One Voice

Dear Reader,

Mark 1: 3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

In the times we live in today, Satan is using every avenue possible to silence those who speak the truth of God’s Word. Sadly many have been silenced and many churches have closed their doors as confusion and wickedness continues to prevail. In our travels, we have come to the realization of this disturbing fact and our hearts have been burdened for our country and the values upon which it was founded. I truly believe that with the Lord’s help one voice speaking the truth of God’s word can be heard through the multitude of corruption and ungodliness that this world holds. One voice could be all that is needed to make the difference in a life, in a city, in a country, and in the world that we live in today. Would you be willing to allow God to use you to be that voice that could make an impact of change? It is a choice each of us has the opportunity to make. As Christians we have been given a voice and the ability to share the true Gospel with a lost and dying world unless we are silenced. We must ask ourselves each day, “Will we be the voice needed in today’s society or will we too be silenced by Satan?” One voice, one life, one person serving the one true God, telling the one way to enter into Heavens gates can be what it will take to make a difference. That could be you!

We continued to remain in Arkansas visiting churches, pastors, and people from city to city and seeing people saved along the way! On June 10, 2012 we were able to visit Bible Believers Baptist Church in Searcy, AR and Midway Independent Baptist Church in Cleveland, AR presenting, preaching, and visiting with many friendly people! Wednesday we stopped in at Gospel Light Baptist Church in Malvern, AR with yet another opportunity to take a few minutes to share our burden for Reaching the Next Generation to the member of the church.

Thursday we traveled back to Texas to share in the joy of Denton and Hannah Bell's wedding! It was an exciting and beautiful time as we were able to witness two pure young people be united in marriage having followed God and His will for each of their lives. We wish nothing but happiness for them and know that God is going to use our friends in a great way as they continue to together serve Him.

Saturday we returned to Arkansas to be in New Testament Baptist Church and Gospel Light Baptist Church on Sunday. Again to great opportunities to present our work and desires for our ministry and many hearts were opened as many expressed their excitement and enthusiasm to us. It was also encouraging to have even young people approach us asking how to be a part of Reaching the Next Generation as workers and allow God use them to participate in the work.

My prayer is that God will allow my family and I to be voices used and not silenced so that others may hear of God’s amazing love.



Gabriella getting right with God LOL





Fellowship after church







Denton & Hannah Bell's wedding

 

New Testament Baptist Church

Power of Prayer

Dear Reader,

II Thessalonians 3: 1 “ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

                What is it that has allowed people to draw closer to God in a very personal way? What allows even the mightiest of men to fall to their knees in times of distress and weakness? What is it that brings us comfort and peace in a world of darkness and distress? Prayer, has the power to allow one to build a relationship with the One who has the ability to answer each and every request. We have been instructed and given an example in the Bible on how to pray and the importance of prayer in your every day life. With prayer we are able to talk directly to God, bringing not only our personal request and praises to Him but others that are close to our hearts.         

                As we continue our travels we cherish all the prayers that have been given on behalf of our ministry and dreams for Reaching the Next Generation. With each prayer I truly believe another door is opened that allows us to inch closer to the goals we have to accomplish for Jesus Christ. I think at times we lose sight of the importance and necessity of our prayers for others, but as the Scripture states through your prayers you are very much a part of the work that is being done for the Lord. With each and every prayer that you as a supporter, prayer warrior, and friend put forth, I truly believe the Lord not only blesses your efforts but the love you are showing for fellow servants in the Lord’s work. Together, on our knees before our Heavenly Father, we can be given the power to change the world with the Gospel.

                We drove into Jacksonville, Arkansas Saturday, June 2, and there began a five day missions camp at Bible Baptist Church pastored by Pastor Files. What a beautiful place it was as we drove onto the campsite and directed to our sleeping quarters. Throughout the week we were able to enjoy many great sermons from different speakers the main speaker being Pastor Cecil Ballard. With a spectacular balance of humor and Biblical truths, Pastor Ballard brought many great messages that encouraged all that were present. Pastor Files and his church members saw to our every need with such kindness, and throughout the week we were able to make many friends among them. Amongst these friends made were other young missionary couples, the Matt and Wynne families, with visions for their fields that God had laid on their hearts. What an exciting and eventful five days we had as my wife and I also celebrated our second wedding anniversary. I am truly blessed to have Elyssa as my beautiful wife who has been willing to sacrifice and be strong through our labors while on the road. She is truly the love of my life and I look forward to many more years together with her.

                May we each keep in mind that prayers lifted up for each other allows us to battle Satan on behalf of those we love. Each prayer being a defense set in place so that those we love can live and accomplish great things for the Lord Jesus Christ.



Celebrating 2 Years



Jacksonville, AR



Pastor C. Ballard



Fellowship after the Service



Jeremy, Cara & Philip Matt with us



Joe & Kella Wynne with us



Generation to Generation

Dear Reader,

                Psalms 78:6 states : “ That the generation  to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children.”

                What great importance does each generation hold in the world we live in today!  With each passing year another group of young people enter into the world ready to make a difference and influence the small portion in which they will live. As every school year comes to a close another group of students enter into an adult life embracing challenges and dreams that they have looked forward to with great excitement. Each year a generation passes away having completed their lives here on earth, some hoping that those they have left behind will carry on with what they had worked so hard to begin.  No matter what a person may think of themselves, each and every one of us make some sort of impact on the world and in people’s lives; however, it is up to us as to what sort of influence that is. This is one of the main purposes of our ministry of Reaching the Next Generation, that the generations to come might be able to have a positive and Spiritual influence on those around them reaching many with the Gospel.

                These thoughts came as I pondered on all the events that took place in the month of May. We had the opportunity to be able attend many graduations encouraging young people to keep going in their next step in life and in the will of God. Elyssa’s younger brother, Andres, graduated from high school, and we are very proud of his accomplishments. As he continues on, going to Bible college and serving God, our prayers for him is that he too will pursue great things for God and allow Him to use him in the generation coming up. Danny, the oldest of Elyssa’s brothers, graduated from Commonwealth Baptist College in Lexington, KY and what an exciting night that was. As he even now has gone to assist a pastor in Maryland we see how God has used him to carry on what he had been taught to help others come to know Christ. These graduations along with many others in connection to our home church, Parkside Baptist Church, really allowed me to see what great potential was coming up, surrendered and ready to serve God.

 The month ended with a mission’s conference in Denham Springs, LA, and what a great encouragement that was to us. The kind people under the leadership of Pastor Robinson prepared a week of inspiring messages along with great fellowship.  Our hearts were touched and I can personally say that with all the preaching, slides, music, and testimonies I was encouraged even more about missions! It was very clear that those who attended made some life changing decisions, and many committed sacrificially new amounts towards their faith promise giving.
We are looking forward to the month of June as we will be spending most of the time in the state of Arkansas! Continue to pray God opens many doors!



Danny's College Graduation

                

Danny's Ordination



Andres Senior Pictures





Louisiana





Missions Conference in Louisiana





Louisiana





Two special couples we met in Louisiana