Back At It

I have been seriously derelict in my blog posting of late.  I'm trying to resist the urge to defend myself ("I've been SUPER busy!").  After all, almost anything would be better than "I just didn't get around to it".  But I won't, choosing instead to cast myself on the mercy of my long-suffering readers.

I will mention just 2 things today.  First, I'm happy to say that we will be taking a group of about 17 folks from FBC over to Matamoros Saturday morning to help a dear brother with a painting project.  I've long fretted over the fact that, with all the reports of violence near the border, a lot of ministry just isn't getting done, because few people are going over to do it.  But the needs persist.  So even though our work will be but a small contribution, it is a contribution still, and one that I am pleased to make.

I brought the morning message at FBC Sunday morning.  I've had a theme percolating in my head for months now, and Sunday I finally let it out.  I called it "The Coming Persecution".  I tried to sound the alarm without being shrill: persecution of Christians in the US is only going to get worse, and we had best prepare for it.  But God works all things for good, including this.  Besides, many have paid a steep price to follow Jesus, and if we are called upon to join them, it will be an honor to bear the shame for His name's sake.  

A Good Report

Here is an update from a missionary couple that we support here at FBC.

Christmas Changes Everything

What if Jesus had never been born?  What difference would it make in your life?  Plenty.  As D. James Kennedy points out, it would be a very different world indeed if Christ had not come.  But He did come, and this coming Sunday we will celebrate it.  It's called "Christmas Changes Everything".  It begins at 10:45 and all are welcome.

China

Had an enjoyable, quiet Thanksgiving with my wife last week.  This week I've been working on promotional materials for the upcoming missions camp, and preparing for this weekend's Christmas musical.

Today I came across this bit of news about the Perspectives course.  It seems that materials are being translated into Chinese, with leader training sessions already in the works.  It is obvious that China will be a major player on the world scene for many years to come, so any advances made in that country would be most significant.  We've long heard that there are many believers there (largely underground), and this represents a major step forward.

Big News

Today I am happy -- no, make that thrilled -- to announce our 2014 World Missions Camp.  We did one this year and it was just wonderful.  Next year's promises to be even bigger and better.

This would make a great youth group trip, college trip, or family vacation.  Or perhaps you've always wanted to go on a missions trip, but haven't found a "group" to go with.  This would be a great way to get plugged in.

All the whos, whats, wheres, and whys of the camp can be found at www.rgvmissions.com.  If you need to talk to a live person about it, call me at (956) 542-5334.

Free Book

If you'd like a free e-book on how to best pray for missionaries, you can get it here.

Looking Ahead

Not having anything urgent to write about, I've been a little slow in updating this blog of late.  Suffice it to say that autumn is the time to make plans for the following summer.  I can report that we've make some progress on our Unreached People Group search, but I can't say much here due to the nature of what we are doing.  I also am putting the finishing touches on next year's missions camp.  I hope to have final details very soon.

Last week our staff was away (from the office, at least) for our annual retreat.  I work with a great group of guys.  The chemistry is good, and we enjoy chewing the fat and generally being obnoxious to each other.  Occasionally we talk about church business.  (OK, I'm exaggerating, but you get the idea).  Unfortunately we also played golf.  I'm terrible at it, but it does wonders for my humility.  

On another note, I was asked to write the narration for this year's Christmas musical. Our worship pastor is cobbling together his own musical from various sources, so he asked me to fill in the blanks.  I tell you, it's harder than it looks.  What do you say that hasn't been said a million times before?  Or should we try?  Anyway, I'd appreciate your prayers.