January 2025 Missions Update
A word from your Missions Office
By HEITH MITCHELL
You and I find ourselves a quarter of the way into the 21st century! 2025! Hard to believe. The world changes so rapidly. Technology is advancing while sin is stubbornly ever-present. Evil is boldly not hiding today. In the face of all of this, God is patient and longsuffering. He delays the end of the church age according to His plan.
His light shines bright in this dark world. He is faithfully kingdom-building in this world through his church. Lives transformed by the gospel stand out in sharp contrast. Disciples are effective counter-cultural ambassadors today. Churches made up of true disciples exemplify real love and family in a way that doesn’t seem possible to the world around us. Sadly this isn’t true today of most organized “churches” with an active EIN and a building. It is true of most of us. I love the BMA!
I am encouraged each month as I receive reports from your Texas Missionaries. God is bringing Glory to Himself by changing lives through your Missionaries. He is redeeming and disciples are being made. Leaders are developing and churches are forming. God is making himself known in unreached pockets of this state. The Gospel advances.
I look at this and enter 2025 with excited expectation. God is good, faithful, and about his mission to redeem through the church a special people for Himself. Let’s fully align with the Mission of God. May the gospel be where you focus your energy and rest in 2025!
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PROJECT 2029
100 New Churches/10 years
- That we see an aggressive multiplication movement of churches who make disciples, equip and release leaders, and start churches for the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom Mission
- That each new mission begin with a plan to begin three new churches in their first 10 years
- That pastors and churches of the association be encouraged and equipped to start new churches
- That we connect, evaluate, identify and train new prospective church planters
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A word from your missionaries:
Eric Jordan – Breath of Praise – Brownwood
ericabopcc@aol.com
Some of the biggest breakthroughs are witnessing those with significant struggles in their life, learn to take authority over their situations and circumstances and not be a victim but an overcomer. To trust in Jesus when He says, “My grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. It is an amazing thing seeing people learn how to endure through the struggles rather than fall under their struggles. They are maturing in their spiritual walk with Christ. Another exciting thing to see; they are learning how to no longer identify with their old nature but their new nature in Christ; and this has given them renewed strength and confidence in sharing their personal experience with Jesus.
Prayer Needs:
That hear God’s voice clearly as to what He would have our church to do in 2025.
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Kevin Williams– Port Arthur Mission
mr.williamsp121@gmail.com
As we welcome a new year we are excited to serve the Lord in the calling He has given us here in Port Arthur! One of the biggest things that God has impressed upon me is a greater focus on simply sharing the gospel with others. We can come up with all kinds of methods, plans, and excuses but the bottom line is that we have a message to share and only it, “is the power of God for salvation…”
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Trey, a teenage boy that lives in our neighborhood whom I’ve had an opportunity to share the Gospel with.
Pray for continued protection for our family: both physical and spiritual.
Pray for me as I have begun working on getting my teaching certification.
Pray for boldness to share the gospel without hesitation.
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Haitao He– Free Salvation Bible Mission – Corpus Christi
haitao.he@bmats.edu
This month, despite everyone’s busy holiday schedules, we’ve been intentional about come together as a community. We had new people joining our meeting. And we were singing together with good spirit and joy for longer time, which has brought a refreshing sense of unity and celebration. It’s been uplifting to hear the new people share her great appreciation for the meeting!
Prayer Needs:
Pray for meaningful connections with our local community and opportunities to meet spiritual and physical needs.
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Jaime Garcia– Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida – Gilmer
Jaime.garcia2911@gmail.com
This month we were very active with the Christmas and New Year’s services, the young people and the sisters of the praise group sang together and were very happy for their participation, I am not totally satisfied with this, I want to intentionally make time to evangelize more people in the community, between the routine and the services in the church I spend time and I do not go out to the houses or in the places that Hispanics frequent.
Prayer Request:
First thank you for your prayers, God responded with health and good results, Maria my wife’s daughter is fine, there was no need for chemotherapy, I also ask you to pray for other people to disciple, I want to start the year with new believers who put God in their heart first learn more about the word and his will.
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Jose Gil – Proyecto Misionero “Lidia” – Spring
josedario.gil@gmail.com
Two great news: 1) The husband of Raidemar Escobar, whom I baptized in July, has reconciled with God and asked me to be baptized. 2) We are so excited for the opportunity of moving to a small place with bigger opportunity to share Jesus. Why? The Lease allows me, as pastor and missioner, to using the facilities for prayer and worshipping time. We are in the prayer time. Our insight is to invite the Hispanic neighbors for a first meeting the last week of January. Depending on the response, we are considering to extend the invitation to the English speaking neighbors in February.
Prayer Needs:
May God open the hearts of those who are to be saved at Ridgewood Apartments.
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Luis H. Perez – Igelsia Bautista Gracia Soberana – Kyle
luisperez6162@gmail.com
We started working with a new family last month and we will be opening another home by mid-January. I am visiting a nursing home and hope that opened doors for me to be able to carry out the Bible studies soon. The struggles are only the one every day because thank God we have not had conflicts with anyone and we are working on the spiritual growth of the church.
Prayer Needs:
Just that you continue to pray for Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, and that you pray for me and my wife since I am going to bring my dad first to live with me and then my mom, pray for my mom her name is Virginia Pérez she is in somewhat delicate in health.
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Jose Torres– Iglesia Nueva Vide en Cristo – Tyler
josetorres@gmail.com
We are very happy to inform you that Brother Jose Guevara Macias was baptized on Sunday, December 22nd. It was a day of great joy because we also had our Christmas dinner accompanied by visitors. It was a great culmination of our mini Christmas campaign that we titled Tell the Story by studying the first 2 chapters of Luke and watching his account of the Lord’s birth. We were able to conclude by saying Baptism also tells the story. Please continue to pray because we have several prospects for baptism. We hope in God that they make the decision soon. We want to take the opportunity to commit them to disciple themselves and at once identify their disciple for them to disciple or help disciple in order to be baptized and join or form new groups. Again, thank you for participating with us in the Lord’s work. Happy New Year to the pastors and churches of the Texas BMA, receive from Tyler’s New Life in Christ Church.
Prayer Needs:
Please help us pray because we want to move to a slightly larger house. May God be guiding us in this process.
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Abner Nunez– San Antonio Mission
elias1951@hotmail.com
When one asks God for help, he must be specific: 1. Help me to recognize your opportunities. 2. Help me to hear your voice. 3.- Help me to use what I have for that purpose.
Prayer Needs:
For the project of bringing together the 3 cells once a month. That’s just getting started.
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Marvin Medina– Plano Mission
mirenamarvin7@gmail.com
The mission has been maintained, people continue to come. Beautiful seeing the hand of God.We have had struggles on a personal level, but God has been greater.There are people with a lot of need, lack of work, my wife’s health has been very unstable but we are here struggling to do what God commanded us.
Prayer Needs:
My wife, children, economic situation, a new job, my wife’s health, my family in Spain.
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Kyle Cheatham– Grace Church Jarrell Mission
kyle@gracejarrell.com
We welcomed seven new members this month for a current total of 73. — Months ago, God brought a man to our church who is strong in God’s Word. He got plugged into a Fellowship Group and our weekly Men’s Study and soon became highly valued for his biblical insights. After joining the church, he continued to be faithful and I eventually asked him to co-lead the Men’s Study with me. After Christmas, he preached for me twice which not only provided an opportunity to use his teaching gift, but also gave me a wonderful break. He has been very teachable and submissive to our elders. So thankful to God for how our church has strengthened him and how God is building up our people through him.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for us to find the right person’s to oversee our preschool ministry and children’s ministry.
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Chris Mindi– Anchor Austin Mission in Leander
chris.mindi@bmats.edu
Mission is going as God planned, healthy, and sustainable. Thank you for supporting Anchor Austin Church. Continue to follow us on social media for updates and see How God is moving in central Texas region and pray for us. Pray for God to move His spirit in this place to have more conversations and open doors to reach new individuals and families to win for HIM. As we get into 2025, we are hoping and praying that Anchor Austin, this year would be a great blessing for many families here in Georgetown.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for the Leadership going into 2025, how to lead with wisdom.
Pray for members to continue learning the importance of what it means to be committed to serve Jesus in a local church body.
Pray for continued boldness to be proactive in having more gospel conversations.
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December 2024 Missions Update
A word from your Missions Office
By HEITH MITCHELL
The Annual Meeting of the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas was special this year. I really enjoyed interacting with the members at First, Jacksonville and Cornerstone, Jacksonville. We were warmly received and provided with great care. Local church hospitality results in the best BMA family gatherings. We also received a warm welcome from staff and students when the meeting moved to Jacksonville College. As an alumni, it meant so much to be in the old chapel. The Jacksonville College Singers were a blessing. I loved getting to see all of our missionaries and many of their families spread out across the stage. What a powerful closing message that David Erickson delivered in the chapel.
One of the most exciting parts of the meeting every year was the seating of messengers from new churches. Of the six new churches that joined this year, five of them are organized mission projects. The Lord is faithful to his disciple making mission. He is increasing His churches in Texas. The BMA of Texas is growing. To God be the glory!
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PROJECT 2029
100 New Churches/10 years
- That we see an aggressive multiplication movement of churches who make disciples, equip and release leaders, and start churches for the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom Mission
- That each new mission begin with a plan to begin three new churches in their first 10 years
- That pastors and churches of the association be encouraged and equipped to start new churches
- That we connect, evaluate, identify and train new prospective church planters
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A word from your missionaries:
Jose Gil – Proyecto Misionero “Lidia” – Spring
josedario.gil@gmail.com
A sense of synergy as a real family has growth is being experienced in Spring. Most of the members are struggling to find employment and pay their bills. I am particularly grateful for their trust when asking for advice and prayer. In July, I baptized Raidemar Escobar and she had a baby in September. In November, the baby, Reiner Jesus, was taken to the emergency room due to a liver illness. We had the opportunity to support the family, and the baby is back home (as you may see in the photo below). The family is grateful and their love and faith are growing. Praise the Lord!
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for my health and endurance and a source of extra income for me.
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Isaias Martinez – Conroe Mission
isaiasmj1966@gmail.com
We have been accepted and recognized as a church by the BMA of Texas.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for the growth and expansion of the Church.
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Kyle Cheatham– Grace Church Jarrell Mission
kyle@gracejarrell.com
Several months ago, we baptized a young man (Byron) and he and his wife became members. In those initial discussions about membership, I asked how he might like to serve. Immediately, he said that he would like to help with outreach and impacting the community. We have helped him and his wife to plug into discipleship and they have been super faithful in multiple ways. Now, he is heading up our spot at the local Christmas Festival and we will be talking about how he can build a team to do these kinds of things year round. He gets to serve in his giftedness and passion and it is a massive win for our church family.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that we will follow through with a vision to mobilize our people to intentionally impact (each month) the shopping center where our church meets.
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Haitao He– Free Salvation Bible Mission in Corpus Christi
haitao.he@bmats.edu
We loved our prayer meeting this month and we are very excited to have new friends who have no faith join us. We shared food and had some fellowship time. The atmosphere was so warm and joyful and everybody was had a good time. Our new friends had a lot of curiosity about our prayer and our faith. We are looking forward to the next meeting.
Prayer Needs:
Pray that God will illuminate the hearts of our new friends who came to our prayer meeting this month.
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Brad Holcomb– Redemption Hill Ft. Worth
brad@redemptionhillfw.org
A cool story leading into the holidays is our advent involvement. One of our elders organized a team to help facilitate in home discipleship materials for our church. There has been really solid buy in from our folks, specifically from our dads regarding growth in leading their families in discipleship to Jesus.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for my grandmother (she raised me). She was recently admitted to the emergency room with high blood pressure. We ask for prayer that the Lord heals her, provides for her a healthy church and makes a way for her to possibly move closer to us.
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Kevin Williams– Port Arthur Mission
mr.williamsp121@gmail.com
Things continue steadily moving in Port Arthur. Our Thursday night Bible study with Roberto and Betsy has been a great source of encouragement as we study through the book of John. Over the last few months the fellowship and love have grown between us and I am thankful for that.
We are still trying to make inroads into our neighborhood. We made and delivered cookies before Thanksgiving to our neighbors. One difficulty is that the sun goes down so early and people are not outside as much. I am continuing to try and cultivate relationships with coworkers at my school and we plan to have a second game night with a few of my colleagues this weekend.
I have also begun working on getting my teaching certification to teach ESL Reading. This is a hard process with multiple tests and much studying, so I appreciate your prayers for me.
Prayer Needs:
Pray that the Lord would give us urgency in sharing, genuine love for our neighbors and opportunities to share the gospel with fertile hearts. Also pray for our health as we enter the winter months. Lastly, pray for me as I work on getting my teaching certification.
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Chris Driver– West Texas Multiplication Network/
Texas Missionary Care
cjdriver316@gmail.com
Howdy from west Texas! This has been a wonderfully exciting month for us here at Oasis. We have had several young families come and connect. We have seen our attendance grow to around 40 on a consistent basis this month. But what makes it most exciting for me is that the ones who are coming are coming because of the investment of our people and not me. It is so exciting to see our people reaching out to the people in their spheres of influence and inviting them into their lives and into our church family. This transition is such an important piece of the planting process that I’m so thankful to see God beginning to bring about in our church. We continue to make inroads into the college and the neighboring town of Sundown through new relationships. We are really expecting to see God do some truly special things this next year in and through Oasis. Thank you so much for all you do for us. Please continue to pray. God is definitely on the move!
.Prayer Needs:
A church van to help with new ministries
New connections to the college and Sundown
Open doors for the gospel
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Jose Torres– Tyler Hispanic Mission
josetorres@gmail.com
The Lord heard our prayers! By ours, I mean you–the churches of the BMA of Texas and us. Thank you! I know that your support comes not only in financial form, but in preparation, motivation and prayer. Recently, we received the pleasant visits of Heith Mitchell and Elvis Garcia. You do not know how much we were encouraged by those visits. In my report last month I asked for your prayers for baptisms and in this report I can inform you that two boys are ready to be baptized. What excites me is that they are men who have not yet baptized men in our groups and I know that it is of utmost importance to have men come to the feet of Christ because they will be leaders in their homes and in the congregation. I hope we can open at least one more discipleship group with what is happening. Thank you my beloved brothers and sisters of the BMA for all your support! May the Lord greatly bless each of the congregations, pastors and leaders. It was also a great honor to be among some of you at the annual meeting in Jacksonville.
Prayer Needs:
Please continue to pray for Tyler’s New Life in Christ Church!
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Aderemi Badru- Light House Mission in Houston
remibadru44hope@yahoo.com
Our church plant is making progress. We have decided to launch Feb. 9, 2025. We are still trusting God for a new location for worship but we do not want that to hold us back from launching. We have successfully planted a new church in Nigeria and inaugurated it in October. We are actively in the process of selecting two elders and preparing them for ordination. We have a vibrant youth group that’s ongoing with about five of them ready for baptism. We are grateful for your support and we hope that with your support we can find a more suitable place of worship that will enable our children and youth to have a conducive atmosphere during worship.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for us to find a place of worship as soon as possible. Pray for the success of our launch. Pray for our baby church in Nigeria. Pray for the selection of elders. Pray for provision for the church. Pray for my wife for strength and pray for me so that I can always remain focused on the goal of pleasing Jesus.
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Tim Alba– The Bridge Mission in Seagoville
timalba1986@gmail.com
So far we have had made much progress this month. We have multiple people engaged and have had success sharing the Gospel with multiple people leading to salvations. Our men’s ministry had a great outcome again and we now have multiple men engaged in our Bible studies. I think so far we have had much success through events and planning. It has brought much attention to our church with new people visiting of late.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for Debbie Bickel. She is currently dealing with cancer and need much prayers lifted up for her at this time. Thank you.
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Marvin Mirena– Plano Mission
mirenamarvin7@gmail.com
The mission is very stable but we want to start reaching out. We had a delivery of gifts for the children of the community and took advantage of presenting the gospel. A van was donated to us that will aide us in reaching children.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for my wife’s health, my children, my family from Spain, the congregation and our financial situation.
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Rudy Villareal– Hometown Church Mission in Helotes
rvillarreal1@gmail.com
We are sharing the gospel and are encouraged because of your prayers. I told our congregation upon my return from the BMA of Texas Meeting that many churches are going to the Lord, lifting us up in prayer. They all were very grateful and appreciate each of you. Please continue to pray that God’s hand moves in this community.
Prayer Needs:
Pray that God brings laborers to work alongside us to share the Gospel.
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November 2024 Missions Update
A word from your Missions Office
By HEITH MITCHELL
I was encouraged by attending the annual association meetings this year. There seems to be an overall renewed sense of fellowship and cooperation exhibited in BMA Associations. Many are finding purpose again. Churches are helping churches. It has been great to see. This isn’t everywhere. I have witnessed that the long-term health of a local congregation is tied to their involvement in associational life. Iron sharpens iron. Fellowship provides balance in good times and is a resource for help in times of trouble. If you are in an unhealthy fellowship, it is worth fixing or looking to join one nearby. If your church is not in a local fellowship, consider joining one nearby. Do this before your next crisis. We would be glad to help.
I look forward to seeing each of you at the state meeting next week in Jacksonville. We will handle important business but I encourage you not to miss the sweet fellowship within your BMAT Family. I look forward to highlighting Jacksonville College this year. I look forward to you getting to interact with each of your missionaries. I am praying that God is glorified at our meeting. See you there. It won’t be the same if you don’t come.
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PROJECT 2029
100 New Churches/10 years
- That we see an aggressive multiplication movement of churches who make disciples, equip and release leaders, and start churches for the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom Mission
- That each new mission begin with a plan to begin three new churches in their first 10 years
- That pastors and churches of the association be encouraged and equipped to start new churches
- That we connect, evaluate, identify and train new prospective church planters
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A word from your missionaries:
Jaime Garcia– Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida Mission in Gilmer
Jaime.garcia2911@gmail.com
They invited us to preach to the group of day laborers after work they came and had dinner and the gospel of Jesus was shared. I finished preaching and a man approached me asking for prayer and I was very happy because his words were; “Pastor please pray for me, last year you prayed for me, and it felt very nice”. That let me know that what we do in ministry is worth it. Even if there is only one man for God, it is important.
Prayer Request:
Please help with prayer for the family and for the following plans that we are working on in next year’s agenda.
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Isaias Martinez – Conroe Mission
isaiasmj1966@gmail.com
Our mission advances. We were able to celebrate a nice event for Hispanic Heritage where friends and guests attended.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for our family in Cuba, who were swept away by the recent hurricane.
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Jose Torres– Tyler Hispanic Mission
josetorres@gmail.com
At the beginning of the month, we had graduation of 2 disciples. One began to disciple another and that gives us a lot of joy because it is an important part of our vision. As the month drew to a close, we began to meet on Wednesdays in church for a family evening. Taking advantage of the fact that the church that hosts us sells dinner at a very low cost to all those who attend its family night, some of us have begun to meet. We have dinner together and then some have discipleship while others have time for sharing and prayer. This is giving us the opportunity to prepare something for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This has brought a new impetus to our plantation. We are waiting for what God will do in and through us.
Prayer Needs:
Keep praying for baptisms. I have 2 pending talks with at least 2 possible candidates. We would like to baptize some on Sunday, November 24.
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Luis H. Perez – Planting in Kyle
luisperez6162@gmail.com
Well, the month of October was very lively in the Lord without any evil event, and brothers contacted families for an outreach to our community. I see it as very positive on the part of some families of our congregation doing it.
Prayer Needs:
We want a Christ-centered church, pray for it we need a doctrinally sound church.
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Marvin Mirena– Plano Mission
mirenamarvin7@gmail.com
God has been good, in spite of everything he showed his faithfulness, His love for me and my family, and the attendance has been maintained. There are several couples in discipleship, my wife meets with the women. God has been good, my wife had health problems but we also saw the hand of God. We have had difficult economic situations we ask God to help us continue.
Prayer Needs:
The mission, health, our children, Ezequiel and Josué, our economic situation.
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Brad Cauley– Cedar Park Mission
bwcauley@gmail.com
God continues to grow our people, especially in their boldness to speak Jesus’ name in conversations weekly. One member shared how nervous she was to begin spiritual conversations, but as we check in with each other weekly, giving each person the opportunity to share a story, her confidence and boldness have increased. Her face lit up one Sunday as she told the church how much she enjoyed boldly speaking Jesus’ name in a conversation at work and how confident she has become in bringing up spiritual things, especially sharing Jesus with others.
Mark has been growing in the Lord. Once a conspiracy theorist with past additions and problems, Mark has been transformed by God’s word over the last 8 months. He hosted Bible study at his home one Sunday evening, after a pool party he strategically planned the same day in order to encourage friends and family to stay for Bible study. Mark’s sister thanked us for the Bible study, saying how much it had changed her brother’s life. We saw this a few weeks ago, when he brought his neighbor, a fellow conspiracy theorist who was disturbed by the state of the world and looking for answers. After Bible study the neighbor began to share his concerns about conspiracies and issues, and as I tried to redirect the conversation to spiritual things, Mark looked at him and said, “You don’t need to worry about all that. What you need is truth and the truth is in Jesus. He is what you need and the truth of His word.” Wow! What change in Mark and what a wonderful work he’s doing to help others experience the change Jesus brings. Three weeks later we were able to pray over the neighbor’s dying mother, to share the gospel with her, and sing “Amazing Grace” over her with her son present. She passed the next day and we’ve been ministering to the neighbor. He’s overwhelmed with love he says he’s never known before. May God complete the work of bringing him to Himself.
Prayer Needs:
Please ask the Lord to bless our member’s discussions with their oikos (spheres of influence). They are practicing speaking Jesus’ name in conversations and are growing in their confidence and boldness. Also, please ask the Lord to make their/our rhythms of life conform to His plans to build His kingdom.
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Robert Lee– Harmony Baptist Church in Normangee Replant
bro.robert.f.lee@gmail.com
This month was a great month for our church. At the end of the month, we were blessed with the opportunity to participate in our local school’s Panthers for Christ event. We got to feed a large number of kids while sharing God’s Word. In addition to that event, we got to give out candy and hot dogs as part of Normangee’s City-wide trick-or-treat on November 2nd. We are so blessed to have these opportunities to share the love of Christ with our community.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for more opportunities for us to share Christ’s love with our community in the days ahead.
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Abner Nunez– Planting in San Antonio
elias1951@hotmail.com
One thing that God has taught me in these 2 years that I have been in this great country, is that if you have the desire to serve the Lord, he will be your Jehovah Jireh, Our God is our provider.
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Kyle Cheatham– Grace Church Jarrell Mission
kyle@gracejarrell.com
1. We have begun having the men in our Fellowship Groups rotate in facilitating the discussion. This will help us equip more leaders to start new groups as needed. 2. My wife, Jacklyn, is leading a book club through “The Excellent Wife” and it’s going really well. 3. Our Men’s Study worked through a Bible study on fighting lust. 4. We have maxed out our kids space and may start limiting the ages we can care for during service. Good problem with the growth, but wish we had a few more classrooms. 5. We have a few ministries led by people who are doing multiple leadership roles as well and they are nearing being able to hand some off to new leaders.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for God to raise up the right person to oversee our children’s ministry.
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Ciro Gonzalez– Rice Hispanic Mission
cirogonzalez315@gmail.com
We are currently facing challenges of conquering new people for Christ, on Mondays and Fridays together with Pastor Miguel we went out to do prayer walks, handing out tracts, and evangelism in the different houses; as well as in the two supermarkets in the city of Rice. In the month of October, we contacted about 11 people, but we delivered tracts to about 35 people and we had meaningful conversations. It’s a big challenge as we’re starting from scratch again, we’re focused on the established people of the city.
Prayer Needs:
Pray that God will open doors and touch the hearts of the people of Rice. Pray for my family and my health.
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Jose Gil – Proyecto Misionero “Lidia”
josedario.gil@gmail.com
As pastor and mission, I have a two-fold approach: content and purpose. The content of the teaching (holy scripture + personal testimony) is to show Christ to others. The purpose is their new birth and metanoia process.
Prayer Needs:
Networking is easy, but fewer people are interested in knowing God. Please pray for us to have the discernment and grace to find out “the” way to connect with new people.
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Chris Mindi– Anchor Austin Mission in Leander
chris.mindi@bmats.edu
Anchor Austin is doing good & how God meant it to be, challenging people in their traditional understanding of doing church to being church. Always pushing them out of their comfort zone of doing things for God to knowing Him in their journey, equipping them for the sake of ministry (this is hard!). Yes, we know at Anchor Austin, it’s going to be a challenging mission to wake up those who are already Christians ( I say that lightly) but not convicted enough to ‘co-mission’ in our Lord’s mission. continue to pray for us! ONE such story is about what happened this past month. Even though it seems little, it encouraged us, every week, week in and week out, we set up and tear down for Sunday worship, which includes putting up signs at the intersections (A-sign boards). Sometimes, it feels like a drag, and thoughts like (why are we putting these up, no one even looks at these things). But reality is, people see! Out of all those who have seen, one Indian Christian family has been looking at those signs weekly and decided to visit our worship. Now, they are committed to the vision of Anchor Austin. We are continuing to learn, doing small things like they are big things changes our perspective on how God can use even a little seed of faith. (We hope there are many that are about to come, looking at those sign boards) Pray for us!
Prayer Needs:
1. Pray for the upcoming season of Indian festivals that we be out there and serve and meet more families.
2. Pray for our outreach events that we are planning to organize and meet Indians in Georgetown.
3. Pray for Anchor Austin as a church that we are growing strong in faith.
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Chris Driver– West Texas Multiplication Network/Texas Missionary Care
cjdriver316@gmail.com
Howdy from West Texas!! It’s cotton harvest season over here on the South Plains so there is a constant visual reminder that the fields are ripe unto harvest! Fall is also in the air and so are the fun fall events that come with them. We recently had the chance to partner with the local downtown group in their Community Wide Fall Festival. It was a great time of loving on the people of Levelland by giving away candy, “I Love Jesus” bracelets, information about Oasis, and even some Bibles to some families who didn’t have one. We had a booth with several of our carnival games and instead of charging, gave away the fun and the goodies for free. We made a ton of new friends and even had a sweet family join Oasis as a result! We also had a missionary friend, Clinton Morris, come and train us on how to have an intentional board game night in order to possibly help us better reach some college students. It was a great time and we’re looking forward to opening it up to others next semester. It’s so mindblowing to think that I get to have all this fun doing what God has called me to do! Thank you so much for all your support and prayers for what God is doing out here in West Texas.
.Prayer Needs:
Relationship connections at SPC
New connections and a new work in Sundown
Church van
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Tim Alba– The Bridge Mission in Seagoville
timalba1986@gmail.com
We have had much success lately and have been doing great as far as attendance and salvations. We have seen at least 15 in the past several months. It has been an exciting time. We are hoping to expand as we grow by adding more ministries, baptisms, and leaders in the coming future. God has done some interesting things of lately. Our men are starting to get more involved and pray for one another. More of our ladies have stepped up in planning events. It’s been an exciting time to be at The Bridge.
Prayer Needs:
Just continue to pray for wisdom in leadership as we expand further into the next year. 2025 is my last year as a planter with the BMA and I am praying God continues to increase us this coming year. I am hoping that God continues to surprise us with His blessings and increase. Thank you and God bless.
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Haitao He– Free Salvation Bible Mission in Corpus Christi
haitao.he@bmats.edu
We are grateful for your continued support and are pleased to share updates from our mission this month. On Halloween night, we participated in a local elementary school’s fall festival, which attracted over a thousand attendees. This event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with families and fellow volunteers, strengthening our community ties. Our weekly Bible study groups have received great feedback. One participant shared how the studies have deepened her faith and understanding of Scripture, highlighting the impact of our collective efforts.
Prayer Needs:
We are planning a community reach-out for Thanksgiving. Please pray for the success of this event.
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Kevin Williams– Port Arthur Mission
mr.williamsp121@gmail.com
Things are going well in Port Arthur as we have entered Fall. We unfortunately have lost contact with one of the families that we were meeting with but the other Bible study group is going strong with Roberto and Betsy. We have had some great opportunities to begin to build relationships with some people!
A few weeks ago on a Saturday the kids and I (Kevin) offered a free car wash outside our house. While we didn’t have much interest we were able to bless one of our neighbors and I was able to get to know Mr. Thomas a little bit more.
Last week we had some of my coworkers over to the house for a board game night that was a lot of fun and a wonderful opportunity to get to know them outside the work environment. We plan on having those regularly.
We are also planning to use the upcoming holidays to reach out to our neighbors with a simple gift of cookies and a card. Last week I got to talk to a neighbor who we haven’t had contact with since we gave them cookies after moving here and she was so appreciative of the gesture and we hope to build on that interaction and have their family over sometime soon.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for health for us during this time of year as sickness tends to spread. Also pray for these relationships to create gospel sharing opportunities. Pray for the Port Acres community that we live in, that God would move in people’s hearts and prepare the soil for the Gospel message.
September 2024 Missions Update
A word from your Missions Office
By HEITH MITCHELL
I am excited to see as many of you as possible at your local association in the next few months. If I am not there it will be because I am with another association at the same time. I enjoy hearing about what God is doing through your local churches and witnessing the love you have for each other in your association. I also love to be with you to report on all that God is doing in and through your hard-working missionaries. When you gather together to encourage each other and support Christ’s mission together God is glorified and churches are strengthened.
Retreats
This month, Texas Missions and BMA Pastor Connections Coordinator Todd West hosted two retreats. The first was a couples retreat for youth pastors and their wives. It was a good time of equipping and pouring in. The second was a couples retreat for each of the pastors in the Harmony Baptist Association. This was a good opportunity for these churches to build deeper bonds and for their wives to get to know each other. All but one of these pastors are new to their church this year. It would be good for other local associations to hold a similar retreat. Reach out to Todd or the missions office.
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PROJECT 2029
100 New Churches/10 years
- That we see an aggressive multiplication movement of churches who make disciples, equip and release leaders, and start churches for the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom Mission
- That each new mission begin with a plan to begin three new churches in their first 10 years
- That pastors and churches of the association be encouraged and equipped to start new churches
- That we connect, evaluate, identify and train new prospective church planters
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A word from your missionaries:
Ciro Gonzalez– Rice Hispanic Mission
cirogonzalez315@gmail.com
We are praying and making a new projection towards Rice, Texas for a year and some months. We have worked focused on making disciples, but we have not had the results we expected. This new projection begins with a new work in Corsicana, but having Rice as its epicenter, since it is centrally located between Ennis and Corsicana. We want to make groups of disciples in these places with the purpose of bringing them in the future to congregate in Rice as a central church.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Rice, for Corsicana, and for my helpful brother in Christ, Miguel, and myself.
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IBrad Holcomb– Redemption Hill Ft. Worth
brad@redemptionhillfw.org
Overall, Redemption Hill is doing well, by God’s grace. We are welcoming new guests every week, many of whom do not have a relationship with Jesus. We are working to assimilate them into community groups. In September, we will be hosting our first ever Preach Christ Conference, focused on the centrality of preaching the person and work of Jesus from a heart that loves Jesus. We are also hosting a counseling seminary focused on training members to care for one another in community. Please join us in praying the Lord uses these ministries to draw more and more people to Himself and to grow our affections for Him.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that the Preach Christ Conference is used by God to equip men for the wonderful task of preaching the person and work of Jesus. Pray the Spirit grows our love for Jesus through the event. Also, please join us in praying that the guests attending RHC each week who do not know God, would come to saving faith by His grace.
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Isaias Martinez – Conroe Mission
isaiasmj1966@gmail.com
The mission status is running normal. We maintain two families in discipleship with the goal to baptize them. We are preparing to celebrate our anniversary.
Prayer Needs:
Your prayers that we may have a place of our own in the future.
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Shane Carter– Lamesa Mission
stumpofnavy@gmail.com
I am fighting Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. I was diagnosed in the first part of July. The side effects of the medicine for the Leukemia has been rough. I have struggled with walking and am just now getting around with a walker. I also have many appointments because this has also affected my kidneys and I have developed pressure wounds from my hospital visits. I make four trips a week to Lubbock for various health issues related to the Leukemia. This may sound bleak, but through this I have grown closer to God and have a re-focused outlook on my ministry.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for my health to improve so that I can walk soon and continue my ministry.
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Kevin Williams– Port Arthur Mission
mr.williamsp121@gmail.com
The month of August has been a “hit the ground running” kind of month for us. We started a second home Bible study with three new people which has been going very well. I also started working at one of the local middle schools as an ESL aide, which has been challenging, but has also a great opportunity to stay outside a “churchy” bubble and within relational distance of lost people.
One of the challenges that comes with working in a fast-paced environment like the school is that it doesn’t allow a lot of down time to talk with students or other co-workers. As I prayed about this, I asked the Lord to open doors for me to talk to others about spiritual things and sure enough, He did! I have been able to talk with and begin to form a relationship with one student named Tomas and am excited to have the opportunity to share more with him. I also was recently able to share my testimony with a teacher.
Please continue to pray for one of the families that we have been ministering to. Their names are Salvador, Isabel, Bryan, Chavito and Rodrigo. Rodrigo is only about three months old and has Trisomy 13. He has a health condition and is not expected to live past the age of one and could pass any day. However, in His mercy, God has preserved this little boy’s life and he has defied the odds so far. We have been having Bible studies in their home now for about a month but Salvador, the father, has not been present for any of them. Would you pray with us that God would stir in him a desire to know Jesus?
Prayer Needs:
Pray that we would be savvy in finding ways to engage with our neighbors and that God would grow a supernatural love in us for them.
Pray for Amber and the kids as they have started back with homeschooling and as they continue to settle into life here.
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Chris Driver– West Texas Multiplication Network/Texas Missionary Care
cjdriver316@gmail.com
Howdy from west Texas! We are back to school and that means new and fresh opportunities for ministry. We are so excited to finally see some progress in connecting to students from South Plains College. Our help with the SPC cosmetology department last month has borne fruit in that we had one young lady bring four friends to our Sunday service. We have also begun preparation for several meals for them this semester. We are making inroads in starting a new group/work in Sundown, one of the neighboring communities. There are several great outreach opportunities coming up in Levelland that will help us continue to develop momentum. Thank you so much for all your support and prayers. God is definitely on the move here in west Texas.
Prayer Needs:
SPC Ministry development
Sundown group formation
Donation of a church van for our O-Kids program
Open doors for the gospel in Levelland and Sundown
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Jose Torres– Tyler Hispanic Mission
josetorres@gmail.com
We have managed to form a team so that the Sunday service is carried out in the absence of any or all of us who participate. We have trained and engaged people to support in case we are away or sick. John Sage is a member of the church who provides us with the facilities for our services. He is a retired missionary but he faithfully supports us every Sunday. He can share the Word if I am not there. Diego has trained Sabrina in technology and sound so she can support. We have included more people to help us count and record the offerings. My wife has trained other women to support us in child care. Jovita and Jose are committed to helping us receive people in addition to preparing everything for the service and putting everything away.
We are also challenging our leaders to take the next step toward forming disciples which is the main focus of our vision. They are already trained, we just have to help them engage people so that they can carry out our discipleship.
My wife and I are looking to start new people to disciple. She has started with her co-worker, Hilda, and I have connected with her husband, Sergio, to start with him too and see who else they know to form a group in their home.
Prayer Needs:
We ask for your prayers as we are planning for 2025.
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Kyle Cheatham– Grace Church Jarrell Mission
kyle@gracejarrell.com
We are celebrating exciting fruit as we were able to baptize four adults in August. We’ve paired two new believers with two more mature believers for personal disciple-making and both pairs are doing well. For the first time since we launched, we averaged 100 in worship. Our prayer ministry held a back to school prayer walkabout at the church with the names of all of our students (K-5th, over 50!) written on cards around the room, so that people could come and pray over them. Our women’s ministry cooled off with an ice cream social, a well-attended, wonderful time of fellowship and building relationships. Our men’s ministry is studying the attributes of God. Our young adult ministry celebrated one year of gathering for Bible study, prayer and fun. Things are feeling solid and we are praising God!
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for us as we prayerfully explore an amazing opportunity that would provide more space and be a blessing in so many ways.
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Tim Alba– The Bridge Mission in Seagoville
timalba1986@gmail.com
We have had some breakthroughs this month with many people in our church. Many came to me Sunday and asked how they can serve in our ministry. It has been very exciting to see people come to understand God’s calling and mission in their lives. People are opening their homes, others are wanting to serve and few feel called to ministry. It has been quite a month for us. We also had five salvations this month alone–10 overall throughout the summer. We are hoping to baptize them in the near future.
Prayer Needs:
Pray that God opens doors for us to find a permanent home. We are growing and people are getting excited at our church. We are also excited about what God is doing at our church.
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Robert Lee– Harmony Baptist Church in Normangee Replant
bro.robert.f.lee@gmail.com
This month has been exciting. As the school year started back, our local school superintendent invited pastors to come to the school and meet with him for breakfast to talk about how best to be involved in our local school. I am looking forward to what the year holds in store.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for us as we prepare for some opportunities to engage our community in the coming months.
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August 2024 Missions Update
A word from your Missions Office
By HEITH MITCHELL
We are excited to see three new missionaries engaging their God given assignments of making Disciples within their community.
Kevin Williams has moved into Port Arthur with the help of Bethel Baptist Church. He has started work with the school there assisting Spanish speakers. Kevin is burdened to make disciples there in Port Arthur. He, Amber his wife, and their children moved to the community from Mena Arkansas
Marvin Marina is a Venuezalan Immigrant who received Jesus and was discipled by Missionary Omar Pena in Plano. Marvin and his wife Odalys are passionate disciple-makers. Marvin has grown as a leader and surrendered to ministry. He has taken over the young mission in Plano among immigrants.
Samuel Arellano is making disciples in New London. He lives in Henderson and owns and operates a tire business there. The business is his opportunity to share the gospel all day long. Liberty Baptist Church in Henderson is the sending church for this new work. Brother Thomas Monroe, pastor of Liberty, and Samuel are long-time friends and colaborers.
Will you join me in prayer and support for your new missionaries!
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PROJECT 2029
100 New Churches/10 years
- That we see an aggressive multiplication movement of churches who make disciples, equip and release leaders, and start churches for the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom Mission
- That each new mission begin with a plan to begin three new churches in their first 10 years
- That pastors and churches of the association be encouraged and equipped to start new churches
- That we connect, evaluate, identify and train new prospective church planters
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A word from your missionaries:
Chris Mindi– Anchor Austin Mission in Leander
chris.mindi@bmats.edu
Thank you for praying and supporting us in this God-sized vision and mission. We as Anchor Austin are doing well. Spiritually, our people are maturing in their understanding and faith in God. Continue to pray for healthy marriages and prioritizing God in all of our lives here in central Texas area. We have been able to see God work in one individual’s (VJ) life at Anchor Austin, a cultural Christian, brought up in a very nominal legalistic way of practicing Christianity from childhood. From the day that he started coming to our small group and community events and game nights, he started to know us and experience the genuine love in the church. We are seeing him be open to being baptized. Continue to pray for this gentleman. That he puts his faith truly on Christ and submit to him and be baptized soon.
Wonderful month at Anchor Austin Church. Every year we have a retreat, whole church we go away for the weekend. spend time as a community and be refreshed and renewed in our spirit to be effective disciples. this year, it was really powerful. Our theme was, ABIDE IN JESUS, focusing on John 15:4 and emphasis on Silence & Solitude in worshiping Our Lord in practicing these disciplines. blessed time to have church keep all the gadgets aside and BE in silence and worshiping him. . please continue to pray for Anchor Austin as we focus on slowing down and growing spiritually in God.
Prayer Needs:
1. Pray for the one (VJ) individual that is on a journey to putting his faith truly in Christ.
2. Pray for healthy marriages
3. Pray for Leadership in leading our people well.
4. Pray for a new start of our prayer team.
5. Pray for this upcoming fall season, as we are plan more outreach events.
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Isaias Martinez – Conroe Mission
isaiasmj1966@gmail.com
Our church is going normally. We continue in discipleship and ward meetings (OIKOS). The sisters held their Women’s Retreat together with the American sisters.
Prayer Needs:
Your prayers that we may have a place of our own in the future.
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Haitao He– Free Salvation Bible Mission in Corpus Christi
haitao.he@bmats.edu
This month we had several new friends come to our prayer fellowship and one of them had gone through a long journey of her career struggle to get to this point. The long time period of applying and not matching and the ups and downs and in-betweens finally got her to decide it was going to be her last attempt to apply for this position. If things did happen then she was going to choose another path and forfeit her efforts over a decade. I was touched to see how much people can bear when they have hope in their hearts to keep putting in countless efforts year after year. I appreciated God put the hope for the Gospel into my heart to keep me going and gave me this opportunity to hear of a story of long perseverance.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that we will have more chances to serve our new friends coming to our prayer fellowship this month
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Jose Gil – Proyecto Misionero “Lidia”
josedario.gil@gmail.com
The mission is going slowly and consistently on. One of the brothers who was certified in the “Taller de Multiplicación” may start a new cell in the house of his brother soon. That would be the 4th cell in our ministry. We are grateful.
Prayer Needs:
First at all, thanks to BMA for the support to fix my car. Please keep praying for me and my wife to keep the faith. Besides, please pray that my new book is well received and God’s name is glorified.
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Jaime Garcia– Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida Mission in Gilmer
Jaime.garcia2911@gmail.com
The young people are practicing praises with musical instruments, they have already learned two, they sang them in the service and it was very nice to listen to them. Thanks also to our brother teacher: José Rodríguez. in Tayler who has his time and talent to bless the Youth group of the Antioquia Church.
Prayer Needs:Let us pray for the Gladewater group and for our brother John, that his spouse will also get involved and be a blessing to the Souls of that small town.
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Rudy Villareal– Hometown Church Mission in Helotes
rvillarreal1@gmail.com
We are developing a dedicated core that are excited to evangelize. Pray that the Lord will open doors and hearts as we share the Gospel with our neighbors.
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Marvin Mirena– Mission Fully Restoring Hearts
mirenamarvin7@gmail.com
We have been praying, and sharing with people. My house always has people looking for a word, a prayer, we have advanced in terms of discipleship, and we have faced economic situations, but God has provided, we had baptisms, three people went down to the waters.
Prayer Needs:
For my family, the brothers of the congregation, my country Venezuela
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Kyle Cheatham– Grace Church Jarrell Mission
kyle@gracejarrell.com
Praise God with us for the salvation of a woman coming out of Catholicism and another woman coming out of Mormonism. We’ve invested in each of these women for about a year and it has been wonderful to watch the Father draw them to faith in Jesus. Also, praise God for the salvation of a young couple that have been with us for about six weeks. Three of these plan to be baptized in August.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for us as we partner some of our members with new believers. This will help these new believers grow and help our members take some steps into disciple-making.
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Jose Torres– Tyler Hispanic Mission
josetorres@gmail.com
Personally, I would like to see more numerical growth, but I see how God is manifesting Himself by creating a good atmosphere of fellowship among those of us who are part of the plantation. Little by little I see how the church’s vision of being what we need to be is being grasped and seeing how God adds to our group. People invite friends to their homes so that my spouse and I can minister to them. In the month of July we were invited by Jovita and Joseph to their home so that we could meet with a family to whom we ministered months ago when the spouse of a woman we have been discipling was murdered. The family wanted to see us and we were able to see how the Lord has helped them in the midst of this tragedy. The whole family thought they were atheists but little by little they are realizing that they do believe in God. Now we pray that they will soon receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. We also see more and more how despite not having a musical group, which I think would be excellent to have, we manage to have a worship service that glorifies the Lord because we are there people who meet for that specific purpose on Sundays. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper every first Sunday of the month and that has been a wonderful thing too. Now that the Sunday service is emphasized a little more because we do have the struggle with attending our groups at home but we continue to insist that it is there where we can grow more in the Lord. We insist and we do not give up on it because that will be what will keep us focused on the mission and vision.
Prayer Needs:
I ask for your prayers that the Lord will help us form a music ministry.
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Tim Alba– The Bridge Mission in Seagoville
timalba1986@gmail.com
We had multiple salvations in the past month. We have had multiple people engaged in ministries as well. It’s been exciting to see how God has used us this summer. We have our people engaged and serving in areas as we continue to push our members to get involved as much as possible. We have also seen whole families get saved this summer and our evangelism was fruitful through the month of July. The only problem we have is that we need a building. We run 30 to 40 on Sundays during our slow months and 50-60 when we are busy. I get the same question by members and visitors, when will I have a building? Truthfully I have no idea. With people not giving as much as they should and with the economy, I am not sure. This plant has much fruit and would explode into something bigger if I had the facilities. Just pray that God opens Doors. Thank you.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that God opens doors for a building. Thank you.
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Chris Driver– West Texas Multiplication Network/Texas Missionary Care
cjdriver316@gmail.com
Howdy from West Texas! I can’t believe it but summer is almost over (calendar season not the heat!! lol). It has truly been an absolutely AMAZING summer of seeing God work and move and do things I couldn’t have possibly imagined! Our people continue to grow in their faith and God continues to bring new faces and new opportunities to minister and serve. We are especially excited about the new relationships we have developed with college students this summer that I am praying will finally open the doors to the college ministry I have prayed for and dreamt about! Please Please Please join us in prayer for the college ministry this fall! As always, thank you so much for all you do for us as missionaries and for the opportunity to serve our great and mighty God here in West Texas! It is such an honor to be part of the BMAT Missions team and one of your BMAT missionaries!
Prayer Needs:
An SPC college ministry this fall
A Church van
A new work in Sundown to develop
Jamie’s new job in Sundown
Open doors for the gospel
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Brad Holcomb– Redemption Hill Ft. Worth
brad@redemptionhillfw.org
Reiterate VBS! It really energized our church regarding missions. Over 65 kids and several non-Christian neighbors are getting plugged into the church.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that the Preach Christ conference we are hosting is helpful for those who attend and in turn helpful for congregations who sit under our preaching.
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Kevin Williams– Port Arthur Mission
mr.williamsp121@gmail.com
We have only been in Port Arthur for about a month and God has already allowed us to get to know a family here that we have been able to get to know and minister to in a time of great need. Isabel and Salvador have three boys, the youngest of them only a month old. Baby Rodrigo was born with Trisomy which is a genetic disorder that has caused some serious issues in his development. Soon after his birth, Rodrigo’s parents were given the terrible news that the prognosis was that their little baby boy would probably not live longer than a year. On top of this unimaginable situation that they are facing, they are also in the midst of financial struggles that came from them having to be away from work while they were in the hospital with their son.
We have been able to minister to their needs and build a relationship with this sweet family. In fact, due to the generosity of a BMA church that supports us, we were able to cover their rent and get them caught up. While we don’t know what lies ahead for them and little Rodrigo, God’s grace and favor have been evident in this little one’s life already. Last week, the hospice team made the decision to take him off his breathing machine feeling that he was ready to pass. However, God sustained him, and he is still here! Our prayer is that God would show His immeasurable power in Rodrigo’s life and that He would move in this family in a miraculous way! Would you join us in praying for this family and specifically for little Rodrigo?
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that God would keep us humble and sensitive to His leading.
July 2024 Missions Update
A word from your Missions Office
By HEITH MITCHELL
Your BMA of Texas Missions held their annual missionary retreat for the missionaries and their families June 16-19, 2024. Over 100 gathered this year in San Marcos. It was an encouraging three days for your missionaries along with their wives and children. This is the only time missionary children are together in our schedule.
This year, we celebrated Fuente de Vida Eterna Church in Tomball with Pastor Jaime Henriquez. This church has just come off of mission support. They have purchased a building in Tomball that formerly housed Carrell Street Baptist Church. Bro. Jaime shared an encouraging message and the testimony of the church with the other missionary families.
We had times of singing, encouragement from the Word, prayer, sharing and challenge. There was a lot of fellowship! Thank you for supporting your Texas missionaries like you do. Also, thank you First, Blooming Grove College Ministry for providing children’s ministry for the retreat. Here are some pictures:
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PROJECT 2029
100 New Churches/10 years
- That we see an aggressive multiplication movement of churches who make disciples, equip and release leaders, and start churches for the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom Mission
- That each new mission begin with a plan to begin three new churches in their first 10 years
- That pastors and churches of the association be encouraged and equipped to start new churches
- That we connect, evaluate, identify and train new prospective church planters
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A word from your missionaries:
Jaime Garcia– Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida Mission in Gilmer
Jaime.garcia2911@gmail.com
It was a very active month for everyone in the church. We had Vacation Bible School. Although we are few, we are well organized. I am very happy to have the support of my brothers. I believe that without their collaboration this and other activities would not be possible. I thank the churches and especially Antioch, Gilmer, where Michael Pool is the pastor, who support us a lot.
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Chris Driver– West Texas Multiplication Network/Texas Missionary Care
cjdriver316@gmail.com
Howdy from west Texas! WOW! WOW! WOW! What an amazing month we’ve had! It started with a wonderful time at our BMA West Texas Camp, staffed by Jason Prewitt, and the travel team from Daniel Springs Camp where two of our teens gave their lives to Christ. It ended with us hosting a mission team from O’Quinn, Pollok, where we put on two one-day Vacation Bible Schools in two separate communities and a family fun night in a community hit hard by recent storms. We made many new contacts and officially emerged into our community, even being featured in the local newspaper. God blessed the efforts with 13 visitors this past Sunday. The O’Quinn mission team blessed our church more than they could ever know. It was such an amazing week that encouraged and lifted this planter’s heart and spirit. Church planting is awesome! As always, I can’t help but say thank you to the churches of the BMA of Texas for letting us be able to reach west Texas for Christ. We are so blessed!
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that God will provide a church van for us, provide open doors for the gospel in Levelland and its surrounding communities and help us to make connections at South Plains College.
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Marvin Mirena– Mission Fully Restoring Hearts
mirenamarvin7@gmail.com
This month has been a blessing. We are meeting in my house. It is a challenge, but every week we see the hand of God. We have 20 frequent people attending. The space is small, but we have managed to accommodate those who attend. We have to be very discreet since they do not allow this type of meeting in the apartments. We are already organizing the baptisms this month.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for my wife, who has been ill, God’s continued guidance on this path of planting a church, our children, Ezekiel and Joshua, a house that will better serve us in holding meetings and my finances, as we need a car.
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Haitao He– Free Salvation Bible Mission in Corpus Christi
haitao.he@bmats.edu
One member of our group plans to share her testimony in her workplace. The setting is that there is a time for people in the workplace to share their life experiences. The reason is another coworker just shared her bad experience about her previous church life and also she had not going to church for a few years. Then the member of our group had a burden to share her testimony about God’s grace in her life and she talked with us to have more peace and courage to tell her story. We are happily surprised and feel the Holy Spirit is working in people’s hearts to make them want to be a witness to God.
Prayer Needs:
Some of our group members are facing uncertainty about their jobs, please pray for God’s best arrangement for their future.
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Brad Cauley– Cedar Park Mission
bwcauley@gmail.com
We are meeting many members of our new community and seeing leaders grow in their excitement and eagerness for God’s work through our church. We began meeting for church services in our home, sharing a meal, worshiping in the living room and walking through the Bible together before praying and being released on mission for the week. One Sunday, an unbeliever joined us and was caught up in the depths and beauty of God’s Word as we walked through Cain and Abel as they represent “works” and “faith.” She was really wrestling with this concept, and since English was her second language, we got to hear her brother explain things to her in her first language. It was beautiful to know the same truth we had just been moved by ourselves was now being explained in her language by a church member who was now practicing explaining the beautiful depths of the Bible to other people in other languages! May God continue to let the beauty and power of His gospel of grace be proclaimed by our people and savored by all who believe and receive it.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that our leaders will continue to grow and that more people to be hungry to live lives completely given to Christ and His purposes.
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Aderemi Badru-
Light House Mission in Houston
remibadru44hope@yahoo.com
Praise God we are making progress in empowering leaders as we eagerly look forward to our launch. We are praying that God will raise help and resources for us to be able to rent a new space for worship for the church which can enable us to have a proper children’s church. The hotel we are using is not convenient for us and the place we found requires us to pay for at least one year. We are grateful for the BMA churches and are trusting that we will be supported in moving into a new space for our church plant.
In addition, I am preparing to visit Nigeria in October both to visit family, do campus missions and strengthen new church plants in Nigeria. We are calling on churches to support the work we do in Nigeria, and support the upcoming outreach through giving. We need donations of shoes, clothing and other items that we can take to Nigeria on this mission. If anyone or any group is interested in joining this mission trip to Nigeria, you are welcome.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for the upcoming mission trip to Nigeria and that God will send us help and resources to be able to rent a new space for the use of the church.
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Kyle Cheatham– Grace Church Jarrell Mission
kyle@gracejarrell.com
God recently led two families into our process for church membership. While having gospel-clarifying conversations with each of them, one adult needed and chose to soon be baptized and all four adults are continuing forward and will be voted in, Lord willing, at our next Member Meeting!
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that God will give me clarity as I seek to finalize some discipleship that will help potential elders grow into readiness and some that will help disciples grow into disciple-makers.
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Tim Alba– The Bridge Mission in Seagoville
timalba1986@gmail.com
It has been really exciting this month so far. We had two big events this past weekend. Both a men’s event and a women’s event. Each event produced salvations and new families coming to our church. Our men’s event was bigger this time around. We took the men out to Tyler to shoot and fish with a message from God’s Word and barbecue. We made some amazing connections and saw men receive Jesus. We are continuing to walk the streets and are fervently sharing the Gospel with the lost. It has been amazing!
Prayer Needs:
Pray for me specifically that God continues to give me strength.
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June 2024 Missions Update
A word from your Missions Office
By HEITH MITCHELL
Like so many BMA of Texas Churches your Texas Missions is trying to navigate Liability and property insurance coverage. Our provider notified us of their decision not to renew us this month. The pool of possible providers continues to shrink due to the weather that has caused claims at churches across Texas these last few years. Pray for Texas Missions as we navigate this. We have heard from many of you that you are dealing with rising costs or cancelations. Pray that we can find help and resources that we can share with all BMA of Texas Churches.
I would also encourage you to pray for our annual Missionary Retreat for Texas Missionaries and their families. Pray that this retreat is the encouragement your missionaries and their wives need. The retreat is June 17-19 in San Marcus this year. Missionaries need this break and opportunity to recharge. They are under attack as they share Jesus and make disciples in their communities.
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PROJECT 2029
100 New Churches/10 years
- That we see an aggressive multiplication movement of churches who make disciples, equip and release leaders, and start churches for the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom Mission
- That each new mission begin with a plan to begin three new churches in their first 10 years
- That pastors and churches of the association be encouraged and equipped to start new churches
- That we connect, evaluate, identify and train new prospective church planters
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A word from your missionaries:
Jose Gil – Proyecto Misionero “Lidia”
josedario.gil@gmail.com
Teaching the relevance of baptism as a testimony of being a Jesus follower in one of the cells. Hopefully, a few will be baptized early in this summer. The house owner for the other cell received Jesus last weekend. Sharing life and time with new contacts, since we teach and share the insight of church not as a place to gather but as the family of God.
Prayer Needs:
Resources to dedicate more time to the people in cells.
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Jaime Garcia– Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida Mission in Gilmer
Jaime.garcia2911@gmail.com
First I want to share with joy what God is doing in His work, happy to participate in the youth ministry, I want to prepare a ministry that has vision and a commitment to God of integrity, young people are the future servants of God and in them I am investing my strength so that God’s work continues regardless of whether I am or not. A new family has arrived and we are helping them settle down with work and a home. I think it’s part of the ministry to help the community and the brothers and sisters in the mission. They start attending church and are happy to change their lives. Kennia, one of these people, has prayed the prayer of faith and agreed to follow Jesus, and all of us in the church rejoiced to hear that decision. On Sunday mornings we will have a discipleship follow-up.
Prayer Needs:
I am very grateful for your participation and your support both spiritually and financially, God is the one who takes care of his creation, and especially of his church, please help me with prayer for the activities we will have, I take care that the brothers get involved with love and gratitude, that we all continue in unity doing what has been entrusted to us directing souls to Christ. That he may be glorified.
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Isaias Martinez – Conroe Mission
isaiasmj1966@gmail.com
The status of the mission for the month is favorable. We receive a new family as members and leaders. The OIKOS continues working. We continue to disciple.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for us as we strive to have a place of our own.
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Haitao He– Free Salvation Bible Mission in Corpus Christi
haitao.he@bmats.edu
One member of our group plans to share her testimony in her workplace. The setting is that there is a time for people in the workplace to share their life experiences. The reason is another coworker just shared her bad experience about her previous church life and also she had not going to church for a few years. Then the member of our group had a burden to share her testimony about God’s grace in her life and she talked with us to have more peace and courage to tell her story. We are happily surprised and feel the Holy Spirit is working in people’s hearts to make them want to be a witness to God.
Prayer Needs:
Some of our group members are facing uncertainty about their jobs, please pray for God’s best arrangement for their future.
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Jaime Henriquez– Fuente De Vida Eterna Mission in Tomball
dairyjeny@yahoo.com
We always greet all the churches in this great BMAT family and always give thanks for their prayers and financial support. Always praying for each of the churches and the missionaries. We are happy to share good news for God’s kingdom. This month we witnessed the salvation of one more soul, we delivered a discipleship diploma. The 5 cell groups are still strong and growing in the Lord. Two more people are being discipled and we will soon be celebrating baptisms. Keep praying for us that God will open doors and that the gospel message will reach the hearts of more people.
Prayer Needs:
I ask for your prayers for my mom as she has been diagnosed with Myelitis, a disease that attacks the nervous system and is paralyzed from the waist down.
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Brad Cauley– Cedar Park Mission
bwcauley@gmail.com
The Lord has answered your prayers and blessed us with a home whose back fence opened to the large community park – the heart of Cedar Park. We are now poised to build relationships and share the love and truth of Christ with our city. Our people continue to grow in their love and understanding of Christ and are eager to see more and more people know Him. Thank you for praying with us. We are eager to see Christ exalted and adored here…
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that the Lord directs us to his lost sheep and blesses our leaders with the passion and conviction for his mission. We ask for a favor with our city and to be able to connect with the needs the Lord wants us to meet there.
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Tim Alba– The Bridge Mission in Seagoville
timalba1986@gmail.com
We are doing great. I believe our church is in a transition. This has actually been a tough year for the church. While we have seen growth and progress in our people we have also seen low attendance on Sundays. It’s been up and down this year but I made a personal decision to never stop no matter how hard it gets and to push forward and share the Gospel no matter what happens. God gave me a project and I am fully committed to it no matter what happens. Faithfulness is important and I want to be faithful in what God has given me stewardship over.
Prayer Needs:
Continue to pray for our church and its future as we push through our challenges as a plant.
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Omar Pina, Sr.– Missions in Waxahachie/Dallas
Dual support with BMA of America
omarpina2005@gmail.com
The mission is mainly suffering of lack of full commitment to the great commission and the activities to fulfill God’s calling. We will continue equipping them and pray for fully committed disciple-makers of this generation.
Prayer Needs:
For wisdom as I try new ways of getting our people fully engaged in the work of the ministry.
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Chris Mindi– Anchor Austin Mission in Leander
chris.mindi@bmats.edu
Anchor Austin Mission is doing great. Committed members are growing in their spiritual journey. New people are being touched by the very people that are growing at Anchor Austin. God is transforming our communities one family at a time. Please continue to pray that God moves supernaturally here in central Texas especially in our communities and among our people. HARVEST is MORE, LABORERS are FEW. We are praying for more passionate Christians who are inspired and motivated to be fully obedient and follow God in fulfilling his mission to bring HOPE to individuals and families here in Georgetown and surrounding areas.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Anchor Austin and its members as they grow in their faith and be outwardly focused church every moment.
Pray for our Annual retreat that’s coming up. This is a time when everyone at Anchor Austin slows down and spends time together as a community and as individuals who delight in God.
Learning to ‘BE’ with God before ‘DOING’ the work for God.
Pray especially for these names below for this month. Sumesh, Hollie, Nandu, Shreya & Rahul
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Rudy Villareal– Hometown Church Mission in Helotes
rvillarreal1@gmail.com
We have started doing community BBQs once a month where we invite people out from the community for food, fellowship, and games. In our first one we were able to connect with a couple of families and hoping that we can continue to establish relationships through this avenue.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for us, there are people in our community that do not want us. They are very aggressively anti-Christian. Pray that we have an opportunity to love on them.
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Aderemi Badru- Light House Mission in Houston
remibadru44hope@yahoo.com
Praise God we are making progress in training leaders as we eagerly look forward to our launch. Nevertheless, we are praying that God will raise for us help and resources to be able to rent a new space for worship for the church which can enable us to have a proper children’s church. The hotel we are using is not convenient for us and the place we found requires us to find help to pay for at least one year. We are grateful for the BMA Churches but we are also trusting that you still can support us in moving into a new space for our church plant.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for us that God will send us help and resources to be able to rent a new space for the use of the church.
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Luis H. Perez – Planting in Kyle
luisperez6162@gmail.com
Well, we have had problems with people who say they have repented and believed in Christ, work with them for 7 or 8 months and they do not see fruit when they see that we do not agree and I call their attention, they go and talk to the members to cause division, Thank God the storm is abating and I can see that God is working in each of the members of Sovereign Grace, Pray for me This has caused my blood pressure to rise a lot and stress me, I ask for prayer for my father who is elderly and very sick (also a cause of my stress) but we keep going in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Prayer Needs:
Spiritual Maturity for the Church
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Kyle Cheatham– Grace Church Jarrell Mission
kyle@gracejarrell.com
We had a wonderful women’s event called “Bible & Brunch” where 34 ladies gathered together at the church for delicious food and great teaching. A man in our church handled all of the food and a couple of our young men served the ladies as an extra treat. One woman shared her testimony. I taught from Scripture on “Cheerful Giving” with our time, talents, treasures, touch, and the truth of God’s Word. A very special part is that we had ten women each record themselves reading a verse of Scripture from the main passage. Our worship leader made a terrific video with nature scenes and the ladies reading for the audio. The church was beautifully decorated with a sunflower theme and the ladies loved it. Jacklyn headed it up with the help of several ladies. I think it will be an annual event.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for our new Location Team as we seek options for a larger place to gather in Jarrell. Our lease is up at the end of November.
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Robert Lee– Harmony Baptist Church in Normangee Replant
bro.robert.f.lee@gmail.com
This past month has been busy. We watched our children finish Pre-K, first grade, and 4th grade. We also had the added surprise this month of one of our buildings suffering some minor damage from the neighbor’s shed burning down beside it! We are looking forward to the summer months and the opportunities to build new relationships in our community.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for opportunities for us to build relationships in our community over the summer months.
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May 2024 Missions Update
A word from your Missions Office
By HEITH MITCHELL
On May 3-4 the BMA hosted the annual Hispanic Men’s Conference at Daniel Springs Camp. This conference has been going on for years but I don’t believe it has ever been this well attended. There were over 150 men from 23 churches at the conference. Elvis Garcia did a wonderful job putting it on. The theme this year was Men of Conviction.
The BMA is blessed with men of conviction who are examples of meekness. These men played soccer, cut up, and took prayer, worship, and the word very seriously. I like our BMA family.
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PROJECT 2029
100 New Churches/10 years
- That we see an aggressive multiplication movement of churches who make disciples, equip and release leaders, and start churches for the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom Mission
- That each new mission begin with a plan to begin three new churches in their first 10 years
- That pastors and churches of the association be encouraged and equipped to start new churches
- That we connect, evaluate, identify and train new prospective church planters
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A word from your missionaries:
Israel Martinez– Redeemer Irving
imartinez@redeemerieving.org
Pray for our financial halts and stability we need help and the Lord to work miraculously.
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Brad Holcomb– Redemption Hill Ft. Worth
brad@redemptionhillfw.org
We are seeing more and more people evangelize to their neighbors. We are connecting with many neighborhood guests. In July we are hosting our first-ever Vacation Bible School. Our whole church is excited about the opportunities to bring the Gospel to our neighbors in this way. I would ask you all to pray for wisdom for our leadership and church regarding our ability and willingness to engage one another in hard conversations but to do so with love. We err on the side of non-confrontation and that can lead to underlying frustrations. We all desire and are committed to stepping into this space, but I do pray for wisdom.
Prayer Needs:
Family health (physical and spiritual), and that God would save these neighbors we’ve connected with recently.
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Jose Gil – Proyecto Misionero “Lidia”
josedario.gil@gmail.com
We have been training church members as cell leaders. Brother Heith Mitchell, BMA executive director, joined us and preached during the certification of volunteers to lead discipleship cells.
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Jaime Garcia– Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida Mission in Gilmer
Jaime.garcia2911@gmail.com
This month we planned the Children’s Day activity with great enthusiasm. I am very happy about the involvement of all the brothers, and some young people, who prepared games and helped with food. It was very fun and with the participation of some brothers who I did not imagine would help me. God is working in your hearts.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray a lot for the group of young people, who will be raising funds by doing various activities to be able to travel to the SOAR in Dallas. They are very excited and I hope they make it.
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Haitao He– Free Salvation Bible Mission in Corpus Christi
haitao.he@bmats.edu
This month we had a friend from a Hindu background. Before she came to the United States her mother made her promise not to eat any beef here. Now she is around several Christian friends and happily hangs out with them and even goes to their prayer meeting. Soon they will be talking about their belief, worldview, and purpose of life, etc. Christian life would be plain water and naturally flowing peacefully in a period of life until God sent someone to remind Christians that they had a great commission to fulfill. I love what happened with our group, it is a challenge to talk about faith and to do evangelical work and it is also a great opportunity for growing faith and skill.
Prayer Needs:
Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill our people to do evangelic work and be strengthened by this work.
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Jaime Henriquez– Fuente De Vida Eterna Mission in Tomball
dairyjeny@yahoo.com
Here is the Source of Eternal Life Baptist Church, things are moving forward, with some challenges and struggles but the work continues. This month we welcomed a new brother into the faith, two completed their discipleship studies, and we had a total of 10 first-time visitors. We are glad to be part of the work of the Lord and the family of BMAT churches. Thank you for your prayers and financial support always.
Prayer Needs:
Please I ask for your prayers for my mother who is sick in El Salvador. She has lost sensation from the waist down and cannot walk.
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Tim Alba– The Bridge Mission in Seagoville
timalba1986@gmail.com
We had been a little slow these past months. I felt as if nothing was working as far as plans and events we tried pushing on our congregation. I felt that even the leadership was a bit apprehensive. Through much encouraging and faithfulness we saw an opportunity to reach a few people this month. We saw three salvation this month and I am overjoyed with whatever God does through our little church. We don’t have a big congregation nor do we have all the bells and whistles but I know that uses us for His glory every month. We are pushing forward no matter the cost or sacrifice. May we continue to strive forward.
Prayer Needs:
Please continue to pray for our church each month and for God to continue to give us wisdom in our leadership.
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Kyle Cheatham– Grace Church Jarrell Mission
kyle@gracejarrell.com
In our sermon series through Acts, I asked our people to write down where God was at work around, in, and through them. I was blown away with the replies! Here are a few of the 40 we received: “God has allowed me to understand the Word more in depth.” “God is at work in my life through Grace Jarrell. He is restoring broken relationships, strengthening my walk to serve Him in all that I do for Him, and to introduce Him to others.” “God is giving me opportunities to organically counsel others, leading me through the Scriptures so I can get very familiar with locating verses and memorizing them along the way.” “God is revealing more sin in my life.” “God… you have given me a new life!”
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for us to continue to reach—and strategically follow-up with—the unchurched of Jarrell. Pray that I continue on a recent trajectory change toward better health and fitness. Thank you!
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Peter Oyeniran – Planting in Mission Bend
peteroyeniran11@gmail.com
We thank God for the gathering of members. This month we have a family of three worshiped with us and trusting God to establish them.
Prayer Needs:
Father, let there be a revival through the outpouring of Your Spirit.
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Abner Nunez– Planting in San Antonio
elias1951@hotmail.com
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Isaias Martinez – Conroe Mission
The status of the mission for the month is favorable. We receive a new family as members and leaders. The OIKOS continues working. We continue to disciple.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for us as we strive to have a place of our own.
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Brad Cauley– Cedar Park Mission
bwcauley@gmail.com
We continue to see our people hungry to grow in the Lord and to reach others with the Gospel. One of our leaders has a group of young believers and unbelievers who study the Bible and fellowship for 3 hours on Tuesday evenings. While they were studying James 3, one of the men suddenly realized his language was an issue, saying, “Oh, I think I need to stop cussing.” During their time together, he caught himself three times and didn’t cuss. The men were able to laugh and celebrate his growth and desire to honor the Lord with his words. Discipleship is happening as people spend time in the Word together with people who love and respect them.
Thank you for praying for us. We hope to move into the community at the end of the month if closing goes well on the 24th.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that the Lord blesses our house closing (planned for May 24th) and for favor in our community and for the Lord to bring our neighbors and community to Christ.
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Chris Driver– West Texas Multiplication Network/Texas Missionary Care
Howdy from West Texas! What a great month we had over here in the flatlands! It’s been windy and dirty but we are pushing through it and seeing God really moving in our church, especially in our men’s ministry. It’s no secret that my hearts greatest desire is to see God move in the hearts of men and to see those men begin to genuinely lead their families. And I feel like God is doing just that at Oasis! We keep seeing God bring and connect more and more men through our regular events like Saturday morning Men’s breakfast and guys night out. I can’t wait to see the fruit God will bear through these men in the months to come! Please pray for us as we press on! As always, thank you for all you do that makes it possible for us to be a part of what God’s doing out here in West Texas!!
Prayer Needs:
Church van
Upcoming mission team from O’Quinn BC
Leadership development
Connections at SPC and surrounding communities
Open doors for the gospel
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April 2024 Missions Update
A word from your Missions Office
By HEITH MITCHELL
I am writing this article right after experiencing the eclipse beside each of you. Wow! What an experience! We were among a thousand-plus people watching it. Across the full eclipse, there was silence. Everyone was staring at the sky as one. This ended with a sudden burst of light and with shouting and clapping. It was a moment of awe that led me to worship.
My mind rushed to another moment that I anticipate and watch for beside each of you. I long for the return of Christ. It is coming and we must be busy about His mission. Jesus ended His Commission with, “I am with you always, even till the end of the age.” We must be busy. Your missionaries are busy sharing Jesus and making disciples. Last month, they reported 35 people who received the gift of salvation!
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PROJECT 2029
100 New Churches/10 years
- That we see an aggressive multiplication movement of churches who make disciples, equip and release leaders, and start churches for the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom Mission
- That each new mission begin with a plan to begin three new churches in their first 10 years
- That pastors and churches of the association be encouraged and equipped to start new churches
- That we connect, evaluate, identify and train new prospective church planters
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A word from your missionaries:
Jaime Garcia– Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida Mission in Gilmer
Jaime.garcia2911@gmail.com
Senayda is a sister of the church and was previously Catholic. She has decided to accept Jesus and is one of the people who will be baptized. She gave her testimony of how she suffers criticism from her family but is firm in her faith in Christ. We are praying for her and her family so that everyone knows the truth and we hope that it is through the means that God uses.
Prayer Needs:
We are experiencing church growth and we need more workers. I am very zealous about our doctrine and prefer to take things slowly, but sometimes I am the one who has to do a lot of things. I want to start youth leadership and also a ladies’ group. Please help me pray for these needs. Thank you!
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Jose Gil – Proyecto Misionero “Lidia”
With the BMA’s support, we had one fellowship time in the two cells. It was a blessing for the members and an opportunity to invite neighbors. As a result, one young couple joined the cell in Spring and one family opened his house in The Woodlands.
Prayer Needs:
- That the young couple in Spring accept Jesus to start the discipleship.
- That the family in The Woodlands interested in opening a new cell in their home will be blessed.
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Haitao He– Free Salvation Bible Mission in Corpus Christi
haitao.he@bmats.edu
One lady who came to our meeting many times before, recently had some setbacks with her IVF treatment. This is a difficult time and faith challenge for her and also for people who are new to the faith. Suffering is indeed a part of our lives and we need a strong affirmation of God’s love. “…but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:13-14). We are praying for her and providing what we can to support her emotionally. We are also learning to depend on God’s promise to face all bad news.
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Shane Carter– Lamesa Mission
stumpofnavy@gmail.com
I am heartbroken to report that we have lost some of the people that have been meeting with us to churches around us. We are growing nearer to the Lord with who is coming and we feel God at work in all of this.
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Omar Pina, Sr.– Missions in Waxahachie/Dallas
Dual support with BMA of America
omarpina2005@gmail.com
We had to move the new church in Plano to a different location and we had a greater attendance even though we had the concern of losing some people.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that we will have opportunities to train more leaders and partners to financially support our church planting projects.
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Brad Cauley– Cedar Park Mission
bwcauley@gmail.com
We had our first baptism connected to Redemption’s Table Church. On Good Friday, our friend Brandon celebrated his old life being put in the grave and His new life raised with Christ. What a joy to see people pass from death to life!
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for our move to Cedar Park which we hope will be in the next two months. The Lord may be opening a door for us in a special way. Please pray for His confirmation and blessing. Please continue to pray for leaders and for our community that relationships with unbelievers will continue to be nurtured and developed toward faith in Christ.
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Aderemi Badru- Light House Mission in Houston
remibadru44hope@yahoo.com
Praise God! We are making progress in training leaders as we eagerly look forward to our launch. Nevertheless, we are praying that God will raise for us help and resources to be able to rent a new space for worship and children’s church. The hotel we are using is not convenient for us and the place we found requires us to find pay at least one year. We are grateful for the support of the BMA churches and are trusting that you can support us in moving into a new space.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for us that God will send us help and resources to be able to rent a new space for the use of the church.
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Robert Lee– Harmony Baptist Church in Normangee Replant
bro.robert.f.lee@gmail.com
This month has been great for our church. At the end of the month, we hosted a movie night for Good Friday for families with children. This was our first family movie night and I believe it was a success. We also had fun celebrating the resurrection of Christ as a church family that Sunday. I am looking forward to planning more things for our community in the months ahead to reach young families.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for us as the next couple of months are very busy months in our community.
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Ciro Gonzalez– Rice Hispanic Mission
cirogonzalez315@gmail.com
March 23 was a great advance as we mobilized 26 missionaries to the city of Rice. All focused on supporting the work and evangelizing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., it was a unique moment with an evangelistic focus on everything. We had training, food delivery, mass evangelism, fellowship, personal evangelism and enjoyment for children and families. We reached 13 people for Christ, three who would like us to visit them. More than 20 people requested prayer, and more than 60 people heard gospel. May God get the glory from it! We have announced His Word and we will continue to do so, but we are very clear that growth is given by God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for the new converts, pray for those who are being discipled, and pray for me.
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Chris Driver– West Texas Multiplication Network/Texas Missionary Care
Howdy from west Texas! It was another wonderful month out here on the South Plains that ended with an amazing Easter week. We had nearly 50 for our Good Friday communion service. It was a beautiful night focused on remembering our Passover Lamb. We are gearing up for a big June full of camp and hosting a mission team from O’Quinn, Pollok. We are so excited about what God continues to do. Thank you so much for your support and your prayers.
Prayer Needs:
A church van, open doors for the gospel and relationship connections at SPC and our surrounding communities
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Jaime Henriquez– Fuente De Vida Eterna Mission in Tomball
dairyjeny@yahoo.com
Blessings to all who make up the BMA of Texas family of churches. We always give thanks for your prayers and financial support. Here in our mission, everything moves forward with a firm and constant step. We are focused on evangelism, discipling converts, teaching them and building up the Lord’s church. This month, we had pecial Good Friday services with drama, specials and an evangelistic message. On Easter Sunday we also took the opportunity to bring the message of Jesus to people. We had a profession of faith from a young woman named Luz Mila who was searching for meaning in her life and had begun to get involved in the religion of Islam.We dedicated a baby, provided discipleship and had training for Sunday school teachers and leadership.
Prayer Needs:
For the lost, may your hearts be opened to be recipients of the precious gospel.
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Jose Torres– Tyler Hispanic Mission
josetorres@gmail.com
The long-awaited launch day has finally arrived. Although we did not obtain the desired result, I know that God is guiding this plantation. Everything is well organized and ready so that when the Lord adds people, they can connect to the work that God is doing with this small group of disciples willing to serve the Lord faithfully.
Prayer Needs:
I ask for prayers for my family that we always work for the Lord with devotion and never as an obligation.
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Isaias Martinez – Conroe Mission
isaiasmj1966@gmail.com
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that in the future we will have a place of our own.
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Kyle Cheatham– Grace Church Jarrell Mission
kyle@gracejarrell.com
We had a mini-VBS centered around “Elements of the Gospel” that had several kiddos and lots of volunteers. It went really well. One Sunday, we brought in Chris Driver to lead our church in Oikos training so that we would become more evangelistically intentional in our relationships. He did an outstanding job inspiring our people biblically to really see the field that God has given us and we are taking action. We gathered on the Thursday before Easter for a Christ-centered Seder led by our worship leaders. It was fantastic as 70 of us were led to worship in this unique, historic way. We had a wonderful Easter service with 126 present!
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that God provides a larger worship space in Jarrell for us, along with faith, wisdom and stewardship for it. There are so many people moving here who need Jesus.
March 2024 Missions Update
A word from your Missions Office
By HEITH MITCHELL
It is an exciting season in your Texas Missions. Your missionaries reported 35 salvations last month. They are all gearing up for Easter outreach and services. They need our prayers. We just finished up another successful audit and our staff is celebrating. You have a fine staff serving you in your Texas Missions. In 2023, 91 percent of your giving went to the mission field with only 9 percent being spent on the ministry. We are proud of this fact and thankful to God that he makes it possible. We try to be good stewards of the funds you invest.
One other thing we are excited about, we got to invest in pastors, staff and their wives at the Annual Pastors Conference this month. It is a joy to give back through the BMAT Church Connections Ministry. Todd West is doing a good job of leading this ministry. Todd planned a good conference but it was evident to all that God brought the details together into an event where we met with God. We were encouraged and equipped as we glorified God on both days. You should plan to be there next February.
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PROJECT 2029
100 New Churches/10 years
- That we see an aggressive multiplication movement of churches who make disciples, equip and release leaders, and start churches for the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom Mission
- That each new mission begin with a plan to begin three new churches in their first 10 years
- That pastors and churches of the association be encouraged and equipped to start new churches
- That we connect, evaluate, identify and train new prospective church planters
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A word from your missionaries:
Isaias Martinez – Conroe Mission
isaiasmj1966@gmail.com
The mission advances in a general sense. New families have joined. We have six oikos groups. New converts are being discipled.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray for our family in Cuba, going through one of the most critical economic crises of these times.
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Jose Gil – Proyecto Misionero “Lidia”
josedario.gil@gmail.com
We are moving forward in teaching God’s Word. People are getting familiarized with basic doctrines. Sharing meals after every meeting is a joyful time. We are sharing as a family in God. The cell in Spring attended the sixteenth anniversary of Iglesia Bautista Getsemani. This cell is becoming a powerful reference in the vicinity of disciples.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for robust leadership, wisdom to keep harmony in the cells. Also, pray as we plan a koinonia for the two cells during spring break week, and funds that will be needed.
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Jaime Henriquez– Fuente De Vida Eterna Mission in Tomball
dairyjeny@yahoo.com
Here at the mission we continue working to enlarge the Kingdom of the Lord by sharing the gospel and edifying the saints. We have had visitors for the first time this month and we pray that they come to salvation. A couple who is being discipled and who both accepted Jesus as their Savior is in a complicated immigration situation because they are not married, so I cannot baptize them. The church is strong and healthy.
Prayer Needs:
Pray that new visitors come to the knowledge of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Rudy Villareal– Hometown Church Mission in Helotes
rvillarreal1@gmail.com
We have an event coming on St. Patrick’s Day in which we are going to have food, games and fun. We have our members praying and working towards establishing new relationships.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that we have around 30-50 people attend our event and that we have a good number returning on Easter.
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Chris Driver– West Texas Multiplication Network/Texas Missionary Care
Howdy from west Texas! Another great month has come and gone out here on the Plains. It was a busy month full of a lot of ups and downs. Our folks, including me and my family, experienced a lot of sickness and medical issues. But God continues to be faithful and we continue to move forward. I really feel like we are on the verge of a major breakthrough at the college. Please continue to pray for us there. Thank you for all you continue to do for us. It’s truly an honor to be part of the BMA of Texas family.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for a breakthrough at SPC, upcoming events and that the Lord will provide a church van and a storage building as our children’s ministry continues to explode.
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Jaime Henriquez– Fuente De Vida Eterna Mission in Tomball
dairyjeny@yahoo.com
We continue to advance in the work that God has placed in our hands—evangelizing, discipling and serving. This month we gave two evangelism presentations and two are being discipled. Five cells meet in homes every Wednesday. The youth have their weekly meeting on Fridays while we adults learn about stewardship. This month’s Sunday services challenged us to be better in our priorities, in our relationships and in our testimony.
Prayer Needs:
Pray that God opens doors for us so that hearts are receptive to the message of the gospel.
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Haitao He– Free Salvation Bible Mission in Corpus Christi
haitao.he@bmats.edu
This month we have members who are facing some career changes and we pray the best for them. At the same time, we also pray for God to add to our number as some of our members with new jobs are moving on and relocating to another city. We are getting a deeper understanding that we are the branches and Christ is the Vine and that remaining in Him we have peace for life changes.
Prayer Needs:
Pray that our new series of Bible studies in the Gospel of John would be a good spiritual formation for us.
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Omar Pina, Sr.– Missions in Waxahachie/Dallas
Dual support with BMA of America
omarpina2005@gmail.com
Our main struggle is to have people fully committed to the Lord and His work regardless of the time and efforts we made in equipping them.
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Chris Mindi– Anchor Austin Mission in Leander
chris.mindi@bmats.edu
Our mission is healthy. The church is doing well. We are slowly, steadily and simultaneously developing leaders. Even though it is not the only metric by which we measure the health of the church, it shows the commitment from the individual, when they own the vision and mission of the church, to start investing through their talents and treasure. God is the only one who is convicting each and every person with Anchor, Austin to be committed to seeing the big picture of what God is doing through this local church in making disciples who make disciples. As a leader who is leading this, it is a great encouragement to see the transformation of Christians wanting to be disciples and be on the mission.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for the launch on March 31, as we are getting ready for our Sunday worship services. Pray for gifted individuals to lead the congregation in worship through singing. Pray for us as leaders to lead the congregation with discernment, faithfully unto the Lord.
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Robert Lee– Harmony Baptist Church in Normangee Replant
bro.robert.f.lee@gmail.com
This month has been a busy one for me. I have been working toward furthering my career as a bivocational pastor. That has consumed a lot of time over the past couple of months, but I am looking forward to once again having more time to devote to the work of ministry. We have been excited to see new members bringing others to hear the gospel, and are excited about an outreach event we are planning for later this month!
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our planned outreach event to build connections with new families in our community.
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Tim Alba– The Bridge Mission in Seagoville
timalba1986@gmail.com
So far we are right on task with our expectations this year. We had a huge blessing this year with an investor who gave a lump sum to our church. The amount was to cover rent for a whole year. We did not see this relationship coming, but God did. We are hoping to maintain that relationship through the year and see how things develop over time. We know that last year was a little rough in the tithe department and yet God showed up to pull the resources we did not have. We are hoping to one day do the same for others who are planting churches and be a blessing to people who may need assistance as well. We are more than humbled, and we know God will continue to do miracles as long as we are faithful.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our leaders and that God continues to give us wisdom and open doors.
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Kyle Cheatham– Grace Church Jarrell Mission
kyle@gracejarrell.com
On Feb. 10, about 10 women of our church invested a few hours of a Saturday by visiting almost 60 local businesses that morning. They took them a bag of donut holes along with a nicely prepared bag of chocolates, church info and gospel tracts. Many of the ladies were able to pray with those with whom they left the treats.
Prayer Needs:
Please pray that God will lead us in equipping more men to serve in the role of elder.