I just wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate Pastor Chris Grinstead and the Greater Heights Baptist Church. They have moved into their new building as of today. They just got their certificate of occupancy this past Friday.
They have a beautiful building and we all praise the Lord for His blessings on them.
God bless Greater Heights Baptist Church big time. God bless pastor Chris Grinstead.
Did you see the article about Forsyth County.
Here are some interesting quotes from the article.
Forsyth County, the land of million-dollar lake homes and rolling farm pastures transformed into McMansion-filled subdivisions, has laid claim to another distinction during the economic downturn.
The number of county residents using food stamps is still relatively small, only about 3 percent of its population. In Fulton County, 14 percent of the population gets food stamps. In DeKalb, the figure is 13 percent. It’s 8 percent in Gwinnett and 7 percent in Cobb.
Just a year ago, the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey reported that Forsyth had the highest median household income of any county in Georgia — about $88,600. The New York Times, meanwhile, recently published a story that indicated Forsyth had the 13th-largest increase (on a percentage basis) in the nation since 2007 of residents receiving food stamps.
Cumming City Manager Gerald Blackburn said that just a few years back, the county had an unemployment rate of about 3 percent. The jobless rate had climbed to 8.7 percent in October, with 7,081 people unemployed.
The state rate is 10.2 percent.
God has blessed us greatly and when our people look at how bad they have it this puts it in perspective. Actually this county is still far better off than the surrounding counties.
My challenge to all of you is to Seek first the kingdom of God and let Him add to you as He sees fit!
“Missionary training is as much about character as it is about content.”
“No matter where you go or what you do as a missionary you will need training in order to survive and to serve well.”
“Specific training should be sought to meet specific ministry goals.”
“Seek equipping/training that will shape you in three major areas: character, skills, and knowledge. The classroom is a good place to start but it won’t cover everything.” It is highly suggested that you get a mentor or a spiritual and professional advisor in the area of life that you wish to work. You should also be very closely associated with your pastor.
“Character dimensions include personal life with God, spiritual disciplines, self discipline, emotional and spiritual maturity, moral purity, personal and family wholeness, servant attitude, teachable, adaptable, compassionate, spiritual gifting. Skill/competency dimensions include relational abilities, evangelism and discipleship, church planting and development, language and culture learning, communication aptitudes, leadership‑followership facility, practical talents, professional/vocational expertise. Knowledge dimensions include Biblical and theological truth, culture, communication and language, leadership‑followership development, ministry and missions, global partnership, human personality and health, professional/occupational issues.”
There are no shortcuts to mission work. You must prepare yourself and the more you wish to do the more you should prepare yourself. “Missions work is tough. But those who are well prepared will stick it out and see God at work. Heaven will be full of worshipers of the Lamb who are there because someone crossed geographical, linguistic, and cultural barriers to present the powerful, supernatural message of the living Lord Jesus Christ.”
Another article stated the following: “The New Testament prescription for leadership, as laid out in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1, list 22 characteristics of Biblical leaders. All but one of these characteristics‑ the ability to teach‑‑deal with character qualities, not ministry skills.”
Kyle wrote this on his blog
Since Thursday, we’ve really done some major work at the church, and we’ve still got lots to go. Even if it’s an hour, would you please stop by and help us?
We’ve put up walls, torn some wood apart, painted walls, changed lights and tiles, cleaned closets, sanded, eaten about 40 Papa John’s pizzas and done a few other things as well.
I’m super exhausted right now, but I’m having a blast all the same. Once Sunday ends, I’ll go back to a “normal” schedule: Wake up, work, school, bed, repeat till Thursday.
And I’m not really excited about that. I’d much rather be working at the church, and not get paid, than spend 8 hours a day at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Once I wake up Thursday, my week really picks up. I don’t work Thursdays and Fridays, so I get to dedicate both those days to doing ministry work. I kinda like to pretend that I’m full time ministry, even if it’s just for those two days.
And Saturdays aren’t too bad. I get off at 5pm, and that leaves me a good bit of time to do some serious studying and work at church.
They have done a lot of work. Of course they aren’t getting paid for it. They are even buying their own pizza. If you can’t help maybe you could take them some good food. Just give them a call.
I do not know what we would do without them. I have seen them putting in super long hours.
Thank you to all of you!
Vision Baptist Church Baptists Committed to World Evangelism