The Fish Net

2011-12-01T12:04:00.001-08:00

First Cares for Our Military at Christmas 2011

5boxes have been packed and ready to mail tomorrow--for troops who are stillserving out of the states- 3 in Afg, 1 in Okinawa and a family in Kenya--- seeattachments-You can't see the 50 pralines from Casa Torres or the homemadecookies/candy but they are in there... And 25, $25 giftcards to servicemen. Join Adult 5 as they continue to send packages to those who are serving for our freedom.

In addition, Adult 6 added to the project by putting together 40 boxes for Kuwait. This is a new addition to the ministry First has had. Remember to stop today and say a prayer for those men and women who are representing America on foriegn soil.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Words from our Lord.

Summer Mission Groups 2011

2011-06-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Pray for Reyburn as he leaves this week on a mission trip to share Jesus across the seas.

Pray for our Youth as they will be heading South on Mission to Beautiful Feet and other projects, July 5-9th.

Pray for our College Students as they head to Mexico, July 10-16.

Pray for our older Youth as they go to Wisconson to share Jesus, July 16-22.

Pray for our Mission Team heading to Paraguay in September.

First on Missions - Pray for those who are going, Go on Mission if you can, Give to support the work and further the Kingdom!

Decatur Cares 2011

2011-06-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

First Baptist Church Decatur joins expanding ministry to feed Wise County children

Last year dozens of volunteers prepared food and took it to Harmon Park each Wednesday of the Summer to feed 75 – 120 children a warm lunch. In spite of the high temperatures, hot sun, and hard work, First Decatur workers provided the love of God to children who would not have had a meal. “Thanks Pastor,” said one 11 year old, “I haven’t had anything to eat in two days.” What? In our town? It is hard to believe in small town Texas that children are going to bed hungry, but it is a reality all too familiar. When 45% of the school age children in DISD are on free and subsidized lunches, there is a need. But once a week was not enough!

This year the Mayor and several churches, First Baptist, First United Methodist, and Victory Family, joined together with several ministries like W.A.R.M., the Learning Ladder, United Way and the DISD School district to provide a meal a day for children during the 11 weeks of summer. The community responded in a generous way by donating over $40,000 to provide for the food. Each Friday deliveries of food arrive and are stored. On Monday morning, volunteers arrive early to sort and package the dry goods, the frozen foods and supplements for older students. Over 200 children are enrolled in the Decatur Cares community project where they pick up the food each Tuesday. About 9am on Tuesday, the line forms as families present their program card, get it punched and pick up tickets. They proceed through the hall to exchange tickets and present them to volunteers who present the food and help them carry it to their vehicles.

Decatur Cares is making a difference by showing that any community that really cares can meet the needs around them by coming together and serving one another. http://www.decaturcares.com/

Jim & Melanie Wilson - Missionaries

2011-02-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

Check out this blog of Jim & Melanie, Missionaries for the Lord. Melanie is our own Barbara Winn's daughter. Pray for them as they serve the Lord.

http://www.jimandmelanie.blogspot.com/

GETHSEMANE GAZE from CANADA

2010-10-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

GETHSEMANE GAZE
‘Watch and Pray’
Matthew 26:36-45
www.prayvancouver.ca

PRAY BY REGION …

REGION 1 – VANCOUVER

WESTCOAST JAPANESE CHURCH, Vancouver, BC (Pastor Katsumi Muramatsu) PRAISE God for the recent baptism. THANK God for this encouragement since this is only the 2nd baptism in 6 years of church planting, in this difficult evangelistic field. PRAY for 2 or 3 more candidates considering baptism. ASK God to show them the need to follow Him in this step of obedience. (kmuramatsu@shaw.ca)
REGION 3 – UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES
ORIGIN CHURCH, (University of BC, Vancouver) Pastor/Church Planter Craig O’Brien – news, prayer requests, become a friend of Origin Church
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fus1.campaign-archive1.com%2F%3Fu%3D8e68583c33e50006621571745%26id%3D0c8cb75f70&h=2eb2b

JEANNE MANIRE wife of Kelly (Student Ministry Strategist) will be having surgery on November 23. PRAY for the doctors and for Jeanne’s healing according to God’s timing and way. jmanire@gmail.com

REGION 9 – SURREY/DELTA
LAOTIAN CHURCH, Surrey BC (Pastor Tounkham Homsombath) PRAISE GOD that they have been able to purchase a facility that will become their new church home. PRAY that they can find an architect to help them make the necessary changes and ASK God to provide finances & skilled volunteers to do the work. tounkham.h@hotmail.com
SURREY CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH (pastorless) PRAY as they develop a team for Southeast Asia mission trip Nov 1-17. PRAISE GOD for the baptism of 3 people this month and for the 4th year celebration of their Delta church plant. Alan Au, moderator alanau604@telus.net. www.surreychinesebaptist@yahoo.ca

REGION 13 – PITT MEADOWS/MAPLE RIDGE
THE CONNECTION, Maple Ridge, BC (Church Planter John Martens) PRAY for the church as they seek to do a re-start and reorganization of the church. THANK God for a team of 4 couples training to form a core group. PRAY that they would be able to reach & train others. ASK that God's will be done as they seek a new meeting place that is both suitable and affordable. (martens@lightspeed.ca)

BUILDING A CHURCH ON PRAYER … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5nmoAMkmZA
PRAY FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, YOUNG ADULTS & LEADERS … PASSION VANCOUVER – November 5, 2010 PRAY for the thousands of university students, young adults and their ministry leaders from Canada and US gathering to experience God. http://www.268generation.com/wt2010/new/#/vancouver/about/eng
PRAY FOR VISION TRIPS … Three Vision Tours have been scheduled for the purpose of introducing pastors, Directors of Missions, Church staff members and others to what God is doing in WestCoast Baptist Association with the hope that they will become partners. The dates are: February 22-24, 2011; April 26-28, Contact International Advocate Dan Crawford dan@westcoastbaptist.ca

PRAY FOR TRAINING … We praise God for answered prayer for the LEAD 360 on-line discipleship program. Royal Heights has become the first church to become a LEAD 360 Center, and the West Coast Center currently has 5 courses offered this fall, including a Korean women’s group with 7 ladies. PRAY that this discipleship training program continue to touch lives and prepare all church members to be on mission with Christ. For information about LEAD360 please contact gcoaktree@earthlink.net or go to http://westcoast.lead360.ca.

His Student,
Glenna Heidt
glenna@prayvancouver.ca

REGION 13 – PITT MEADOWS/MAPLE RIDGE CANADA

2010-10-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

CHURCH ON THE ROCK GLOBAL, Pitt Meadows. (Josh and Lisa Arrington,Lead Planters)

PRAY for the favor of the Lord as Josh and Jason set up meetings with several leaders in Pitt Meadows including the mayor and school administrators at the elementary and secondary schools. ASK for open doors and opportunities to have a positive impact on the community and to take the Gospel into some of the darkest places in Pitt Meadows. The city is still in the planning stages of building a brand new chapel in one of its newest subdivisions for weddings and a possible church to use on a weekly basis. They are also looking into possible groups or individuals to oversee the building so PRAY that the Lord would make it very clear if Church on the Rock is suppose to have a part in this. They are seeing new families come to the weekly services each of the past three weeks. ASK the Lord to continue to bring new families each week and relationships with families that do come regularly would strengthen. Many people in Pitt Meadows have been deeply hurt by "church" in the past so PRAY that they will have favor with the people as the name of Jesus is lifted up. josh@churchontherockglobal.com

2010-07-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Guyana!

WOW! What A Day!

We were supposed to leave the hotel at 8:30 am but due to a communication problem we didn't leave until 10. We were dismayed that it seemed that we had lost precious visiting and witnessing time. God's timing is perfect.

Reyburn and the pastor's wife, Merle, visited a lady and Reyburn led her to Jesus.

Bob and young local visited a barber who had lived in Houston a while. He had a customer but Bob will take Reyburn and me to visit him tomorrow or the next so that we can see him in Houston when he visits the States in the future.

I went with Pastor Steve and his daughter, Lydia, across the street to visit a man who had attended churches but was not saved. The Lord had the man heavy on the pastor's heart.

We stood at his padlocked gate and called for him for 10 minutes. I was ready to conclude that he wasn't home. Then he opened his gate and let us in. We sat with him, I shared my testimony and he received Jesus as his Lord and Savior!

He promised to be at Wednesday night's service.

After lunch we rested @ the hotel for an hour or so and returned. I studied for my sermon while Reyburn, Bob and Pastor Cedric took a taxi to visit someone. They turned out to not be home.

There is a man directly across from the church. He is demonized, disruptive and disrespectful and only wears shorts. No other clothes.

The Lord put it on my heart to confront him the next time he wandered into the church's yard to disrupt us. So, I did.

I spoke to him and the order of the Lord fell. I didn't even realize it until later when the others pointed out that when I called him over to where I was sitting on the porch he literally sat at my feet.

I asked if he heard voices in his head which he denied. He asked if I thought he was crazy. I said, "no, I think you are tormented" and I offered to pray for him.
He refused prayer but promised to be at the church building that night to hear me preach. I looked him in the eye, shook his hand and said, "I love you."

I preached tonight. Frankly, I am amazed at the boldness which with I preached. I don't "preach", per se, but tonight the Lord preached through me with great simplicity, clarity, passion and power.

I was stunned. Team member Bob (78) wept uncontrollably and there were three who prayed to receive Jesus as Lord. Thank you for your prayers and to God be the praise!

Oh! The Man from across the street was there! Wearng pants! And a dress shirt! And shoes!!! He sat alone in the back and after I thanked him for being there he hung around and was one of the last to bid us goodnight as our ride took us back to our hotel. Ain't God good?

So far I think 6 have been saved and 4 have re-dedicated their lives since Sunday night just in this one little church.

Some prayer concerns:

1) Pastor Steve is an active cancer patient who is blind due to the cancer. Tonight his wife rushed him home after the service. He was in great pain tonight and it wiped him out (he's ALWAYS in pain and walking 2 blocks today really stretched him.)

2) Bob, our I.C. team member, was sitting in an office chair Sunday afternoon and it collapsed. He hit his head on a table and that is ok but he has a knot in the muscles in his shoulder that is causing him discomfort.

3) Reyburn is preaching tomorrow night. Pray for boldness, power and for tender hearts. He is well received here and we are hoping for God to touch souls through him tomorrow night about 7 pm CST

Again, thank you for your prayers

In His service,
Bob, Reyburn and MIKE(!)

Sent via carrier pigeon.

Josh and Lisa Reach Canada

2010-06-15T13:13:00.001-07:00

After a week of challenges at the border, God put the right person at the crossing to walk the family through the process and to grant them a one year visa. Praise the Lord for His mighty works. Pray for our missionaries as they love the wonderful people of Canada.

2010-06-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Praying for Ukraine
June 16-28, 2010

Mrs. Sherry Ruhl & Ms. April Ruhl
will join along with 21 other Americans in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors of church members in and around Chernivtsi, Ukraine
Please join in praying for:
Traveling Grace
Physical Health
Right words to say when speaking
Spiritual protection
Physical protection
Rest
Flexibility
Encouragement
Security in the Lord
"...but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8

SUMMER 2010

2010-06-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Upcoming MISSION Events: (Please Join Us In Prayer)

Free Lunch Wednesdays - Harmon Park - 10 % of children in Texas go to bed hungry. Let's make a difference in our city. Join us in feeding kids in Wise County during the summer.

VBS - Saddle Ranch Sports Camp - First Baptist Church Decatur - June 13 - 17

Ruhl's on Mission to Ukraine with International Commission - June

Student Ministry Mission Trip to New Mexico - June 26th - July 2nd

Blue Jeans & BBQ Patriotic Sunday - July 4th - First Baptist Church Decatur - Bring Someone!

College Mission Trip to Vancouver - Maple Ridge "The Connection" - July 3-10

Trek - Camp Copass - 3rd - 6th graders - July 12 - 16

Student Life Camp - University of North Texas - July 26 - 30

Pray for those going to Mexico and other places to touch lives during the Summer!

Lots of things are happening in the next 10 Weeks - Ask God to do amazing things as the First Family is On Mission for Him in the world! "Loving God, Loving People and Building Bridges of Hope!"

PRAYER REQUESTS FROM CANADA

2010-05-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

REGION 1 – VANCOUVER

IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (Pastor Yong Kim) PRAY for travel safety and an effective witness for the 5 who are going on a mission trip May 11-25 to North China. PRAY for them as they seek to share the Gospel through ESL. THANKS to God for making the trip possible. PRAISE God that a lady reached through their street ministry has been baptized. PRAISE God for her encouraging testimony of how she never knew happiness until she accepted Jesus. PRAY for the members who are seeking to go on a mission trip to Vietnam in November. pastor@immanuelfellowship.com

COMMUNITY OF HOPE (Director Yong Kim) PRAY for the homeless and displaced people that they minister too. ASK that they would know how to be encouragers to them. PRAY that they would be able to care for the additional number of people that they have each day. comofhope@hotmail.com

REGION 3 – UNIVERSITY/COLLEGES

PRAY for the 35 students coming on two mission teams to serve in the Greater Vancouver area May 11-June 8. They will receive training in prayer walking, campus ministry evangelism and how to reach other cultures. Also, they will assist Student Ministry Strategist Kelly Manire to establish a website that will explain the need for campus ministries and new church plants aimed at the University Communities across British Columbia. PRAY that every person on these teams will be deeply moved and impacted by the spiritual need in Canada. PRAY that the Lord would burden some of them to return and help with campus ministry. ASK that God do much more than we can ask or imagine and that Jesus would get all the glory in His church and for many generations. kellymanire@gmail.com

REGION 9 – SURREY/DELTA
GATEWAY MYANMAR BAPTIST CHURCH (Pastor Thu Soe Kyaw) PRAY that God would give the pastor more time to spend with God. PRAY for his strength as he works bi-vocationally at a night job. PRAY for God’s protection for Nan as she in involved in a family problem about the sale of some property. ASK that God’s will be done and the matter resolved in the right way. soekyawthu@gmail.com

REGION 12 – LANGLEY/FT LANGLEY/CLOVERDALE

RE: GENERATION (Co-Pastors: John Voth, Terry Teng) PRAY for the Trinity Western University students as most have returned home for the summer. ASK that the pastoral team would be able to concentrate more on the ones still in worship. PRAY that they would be wise in making decisions for the summer. vothjohn@gmail.com, terrynlori@shaw.ca

REGION 13 – PITT MEADOWS/MAPLE RIDGE

PITT MEADOW CHURCH PLANTERS - THANK GOD for the answered prayer for a new church start in this area. Over 18000+ live in this community without a Baptist Church or Evangelical Witness. Josh and Lisa Arrington are moving to begin a work for our Lord in June 2010. God is good!

REGION 15 – VANCOUVER ISLAND
COMOX VALLEY KOREAN BAPTIST CHURCH, Courtney (Pastor Jaeshin Park) PRAY for a new week night Bible study started for new Christians and/or soon-to-be Christians. ASK for wisdom for Pastor Park as he leads them in knowing how to become Christians. PRAY that the Holy Spirit would give people a clear understanding of His Word. nzcbc@hotmail.com

GO!!!

2010-03-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

A New Brochure is available at the Connection Center in the Foyer entitled "GO!" It presents the opportunities for the First Family to be involved in Missions for 2010. You can PRAY for one of these Mission Trips to Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico or Oklahoma (the closest foreign country!). You can GIVE to the Mission Offering Fund to help provide for other members to go and for resources for First Mission Partners. You can GO - just pick one of the trips and return the tear off for more information. God will make a way for those willing to serve. On the third Sunday in April, Josh Arrington will be sharing his testimony of being called to Canada; that afternoon at 5pm in the Auditorium will be a Mission briefing. Is God calling you to GO?

Message from Randall Everett, Texas Baptist

2010-01-28T06:50:00.001-08:00

Greetings,

These past weeks have been heart wrenching as we have watched the events of the unprecedented tragedy in Haiti unfold. Families have been torn apart. People are desperately searching for missing loved ones. These victims need the most basic things that we take for granted; food, water, medical assistance, shelter.
Latest estimates put the death toll at 200,000; approximately 70,000 have already been buried in mass graves. More than one million Haitians were left homeless. It is estimated that over one million children have lost at least one parent. Between 60 and 80 percent of the buildings in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, which bore the brunt of the earthquake, were either destroyed or rendered unusable.
Port-au-Prince continues to be plagued by food and water shortages. Fuel, also in short supply, has quadrupled in price. "There are extremely long lines at the few petrol stations" that are opened, said Bela Szilagyi, director of Hungarian Baptist Aid and a leader of the BWAid Rescue24 team.
In a disaster of this magnitude much will be needed. You may be asking how you and your church can be part of the effort to help. Our Disaster Response Haiti Earthquake page on our website www.texasbaptists.org will assist churches and individuals to connect with these needs. Click on the Give, Go, Pray and Connect boxes to see how you can assist.
· Give: This will help you make donations that are crucially needed. On Monday, January 25, we sent a medical team from Temple Baptist in McAllen and medical supplies from Baylor Health Care as the first of our relief teams. Mike Roberts, a member at Park Cities Baptist Church donated the use of his company jet. Recordings of the New Testament in Haitian Creole were included in the shipment. The BGCT has also supplied $80,000 to Texas Baptist Men to send 5,000 water filters and buckets which are ready to be shipped. Texas Baptists working through our Baptist hospitals, child care institutions, universities and Texas Baptist Men will continue to discover ways to stay involved.
· Go: At the "Go" box you can indicate your interest in volunteering. Our Church2ChurchPartnerships office will be in touch as opportunities arise. Currently we are in the response phase that requires military and professional teams. When we enter the recovery phase many others will be needed. Volunteers will be required long after the media has left.
· Pray: This box will include specific prayer requests from Haiti. I believe this is the most important part of our commitment. Pray for God to give strength, hope and courage to the victims and the workers.
· Connect: This will provide information for in-kind donations that are urgently needed.
Dr. Gil Lain, pastor of the Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo, told me that their church decided to donate their entire offering from the Sunday after the earthquake which totaled over $60,000. Whether our gift is $10 or $10,000, our prayers, time and money are needed for our hurting brothers and sisters.

More Than Gold Update - Vancouver 2010

2010-01-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 18, 2010… 25 days until the Opening Ceremonies!

More Than Gold FYI ……

Ministry Assignments for mission teams and local volunteers are still changing. Over the weekend we learned that VANOC and Translink both completely reworked the schedules for our hospitality sites. How fun is that! So, we were almost done and ready to send your assignments out to you and now ……you’ll just have to wait a bit longer. Please pray for opportunities to talk with folks and that they will be curious about why we are giving away hot drinks for free. Some volunteers will be serving as greeters and assistants at performing arts concerts – pray that people will be drawn to attend and will think about spiritual things as a result.

For mission team volunteers, “What do we get in our registration packets?” has been an oft-repeated question. As a part of your registration fee mission team members will receive: 1 backpack, 1 toque (hat), 1 lanyard/Id tag, 1 prayer guide, 1 copy of Soul Cravings, 5 Book of Hope , 4 New Testaments, 15 Gospels of Mark, 10 MTG pins, 20 pocket guides, and maybe a couple of other surprises! All of these items can be viewed on the website, www.morethangold.ca.

“Are there still uniform packages/jackets available?” is another question we’ve been getting frequently. The answer is both yes and no. They are sold out but we are also getting a few last minute cancelations. If you have extras your team is no longer wanting please let us know ASAP and More Than Gold will resell them for you if possible. If you’ve decided at the last minute you would like a jacket/uniform package let us know and we’ll pass along the request. We do know that because we have had fewer mission volunteers sign on than expected we have lots of extra backpacks for sale.

Over the weekend we packed an additional 1208 Care Kits and 641 Welcome Kits to be distributed during the Games. Over 600 Care Kits are already in the hands of local agencies for distribution coinciding with the opening of the Games. All the rest are already committed as well. And we’ve still got more Welcome Kits to put together! Thank you so much to all our partners across the US and Canada who have contributed items and cash toward this project.

More next week!

Kevin Sigsby and Janet Campbell
More Than Gold Outreach Coordinators
131 E. Kings Road, North Vancouver, BC V7N 1H4
604-904-8908
ksigsby@yahoo.com or janet@vancouverfocus.ca

2009-10-21T05:42:00.001-07:00

SUNDAY NIGHT - ASKEY Missionary Family

The Askey family is in the States visiting and sharing the exciting things that God is doing south of the border. Due to the recession and many circumstances, this last summer saw fewer churches visit the Children's Home and help with building and ministry projects. Now is the time to make up for that short fall in service and giving.

The Evening Worship will be devoted to missions and involve music, specials and the Philip and Rebecca Askey family, our missionaries to Mexico. God is doing amazing things in the Children's Home in Mexico. Come here Philip share and pray about giving to a special offering that will be taken for this family. First Baptist Church also has a Mission Fund for Mexico in which money is being received to build another dorm for the children. The goal is $50,000. See you Sunday Night @ 6:oopm in the Worship Auditorium.

2009-09-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

FIRST TEAM goes to PARAGUAY

Please pray for our team as they leave Monday, September 14th to help with the Evangelistic Crusade in Paraguay. They will be staying in Ascunsion and working with Pastor Roberto de Lugo and his wife Nancy.

First meet Roberto and Nancy several years ago on Mission in Brazil. Since that time they have visited First and shared what God is doing in Paraguay. Pray for safety in travel and for God to do amazing things as our FIRST TEAM lifts JESUS up to the nations. Special thanks to Adult 5 for their love offering and the laptop. Thank you First Baptist Church for giving every week to our Mission Offering.

Take a moment and read the names to the left and lift up our Missionaries at home, in Mexico, Canada, Africa and S. America. They are on the front lines and our job is to hold the ropes through prayer, going and giving. What is God calling you to do today!!!

2009-08-10T04:56:00.000-07:00

Monday Morning, August 10th

Pray for Bobby & Rosemary, Charlie & Carol, and Billy as they are in Canada serving the Lord and representing First Baptist Church of Decatur. They left early Sunday Morning and flew to Seattle. Picked up a car and crossed the border. Sunday Night they meet with the leadership at Westlynn Baptist Church and this morning will begin work on a shower for the facility and renovation of the fellowship hall. The ladies will be working with the Sports Camp and providing food for the Camp and Construction Workers. Let's lift up our missionaries as they serve the Lord. Pray for the boys and girls who will be in the VBS Sports Camp -- that many will be drawn to the Lord.

From the Ruhls - On Mission 2009

2009-03-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

March 13, 2009

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.'" John 14:6

Dear Friends,
Just when you think you have it right, someone sends an update, and the 2008 report has to be changed. So finally, for 2008 there were 624,525 people who indicated they had prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. That brings the 1973-2008 total to 5,026,647. Praise the Lord!!! And we praise Him for what He has done so far in 2009.
We began January with 15 Americans going to Mbabane, Swaziland. One participant had to return home due to the death of his father, but the Lord used the others and the nationals from Zimbabwe and South Africa to record 3,693 people as having prayed to receive Christ.
As we moved into February, we had our annual staff retreat at Mt Lebanon Baptist Encampment in Cedar Hill, TX. The weather was great. The fellowship was heartwarming. Or was that food? No, the food was fulfilling. And the teaching by Dr. Bob Utley was beyond words. I don't have the words to properly describe it. I just enjoyed it so much.
After the retreat, it was time to get folks back out in the harvest fields again. We sent 11 people to Sierra Leone and 6 people to Southern Asia on the same day. Only one of the 11 was originating out of DFW as were two of the 6. So it was sort of an easy day at the airport.
Those that went to Sierra Leone worked in two different cities, Bo and Kenema. In a country still healing from a long civil war and where the majority of the people are Muslim, the participants found fathers allowing their children to hear about Jesus. The team recorded 4,996 people indicating they had prayed to ask Jesus into their hearts.

Praise the Lord!!!
Reyburn Ruhl

Vancouver News & Prayer

2009-03-18T07:34:00.001-07:00

March 17, 2009

Ask and it will be given to you: seek and you will find: knock and the door will be opened to you: Luke 11:9

GANG ACTIVITY IN METRO VANCOUVER - "As police, we've always been told by media experts to never say or admit that there is a gang war," Vancouver police chief Jim Chu says "Well, let's get serious. There is a gang war and it's brutal." Since late January there have been 29 shootings (NOW 36) in the Vancouver region, 12 (NOW 13) of them deadly. There is a shooting reported almost every day. PRAY that God’s people will become light in Metro Vancouver and cry out in desperation of a mighty movement of God across the city. PRAY for safety of innocent children and families as many of these shootings take place in public places. ASK that God replace fear with hope and security that only comes from a relationship with Jesus. PRAY that God will raise up labourers for people associated with gangs.
ROCK SOLID SUMMER SPECTACULAR 6 – LOVIN” THE COAST Begin to PRAY for our young people be involved in a summer of worship and servant evangelism. Friday, July 3 there will be a rally with partners from Southwest Park Baptist Church in Texas inspiring young people with worship, drama and more. The following three weeks will be a time to love their community with servant evangelism and then on Friday July 24 a celebration rally with partners from First Baptist Church of Biloxi Mississippi. ASK that God will stir the hearts of leadership in our churches to spur their young people to be involved in this opportunity for corporate worship; fellowship with other young people and be involved in servant evangelism in their community. Conrad Au conradau@intergate.ca

PRAY for the prayerwalking team from North Carolina (March 25-28) under the leadership of Glenn Walker who will be walking in the community in Surrey among Hindu & Sikh’s; Simon Fraser University and University of BC. ASK that the Spirit will alert them to where He is working. PRAY that God will provide many divine encounters.

REGION 1 – VANCOUVER (Advocate Gary Loudermilk)

THE OPEN HOUSE (Pastor Kyle Martin) PRAY for their time of transition in the move to a new meeting place. THANK God for Pastor Kyle & Anna’s beautiful baby boy Jude Russell. PRAY that the community would be flexible and supportive of Kyle’s new role as a father. ASK for God’s wisdom as the church continues to look for ways to give away money, time and energy in their community. PRAY for God’s direction as they develop partnerships with other ministries. ASK God to bless many through their giving. PRAY that the group would continue to develop deeper relationships with each other and learn what it looks like to live out their mission of ‘walking in a Jesus direction’.(info@theopenhouse.ca)

CITYVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH (Pastor Craig O’Brien) Loving people some times has challenges. 20 brave adults and children were challenged with rain, wind, snow and cold on Sunday to “Love Main Street” The streets were cleaned and gifts with a Celtic prayer were given out in love and with smiles. Thank you for your prayers. PRAY for our next “Love Main Street event in May. ASK that the church be faithful as they take part in a 14 day “Watch & Pray” leading up to Easter. PRAY that God would encourage the church and show that He indeed answers prayer.. (craig@cityviewchurch.ca)

REGION 3 – UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE (Advocate Kelly Manire)

BAPTIST STUDENT MINISTRY NETWORK – Suzanne Perry sperry17@interchange.ubc.ca and Rich Carruthers rcarruth@interchange.ubc.ca (* The Baptist Student Ministry Network is comprised of the Born For More student club, UBC Baptist Chaplaincy, English Corner, and the Point@UBC church planting "seed.") THANK GOD for the many opportunities for significant spiritual conversations through Meal with Matthew, English Corner, and social events; God is raising up partners for the work among international students. Some of the Persian and Korean graduate students are showing a new openness to discuss spiritual things; the porn debate and lecture was a display of genuine Christian love; God spoke through Tony Campolo, addressing issues of seeking first His Kingdom. PRAISE GOD for the fresh things happening on campus; and for opportunities to love and serve people within their circles of influence. PRAY for the Iranian New Year celebration the next two weeks; game night this Friday; “Free Books & Study Bags” giveaway/end of term outreach; planning for Chaplains-sponsored outreach early in the fall. PRAY for students as they complete the semester finishing papers, projects, and writing exams. PRAY for God to continue to show the team how to take their current relationships with students to the next level. PRAY that God will resource the personnel and ministry activities at UBC. ASK Him specifically for a housing solution for everyone on the team. PRAY for God's guidance in a possible mission trip to the Middle East this summer.

THE POINT CHURCH, Simon Fraser University – Burnaby (Pastor Victor Thomas) PRAY that they finish the Spring semester well and see many of the students they have been walking with come to know Him. PRAY for the planning for the summer break, as they make a large effort to grow their morning family service. PRAISE Him for 3 baptisms and 1 salvation this past month. God is good!

PRAY for Awakening Expo Day 2009 March 28 at Blusson Hall/SFU. ASK that God’s people will come together to be inspired and equipped to get out into your community and make a difference. The church is hosting a prayer vigil on Good Friday April 10, 6 pm to Saturday April 11, 6 am (SFU – West Mall Complex). Local churches will unite for prayer to focus on the message of Easter to take root in the hearts of individuals and in the fabric of the city, nation and world; pray for children and families; for each other’s churches and to intercede for the needs in the city and the whole world. .. Contact the awakening office 604.980.4911 or email: Vancouver@fusioncanada.ca for more information on these two events.

REGION 9 – DELTA/SURREY

LAOTIAN BAPTIST CHURCH (Pastors Pheng Sundara & Tounkham Honsombath) PRAY for God’s will to be known as they seek affordable property to buy. ASK that members would be faithful to share the Gospel with the lost. PRAY for Pastor Sundara as he mentors Pastor Honsombath. PRAISE God that for the baptisms that will take place Easter Sunday. (psundara@telus.net)

His Student,
Glenna Heidt

2009-03-05T13:15:00.000-08:00

March 2, 2009

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.”
(Psalm 27:7)

A city-wide renewal week-end with Dr. Henry, Richard and Tom Blackaby EXPERIENCING GOD TOGETHER – FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS March 6 & 7 in Richmond BC. PRAY that registration will increase. ASK that God prepare the hearts of His people to respond in obedience to the Holy Spirit. More information at www.vancouverfocus.ca

VANCOUVER/WHISTLER 2010 OLYMPIC/PARALYMPICS – PRAY for the Open Crowd Festivals working group (Tim Rowe and Heather Robertson) ASK for favor with Park Boards in Vancouver regarding the use of their parks. PRAY for favor with School Boards to be able to promote open crowd festivals in elementary schools. THANKSGIVING for the support and encouragement from Mt Pleasant Social Coordinating group as well as the relationships with shopping malls in Vancouver, North Van and Burnaby.

Continue to PRAY for our own Janet Campbell and Kevin Sigsby, More Than Gold Outreach Coordinators. ASK for local churches to use this opportunity to reach into their neighborhood as we also minister to the world. http://morethangold.ca/

REGION 1 – VANCOUVER (Advocate Gary Loudermilk)

VANCOUVER CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH – Pastor Yee-Shing Wong PRAY for the Family Easter Celebration “He is Risen!” on April 3 – 7:30-9 pm. ASK that the community respond as they hear, see and participate in some exciting events at the church. If your church would like to attend please contact Ruth Tan for more information – ruthtan@vcbc.bc.ca 604-324-6314; ext. 229

REGION 9 – DELTA/SURREY

FIRST EAST INDIAN BAPTIST CHURCH (Pastor Vincent Paul) PRAY for Vincent as he awaits triple by-pass heart surgery scheduled for mid to late March. ASK for peace and grace for Vincent and his family and church. vincentpaul@telus.net

REGION 13 – MAPLE RIDGE/PITT MEADOWS (Advocate Ken May)

THE CONNECTION, Maple Ridge, BC (Pastor John Martens) PRAY for the church to grow to an attendance of 75 this year. ASK God to bring the right people from new families. PRAY that the finances would be stabilized. ASK God to raise up new partners. PRAY that local people would meet to give goals by the end of year. PRAISE God for the baptisms they are having. THANK Him that most of the people attending are pre-Christian. ASK for God’s wisdom and guidance for some people who are praying about coming to help out as long term volunteers. ASK God to send someone to help out with administration so Pastor John can focus on evangelism. PRAY that the movie would be edited quickly and with be good quality. ASK that it would be used to bring glory to God’s name. ASK that the Martens family would be able to rest and have good sleep at night. (martens@lightspeed.ca)

REGION 15 – VICTORIA (Advocate Keith Davies)

COP CARE – Chaplain Ben Yablonski - THANK YOU for your consistent prayer and financial support. ASK God to open doors of opportunity; that He will prepare people’s hearts; give wisdom and protection. THANK GOD for the encouragers that helps get this ministry crossing the thresholds into the Police & 911 communities. PRAY for Ben as he meets with officers; visits & rides with them. ASK for listening ears and appropriate sharing. ASK that he will demonstrate God’s Love in this world. copcare@gmail.com

PRAYERWALKERS – 2009:

1. MORE THAN GOLD - PRAYERWORKING GROUP for the Olympics is planning to prayerwalk every Olympic venue and other strategic locations in Vancouver and Whistler before 2010 Winter Olympics. March 14 – Richmond Oval. This is the location for the speed skating.

2. North Carolina Partnership - March 24-28, 2009 with Hands On Mission Inc Prayerfully consider joining this team. Contact Glen
Walker at homenc@carolina.rr.com to join or for more information.

3. Dr. Dan Crawford has scheduled a prayer journey in 2009 for Metro Vancouver. July 20-25 Prayerfully consider joining the team. Contact DCrawford@swbts.edu to enlist or for more information.

4. If you would like to bring a team to Vancouver at a time not listed please contact glenna@prayvancouver.ca

His Student, Glenna Heidt, Prayer Consultant
Canadian National Baptist Convention/Vancouver Focus, 131 E Kings Road, North Vancouver BC V7N 1H4. 604-904-8908 Prayerline: 604-984-PRAY Fax: 604-984-7739 gheidt@cnbc.ca glenna@prayvancouver.ca www.cnbc.ca www.prayvancouver.ca
"our God is able....and He will" Daniel 3:17

Will You Be ONE on MISSION 2009?

2009-02-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

The Mission Committee is busy making plans for 2009 and our support of Missions. We were able to give $15,000 to Lottie Moon and love offerings to each of our partners in missions for Christmas. Now we must go and help them in the field.

Pray about Going to Vancouver in April or June or August or Fall 2009. There are needs to build a storage room, help build showers, renovate a family life center, fix meals, make visits, help with Bible School, host a marriage conference and deliver gifts to specific individuals and businesses to build a bridge of ministry. What is God calling you to do? Would you be willing to go and help The Connection in Maple Ridge, Westlynn Baptist Church on the North Shore or The Church on the Mountain in Whistler? Please pray and let the Mission Committee know if you are interested.

Pray about going to Mexico. There will be two trips in June. One will be Youth and Sponsors; the other will be Families/Adults. Cost is $350 for food and lodging at the Children's Home plus food on the way and cost for visas at border. Church will provide transportation costs. Will you be ONE to touch Mexico and help the Askeys.

Other Opportunities involve going on an IC trip with Reyburn or visiting Paraguay to help Roberto and Nancy or going to Kenya to support the Evans and Remichs. What is God calling you to do?

A Brochure is being prepared with more information! Please pray about going or giving!
Check more info at http://www.firstdecatur.us/ - Missions.

Your Mission Committee 2009

From Whistler -- The Chomlacks

2009-02-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

CHURCHONTHEMOUNTAIN
WHISTLERPRAYERUPDATE

Howdy from Whistler. We hope that all is well in your parts of reality. We want to thank you for your on going encouragement and support with what God is doing in Whistler, which is always bigger than we know. Here are some "things to know" about life here. There has been many wonderful things but this email contains more of raw issues we are facing. It is more of a update to say, we NEED you to stand with us and as life is, it is not always rosy and it is usually where the Kingdom is at work.

DEATHS IN WHISTLER
if you could take some time to remember to pray for our community as we have seen more deaths this year than most. Ranging from tragic avalanche's to drug overdoses. We live in a small community so people are effected very fast. As a community of faith we have been given the privledge to show hope and love during these times. Pray that continues.

RELATIONSHIPS
Each year it never ceases to amazing me of the relational issue we face in this wee community. Both great successes and great pain. This season has been no surprise of challenges... lots of drama but loads of opportunity for the Lord to be who he is. Please keep us in prayer as walk alongside people.

HUNGER
Something that has been on my mind and heart for awhile and have noticed a lot of tension in our town and community is sort of bi-polar sort of hunger for walking with Jesus. Thus at times the life of a pilgrim but i would ask if you could pray for an increase in this area, the love for God and love for others.

OUR POSSE
Stace and i are doing well and kids are well. Lots of activity and seems like we can never get enough time. Life with 4 year old and 6 year old. Please pray for us protection, wisdom, time and rest. Money is a month to month thing for us and we have been so blown away with God's provision over the last months, he is faithful.
Thank you again and look forward to writing again.
Please fire back an email and let us know what is happening or phone us.

Chad Chomlack

Ruhl Family

2009-01-25T07:34:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2009

"So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41

Dear Friends,
If you will allow me, I need to give you an update of what the Lord did in 2008 & (1973-2008)
Number of churches receiving teams 1,919 (18,482)
Participants from USA 610 (16,716)
Participants from other countries 2,962 (36,279)
Total Participants 3,572 (52,995)
People Indicating they prayed to receive Christ
Projects 469,429 (3,375,336)
Operation Andrews--church members only 11,408 (1,507,623)
Total Decisions indicated for Christ 480,837 (4,882,959)
Is that not just a wonderful update to what I had reported earlier? All the reports had not yet been received when last I wrote, but they are here now. And we give Him all the glory and honor and praise.
The first project of 2009 goes out the door tomorrow, January 15th. We have 15 Americans headed to Mbabane, Swaziland. As the Lord leads you, pray for them and the people with whom they will be sharing the Good News.
Speaking of February, the tickets have been purchased for the Sierra Leone project and another project. Lord willing, I will purchase the tickets for the Nicaragua project on Friday.
All of those projects will take place after our Staff Retreat scheduled for the first week of February. Pray for us as we gather together to praise and worship together and learn to do our jobs better.
Up on the hill in Rhome, the Lord had Sherry and me working along the same lines at Christmas. Her gift to me was having our shower repaired so it would not fall through the floor of our home, and I was giving her new bath towels and rugs for the bathroom. My gift came the Monday before Christmas and had me working from home for two days so someone would be there while the men were working. Then there were the two days the next week while they finished. It was nice not having to drive to the office those days, but it is even nicer knowing that I won't be taking a shower in a basement that we don't have.
April and Jamee went to Rockin' C Ranch for New Year's Eve. Jamee drove them to Lindale. This was her first long distance trip without one of us adults in the car with her. A prayer request was sent out, and the Lord answered with their safe return home.

Sherry and I took April back to East Texas Baptist University in Marshall last Saturday so she could begin her classes on Monday. She finished the Fall 2008 semester still on the dean's list with honors with a 3.63 GPA for the semester and a 3.57 GPA overall. We are so proud of her.
Also, up on the hill in Rhome in the "driveway" sits the red and dead 1998 Kia Sephia with 240,180 miles. It died Thursday, December 11, 2008. Neither the air conditioner nor the heater worked. The emergency brake was broken. It was a ramblin' wreck, but now it's just a mess. So as the Lord allows you and leads you, please pray for a low mileage, fuel efficient, low priced, mid-size car that we might purchase. In advance and always, we thank you for your prayers and your love and support.
Well, I thought Miss Kitty had something to say, but it turned out to be a hairball. So, I guess I'll let you go for now and pray the Lord gives me the chance to write you in February about the Swaziland project and what He did there and at the staff retreat. And don't forget to let us know how we can pray for you. We love doing that because we love you.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His Light to shine upon you and give you His peace.
In His love, Reyburn

Evans' Christmas Update

2008-12-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,
We pray this finds each of you celebrating Christmas with JOY -knowing that Jesus came to earth - to show us what God is like - and to lay down His life for each of us - if we are willing to accept who He is - and acknowledge our sin and that we cannot save ourselves.

And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2: 10 - 11

2008 has been an eventful year for the Evans family. The year started out with Mike in Kenya with us until mid January. Shortly after he returned to Union University, the school was hit by a huge tornado on February 5 that devastated the school and destroyed many dormitories and buildings on campus. Miraculously, no one was killed. Mike was able to stay and help with the clean up while the school was closed for 2 weeks. When we saw the school in August we were amazed at the building and cleanup that had taken place in just 7 months. Many students at that campus will forever remember God's hand of protection during that fateful February night. Mike is doing well in his Junior year at Union as a Christian Studies major.

In May, Bob and Susan saw their youngest, Maria, graduate from high school in Nairobi, Kenya. We also were able to visit Lisbon, Portugal, on our return to the States in July to revisit where we started out in language school in 1992 when Maria was just 2 years old! Maria is now completing her first semester at Union University and loving it!

Before leaving Kenya, we went out to Mombasa to meet our second grandson, Caleb Robert Ghrist, born May 17 to Maggie and Josh Ghrist and brother, Matthew (2 1/2 years). Maggie and Josh have served with Lighthouse for Christ for 2 years now. They are currently on stateside in Tyler, Texas until May 2009.

Bob and Susan also celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in June! [guess who??]
Although we are sad thinking about returning to the field without children, we acknowledge that it is time:-)

The six month stateside has flown by and we are down to just a few weeks remaining. When we arrived in Decatur, Texas, back in July, we knew that the IMB was making some changes in the organization. During the last few weeks, those changes have changed the course of our future missionary service. Bob has been asked to be the Director of Finance for the Sub Saharan Africa Affinity Group. It will require a move to Johannesburg, South Africa, around July 1, 2009. We both have a peace about the position and the move, although leaving Kenya and closer proximity to the grandchildren is clearly a difficult thing. We covet your prayers for us
through this transition.

We want to thank each of you for your support of us in many different ways. Many of you pray for us and we want you to know we appreciate that and know it sustains us. Another simple truth is that we couldn't serve overseas as we have for the last 16 years without your gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Those gifts are the means by which we devote ourselves
to full-time ministry, providing us with a place to call home, transportation, medical care - even the schooling our children received.

It is both a humbling and exhilarating experience to live life dependent on the faithfulness and generosity of Southern Baptists and others who contribute to our needs. Thank you! Please know that many people around the world are truly celebrating Christmas for the first time this year because of your sacrifice for God's Kingdom.

Bob and Susan look forward to returning to Nairobi in mid January. We have enjoyed the peace and quiet of our time in Texas living on a black angus farm outside Decatur, but it will be good to get back to work and ministry and to some Ethiopian food!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Jesus,

Bob and Susan

ADULT 5 sends BOXES to TROOPS!!!

2008-12-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

Update on boxes sent to GIs as an Adult V class project. We started out sending boxes to all those on our list Oct. 2007, at which time we sent 1 emergency box to a GI in Japan who was having a difficult time. In November, the class sent 7 boxes + 2 (one in rehab and one at home) making 9.

Dec 2007- sent 7 boxes + 1 in rehab = 8
Jan 2008- sent 2 boxes-we missed Christmas = 2
Then we started sending boxes of goodies to those "In Harm's Way"
and wounded and cards to the others.

Mar 2008- sent 8 boxes + 2 (one in rehab + a friend of his in rehab)=10
May 2008- sent 14 boxes + 2 (one in rehab + a friend of his in rehab)=16
July 4th 2008- Sent cards of Appreciation to about 20 GIs
Sept 2008- sent 12 boxes + 2 (one in rehab + a friend of his in rehab)=14
Dec 2008- sent 14 boxes (the wounded in rehab is getting out )
Dec boxes included candy and home baked goods = 14
------
Total to date: 74 boxes sent to our soldiers.

Thanks for all your help- collecting personal items, food items, baking, monetary donations, helping sort and pack packages, writing addresses and mailing boxes. God Bless all of you.

Becky Culpepper

Angel Tree for Mission Families

2008-12-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

First Baptist will celebrate this Christmas by sending gifts to each of our mission partners. Join us by working with your Bible Study Group or Department to adopt one of our families and bless them this Holiday Season. Call the Church or check with one of our Mission Committee members: Frank Maxwell or Jerry Howard.

As every year, First leads the way in giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Last year we took in over $13,000 toward these worldwide mission causes. This year our goal is $20,000. The first $15,000 will go to Lottie Moon and anything over that up to the goal will go for our mission partners to help with projects like building a children's home in Mexico. Pray about giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Pastor and Mission Committee

Mission Group from Gulf Coast to Report Tonight!

2008-11-16T07:17:00.001-08:00

Seven members from First Baptist Church traveled to the Beaumont area this week to help in our Church2Church partnership with Westgate Memorial Baptist Church and the Golden Triangle Baptist Association. Don't Miss their report in the Evening Service at 6:30pm tonight. Pictures will be on the website soon!

Continue to pray for those devastated by Hurricane Ike.

Update From Vancouver - The Connection!!!

2008-11-16T07:16:00.001-08:00

Friday, November 14, 2008]

In the midst of the spiritual battle it is sometimes easy to take victories for granted. So I want to take a few moments to publically thank God for a few wonderful answers.

As a family we are working on the habit of gathering in the evening, reading a little scripture and praying for our needs. A few days ago Adam prayed for his DS (a video game) and IPOD. He was afraid that these had been stolen when our car had been broken into. But after he prayed, he found both and we thanked the Lord. It was a small thing, but meaningful.

When a child sees an answer like that it can stir him to pray bolder prayers. So this past Wednesday night we were praying and Adam prayed that he would not need another cast. The next day, Thursday, was his next Doctor’s appointment. He was scheduled to get a new cast for several more weeks. We didn’t want to stop him from praying, but Tiffany and I knew that this was practically impossible. But when he went to the doctor yesterday she felt confident to enough to send him home without any cast at all. Another answer to prayer. God is good.

Then there was an answer of another kind.

As we’re working on the movie, Kyle and I have been praying for a way to distribute it. We have connections to some individuals who do small scale distribution but nothing that could make world wide impact. Then yesterday, out of the blue, Kyle got an email from one America’s biggest movie making companaies.We had not contacted them and knew nobody at this place. Somehow they had found us on a blog and wanted to talk to us. Kyle called them back today and found out that they were excited about the trailer and were ready to screen the movie when it is finished.

Wow! Lesson learned. God answers as we ask. He just does.

So, this evening, before you watch any TV, gather your family around and pray about your needs. You never know what might happen.

Yours
John Martens
The Connection
www.TCJourney.com

Church2Church Trip to the Gulf!!!

2008-11-03T12:31:00.001-08:00

First committed to help churches in need in Gulf Coast Area after Hurricane Ike!

Bobby Cox, our interim Education Minister along with Charlie Burns will lead a group to the Gulf Coast area of Beaumont to help with the continuing recovery from Hurricane Ike. They will leave next Sunday, November 9th after morning worship. Already nine have signed up to go and help with clean-up and repairs. If you would like to go, contact the office or Bobby asap.

Praise God for the opportunity to help our brothers and sisters along the coast who have been devastated by this storm. Although the media coverage has ceased, the need is still great. Pray about going. If you cannot go, pray about giving to our support of Westgate Memorial Baptist Church and the Golden Triangle Association. We WILL hold the ropes for these fellow churches.

Thank you church for caring!!! Pastor Ken

Pastor Attends Annual Chaplains Convention - Waxahachie

2008-10-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Lakeview Conference Center located between Waxahachie and Maypearl Texas. I would like to ask you to pray for me as I join 176 Chaplains from all over the nation in this three day conference. Chaplains for our Baptist Convention of Texas serve the Military, Hospitals, Jails and Prisons, Law Enforcement and Disaster Relief. Some are full-time, part-time and volunteer. They are men and women of all ages and backgrounds who love the Lord and bring Jesus to those in various places and positions in everyday life. Pray for these front line ministers as they prepare and refresh for ministry.

During the conference, I have the privilege of being certified in ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. This training developed in Canada and has spread around the world with over 600,000 people being certified. It is provided through the BGCT as a way for churches and ministers to help intervene in the lives of people who are at risk to suicide. We are here to give life. Pray for me as I learn how to better help those in our community. Pray for First that we will be a life giving church. Have a great week and see you Sunday as we complete our series on PARADOX.

The Connection Makes Movie! See Trailer ...

2008-10-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Hi there folks.

Happy Thanksgiving (Canada) & Columbus Day (US)

Just a quick note that the first (teaser) trailer for our film is up on You Tube. Click on it as many times as you want and pass it on to your friends. Put it in your Facebook, embed it in your web site, whatever you want. Just get this out there. The more exposure we get, the better. (If you have lots of time you can just watch it 45 times. That will help too. :)

(You can click on this link.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIPd7zZELwg

Sorry if you get this message more than once, I'm just combining lists to make sure everyone gets this.

John Martens
The Connection
www.TCJourney.com

First Decatur Partners with Westgate Memorial!

2008-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

First Baptist Church is partnering with churches in Beaumont to help with Hurricane Ike relief. The Texas Baptist Men were some of the first on the scene to help the thousands of people who have lost so much. Last night at the HBA Annual Meeting Leo Smith told me that we had served hundreds of thousands of meals and still hundreds of volunteers are in the Gulf Coast helping with tree trimming, clean up and mud outs. More volunteers are needed and BGCT has challenged the Church2Church initiative to partner with over 100 churches that have devastating damage. Watch this video by Pastor Raymond McHenry at Westgate Memorial Baptist Church and pray about going to help or giving to the relief effort through FBC Decatur.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJHUjzoIzJI

Pray for our friends in the Gulf Coast that as the Pastor said God will bring good things out of the bad.

Missions Committee Approves Fund for Mexico!

2008-10-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

Great Things are Happening in Mexico! Philip and Rebecca continue to lead the Children's Home on the Mountain to build new dorms for the precious children of Saltillo. Two houses are complete - a third is being built - the fourth is promised - First Baptist is raising $50,000 for the fifth. Pray about giving. In the last two weeks, over $5000 has already been given.

The Connection - Maple Ridge, BC

2008-08-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Our family just got back from a quick trip to Manitoba. It was nice to get away and visit my family, some of whom we had not seen for 2 years, it’s just too bad that we had to spend more time driving than visiting J … or so it seems. Although the time was busy with long days and late nights and many kids (my one brother has 4 youth children), it was emotionally refreshing. Hopefully you’ll find me (more) cheerful and ready to go. I also had some time to mull over what we are doing, and how we are doing, and I was able to regain the focus that I believe the Lord wants us to have. I look forward to sharing with you all.

As you know, we’ll be starting the new school year in a few days. (I think some schools are already in action.) So this will be a great time of new beginnings for our church. To that end I want to commit the coming Tuesday and Wednesday (26th & 27th) to fasting and much prayer. If you can join in by either putting aside a solid meal and drink juice instead, or letting go of a luxury (like TV) during part of one of those 2 days that would add a lot of power to our church.

Yours always, John Martens

Visit their website at The Connection

Mexico Mission Trip

2008-08-04T07:33:00.001-07:00

Our Missionaries to Mexico traveled to Casa Hogar de la Montana, Children's Home of the Mountains on July 18th-26th. Our missionaries were Chip, Sue, Robert, Rose, Rebecca, Christian, Brett, Andrea, Tammy, David, Suzette and Tia. They led Bible School and completed construction on one of the houses for the children. Below are a few of the great pictures that they brought back.

Keep Philip and Rebecca Askey and the Children's Home of the Mountains in your prayers. God is doing great things!

The Connection in Canada is Filming a Movie

2008-07-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

We are in the midst of our filming marathon. Fortunately we've been able to get some short breaks in between to get some rest (and get other work done). Today was all indoor shots - as we shot the closing scene of the movie. It rained all day. Tiffany and I also had to take Paint, our dog, to the doggy doctor. Paint either sprained her leg or broke it. But the Dr. thinks the dog will be fine. Just a lot of rest.

Tomorrw and Thursday we'll be filming outdoors. Please pray for dry sunny weather. We need this for continuity. There are scenes that continue in the movie but are shot several weeks apart. Tomorrow and Thursday we go pretty late. Tomorrw it's till 2 AM. I'm not yet sure about Thursday. Probably about the same. Pray for weather and that all goes well. So far God has been with us. It has been a lot of work but in the end God provided. For example, it took about 50 phone calls and about as many "No's" but finally one place let us use a Hummer for nearly free. (Other places were wanting to charge us up to 2000$.) That's just the way it goes.

Filming a scene at a restaurant.

John Martens

The Connection

http://www.tcjourney.com/

First Provides AC for Bolivia!

2008-07-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

First Baptist Church joined with Wise Choices to provide Air Conditioning for the Ministry in Bolivia! Thank You!

The following letter from July 26th Copied from Wise Choices Blog ...

Saturday Night in Santa Cruz...Here we sit under the stars in the patio area of our beautiful surroundings at Hotel Yotau. It is the only place we can get a good internet connection. We certainly are modern missionaries! Anyway, the day was awesome and we are pleased to be able to report to you a good report.This morning, we hosted our PINC conference for the English Speaking Missionaries and the young women they influence. Suzanne and Sara first with the young women and spoke about purity and setting boundaries. The young women responded with enthusiasm and one of the senior girls from the Christian Learning Center invited them to come speak at the senior girls Bible study on Thursday night. This was something that God had laid on Sara's heart and an opportunity that she had been praying for as she prepared for Bolivia. There were many teens, moms, and missionary women who made a commitment to purity and they in turn prayed for our next week of sessions to be spoken in the schools and orphanages.This afternoon, 15 women who are volunteers at Centro de Vida, came for training. The discussion and training was very interesting to see the cultural differences between our two countries on the subject of adoption, abortion, stds, and so on. We presented them with a small gift from Wise Choices and also presented them with youth education curriculum which is in spanish. They were very thankful and appreciative. Their "graciousness" and appreciation for what we have offered are very heart-felt!We found out yesterday that we will be presenting purity and integrity to a group of 15 young women who have been in prostitution and/or have been sexually abused. So if you are reading this prior to our speaking...we certainly would appreciate your prayers!Tomorrow morning we will go to the Trinity Union Church and are looking forward to seeing and meeting more of the local English speaking missionaries. We hope to encourage them to pray for our team and for Centro de Vida. We will get a bit of souvenire shopping in at the plaza tomorrow and then back to the hotel to relax and get ready for the full week ahead of us.

Buenos Noches from Bolivia! Eve, Leslie, Suzanne, and Sara

Follow their blog ... http://www.wisechoices2bolivia.blogspot.com/

Mexico Mission Group - Monday

2008-07-21T18:26:00.001-07:00

First Baptist Church of Fisherville, TN and First Baptist Church of Decatur, TX are having a VBS at Miguel and Suzi's church in Saltillo. Here they are putting on a puppet skit for over 40 kids.

Pray for our Missionaries in Mexico this week. Go to www.chmmexico.com for more information on the Children's Home of the Mountain.

They will be returning on Saturday!

Youth Student Life Camp

2008-07-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

We got a call from Ron in Durango this afternoon and he had GREAT news! Two of our students that are with him at camp accepted Christ last night as their Lord and Savior. To say the least, we are all THRILLED! Keep praying for Ron, the leaders, and all of the youth that are there, and pray that the Lord will continue to do great things!

Camp Copass Day 1

2008-07-15T12:33:00.001-07:00

We arrived at Camp Copass, got registered, unpacked, and headed to our first "Pep Rally."Craig Tackett and his band, "Jonathan Project," are leading our worship time. This group led us, last year and the kids loved them. Craig is also our camp pastor and last night we learned the similarities between "Humpty-Dumpty" and Job. Evening worship was followed by our cabin devotion time. We wrapped up the evening with a"Nite at the Theme Park" which included bounce houses, water slides, a dunking booth, sno-cones, cotton candy, and lots of games. Lights were out @ 11:00 with just a few rebels who had a hard time getting up this morning. Please keep all of our kids and leaders in your prayers this week. More updates soon!

WHATAMONDAY!!!!

2008-07-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

Things have been swirling around the FBC Family this morning --

Students left last night at 10pm for Colorado and we just heard from Ron that they arrived there safe and sound and all is well.
Candy and a mob of kids loaded up at 11:ooam and headed for Camp Copass.
Chip and his group are getting the last details together to leave for Mexico. Whew!!! What an exciting Morning! Praise God for what He is doing among us at First.

Love God Love Students Love Children Love Missions -- It is an exciting time to be in Decatur!

Pray for each group to grow deeper, closer and more in love with Jesus as they share with each other and their world.

Fulfulling our Mission: To share the Joy of Jesus with our World!

Wise Choices Group Heads to Bolivia!

2008-07-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Pastor –

Thanks so much for the prayer.

My group is getting geared up for our trip to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. We leave in less than 3 weeks. We will work with Centro de Vida (Center for Life) Pregnancy Center. We will be presenting “PINC! Purity and Integrity in Christ”. This will be given in Bolivian Schools (500 teen girls), 4 orphanages (60 teen girls), and the English speaking missionary women/mothers and their teens. Our team of four: Eve and Sara Roberts (my step-daughter), Leslie Hollis and Suzanne Juro. Sara and I speak a little Spanish and the other two do not. We will use translators. We are so excited to see what God is already doing and what He will do through this trip.

We leave on the 24th.

Blessings!
Eve
(click to email Eve)

The Connection -- Martens celebrate 4th!!!

2008-07-08T23:34:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 08, 2008 (11 PM)

These last days have been pretty wild (and wonderful as well). On Friday the 4th (go America!) we finished our first week of camps. With over 120 kids, it was quit a ride. Basketball, preschool arts, cheerleading, and (the very poplar and brand new) cooking for Kids. It was a wonderful time of outreach and ministry. On Friday we had a closing program with Timmy (the puppet) and presentations from all the different groups. I briefly shared about our church and invited the parents to come if they were looking for a church. It was all low pressure but hopefully planted an idea in their minds. Then at noon one of the teams put on a BBQ for all the kids and parents and we had time to just chat. Several people expressed a great interest in our church. There were families from Argentina, families from Korea that hardly spoke any English, and families from Scotland (don’t you love those British accents!) One parent told me “I really want some of this stuff for my kids. Can I enroll them in Sunday morning?” She was almost in tears as she spoke. I could tell there is a spiritual appetite. Please pray for her.

Friday night the big team from Little Rock Arkansas helped with the youth. It was a great big party for everyone. Tiffany and I also had one of our cousins visit us from Manitoba that night.

Kyle, Tiffany, Mikaela, and I were working shooting a few scenes for the movie. That went pretty late. Sunday morning we were up early to get ready for church. In the afternoon we were getting all the last minute stuff ready for shooting (movie) on Monday. In the evening we were to meet the 2 teams that were coming down for the next week of camps. Were we ever in for a surprise.

At about 7 pm Kevin finally heard from the 2nd team. This was the group that was scheduled to run our basketball camp. They were about to be turned back at the border. They were finally allowed in, but only after swearing (literally) to not work with children. So the rest of the evening we were replanning and trying to figure out how to stretch our existing team to cover the needs.

Yes, that is how this week started. Oh yeah, Tiffany also got sick, I developed a mild flue, and Adam broke his wrist. So now we’re running several camps. We are short staffed in all areas but (with a lot of stretching on everyone’s part) we are making it happen. Kevin has taken on the basketball and the team from Oregon has split themselves up.

Pray for Kevin as he takes up coaching for the basketball.
Pray for Pamela as she organizes the camps even while running a preschool camp of her own. Pray for energy and health.
Pray for Kyle as he tries to get all the shooting organized.
And pray especially that we find the people that God is drawing to himself and to our church.

Thank you First Baptist for praying and supporting us!

John Martens, The Connection, Maple Ridge BC

Rebecca R on Mission to Peru!!!

2008-07-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Pray for Rebecca who is on a Brio Mission Trip to Lima, Peru (6/30-7/13). Check out the website and search for her picture. http://www.briomag.com/missions/
You can email Rebecca.

The Connection, CANADA

2008-07-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Day 1 (June 30, 2008)

I told you it would get busy once these weeks started, but even with all that I knew would happen there are always a few exciting surprises.

Last night we had a meal at the church for a team from Arkansas and one from California. That lasted till about 9. Then it was baths and bed for everyone here. It was about 11 before we all got settled. I made a promise to myself that we’d be in bed by 10 tomorrow. (Remember those surprised?)

Well, today was Monday and the first day of our camps. We were all involved and had to get up early and get everyone ready to be at the school at around 8 AM. Kevin was over here and had to load a few things in the morning yet. I had some phone calls and stuff and was a little bit later. We all got there and got set up. I also missed my time of prayer and wanted to make sure I did that late.

Then it was registering about 100 children. My job was to visit the different families while our team handed out coffee and tea and an invitation to a free financial seminar. Unfortunately, nearly everyone came at about 9 so it took about 45 minutes to get everyone in the gym. But I met several very interesting families. One talked to me for a long time. They were just starting to look for a church. When they left, I went around and took a few pictures and visited the different rooms. Kyle felt sick and had to go home. I also hurried home.

About ½ of our house is used for church work. Our church offices are in the basement (which is really the first floor.) In the office, Wanda was working on the movie posters and I needed to just see how she was doing. Then I needed to rush to my messages. Because of Kyle’s busy schedule with filming, he needed all the videos for the next 5 messages by Tuesday. So I needed to have a solid idea of these messages by today. I worked and planned furiously. At noon it was back to the school for the closing and another time of seeing the parents. Good thing the camps were in the safe hands of Pamela (camp coordinator) & Kevin (team coordinator). After that I was starving and found some left over egg sandwiches from Sunday. I sat with Adam as he ate a soup and I devoured 3 sandwiches. Wow. Then back to the school again for a quick debriefing. I got Kevin’s camera so I could get the photos of the parents and identify the ones I had met and visited with. The memory stick did not want to read but finally I got it working. I tried working a little bit again. There were people in our back yard working and a few in and out of the office. Plus phone calls. But I had to keep my focus on those messages.

At 4 there was another closing. I was slightly late for that one. I visited with a few more parents and met a recent immigrant for Ireland. They were very interesting. (I love British accents.) Coming from a large family they were obviously lonely. I tried to figure how to reach them for Jesus. There were also several Pilipino families that wanted us to run these camps in their city next yet. They said they would help gather many families.

After closing up the school and saying thank you to the principal, I headed home and went over to the church for a time of prayer. God surprised me by visiting me in a powerful way. He taught me things and moved in my heart in such a powerful way – I just can’t explain it in this space – except to say that my heart was broken anew with how much God loves people and wants everyone to come to know him. After God had showed me this in a fresh way, I fell on my knees and begged him for the privilege of bringing many souls to know him.

Then it was home, a 15 minute jog, and a supper. Tiffany had an evening practice and had been in a hot school for 8 hours (as camp nurse) and didn’t really feel like cooking. Do you blame her? So after eating our very healthy Subway sandwiches, we hurried home so Tiffany could get ready for her 7 pm practice. One of our neighbors has asked us to watch their plants and lawn. Adam and I go over there to get the details. Meanwhile Tiffany rearranges the practice. Because Kyle was still sick – we think with the flue – and the church would be very hot she moves the band practice to our home. Besides, it would take an hour to set up the sound equipment. (Since we did not yet have bars on our location, the new sound equipment, purchased since the robbery 3 weeks ago, is being stored at our house.) So very soon, Catherine, Andrea, Tiffany, Lionel & Dorothy were here to practice.

Meanwhile, I headed back to the keyboard to work on the messages. There was a deadline. And how beautiful it was to work to the sound of angels singing in the next room! It was like being in heaven. While this is going on, Pamela was printing dozens of copies of a parenting flier to be handed out to parents this week. I took a look. It was beautiful.

At about 8:30 I took Adam to the skateboard park. He had asked me all day and I wanted do that for at least a few minutes. After all, this is one of his favorite activities. The day was been very hot, but the evening was turning out beautifully.

At the park the mosquitoes were out. How unusual for Maple Ridge! We don’t usually have any. The team from Little Rock was at the skate park. We visited and watched Adam. Then Adam comes to me with a hurt arm. He felt it was serious.

So we headed home where Tiffany looked at the wrist. She was concerned that it might be broken. We decided that it is best that we check out the hospital tonight. That might take a long time but tomorrow would be no better.

I stayed home and sat down with Mikaela to watch the end of the Mariner’s game. But within an inning, the phone rings. The intern who had driven all the way from Oregon had just arrived at the church. Initially Kyle was going to handle this but he was still sick. I ask the Matt, and his friend, Josh (part of the mission team coming next week) to drive to our place where I felt them what left over pizza and ice tea I could find. Finally at 10 PM, I was able to get hold of the place where they were to stay for the night. Then I drive them across the city.

I get back at about 10:30. Tiffany is still not back with Adam. ER waits can be 4 hours. So I put Mikaela to bed and wait.

Now, it’s midnight. I’m still waiting.

I share this with you so you might pray for us. I’m sure that if any one of our team shared their day it would be just as interesting as mine. So pray for all of us. Pray for Pamela as she handles all the details. Pray for Kevin as he deals with the team. Pray for Kyle that he get better quickly. Pray for our family and our core team. Pray that we meet and bring in some more team members.

Tomorrow will be another day. There will be struggles and surprised. Today, God brought some new people into our life, allowed me to worship him in a new and powerful way, and let me grow in the grace of patience. Who knows what tomorrow will hold?

John MartensThe Connectionhttp://www.tcjourney.com/

Mission to Mexico 2008

2008-06-30T12:13:00.001-07:00

Pray for our Missionaries to Mexico as they prepare to go! The trip is scheduled for July 18th-26th. Two vans will head to the border and then on to Casa Hogar de la Montana, Children's Home of the Mountains, where Phillip and Rebecca serve the Lord and children of Mexico.

Begin now to pray for these missionaries: Chip, Sue, Robert, Rose, Rebecca, Christian, Brett, Andrea, Tammy, David, Suzette and Tia. They will be leading Bible School and completing construction on one of the houses for the children. Support may be given to the Mission Fund.

Son Power Mission Trip Day 7

2008-06-27T13:15:00.003-07:00

After 8 LONG hours of live recording, the musical is a "wrap." We really enjoyed this opportunity to praise our God in voice. We all can't wait until the CD is completed and sent to each of us.

Tonight, we finish up SonPower with a concert featuring Matthew West.

Tomorrow, we start the trek back home...pray for our travel safety. We so much appreciate all your prayers during this week. Can't wait to get back home!

Son Power Mission Trip Day 6

2008-06-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

Today, we ironed out some final touches on the musical, we will spend 4 1/2 hours tomorrow doing a live recording of the musical we have been working on.

We went to the House of Hope, a home for troubled teens. Part of our group cleaned a house and readied it for tenants. The other part of the group fought the heat, humidity, and ants, to clean up aluminum that will be sold for profit for the Home. Finally, we spent a few moments with the teens who live in the Home. We continually thank God for our opportunities, today was a fantastic day!

See you all soon!

Son Power Mission Trip Day 5

2008-06-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

After a sectionals rehearsal, we were set free for a day off! Off to MGM Hollywood Studios at Disneyworld we went!! We had a great day full of fun. It was really awesome to be reminded so many times of the great history Disney has had with our country. It was incredibly hot when we first arrived but, a rainstorm came in and cooled it off very quickly. We were definitely grateful for this! After wild experiences on the Tower of Terror and the Rock 'n Roll Rollercoaster, we ended the day with an amazing water/lights/laser/fireworks show...it left many of speechless.

We are doing great and beginning to look forward to our return...KEEP PRAYING!

Son Power Mission Trip Day 4

2008-06-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

Today started out with rehearsal along with 650 other folks literally from across the nation. It was pretty amazing to stop singing for a moment and hear that many voices celebrating our God! Mallory Johnson and Jonathan Wingo were selected from several other students who auditioned yesterday to sing during the worship service...they did outstanding and we were so proud!!

This afternoon, we drove about 20 miles east of Orlando to a town called Sanford. We met Pastor Gerald at Lifeway Community Church and then proceeded to distribute 700 flyers in the surrounding neighborhoods to help promote Lifeway's upcoming VBS in July. The temperature was in the 90's and pretty sure the humidity was in the 90% range as well...HOT & STEAMY!! It was awesome seeing our students take a stand for Christ and fearlessly going into unknown places all the while praying that one of the children in this town will have the opportunity to come to know Jesus as their Savior during this VBS.

Tomorrow morning, after rehearsal, we are off to MGM Hollywood Studios at Disneyworld.

We are doing fantastic and thanking God for His providence in our lives! KEEP PRAYING!!

SonPower Mission Trip Day 3

2008-06-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

We had a very restful sleep last night...we were ALL very tired from our total of 21 hours, over two days, of travel in the people mover. This evening, everything begins. SonPower orientation and a concert by 33 Miles are on the agenda.

We also want to include some "group quotes" from the trip so far:

"How much longer? We have been going straight forever!"--Stephanie Hogan

"You could be my mom."--Kayla Slimp to Ron

"For $2.29 you can kiss my lips."--Caleb Hogan

"That ain't no cottage."--Anonymous in reference to Cottage Hill Baptist Church (mega-church we attended in Mobile, Alabama)

"It was much better than our church. And, much quicker."--Caleb Hogan (referring to Cottage Hill worship service)

We are having a great time!

SonPower Mission Trip Day 2

2008-06-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

Just heard for Ron as they were crossing into Florida -- looks like rain.

The group left First at 6:30am Saturday for the 12 hour drive to Mobile, Alabama. This morning they attended the Cottage Hill Baptist Church for worship.

They will travel today to Orlando and stay at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center. Ron said, "So far everything has been smooth sailing and the students are great. Thanks for all your prayers. Tomorrow we will post some pictures."

Keep lifting our mission students up!

Pray for SonPower Mission Trip, June 21st-28th

2008-06-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Twenty Five students and sponsors will leave First Church on Saturday for Florida. Pick out one of these students and pray for them daily -

Students: Racey Burden, David Cude, Logan Ediger, Kellie Flesher, Claire Goodwyn, Landon Hankins, Lacy Hankins, Caleb Hogan, Mallory Johnson, Taylor Krieger, Clint Logue, Tony Lopez, Kayla Slimp, Caleb Smith, Krista Tamplen, Bonnie Wilson, Jonathan Wingo and Joshua Wingo. Sponsors: Beth Addington, Candy Burden, Jeff Goodwyn, John Hogan, Stephanie Hogan, Ron Johnson.

Watch this Blog as they post their daily encounters with God on this SonPower Trip!