“You were also included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the day of redemption of those who are God’s possession….” (Ephesians 1:13 -14)
There are two pictures in this month’s newsletter. The first one is of Mrs. Janet Estis and Mrs. Claren Dease in their roles with the Alabama WMU. They were nominated and elected to serve as Recording Secretary (Mrs. Estis) and Vice-President (Mrs. Dease) for the next two years. What an honor and a privilege for the Pickens Baptist Association to be recognized by the Alabama WMU! It’s also speaks highly of the PBA WMU leadership. These two ladies work hard within our association to promote and live out missions. I appreciate you both and the opportunities you have to serve the churches of Alabama and especially the ladies of the Alabama WMU.
Next, there is a special picture that was taken of me praying with a gentleman who was temporarily living at a nursing home in Princeton, Kentucky. Our KY mission team was asked to lead a devotional and singing time with the ladies and men of this facility. Our team did a great job of leading the group, but I was even more impressed by the way in which they ministered to those who lived there. It is not an easy task to sit and talk with folks who are older, hurting, and not always looking at their best. Thank you KY mission trip team for all that you did!
Afterwards, I began talking with the man in the picture. He started asking questions about the church and other things. Since he opened the door, I thought I’d push through it. I asked him if he was sure of his salvation. He said that he made a decision when he was a youth, but lately he hadn’t had much peace in his life. Of course, my next question was, “Would you like to have that peace and surety of your salvation?” He said, “Yes, I would.” That’s what led us to sit down and begin to talk more seriously about his relationship with Jesus Christ. After talking for a few minutes, he, with a little help from me, prayed for the assurance of his salvation and for the peace which only Christ can give to fill his heart once again. Pray for this gentleman to be certain of his salvation as well as experiencing the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”.
(Phil. 4:7)
Until Next Month,
Bro. Lyle