I’m so glad the Lord worked it out for me to be in PA in the Fall, because I have thoroughly enjoyed the colorful hills. The peak season in the SW is already past, but not in the SE.
On my “blank Sunday” I was able to visit Emmanuel Baptist Church in Mechanicsburg and Bible Baptist in New Bloomfield. I had a great time at the former. I was able to meet the pastor (Steve Crews) as soon as I got there, and he suggested that I call him for a meeting even before I could bring up the subject (of course, I gave him my brochure, so that made my intentions pretty obvious). He also asked me to introduce myself before the offering and then pray for the offering. He also took me out to lunch with his family and then gave me an empty office to use for the afternoon. What a gracious man! I’ve set it up to go back to his church in Nov 09 for their missions conference.
The following Wed I was able to visit the Wexler’s church in Pottstown, PA. I had a great time fellowshipping with the Wexlers, Wes Hedrick, and the people at Bethesda Baptist. It was like a little slice of Mt. Calvary again.
On Thurs I made many calls, and on Fri I followed through with some of those calls. I had a great time at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary. I was able to meet the president and a couple of professors. It looks like I will be returning there for a chapel to present the ministry of BI. I was also able to spend a couple of hours with my former bball coach and administrator from Schaumburg Christian School. It was great to see him and his wife (the Thaxtons).
Yesterday was the most tiring and hectic Sunday of my deputation experience yet. I presented my ministry to three different churches, two in Pittsburgh and one 1.5 hours away from Pittsburgh. But the Lord greatly blessed, even in the wrong turns I made as I traveled (because they helped me out later by the info I discovered). I ministered in SS and the AM service at Bible Baptist, pastored by Philip Golden. It was a privilege to minister there for their anniversary Sunday. Then after scarfing down some lunch, I headed across town to Ambassador Baptist, pastored by Mark Montgomery. Mark’s daughter is currently helping BI in India. I appreciated the opportunity to be there. Then I traveled a few hours to be at Calvary Baptist, pastored by Darryl Jeffers. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and ministry. I enjoyed meeting many people from my days at LINC as well as making new friends. I also enjoyed seeing Lucas and Kelly Vanderwerker again. Lucas was an advisee of mine at BJU.
Now I’m in Pittsburgh trying to meet with pastors. I had a great meeting with Pastor Kistler of Middletown Rd Baptist. We set up a meeting for Mar 09, and he also gave me many helpful tips for meeting other pastors, including a pastors’ conference. I hope to follow up on them in the next few weeks.
Thanks so much for the prayers for good ministry and solid contacts. The Lord has definitely given grace and strength!
