STATE MISSIONS: Psalms 23 (Part 4)
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).
He restores my soul — I do not restore myself. This restoration is a grace of God in our lives. How is it that some believe they never need to be restored? Every sheep of His fold has the capability of straying from the fold. Aristotle once said of sheep, “They are foolish and sluggish creatures… and apt to wonder, though they feel no want and are unable to return.”
We need the care of the good shepherd. Because we are prone to stray and get off course. Even swine run home before the pending storm and to the trough at night, but a sheep cannot do a thing to save itself.
None of us can keep ourselves. After salvation, if it were not for the Shepherd’s care, we would all have gone astray. It is wonderful to know that if we stray, it is His responsibility to seek us until He finds us and restores us to Himself. It is He who “restoreth my soul,” and no one on earth can do that for me but Jesus.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. If sheep remain in one area for an extended time, there will be formed paths leading in and out of the sheepfold. These paths, in shepherd’s language, are sheep tracks. We do not walk in paths of righteousness — the Good Shepherd leads us. Isaiah 53:6 states, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” That way is not the way of righteousness. If we tread the way of righteousness, it is because of His leading and for His glory.
We have a beautiful picture of these sheep tracks in John 10:9: “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” This in and out has reference to being lead.
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan
Carlos Posadas writes, “We planned a trip to Honduras to visit my father-in-law and spend time with him. At the end of February, he was admitted to the hospital due to discomfort. On Feb. 26, Carmen, a friend of ours, went to visit him and then called Sayra to inform her that Don Miguel had made his profession of faith. What joy after so many years of prayer and sharing the gospel!
On March 5, we were informed that Don Miguel was very ill, so we moved up our trip. Upon arrival, we confirmed that his condition was critical, and the doctors told us he was close to death. On March 8, at 4:15 p.m., Don Miguel departed to be with the Lord while Sayra held his hand and whispered to him about the wonder of being with the Lord. We give thanks to God for Don Miguel’s conversion just over a week before his death.
On Saturday, March 29, at 6 p.m., we will hold a thanksgiving service for his life at the Temple of the Creciendo en Cristo Church. You are cordially invited. Thanks for your prayers for Don Miguel.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “Thank God, we have concluded the Gospel Movement workshop, which has been bearing fruit since its inception. During the workshop, some participants began to visualize the various communities where they live, and new people joined to minister with them.
Pablo, Chiquinquira, Armando and five other names have been added to my prayer list, presenting possible opportunities to share the gospel. I ask that you continue to pray God will put people with a thirst for Him in our path. Also, pray for our Easter Sunday activity. The service will be at 6 a.m., followed by a fellowship and breakfast. This is an excellent opportunity to present the gospel to first-time visitors. In previous years, this service has been well received. Thank you in advance for your continued support — to God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had another great week at Faith Chapel! Several were out traveling. I don’t know of anyone who was sick, though, but we had a really good number with seven first-time visitors! Praise God! The McIlroy family from West Park Baptist Church in Ozark came to visit. It is always wonderful when folks we know from the BMA come to visit us. It is just like seeing part of our family. They and West Park have been great friends, offering their love, support and prayer! We love visits from our BMA brethren!
“We held our first Youth Committee meeting last Wednesday, and the turnout was even better than anticipated. Thank you all for your input. We have some very excited volunteers and some great ideas we will be implementing. The kids are excited, too! Please join us in prayer for our youth program.
“We thank you all for your prayers and support. Please continue. God is blessing us richly through you all!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “The Faith Journey family has been concentrating on how to be more intentional in our faith. This week, it was exciting to see these moments happening.
“In our men’s group, we have been studying the book of James and learning how to put our faith into action. Our young men made a connection with one of our men’s sons, who visited for the first time. His father called me the next day, after our meeting, to tell me how excited his son was about coming and that he couldn’t wait to get together again with our group of men. Our guys made him feel comfortable and showed him God’s love by investing in him.
“A few days later, one of our ladies had an opportunity to listen when God prompted her to be bold and step out in faith to witness to a stranger at the grocery store. She expressed that she believed God had placed her and the gentleman in the same place at the same time so that she could speak into his life. She has been praying for boldness and God gave her a ‘divine appointment’ where He could use her for His glory.
“I have been very intentional this week about bringing Easter into all of my conversations. Most people are willing to talk about Easter and their families’ traditions. It is an easy way to enter into a discussion with someone about the gospel and invite them to celebrate Christ’s resurrection with us on Easter Sunday. We are praying that we have a great turnout and are looking forward to worshipping our risen Lord on that glorious day.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “The beginning of our first missionary project of giving English classes was a success — 15 people attended, and another 7 signed up for the second class, adding up to 21 people. We thank God for our teachers in this ministry, Iris and Kimberly, and we pray the Lord will use them.
“In our small group in Springdale, we were able to have a time of accountability and prayer for one another. We also decided to change the start time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“We had good attendance at our adult Sunday School class, and we talked about the battles of the believer. Ronny, his wife and their two children returned and were very attentive to what was being discussed. This was the family that lived with us for two weeks. The brothers shared their opinions, and we had breakfast together during this special time, which was followed by our Sunday service. At the children’s Sunday School, Patty showed them a movie, and they also ate hot dogs.”
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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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