Another year stands before us in our lives. It’s amazing how fast the years seem to go by as I get older. It reminds me of the master’s response to the man who returned with five more talents in Jesus’ parable of the Talents: “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!... For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” (Matt 25:23,29)I pray that I will have used the talents my Lord has given to me in such a way that many are benefited by my ministry. All of us have a ministry, not just preachers; each of us will give an account of what we have done with what God has provided. I pray that none of us will “neglect so great a salvation.” We are told to bear much fruit and by this God will be glorified. I pray that our lives will bring much glory to my Father in heaven and His Son, my Lord Jesus Christ.
In the coming year we will have many opportunities as members of Kenly Missionary Baptist Church to be missionaries. A missionary is one who is sent out to minister and to proclaim the gospel message. On the second Sunday of January we will have our annual Bring a FRIEND SUNDAY. I pray each of us will take our missionary calling seriously and seek to bring a friend or friends to hear the gospel proclaimed in Sunday Bible Study.
Baptist Men’s Day, Sunday, January 22, is another opportunity to get men to come to church and hear how God has impacted the lives of others just like them.
Youth Winter Retreat, January 21-23, is another outreach of our church this year that will focus on youth.
On March 9-11 we will sponsor an Answers in Genesis conference with James Gardner. James will deliver a series of messages about Creation and the relevance of Genesis to our faith. Informative, entertaining, educational, spiritual, and exciting, this conference is must for all Christians as we have been commanded to give a reason for why we believe.
We have scheduled April 20-22 for our Prayer Emphasis Weekend. This will be led by Chris Schofield with the Baptist State Convention. Chris is a fervent disciple of Christ who believes that prayer is the key to unlocking heaven’s resources. Chris is an energetic speaker whose love for God and prayer life will inspire anyone with an open heart.
Our fall revival is slated for September 16-19 and Frank Shivers will be our revivalist. We have not had many revival meetings in the last few years because, in all honesty, it’s hard to get people to come. I praying that this September will be an exception. Frank Shivers is a man after God’s own heart who preaches with conviction and compassion. He says, “A Holy Ghost Pentecostal Revival yet awaits the pastors and churches that are willing to get serious with God and pay the price for it.” Come Holy Spirit and bring God the glory in our church this year.
