Mission: Brownwood July 2009 Report

Grace Pointe MBM makes most of rented facility

The mission moved into the new facility that it rented in June, and immediately went to work making the necessary improvements to bring the building up to a place of worship.

Following weeks of intense painting, flooring, and trim work, the mission hosted the Southwest Association Mission Rally on July 25.

Grace Pointe MBM hosts mission rally

The Southwest Mission Rally was a beaming success.
Fifty three people from 11 churches gathered to hear mission reports, give reports, and fellowship as we shared our passions for missions and reaching lost souls.

The district ladies auxiliary shared testimonies and planned a retreat, while the men’s brotherhood enjoyed an informative program presented by Bro. Marion Reed on state missions.

Bro. Jim Slocumb preached the afternoon message, and really challenged those in attendance.

The next Southwest Mission Rally is scheduled to be in Clovis, N.M., in October, but Grace Pointe is eager to host again.

Sizzlin’ summer months not so hot in Brownwood

While the city of Brownwood enjoyed above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures in July, the mission did not enjoy lower attendance. Attendance fell off slightly in July, and is on pace to be down in August due to vacations and illnesses. Offerings were up in July, but will likely be back to normal in August.

There are ups and downs in mission work, and we are not phased. We are, however, renewing our outreach efforts, follow up efforts, and ministries such as VBS.

Mission: Brownwood surge!

We are currently reaching a turning point in the discipleship process where emphasis will be placed on fundamentals, and where the mission will have to learn to be a church. The added strain of this, along with the ever increasing need of evangelism, combined with an increased workload at my job, has prompted me to request Rocky Springs to recommend me for full salary at the MBA of Texas meeting this fall. Rocky Springs has honored that request, so we ask you to pray about our pending request for full support. Those with questions may call me directly at (325) 200-8531, or we can discuss the conditions on the field at the pre-associational meeting at Rocky Springs in October. Thank you, and God bless.

By The Numbers…

Attendance
(Sunday Mornings)

7/5 – 17
7/12 – 18
7/19 – 13
7/26 – 24

Finances
Grace Pointe MBM

Offerings –$1,252.75
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $100
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $86.44
Jim Slocumb (Jacksonville, TX) $200

Expenses:
TMD - $62.64
Texas state missions - $62.64
Electricity - $70.91
Water - $26.22
Rent - $600
Leland salary - $100
Banking - $3

Mission: Brownwood Fund

Support:
MBA of Texas $1,911
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland) $300
Salmon MBC (Elkhart, TX) $65
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $113.05
Ridgecrest MBC (Levelland, TX) $25
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Heritage BC (Missouri City) $200
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bassett Road BC (Palestine, TX) $75
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
Quaker Ave. BC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX)$200
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
58th Ave BC (Amarillo, TX) $111.09
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant)$184.13
Sublett Road BC (Arlington, TX) $50
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
First Baptist Church (Arp, TX) $240

Expenses:
Salary: $1,911
Radio ads: $400
Tables and Chairs: $882.50
Refrigerator: $388.73
Paper goods: $88.56
Mission Rally food: $63.85
VBS Art Supplies: $128.46
Pulpit supply: $101.69

You Can't Serve God and Money

I don't know what it is... maybe it's my upbringing, maybe I've tasted the bitter fruit of failure, maybe I have an ego problem, but I can't stand to do anything half-hearted. Whatever I do, I feel like I have to be among the best at it. I have to always give it my best effort, or don't even bother.

This holds true with my radio stations, and my ministry. What I find, however, is that I am unable to program a top-notch, top-billing station AND give a first-class effort in ministering to our developing church. I am finding myself at odds with myself. Do I spend the extra effort building the station, or the church? (I know the Lord builds the church, but people still labor). While the answer may appear simple, when one realizes that their profession is the one that pays the bills, he is more inclined to spend some more time on that.

So I am coming to the conclusion that I can not build a top-rated radio station and at the same time, be a super-missionary. So, I have to make a decision... I can quit radio and go full-time ministry and suffer the financial consequences, I can keep the job but do a less-than-stellar performance at it, or I can continue my struggle. Giving God less than my best is not an option.

Do you ever struggle like this?