Dear Pastor and church family,
So much has happened since our last letter that it is hard to know where to begin. We will start with family news. Praise the Lord my wife delivered the newest addition to our family on Friday, June 17th! We are truly thankful that little Cassidy Moret Beckles was born safely and she is truly a delight. The next day we celebrated the second birthday of our firstborn – Aaliyah LaRae Beckles. They grow up so fast! We also celebrated our fifth year of marriage on July 28th. We are excited about what God has done in our family and are looking forward to many more years serving Him!
Ephesians 2:20-21 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
The church has also experienced many things. Our numbers were steadily on the rise and we saw many visitors come; but then we experienced what we believe to be a Satanic attack. (The Devil doesn’t like it when you are making a difference for Christ.) Several people in our number experienced life threatening illnesses over the past two months. Over a span of two weeks one gentleman had a heart attack which led to heart surgery, another gentleman’s right lung collapsed, one lady was hospitalized with pneumonia, another with gall bladder issues which led to it being removed, and one of our charter members has been in and out of the hospital continually struggling for her life. We mentioned her family in a previous letter asking for prayer. We would like to ask you to please continue your prayers. She is currently out of the hospital; but is continuing dialysis.
Still, we Praise God for His goodness and that people are continuing to visit the church. Most recently one gentleman visited our Thursday evening service. He took great pride in announcing the fact that he possessed nine gifts of the Spirit (to include speaking in tongues and prophecy) and claimed he was a pastor; but he had no church. After the service I spoke with him and he confided in me that he was shocked to find that many churches in this area believe that once you are saved you are always saved (which is not true, to my knowledge we are one of very few churches in Newport that believes in the eternal security of the believer). I replied, “Really, so do we!” . He looked shocked; but promptly changed the subject. He spoke of many things; but did not include any scripture to backup any of his beliefs. This gentleman’s mentality is an example of one of the problems we face with the souls here in Newport.
Many of people here know just enough scripture to get themselves thoroughly confused. They talk in circles and when you ask them if they are saved they say yes; but when you ask them how they KNOW they are saved they have many different responses. When you show them the Bible way they say… “That’s what I meant.” Sound familiar? A common trick of the Devil is to keep you confused about the basics, so that you will never grow in the Lord. We are grateful for the privilege and opportunity to take the Word of God to these dear souls and we are thankful for your part as co-laborer with us through your prayer and support.
Wishing you God’s best,
Pastor Raymond Beckles
Romans 10:13-14 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written,”
