People may excite in themselves a glow of compassion, not by toasting their feet at the fire, and saying: "Lord, teach me compassion," but by going and seeking an object that requires compassion. - Henry Ward Beecher
No matter how low down you are; no matter what your disposition has been; you may be low in your thoughts, words, and actions; you may be selfish; your heart may be overflowing with corruption and wickedness; yet Jesus will have compassion upon you. He will speak comforting words to you; not treat you coldly or spurn you, as perhaps those of earth would, but will speak tender words, and words of love and affection and kindness. Just come at once. He is a faithful friend - a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. - D.L. Moody
New Series This Sunday -
These Things.... Culture of True Love
This Sunday I plan to begin a new series entitled: THESE THINGS I BELIEVE..... This first message will center around what I believe (what I believe the Scripture teaches) about influencing our environment through a culture of true love. For example, what does a New Testament church look like when it relates to the lost world. Judgment? Condemnation? Compromise? Do we point out people's sin? Do we separate ourselves from those whose lifestyles are contrary to what the Scripture teaches? Coming out of a great discussion we had in this past Tuesday Men's group, I look forward to sharing with you a list of desires that "I believe' are scriptural for us as we seek to be a people and place where God's Spirit is pleased to abide and where people's lives are transformed. See you on Sunday and bring a friend.
This Coming Weds. - Mikki will be Ministering
We are always deeply blessed whenever Mikki shares. I often ask her to minister but she usually prefers to serve in other ways. Most of you are aware that she is now a Professional Licensed Counselor with her own counseling practice where she spends her days helping people find wholeness and healing in their lives. She carries a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and practical experience and is a great Bible teacher. I know of no one I have more respect for concerning their walk with God. I encourage you all to come on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and be blessed.
DEADLINE: Resonate Women's Retreat
This Sunday is the deadline to sign up for the upcoming Resonate Women's Retreat.
Details:
Resonate Women's Retreat on Wilson Lake, ten minutes from downtown Florence, April 19-20. Mark your calendars! For more info CLICK HERE.
This is a Grace House event for the purposes of connecting with God and with Grace House women, restoring our souls, encouraging one another, fun, and fellowship. Limited space available for this retreat so be sure to make your decision early! See Jeanette Lerch, Vicki Sledge, or Mikki Lawrence to sign up.
Thank You Grace House!
Last Sunday at the end of the service you gave $2900.00 to be carried by our mission team to Carriacou to help Pastor Happy and his congregation to continue the work on the new church they have planted on the island of Petite Martinique. Thank you for being so generous! I know that there will be good fruit in the lives of people there because of what you have given. I also know the Lord will not forget your gift of love either. May His blessing be great upon you.
We Leave This Tuesday....
Our mission team will be flying out to Grenada this coming Tuesday. From there we will catch a jump flight on a small plane to the Grenadine Island of Carriacou. We will minister there and we will also board a small boat and go the Island of Petite Martinique to minister as well. You can see the poster that Pastor Happy has made to post on the Islands there for the first two nights of meetings on Carriacou.
We do appreciate your prayers very much and look forward to returning home with good news of all that God has done.
LAST REMINDER --Children's Gift Packages For Our Mission Trip
The children of Carriacou (see photo left) will be so blessed by the gift packages our mission team will deliver to them from Grace House. If you can help, it will be greatly appreciated. It's simple:
Fill a gallon zip-lock bag with the following items or similar items:
-A Bible story coloring book
-Colored crayons
-Bag of candy (that does not melt. No chocolate)
-Children's scissors
-Stickers
This Sunday we will be the last opportunity to be a part of this wonderful opportunity.
Elders with Hands to the Plow
We all love Bro. Red Roberson and are so grateful that he is doing well from his recent heart surgery. I was blessed the other day when I went by to visit and there were two of our Elders (Russell Harper and David Clark) plowing Red and Johnnie's garden (see photo). What great guys with servant hearts. And....we have so many of you that are constantly helping others in this way. Bless you all.
The Ramp Church
I really enjoyed ministering at the Ramp Church this past Weds. night. It is so encouraging to see what God is doing in the area I grew up in. The Lord has really worked through Karen Wheaton and a powerful group of young people to make a mark on the world for Christ. For those interested, I have included the link to the video of the message I preached. It is amazing what is happening in Northwest AL among our young people both in Hamilton and here.
Each Tuesday at 1 p.m. Jim and Anne Bevis host a radio program that features awesome interviews about what God is doing here and around the world. You will be encouraged by what you hear. We are grateful at the ways God is using this incredible couple. Tune in to WBTG, 106.3 FM and be blessed!
Women's Encounter Coming Up!
The North Alabama Women's Encounter will be the weekend of April 26-27. This event is full but you can see Serena Pierce to get on the waiting list in case of cancellations or in order to attend the next Encounter.
Have You Joined A Life Group?
We were made to connect with each other and we need each other. We are getting such positive and encouraging feedback from those participating in a Life Group. I strongly encourage each of you to consider connecting with one of our groups. If you have questions about being in a group or leading a group, just get with Hillard and Charlotte Matthews who lead our Life Groups ministry.
You are now able to view all the options on our new Life Groups website at LIFEGROUPS.INFO Please check it out!
Have A Laugh....
A teenager was always asking his father if he could borrow the family car. Pushed to the limit, the father asked his son why he thought God had given him two feet.
Without hesitation, the son replied, "That's easy, one for the clutch and one for the accelerator."
Know Someone Who Would Like to Receive These Updates?
If you are aware of someone who would enjoy receiving these updates from me, just forward this email to them and let them know just to click the link below and they can sign up and opt in to this email list. This is a great way to stay more up to date on the happenings around Grace House and the ARK. Thanks for helping.
