Jared Zapata Family

Dear Reader,

    Decisions, decisions, decisions, life is filled with them as we go about our daily routine. It is amazing to realize how many times one decision made will lead to yet another decision and soon the outcome that consequently follows. There are times in everyone's life that the wrong decision is made and we find ourselves paying for that decision in the end; however, there are those decisions that we make that allow us to reap the blessings of seeing lives changed and a work done for God.

    I have seen how God has used us as we made the decision to follow Him in the area

 of mission work. What a great feeling it is when you are given the opportunity you always looked forward to as a boy to serve God as a missionary. We have thoroughly enjoyed deputation thus far and look forward to the many other churches and friendships that will be made in the months to come. Saturday we were in town and I was able to go soulwinning once again with Parkside. How exciting it was to be able to be in the soulwinning meeting and cheering for my team as we are in the middle of our fall campaign!  While out soulwinning, God led me to a couple who were able to accept Christ in to their hearts and will be coming to visit soon! Sunday, I was told that I had six visitors in the service and what a joy it was to know that even while away we could play a part in the ministry at home.

    Sunday morning took us to a church, Iglesia Bautista Del Calvario in Fresno, Texas! We were able to present our work and I was given the opportunity to preach. "The Choice" was the title of the sermon that morning using the example of Ruth and the choice she made to follow God in her life. After the making the choice to accept Christ into one's heart, the choices to follow as far as God's will is concerned will require sincerity, sacrifice, strength, and surrender. Each are qualities that we must keep strong in our lives as Christians and the choices of life come before us each day. Are we willing to follow God as Ruth did, sacrificing her family, her friends, her comfort zone for what she knew was God's will for her life? We see the outcome and how God blesses her and her life and can anticipate the same result in our lives if me make The Choice to do the same in our lives.
   After the service we fellowshipped with many of the members and then we were on the road once again on our way to Unity Baptist Church in Corsicana, Texas pastored by Chad Owens.  We met many kind people as they shook our hands and welcomed us to the church! There were many young people who greeted us with their smiles and asked us many questions which gave us the opportunity to make many friends among them. I was asked to preach after our presentation and the Lord once again did a great work. Using two candles for illustration purposes I preached a sermon entitled, "Let Your Light Shine

", Matthew 5:16.  With darkness already present the candle being lit brakes through the darkness and allows light to shine all around, so should a Christian life in the world of darkness shed the light of the gospel for all to see their need of salvation. If we are not careful this light could be blown out by Satan and the influence we could have had as a Christian would not exist and darkness will prevail once again. The alternative to this is that as we shine for Christ others could be reached and as a candle can light another candle providing more light, the Gospel could be shown even more through the other lives we are able to reach for Christ. Reproducing Christians who will follow God with their lives is the best reward to any Christian allowing their lives to be used in His service.

PICTURE WITH DAD

PICTURE WITH MOM

  

 

We look forward to doing our part in spreading the light of the Gospel to other countries as well and we covet all the prayers that are begin given for us each day. You too are having a part in our lives as well as our ministry as you pray for us each day. Would like to place a special prayer request in for us as we are in search for a larger vehicle to travel in as the family has had a added member. : )  Most importantly, continue to pray for God's will to be fulfilled in our lives, and we have faith that all will fall into place.