Tampa was a blessed time, between conference with the saints at Carrollwood Bible Chapel and many others from many parts of Florida, and even a few from other places. Brother Joe Reese shared all weekend from God's Word concerning evangelism in the light of the coming of the Lord Jesus. Quite challenging messages delivered with love and a spirit of gentleness were the hallmark of the weekend. Meeting new families and experiencing Florida hospitality (including Cuban and Brazilian cuisine) were just a few of the precious moments while there.
Mark's brother and his family live in Tampa and we got to spend time each day with them, catching up on old times, but also encouraging one another in God's Word. We did not get to visit their church home, but hope to next time we come to Tampa area, if the Lord wills us to visit again. We look forward to coming back, that's for sure. We already miss our dear friends and family, but are excited about what the Lord is leading us into in the next few months.
We also visited with a small group of Christians in Tallahassee for the weekend, and had a great time hearing from Jesse Gentile Sunday morning. Jesse, Mike (his dad) and Dan(Jesse's father in law) all came up for the weekend on other business and to encourage this church body, we got to meet many more of our brothers and sisters in Christ and partake of the Lord's Supper with them. After services, we had lunch and then even got to meet the Christians at Grace Covenant Church just across the way. It seems no matter where we go we meet Christians and are encouraged in the Lord.
That all brings me to the reason why I am excited. We just came home from the third consecutive night back in Georgia studying God's Word at the Scarbrough home. We were blessed to present the Gospel to a couple men today as we went out door to door, then came back for supper and Bible study. We left on cloud nine from the presence of our "Georgia church family", headed for the campground where we are parked for the week. Upon arriving, we saw a group gathered in the recreation hall. Sara put the kids to bed, and I headed out the door with Gospel CDs and Gospel tracts.
I guess I just about missed the whole group in a few minutes time, but there were two couples still walking toward their motor homes. I approached them, wanting to share the good news of Jesus Christ, and was greeted by brothers and sisters in Christ. Their group will be here all weekend, and plans to hold church services at the campground Sunday morning, and after talking for a while about the Lord, they asked me to speak to their group. This just reminds me that there are always opportunities to speak for the Lord. Sometimes, we will meet Christians and hopefully be an encouragement to them, and other times will meet those who have not yet heard of the greatest gift of all, salvation through Jesus Christ and His reconciling work on the cross for us.
We plan, Lord willing, to leave McDonough, GA this coming Wednesday, April 28 headed ultimately for Ottowa, KS to help with the final outreach of GNOM 5 (www.goodnewsnow.info) with stops to visit the saints in Hinton, WV, Richmond, KY, and Belleville, IL along the way. We heard great and mighty ways the Lord is providing for the needs of this "surge" of Gospel work in Kansas. We have also been blessed to hear of news of God's provision and blessing in Brookings, SD, here in McDonough, and many other places this past few weeks. We serve a living God who cares for His sheep. Praise God for His merciful and loving work in our lives. I am just bubbling over tonight, and had to share with you all.
Thank you for praying for us, you are a critical part of the ministry the Lord allows us to do. All glory to God!
