Preach The Word

"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2)

I heard of one graduate of a theological school who determined to follow his professor's advice and preach the Word only. His crowds were average. Then one day a cyclone hit the little town and he yielded to the temptation to preach on the topic "Why God Sent the Cyclone to Centerville." The church was packed. This shook the young preacher and he went back to ask his professor for further advice in the light of what had happened. Should he continue to preach the Word to smaller crowds or try to fill his church by preaching sermons a bit more sensational? The old man did not change his mind. "If you preach the Word," he told the inquirer, "you will always have a text. But if you wait for cyclones you will not have enough to go around."

Lord, help us to remain faithful in preaching your Word!

Ron

Golf Tournament A Great Success

We had our first of two missions golf tournaments this past Saturday at Deer Run course in Moulton. We had a great number of teams playing and we raised several thousand dollars for our mission trip to Romania this fall. We have around 32 people making the trip this year and I am excited about what the Lord will do in our lives as well as the Romanian people.

I want to thank all of our people at New Prospect for their support and prayers in preparation of the golf tournament. Many of them have supported this mission effort for the past seven years through giving, serving and praying. Paul tells us in his second epistle to the Corinthians, "We are laborers together with God." That is exactly what He has called each of us to do; to labor together with each other. Some plants, some waters, but God gives the increase!

Ron

Graduation And Mother's day

Friday was a big day for our family. Ashley graduated from Wallace State College. We sat a long way from the stage. As over 500 graduates walked in everyone was looking for theirs. I looked for her as the graduates entered the building. Finally, I did see her in the long line. Funny how we know our own. Jesus says He knows His sheep and they hear His voice. In that same manner I recognized our daughter Ashley. Renee and I are proud of her. Now it is on to the next phase for her. I ask you to pray for Ashley as she makes this transition. Paying for your own gas is a shock to grads that have been using Dad’s card!

Sunday was also Mother’s Day. It was delightful to be with our mother's. Renee and I both are blessed to have our mother's and we thank God for them. My mom will be 82 years old on June 22. As I preached this past Sunday, I know it was a very difficult day for some because their mother is no longer with them. She has gone home to be with the Lord and her presence is no longer around. I know they must miss their mother's and I pray for each person that is minus theirs. Abraham Lincoln once said, "No man is poor that has a godly mother..." So true!

Ron

Vacation Bible School 2008

Our Vacation Bible school this year will held on June 15-20. We will meet each night from 6:00 - 8:30 PM. There are classes for everyone including a nursery for the little ones. This years theme, "Outrigger Island" will be an exciting Bible school for everyone in our church. I know our workers and children are looking forward with anticipation to the Bible studies, crafts, missions, recreation and snacks. Our kick-off will be held on Saturday June 14 at our church. Make your plans now to invite someone and enjoy a week of "outrigger Island."

Ron

HOW MUCH IS A MOTHER WORTH?

This afternoon at 6:00 PM, we had our "Mother/Daughter Banquet," at New Prospect. There were over 100 present and everyone had a wonderful time. Emily Head shared about her experiences with her late mother, Janice Wakefield and the ideas behind her book, "Heaven: And How to Get there." I know the ladies were blessed and I thank God for Sharon Alexander and the countless hours preparing for the conference.

Mother's Day is just one week away, May 11th. There are many things that I could say about "Mother's, Stay-at- home moms, etc. But for the most part, "their price is far above rubies."

What would the typical stay-at-home mother make if she were paid for her work should as a housekeeper, cook or psychologist.
Salary.com compiled the information and judged it to be $138,000 yearly. Their research said the typical mother puts in a 92-hour work week, thus giving her 40 hours base pay and 52 hours overtime.
Here are some of the jobs comprising a mother's work: housekeeper, cook, day care center teacher, laundry machine operator, van driver, facilities manager, janitor, computer operator, chief executive officer and psychologist! (Reuters, 5-2)As we approach Mother's Day Sunday after next, all of us know there is really no way to calculate the worth of a good, godly mother. The monetary figure barely scratches the surface. Thank God for mothers!

*Picture above is a young mother from Romania, taken at the Esther Foundation...(6-10-07)

Ron