Sorting through the issues, what is really important?

It would seem that no matter where we go, no matter what group of Christians one talks to, a few things are pretty constant: pride and division. I praise God that there are exceptions to that statement, but God knows that His people are more divided today than even in the time of the Corinthian church, which Paul chastised for the following of "Paul, Apollos, Cephas(Peter), and of Christ" .The fact that I feel justified in admitting that disgusts me, and grieves me greatly.

For the great majority of our family's interaction with "denominations" (which are many) we find that the heart of your average church-goer is struggling for the answers to some tough topics. Sometimes they look in God's Word, but most of the time it is an intellectual discussion and arguments about Koine Greek tenses. I am not seeking to pick any fights, nor exercise my prowess (or lack thereof) in debate, and I believe that most of the time such debates are unprofitable anyway.

Do not misunderstand me.

The tracts have arrived, reaching our family members

I just checked the porch to see if our mail had arrived, and was pleasantly surprised to find a couple of large boxes with my name on them. You see, it takes some rather heavy boxes if you are looking to pack 5,000 postcard Gospel tracts. Upon initial inspection, everything seems to have turned out quite well.

Now we get to hit the streets to share this message of eternal life with others! You see, Key West has a town motto: "One Human Family." In fact, they offer free bumper stickers that say,

"ALL PEOPLE ARE CREATED EQUAL MEMBERS OF ONE HUMAN FAMILY" 

to which I must agree. I believe that we are all created by God as equally fallible and sinful members of the human race. So, on this point we agree. 

The sad part is that when you ask those involved in the "movement" what this means, it is all about their attempt to stem "homophobia" which is a silly word. Such a great theme for the Gospel message, and they use it as a platform for promoting sin, what a shame. Homophobia? I have never met anyone who was scared of homosexuality or homosexuals. Not once have I seen a man run away from a gay man due to fear, or women guarding their purses in fear that the lesbians will steal it. What a silly word, homophobia!

All that silliness aside, I am reminded that we are one human family. Those who choose the sin of homosexuality are no different than those who

Good turnout for Christmas Eve

We had a few questions earlier in the week as to if we were having a Christmas Eve service, which we were not. Of course, the more I thought about it, and the more people asked, we decided it would be a great idea. We had 26 in attendance tonight, of which 10 were first time visitors. Most of them we met while doing our Bible study and singing Christmas carols out on the chapel steps.

It was wonderful to sing songs about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ some 2000 years ago. This story may be ancient, but it lives on today and so does the Lord Jesus! We talked about why Jesus had to come, all the way back to the garden of Eden and the introduction of sin into this world. What a gracious and merciful God who would send His only begotten Son into this world to die and thus pay sin's penalty once and for all.

A brother gave testimony also of the pain associated with Jesus' birth and life, and ultimately His death. Mary's pain in child birth, the pain of so many families whose children were murdered in Herod's attempt to kill the King of the Jews. He spoke of the pain of Jesus Himself as he was rejected by His own created children, of the painful death of the crucifixion. Surely this time of year reminds us not just of the birth of Christ, but also reminds us of His life and death, and His resurrection from the grave which gives hope of eternal life for those who will repent and trust in Christ by faith.

So, we had a great time, and look forward to continuing the relationship we have started in this community. Even the visitors remarked of the genuine love of Christ shown by the local saints. We felt a great spirit of confirmation that the Lord is going to do a great work here, and we are humbled yet again to have a part in it, by God's grace. We hope you have a great Christmas, and that Christ is the celebration of every day of every year of our lives, and that the story and  the salvation of Jesus Christ is proclaimed throughout the earth. We look forward to the day when Christ will come with power and glory, as the King of Kings. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Mark

Website for the chapel

With all the news and upcoming plans for outreach and ministry, we thought we would put up a website for the chapel. You can find the chapel website HERE with updated service times and current events. We thank the Lord for giving us the opportunity to share the Gospel in this community, to labor together with other Christians, and to help in any way we can.

If you have any relevant information to add to the chapel site, pictures or testimonies of God's work in this community, etc. please email me at cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com

Also on the website are downloadable copies of Gospel materials designed for this community, and we will try to upload message notes and such as they are available.

Now, off to bed. We have 2 kids on the mend from a tough cold, a mommy who needs and deserves some sleep, and many opportunities in the next few days to share the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ in Key West. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness, His mercy and grace to those who humbly seek Him.

A wake up call to husbands and fathers

Brothers in Christ,

I know many of you are working very hard to provide for your families. I know many of you have multiple jobs and enormous debt hanging over your head. There is hope, and by living according to God's Word you can find your way out of any situation that seems insurmountable. I have walked this path in the past, and God has shown me how to be all I should be for His glory. I often fail, am weak and humbled each time I look back to see how far I have fallen. Still, I want to share this with you all. Take it as a warning, an offer of help, but don't walk away without seeking the Lord's will in every part of your life. This may be the most important day of your life, the day you examine every particle of your life in light of eternity.

These videos should be watched together. Please take 10 minutes and see the lunacy behind the modern man's common role in regards to his family.  

Click to watch>>Change the world video  and>>> 99 Balloons video

To all you fathers and husbands that tell me that you know your family will be OK without you, that you need just a little more money, this video is for you. Watch the "99 balloons" video, and then the "Change the world" film and tell me that God wants you to disregard your family one more day. Another car or better cell phones will not save your marriage. Only you being the man God called you to be will suffice. Step up and be God's man TODAY!

If I can be of assistance

A sister in Christ writes...

We recently received  this email from a dear saint who was commended into the Lord's care to labor for Him in Zambia in 1958. Alice White served in medical missions, but began her ministry here in Key West many years ago. We hope you are encouraged by this lovely email sent to encourage us in the Lord's work in Key West. 

~Mark

Dear Mark and Sara,

I just about jumped up in the air to read in Assembly Care Ministries that the Lord has called you to Key West! My great-grandfather and his brother built the chapel there, my grandmother and her family, including my mother, Ruby were brought up in the assembly and were very active in many areas of out reach there. Mother went to 5 schools in the city for 30 years, a different school each afternoon for afterschool Bible stories. From the time I was 11 years old I lived in Key West, taught school there and in 1958 was commended to the Lord’s Work in Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia), where I have served Him since 1959.

Please keep in touch and let me know what is happening in the assembly there. Be assured of my prayers and the prayers of the other missionaries here at Chavuma. And pray for us also! We have an urgent need for a hospital Administrator/Accountant (or one of each?!), doctors and nurses as the medical work is large and we have a huge work with HIV/AIDS patients both in the hospital and in the villages.

Most of my grandparents brothers and sisters moved to the Miami area during the depression. My parents met in Miami, and I was born in Miami Beach. My father died when I was three, and my mother managed a small hotel in Miami Beach until 1945 when we moved to Key West where my grandparents were living. Our home was 616 Caroline Street, next door to the old post office on Simonton Street. After I finished college at Bryan College in Tennessee, I returned to Key West and taught 2^nd , 3^rd, and 6^th grades at Poinciana school for 4 years. During that time my mother bought a house on the corner of Waddell and Vernon avenue, by the beach, and my grandparents came out there to live with us. 

The Lord clearly showed me that he wanted me in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) so I came here in 1959. My grandparents, uncles and Mother continues to live in Key West. After my grandparents and one of my uncles went to be with the Lord, I returned to Key West in 1971 for 2 years and got my RN from the Community College on Stock Island and then returned to Zambia. Mother remained in Key West, and in 1979 the Lord led us to sell the KW home, and Mother came to Zambia at age 71. 

Up until 1999 when she had several TIA’s she taught ladies’ Bible studies, Sunday School, girls club, Religious education classes in both primary and secondary school and did the mission accounts. She was ill out here for several years, and went to be with the Lord in 2008, almost 101 years old! 

I would love to meet you and will try to answer any questions you have about the assembly.

Yours in Christ,

Alice

Giggling Samuel 10 months

Just thought this  might be a lift to someone's spirits tonight. Who can't enjoy a good game of spit the block and make the baby laugh?

Updates from Key West

Key West Updates
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,

With the Christmas holiday creeping closer on our calendar, we have been busy about town laboring to make known this Christ whom we celebrate. Many celebrate with decorations, ornaments, songs, food, and dozens of other traditions. We are happy to have the open door to speak of the Lord Jesus Christ in public at this time of year with relatively little conflict. Even those who do not have faith in Christ will still listen as the story is told from God's Word. Many will attend services and pageants at local churches where the Scriptural accounts are read and songs proclaiming the birth of the Christ child. 

I was reminded as we gathered to worship this past week of the song, "Joy to the world" which includes the lyrics, "Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ. While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy" I am reminded that should we keep this message to ourselves then even the rocks will cry out! How great a privilege to serve the Lord in this mission field, where people from many nations  come to vacation. What a blessing to be able to speak to the local artisans, performers, and those in varying fields of work and play, about our Savior's birth. With all this in mind, we have designed a Gospel tract for Key West. Mark took this picture and wrote the text, focusing on the town motto, "One Human Family". This was edited for us by Justin Humes and we just ordered the first shipment of 5,000 to give away as a sort of souvenir Gospel tract. 

We will be putting together other materials for this outreach and

Open Casa Night- a success!!

On our first "Open Casa Night" at Key West Gospel Chapel, we met folks in a rather unexpected way(as the Lord often allows). We were driving along looking for the hardware store, when we saw a family with 6 children walking, a man and wife who just LOOKED like Christians, if you understand what I mean. I am not sure if I worded that right, but they just arrived for supper! Praising the Lord for the little things today. He is worthy of our praise!!!! We also invited our new friend from the shell store, and just missed Will, the juggler at his daytime workplace. (5pm)

We had an awesome time. Gary and Sue Martin and their 6 children are a family from Ontario and were only in Key West for the day. When we saw them they were headed home in their 20+ year old 24' motorhome (TINY!!!) to make supper. They just left after a great time of food, prayer, fellowship, and unity in the body of Jesus Christ. The children played together and our kids made some new friends, even if we don't get to see them again this side of eternity. I love this town, and hope we can be an encouragement to many more as we reach out with the love of Christ to share the Gospel and encourage the Christians of Key West, Florida!!

Gary, Hector, James, and Mark

Brothers James and Hector are out on the streets sharing the Gospel tonight. We all had a good time of prayer and fellowship, then sent out our Gospel team, and bid farewell to our new friends. They will be making their way home to Canada over the next few weeks, enjoying fellowship with friends along the way.

Gary and Sue Martin from Ontario

We pray the Lord continues to bring people into our lives, to bless them, to share the Gospel, to build up the body of Christ as the Holy Spirit leads. Our desire is to walk every step of every day in the spirit, and not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Pray that God will be glorified as we seek to serve Him in this way, as His ambassadors. What a privilege it is to serve our Lord!(8pm)

Humes update- Jocelin is headed home!

We cannot express how much the outpouring of love and support has meant to our family at this time. The comforting emails, calls & texts from so many of you have been a great blessing. We're also thankful to Mark and his family for fielding many calls and emails on our behalf, and for sending out updates when Jocelin needed to be transferred to Portland for possible surgery. We are happy to report that exams and tests all came back clear, so surgery will not be necessary, and she is being discharged today.

Thank you for your prayers. We have cried many tears – both in joy over Jocelin and Shiloh, and in grief, missing our sweet Elim. But we do not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thess 4:13), and we know that the Lord uses all such things to accomplish

Humes update 2PM Saturday, 12/11/10 (neat date, huh?) Jocelin going home!

Just got this email from Justin. Praising the Lord yet again, as He is bringing the Humes family back together again after having to spend a few days apart. In Justin's own words:

We cannot express how much the outpouring of love and support has meant to our family at this time. The comforting emails, calls & texts from so many of you have been a great blessing. We're also thankful to Mark and his family for fielding many calls and emails on our behalf, and for sending out updates when Jocelin needed to be transferred to Portland for possible surgery. We are happy to report that exams and tests all came back clear, so surgery will not be necessary, and she is being discharged today.
 
Thank you for your prayers. We have cried many tears – both in joy over Jocelin and Shiloh, and in grief, missing our sweet Elim. But we do not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thess 4:13), and we know that the Lord uses all such things to accomplish His purposes and for His glory. 
I found this quote today by C. H. Spurgeon:
 
"I am afraid that all the grace I have got out of my comfortable and easy times and happy hours might almost lie on a penny. But the good that I have received from my sorrows and pains and griefs is altogether incalculable. What do I not owe to the hammer and the anvil, the fire and the file?"
 
And so our God lovingly conforms us to the image of His precious Son, the One who willingly suffered and laid down His own life for us.

 "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6-7)

 Still praising Him, for He is worthy to be praised!

 Justin, Jocelin & the girls

207-691-2850

37 Stirling Road

Warren, ME 04864

Your life, your soul- by Nathanael Pena

Your life, Your soul!

Recently, while reading through the gospel of Matthew with my wife, Jesharelah, I was surprised to notice how extreme is the call to follow Jesus. Jesus hits every nerve as He tells us that if we want to follow Him, we cannot both have our life & not have our life at the same time. These verses truly are drastic.

For instance, in Matthew 16, Jesus just finishes explaining that His life will soon come to a close, that this world was not for Him but that He would suffer much persecution. Jesus alleged that He would actually experience organized attacks from the elders, chief priests, and scribes. He explained that He would be killed and that He would rise again. And in the context of this discussion about His death, He begins to explain what it will mean to follow Him.

Peter replies by saying that this isn't the kind of life he wants. Actually, he doesn't even want this kind of life for His Savior. But Jesus reproves him: "Peter, you are minding things of the world, not things of God." As soon as He says this, He turns to His disciples and tells them something that many of us Americans have forgotten

Douglas baby birth announcement

This announcement just came in from Johnny and Kelly Douglas in Baldwin City, Kansas. This family are colaborers in the Gospel work, and have moved from Texas to help the Baldwin City Gospel Chapel. This is their 7th child, with 5 sons and 2 daughters, the Lord has truly blessed this family. We thank the Lord for their friendship and praise the Lord for putting these faithful laborers into His harvest field. 

Mark Cowperthwaite

With much joy, we want to announce the birth of our daughter Lilly Jane Douglas!

 

She was born November 30th and weighed 8lbs. 8oz.

 

Lilly Jane "jumped" feet first into this world.  She was born breech with her 2 feet descending first.  The birth and delivery went very well with no complications for which we give glory to God for His great mercies.  We were also very blessed by God to have an excellent midwife who was competent yet very calm and reassuring.

 

The boys dote on Lilly as they were all hoping for another sister and Cheri absolutely loves her baby sister!

 

We truly give thanks to Jesus for delivering another child to us!  We are greatful for His love!

 

In Christ and with love,

Johnny and Kelly Douglas

 

PS Pictures of the family will be coming soon.

 

John Newton on "The death of an infant"

This was passed on by brother Jim Collins. I appreciated the sentiments from John Newton. As our family remembers the loss of our beloved Joshua and now seeing the Humes family deal with the loss of their precious daughter, Elim, I thought it was appropriate to post here. 


The death of an infant

(Letters of John Newton)

My Dear Friend,
I must leave a line to tell you that we sympathize with you and your wife in your severe trial. (The death of an infant.) But, at the same time, I rejoice exceedingly in the Lord's goodness, enabling you to be resigned and satisfied with His will, despite all the feelings and pinchings of flesh and blood. 

If you can now believe and say, "He does all things well"--with what transport would you say it, if the whole plan of His wisdom and love was unfolded to your view? He will condescend to unfold it to you hereafter--and it will fill you with admiration. It is an affliction, to be cordially rejoiced in, when the Lord, who cares for us--intimates His will by the event.

Healing and wounding are equally from His hand--and are equally tokens of His love and care over us! "The Lord gives--and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!" Job 1:21

You are in the wise and merciful hands of One who prescribes for you with unerring wisdom, and has unspeakably more tenderness than can be found in all human hearts taken together! He weighs all your painful afflictions with consummate accuracy! You shall not have a single grain of trouble more, nor for a single moment longer--than He will enable you to bear, and will sanctify to your good.

We know all things are dispensed to us by infinite wisdom--in number, weight, and measure--with a far greater accuracy than any doctor can adjust his medicines to the state and strength of his patients.

The flesh will feel the sharp affliction--but faith and prayer will lighten the burden, and heal the wound. Daily your sense of the Lord's goodness will increase, and the sense of pain will abate--so that you will have less sorrow, and more joy, from day to day.

What a blessing to be a Christian--to have a hiding place and a resting place always at hand! To be assured that all things work for our good, and that our compassionate Shepherd has His eye always upon us--to support and to relieve us.

I am affectionately and sincerely your friend, brother and servant,
John Newton

Key West arrival and Cowperthwaite family updates.

With all the commotion the last few days, I forgot to write and let everyone know that we made it safely to Key West. Our camper is parked at Camp Horizon, still for sale, now lowered to $8,000 in price, much less than what it is worth and a great deal for anyone looking for such a trailer. We are all settled in to our new apartment at Key West Gospel Chapel, and Mark will be speaking this Sunday, starting a series called "The Ideal Church" looking at the pattern of the local church from the New Testament. 

The folks here have been gracious and hospitable, welcoming us in to town and helping us get settled. We look forward to developing relationships with many local folks, spreading the Gospel in town in many venues, and helping the work of the Lord's church to be built up as we look to Christ as the Head of the church. We are excited to have this work from the Lord, with many brothers and sisters from other Florida churches behind the work here. Many will be coming to teach, preach, and help in outreach efforts. 

We will write more when I have time, thank you for your prayers and encouragement as we have prepared for this transition from itinerant work to more long term investment in a local church for God's glory. Grace and peace to you all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mark for the Cowperthwaites

www.cowperthwaitefamily.com

207-542-8916

Mail:

Mark Cowperthwaite

c/o Key West Gospel Chapel

720 Southard Street

Key West, Florida 33040

Humes Updates 2pm Friday Dec. 10,2010

Praise the Lord! It seems after many tests that Jocelin may not have to have surgery after all. There is still a chance, but we continue to pray that the Lord will allow Jocelin to heal more rather than undergo another surgery. Jocelin got some good  sleep last night and has been eating well today. We praise the Lord for answered prayer on this and many other fronts. We still do not have a release date for Jocelin, but we thank the Lord that He knows, and that He is in control. 

SaraGrace and the girls are headed to Parkman, to the home of Eric and Susanna Hall for the duration of Jocelin's time at the hospital. The Halls, their extended family, and the body of Christ overall have been instrumental in helping through this tough time. Staying at "the silo" will allow for some of the folks up that way who are very close to the Humes family to minister to some of their daily needs, helping with feeding and watching the children, and I believe it will be a time of encouragement and blessing to all involved. 

Justin and I talked about half an hour ago, and he sounded much better, having also gotten some sleep. He is planning to stay at Maine Medical Center with Jocelin until she is either transferred back to Belfast or released to go home. They are working through the hundreds of email, phone calls, and text messages that have been sent in an attempt to keep people up to date, so please be patient as they have family and others involved in care of the children to talk to first. 

As there have been many who have asked, I would remind folks that cards and all mail should be sent to: Justin Humes 37 Stirling Road, Warren, Maine 04864. Jocelin's mother has been taking care of their mail and will bring all correspondence to them. Our family is also blessed to have Sara's parents helping coordinate our mail while we are on the road. this is a blessing to us, and a great service to the ministry. Edna Dodge is still coordinating meals, but delivery of meals to the Humes will be on hold while they are with the Hall family. 

Again, we praise the Lord for His watchful care and protection over the Humes family, for His grace and peace that passes all understanding. We know that God will be glorified in all these things, and that Elim (A-leem) is with the Lord awaiting the day when Christ will come for His bride. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Mark Cowperthwaite for the Humes family

Email update- Humes family

Friday 12/10/10 945 am UPDATE

I am sorry for those who have received this news before, and also sorry for those who have been missed in previous emails. We will start from the beginning with the birth of Justin and Jocelin Humes' twin girls this past week and run chronologically through all the updates. We have tried to keep everyone informed, but due to many different devices (text, FaceBook, email) I was told some have missed the updates. If you wish to be removed from this list, email Mark at cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com I will also post this to our blog at www.cowperthwaitefamily.com for those who want to see the latest news please check the blog. 

Below is the email announcement from Justin and Jocelin Humes concerning the recent birth of their twin girls. One baby is healthy, but the second baby died during the birth process. Justin's words come at a time when their family is in transition and grieving. Close friends may wish to send a text message if you have their phone numbers. Otherwise, I think it would be best to give them some time to grieve this loss and settle in with baby Shiloh. The family has trusted in the Lord for everything, and know that He is in control in this time of loss. Prayer would be appreciated on their behalf.

Tuesday December 7, 2010 Afternoon

Dear friends and family,
 
It is with mixed emotions that we write to announce the birth of our twin girls, Shiloh Catherine and Elim Beatrice.  Shiloh was born around 10:45 Monday evening,[Dec 6] and Elim at 2:00 early Tuesday morning. There were complications with Elim's birth which required Jocelin to have a C-section, and Elim did not survive.  We praise God that Jocelin made it through the surgery and is recovering well, and that Shiloh is strong and healthy. We are greatly sorrowed by the loss of Elim, but also find solace knowing that she is in the presence of our Lord in heaven even now.
We thank you for your prayers.
 
the Humes family
Justin & Jocelin
Caedren, Kierah, Hadassah, Tzeitl, Laurel & Shiloh

Thursday 12/9/10 1PM update from Edna Dodge, a sister in Christ, who lives near the Humes and will be coordinating meals:

The Humes family are missionaries who do gospel work all over the US and our friends. They have recently rented a house in Northport for the winter.  They were pregnant with twins and delivered. One of these precious souls has entered the presence of the Lord. We grieve with our friends, and know that many hard days are to come as they deal with the loss of their daughter, the care of a newborn baby, and Jocelin's recovery. Jocelin has been transferred to Maine Medical for further treatment. Please keep them in prayer. 

I have volunteered to coordinate food for the Humes family and am emailing to ask if any of you would be willing to contribute a meal or snack. They have dietary restrictions so I am listing specific meals and snacks that you could choose from. I am hoping to do a meal every evening for atleast 3 weeks. You can drop them off to me and I will bring them. If you would like to visit with them you can schedule that with them but it would be nice for them to just be able to have the food dropped off without feeling obligated to also entertain. If you feel you would like to contribute please email back with a meal choice and I will let you know what day so we don't give them a chicken casserole 4 nights in a row.

Snacks (they don't do sugary foods)

Popcorn (non-microwave)

Organic yogurt (ie. Stonyfield)

natural dried fruit

fruit

natural corn tortilla chips

natural no sugar added applesauce

Meals

Taco salad

Chicken, brown rice, and vegetable casserole or soup

beef, brown rice, and vegetable casserole or soup

boiled dinner

tacos with hard shelled tacos

roast, potatoes and vegetables

Chilli

Beef stew

Mexican style brown rice

Thursay, 12/9/10 7PM update

Mark just talked to Justin regarding Jocelin's condition. They are still waiting on some additional tests tomorrow, but there is a chance she may NOT need surgery. An update on that will come when we get it, but there is no designated time as of this writing. 

Justin will be staying overnight with Jocelin at Maine Med, and SaraGrace is at home with the girls, with Cheryl Hebert helping with the care of the children. Jocelin was not feeling terribly well before she went into labor, and with all the events of the last few days, she really needs to catch up on sleep. Pray that she continues to catch up on sleep, as that will help a lot in the recovery process.

For the time being, it would be best if there were no phone calls, unless Justin has told you otherwise. They are returning calls as they have time, and also text messages. Justin now has his laptop computer with him, and email access, so email jhumesfamily@hotmail.com if you would like to contact them with encouragement and condolences. 

Edna Dodge (email ednadodge@live.com) is coordinating meals for the family and has suggested meals that fit into the family's allergies and food restrictions. Thank you for the love and support of the Humes family as they continue by the Lord's grace through this difficult time. 

Mark Cowperthwaite

cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com

207-542-8916

Headed to Key West- updates

We just wanted to send an update concerning the sale of our camper and our trip to Key West. We have not yet sold the camper, and so will be parking it at Camp Horizon in Leesburg, Florida for a while, allowing us to settle in to Key West without the stress of finalizing the camper sale at this time. The saints at Camp Horizon have graciously offered to let us park it there for a short while, so it is still officially for sale while also being useful to visiting volunteers and attendees of the various conferences that are held there. 

In the will of the Lord, we plan to leave Carrollwood Bible Chapel early Tuesday morning headed for Camp Horizon. We will drop the camper there and head to the Fritchey home in Pembroke Pines to visit and spend the night. Wednesday morning we plan to drive to Key West with all our stuff packed in the van. We will be staying in an apartment attached to the chapel there during our time of outreach and working with the saints in Key West.

We hope to have a mailing address soon in Key West so that cards, letters, and packages can be sent directly to us rather than having to be forwarded via Sara's parents (so grateful for their service in this). Please pray for us as we travel, and as we transition our living space. While the kids are excited about Key West and having a "house" to stay in, the camper has been home to them for the last 19 months and it has been "home" for us all. We will send updates as we have time concerning the Gospel work and much more concerning the work of the Lord in Key West. 

Anticipating the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Mark and Sara Cowperthwaite

Nathaniel, Virginia, Naomi, and Samuel

Camper sale and specs/ Plans for Key West outreach

With all the changes in our family's ministry lately, we are sending this update to clarify what the Lord is leading us to do, and also ask for prayer concerning the sale of our camper, which may seem strange. We have only a week to sell the camper before we leave the Tampa area, and it would be much better to wrap this all up before we head out. If you would like more information about buying the camper, or wish to pass the information along to someone else, please find such at the bottom of this email. You can see pictures online at http://picasaweb.google.com/cowperthwaitefamily/CamperForSale Now, on with what the Lord is doing in our lives and why we need to sell so quickly. 

This past few months we have sought the Lord's leading as our family transitions from itinerant Gospel outreach and equipping work to longer term Gospel work and discipleship to build up the local church in its fuller sense. We have felt led of the Lord to find a "struggling" meeting, one that has declined in number to a point that it may not be able to do much outreach at all. The Lord in His faithfulness has directed us to Key West, Florida. There is a chapel there with a great history dating back into the early 20th century. We visited Key West the week before Thanksgiving and after much prayer are now planning to arrive back in Key West sometime before December 12. 

The saints in Key West, though few in number, are a group dedicated to the Lord and desiring to build the local church. They have agreed to have our family come stay through the end of January. Mark will be sharing from God's Word many of the Lord's Day meetings, with a series on New Testament church principles. Mark would appreciate prayer for the leading of the Holy Spirit in preparation and delivery of these messages. We are blessed to have this opportunity to serve the Lord and His people in this way. The saints at Key West have graciously offered for us to stay in housing at the chapel for this period of time. We hope to be an encouragement to the local saints as they labor for the Master. 

As the Lord leads, weekdays in Key West we want to have some open Bible studies on the chapel steps, weekly outreaches to children in nearby neighborhoods and parks, and a Bible study in another local park. We also have plans to coordinate with other local believers in presenting the Gospel at nearby Mallory Square in open air ministry and on the streets. Please pray for the local saints in their continued Gospel outreach at the local jail and other venues as God has opened doors for His Word to go forth. Looking ahead, we have no other plans than to stay in Key West until the Lord leads us elsewhere. We may need to secure housing, should the Lord's plans include a permanent or long term relocation. When the Lord brings fruit in the Gospel work, there will be need for follow up meetings and studies, hopefully followed by baptism, discipleship, and continued teaching. We hope to see souls added to the Kingdom of God and also to fellowship in the local church. 

This leading from the Lord to move to Key West, coupled with issues of limited parking space, have necessitated the sale of our camper trailer. Our campers have been our home for nearly two years now, and we thank the Lord for His providence in so many ways. We now trust Him to provide the needs for this new venture as we seek to make the Gospel known, proclaiming our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the people in Key West, both locals and visitors. If you are interested in a large camper trailer (33' long) please call or email us soon. We would like to have it sold by December 10, if the Lord allows, so that we will not have to worry about storage or trying to sell it. The camper is currently located in Tampa at Carrollwood Bible Chapel. You can contact Mark at 207-542-8916 orcowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com FMI

Camper Specifications: 

2003 Nomad Scout  332 (33' long) empty weight: 7270 lbs., GVWR 9560 lbs. 

Dual axle with electro-magnetic drum brakes. 

Weight distributing hitch, anti-sway bars, and electric tongue jack make for easy hitching. 

Scissor stabilizer jacks front and rear.

All new tires in the past year, new brake shoes and drums May 2010. AC serviced August 2010.

Interior:

Queen bedroom in front.Queen mattress is 12" memory foam with pillow top. 

Pull out couch, full-over-single bed makes sleeping for 7 comfortably.

Great condition in all systems, but has NO AWNING.

Propane/electric option refrigerator and freezer. Propane/electric water heater (6 gallon)

Central AC, Central propane ducted furnace. 

Propane 3 burner stove with oven, including a 2 burner electric 1500 watt hot plate. 

Pressure tank (to save on water pump)

Built in propane detector, smoke detector. 

Wood table and 4 chairs (not fold down type), Microwave, extra battery, AM/FM CD player with USB charging and audio  input. 

Accessories:

Portable wastewater tank for off site disposal, Large holding tanks (40 gal fresh/50 and 35 gal grey/50 gal black) twin 20# propane tanks attached with a spare tank. 

Spare tire in good condition, mounted to rear bumper. Tons of storage, interior and exterior. 

Will include "Gorilla ladder" 6' A frame converts to 13' extension ladder and many spare bulbs and miscellaneous needed camper items. Coffee maker and toaster included. 

NADA book "low retail" is listed at $11,690 and "average retail" is $14,135. 

Sale price: $10,000 or best offer. Will prayerfully consider all offers. 

Following wherever the Lord leads,

Mark and Sara Cowperthwaite

Website- www.cowperthwaitefamily.com

Phone- 207-542-8916

Email- cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com

Mailing address- 12 Emery Avenue, Thomaston, Maine 04861

Giving thanks and making changes

Our family has enjoyed many blessings over the years, and we see God's hand of providence every day so long as we are wise enough to look around to see what the Lord is doing. Today we were blessed to gather with our family in Christ,  the Campbell and Nunley families in Lutz, Florida. Then we headed over to my brother's house in Carrollwood to enjoy time with our physical family(also family in Christ).

Our travels have been blessed with safety and we have seen much fruit from the Lord's work. We have been blessed to meet and encourage disciples of Jesus Christ in many locations, a work that we thank the Lord for sending and equipping us to do. Looking back, it seems to have been many years since we sold our home and moved into a camper, but it has not yet been quite two years. Amazing how time flies when you are having fun!

This week the Lord has given us clarity concerning His plan for us in the immediate future, which includes a move to Key West to work with a local church through Gospel outreach and encouragement in the Lord's work. As most of you know, we have felt the Lord's leading to labor longer in a location, and not to make our own long range plans, but rather to wait upon God for His timing. We should arrive in Key West in early December, Lord willing, and will be staying at least until the end of January. That is all the plans we have so far, and we will wait on the Lord to show us what happens from there. In the last two years of our ministry, we have often planned the next few stops in advance, and the Lord has blessed. Still, we feel God's calling to stay and labor until He moves us.

Our change in direction includes the need to sell our camper, which has been our traveling home for 18 months now. The camper is being cleaned out and put on the market this week. This is in part due to the lack of parking space for it, and in part due to the changing needs of our family. Though it has been a great asset in the past, when we head to Key West the camper will quickly become a liability, as we would have to find a place to park or store it. After much prayer and consideration, we know God has led us to sell the camper.

The passage below was shared with us concerning the Lord's leading in their family ministry, and I have found the wisdom in it to be applicable in our situation. The children of Israel did not make long range plans, but they followed the leading of the Lord:
Numbers 9:15-23 "On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning. So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night. And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped. 

At the command of the LORD the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the LORD they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the LORD and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the LORD they remained in camp; then according to the command of the LORD they set out. And sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they set out. 
Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. At the command of the LORD they camped, and at the command of the LORD they set out. They kept the charge of the LORD, at the command of the LORD by Moses."

Isn't it interesting how God says the same thing over and over to explain the leading and moving of the children of Israel? I have noticed that sometimes I am not listening too well, and God has been gracious enough to repeat it for those of us who are a little thick in the head. I thank the Lord for His patience and mercy for all the times we miss the writing on the wall.

 I am also reminded of James' words as inspired by the Holy Spirit; "James 4:13-16 "Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. "

We have learned more and more as we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord to let Him make the plans, and obey His calling. The fleshly tendency is to make our plans and then ask God to bless. God may keep us moving from place to place or settle us in to help a local church long term. We have learned to watch and pray, to seek His glory in all things. We often fail, but we thank the Lord for His mercy and grace when we fail. We thank the Lord for you all, and appreciate your prayers as we transition to a home without wheels, for however long that may be.

... and one more picture...

Who could resist this face?
Samuel is his father's son, no doubt about it!

Some pics from Fort Lauderdale and stuff like that...

"The heavens declare..."

Mark, Sara, and the younger 3 on Pompano Beach. 
(Nathaniel took this pic)

Naomi and Samuel being goofy

Virginia along "Alligator Alley" on the way to Fort Lauderdale

Sara entertaining about a dozen(some out of view)
 daycare kids next door to our camper at 
Carrollwood Bible Chapel in Tampa, Florida

ABCDEFG song

Naomi sings her days away when we have to be on the road. Here, she sings the ABC song for Samuel. Of course, this is the one with "ABCDEFG, Jesus died for you and me..." that we learned from the Harmon family in Kentucky. And now, for your viewing pleasure, Naomi Cowperthwaite...

Samuel eating.... his brother!

On our recent trip through "Alligator Alley", we stopped for lunch. We all had sandwiches, but Samuel decided he wanted something else...

Nathaniel wheel chair race

While visiting in Tampa, we got to use our reciprocal pass to get in to MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) for free. Of course, a visit to MOSI would not be complete without a wheelchair race. Nathaniel had the best time, with Mark coming in second, and Sara in third. We thought some of you would enjoy seeing how we spend some of our "time off" though most of the day was spent "doing school" and learning great things about science.

Apologetix's J. Jackson and Way of the Master

I just got an email from Living Waters and Way of the Master that mentioned interviews with some great men of the faith that will be in the upcoming season 5 of the TV show. It was great to see our old friend J. Jackson, lead singer and lyricist for ApologetiX, a Christian parody band that we used to book WAY back in the old days.

If you get a chance, please go to the Living Waters site and consider equipping yourself, your family, and your church to be better witnesses for Jesus Christ and share the Gospel Biblically, the way Jesus did. Seasons 1, 2, and 3 are now available for just $29 each. This program was one of the best I used in the past years since I got a passion for souls. Ray Comfort also has many sermons on audio that have helped continue my equipping and passion for learning God's Word and how to use it effectively as we proclaim the Gospel wherever we go.

Mark

Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ,

The week or two since our last update has been a flurry of activity. Our trip from Winchester, Kentucky to McDonough, Georgia was just that much more fun with Sara enduring the stomach bug that ran through the rest of the family in Kentucky. We praise the Lord that she recovered quickly and the next two days we were blessed to spend time with Gerald and Pamela Scarbrough and their children. The Scarbroughs have just listed their house for sale, and are praying about the Lord's leading in their lives in this time of transition.

From Georgia, we headed south to Ocala, Florida where we parked at Ocala Bible Chapel. This was a scheduled stop that became more necessary after a tire blowout on the camper. Yet again, we saw the Lord's provision as the blowout was on the passenger's side of the trailer. In our nearly 2 years of full time travel in the Lord's service, we have had to replace 4 tires, and not once have we had to do so on the driver's side.

When I consider the thought of changing a tire with cars and trucks zipping by at 70 mph,

Good Bye Maine (for now at least)

We left Maine just 11 days ago, yet it seems to have been months since we hit the road again. We want to thank all of those that have supported our family and ministry, it is hard to believe we have been living in a camper for almost 2 years. Our time in Maine was such a blessing, as always, but this trip seemed to be greatly profitable in the Lord's work. We were glad to see brothers and sisters in Christ working together, beyond denominational lines, for the cause of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the streets, in homes, in churches, in jails, and in many more venues than I could list here. As we head south yet again, we had the chance to meet some new family in Christ, and also check in with some precious brothers and sisters in Christ.

Our first stop was in Warwick, Rhode Island at Buttonwoods Bible Chapel, where we got to see Avi Bastajian and family and our brother Chuck Davis and his wife. We were introduced to the saints there, and it was good to meet more of our family of God.  From there, we visited Riverview Chapel in Hinton, West Virginia. We received gracious hospitality from the Christians in Hinton and got to spend a bit of time with Armand and Diana and enjoyed prayer meeting with many of the other brothers and sisters there at Riverview Chapel

One week until departure from Maine

Sorry for the lack of recent updates, we have had a pretty full schedule here in Maine. It is always a blessing to be "home" and get to catch up with many of our friends, having time to talk about the Lord together, to pray together. We have had many opportunities while in Maine to speak to those who don't know Jesus Christ about the wonderful Gospel message. We have been able to visit a few area churches, and will  be visiting 2 more this coming Sunday morning, with the early service at FBC Waldoboro and Rock of Ages in Wiscasset for the teaching hour and lunch afterwards. 

Since we arrived, we have been blessed to see our friend Todd through some tough times as he has had recent heart problems. Todd has a loving church family and a wonderful wife and children that have been a great help to his recovery. What challenged me was that through all the trials

Unity in Christ/ old hurts die hard

A brother was talking tonight,and I found that as he spoke I was drawn back to my experiences in many churches while living with my parents. I was raised in an "Independent Fundamental Baptist Church". I notice that there are many different "flavors" of Baptists nowadays, as there are of Methodists, Assemblies of God, Pentecostals, and many more that I am sure I have missed.

The thing is that as I encounter people in our Gospel work, and in daily life everywhere we go, I meet those who call themselves Christians. This identifier is almost always tagged along with a denominational name such as those above. I guess I have just been wondering more and more why

Family updates and prayer requests

Good News
Today, Samuel began to crawl. He is 7 months old, and finding his way around the camper quite nicely. You can check our Youtube channel for more videos.

Naomi is doing well learning her letters and is getting pretty good at remembering the older children's spelling words. Naomi's favorite word is "Missionary", but Daddy enjoys watching her spell "Monsoon" as she pronounces her "O"'s so cute.

Virginia is getting taller by the day, we think. She has enjoyed being at Grandma and Grandpa Allan's house in Thomaston, Maine. Virginia was baptized just over a week ago. See the Youtube Channel for related videos.

Nathaniel has been mowing the lawn, driving the golf cart around the property to do chores, and has also enjoyed his times like last weekend with friends near his age. This past weekend

Protecting our loved ones, modesty becomes a serious issue!

As I speak with fathers and concerned men across the USA, I see the truth that some of your daughters, sisters, wives, and other girls(even young girls) post pictures on Facebook, Myspace, and other public places of themselves and others dressed in swimwear or other clothing that has caused a stumbling block to those addicted to pornography and others that are tempted by lust. Please inform those you love of the danger of sexual predators and the stumbling block of lust. Many young  men tell me that they desire

Back in Thomaston, again

After a week and a half on the road, we are back in Thomaston at Sara's parent's home. It is nice to be so close to family, yet have our own space in the camper. We often have meals together and the kids help out with chores around the house. We are still praying about the specific timing of when we will leave Maine, or if God will lead us to stay for the winter. For now, we are excited about all the opportunities the Lord has given to share the Gospel, encourage Christians, and fellowship with local churches.

While on the road, we met with the Christians at Maine Coast Baptist Church in Ellsworth, Calvary Chapel Downeast in Trenton, and Church of the Open Bible in Athens, Maine. We had a good time of singing praise to the Lord, praying together, and hearing teaching and preaching from God's Word in all these places. I am reminded that the body of Christ is larger than any denominational (or non-denominational) lines that men make, and includes all those who are bought with the blood of the Lamb.

I have been blessed to meet with men from many local churches for prayer, encouragement, plans for evangelistic outreach, and dozens of other subjects pertaining to making the name of the Lord Jesus Christ known in all the earth. What a blessing it has been to be here so far, we look forward to what the Lord will do as He continues to open these doors. What an awesome God!!

Baptism and the continuing story of discipleship

While we have been proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ for years, the past few years doing this work full time has seen many milestones that remind us of God's faithfulness and love. We have seen the salvation of our two oldest children, and the salvation of many souls. Most often, we till up the ground and sow the seed of the Gospel. Sometimes we water the seed that was planted by another, and sometimes we get to take part in the harvest. Still, we know that salvation is not the only result of what God wants from this ministry.

LeAnna is a young  lady that stayed in our home for a few months while in her senior year of high school. We had many opportunities back then to share the Gospel with Leanna, to serve as examples of the Christian walk and how a family dedicated to the Lord should be. Often times, we failed, but we thank  God that He is faithful to forgive us as we confess our sin and seek to be conformed into the image of Christ more as the days pass. One night at our home (which was where the youth group from our church met) we had guests in, and LeAnna's life changed forever that night.

Sorrento, God of creation, saying Goodbye for now, but not forever

We took a ride around Sorrento, where my mother grew up and where she currently resides in a 12x16 house that I built for her a few years back. We will be staying a few days, visiting my father nearby in Gouldsboro, and taking a bit of a break and catching up with some family needs.

Today, we plan to visit "Birds acre" in Ellsworth, with its walking trails and serene surroundings, we hope to get a good close up look at God's creation and spend some time thinking about the Creator God that made all things and wants a relationship with us individually, what we should be doing for His glory every day of our lives.

Yesterday we went to a beach in Sorrento to pick up shells and play in the ocean water. The kids gathered

Walmart parking lots are encouraging mostly!

Today, I was in the Walmart parking lot and a car pulled up next to me. A man rolled down his window and said he liked my Van, but that I had an error in the wording. This is a common occurrence since we installed the decals on the van a year ago. 

I am often laughed at, sometimes the van is mocked or spit on, but more often than not, you will see someone driving down the road, reading it, and nodding or putting their head down knowing that God's Word brings conviction of sin. 

Reaching the world- what about bikers?

On our most recent trip to Richmond, Kentucky we met a man named Brian Wilson. Brian happened to have his parents motorhome for sale by the side of the highway, and we love to see RVs and meet new people. So, I  went inside to ask about the RV and ended up talking about the Lord, as pretty much happens every conversation I have, I  hope.

So, while we talked RVs and God, I quickly learned that this man is a brother in Christ. It didn't take long before we were discussing evangelism and the lack in many churches of a concentrated effort to go out and reach the world with the Gospel. I encouraged him that he was not alone.

Do you support Hollywood?

This video from Ray Comfort speaks to how Christians spend their  money, what they fill their minds with, and whether God is pleased with our entertainment choices. Ray asks some probing questions and this video has gotten him in trouble with some folks for his boldness and call him legalistic. What do you think?

Pictures and "images resembling men and creatures"

We have to thank our many friend/photographers for capturing our "good side" often, giving  us updated pictures of the kids and even us to share with others. You can view our family pictures at this link, Cowperthwaite family Picasa albums.

Sara Hemphill , Pamela Scarbrough, Holly Ames-Allan, and a few others have been patient enough to take pictures for us, and we so appreciate it. Getting 4 children to stand still, smile, and avoid picking their nose for a moment to pose for a picture is a bit of work, as any of you with children know.

Mark takes many of the other pictures in our albums, as we travel around we have had some beautiful displays of God's creative handiwork captured on our camera. Still, just a picture could never convey all the color and sense of awe that creation holds.

A truck stop worth stopping at.

Davey Lugibihl, TFC chaplain, Beaverdam, Ohio

We had a good visit with Davey Lugibihl and his wife while we were in Ohio. Davey is the chaplain at the Beaverdam, Ohio Transport for Christ trucker's chapel. Davey is a faithful encourager and a servant of the Lord for many years.

A visit to Ohio just wouldn't be complete without getting to see Davey. Of course, David Samuel Lugibihl and Samuel David Cowperthwaite had to get their picture taken together.


If you ever do find yourself traveling near Beaverdam, Ohio, stop in to the chapel for encouragement or prayer, maybe share a passage from God's Word with the chaplain on duty and pray together.
There is a group of faithful Christians that labor in this truck stop chapel (and many others like it across the country) to reach lost truckers with the Gospel message, to encourage Christians that are on the road, and to be a lighthouse for the Lord there at the Pilot truck stop in Beaverdam. If you ever get the chance, don't forget to ask to meet Davey. Just tell him that Mark Cowperthwaite sent you, and see his face light up.

Mark

Maine plans and updates

After a few hard days on the road, we made it safely to Sara'a parents home in Thomaston, Maine. We then had the blessing of gathering with the saints at Grace Fellowship Bible  Chapel in Union, where we had a blessed time remembering our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Ethan Hall then shared a message from God's Word considering the parable of the sower and the children of Israel when they were led out of Egypt by Moses.

Vessels of Honor 2010 available online

I received this email recently and wanted to share it with our readers that may be interested. 

2010 Vessels of Honor Conference
NEW TESTAMENT POWER
RENEWING A PASSION FOR CHRIST 
Speakers this year were Mike Attwood, Scott DeGroff, Jesse Gentile and Joe and Ann Reese

Eating from the trash can and other displays of God's providence

Trash Can Dinner
Today we had lunch with Sara's grandmother here at Maplecrest Senior Living Village in Bluffton, Ohio. We often have meals in the dining hall with Grandma Niswander, but today there was special preparation made. The meal was called "Garbage Can Dinner", and at first I was skeptical. You see, some folks in the area are well known for this special preparation. I quickly went from skeptical to fan of this special food preparation apparatus.

Anticipating the wedding

In a few days, here in Richmond, Kentucky, many people will gather on a hillside farm to witness the union of a man and a woman in marriage. Months ago, a date was set and many arrangements were made to prepare for this public profession of love and commitment between Josiah Morrison and Rachel Harmon. This couple has known each other for years, yet each day their bond is stronger, and with each day that passes into the future, their  hearts will become more and more united.

This is the way God has planned marriage to be, and gives a beautiful picture of the future of Christians and their beloved Savior. These young folks have been friends and companions, but soon they will be one flesh, united and bound to each other. As with the Christian walk, it is not a matter of forced compliance, but of love and desire to give of oneself for the benefit of another. What a beautiful picture from God!

Those that have called themselves by the name "Christian" have chosen to take on the name of their Beloved, much like Miss Harmon will soon take on the name of her beloved and become Rachel Morrison. For the Christian, as with the bride, the new name will be written down and kept on record. God intends marriage to be forever, again picturing the Christian life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old has passed away, behold all things have become new." A new family will be born right here before our eyes, praise God!

The marriage ceremony will be marked by witnesses, in a public place, but becoming united to another person in marriage is a simple thing. The ceremony is not necessary for one to become married, in fact in most places only the couple and a witness or two must be there. The couple that is married by a judge in a courthouse with no witnesses is no more or less married than the couple that has thousands in attendance. Such is the commitment of one's life to Christ, whether you are in a church building, sitting on the side of a mountain by yourself, or a friend sat by your side and witnessed your vow to God to repent and follow Him, the commitment is just as valid. It is not necessary to stand at the altar, but it is a joy for others to be able to share with you in the joy of seeing such a blessed union start.

I think of the ordinance of the church we call baptism. Those wishing to identify with Christ do so in a public setting, proclaiming their devotion to their Beloved Savior, and want the world to know. In the wedding, vows are exchanged, signifying promises of commitment, and in baptism we are proclaiming our love in public, in the presence of witnesses, whether two or two thousand in number.

So as we all go about the busyness of preparing, building,  painting, cooking, and making this old farm look new again, many have labored together to get it all done. Many have worked countless hours that those gathered will never know about, but their reward is not in the praise of people, but in serving. As we serve the Lord, our Beloved Bridegroom, we also ought not be looking for praise but serving out of love.

Often we labor in the Gospel, meet the needs of the poor, visit the sick, and labor endlessly, and it may seem that nobody notices. We know that the Lord sees our labor, for Him, and He provides the fruit at harvest time, in the time He chooses. We look forward to seeing fruit for Him as we prepare for the coming of our wedding day, when Christ will come to gather His bride. He will adorn us in pure garments that He has prepared, and we will forevermore be with our Beloved. What a glorious day that will be! 

So, while we are awaiting a wedding here on a hillside farm in Kentucky, I see so much more going on. We tend to get tied up in our work  and lose sight of why we give our lives for the labor. All one must do is step back and see the beauty of the sunset as we work, to see the smiles on the faces of the bride and groom and all the others as we anticipate the culmination of our work. True beauty is in the unity of so many laboring as one, anticipating the day when we will be united with Christ.

This morning, I was bemoaning the physical pain I deal with in this physical body. Then I picked up my Bible, and read the love letter my Groom has sent to me, to prepare for the wedding day. I considered Job when he lost his riches  and most of his family. I read of Paul sitting in jail, rejoicing  in the conversion of a runaway slave,  Onesimus. I see the willing sacrifice of my suffering Savior in the Gospel accounts.

I then looked at my profile picture on Facebook and remembered that Christ  is coming for me. He will give to me a new, incorruptible  body that will  know  no  pain. We will see glorious beauty that will make the beauty of a sunset in Kentucky pale in comparison. When I see the glory of the only begotten Son of God, full of grace and beauty, glory and majesty, it will humble the most prideful man to know that He is preparing a place for His bride. 

Saturday, the wedding will be beautiful, with flowers and dresses, a day of love and family, of joy culminating many days, months,  and years of preparation. Still, it is  just a little glimpse of what God has prepared for those that love Him and long for the appearing of our Savior, the  Messiah, the Holy One of God, our Bridegroom. Yes, marriage is forever and I am glad to have made the necessary preparations for the day He will come for me, to know that I know that I know that I am His and He is mine!