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.