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

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.

Arizona Mountains



Preaching at Iglesia Bautista Sahuarita

 

Us with Bro. Mark, Mrs. Laura and Chelsea



Youth Department of Parkside Baptist Church

Paintball Activity during Youth Revival



Youth Revival Decorations



Gabriella's First Birthday Pictures




Gabriella's First Birthday Pictures



Gabriella's First Birthday, July 22

Memories That Last

Dear Reader,

                Each day that we have on earth can and will impact those around us in some way. We see the importance of family and the warmth, love, and care that comes from their hearts. We experience the connection to those closest to us that seem to bring them into our lives as family, brothers and sisters. Church family that gathers to your side for support and guidance, and all these combined allowing our lives to have meaning and a chance to influence others.  In one moment, we look back and find how important those people in our lives have meant to us, their families, their laughter, their tears; and we come to realize how blessed we are to have them in our lives. When they are gone before us into Heaven their memories carry on in our heart and in our minds that we could carry on for what they had lived for and look forward to seeing them once again in Heaven.

                Sunday, June 24^th, we were able to be in Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Frank Fason. We began with a great lesson in Sunday school by Pastor Fason, and for church I was able to have the children for a time of children’s church! What a great time we had as we returned that night for yet another great sermon from Pastor Fason. It was a blessing to be there with the members of Faith Baptist and Gabriella grew attached to Pastor Fason quickly!

                We rushed back home right after church to be able to be home throughout that week as we received the news of a very dear friend passing into Heaven early Saturday morning. Bro Johnny Bryant was a very dear person in my life and their family being closely tied to mine for many years. We attended his funeral as many great things were said to comfort the family and memories stated to recognize his life while on earth. He will be missed but take joy in his pain free life in Heaven.

                Wednesday I had the privilege to fill the pulpit at my father-in-law’s church, Iglesia Bautista Fundamental, and a great service it was! I was excited to have family there as well as families from my church who had come to visit. I preached a sermon on my heart called “Who Hath Sent You?” as God worked in the hearts of many with many decisions made. The Lord truly can work through those who simply surrender their lives over to Him.

                Saturday we head to New Mexico and are looking forward to our visit there! Together, let us remember that memories made are what will be left behind when we are gone.

               

Faith Baptist Church in Naylor, AR

Pastor Fason with Gabriella

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Preaching in Lewisville, TX

               

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

















                     










Dare To Be Different

Dear Reader,

                Daniel 3:26a “Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither.”

                We have all heard the phrase “I dare you” at least once in our lifetime, and we all know what this phrase implies. To hear the word dare is to give a challenge to do what seems or appears impossible. Would we dare to be different in our own lives as Christians when it comes to the world in which we live. The more corrupt the world seems to become the harder it appears to be for young people and even adults to separate from those we know are not doing or living as God would have us live. Would we D-A-R-E  to be different  by standing for what we know is right in our lives and take the challenge to surrender our lives to God’s service?

D-etermine to be

A-part of a Spiritual

R-evolution for all

E-ternity

                As Christians we must determine to join the other Soldiers of the Lord in the fight against Satan and the evil he continues to pollute our world with. We must DETERMINE to take a challenge by getting the fight back that will carry us through the hard times that come in our lives especially when trying to do great things for God.  To be APART of something greater than ourselves is such an encouragement to all servants of God who together as a team can carry on what other men and women have been used of God to do. REVOLUTION, used in reference to causing change in society, lives of people around us, in our own lives, and in so much more that will promote faith in Jesus Christ. All of this is done for the honor and glory of God and for ETERNITY which we will be able to spend in Heaven having first made the decision to accept Christ as our personal Saviour.  Can we take the challenge to D-A-R-E to be different?!

                March began with a running start as we attended an exciting mission’s conference at Iglesia Bautista Crossroads in Gainesville continuing on to Mckinney and Wylie! We were blessed to have both Iglesia Bautista Crossroads and Lighthouse Baptist Church in Wylie take us on for monthly support. By Wednesday we were able to attend and present in a church in Rockwall, TX. It was a great service and many hearts were touched by our testimony and presentation. By the weekend, Sunday the 18^th, we were in the city of San Antonio with Pastor Lira and Corpus Christi at New Hope Independent Baptist Church. Two churches  with people who welcomed us with such warm friendships and smiles including an invitation for some after church fishing with the men in the church!  Monday took us further south towards the border to Edinburg ending with a great service. We ended the month in Tomball, TX with Pastor Farley and his people  before going back to the valley in Mercedes, TX.  God gave us a fantastic month with many churches joining us  and our ministry of Reaching the Next Generation.

Through this time we also have watched Gabriella grow so fast and with some new teeth coming in! It has been exciting traveling together, seeing so much beautiful country side as well as serving the Lord together. Please continue to pray for us as we continue on in the month of April! May God bless you all for your love and support.

The Lira Family

Pastor and Hna. Vera singing a speical

The Castaneda Family

Grace Baptist Church

Soul winning with Daddy and Mommy

Signing Bibles after the service

So many decisions!!