Church News and Updates

I would like to share a word about the Christian Life and Witness Courses. I believe God has been working on us over the last year, through His Word, to be more active in sharing our faith with others. I have seen Him giving our members opportunities and courage to begin speaking of Him and His great gift of salvation we enjoy. It seems that at just the right time, He has brought this tremendous resource to our city. I attended the class, as have 15 others from our congregation. Each one of us came away blessed and better equipped to share our faith. I was shocked to see how few attended from the greater El Paso area. Our church had more people attend than any other single congregation. I don't even know what to make of that fact but it did break my heart. Perhaps people thought the class was only for those who wanted to be a counselor at the Franklin Graham God Loves You Tour. Perhaps that is why so few of our members went. If that is the case, let me assure you that is not the case. Nor is it the reason I am encouraging you to go. You need not volunteer the night of the main event to attend the class. I am asking you to go so that you can be better equipped to share the gospel with your family and co-workers in an easy, loving, and effective manner as God naturally presents those conversations.

Let me share with you a personal story that might help. When I was seven years old I was playing with the little boy who lived next door. His name was Dallas Grisham. He lived alone with his mother because his father was in prison. Somehow the conversation turned toward God. I don't remember how. Perhaps I had asked him where he went to church. I really can't remember but God and church were a big part of my life. So, however it came about, I found myself telling him about Jesus and the cross and how I believed in Him and how He forgave my sins and lived in my heart. No one had ever told me I was supposed to do that. No one had told me how to do it. We were just talking.

Suddenly I found myself looking at Dallas very intently. I don't know how to describe it but it was more than just my will that caused me to ask him this question, "Dallas, would you like to have Jesus save you from your sins and come live in your heart like me?" Dallas looked right back at me and without hesitating said, "Yes. But can you tell me how?" Well I was flabbergasted because at that young age I didn't know what to do next. It never crossed my mind to tell Him to pray what I had prayed. I knew I needed to say more about sin and why Jesus died for our sins but I was at a loss. That other will that had joined with mine when I first invited Dallas was no longer making Himself known to me. I did the only thing I could think of. I took Dallas over to my house and asked my mother to take over. She did. God did. And, Dallas did.

Here is the point I'm trying to make. I wanted to lead Dallas to a saving relationship with Jesus. I know many of you have that same desire. I felt helpless to take Dallas all the way to that miraculous place at the foot of the cross. Perhaps that is your feeling as well. If so, and unless you live next door to a mother who can take over for you, I'd highly recommend you at least come check out one of these classes. They cost nothing, they don't hurt, and they even have free snacks.

Your Servant,

Randy