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.