Improvements Coming - Praise the Lord!

        I just experienced a sweet celebration last night with a sister ministry, Samaritan Inn Ministry, praising and thanking God for a year of successful ministry and His provision when the director, Debbie Jones, had to step out in faith because the need was so immediate.  And in days just prior, I spent time in conference with fellow ministry center directors across the state and then with fellow Mission Service Corps missionaries. - And I am reminded of how blessed I am to have such partners - ministry partners with whom we share praises, prayers, needs, and fresh ideas; prayer partners who are so faithful to lift God's work in prayer; volunteer missionary partners who consistently and faithfully invest time and talents each week; financial partners who give selflessly to the Lord's work at Forest Park Ministry Center.  Each is such a blessing and so vital to the furtherance of Christ's Kingdom work.
        A special thank you to the trustees from the former Forest Park Baptist Church.  There have been so many much needed repairs and improvements at the center, and thanks to their vision and support, these are being accomplished - meaning no more leaky roofs, floors without cracks, better water pressure, safer electrical service, more efficient utility service - thanks so much - and to God be the Glory!
         As I think about the M&M Bible Study, the young families that we are reaching, the life styles and bondage that so many live in, I am reminded of a story that storyteller Jack Day related to us while in conference in Shocco (Jack's version is so entertaining - he is a master storyteller!):
         Jack tells of the years that he and his wife and children lived in Brazil as a missionary family.  They were fascinated by water buffalo that were ridden, used as beasts of burden, and even used by the Brazilian military.  These animals average 1,800 - 2,600 pounds each, are massive and powerful with tremendous horn span.  The interesting thing is this - this massive animal can be tied to a post by its owner using thin strips of leather or nylon, about the size of a shoe lace.  One would expect such an animal to pull against such a flimsy restraint and break free.  THEY NEVER DO.  This is because as infant animals, they are restrained by the same cords.  As babies, they do not possess the strength to break the cords and so give up the struggle.  Interestly, as they mature and strengthen, they do not attempt again; they have given up and are convinced that they cannot break free.
         How like these fascinating creatures are members of the human race.  Whether poverty, abuse, neglect, poor self esteem, or poor choices, we find those every day who have difficulty seeing themselves break free of the bondage that their life has become.  Praise God that through the blood of Jesus, our sin is forgiven and true freedom in Christ is possible.  Please pray for the precious guests who visit Forest Park Ministry Center, that they will realize the unique and loved creation that they are and allow Him to help them to break free and live a life of abundant love in Christ Jesus.

MBA COMMUNITY MINISTRIES INC

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Christmas Blessings from Forest Park Ministry Center

        Christmas greetings from all who minister and all who are ministered to through Forest Park Ministry Center!  We are eternally grateful for all of the supporters, donors, and prayer warriors whose gifts keep the ministry going.  No gift goes unnoticed, and God is using your prayers and your gifts in many ways to bring about life change in the hearts and minds of the guests who visit the center, and in our own lives as well.  We will be sharing some of those stories in this posting; read and rejoice in
God’s work!
        Recently, Fred had the opportunity to help a man of another faith.  He had not received help from his own and was ashamed to come to a Christian to ask for help.  The beauty of God’s grace flowing when he saw a Christian reaching out to him in his need will make an impact on him and could even lead him to see the truth in His Story.
        Jackie learned of a need that a grandmother had for her grandchildren.  Having temporary custody of the children, she struggled just to feed them.  As Christmas approached, they anticipated the release of the children’s parent from prison and had not signed up for Angel Tree assistance.  Having just learned that the release would be in January, this precious lady was distraught and thought there would be no gifts for the children.  Jackie motivated her church and prayer group to assist, and she, her husband, and her grandson had the joy of purchasing gifts for this family.
        What a grand way to show our own children the real meaning of Christmas! Whether it’s adopting a family in need, filling a shoebox for children in need around the world, or providing Christmas dinner for someone who is lonely, reach out this year, and your family reap the joy!
        It is truly a joy to work alongside each of you as we seek to reach our community with the true message of Christ’s love.  May each one of you experience Christ’s Love,
Peace, Joy, and Hope this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
Joyfully Serving,
Donna