When in Doubt?

Today I was reading a devotion by Henry Blackaby that helped me with the things I been thinking about our world and economic crisis that our country finds itself in. Dr. Blackaby made reference to Daniel 9:23 (NKJV) "At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:"

Daniel was in exile in Babylon as a result of his nation's utter defeat by the Babylonians. He was trying to understand what was happening to him and his country. So we find that Daniel went to God in prayer and God immediately dispatched an angel to revealed that God has sent this angel at the beginning of his supplication. God didn't wait for Daniel to finish his prayer. God loved Daniel greatly and when Daniel was in need, God was quick to respond in love to him.

God wants to answer the prayers of those whose hearts are completely His.
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”
We need to be reminded that God can accurately orient you to the events of your day. Media, public opinion, and political leaders cannot tell you the truth of your circumstances, only God can. God loves us and will speak to us in His time. His answer may come immediately as it did in Daniel's case, or it may be delayed, but it will come. At times it seems as though everything is crumbling around you, and you wonder why you do not see God's activity, take comfort in knowing that you are loved in heaven. If you are genuinely seeking God's answers, you can go to your Father confidently with your questions.

If you would like to read Dr. Henry Blackaby's devotions each day you can go to www.namb.net and click Blackaby devotions.

Ground Breaking

Today we broke ground for our new 8,800 square foot education building. This building has been designed for our preschool, children, and youth departments. This new building will give us the space we need now and for the future. It was so good to see so many of you stay for our ground breaking ceremony. It was nice to see our children dig a shovel full of dirt, breaking ground for the building. Many of them will learn in this new building and might come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

In the coming days I want you to pray for the construction of our new building. Pray for the safety of the workers and for decisions that will need to be made. We will have Bond information meetings soon where members and friends of First Baptist Church can learn about purchasing bonds to finance our building. There will be a designated Sunday that you can meet with a representative from CommonWealth to discuss the bonds you want to purchase and sign up for them.

These are exciting days here at Fist Baptist and every day we need to depend upon the Lord. Let's stay faithful.

A Great Work Day!

This morning we had a work day at the church to clear out our education rooms so we can tear down our old education building that has served us faithful for 50 years. I want to thank everyone who came out to help, your present and excitement towards what God is doing in our church is uplifting. As every one worked together we were able to complete all of our work that was schedule for two Saturdays in one.

We begin a new chapter, here at First Baptist Church. Tomorrow we will break ground on our new education building that will have over 8,800 square feet for us to use in the future. As we break ground tomorrow we also dedicate ourselves to be faithful to God and to pay for this new building as soon as possible. Tomorrow as we break ground we pray for all the workers who will work on this building and for their safety.

Today's activities reminded me of a church family that work's together and how we were able to get some much done in a short period of time. I want to thank all you who helped today, because you were a blessing to me.

Leadership Survey's

On any given Sunday we will have 150 to 250 people in church. The majority of those folks are members of First Baptist Church of LaBelle and other dear friends of our church. For a church to work the way the Lord wants it to work it needs each member using the gifts they have in the work of the church. Each year we ask each member and friends of the church to fill out a leadership survey, which tells us which areas you are willing to serve in. Each year we are lucky if we it 25 surveys back from our members. With our building program under way and other new ministries in our church we need to you to work in our church.

We ask each member and friend to fill out a leadership survey and turn it in by Sunday, August 10th. If you don't have a survey to can get one in foyer of the church sanctuary or go to our church web site at www.fbclabelle.org and fill out the survey on line. I hope you understand that we need each member and friend of First Baptist Church.

Please be in prayer for our Nominating Committee as they fill the leadership positions of the church.

Jamaica Praise Report

We returned from Jamaica last Friday evening. The Lord truly blessed us in our trip. As we reflect on our trip, we are thankful for all the supporters who prayed and gave sacrificially so we could go to Jamaica. Those who gave to this cause was a vital part of this trip.

This year we served at Emanuel Missionary Church in Mandeville, Jamaica. This church has lost its last two pastors to cancer and is presently searching for another Pastor. We had 173 children enrolled in VBS at this church and this is the most they ever had. We average 169 children each day. At the end of the week we had 63 of those children accept Jesus Christ as there Lord and Savior.

Different members of our team preach at the night services that we had for the teenagers of this church. I preached Sunday night, Paul Martin preached Monday night, Preston Long, Jr., preached Tuesday night, Jeremy Peery preached Wednesday night and Patrick Mylmount preached Thursday night. Each night our mission team sang praise and worship songs under the leadership of Larry Luckey.

The Lord worked in each member of our team and the Lord gave us a blessed week.

Brian and Pearl Williams

Last Sunday night we had the privilege of having Brian and Pearl Williams share about their work in Vienna, Austria. We started supporting Brian and Pearl last year at this time. We are currently supporting them at a $100 a month and we praying if we should increase this amount for the coming year.

Brian and Pearl work at a Christian school where International Students come to be taught. For most of these students they are there for two years. In those two years the teachers at this school have a opportunities to share Christ with these students. Many of these students have accepted Christ.

Please be in prayer for Brian and Pearl as they will be flying back soon to start a new school year.

Teen Challenge of Southwest Florida

Sunday, June 29th at 11:00 A.M., the Men's group of Teen Challenge will be here to share music and testimonies of what God is doing in there lives. Kevin Cummings, the director of Teen Challenge for Southwest Florida will be our presenter. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about their ministry. First Baptist Church supports the men's group of Teen Challenge for Southwest Florida by giving $100 a month to their ministry through our Local Missions Program.

Everyone is invited to come to this special service this Sunday, June 29th at 11 A.M. After the service our College and Career Class will be providing lunch for the Teen Challenge group. I am grateful for the College and Career class and their willingness to prepare this meal.

Hope to see you this Sunday.