I spent much of this week in Jacksonville finishing out our old house so it will be ready for the sell. Jessica and I are continuing to study the Living Waters Evangelism course, The Way of the Master. I just received a bunch of new tracts in the mail, so I am stoked about getting back out and meeting more people.
I begin my new job Tuesday, hopefully things will go well.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
VBS Update
We secured one volunteer and have a few maybe's who are interested in helping with VBS at the Brownwood Housing Authority in August. VBS will take place every Saturday in August from 10-2. Those interested in reaching out to these kids should contact Leland Acker at 325-200-8531.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Thank you Wyndrock MBC
Just got word that Wyndrock MBC of Abilene, TX, sent me a $500 love offering. Thank you for your support of Mission: Brownwood. Your $500 offering will help off-set the $1,000 expenditures of VBS, plus help with the two-weeks I will be without a salary in July.
Weekly update
I have been able to keep up with my committment to talk to at least three people about God every day. Friday night, I felt a lot of unrest in my soul, so I went to Wal Mart. While there, I not only found my grandfather's favorite movies (which he has been needing to find on DVD- Patton & The Longest Day) but I noticed a man wandering around. I asked him if he needed help, and he said he was looking for a DVD adapter. I helped him find it, then shared my faith with him.
He told me he just got out of state jail for DUI convictions, and had received Christ while in jail (he was taking a correspondence course). I know his name and where he lives... I'll follow up if the Lord permits.
I was also able to minister to some people I have met in town... but none are coming to my Bible studies. I preached the Gospel from Acts 2:36-38 to my kids today, and they enjoyed it. Really!
I am also continuing to meet with prospective core-group/launch team/charter members. I hope to have a small group of three families assembled by July... if God so blesses. I feel like once we have three families (myself included), we can begin taking steps to organize the church.
I still need VBS volunteers. I have had two people say they might be interested... but no one has responded to my blog announcements, ABA News announcements, state-wide mass mail-out (btw, when you turn in your letter to the state association this year, make sure your mailing address is updated. Outdated mailing info is eating my lunch), and some have even turned down my direct invitations. Look, if you come out, I'll put you up in my home if I have to. We'll eat BBQ after VBS is over, you can stay over for Sunday morning or go home, it's up to you. I'll do whatever, just help me out here! So far my only volunteers are my wife, me, my grandparents, and that's about it.
VBS will take place 10-2 on every Saturday in August at the Brownwood Housing Authority community center, a nice sized, well-equipped and cold air conditioned facility.
Thank you for your prayers, support and interest in Mission: Brownwood. Aside from my anxiety over VBS, I feel like my work here is well-supported and prayed for, and I do thank you for that.
He told me he just got out of state jail for DUI convictions, and had received Christ while in jail (he was taking a correspondence course). I know his name and where he lives... I'll follow up if the Lord permits.
I was also able to minister to some people I have met in town... but none are coming to my Bible studies. I preached the Gospel from Acts 2:36-38 to my kids today, and they enjoyed it. Really!
I am also continuing to meet with prospective core-group/launch team/charter members. I hope to have a small group of three families assembled by July... if God so blesses. I feel like once we have three families (myself included), we can begin taking steps to organize the church.
I still need VBS volunteers. I have had two people say they might be interested... but no one has responded to my blog announcements, ABA News announcements, state-wide mass mail-out (btw, when you turn in your letter to the state association this year, make sure your mailing address is updated. Outdated mailing info is eating my lunch), and some have even turned down my direct invitations. Look, if you come out, I'll put you up in my home if I have to. We'll eat BBQ after VBS is over, you can stay over for Sunday morning or go home, it's up to you. I'll do whatever, just help me out here! So far my only volunteers are my wife, me, my grandparents, and that's about it.
VBS will take place 10-2 on every Saturday in August at the Brownwood Housing Authority community center, a nice sized, well-equipped and cold air conditioned facility.
Thank you for your prayers, support and interest in Mission: Brownwood. Aside from my anxiety over VBS, I feel like my work here is well-supported and prayed for, and I do thank you for that.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Rain!!!!!!
It rained last night and this morning in Brownwood. While the rain is good for ground moisture, agriculture and lawn maintenance, it is not so good for lawn maintenance, carpet and laundry. Hehe, the kids enjoyed it, though.
17 high school girls vow to get pregnant
School ponders how to change mindset
Its interesting how the school systems only answer is offering birth control, which they admit won't do anything to change their mindset. The only effective remedy here would be good, Christian parents... meaning that Gloucester needs a missionary.
Its interesting how the school systems only answer is offering birth control, which they admit won't do anything to change their mindset. The only effective remedy here would be good, Christian parents... meaning that Gloucester needs a missionary.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The parable of the Fishless Fishermen Fellowship
The Parable of the Fishless Fishermen Fellowship: The fishermen were surrounded by streams and lakes full of hungry fish. They met regularly to discuss the call to fish, the abundance of fish, and the thrill of catching fish. They got excited about fishing!
Someone suggested that they needed a philosophy of fishing, so they carefully defined and redefined fishing, and the purpose of fishing. They developed fishing strategies and tactics. Then they realized that they had been going at it backwards. They had approached fishing from the point of view of the fisherman, and not from the point of view of the fish. How do fish view the world? How does the fisherman appear to the fish? What do fish eat, and when? These are all good things to know. So they began research studies, and attended conferences on fishing. Some traveled to faraway places to study different kinds of fish with different habits. Some got doctorates in fishology. But no one had yet gone fishing.
So a committee was formed to send out fishermen. As prospective fishing places outnumbered fishermen, the committee needed to determine priorities. A priority list of fishing places was posted on bulletin boards in all of the fellowship halls. But still, no one was fishing. A survey was launched to find out why. Most did not answer the survey, but from those who did, it was discovered that some felt called to study fish, a few to furnish fishing equipment, and several to go around encouraging the fishermen. What with meetings, conferences, and seminars, they just simply didn’t have time to fish.
Now, Jake was a newcomer to the Fisherman’s Fellowship. After one stirring meeting of the Fellowship, he went fishing and caught a large fish. At the next meeting, he told his story and was honored for his catch. He was told that he had a special “gift of fishing.” He was then scheduled to speak at all the Fellowship chapters and tell how he did it.
With all the speaking invitations and his election to the board of directors of the Fisherman’s Fellowship, Jake no longer had time to go fishing. But soon he began to feel restless and empty. He longed to feel the tug on the line once again. So he canceled the speaking, he resigned from the board, and he said to a friend, “Let’s go fishing.” They did, just the two of them, and they caught fish.
The members of the Fisherman’s Fellowship were many, the fish were plentiful, but the fishers were few! —Anonymous
Someone suggested that they needed a philosophy of fishing, so they carefully defined and redefined fishing, and the purpose of fishing. They developed fishing strategies and tactics. Then they realized that they had been going at it backwards. They had approached fishing from the point of view of the fisherman, and not from the point of view of the fish. How do fish view the world? How does the fisherman appear to the fish? What do fish eat, and when? These are all good things to know. So they began research studies, and attended conferences on fishing. Some traveled to faraway places to study different kinds of fish with different habits. Some got doctorates in fishology. But no one had yet gone fishing.
So a committee was formed to send out fishermen. As prospective fishing places outnumbered fishermen, the committee needed to determine priorities. A priority list of fishing places was posted on bulletin boards in all of the fellowship halls. But still, no one was fishing. A survey was launched to find out why. Most did not answer the survey, but from those who did, it was discovered that some felt called to study fish, a few to furnish fishing equipment, and several to go around encouraging the fishermen. What with meetings, conferences, and seminars, they just simply didn’t have time to fish.
Now, Jake was a newcomer to the Fisherman’s Fellowship. After one stirring meeting of the Fellowship, he went fishing and caught a large fish. At the next meeting, he told his story and was honored for his catch. He was told that he had a special “gift of fishing.” He was then scheduled to speak at all the Fellowship chapters and tell how he did it.
With all the speaking invitations and his election to the board of directors of the Fisherman’s Fellowship, Jake no longer had time to go fishing. But soon he began to feel restless and empty. He longed to feel the tug on the line once again. So he canceled the speaking, he resigned from the board, and he said to a friend, “Let’s go fishing.” They did, just the two of them, and they caught fish.
The members of the Fisherman’s Fellowship were many, the fish were plentiful, but the fishers were few! —Anonymous
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Brownwood happenings
Things are on fire in Brownwood... literally. A tracer from machine gun fire on the firing range of the Camp Bowie Military Reservation sparked a huge grass fire, the smoke of which could be seen for miles. The fire has been extinguished, and no major property damage was reported (most of the affected area was on the base.)
Temperatures today seem to have peaked at 107 degrees. Dust devils are a very common site in downtown, mainly due to the dry conditions and numerous street construction projects.
Keeping a car washed here is an exercise in futility.
Temperatures today seem to have peaked at 107 degrees. Dust devils are a very common site in downtown, mainly due to the dry conditions and numerous street construction projects.
Keeping a car washed here is an exercise in futility.
Day 3
I spoke with two couples and one single today for a total of five people. Everyone I talked with today was a professing Christian, but was excited about the prospect of a new outreach oriented church.
I am still working to assemble a "launch team" or "core group" so we can go public sometime later this summer or early in the fall. Please pray for me. God is giving me boldness, now I need the ability to better present the Gospel to complete strangers.
Is nobody interested in helping with VBS? I'll feed you good BBQ!
I am still working to assemble a "launch team" or "core group" so we can go public sometime later this summer or early in the fall. Please pray for me. God is giving me boldness, now I need the ability to better present the Gospel to complete strangers.
Is nobody interested in helping with VBS? I'll feed you good BBQ!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Mission: Brownwood VBS... HELP NEEDED!
Please committ to helping Mission: Brownwood with VBS for at least one Saturday in the month of August. Your help could benefit a young child eternally. Call Leland Acker at 325-200-8531 to find out how.
Day 2 update
Had two really good conversations with people about salvation and Jesus Christ today at the mall. I have one more visit to make, but I feel like I'm beginning to get the hang of this.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Tech support, please!
As I may have mentioned, I have been able to get high speed internet at my new home in Brownwood. As such, I no longer have to dial into AOL to use the internet.
When I surf the Web using Internet Explorer 6, many of the pictures on various Web sites (including my, and possibly your blogs) are not showing up. They do show up when I use AOL. Can anyone explain this?
When I surf the Web using Internet Explorer 6, many of the pictures on various Web sites (including my, and possibly your blogs) are not showing up. They do show up when I use AOL. Can anyone explain this?
Evangelism Committment, Day 1
I was able to have conversations with three people today. Two of the people are active church members, the other is not. I was able to share the plan of salvation with one.
My evangelism skills need to be improved. I am very disappointed in how shy I have been about sharing my faith and how hard of a time I have in transitioning a conversation to God. Therefore, I am utilizing evangelism training resources from the Way of the Master series with Kirk Cameron, and checking into other online resources as well. I am even mulling taking "Basic Evangelism" at Howard Payne University this fall.
My evangelism skills need to be improved. I am very disappointed in how shy I have been about sharing my faith and how hard of a time I have in transitioning a conversation to God. Therefore, I am utilizing evangelism training resources from the Way of the Master series with Kirk Cameron, and checking into other online resources as well. I am even mulling taking "Basic Evangelism" at Howard Payne University this fall.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Commitment
I, Leland Acker, do hereby commit to share the Gospel with at least three people per day, effective this, the 14th day of June, 2008. Today, I talked with my three kids, tomorrow, I will preach to Beacon BC in San Angelo, then Monday I hit the streets.
Happenings
Things are staying busy in the Acker household in Brownwood. Among the things happening are:
- Dinner at my neighbors' house tonight.
- Preaching a Father's Day message at Beacon Baptist Church in San Angelo tomorrow.
- Getting our old house in Jacksonville ready to sell.
- Preparing next week's Bible studies.
- Preparing for VBS in August.
I'm kind of bummed that I won't be going to the ABA messenger meeting in Spokane. I just don't have the money for gasoline and hotel accomodations. Maybe I'll make Missouri next year.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Great Debaters movie review
This movie is dear to me for a few reasons. (1) I once worked in Marshall, which is the home of Wiley College. I was working at KMHT when the initial movie plans were being made. (2) I got to be on the set for the railroad depot scene (which was filmed at the Texas State Railroad.) (3) I debated in college.
It is a great movie about the Wiley College debate team which defeated Ivy League schools in 1935. The language is mild, there are some disturbing scenes. I bought it and would recommend it.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Praise report
We had some of our neighbors over for Barbecue Saturday night. I think we have begun what will turn out to be a long friendship with these neighbors. I have also met everyone else on the block, all of whom have spiritual and prayer needs that I pray the Lord will fulfill. We're off to a good start.
Bible studies this morning (Sunday) went well with seven in attendance. I was hoping for more, but God has been known to refine our faith by offering tests early on. I am teaching a series called "God's Vision" from the Gospel of John. We all have our visions for how we want our work to go, but what is God's vision?
Today's study came from John 1:10-13. God's Vision is for people to receive Christ, be adopted into His family, and that vision is made possible by the Gospel (the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins according to the scriptures.)
I'll be preaching at Beacon Baptist Church of San Angelo for Father's day, then the series continues June 22 with God's Vision for Reaching People from John 1. (Andrew reaches Peter, Philip reaches Nathanael). This is based on a sermon by Daniel Davis.
I am planning on attending services at Wyndrock MBC of Abilene tonight, will likely rest a little tomorrow before meeting more neighbors. Please continue to pray for me.
Bible studies this morning (Sunday) went well with seven in attendance. I was hoping for more, but God has been known to refine our faith by offering tests early on. I am teaching a series called "God's Vision" from the Gospel of John. We all have our visions for how we want our work to go, but what is God's vision?
Today's study came from John 1:10-13. God's Vision is for people to receive Christ, be adopted into His family, and that vision is made possible by the Gospel (the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins according to the scriptures.)
I'll be preaching at Beacon Baptist Church of San Angelo for Father's day, then the series continues June 22 with God's Vision for Reaching People from John 1. (Andrew reaches Peter, Philip reaches Nathanael). This is based on a sermon by Daniel Davis.
I am planning on attending services at Wyndrock MBC of Abilene tonight, will likely rest a little tomorrow before meeting more neighbors. Please continue to pray for me.
Friday, June 6, 2008
God's Big Backyard & The Good News Games
Mission: Brownwood will hold five Saturday VBS's in the month of August at the community room of the Brownwood Housing Authority on U.S. Highway 67/84 West in Brownwood. The VBS's will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.
Theme for Aug. 2, 9 and 16 will be "God's Big Backyard," a curriculum designed to teach kids service and sacrificial love using Jesus Christ as the ultimate example, with others added in (such as Miriam looking after Moses when he was put in the river).
Theme for Aug. 23 and 30 will be "Good News Games," teaching kids to carry the Gospel to people wherever they go.
We are budgeting for 120 kids in this VBS. The Brownwood Housing Authority has more than 200 apartments, plus we will attempt to bring in kids from outside the apartment complex, so 120 is not an unreachable number.
We need VBS teachers, crew leaders, van drivers, vans, kitchen workers, supervisors, registrars, a publicity team to go door-to-door and general set-up labor.
If you would like to be a part of one of the biggest missions happenings in West Central Texas, please contact me directly at 325-200-8531.
Our objectives in these VBS's are two-fold. (1) To lead children to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and (2) to identify potential core-group members.
Theme for Aug. 2, 9 and 16 will be "God's Big Backyard," a curriculum designed to teach kids service and sacrificial love using Jesus Christ as the ultimate example, with others added in (such as Miriam looking after Moses when he was put in the river).
Theme for Aug. 23 and 30 will be "Good News Games," teaching kids to carry the Gospel to people wherever they go.
We are budgeting for 120 kids in this VBS. The Brownwood Housing Authority has more than 200 apartments, plus we will attempt to bring in kids from outside the apartment complex, so 120 is not an unreachable number.
We need VBS teachers, crew leaders, van drivers, vans, kitchen workers, supervisors, registrars, a publicity team to go door-to-door and general set-up labor.
If you would like to be a part of one of the biggest missions happenings in West Central Texas, please contact me directly at 325-200-8531.
Our objectives in these VBS's are two-fold. (1) To lead children to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and (2) to identify potential core-group members.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Home Bible Studies begin Sunday
Sunday at 10:30 a.m., I will be having a Bible study in my home. The purpose of these Bible studies is to recruit and train core-group members who will be able to organize into a church and be a part of a public launch to take place at a later time. We will train them to be evangelists, making them partners in the work.
Saturday Bible schools in August?
We are currently working to have five one-day VBS in the month of August which will take place on Saturdays from 10-2. I am very close to securing a facility to hold these Bible schools, which I will share details on later (once the details have been finalized).
We are budgeting for 120 kids (four classes with 30 kids each) and are praying for the Lord to send workers for the harvest. If you are interested in helping, call me at (325) 200-8531 (cell) or at home at (325) 641-1715.
Our objective with these VBS's are to (a) Lead kids to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, (b) to identify and recruit prospective core-group members and (c) to recruit members for our Parents of Purpose program.
Another possible outcome of these VBS's is the development of a Saturday Bible Club (can you spell D-I-S-C-O-V-E-R-Y?) for kids... of course, we'll have to see what God does.
We are budgeting for 120 kids (four classes with 30 kids each) and are praying for the Lord to send workers for the harvest. If you are interested in helping, call me at (325) 200-8531 (cell) or at home at (325) 641-1715.
Our objective with these VBS's are to (a) Lead kids to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, (b) to identify and recruit prospective core-group members and (c) to recruit members for our Parents of Purpose program.
Another possible outcome of these VBS's is the development of a Saturday Bible Club (can you spell D-I-S-C-O-V-E-R-Y?) for kids... of course, we'll have to see what God does.
Mission: Brownwood Report: May 2008
After eight months of job hunting, house hunting, surveying and planning, Jessica, the kids and I have finally moved to Brownwood. We leased a house at 3006 1st St., where we are currently holding home Bible studies on Sunday mornings. I was hired by Wendlee Broadcasting to be the station manager of KSTA-AM radio. Special thanks go out to East Side Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Tex. and Ridgecrest MBC of Levelland, Tex., who provided financial support for the relocation effort and Rocky Springs MBC of Jacksonville who provided financial support and manpower. Current plans are to recruit a core group and teach them to win others to Christ through our home Bible studies. We also plan to hold a couple of Backyard Bible Schools in August.
We wrapped up our deputation by attending a missions emphasis day at East Side Baptist Church in Jacksonville, before presenting the work to Memorial MBC of Rusk, Tex. Memorial MBC later voted to become a supporter of Mission: Brownwood.
Financial report
East Side BC – Jacksonville, TX: $1,100
Beacon BC – San Angelo, TX: $208
Memorial MBC – Rusk, TX: $237
Nevill’s Chapel MBC – Mt. Pleasant, TX: $291.67
Hickory Grove MBC – Newport, AR: $260
Denson Springs MBC – Grapeland, TX: $50
58th Ave. MBC – Amarillo, TX: $64.66
Rocky Springs MBC – Jacksonville, TX: $499.80
Beacon BC Ladies Aux. - $25
Quaker Ave. MBC – Lubbock, TX: $50
Muse MBC – Grapeland, TX: $200
White Rock MBC - Center, TX: $200 (April and May)
We wrapped up our deputation by attending a missions emphasis day at East Side Baptist Church in Jacksonville, before presenting the work to Memorial MBC of Rusk, Tex. Memorial MBC later voted to become a supporter of Mission: Brownwood.
Financial report
East Side BC – Jacksonville, TX: $1,100
Beacon BC – San Angelo, TX: $208
Memorial MBC – Rusk, TX: $237
Nevill’s Chapel MBC – Mt. Pleasant, TX: $291.67
Hickory Grove MBC – Newport, AR: $260
Denson Springs MBC – Grapeland, TX: $50
58th Ave. MBC – Amarillo, TX: $64.66
Rocky Springs MBC – Jacksonville, TX: $499.80
Beacon BC Ladies Aux. - $25
Quaker Ave. MBC – Lubbock, TX: $50
Muse MBC – Grapeland, TX: $200
White Rock MBC - Center, TX: $200 (April and May)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)