FEBRUARY MISSIONS UPDATE

The Lord gave our family an incredible opportunity to all go to Roatan, Honduras (one of the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras) on a mission trip Jan. 23-30th.  We worked in the community of OakRidge on the island during our time there. We served the children in Oak Ridge through a mini Vacation Bible School each morning and I taught the youth in the afternoon using David Platt's Bible study for students called "Follow Me". I also preached on Sunday morning at Oak Ridge First Baptist and on Sunday night we got to enjoy a joint worship service there with members from all the churches on the island.  Tuesday night Gretta and I were asked to share our testimonies with the people there and on Thursday night we experienced a wonderful prayer service.  God blessed us through the people as they cared for our team. We enjoyed our time with the believers in OakRidge and on the island of Roatan so much. 

We have been aware of the needs on the island of Roatan as well as needs at the OakRidge church for quite awhile.  We have been praying and seeking the Lord's will for direction for our family as well as praying for the church there.  A few weeks ago, an invitation was extended to our family to return to Roatan and serve as full-time missionaries specifically in the area of OakRidge.  After praying about this and talking with leadership at our church we are excited to announce that we have decided to pursue this door that the Lord has opened for our family.  Our missions emphasis in Roatan will be preaching, pastoral training, and discipleship/evangelism.

Over the next few months, we will communicate more details about our plans, time frame and share how you can pray for our family and financially partner with us to make it possible for our family to get on the mission field in Roatan, Honduras.

"Gladly would I leave behind me, all the pleasure I have known
To pursue surpassing treasures at the throne of God the Son.
Worthy of unending worship, love and loveliness is He
By His precious death were millions, from the jaws of death set free.

Gladly would I give to Jesus, all affection, everything
For the washing of His mercy, makes my ransomed heart to sing.
"Holy, holy" is the chorus, rising up from those who see
Christ exalted, bright, and burning, full of pow'r and purity.

 (Chorus) Where else can I go?
Jesus you're the one, that I was made to know
What else can I do?
Jesus you're my all, I gladly run to you."

"Gladly Would I Leave Behind" song by Sovereign Grace

PRAISE & PRAYER

• I was ordained into ministry on Sunday, February 7 in a very special worship and ordination service.  I thank God for what He has done and continues to do in my life and in our family.   
• Gretta had MOHS surgery in San Antonio to remove skin cancer on her nose on February 10. The area of cancer was so deep it ended up needing a skin graft to close it. Thankfully they were able to get all the cancer though and she is cancer free on her nose now.  She has recovered well and the Lord is continuing to heal her nose and collarbone where the graft was taken.  
• We have been blessed to receive a wonderful ministry gift from Children's Ministry Deals!  They gave us 18 children's ministry curriculum series that we will be able to use in Roatan to reach children there with the gospel of Jesus Christ in fun and exciting studies and methods.
• Saturday, March 19 our church is hosting a "Block Party" for the neighborhood behind our church.  We are having food, games, and a family movie to reach out to the families and individuals who live around our church.  Pray for good weather, a good turnout, and lots of opportunities to share the gospel and encourage our neighbors that day.