HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I thank the Lord for His fresh work in my own heart. He has captured my being with hope in Him and the power of His presence. I find blessing in knowing that the God of the universe takes delight in me and the little details of my life.
Our family will all be home for a Thanksgiving meal and that will be a delight for us all!
I would like to start some special Thanksgiving traditions in the Jones home. If you have some, please share them with us.
Conference President's Schedule
I was privileged to speak in revival services at East Enterprise, Indiana, with Rev. and Mrs. Rex Albring. Leland and Roanna Lindahl sang in the services. God met us and I sensed His help in preaching.
I returned home to visit with Bro. and Sis. Black who were staying at our house. What a joy to be with them and Roanna. And I just want to express to them our appreciation for their work. On behalf of this conference, THANK YOU FOR SERVING BIBLE METHODISM IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Last Sunday, Saundy and I ministered at the Pine Grove Tabernacle near Remus. There are some dear people worshipping there and we felt that God blessed our day! The pastor's wife has served EBM in the past as well as Pineview Homes. She is not well physically and I wish that we could lift Karol Thompson to the Lord. She is scheduled for surgery this Friday.
The boys and I have enjoyed some deer hunting together. Kenny and I each got little bucks. Derek may outdo us yet!
Special Note
- GBS choir ministered at the Evart Church prior to the youth lock-in at Pineview Homes. I believe there were about 270 in that rally service that was marked by the glory of God's presence. Our young people began to respond in testimony. The service lasted for about three hours. Friends, God is mightily at work among us. And, of course, the enemy will be on the alert.
- Concord honored their veterans on the last day of their revival services with Rev. Troy Keaton. There were 107 present. The church has allowed the AA group to use their Family Life Center. One of the "AA" men came to service that day and gave his heart to the Lord.
- Sis. Carol Hobbs and Sis. Heidi Weatherald lead a Girls' Retreat in Big Rapids. They spoke about "Meeting the Gardener", "Weeding your Garden" and "Planting New Seeds". God helps to take us to new levels and, thus, expand our usefulness for Him. The young ladies were encouraged to take Jesus to the point of old hurts and let Him heal the wound. Then, and only then, are we free to live in His delight to the fullest of our potential.
CONFERENCE MINUTES
Marc Lowe has sent me the remaining Conference Minutes for 2005. They cost $5.50 before postage is added. Please let me know if you are needing Minutes.
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MISSIONS NEWS
Dear Friends,
The Nehemiah Conference pastor's and I have just
returned from two days of work on the Alibagu National
Office Project. There were about 50 of us, counting
the pastor's from Jabez Conf. and the hired workers,
who worked in shifts carrying sand and gravel and
mixing cement for 29 hours straight. We're a little
sore but it's nothing that a few days in traction
won't cure!
There are many things to share with you regarding the
spiritual progress of the work here and our family,
but we'll send out a more complete update later. For
now I'm just sending along some shots of the project
for your prayers and encouragement. We really need
your constant financial support as well. Since we
started this project last year the prices on many of
the needed materials (especially steel bars and
concrete) have more than doubled! We are doing our
very best to manage this project well and to stay on
budget, but the prices of things are a huge challenge.
Thanks for your faithful support of the Philippine
Church. You are a great blessing to us!
More grace to you,
Tim
From Marc Sankey
We went to Rio Bravo yesterday morning. I played my guitar for some of the singing. I think that made a little connection with Santiago. The kids then went off to Sunday School and Bro. Eli taught/preached the Sunday School lesson in the church. He had prepared a statement in English that he read publicly to us, officially welcoming us to Mexico. It was very meaningful.
When the kids came back in from Sunday School the Mexican children sang Father Abraham in Spanish of course while our 3 boys sat on the front seat and observed. I kind of wondered why they weren't participating. Then when the mexican children were through the S.S. teacher had our 3 boys get up in front of the church and sing Father Abraham in English with all the motions. Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot nod your head turn around. It was hilarious but it connected well with the people. They seemed to really enjoy our blond-headed boys singing.
Then Eli and Isela invited us to their house for lunch - a very delicious meal. Eli wasted no time making a connection with me. He said that he was glad that I was in Mexico and he said that he felt that it was very good that I was young, because the Mexico work needs new vision and passion, etc.. He seemed eager to get on board. He showed me alot of information about the Institute. We can talk more about this on the phone but all in all, we made a strong connection yesterday. We went to Victor's house for a few moments before going to Soledad for the evening service. In the middle of the service right before Bro. Homero preached he asked if we would sing a song. So on the spur of the moment, we did. I played my guitar while we sang "Have I Done My Best for Jesus?" in English of course. And then Homero gave the translation at the end of the song.
Eli was asking about the possibility of purchasing new software for the school computers in the amount of about $60. Are these kinds of matters involving similar amounts of funds at my discretion or do I need to run these types of things by you or someone else? We have $3500 in the missions account and over $1000 in the LABI account.
I'll probably call you later and we can talk more then.
Blessings,
Marc
Dear Friends of Bible Methodist Missions in Mexico,
I am writing this email to request special prayer for our pastor in Rio Bravo, MX: Bro. Santiago Hernandez.
He went to the doctor yesterday and the doctors are quite concerned about some physical problems that he has. He has been experiencing pain and numbness throughout his body and last night in the service we observed very plainly a degree of facial paralysis on the right side of his face; similar to the evidence of a stroke. Bro. Victor (a layman in the church) and I annointed Bro. Santiago and prayed for him during the service. Also there was an impromptu collection taken up from among the church people to help cover his medical expenses. He is scheduled for more tests - possibly an MRI - in the next few days. He is basically unable to carry on his duties as pastor and teacher in the Institute until the problem is cared for. Last night, one of the students preached for him and I am planning to preach for him on Sunday night.
Please help us pray for Bro. Santiago and his family. As you can imagine this is quite concerning to him, his wife, and 3 children. I know that God is able to touch him and to give the doctors wisdom as they care for him.
Thank you for your concern and prayers.
Marc Sankey
I just received word tonight from Bro. Homero Luna that Bro. Santiago Hernandez has been taken to the hospital in Reynosa, MX. His symptoms are worsening. The doctor has told the family that he will need to be in the hospital for at least 3-4 days to do more testing and try to find out what's wrong with him. This, of course, will incur potentially significant cost for this precious Bible Methodist pastor and family.
If God would lay it on your heart to give something monetarily in addition to your spiritual contribution of prayer, I'm sure that the family would be greatly appreciative. You may contribute to this need by sending your gifts to Missions Treasurer, Monte Stetler at P.O. Box 18128 Elsmere, KY 41018.
Blessings,
Marc Sankey
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Thursday, November 10, 2005
The Sankey's First Sunday in Mexico
The following is a report from Bro. Sankey....
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Hello from a very warm Rio Grande Valley - I just saw 88 degrees while ago!
We want to send a few pictures of our first Sunday in Mexico and the market on Monday.
On Sunday morning we visited the Bible Methodist Church in Soledad where Homero Luna is the pastor. We enjoyed the Lord's presence as Bro. Luna preached and the people sang and testified. Our 2 younger boys enjoyed their first Spanish Sunday School class with a little interpreting from a friend. Bro. and Sis. Tomes said words of farewell and then introduced us as the new missionaries. After the service there were many expressions of "Bienvenidos" and "Dios le Bendiga" as the people shook our hands.
We enjoyed a wonderful Sunday dinner of chicken, rice, corn, tortillas, and more at the Luna's home. They are great hosts and we fellowshipped with them in the afternoon.
On Sunday evening we visited the Bible Methodist Church in Rio Bravo where Santiago Hernandez is the pastor. Again, the Tomes said words of farewell and introduction of our family. Marc preached the evening message with Bro. Tomes interpreting. And again, after the service there were many expressions of "Bienvenidos" (welcome) and "Dios le Bendiga" (God Bless You) as the people shook our hands and greeted us warmly.
After the service our boys enjoyed playing with the Mexican children - play needs no certain language!
editor's note: Go to www.bmmissions.org for more info on our missionaries
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Hello from a very warm Rio Grande Valley - I just saw 88 degrees while ago!
We want to send a few pictures of our first Sunday in Mexico and the market on Monday.
On Sunday morning we visited the Bible Methodist Church in Soledad where Homero Luna is the pastor. We enjoyed the Lord's presence as Bro. Luna preached and the people sang and testified. Our 2 younger boys enjoyed their first Spanish Sunday School class with a little interpreting from a friend. Bro. and Sis. Tomes said words of farewell and then introduced us as the new missionaries. After the service there were many expressions of "Bienvenidos" and "Dios le Bendiga" as the people shook our hands.
We enjoyed a wonderful Sunday dinner of chicken, rice, corn, tortillas, and more at the Luna's home. They are great hosts and we fellowshipped with them in the afternoon.
On Sunday evening we visited the Bible Methodist Church in Rio Bravo where Santiago Hernandez is the pastor. Again, the Tomes said words of farewell and introduction of our family. Marc preached the evening message with Bro. Tomes interpreting. And again, after the service there were many expressions of "Bienvenidos" (welcome) and "Dios le Bendiga" (God Bless You) as the people shook our hands and greeted us warmly.
After the service our boys enjoyed playing with the Mexican children - play needs no certain language!
editor's note: Go to www.bmmissions.org for more info on our missionaries
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Conference President's Update for Oct. 31
Great Lakes Conference Date - Oct 31/05
Bible Methodist Connection of Churches
PLEASE PRAY FOR SIS. MIKE HOBBS (Rev. Daniel Hobb's Mother)
Joann Hobbs has been diagnosed with multiple melanoma bone marrow cancer. At this point it is treatable, but not curable. She has had six blood transfusions so far. She has type O negative blood which is rare and finding enough blood can be a problem.
She can be treated on an outpatient basis and may go home today. She has had a bone scan to determine the exact status of the bone cancer so that treatment can proceed. She is very sleepy and extremely weak and says that her vision does not stay clear for long. She needs lots of prayer, but her spirits seem to be good.
The Hobbs need lots of prayer as Ada Hobbs, her mother-in-law, is also being treated for cancer in multiple places
Arlene, a niece, writes, "I know they will appreciate your call or card, so do what you can to let them know that they are not forgotten!"
Home phone: 570-648-9005 (Keep trying as their answering service is not working right)
Home address: RD#1 Box 66 Shamokin, PA 17872
The David Black Family -- Traveling Great Lakes Conference for the Next Two Weeks
The Blacks will be raising shares for their support as they return to the Philippines. Pray for their safety. And please pray for them as they adjust to Robert being away at Hobe Sound Bible College. It's a big adjustment!
A Sad note from Rev. Tim Keep
Here's the story:
Carol is one of our main church members (as well as the treasurer) in Banaue; one of David Yucaddi's converts. She is a beautiful Christian! Her husband died tragically last year when his jeep fell off a mountain, leaving her with seven mouths to feed and a very small income. She worked through that tragedywith faith and a strong Christian community. But life just tougher. Just a few weeks ago, after days and days of rain, a mudslide buried her entire home while she and her children slept. Carol was able to get out and to rescue five of her children, but two of her young daughters were buried alive! Rescuers were unable to get to them in time. One of them was a youth leader in Banaue church, and the other girl was quite young.
Though Carol has suffered greatly through this, she has she has also manifest sincere faith in her Lord and given a powerful testimony of His love and faithfulness. David Yucaddi just told us recently that all over Banaue people have marveled at the grace of God given to her during this time. Many came to comfort her, but they always left more comforted by her. Her confidence in God and commitment to Him is stronger than ever!
Now, in order to show the love of Christ to Carol and her family, the Banaue Bible Methodist Church is seeking to raise funds to build Carol and her family a new, simple home (the old one was completely destroyed). We are trying to raise about $3,000 and of course some of that has already been given. But if the Lord would give you the heart and means to help with this project it would be most appreciative. I'll be happy to send pics and info when the project is completed. A work crew in Banaue would like to get started by the middle of November as Carol and family are currently without a home of their own. Can you help? Thanks ahead of time for your prayers and gifts!
If you can send funds to Monte Stetler,
Bible Methodist Missions
P.O Box 18128,
Elsmere KY, 41018.
Becky and I would also appreciated you letting us know what you can do so that we can inform the team in Banaue. But please don't be
pressured by that. We just need to know what to expect. Our trust is in the Lord, and we know that this isn't the best time for some.
Love,
Tim and Becky
Conference President's Travels
My family and I enjoyed a very, very full weekend at Dawn Valley. I lead the annual fall meeting for the Ontario Interdenominational Holiness Association. In the meeting Rev. Joel Byer was elected to serve as the new President for this fine group. He has already been carrying the bigger part of the load for me. We had a wonderful day with the Dawn Valley people and shared in their Sunday afternoon prayer meeting as they sought God's moving during revival meetings with Rev. Harry Plank. We visited friends and family and were certainly blessed.
On of the families here at Rock Lake provided an overnight stay for Saundy and Me last week at "The Shack". It is a Bed & Breakfast & Bananna Split delight. That was one lovely pastor appreciation gift. And, it would be a great place to send your pastor. I have a bunch of brochures if I can help you.
Sunday was a surprise potluck at Rock Lake for the Baileys and my family. That was so much fun -- no planning, no preparation --- just go and enjoy!
Last night was our fifth Sunday Rally at Cedar Springs. Rev. Kim Hough spoke -- and what a message. God helped him preach and I heard very, very excellent responses to the content afterwards. THANK YOU BRO. HOUGH.
Tomorrow I will be heading for southern Indiana to be with Rex and Debbie Albring in a Tuesday throught Sunday meeting with them. Please pray for God's help and blessing.
GOD IS AT WORK THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE. IT IS ALL ABOUT HIM!
Blake and Saundy Jones
Bible Methodist Connection of Churches
PLEASE PRAY FOR SIS. MIKE HOBBS (Rev. Daniel Hobb's Mother)
Joann Hobbs has been diagnosed with multiple melanoma bone marrow cancer. At this point it is treatable, but not curable. She has had six blood transfusions so far. She has type O negative blood which is rare and finding enough blood can be a problem.
She can be treated on an outpatient basis and may go home today. She has had a bone scan to determine the exact status of the bone cancer so that treatment can proceed. She is very sleepy and extremely weak and says that her vision does not stay clear for long. She needs lots of prayer, but her spirits seem to be good.
The Hobbs need lots of prayer as Ada Hobbs, her mother-in-law, is also being treated for cancer in multiple places
Arlene, a niece, writes, "I know they will appreciate your call or card, so do what you can to let them know that they are not forgotten!"
Home phone: 570-648-9005 (Keep trying as their answering service is not working right)
Home address: RD#1 Box 66 Shamokin, PA 17872
The David Black Family -- Traveling Great Lakes Conference for the Next Two Weeks
The Blacks will be raising shares for their support as they return to the Philippines. Pray for their safety. And please pray for them as they adjust to Robert being away at Hobe Sound Bible College. It's a big adjustment!
A Sad note from Rev. Tim Keep
Here's the story:
Carol is one of our main church members (as well as the treasurer) in Banaue; one of David Yucaddi's converts. She is a beautiful Christian! Her husband died tragically last year when his jeep fell off a mountain, leaving her with seven mouths to feed and a very small income. She worked through that tragedywith faith and a strong Christian community. But life just tougher. Just a few weeks ago, after days and days of rain, a mudslide buried her entire home while she and her children slept. Carol was able to get out and to rescue five of her children, but two of her young daughters were buried alive! Rescuers were unable to get to them in time. One of them was a youth leader in Banaue church, and the other girl was quite young.
Though Carol has suffered greatly through this, she has she has also manifest sincere faith in her Lord and given a powerful testimony of His love and faithfulness. David Yucaddi just told us recently that all over Banaue people have marveled at the grace of God given to her during this time. Many came to comfort her, but they always left more comforted by her. Her confidence in God and commitment to Him is stronger than ever!
Now, in order to show the love of Christ to Carol and her family, the Banaue Bible Methodist Church is seeking to raise funds to build Carol and her family a new, simple home (the old one was completely destroyed). We are trying to raise about $3,000 and of course some of that has already been given. But if the Lord would give you the heart and means to help with this project it would be most appreciative. I'll be happy to send pics and info when the project is completed. A work crew in Banaue would like to get started by the middle of November as Carol and family are currently without a home of their own. Can you help? Thanks ahead of time for your prayers and gifts!
If you can send funds to Monte Stetler,
Bible Methodist Missions
P.O Box 18128,
Elsmere KY, 41018.
Becky and I would also appreciated you letting us know what you can do so that we can inform the team in Banaue. But please don't be
pressured by that. We just need to know what to expect. Our trust is in the Lord, and we know that this isn't the best time for some.
Love,
Tim and Becky
Conference President's Travels
My family and I enjoyed a very, very full weekend at Dawn Valley. I lead the annual fall meeting for the Ontario Interdenominational Holiness Association. In the meeting Rev. Joel Byer was elected to serve as the new President for this fine group. He has already been carrying the bigger part of the load for me. We had a wonderful day with the Dawn Valley people and shared in their Sunday afternoon prayer meeting as they sought God's moving during revival meetings with Rev. Harry Plank. We visited friends and family and were certainly blessed.
On of the families here at Rock Lake provided an overnight stay for Saundy and Me last week at "The Shack". It is a Bed & Breakfast & Bananna Split delight. That was one lovely pastor appreciation gift. And, it would be a great place to send your pastor. I have a bunch of brochures if I can help you.
Sunday was a surprise potluck at Rock Lake for the Baileys and my family. That was so much fun -- no planning, no preparation --- just go and enjoy!
Last night was our fifth Sunday Rally at Cedar Springs. Rev. Kim Hough spoke -- and what a message. God helped him preach and I heard very, very excellent responses to the content afterwards. THANK YOU BRO. HOUGH.
Tomorrow I will be heading for southern Indiana to be with Rex and Debbie Albring in a Tuesday throught Sunday meeting with them. Please pray for God's help and blessing.
GOD IS AT WORK THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE. IT IS ALL ABOUT HIM!
Blake and Saundy Jones
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