Jared Zapata Family: August 2012

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Treasures of the Heart

Dear Reader,

The Bible states in Matthew 6: 21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” A familiar verse, yet still rings out such an important truth of a heart given away. In the human mind are the desires to hold tightly to all that we own and possess here on earth. The very thought of sacrificing those things that are dear in possession or riches comes as a difficult task as it is so easy to selfishly hold on. Even when sacrifices are made, the true rewards are not always seen immediately. Thoughts, as to whether this is truly where God would have my heart, infiltrate the mind in those times of hardship and temptation; however, in reading this verse we see the truth and the faith behind the decision to give God our heart. In reality to take a part our heart piece by piece and constantly give it to possessions, riches, property, or selfish desires will lead only to destruction. When the Lord returns all these things that are thought of as important here on earth will lie in ashes and be destroyed. Our heart is given over to what is to become ashes and all the rewards the Lord holds for us will not be given as a result. As Christians let us do all we can to allow God to have our heart and therefore use our lives, talents, possessions, and riches to accomplish and see His will fulfilled.

An entire month in the state of New Mexico is what the Lord provided for us as we traveled out August 4^th to arrive in Chaparral, NM with Pastor Joel Sloan who graciously gave us a place to stay. We are looking forward to the many churches, people, and pastors we are going to have the privilege in meeting. August the 5^th we were able to attend and present in both Hacienda Baptist Church and Westside Baptist Church. That Sunday we traveled from Las Cruces, NM to El Paso, TX for services and the Lord provided such great blessings along the way. We never cease to be amazed at all the opportunities the Lord allows in our lives even when unexpected. Wednesday Night, August 8^th, we dropped in on Cornerstone Baptist Church pastored by Doug Cowan and enjoyed a great service. He too allowed us a few minutes to tell of our burden and mission work. Sunday, August 12^th, we prepared for another day of visiting with two different churches. We began in the Spanish department of New Heights Baptist Church pastored by Alfred Gomez. He allowed me to preach to the teenagers and present to the congregation and how exciting that was. Sunday night we met with Pastor Jared Newlove and his church, Good News Baptist Church with a second opportunity to present, sing, and preach! We had a fantastic service and made a great friendship with Pastor Jared and his family. Wednesday Night we returned to New Heights Baptist Church to be with the English congregation and Pastor David Reyes. What was to be a simple drop in and unscheduled visit turned into even a greater blessing as we were asked to present and sing, while also having the opportunity to preach to both the teens and the evening service! God does great things while serving Him!

We have enjoyed New Mexico and its beauty as we are constantly observing different parts of the desert while on the road. We are looking forward to the next six churches and pray that the Lord will continue to work in a powerful way.

Gabriella with Bro. Joel Sloan

Teaching a teen Sunday School class

Presenting for Pastor Gomez

Gabriella enjoying a ride

Kids viewing our display

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

The Stand Against Evil

Dear Reader,

Persecution, ridicule, and torture have been the consequences for many Christians who have dared to stand for the truth found in the pages of our Holy Bible. The many stories that flood from the history books of how Satan has targeted those who would try to make a difference in the world around them are heart touching and life motivating. Because we have the privilege to live in America where at this time we have the freedom to worship and serve God in our own way, we tend to easily lose sight of what was sacrificed and what it truly means to stand for right. Sadly, what our forefathers suffered could very well return as the world, as we know it, continues to become worse and against that which pertains to the one true God. As the Bible teaches Christians are continually putting on the whole armor of God as a defense to what Satan is putting forth. Within our travels, through what we have seen, and what we have heard Satan is using sin and people to tear apart churches and ministries that are producing and doing a great work for God. Churches who are taking a stand are being persecuted and betrayed by those who proclaimed to be loyal and many being forced to close their doors and members leave for what seems to be an easier road. We are seeing certain freedoms slowly being taken away, Christ being removed, and many different changes occurring with Christianity today! How it is so important that as Christians, together, we place upon ourselves the very armor and protection that the Lord has provided through His Word so that through all the is presently occurring and the persecution that is to come we might continue on for the Lord Jesus Christ.

July began within the state of New Mexico as we visited City Baptist Church and Iglesia Bautista Fuente De Luz within the city of Albuquerque. Monday, July 2^nd, we traveled on to Arizona where we would spend the rest of our time before returning back for Youth Revival at Parkside. Beginning on July the fourth and ending on July fifteenth, we had the privilege of visited Coronado Baptist Church, East Valley Baptist Church, Valley Baptist Church, Freeway Baptist Church, Casa Grande Baptist Church, and Iglesia Bautista De Sahuarita all within the cities of Tucson, Mesa, Phoenix, Casa Grande, and Sahuarita. What a great experience it was to meet these Arizona pastors and to witness firsthand the great work God was allowing them to do.

July sixteenth was a fourteen hour drive home as we were looking forward to visiting with our home church once again. On July eighteenth we dropped in on Trinity Baptist Church in Arlington, TX and were able to visit with our good friends, Bro. Mark, Mrs. Laura and Chelsea! Sunday, the twenty-second began Youth Revival and what a great revival it was! With many sessions of great preaching, excitement, evening services, and more our hearts were encouraged and rekindled to do more in God’s service. July twenty second was Gabriella’s first birthday and how excited we were to celebrate with family and friends! Time truly flies when watching your little ones grow!

To finish off the month of July, God allowed us to visit two churches pastored by the Ogdie brothers, Trinity Baptist Church of Wills Point and Woodland Hills Baptist Church of Tyler. What great services we had and a great time of fellowship as we were able to meet two men and churches on fire and serving God!

We pray that as we continue on in God’s will that He will give us the strength to shield ourselves from the evil of this world and allow us to do our part in reaching the world for Jesus Christ.