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August 10, 2005 |
This is Richard Gerber reporting the August 10, 2005 edition of Home Missions Today. God is using your prayers to develop the ministries of Orthodox Presbyterian mission works across North America.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CARLINA—People from Redeemer Presbyterian Church, including pastor Cliff Blair, are in Mbale, Uganda, assisting Phil Proctor in the work there. The preparation alone for the short-term mission trip was a great encouragement to this home mission work. The excellent venture turned their eyes outward. Redeemer's connectedness to the larger church has been strengthened both by assistance for the trip from other congregations, notably their mother church—Matthews OPC—and through the ties to brothers and sisters in Uganda. Pray for a safe return from Uganda on August 13 and for continuing kingdom fruit in Mbale and Charlotte.
NEON, KENTUCKY—Pastor John Belden reports that Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church had been making progress on building renovations as different volunteer groups came to help. But recently, the work has slowed down due to issues related to code compliance and state inspections. Pray that God will provide all that Covenant Church needs for the renovations, including the necessary permits. The pastor's office is now on the second floor of the church building, giving him more contact with the community. Three men are being trained for the office of ruling elder. Pray that God will bless them through their training and that God would provide officers to help lead Covenant Church. Pray for a family in which God's work of drawing them nearer to Christ continues. The two youngest daughters were baptized in June. A nephew is meeting regularly with Pastor Belden. Pray that he will be well grounded in the grace of the gospel and that God will provide him with a good job among people who will encourage him in the faith.
AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA—We welcome the congregation of Providence OPC and her organizing pastor Mark Larson to the family of OPC supported mission works. Providence was received as a mission work of the Presbytery of the Southeast in August 2004, and Pastor Larson took up his labors a few weeks ago. Aiken is located in southwestern South Carolina, not far from Augusta, Georgia. Morning worship averages about thirty-five. Please pray for Pastor Larson as he leads this work in its development and that God would draw many to the Savior in the Aiken area, adding them to Providence Church.
BUCKSPORT, MAINE—We also welcome the congregation of Penobscot Bay OPC, and her organizing pastor Russell Hamilton, who comes to them from New Orleans, Louisiana. In June 2004 morning worship services began in Bucksport, which is situated between Bangor and Rockport. The OP congregations in those locations are supporting and encouraging this new work. Pray for the Hamilton family as they settle in to their new home. Pastor Hamilton was installed on July 8. And please pray that Christ would draw many to himself in the Penobscot Bay area, adding them to this mission work.
PRESBYTERY OF THE SOUTHWEST—Regional Home Missionary Gary Davenport continues his work for the Presbytery of the Southwest in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. At the new Mid Cities Presbyterian mission work; eight men are attending leadership-training classes. The church is also looking for a permanent location for her worship services and expanding ministry activities. Gary maintains contact with other individuals and groups in the metroplex who want to establish an Orthodox Presbyterian presence in their communities. Ask the Lord to provide the resources and leadership to expand the presbytery's church planting efforts throughout the Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma region, particularly in Cedar Park (near Austin), Texas, and Longview, Texas.
Look for the next edition of Home Missions Today on Wednesday, August 24 or call 215/830-9424 ext. 46.
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Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension |