October 9, 2007 Olive Branch, MS

Last Sunday, October 7, we provided music and teaching for the morning services of Faith Baptist Church in Farmington, MO, a bedroom community south of St. Louis about an hour.

Pastor Randy Parks and his wife, Mickie, were asked to come to this church of seven people–yes, seven–a year and a half ago. The “light” was about to go out…

But, it didn’t! Thank the LORD for the vision and faith of those 7 people to call Randy and Mickie to come help them! And praise the LORD that the Parks had the vision and faith to accept their invitation. But, not without tears! Accepting such a challenge involves sacrifice, the fear of failure, cultural and economic adjustments, etc.

A year and a half later…the Parks and the Faith Baptist Church are seeing for themselves that God honors vision and faith…Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

The church is consistently running 50-60 people with young families, children of all ages, middle age couples, some seniors, and visitors coming every Sunday. Mickie started with 1 junior age girl in Sunday School. She just gave her class of 12 junior girls to a lady in the church who volunteered to teach them! People are getting involved! Another lady announced excitedly to the Parks Saturday evening while we were eating dinner that her waitressing schedule has been changed to day shift, which frees her to be more involved at church. The church offers choir, AWANAS, Jr. Church, Bible Study & Prayer, missionary outreach, etc. We were privileged to hear many good stories of what God is doing at the Faith Baptist Church in the small town of Farmington, MO!

ON THE NEAR HORIZON…

This Wednesday night, 10/10, we’re doing the service for the Grace Bible Church of Olive Branch, MS, where Mark Webb pastors. Unfortunately for us, we’ll not get to see Mark and his wife as they will be in Canada as guests of a church there. However,we are honored that Mark is delighted that we’re filling in for him. The Webbs have offered for us to stay in their hospitality apartment from Wednesday to Friday which is a wonderful gift of lodging.

Friday, October 12, we go to Lafayette, LA, for Sunday AM/PM services, October 14, at the Central Baptist Church with Pastor Bob & Karen Nolan.

Tuesday night 10/16 we’re due in Slidell, LA, for the beginning of the Bible Conference week at Slidell Bible Chapel that goes through Sunday, October 21. It is always a very satisfying week of presenting lots of music, teaching, and getting together with families of the chapel at mealtimes. Besides the conference we are involved in the chapel service for their Christian school, the ladies’ Tuesday evening fellowship, and the Sunday afternoon service at the senior center.

ALWAYS, we are thank to God for giving us the privilege of serving Him, for His glory, through the gift of music and teaching/preaching.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

ALWAYS, we welcome your prayers and interest in our lives and ministry.