To download the PDF file, just click on the blog title, or you can find it by clicking here.
For some time, people have asked me to share my testimony. I finally got it all written out, and wanted to share it for folks who would like to read it. I also added a few thoughts about growing up in a Christian home, and some very important issues to deal with in raising children. The whole thing turned out pretty long, so I just made it more like a booklet and saved it as a PDF.
It is a long read, but I believe it shows the truth of God's grace, our need for a Savior, and some of the lessons I hope everyone learns the easy way. I had to learn too many times the hard way, and hope that this is an encouragement to you all as you seek the truth from God's Word for yourselves. I want to give thanks to those who prodded me to write it all down. I really see God's hand in my life more now that I read it over again.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Resources available upon request
I have received many emails asking for some of the materials I have produced over the years. This blog is searchable and contains much of what I have written, and I have recently started using tags on our "one anothering" blog to make them more accessible and easier to find.
We also use Google Docs and are working on publishing materials such as gospel tracts, training materials, song visuals, and other items that we (Mark and Nathaniel) have put together to help and equip the body of Christ. We want to continue to connect with Christians worldwide, and have found the medium of the internet to be a valuable tool.
Feel free to email me at cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions.
Some articles can also be found on Google Knols and I will be putting more articles up as they are written.
Thank you for taking time to read these items, I pray that they will be encouraging, challenging, and mostly that God is glorified in all things.
We also use Google Docs and are working on publishing materials such as gospel tracts, training materials, song visuals, and other items that we (Mark and Nathaniel) have put together to help and equip the body of Christ. We want to continue to connect with Christians worldwide, and have found the medium of the internet to be a valuable tool.
Feel free to email me at cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions.
Some articles can also be found on Google Knols and I will be putting more articles up as they are written.
Thank you for taking time to read these items, I pray that they will be encouraging, challenging, and mostly that God is glorified in all things.
Our first 2 weeks in Maine
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
What a blessing this past few weeks have been in Maine. We made it safely home yet again from a weekend away from home, thanks to the Lord's provision. It seems like we just got home the other day, but also that so much has transpired in such a little period of time.
The first 2 weeks were filled with visits and meals with folks from nearly a dozen local churches. It seems that we know Christians in about every church in the area, and it has been great to get to know them better, and also to hear how the Lord is working in their lives individually and in the churches of Mid Coast Maine. It is encouraging to see the body of Christ laboring together in service to the Lord.
This past week, we attended a service at FBC Waldoboro, the memorial service for Wayne Brown. Wayne was a special sort of brother, a dedicated servant of the Lord, a proclaimer of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wayne worked with the Gideons, the jail ministry, and so many other venues as a testimony to a heart radically changed by the love of Jesus. It was a privilege to know Wayne, and I was drawn to think of my own life. Surely, this life is short, and every moment should be lived for the Lord. I pray that when it comes time for my death that I am remembered, not as a matter of pride, but for the glory brought to God in my life. What a challenge for us all to walk in the light of God's Word, a living testimony of God's grace. Wayne will be missed greatly.
The Maine weather has not made it easy to travel or to get out with the Gospel, but we have found cashiers, waitresses, and many other people along the way that we can speak with or share a Gospel tract or CD with. Winter in Maine seems to be a hard time to get out for Gospel work, but also for fellowship among Christians. Still, God has kept us safe as we have been on the road.
We were so pleased yesterday to find out that Sara and the baby are both doing fine as we approach the last month of pregnancy. We were also well pleased to finally find out the gender of our baby. I am happy to announce that we are expecting Samuel David Cowperthwaite to join us soon. Sara is comfortable, but as many already know, we don't expect to see her wait until the "due date" to meet Samuel.
This coming week, there are more meetings, meals, and ministry. I will be speaking at the church service held at Knox County Jail this coming Saturday, then sharing at both services at First Baptist Church in Waldoboro Sunday, Jan. 24. There are many friends that we have not yet seen at FBC, and we look forward to being able to share with them the praise reports of God's work around the country.
Just this past Sunday we got to attend meetings at Family Bible Church, Bible Baptist Church of Hancock, and Maine Coast Baptist Church, all in Hancock County. These are all churches that I have ties to. Family Bible was the first church I ever attended, while Maine Coast was the church I spent most of my early years in. Bible Baptist is the current home to many friends, and the church my mother attends. We were blessed to be able to share a testimony of God's grace, and also talk about the work God has called us to.
It was such a blessing to see many of these faces, and see that the years that have passed since I lived up there have been full of God's Word being spread in that area. Some of the beloved saints that had me for a student in school and Sunday School were there. I am glad we got this opportunity, and especially that we were able to re-establish contact with so many of God's people.
I just wanted to send off an update for you all, and hope that this letter is an encouragement. Our time here, both at our home church in Union, and meeting believers in so many other places, has been great for our family. We pray that we will be used to encourage, build up, and challenge others as we strive together to seek the Lord, to glorify Him in all we do, and to worship together.
Mark for the Cowperthwaites
What a blessing this past few weeks have been in Maine. We made it safely home yet again from a weekend away from home, thanks to the Lord's provision. It seems like we just got home the other day, but also that so much has transpired in such a little period of time.
The first 2 weeks were filled with visits and meals with folks from nearly a dozen local churches. It seems that we know Christians in about every church in the area, and it has been great to get to know them better, and also to hear how the Lord is working in their lives individually and in the churches of Mid Coast Maine. It is encouraging to see the body of Christ laboring together in service to the Lord.
This past week, we attended a service at FBC Waldoboro, the memorial service for Wayne Brown. Wayne was a special sort of brother, a dedicated servant of the Lord, a proclaimer of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wayne worked with the Gideons, the jail ministry, and so many other venues as a testimony to a heart radically changed by the love of Jesus. It was a privilege to know Wayne, and I was drawn to think of my own life. Surely, this life is short, and every moment should be lived for the Lord. I pray that when it comes time for my death that I am remembered, not as a matter of pride, but for the glory brought to God in my life. What a challenge for us all to walk in the light of God's Word, a living testimony of God's grace. Wayne will be missed greatly.
The Maine weather has not made it easy to travel or to get out with the Gospel, but we have found cashiers, waitresses, and many other people along the way that we can speak with or share a Gospel tract or CD with. Winter in Maine seems to be a hard time to get out for Gospel work, but also for fellowship among Christians. Still, God has kept us safe as we have been on the road.
We were so pleased yesterday to find out that Sara and the baby are both doing fine as we approach the last month of pregnancy. We were also well pleased to finally find out the gender of our baby. I am happy to announce that we are expecting Samuel David Cowperthwaite to join us soon. Sara is comfortable, but as many already know, we don't expect to see her wait until the "due date" to meet Samuel.
This coming week, there are more meetings, meals, and ministry. I will be speaking at the church service held at Knox County Jail this coming Saturday, then sharing at both services at First Baptist Church in Waldoboro Sunday, Jan. 24. There are many friends that we have not yet seen at FBC, and we look forward to being able to share with them the praise reports of God's work around the country.
Just this past Sunday we got to attend meetings at Family Bible Church, Bible Baptist Church of Hancock, and Maine Coast Baptist Church, all in Hancock County. These are all churches that I have ties to. Family Bible was the first church I ever attended, while Maine Coast was the church I spent most of my early years in. Bible Baptist is the current home to many friends, and the church my mother attends. We were blessed to be able to share a testimony of God's grace, and also talk about the work God has called us to.
It was such a blessing to see many of these faces, and see that the years that have passed since I lived up there have been full of God's Word being spread in that area. Some of the beloved saints that had me for a student in school and Sunday School were there. I am glad we got this opportunity, and especially that we were able to re-establish contact with so many of God's people.
I just wanted to send off an update for you all, and hope that this letter is an encouragement. Our time here, both at our home church in Union, and meeting believers in so many other places, has been great for our family. We pray that we will be used to encourage, build up, and challenge others as we strive together to seek the Lord, to glorify Him in all we do, and to worship together.
Mark for the Cowperthwaites
Monday, January 4, 2010
Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina, Connecticut, and Maine- busy couple weeks
WOW what a trip!
The last 2 weeks, we have been in the car and on the road more than we have been anything else. It has been a whirlwind trip for us, and it all seems to be a blur. It is hard to believe that just 10 days ago we were in Richmond, Kentucky, saying our "good bye" to the folks at Bluegrass Bible Fellowship. The Lord has been showing us many things these last few weeks, and we are humbled by the love God's people have showered upon us. We surely don't deserve the fellowship we have, but by God's grace He has saved us and caused us to be a family in Him.
The day before Christmas we moved the camper from our parking spot perched atop the precarious driveway on the Harmon farm. We were able to safely get the trailer down the driveway and into the chapel parking lot. Christmas day we spent some time at the Harmon home, getting nice hot showers (had been without water for 2 weeks due to cold temps outside) and then gathered with many friends at the Everling home. It was very hard to say good-bye, but we know that we will spend eternity in glory, gathered together in the presence of God. We are reminded that our time on this earth is short, and there is so much to do if we are to obey the Lord's commands. With Kentucky in the rear view mirror. we headed to Georgia.
In McDonough, we found ourselves (or at least myself) in a tight spot. Evidently, I needed a reminder that material possessions are just temporary tools, and a lesson in humility may have been in order. Upon arriving at the Scarbrough home I proceeded to get the trailer in such a position that I tore the stabilizer jacks off the rear of the trailer. The damage was negligible, and I have been assured that the GNOM guys will be putting on the new jacks while in Georgia. I have often touted myself (need to learn this lesson) as an expert trailer driver, even giving lessons to those less experienced in trailer towing. Well, this time I made a public mistake for all to see. Funny enough, this accidental encounter with onlooking neighbors opened a door for Gerald to speak with his neighbors, who came over for supper that night and stayed for a couple hours. You just never know how the Lord will use these things, but it is always amazing to see His hand in even the "accidents"
Our short trip to Georgia did give us time to spend with the Scarbrough family, preparing for the GNOM teams work there, and also preparing meals for the conference that we went to in Myrtle Beach. The Scarbroughs and Cowperthwaites shared a suite for 3 days, and were blessed by the teaching and especially the fellowship at the Myrtle Beach Conference. I might add that the Lord provided yet again, as we received our stay in Myrtle Beach free of charge. What a blessing! We got to meet many other Christians and spend much time in God's Word with Gerald and Pamela. Our children enjoyed the time rooming in with Carter, Kayla, and Nathan Scarbrough, also getting to meet the Bastajian family along with a host of others. The room we were given was large enough that we were able to have families over for most every meal while we were there. We rang in the new year with the Scarbroughs, praying together (kids and all at midnight) that the Lord would be glorified in all we do, that souls would be saved, and that we would draw closer each day to where we ought to be in the Lord.
From Myrtle Beach, we headed toward Maine with an overnight stop in Joppa, MD and also in Oxford, CT. We were able to spend some time with Ryan Farrington, Ken and Rebekah Farrington, and Greg and Ariel (last name escapes me yet again) We were then invited for an overnight stay with Roman and Susie Kresina, a couple we had met while in Kentucky for the GNOM surge in May and June. Saturday night was a blessed time of hearing how the Lord is at work in Newtown and Danbury, CT, of street evangelism, Bible studies beginning in a new area, and also catching up on the work in Richmond, Kentucky with the Kresinas. We gathered with the saints at Newtown Christian Fellowship, and then headed out in the snow for Maine.
The roads were pretty terrible in Connecticut, but improved quite quickly once we got to Massachusetts. We prayed all along the way that we would arrive home safely to see Sara's mom Sunday night. The Lord provided safety and providence in so many things this last few weeks, and we see His hand all along the paths of our lives. Even when we are faithless, God is faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. The very nature of God is faithfulness, and He never fails. NEVER.
I guess I may not have mentioned this, but we left our trailer at the Scarbrough home, and will be staying at Sara's parents house during our stay in Maine So, we have many plans for our time here in Maine, but we look forward to hearing from you all. We would love to share in prayer with you, so feel free to call or write. I will close for now, and look forward to hearing from you soon. May God richly bless.
--
Mark and Sara Cowperthwaite
12 Emery Avenue
Thomaston, Maine 04861
cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com
www.cowperthwaitefamily.blogspot.com
The last 2 weeks, we have been in the car and on the road more than we have been anything else. It has been a whirlwind trip for us, and it all seems to be a blur. It is hard to believe that just 10 days ago we were in Richmond, Kentucky, saying our "good bye" to the folks at Bluegrass Bible Fellowship. The Lord has been showing us many things these last few weeks, and we are humbled by the love God's people have showered upon us. We surely don't deserve the fellowship we have, but by God's grace He has saved us and caused us to be a family in Him.
The day before Christmas we moved the camper from our parking spot perched atop the precarious driveway on the Harmon farm. We were able to safely get the trailer down the driveway and into the chapel parking lot. Christmas day we spent some time at the Harmon home, getting nice hot showers (had been without water for 2 weeks due to cold temps outside) and then gathered with many friends at the Everling home. It was very hard to say good-bye, but we know that we will spend eternity in glory, gathered together in the presence of God. We are reminded that our time on this earth is short, and there is so much to do if we are to obey the Lord's commands. With Kentucky in the rear view mirror. we headed to Georgia.
In McDonough, we found ourselves (or at least myself) in a tight spot. Evidently, I needed a reminder that material possessions are just temporary tools, and a lesson in humility may have been in order. Upon arriving at the Scarbrough home I proceeded to get the trailer in such a position that I tore the stabilizer jacks off the rear of the trailer. The damage was negligible, and I have been assured that the GNOM guys will be putting on the new jacks while in Georgia. I have often touted myself (need to learn this lesson) as an expert trailer driver, even giving lessons to those less experienced in trailer towing. Well, this time I made a public mistake for all to see. Funny enough, this accidental encounter with onlooking neighbors opened a door for Gerald to speak with his neighbors, who came over for supper that night and stayed for a couple hours. You just never know how the Lord will use these things, but it is always amazing to see His hand in even the "accidents"
Our short trip to Georgia did give us time to spend with the Scarbrough family, preparing for the GNOM teams work there, and also preparing meals for the conference that we went to in Myrtle Beach. The Scarbroughs and Cowperthwaites shared a suite for 3 days, and were blessed by the teaching and especially the fellowship at the Myrtle Beach Conference. I might add that the Lord provided yet again, as we received our stay in Myrtle Beach free of charge. What a blessing! We got to meet many other Christians and spend much time in God's Word with Gerald and Pamela. Our children enjoyed the time rooming in with Carter, Kayla, and Nathan Scarbrough, also getting to meet the Bastajian family along with a host of others. The room we were given was large enough that we were able to have families over for most every meal while we were there. We rang in the new year with the Scarbroughs, praying together (kids and all at midnight) that the Lord would be glorified in all we do, that souls would be saved, and that we would draw closer each day to where we ought to be in the Lord.
From Myrtle Beach, we headed toward Maine with an overnight stop in Joppa, MD and also in Oxford, CT. We were able to spend some time with Ryan Farrington, Ken and Rebekah Farrington, and Greg and Ariel (last name escapes me yet again) We were then invited for an overnight stay with Roman and Susie Kresina, a couple we had met while in Kentucky for the GNOM surge in May and June. Saturday night was a blessed time of hearing how the Lord is at work in Newtown and Danbury, CT, of street evangelism, Bible studies beginning in a new area, and also catching up on the work in Richmond, Kentucky with the Kresinas. We gathered with the saints at Newtown Christian Fellowship, and then headed out in the snow for Maine.
The roads were pretty terrible in Connecticut, but improved quite quickly once we got to Massachusetts. We prayed all along the way that we would arrive home safely to see Sara's mom Sunday night. The Lord provided safety and providence in so many things this last few weeks, and we see His hand all along the paths of our lives. Even when we are faithless, God is faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. The very nature of God is faithfulness, and He never fails. NEVER.
I guess I may not have mentioned this, but we left our trailer at the Scarbrough home, and will be staying at Sara's parents house during our stay in Maine So, we have many plans for our time here in Maine, but we look forward to hearing from you all. We would love to share in prayer with you, so feel free to call or write. I will close for now, and look forward to hearing from you soon. May God richly bless.
--
Mark and Sara Cowperthwaite
12 Emery Avenue
Thomaston, Maine 04861
cowperthwaitefamily@gmail.com
www.cowperthwaitefamily.blogspot.com
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