Windows to the Sea

Although I love the mountains, it seems most of my ministry opportunities lately have taken me to the sea. This morning, with the ocean just a few yards away, I shared the gospel message to about 130 people crowded into a school room good for half that many. They patiently sat for an hour and a half in the summer heat to hear about a Savior who loves them and a Holy Spirit who can empower them. During the invitation, about half of them raised their hands, indicating their desire to trust the Savior and receive His power.

Still, experience has taught me that much more teaching needs to be done before wrong beliefs are erased and the clarity of the gospel is understood. But today was a glorious response; the fruit of 4 Southern Baptist of Texas teams who labored here for 3 months building 70+ shelters for typhoon victims, and the fruit of our team in Roxas City who have been faithfully ministering in the village for the past several months. Pastor Ronald said that during their prayer meetings, they pray for specific people in the village as his 9 year old son calls out their names to the Lord. We will return there next Saturday for continued evangelism.

Earlier in the week, I spoke to about 90 of our Southern Baptist youth who had their summer camp on the west side of our island. The little tabernacle I spoke in was open sided, surrounded by coconut trees that framed the ocean just a stone’s throw away. A couple of weeks before in the same location I had spoken to over 100 youth from various denominations. During both camps, I shared about the spiritual and moral darkness that is invading our world and how God has called them to be His light.

In a different part of the world and by another sea, Martha is beginning her 3rd week of serving in an 'undisclosed' country. She reports that the Lord is teaching her deep lessons of faith as she serves families in various villages. It’s a conservative culture that requires Martha to dress the part. She has seen a hunger among the people to know God, but religious barriers are in place that blind them to God’s true nature. There is a team in this place that Martha relates to and works with.

Back in the heart of Texas, Hannah has moved in with David, Sara, and Jonathan, for the summer. The good folks at the SBTC office where Hannah worked last year have eagerly hired her back. Because of Obamacare, Hannah can only work a maximum of 29 hours, so she has taken on another internship job working with historical records. Plus, she will begin work on her master’s thesis. Already I’ve heard reports of late night giggling and laughter emanating from the Moses’ home in Fort Worth.

I hope your summer is off to a good start. Whether you are near the sea or far away, may the Source of Living Water be foremost in your heart.