Recently I have been made aware of a section of our own town who seem to be unreachable. Not because they lack the ability to be reached, but it seems as though because of some of the circumstances they are in, or that surrounds them, makes reaching out to them difficult or undesirable. One might say it makes them slightly fearful to undergo such an outreach if you have never been involved in any such before.
Several days before I was made aware of this, I have been going over and over 2nd Timothy 1:7 in my head, even to the point where I would wake up at night saying this verse again and again: "For God hath not given us a spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Also, for reasons unknown to me the verse of 2nd Timothy 1:8b, "but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God."
I am filled with an overwhelming desire to teach these whom God have laid on my heart. To show them God as I see him. To love him as I love him. To want to please him as I want to please him. To depend on him as I depend on him. To let God fill them with the desire to reach others as he has filled me.
Just as recently as last night, Jeff has also revealed that God has shown him there is a need in this same area and is asking God for direction as to what he would have him do.
Please pray for us as we wait on God to direct us in this matter.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
VBS Concluded
VBS at Southside Baptist Church concluded last night with Family Night. We had a great time. Children had a great time memorizing Bible verses, arts and crafts, outside activities, dance, snacks and of course the Red "C" finaly. There were several visitors. For us it was encouraging to see several neighborhood children who attended nightly we had visited with several weeks ago along with their parents for the conclusion last night.
It was also encouraging to see new faces with excitement about learning God's Word. The lessons they learned thoughout the week were: God Is Real, Jesus Is God's Son, Jesus Is The Only Way, The Bible is God's Word, Let My Actions Show What I Know.
God blessed the efforts of all who were involved in this years VBS.
It was also encouraging to see new faces with excitement about learning God's Word. The lessons they learned thoughout the week were: God Is Real, Jesus Is God's Son, Jesus Is The Only Way, The Bible is God's Word, Let My Actions Show What I Know.
God blessed the efforts of all who were involved in this years VBS.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Hard Decision
Recently it has come to our attention that our teenager is seemingly not paying much attention to material learned during meetings at church. We have been pondering the questions:
"Is the material not challenging enough for her?"
"Is the teacher not giving the material in a manner to keep her attention?"
"Is our child turning away from excitement about God's Word on her own?"
Our next step after pondering these questions was "What should we do?"
"Should we question the material?"
Answer: NO. The material is Biblical. The problem is not there.
"Should we question the manner the material is presented?"
Answer: NO. Teachers volunteer of their own time to teach our children. It takes a lot of time to prepare on their time to teach each lesson. This approach would not be edifying to the teacher and it would be very discouraging to the teacher. This approach would not be Biblical.
After eliminating the first two reasons, the conclusion is the problem is with our child. We came up with this answer:
She is a teenager, therefore she desires and needs to be with her friends at church, while at the same time we as parents have to make sure she is paying attention to the material taught. We have decided that she shall remain in Sunday School with her friends. But, during morning and evening service she shall sit with us in the congregation while taking notes. Occasionally an exception during evening service she may sit with her friends but not more than once a month. Wednesday evenings she shall be with us during Bible Study after her current class has finished the series they are currently in. But until that session ends she will have to be able to give details about the lesson afterwards.
Our decision, needless to say, is not real popular to our teenager at the current time. But, as we have explained to her, God has given us charge over her and it is our responsibility to make sure she knows God's Word. Also, we have to answer to God for any lack on our part to ensure her knowing God's Word. She understands and is not rebellious about it but still we know she is not happy about it. Obedience is a good thing.
Sometimes it is scary when we have to set guidelines for our teenagers. We fear they will rebell and turn totally from the way we are trying to lead them. But, if we pray for guidance, depend on God to control the situation and don't waver from what we know is right God will work it out.
"Is the material not challenging enough for her?"
"Is the teacher not giving the material in a manner to keep her attention?"
"Is our child turning away from excitement about God's Word on her own?"
Our next step after pondering these questions was "What should we do?"
"Should we question the material?"
Answer: NO. The material is Biblical. The problem is not there.
"Should we question the manner the material is presented?"
Answer: NO. Teachers volunteer of their own time to teach our children. It takes a lot of time to prepare on their time to teach each lesson. This approach would not be edifying to the teacher and it would be very discouraging to the teacher. This approach would not be Biblical.
After eliminating the first two reasons, the conclusion is the problem is with our child. We came up with this answer:
She is a teenager, therefore she desires and needs to be with her friends at church, while at the same time we as parents have to make sure she is paying attention to the material taught. We have decided that she shall remain in Sunday School with her friends. But, during morning and evening service she shall sit with us in the congregation while taking notes. Occasionally an exception during evening service she may sit with her friends but not more than once a month. Wednesday evenings she shall be with us during Bible Study after her current class has finished the series they are currently in. But until that session ends she will have to be able to give details about the lesson afterwards.
Our decision, needless to say, is not real popular to our teenager at the current time. But, as we have explained to her, God has given us charge over her and it is our responsibility to make sure she knows God's Word. Also, we have to answer to God for any lack on our part to ensure her knowing God's Word. She understands and is not rebellious about it but still we know she is not happy about it. Obedience is a good thing.
Sometimes it is scary when we have to set guidelines for our teenagers. We fear they will rebell and turn totally from the way we are trying to lead them. But, if we pray for guidance, depend on God to control the situation and don't waver from what we know is right God will work it out.
Thank You
We are extremely appreciative of the encouraging words we receive from others about Outreach. Often at times, we do not show the appreciation we should. We would especially like to thank other church members who often give encouragement. People we visit, friends and family also encourage us to continue knocking on doors to give the Gospel. The words and hugs they give us mean so much to us. Often at times, it is truly needed and helps keep us motivated. I encourage you, if you are serving in any ministry, to often let your appreciation known to others who encourage you.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Compromise vs. Staying Focused
Do we stay focused on the passion God has put in our hearts for the ministry he has called us to or do we compromise to keep all happy? This is the question we have faced recently.
Staying focused and keeping our eyes on Christ is what we have strived to do. Not diluting the importance of the passion God has given us regarding winning souls to him. Keeping the time dedicated to learning about him and his Word to just that, time to learn.
At times, this does not make us very popular. However, we are told in the Bible to not be discouraged when we are faced with opposition. The Bible encourages us to stay strong, stay focused, and to continue in the faith regardless of situations or opposition. Christ was faced with opposition and persecution for not compromising to suit others. We will continue to follow Christ's example.
Staying focused and keeping our eyes on Christ is what we have strived to do. Not diluting the importance of the passion God has given us regarding winning souls to him. Keeping the time dedicated to learning about him and his Word to just that, time to learn.
At times, this does not make us very popular. However, we are told in the Bible to not be discouraged when we are faced with opposition. The Bible encourages us to stay strong, stay focused, and to continue in the faith regardless of situations or opposition. Christ was faced with opposition and persecution for not compromising to suit others. We will continue to follow Christ's example.
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