catching up

I honestly thought once we got through the missions trip to England things would slow down. Well a missions trip to Stratford, a funeral, a wedding, and a million other things to do they still haven't. turns out keeping up a daily blog is stunningly difficult, but we will press on and hope to get it down eventually.

Since last Saturday I have had the blessing of leading two people to Christ. The second yesterday, my wife's uncle Ted. In studying for the advanced personal evangelism course that I will be teaching in August I came across an article describing a presentation of the gospel. It was unlike anything I had seen before, and I was intrigued.

The presentation relied on I Peter 2:21-25, "1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

Having entered into a conversation already with a Lady last Saturday and finding ourselves at a familiar crossroads, namely "I have done that a thousand times" I was impressed to venture into this passage. pointing out that verse 21 tells us that Christ suffered and left us an example to follow, we looked at that example in the following verses. Obviously we cannot follow the example in verse 22, since we have sin. We also cannot follow the example in the first part of verse 23 since we retaliate against others who attack us. However, in the end of verse 23 we find an example we can follow, that we also can commit ourselves to Him that judgeth righteously. Verse 24 is the key verse in this, as you read that verse to them, ask them this question. "where are our sins?" the answer is very clear, they are on Jesus Christ according to the Scripture. The next question is very personal, "Where are your sins?" It is at this point that you should be prepared to hear a very long explanation of all things they have done. Let them finish, don't interrupt or take part in the conversation until they are through. When they stop, tell them "that is very interesting, but I think you may have misunderstood my question." re-read the verse and ask again, "where are your sins?" both times the individuals stopped and with stark realization that they had been trusting in their own works said, they are still on me aren't they.

Upon this realization I asked if they would like to put them on Christ, and they were ready to receive Him. I took them over to Romans 10, and explained that all they had to do was to call on Him as Lord, believing in His Resurrection from the dead. The boss is always responsible, accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour is putting your sins on Him where they need to be.

It was a great blessing to see these two folks trust Christ. I hope that you can use these scriptures to see others follow Him as well.

back to buisness

I think that I am finally getting back to normal, it only took a week. We are looking forward to some exciting things coming up in the next few weeks. First we are having our teacher training conference this Saturday. I am looking forward to this time, it has been a few years since I did my last conference but during the time I was doing these training conferences I did about one a week for almost a year and a half, so I am hoping that it is like riding a bike.

Next week we will be heading out to Stratford, Tx to fix the siding on the building out there. I am not sure how many will be going, but I have had several men speak to me about the trip in the last few days. This will be a good missions adventure as well. This ministry is a mission work of our church and it will be good for our men to go out and see first hand what is going on there, and we will be able to pray better for the work.

In August we are going to have VBS out in Stratford, last year we had a high night in our 20's with 7 children and 1 adult woman trusting Christ as their saviour. It will be good to see what God will do this year.

a great loss

coming home we were greated with sad news right away, our beloved Ladine Kettler was given only hours to live and she indeed passed this past Saturday. Sister Kettler was a blessing to me and our church, she was always joyful, and loved the Lord greatly. In November she had a stroke and never fully recovered from it's effects but she also never lost her smile and love for the Lord. Each time I visited her wether in the hospital or at home she was always excited to see her pastor.

The funeral will be tomorow at 10:00 AM, where we will say our good buys and celebrate her life and love for the Lord. Her son Larry told me today that as he was talking to the grandchildren the common theme was that each of them knew that they were the special one to her. Sister Ladine had the wonderful gift of making everyone around her feel loved and special. What a blessing it would be if each of us would take the time to take interest in those around us so that they felt special as well.

Home at last

It was a great trip, with everyone having a great time, and accomplishing a huge amount of work for the Gossmeyers. And now it is time for recovery. I can honestly say that I was glad to go and I was glad to get home. We got into the airport in OKC at 4:30, and by 6:30 I was in bed asleep. Over the next few days I will be posting some photo's of our trip, and also some notes about things that were learned.

Tonight we have an independance day fellowship at the Fellins starts at 6:30 pm. if you have questions about what to bring call Bro. Dennis. I will be there and look forward to answering questions and sharing stories of the trip.

Saturday is the monthly Prayer breakfast, then next week it is back to normal for a while.

I also want to say thanks to all those who took watch over the ministries of the church while we were gone. If we don't see you before we will see you Sunday.