We
are still settling in as we prepared for the winter of 2013. God has been gracious to Philadelphia; this
winter has been mild and there has been very little snow. However, we have had to wear layers of
sweaters, coats and hats and gloves to keep us warm in some of the freezing
temperatures; especially me (Debra).
Pete and I have taken some time out of our schedule to serve at our home
church, Tasker Street Missionary Baptist Church here in Philadelphia, teaching
Wednesday night Bible Study and preaching the Word of God under the leadership
of Pastor, Rev. James A. Lovett, II. It
is a blessing and a privilege to serve God’s people in the capacity God has
called us. Whether we are teaching,
preach, praying, singing or encouraging the saints, we are humbled by the move
of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of others.
Also, in our
time of readjusting to the climate, the city busy-ness, the economy and our
health check-ups, during this tax season, we have had to get acquainted with
tax laws that have changed since 2009. Yes,
our culture has changed and we must do some changing too, however, one thing
has not changed and that is what God expects of His children. There are some changes we must make to move
with society and there are some changes we need to avoid to remain faithful to
God. Mark 12:17 states: 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give
to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and give to God the things that are
God’s.” The men were amazed at what Jesus said.
So, while our culture has changed economically,
morally and spiritually, we want to give God praise and allow Him to fulfill
His will, purpose and plan in our lives.
We must remember who we are and “Who’s we are.” We want God to be
glorified in our living as we submit ourselves to Him in Jesus’s Name.
Connecting with Fellow Laborers
We had a wonderful
time connecting with our fellow laborers in Philadelphia. Pete and I were invited to a mission banquet at
“The View” by our friends Lorraine Beaton and Billie June Whitley, members of
C-GEMS (Christians Globally Effecting Mission Strategy) missionary
ministry. It was great to see these
ladies again. The first time we
physically met was when they came to Senegal to follow-up on the village they adopted. As they were preparing to come to Thies,
Senegal, we coordinated our schedules to drive to Thies to spend some time with
them. Although Pete and I knew Lorraine
for several years through our brother and she would call, email and support, us
we had not seen her in person. So you can imagine the wonderful fellowship we
all had in AFRICA!
During the banquet we were blessed to meet other mission
workers from various fields and we had a chance to fellowship with some of our other
missionary friends. The evening was filled with food, fun and good information
about what God is going in other countries in many parts of the world as the
Gospel is shared and lives are touched through humanitarian aid and the LOVE of
GOD.
Our friend John Ruffin gave a poignant message on the
necessity of missions at home and abroad and how each person can make an impact
through the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Our friend and missions/church connections coach, Reverend
Andy Spohrer, invited us to a mission’s conference in Silver Springs,
Maryland. It was a blessing. We praised God and heard phenomenal preaching
and teaching. I was a treat to spend
some time with Andy, he is so cool! Thanks
Andy for your God-given insight and hospitality.
The work in Senegal continues! 1) We
will continue to help the Ngaparou/Somone Middle School students with school
fees, aid for building funds and books. in this village please visit
WorldVenture’s website and type into the search Senegal, “Somone Scholarship Fund” or send checks or money orders to WorldVenture, 1501 W. Mineral Ave.
Littleton, Colorado 80120-5612 and
include the fund name above and the account number “6403 970.” 2) Discipleship training continues in Ngaparou with the possibility of planting a church
there. 3) Also, the “Kidz Clubs” are continuing as our friend Awa and another
helper continue to teach those precious children about the Love of God and
Jesus our Savior. Please pray for these ministries. We believe that God will
allow us to return one day to see our friends again and the progress of the
students and the school.
No comments:
Post a Comment