JOURNEY WITH JEFF: God is Always Faithful

Over the last month, I have had the opportunity and privilege to see God show Himself to be faithful in several ways. Here is a summary of how God has worked:

As summer began, I was part of a mission team from our high school student ministry (Antioch, Conway) that went to Oklahoma City to work with Grace Harbor Church June 6-10. We were able to come alongside the church for some outreach and community events while encouraging and fellowshipping with church members. We even had the unique opportunity to attend a worship service with Afghan Christians with a ministry in the area. God was faithful in providing the right people at the right time to be used for His honor and glory as we sought to make His name known.

BMA Church Camp was next, June 17-20. I have been attending this church camp pretty much all my life. My dad was one of the pastors who started the camp in 1978. I have had the privilege of serving as the camp director for over 20 years. I love church camp. There is something special about being able to separate from the ordinary, everyday things of life and focus on spending time and hearing from God. Each year, I challenge every camper, both young and old, to remember that they are not at camp by accident and that God has something He wants to teach them during their time at camp. This year, God was faithful to work in the lives of so many people, and 38 made professions of faith!

I was also honored to be able to serve as a sponsor for Antioch’s SOAR 2024 group with our students from July 2-5. God used the many hours of work and effort put forth in planning and preparing for the conference so that everyone in attendance would be challenged to be “All In” for Him. Andy Comer brought some great messages that resonated with both students and adults. Joe Costa’s reminder that our attitude should be “none of me, all of You” as we serve the Lord was a challenge for everyone. I was able to talk to a few in our group who made specific commitments as to how they would be “all in” for God as they returned home. God was faithful to allow some amazing opportunities to intentionally invest in the lives of our students throughout the trip.

Along with teaching Sunday School and serving as a volunteer for our high school ministry, trips like this allow me to continue being faithful to the calling God placed in my heart on Nov. 7, 1993, when I surrendered to ministry with a call to work with students. Even though my current “career” ministry position as executive editor of the Trumpet does not facilitate working with students directly, God has been faithful to provide these opportunities for service. I am grateful to Him, and my prayer is to continue to be faithful to His calling on my life.

Special Emphasis Update

God has also been faithful by providing the needs for the ministry of the Baptist Trumpet. Although our time of promotion is in March and April each year, we count all Special Emphasis offerings received through the end of our fiscal year (Aug. 31) toward our goal. If you want to know more about why we are raising these funds, visit BaptistTrumpet.com/SE2024. As you see below, we are very close to meeting our goal. We are thankful for every church and individual who has given toward our Special Emphasis this year, and we look forward to seeing how God will continue to bless this ministry as we seek to serve Him.

2024 Special Emphasis • Goal — $30,000

Previously Reported (June 12) $23,712.20

Moki Lowe $500.00

Pleasant Valley, Greenbrier $500.00

College View, Magnolia $5,000.00

Total $29,712.20