Christmas presence
Amid the secular trappings of the holidays, we can lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, until we lament with Charlie Brown, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
These reminders call us back to where it all began — in the heart of God.
“The giving of gifts is not something [people] invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of his Son.”
—Robert Flatt
“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that he gave his only Son. The only requirement is to believe in him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.”
—Corrie ten Boom
“The great challenge left to us is to cut through all the glitz and glam of the season that has grown increasingly secular and commercial, and be reminded of the beauty of the One who is Christmas.”
—Bill Crowder
“If we do not set aside time to focus together on what God’s word tells us about the promise of Christ, on Christmas morning we can find ourselves surrounded by mounds of torn gift wrap, our laps full of presents, but with hearts that are empty and unprepared.”
―Nancy Guthrie
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This year of 2020 has been so different I doubt we will ever forget it. So many changes have occurred and in fact are still going on today. We have all had to adjust to the changes and have all had to live through it…with no understanding of how much longer it will go on. I have to admit that wearing a mask when I am out in a public place is getting tiresome. Right now, the only time I am really glad to wear a mask is when it is cold outside…it keeps my nose warm.
December has now arrived (how time flies) and I can say that some things will not change. Christmas decorations are already going up and the gift purchasing continues. Lights and Christmas trees are visible not only in the department stores but also in the neighborhoods. Getting together with family and friends will continue. Our churches in some way or other will have a Christmas program. But the most important thing that will never change, not even our government can change that, is that we will still be able to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is His birthday and we will honor that day as we always have in the years gone by. That will not change.
The other important fact is that Jesus Christ Himself will not change. In Malachi 3:6 we read “I the Lord do not change.” In Hebrews 13:8 we read “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” I read these words and am comforted that the Lord keeps His promises to us and gives us a living hope even when everything else is changing. He will always be with us. He will keep providing our needs for us. He will keep guiding us. He will always love us. His mercy and grace will always follow us. He is our hope…our only hope…and we know that through Jesus we have the ultimate promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven. As you read the Bible, you will be reminded of these promises over and over again, because the Lord keeps reminding us of them. This Christmas you may get many gifts. But don’t forget the best gift of all: Jesus!
Be encouraged this Christmas that God will fulfill His purpose for all that is going on in our nation today. God is above all else and He still reigns over His creation. He will fulfill His Kingdom work regardless of what may lay ahead. Proverbs 3:5-6 comes into play here: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” And as we face the weeks and months ahead, Romans 8:28 will also help us through those uncertain times: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Somehow even the not so good times will turn out for the good. That is how big and good our God is.
Dora and Ethan and I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Have a rejoicing month. As we near the end of 2020, we wish you also a Happy New 2021 Year.
Your Fellow Servant,
Bro. Loren
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During these days of uncertain requirements and self-isolation, there may be times when neither Loren nor
Laurie Beth is in the office during our regular office hours. Please rest assured that we are still available
and ready to help you however we can despite
working from home.
and through our cell phones at:
Loren - 830-267-1234 or Laurie Beth - 210-854-9362.
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Upcoming Events
(PLEASE NOTE: All events are subject to cancellation or rescheduling
depending on COVID-19 guidelines at the time.)
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December 2020
1st - OCL Meeting - 6:30pm
2nd - South Zone Pastor's Prayer Meeting
8th - FRBA Executive Board Meeting & Christmas Dinner/Fellowship (at FBC Devine)
6:30pm - Dinner
7:00pm - Business Meeting/Fellowship
10th - East Zone Pastor's Prayer Meeting
12th - FRBA Church Administrators' Fellowship Christmas Potluck - 11:00am
17th - North Zone Pastor's Prayer Meeting
24th-31st - Christmas Holidays
(FRBA OFFICE CLOSED)
31st - New Year's Eve
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January 2021
1st - New Year's Day
(FRBA OFFICE CLOSED)
5th - FRBA Executive Board Meeting
(Location TBA)
9:30am - Fellowship
10:00am - Business Meeting
5th- OCL Meeting - 6:30pm (Location TBA)
6th- South Zone Pastor’s Prayer Meeting
11th-12th - FRBA Pastor's Prayer Retreat
(details below)
14th - East Zone Pastor’s Prayer Meeting
19th - FRBA Tax Seminar
(details below)
28th - North Zone Pastor's Prayer Meeting
29th-30th - A Godly Woman Women's Conference (Cowboy Fellowship -
Jourdanton, TX - details below)
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SAVE THESE DATES for 2021!!
Feb. 6th - First Aid / CPR/ AED Training
April 28th-30th - National Association of Ministry Assistants (NAMA) Conference -
Ft. Worth, TX
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8th Annual Godly Woman Women's Conference
at Cowboy Fellowship
What does it mean to be clothed in strength and dignity?
How do we get it and what happens when we choose to walk in it?
One thing is for sure, a woman clothed in strength and dignity rises up to the place God has called her and she is a mighty woman of God.
These are beautiful, life-changing traits that we have a right to as daughters of a king. Join us for a powerful conference weekend as we dive into this topic.
Click HERE for details and registration.
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Did you know that Frio River Baptist Association has
online giving available?
Click HERE to make a donation to our general fund
or to one of our special designated funds.
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Primera Iglesia Bautista in Laredo recently distributed
Thanksgiving Food boxes to families in need around Laredo.
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Queens Church update...
Over the last few months we have continued to meet online for Sunday services but have started back in person for small groups and small gatherings. Our new Youth and Young Adults Leader, David Lopez is doing a great job getting discipleship going with these age groups. A local church has agreed to allow us to have one in-person gathering per month on a Saturday evening and we've had two so far. At our most recent one (Sat. Nov. 14) we had the joy of celebrating 2 new believers follow Jesus in baptism. Both Erica and Kevin have come to us since COVID started so neither had been to an in person gathering until this one. Both were saved online through Church at Home. Thank you for giving and praying faithfully!
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Operation Christian Love
by Beth Ann Brundrett
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As we recently celebrated Thanksgiving, our many blessings were brought to our attention once again. Many of them we take for granted. We have so much - even when we have to “tighten our belts” a bit. Let us be aware of how we can help others.
As the gifts have arrived from around our association and around the state, they are increasing in number, in spite of the COVID-19 threat. However, the number of those in need is also increasing. Many of the orphanages we all serve together, have smaller numbers, but one of the homes has an increased population.
They now have 65 meals to prepare 3 times a day. That comes to 5,850 meals a month. Think of having to wash 65 pair of socks, 65 pair of underwear, 65 shirts and 65 pair of jeans a day. Water for the laundry, plus 65 baths a day and the kitchen water needs, is expensive. Sheets, blankets, towels and the laundry needs involving them is beyond my comprehension. They are no different than we are in this protective mode against COVID-19. Think of how many face masks they must use daily. Disinfectant, bleach, cleaning supplies and laundry detergent are so needed. Feminine products, toilet paper and facial tissue are important as well. They have no government financial assistance. This orphanage has a very strong Christian teaching program along with all of their other responsibilities. It is the basis for the entire effort.
OCL endeavors to assist 8 orphanages, 2 soup kitchens, 3 large street ministries, and 20 small churches in Mexico that have Gatherings for Christ, as well as a homeless shelter for veterans in San Antonio that celebrates Christ’s birthday by handing out gifts and Bibles to residents in their neighborhood. Teaching them of Christ is the most important thing that must be accomplished. Spanish Bibles, Bible study literature, and our prayers are so desperately needed. OCL no longer leads these Gatherings, but we continue to assist churches that have developed their own Gatherings and will continue Christian outreach and ministry on a daily basis. At present, most ministry is door to door with items being left at the door or gate.
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Volunteer crew from Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jasper with Frank and Isabel Banda where bicycles
and other gifts were unloaded. Hillcrest delivered over 200 shoebox gifts for OCL distribution
to Monte de Jehova in Piedras Negras, MX.
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GIFTS
Hillcrest Baptist Church from Jasper, TX was the first to arrive at the storage area in Eagle Pass this year. Since that time, gifts have also arrived from FBC Natalia, FBC Lytle’s church ladies, Margaret Billabault from FBC Devine, Cowboy Fellowship of Atascosa County, Annaville Baptist Church of Corpus Christi, FBC Junction, Oak Ridge Baptist Church of Portland, Sam Craig Ministries of Smithville and the First United Methodist Church of Devine. Many are still coming in. Individual donors, other churches and groups have gone to great efforts to help make a difference in the lives of so many. Even the smallest donation combined with others can overflow the needs. As we celebrate our Savior’s birth together, may those served find Christ as their Savior.
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At First UMC, Devine, members of all ages work together to pack over 200 backpacks
with gifts and blankets for OCL's Christmas ministry.
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FUMC Devine donated 200 Spanish Bibles and placed labels in each one referencing Psalms 119:105:
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my Path” in Spanish and English.
These volunteers are part of the group that placed the labels and a hand-crocheted cross book mark in each Bible.
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ANSWERED PRAYERS
On a recent Saturday, Irma Juarez, Director of Casa Hogar Vision de Amor in Acuña, Coahuila, MX let us know that their vehicle broke down. Many prayers were offered, and one week later FBC Natalia donated a 15-passenger van. God knew the need, and provided the answer to our prayers.
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Brother Lenard Dossey (FBC Natalia), Alford Brundrett (OCL), and
Mary Estrada (FBC Natalia) with the van that was donated.
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Monetary donations may be made to Operation Christian Love by mailing them to:
John E. Heiligman
PO Box 117, Charlotte, TX 78011 .
The greatest gift of all is simply yours prayers.
Thank you!
Click HERE for more pictures of what OCL has been doing lately. |
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January 1st thru November 30th |
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2019
Income: $141,694.49
Expenses: $133,254.32
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2020
Income: $131,262.31
Expenses: $124,532.90
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FRBA RESOURCE LIBRARY
This NEW Bible study and many more are available
through our resource library!
In the Middle of the Mess
by Sheila Walsh
(6-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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