Almost Back Where We Started
Well, it has been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic changed our lives. All areas of life have been affected, and none more than mission work — not only here, but all over the world. As if planting churches in the current post-Christian era was not already tough enough, the closings and restrictions have been tremendous obstacles to the mission works in process.
I noticed Sunday morning at Connection Point there were only a couple of handouts left, and I commented to Chad, “That looks good.” He came back with, “Yes, and it would be better if we were still printing as many as we did before the virus.” The setbacks have been many and understandable, yet all of our mission points appear to be, if not growing, at least maintaining to a certain degree — pastors will know what I mean.
On Tuesday, March 9, we will be meeting with all the missionaries at our spring Advisory Committee and directors meeting. It is my prayer that we might be an encouragement to them.
It appears things may begin to return to normal, or at least something that looks somewhat like it. With some of the restrictions being lifted concerning social distancing (outreach is a mission’s main tool), we should experience some positive benefits.
Remember, if you are traveling around one of our missionaries call ahead and make plans to drop by for a few minutes. I can think of nothing that would be more uplifting for them than to know someone is thinking about them. Sending cards and notes is another way to make contact, and you could always set up a time they could come and share their work with you.
For the Sake of Souls.
From Our Missionaries
Connection Point, Brookland: Chad White writes, “We had a pretty good week at Connection Point. Our Wednesday night groups were well attended, and Sunday was a good day with a good crowd in worship and some guests back with us.
“We have seen some growth in our discipleship and leadership development over the past few months. We are thankful to see God raising up men and women to mentor others. I believe the health and future of our church depends on it.
“Plans are progressing for our Egg Hunt. Last year, we were unable to have it; this year, our plan is to host the entire event outside. We are going to set up a stage and sound system and let families gather to hear the story of Jesus before the hunt begins. Pray that God will work everything out and give us some amazing weather.”
The Mustard Seed, Cain: Jim Tollison writes, “Another Sunday is under our belt here at the mission. We are believing God for a real turnaround here in Crawford County. We are optimistic about our future growth and are working with several new families that seem to be very good prospects.
“Our Sunday services are making a gradual return to pre-pandemic days, and our Wednesday night services are doing very well. God is going to do a great thing in the months to come here at the mission.
“Please keep us in your prayers and we promise to remember you in our prayers. God bless the BMA.”
Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “We thank God for the opportunity to continue blessing the community. This week, we took two recliners to the fire department, who will soon be inaugurating a new building in our community. We have an excellent relationship with them, which makes us very happy.
“For those who come to collect food for the first time, we invite them to come inside and check among the donations we have received to find something they can use. It was interesting to receive the visit of Stephanie Hubbard. We invited her to choose something that she could use in her house. In view of her being pregnant, we got a chair for her to search comfortably. We could see the satisfaction in her face and the care with which she searched, as she chose what she could best serve her. As she left the temple, she expressed her gratitude and told us that this is what she believes the church should be doing — serving the community and not just the members of her congregation. Stephanie also serves the community through a Facebook page where she connects people in need with other people and organizations that could help. It’s amazing how God connects us.
“On Monday last week, we distributed 100 boxes with products; and on Friday we received a donation of baby food, wipes, disposable diapers, baby shampoo and milk powder on the same day we started to share with the community. We also shared with Gran Comisión Mission 50 boxes with products, and part of the baby stuff we received.
“On Saturday, Sayra had a Bible study meeting with a group of women. Among those present were 17-year-old Rossy, who is visiting the US; Kimberlyn, 8 (Karina’s daughter); and Sofía, 8 (Karla’s daughter) and all three received Christ as their Lord and Savior. Glory to God! Thank you for your prayers, and please keep praying for this work of God.”
Life Journey, Fort Smith: Darrin Smith writes, “What a great week to be a missionary! We had one profession of faith and will be baptizing some soon. The young man who trusted Jesus has had a lot of questions over the last several months. It was amazing to see him come to understand that he was lost and needed a Savior. The Lord leads, convicts and saves.
“Sometimes, we as adults, get in a hurry to see our students and even our own children come to know Christ. We must be careful not to rush them into making a decision. God’s timing is always perfect.”
Grace, Green Forest: Carter Pearce writes, “This week is special for my family as we celebrate our oldest son’s 17th birthday. Many of you reading this article prayed fervently for Gabriel when he was born with several heart defects. My wife and I are convinced that the prayers of God’s people are what made every birthday possible.
“God has used many doctors and surgeons through four surgeries and several smaller procedures to ‘fix’ our son’s heart. Much greater than that, about eight years ago, God alone healed Gabriel’s spiritual heart. As he moves into manhood, he has physical scars to show what he has been through. He also has a tremendous desire to help others who struggle through some of the challenges he has faced.
“Gabriel may always struggle with certain things in his life due to his heart condition and autism, but he knows what God has done for him through Jesus Christ. We cannot thank you all enough for your prayers for Gabriel periodically throughout the past 17 years. As you read this, please pray that God will continue to use him to reach others with the message of Christ.”
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “Thank God, little by little, the Berean Groups (cells) are being activated. The group that meets on Baseline, in Alexander and the group of the Vidal family have yet to be activated. I ask you to pray for everyone, but especially that of the Vidal family, all of them made their decision for Christ, but it has been difficult to continue with them. Pray that the enemy does not remove the seed that has been sown in them and of fruit in their time.
“Part of my ministry I develop with Novo (novo.org) is that every first Monday of the month we dedicate the whole morning to pray — we call it ‘The First Fruits.’ The idea is to offer our first time of the month to pray and have a retreat with God to hear His voice and direction for the month. This year, I renewed my affiliation with the ministry of the ‘Baseball Chapel.’ Last year, because of the pandemic, there was no season in the minor leagues.
“Every week, I try to be intentional in meeting people because each person I meet is a very good opportunity to build a bridge of friendship and to pray and seek the direction of the Holy Spirit. For three months, I have had a new barber, and we have talked about spiritual life many times. His name is David Romero, and he has a wife and three children. I see his interest in seeking God, but something prevents him. Also, Víctor Martínez is a Venezuelan that I met, and he works for the Little Rock School District. He is in search of God, and we have had opportunities to speak. As I often tell you, let’s pray, pray and pray. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “It was another sad week for us as Karen’s mother passed away, three weeks after her father. Her graveside service is today. Even in the grief and sadness of this loss, there are many positives — neither of them is suffering anymore, they are both with Jesus and His Glory is revealed in them. ‘For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us’ (Rom 8:18). I believe that many friends and family have drawn closer to God in this time, and we have all certainly drawn closer to each other. We know that we will see them again.
“Thank you for your prayers; they mean so much to us, and they hold us up.”
Not Alone, Springdale: Clinton Morris writes, “This last week was amazing and hard. At the beginning of the week, I made a commitment to cast my anxiety upon God and have the grace to get through issues. Once I committed to that, God allowed me to be tested many times this week. I am so thankful that DeAnna and I saw the need to pray for the week and my response to my schedule being consistently changed or surprise items being added to my daily routines.
“Amazing amounts of work got done. I made several new contacts that can help move the ministry forward. We have a clearer path to doing ministry at the University of Arkansas.
“We had an amazing time of fellowship with a couple who owns a local coffee shop and their kids. I was able to witness to two people in the coffeeshop on Thursday.
“The Wednesday Night Bible Study with the Board-gaming Christians was amazing. My in-house Bible study on Friday Night has jumped into an apologetics study of Genesis.
“Please continue to pray for us, as we work, we also have felt Darkness pushing back at us. God has been so good and continues to show Himself faithful throughout our time here.
“We have crossed the 90+ days of being on the field, and I am so excited to see what God is doing and what He has already done. We had an amazing time fellowshipping with the atheistic family that we have been praying over, and there are plans in place to meet with them again soon.
“We had a terrible plumbing problem spring up but, thankfully, it was not that serious as much as disgusting and inconvenient. My son prayed, ‘God, Satan is in the toilet, and I need you (God) to go into the toilet and fix it.’ God sent a plumber our way to do just that. I love hearing the fervent prayers of my children for the lost and for situations that we are going through.
“I had a great meeting with an agnostic who loves to play board games and is very curious about the ministry/church that we are beginning. We had an hour conversation about some of the ins and outs, and he reached out to me again this morning to tell me about some interesting opportunities to meet more people in the area. Pray for God’s wisdom and protection over these meetings.
“Friday evening, we had another amazing Bible study. I did come down with some severe allergies. (I am not a fan of the spring or late fall.) My throat has a frog in it and I need some relief! The kids are excited to be able to go back outside again and are playing with our neighbors. We are still working on some inroads there, but there is a wall that seems to have been put up. Pray that God will tear it back down.
“DeAnna has been having some great fellowship opportunities and a contact that may want to start a homeschooling co-op with her. We are going back into another busy week, and we look forward to your prayers and support as we go forward.”