STATE MISSIONS: Psalms 23 (Part 8)
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
Through the study of this Psalm, emphasis has been put upon the care given by the shepherd. The welfare of the sheep depends on the shepherd’s diligent efforts and labor of love. All we have seen is summed up in one brave but single statement: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”
The sheep know their privileged position; no matter what, goodness and mercy will be in the picture. This statement is one of exclamation of implicit confidence. But how many Christians actually feel this way about Christ?
No matter what comes, we are followed by goodness and mercy. The Master is managing our affairs, although there are times when nothing may make sense. Yet, He is leading, and in the end, all will be for my benefit and well-being.
At times, we wonder if He knows what He is doing, and at these times, we are tempted to panic and bolt and leave His care as though we could do better ourselves. But He does not give up on us. He follows men in goodness and mercy. We love Him because He first loved us. Thus, my assurance is lodged in these aspects of His character. Thus, all His care, works, watchfulness, skill and concern are born from His love for the sheep.
Another area to consider is that just as God’s goodness and mercy flow to me, so should they follow me. The picture is that goodness and mercy have followed the sheep, and in turn, they have left behind something worthwhile, which is productive and beautiful to both themselves, others and the shepherd.
Sir Alfred Tennyson quoted, “The good men do live after them.” I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23 opens and closes on a very positive note.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, (4/20) “On Easter Sunday, we celebrated that Christ is alive and has conquered death. The tomb is empty, and He is the resurrection and the life! For our Sunrise Service, I got up at 3 a.m. to finalize the details. The service began at 6 a.m. and ended at 7:30 a.m.
We worshipped the Lord with songs, meditated on the seven words of Christ on the Cross, celebrated the Lord’s Supper and had a baby dedication of Sebastian Alejandro, whose parents arrived very early to the service. To conclude, we meditated on John 11, where we are reminded that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. After the service, we enjoyed breakfast and took pictures of the families who wished to do so.
“A small group of us stayed for hours talking outside the temple in Chenal, enjoying a time of fellowship and connecting with people. It struck me that Veronica’s aunt had many questions and concerns about life and God’s Word. I thank God I could answer most of her questions and see a spiritual thirst in her after years of unanswered questions. I thank God that we were able to connect not only with her but also with others in different ways. Pray that God will continue to work in them and bear fruit in His perfect time.”
(4/27) “This week, we had the joy of welcoming people from our brother Pablo Rumbos’ Mapa Oikos (this is how we affectionately call the people we share within our communities) to Ebenezer. We thank God for the opportunity to welcome people from Colombia. We fervently pray they will be able to join one of our weekday Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) and establish a meaningful connection with our family at Ebenezer. In addition, we are in discussions with Jeckson Herrera about starting a new DBS in his home on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. This group would comprise co-workers from his work at UAMS, who work in the evenings. We especially ask for your prayers that this new group will flourish and be a great blessing. We are deeply grateful for your continued prayers and support, and to God be all the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, (4/20) “What a great week at Faith Chapel! We had a very productive week working on the classroom addition. We finished the electrical, started on the insulation and almost got it all finished. However, we encouraged our contractor to spend Friday with his family for Easter. His grandkids live in Eastern Arkansas, and long weekends with them are rare.
“On Easter Sunday, we had a really good number, with four first-time visitors, and a wonderful time of worship. We sang a couple of Easter Hymns, our kids sang two songs, and we had a special from a grandmother and granddaughter, which was wonderful. Then they both helped me sing another song. It was the first time I had played my guitar in months because of my shoulder, and although it was sore, praise God, at least I was able to!
“After the message, to top off a great Easter service, a dear lady we have been praying for and talking to for over five years came forward during the invitation and got saved! Praise God again! She said she wants to follow in baptism and join Faith Chapel, and that her husband said he would like to be baptized too. So, we will have those discussions soon and make plans for them to be baptized. Praise God again and again! I will repeat — what a great week at Faith Chapel!”
(4/27) “We had another wonderful week at Faith Chapel, with a substantial attendance and an enriching time of worship! We lost a beloved, faithful member last week. Jerry Verley went to be with the Lord, and his funeral was Saturday. We hosted the family for a meal at Faith Chapel following the service. It was a wonderful contrast to the previous funeral I officiated. At Jerry’s, it was sad but joyous because we knew where he was and where he would spend eternity. At the previous one, the family truly had no hope because they were not believers, which is the ultimate sadness. It puts our mission here in perspective and shows us just how important it is to bring the gospel to this community.
“Last week we had one saved, and this week we lost a beloved member. Praise God; we know where they both will be with the Lord forever!
“The insulation is finished in the classroom addition, and we are working on the ductwork and electrical. It is coming together, and our excitement grows daily. We need those classrooms, not only for our youth and children, but we will also be starting adult Sunday School very soon. We are very busy around here, and it’s like one of the songs that we sang at my ordination, “We’ll Work ‘Til Jesus Comes!” Now I can’t get that song out of my head. Sing it with me! We sincerely thank you all for your prayers and support, and especially for your love!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, (4/20) “What an amazing Resurrection Sunday we had at Faith Journey! The day was filled with worship, fellowship and the presence of the Holy Spirit as we celebrated our risen Savior. Our morning service had 34 attendees, including 2 new visitors. We shared a time of worship and a powerful sermon that reminded us of our hope and victory through Christ’s resurrection.
“After the service, we had a fun Easter egg hunt for our children and young adults. There was a lot of laughter as everyone collected eggs stuffed with candy and prizes — such a joyful reminder of the life and light Jesus brings to all ages!
“In the evening service, 30 people gathered again for worship, and we were blessed to welcome another first-time visitor. We enjoyed a traditional Easter dinner with ham, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, potato salad and all the fixings, not to mention amazing desserts. Our church family came together to make the meal a special time to celebrate Easter Sunday. The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt throughout the day, and we’re so grateful for how God continues to move in our midst. We’re especially excited to share that one of our faithful attendees has decided to be baptized — praise God! This is a reminder to us that the mission of Faith Journey is alive and thriving. As we look forward to the future, we remain expectant and excited to see how God will continue to use Faith Journey in the lives of His people. He is risen — and He is working!
(4/27) “We are starting a new women’s ministry at Faith Journey. We have had a men’s Bible study for a while now, every other Tuesday evening, but with several young couples joining the mission in recent weeks, we felt that it was time to get our ladies engaged in deepening their relationship with Christ as well. These couples have shown a strong enthusiasm and are actively engaging in the ministry, even purchasing study Bibles to support their desire to grow in their Christian walk. We aim to offer more opportunities for people to deepen their relationship with Christ and serve our community. We have a ‘new’ Faith Journey family member this week! One of our young married couples, who have been attending the mission regularly, welcomed their first baby. We are overjoyed at the birth of this beautiful baby and pray that this new family has years of blessings ahead of them.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, (4/20) “This week began Monday with my trip to Little Rock to present my report to the annual Advisory Committee Meeting, it was a time where the brethren listened to the progress of the work and prayed for our needs.
“On Thursday, sisters Iris, Nanie, Angeles and our daughter, Claudia, surprised Patty with a party due to her birthday.
“Friday, while visiting Ronnie and his wife, who were sick, I put myself at their service and prayed for them. They are a new family in the church.
“Saturday, it was very difficult to go to church to prepare everything for our resurrection service because of the storms. On Sunday, we had breakfast to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amid songs and testimonies, we gave grace for the most important event that differentiates Christianity from other religions.”
(4/27) “On Wednesday, we had our prayer meeting. We were asking God for the needs of our church, community projects we are planning this year and a family festival on May 25. This festival will be the first time we use the parking lot to provide games, meals and a party for the community of Springdale.
“Members have already started to bring their donations for our big garage sale on May 31.
“Ashley asked for counseling and prayer because she is very interested in joining the National Guard. It is a big step in her life. We pray God will guide her if He wants her there. We are also encouraging her parents because the time has come for their only daughter to leave home.
“Our Saturday congregational devotional was a beautiful time of prayer where Patty and I prayed for Sister Iris, who leads the English classes we give to the community.
“Sunday, I spoke of the need to evangelize and make new contacts within your circles of influence. We have the best news in the gospel, and we cannot remain silent.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, (4/20) “This week was our monthly Collective Gathering, our ‘church service’ if you will, where all our Connection Groups come together to celebrate what God is doing as they are on mission together, reaching out to their neighborhoods, workplaces and schools.
It’s an incredible chance of fellowship and an opportunity to see that Epic Life is bigger than just an individual Connection Group, a small group focused on outreach and evangelism. I love seeing the fellowship and ‘iron sharpening iron.’ I overheard the wives of our host couples discussing ideas of hosting and encouraging one another. What an incredible night of a fellowship meal, worship, message, Lord’s Supper and involving the kids by having the search for the hidden bread patterned out of the Passover. This was on top of great Connection Group gatherings this week, the commitment of our coaches (who are small group leaders committed to being missionaries in their neighborhood and workplace), the momentum of our student gathering and the excitement of our worship night. It’s such an encouragement. Perfectly timed, too, after one of the most discouraging weeks since starting. That’s church planting and ministry in general — up and down — but trusting God the whole way!”
(4/27) “The beauty of focusing on raising up leaders like we are with our coaches, is that when I’m gone, nothing hardly skips a beat, and leaders are stepping up!
“I was at the BMAA National Meeting this week, but our Connection Groups met like clockwork! I love seeing leaders rise up and lead! That means more are headed to the fields to harvest.”
El Faro #2 Hispanic Mission, Cabot/Jacksonville: Michael Hight writes, (4/20) “Last weekend was special for several reasons. I know Easter is a big day for all churches. Then, we had the Advisory Committee meeting on Monday. Paul and those men were such a blessing to me personally.
“Then, on Saturday, we attended the organization of Creciendo en Cristo. It was as fine an organizational service as I have attended.
“Sunday, we went to church in the morning at Charity in Ward. Bro. Keith fed us well from the Word.
“Then Sunday afternoon, we were blessed to have a family attend I had visited a couple of weeks earlier. When you’re at the stage we are, every new face is special. Please keep us in your prayers. They mean the world to us!”
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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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