Before I forget, I want to tell you how kind and helpful the Texans have been across the state. Several times while David and I have been stopped by the side of the road waiting for Dave
to come along on his bike someone will stop and ask if we are OK or do we need help. We appreciate their kindness.
Last Sabbath was another high day for us even though we had to drive one hour to the church in Brownwood. The members were very warm and happy to see us and we them. The pastor,Jerry Chastain and his wife Janet were a joy to meet. They are new Adventists only since 2005 and here they are in the ministry after taking Doug Batchelor's pastoral training program out in CA in 2005. The Texas conference called them in 2006 to be pastors for two struggling churches in the heart of TX. One church was down to two precious ladies keeping things going. They were given a stipend and no benefits, but they felt God was calling them and accepted the challenge. Two years later he was on full salary and benefits . The churches are growing and both are planning building programs. What an inspiration to us to see how God is using these faith filled pastors and willing congregations. We went to the second church in Santa Ana for potluck. That was a treat because after cooking in motel rooms all week someone elses cooking tasted good! Jerry changed his sermon because it was Halloween and the occult and Satanism is having a revival and sometimes Christians go along with it. Hundreds of years ago the Durids would come into a town and demand a virgin from the townspeople and if she pleased them they would leave a Jack-o-lantern.It is of evil originand God wants us to hate evil as He does and run from it.
Pastor Jerry was on the black list fro the Satanic church down the street years ago. One night he woke up to chanting of people who had surrounded his house out in the country. He got up and remembered the Bible text that says "Greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world." claimed that text, fell asleep until morning. When he awoke th chanters were gone and no harm done. Neighbors began to notice their dogs, cats, horses even people were missing. He had proof regarding some of it and went to the police who refused to touch the case.
Normally after pot luck the pastor has a Bible study for the new members but this Sabbath he had change of pace and showed us all the DVD of Nick's testimony. Sorry I don't know his last name but you can find it on the internet. Nick was born without arms or legs to a Mother who was a nurse and wouldn't take any meds while carrying him. His dad is a minister and they and the whole church prayed that God would grow arms and legs for this child, but it wasn't part of God's plan. Today Nick is an inspiring motivational speaker with a great sense of humor and love for God. "Joy is happiness in spite of everything not going well for us." Whereever we're at God can use us. Only limits God has are the limits we put on Him. Nick is one of the biggest voices against abortion.
One of the pastor's favorite quotes is "Share Jesus Christ with everyone wherever you go and if necessary use words." I like that!
It's getting late so please overlook the mistakes. Tomorrow will be another busy day!
Love you all!
Faith
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