Evangelistic Series: Uncovered - Can you handle the truth? (Week 3) Life dedication for Jesus! :D

Way to start the 3rd week of the Series! Yesterday night's message was on a "New life in Christ and Baptism." The call was made for those that want to dedicate their lives to God and be baptized/re-baptized to go to the front while those who have already been baptized, walking with the Lord, but are wanting a deeper walk and stronger relationship, they re-dedicated their lives once again, stood. A total of 10+ decisions were made to begin or strengthen their christian walk.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

Child care because Jesus cares!

Who said learning the Bible was only for adults? Here at the series, while parents are learning more about the Bible, the little ones are spending time with other kids learning of Jesus, reading Bible, signing praise songs, Bible cartoon movies, drawing, and enjoying some great snacks!

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." Luke 18:16, 17

Larry Giving A Bible Study

While Larry was here he was privileged to be able to do a Bibe Study on one of his most favorite topics (3 Angels Message). He gave a Bible Study to one of my most solid studies, Frank Duarte. Frank is a very dedicated man of God. I see Christ in him by the way that he handles things in life. 

Evangelistic Series: Uncovered - Can you handle the truth? (Week 2)

Week 2 of the series has begun! It is only by God's faithfulness that we were able to have new visitors come and a higher attendance for the nights presentation, "What happens after death?" With an appeal made by Derrick Williamson (Evangelistic Speaker), many stood to make a decision for Jesus!!

Special Visit! Guess who came?

Larry Carter, the Literature Ministry Director of the Pacific Union Conference (PUC). The one that founded SOULS West College and the reason for why several program are up, and running. Larry was able to stop by to give some mentoring, encouragement, and take the group out to eat. 

Refreshments and Mingling!(:

Those who come to the series are not only spiritually fed, but they are as well physically fed. Once the presentation for the night is over, the guests and members head over to the dinning hall to refresh themselves with some snacks and drinks! At this phase, church members are getting to know the visitors that were able to come, making them feel at home, and encouraging them in their spiritual life. 

"We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. The truths of His word lose their vividness and importance in our minds. Our hearts cease to be enlightened and aroused by their sanctifying influence, and we decline in spirituality. In our association as Christians we lose much by lack of sympathy with one another. He who shuts himself up to himself is not filling the position that God designed he should. The proper cultivation of the social elements in our nature brings us into sympathy with others and is a means of development and strength to us in the service of God." {SC 101.2} 

Evangelistic Series: Uncovered - Can you handle the truth? (Week 1)

First couple of nights, Success!! By the hard labour of the Bible workers and the church members who passed out fliers around the community, many had the opportunity to come to the "Uncovered" series for the first two night, talking about "Case for a Creator" and "Can you trust the Bible?"

Unexpected Blessings!

Calvin and Josué were going to businesses handing out fliers and placing them inside the businesses. Calvin encountered Miguel at first but because of language barriers Josué came in and began to talk about the event on the flier. Miguel expressed to Josué that he had started going to a Christian church but because of church members being hypocritical, it was hard for him to believe in any christian religion. Josué shared with Miguel that he was born Catholic but later on became a Christian, but before finding a church his family actually would go from different church seeking truth and for the right church. Josué encouraged Miguel, with prayer, and leaving a Steps to Christ Miguel was touched by how their are young men doing the work of preaching and sharing the gospel. A week later, while Josué was at a Bible study with Laressa, Miguel called asking Josué if it was possible that he could come over his work place and offer Bible studies while  he was on his break. Miguel received his first Bible study at his job while on his break, it was on the topic of living a Christian life, a life of salvation. Miguel was blessed and is interested in future studies.

Persistence Pays Off

When Caren Valadez was visiting our group three weeks ago, we met a very sincere man named Luis and his 17 year old son. When we asked for Bible studies, he said no at first. Caren appealed to him and reclosed and he signed up. Next week he rescheduled then it fell through, week after that, same thing. By the third week I wasn't sure how sincere he was.

When I showed up at his house, everything was dark. I was standing at his door about to write a note on a flier when him and his wife drove up. He apologized for being late, and we proceeded to do the Daniel 2 study. All of my questions he answered almost perfectly, even when we hadn't found the answer yet. When we went to Daniel 8 with the ram and the he goat, immediately, he caught on that the goat must be Greece and the horn must be Alexander the Great. When we got to the iron and the clay, he started telling me about how clay reacts against iron, how it won't stick to it. He assured me he'd never seen this prophecy before, though. He also told me of his strong desire to start going back to church, to read the Bible, and to be the spiritual leader of his home. Him and his son also decided to come to the evangelistic series. "Maybe we can even get my wife to come," he said.

Praise God He helped me be persistent with Luis. Luis told me that he probably wouldn't have made the effort to make it work if i hadn't persisted in calling him and rescheduling. Persistence does pay off. Pray that his whole family comes to the series!

Laressa

Outreach Testimonies

Outreach was a success!! God blessed every single member that went out, literally… every single member! That is how great a God we serve! Lanna and Simona (Middle right picture), were going walking by a home trying to get to their starting point of their street. Once they had reached the end, a lady answered the door and told them, "when I saw both of you walking by, I was wondering if you would going to come by my home." As they begin talking to her they find out that she is a christian wife whose husband is in the air force. They both connect with her, because Lanna and Simona whose husbands also are in the army. They offer her prayer, Bible studies, and invite her to the series, with a smile and knowing that they are both God sent, the lady ends up accepting prayer, Bible studies, and wants to come to the series! We had a total of over 20+ Interest in either Bible Studies, Health cooking classes, Vacation Bible school, and Revelation Seminars. 

"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." Matthew 9:37, 38

Church Outreach

It is in these moments when you see what kind of people you are working with. Here, we knew that this church had leaders… they were just waiting to be taught. Thanks to God, more then 20 members went out looking for Bible interest, vacation Bible school, Health cooking classes, and Revelation seminars. "Many would be willing to work if they were taught how to begin. They need to be instructed and encouraged." {MH 149.1}

Divine Service

Divine service was a blessing! Through special music by Calvin and Laressa, Jhonte making sure all things are going well, Josué breaking the bread, and by church members learning how to evangelize, we have to thank God overall for His goodness and for His loving kindness. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Church Members Giving Bible Studies

After Rodney (Far Left) set in on the previous Bible study that I gave Adam, the next time he was more than glad to be able to do the next one himself. 

Training Church Members to Give Bible Studies

This is Kenneth (left) Josué's Bible Study contact. Kenneth is a based here in El Paso, he is in the air force and wants to learn how to become a disciple for Jesus. They have gone through several lessons such as "How to Understanding the Bible, Daniel Ch. 2, Signs of the times, Manner of Christ coming, etc." Kenneth was born and raised Christian, "I just want truth, it doesn't matter with who I'm having the study with or with what religion unless they present truth to me, then will I know which is right," said Kenneth. Josué is training Mario (Right) how to give Bible Studies and Mario will be giving the Bible Study to Kenneth tonight. Keep them in your prayers! (2/4/14)

Outreach Can Be Done Anywhere (Evangelism on the Road)

Training Church Members How to Give Bible Studies

 This is Jennifer learning how to give Bible Studies and how to obtain Bible Studies

Here is Lana who is actually a relative of one of our fellow class members. Josué is teaching her how to give Bible Studies, how to follow up on Bible Studies, and how to qualify the Bible Studies she receives

Special Music

This is the special music from the weekend seminar that we held entitled "Treasure Song". Where is your your heart today? Where are you laying up your treasure?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3E3Tc_cvcCEv=3E3Tc_cvcCE

Weekend Seminar (Friday)

 We arrived early to the church so that we could have things running correctly. Preparation prepared us for everything that we would face. #preparation #practicemakesbetter

 The start of the seminar on "How to Prepare Your Personal Testimony" and we even got a volunteer to go up. #1bravesoul #powerfultestimony

After they learned how to prepare their personal testimonies they applied what they learned. #preparation #application

Let the Weekend Seminar Begin!!!!!

Today is the start to our Weekend Seminar @7pm praying and knowing that God will bless amazingly. Feel free too come. #Weekendseminar #Evangeliving #HappySabbath

"Beginning of a New walk (Christian Walk)"

Meet Edith Cadena, a unique mother, wife, and fellow Christian who came to the faith just a year ago. Taja Pale a former student at Souls West offered Edith Bible studies and she accepted. Just 2 days ago I had my first Bible study with her on Daniel Ch. 2 and she asked to study twice a week! Praise God! It was amazing to see that she has a passion and spiritual craving to become a true Christian, learn scripture, have a deeper walk with God, and be a witness. Tho it is difficult for her to understand scripture, pray, seek God, and grow spiritually, she is faithful and trusts in the Lord's promise... for we know that His word will not return void. 

Karen is visiting us this week and today she went out and worked with me (Laressa). We met this one young man who is a Jehovah's Witness, or at least used to be. He doesn't go to church any more, ever since his parents split, but is interested in looking into Christianity. He signed up for Bible studies, so pray for us as we break the bread of life with him this Tuesday.  I can't wait to see how God will use this passionate young man for spreading His gospel.

"A Passionate Young Man"

This young man by the name of "Adam" is one of the most passionate young men that I have met. He is truly passionate about learning more about God continuously. He will not let anything get in his way in studying more and more about God. He likes to play basketball, and hangout with friends but is still determined not to let those things get in the way of his time in studying the Bible. #Passionate #weneedyoungmenlikehim #devotedtolearning #GodshandismovinginTexas

Studying with Kenneth

This was Josue's first Bible study. Kenneth signed up for Bible Studies 4 months ago and he was still waiting for Bible Studies. Josué finally showed up when he got to Texas and knocked on Kenneth's door, only to find out that Kenneth would soon be moving. Kenneth told Josué he would be moving in about 4 or 5 months which gave Josué more than enough time to show him the truths in the Bible. Josué then let Kenneth know that 4 or 5 months was more than enough time. Kenneth is happy that he gets to learn more about the Bible before he takes off. #PraiseGod #Godshandismoving #Learningtruths #Divinetiming

What Happens on a Day Off...

I was frustrated. My "A" Bible study contact (I had thought) fell through on me after I drove all the way out to Northern El Paso on my day off for her.  "I guess I'll canvass for a little while since I drove all the way out here," I thought to myself. "Maybe I can get enough money to cover the gas it took to get here," I added a little sarcastically.  I drove a couple streets over and started knocking. Between my second and third door I started singing (rather loudly too) before noticing a woman out on her front porch, smoking a cigarette and watching me. I laughed, apologized, and commented on what a nice night it was to get over the awkwardness as I walked up to her. 

Her name is Jamie. We started talking, and she shared how she used to be a missionary, but wasn't able to anymore. She seemed really sad about it, but wanted to help me with my mission. She went inside, and came out with a stack of ones, saying all she could find was $7. God impressed me to give her the Peace Above the Storm (Steps to Christ) anyways. As I was telling her this, she was counting the money again. "I know I didn't miscount in the house a minute ago," she said, "but it is $10 now. My mom won't believe it. We both counted this. I've seen crazier miracles happen in the mission field though. Praise God He gave you everything you needed." We talked a little while, then she offered to pray for me. 

Before I left, I offered her Bible studies, and she agreed, though she said she would prefer to do it in a group. It so happens that one street over lives a super sweet lady, Erika, who was my first Bible study contact ever. She had already agreed to let another lady on the street join the studies, so Jaime might be the third person to join the group. I'm really excited to unite all three ladies in the same neighborhood together, God willing. 

We exchanged phone numbers and went on our way. As I was already thinking in my head about how I would share this testimony, I got a text from her. It said, 

"I could really use a friend, Laressa. I will explain more later, but rest assured that God placed you in my path. God bless you sister."

My heart was absolutely singing for joy on the way home as I recounted how God had used me today, and how he gave us both a new friend. I hope and pray that I can be a support to her in everything she is going through (for sake of her privacy I didn't tell everything that's going on in her life.) And hopefully I can connect her with lasting, godly friends in Erika and Dusty, who will be there long after I have to leave. Please pray for Jamie. 

First Group Bible Study in Texas

The Ladies were privileged to be able to study the Bible with the youth group from the Word of Life church. #suchablessing #GroupBibleStudy #Danielchapter2

Studying with Frank

Frank was very happy to be able to get back into studying the Bible ever since he moved from Chicago. #Blessed #Biblestudy #SignsoftheTimes

The Hand of God is Moving

The Lord has already been moving here in Texas. As a team we have approximately 15 Bible Studies and we have just started the program. Praise God that He has been showing grace and mercy to us. Continue to pray for us please. We will continually update you on how the hand of God is moving here in Texas. Have a wonderful day and God bless as you go throughout your day. :)

Mingling with the church members. :)

Weekly group Bible study.

A Blessing from Grandma Brown

"A Blessing from Grandma Brown"-On Sabbath I prayed to be a blessing to someone that really wanted a fresh start and recommit their life to Jesus Christ by studying the word. Kayla from Kentucky was the divine appointment I prayed for. Our first meeting was in the bathroom lol, from Sabbath school with children to listen to the first sermon of the year "Making Choices" Kayla choose to recommit her vows to the Lord. She stated "As a wife I want to be the best women I can be. The only God fearing woman I know is Grandma Brown and she is an  Adventist. Oh and by the way I am a visitor and this is my first time  at the church I just moved here lol." What a Sabbath treat that Kayla Non-Adventist decided to make a choice by faith fellowship at a church to learn about the Lord and sign up for Bible studies. Amen! We haven't knocked on doors yet. God is working before we knock on doors

Far Left - Derrick Williamson, Blue Sweater - Josué Valdez Garcia, Green Shirt - Calvin Gardner, Middl Back - Pastor Rodel, Middle Right - Jhont'e Dodd, Front Right - Laressa Farnsworth. #Bibleworkteam #SOULSWest #TexasBibleworkers #Pioneerprogram #Letsgo

Let the Biblework Practicum begin. #Meetings #Biblestudycontacts #Bibleworkers #Pioneerprogram

After coming through security to get home we stopped to talk to the security guard "Frank Duarte". As we were getting ready to pull off I went to hand him some glow and said "here is something for you, I know you can get pretty bored here by yourself". He opens up the glow to see what it says and he says "woah you two are Christians huh?" we responded by saying "yes, we are missionaries. He then started opening up by letting us know that he use to do Bible studies at his house but it started to die out. We then let him know that we do Bible studies also and wondered if he would like to revive his Bible studies by studying with us. He then says "Yes that would be great". What do you know low and behold our first Bible study contact. #PraiseGod #El Paso #Texas #1stBiblestudycontact

The start of a New Year has come and Bible work is here. Stay tuned for more to come. #2014 #Biblework #PioneersforChrist