Prayer & Dates: November 2019

November Prayer/Praises and Special Dates

Click the link above to download a PDF of prayer requests and praises as well as the birthdays and anniversaries for November. 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.

From the Desk of a Friend: Channels of Blessing

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 Corinthians 8:1

As we teach or preach from this passage, we often place substantial emphasis on the “churches of Macedonia.” While the heart and activity of these churches are undoubtedly commendable, we cannot ignore the actual statement of verse one. The first verse clearly states what and to whom the Spirit of God is calling attention.

2 Corinthians 8:1 says, “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia.” The actual emphasis here is on the “grace of God.” Some call our Faith Promise Giving, Grace Giving.

God made the apostle and others aware of the dire need of the people. God led the apostle and leaders to make a collection to help meet those needs. God was looking for channels to supply those needs.

We see the first step in preparing these “channels” in verse five. Here the believers “first gave their own selves.” By giving themselves, they became a vessel of the Lord—a vessel He could use as a channel. There is a great blessing to those who give themselves.

The people were in deep poverty and “in a great trial of affliction” in verse two. Although challenged with issues, they experienced abundant joy and an earnest desire to be used of God to provide for the needs at hand. All of this is to the glory of the grace of God. God does not rebuke them for not having the supply, nor does He ask them to provide the resources. He merely wants channels through which He can supply His resources.

God’s supply of resources did not, and never will be lacking. He just wanted and still wants vessels to be channels through which He might supply the needs of the souls of people. This text is dealing primarily with financial needs, but He still desires channels to carry the gospel to the lost and to serve Him by delivering His vast supply to the needs of the world.

Our first step is to do as the Macedonians did: give ourselves and the lack of resources to God. His grace can not only change the channel, but He can also use that channel to supply His resources where needed. The passage applies not only to financial needs but also to the significant spiritual needs of the world. Yea, millions are in dire need of the gospel. As His channels, we are to take the Word and the good grace of God to them.

Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is the love of God flowing through you?
Are you telling the lost of the Savior?
Are you ready His service to do?

Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today.

Is your life a channel of blessing?
Are you burdened for those that are lost?
Have you urged upon those who are straying,
The Savior who died on the cross?

We cannot be channels of blessing
If our lives are not free from all sin;
We will barriers be and a hindrance
To those we are trying to win.

Harper G. Smith 1903

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

From Our President: November 2019

Danny Whetstone


Would you consider this prayer? “Let my position be biblical and my disposition be spiritual.” It would appear that, at times, our position is hidden behind our disposition. Perhaps we are frustrated by those who do not seem to see our biblical interpretation clearly. Could it be that our disposition is screaming so loudly that our position is ignored?

A biblical position should stand on its own. We generally argue over things that we are not really sure to be factual. We are to study the Scriptures sufficiently so that God is pleased with our interpretation. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15). If God approves, the argument is settled. Getting louder is no substitute for studying the subject to its correct conclusion.

A spiritual disposition displays confidence. Oftentimes things are given in such a way that, even though I agree with the position, I find it hard to concur because of the unChristlike disposition. I have observed this in preaching, but even more so on Facebook. If our message is going to be rejected, let us make sure that it is the truth that they are arguing with and not our sour spirit. Admittedly, there are times that it seems not to be a sour spirit as much as it is arrogance. If we arrive at the correct biblical position, it is only because of the goodness of the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding of His Word. There is nothing to be arrogant about in that.

James gives adequate instructions concerning the tongue. May our Lord give us the wisdom to use it in a way that would please Him rather than giving satisfaction to the flesh. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalms 19:14).

I pray that the Lord will bless you with a profitable ministry this month to His glory.

In His Service,
Danny A. Whetstone

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. Whetstone here to let him know.

From the Memo Board: November 2019

Dates to Know

November 1 – September Financial Reports will be due.

November 11 – Most US Banks will be closed for Veterans Day.

November 22 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Thanksgiving.

November 28-29 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Thanksgiving.

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due.

December 9 – All prayer letters should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 18 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Christmas or the end of the year.

December 23-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due.

January 9 – Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 13 – All missionaries will receive their final December support on this day, regardless of the day they normally receive support.

January 15 – December Financial Reports will be due, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2019.

January 31 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2019 year will be available.

January Income Totals

During a typical month, we close the books on the 25th, and any checks received after that date are posted to the following month. Due to receipting requirements, we cannot do this in the month of December. As a result, please be aware that your December support total may be higher than normal, while your January support total may be lower than normal. Please be sure to plan ahead for this!

Upcoming Financial Reports

Please prepare now to ensure that your year-end financial reports are submitted on time. October reports are due December 1, November reports are due January 1, and December reports are due January 15. If it is possible for you to submit reports before the due dates, that would greatly assistant our staff. Please note, it is fine to submit a report without waiting for the Line 1 income figure. We can add that for you as needed. Reports should be submitted to [email protected]. Please be sure to include all receipts for expenses $75 and over at the same time you submit your report so there are no delays in processing. Thank you for your help in these areas.

WWNTBM of Canada

World Wide maintains an office in Canada, to assist our missionaries in raising funds from Canadian donors. We are grateful for Ernie and Darlene Bauserman, who have managed this office for many years. The address has recently changed. Please be sure to update this in your records.

WWNTBM of Canada
PO Box 116
Elliot Lake, ON P5A 2J6
Canada

If you will be visiting churches in Canada, please be aware there are special requirements for accountability of the funds, to ensure you do not have to pay taxes in both countries. Contact our office if you have any questions.

Prayer Card Resource

PBC Graphics is a local church design option for new missionaries and veteran missionaries to have prayer cards that look sharp and get the message of their mission across. Call 641-226-0490 or email [email protected] for more information.

Did you know? World Wide hosts a special resource blog, Missions.Today. Its purpose is to provide a place for missionaries to exchange resources and tips about life on the field and deputation. We encourage missionaries to submit suggestions and to make this resource available to other missionaries with whom you come in contact.

Uplift Podcast

The following recordings were recently published on uplift.wwntbm.com. You may access the site by entering the username: wwntbm and the password: gospel. These recordings for our missions family contain the Uplift calls in their entirety, including prayer requests and challenges to our missionaries. We hope they will encourage your heart.

The Spiritual Life of a Missionary/Pastor by Freeman Weems

Our Hope by Elwood Hurst

None of These Things Move Me by Mike Smith

A Token for Good by Gabe Eiben

Deputation Obstacles by Jeremy Lockhart

Spiritual Discouragement by Tim Germano

Prayer Letter Tips by Duey Whitfield

No Excuses! by Markie Bullock