"My life was filled with darkness and no matter where I turned there was no light and in my desperation and loneliness I cried out in the night. And I know there is a God, Lord, I know you're out there somewhere please come tonight. As I fell to my knees I felt the power of the love I call the saving kind." A beautiful song by Gold City. That's what this ministry is all about and Friday night we had the privileged of leading one of our children to the Lord. I hope I never lose the excitement of a sinner coming home!
At ten years old this child heard preaching on Revelation and God put within her heart a holy fear of Him. She knew what the Pastor Johnny (www.greenacresbc.com-sermon archives) said was true and she was afraid. There were only three children at Up Bible Study this night and we wondered what was going on. One child even left early. She watched the Facing The Giants clip on praying for Revival and listened as we began to teach on that subject. 2 Chronicles 7:14 was the verse we focused on. We defined the word "revival" and the kids learned you must be physically alive to be brought back to life and spiritually alive to be spiritually "revived".
We again covered the ABC's of salvation and we dug into the verse at hand. We broke down @ Chronicles 7:14 and the kids learned in a relationship there are two parts, two sides. The first part of the verse lists four things that we, as God's children, must do to mend the fences of a broken relationship with God so that we can be revived. We covered humbling ourselves in detail, then prayer, seeking God's Face, and turning from our wicked ways. THEN we learned, then God would hear and forgive and heal. We talked about how God knew if we really meant what we said and how He wouldn't accept less.
The leaders were so gracious and each person added from their own experiences. All the while this young lady soaked it all in. When she couldn't keep silent anymore she shared her concerns. When we asked her if there was ever a time when she realized she was a sinner and needed a Savior she said, "No". We covered what it meant to be standing in opposition to God as His enemy when you are not saved and how the promises of what we were talking about only applied to those who were adopted into His family. She wanted that. We told her when she was ready she could pray to receive Christ and she decided she was ready right then.
Some of you might think I've spent a long time talking about this, but there is just no other thing to celebrate like the salvation of someone you love and God loves. We pray for these children, love them, teach them and worry about them when we don't see them. There is no other gift that can give us the peace of knowing that we no longer have to worry about her life for she is in the hands of the Master, the One who made her. We will teach and love and celebrate her, but if she ever leaves this earth, she will be going home. I cannot express the relief and joy I feel for her.
Please pray for this sweet child and for our ability to continue to minister to her so God can grow her. May she disciple many others in Jesus' Name!
This past week with The Next Door Bible Study we had our initial meeting for the Easter Egg Hunt and we are starting to plan and to get everything in order. This morning with the King's Kidz Tracey made breakfast burritos and Michael taught us about having faith and not doubting Jesus' ability to heal. We are all sporting band aids today with the name of someone healed or saved by Jesus so we can remember all day that He heals and saves and we can trust Him. Mine says "Lazarus". We sang "Faith Talking" by Hope's Call and had a wonderful morning.
If you are not praying for these kids you are missing a blessing! They are awesome and God is working in their little lives. What a Mighty God we serve! Don't forget to pray for the hunt, we are taking donations, you can drop them off at Green Acres Baptist, 901 Elberta Road and thanks for your support of this ministry and the children we minister to.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Oh For A Thousand Tongues to Sing!
Hope you have all had a wonderful week! We have had a slow week due to school being out here this week. But God is working nonetheless. He works in the quite times even when we don't see Him working. We should pray for peace where we are so the gospel can go forth.
I had the unique opportunity this week to speak with our new apartment manager. After a lengthy discussion about the ministry here and my concerns about gang members in the area occupying certain areas of the complex she voiced her agreement. The complex has two large unoccupied buildings up for "grabs". One of which the children and I used to meet in, however I can no longer afford. She has a direction and a vision for these buildings and even would like to either make one a mini-police station, apparently there's been discussion of it in the past, or an apartment for security. Her plan is to also somehow incorporate the ministry. Her thoughts are that areas that are occupied on a regular basis are less likely to be infiltrated so easily. I agree wholeheartedly. Another concern is the High School right up the street. If this large complex is given over to gang/drug activity it is so very close to the school that we may as a city loose safety of the area and the children who must attend there.
This smart lady would like to see the complex waive the fee for one of those buildings and let us occupy it at least three times a week to house the ministries and encourage more to come to foster a sense of community. This is exactly what we want to happen! Please be in prayer for her, that God would give her favor, that he would influence the owners hearts and that these children would be provided a place! How the gospel could spread in this time of peace! Also pray for the other complexes I am about to contact again. Due to my broken foot things were put to a screeching halt!
We had no Next Door Bible Study this week, almost all of the children were out of town. We had no Saturday study, already planned it off. But what an Up Bible study did we have!
Jeremy taught about what matters in our life. Ecclesiastes was the book he taught from and he proved several times from this book how everything is "vanity", "vapor", "meaningless" apart from God. Everything. We watched the clip from "Facing the Giants" and then made lists of things in our life that seemed important but because they didn't glorify God were in fact meaningless. At the end of every list we wrote "everything". We talked about the list, traded papers, then had a funeral for the things in our lives that did not glorify God. We put to rest things like TV, cell-phones, "Twilight", vampires, past pain and past victories, then everything. We laughed and "dramatized" our way through the funeral but the meaning was not lost on these kids! We learned that our lives are supposed to glorify God and if there is something we're doing apart from glorifying God it is meaningless.
How many truly meaningless things do we do a day? For myself, far too many. Jeremy taught us "Soli Deo Gloria" which means, "Glory to God alone". I would love for my life to give Soli Deo Gloria. What a great night! Did I say it was a great night? Jeremy is in college to be a math teacher and I believe he will be wonderful. I have to give it to the leaders God has drawn to this group, they are interesting and unique and the kids never know what our leaders are going to do! We also as leaders love and respect each other and we love these children. God is so good to me to let me participate.
Once again I ask for your prayers for these groups of children, for the use of the facilities here and whatever God would have us do here. Also, we still need Bibles and the Easter Egg hunt is coming, pray for supplies, safety, workers and God to be glorified! Soli Deo Gloria! Thanks again for supporting this ministry.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
I had the unique opportunity this week to speak with our new apartment manager. After a lengthy discussion about the ministry here and my concerns about gang members in the area occupying certain areas of the complex she voiced her agreement. The complex has two large unoccupied buildings up for "grabs". One of which the children and I used to meet in, however I can no longer afford. She has a direction and a vision for these buildings and even would like to either make one a mini-police station, apparently there's been discussion of it in the past, or an apartment for security. Her plan is to also somehow incorporate the ministry. Her thoughts are that areas that are occupied on a regular basis are less likely to be infiltrated so easily. I agree wholeheartedly. Another concern is the High School right up the street. If this large complex is given over to gang/drug activity it is so very close to the school that we may as a city loose safety of the area and the children who must attend there.
This smart lady would like to see the complex waive the fee for one of those buildings and let us occupy it at least three times a week to house the ministries and encourage more to come to foster a sense of community. This is exactly what we want to happen! Please be in prayer for her, that God would give her favor, that he would influence the owners hearts and that these children would be provided a place! How the gospel could spread in this time of peace! Also pray for the other complexes I am about to contact again. Due to my broken foot things were put to a screeching halt!
We had no Next Door Bible Study this week, almost all of the children were out of town. We had no Saturday study, already planned it off. But what an Up Bible study did we have!
Jeremy taught about what matters in our life. Ecclesiastes was the book he taught from and he proved several times from this book how everything is "vanity", "vapor", "meaningless" apart from God. Everything. We watched the clip from "Facing the Giants" and then made lists of things in our life that seemed important but because they didn't glorify God were in fact meaningless. At the end of every list we wrote "everything". We talked about the list, traded papers, then had a funeral for the things in our lives that did not glorify God. We put to rest things like TV, cell-phones, "Twilight", vampires, past pain and past victories, then everything. We laughed and "dramatized" our way through the funeral but the meaning was not lost on these kids! We learned that our lives are supposed to glorify God and if there is something we're doing apart from glorifying God it is meaningless.
How many truly meaningless things do we do a day? For myself, far too many. Jeremy taught us "Soli Deo Gloria" which means, "Glory to God alone". I would love for my life to give Soli Deo Gloria. What a great night! Did I say it was a great night? Jeremy is in college to be a math teacher and I believe he will be wonderful. I have to give it to the leaders God has drawn to this group, they are interesting and unique and the kids never know what our leaders are going to do! We also as leaders love and respect each other and we love these children. God is so good to me to let me participate.
Once again I ask for your prayers for these groups of children, for the use of the facilities here and whatever God would have us do here. Also, we still need Bibles and the Easter Egg hunt is coming, pray for supplies, safety, workers and God to be glorified! Soli Deo Gloria! Thanks again for supporting this ministry.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The More I Seek You...
"The more I seek You, the more I find You, the more I find You, the more I love You. I want to sit at Your feet, drink from the cup in Your hand, lay back against You and breathe, feel Your heart beat. This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand, I melt in Your peace, it's overwhelming," from a popular Christian song. What comforting words and what real possibility. Have you ever put your head into the chest of a parent, brother, friend or spouse when you were hurting or sick? You know they would take the pain from you if it were possible. It is possible with Jesus Christ. He is the Healer, Jehovah Rapha, "The Lord who heals". The more we cleave to the bosom of Christ the more comfort we are surrounded with. "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant." Psalm 119:76
We used to sing this song frequently at the Next Door Bible Study on Wednesdays before Dusty got sick and some others starting missing meetings because of college. It is such a healing song. Even more wonderful was while I enjoyed the song today, one of those sweet young men, Josh, called me just to talk and encourage me. He shared with me how God has been working in his life lately and things he'd learned. He plans to be a Psychologist and I have no doubt he will be. I shared how proud I was of each of them and how much it meant that he called me. He told me I should be proud because part of the way he and others had turned out was because of the work God had done through this ministry and the teaching they received. I was thrilled! Now that is encouragement. To think that God could use such an imperfect vessel for the purpose of His plan still amazes me. I don't come close to getting it right every time, but He honors my willingness and availability and most of all His Word that is taught. Praise God for His faithfulness just as the verse says even when we, including me, are not!
Today we did not have King's Kidz due to the snow. And, of course, we didn't have UP Friday night because of the snow. But Wednesday at The Next Door Bible Study we had four new young men! I don't know if they will come back, however they were thrilled when they found out they could invite more. I told them just to let me know so I could have enough food and they agreed.
Now that leads me to a need. When anyone comes here if they don't have a Bible we give them one, so I am running low on Bibles. I like to have a variety of Bibles for the kids to choose from so if they find one they can understand, they can take it. I have had NIV, NLT, KJV, NKJV, and study bibles. If any of you would like to provide a few Bibles to be given away I would appreciate it. I don't mind if they are used as long as they are in condition enough to last through a kid and they have all the pages. That would be a huge help!
Also, pray for the groups of kids themselves as they begin to study with those they don't know. Pray that they would be good examples for these youth and that they would show the love of Christ. Many of these have just begun to learn themselves and it's hard for those of us who've known Christ sometimes to love a complete stranger. Please pray for the coming Easter Egg Hunt that we will begin work on soon. And as always, pray that God continues to make me a usable vessel. Thanks for all you do for the Kingdom of God and for Christ's sake.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
We used to sing this song frequently at the Next Door Bible Study on Wednesdays before Dusty got sick and some others starting missing meetings because of college. It is such a healing song. Even more wonderful was while I enjoyed the song today, one of those sweet young men, Josh, called me just to talk and encourage me. He shared with me how God has been working in his life lately and things he'd learned. He plans to be a Psychologist and I have no doubt he will be. I shared how proud I was of each of them and how much it meant that he called me. He told me I should be proud because part of the way he and others had turned out was because of the work God had done through this ministry and the teaching they received. I was thrilled! Now that is encouragement. To think that God could use such an imperfect vessel for the purpose of His plan still amazes me. I don't come close to getting it right every time, but He honors my willingness and availability and most of all His Word that is taught. Praise God for His faithfulness just as the verse says even when we, including me, are not!
Today we did not have King's Kidz due to the snow. And, of course, we didn't have UP Friday night because of the snow. But Wednesday at The Next Door Bible Study we had four new young men! I don't know if they will come back, however they were thrilled when they found out they could invite more. I told them just to let me know so I could have enough food and they agreed.
Now that leads me to a need. When anyone comes here if they don't have a Bible we give them one, so I am running low on Bibles. I like to have a variety of Bibles for the kids to choose from so if they find one they can understand, they can take it. I have had NIV, NLT, KJV, NKJV, and study bibles. If any of you would like to provide a few Bibles to be given away I would appreciate it. I don't mind if they are used as long as they are in condition enough to last through a kid and they have all the pages. That would be a huge help!
Also, pray for the groups of kids themselves as they begin to study with those they don't know. Pray that they would be good examples for these youth and that they would show the love of Christ. Many of these have just begun to learn themselves and it's hard for those of us who've known Christ sometimes to love a complete stranger. Please pray for the coming Easter Egg Hunt that we will begin work on soon. And as always, pray that God continues to make me a usable vessel. Thanks for all you do for the Kingdom of God and for Christ's sake.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Duplication and Disciple Making
What a wonderful week! God is making headway in this ministry! Imagine that, He is the God of all creation. The kids have undergone some rough stuff the past two weeks, two had a break in at their home, two involved in altercations at school involving bullies and gangs, one is being shifted from place to place due to parental problems. There is more, but I'm sure you see a pattern. So why would it be a good week? Because we know that when God takes an interest in someone, so does His enemy. These kids are not giving up! God has a plan for their lives that He's had since the beginning of time.
Last Saturday morning we had the opportunity to sow into the lives of a child and parent. Some went well, some did not. When you reach out to help, you reach all the way out! Don't hold back, do what God directs you to do! The results are up to Him and people have the God given right not to respond like we would want them to which is giving up to God completely. I walked right past God's grace, even turned my nose up and railed against Him for twenty two years. What right do I have not to offer God's grace even if it is not accepted or respected. But in the balance lies two lives who desperately need the Master's care. Please pray for this situation.
Last Friday we enjoyed another segment of the Bible study from Facing The Giants. What an awesome movie. The kids are still learning and can relate to the material. Bobby did an excellent job and it was great to see the kids learn! We have such a great time studying God's Word and celebrating a birthday. Good times. I think I'll send a note to the Sherwood Baptist Church Pastor to tell him how we're enjoying it.
But this Wednesday was such a wonderful day. One of my young men from the Next Door Bible Study, Greg, started a ministry with his younger brother Doug and the younger brother of Tayler (also from TNDBS) who's name is Heath. It is called U-Turn ministry and it began as Greg and these young men began to reach out to their friends. For a little over a year they have been sharing their testimonies and speaking about randomly selected Bible verses. But this year, God has called these three young men to buckle down and study their Bibles to begin to tell people about God. Greg said, "I've been talking about what He's done for me, now He wants me to talk about Him." Amen to that! They plan to begin in Romans, do verse by verse inductive study with their materials checked by a more seasoned Christian, and print study guides.
As Greg shared his plans he spoke of how he learned to study the Bible through The Next Door Bible Study. He said that the young men in the group were pressing him to say what to read and study (praise God!) but that he and another young man knew that we didn't complete whole chapters at a time. Sometimes we could only do part of one in a lesson because the Word was filled with so much to discuss. My heart was completely thrilled as I thought about how I learn from my Pastor, Dr. Johnny Ellison, and Dr. David Jeremiah and Adrian Rogers. These men poured into me their knowledge and I have poured into these kids as much as I can and now Greg is pouring into others! That is every teachers' dream. I can do nothing but praise the One who is the Author of it all!
I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am that God's Word is spreading from these humble walls that I call home. I don't own the walls, I rent them, with money from God's hand. He gives me everything! My ability to read and understand His Word, to move and be and to minister to others. That is why I say to God be the glory! Please be a part of this ministry through prayer, or however God leads you. Better yet, begin your own! Make yourself available to God and see what He will do!
In Christ,
Jamie
Last Saturday morning we had the opportunity to sow into the lives of a child and parent. Some went well, some did not. When you reach out to help, you reach all the way out! Don't hold back, do what God directs you to do! The results are up to Him and people have the God given right not to respond like we would want them to which is giving up to God completely. I walked right past God's grace, even turned my nose up and railed against Him for twenty two years. What right do I have not to offer God's grace even if it is not accepted or respected. But in the balance lies two lives who desperately need the Master's care. Please pray for this situation.
Last Friday we enjoyed another segment of the Bible study from Facing The Giants. What an awesome movie. The kids are still learning and can relate to the material. Bobby did an excellent job and it was great to see the kids learn! We have such a great time studying God's Word and celebrating a birthday. Good times. I think I'll send a note to the Sherwood Baptist Church Pastor to tell him how we're enjoying it.
But this Wednesday was such a wonderful day. One of my young men from the Next Door Bible Study, Greg, started a ministry with his younger brother Doug and the younger brother of Tayler (also from TNDBS) who's name is Heath. It is called U-Turn ministry and it began as Greg and these young men began to reach out to their friends. For a little over a year they have been sharing their testimonies and speaking about randomly selected Bible verses. But this year, God has called these three young men to buckle down and study their Bibles to begin to tell people about God. Greg said, "I've been talking about what He's done for me, now He wants me to talk about Him." Amen to that! They plan to begin in Romans, do verse by verse inductive study with their materials checked by a more seasoned Christian, and print study guides.
As Greg shared his plans he spoke of how he learned to study the Bible through The Next Door Bible Study. He said that the young men in the group were pressing him to say what to read and study (praise God!) but that he and another young man knew that we didn't complete whole chapters at a time. Sometimes we could only do part of one in a lesson because the Word was filled with so much to discuss. My heart was completely thrilled as I thought about how I learn from my Pastor, Dr. Johnny Ellison, and Dr. David Jeremiah and Adrian Rogers. These men poured into me their knowledge and I have poured into these kids as much as I can and now Greg is pouring into others! That is every teachers' dream. I can do nothing but praise the One who is the Author of it all!
I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am that God's Word is spreading from these humble walls that I call home. I don't own the walls, I rent them, with money from God's hand. He gives me everything! My ability to read and understand His Word, to move and be and to minister to others. That is why I say to God be the glory! Please be a part of this ministry through prayer, or however God leads you. Better yet, begin your own! Make yourself available to God and see what He will do!
In Christ,
Jamie
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