28/07/2009
getAHEAD
Over the course of this summer we’ve spent hundreds of hours with dozens of kids. Most of the kids at One Hope we see five, if not six, days a week.
The relationships we’ve formed are the most precious fruits of this summer’s labor. We love these kids. We laugh with them and cry for them and pray God would work in them.
That’s been the point this summer. Practical demonstrations of love that open the door to the Gospel.
Keep praying for these kids with us. Pray for Anthony.
And laugh with us a little…
done
21/07/2009
Still Growing…
Post by Pastor Joe Blankenship
This past Lord’s Day I had the opportunity to return to Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Melissa, Texas, where I had pastored for 10 years until 2001. It was a precious time with the saints there. The highlight for me was the presence of Mrs. Elizabeth Smiley at the services. Mrs. Smiley has been a dear friend of mine for 15 or more years. She is 98 years old. We are close because of her love for Jesus and her love for “the least of these”. Mrs. Smiley was involved in inner city ministry in Dallas up into her eighties (taking prostitutes into her home, leading prayer meetings and caring for the needy).
It was a joy to watch the love of the Lord in Mrs. Smiley’s tears as I preached about Jesus.
It was life changing (I hope) when at the end of the bible study hour where another man taught on “not complaining”, I heard Mrs. Smiley make this confession. “I want to confess that I have been a complainer of late and by the grace of God I want to spend the rest of my life being thankful instead of complaining.” The Word of God and the Spirit of God are still making her more like Jesus at 98.
After the service, Mrs. Smiley and I had the chance to pray together. Afterwards, she asked me to give this message to our interns. I think it’s good enough to share with all of you. “Tell them to keep offering hope to everyone. Everyone needs hope.”
10/07/2009
We’re Back from Project 61!
It was amazing! Thank you for praying. We’re all needing some sleep right now but more pictures and stories to come.
One kid asked Brother Joe today as we finished, “When is Project 62 going to be?”
01/07/2009
Project 61 Preparation
Please pray for us as we prepare for Project 61, our week long sports camp staffed by youth from 5 churches and 3 states.
The logistical details and practical labors that go into such an undertaking are enormous. Please pray that we would faithfully labor as those who serve our Lord Himself.
We’ll be posting more specific prayer requests throughout the week so please check back and pray with us…
28/06/2009
“Is your church/ministry/life only for the strong, beautiful, competent people?”
There’s nothing else that will teach you to love people than to have a message and a manner that is good for the long haul for the weak…The church is a place to help strugglers and it’s a good thing that people who struggle would be there…The gospel we give has to be a gospel for peasants. It has to be for retarded people. It has to be for the weak. And the weak have to be pursued. They have to be held on to.
- David Powlison
