March ~ April 2011 Newsletter

Hello from St. Croix!

We hope you had a Blessed Easter

Spring has arrived on the island and along with it are beautiful flowers, trees and mangos ripening outside our front door. The heat and humidity have also arrived!

We have some really exciting news! Just a few days after our last newsletter we put our house back on the market in Tennessee. Thursday it was advertised online, it was shown Sunday afternoon and within 30 minutes there was a contract signed. The for sale sign had not even been placed in the front yard! The closing was on March 29th. We had to reduce the price dramatically but we are now debt free! Thanks so much for your prayers. It is a huge burden lifted from our shoulders. God has been faithful in His perfect timing!






Exciting Things Happening!

We have been on the island for six months and we have found our home. On Easter Sunday we were voted in as new members of The Way of The Cross Baptist Church. What a great day for us! We hope we can be a blessing to our church family here on the island. Our desire is to serve the Lord here with the gifts and talents He has given us.

You will notice that Pastor Beltane Harrigan and Billy are holding plans for a 30 by 60 ft addition to the church. This is a much needed renovation project and one that will provide additional space for offices and a baptistry. You will also notice the big smiles on their faces. Pastor Harrigan has been waiting for three years for the Lord's timing and Billy loves to build. We praise God for His bringing us together.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Children's Church & Children's Ministries

Another exciting area of growth is in the area of children's ministries. The church has AWANA and youth programs but have been seeking to provide the children a worship service to meet their needs. The church is in the preliminary stages of planning this ministry. We have also met a couple from Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). They have been working hard to start a Bible Club in the Kennedy Projects, one of the most dangerous housing projects on the island. Children are growing up in a neighborhood with gang activity, drugs and shootings.

 "Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord; lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street." Lamentations 2:19

Hurricane Preparation

Hurricane season is just around the corner. Billy has been finishing up some shutters for our apartment here at Youth With A Mission. The previous window protection was a heavy piece of plywood bolted in place just hours before the storm arrived. Preparation time has really been cut down and is much less back breaking.

Carpenty and Maintenance Projects Completed

Billy finished up some projects at Southgate Baptist Church and the Lighthouse Mission. He installed some lighting in the gazebo and repaired several ceilings in the Sunday School classrooms. At the Lighthouse Mission there were some major projects done in the kitchen. Old cabinetry and the exhaust hood were removed so that a new hood could be installed to meet fire code requirements. The outside vent had to be removed from the top and side of the building. Eddie Martinez and Larry Titsworth help with this project.

Not every day off is a beach day! Billy is replacing the starter.

Nurse Notes

Cecilia continues to work part time as the school nurse at Free Will Baptist Christian School. School nurses in Chattanooga have "adopted" the school and are providing some medical and teaching supplies.

Cecilia was able to do a dental educational program for all students in K-3 to grade 4. Free toothbrushes made her a big hit!

On April 4th a single mom walked into her office at school. After two hours of talking and listening Cecilia was able to share the Gospel with her and she accepted the Lord as her Saviour. This young woman has a difficult road ahead of her and she would benefit from your prayers.

This time of the year more children have been ill or injured so that opens doors of opportunity to pray, teach, and build relationships with students and parents. One child who injured her finger is from a Muslim family. Others are from single family homes or homes with some very difficult situations. Although it is a Christian school, it is still a msision field. The students have Bible classes every day except Wednesday when there is Chapel. Several students in the past few weeks have stepped forward to make decisions for the Lord. Others leave the church mocking the guest speaker. They especially need to have their hearts softened towards the Lord.

Travel Plans

We are going back to the states from June 2 to the middle or end of July. This will be a time of meeting with churches and individuals, visiting family, and gathering supplies for our return to the work on St. Croix.

Praises and Prayer Requests

Praises

House sold

God's protective hand

Salvation of a single mom

New doors of ministry open

Prayer Requests

Safe and productive trip

Ship supplies and car back to the island

Quality family time

Church building project

Children's Church and children's ministries

Thans so much for your prayers and financial contributions for the ministry in St. Croix

Billy & Cecilia

Tax deductible contributions may be sent to:

YES Ministry

P.O. Box 700697

St. Cloud, FL  34770

He Is Risen

                                                                              

                                   

"In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women,

Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here:

for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you."                 Matthew 28:1-7

Jesus remained on the earth for 40 days and many saw Him. Those who knew him believed without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was the Messiah.....the one who had come to save us from our sins.

"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, as he was taken up: and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which was taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."  Acts 1:9-11

Jesus IS coming again some day..for those who have believed in Him and  accepted Him as their Lord and Saviour. It's as easy as ABC to make that decision:       

             A ~ Admit you are a sinner and have done wrong   

             B ~ Believe that Jesus die and rose again for you

             C ~ Confess with your mouth that you believe and have accepted Jesus as your Saviour

Then tell someone, read your Bible, and attend a Bible believing church.

If you made that decision I will see you in the clouds on the way up when He returns or on the streets of gold in heaven whichever comes first.              

The Sabbath Day

"Now the next day, that followed the day of preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch."  Matthew 27:62-66

Jesus Was Crucified

Jesus was arrested at night. The chief priests and elders planned to put Him to death.They brought false accusations against Him, an innocent man. He was beaten, spit upon, mocked, a crown of thorns was placed on his head, and they crucifed Him on a wooden cross in the middle of two thieves. Even when He was suffering He thought of others. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them: for they know not what they

do."                                                                                                   Luke 23:34

"And it was aut the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee stood afar off, beholding these things." Luke 23:44-49

After His death, His body was placed in a tomb and a large stone was placed in the opening. The disciples and followers of Jesus saw this as a very dark time.The man they loved, the one they had their hopes and dreams in had just died. Their hearts were heavy. I don't think they slept much that night.

The Last Supper & In The Garden

So much happens on this day of the Holy Week. Probably the most familiar is the Last Supper.

"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it and gave to them and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God." 

                                                                                                             Mark 14:22-25

His followers did not understand what He was saying...they would not realize until later after his death and resurrection. That night as they ate and had fellowship together, one of the twelve, Judas Iscariot, would betray Him.

It was in the Garden of Gethsamane where Jesus prayed to His Father "And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: neverthelesss not as I will, but as thou wilt."     Matthew 26:39

Jesus knew that He would be facing a horrible death. He would have to take the punishment for all our wrong doings. Although as a man He asked God if there was another way but since crucifixion was the only way, He was willing to do that for you...and for me. The love that must be required to do that is far beyond my ability to understand. All I have to do believe and accept it. Very simple.

Silence

The Bible doesn't say what happened on Wednesday of the Holy Week. There is silence. I wondered what was going through the mind of Jesus on that day. He had ridden into Jerusalem with people praising His name, then only a short time later they were turning against Him. He knew what was ahead for Him. Yet because of His great love for us and knowing it was the only way to save us, He chose to obey God.

Being a man as well as God's Son, he needed rest and refreshment. Did God use this time to help His Son? In my mind I have to believe He did. Even though it was a difficult time for Jesus, His Father was there providing for His needs. That is the kind of God we serve. He doesn't always keep us from difficult situations, but He is there with us, carrying us through each step of the way.

"..for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."    Hebrews 13:5

Friend, whatever situation you find yourself in today, I can tell you by personal experience that Jesus IS the answer. For many years I walked alone, and at the age of 33 I accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour. Though life has had it's ups and downs, I have NEVER walked alone. God has and continues to be my guide. At times I stumble and make mistakes. When I seek His forgiveness He restores me to fellowship with Him. His love is precious and unconditional towards me. What a Saviour!

The Greatest Commandment

The religious leaders, the Pharisees and Sadducees, were looking for ways to tempt Jesus and cause people to question His teachings. As you read in the Bible, their ways were being threatened. They were not willing to accept and believe Jesus. They loved their status. I love the way Jesus handled Himself in those situations!

"But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."  Matthew 22:34-41

Today do you have the heart like the hearts of the Pharisees or is yours open to loving God with all your heart, soul and mind?

Jesus Clears the Temple

The tables are taking a turn from the triupmhal entry from the day before. When people were shouting praises to the Lord then, today there is some displeasure coming into the picture. They thought Jesus was coming in to be their king and save them from the rulers of the day. He was coming to be their King and to save them but they didn't understand His ways. Seems the children had a better understanding. Their hearts were tender towards the Lord, the way ours should be.

"And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves. And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; and they were sore displeased. And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?"
                                                                                                                            Matthew 21:12-17

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday. It is the beginning of the Holy Week. This time of the year is such a wonderful time for Christians. Because of the events that happened over 2000 years ago, we have a hope that carries us through life's difficulties and on to an eternity with God our creator. It is a bittersweet time also and as you follow our blog this week you will see why we feel like this. The story tells it all!

"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethpage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples. Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them, and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a great multitude spread their garmets in the way, others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee." Matthew 21: 1-11

Almost Persuaded

This morning the Lord has brought the  following Scripture from Matthew 4:8-10 close to my heart. It says "Again, the devil taketh him up to an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
The picture of Satan that is here is just someone's drawing of what he looks like. We know that the Bible teaches he is dark and evil. Just as Adam and Eve were deceived in the Garden of Eden, we are all just as likely to fall for his ways. You see the devil uses people to entice us away from the Lord's work. Maybe it is the promise of a successful career, financial gain, a coveted position, or any number of seemingly harmless things. Oooh ...but this is where it gets hard. Do you take that attractive offer or do you go back to the feet of Jesus to find your way.
Satan will get at us when we are most vulnerable or the weakest. Never will he try to cause us to stumble when we are strong in the Lord. He knows at that time he is defeated. No he waits...he is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
I am so THANKFUL that when I feel so very weak, my Saviour reaches down and pulls me away from the clutches of Satan's hands. He reminds me that I am His and that He knows what is best for me. He shows His great love for me, and if I WILL CHOOSE to listen to Him, I will find the right way. But woe unto me if I chose the temptation that lies so beautiful before me. There are consequences to those choices that I may not see until I am deep within the pit of despair.
My prayer today is for the Lord to keep me humble, whatever it takes, and that I will see myself clearly through the eyes of Jesus. That is the only place for perfect peace. I NEED to stay close to the Lord because at some point down the road I could be "Almost Persuaded."

Detours

Whenever I see a detour sign I think...Oh No! We are going to have to take a different direction than we planned and we have never been this way before! Have you ever found yourself in that same position? You have only two choices...keep going the same direction, drive through the barricade, hopefully you won't meet the law, or even worse, end up in a big hole. Or you can take the detour and get to your destination safely. The detour isn't so bad after all. You end up seeing something new or discover a business you had heard about but never knew where it was.

Today we had plans to go to church with some friends and go out to lunch to celebrate the sale of our house. We were pretty sure we knew where the church was. Surprise, it was not there and we are sure it didn't move! So we went to a different one than planned and received the message God wanted us to hear. Although we missed our time together, God had different plans.

So our Christian walk runs into detours sometimes. What you thought was a wrong direction actually turned out to be the right direction. Had you kept going your own way disaster would have occurred and you would have missed an awesome blessing from the Lord. So I am thankful for the detours in my life. I know that God has a plan and His way is best.

"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide unto death." Psalm 48:14