We kicked off February by participating in the Bill Rice Ranch Florida Day of Champions, a regional one-day youth rally hosted at First Baptist Church, Land O’ Lakes, FL. We had a wonderful day with youth groups from Central FL as they participated in volleyball and basketball tournaments and enjoyed exciting group activities. Bro. Troy Carlson, director of West Branch of the Bill Rice Ranch, preached for the event.
Following the rally, we immediately headed to Faith Baptist Church, Silver Springs, where we began a Sunday-Friday meeting for revival. We have been to this church in “the forest” many times and are always grateful for the opportunity to minister to this faithful congregation. Pastor Roger Walton is continuing his fight with cancer but seemed to be in better health during this visit for which we thank the Lord.
From Silver Springs, we traveled to Ocoee for a Friend Day Sunday with Pastor Brad Phillips and the people of Victory Baptist Church. This was our first time to be with this congregation, and we look forward to being with them again, Lord-willing, for a week of meetings in 2019.
On the following Thursday, we traveled to Marathon (the Keys) for meetings with Pastor Nick Wielander and Marathon Baptist Church. Because of sickness in our family and mechanical problems with our trailer, we unfortunately missed our Thursday evening service with the congregation. On Friday and Saturday evenings, we met for food, fellowship, and preaching at members’ homes with Saturday being especially designed for the youth. Sunday services are always exciting at Marathon Baptist because of the unique blend of vacationers, “snowbirds”, and faithful members. This church is actively reaching out to the community and seeking to share the gospel at every opportunity. We look forward to hearing how the Lord continues to bless this congregation.
We traveled to Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday to begin meetings with Pastor Ryan Price and the folks of Fort Lauderdale Baptist Church on Thursday evening. It is always a great privilege to serve with Pastor Price and his precious wife Melissa who have labored faithfully to reach this area with the gospel. This meeting is underway now, and we are thrilled for the Lord’s working already in services. On Friday evening, several young people received counsel for victory over sin after hearing from Jonah 2 that “they that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercies”.
On Saturday, the church hosted a 3 on 3 basketball tournament for local young people. Sixteen teens showed up for the tournament, free lunch, and gospel message. When the invitation was given, six teens met with counselors and made decisions to put their trust in Christ alone for salvation; one received assurance of salvation. The revival meeting continues through this coming Wednesday, and we highly anticipate the Lord doing a special work in the services. Please do pray for lost folks to be in the services and to be convinced of their desperate need to trust Christ and for members to faithfully attend the services.