Silcott Update January 2012

Dear Praying Friends,

When we look across the many congregations where God has given the privilege to proclaim his name, we are amazed at the love of Christ we see reflected in the faces on the congregation.  We are encouraged by the unity in Christ we see as we come alongside pastors and others in the congregation who faithfully serve our God.  Last week I met a dear lady who has ministered for over 20 years to the families and visitors of the church through the nursery.  She has insured that the nursery is safe, clean and the workers are trained and screened so that precious children are safe and the testimony of the church is maintained for the glory of God.  What a privilege to see the love of God in action. 

Oakside Baptist Church in LaGrange, Georgia was our first stop this year.  Oakside Baptist Church practices the love of God by providing a Christian radio station for the community.  What an exciting means to reach out beyond the walls of the church.  Oakside also brings hope to those who suffer with addictions; they provide counsel through Reformers Unanimous.  Many have come to know our Savior and have broken the cycle to addiction to sin and replaced it with Christ.  Pastor Curry says it has strengthened the church.  Christ is the only true answer to any sin problem: we need to become addicted to Christ and flee our sin.    

Although I did not preach in the morning service, God had a greater purpose.  As I spoke for children's church, a junior boy asked the Lord to save his soul.  That evening I spoke during the service presenting our ministry. 

After preaching and visiting Oakside on January 15,  we then moved to Lebanon Baptist Church; Roswell, Georgia a suburb north of Atlanta.  Lebanon Baptist Church has survived and thrived since 1836 (Roswell itself was not incorporated until 1839).  The original building was dismantled during the Civil War by Union troops and wood was repurposed to make a bridge across the river.  What a blessing to see what God has done.  The church has many ministries, including a prision outreach, nursing home services, and meals every Wednesday night.  The sweet lady who runs the kitchen has cheerfully served the kids in the children's program and adult in prayer meeting for over 20 years (and the food was good).    It was a blessing to speak for the teen Sunday School, Morning Worship, and in the evening during the church supper. 

We are often asked what happens when we have an opening in our schedule.  Sometimes we stay parked at the previous church; other times God providently has given us time for breakdowns; and sometimes we park at a church in route to the next destination.  January 29 was such an opening.  I called Pastor Clint Johnson of Gonzales Baptist Temple in Louisiana asked to park, and  he said yes. This week the church has been holding their annual Bayou Baptist Conference. What a blessing to be challenged in our family life by Pastor Stever.  Praise the Lord, while here, I spoke for the teen Sunday School, children's church, and in the Christian school.  One of students professed Christ; pray for her as she learns more about Jesus through school that she will grow in grace. 

Thank you for your ministry of prayer and financial support which enables us to minister,

The Silcotts