Friday, August 14, 2015

May - July Prayer Letter


Dear Pastors and Praying friends,

What an eventful  Summer this has been!  I am excited to announce that things have been busy here at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Newport.   Since our last letter we have held several  youth activities, a baby shower (the baby was born a few days later...2 weeks earlier than expected), two were baptized, two others have since been saved, eight adults have visited, and we experienced a couple other huge blessings which I'll share with you at the end of the letter.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. " - 3 John 1:4

Our Youth seemed to really enjoy our youth activities this Summer.  We sang songs, played games, and I preached short sermons about things like the benefits of living an honest life and obeying your parents.  During the Summer we really like to take advantage of the time we have with our youth because during the school year they seem to disappear.  Most of the time it's due to the fact that most of their sports activities, practices, and games are held on Sundays and Thursdays.  My hope is that the things that they experienced in the house of God during the Summer will impact their school year and even their lives, regardless, we always see souls saved and no school activity can top that!




 

Another highlight was the baptism of my daughter, Aaliyah and the baptism of the daughter of one of our faithful members. I am so excited to include that since Aaliyah's baptism she was in the nursery with some other children and one of them said, "you have to be good and read your Bible and stuff like that to go to Heaven."  To which she replied, "No you don't! You just have to pray to Jesus and he will save you and take you to heaven."  My wife took the boy - a ten year old- and his mother and brother home after the service.  On the way he asked my wife if what Aaliyah said was true.  She confirmed it, and he said, "well, can I get saved right now?" 

 

Tinyla pulled over on the side of the road.  Took out her Bible and showed the young man from the Word of God how he could know he was saved.  He bowed his head and prayed right there for Jesus to cover his sins with His blood and take him to heaven when he died.  Praise God!!!   He is scheduled to be baptized this coming Sunday.

Last, but definately not least regarding the church's news was a great surprise and blessing which I received this past week.  For years we have been praying for a lawn mower or tractor to take care of the church property.  God more than provided for this need through the prayers and gifts of His people.  My home pastor, Bro. Leon Lucas, travels and helps pastors and godly families with home/church building improvments.  During his travels he mentioned that we needed a better mower  to take care of our land.  He gave and many others gave to help purchase us a new and much improved mower.  Curenlty it takes me about six hours or so to mow our lawn.                                                                

With my new zero turn mower I know that time will be cut in half or better!!!Thank you all for your part in this gift!  I am still in shock!
 

Family News and Prayer requests:

1.  Praise God for His provision!!!

2.  Please continue to pray for our church as MANY of our families are experiencing discouragment for on reason or the other.  We have been praying for spiritural growth and I believe we are getting ready to see it, if they will yeild to the Word of God.

3. Praise the Lord also because my wife is expecting baby #4!  Due on or around February 14th...which is not only Valentines Day, but its also a Sunday.  If he/she comes on that date it will be really interesting.

4. Please continue to pray about our plumbing/septic issue.  My hope is that in our next letter we will be able to praise God for this being taken care of as well.  He has provided the funds and even the labor.  I just need wisdom as I order the materials and schedule it to be done before the weather changes.

Future church pianist

 

That's it for this letter!  May the Lord bless you as you continue to serve Him. 
 

In His Service,

Pastor Raymond Beckles

No comments:

Post a Comment