STATE MISSIONS: Reach for the Sky
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12).
I’m thinking this week of how Jonah found himself in what us country boys like to call a fix. I believe, if we were honest, all of us have found ourselves between a rock and a hard place. While growing up, some of us disappointed our fathers. We often thought they were being unreasonable, while all the time it could have been their love for us that directed them.
The same is true with our heavenly Father. We can have relationships, and yet lack fellowship. I also thought about the disobedient son who rebelled against his father and found himself in a pig pen (a fix). They both realized it was their decisions that had placed him in the pig pen and the belly of a fish.
Sometimes, we have to be flat on our backs to see up. Pride and arrogance have to give way to true humility before the Father will intercede. If you don’t believe the saying “obedience is better than sacrifice,” just ask one of these guys when you get to Heaven.
Unlike our earthly fathers, who often fail to love their children as they should, our heavenly Father never fails and desires the best for His children. If you find yourself in a trying circumstance, perhaps it’s time to go to God in real humility and mend some fences. After all, He told us that every son he loves he will chasten — “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Heb. 1:6).
This was a lesson I had to learn firsthand. Back in the 80s, God was calling me into the ministry. In 1987, I finally surrendered, only to turn down the first church that called me as pastor — not because it was God’s will, but because of my family’s love for our home church. That afternoon, sitting in my den, I knew I had been disobedient to God’s will. It was then that the Lord spoke to my heart, and I remember it clearly: “If your family is going to hinder you serving me, I can take care of that.” Scared to death, I couldn’t wait for the evening services so I could confess that I said no for all the wrong reasons and tell them if they would still have me, I would come. They said, “yes,” and I said, “Thank you, Jesus.” I remained there for over 10 years. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).
From Our Missionaries
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “During the rains of last week, the water began to leak into the roof. That is terrible news since, at the end of last year, we submitted a claim to the insurance company for roofing damage and it was denied.
We presented our arguments in disagreement with the company, and they sent an inspector again. The inspecting engineer provided a report on which the insurance company again denied the claim. We are now faced with the need to replace the tile and probably part of the plywood on which the roof shingles are nailed, as it is visibly damaged, showing a very significant catenary between support beams. We have estimated the cost to replace the roof, which is around 120 squares, at up to $40,000, depending on the number of plywood sheets to be replaced.
“We are contacting Hispanic people who work in roofing to ask for their voluntary support with labor. Their reaction has been very generous. Many have offered their volunteer work for two days and contacted the companies they work for, asking for donations of roof shingles. Assuming we reduce the cost of labor and roof shingles by 50%, the total cost would be reduced to $24,700. The church has $8,000 for this project; therefore, we must raise funds worth $16,700. Please pray that we can raise that estimated amount of $16,700. If God has put in your heart to donate to the project, please contact us or the Arkansas Missions Department director at arstamis@comcast.net.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “We thank God that Avelina Santos is in much better health. On Monday, Feb. 5, we visited her at her home to pray for her. She is 87 years old and one of our most faithful members. She is an example to the whole congregation of faithfulness to the Lord.
She has not been able to congregate for more than two months, but she joins via online to our congregation. Let’s continue praying for her so we can see her soon in Ebenezer.
“Every Sunday, we are promoting the special offering for missions that we collect the last Sunday of this month. We are educating people about the importance of supporting missions, not only in prayer but also monetarily.
“We are about to re-establish the Berean Groups. Pray that God will raise up leaders to lead the groups and homes to serve as hosts to proclaim the Word of God.
“Last Sunday, we had a good attendance and a meaningful Celebration Service. We finished the theme on the brothers of Jesus, and next Sunday we will be in Acts 2, where the apostle Peter presents the gospel message. May God be glorified!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had another great week at Faith Chapel, with a great number, even though we still had several out for various reasons, both members and “faithful” visitors. It was a great time of worship and fellowship!
“You may remember that, when we started building, we downsized our original plan due to the costs associated with doing it all at once and decided to just do the sanctuary and fellowship hall at first, but we made provisions to add the classrooms as we were able and as the need grows. Well, we had a business meeting last week and our need is great for those classrooms, especially for the children and teens, but for the adults as well. We are growing week by week, and our rented building is full! And it turns out that our support has been great as well! God has supplied our needs according to His riches in glory through your support in amazing ways, and we are also under our projected budget due to doing most of the work ourselves along with the Master’s Builders. So, we have decided to go ahead and add the classrooms, get them in the dry at first, with the priority being finishing the sanctuary and fellowship hall first so we can move in (come on drywall), then finish the classrooms one at a time as we can afford. We have the Master’s Builders scheduled to help us again in May, and we can’t wait to see them again.
“We are only able to move ahead like this because of your prayers and support! We thank God through Jesus Christ for each and every one of you who has helped us in any way. We do not take you for granted. God is blessing our mission through you, and we dearly love you all. We give God the glory for all of this and all He has done here! Praise God!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (I Cor. 13:13 NIV).
“We celebrated the season of love with a Valentine’s Day fellowship at Faith Journey this week. Everyone brought finger-foods and desserts that were delicious!
“Our married couples discussed what we looked for in a potential life partner when we first began dating. We enjoyed hearing what each person remembered about those younger years and what drew them to their spouses. Some things were funny, and some were tender and sweet, but the most important lesson we learned was that each couple shared a foundation that centered on Jesus and that was their key to a strong marriage. As with any solid structure, a strong foundation is crucial. Happy Valentine’s Day and may you enjoy God’s endless love for you.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “We continue with the mission the Lord has given us in the midst of the Hispanics of the area. To that end, we continue with intentional discipleship. One more family has been added to our Springdale group, and the groups in Pea Ridge and Rogers continue with regular attendance.
What we have observed is that interest in the topics we have to deal with is growing. Every week, we share with you many questions and ask that you will pray with us because God is giving them a thirst for His Word.
“On Saturday, we responded to the invitation made to us by the brothers of Cornerstone Church. It was the banquet of love and friendship, and there were 11 people from our congregation. We are happy every time we can meet with Pastor Williams and his church. We are very loved and very well cared for.
“We had our Sunday service and had a family that visited us. Then we went to the fellowship room and, with a cup of coffee and some bread rolls, were able to meet them.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “It was a rough week, but I’m not discouraged. At least this week, I was aware that I’m not the one planting this church, but God is doing so. So, if the momentum has a hiccup, it is okay. Maybe I will take that attitude next week.
“After our coaches meeting was canceled due to my daughter having the flu on Sunday, we then had to cancel our Woodbridge Connection Group because three families had the flu. The Garfield Connection Group did meet and had a good night.
“Though we had to cancel some meetings, three of us continued our training with KC Underground. This is very helps us be missionaries in our neighborhoods.
“For most of the next week I will be traveling to Israel. I’m excited about the opportunity and when I do miss the group I lead, it is great because another leader steps up! This week, their family has been working on a special Bible study.”
El Faro #2 Hispanic Mission, Cabot/Jacksonville: Michael Hight writes, “We got some good news on the meeting place. The church we were talking to voted to let us use their facilities when we got ready to start public services. This will be a few months from now, but at least we have that taken care of for the time being.
“I also got an appointment in Arizona for March 12. I will be there for the entire week going through testing. Please pray for some solid answers and that God would provide for our needs for the expenses. Thank you!”
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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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