Seed Planting Requires Patience!

“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” 1Timothy 1:15-16.

Remember last month when I shared with you about a young man who wanted nothing to do with “the Jesus thing”? Heartbreaking – and this month, we experienced it again – only this time, one of our volunteers received this response from a young mother that she was witnessing to. Times like these, and other times when we cannot understand people and their motives (or their hurts!) should draw us closer to the Lord to seek His wisdom and guidance. That’s what we’re doing at FPMC, and that’s what we ask you to do as you pray for the Kingdom work through the center. Last night, Dr. Kevin Ezell, newly appointed President of the North American Mission Board, spoke at the MBA Annual Celebration, and this statement spoke volumes to me: “Helping hurting people will hurt.” When upon reaching out to someone in Christ’s name, if you receive barbs instead of warm fuzzies, it isn’t a personal jab at you – it is an outward expression of someone’s hurt. A powerful reminder of scriptural truth – “pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” Matthew 5:44b-45. We simply do not know God’s timing, and we may just be planting a seed that He will provide water and light for. So have faith, and don’t give up!

Our new classroom is almost complete – painting going on as I write this today. And thanks to generous donors, we have both vinyl tile for the entry area and beautiful high traffic carpet for the remainder of the room. Even the bulletin boards and the white board are being furnished. God is good! NOW, DOES ANYONE FEEL A CALLING TO HELP INSTALL FLOOR COVERING? (about 100 SF of vinyl tile, and a 12x 20 piece of carpet!) Once complete, we will immediately begin to use the room for classroom space on some days, receiving and sorting donations on other days, and use it also for volunteer training space.

In the month of October, we received 121 guests of the center, helping a total of 266 family members, and one accepted Christ. HALLELUJAH! Again, we distributed over 1 ½ tons of food and over $600.00 in gift certificates to shop for clothing at the local Goodwill Retail Stores. In November, we anticipate those numbers rising, and we also anticipate the distribution of several dozen Thanksgiving meals and turkeys in addition to the regular food assistance. If you, your church, or your Bible study class would like to assist with this, please contact Donna at 269-5726 or at forestparkministry@yahoo.com.

Finally, don’t forget to place Saturday, December 11 on your calendar, and to pray for the families who will be invited to come and shop. It is our 2nd Annual Ministry Center Toy Sale, to be held at Heritage Baptist Church. Already, preparations are in full swing, and we are receiving donations of new toys. This is a tremendous blessing to all who are involved – be blessed by participating this year!

As we approach the time of year for our traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, I am reminded once again, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.” Thank you for your prayers and support as we all desire to be the hands and feet of Christ and His salt and light to a dark world.

Joys and Heartbreaks - God Knows Them ALL

“For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God” (Ecclesiastes 5:7). How do you impart this truth to someone? Recently, “B” came to the center and as we sought to assist him with physical needs, we also inquired about his spiritual needs. His answer to us was so heartbreaking. See, he had said all the right things – three times, in fact – to no avail. He said nothing had changed, even though he had tried the “Jesus thing” three times. Good words, good dreams, but no heart transformation. Would you join the volunteers and me as we pray for B to be open once again to hearing about – and this time really comprehending and understanding – the limitless width, depth, and height of Christ’s love for him? He so desperately needs to be pulled from the pit of despair!

In September, over 130 families visited the center, for a total of over 300 family members and over 1 ½ tons of food distributed. There is one more addition to God’s Kingdom through her profession of faith, and one other gentleman prayed to rededicate his life to Christ. Even though there is heartbreak seen every day, these are joys to celebrate!

Also in September, ministries to school children have resumed. A big thank you to those who are again entering the classrooms at several Title I MPS elementary schools, reading not only to elevate the children’s interest in the written word, but to impart to them and reinforce the character traits that will help them to become good citizens and hopefully to one day realize and claim faith in Christ. An addition this year has been spearheaded by Eastern Hills Baptist Church – in home tutoring for the children of the Mixtec families in the Forest Park neighborhood. Currently, three teams from Eastern Hills and one team from Heritage are each going to a home each week to work with children on homework and reading. Doors are opening as a result. Just this week, Greg from Eastern Hills was asked by the father in the home where he and his team tutor to teach him English. This man’s wife is attending the Conversational English class at the center on Thursday mornings, and he is interested in learning, too. Congratulations, Greg and team members – we are praying for all of you!

As Fall is in full swing, we are busily preparing for the 2nd Annual Ministry Centers Toy Sale. It was a tremendous blessing last year for the guests and the workers both last year, and this year will be even better. If you desire to help, please let us know – you may call 271-6794 to sign up – see the flyer, too, on Facebook. Thanks to all for your prayerful support. May God bless your walk with Him.

Joyfully serving,
Donna McCullough, Director
Forest Park Ministry Center

Thanks, Thorington Road Baptist Church

A big shout out to members of Thorington Road Baptist Church and also to Brad Sinclair from Heritage!! Brad gave hours and hours to prepare the sheetrock for painting. Then today, TRBC members came to the center, painted, repaired, hung fixtures, cleaned, and promised to come again and do more - and then a large group prayerwalked the neighborhood, meeting people and sharing Christ. Many thanks to all who gave sacrificially of their time and talents.