Dothan

Wow, what a great night of ministry at Ridgecrest Baptist Church for their one night revival service.  We had our simultaneous service (the adults were meeting in the sanctuary while we were in the kids area) and ministered to over 100 kids.  We saw 9 give their hearts to Jesus.  Awesome!!  Thanks for the prayers,

John

Home

Thanks for the prayers, gang.  Yesterday’s travel was an experience as we left Hampton, AR, at 1 p.m. and arrived home a little after mid-night.  Driving through a tropical storm/depression is not something I desire to do regularly but glad I’m home now. 

Our time in Hampton was really good.  The kids were responsive and the new pastor has a really good leadership team that is geared up to reach that community for Christ.  We were blessed to be a part of the work there.

Today we are preparing for a one night revival service (Awesome August) in Dothan, AL, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church.  Looking forward to that opportunity. Pray that the weather doesn’t affect our attendance too much and that God will work in the hearts and live of the kids in attendance.

Blessings,

John

Saturday, Hampton

Had a good night, folks.  Thanks for the continued prayers.  They started playing games around  3 p.m. and went til close to 6 p.m.  Then they fed the kids hot dogs and the fixin’s that go with it.  At 7 we started the service.  The service went well although I was concerned about the kids energy level after such an afternoon.

We will close out tomorrow morning with a Sunday School rally followed by the morning service.  I’ll be doing the entire service so pray for strength.  Here’s another matter for prayer.  We will pack up and head home following the morning service.  I know you’ve been either experiencing “Fay” or watching the storm on t.v. and well…we’re headed right into it.  Pray for safe passage and the wisdom to know when enough is enough…….

Love you,

John

Friday, Hampton

Thank you for your prayers.  This morning we got up early, had breakfast at a local diner and headed to the elementary school.  We had a good time there and the kids were responsive.  Obviously, our goal was to get kids to the church tonight and although that happened, it didn’t happen on the scale we had hoped.  Of course, when you are doing kids work its not the kids fault if they don’t show up.

The pastor was pleased over all.  Ministry was a little difficult with the large age span along with some kids that have not been in church much but all in all it was a good night.  Continue to pray for the ministry of First Baptist as they reach out to the community.

And… pray for us as we do this again tomorrow night.  Ages pre-K through 6th grade and some adults.

Blessings,

John

Hampton, Day 1

Hi friends,

We drove in from Yazoo City today in time to get set up for the program tonight and get settled in our lodging.  After a little rest, we headed to the church where there was a fish fry with all the trimmings and then I had about 25 minutes of ventriloquism and music followed by a speaker from the AR Baptist Convention.  It was a fun night.

Tomorrow I’ll be doing a “tease” program at the elementary school to invite all the kids to the church tomorrow and Friday night.  Pray that we are able to accomplish what God wants.  The age span is huge and, as a result,  not a very comfortable one. Pray that we have ample “help” to work with the kids and sit where necessary.

It appears like we’ll be in a “seed planting” mode as opposed to harvesting.  Pray that I am as effective as I can be.  I’ll keep you posted,

John 

Hittin’ the Road

We had a wonderful visit with the folks in Yazoo City.  Took dad to his cancer treatments the last few days.  It was good to spend that time with him.  It was a 1 hr. drive each way so we had some time to visit.

Tomorrow we’ll head to AR.  Thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf as we press on!

Blessings,

John

Monday on the Road

It was a good night, Sunday night in Brandon as we ministered to over 200 kids and adults at an annual Missions Night for a Baptist Association.  It was great. 

We then headed to Yazoo City and are spending a few days here helping out around the parents place. Tomorrow I will drive my dad to his cancer treatment in Jackson.

Same thing on Wednesday then Thursday on to Hampton, AR.

Thanks for the prayers

John

Gearing Up

Here we are again, gang.  If you’ve been a regular on the blog you’ve noticed the week off we’ve had.  It’s been really good and we’ve accomplished much but now it’s time to gear up.  I don’t know about you but the nights have been short here at our place.  We’ve gotten caught up in the Olympics and before we knew it we would be midnight getting to bed.

Last night we had a cookout at a friends place for the staff and support staff.  It was a “get acquainted” time with our prospective  Minister of Worship/ Worship Leader.  He will be in a meet and greet tonight with the church body then lead in services tomorrow with a vote following.

Pray for Darrin, Amy Allen  and their kids Kaylee, and Garrett, as they seek to follow God’s plan for their lives and the life of Hillcrest Baptist Church.  He’ll be great for the church.  Hey, he’s a trumpet player, what can I say.  And unless he’s blown to many high notes like some of us……………………………. 

For Patty and me, well, we’ll be gone.  We head out in the morning for Brandon, MS, where will be doing a missions night with kids.  From there we’ll head to Yazoo City to layover with parents and I’ll take dad to his cancer treatements the first part of the week before heading to Hampton, AR, on Thursday. 

It will probably be Thursday before I am able to blog again to keep us in your prayers until you get an update.

Blessings,

John

Thursday, Tyler

Hi friends,

Great group of kids tonight as we saw all the original enrolled and added about 5 more.  Saw 1 come to Christ.  That’s 2 for this VBS and we are grateful and excited.

Tomorrow night we’ll have the closing with Family Night.  There have been a number of kids whose parents don’t attend church anywhere.  Great opportunity and a big part of what the new church plant is trying to accomplish.  Pray that God will have His way.

We plan on heading home first thing Saturday morning not knowing exactly how far we’ll get.  Thank you, so much, for your prayers and support as we do the work.

Blessings,

John

Tyler

The first 3 days have gone well.  The little church is excited to see the number of kids.  They enrolled 44 on Monday and have stayed at that in attendance through Wednesday night.  It’s double the number they have ever had for VBS.  Last night we had one profession of faith.  Praise the Lord! 

We will continue tonight and see what God has in store.  Thanks for the prayers including the “tropical storm” prayers.  We just got the outer edge of it.  More wind than rain with no lingering effects.

Pray for Green Acres Baptist Church South Campus as they seek the Lord’s leadership in the life of their church.  The people really have a vision and are simply doing all they can to fulfill God’s plan for them.

Until next time,

John