Remember the Alamo

The last couple of weeks have kept us very busy.  We've had meetings every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night.  As we get closer to going to Scotland, we've tried to schedule every available service, so that we can redeem the time.  We've been praying that the Lord would grant us a large increase this month, that we might be able to raise the needed support.  The Lord has really blessed in this, as our support level has risen by 5% in the last three weeks.  Would you join us in praying that the Lord's will may be done?  Our desire is to glorify Him in our deputation.

Two weeks ago, we had a meeting at Faith Baptist Church in Freeport, TX.  Brother James McEntire is the pastor.  We had a great time of fellowship with the pastor's family, and really enjoyed meeting the people of the church.  I presented our ministry, and preached for their Wednesday Night service.  After the service, the church voted to take us on for support.  Praise the Lord!  Our support level currently stands at 64%.


We've had some other great meetings in the last couple of weeks.  On Sunday, March 11th, we had services at Calvary Baptist Church in Athens, Texas and Leagueville Baptist Church in Leagueville, Texas.  The churches are about 15 miles apart, and are pastored by two brothers, Tom and Mike Bragdon.  We had excellent services at both of the churches.  This past Sunday, we had a couple of meetings around San Antonio, TX.  On Sunday morning, we were with Pyron Ave Baptist Church in San Antonio.  Brother Patrick Spannagel is the pastor.  We had a great service with them on Sunday morning, and then enjoyed an excellent lunch of barbecued chicken and beef brisket at the pastor's house. 

While we were in San Antonio, we had a chance to visit the Alamo.  In 1836, Santa Anna led the Mexican Centralist army against the Texians (as they were then called) who were holding the Alamo.  Santa Anna had an army of aounrd 1500 men, while the Texians had less than 200.  For several days, the large Mexican Centralist army besieged the Alamo.  In spite of being severely outnumbered, the brave Texians held out for 13 days, before finally being defeated.  The tour of the Alamo and its grounds was very interesting, and it was free.  You can't beat that!

Christians would do well to consider the example of the Texians at the Alamo.  The Bible says, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, BE YE STEDFAST, UNMOVEABLE, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."  (I Corinthians 15:58)  We often give in to the pressures of the world, or give up when circumstances get tough.  The men of then Alamo stood firm, even in a very difficult situation.  Surely, we as soldiers for the Kingdom of God ought to stand firm in our convictions.  And when things get difficult, we ought to continue serving our King.  Those men stood firm in their own bravery, using the weapons of their day. But you and I can stand firm in power of the Lord, protected by the armor of God, and wielding the Sword of the Spirit!

(Eph 6:10-13)  "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  (11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  (12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Killing Two Birds With One Stone

This past Sunday morning, we had the opportunity to visit Bible Baptist Church in Waxahachie, Texas.  Brother Todd Grimes is the pastor.  The church has been supporting us for over a year, so it was great to have a chance to see them again, and give them an update on our deputation.  While we were there, the church was having a revival meeting with Brother Tracy Curington, who is the pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Ardmore, Oklahoma.  The church in Ardmore is also one of our supporting churches, so we were able to visit with two of our supporting pastors at one meeting.  Nothing like killing two birds with one stone!

On Sunday night, we had a meeting at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Texas.  We had an excellent time in the Lord's house, and the special music was top-knotch.  The people of the church were very interested in our ministry, and asked some very good questions.  After the service, the church voted to take us on for support.  God be praised!  This new support will put us at 61%.  Please continue to pray that the Lord will bring in the support that He wants us to have.

Once again, just so everyone is acquainted with the steps the Lord has led us to take, my family and I have set our departure date for Scotland on September 25th, 2012.  We have our plane tickets, passports, and a potential sponsor lined up so that we can enter the country.  We would ask for your prayers, that God would open all the doors that are necessary that we might get to Scotland this September!

Downtown Aquarium

We've been in Houston, Texas this past week, staying at a missions apartment.  So far, our meetings have gone very well here.  One church has already promised to take us on for support, for which we praise the Lord!  As I write this post, our support level stands at 60%.  There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not a train coming! 

Harry's birthday was on Monday, February 27th, so we had a small birthday party for him at the missions apartment we've been staying at.  Tab picked up some cupcakes for him, that had some Thomas the Train rings on top, and a big candle that said "4" on it.  Both of Harry's grandparents sent some presents and cards ahead, so he was able to open some presents on his birthday.  We took him bowling the next day, so he had a pretty good birthday. 

Today, we had the chance to get out for little while, and visit the Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas.  The kids had an excellent time looking at all the fish and reptiles.  And I think mom and dad had a good time too!  It was one of the best aquariums that I've ever been to.  There were several different themed areas that displayed various types of fish.  One area was called the "Maharaja's Temple" and it had some white tigers.  If you're in the area, it would be worth your time to stop and visit this aquarium.