Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ, November/December, 2009
Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
God gives us all the wonderful privilege to come into the house of the Lord to rejoice in all He has done for us, pray with our brothers and sisters for the cause of the gospel and to receive exhortation from the word of God. How sweet it is to be in the fellowship of the people of God and sing of the great works of God. As missionaries we get the privilege of doing this many times a week in different Independent Baptist churches across the country. This past month has been one of the best yet. From Zachary LA to Austin TX we have had three missions conferences, along with other single service meetings. Our cup has been filled! It would take a book to write of all the things the Lord has taught and reminded me of this month. In Zachary, LA we met some of the sweetest people in the states. They knew us before we ever arrived and were eager to hear from God. They treated us so wonderfully and the kids had a great time when they threw an “unbirthday” party for us - complete with balloons, cake and wrapped presents. By the end of the conference the church had committed to take on 25 new missionaries! The amazing thing is that they hadn’t even turned in their faith promise cards yet. They understood what it would take as a church body and knew that God was looking for a significant increase in their commitment to missions prior to beginning a building program. As in many churches we have visited, they recognized that for God to bless their building program, they first needed to bless His building program around the world. We then partook in a “round robin” conference in San Antonio where missionaries are shared between a number of churches in the city. During that week we also were the beneficiaries of a school of missions where we received 4 days worth of lectures on many practical and spiritual aspects of missions from veteran missionaries and pastors! The month was completed in Austin Texas where we enjoyed an incredible eight day conference with two services and sometimes 4-6 preachers per day! These churches were all such a blessing to us and we consider it a privilege to have been with them.
Better far than our enjoyment of a conference, is what God is doing in the hearts of men. Would to God that more would surrender, more would be supported, more would be sent and ultimately more would be saved. It is tragic to hear statistics speaking of high volumes of missionaries returning from the field and such a small amount being sent to replace them. The population of the world is increasing at astronomical rates and yet churches are closing and some missionaries are quitting while on deputation or after one term… Just this month the Philippines have endured two Super Typhoons and landslides that have send more than 1000 souls off into eternity, the time is short. God is not in a recession, God has not rescinded on His statement that He is not willing that any should perish and He does not lack the ability to overcome our perceived obstacles. We don’t serve an I can’t God, we serve the Can Do God! In fact just this past Saturday I had the privilege to lead two teen boys, Matthew and Evan to Christ! Pray for them, they are in Catholic families and we are hoping the Lord will orchestrate them being allowed to come to this great church in Austin. Let me encourage you by saying that in the three conferences we visited this past month, there were young people and adults that had surrendered, souls that were saved and giving that increased in Faith filled proportions! May all our churches see a renewed zeal and devotion to missions for it is our most important task. We appreciate your continued prayer and support as we will go from Texas to PA to NY and back for meetings in the next two months. May the Lord bless you and your ministries.
Because He Lives,
Aaron & Stephanie Putney 585 298 3807
Autumn, Anna, Sarah and Emma
Grace Independent Baptist Church
Pastor Paul Perkins
3707 Bienville Blvd
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
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