It is great to welcome back our mission team from South Texas! As many of you know, we sent a group of men to build a new home for a family of 12 in Penitas, Texas. We actually began this mission project months ago through our first ever “Project Homebuild.” Over 100 ABC volunteers rolled up their sleeves during the month of August to build the framing for this home inside our own church. That structure was then disassembled into sections and shipped to its final destination in South Texas. For the past week and a half, 20 ABC men gave up their time and money to go finish the job. Not only did they reassemble the framing, but they finished the entire exterior of the home! They then went on to complete all the plumbing and electrical installations as well. Pretty amazing accomplishment for 9 days of work. Most importantly, they got to meet and spend time with the Quintanna family. We now pray that this home will be a blessing for this sweet family for many years to come.
I love these kinds of stories because that is what the church is supposed to be about. The Bible tells us, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Jesus Christ laid aside his interests to take on our interests. He did not come to earth to be served, but rather to serve us. As Christ followers, we must strive to walk in his likeness. Every day, we have opportunities to lay down our own lives for the sake of others. I encourage you to maintain that heart of service. God wants to use you, and I believe he gives you opportunities every day to be his hands and feet. However, our hearts must remain soft and responsive to his invitation.
This weekend, you will have another unique opportunity to serve our church. Christmas will be officially in full swing after our worship services. Volunteers will begin flooding our hallways with Christmas trees and beautiful decorations. I encourage you to consider rolling up your sleeves and joining us in the effort. Additionally, this weekend is “Lottie Moon Sunday.” We are launching our Christmas missions offering, and you will have an opportunity to give above and beyond your tithes to support missionaries around the world. We are also welcoming Dr. Todd Lafferty as our special guest speaker in worship. Dr. Lafferty serves as the Executive Vice President and COO of the International Mission Board. He will give us a great message about what God is doing around the world and how we can be a part of it.
I encourage you to join us this weekend and make the same commitment that we heard from Nehemiah: “We will not neglect the house of our God” (Nehemiah 10:39). Don’t neglect meeting together, but instead commit to worship in the house of the Lord. Don’t neglect giving your tithes and offerings, but instead commit to year end giving. Over 25% of our church’s contributions are received during these final few weeks, so I encourage you to approach this season with generous hearts just as Christ has been generous to us. Join me in prayer that God will continue to use ABC to meet the needs of others in our city, our state, and around the world for many years to come.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 