STATE MISSIONS: Never Too Old to Learn
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Prov. 27:17). This is undoubtedly one way of giving away one’s age. This past week, I was reminded how much better our hoe would be when hoeing cotton or corn with just a few licks from a file (not a computer file, but one you use.) While the task was the same, keeping a sharp edge would improve efficiency. The same is true in our Christian walk. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15).
Last week, your missionaries and I attended the latest Evangelism Explosion (EE) training. EE Regional Trainer Don Snipes did an excellent job leading our sessions, and we left with information we can use in our daily walk. We also heard great testimonies and had time to share our hearts about mission work.
A special thanks to Pastor Chad White and the Connection Point Baptist Church in Brookland (a former mission) for providing a van for the trip. As a department, we need the use of a van occasionally. If your church would like to make your van available, don’t hesitate to contact the office, and we will put your name down for a future event.
We look forward to meeting with you at the BMA of Arkansas annual meeting in Conway in a few weeks. I encourage every church to send messengers and be more than a spectator; be a participant. We need each other.
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “From Monday to Wednesday, the missionaries from Arkansas went on a training retreat to Tyler, Texas. We enjoyed good fellowship, a nice refreshment in evangelism techniques and good fishing. I am very grateful for your support, which allows us to pause in the ministry to reflect and recharge our batteries. God bless you.
“On Wednesday night, we experienced the highest attendance in the discipleship of youth and women with a total of 41 people. God is putting it in their hearts to attend the meetings. Pray that the teachings will be retained in the depths of their being to produce the desired changes in their lives.
“Sunday, we finally concluded the series of studies in Revelation. We have greatly enjoyed this book and are now preparing to study Ecclesiastes. Thank you for your prayers and support for this ministry. We are very much enjoying doing the work that God has entrusted us with.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “I thought it would be a busy week according to my schedule, but God transformed it into a week of learning. The commitments, some of them acquired a year in advance, like those of the Instituto Hispano Teologico and Novo, were carried out.
“I could not imagine it would be a week of being sick. On Wednesday, I was in bed with aches and a fever. I had already been feeling sick since Sunday, Oct. 6, when we met in Ebenezer, and on Monday, Oct. 7, I was at my sister’s birthday but with aches. Those close to me know my schedule has been busier than usual, and God sent me an unexpected rest through sickness at home.
“For the first time since we started Ebenezer, we took a vacation that included Sunday. My kids had Fall Break from college, and we wanted to spend time as a family. It was hard to get everything ready for Sunday, Oct. 13, as I hadn’t realized so many things Kory and I did for each Sunday. We had to delegate so many things, and as reported, everything went well — from the one who directed, preached, the technical part, picking up people, etc.
“Lessons of this week: Try to have a less busy agenda. It is impossible to keep everyone happy with the decisions. Learn to let go and delegate. Take a break. After God and family, we should live each day guided by God's Spirit.
“Once again, thank you to those who read, pray and support us. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “What a great week at Faith Chapel! We had a good number and a great time of worship! I was preaching through Romans and was reminded this week about Rom 8:18: ‘For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy of being compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.’
Praise God! Romans 8 is such an uplifting and encouraging chapter, but this verse reminds us of what we hope for. We can get through the suffering of life in this corrupt world if we place our trust and hope in the promises of Jesus and what we know is coming! Praise God again!
“We are waiting for the vanity and countertops in the new building, finishing the trim, installing the bathroom stall partitions, painting the interior doors and the flooring contractor is supposed to return this week to put one more coat of sealer on and give it a final burnishing. We are getting closer every day to being finished so we can be in there. Prayerfully, we will let you know the date soon. We are so excited!
“We want to thank you all again for your prayers and support. It means so much to us!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “Faith Journey has been on the move this week! At the beginning of the week, I was able to go on a missionary retreat with the BMA missionaries and Paul White. We enjoyed a good time of fellowship with each other and learning from one another about what God is doing in each of the missions. We also trained on Evangelism Explosion, which is a great tool to help new and experienced people lead non-believers to Christ.
“On Wednesday, I was invited to head up the Invitation Response Team at our local high school’s Fields of Faith event. Fields of Faith is an annual event that brings high school, junior high and middle school students together for one evening in October to hear testimonies from other students in their school. They also heard a guest speaker talk about Jesus and what He can do in their lives if they invite Him into their hearts. The night was amazing, and the Holy Spirit moved in that place. We witnessed a total of 46 professions of faith that evening. We are giving all the glory to our God!
“To round out the week, I performed my first wedding for our niece and her new husband. We had a great time with friends and family as we helped start this couple out with blessings and prayer as they began this next chapter in their lives. It was a beautiful day and a sweet ceremony that I hope they have fond memories of for the rest of their lives. I am grateful that I was able to be a small part of their big day!”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “We began the week traveling to Texas with the Paul White and the missionaries from the state to a training on Explosive Evangelism with Brother Don Snipes.
“We had a beautiful time of fellowship and biblical instruction. We were also able to learn more about the testimonies of those who are in the field carrying the gospel. We went fishing together at the spectacular Lake Palestine.
“Due to my trip, we had to suspend our small groups as I lead them. On Saturday we gathered for our congregational devotional, and we spent a beautiful time of worship and prayer for each other. I pray that more brothers and sisters will join this special time the Lord gives us every week.
“In Sunday School, we finished the topic ‘We Can Trust the Bible.’ The brothers were very excited to study these seven lessons. In the Sunday service, we were able to worship together and exalt the name of our God, a blessing that God allows us every time we meet. The sermon theme was ‘Committed to One Another,’ and we discussed the importance of church membership.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “I am thankful to have the support of the BMA of Arkansas. This past week was incredible to have the opportunity to have a change of pace with our training and fellowship. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to do a little fishing. Training wrapped up at 1 p.m. Wednesday, and I followed up with an encouraging visit with our sending church’s pastor, Drew Cline, at South City Church.
“I drove straight to our Woodbridge Connection Group. I pulled up to the house and cars were everywhere. I walked in and we had two first-time visitors. We celebrated two birthdays and had an incredible Bible study.
“Friday Night, I joined the Garfield Connection Group, which had a couple they had been praying over attend the group. We closed out the week last night with a Coach’s Only Worship Night, which was a great time.”
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Paul White
Arkansas State Missions Director Paul White pens a weekly column to inform the BMA of Arkansas concerning Arkansas Missions’ activity and includes individual reports from each church planter.
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