SBTC

Last week a handful of us from FBC attended the SBTC annual convention. This year it was held in the Dallas area. I spent most of my time in the exhibit area, where our ministry had a display set up. While there wasn't an overwhelming response to the ministry, I must say that our Lifesaver basket was quite popular.

I did manage to make it to a couple of sessions. There was a recurring theme in this year's meeting, which is that there are about 3,800 unreached, unengaged people groups in the world today (which essentially means that they have no meaningful access to the gospel). One of the speakers said that we have already reached all the areas that are easy to reach. If we are to be successful in reaching the rest, it will require a level of sacrifice that so far we have been unwilling to make.

The most enjoyable part of the week was a dinner/dialogue event called "Would Calvin Use An Evangecube?" It was a spirited discussion between 2 first-rate Christian thinkers about the age-old question of the free will of man in salvation. There were no knockout blows, and the interchanges were respectful. Alas, we never learned what Calvin thought about the Evangecube.

(Almost) Friday Funnies

This Week Pt. 2

On Sunday my friend Scott Ronyak from To Every Tribe Ministries came over and made an announcement to the church about the Perspectives class. Afterward, we served lunch to the entire church. The lunch was a fundraiser for our upcoming mission trip. I gave them my spiel about the Dominican Republic, and encouraged anyone interested to get on the stick.
An observation: I wonder why I had never had brisket before I moved to Texas? I know, I know, I've lived a sheltered life, but I don't recall ever having it before. Anyway, that's what we served Sunday, and it was GREAT! Humility prevents me from telling you who bought it, but I'm sure glad they did.

This Week In Missions

There were several "missiony" things going on at the church over the past few days. On Saturday a group of about 10 from our church went over to Matamoros to paint the exterior of a church. We were afraid that we might be rained out, but the rain held off, and a good time was had by all. You can see my wife Beverly hard at work in the top picture, and the finished project is seen in the middle one. Our pastor Steve Dorman demonstrates flawless technique in the picture at the bottom.

Painting The Town

If you live in the Brownsville area, there is a ministry opportunity coming your way! Saturday, November 5th we will be crossing the border into Matamoros to help Pastor Adolfo Villarreal with a painting project at his church. If you'd like to help, meet us in the parking lot of FBC at 8:30 (and don't forget your passport!).

Triumph

Apologies to the loyal readers of the Valley Missions blog. All last week our church staff was on its annual retreat, so I wasn't able to post anything. This year we decided to pitch in some of our own money and take a cruise. It was the first for me; we sailed aboard the Carnival Triumph to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. All the staff wives (except mine) were able to go along. It was a nice time with a wonderful group of people. The staff met from about 1 - 5:30 every afternoon, and the rest of the time was free. Except for when we were watching the Texas Rangers throw away the World Series, it was lots of fun.