Thursday, February 28, 2008

Prayer and Praise

Shannon Hills Bible Chapel, Greensboro, NC are planning a neighborhood literature distribution this Saturday, March 1 from 9:00 am until noon. The door-hanger bags will highlight an invitation to the "Love & Respect" marriage DVD series March 2-9, and will also include gospel literature and information on SHBC. They hope to reach 2000 homes with the gospel. Please
pray for receptive hearts.
http://shannonhills-biblechapel.org/SHBC/index.htm
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From the believers at Newtown Christian Fellowship, Newtown, CT

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus,

It has been suggested that we share with you the way in which the Lord worked in connection with a recent outreach at the assembly here. It's a testimony of God's goodness and will hopefully be an encouragement to others who desire to reach out with the gospel in their communities. We have been filled with rejoicing to see His hand moving among us!

On Sunday, February 17, a brother from the assembly gave a one-hour public lecture at the town hall entitled "A World In Turmoil--Can I Still Find Peace?" The Lord brought around twenty-two visitors, most of whom were unbelievers! Considering that we have about forty people in fellowship, that was a great turnout! While this was exciting, we were even more
delighted to see that the Lord had significantly prepared several for the gospel. While none have yet, to our knowledge, put their faith in the Lord Jesus, there is real evidence that He is working in their hearts.

Although the assembly has been in existence for thirteen years, we are ashamed that this was only our second public outreach to the community. We had offered another lecture last summer, which we mainly advertised through flyers distributed to homes, and through the newspapers; however, not many people came. Because of this, we were especially encouraged by the turnout
for this outreach.

Contrary to last summer, the focus of our "publicity efforts" for this event was to invite personal acquaintances, and it was much more fruitful. We did make a mistake in unknowingly setting the date just before a school vacation, which turned out to be the reason that some of those invited couldn't come. However, the Lord still brought plenty out. Friends, relatives, coworkers, and classmates were among those who came, and the connections that the believers already have with these people will help with follow-up.

A press release and advertisement were prepared for the local paper, and one couple mentioned that they had seen the notice only two hours before the meeting, and decided to come! One visitor was a store clerk whom one of the believers had invited some time previously, but who had not shown much interest at the time.

The local cable TV company has proven to be a great resource for us. They are more than willing to air the lecture for free on their local access channel. That means that cable subscribers from fourteen towns will be able to view the lecture from their living rooms! They also lent us a
professional video camera and lighting setup to use in recording the lecture. Some of the young brothers in the assembly are working together to make a DVD of the recording, which will be a good resource to give to those who couldn't come to the lecture.

We thank the Lord so much for how he has been at work among the lost and also among us in the assembly. We believe that a major reason for the Lord's blessing was the united and earnest prayers of the believers. It is wonderful to see the answers to those prayers!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Joanna Darby Lee

Congrats to Jonathan and Sarah Lee on the birth of their daughter, Joanna Darby, at 5:30PM February 23, 2008. Joanna weighed 8lb., 7oz., 20.5" long, black hair & blue eyes. Mother and baby are doing well, Dad has started saving for the wedding. Praise the Lord with us for a safe and healthy delivery.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

John Schneider update 2/12/08

John came through surgery as well as could be hoped for, with two bypasses. Continued prayer for his recovery is appreciated.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Prayer Requests

Dear interceding saints

A few matters for prayer, if you feel exercised:

CANADA
We continue to press ahead with plans for gospel teams in Canada. Lord willing, the teams will be in place by mid April. We are still praying for at least 8 more committed men to invest six months in on-the-job preparation for a lifetime of personal and united evangelism. This needs much prayer.

RWANDA
A recent earthquake has devastated the island of Nkombo, off the east African coast of Rwanda. All of the homes were either ruined or severely damaged. The school and two assembly buildings (in process of construction) were also severely damaged. Eight people died and another 80 are
hospitalized from this community of 460 homes. We understand Echoes has sent some financial relief.

PAKISTAN
The war-torn country of Pakistan has national elections slated for Feb 18. Please pray especially for safety for the believers there, and for a measure of religious liberty to be maintained in that often troubled Muslim country.

KENYA
Kenya, once a relatively calm place in central Africa, is now in a state of emergency. Across the country at least 255,000 people have been displaced, and nearly 1,000 have been killed, creating an urgent humanitarian crisis. Most of those in dire need are women and children, many suffering because of exposure to unsafe water. Please uphold those who are seeking to minister in both demanding and dangerous conditions.

ISRAEL
Brother Roy Hill has informed us that Cyril Hocking was called to glory on Feb 5 after a lengthy illness. We are deeply indebted to our brother Cyril for his many helpful contributions to our libraries, especially his co-editing of the Treasury of Bible Doctrine and a similar work on the
Church (two volumes every serious student of the Word should read). He and his wife Jean ministered for almost 30 years in Israel (73-01). Please remember the family in prayer.

"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17).

John Schneider

John Schneider is an elder at Marietta Bible Chapel, Marietta, GA, and a close personal friend. He is to undergo open heart by-pass surgery Tuesday 2/12/08, and prayer for this situation is requested. He and his wife, Kem (one of the speakers at our planned Ladies' Conference in April) have three daughters - Lindsay, Bethany & Haley. Please remember them all before the Throne of Grace.
Thanks,
Scott

Friday, February 1, 2008

Bill Walker

Brother Bill Walker underwent successful hip replacement surgery. He was to go home for rehab, but began to have chest pains and got sick. Bill will be in the hospital at least through the weekend. Please remember this brother before the Lord.