It's about time!

Yes, I know, it's about time I updated this blog, since it's been a few months since I have done so. So much has happened during that time, it will be hard to bring this thing completely up to date without leaving many things out.

I think I'll start with the most recent things that have happened and work my way backwards...

Yesterday, I was proud to baptize my 7 (almost 8) yr old son, Jacob. I was so incredibly proud of him, and happy to have the privelege to baptize him myself. He was actually saved during a VBS right after we moved here in July of 2006, but he has been hesitant to come forward for baptism. We asked to borrow a baptistry from an Independant Baptist Church in the area, and they gracefully provided for the occasion.

Then, Sunday night, a lady who has been attending our mission for as long as I can remember, but had never joined, finally came forward to request baptism. I can't help but wonder if watching my son get baptized that morning influenced her to make the decision when she did.

Last Sunday, Feb 10, a couple came forward to join by promise of letter from a Baptist church in Hopkins, SC. They have been attending for several months, and we have been looking for them to join for quite a while now, but waiting for them to be ready to make the move. I'm glad they finally did, and they will be a welcome addition to our congregation.

In January, I experienced the loss of my grandfather, Johnie Oldner. He was an ABA pastor for many years, pastoring churches in Benton, West Helena, Colt, Grapevine, and perhaps a few other towns in Arkansas over his 40+ years of ministry. He also served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific. We traveled back to AR for the funeral.

Before that happened, we had an interesting first time visitor, a young boy (I think about 10 or 11 yrs old) who was invited by one of the other kids that come to our church. During his first visit with us, he came forward during the invitation and told me he wanted to be saved. After he prayed and asked the Lord to save him, we announced his decision to the congregation, and we all rejoiced together. He has only been able to come back once since then, and that is disappointing, but I'm glad for the impact we have had on his young life, and I am still hopeful that we can get him in church soon.

My memory of November and December are kind of a blur, with all the holiday busyness and excitement. I always enjoy the holidays very much, but I am also glad when they are over and the lights come off the house, and the tree comes down, and things can get back to normal.

Anyway, that's our recent past. To anyone reading this blog - please continue to pray for me and the mission work, as we face whatever challenges and struggles lie in our path ahead.