Posts

Posted on

The Homegoing of Josefina Sanchez

Josephina Sanchez

June 8, 1951 – December 7, 2020

Josefina L. Martinez Blanco Sanchez was born on June 8, 1951, in Barcelona, Spain.   She trusted Christ as her Savior at the age of 15, and later married Alejandro Sanchez on December 26, 1971.  They had two children, Damaris and Samuel.
When the LORD began working in Bro. Sanchez’s heart about the ministry, Mrs. Fina testified that she “felt peace and knew it was the answer.  Since that time, it has been my goal to serve the Lord by helping in my husband’s ministry, and to be a God-filled wife and mother.” The Sanchez family came to the United States, where they attended Foundations Bible College.  They then returned to Spain, where they served in a pastorate for several years.  They also served in Christian camps and colleges, as well as in a printing ministry.
During this time period, they became acquainted with several World Wide missionaries serving in Spain.  The LORD led them to join WWNTBM in 1997, and they returned to the US to raise support to enable them to start churches throughout Spain.  They were sent out by Trinity Baptist Church in Wilson, NC, which at the time was pastored by Robert Winstead, a founding board member of WWNTBM.
Mrs. Fina was actively involved in teaching ladies and young people.  A favorite ministry each summer was to serve in the kitchen at camp.  She is remembered for her quick smile and sweet spirit.  In addition to her other responsibilities, she was the primary caregiver for their handicapped son, Samuel.
On December 7, Mrs. Fina passed away peacefully at home, and was ushered into the throne room, there to enjoy the presence of her LORD for eternity.  She is survived by her husband Alejandro, daughter Damaris (& Nathan) Kirkpatrick, son Samuel, and eight grandchildren. Please keep the Sanchez family in your prayers.
“The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face;”
Posted on

From the Memo Board: January 2021

Dates to Know

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

January 4-5 – The Office will be closed for staff training.

January 8 – 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 for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2020.

January 20 – Please check your Tax Info Status Report on SecureCloud and contact us by January 20 if any details need to be changed concerning how we will handle your tax paperwork.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2020 tax year will be available.

February 1 – January Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

February 15 – The new 2021 MFR Template for US Missionaries will be available.

March 1 – January Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

March 1 – February Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

June 21-24 – Family Fellowship Week in Kinston, NC.

SecureCloud Packets

At the end of each month, we scan any mail that has come to the Office and place it in your SecureCloud folder. This would include check stubs for all bills paid by the office, as well as any cards or correspondence from donors. Please be sure to check SecureCloud periodically, especially once you receive the notice that December packets have been uploaded, as many missionaries have received Christmas cards and letters which are available to you there.

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!

Housing Allowances for 2021

Housing allowances previously in place have automatically rolled over to the new year. Missionaries who are ordained are eligible to have a housing allowance in place, which can provide certain tax benefits. If you did not have a housing allowance in 2020 and would like to have one for 2021, or if you have questions regarding this, please contact our office.

New Excel Template for US Missionaries

A new Excel template for the year 2021 will be available on February 15. This will give us time to review the need for any possible updates. January financial reports will be due on March 1. Should you wish to complete your January report before the new template is available, you are welcome to submit it on the 2020 template.

New Mileage Rate

Beginning on January 1st, the IRS mileage rate has decreased to $0.560 per mile for business/ministry miles. This change will be reflected in the new Excel template for 2021.

New Tax Form This Year for US Missionaries

The IRS has created a new type of 1099 Form.  In the past, World Wide issued a Form 1099-MISC.  This year, we will issue Form 1099-NEC.  This stands for Non-Employment Compensation.  It is our understanding that this should not affect the manner in which you file your taxes.  It will only affect the form that you receive from us.  Your tax preparer can assist you if you have questions in this area.  Tax forms will be available on SecureCloud by February 1, 2021, and the originals will also be mailed on that day.

New Baby

Congratulations to Stephen and Julie Knickerbocker on the birth of Korben Asher.  He was born on December 7.  He weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces and was 18 inches long.  Korben joins older sisters Alina (4) and Kezia (2).  Please pray for the Knickerbockers and their ministry in Burkina Faso.

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.

Be A Light by Ted Daub

Why Paul Refused to Quit by Mike Renfrow

The Prosperity of the Wicked by Jeremy Lockhart

Don’t Forget Your Spouse! by Terri Moore

Posted on

The Homegoing of Ruth Ann Arthurs

Ruth Ann Arthurs

September 16, 1937 – November 27, 2020

Ruth Ann Williams Arthurs was born in Portsmouth, OH on September 16, 1937.  She was the daughter of Edward and Annabelle Young Williams. While attending Bob Jones University she met Dave Arthurs, and they were married on September 1, 1962.

The Arthurs served for some time with TransWorld Radio Ministries. They ministered on Bonaire, one of the Netherlands Antilles islands in the Caribbean; on the island of Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean; and in the country of Swaziland, in southern Africa, before spending several years working in a radio ministry on the island of Guam. The Arthurs joined WWNTBM in October of 1982, and they served for several years in the World Wide Office in New Bern, NC.

In December of 1987, the Lord led them to Pohnpei, where they began working with the Calvary Baptist Church and School. In addition to beginning the Calvary Radio Station on Pohnpei, they were used of the Lord to help start radio stations on the islands of Chuuk, Majuro, and Yap, as well as in Africa.

Ruth Ann continued the radio station ministry after the passing of her husband in 2013 until she was able to turn it over to the Eibens in 2015.  Although she retired from active service at that time, she remained a vital source of encouragement, counsel, and support for the ministries in Pohnpei.  She was an active member of Bethel Calvary Baptist Church in Taylors, SC.

On Friday, November 27, Ruth Ann left behind her robe of flesh and entered the presence of her Savior, where she was reunited with her husband.  She is survived by her daughter, Denise Arthurs of Taylors, SC; and her sister, Judy Bolin of Columbus, OH.

Plans are being made for a memorial service, to be held in South Carolina at a future date.  We will keep the World Wide family informed of details as they are made available.  Condolences may be sent to Denise Arthurs, 2 Bond Street, Taylors, SC 29687, or by email to [email protected].

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. . . . Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Posted on

From the Memo Board: December 2020

Dates to Know

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

December 13 – All prayer letters mailed through prayerletters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 17 – 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 20 – All prayer letters submitted solely through MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them by the end of the year.

December 21-25 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

January 4-5 – The Office will be closed for staff training.

January 8 – 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 for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2020.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2020 tax year will be available.

June 21-24 – Family Fellowship Week in Kinston, NC.

December Support

Please contact us via Signal by December 17 if you would like funds in your account before Christmas. Final December support distributions will be made on January 13 for all missionaries, regardless of their regular pay date. Contacting us by December 17 will enable us to schedule your funds around bank closings and holiday hours. Should you have an emergency need after December 18, you may contact our staff at the following numbers:

Kim O’Malley: 704-974-1008
Naomi Torberson: 704-692-7237

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!

2020 Graduates

Congratulations to those in our missions family who have graduated in recent months!

Clarisse Gilliam graduated from Pimlico State High School on November 20. Pray for her as she seeks the Lord’s will for the future. Clarisse is the daughter of Kelly and Becca Gilliam, our missionaries in Australia.


Seth Folkers graduated with his Masters in Divinity from Baptist Theological Seminary in August. Bro. Folkers and his family serve in Cameroon. Pray for them as they return to the field in December.

New Baby

Congratulations to Stephen and Anelly Villarreal on the birth of Timothy Jeremiah. He was born on November 25, weighing 7 lbs., 15 oz. and measuring 21.25 inches long. Timothy joins his older brother Stephen, Jr. (2.) Please pray for the Villarreals as they are on deputation to go to Mexico.

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.

Clarifying Your Message Over the Phone by Duey Whitfield

Go Forward by Mike Gali

Waiting for Results by Al Lorenzo

Do the Right Thing by Stephen Sorrel

Transitioning to the Field by David Landers

Things to Remember in Difficult Times by Markie Bullock

Flexible in the Spirit by Bill Wingard

God With Us by David Price

Get Out of the Shallows by Chris Swiatocho

International Medical Insurance

We recently became aware of two international medical insurance providers. If you would like to learn more about these providers, please see the information below.

Azimuth Risk Solutions LLC
Azimuth Risk Solutions heath insurance offers three types of medical insurance: short-term travel, extended major medical, and simplified issue. Rates vary depending on age and deductible of choice. You can check out the types of insurance and rates Azimuth provides on their website at https://www.azimuthrisk.com.

Cigna Global
Cigna Global insurance plans combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover, with the flexibility of optional additional modules, allowing you to build a plan that’s right for you. You can view their plan options and rates on their website at https://www.cignaglobal.com/international-medical-insurance.

Posted on

I Serve Others – Tender: December 2020

by John O’Malley

The phrase, I Serve Others, captures all we want to do for the Lord at WWNTBM. Over the next few months, I will write on the values we hold dear in the phrase, I Serve Others. We have already looked at the words inspire and open.

Mary held the infant Jesus. God, robed in flesh as a newborn babe, is now in her arms. He Who spoke the world into existence, she now cradles.

Love fills the stable as first-time parents bring a Child, who is Christ the Lord, into a world in the midst of crisis, conflict, and confusion. Shepherds will soon arrive. Mary and her espoused husband will share this precious Babe with the world. He came to save His people from their sin.

As I see it, Joseph looks lovingly. Mary returns the look with understanding. Yes, their world changed. But, even more so, the whole world changed forever. Tenderness is etched in every word as well as in the silence of the scene.

Yes, tonight begins His journey to the cross. Mary will be present for each significant event of His life and ministry. He will become sin for us Who knew no sin. The suffering He will face will be harsh, tortuous, and violent. Yet, the lady who wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes has only tenderness for this child of the Holy Ghost.

The tender spirit of the first Christmas night is the spirit we must have in every aspect of our lives and ministries. When the world is in conflict around you, be tender. When confusion abounds in your community, be tender. When there is trouble in your church and home, be tender. When there are fear and worry, be tender.

Our desire at World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions is to manifest tenderness. We desire to communicate with tenderness. We want to be a voice of calm, peace, and tenderness when you enlist our assistance.

When you are at your best, are you tender? When you are less-than-your-best, are you tender?

This Christmas season will produce many emotions. Let the tenderness of the Savior’s birth be in the tone, attitude, and spirit of your communication amongst all with whom you interact.

Merry Christmas.

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley

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

Posted on

I Serve Others – Open: November 2020

by John O’Malley

The phrase, I Serve Others, captures all we want to do for the Lord at WWNTBM. Over the next few months, I will write on the values we hold dear in the phrase, I Serve Others. Last month, we looked at the word inspire.

This month, I write about the letter O in the phrase “I serve others.” O introduces the value of being Open. The culture of World Wide must be one where our eyes are open to see, our hearts are open to care, our minds are open to think, and our hands are open for you.

Look around your home and place of ministry. Has the ministry or an unpleasant person caused you to close the tools of ministry God gave you? We must never close these God-given tools of ministry (eyes, heart, mind, and hands). If we close these innate tools of ministry, we may miss God-orchestrated moments of personal and spiritual opportunity.

The people you serve on your field deserve your best. They deserve a missionary leader whose hand is open to give, whose ears are open to listen, whose heart is open to care, and whose mind is open to thoughtfulness.

I want the culture of the office of World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions to be we are open to your suggestions, ideas, and thoughts. Psalm 34:15, “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”

Like God, are your eyes open to those around you? Are your ears open to their cry? Is your heart still open to the very people you promoted on deputation and furlough to your supporters? Never allow closed hands, ears, hearts, minds, or eyes to make you turn away from those God placed you there to serve.

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley

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

Posted on

From the Memo Board: November 2020

Dates to Know

November 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

November 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

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

November 20 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Thanksgiving.

November 26-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Thanksgiving.

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

December 13 – All prayer letters mailed through prayerletters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 17 – 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 20 – All prayer letters submitted solely through MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them by the end of the year.

December 21-25 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

January 8 – 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 for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2020.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2020 tax year will be available.

Mileage Guidelines for US Missionaries

A recent conversation with our CPA revealed our guidelines for mileage have been broader than the IRS allows for business/ministry deductions. Our procedures manual currently indicates that mileage to and from the church for non-ministerial functions such as mowing the grass or upkeep on the building is not allowed as ministry by the IRS, as it is considered ‘charitable miles’ rather than business/ministry-related. However, our manual also indicates that mileage to and from the church for ministerial activities (outside of regular services) such as counseling, Bible studies, etc., can be listed.

We have learned the IRS stipulates: “Transportation costs which may be deductible include trips for hospital and nursing home visits, attendance at conferences, or other church business. However, trips between the minister’s personal residence and the church are considered nondeductible commuting expenses.” Please note this clarification and be sure to consider this when submitting financial reports. This change will primarily affect those US Missionaries on the field, as those on deputation or furlough are primarily traveling for meetings or conferences.

Christmas Prayer Letter Services

If the office assists in mailing your prayer letters through PrayerLetters.com or PrayerLetters.com and MailChimp, please send us your information by December 13th for your recipients to receive it before Christmas. If we assist with your MailChimp emails only, please get us your information by December 20th in order for your recipients to receive them by the end of the year. Please be aware that letters received in our office after these days may experience delays due to the holidays. Please plan the timing of your letters accordingly, and contact the office if you have any questions. Thank you!

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 for US Missionaries

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.

New Baby

Congratulations to Trevor and Sabrina Deneau on the birth of Felix Lou Deneau. He was born on November 1, weighing 7 lbs, 7 oz. and measuring 20 inches long. He joins older brothers Emrys (3) and Theodore (2). Please pray for the Deneaus as they are on deputation to go to Italy.

Uplift Resource

We recently added a new page on the Missionary Orientation School site train.wwntbm.com. Uplift recordings having to do with various topics such as Deputation, Missionary and Family, Prayer Letters, etc. have been categorized and linked on this page. If you are in need of encouragement in a certain area, we hope that this resource will be a blessing to you!

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.

Something Worth Waiting For by Mike Ward

God is in Control by David Landers

Forward March by Guy Grenade

Guarding a Glad Heart by Gabe Eiben

That Which is Shaking You is Shaping You by Adrian Hendricks

Time Management and Organization by Jeremy Kobernat

Hold On! by Charles David

Clarifying Your Message in Prayer Letters by Duey Whitfield

Posted on

The Homegoing of Norma Heath

Norma Jean Heath
August 28, 1936 – July 5, 2020

Mrs. Norma Jean Heath passed into the presence of her LORD on Sunday, July 5th.  Mrs. Heath was born on August 28, 1936.  She married Dalton Heath on August 29, 1962.

Mrs. Norma was a Registered Nurse. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, and gardener. She faithfully served the LORD alongside her husband in Liberia, West Africa, as well as in pastoral and Christian school ministries in the US.  She loved to read and study her Bible and had an extensive ministry teaching ladies. When the LORD called them back into missionary service, they joined WWNTBM and spent over 20 years serving in Micronesia and the Pacific. Eventually, they returned to the mainland, where they continued serving in a representative and recruitment role.

The Heaths have one daughter, Andrea, who is married to Paul Milner. They have two grandchildren, Bradley and Summer. (The Milners also served as missionaries with WWNTBM for many years, and Bro. Paul was a member of our Board of Reference.)

Proverbs 31:10-12  “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

Condolences may be sent to Bro. Heath at [email protected],
and to the Milners at [email protected].

Posted on

From the Memo Board: October 2020

Dates to Know

October 1 – August Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

October 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

October 12 – Most US Banks will be closed for Columbus Day.

November 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

November 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

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

November 20 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Thanksgiving.

November 26-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Thanksgiving.

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

December 13 – All prayer letters mailed through prayerletters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 17 – 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 20 – All prayer letters submitted solely through MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them by the end of the year.

December 21-25 – The office will be closed in celebration of Christmas.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries.

January 8 – 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 for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2020.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2020 tax year will be available.

Medicare Enrollment

We have recently learned that US individuals who fail to sign up with the Social Security Administration for Medicare benefits at least three months prior to their 65th birthday may owe a monthly late penalty for the rest of their years while they are on Medicare. If you are nearing your 65th birthday, we recommend that you click here to learn more. We are not sure how Medicare benefits affect individuals overseas. However, if you are in the US, you may wish to look into supplemental insurance coverage to help with medical needs not covered by Medicare. If you do not already have a company or agent for insurance, please let us know and we can send you contact information for companies who may be able to assist you.

Financial Report Reminder

As we enter the last quarter of the year, thoughts turn to year-end tax procedures. Many people begin thinking of last-minute deductions that will affect them. For our US Missionaries, if you anticipate making large ministry purchases and you desire the purchase to be a deduction in the year 2020, you may wish to make the purchase by the end of November. Because of the way our 1099s are calculated, December expenses are “reimbursed” out of January income, so the tax benefit on your 1099 would actually be considered a 2021 reimbursement. Regardless of when the purchase is made, you will still receive a tax benefit. However, we wanted you to be aware of these deadlines as you plan your expenses over the next few months.

Please keep in mind the due dates for financial reports. With the holidays approaching it is easy to let these slip past, but our CPA has encouraged us we need to keep to the due dates, per IRS regulations. The best situation is for you to report all ministry expenses through WW, thus providing the fullest tax benefit. If you do not submit an MFR on time, you can still submit it on your personal taxes on a Schedule C. If you are not currently submitting financial reports we suggest you consider this option. If you have questions about this, please contact Naomi Torberson.

Celebrating 50 Years

In 1971, God brought to fulfillment the dream He had planted in Bill Wingard’s heart to start a missions agency. That same year, Calvary Baptist Church of New Bern hosted the first annual Family Fellowship Week. The Lord willing, June 21-24, 2021, New Testament Baptist Church of Kinston will co-host the 50th Family Fellowship Week, along with Calvary of New Bern. The week will celebrate the completion, rather than the beginning, of our 50th year of service. Mark your calendars and make plans now to attend!

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.

Hard Days, Hurting Days, Humble Days by Jeremy Kobernat

Christ’s Righteousness by Josh Wagar

Deputation Email Using MailChimp by Kevin Taylor

God Provides by Matthew Rose

Christ is All I Need by James Grandinetti

Meekness by Jonathan Earnhart

A Chance to Reassess by Ken Sparks

Bible Translation by Steve Zeinner

Being Real on Deputation by Jacob McKinney

Success or Failure? by Ghassan Haddad

Where is Your Focus? by Daniel Fetter

Posted on

I Serve Others – Inspire: October 2020

by John O’Malley

In recent months, I shared with you the core values of World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions. These values are best remembered with the acrostic: SERVE. We believe we are at our best when we are Selfless, Eager, Responsible, Valuable, and Exceptional.

We attempt to exemplify these traits in every communication with you. We review these values every week in our staff meeting. We inspect ourselves weekly to make sure we meet what we expect of ourselves.

The acrostic SERVE fits in a larger sentence acrostic: I Serve Others. This phrase, I Serve Others, captures all we want to do for the Lord at WWNTBM. Over the next seven months, I will write on the values we hold dear in the phrase, I Serve Others.

The first value of this phrase is the word Inspire.

We choose daily to inspire or depress people with our words. You meet people in your community, your church, your ministry. These people need words which will build them, better them, and bless them. It is hard to choose the right words. Our emotional health, our spiritual discipline, and our temperament all play a role in whether we will use words which inspire or words which depress or deflate people.

Solomon’s words help me and haunt me: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21) My words will either kill someone or will give them life.

Think of all the words you used this week. How many words made someone die a little on the inside. How many of your words breathed life into a person? Did your spoken or written words wound an entire segment of society, a child, a spouse, a co-worker, or a friend?

Perhaps you are like me. I prefer to hear words which give life. I dislike hearing words which cause me to die a little on the inside. I despise it even more when I choose words which cause people to die on the inside.

Since heart surgery, I’ve given thought to an epitaph, whether etched in stone on a marker, or on hearts of the people I met. I want it to be, John pointed people to Jesus and inspired people.

Our words can suffocate or strengthen. Our words can inspire or depress. It is easier to use words which hurt others. It is a challenge and a choice to use words to breathe life into people.

Our staff at WWNTBM want to inspire you every time we speak with you. It is easy to speak words of life to you because you inspire us. You inspire us with your kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32) You inspire us with your faithfulness when we see you facing trauma, trouble, and trials. You inspire us with your words. Your words speak life into our staff.

Please know, wherever you are in the world today, I believe in you. I believe in the work God called you to do for Him. I believe you are the right person in the right place at the right time. I believe the best about you. I believe you can do all God called you to do.

There are plenty of mean things to say about mean people. Let us be people who inspire others to go further, do more, and be who God wants us to be.

I am inspired when I think of you!

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley

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