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As most of you know, people in ministry never get tired, discouraged, or feel like quitting... Well, that’s not exactly true. All of us do at times. Some studies say, “Over 1,500 pastors left the ministry every month last year.” Others say those numbers aren’t completely accurate and only 200-300 evangelical pastors leave the ministry each month. Either way, that’s a concerning statistic. Some leave for good reasons. They realize the Lord never called them to that particular area of ministry (37%) and still serve Him in different capacities. Others leave for health reasons. Sadly, many leave because of stress and conflict in the church (26%), ethical and moral issues (13%), others because of burnout (10%), and finances. Statistics vary per study, but you get the idea. (www.pastoralcareinc.com/statistics, Research.lifeway.com) What we often forget is that serving God is a calling, not a job or career! Every Christian is called to serve and has been given certain gifts by the Holy Spirit to do so. Some are called as craftsmen, mechanics, businessmen, and still others as homemakers. God’s word also tells us some are called as apostles (those sent out, i.e., missionaries), prophets (speaking a special word from God to the people), evangelists (those with a gift of explaining the salvation message with greater effect), and pastor/teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12). Since we are serving as a calling, we don’t retire from the Lord’s work. We may change roles, but quit? Never! As Melva and I passed the ¾ of a century mark this year, some have asked when we will “retire”? How can we answer that? As long as the Lord chooses to use us to His glory, we gladly obey. How about you? Are you fulfilling your calling? September happenings: In September we had the privilege of preaching in Tin Cup CO, 1st Baptist Delta CO, Hebron Baptist Bentonia MS, and finally Pitkin CO. What wonderful church families! Every time we get to share God’s word, we sense your prayers and are very grateful! Special blessings included meeting with “alumni” Mitch, Jim, Levi, Diane, Brent, and Paul (who we baptized 38 years ago as a college student!) All of whom are serving the Lord! Upcoming: Lord willing, we will be sharing:
Family: Melva and I picked up a bug leaving the Delta services. Sadly, hers was Covid; mine fortunately wasn’t. We were both cleared before the Mississippi trip, but Melva was still weak, so I went alone. They almost sent me back! I am not allowed to travel without Melva! Finances: We are soooo grateful for your prayers and financial support! Because of your support, we are able to do the ministry God has called us to, as well as support missionaries, small church pastors, and missionary widows. They, and we, are grateful for each of you. Prayer requests: Please pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be upon us as we share locally and out-of-town. Please pray that the videos we send out weekly will bless those watching. Please pray for Brent, Lorae, and their daughter Autumn. Brent is a Physical Therapist and worship leader. Lorae works for a wonderful ministry. Over a year ago, Lorae developed a brain tumor and has been in and out of hospitals and rehab ever since. By the grace of God, she is finally clear of cancer, but the strain on their family, emotionally and financially, has been difficult. If you would like to help them, please let us know. Thank you for your prayers! More 1st Responder New Testaments going out! This week we received a request from a chaplain in the Chicago area. Before that, it was more from Texas. Praise the Lord, He is using every copy! In Memorial: Ninety-six-year-old Ann Babb, widow of a Dallas fire chief, went to be with Jesus. Bill and Ann faithfully distributed firefighter New Testaments until their passing! No Quitting! To Vote or Not to Vote? That really isn’t a question, is it? God has given us the privilege of helping determine whether our nation honors Him or not. And He will hold us accountable if we neglect it. As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, we want to present the gospel to Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, and I realize there are followers of Jesus within the ranks of all three. However, it’s tragic that one party would overtly promote putting to death unborn children, as well as attempt to legitimize immoral behavior. We may not like the personalities of the candidates—I don’t—but we must vote biblical values! Please, pray, look at the platforms of the parties, and vote! God bless you!! Rick and Melva  Comments are closed.
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October 2024
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