Monday, February 12, 2018

February News


Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,

Church News
1 Peter 4:10 " As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Once again, I have much to share with you as it has been a while since our last letter.  I want to begin by thanking all of you who support us faithfully with your prayers, as well as financially. We do continue to see both spiritual and numerical growth in the church and are happy to be able to not only "trust" that God is working; but to "see" His work.  As the verse above states, we are commanded to minister to others in the church with the gifts that God gives to us when we are saved.  I am always happy when visitors show up, in fact, we have had a steady stream of visitors every Sunday for months.  I am especially excited to report that two people from my job have been faithfully attending for months now as well; but I am rejoicing today because I have seen our faithful people demonstrating the gifts that they have before, during, and after the services.  
     This is a very important aspect of "building" a church.  My family can do everything in our power to keep people in church; but when the members take it upon themselves to not only invite others to church, but to also show hospitality, encourage, and minister to each other; it is then that people start to stick around.
Family news
John 9:1-3 "And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."
In our last letter we rejoiced over the fact that #5 is on the way.  Shortly after that letter, we received news that Brayden (#5) is faced with many challenges.  The doctors believe he has trisomy 18 which is a chromosomal disorder.  Our first visit to the geneticist after the diagnosis left us with very little hope.  The ultrasound showed that he had issues from the top of his head to the bottom of his little feet.  We set up an appointment for the next visit; but did not believe he would be with us that long...but he was and still is!  The second visit showed problems, but they were fewer.  The third visit showed fewer still.  Of course, the doctors are still giving us no hope of his survival or living a "normal" life; but we are asking God to do a mighty work in this "impossible" situation.  Regardless, we know with Christ there is always hope!  This is the difference between the saved and the lost.  We are blessed to be able to approach the throne of grace on our son's behalf because of the work of Christ.  The lost have to accept what the professionals tell them.  Would you join us in prayer about our precious son?  Thanks again for your faithful prayers and support!



Prayer requests:

1.  Our church to continue to experience spiritual and numerical growth.
2.  Favor in our community.
3.  Wisdom and finances to pay off the churches Mortgage supernaturally.
4.  Continued health and safety for our family.
5. Baby Brayden's miracle
6. Several others in our church who are facing health issues (cancer, kidney problems, lung/heart problems). I would love to share these situations with you in future updates as we are seeing the Lord work here as well.

In His Service,
Pastor Raymond Beckles
Lighthouse Baptist church
Newport, Arkansas