Back Home Safely

WELL FOLKS; WE ARE HOME SAFE AND SOUND!!!!

Praise the Lord, we made it home safe and sound to the Huntington Tri-State Airport Tuesday night at 9:00....Another trip half-way around the world AND BACK, without any major issues and with all of our luggage; another miracle performed!

We had a very successful mission trip to the Philippines, as we saw over 75 people receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, over 25 decide to follow Christ in baptism, and over 25 people rededicate their lives to Christ! Again, praise the Lord!!!

Even beyond these decisions, the Lord allowed us to meet many different needs that the different pastors and their ministries had....We were able to help one pastor have his 12-13 year old motorcycle repaired so that he would be able to make weekly trips to his ministry areas several hours away and way up in the mountains; these repairs were badly needed and some were serious safety issues....We were able to help another pastor keep his motorcycle by helping with some monthly payments....We were able to help the Mother Church, Bacong Christian Fellowship-SBC, by purchasing some sound and music equipment needed to enhance their worship and praise experience; we also bought a needed generator for when they go into remote areas to spread the Gospel and when they have frequent "brownouts" in the Bacong Barangay....There were several others issues we were able to help them with while in Dumaguete City, Negros Island, Philippines. We thank the Good Lord for the opportunity to help them and for His goodness to supply all that was needed to meet these needs; God used many of you to help meet these needs as well and I praise Him and thank Him for all of you!!!

I have only been home for a day and I already dearly miss my Filipino friends and "family"....They are such dear and genuine people! I love them all with all my heart! It was a difficult time to leave them at the Dumaguete Airport the other day and it was difficult for them as well....There was much hugging, crying, and praying during those last moments....I became very close to Pastor Josue and Christy, as we were able to spend much time together talking and praying; we got to know each other's hearts very well! Pastor Arnell and his wife were great to get to know as well; they are very quiet servants for God....And what can I say about Pastor Nico and Joceylen; I have missed them so very much over the last six years! Nico has the very same servants heart that he had when I met him my first trip to the Philippines; the only thing that has changed is his desire to serve the Lord and his determination to not be deterred from serving the Lord - they have gotten stronger! I count Nico as my "Filipino Son"! I am so thankful that he has not allowed all of the many trials and tribulations and distractions keep him from continuing to do the Lord's work and serve his Lord and Savior!

Well, another trip to the Philippines and another opportunity to allow God to receive all of the glory, honor, and praise....God is truly a wonderful God and I am so thankful that He has given me the privilege to serve Him in so many ways! It is now time to get busy serving Him right here in my own "Jerusalem", Ashland, Kentucky, and Central Baptist Church! I am excited to see what God has in store for us as we serve Him and attempt to reach many and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ....If there is anyone out there that would like to come and join us at Central Baptist Church as we do the Lord's will and work in Ashland, we are located at the corner of Bath Ave. and 29th Street; We would love to have you!

"Oh Lord My God, When I In Awesome Wonder, Consider All The Worlds They Hands Have Made. I See The Stars, I Hear The Rolling Thunder. Thy Power Throughout The Universe Displayed. Then Sings My Soul, My Savior God To Thee; How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art. Then Sings My Soul, My Savior God To Thee; How Great Thou Art, How Great Thou Art"

___________________________________________________________________________