Published March 17, 2017
Southside Baptist Church, Sebring, Florida
Ryan
Ministry Highlights
Missons Conference “Look What God is Doing.” The Lord answered prayer as we had great attendance as well as a great time of praise and prayer as we were able to behold what the Lord has done, is doing, and will do.
Hearing the girls practice their piano duet “Behold Our God” throughout this past month has been a source of great joy. As I hear them playing my heart is stirred and I already think about the day when our house will be void of their playing.
Thankful for being a part of the local YFC (Youth for Christ) as they desire and have the opportunity to be in every middle school and high school in all of Highlands county. What a blessing that there are open doors to come alongside the many students that are struggling with family issues, drugs, etc. and be able to share the good news and hope found in Christ alone. We have met a number of great people and friends that share this passion, we are thankful that the Lord has forged these relationships.
I was used by the Lord to bring one of our CEF students to a saving knowledge of Christ! This opportunity to invest in the spiritual lives of these young people has been a highlight of every week. After a rather tough lesson, D. came over afterwards and had questions about what it means to be saved. As we went through Scripture I could see the light click and then a real sense of confidence and peace sweep over him as he was able to explain his need of a Savior and what Christ did for him. What a blessing to be a part of this young man’s pilgrimage to everlasting life!
This month we saw 4 new kids begin to come to our youth group regularly. To God be the glory!
Key Prayer Requests
A student we know is struggling with their faith and their leaning towards an alternative lifestyle. The spiritual battle is very real and this student came to us for help in being a mediator between the student and parents. Nicole and I feel honored that this student trusts us and we continue to pray for wisdom, discernment, and much grace as we lovingly walk through this sin issue with the student and their parents/family.
We officially closed on our house in Fargo on February 10th and are officially “homeless.” Although the reality of this hasn’t fully hit us quite yet, it will next month when we no longer have house payment, utilities, etc.
Continuing fruit from the men’s simulcast. We have made some great connections and built some solid relationships with a couple of men. We are praying for our upcoming launch of our Saturday morning “Men’s Huddle” where we look to be fed physically and spiritually.
Prayed with the father of a young lady whose “boyfriend” and father of her two children attended the simulcast. Although he had to work during 2nd half of Saturday morning the young man was upset that he couldn’t stay. We are praying that the Lord continues to draw him closer and I’ve been continuing to build the relationship with the hope of seeing him be interested in doing a Bible study.
Praying for strength and wisdom for Nicole in her role and demanding responsibilities at the hospital.
Prominent Lessons
I stand amazed at all the Lord has blessed us with personally and in terms of ministry in our short time here in Sebring. The many opportunities and doors that have been opened to Nicole and I have been nothing short of miraculous. We are honored to serve and be used by God in these ways as ambassadors for Christ.
One of this past month’s Child Evangelism Fellowship lessons dealt with the theme, “God’s way is best.” I was relaying the Exodus story and going through the first four commandments. What struck me personally was a passage from Psalm 119:34 which states, “Give me understanding that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.” As I was sharing, I thought to myself and then out loud that this is a great prayer that we should be praying about every day. As we begin and continue to learn more about God and His ways, the more we should trust and obey Him. With a rather large group of kids from K-5th grade (45) it is a challenge to contain their energy and maintain their attention; this day was one of the “harder” days. After the lesson I typically have 4-5 boys that come and ask questions about the lesson and life. This day, one new boy came alone, Donnie. As we began the conversation he asked about putting his faith and trust in Christ. After sharing Scripture with him and continuing to see the Lord working, he came to the point of accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. I once again am humbled to be used by God in such a way! We are following up with him and directing him and his family to a Bible believing and preaching church near where they live. Please be in prayer for Donnie and his family as he now takes the next steps in his spiritual walk. To God be the glory!
Recently while going through Acts I was struck by the power of the preaching and proclamation of the gospel. In addition, it was interesting to see how the gospel spread through social networks such as family members or friends who would share the message or bring them to hear the message. In other words, evangelism through relationships is also present. As a follower of Christ, I pray for opportunities and for the recognition of opportunities in different places and at different times to be a light and to share the good news. Last week while at the local Enterprise Car Rental I had a rather unique exchange. Since many of our recent tennis matches have been out of town, the school has worked out a deal with Enterprise and I’ve been able to interact with them on a couple of different occasions. This particular day their supervisor was visiting their office from the Tampa area. As I was interacting with the staff, I noticed that they were all referring to me as pastor, although I’m there as a tennis coach. As the supervisor’s interest was peaked at some of my tennis past (not necessarily the pastor part), he advised that he loves to play tennis but is has always struggled with his backhand. I asked if I could give him some pointers, so right there in the middle of the office with a 3-hole puncher to simulate a racket grip, I gave a quick backhand lesson. He said that he had been getting lessons for years and has never been told such an easy and effective way to help out his stroke. We exchanged numbers and he is going to let me know the next time he’s in town so we can go out and hit. The 2 girl staff members made a joke that it was cute that we made such a quick “bromance”, but it reminded me how important the aspect of relationship building is as we look to gain credibility and the opportunity to have people be open to listen to the gospel.
Key Goals for the Next Month
Providing leadership for Men’s Huddle. Praying for good attendance and a spiritually profitable time as we look to Colossians 1:28, “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.”
Looking to finish well as I need to begin wrapping up my internship projects and submit the reports.
Providing leadership and excitement towards our “Bridging Generations” ministry as we look to bring families, our youth, and our older saints together in an inter-generational event at the end of March.
Planning and preparing for an outdoor Easter sunrise service at the local Circle Park in the heart of Sebring.
Nicole
Ministry Highlights
The personal opportunity I had to visit various homebound members and being able to do some visits with my daughter Alayna. It is a blessing and honor to be able to follow up with those that have shared prayer needs and doctor appointments.
Our recent missionary conference and getting to know some of our supported missionary wives and their families/ministries.
Working with the youth to get ready to do last night service of the missionary conference.
Continuing to counsel a lady with heavy burdens.
Key Prayer Requests
Praying for strength for Ryan. Wisdom for scheduling and prioritizing.
Praying for upcoming Easter preparations.
Praying for wisdom and strength at the hospital during this time of a demanding schedule and long hours.
Continuing to pray for boldness, wisdom, and discernment in my counseling others.
Prominent Lessons
I feel that despite all of the “busy,” God is teaching me how to be calm during this season of life. The Psalms have been such an encouragement as I seek rest, peace, and trust in Him and His sovereignty. In addition, I’m learning to have a sense of calm with the things I can’t control.
Key Goals
I recently bought 3 ministry wives books and I look forward to finding the time to read them.
Continue to spend time and show love to our homebound members.
Continuing to build relationships with the small group of young ladies in the youth group.
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