On Thanksgiving and every day, Lord, help us see you at work in all situations and give thanks.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During this month of November, we observe Thanksgiving Day. When we review the history of this day, we recall the suffering and hardships as well as the blessings those first pilgrims experienced as they worked at establishing themselves in this new world. But recognizing God’s presence in all they were going through, and how He had protected them from enemy hardship and blessed them with abundant harvests, those pilgrims took time out to celebrate God’s goodness and thank Him for all He had done. So today we continue that tradition in thanking the Lord for all He has done.
One of the things many people probably struggle with the most, but don’t talk a lot about, are the struggles and difficulties faced daily. Things we have planned for that did not go as we had hoped. Or things we did not plan for but had to go through anyway (illness, death of a loved one, loss of a job, etc.). Maybe temptation came our way and instead of standing firm against it, we gave into it, and later we regretted it. The hardship, the heartache, the disappointment, the regret just sort of hung around us and we just couldn’t seem to knock it off. Do you know what I mean? Kind of like that headache that just won’t go away, and it distracts you to no end. Unfortunately, you have to admit that that is all part of life: sin messed everything up and now we have to live with it.
But take heart. All is not lost. I have noticed that when difficulties come, those times may draw people closer to the Lord. We may spend more time talking with Him, seeking His presence, His comfort, His healing touch. It happens to me. You may have noticed it happening to you. Nothing wrong with spending more time with the Lord, right? Maybe that is why He allows those times to come into our lives.
In the O.T., men like Joseph, Nehemiah, Jehoshaphat, Job, Daniel, and many more, went first to the Lord in their time of hardship. They prayed, fasted, sought Him for help. In Matthew 11:28 the Lord said “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” I Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I wonder at times if God allows these times to come to us so that we will go to Him. What do you think?
Let me encourage you, during this month of Thanksgiving, to take time to thank the Lord for all He is doing in and through you. As difficult and unfair as it may have been at times, He may be doing something great through it. Remember Romans 8:28? We don’t know the why’s, but God does and His ways are always higher than ours. The Apostle Paul in I Thessalonians 5:18 says “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Have a great month of November and Happy Thanksgiving.
Your Fellow Servant,
Bro. Loren
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November
1st - North & East Zone Pastor's Prayer Meetings
4th - TIME CHANGE - Don’t forget to “Fall Back”!!
4th - Hosanna Baptist Tabernacle - 18th Anniversary
Celebration
(details below)
5th-8th - Lost Maples Adult Retreat (Alto Frio)
6th - OCL Meeting - 6:30pm
7th - South Zone Pastor’s Prayer Meeting
11th - Veteran's Day
12th-13th - SBTC Annual Meeting (2nd Baptist Church
North - Houston, TX)
22nd-23rd- Thanksgiving Holidays
(FRBA OFFICE CLOSED)
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December 2018
5th - South Zone Pastor’s Prayer Meeting
6th - North & East Zone Pastor's Prayer Meetings
7th-9th - Living Christmas Village
(details below)
8th - 11:00am - FRBA Church Administrators’
Fellowship Christmas Potluck
11th - FRBA Executive Board Pastor/Spouse & Staff
Christmas Fellowship - starting at 6:30pm
24th-31st - Christmas Holidays (FRBA OFFICE CLOSED)
31st - New Year’s Eve
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SAVE THESE DATES!!
2019
Jan 7th & 8th
- Pastor's Prayer Retreat at Alto Frio
Jan. 22nd
- FRBA Tax Seminar
Feb. 8th-10th
- Sustain Ladies Retreat at Alto Frio
Feb. 21st
- FRBA CPR/1st Aid/AED Training
May 3rd-6th
- FRBA Ladies' Retreat at HEB Foundation Camp
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Somerset Baptist Church
is seeking a part-time paid youth minister. Resumes can be emailed to SomersetBCTX@gmail.com.
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Old Rock Baptist Church
will host a Descendant's Day celebration to include honoring of the veterans on
November 11th
. They will also have dinner on the ground afterwards.
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We had 25 folks (representing 7 of our churches) in attendance at this year’s South Texas Church Worker Clinic. Special thanks to
FBC Pearsall
for hosting us this year, and to
Jonathan Hewett
for coordinating it all once again.
If you couldn’t make it this year, be sure to join us next year! This is a well-organized, and very helpful event.
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Several of our churches hosted Trunk or Treat events recently, and we've got pictures from a couple of them. Click
HERE
to see pictures from the one at
FBC Carrizo Springs
, and
HERE
to see pics from the one at
Somerset Baptist Church
.
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I want to say a great big Thank You for all those who took part in our 2018 FRBA Annual Gathering. What a great time of fellowship and worship we had as we gathered together!
Thank you
First Baptist Church Cotulla
for a well-organized hosting of the day. Thank you
David Hightower
and
Scott Duffer
for leading us in worship. Thank you
Noe Rodriguez &“Tapestry”
for the special music. Thank you
Brian Blackburn
,
Mike Barrera
,
Sonny Osio
and
Tim Hughes
for your inspiring testimonies. Thank you
Cliff Harden
and
Ruben Harrison
for Moderating our business sessions. Thank you
Clyde Butter
for walking us through the changes in the layout of our Constitution and By-Laws. Thanks to all those who had a booth for sharing with us about their ministries. Thank you
Laurie Beth & Scott Scantlin
for all the hours you spent in putting together the annual Book of Reports. Thank you, pastors, staff members and laypersons for taking the time to be a part of this important annual meeting.
It was my first annual meeting as your DOM and I am so thankful for all of you and appreciate all you have done. You are a wonderful group of brothers and sisters working together for God’s Kingdom work.
Thank you!
Bro. Loren
Click
HERE
to see pictures from the 2018 Annual Gathering.
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If you weren't able to join us for the Annual Gathering, we have plenty of copies of the Book of Reports available at the FRBA Office. The booklet includes an updated church directory as well. Stop by and pick one up when you’re in the area!
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Meanwhile...at FBC Natalia...
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FBC Natalia wishes to thank
Bro. Jonathan Hewett
for leading and sharing God's word with us during our recent day's of Revival services. "The seed" has been cast and the harvest is coming!
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The Lord Blessed us all at FBC Natalia's Family Fish Day with a great time of fellowship and laughter. Click
here
for more pictures.
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And last but certainly not least:
Pastor Lenard Dossey and wife Linda
have a new grandson!
(This makes 9 grandchildren)
Baby Lenard Roy Dossey III
, mom dad, and big sisters are all doing well.
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Don't forget to turn your clock
back this weekend!
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Pastor appreciation at
FBC Big Wells
!
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Primera Iglesia Bautista - Laredo
recently celebrated
135 years
as the oldest, continuously meeting Hispanic Baptist Congregation in the United States. The Root of all Hispanic Baptist work in the United States!
Started in 1881 as a Spanish class of First Baptist Church, and later constituted as a church in 1883 as Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana de Laredo, TX. The church has been located at their current location since 1900 and have been a constant light in the community of Laredo TX, for 135 years and counting. Click
HERE
for more pictures from the celebration.
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John and Lisa Coleman
participated a mission project to New York City along with the 125 voice men's choir,
The Singing Men of Texas
, singing at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, Oct. 13. The group also led worship in several local churches Sunday morning, sang in Times Square and attending worship at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. The Singing Men of Texas is composed of music and worship leaders from Baptist Churches from throughout the state.
There are six chapters including the Singing Men of South Texas based out of San Antonio. John Coleman has been a member of this group for 38 years. They sing in area churches once a month and have been on mission projects around the world. John serves as Minister of Music and Education at
First Baptist Church in Pleasanton
.
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FBC Devine
hosted a retirement luncheon for
Pastor Mike
Barrera & his lovely bride Polly
on Sunday, October 28th. It was a wonderful celebration! We all wish them God's blessings in a well-deserved time of rest and relaxation followed by whatever God calls them to next. Click
HERE
for pictures from the luncheon.
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Christmas Village 2018
Friday, December 7th - Sunday, December 9th, 2018
Strawberry Festival Grounds Hwy 16, Poteet, Texas 78065
Doors open at 5:30pm -- Tours start at 6:00pm
The Living Christmas Village is an outdoor walking presentation of the Journey of Christ from his Birth to his Resurrection. Have you ever wanted to go back in time? Just shut your eyes and imagine what it would be like 2,000 years ago. You now find yourself entering the Gates of Bethlehem on the eve of our Savior's birth. Experience the life of Christ and witness the greatest gift mankind has ever known, as told by your tour guide, the prophet "Isaiah". You will visit at least 30 scenes and see over 200 different characters and animals.
Did you know that
FBC Pleasanton
started the Christmas Village (which is now in Poteet) in 1998? Did you know that some of their church family has participated every year since its birth! Did you know that their church continues to be a driving force for the village still today?
Talk about ministry work. Last year the Christmas Village had over 900 people come through in 3 days. Each person had their own experience. Some heard the word of God for the first time. Others have heard it over and over and find it’s really hard to understand and connect to, until they see it for themselves. But most agree there is something about seeing and experiencing the journey that gives people goose bumps. That’s when you know they understand.
If you’ve never been (or even if you haven’t been for a while), you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s like stepping back in time and experiencing the Journey of Christ!!
This exciting 3-day event begins on Friday, December 7th, and continues through Sunday, December 9th. The gates open at 5:30pm and tours begin at 6:00pm and depart about every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the evening. Each tour lasts about 40 minutes. You can even enjoy live music, free refreshments and a free petting zoo for the children while you wait!
The Christmas Village is located on Hwy 16 in Poteet, TX 78065 at the Lions Club Building on the Strawberry Festival Grounds.
For more information please call 830-569-2582.
Click
here
for pictures and more info.
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FBC Pleasanton is looking for praise bands or choirs that would like to entertain people while they wait to go through the village. Each time slot is for a minimum of 1 hour (but can be longer), and musicians will need to bring their own equipment. Please contact
John Coleman 830-569-2582
if interested.
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January 1st thru October 31st
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2017
Income: $127,459.65
Expenses: $77,910.07
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2018
Income: $134,476.54
Expenses: $116,062.90
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O
peration Christian Love
by Beth Ann Brundrett
This year, OCL will be making a trip to Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, to tour some of the orphanages & ministries that
we support.
If you would like to see some of the orphanages, soup kitchens, & other ministries that OCL works with throughout the year & some that we provide gifts to for their own Gatherings for Christ (where they celebrate the birth & love of our Savior, Jesus, Christ), come join us in Eagle Pass. You are welcome to come on Tuesday, December 4th and spend the night with us. Otherwise, please plan to arrive by 8:00am on Wednesday, December 5th.
Trip to Piedras Negras
Date:
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Time:
8:30am
Where We Will Stay
: The Catholic Mission House - 1080 Vista Hermosa; Eagle Pass, TX 78852
Transportation
: Transportation will be furnished by representatives of some of the ministries and/or orphanages. If you wish, you may give them a cash donation to help pay for the gasoline.
What to Wear:
Casual, comfortable shoes & clothes. Do not over dress. You will be going into poverty areas & should remember to go as a “servant, not a king or a queen”. Extra Jewelry is best left at home.
What to Bring: Passport or Certified Copy of Birth Certificate & picture ID.
Any special dietary needs and medication you will need during the day.
Return:
4pm to the mission house.
Please come join us to see where some of your gifts will be going and to meet some wonderful, dedicated “Servants of our Lord”.
PLEASE NOTE:
You will need to register for this trip by calling Beth Ann at 210-854-9360 & reserving a seat by
Sunday, December 2, 2018
.
OCL will provide food & snacks for the day, as well as bottled water.
If you wish to stay at the Catholic Mission House, on Tuesday night or any other nights, please call Beth Ann to make sure you have a bed reserved.
(Recommended donation for the stay is $10 per person per night.)
Thanks and God Bless.
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OCL Christmas Ministry
December 2018
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Iglesia Bautista Jerusalen
- 538 Memo Robinson; Eagle Pass, TX
Longhorn Ranch Motel
- Hwy 118 between Terlingua & Alpine, TX
432-371-2541
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The following items are needed as soon as possible:
--donations for the purchase of at least 1,000 Bibles
--hair accessories --coloring books & story books (in both Spanish and English)
--stuffed animals --small baby dolls
--socks & underwear --jackets
--blankets --warm crocheted caps & scarves
--gloves (adult sizes as well as children) --small toy trucks & cars
--jacks --other small toys (NO TOY WEAPONS PLEASE)
Please stay away from toys that require batteries unless you also furnish the batteries.
For older youth in the orphanages:
Boys
:
Girls
:
--wrist watches --purses
--razors & shaving equipment --nice blouses
--ties --dress slacks
--dress shirts --skirts
--nice slacks --hair accessories
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CALENDAR FOR 2018 OCL CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Save these dates as you help us prepare to celebrate the birth of our savior!
Tuesday, December 4th
Some volunteers to Eagle Pass, TX -
No regular OCL Meeting
!
Wednesday, December 5th
8:30am - meet at Iglesia Bautista Jerusalen in Eagle Pass, TX for trip to Piedras Negras
(details above)
6:00pm - volunteers start arriving at Jerusalen to set up for sorting & stocking stuffing
Thursday, December 6th
8:00am - breakfast at Jerusalen followed by sorting & stocking stuffing
12:00 noon - lunch
1:00pm - sorting & stocking stuffing continues
Friday, December 7th
8:00am - breakfast & completion of sorting & stocking stuffing at Jerusalen
12:00 noon - lunch
12:00 to 2:00pm - gift pick-up
5:30pm - Kickapoo Gathering (meal provided by the tribe)
Saturday, December 8th
8:00am - breakfast and last-minute preparations at Jerusalen
9:30am - Jerusalen Gathering
12:00 noon - lunch
1:30pm - leave for Gathering at a location TBA
Call Beth Ann at 210-854-9360 if you have any questions or want to get involved.
Our greatest strength comes from prayer!
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FRBA RESOURCE LIBRARY
This Bible study and many more are available
through our resource library!
The Power of a Praying Wife
by Stormie Omartian
(7-session DVD study)
Click
here
to download one of our checkout forms. Then just complete it and
bring it by the office to borrow a Bible study to meet your needs.
We’re also accepting donations of used DVD Bible study kits.
If you or your church have some that you are no longer using, we’d love
to have them here to share with other churches in our Association.
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Frio River Baptist Association | Phone: 830-334-2061 | Fax: 830-334-3025 |
Email |
Website
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