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
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