Bennett Baptist Church Christmas Banquet 6:00 PM at the church
POB 100
Bennett, CO  80102
Pastor  Jim Grissom
PHONE:  303-644-3548 hm

Life at a different pace…recording/healing of broken wrist/doing music @ our home church

After 20 years of full-time travel, and 2-1/2 years before that of part-time travel along with maintaining full-time jobs, we are doing something we’ve never done before: We’re “off the road” for the month of March to record. Some would call it a sabbatical. I’m not sure we would call it that because we’re certainly not resting!

Last October we prayed and asked the Lord if we could have some time to work on a recording(s). Our last CD was released in 2003. Yikes! People continue to ask if we have any new Cds. We have simply not been able to record and maintain a traveling ministry. When we’re traveling and ministering it consumes us.

Well, since we started praying specifically about this need, we believe the Lord has given us the green light to work on this project which we’re going to call “BRAINWASH.” It’ll be chock full of rich Scripture passages and biblical songs that we hope will help wash our hearts and minds with the pure water of His Word.

Since last fall George has been learning Garage Band, a music program for recording. Today he added a more advanced recording program called Logic. It will offer more technical features, flexibility, and more music sounds, etc. All this new technology is pretty mind boggling. We are hoping that it will be the key to us producing recordings that will be greatly used of the Lord. After many obstacles to get to this point, we are starting to believe this recording will become a reality!

One obstacle we had to figure out was where to record. The solution–we commandeered a small, inside room at our church which we now call the studio. There are 3 large carpeted risers stored in that room, which George stood up on end in a “U” shape to act as sound barriers. They fit the ticket!

The first song we completed was I Corinthians 10:31 “Do All To The Glory of God.” That set the tone because that is exactly what we want to do with our lives and specifically this project. The second, “Put Off The Old Man”–from Ephesians 4–needs the drum track and redo of the solo voice then it’ll be done. The piano and drum track are done for “Lead Me To The Rock”–Psalm 61. On Wednesday, March 19, David Schmidt, our longtime friend and talented drummer, will work with us.

If you want to be notified when the CD is done, please ask to be on our email list. In the meantime, we would greatly appreciate your prayers regarding this project. It will be another “tool” to sow the seeds of God’s Word. Thank you so much!

While we “off the road” we’re privileged to minister at our home church, Columbine Baptist in Littleton, CO. Our Pastor says he is not used to the special attention of being asked what his text will be for the Sunday services and then have the music portion tailored to complement his message. He seems pleased!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Kathy Abbas

P.S. I apologize for not reporting any news for a few months. Breaking my wrist took the wind out of my sails. Yes, on Friday night, December 21, I fell on the ice near our condo and broke my left wrist. It was a moderate break–a Colles’ fracture. After 8 weeks in splints and 2 different sizes of casts, I’m now diligently doing therapy for 20 minutes, 2x a day. What a privilege to play the piano again! I am gaining more and more endurance and dexterity. That is very encouraging. By God’s help, I’m trying to get caught up on a few projects–writing this News Report for one!

At 10:30 Sunday morning, November 11–Veterans Day–4 U.S. States Air Force jets flew over the Grace Bible Church in Parachute, CO, to begin a Spirit-filled service! The service included a video that honored our veterans and reminded us to thank God for those who have served and paid the supreme price for our freedom, and for those who continue to serve. Pastor Charlie Hornick preached a gripping message from Psalm 3 that taught us that God is our true Shield, Sustainer & Savior.

Following the service the congregation went outside to salute the flag of the United States of America and to sing the national anthem. A cannon was shot. George played taps. The service concluded with a benediction. We thank God for our country, and for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who freed us from the bondage of sin so we could be free indeed.

Thanksgiving and Christmas services are just around the corner!

We’ll be involved in a Thanksgiving Eve service at the Ward Road Baptist Church in Arvada, CO (a Denver suburb), that is going to be presented in the format of a radio show. Too bad you can’t tune in! I don’t think the air waves will carry this one!

Jesus! The Light of The World! is our Christmas theme for 2007. George has written a song entitled Jesus Is The Light of The World for the childrens choir. He has also been writing arrangements for a string trio (2 guitars and a harp), a brass group (3 trumpets and trombone) and a brass & reed group (trumpets, saxophones, trombone). Still on the writing docket is a piano duet and trumpet trio. Then background tracks need to be done for the vocal songs. And last, but not least, we get to learn all these selections!!

Please pray that the LORD will use us for His glory this holiday season and that someone will come to know Christ as Savior.

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.

By God’s grace, we were able to accomplish another “Tour of Duty” from JULY 20–AUGUST 20, 2007
We drove 6,000 + plus miles to do ministry in 14 church services in MN, IL, CT,OH, & IL again.

AN EVER-GROWING CHURCH IN NO. ST. PAUL, MN
One of the joys of our ministry is to watch a healthy church grow steadily over the years. Twin City Bible Church in St. Paul, MN, is one of those churches. Pastor Lloyd Johnson and his vivacious wife, Ronna, a born again Jew, are humble servants of God. Neither were raised in Christian homes, but God’s grace saved them and they serve Him with grateful hearts. Over time (17-18 years) their small auditorium filled to capacity. It was an art to set up our sound equipment there. Now they’re meeting in a high school gymnasium until they can obtain a more permanent building. What a joy to see many young families, children & teens, college/career adults, senior adults, several nationalities, all coming together to hear sound, expositional preaching. There’s no fluff in this pastor’s preaching, yet the church continues to grow! To God be the glory! That church is a bright light shining in No. St. Paul! We are honored to minister at this church!

A BABY CHURCH IS BORN!
On a Wednesday night, August 1, we ministered through music and teaching for the Green Garden Baptist Church of Green Garden, IL, a baby church that began in April 2007 and is meeting in various places until they have their own building. It is an outreach ministry of the Sauk Trail Baptist Church of Richton Park, IL. Pastor Jason Workman and his wife April are enthusiastic about what the Lord is doing. Several families from Sauk Trail have committed to help Jason & April. These families come to work to provide classes for the regular attenders and many visitors that come each week. A few years ago Sauk Trail purchased property in Green Garden in hopes of starting a church. Now God is giving them the desires of their heart. The area is booming with new housing developments. How wonderful that a church is already positioned to minister to this new community! By next year they hope to build a building of their own on their property.

NEW CHRISTIANS ARE SO REFRESHING!
In New Harford, CT, we provided a ministry of music for the Harvest Baptist Church’s annual Sunday–Tuesday Bible Conference. Pastor Martin Shott and his wife Sondra are blessed with several young couples who have come to the Lord in recent years under their ministry. One of these couples invited us, the conference speaker and his wife, and the pastor and his wife for Sunday dinner. What a great time we had around Rich and Karen’s dining room table!How REFRESHING it was to hear their testimonies of God’s saving grace! They came to every service and said they were sad to see the meetings come to an end, as did others in the church. So were we! We loved the Harvest Baptist Church family!

Isn’t it interesting how young Christians radiate joy and love? They love Jesus, they love to read the Bible, they love to go to church, they love each other, and they’re bewildered when others don’t share their enthusiasm!

A CHURCH IN THE CORNFIELDS OF ILLINOIS
Yes, the Checkrow Community Church near Avon, IL, is surrounded by acres of corn as far as the eye can see. Pastor Alan and Judy Somers have been serving this local church for 7 years. They are still amazed that they run two Sunday morning services to accommodate everybody. This congregation is not just “church goers.” They are very involved in missions, music ministry, youth and children’s programs–i.e. the teens do puppets on their mission trips. There are outreaches to the community that draw adults, such as car shows, gun shows & shooting competitions, farm games–potato shoots?! This church is the “happenin’ place” in the area! Best of all, Jesus and His Word are proclaimed clearly and without apology.

OUR GOAL on our “Tours of Duty”: BRAIN WASHING
George often tells our audiences that we’re on a mission: That mission is to brain wash them–But that it’s okay because we want their brains to be washed with the pure water of God’s Word!

One way we do that is by teaching Scripture songs. If we had a dollar for every time that someone has told us that they have had one of our Scripture songs stuck in their minds, or that these songs stand out to them when they read the verses in their Bibles, we’d be rich! The important thing is the power behind the Scriptures set to music.

Here’s an example of how “brain washing” works!

A lady shared a short testimony with me one Sunday morning of how the Scripture song on our “Show Me The Way” CD, II Timothy 1:7–“God hath not given us the spirit of fear…” ministered to her spirit. She had fallen and was not able to get up. As she laid on the floor, she worried that she had broken ribs, punctured a lung, etc. Fear was paralyzing her mind. Then II Timothy 1:7 started flowing through her mind. She started to sing it. As she sang she relaxed. As she relaxed, the fear vanished and she was able to get up. Her ribs and lungs were fine. She was amazed at how the Holy Spirit helped her gain a significant victory in her life. To that testimony we say, “Yes! Mission accomplished! To God be the glory!”

According to I John, the world, the flesh, and the devil are real enemies of the Christian. But according to Ephesians 6 we can be victorious over them. God’s Word and rejoicing are two key weapons we have to defeat our enemies. This is one reason why we emphasize Scripture set to music. It sticks in our brains for ready use!

WE VALUE YOUR PRAYERS…

Please pray that we would live a life worthy of the calling that we have received. That we would be completely humble and gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, and making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3

In a nutshell, our goal is to glorify Jesus Christ with our lives and ministry, to edify and encourage born again Christians to live what they believe, and to share the Gospel with those who are still living in darkness.

Happy 4th to you! For those of you who served in the military of our great country, THANK YOU for being willing to put your life in jeopardy so the rest of the country could pursue life, liberty, and happiness!

AN UPDATE to let you know we had a good week at Youth Camp in June 24-28, near Hillsdale, WY, which is about 30 miles east of Cheyenne, where coal trains crisscross the grassy plains every 20 minutes or so, blasting their brassy horns at the RR crossing which is about 200 yards from the conference center. It was surprising how accustomed we all grew to the noise of those iron beasts. I personally liked falling to sleep each night to their rumbling, creaking, and musical horns….

There were several kids that made professions for Christ, and other decisions as well. The preaching sessions had strong emphasis on Scripture–as opposed to “storytelling” to play on kids’ emotions. Pastor David Jones from the Atwood Baptist Church of Atwood, KS, challenged George and me as well with his morning and evening messages.

Besides doing the music, we also did some teaching. George presented the devotions each morning, and then we each taught “Break Out Sessions” on the requested topics of “Prayer” and “Dating.” I taught the girls and George the guys. Both topics were a unique challenge considering that many of the kids do not come from Christian homes and not all go to church on a regular basis.

On the dating issue George zeroed in on “purity”. I wish I could have cloned myself and listened in. He always comes up with good stuff, and manages to throw in some humor besides.

I challenged the girls to “Kiss dating goodbye” stating that the Bible doesn’t say a word about it. (Joshua Harris wrote a book several years ago with that title.) A gal said, but I’m already dating and I like the guy. That’s when the fun began.

I challenged the girls to focus INSTEAD on developing the abilities God has given them so they will have skills to enrich their marriage once “God gives them” a husband–I suppose that went over real
big–wait on God to give them a husband??!! Ah!! How absurd is that!!! (I said I thought it was pretty cool how God gave Eve to Adam, and Rebekah to Isaac!) Any chance He could bring a guy to you gals? Sounds like a pretty neat thing to PRAY about in my opinion.

I encouraged them to pursue medicine, teaching, business degrees, music, arts, homemaking skills based on Proverbs 31, etc., and also to consider going to the mission fields with those talents and help orphans, other missionaries, etc. Since each session was only a half hour, we really had to pack in the info fast, and still leave room for interaction. How I wish we had more time with those precious teens!!

Music wise, the kids sang really well by the second day. We taught them 2 Matt Redman songs: Blessed Be The Name and You Never Let Go. They also loved singing Hide Me Behind Your Cross (by our daughter Sarah Kelly), Psalm 19:14–”Let the words of my mouth” Psalm 40:16 “Let all those that seek Thee” (all 3 are on our Show Me The Way CD) and I Cor 10:31 “Whatsoever you do in word or deed…” and I John 1:5-7 “God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all…” (The latter 2 we hope to record soon.)

We grinned at how well they sang “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” and “I Sing The Mighty Power of God, ” “Nothing But The Blood of Jesus.” Musically, we put a fresh twist on these old hymns. We know the SUBSTANCE of this music will “sneak up” on these kids someday when they least expect it. God promises to bless His Word!

Today we received an encouraging email that kind of echoes the previous couple of sentences:
“You don’t know us. We saw you at Montrose Bible Conf, in Montrose PA a couple of years ago. Your music still touches us today. Quoting scripture in music is priceless and lasts a lifetime. Thank you for having a website and God bless you hugely.” JB & JG

We are still amazed that the LORD continues to use us in His service. What a great and mighty God we serve! HOW GREAT? Isaiah 40:12, 26 are just two of many examples:

“Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?”

“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” (I can’t imagine trying to give individual names to billions of stars.)

Yet, this great God commended His love to us while we were yet sinners and came and died for our sins. Now that is amazing grace…(my paraphrase of Romans 5:8)