What a joy it was to hear that my cousin Andrew made the decision to follow Christ today and that he was baptized for the remission of his sins!

As soon as i heard, i couldn't help but drop everything i was doing to praise my Father and rejoice with all of heaven, as they celebrated this new birth.

By giving his life to Jesus, Andrew made the single most greatest, important decision he could ever make in his life. It thrills my soul to call him brother.

Please pray for this new brother in Christ, that he may grow and mature in his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise God for His love and mercy on us, sinners so undeserving of His forgiveness.

This has been a wonderful day.

As was mentioned in the last entry, in an effort and hope to set up some Bible studies, Justin White (a dear brother who is a classmate at Sunset) and I have begun attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The meetings are conducted every Monday night across the street from the Sunset building, where we learn throughout the week.

Tonight was our third week to sit in. During the first two weeks, we observed some things (what the program is about, what these people are trying to conquer, etc.) and have begun building a rapport with some of the regulars. Yet tonight, the Lord blessed us with some progress.

As is the custom, the conversation goes around the room and each person has the opportunity to say something; about their addiction, what they are fighting, how long they have been striving to turn it around, and so forth.

What we like about A.A. is, they acknowledge there is a God and they recognize Him as what will help them get their life together. Yet the other side of the coin is sad and very indicative of the world we live in.

They will acknowledge God, but they do not recognize Jesus. In order to prevent from offending anyone, phrases such as “It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you believe what you believe and don’t impose it on someone else, more power to you” are used by just about every individual in there.

It isn’t popular to say there is only one way, when the world views every single thing on earth as equally true and acceptable as long as it isn’t imposed on anyone.

But I refuse to bow down to political correctness. I refuse to keep Jesus Christ to myself. Paul said, “Woe unto me if I do not preach the Gospel.”

Men say there is no absolute truth and that anyone who thinks they do is arrogant and false. But Jesus said, "You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

The great universal myth is that as long as you have God, it doesn’t matter what you believe, that’s all you need. But that is not what God says in His inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16).

Christ is the only access to God (Colossians 1:20; 3:17; Matthew 11:27; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:18; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25). He is the only redeemer (Colossians 1:14) and reconciler to God (Colossians 1:20).

In Him only the Christian finds fulfillment in life (2:10) and from Him alone is the hope of glory (1:27).

John 14:6 says that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that NO ONE comes to the Father except through Him, Jesus. Acts 4:12 says salvation is found in NO ONE else, other than Jesus.

As the time neared for us to say something, I jotted down those two scriptures on a piece of paper and showed it to Justin. Nodding his head, we agreed that we were both going to talk about Jesus.

And when it came around to us, we did just that. We also, after listening to all the various struggles that were shared, told them we were praying for each and every one of them; as well as a woman unparticular who has recently endured more than one loss in her life and who is raising two children.

When the meeting adjourned, people were coming up to us. Some thanking us for being there, one woman asking us to pray for her…others saying they appreciated us praying for them.

One man confronted us with an overload of questions, in hopes to prove us wrong and to agree with him, that there is no absolute truth. It was rather difficult at first, but once he noticed that we were maintaining gentle patience in love, and that we weren’t there to show why we’re so “smart” and right about everything, he began to step back and not come at us so hard.

We will be making further contact with him. He has already said he will study with us and even come to a worship service.

Then before we left, we spoke with two more men, who were standing at the back of the room.

One of the men shared a very painful story about his catastrophic family life, in addition to his years of addiction to multiple stimulants. He said that at one point, he didn’t talk to either one of his sons for more than 20 years and that the tension continues to this day.

After speaking with him at length, we just asked him…“We heard the story you shared and if you wouldn’t mind, we’d like to pray with you.” Without hesitation he said that would be great, and we put our arms around one another and we entered the throne room with him.

We prayed for him and his family, as well as for more and more opportunities. The man was going somewhere after the meeting, but we’re going to study with him and continue reaching out to him and others.

As Justin and I walked out of that smoked-filled room and gasped as we caught our first fresh breath in more than an hour, we agreed that being there with those people was worth every single second we spent with them.

In my entire life, I have yet to lead someone to Christ… but I am not giving up. I am never giving up.

Let’s tell someone about Jesus every single day.

Let us never give up.

Last night was the start of yet another opportunity.

Missions is universal. It was once said in chapel one morning, that missions is anywhere - from across the ocean to across the very street from where we are right now.

Last night, my friend Justin and I learned just that, as a new opportunity was waiting literally across the street from the school.

On Monday nights, we have begun attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

We sat there for about an hour, in a smoke-filled room, hearing story after story after story. They go around the room and share their struggles, how long they've been sober (each story differing greatly from the one before), and so forth.

When it came around to Justin, he said who we were and what we were doing and that we are willing to study with whoever is interested. I said that I have no idea what they're going through but that we were there to support them and that we have faith in each of them, that they can conquer these addictions.

Everyone seemed to appreciate that, and the coordinator thanked us for coming. A few minutes later, one of the men spoke directly to us during his time to speak and said that really meant a lot to him.

We hope to build a rapport with these people so we can demonstrate Jesus to them and that we can show them who He is.

As expected, a few of the people made comments such as, "The 'God' I choose to worship has been a strength to me..." "It doesn’t matter what you believe, whoever you call ‘God’ is God to you," and so forth.

These people are looking. They have already arrived at the point where they know there's something wrong with their life and are doing everything they can in order to change.

Each and every one of them acknowledges there's a God and that He can give them the strength to overcome these addictions. …But that isn’t enough.

We need to show them Jesus. Because He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), for there is no other name under heaven and earth, given to men, by which they can be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the way, the only way to glory, and i pray we may help many see that.

So we're going to keep going, each Monday night. This is a great opportunity, and i realize that if i'm not getting out there into the world evangelizing, i'm not going to do it when i graduate from Sunset. It starts right here and now.

Please pray for these people we will reach.

For all the playfully-degrading stigma given to the state of Texas by outsiders, I have never been able to understand it. This is a wonderful place and I absolutely love living here!

It’s been raining, seemingly non-stop for the past two days - yet to top it off, the mornings have been rainy and overcast, just the way I love it. It won’t even get above 64 today, and it’s going to be raining all week long, so I am absolutely loving this and taking it in.

This morning’s worship service at Green Lawn (where I attend) had quite a surprise for everyone there!

Dale is in the middle of his sermon…just preaching away - giving it everything he’s got and suddenly, the lights and all the power goes off! He stands there, and joins in everyone’s laughter. Then a brother brings him a flash light and he gets right back to it!

He just kept on preaching, lights or no lights. I feel it would be fitting to say it was a lights-out sermon!

I love and appreciate that brother’s fervor. I long for the same courageous vehemence to boldly proclaim His Word in all circumstances, situations, and settings.

Those who know me well will know that I love dark and quiet places. Not in a sinister sense, but in a calm and peaceful and tranquil way. My friends here call my room “the cave,” because I have large drapes over my windows and at times during the day, it’s so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face, it’s so dark. So I loved that this morning.

He finished the second half of his sermon in the dark and finally, after we partook of the Lord’s Supper, the lights came back on, at last, much to my chagrin.

But it was something different, something that reminded me that God is in control and that He can be glorified in settings that everyone isn’t used to.

Then the highlight of the day followed, as a young man was born into the family. As he arose from the watery womb, I closed my eyes with a smile on my face and said, “Thank You, Father” as I heard him go under and come up from the water - the most beautiful sound in all the world.

As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:30, “It’s because of Him that we are in Christ Jesus.”

Praise Him.

Year Two Under Way

After a busy summer full of wonderful blessings, opportunities, and just a little good ole’ r & r thrown in the mix, we started the new year on August 14.

Opening day of the new year is always so exciting.

It was encouraging to see everyone back and to hear of all the opportunities and ways in which the Father has blessed us and used us during the summer.

We journeyed both far and near with the saving message of Jesus Christ - some going to Ukraine, others to Brazil, Australia, Mississippi, Nicaragua, Hungary, Alaska, Equador, New Zealand, California, Romania, or returning to their home congregations to visit supporters and work with them.

It must also be noted that I was far less on edge this year on the first day. As I saw the tense looks on some of the beginning level students’ faces - who have no clue what to expect, I could relate far too well, from being in their shoes last year!

Each year in the opening chapel, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is proclaimed in as many languages as we have speakers of those languages for. Then as the commission is being read in each language, a person carrying the flag of that country comes and stands at the front.

Like last year, I sat there with tears in my eyes, because it’s that inspirational and heartrending.

As each language was heard and a bone-chilling moment of silence followed as all the various flags were brought to the front of the room, I closed my eyes and thought to myself, “This entire world needs what I and every Christian have - Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and the one and only way to glory.”

And that we can make a difference if we are willing to devote our lives to Him and what He commanded every Christian to do (going and making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all He has commanded).

If we are just willing to let go of our comfortable American way of life and step out of our comfort zones and be bold for Christ wherever we are and whatever we’re doing. To know that He will use people as simple and ordinary as us for unfathomable things if we are willing to put our abilities to use for Him in this world.

Missions
After prayerfully and carefully weighing the choice all last year and summer, I decided to go through the missions program, beginning this year.

But the beautiful thing is, we as Christians are not separated by congregational ministry, foreign or national missions, youth ministry, or the various other ministries.

Whether we’re working with a local congregation, working with kids, getting involved with outreaches, being active in prison ministry, studying with people in a country a million miles away who have never heard the name of Jesus, etc.; we are striving to use the abilities He has blessed us each with to His glory, so that His kingdom might grow, and that’s what it’s all about.

We are the body of Christ and we are in this thing together.

I am very excited about missions.

At this point in time, I don’t know where I’ll go, so I’m praying fervently, that I may know where God needs me. Wherever it is, whether far or near, I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity.

I anticipate all the ups and the downs that will come. Yet all in all, no matter how great the trials and difficulties are, the precious lost souls all throughout this world are more than worth it.

A Word of Thanks
To the supporters, I want to thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

Since I’ve come to this place, I have grown in faith and love for Christ each day. I have gained a missional mindset and I am no longer content with selfishly keeping Jesus to myself.

My time here thus far has changed my life and my devotion forever, and I realize your support helps make being here possible. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices you have made and continue to make each day so I can experience this.

Yet most of all, thank you for your love, encouragement, and prayers. Such encouragement has served as motivation each day, and has helped increase my enthusiasm.

Let’s continue encouraging and praying for one another each day.

Be His today, everyday.

drc