Paint and Awnings Coming Soon (Aug 16, 2010)
Yesterday, we continued our stewardship theme with the sermon Raising Cain Because You're Not Able. You can listen to the sermon again by logging on to our website. There was a good response at the altar and faith promise commitments continued to trickle in. We are now over $30,000 in additional missionary support. We praise the Lord for the faithfulness of God's people in tough economic times. This coming Sunday, we will be exposed to the ministry of Jason Ritchie, missionary to Mongolia, who, Lord willing, will be the 177th supported missionary of Grace Baptist Church.
In addition to the increased missionary giving, the congregation unanimously approved a new awning system to cover the sidewalks between our buildings. I was preaching yesterday morning about water coming from the rock, and I stated that a rock is the most unlikely resource for water. Just as I made this statement the sky opened with a heavy downpour. I immediately responded by telling the congregation that water normally comes from the sky. I jokingly added that I was praying for rain yesterday so the congregation would approve the awnings. Regardless of how it happened, the congregation did approve the motion and work should begin within a couple of weeks.
Be in prayer as I meet this morning to put the finishing touches on the purchase of two additional properties on Howard Avenue. Pray that God will give us wisdom as we seek to improve parking and build our new fellowship hall and gymnasium.
A big "thank you" goes to all of you who prayed for me to have an effective ministry at Ambassador Baptist College last week. The Lord gave me a great time with their faculty and staff. The school is continuing its great tradition under the godly leadership of Dr. Alton Beal. God has really knit our hearts together, and I am thankful for his friendship. Our own Corrie Bibb will be attending ABC in the fall, and we are thankful that she has made a good choice to further her education. Corrie is giving a piano recital tonight at Grace at 7:00 PM. If you come, I am sure you will be blessed by her proficient talent.
We are always excited to see our kids grow and develop in the faith. What a joy it was to baptized Jonathan Hurst yesterday. Jonathan is the son of David and Jennifer Hurst. David is a godly pediatrician in our town and is a tremendous asset to our church board serving as a deacon. What a joy to baptize their son yesterday! We are thankful for doctors who are concerned, not only about the bodies of children, but about their souls as well.
On Thursday of this week, I will be flying to Cleveland, Ohio to do an educational workshop for the teachers of Cleveland Christian School and preach in the Thursday night service of Cleveland Baptist Church. I am thankful for the opportunity to preach for my friend, Dr. Kevin Folger. After my workshops on Friday, I will spend the evening with my parents before flying back to Georgia on Saturday. Pray that God will give me effective ministry in the Buckeye state.
Your continued prayers and support of this ministry mean much to us. We have seen several salvation decisions in recent weeks. Pray for us that we will be able to see these new converts baptized and enrolled in our new beginners class.