“I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth…O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” Psalm 34 1,8

Greetings,

Truly the Lord is good, and we are to praise Him continually!  This report covers the months of September and October… which sort of blended together… time is passing so swiftly!  The Lord is faithful, and He continues to bless the work here in Center, Texas.

September…

·         Remodeling work on the children’s ministry area and the restroom was completed.  What a difference has been made!  The restroom has been transformed with completely new walls, ceiling, light fixture, floor covering, and fixtures.  Lovely bronze and burgundy accessories have completed the new bathroom with decorator touches.  The children’s ministry area is also testament to transformation as new oak base cabinets, lovely countertops, new sink and faucet, large 4’ wide by 84” tall oak storage cabinet, new walls, ceiling and lights complete the new look. Because we were able to re-arrange the furniture after renovation, there is not only ample storage, but also, the area is roomier.

·         On Wednesday evenings we led a 6-week Women’s Ministry Bible Study on Grace called The Chocolate Boutique.  Each and every week our Worship Center was “transformed” to make for a warm, cozy atmosphere for this special study, which uses chocolate as a symbol of God’s Grace.  The weekly experience was built upon its own theme and included refreshments, coffee, individual lesson booklets, thought provoking questions and discussions, and concluded with “girlfriend time”.  What a wonderful time of worship, prayer, insight and encouragement this experience was for our ladies as they journeyed together. 

·         Our Nursing home ministry continues to thrive and attendance seems to grow every month.  To build relationships, our ladies provide delicious refreshments to be enjoyed by the staff on our ministry day--- thereby not only feeding the soul but the body as well!  The ladies of the WMS crochet or make tie lap blankets, which are gifted to nursing home residents.  This is done after the service, as our folks visit residents in their rooms and in visiting areas.

October…

·         We completed the Chocolate Boutique with rave reviews from our ladies!  The last session was a celebration, and included a moving communion service and special prayer for each participant.  This special ministry drew in visitors who were blessed and uplifted by the study.  Another church in our community is now doing the same study in their women’s ministry due to the wonderful experience our ladies enjoyed.

·         Recently 2 ladies (1 married, 1 unmarried) visited our main worship event and have returned. Jonetta and I were invited to visit in the married couple’s home as a result.

·         The church hosted a lovely Pastor Appreciation Banquet for Jonetta and I.  Crisp Green Salad, Delicious Brisket, Baked Chicken, Seasoned Green Beans, Creamed Potatoes, Rolls, and luscious Chocolate Turtle and Key Lime pies were on the menu.  The candle light dinner was complete with inspirational/humorous speaker and background dinner music.

As we approach the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have so much for which to be thankful.  Growing up my mother, Tina Doan Skidmore, often made the following statement when reminding us to be thankful and to count our blessings: “ I cried because I had no shoes until I saw someone with no feet.”  We can always look around and see someone in far worse shape than ourselves.  God has been so gracious to us all…surely He has blessed us!  Recently in our church bulletin I asked: “Are you… THINKING thankful thoughts?  ACTING in thankful ways? Are you THANKFUL? 

Please pray for the following:

1.       A recent widow who is left with absolutely no income!

2.       The single woman who has recently begun attending worship.

3.       The married lady who has also recently begun attending our church and her husband.  He is an amputee and faces continued severe health problems.

4.       I will preach at our city’s community Thanksgiving service on Sunday evening, November 18^th, and certainly I will appreciate your prayers.

5.       Continued prayers for A New Beginning Church, our people and our ministries: Child Advocacy Center, Heartbeat Pregnancy Center, Shelby County Outreach Ministries, Nursing Home Ministry, etc.

6.       Continued prayers for our family, for health, and safe travel.

7.       Please pray for God's direction in locating property on which to build or a building, which will supply our need.

PRAISE REPORT:

At my last checkup in Galveston on 10/28, I received good report from both sets of doctors who saw me.  I must return in 6 months for a checkup rather than every 2 or 3 months. PTL!

Blessings for the journey,

Summer is fading fast!

As far as the heat is concerned... that's a good thing!  Please forgive me... I have not forsaken xanga... I must do better in the future.  Regarding A New Beginning Church in Center, Texas, and information regarding our ministry here, I submit the following:

The months of July and August were not only busy but have been fruitful here in Center, Texas!  Here is a summery of July events:

• We continued with our monthly nursing home service---a time of singing, praying and scripture with devotional thoughts.  Each service is somewhat different with a different mix of congregational music and specials.  The scripture message is relevant to the residents and their families.  Our church, along with several others, were recognized for their volunteer ministries along with a large number of individuals who volunteer different services.
• Jonetta and I traveled to San Antonio to participate in Church Planter and Church Health training.  It was nice to fellowship and interact with several folks we’d never met before.  More information is presented than the human brain can comprehend, although some of it does find lodging!  We are thankful that the CMC Division of Missions makes these valuable training sessions available.
• A New Beginning Church held its first Vacation Bible School --- Tumbleweed Gulch.  With the help of many creative people, our worship facilities were transformed into a dusty western town--- complete with cacti (handmade props), saddles, hay, and REAL tumbleweed. Several families were ministered to and reached, and the kids had a blast.  Our church families were very involved helping with lessons, music, crafts, refreshments, and cleanup.  This VBS was a valuable tool in helping our church learn how we can better minister to our community.  Programs are good, but in the end REACHING PEOPLE, and seeing LIVES CHANGED are THE most important.
• The fifth Sunday evening, A New Beginning Church enjoyed a concert featuring an all female quartet called Hearts in Harmony. 

 Here is a summery of August Events:

• Due to her work, Jonetta was unable to accompany me to the Missionary/Church Planter retreat held in Colorado.  Not only is this time of training very beneficial, but it often times offers more opportunities for brainstorming since everyone in attendance is working to accomplish similar goals.  It is also wonderful time to take in the beautiful scenery, relax and fellowship. Everyone needs some downtime!
• Immediately after I returned from Colorado, we began revival services at the church with Santiago Shol as evangelist.  On Sunday we had a delightful covered dish lunch, followed by our monthly nursing home service.   We needed the refreshment and ministry we received as Santiago ministered God’s Word to us.  What a blessing he was to our church!
• Bro. Santiago and I had an opportunity to counsel with a young lady in the community who confessed her alcohol dependency.  I led her to the Lord and Jonetta and I are working to see that she stays accountable and finds additional help.
• Remodeling has begun on our children’s ministry area. Demolition of the interior of the room has led way to all new walls, ceiling, new lights, new floor to ceiling storage cabinets, and base cabinets with beautiful new countertop and stainless steel sink.  Additionally, our restroom will be completely redone as well with new fixtures, new walls, new ceiling, and new light. 

 We have almost completed our study of the book of John on Sunday evenings.  In September we will begin a six-week focused study especially for women on Wednesday evenings.  The Lord has given us several opportunities to minister in the community, and He is preparing us to do so.  Please keep the following prayer needs in mind:

1. Please pray for God's direction in locating property on which to build or a building which will supply our need.
2. Pray for the young lady who accepted Christ in August.  Her battle isn't over yet--- it has really just begun.
3. Pray for several young families--- that with God's help we can be effective in ministering to their needs.
4. Pray for the health and well being of our family.

♥ On a personal note, Jonetta and I send special THANKS to those who have helped resolve our mission account deficit.  This account allows us to better minister in our area by helping to provide for our needs.  May God bless your faithfulness to pray, love, and support!

Keep Looking Up!

Hello again...

Well, once again time has gotten away from me.

As a way of update... The trip to Galveston to the Doc's went  well on June 19th.  I was much relieved to know things were still in good shape.  I was sent home-to return in two weeks time- and loaded with antibiotics for good measure.  On July 3rd Wesley and I headed back to the coast where we met up with my brother.  While I was at the doctor's office, they were enjoying a bay fishing excursion. Yep---just my luck to miss out on the fishing. However, I didn't miss out on all the fun.  We had a great time full of laughter and the enjoyment of being together.  I am always up for having fun--- and sometimes life is as fun as you make it!  The really GREAT news is that I am back on my scheduled every-three month checkups.  The doctor(s) were VERY pleased and made me feel great!  Those are often difficult trips and getting good news always makes them worthwhile.

Otherwise our family is doing great. Jonetta has been enjoying her new sewing machine and making lovely receiving blankets as part of an outreach project by the ladies of our church.  They provide "LOVE GIFTS" to each baby born at our local hospital.  Tiffany completed her junior year of high school this year. TOO SOON she will begin her senior year... it doesn't seem too long ago I was a senior in high school.  But believe me it was a while ago now...  Wesley just celebrated his birthday on July 10th.  I made his requested birthday cake with some help from Tiffany.  His choice was a Red Velvet Cake.  I make the Waldorf-Astoria recipe with the fluffy frosting.  We played with his ducks some peking and mallards trying to get them to realize they have 15 acres of water to enjoy.  But they just don't get it yet. But I am sure they will figure things out in a couple of weeks.  Not only has he raised these ducks, but he also has 14 chicks.  Some are Rhode Island Reds, and some of Dominiques.

Regarding our new church plant, A New Beginning Church, our summer is full of ministry opportunities.   The final preparations for our very first VBS are being completed. Our people are  very missions minded and this will be  evident during VBS.  One of the outreach projects they will take part in is preparing personal care packages for homeless and other needy individuals and families in our area.  Our church will partner with several other ministries to help distribute to those in need.  

We are also looking forward to a series of special services with Santiago Shol in August.  He and his wife minister in Belize and primarily work in church planting and training national pastors.  We are still on the lookout for the location of our permanent home. Because of the growth of this area, land prices are at a premium and available land is scarce to say the least. 

We appreciate each of you who check this blog to keep abreast of the church planting/home missions work here in East Texas.  Thank you so very much!  Although you may not be here in person to visit, teach, or reach out to our community, remember that as you pray, and as you support, you are making this ministry possible.  Jonetta and I thank you for your love and support.  Remember, you can also keep up with CMC Missions by checking this website:  www.cmmission.com

May God bless you and remember...

Keep Looking Up!

Eugene     

Happy Summer!

Greetings!  I know it has been a terribly LONG time since I have posted... but things happen sometimes. Things like computer crashes!  Let me see if I can fill in the spaces...

The month of April ended well had a wonderful concert with the quartet from Lufkin. Everyone had a good time enjoying some Southern Gospel Music.  The fellowship was great as well.

The first Sunday of May offered a mixed bag of emotions.  One of our dear ladies...Alicia Worsham... needed to relocate to a delightful, new assisted Living Community in Charlotte, North Carolina to be near her daughter.  So, we honored her with a celebration---it was Alicia Worsham day!  It was wonderful to have one of her sons and her daughter with us in service that special day.  We presented her with a lovely spring corsage, enjoyed some beautiful special music, and a shared a delicious fellowship meal after morning worship.  Then, the second Sunday was Mother's Day.  Each Mother attending worship that day was honored and also received a beautiful spring corsage.  One of the ladies enjoyed having her son all the way from Kansas City, KS in church with her.  In the afternoon on Mothers' Day was our Nursing home service. There was a nice crowd in attendance there as well to pay special recognition to Mothers. On the last Sunday evening, Bro Jerry Jones visited in the service and taught a session on generations which was very informative and definitely needed as we journey on in our quest to reach out to our community. 

So far in June, one of our teens attended a Vida Nueva weekend and preparations are in full swing for our first ever VBS which will be held the last weekend in July.  Tumbleweed Gulch will offer an exciting time of activities and learning experiences for our children.  The ladies are busily preparing lap blankets to those who are sick or homebound.  Already several people have received this gift of talent and love.  We have begun a study of Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians on Wednesday evenings and we are continuing our Study of the book of John on Sunday nights. 

Monday June 18th was the one year anniversary of my return home from extended medical treatments in Galveston, Texas.  It has been a terrific year!  Today... June 19th, I am headed back and not just for a checkup.  It looks like I will get another round.  Hopefully we will know more about what to expect after my 1 o'clock appointment.  We will keep you updated as to the details. We will appreciate your prayers during this time.

Well, until next time...remember to Keep Looking UP! 

Eugene

This is about our upcoming concert---from the newspaper writeup...

        A New Beginning Church hosts Ransomed Quartet

     A New Beginning Church, located at 531 North Highway 96 will present the Ransomed Quartet in concert on Sunday evening, April 29^th at 6 PM.  The Ransomed Quartet has been singing Southern Gospel Music for about ten years and was originally formed by Smokey Davidson and Ricky Buchanan.  Andy Johnson and Elton Fenley complete the quartet---all of which attend Calvary Baptist Church in Lufkin, Texas. 

     When the quartet began singing together they mostly sang just for their church and more especially for special occasions or special services.  At present the all male quartet has been afforded opportunities to sing in the greater East Texas area as well as in Louisiana.  “We enjoy sharing God’s message through music” says Smokey Davidson, “and we are open to go wherever the Lord sends us”.  “We always try to have fun when we sing, but our goal is to plant a seed in a heart that can be used to bring someone closer to the Lord.  If even one heart is changed through our ministry, then God is glorified" Davidson adds.  Each member of the group is committed to serving God and to the task of spreading the Gospel through music.