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From the Memo Board: September 2025

Important Dates to Know

September 1 – July Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
September 1 – August Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
September 1 – The Office, and most US Banks, will be closed in recognition of Labor Day.
October 1 – August Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
October 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
October 14 – Most US banks will be closed for Columbus Day.
April 13-16, 2026 – Family Fellowship Week in Sophia, NC.

 

For easy access to all of these dates, click here to download our WWNTBM Dates and Deadlines Calendar into your calendar app.

New Baby!

Bethany Faith Ortiz was born on August 25th, 2025. Bethany is the seventh child of Rolando and Hannah Ortiz, and joins siblings Azelia, Viana, Amadeo, Selicia, Tirza, and Dastan. The Ortizes are missionaries in Mexico.

 

See the Harvest

 

 

See the Harvest

See the Harvest is a ministry that desires to fulfill the Great Commission by offering church members, college students, and pastors opportunities to see, learn, and do missionary work, enabling them to discern God’s call, find their place of service, and reach the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The See the Harvest ministry, directed by our missionary, Cody Carden, is making preparations for 2026!

Upcoming Trips:
Atlanta World Cup: June 13-22, 2026
Scotland: July 3-18, 2026
Dominican Republic: July 31-August 10, 2026

To learn more about See the Harvest, please visit SeeTheHarvest.com. If you would like a team to come to your field, please contact Cody Carden. Please like and follow the See The Harvest page on Facebook and share this ministry.

Prayer Requests and Special Days

Click here to download a PDF of prayer requests and praises, as well as the birthdays and anniversaries for this month.

Note: You will need to log in to SecureCloud in order to view this document. Once you have logged in, click on Files, Shared, then Headquarter Happenings, then scroll to the month you would like to view. This step protects people with WWNTBM in restricted access fields.

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The Homegoing of Russell Bell

Bro. Russell Bell
May 13, 1940 – August 8, 2025
 

Rev. Benjamin Russell Bell Sr., 85, formerly of Mill Creek, NC, passed away peacefully at his home in Henderson, NC on Friday, August 8, 2025.

Rev. Bell was born on May 13, 1940, in Morehead City, NC, to the late Guy Bell and Bessie Oglesby Bell. His life was marked by his deep faith and an unwavering devotion to the Lord, which he expressed through a remarkable 54 years of pastoring and over 26 years of missionary evangelism, impacting countless lives along the way. Known for his ministry of encouragement, support, and leadership, Rev. Bell dedicated himself to spreading the gospel and guiding new believers in their journeys of faith.

Russell Bell was saved at the age of 19 and was called into the ministry that same year. He studied at Temple Baptist Institute and Apologian & Award Tabernacle Baptist of Virginia Beach, VA, and received his Doctor of Divinity in 1993 from Clarksville Theological Seminary. He came with World Wide in 1971 as one of the four founding Board Members, who have now all gone on to Glory.

Growing up on the coast, Rev. Bell had a profound love for the water and never missed an opportunity to go fishing or boating. He was also a talented carpenter, who could build anything and always did so with precision and care.

Rev. Bell will be deeply missed by his loving family, who cherish the positive influence he had on their lives and the lives of so many others.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Mamie Riggs Bell; daughters, Theresa Joy Bell of Mill Creek, NC and Sherry Bell McGuire of Kernersville, NC; sons, Benjamin R. Bell Jr. (Tonya) of Mill Creek, NC and Chad Bell (Kristin) of Fruitland Park, FL; brother, Mike Bell of Mill Creek, NC; grandchildren, Benjamin Guy Bell (Amanda), Kerrigan Shae Bell, Keagan Paige Bell, and Keith McGuire (Jessie); and great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Jackson, Harley, and Emma.

A funeral service to honor Rev. Bell’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, August 14th at Reece’s Chapel Baptist Church, 171 Old Winberry Rd., Newport, NC 28570, officiated by Rev. Danny Whetstone. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service as well as the home of Benjamin Russel Jr., 211 Point Road in Newport. Rev. Bell will be laid to rest privately at Bell-Oglesby Family Cemetery in Mill Creek.

For those unable to attend his funeral service, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Bell at [email protected].

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Refocusing on the Power of God’s Wisdom Over Human Wisdom: A Devotional Excerpt from Unshaken

Faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. As you work through these devotionals, my prayer is that you will grow stronger, stand firmer, and live bolder for Christ. No matter what comes, you can remain unshaken because your foundation is in Him. – John O’Malley

Below is an excerpt from Bro. John O’Malley’s book, Unshaken: Strengthening Your Faith. If you would like to read the book in its entirety, please click here.

Refocusing on the Power of God’s Wisdom Over Human Wisdom

1 Corinthians 2:5

“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

Learn About It

Paul knew that the Corinthians were surrounded by a culture that valued human wisdom. Corinth was influenced by Greek philosophy, where eloquence and intellect were seen as the highest forms of knowledge. The Corinthians, like many today, were tempted to measure truth by human reasoning rather than divine revelation.

Paul reminds them that their faith should not rest in the wisdom of men—the ever-changing philosophies and ideas of the world—but in the power of God. Human wisdom has limits. It changes with time, culture, and personal opinions. But God’s wisdom is eternal, unshakable, and rooted in His character.

Paul’s preaching was not designed to impress people with clever arguments or philosophical debates. Instead, he relied on the demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4). The effectiveness of the gospel does not come from human skill or intellectual appeal—it comes from God Himself.

This verse challenges us to examine what we are truly depending on: Are we leaning on human understanding, or are we trusting in the wisdom and power of God?

Apply It to Me

In today’s world, many people rely on science, logic, or personal experience to define truth. While knowledge and reasoning have their place, they cannot replace the wisdom of God. Have you ever felt pressured to make decisions based on popular opinions rather than biblical truth?

When difficulties arise, where do you turn first? Do you rely on worldly advice, self-help books, or cultural trends? Or do you seek wisdom in God’s Word? The challenge for every believer is to build their faith on God’s unchanging wisdom, not on the shifting opinions of society.

The way we live reveals where our faith truly stands. If we say we trust in God’s wisdom, yet we make choices based only on human reasoning, we are not fully relying on Him. Faith means choosing to trust what God says—even when it contradicts the wisdom of the world.

Take a moment to reflect: What areas of your life are you tempted to handle with human wisdom instead of trusting in God?

Talk to God About It

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving me the wisdom of Your Word. I confess that at times, I have relied on my own understanding instead of trusting You. I have looked to the world’s wisdom for answers rather than seeking Your truth. Help me to build my faith on You alone. Teach me to trust in Your wisdom, even when it doesn’t make sense to my human mind. Let my decisions, my words, and my life reflect my faith in Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Act on It

Think of a current situation where you are unsure of what to do. Instead of relying on your own reasoning, spend time praying and searching the Scriptures for God’s wisdom. Write down a verse that applies to your situation and commit to following God’s direction rather than human opinions.

John O’Malley

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.

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From the Memo Board: August 2025

Important Dates to Know

August 1 – June Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
August 1 – July Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
September 1 – July Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
September 1 – August Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
September 1 – The Office, and most US Banks, will be closed in recognition of Labor Day.
April 13-16, 2026 – Family Fellowship Week in Sophia, NC.

 

For easy access to all of these dates, click here to download our WWNTBM Dates and Deadlines Calendar into your calendar app.

Missions Support And The Local Church

Our staff has compiled a document that we believe is beneficial to churches and missionaries alike. This is a compilation of recommendations on missions finances, based on over fifty years of assisting with processing missions support funds. In addition to practical observations, our staff has spent much time researching legal and financial guidelines from many government agencies, as well as with our team of financial advisors and tax lawyers. Click here to download the document. This is also available on the giving page of our website. Feel free to recommend this to churches you come in contact with.

New Staff Member

Bethany Lockhart is the daughter of our General Director, Jeremy Lockhart. She is a member with her family at Maranatha Baptist Church in Shelby, NC. Bethany graduated high school this year. She feels called to missions and agreed to join our office part-time while she takes classes at Ambassador Baptist College. We are thrilled to have her join the team and look forward for what the Lord has in store for her future. Her email is [email protected].

Postage Increase

Please note that the US Postal Service has voted to increase postage for 1-ounce first class letters from $0.73 to $0.78 within the US, and from $1.65 to $1.70 for international mail. Metered mail that we send in the office (instead of using a stamp) has increased to $0.74 for the first ounce.

Financial Couriers

Missionaries occasionally have situations where they request that we send funds through a courier, rather than through normal banking channels. Often this is used when it is beneficial to have US cash brought into a country. We have established the following fiduciary guidelines to ensure full transparency and accountability whenever we distribute funds to an individual who is not a World Wide missionary. If you have questions about this process, please contact our office.

    • If the courier is a US Citizen, they must provide:
      1. A W-9 form for our records
      2. A government-issued photo ID, preferably a passport, that shows their citizenship status
      3. An ACH Credit form with their banking information
    • If the courier is a Non-US Citizen, they must provide:
      1. A W-8BEN form for our records
      2. A government-issued photo ID, preferably a passport, that shows their citizenship and visa status

Additional Notes:
If funds will pass through multiple individuals before they reach the missionary, World Wide will need a list of each individual who will handle the funds, so that we can provide the courier with a chain of custody receipt. This receipt should be signed by each individual along the route. The missionary will then return the receipt to World Wide once funds are received.

The Missionary should confirm any restrictions for someone carrying cash into their country. Each country has its own laws about how much cash can be brought in, and whether it needs to be declared to customs officials.

Groups traveling together as they leave the US are limited to carrying a combined total of $10,000 without declaring it for customs purposes. There is no impact to them for declaring it. However, failure to declare funds in excess of $10,000 can result in penalties.

Prayer Requests and Special Days

Click here to download a PDF of prayer requests and praises, as well as the birthdays and anniversaries for this month.

Note: You will need to login to SecureCloud in order to view this document. Once you have logged in, click on Files, Shared, then Headquarter Happenings, then scroll to the month you would like to view. This step protects people with WWNTBM in restricted access fields.

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Refocusing on the Power of the Gospel: A Devotional Excerpt from Unshaken

Faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. As you work through these devotionals, my prayer is that you will grow stronger, stand firmer, and live bolder for Christ. No matter what comes, you can remain unshaken because your foundation is in Him. – John O’Malley

Below is an excerpt from Bro. John O’Malley’s book, Unshaken: Strengthening Your Faith. If you would like to read the book in its entirety, please click here.

Refocusing on the Power of the Gospel

1 Corinthians 1:18

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

Learn About It

The Corinthian church struggled with worldly wisdom. Corinth was a city filled with philosophers who prided themselves on deep thinking and persuasive speech. Many in the city viewed the message of the gospel—the idea that salvation comes through a crucified Savior—as foolishness.

Paul contrasts two groups: “them that perish” and “us which are saved.” The world sees the cross as a weak and illogical idea, something only the simpleminded would believe. To them, the thought that a man dying a criminal’s death could bring salvation is absurd. The Greeks sought wisdom through philosophy, and the Jews expected a powerful, conquering Messiah, not a suffering Servant.

Yet, Paul boldly declares that for those who believe, the cross is “the power of God.” The very thing the world calls weak is the means by which God brings the strongest display of His power—saving lost sinners. The gospel does not need embellishment, intellectual argument, or cultural adaptation. It stands as God’s power to redeem, transform, and give eternal life.

The question is not whether the gospel is powerful, but whether we recognize its power.

Apply It to Me

It’s easy to be influenced by the world’s thinking. Have you ever felt hesitant to share your faith because you feared someone would think it was foolish? Maybe you’ve met people who insist that Christianity is outdated or irrelevant. Paul reminds us that this reaction is nothing new. The world always sees the gospel as foolish—until the moment their hearts are changed by it.

Instead of being discouraged when people reject the gospel, we should take comfort in knowing that salvation is God’s work, not ours. Our responsibility is to preach the cross, not to make it acceptable to the world. We don’t need to dress up the gospel or make it more appealing; we simply need to proclaim it faithfully.

Think about how you view the gospel personally. Do you see it as the power of God in your life? Or has it become something you take for granted? When was the last time you reflected on how the gospel has changed you?

Talk to God About It

Father,
Thank You for the power of the gospel. I confess that at times I have been timid in sharing it, fearing the opinions of others. Help me to remember that the gospel is not something to be ashamed of but something to proclaim boldly. Give me the confidence to trust in Your power, not my own, when I share my faith. Let my life reflect the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. Strengthen my faith in the message of the cross, and let me never take it for granted. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Act on It

This week, take a moment to share the gospel with one person—whether through a conversation, a text, or even a social media post. Don’t worry about their reaction; simply be faithful in proclaiming the message. Trust that God’s power is at work, even when you can’t see it.

John O’Malley

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.

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Refocusing on Unity: A Devotional Excerpt from Unshaken

Faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. As you work through these devotionals, my prayer is that you will grow stronger, stand firmer, and live bolder for Christ. No matter what comes, you can remain unshaken because your foundation is in Him. – John O’Malley

Below is an excerpt from Bro. John O’Malley’s book, Unshaken: Strengthening Your Faith. If you would like to read the book in its entirety, please click here.

Refocusing on Unity

1 Corinthians 1:10 “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

Learn About It

Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians by addressing one of their biggest struggles—division. Corinth was a city filled with competing philosophies, social classes, and personal ambitions. Unfortunately, these same divisions had crept into the church, leading believers to form factions based on their preferred leaders: Paul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter), or even Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12).

Paul’s plea is urgent: he beseeches them. This word means he is strongly urging or even begging them to set aside their differences. But he doesn’t just make an emotional appeal—he calls on the authority of “the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” as the foundation for unity. True Christian unity is not about personal preference but about being “perfectly joined together” in the truth of Christ.

This does not mean every believer will always agree on every issue. Instead, Paul is calling for oneness in heart, purpose, and doctrine, particularly in matters of faith and practice. The phrase “same mind and same judgment” refers to the importance of shared convictions and a common understanding of Christ’s teaching. Unity is not achieved by ignoring truth, but by rallying around it.

Apply It to Me

We often see division in churches today, just as in Corinth. Sometimes it happens over doctrine, but more often, it arises from personalities, preferences, and pride. Have you ever found yourself frustrated with someone in the church, not because of a biblical issue, but because they have a different opinion or approach?

Paul challenges us to examine whether our attitude promotes unity or fuels division. Are we more concerned with being “right” than with being Christlike? Are we quick to dismiss someone just because they see things differently? The key to unity is not uniformity—it’s humility.

Think about your own interactions within the church. Do your words and actions reflect the unity Paul speaks of? Or do they create unnecessary division?

Talk to God About It

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for calling me into fellowship with Your people. I know that, at times, my pride, opinions, or frustrations can get in the way of the unity You desire for Your church. Forgive me for any ways I have contributed to division, whether through my words, actions, or attitudes. Help me to focus on what truly matters—Your truth, Your love, and Your mission. Teach me to listen with grace, speak with wisdom, and pursue unity with a heart that honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Act on It

Think of one person in your church whom you may have disagreed with or had tension with. This week, make an effort to pray for them daily. If possible, encourage them with a kind word, a text, or a note—especially if they don’t expect it.

John O’Malley

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.

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From the Memo Board: July 2025

Important Dates to Know

*Due to the technical difficulties in the office and SecureCloud being down, we are extending the due date for reports due in July.

July 10 – May Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
July 10 – June Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
July 4 – The Office and most US Banks will be closed in celebration of Independence Day.
August 1 – June Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
August 1 – July Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
April 13-16, 2026 – Family Fellowship Week in Sophia, NC.

 

For easy access to all of these dates, click here to download our WWNTBM Dates and Deadlines Calendar into your calendar app.

DirectLine Ministry

Paul Woody is a former missionary church planter with WWNTBM to the Dominican Republic. He and his wife, Debbie, serve as representatives for DirectLine Ministry. DirectLine Ministry desires to keep the cost of shipping to a minimum for missionaries who need help getting Scriptures, tracts, and church supplies to their fields. They help instruct the missionaries step-by-step on how to process a container. Low-cost and personal help from them makes receiving materials much easier for the missionaries. Learn more at directlineministry.com.

International Term Life Insurance

Life insurance is vital for families because it gives financial security and peace of mind to your family should you pass away. Life insurance provides your family with the funds needed to replace your income, pay for expensive funeral arrangements, and protect your family’s financial future. Coverage is recommended to be 10-12 times your annual income. Among the many types of insurances, term life insurance is a popular choice due to its affordability and straightforward nature.

Good Neighbor Insurance offers international term life insurance plans to U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens residing outside of the U.S. These plans are tailored to your needs as you serve the Lord on a foreign field. Learn more about a term life insurance plan that might be right for you, please visit gninsurance.com.

Good Neighbor Insurance also offers Travel Insurance and International Health Insurance for individuals and groups.

Prayer Requests and Special Days

Click here to download a PDF of prayer requests and praises, as well as the birthdays and anniversaries for this month.

Note: You will need to login to SecureCloud in order to view this document. Once you have logged in, click on Files, Shared, then Headquarter Happenings, then scroll to the month you would like to view. This step protects people with WWNTBM in restricted access fields.

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From the Memo Board: June 2025

Important Dates to Know

June 1 – April Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
June 1 – May Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
July 1 – May Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
July 1 – June Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.
July 4 – The Office and most US Banks will be closed in celebration of Independence Day.
April 13-16, 2026 – Family Fellowship Week in Sophia, NC.

 

For easy access to all of these dates, click here to download our WWNTBM Dates and Deadlines Calendar into your calendar app.

Summer Helpers

Makenzie Case is a member at Gantt Street Baptist Church in Cayce, SC. She graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in Elementary Education and Missions. She joined our team in 2023, helping coordinate the See the Harvest trips remotely while also teaching third-grade children at a Christian school. This summer, she is joining the office staff to assist with tasks in the office. Her email is [email protected].

Madelyn Davies is a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Wythville, VA, where her father serves as the Associate Pastor. This young lady has a heart for missions and wanted to learn about World Wide and what we do. She will join our staff from June 9-20, 2025.

New Baby

Daniel Levi Elwart was born May 15, 2025. Daniel is the seventh child of Jackie and Brittany Elwart, and joins siblings Charlotte, Audrey, Sadie, Elijah, Dalton, and Isaac. The Elwarts are missionaries to Big Bear, CA.

2025 Graduates

Several in our missions family have graduated in recent months. We are thankful for each of these individuals. They have worked hard to achieve this milestone, and we look forward to seeing how the Lord will use them in the future. Click here for a list of graduates and their future plans.

Missionary Milestones

We would like to recognize several ministry milestones being reached during the year 2025. We are grateful for these individuals who continue to serve faithfully.

Click here to view the list in the Headquarter Happenings Folder for Secure Cloud.

Learn Biblical Giving

Learn Biblical Giving is a 13-lesson series teaching a biblical perspective on giving. The course helps churches, schools, families, and Bible study groups learn the spectrum of giving from the Word of God. Click here to visit the website to view the video series.

Things to Consider When Mentioning Financial Needs to Donors

You may occasionally have financial needs that are not covered by your regular support funds. It is good for your donors to be aware of the needs of your ministry. However, there are some things that you should think through when mentioning such situations to donors. Because of this, WWNTBM asks that you keep the following information in mind when communicating your needs and contact us prior to seeking designated funds.

When WW receives or receipts funds with a specific designation, we become legally accountable to ensure the funds are used for that specific project. One challenge with this approach is that multiple donors may give above what is needed for the project, leaving surplus funds that cannot be redirected to other areas of ministry without the donor’s approval. Because of this, our recommendation is that funds always be designated simply “as needed for the missionary,” without any additional designations or specifications attached. Where that is not possible, we recommend the following.

First, if you are asking to raise funds for a specific project, we request that you let the Office know ahead of time. This allows us to be prepared for new donations or any questions we may receive from your donors.

Second, there are many logistical items the Office can assist you with. For instance, it may not be advisable to ask donors to mark a gift as “France Building” because we may already have another missionary raising funds with that designation, and it could create confusion with how we would process the donation. Therefore, it is always best to confer with the Office prior to contacting donors, so that we can help advise on the best way for funds to be designated. In addition to the designation, there may be tax implications to you based on the manner in which funds are designated. We can help ensure the best tax situation for you as funds are received.

Third, we always recommend that donors make checks payable to WW, rather than to the individual missionary. Although we do have the ability to cash checks in your name, this makes for a smoother process and can avoid unnecessary tax paperwork for the church and the missionary. (If a church makes funds payable to you in the amount of $600 or more over the course of the year, they are required to issue a separate 1099 to you, even if the funds came through WW. In addition, if you are not a US citizen, there may be other tax and visa implications for you.) If you have any questions, please reach out to our staff.

Opportunity for High School Juniors and Seniors

Ambassador Baptist College has a dual-enrollment program, allowing high school juniors and seniors to take up to two classes per semester to get a head start on a Bible degree. These classes are offered tuition-free, and are taught over zoom. Click here to see more information about this program.

Plan for Retirement

Bro. Whetstone has emphasized the need for each missionary to plan for retirement. John O’Malley’s brother, David, is a financial advisor with Edward Jones and has helped the Office as well as many of our missionaries with their investments. He produced a short video for our missions family about saving for the future. We trust this will be helpful to you. If you have questions or would like contact information for him or other financial advisors, please contact Kim O’Malley.

Prayer Requests and Special Days

Click here to download a PDF of prayer requests and praises, as well as the birthdays and anniversaries for this month.

Note: You will need to login to SecureCloud in order to view this document. Once you have logged in, click on Files, Shared, then Headquarter Happenings, then scroll to the month you would like to view. This step protects people with WWNTBM in restricted access fields.

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The Art of Listening

By John O’Malley

This year, I will be releasing a new book called Ministering to the Wounded. For my article this month, I am sharing a chapter from the book titled “The Art of Listening.”

After 40 years of ministry, I have found that listening is crucial.

In a world full of noise, listening is one of the rarest gifts we can offer. I struggle with completing someone’s thought in my mind so I can prepare my answer. For those who minister to the wounded, listening is not a passive act—it is a sacred ministry. It requires emotional restraint, spiritual sensitivity, and selfless love. Before Scripture can be applied wisely, ears must be opened humbly.

Listening is the first act of Christlike compassion. Jesus often asked questions—not because He lacked knowledge, but because He valued presence over performance. To listen is to enter someone’s suffering without trying to fix them. It reflects the heart of a God who “is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18).

1. The Value of Listening: Listening affirms dignity. It says, “Your story matters. You are not invisible.” It gives the wounded space to breathe and their burdens a place to land. Authentic listening slows down solutions and honors the process of trust.

2. The Patience Required: Listening is not efficient. It will interrupt your schedule. It may stretch your emotions. But love that listens is love that lingers. Proverbs 18:13 warns, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Quick answers are rarely wise ones.

3. What Biblical Listening Looks Like: Biblical listening is:
• Quiet (James 1:19): “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak…”
• Compassionate (Romans 12:15): “Weep with them that weep.”

• Discerning (Proverbs 20:5): “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.”

Listening is not agreement, but understanding. It is not silence without discernment—it is restraint guided by the Spirit. When spoken in season, listening allows space for the Holy Spirit to work through the Scriptures.

To care well, start by listening well. Put down your notes. Resist the urge to fix. Hear the hurt. Hold the silence. Let their pain speak before you speak of healing. Listening may feel small, but it often opens the door to the most incredible work God wants to do.

What Can We Offer?:
      • Resist the urge to interrupt or mentally prepare a response while someone else is sharing.
      • Reflect back what you heard to ensure understanding (“What I hear you saying is…“).
      • Pray before offering advice. Without Him, we can do nothing.
      • Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom to know when to speak—and when to stay present.

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” —Matthew 11:15

John O’Malley

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.

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I Need an Estimate

By John O’Malley

“For the LORD is good…” (Psalm 100:5).

How many times have you needed a service performed in your life and sought an estimate? First, you have to find a provider of that service. Then you must find out the price. You may read reviews online, ask some trusted friends, and ask how long the vendor has been in business. You may gain confidence in a service provider with each mention of a friend, review you read, and advertisement you see. These all help you gain confidence in the service provider for your needs.

As in the illustration above, when we want a service performed we seek an estimation of both a vendor and his service reliability. The psalmist gives us his estimation of both the person and perception of the Lord: “the LORD is good.” The psalmist speaks from his experience with God. His opinion is not just subjective. He writes with authority as God inspired him to write these words.

“The LORD is good.” What confirmation! What consolation! What comfort!

The psalmist, in our focus phrase, invokes the name of God, which makes us think of God’s self-existing eternal state of being. Notice the spelling of the word “LORD.” Do you see the capital letters? The word’s meaning has to do with Him being self-existing. The God who has always been and will always be is the Lord that is good. This is the same word God used to introduce Himself to Moses in Exodus 6:2-3.

We considered the psalmist’s estimation of the person of God. Now, we should consider the psalmist’s estimation of God’s quality. The psalmist estimates the value of God as good. Good does not seem high enough to describe God.

Advertisers use superlatives in their estimations of their services and products. Advertisers say “good” is just okay. Advertisers tell us we need spectacular. We need awesome. We need amazing. However, God told The psalmist to use the word “good.”

When compared to modern adjectives, “good” seems inadequate. When David used this word, he used it in the sense that he estimated God as the best. He valued Him as beautiful and better. He knew Him to be both fair and the finest. He is God. Using the word “good” is the highest estimation He could give to He who is altogether lovely. David’s estimation of God is He is perfect.

When we seek an estimate, we want to know the length the vendor has been in business. We want to know the quality of their work. We use these elements to determine whether we enlist them to help us. The psalmist’s words speak to these two elements of an estimation. The Lord has been in business since before time. The Lord is good!

What is your estimation of God? Have you found Him good? He is always good. Try your estimation of God right now. Write down three ways you know God has been good to you and the world at large.

John O’Malley

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.