Mind of the Missionary
February 2020
“If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his eyes to his need—how can God’s love reside in him? Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.” (I John 3:17 – 18)
January has been an interesting month with many different opportunities for ministry. John’s teaching should be our guide as we reach out to those who are less fortunate. Here are just a few examples.
Janet Estis, PBA WMU Director, wrote the following summary:
“A group of 7 from our association traveled to Cleveland, MS, to distribute the Christmas Backpacks. Those on the trip represented 3 of our PBA churches (Pleasant Hill BC, FBC Pickensville, and Friendship BC). Our association partnered with 2 Hispanic congregations and the sponsor church there to do the distribution. In addition, we had 8 from the Lamar Baptist Association (2 different churches) join us on the trip. We helped with a block party that had inflatables, face painting, games, salvation bracelets, Bible story & color sheets, music, and food. After eating, everyone heard the gospel message that was shared by using a large Evangecube. Bro. Lyle and Mrs. Claren Dease shared in both Spanish and English. Finally, the backpacks were distributed by ages. A total of 115 backpacks were given out. It was a great time to be together and minister together. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
On Saturday, January 11 at the Carrollton Service Center, the PBA WMU had scheduled a First Responders dinner. However, due to the F-2 tornado that hit the Settlement Road community just west of town, the dinner became a time of sending meals to the First Responders onsite rather than hosting them. More than 80 meals were delivered along with 40 persons being served at the Service Center. It was an unexpected opportunity to minister.
Another example of ministry was our PBA Acteens group led by Claren Dease (as seen in the photo) prayed specifically during their meeting for Derek Richardson of New Salem BC and Lamar Duke, Church Planter specialist for ALSBOM. Amy Richardson wrote of the prayer time, “Thank y’all so much for praying for us! We would not have been able to make it through all of this without all the prayers being lifted for us!”
Ministering to others doesn’t always look the same. Just like this month, some of it is deliberately touching the lives of children. Another is adjusting to the needs of people helping others who are hurting. Sometimes, it’s just actively praying for healing and comfort during someone else’s crisis. Whatever form ministry may take, let us remember John’s admonition…”we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action”.
Until next month,
Bro. Lyle