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Of Changes, Challenges, and Obstacles

by John O’Malley

Recently, an interviewer asked me:
“What was one of the biggest changes for you as you transitioned from the mission field to directing or helping missionaries and churches in the area of missions?”

My answer:
Missions-work, Gospel-work, and people-work are not about the worker. It is about the One for Whom we work.

Changes are His decision. His changes for me meant He chose to make me better for Him, His work, His glory, and the good of the Gospel.

Phil 1:13-17 teaches two things about changes, challenges, and obstacles: hardships set our determination to the furtherance of the Gospel, and hardships establish our positioning for the defense of the Gospel.

In leadership, whether Pastor, Church Planter, or Missionary Helper, if I know God picked my context, He believes I am capable of the task. How I feel has nothing to do with my responsibility.

The big change? Practically speaking, it was nil.

Yes, geography changed. Yes, accents and culture changed. Responsibility changed. But the work of the Gospel means I am where the Lord of the Harvest placed me. If I spend all my time worrying about how change affects me and not what He is doing in me, then the change becomes my focus.

I don’t want that.

I want to be poised or set for the furtherance of the Gospel and the defense of the Gospel. I am not more significant than the Gospel. I don’t want my hardships to be my testimony. I don’t wish the way people treated me to be my testimony.

My daily questions should be, will I further the Gospel today? Did anything I faced yesterday change me in my defense of the Gospel?
Gospel work is about Him, not about me.

If we fixate on the personal impact of a context or condition, our stories supplant the Gospel. Our message is the Gospel. No matter where He puts us or what He asks us to do. Our story is what He has for all of humanity.

Big changes? My hope is I am changed more into His image and less into my image.

What is your response to change, challenges, and obstacles?
Do they strengthen your resolve?
Do you permit them to advance or further the Gospel?
Do you allow them to solidify your defense of the Gospel?
May God give us biblical responses to changes, challenges, and obstacles.

Yours for the harvest,

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: January 2024

Dates to Know

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 10 – All Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 12 – All Missionaries (except those on an R-1 Visa) will receive their final December support on this day, regardless of the day they normally receive support.

January 15 – Missionaries on an R-1 Visa will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

January 15 – December Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2023. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 29 – Those who normally receive funds on the 29th will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2023 tax year will be available on SecureCloud.

February 5 – those who normally receive funds on the 5th will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

April 8-12, 2024 – Family Fellowship Week at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, 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.

New Excel Template for US Missionaries

A new Excel template for the year 2024 will be available on February 15. This will give us time to review the need for any possible updates. January financial reports for US Missionaries 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 2023 template. However, starting with the February report please be sure to use the new template.

New Mileage Rate

Beginning on January 1st, the IRS mileage rate has increased to $0.670 per mile for business/ministry miles. This change will be reflected in the new Excel template for 2024 which will be available on February 15.

Family Fellowship Week

Family Week is fast approaching! We are excited about the new location and hope you are planning to attend. The week will begin with dinner on Monday evening, April 8, and will end with the Thursday night service. There will be free time in the afternoons so you and your family can enjoy the facilities or take in local attractions. Attendees are asked to stay for the entire week. Check-out will be Friday morning after breakfast.

If you have not yet contacted us to reserve your spot please do so ASAP by clicking here. Your final plans regarding attendance for you and any guests need to be communicated to our office by February 1, 2024. Changes made after this date will affect our contract billing with the retreat center. Click here to see more information and details about the week. We look forward to seeing you there!

New Baby

Dastan Eliel Ortiz was born on December 5 to Rolando and Hannah Ortiz, who minister in Mexico. He joins older siblings Amelia (9), Viana (8), Amadeo (5), Selicia (3), and Tirza (1). Dastan is also the grandson of Fred Jr. and Beth Daniel.

December Graduates

Morgan Dickens graduated with a degree in Theology from the institute in Brazil. Morgan was recently appointed as an associate missionary with World Wide, and has already begun an internship with a missionary in Brazil. Morgan is the son of our missionaries, Joel and Cynthia Dickens.

 

 

Bryce Gilliam graduated from High School. He has enrolled in the university in Australia, where he will study dentistry. Bryce is the son of our missionaries, Kelly and Becca Gilliam.

Uplift Podcast

The Greatness of God – His Immortality and Offer of Eternal Life by Allen Mercer

Jesus Our Example, Part 1 by Jeremy Lockhart

Jesus Our Example, Part 2 by Jeremy Lockhart

Jesus Our Example, Part 3 by Jeremy Lockhart

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The Homegoing of Pastor James Bailey

James Bailey
January 10, 1945 – November 3, 2023
 

Pastor James Douglas Bailey of Edinburg, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord late Friday night, November 3, 2023, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Simpsonville, South Carolina. He was 78.

James is preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Carolyn Comer Bailey, his parents, Sam Henry and Mary Emma Keen Bailey, and his brother, Kenneth Sam Bailey. He is survived by his second wife, Patty, and his children, Tami Bailey Nantz (John) of Simpsonville, SC, and Jonathan Paul Bailey of Edinburg, VA. His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Anna Nantz (Greer, SC), and Josiah, Karalynn, and Neveah Bailey of Edinburg, VA; his sisters, Mary McCollum (Mac) and Nan Strickland, both of Reidsville, NC, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Pastor Bailey was born on January 10, 1945, and was saved at the age of twelve years old. He was a graduate of Reidsville High School in Reidsville, NC. In August of 1966, he married Judith Carolyn Comer. Together they had two children: Tami Bailey Nantz and Jonathan Bailey. Judith went home to be with the Lord in February of 2007. Pastor Bailey later married Patricia Rae Cheer Hawley in June of 2009.

Pastor Bailey was a valiant combat veteran. He dedicated over five years of his life to serving the United States in the U.S. Marine Corps, earning numerous accolades, including the distinguished Purple Heart, after being wounded by a sniper’s bullet on June 27, 1967, in Vietnam. It was during his military service that he responded to God’s divine calling for full-time ministry. In 1971, shortly after the birth of his daughter, he began his training by enrolling at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Bible, Master of Pastoral Studies, and an Honorary Doctorate.

He served as the pastor of Interstate Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee from 1976 to 1978 and dedicated 36 years to serving Valley Baptist Church in Edinburg, Virginia, before retiring in 2015. In 1983, he became an Executive Board member for World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions, celebrating 40 years of service this year. In 2014 he and Patty became associate missionaries with WWNTBM to serve as furlough replacement. They provided invaluable service as temporary replacements for missionaries in South Korea, New Zealand, Canada, Micronesia, and Guam who needed to take furlough.

Pastor Bailey’s life was a testament to his unwavering trust in God, his steadfast service to His name, and his tireless efforts to lead others to Christ. He continued to fulfill this divine calling faithfully until his final breath. To God be the glory – great things He has accomplished through this remarkable life.

Visitation with family and friends took place just before the funeral at Valley Baptist Church (408 Stoney Creek Road, Edinburg, VA) on November 13, 2023, between 1:00 and 2:30pm. The funeral service began at 2:30pm, followed by a brief graveside service at Cedarwood Cemetery in Edinburg. The funeral service was livestreamed at https://valleybaptistchurch.net.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that you consider contributing to the World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions (WWNTBM) Jim and Judy Bailey Missions Memorial Fund. You can donate by visiting http://wwntbm.com/give and selecting this fund from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you may support the Valley Baptist Christian School Scholarship Fund by visiting https://valleybaptistchurch.net/online-giving/. Both causes held a special place in Pastor Bailey’s heart and continue to impact countless lives.

Online condolences may be left at www.valleyfs.com.

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Are You Healthy Enough?

by John O’Malley

Is your mental and emotional state healthy enough to be an effective witness in your community right now? Are you in a good place mentally and emotionally for your family and ministry?

These are questions I ask myself from time to time.

Are you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually prepared for the Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day season? Whether there are holidays upon us or not, it is good to take such inventory.

The emotional distance between family in America and home on your mission field creates mental anxiety. This anxiety can be resolved in Christ and His word. The season between now and New Year’s Day can exponentially magnify this distance. Take heed.

In the spirit of the season of giving thanks and gifts, I urge you to find an hour with the Lord as you enter this season.

      • Synchronize your mind with the mind of Christ.
      • Set reasonable boundaries for your time.
      • Establish a goal to do one thing with your family that demonstrates their value to you.
      • Take time for your spouse.
      • Choose a passage from the word of God to memorize.

I am concerned for you as a missionary. I am concerned for your well-being and emotional longevity. It is proper to assess how we are thinking, on what we are thinking, and our overthinking, which creates anxiety.

Please consider these matters.

Yours for the harvest,

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: December 2023

Dates to Know

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations

December 5 – All prayer letters the Office assists in mailing via PrayerLetters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 10 – Those who normally receive funds on the 10th will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

December 15 – Missionaries on an R-1 Visa will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

December 15 – Please contact us by this date via Signal if you will need funds in your account before Christmas or if you will need a deposit between Christmas and the end of the year. This allows us time to schedule your deposit around bank holidays and the office being closed.

December 18 – All prayer letters the Office assists in sending via MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 21-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas. The Office will reopen on December 28th.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 10 – All Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 12 – All Missionaries (except those on an R-1 Visa) will receive they final December support on this day, regardless of the day they normally receive support.

January 15 – Missionaries on an R-1 Visa will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

January 15 – December Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries, along with any remaining receipts or financial paperwork for 2023. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 29 – Those who normally receive funds on the 29th will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2023 tax year will be available on SecureCloud.

February 5 – those who normally receive funds on the 5th will receive their deposit(s) as usual.

April 8-12, 2024 – Family Fellowship Week at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC.

Special Support Dates

Due to the holidays, and to allow sufficient time for year-end contributions and necessary tax procedures, coming support days will be adjusted. We have taken proactive steps to assist you, should you have a need. Please note that all regular deposit dates after December 15 will be adjusted. Please refer to the dates above for special support dates.

Please note that during a typical month, we close the books on the 25th, and any checks received after that date are posted to the following month. This gives us several days to process month-end items in preparation for a 29th or 5th Deposit. However, due to year-end receipting requirements, we cannot do this in the month of December. We are unable to close the books for December until January 10, to allow time for donations postmarked in 2023 to arrive in our office. As a result, we do not have final December income totals until January, and without those totals, we are unable to make the regular support deposits for December 29, January 5, or January 10. Therefore, all missionaries (except those on an R-1 visa) will receive their final December support on January 12, regardless of what day they normally receive funds. This deposit will likely be higher than normal. However, this means that deposits at the end of January will likely 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 assist 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.

Uplift Podcast

The Greatness of God – His Eternality by Allen Mercer

The Greatness of God – His Self-Existence by Allen Mercer

The Greatness of God – His Sovereignty by Allen Mercer

The Greatness of God – His Omnipresence and Omniscience by Allen Mercer

The Greatness of God – His Omnipotence by Allen Mercer

 

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An Open Letter to Two Couples I Do Not Know

by John O’Malley

A friend asked in an online ministry forum:
“I have two young couples that are just preparing to start deputation. They have both been seeking help and advice on things they should know or do. What do you wish someone had told you when you were first starting out?”

Dear Couples interested in serving Christ,
I am thrilled to hear of your desire to serve the Lord. Your calling distinguishes you and will dispatch you to a place unfamiliar and to a people unknown.
Your friend said you seek advice about missionary service. Here is my advice to you:

    1. Give more than you take.
    2. Love more than you are given love.
    3. Pursue excellence.
    4. Show your heart; people will catch your vision.
    5. Give grace to everyone, including yourselves.
    6. Be honest with statistics. Remember, it’s the call of God that validates you. Your statistical data does not validate your need to be on your field.
    7. Meet each week with your pastor.
    8. Stay in the Word.
    9. Consider your family’s spiritual growth if you are preaching the same message each week.
    10. Tell God everything. He listens.
    11. When asked about hardships, speak of blessings: light afflictions last moments.
    12. When asked to speak of the worst experience, speak of the reward of serving. Plumbers have bad experiences too. One bad day of deputation is better than 10 seconds in Hell.
    13. Schedule time for fun.
    14. Discipline your children at home so the children only need a calm word for guidance.
    15. Eat with discipline, discernment, and discretion.
    16. Schedule 90% of your meetings within a 300-mile radius of your home.
    17. Smile.
    18. Live and act as if you serve the Sustainer of life. You do. Do all things with this awareness. He loves you.
    19. Give 40 hours per week to contacting churches for support. The people who support you will work forty hours per week at their job.
    20. Slothfulness is a sin.
    21. Love God.
    22. Love Others.
    23. Never seek revenge. “If you can revenge yourself, DON’T. If you could do it as easily as open your hand, keep it shut. If one bitter word could end the argument, ask for grace to spare that bitter word.” (Spurgeon)
    24. Never criticize. Ever.
    25. Never gossip. Ever.

What is your advice?

Yours for the harvest,
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: November 2023

Dates to Know

November 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

November 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

November 10 – Most US banks will be closed for Veterans Day.

November 23-24 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Thanksgiving.

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations

December 5 – All prayer letters the Office assists in mailing via PrayerLetters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 15 – 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 18 – All prayer letters the Office assists in sending via MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 21-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas. The Office will reopen on December 28th.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 10 – All Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 12 – All Missionaries will receive they 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 2023. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2023 tax year will be available on SecureCloud.

April 8-12, 2024 – Family Fellowship Week at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC.

Year-End Adjustments

During a typical month, we close the books on the 25th, and any checks received after that date are posted to the following month. This means that you receive your Support List and total income figures on or about the 25th, and we then deposit funds into your account(s) on the 29th, 5th, or 10th of the month after we have calculated estimated taxes, tithes, and other month end payments.

Due to receipting requirements, we cannot do this in the month of December, as we are required by law to process funds that were postmarked in December as if they were received in December. This means we cannot close the books for December until January 10th, and therefore we do not have final December figures until January 10th.

What does this mean for you?

      • Please contact our office by December 15 if you will need funds in your account before the end of the year. This helps our staff plan for all transfers before we close for the Christmas holiday.
      • The last day we can initiate a bank transfer in the year 2023 is December 20.
      • Final transfers of December funds (after all estimated taxes and tithes have been calculated) will be made for January 12th, 2024, regardless of the day you usually receive your monthly support.
      • 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 assist 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.

Year-End Prayer Letter Services

If the office assists in mailing your prayer letters through PrayerLetters.com, please send us your information by December 5th for your recipients to receive it before Christmas.

If we assist with your MailChimp emails only, please get us your information by December 18th 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!

Our Office will resume processing prayer letters on January 2, 2024.

Family Fellowship Week

We are beginning preparations for Family Fellowship Week 2024, which will once again be held at the Caraway Conference Center near Asheboro, NC. Our missions family greatly enjoys this quiet retreat location, which allows all services, lodging, meals, and activities to take place in one place.

Our next meeting will be held April 8-12, 2024. Please make plans to join us! Please watch your email for registration information in the next few days. Final reservations need to be communicated to the office by February 1, 2024.

This is a time to gather for fellowship and encouragement. Meals, lodging, and child care are provided. Attendees should plan to stay the entire week, beginning Monday afternoon, and ending after the Thursday evening service. (Lodging Thursday night and breakfast Friday morning are provided, but guests are welcome to leave Thursday evening if they wish.) There will be preaching and teaching sessions in the morning and evening, with free time in the afternoons. The week provides opportunities to rub shoulders with fellow servants from around the world in all stages of ministry. Please plan to join us.

Uplift Podcast

Trust God’s Plan by Cody Carden

Holiness Part 1 by Cody Carden

Holiness Part 2 by Cody Carden

Holiness Part 3 by Cody Carden

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From the Memo Board: October 2023

Dates to Know

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 9 – Most US banks will be closed for Columbus Day.

November 1 – September Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

November 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

November 10 – Most US banks will be closed for Veterans Day.

November 23-24 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Thanksgiving.

December 1 – October Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

December 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations

December 5 – All prayer letters the Office assists in mailing via PrayerLetters.com should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 15 – 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 18 – All prayer letters the Office assists in sending via MailChimp should be submitted to our staff in order for your recipients to get them before Christmas.

December 21-27 – The Office will be closed in celebration of Christmas. The Office will reopen on December 28th.

January 1 – November Financial Reports will be due for US Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 1 – December Financial Reports will be due for Non-Resident Missionaries. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

January 10 – All Missionaries will receive their statements of December Support Received.

January 12 – All Missionaries will receive they 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 2023. This includes FNPO Reports for those with Foreign Non-Profit Organizations.

February 1 – 1099 Forms and other tax documentation for the 2023 tax year will be available on SecureCloud.

April 8-12, 2024 – Family Fellowship Week at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC.

Year-End Prayer Letter Services

If the office assists in mailing your prayer letters through PrayerLetters.com, please send us your information by December 5th for your recipients to receive it before Christmas.

If we assist with your MailChimp emails only, please get us your information by December 18th 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!

Our Office will resume processing prayer letters on January 2, 2024.

New Missionaries

Stephen and Jenifer Minion have been accepted with World Wide as our newest missionaries to Brazil. They are sent out of the Maranatha Baptist Church in Shelby, NC, with Pastor Jim Davidson. The Minions are graduates of Ambassador Baptist College, and Stephen has served as an assistant pastor at Maranatha BC for the past five years. They have three daughters: Shiloh (4), Tirzah (3), and Keziah (1). Stephen is brother-in-law to our former Office Assistant Holly Minion. Jenifer is sister to our missionary Jed Duarte. Their goal is to begin deputation early next year. Please pray for them as they transition to this new ministry.

Uplift Podcast

Family Fellowship Week – The Gospel’s Hope by Tim Daniel

Family Fellowship Week: A Door of Hope by John O’Malley

God is our Refuge by Cody Carden

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What Have I Learned in 39 Years of Ministry?

by John O’Malley

Thirty-nine years ago this month, I began in ministry. On the anniversary of this event, I decided to write what I learned. I wrote these lessons to help me process, reflect, and remember the goodness of God over these years.

I know I can say with confidence thirty-nine years later:

    1. I chose not to see the scars, just the grace applied.
    2. I decided not to feel the bruises, just the mercy received.
    3. I chose not to remember pains, just the healing.
    4. I stood by gravesides and knew God’s comfort.
    5. I sat with the dying and knew hopeful sorrow.
    6. I sat with the grieving and saw their grace in grief.
    7. I was blessed to have friends and receive their forgiveness.
    8. I was blessed to walk the most challenging paths but was never alone.
    9. I was blessed to know a real friend.
    10. I learned that an enemy’s view of me is not God’s.
    11. I learned those who made themselves enemies can become teachers, helpers, and friends.
    12. I received mercy when I erred with friends.
    13. I received grace for my faults and failures from friends.
    14. I saw betrayal and loyalty from the same person.
    15. I learned hurt can become hope.
    16. I learned disappointment can become a classroom.
    17. I learned that the truth from the inner circle is better than flattery from any source.
    18. I knew love because of my wife.
    19. I held life’s greatest joy: the birth of a child.
    20. I saw God enlarged my heart when I met our daughter-in-law.
    21. I shed unfamiliar tears upon the news of a granddaughter joining our family.
    22. I learned life’s greatest treasures are the relationships made.
    23. I learned the greatest gift you can give your spouse, family, ministry, and supporters is being mentally and emotionally healthy and self-aware.
    24. I learned prayer is the best response.
    25. I learned it is best to believe in others.
    26. I found forgiveness is better.
    27. I found life is too precious to spend time pouting.
    28. I learned when uncertain to do the next right thing.
    29. I discovered a child’s smile is life-giving.
    30. I learned failures are not final.
    31. I learned forgiveness is a choice.
    32. I learned I do not need a man’s approval.
    33. I learned holding the same doctrinal position is more straightforward than changing positions.
    34. I learned a friend stays.
    35. I learned that when God pauses my plans, He works out His plan.
    36. I learned believing in people inspires them.
    37. I learned responding in kind is different from responding with kindness.
    38. I learned the cruelest and kindest words can come from the same people, including me.
    39. I learned childhood wounds do not have to hinder you; they can help you.
    40. I learned that I choose when I can get over whatever hurt me.
    41. I found remembering the delights of the Lord is better than remembering life’s disappointments.
    42. I learned the hope of watching God work tomorrow is better than today’s frustration.
    43. I learned discouragement is a luxury I cannot afford.
    44. I know God is faithful.
    45. I know God gives emotions.
    46. I know God can.
    47. I know God uses afflictions.
    48. I know God’s word is true.
    49. I know to everything, there is a season.
    50. I know applying grace is easier than holding a grudge.

Does one of these lessons resonate with you? What lessons have you learned that you want to share with me? I would love to read them.

Yours for the harvest,
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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Waiting on God, Whose Timeline is Longer than Our Own

by John O’Malley

God inhabits a place called eternity.
We occupy a space called the present.
God, Who dwells in eternity, can work in your present.
The contrast between your daily life and His work creates an exciting dynamic for man and a tension between our now and His when.
This tension will create either a dependency on Him or ourselves.
Wait for Him; He’s worth it.

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley