleasant MBC in Dennison spoke to Bro. Chalker's report, noting that Bro. Chalker, like most pastors, is experiencing a lot of turnover in his congregation. Bro. Chalker agreed, saying that new people will be reached, but other members will leave.

Alto MBC in Alto is requesting support for Missionary Jose Estrada.
Bro. Charles Williams spoke for Bro. Estrada, who then gave his report. Bro. Estrada is working with the Hispanic people in Alto and Price. I don't think anyone asked him any questions.

Corinth MBC in Timpson is requesting support for Missionary Mario Gamez.
Bro. Tom LeBreton spoke, then Bro. Gamez gave his report. Bro. Gamez is in the process of turning over the work in Center to a local pastor, while he continues to work in Tatum at Bethel (where they are about to acquire a building in town) and is about to start a new work with Bro. Ray Williams at Unity MBC in Longview. No questions were asked.

Bethel MBC in Huntsville is requesting support for Missionary Marvin Gardner.
Bro. Donny Howard spoke for Bro. Gardner, who then gave his report. He was questioned by Bro. Michael Roberts as to why Vanderbilt was holding off on organizing until they could support a full-time pastor. Bro. Gardner said that he knew the day was coming when we "wouldn't be here no more" and wanted the church to be able to call a fulltime pastor. When asked why couldn't he organize and then request support like Bro. Chalker or Bro. Ricky Payne. Bro. Gardner said that he didn't want to do that.

Meadowbrook MBC near Wills Point is requesting support for Pastor Rickey Payne.
Bro. Payne reported that he has gotten a part time job, but the church needs support at Wills Point. He noted that offerings are steadily improving, he just needs one more year. Bro. Bobby Sparks asked Bro. Payne why he was up again this year after saying he wouldn't last year, then said that Meadowbrook should begin to pay their own way (It wasn't in those words, but that was the jist of the comment).

New Requests
Rocky Springs MBC in Dialville is requesting support for Missionary Leland Acker.
Bro. Swilling spoke for me, I gave my report, no one said anything.

First MBC in Mabank is requesting support for Pastor Robert Boone.
First MBC went through a split a while back (maybe a year or two? I don't know.) and Bro. Robert Boone was called to be their pastor afterward. He requested support so he could spend more time on the field. He was questioned by a brother whose name I do not know, and was told that the membership of churches should step out on faith and pay their own way.

Tyler Road MBC is requesting support for Missionary Ricky O’Neal – Berean Ministries
Bro. Ricky O'Neal gave his report, which was spoken to by Bro. Reed (not Bro. Marion Reed, but another Bro. Reed from Arkansas). Some of the brethren were complimentary of his work, but questions were raised as to whether this would fall under "state missions" seeing how his ministry extended beyond the borders of Texas.

Rocky Springs MBC in Dialville is requesting support for Jim Slocumb – TMD
Bro. Swilling spoke for Bro. Slocumb, who then gave his report. A few brethren spoke on his behalf, no one asked any questions and no issues were raised.

After the meeting with missionaries, Bro. Marlin Freeman from Heritage MBC in Center spoke, saying that there were two ministries and two TBI students requesting funds. He went out of his way to say that he was not disparaging them, but would rather see a new mission policy enacted that would allow for the current strategies in state mission work. Bro. Marion Reed said he will present a new mission policy to the messengers at the meeting in Henderson, which will be referred to the churches to be reviewed for one year. It will likely be voted in in Dennison in 2009. We thanked Walnut St. MBC and Bro. Clark for hosting us, and went to eat at the Black Eyed Pea.

Mission: Brownwood September 2008 Report

Taking the Gospel to the Market Place

My wife, Jessica, landed a job as the activities coordinator at the Market Place Apartments, a retirement community for lower-income seniors in Brownwood, Texas. With the permission of the residents, Jessica invited me to begin holding Wednesday evening services at Market Place. We began with an attendance of 14 the first two weeks, then grew to 20 the third week, before falling back to 17. Satan has decided to battle our efforts at Market Place, with problems arising between factions of residents, which reduced our attendance last Wednesday to 12. Still, a core group at Market Place is emerging, and we anticipate attendance will pick back up.
Residents attend group activities at Market Place.

Mission: Brownwood to expand apartment ministries

As Sunday morning attendance at our home studies struggled, Jessica and I prayed about God’s next step for us. As soon as certain key details can be worked out, we will begin holding services in another local apartment complex. We’ll release the details after we get them nailed down. We do have a complex that has enthusiastically agreed to let us use their facilities. We averaged 7 in our home-based worship services.

Finances

SUPPORT RECEIVED:

Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $208.83
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Quaker Ave. MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Bassett Rd BC (Palestine, TX) $75
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
Dawn Blackburn (Jacksonville) $100
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $140.16
Heritage BC (Tyler, TX) $200
Sandie & Mike Rossiter (Jacksonville, TX) $500
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $82.71
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $200
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25.

EXPENDITURES:

Salary - $1,000
Housing - $740
Fuel - $128.27
Computer Supples - $39.98.

Market Place has 12

Well, Satan is not going to concede Brownwood. Certain issues taking place within the Market Place Apartments contributed to a reduced attendance rate tonight.

Praise God that we did have 12 in attendance. I preached from Romans 6:1-14, on "Why we should not continue in sin."

Yeah, that's right. I preached on sin.

Mission: Brownwood to revamp Sunday mornings

This morning, it was just my family of five for our home-based services. This approach is clearly not working the way I think it should. Sure, mission work takes time... but it appears that no one, not even those we have become good friends with, are interested in attending services in someone's home on Sunday mornings.

Therefore, in the weeks ahead, we will take steps to secure a Sunday morning meeting place, and set up a full-slate of weekly services at some of the apartment complexes. Jessica and I are still carefully planning the ministries and praying over what we should do. We'll make the announcements as soon as the plans are finalized.

Saturday Evening Post

September has been a tough month for us in Brownwood. Though the Market Place ministry has picked up steam and done very well, we seem to have lost most of our momentum at the Brownwood Housing Authority, and have struggled to get our loosely-knit core group together in one place at one time.

One thing that amazes me is that wherever Jessica and I go in the ministry, Satan always seems to have his people there ready to oppose us. You can usually tell who these people are because they are the ones who vehemently oppose you straight out of the chute... even though they don't even know you. While I will decline to mention whom we are dealing with and in what area of the ministry we are facing opposition in, I will say that we are facing opposition on the field. (I know I have sparred with some of you on occasion on this and other blogs... I am not considering you opposition. Our opposition is coming from people who are here on the field.)

Present plans are to begin another apartment ministry on Sunday mornings, move the home Bible studies to Sunday evenings, and continue at Market Place on Wednesday evenings. We are also considering Tuesday night Discovery Clubs, but the where and how have not been decided yet.

Praises include the fact that Lee is home from the hospital and feeling well, Rachel and Joshua are growing spiritually, and that God has kept our needs met. Prayer request include God's opening of doors, our wisdom to enter those doors, and our housing situation.

BTW, I just got word from the city that a new manufactured housing community is going in behind our home, and that the main entrance to this new addition will run through my front yard. This has me rather uncomfortable due to the fact that our kids like to play in the front yard. Jessica and I are reviewing the best course of action that will protect the safety of our children, and work out for the best for us, our neighbors and landlord.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support.

Saturday Night Fiesta at Market Place

Last Saturday, approximately 30 residents were in attendance to celebrate Mexican Independence Day at Market Place apartments. We enjoyed some of the best Mexican casseroles, salsas and nachos. Have you ever had real homemade salsa... WHHHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

We were blessed to be a part of this celebration.

Market Place will soon become an integral part of a comprehensive apartment ministry which could span as wide as three or four complexes. We are still working out the details, but I'll keep you posted.

Market Place rolls on

We had 17 in attendance tonight at our Wednesday Services at Market Place Apartments. I preached a verse-by-verse expository message from Romans 5:1-9. Services went great!

See You at the Pole.

I remember being a freshman in high school when I first heard of See You at the Pole, a special event where on a certain day each school year, students gather around the flagpoles at school and pray. My freshman year at Jacksonville High School, many students took part.

Today, at Coleman High School, a 2A high school, 30 kids gathered for prayer, led by the youth minister at First Baptist Church and the pastor of the First United Methodist Church.

1. What is your opinion of See You at the Pole?

2. Would you encourage students to take part in See You at the Pole?

I think it would help us all to remember this...

Over the past two weeks, I have witnessed some rather unsavory behavior by a Baptist minister. While this guy is not an ABA pastor, his actions have given the name Baptists, and even worse, God's name, a black eye.

The lesson we learn from Dr. Evans is that our actions reflect our faith, God, Savior and church. Don't be guilty of blasphemy through your actions.

Prayers for Lee

Lee, who has been involved with our home Bible studies on Sunday mornings, is in the hospital. He is on our hearts and in our prayers. Please keep him in your prayers as well.

My family of five is the only group who was in attendance this morning. Jessica taught the kids on Salvation.

Mission FAQs

Any missionary on deputation will find himself answering the following questions.

1. Which translation of the Bible will you use?

2. Will your services be contemporary or traditional?

3. Will you be starting a mission or doing church planting?

4. How far away is the nearest ABA church?

5. Are you going up for associational support?

and I'd be remiss if I didn't include...

6. What do you think of Reach America?

Of course, I did deputation in the aftermath of last year's Texas state meeting, so I also got, "What do you think of Charlie Ellison?" (For what it's worth, he's in my thoughts and prayers, as are all of the South Texas brethren.)

Market Place ministry builds steam

We had 20 in attendance for our Wednesday services at the Market Place Apartments last night. I preached a message titled "Hope Against Hope" from Romans 4... focusing on how Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness... and how Abraham against hope believed in hope, that he would become the father of many nations. The application is that we should believe God... we should trust Him for salvation by our faith in Christ, and that we should trust Him to take us through life's circumstances.

The group's response was great, and several said I preached on thinigs they were dealing with at the moment. The people at Market Place need our prayers. This ministry is one of the reasons God brought me to Brownwood.

New mission brochure

I've put together a new brochure for Mission: Brownwood. I'll send you one if you let me know you want one.

Missing this meeting

Well, the Annual Messenger Meeting of the Southwest Association of Missionary Baptist Churches takes place this week, and I'm not getting to go because it happens on a weekday, and I have to work.

Almost everything in our association happens on a weekday. The Missions Conference in February happens on a Tuesday, as do the pre-associational meetings for the ABA and MBA of Texas. The ABA meeting takes a week (I understand that) and the MBA of Texas meeting falls on a Tuesday and Wednesday.

I once asked, "Why don't we do more things on Saturdays to allow bi-vocational ministers to attend?" The answer I received was "Saturday events are hard on preachers."

Okay. I see that. I'm not above taking vacation time. I'll be at the MBA of Texas pre-associational meeting on Oct. 7, and will be at the state meeting in November. I look forward to fellowshipping with you all.

New message boards added to Rocky Springs MBC Web site

My friend, sister and fellow church member Shelly Lipe, who spearheads a lot of the efforts in youth ministry at Rocky Springs MBC has come up with an awesome idea. She added a message board to the Rocky Springs Web site for church announcements, bulletings, youth activities and missions news. Check it out here.

Possible Mission: Brownwood meeting place

Jessica and I have decided to go back to Plan A in regards to a public meeting place. Those who saw my presentation during my deputation will know what I'm talking about.

Anyway, we plan on finalizing these plans Friday (which will be our next available day to meet with the property management.)

If we successfully secure this facility, we will begin having regular services in October. We've got 4 days to pray about it. Please pray with us.

Prayer requests include:

• That God provides this meeting place for us.
• That God solidifies our core group.
• That God brings those prospective core group members who are still undecided along side us to help launch this new church.
• That God gives us the opportunity to lead more souls to Christ.

Hurricane Ike has renewed our intensity toward getting this new church established. The quicker this church becomes self-supporting and missional, the quicker we can begin lending a hand to those suffering across the great State of Texas.

Making disciples vs. defending the faith

Johnny has just accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. Excited about his newfound faith following the revival, he runs out to Lifeway, finds a Bible that he likes, begins listening to Christian radio and decides that he likes the music, as well as the commentary by Dr. James Dobson, Tony Evans and Charles Stanley. He also discovers Dawson McAlister and Promisekeepers. Did I mention that Bible he bought is an NIV?

In the disciple-making process, what is your next step? Do you frantically proclaim to him that the NIV, contemporary Christian radio, Dawson McAlister and Promisekeepers are of the devil? Does NIV mean "Non-Inspired Verson?" Or do you teach and preach from the KJV, highlight what Landmarkism and what true New Testament churches are, and give him time to grow.

There are those who feel that if they haven't offended anyone or upset anybody, they haven't preached. It is true that when you preach the Gospel according to the scriptures, some will be offended that their lifestyle (of adultery, anger, theft, blasphemy and covetousness) is called sin and try to justify their actions. Others will feel convicted by the Gospel message and come to Christ. Still, others will miss the point all together.

If your goal in preaching is to root out that last bit of something in a person's life that you don't agree with, then preach against it so they'll be offended, you've missed the point. Our job as ministers is to preach the Gospel and make disciples. (Actually the church is supposed to make disciples, but much of that comes from the preaching and efforts of the pastor these days).

Some feel like they must "defend the faith" against this poor new believer who showed up with an NIV Bible. Keep in mind that "defending the faith" in the scriptures took place against people who actively perverted the Gospel of God's grace... not those who didn't know any better.

So, let's get back on track. Let our preaching and teaching be targeted toward making disciples and perfecting the saints for the ministry of the Gospel, and not targeted toward stirring controversy and strife. Remember, this great work that God has entrusted us with is not about us, but it's about Glorifying Him.

Sunday update

Mission: Brownwood suffered another down Sunday as we only had 7 in our home services this morning. Stomach bugs are continuing to go around... this time my son Joshua and I were the victoms.

We're going to expand our evangelistic efforts this week in the hopes of reaching more people. In the meantime, we are praying for a public worship facility. I feel that once we can secure one, we'll have an easier time drawing people in.

Unto them were committed the oracles of God.

"What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God."

The oracles of God are the things He said... His Word. The Jews were not saved by their religious acts, but they still had the advantage over gentiles because God committed His Word to them.

I preached last night at our Wednesday evening services at Market Place Apartments that we have the advantage as believers (most of them are professing Christians), because God has committed His Word to us... and that it builds our faith (Romans 10:17), gives us purpose (Ephesians 4) and promises us rewards in Heaven (Matthew 25).

The group of 14 found those words very encouraging.

Weekly update

We had 6 in our home services this morning. Illness claimed most of our people. We studied John 1:1-14.

Over the next few months, our teaching will line up with ABA Sunday School literature, as I believe the book of John is a great study for new Christians and those who are not in church.

New Mission: Brownwood value

I was studying my values and vision/mission statements and I noticed that there was an element missing. (Admittedly, I was told of this earlier this year, but I wasn't really listening, Thanks David!)

So, the new value is Missions.

Missions - Because the purpose of Christ's church is to spread the Gospel, the resources of the churches started by Mission: Brownwood will be used to send out missionaries, plant sister churches, and by doing so take the Gospel to those who have not received it.

Associational Season

It's September, meaning that the local associations will begin meeting in anticipation of this fall's Texas State Meeting in Henderson. (I would pick a year to go up for missions funds when we'll be in one of the largest sanctuaries in our work which is located deep in the heart of the Mt. Zion and Shelby County Associations. That place is going to be packed!)

Anyway, stage fright aside, I would like to make it to a couple of local association meetings this fall. Does anyone have any local associations to recommend? I'm kind of partial to the Old Cherokee, Tri-County and Anderson County associations myself.

Market Place Wednesday Night!

We had nine residents and my family of five for a total of 14 people at our Wednesday services at the Market Place Apartments in Brownwood last night. Market Place is a retirement community.

I preached on Romans 2:14-16, explaining that even when people don't know God's law, or His word, they set their own standard and become a law unto themselves. Notwithstanding, man can not even live up to his own law, let alone God's law, which is why we need the Gospel. (I have preached to this group twice, both times making a point to define the Gospel as I Corinthians 15:3-4). As long as they'll let me, I'll continue to preach and teach them from Romans, explaining the true doctrine of the Gospel and building them up doctrinally. After we finish Romans, we'll study how to put our faith into action.

The group at Market Place is not a church. I am unaware of their Baptismal status, and they haven't covenanted together to carry out God's work. That being said, they act like a church. They meet, vote and make decisions. (They are congregational rule... haha!)

They have decided to invite me out to hold services with them every Wednesday at 6 p.m., and have decided to discontinue the preaching services on Sunday afternoons, electing to revert back to the "Sunday Singing" format they had earlier.

Next week, we'll study from Romans 3.

I do have some speaking appointments coming up... and I'll honor those. Don't worry, I'll handle the details.

I have to praise God for all of this. Over the past few weeks, I have been struggling through an intense Spiritual battle, yet God, in his mercy and grace, has continued to build the work in Brownwood. God is awesome! Thank you!

August 2008 Report

Mission: Brownwood VBS wins gold at Brownwood Housing Authority

Our Vacation Bible School efforts at the Brownwood Housing Authority yielded good fruit with one profession of faith at the VBS, and one at our home services for two professions of faith. The girl saved at the VBS wants to be baptized and join our mission in Brownwood.

We averaged 30 kids per week, with attendance peaking at 43 kids on Aug. 16. Special thanks go out to South Union MBC of Daingerfield, TX; East Side BC of Jacksonville, TX; Rocky Springs MBC of Jacksonville, TX; Veal Switch MBC of Hughes Springs, TX; Fostoria Oaks MBC of Cleveland, TX; Salmon MBC of Elkhart, TX; Concho Baptist Church of Coleman, TX; Rosevine Baptist Church of Bronson, TX; Muse MBC of Grapeland, TX; Memory Lane MBC of Palestine, TX; and Calvary Baptist Church of Silsbee, TX for their generous donations of decorations and literature, which saved the mission hundreds of dollars on teaching material.

We would also like to thank Bro. Ron and Sis. Betty Shaw of Midland, TX; Bro. Roy Ramon of San Angelo, TX; Sis. Victoria Williams of Brownwood, TX; Bro. John and Sis. Teresa Kight of Coleman, TX; Bro. Harold and Sis. Sylvia Acker of Jacksonville, TX; Bro. Jaime and Sis. Regina Hogan and family and Nick from Grapeland, TX; and Bro. Chuck and Sis. Sharon Johnston and Sis. Judy from Elkhart, TX; for volunteering to teach classes, cook lunch and set-up and clean-up the community center for VBS. This victory would not have been possible without your help.

Home Bible Study attendance grows

We averaged 9 in our Home Bible Studies on Sunday mornings, with an attendance high of 13 on Sunday, Aug. 24, and a low of 6 on Aug. 10. Our visitors are returning with strong prospects of joining.

Mission: Brownwood begins services at Market Place Apartments

We have been invited to hold Wednesday evening services every week and Sunday evening services every odd-numbered week at the Market Place Apartments in Brownwood. Look for more developments on this in the weeks to come.

FINANCES

OFFERINGS RECEIVED:
58th Ave. MBC (Amarillo, TX) $104.91
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Quaker BC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $80
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $150
Sublett Rd. MBC (Arlington, TX) $100
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50
Crestview MBC (Arlington, TX) $100
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $400
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $205.22
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $87.47
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $200
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25.

EXPENSES:
Salary $700
Housing $720
VBS $937.56
Mission Needs $269.38
Market Place ministry $49.26
Fuel $137.02

El Fin de VBS

We wrapped up VBS at the Brownwood Housing Authority today with 35 children and 8 volunteers in attendance. The kids were more hyper today after spending a week in school and our volunteer staff was out of sync due to a stomach bug which has taken over. All-in-all, it was a good day.

VBS Stats:

Attendance:

8/2/08- 20

8/9/08- 22

8/16/08- 42

8/23/08- 28

8/30/08- 35

Average Attendance: 30.

Professions of Faith: 2

Additions:2 (pending Baptism)

Financial Expense: $2,265.46

Financial expenses were mostly food cost to serve lunch at VBS... with some being spent for publicity. Curriculum costs were close to $1,300.

Final VBS Tomorrow

Tomorrow (8-30-08) will mark our final one-day VBS at the Brownwood Housing Authority. I have mixed emotions about the whole thing. On one hand, all the preparation and working all day every Saturday has been taxing on my family and I. However, on the other hand, I'm going to miss working with these kids every single Saturday.

I do think we have made some friends here and have doors open for further ministry, but we'll have to conduct that ministry without the luxury of the community center. Not only will they not rent it to us every Sunday, but it is set to undergo remodeling as soon as we finish up tomorrow.

We had two professions of faith at VBS this summer. One was my son, the other was an apartment resident. She has decided to join our work in Brownwood, and I feel we will have the opportunity to minister to hers and other families we have been in contact with. This was the goal of the VBS... so at least that goal was accomplished.

We've had a lot of help with this VBS. Special thanks go out to the Shaw's from Midland, who helped us our first week. They went so far as to use video and powerpoint presentations. Then there was Bro. Roy Ramon from San Angelo, who led music the second week. Last week, we had Bro. Jaime and Sis. Regina Hogan, et. al. from Grapeland, John and Teresa Kight from Coleman, and tomorrow we are expecting Bro. Chuck Johnston, Sis. Sharon and Sis. Judy from Elkhart. Numerous churches have contributed supplies to our VBS, which has been a real big blessing. Cost of food for lunches, snacks and cost of arts and crafts supplies has been astronomical. Not having to pay for literature, as all of our literature was donated, has been a real blessing. A complete list of VBS donors will be released in my upcoming report.

Surprises on the field

Preparing to go onto the mission field in Brownwood, I prepared myself for a number of spiritual battles. There are the battles of temptation, the battles of getting up the courage to regularly evangelize, witness and share my faith with complete strangers, the financial struggles, the adjusting to a new environment, discouragement, etc. I expected to move to Brownwood and for no one to care that I was there, or for everyone to disdain my presence because "Why would we need another Baptist church?" (Actually, the only people to ask that question were the station manager at the Christian station and a local Baptist pastor's wife).

Things I was not prepared for were:

• Isolation- If you've never gone to church faithfully, you never miss church. However, if you have ever been a faithful church member, then were suddenly placed in a situation where you had no church family, you feel isolated and alone. I never realized how much strength I drew from being in the presence of other Missionary Baptists. Even at Denson Springs when things were going badly, members of the congregation still prayed for me, and a couple even took time to lift me up. I had one church member, that, even though we were at odds at times, he would still let me know he loved me and was praying for me and wanted the best for me. Things are getting better as we begin to see the beginning of the core group emerge in Brownwood, but the absence of regular Sunday worship drains a person.
• Newfound "friendships"- I have been approached by other groups wanting me to join their movement. It's not a problem, I am properly handling the requests, it just surprised me.
• The Enormity of the Mission- It is not easy to start a church with nothing. At Mission: Brownwood, we did not have the luxury of moving onto the field with a "launch team." (I'm not knocking missionaries who did, it's a great thing, when it's available). We did not have displaced Missionary Baptists on the field looking for an ABA church. We don't even have a meeting place, outside of my living room (which we are close to outgrowing). Nope. No buildings, signs, advertisements, history in the community, community ties, heritage or launch team members to rely on. We have to build the core group from scratch. Now, before I get a barrage of messages saying "God builds the church, not you, dummy!", let me say that the progress that has been made has been by God's grace. I think it was God who provided for us living in the neighborhood that we are in... which is next door to our best core group prospects. It was God who prodded the teenager who was on the brink of salvation to come to VBS so we could share the Gospel with her. Still, something from nothing is a tall order. With God's help, we'll fill the order. Let me just say that anyone who says "It's easier to start a new church than to put up with the traditions of an old one" is an idiot if they truly believe it, or, they've never planted a church. It may be easier to split a church and form a new congregation, but it is not easier to start a new one from scratch as opposed to pastoring. It's even harder to plant a church with a launch team and a meeting facility than it is to pastor one that has heritage and a history in the community. As much as I have been through in the pastoral ministry, that was easier than this. I just thought I'd throw that in there.

Things are going well at Mission: Brownwood. Y'all continue to pray for us. We saw God do a lot of good things in August at the apartment complex (VBS every Saturday), with two professions of faith and friendships being built with residents along the way. We just hope to be able to continue that momentum and ride it into a self-supporting church in the near future.

God bless you, thank you for your prayers and support.

Leland

Just in case you wondered...

We had 13 in my home for Sunday services this past week (8-24-08). Most were visitors who were helping us with VBS, but the young lady who accepted Christ at VBS is still attending faithfully.

The most exciting news, though, is the salvation of my oldest son, Joshua, who broke into tears at the beginning of Sunday school, telling my wife that he had broken God's law, and wanted God's forgiveness. It's great knowing the older two of my children are saved, but I know we have got some work to do with JJ teaching him about the Lord. Please pray for him. He's only three, but he's what James Dobson would call a "strong-willed child."

Mission: Brownwood VBS continues to gain traction

We had 28 kids and 10 volunteers for a total of 38 people at VBS today at the Brownwood Housing Authority. We have two who are close to making decisions for the Lord, in my assessment.

Pictured above is Bro. Jamie Hogan, member of Muse MBC of Grapeland, TX, teaching the juniors class. We will hold our final one-day VBS at the housing authority next Saturday from 10-2.

Special thanks go out to Bro. Hogan, family and guests for traveling all the way to Brownwood to make this VBS a success!

Lessons learned from John 21

In John 21, Peter got discouraged in Jerusalem and decided to return to his old profession of fishing. He took several of the other disciples with him. While fishing, several events took place, from which I have made some observations.

1. Jesus gives us the fish (verse 6). The disciples had not caught anything all night, but once they threw the net where Jesus told them, the caught more than they could really handle... which brings me to my next point....

2. Jesus directs us to where the fish are (verse 6). While we are out being fishers of men, we need to go where the Lord calls us. Sure, there may be better markets and bigger cities, but the Lord knows where the fish we can catch are. Therefore we need to follow His leading. If we operate outside the Lord's will, success will be limited and empty. Oh wait... that's my third point.

3. Efforts apart from Christ are fruitless (verse 3). They didn't catch anything.

4. What God gives us will suffice (verse 11). Notice that their net didn't break.

5. God provides for our needs (verse 13). Jesus fed them breakfast.

6. Our love for Christ is indicated by our obedience to Him. (verse 15-17). Jesus was asking Peter, "Do you love me, more than these?" I believe "these" refers to the fish. Jesus was asking Peter if he loved Him more than worldy and commercial success. If so, Peter would "feed His sheep."

7. Our commandment from Christ is to feed His sheep. We are also to go forth and make disciples (Matthew 28:19) and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).

8. Christ wants us to follow Him (verse 19).

9. Following Christ means giving up our lives (verse 18), meaning we give up our personal dreams, ambitions, goals, etc. It may even mean dying for Him, which is what Christ was telling Peter he would do. You see, the Christian life is not about fulfilling our needs and dreams through Christ, rather we sacrifice that which means a lot to us to honor and glorify God.

10. Jesus doesn't want us preoccupied with others. (verse 22). Don't worry what others are doing, concern yourself with where you stand with God, and whether you are obeying His call in your life.

It's not ground breaking theology, I'll admit. However, I drew some encouragement through these verses during my recent Bible study time.

So, with these guidelines in place, let's go fishing!

Mission: Brownwood to begin Wednesday evening services

I am pleased to announce that I have been asked to hold services at a local apartment complex (not the housing authority) on Wednesday evenings beginning in September.

Our ministry in Brownwood is starting to get attention locally, and I am very excited about what God is doing here. More details on those things will be included in my monthly report, due out in two weeks.

I also had a great time of encouragement and refreshing while studying John 21. I'll post what the Spirit taught me through the scriptures sometime after work today.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Grace Pointe has 10!

We had 10 in attendance at our morning worship services in our home Sunday. We were expecting 11, but one fell ill. I am excited as those who are visiting with us are returning.

We also had a singing with 24 people at the retirement apartments where my wife works Sunday afternoon. Things there are also looking promising.

We are still hoping to be able to position ourselves to continue the momentum we are enjoying with the VBS at the Brownwood Housing Authority. I'll report the news as it happens.

Another successful VBS day!

By the end of the day, we had 42 kids, 7 volunteers for a total of 49 in attendance today. We're really beginning to build momentum at the Brownwood Housing Authority, with VBS volunteers and children getting to know each other on a first-name basis without the need for name tags.

We are working to find a way to keep this momentum going after VBS at the apartment complex. Hopefully, a solution can be found soon so we can continue to minister to these families.

Access Denied

Talked with the folks at the Brownwood Housing Authority today about holding worship services in their community room on Sundays. They politely turned me down, saying they didn't want the community room tied up every Sunday. They were agreeable to letting us hold a service once a month.

We have made some good progress with several prospects at the housing authority. I sincerely hope we can locate a meeting facility close by so that we can minister to those people, disciple them and help them grow in the Lord.

VBS Day 2 Update

Today was another good VBS for Mission: Brownwood. We started out with just a handful of kids, but one of the local residents rounded up a bunch of kids to give us a total of 22 kids for the day, six adults, 28 people in all. No professions of faith were made today, but my class now knows the greatest two commandments. The above video is of Bro. Roy Ramon, pastor of Beacon Baptist Church of San Angelo, leading singing with his guitar. This was before the sudden influx of kiddos.

Mission: Brownwood July 2008 Report

Isaiah 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.

July was a busy month in preparation for our first major outreach event in Brownwood. We spent many hours preparing for Vacation Bible School to be held at the Brownwood Housing Authority’s Wendell Dodds Community Center. We were blessed with several people from churches all over the state of Texas volunteering to help us with VBS, and several churches sending us VBS supplies. God blessed our efforts the first weekend of VBS (Aug. 2) with 20 kids present, one adult from the apartment complex and nine volunteers for a total of 30 people. One teenage girl repented of her sins and trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She has since decided to follow her Lord in Baptism and will join our mission in Brownwood. We are also seeing doors opening to minister to other families in the Brownwood Housing Authority.

We have a couple attending services in our home with us, as well as the girl who was saved at VBS. Our plans are to continue VBS at the apartment complex every Saturday in August, hopefully seeing more souls saved and the Lord adding more to His church. Most of the people we come into contact with at the apartment complex have no basic understanding of the Gospel. There are religiously lost people in Brownwood, but not at the apartments. I feel that this will be a good fishing hole for us.

Finances

Support Received:
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $150
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $298.01
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX) $154.92
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) 100
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $700
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $104.91
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $240
M.T. Blackmon (Palestine, TX) $200.

Expenditures:
Salary $1,000
VBS fund $500
VBS supplies $415.60
Mission related gasoline usage $39.51
Housing $720.

Work is going well

Things are going well at KSTA. Today, my interview with Coleman County Judge Jimmie Hobbs aired during the 7 a.m. hour of the morning show. Tomorrow, I interview the director of the Chamber of Commerce, and i interview the school superintendent Friday.

Ad sales are going well. It's way easier to sell out here than in East Texas.

More Praise

We had 8 in our home-based services this morning, including our neighbors and the girl from the apartment complex who accepted Christ yesterday. PRAISE GOD! Things are beginning to move in Brownwood.

Don't try this at home, unless you have a good vacuum cleaner

Jessica demonstrates how to color a picture of Miriam looking after the baby Moses as he floated down the river during crafts time at the VBS we held at the Brownwood Housing Authority Aug. 2.

The series of one-day vacation Bible schools continues every Saturday in the month of August. All VBS's will be held from 10-2 Saturdays at the Wendell Dodds Community Center of the Brownwood Housing Authority. Volunteers are still welcome.

PRAISE GOD! 20 KIDS! ONE SOUL SAVED!

Day one of our VBS at the Brownwood Housing Authority was a huge success!!! We had 20 kids and one adult from the apartment complex, and nine volunteers (ourselves included) for a total of 30 people. One girl, a teenager, accepted Jesus as her personal Savior within the first :30 minutes. She wants to be baptized and join our mission. We talked with her mom and everything is go... now we just have to find a place to do the baptizing.

We are expecting her to attend our home services, as well as our neighbors. If all goes well, we could have as many as 10 in our home tomorrow morning. Thank you for your prayers.

A special thanks go out to our partners, Ron and Betty Shaw of Midland, John and Teresa Kight of Coleman, Harold and Sylvia Acker of Jacksonville, and Victoria Williams of Brownwood. A very special thanks goes out to my wife Jessica, whose logistical planning and gathering of material and craft supplies, as well as food made this day possible.

We also received special live offerings from Wyndrock MBC of Abilene and Memorial MBC of Rusk that went toward this VBS. Donations of Good News Games materials are arriving daily, and we thank the churches who are supporting our VBS through these donations. A complete list of donors will be announced at a later time.

Thank you so much for your support.

It's in the Lord's hands

We have canvassed every door at the Sunset/Terrace complex of the Brownwood Housing Authority, put up a giant banner outside the community center, and had lots of one-on-one interaction with the local children.

We have been blessed with committments from volunteers, have plenty of material to get us through the first few weeks of VBS. Response in the community has been good, but that does not always result in good turnout. Never the less, we are doing VBS for God's glory, not our own. Whether we have 10 or 100 children, we will have VBS every Saturday, ministering to whatever children we have.

I'm hoping things go well. After talking with my pastor, Bro. Charles Swilling, we have decided to forego renting the building. Even though the rent is a good rate, we feel it would be best to take more time to build a core group before we make such a move. We have also decided to see how things go in the apartments this month to see if apartment ministries wouldn't be a better way to get started in Brownwood.

Speaking of apartments... my wife has landed a job as the recreation director of two apartment complexes in Brownwood. Look for more developments on this in the near future.

Things are going well at KSTA. I officially took over as station manager today and have already sold $2,250 worth of advertising.

I'm a little nervous right now. I have moved out here to Brownwood, accepted a ministry and a position and have not left myself a safety net. Basically, I have a slight fear of failure. This fear of failure motivates me to keep moving and trying.

Hey, if you myspace, check out my myspace page and send me a friends request. This is another tool I am using to network with people in the Brownwood area.

God bless,

Leland

Pushing Forward

We have canvassed the main complex of the Brownwood Housing Authority and will canvass two of their satellite complexes today, plus the surrounding neighborhood until our door hangers and tracts run out.

Signage advertising the VBS is also going up today (various issues have delayed this until today), and I have placed a notice in the local paper. Hopefully, we'll get a good turnout for VBS.

Mission values report card

Last November, I identified the following core values for Mission: Brownwood.

The Bible - God's Word. It is through the Bible that we get to know Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is through studying the Bible that our faith is increased. (Romans 10:17). The Bible, being God's Word, thus becomes all sufficient as the basis for our beliefs and practices.

People - Jesus did not say, "Go ye therefore and build a multi-million dollar organization." He said, "Go ye therefore and teach..." God's focus is on people. Therefore, Grace Pointe Missionary Baptist Church is a people-focused church. Our goal is to introduce you to Christ, let you get to know Him, accept Him, trust Him and follow Him. Then, our role is to help you become all you can be in Christ.

Discipleship - Many religious organizations focus on the numbers. "How many can we get in our services this week?" At Grace Pointe, our focus is on the individuals. We desire to bring people along side of us and follow the Lord together. Those being discipled will then, in turn, disciple others. This involves a strong teaching and Bible study ministry. This also involves personal interaction. If you have ever wanted a friend you can count on and share all of your struggles with, we at Grace Pointe want to be that friend. We also want to help you know Jesus better.

Outreach - Because the Lord commissioned His churches to go, teach all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and teach them whatsoever things Christ commanded us... it is our prayer that Grace Pointe be a church focused on reaching the unreached people of Brownwood, Texas. It is also our prayer to be a strong supporter of missionaries, both around the world and at home.

Community - Grace Pointe seeks to have a strong community within the church, and hopes to be actively involved in the community outside the church, impacting as many lives as possible.

How are we doing?

Bible - Our Bible studies remain expository, well illustrated and consistent in the face of struggling attendance statistics. Grade: B+ (due to low attendance)

People - Despite my recent trends toward renting or purchasing buildings, I have not lost my focus on the people I have been ministering to. Grade: B+

Discipleship - Spiritual progress is slow but steady with those I am ministering to. Grade: C

Outreach - Evangelism is tough due to the large numbers of religiously lost people. A major VBS event next month should help us reach the unchurched. Grade: B+

Community - We're getting into the community little by little, through the VBS, joining Tae Bo classes and a health club, being hospitable neighbors and finding work. We are also enrolling our kids in various activities. Grade: C.

The low marks are due mainly to the early phase of this work. Few missionaries are going to evangelical giants, major community players with large numbers of people being discipled and discipling others in the first 1 1/2 to 2 months. I'm not satisfied with our progress here so far, but we are still ahead of schedule. My goal for having a core group assembled and organization is not until June of next year.