Troy Manning

Ever since I met Pastor Dan Dickerson at the Baptist Mid-Missions home office, I have been looking forward to presenting my ministry at his church, especially since he invited me to come.  I knew that it would be a pretty intense day of ministry, since I would be teaching the combined adult SS class, preaching in the AM service (that is broadcast on the radio and on TV), and presenting my ministry in the evening service.  Though it was an intense day, it was also very fulfilling. 

The people seemed to be very attentive each time I spoke.  After the morning service, two different people told me that they had specific questions about Psalm 19 that they’ve always wondered about.  By God’s leading, I answered those questions for both of them.  And here yesterday was the first time I decided to use Psalm 19 as one of my main texts for that message that I’ve preached a few times already.  Praise the Lord for His confirmation. 

Since the message is broadcast over the TV, there is a countdown clock on the front pew.  It was a little unusual to have that thing staring at me the whole time.  I felt the pressure to make sure I finished on time.  But lo and behold, I was at my conclusion and there were still 7 minutes left on the clock.  What to do?  Well, I had a point in the message that I wanted to save for the evening service, but I decided I better go ahead and develop it now, because I definitely can’t end a TV service early.  Somehow the Lord helped me through that point–I had gone through the material a few other times at other churches so it wasn’t new stuff.  And somehow things turned out OK for the evening service, even though I stole a little bit of my own thunder. 

I was also looking forward to seeing some friends from my college days.  I enjoyed eating lunch with the Vandenbergs, but I missed seeing two others–one had emergency (minor) surgery recently and the other had to take his daughter to the emergency room yesterday so he couldn’t get back in town soon enough.  But I’m thankful for the other friends I made.  It was a joy to have several substantial conversations with people and to have individual ministry to them.  And they ministered to me too! 

I’m looking forward to my trip to Haiti on Thurs.  Dr. Bernard is already down there.  We plan on making sure everything is in place to begin the translation of the OT into Haitian Creole.  Please pray for a safe and profitable trip. 

Check out my updates on the “Praise/Prayer” and “Where Am I?” pages.