Holy Land Here I Come!

What a whirlwind of a week.  God has truly blessed me beyond what I could have ever comprehended.  I have not posted on this blog site in about 2½ years, but what God has blessed me with is something I need to post for others to hear.

I received a call that I have been chosen, along with 29 other Pastors from across the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), to attend an ALL-EXPENSES paid trip to … the Holy Land!  All expenses paid.  When I was first told I thought it was a joke.  I couldn’t believe it.

The Ministry of Tourism contacted the Executive Committee (EC) Office and spoke with Dr. Frank Page, CEO of the SBC. They want to bring 30 Pastors to the Holy Land with Dr. Page leading the group and my name was chosen.  The Ministry of Tourism wants to get Evangelicals to continue support regardless of what our Government continues to do.  So we will go, then come back and share about our trip with the churches and hopefully encourage them to go and support the Jewish nation.  They chose only men who have never been to the Holy Land before.

After doing some investigating and calling the EC directly and speaking to Dr. Page’s Executive Secretary, I am convinced that this is legit.  I wasn’t sure why God didn’t want me to go on an overseas mission trip this year as He has the past five, but now I know why.  I wasn’t sure why God wanted me to preach a series called “The Road to the Cross” as we lead up to Easter, but now I know why.  I will be able to share with my church details about where Jesus was when He said things we will be reading for the next couple of months.  I am amazed at how good God is.

The trip will be March 6-13, 2013 (or March 6-15, details are not finalized on the return date). Please be in prayer for me as I will be the only Oklahoma pastor represented.  My wife scared me when she said, “So you will be representing Oklahoma Baptists when you go on this trip.”  YIKES!  Pretty scary thought for all Oklahoma Baptists.  But I am so honored and blessed that God has given me this opportunity.  Thanks for taking time to read this and I covet your prayers as we get all the details squared away with this trip.  Thanks and God bless!!!

Things Coming This Sunday!!!

October 3 is going to be a fantastic day in the life of FBC Terlton and the Kingdom of the Lord. We are beginning a week of revival services with Evangelist Charlie Keim and Music with Jeremy Annett. I firmly believe that God is going to do some amazing things in these services. The service times will be: Sunday morning at 11:00, Sunday evening at 6:00, and Monday–Wednesday at 7:00. You will not want to miss a service.

Charlie is a Chalk Evangelist, which means that while he preaches he does chalk art to illustrate his sermons. It is a great thing to witness. Jeremy Annett has such a great spirit while he leads in worship. He also has a fantastic voice to go along with his heart to give God glory.

But also on Sunday October 3, we are having a HIGH ATTENDANCE SUNDAY!!! We hope to have 180 in Sunday School (which starts at 9:45 and there are classes for all ages) and our goal for worship is 200. These are big goals but not unattainable. But we need you to be here in order for us to accomplish them. Invite a friend or two to come with you as well.

Many have asked, “Why have a high attendance day? Are you all about numbers?” Let me emphasize that I am NOT all about numbers. But I realize that if 200 people are in our church, hearing the Gospel of Jesus, then that is 200 people who have an opportunity to respond to the truth of Christ. We need to do all we can to make sure the most number of people can hear about the life changing power of Christ. There is nothing better that we can do.

Immediately after our morning worship we will have a big pot-luck meal. Everyone is encouraged to attend. And we are asking our church members that if you usually bring 2 dishes, bring 3 this Sunday as we are expecting a larger crowd.

Please be in prayer for our revival services. Even if you can’t make it, please be in prayer for it. I am confident that God desires to bring revival to Terlton and only through the power of the Holy Spirit will it happen. I need revival in my life personally. God is doing great things and let’s see how much more He will do when we call on His name.

2 Chronicles 7:14, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Things Coming This Sunday!!!

home

Thank you so much for all your prayers. I returned home Friday around 5:00. It took us forever to get home but we finally made it.

Click on http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CfcftDUabM and you can view a video I made of the trip. I hope it blesses you.

Thanks again so much for your prayers and support. Have a wonderful day and God bless.

Scott

leaving on a jet plane

Tomorrow we leave to head back to the good ole US of A. It has been a great trip to the Republic of Malawi. Please remember us as we will be traveling for about 36 hours trying to get home. Pray that our luggage arrives on time with everything in it and nothing is broken (wood carvings).

Thanks for taking time to read my blog for the past week and a half. It has been great seeing God move among our group. I believe 414 people professed Christ the past week. It has been amazing. My prayer is that we continue to share Christ like we do here. So many times we find it easy to share Christ on the mission field but not at home. What a shame.

We leave tomorrow at 3:05 pm (7:05 am Tulsa time) so please remember us. Have a great day and I look forward to having some pictures downloaded soon for you to see. Take care and God bless.

Scott
Acts 4:13

Tuesday

Today was our last day of "ministry" in Malawi. Yesterday (Monday) we spent the entire day at the Baptist Theological Seminary of Malawi. We spent the day sharing with Pastors of Malawi on purity and integrity. I preached two one-hour sermons. It was a bit tough because I generally only preach 30 minutes. But Jamie Powell, one of our Pastors with us, preached four sermons that were one hour each. It was material he had prepared for other men's meetings. He did a great job.

Today we spent the morning witnessing in the urban area. Dalitso (my translator) and I were able to lead 7 to the Lord. With the rest of the team, we lead over 20. It was another great day serving the Lord and sharing the love of Jesus.

Tomorrow we will be going to the Baptist Clinic and Orphanage then to Lake Malawi for some rest and fun. We leave Thursday and get home Friday night.

I will update when I get home. Thanks for your prayers and have a wonderful day.

Scott
Acts 4:13

saturday

It was another great day here in Malawi. Today we went back to the same area we were in yesterday. Dulitso, my translator, and I went and God blessed us by 54 people giving their life to Christ. It was a great day as the team saw almost 100 profess Christ.

It was also a great day to play with the kids. The kids love to see the azunga (white person) come down the street. Their smiles are always a joy to see.

Tomorrow we will be preaching in 5 different churches. I am preaching at the church that meets at the seminary. Please be praying for the team as we share to the love of Christ to the churches.

I hope everyone is having a great day and God continues to bless you.

Scott
Acts 4:13