It was great to participate with our deacons on Saturday, July 18th in the construction of a wheelchair ramp for a young lady in our community. This young lady has been in a need of a ramp for a while, and our deacons took this ministry on themselves. We built the ramp and set the posts in concrete on Saturday.
On saturday, July 25th, we will complete the project. What a joy it was to minister with those guys. If you would like to participate in this ministry, you may call the church office at 566.3600.
In Christ,
Luke
Sunday, July 19, 2009
D.R. Presentation July 22nd
You will want to make plans to attend the presentation from our mission team on July 22nd at 6:00 p.m. We will be celebrating all the things the Lord did through us in the Dominican. We look forward to seeing you that night.
In Christ,
Luke
In Christ,
Luke
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Prayer Requests for the D.R.
As we prepare for the team presentation July 22nd at 6 pm, I wanted to share with you some prayer requests. They are not listed in any particular order but are for your use during your time with God.
Pastor Salvador & family - Lead the church for God's glory
Translators - Dedicated college students who are committed to our Lord Jesus Christ
Ryan & Emily Buttes - IMB Missionaries in San Cristobal; been on the field for about three months & their 1st child is due in Nov.
20+ lives transformed - kids and adults who were saved; spiritual growth and maturity; join Bible study and church that teaches the Bible
Construction on new building - much work needs to be completed before they can meet there
City of San Cristobal - False religions are prevalent. Drugs, alcohol and prostitution are prevalent as well.
This list is not exhaustive, but it is one by which we can start. As new requests are given, I will post them here.
Thanks again for all of your support.
Pastor Salvador & family - Lead the church for God's glory
Translators - Dedicated college students who are committed to our Lord Jesus Christ
Ryan & Emily Buttes - IMB Missionaries in San Cristobal; been on the field for about three months & their 1st child is due in Nov.
20+ lives transformed - kids and adults who were saved; spiritual growth and maturity; join Bible study and church that teaches the Bible
Construction on new building - much work needs to be completed before they can meet there
City of San Cristobal - False religions are prevalent. Drugs, alcohol and prostitution are prevalent as well.
This list is not exhaustive, but it is one by which we can start. As new requests are given, I will post them here.
Thanks again for all of your support.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Back In Troy
It is with mixed feelings that we are back in Troy. On one hand, we are glad to be back with our families and friends. We missed them immensely over this past week. It is amazing how different Ashleigh, Riley, and Kyleigh looked to me when I saw them in the airport yesterday. It was so great to spend time with Jennifer and the kids on the ride back from Atlanta.
On the other hand, we miss the people of the D.R. They are so open and receptive to you. They are willing to engage in conversation, well as long as you have a translator with you. They are a very warm people. The church, Iglesia Bautista Pena de Horeb (where we ministered during the week) has such a passion for our Lord Jesus Christ. They have a desire to see Him glorified, honored, and praised. They want to see their city, San Cristobal, won to Christ. It was a joy serving with them all week long.
God allowed us to accomplish many things for Him this week. We were able to complete our part of the construction project plus some extra duties. We received an offering for the project and with that offering they should be able to continue right along with the project. The pastor is hoping to begin having services there in December. We all can pray for them as they strive for this date.
The Vacation Bible School phase of the week was a great success. We touched many lives through VBS. We shared the gospel with elementary and high school age kids. There were even a few gentlemen who were in their 70s who attended a few days. I am not completely sure of the exact number of salvations, but it is around 30 people. God transformed these children's lives through His Word.
The prayer walking and saturation (door to door visitation) phase was a wonderful time witnessing the power of God. It was a great way to interact with the community and discover areas for potential ministry throughout the city. I know of two ladies who trusted in Christ as a result of this ministry.
One of these ladies is named Bilyesia. When we met her, we discovered she had burned her fourth and fifth fingers on her right hand while cooking one day. We asked her if she would allow one of our doctors to examine it, and she was willing to do that. Dr. Bish and some of our team went by her house for the examination, and he was able to provide some medical care to her. During this examination, we invited her to join us in worship on Friday evening at the church. She and one of her children attended worship and before worship began that evening. She trusted in Christ as her Lord and Savior. Our praise service began before the corporate praise service began.
There are so many more details that need to be given, and we will deliver a team report in the coming weeks. We need to once again thank you for praying and supporting us on this mission trip. We were your missionaries this week. May the Lord bless you as you continue to support missions in giving, going, and praying.
Serving Him with you,
Luke
On the other hand, we miss the people of the D.R. They are so open and receptive to you. They are willing to engage in conversation, well as long as you have a translator with you. They are a very warm people. The church, Iglesia Bautista Pena de Horeb (where we ministered during the week) has such a passion for our Lord Jesus Christ. They have a desire to see Him glorified, honored, and praised. They want to see their city, San Cristobal, won to Christ. It was a joy serving with them all week long.
God allowed us to accomplish many things for Him this week. We were able to complete our part of the construction project plus some extra duties. We received an offering for the project and with that offering they should be able to continue right along with the project. The pastor is hoping to begin having services there in December. We all can pray for them as they strive for this date.
The Vacation Bible School phase of the week was a great success. We touched many lives through VBS. We shared the gospel with elementary and high school age kids. There were even a few gentlemen who were in their 70s who attended a few days. I am not completely sure of the exact number of salvations, but it is around 30 people. God transformed these children's lives through His Word.
The prayer walking and saturation (door to door visitation) phase was a wonderful time witnessing the power of God. It was a great way to interact with the community and discover areas for potential ministry throughout the city. I know of two ladies who trusted in Christ as a result of this ministry.
One of these ladies is named Bilyesia. When we met her, we discovered she had burned her fourth and fifth fingers on her right hand while cooking one day. We asked her if she would allow one of our doctors to examine it, and she was willing to do that. Dr. Bish and some of our team went by her house for the examination, and he was able to provide some medical care to her. During this examination, we invited her to join us in worship on Friday evening at the church. She and one of her children attended worship and before worship began that evening. She trusted in Christ as her Lord and Savior. Our praise service began before the corporate praise service began.
There are so many more details that need to be given, and we will deliver a team report in the coming weeks. We need to once again thank you for praying and supporting us on this mission trip. We were your missionaries this week. May the Lord bless you as you continue to support missions in giving, going, and praying.
Serving Him with you,
Luke
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
3rd day in the D.R.
It has been a great day of ministry. VBS went very well today. This morning there were about 90 kids. This afternoon there were over 100 kids. The gospel presentation was delivered this afternoon, and God saved 7 kids and one mother. Praise the Lord. The ladies are doing a wonderful job teaching these children.
The construction went well today. The pipes are almost complete for the bathrooms. All of the blocks have been delivered for the walls around the bathroom. The men worked extremely hard today moving blocks, debris, and other materials. The Lord has blessed us with strength and good health. Thank you for praying for our strength.
We have been having devotions each evening and sharing from the day. It has been a joy listening to how God is working in each person´s life.
You can pray for continued strength for the guys as they complete the construction projects. You can also pray for the ladies as they teach kids about the love of Jesus Christ. We look forward to sharing with you in more detail when we return.
Serving the Lord with you.
The construction went well today. The pipes are almost complete for the bathrooms. All of the blocks have been delivered for the walls around the bathroom. The men worked extremely hard today moving blocks, debris, and other materials. The Lord has blessed us with strength and good health. Thank you for praying for our strength.
We have been having devotions each evening and sharing from the day. It has been a joy listening to how God is working in each person´s life.
You can pray for continued strength for the guys as they complete the construction projects. You can also pray for the ladies as they teach kids about the love of Jesus Christ. We look forward to sharing with you in more detail when we return.
Serving the Lord with you.
Monday, July 6, 2009
2nd day in D.R
It has been a great ministry day. The concrete roof is completed. We are preparing to work on bathrooms and erecting a block wall around the bathrooms on Tuesday. It was hard work but very rewarding. We did a lot of prep work today for the bathrooms. We moved a lot of debris and hopefully tomorrow we will remove the debris from the site. Our guys are holding up real well.
The ladies conducted VBS twice today. This morning they had 53 kids and this afternoon they had 75 kids. They said that everything went extremely well. We are praying for opportunities to go into their homes later in the week to talk with their families.
We would request you pray for our strength, and the salvation of many souls.
May the Lord bless you all.
The ladies conducted VBS twice today. This morning they had 53 kids and this afternoon they had 75 kids. They said that everything went extremely well. We are praying for opportunities to go into their homes later in the week to talk with their families.
We would request you pray for our strength, and the salvation of many souls.
May the Lord bless you all.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
We are here!
Good Afternoon,
We arrived at the hotel last night around 11:00 so you can imagine how tired everyone was. The hotel is very nice. It even has AC!!! Thank you Lord for the AC! It is pretty warm and humid here.
We had a chance to meet with Rodney and Sharon Coleman, IMB Missionaries, this morning. They shared their vision for the D.R. They have a passion to start many churches in the southern part of the country which is where we are located. It was a joy to see our missionaries serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
After breakfast, we drove by the construction site. They have completed quite a lot of work so far. They are ready for us to pour the concrete roof on Monday. We may be finished with our construction task by Tuesday, and we are praying about opportunities for the rest of the week.
After the construction site visit, we went to worship with the church. It was a joy to worship with our Dominican brothers and sisters. There is a young lady (probably 10 or so) who was leading the songs. One could tell she loves the Lord as she sings. There was a visiting pastor from CA who preached, and he shared from Acts 1:8 and 8:4-8.
After worship, we went on a prayer walk of the community and also distributed information concerning worship tonight and VBS during the week. Our team was divided up with two Dominicans, a translator, and us. God blessed us as we met people in the community. Our lunch was at the pastor's house. It was great food.
Everyone is back at the hotel resting for this evening. We will be leading in worship this evening. We will sing some songs, the puppeteers will lead, Nicole will sing a solo, David Bish will do a testimony, and I will preach. On Monday, we begin construction and VBS.
Thanks for your prayers and keep checking the blog.
We arrived at the hotel last night around 11:00 so you can imagine how tired everyone was. The hotel is very nice. It even has AC!!! Thank you Lord for the AC! It is pretty warm and humid here.
We had a chance to meet with Rodney and Sharon Coleman, IMB Missionaries, this morning. They shared their vision for the D.R. They have a passion to start many churches in the southern part of the country which is where we are located. It was a joy to see our missionaries serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
After breakfast, we drove by the construction site. They have completed quite a lot of work so far. They are ready for us to pour the concrete roof on Monday. We may be finished with our construction task by Tuesday, and we are praying about opportunities for the rest of the week.
After the construction site visit, we went to worship with the church. It was a joy to worship with our Dominican brothers and sisters. There is a young lady (probably 10 or so) who was leading the songs. One could tell she loves the Lord as she sings. There was a visiting pastor from CA who preached, and he shared from Acts 1:8 and 8:4-8.
After worship, we went on a prayer walk of the community and also distributed information concerning worship tonight and VBS during the week. Our team was divided up with two Dominicans, a translator, and us. God blessed us as we met people in the community. Our lunch was at the pastor's house. It was great food.
Everyone is back at the hotel resting for this evening. We will be leading in worship this evening. We will sing some songs, the puppeteers will lead, Nicole will sing a solo, David Bish will do a testimony, and I will preach. On Monday, we begin construction and VBS.
Thanks for your prayers and keep checking the blog.
Friday, July 3, 2009
One more day until the D.R.
The day is almost here for us to depart to the D.R. It seems as if just yesterday we began the preparations for this mission adventure, but yet it has been many months. The Lord has been very good to us to bring us to this point.
The trailer is almost packed. The ministry items have been collected. Thanks to everyone who provided the ministry items for VBS and the IMB Missionaries. You truly are a part of this mission even though you are not able to go with us.
Jennifer, the kids, and I are about to depart for GA. She and the kids will be in GA for this next week visiting family and friends while I am in the D.R. I will meet the team at the airport in Atlanta on Saturday morning. I would ask you to pray for them and their safety in travel. Of course, Jennifer would appreciate your prayers as she travels with three small kids.
Keep checking the blog over the next week for additional updates.
May the Lord bless you as you serve Him in your ministry spot.
The trailer is almost packed. The ministry items have been collected. Thanks to everyone who provided the ministry items for VBS and the IMB Missionaries. You truly are a part of this mission even though you are not able to go with us.
Jennifer, the kids, and I are about to depart for GA. She and the kids will be in GA for this next week visiting family and friends while I am in the D.R. I will meet the team at the airport in Atlanta on Saturday morning. I would ask you to pray for them and their safety in travel. Of course, Jennifer would appreciate your prayers as she travels with three small kids.
Keep checking the blog over the next week for additional updates.
May the Lord bless you as you serve Him in your ministry spot.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Day of Prayer
The day of prayer has arrived for the Dominican Republic Mission Trip. We have asked the team to focus in prayer today for this next week as we prepare for the mission trip. We would request each and every believer to pray with us today.
We have taken Ephesians 6:10-17 as our passage of Scripture for today. We understand that we are in the midst of Spiritual Warfare. We are resting and trusting in the strength of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who will transform lives.
Thank you for your prayers.
We have taken Ephesians 6:10-17 as our passage of Scripture for today. We understand that we are in the midst of Spiritual Warfare. We are resting and trusting in the strength of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who will transform lives.
Thank you for your prayers.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
One day closer to the D.R.
It is just around the corner. We are excited about what God has in store for us as we go on this adventure with Him. I would like to encourage you all to join the team in prayer tomorrow (Thursday, July 2) as we set aside a day to pray and seek the Lord Jesus Christ's face.
Our prayers are: He would be glorified, souls would be saved, believers would be strengthened, and He would call people to full time missions. We are grateful to Him for the opportunity to go and serve Him. We are grateful to you for supporting us as we depart for the D.R.
In Christ,
Luke
Our prayers are: He would be glorified, souls would be saved, believers would be strengthened, and He would call people to full time missions. We are grateful to Him for the opportunity to go and serve Him. We are grateful to you for supporting us as we depart for the D.R.
In Christ,
Luke
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Dominican is a few days away...
In a few days, there will be 23 people going to the Dominican Republic from FBC Troy for a mission trip. The dates are July 4-11. Our projects for the week include: Vacation Bible School (twice a day) for four days, constructing the 2nd floor of a church building, prayer walks, leading in worship, and evangelism.
The group consists of 9 high school and college students and 14 adults. It is going to be a wonderful week of ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ. We request you pray for us as we will be away from our families. Our prayer is the Lord will be glorified through our efforts, and souls will be saved by the Lord Jesus Christ.
I will try to update the blog as often as possible about the trip.
In Christ,
Luke
The group consists of 9 high school and college students and 14 adults. It is going to be a wonderful week of ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ. We request you pray for us as we will be away from our families. Our prayer is the Lord will be glorified through our efforts, and souls will be saved by the Lord Jesus Christ.
I will try to update the blog as often as possible about the trip.
In Christ,
Luke
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Importance of the Law
"The divine Spirit wounds before he heals, he kills before he makes alive. We usually draw a distinction between law-work and gospel-work; but law-work is the work of the Spirit of God, is so far a true gospel-work that it is a frequent preliminary to joy and peace of the gospel. The law is the needle which draws after it the silken thread of blessing, and you cannot get the thread into the stuff without the needle: men do not receive the liberty wherewith Christ makes them free till, first of all, they have felt bondage within their own spirit driving them to cry for liberty to the great Emancipator, the Lord Jesus Christ. This sense or spirit of bondage works for our salvation by leading us to cry for mercy." Charles Spurgeon Law and Gospel
What a great description of the importance of the law. It does not save, but it clarifies to sinners that their sin is against the holy God. The law defines for the sinner the reason he/she needs salvation.
What a great description of the importance of the law. It does not save, but it clarifies to sinners that their sin is against the holy God. The law defines for the sinner the reason he/she needs salvation.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A great article by Dr. Akins
You all need to read this article.
http://betweenthetimes.com/2009/04/16/akin-axioms-for-a-great-commission-resurgence/
http://betweenthetimes.com/2009/04/16/akin-axioms-for-a-great-commission-resurgence/
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Great Article
You should take the time to read this article.
http://www.modernreformation.org/default.php?page=articledisplay&var1=ArtRead&var2=1018&var3=issuedisplay&var4=IssRead&var5=104
http://www.modernreformation.org/default.php?page=articledisplay&var1=ArtRead&var2=1018&var3=issuedisplay&var4=IssRead&var5=104
Men Praying
What a great morning it was at FBC Troy today! We had men praying for our country, families in financial crisis, leaders throughout our country, and revival in Bible proclaiming churches.
What a privilege to participate with Godly men petitioning the Lord Jesus Christ to do a great work in our lives. The change we prayed for this morning does not begin in our country. It begins in each man who follows the Lord Jesus Christ. Our prayer is that He will change us and make us more like Himself.
I hope you will join in prayer today for churches who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to be revived.
Luke
What a privilege to participate with Godly men petitioning the Lord Jesus Christ to do a great work in our lives. The change we prayed for this morning does not begin in our country. It begins in each man who follows the Lord Jesus Christ. Our prayer is that He will change us and make us more like Himself.
I hope you will join in prayer today for churches who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to be revived.
Luke
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