July has arrived and we are now suffering through very hot and very dry weather. Usually the hot/dry does not start until the middle of this month. Well it is Texas and with only three seasons, “almost summer, summer, and still summer”, we should be climatized by now. The news from the mission this month is good. We have not had any major mishaps and our staff is working well together. The food donations are still going strong and the bills are all being paid so we rejoice in the provision of our Lord.

Over the last few months we have had a low population of residents. As you can see that has now changed. We have seen an increase in resident and non-residents this month as the economy seems to be a little worse here in Lufkin. Until this month we were wondering where the recession was. We still see our residents getting jobs and some have come to the place where they were ready to move out. So keep us in your prayers that the Lord will continue to provide the means to help as we watch to see what the Lord will do with America.

We planted a garden this year on the vacant lot across the street from the mission. Mary and I bought the property across the street a couple of years ago but this is the first time for a garden. We planted tomatoes, sweet corn, garlic, peppers, two kinds of squash, okra, egg plant, blue lake beans, purple hull peas, cucumbers, and field corn. We have harvested everything except okra, tomatoes, and field corn and we are looking forward to some good eating in the days to come. The residents have been most helpful and we have had other volunteers that have done their part. This garden was an experiment to see what needed to be done to have a really great garden next year. I am going to bring in some compost and manure and till it in over the winter and I am going to kill out the grass that grows so well when you really want vegetables.

The building project in Nacogdoches is progressing. The Staff house is almost complete and we are anticipating that the Lord will open the door for us to start and complete the next building. We have several grant applications in the works and hopefully some of those will be granted. We are still excited and anxious to be in the new buildings so if anyone has a spare million let us know, that would finish the project in style. Just kidding of course but who knows whom the Lord will use to provide what we need.

Mary is working very hard, as I write this, on the end of the month beggining of the month stuff. So I know that some of you will be hearing from her in the next few days.

So each of you keep up the good work and remember us when you pray.

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth-the Lord Almighty is his name.”   Amos 4:13

February…ahhh February.  Our shortest month and yet it was 28 days packed full of busyness.

Martin and I started the month with a visit to St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church.  GODTEL, along with CISC and LOVE in the Name of Christ, were featured ministries that evening.  We had a delicious meal and then each of us got up and gave a report of current happenings.  Martin and I enjoy our evenings out, however, we really like sharing what God is doing at your local shelter.

Our faithful cooks and some special chefs showed up for KP duty.  The first Sunday: Dick McKay Sunday school class supplied our lunch.  We ate pizza from Papa John’s.  That evening our Lakeview Baptist Church group came with chili.  Our dear friends from Keltys United Methodist Church were here Thursday evening.  Then Carpenter’s Way Baptist Church showed off their culinary skills.  Chicken spaghetti, salad, and bread were served.  Our Third Thursday Methodist Cooks came with a tasty meal, cooked and ready to serve.  You should see the desserts they make and bring, it pleases any sweet tooth connoisseur.  The third Saturday a youth group from Denman Avenue Baptist Church came with home grilled burgers and the fixin’s.  What a treat!  I “double-booked”, as they say, and had to ask the LMS-CIAs to come the next Saturday.  They were agreeable and I sure do appreciate these young folks being flexible.

Martin made a six day trip to west Texas.  His main destiny was to Midland to visit our precious daughter and her husband.  He managed to drive north to Denver City to visit friends and family there.  He also was able to handle the last minute request from his mother to empty out her rented storage room and bring the items home to east Texas.  The wind was…well…west Texas.  Martin and James did some shooting while the wind was blowing “ninety to nothin’ ”.  I praise God for keeping these two safe and for bringing Martin home.

GODTEL received a couple of gift cards for Christmas.  One of them was for Sam’s/Wal-Mart.  We spent ours at Wal-Mart purchasing commercial shower curtains for the staff shower/tub units and the women’s dorm shower stalls.  We also bought some small electric alarm clocks.  The clocks seem to be “kidnapped” a lot.  When we can, we try to replace them.  A big thank you for the gift cards.

Resident news: James is still manning the resident phone.  John is picking up a few days of work here and there plus his work around GODTEL.  Bob’s report from Houston was good.  We have him answering the phone in the office.  Toney came in and is cooking for us.  Todd is back to “fixing” things.  In fact, last week he did a plumbing project at the director’s house.  Todd knows his stuff.  Even though he has experience and skill in plumbing there was a situation that he could not figure out.  Todd called his dad, a master plumber.  His dad came to GODTEL and looked over the problem.  He gave his expert opinion and the solution to the problem.  And it HIT me!  We try to solve the problems of our lives OURSELVES.  We fall short and we have to call on our “dad”, our Heavenly Father, Master of Creation.  Of course, God didn’t have to come to our house to fix the problem, but He was always there with His perfect wisdom BEFORE we ever ran into the problem.  All we need to do is seek Him first.

For one night in February we had nine children between two mothers in our women’s dorm.  Sember arrived mid month with five children.  Nathan is 11 years old.  He and two of his younger brothers are in school.  A brother and sister stayed with mom during the day.  She was able to find a place and moved out the last day of the month.  Becky checked in two days before March.  She has four children.  Her two older children attend school.  Her plan is to get a job.  We pray she finds the job God wants her to have.  Once again, several residents moved out because they broke the rules.  However, on the positive side the “resident savings” is up.  We get excited when people are working and saving.  We encourage people to move into an apartment or house, not a motel room, when they leave.  Most of all, we pray that the hurting souls who come through our doors will leave with a new heart and changed lives.  Lives now living for Jesus.

This year we are getting down and dirty.  What am I saying?!  We have access to a lot across the street from GODTEL and we will be putting in a garden.  Martin, Todd, Joseph and John were seen tapping the ground looking for bricks, pipes and such.  When these obstructions were found they were dug out and put in a pile away from the garden area.  One Saturday, a brother in Christ came with his tractor and turned the dirt.  Even though the guys tried to go deep enough to get the bricks and stuff out more trash was turned up.  Todd and Joseph were there to pull things out of the way.  The dirt is turned.  Fresh dirt is soaking up the sun and now we need to get to the next step of gardening.  A little rain wouldn’t hurt.  It’s been awhile since we (Martin and I) have put in a garden so we are excited to get back into the experience of growing our own food.  Thank you, Robin.

While dirt turning was going on, Martin and I were in Nederland at a business meeting.  You could say we  had another reason to see the grandchildren.  It was a short visit.  Kristen was at a dance lesson when we arrived.  Blaine was busy conquering the evil empire and Darth Vador.  Our son and his wife are busy.  Their business juxtapose inc. is doing well.  They are opening a branch in Jennings, Louisiana.  I remind our son frequently that our shares belong to the Lord and to be wise in their decision making.  Paul just grins.  Our cup runneth over with blessings.

Burkina Faso.  What’s that?  Glad you asked.  It is a country in Africa.  Former GODTEL missionary Darrell Banfield is leaving for a two month service tour to that far away land.  His family will remain here.  Please pray for Darrell and his family and pastor Jeff and the people of Burkina Faso that God’s truth will be shared and accepted and His people will grow in love and wisdom.

We will be here at our assigned post, sharing God’s love and truth.

In Christ’s Service,

Martin and Mary

“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it…” Psalm 127:1

Nacogdoches Relocation
The relocation of the Nacogdoches mission is nearing the final stages. According to recent conversations with builder, Danny Powell, the re-survey and engineering, required by the City, has been completed, and clearing of the immediate site should take place this month. Watch the newspaper for an announcement about groundbreaking ceremonies.
This because, after months of prayer, Bro. June believes that while we’ve been waiting on God to provide the necessary funds to relocate, God has been waiting on us to move forward in faith, even though we do not have the funds necessary to complete the entire project. With the firm belief that this move is God’s plan for GODTEL, we are stepping out in faith, trusting Him to supply, in His time and in His way, all we need to complete the task.
After having proposed to Mr. Powell that we build one building at a time, he recalculated the cost of the buildings individually. At that time we had just over half the amount needed to complete construction of the smallest unit. Within an hour after one particular conversation between Bro. June and Mr. Powell, during which the needed funds were discussed, and at the end of which Bro. June gave the “go-ahead,” we received a visit from Gary Lee Ashcraft, Executive Secretary of the Nacogdoches County United Way. Mr. Ashcraft mentioned having been contacted by someone who was interested in contributing a sizeable amount to GODTEL’s Relocation Fund. (They did contribute $50,000, which gets a long way toward what is needed to complete the first building.)
We praise God for Who He is and for His guidance, His provision, His power, His protection, and His unfailing love. Please continue pray for our move and to seek Him in your living and your giving. Be assured that if you send any contribution to be applied to the relocation project, we will apply those funds strictly to the relocation/building fund.

Farewell, Dear Deborah

For the past six years, Deborah Carlock has lived and worked with us at the Livingston mission. Among other tasks, she faithfully did the laundry for most of that time. Her father died recently and, as part of her inheritance, her brother has agreed to let her live in the house owned by their dad. We rejoice that Deborah has a “home of her own” at last. We miss her already and ask that you would pray for her as she adjusts to living away from the hustle and bustle of GODTEL.
Thanks, again, Deborah for all the years you labored here with us. May God guide you daily and teach you continually about His ways and His great love for you. (Don’t forget to read your Bible daily as we’ve taught you to do.)
One Step Back
I am saddened to report that the young man I wrote about last month became, shall we say, overconfident (“Take heed when you think you stand, lest you fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12), and allowed himself to make some really bad choices. He left GODTEL for a couple of weeks but came back declaring that he really wants to change and do right. So, with some restrictions on his freedom, we have allowed him to return. He is in a very difficult struggle, so please hold him up in prayer.

Touching Gift

As you may beaware, several of our GODTEL staff and volunteers have a ministry writing toprisoners. Pegi (Bro. June’s sister) and Shana (a dear friend of Pegi’sdaughter) have both been writing to one particular prisoner who recently sentthem each a lovely hand-crafted wooden necklace with a wooden cross suspendedfrom it. They were both deeply touched and appreciative, and all of us in theoffice were amazed at all the time, effort, talent, and loving care thatobviously went into the constructing of those gifts.
However, as the accompanying letter was readwhich detailed the components, the construction, and the mailing of thoseprecious gifts, we became aware that prison rules forbid some of the activityinvolved and, at the very least, these items would have been confiscated hadthey been discovered. This made us sad to feel that we had been a part of“breaking the law” and, more than ever before, we understood what God meant whenhe said, basically, “Gifts are no substitute for, nor or they more desired than,obedience.” (1 Samuel 15)
Understanding God’s desire for us to submitourselves to the authority over us, we would rather know that our friends,family, and fellow Christians were being wholeheartedly pleasing to the Lordrather than have them “cut corners,” or tell “white lies” (of which there is nosuch thing), or break laws, or violate rules, especially on our behalf.(Ibelieve that any Christian should be troubled when laws/rules arebroken.)
When Pegi wrote back to thank the prisoner forthe gift and tried to explain the way she felt, the prisoner was greatlydistressed and deeply hurt. Perhaps he feels that he himself has been rejected,rather than realizing that this particular effort to please us has failed. Wepray that he can come to a place of understanding and peace with God, primarily,as well as peace with himself. We also pray that we all will learn a valuablelesson from this experience and be able to move on. That’s what Christians dowhen they “stumble.” They admit their wrong, they ask forgiveness (and the otherforgives), and they move on in brotherly love and harmony. True forgiveness is awonderful thing. I praise God that He offers a whole new life to any and all whowill simply:Admitthey have failed to live up to His standards,Believethat Jesus is God and that He died and rose again to pay for their failures andto enable them to have an abundant life on earth and spend forever in Heaven,andConfessto the world, (friends, family, strangers, and neighbors)—in word and deed—thatJesus is Lord (our boss) by doing what He tells us to.
Nancy Gentry

…Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

~George Washington’s Farewell Address

Several years ago a well known sports figure announced that he did not want to be a role model and that we should not expect him to be. Unfortunately there are times we cannot control how people watch and emulate us.  Recently I was humbled and blessed.  I have a sister in Christ who is a teacher.  During Red Ribbon Week she assigned her students to write about a role model in their lives.   Not too long ago I found out that Mary Baker at GODTEL was chosen by one of the young ladies in her class.  When I read the short piece, tears came to my eyes and I was deeply touched.  The truth of the matter is that I know I am nothing and if my Jesus showed through my words and actions then I give Him all the credit and glory.  I thank the Lord for this young girl and pray that He will continue to grow and use her in His service for many years.  God bless you.

Dan (not his real name) checked into GODTEL January 2008.  He was not a healthy man.  Days passed and he regained his strength.  He was attending Bible Study, a requirement for staying here.  From time to time he would come into the office and ask questions about God and the Bible.  He got well enough to get a job.  Dan moved out.  Things did not go well for him.  He would come by and say he would be checking in again, but he didn’t.  One day, in desperation, a friend brought Dan back to GODTEL.  His health, once again, was in decline.  Dan got another job.  He worked the night shift.  We found out that he was abusing his prescription medicines.  We told him to stop.  He continued in this behavior.  Dan had to move out.  That was a Friday.

Sunday morning he was dead.   Of course, we did not know the details of his death, but with his already bad heart condition and misusing prescription meds, his body could not handle it and it broke down and died.  We do not and will not believe that Dan took his life that early Sunday morning.  One memory I have is Dan coming into the office several times and saying he wanted what Martin and I had which, of course, is Jesus.  I believe he knew how to get “what we had”, but was not willing to give up control of his life to God.  Why is it so hard to let down the burdens of our life?  We can walk with a spring or trudge along with that heavy baggage on our shoulders.  We have a tiny bit of hope that sometime between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning that Dan decided to let Jesus carry his burdens, but we won’t know until we pass on to walk on those streets of gold ourselves.  We will miss him.

Our guest cooks were faithful in their attendance.  One Wednesday three students from Central High School came to serve the evening meal.  A quick talk and tour of GODTEL was given.  The girls served with willing hands and cheerful smiles.  They hope to return and serve again.  Several of our folks, residents and helpers, spent time in the hospital this past month.  They have returned and have responded positively to their medical care.  A new president has been sworn into office.  Remember, no matter what your personal politics are we are here to lift up our leaders in prayer.  Bob went for his one month check-up in Houston.  All is healing well.  He will go back in June for his next report.  Todd is still on kitchen duty.

With our guest cooks and Martin and I putting on our chef hats nobody will go hungry at GODTEL.  James is manning the resident phone and helping in the kitchen.  John asked to stay and help around here.  We have him doing some clean-up work around the place.  A couple of our guys work the night shift.  Huey works at a local nursing home.  Don works at Brookshire Bros. stocking the shelves so we consumers will have plenty to choose from when we head to buy groceries during DAY time hours.  Our day workers have jobs at Pilgrim’s, a computer shop, a tire store, and a roofing business.

Lonnie arrived the second day of January.  He was literally broken.  His face was black and blue and red from being hit so many times.  He had some broken ribs from the violent attack on him.  He had no where to go and could hardly move without hurting.  Each day as he rested and ate regular meals he regained his health and strength.  It became obvious to him that he needed a change in his life.  He listened to the Bible studies twice daily. About a week after his arrival to GODTEL Lonnie made a life changing decision.  He asked Jesus into his heart and made him Savior and Lord.  Martin encouraged and assigned extra Bible reading to Lonnie got a bus ticket and is now in Florida, mending relationships with his family.  We pray for Lonnie’s continued growth in the Lord.  Sadly, we had a few who had to leave because they broke the rules.  Positive results on a drug test or breath-a-lizer, not showing up for Bible study, and lying are the reasons for residents leaving this month.

Kim came and Kim went.  Kim had no place to go.  She arrived the first week of January.  Her son was with his dad.  Kim had some problems she needed to get under control.  With proper medication she has been doing well.  While here Kim went looking for a job.  She also looked into other options for her future.  She found a ministry that will be able to help her on a more one-on-one training.  She and her son have moved into the ministry facility.  We are excited for her.  Kim will learn parenting skills, cooking/nutrition, financing and budgeting information.  She will also have more in depth Bible study.  Please pray for Kim that she will be able to commit herself to this great opportunity.

We praise God that GODTEL was here for Kim, Lonnie, and Dan.  We thank you for your support so that we can be here for these hurting people.  Some hear and respond and others will tolerate the rules to have a place to stay.  We are here because God chose us to serve him at GODTEL.

In Christ’s Service

Martin and Mary Baker

“… Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

It was in January of 1977 that we purchased the “old” Redland Hotel in historic downtown Nacogdoches and opened GODTEL’s first (of three) Christian homeless shelters. At that time there began to flow through our lives a stream of hurting, broken, hopeless, poor, needy, and homeless individuals. Most were spiritually dead—lost—and in desperate need of learning about and accepting God’s love, forgiveness, and the new life He offers to “whosoever will”—anyone who will admit their wrongs, surrender to His rulership, and let Him live His life in and through them.

As “fishers of men,” every now and then we are blessed to “catch” a soul from this stream. We just received the following letter from one of our residents and hope you will be as blessed by it as we are.

Bro. June and Sis. Nancy,

For someone who has nothing—according to the way I used to look at things, I can’t ever remember being happier. I’ve spent my life running, never knowing where I was going, only to find one regret after another. I’m starting to see how it feels to be content and at peace. I’ve never been one to care about having a home. I guess you could call me a drifter. I’ve hurt a lot of people in my life and have had my share of pain. I gave up on getting close to anyone and didn’t give them time to get close to me. Even when I let you down, you were a friend to me. Through the years I forgot how to be a friend to myself or anyone else. GODTEL is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I’m not sure what I’m worried about, I’m just scared I will do something to mess this up. Please pray for me. I have always known about God and claimed to try to serve Him. I know Jesus died for me. For some reason, this all seems new to me.

Thank you for not washing your hands of me. I would very much like to be a part of GODTEL some day. I truly feel I have people who care about me and only want the best for my life. I thank Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins and I thank God for sending me to GODTEL.

A Grateful Resident

In speaking with this young man a few days after we received this letter, he told me how he had stayed at the mission for one day during Hurricane Rita three years ago. Subsequently, as his life took one turn after another, he consistently had the thought to return to GODTEL. Though it took three years, he is very glad to be back. Please pray for this young man. Old habits die hard and as he reads his Bible and seeks to stay busy and out of trouble, there are those who are envious of him and the changes they see in his life, and who are seeking to cause him to stumble. (Of course, Satan wants to destroy him if at all possible and, at the very least, make him unproductive as a Christian. Please pray that this individual would be wise and strong in the Lord—even winning the skeptics and scorners to God as they realize the change in him is for good—forever. It’s all because of God’s amazing grace & we are thankful to be a part of this wondrous work of the Holy Spirit.

Early in 2008, we told you about some new-found friends, Tim and Ruth Krantz. On December 18, we celebrated 25 consecutive months that they have provided us with an excellent meal. After December’s meal, they always give each resident a Christmas gift. God has truly blessed us by knowing them.

Apparently the spirit of giving and service runs in the family because, on December 22, a trailer load of food was delivered by Ruth’s daughter Anita Corning, her boss Tammy Smith, and co-workers from PFM LLC. Although we are always thankful for the chicken we get from Tyson Foods, now we can also enjoy hamburger, pork loin, bacon and eggs, and fresh fruit, plus an assortment of other items. And that’s not all…

Many of you may know of the problems we have had with worn-out stoves (the oven did not work in one of them and the door on both failed to seal). No longer a problem! About an hour after the food delivery, two new gas stoves were delivered.

Once again we would like to thank Tammy and Anita, realizing, of course, that praise must be given to the Lord. The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” What an honor that God uses people in His plan to provide others’ needs.

How thankful we are to God for His great faithfulness. Once again, as in the past 33 years of GODTEL’s existence (31 years since we opened our first shelter), we closed out the year with all bills paid and “in the black.” We do pray that God will bless each of you who prays for this ministry and who gives of your time and finances, enabling us to be here, with our “net spread,” ready to draw lost souls into His Kingdom.

Moving Forward in Faith

GOOD NEWS! (That’s what we are all about, actually—spreading the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ from God’s wrath-to-come.) Our builder is checking into getting the permits so we can begin building at least one of the three buildings for the relocation of the Nacogdoches mission. We still need over a million dollars to complete the project and are trusting God to move in the hearts and lives of His servants with whom He has entrusted financial affluence. We do not, however, discount the importance of the widows’ mites. God is able to move in the hearts of enough “widows” to provide the need. He will provide all we need. What, if anything, does He want you to do this New Year? May He guide you all year.

Nancy Gentry

Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones

Proverbs 16:24

Jingle bells, jingle bells.  It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go.  Joy to the world the Lord is come.  Oh come let us adore Him, oh come lets us adore him, Christ the Lord.  We just spent a day giving thanks and now we prepare for the day celebrating the birth of the very person, Jesus Christ, the giver of all things.

We had a lovely day in the middle of a very busy month.  Wednesday evening, before Thanksgiving Thursday, the ladies of Alpha Beta Chi came and decorated our big room.  These special ladies have been doing this for many years.  In fact, we were trying to remember how many years they have been coming.  And we still don’t remember.  We have the reusable decorating items (pumpkins, turkeys, and artificial leaves) from year to year.  What “makes” the room is the fresh pine needles, pine cones, and holly berries they bring each year.  They top off this splendid scenery with a new bow tied around the post of the podium.  Volunteers started arriving around 10:00 am Thursday.  Bob Dee, Chris, Heather, Katherine, Tina, Gina, Charlotte, Guy, Samantha and her grandma Susie all came and put together a feast to remember.  Fried turkeys and wild hog with dressing, succotash, green beans, giblet gravy, fresh fruit salad, rolls, and desserts of all kinds vanished quickly.  At 2:00 pm the bell was rung.  A short Bible Study was presented, the blessing said and then the eatin’ commenced.  Forty-seven people enjoyed the delicious meal.  A grateful and appreciative thank you goes to the volunteers who helped us.

Our regular guest cooks were in attendance this past month.  We also had some special folks come for a visit.  Leadership Tomorrow came on Wednesday morning.  They came to hear who we are and what we do at GODTEL.  They are learning about their community and education and career opportunities available to them.  Angelina County was well represented and we will continue to have a positive effect in years to come.  The AWANAS of Harmony Hill Baptist Church came that evening.  For Bible Study they led us in singing praise and scripture songs.  We even got the Christmas spirit going by singing the sounds of the season.  The residents were dismissed and the young people decorated grocery bags for our gift giving on Christmas day.  We are truly blessed when young folks come.  They are refreshingly honest and insightful.  The Lufkin Middle School CIAs (Christians in Action) reported for their monthly trip.  This time they prepared and served the evening meal.  The menu included spaghetti, salad, rolls, and dessert.  After they served the residents a plate of food, the students served them and ate with the others in the big room.

GODTEL has received canned goods from Forest Baptist Church, Lancewood Baptist Church, Brookhollow Elementary and Herty Primary schools.  We receive many donations through the year.  If you have given to GODTEL and I have not responded, please forgive me.  We do appreciate and are very grateful for all the Lord sends our way.

Resident News:  Seventy-Six souls came for help in November.  Our current helpers are Joseph, Bob, Elton, Phyllis, Todd, and Robyn.  Joseph is our Joe-of-all-trades.  He answers the office phone, serves the meals, strips seals, and waxes the floors.  He checks people in and assigns beds in the men’s dorm.  He also spends Tuesdays at Angelina College studying to take his GED.  Recently, Joseph experienced what I call a “God thing.”  His Driver’s license had been suspended in Oklahoma.  He was going to have to pay $650.00 to be re-instated.  He diligently saved his money and had just over the amount needed to comply, complete, and correct his past mistakes.  He called the Oklahoma DPS to make sure he had the right amount and where to send it.  What do you know?! Should I tell you?…$50.00 was all Joseph had to send.  Praise God!  He still has some “saved” money, but he did splurge and bought a used computer.  Helen came early October.  She had just had back surgery.  She receives a disability check.  She and a friend spent time looking for an apartment she could afford.  Victory is hers.  Helen will be moving into her new home in Nacogdoches the first week of December.  All her deposits have been paid, her furniture anxiously waits to move out of that crowded storage room into their new spacious domicile.  We are excited that Helen will be in her own home for Christmas and closer to her family.

We had six children stay at GODTEL this past month.  Three first names of James, two last names of Jackson, Jacobs, and Lee hung their hats here a night or two.  And none of them are related.  We had the surname King and first names of Queena  and Omega.  Yes we really did.  Because of your faithfulness and generous support we are able to minister to the people with the same names and those with the unique names.  And God desires to call each of them (and, us too) His own

Congratulations to the 7th Graduation Class of the Mosaic Center.

During the year GODTEL received gifts in memory of special loved ones who have changed their earthly address to heavenly.  We are keeping givers’ names close to our hearts and allowing the Lord to bless them.

In Memory Of:

Clay Harris

Laura Jo Welch

GODTEL also received a gift of Honor Of:

Joy and Charles Frederick.

They have moved to Colorado.  We miss Joy’s Cheerful and catchy smile and sweet spirit.

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, I wish I could adequately tell you how we (Martin and I) feel about you.  God has truly blessed us with your fellowship and faithful support in this ministry.  Even though God doesn’t need our help, I am honored that he has allowed me to be a part of His work at GODTEL.   We grow weary sometimes, but Our Father in Heaven always reminds us of his love.  Merry Christmas!!
In Christ’s Service,Martin and Mary Baker

“…giving thanks always for all things…”Ephesians5:20

Thanksgiving in Livingston is brightened by the Thanksgiving Day Community Meal provided by MannaFest at the Livingston Junior High. Bro. June and I have been in charge of the entertainment for the past seven years and always have a great time. This year our son, Jeremiah, played bass for us and sang a song he wrote, Bro. June’s sister, Pegi, sang with us and also sang a solo, and Frederick Williams  played guitar and sang some solos as well. We were also blessed with three   a cappella   numbers   by Janelle, a volunteer worker for MannaFest. Meals were served to more than 250 but there was plenty of delicious food left for us to eat when we finished the music.
We greatly appreciate Bro. Barry from Central Baptist Church providing transportation to and from the festivities for GODTEL’s residents. Our population at the Livingston mission for that day was 29 residents. Now, we are down to 17 residents.
In Nacogdoches, we served a traditional Thanksgiving meal at the mission and fed 101 people. We were blessed by the many volunteers who came to share the work and give of their time on this special holiday. Thank you.
Forty-nine of that 101 were our mission residents, some of whom were having to sleep in the hallway. (I can hardly wait to relocate!) Today we are down to 38 which includes three moms with their combined total of nine active children (all under the age of 7.)
Though we house so many each night, and no one is turned away the first time they come to us, provided they agree to abide by house rules, we do sometimes refuse to let an individual return as a resident. Even in these cases, though, we will still feed them at mealtimes. The circumstances under which we might refuse admittance are generally the results of previous choices on that individual’s part—to violate the rules and to make continued unacceptable life choices.
The following poem was handed to Royce (our Nacogdoches mission manager) when the author of it came to see him about Elizabeth.

Thanks Given to Elizabeth
11-27-2008

Elizabeth is a homeless girl.
She lives beneath a bridge.
She has no electric stove to clean,
Doesn’t even have a fridge.

All she has is a blanket.
It is blue, and it is worn.
I noticed her teeth are pearly white,
But the clothes she wears are torn.

Where did you come from Elizabeth?
Where are you going to?
Today is a special holiday,
Are you just passing through?

Where in the world is your family?
How could this happen to you?
My mind asks so many questions.
Your situation makes me blue.

In this world of excess and plenty
There is still misery and poverty.
I bet God is looking down
Waiting for you and me.

To help all the women named
Elizabeth,
To help them with their plight,
To free them from the loneliness
Of a dark and freezing night.

I took her a green warm
sleeping bag.
I took her a pair of gloves.
Her eyes looked up to heaven.
She whispered a prayer of love.

Oh, my God, Elizabeth,
You nearly broke my heart.
I drove off feeling guilty,
Leaving you lonely in the park.

Today is a wonderful holiday.
We give thanks for all we’ve got.
What have you got to be thankful for?
Not even a bed or cot.

Help me, God, to know what’s right.
Help me to seek your way.
There are lots of Elizabeths
Out there on Thanksgiving Day.

It might be dangerous to take them in.
They could be mentally unstable.
But God helped many people on earth.
He was willing and he was able.

Help me, God, to do the right thing.
Help me to understand
That someday I—
might be under that bridge
Praying for a helping hand.

This is a thanks given to Elizabeth.
She has opened up my eyes.
Give her peace and comfort her please
As the sun begins to rise.

Sleeping under a concrete bridge
In a deserted city park.
Lonely, cold and frightened,
Huddled in the dark.
God bless you sister Elizabeth.
May your days soon get much better.
My heart breaks for your situation
As I write you this sad, sad letter.

Love,

Alligator Annie

We appreciate Annie’s compassion and practical attempts to help Elizabeth. Our hearts break regularly for some of the people we minister to. Jesus wept over those He longed to save, but who would not respond properly.
Now, for the “rest of the story.” Our history with Elizabeth (the adopted daughter of a minister in Arkansas—who is still willing to help her—if she would only let him) began in 2005. During that year she stayed at both the Nacogdoches and Lufkin missions, for a total of three-and-a-half months. She lived at the Angelina House in Lufkin for a year but broke their rules, was arrested, and is not eligible to return there. She again stayed at our Nacogdoches mission for a month early this year. By the way, Elizabeth gets two monthly checks (mental disability) which total close to $1,000. Most months she is broke within 4 to 5 days with nothing to show for it.
We have lengthy letters from her, with thanks for our help, but we refuse to continue to enable her to waste her resources. We know that only God can truly help her and we pray that she will reach the end of herself and turn to our loving God Who is powerful to give a new life to those who surrender to Him. God’s Word declares that He preserves the simple, so we pray, we cry, and we trust Him. Your prayers are most welcomed.
Nancy Gentry

Bro. June and I traveled to the Hill Country of Texas the last weekend of October as guests of First Lakeview Church in Volente, situated on a hill on the north shore of Lake Travis. We have greatly enjoyed our yearly visits to this church for approximately 15 years. The members are warmly hospitable and have been generously supporting GODTEL for all these years. On two separate occasions, groups from First Lakeview drove to East Texas to visit us and work at whatever projects we had. We have most assuredly been blessed by them and are very thankful for the love they consistently display toward us.

During our absence on that Sunday, Jeremiah (our son) and Pegi (June’s sister) were in charge at the church. They were blessed by the family that substituted for us: Coy and Marty (Martha) Reese, and their son, Robert. Coy’s message concerned the importance of believing the right thing—it makes a difference what you believe. After all, it is possible to believe a lie—sincerely—but the outcome, or consequences, of that error can be most disastrous.

Not only is it important that we believe the right thing—the truth—but it also makes a difference how well we communicate truth. When our children were attending a Christian middle-school, I was blessed to read in the introduction to their A Beka English textbook that the study of English, and the proper use of language, was important, not only to communicate successfully on a secular level but, most importantly, to be able to effectively share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

As a side note, I might add that, no matter how well we may verbally communicate with others, it is most important to remember the lesson of 1 Corinthians 13:1, “though we speak with the tongues of men and angels but have not charity (the kind of love that gives of itself to others),” we are just so much noise.

Many interpersonal problems begin with incomplete, improper, or unclear communication. Sometimes both parties believe they understand one another, later to discover that there had been a failure to communicate. For example: before June and I left for Volente, he explained very carefully to Jeremiah and to Pegi just how to turn on the sound system at the church (Mission on the Hill), and where to set the three knobs for the volume, etc. Pegi took notes to be sure they would not forget anything. All parties were confident that things would go smoothly in our absence.

When we returned and  met for our first rehearsal for the next Sunday, Jeremiah commented that he could not set the knobs where June had instructed because, when he did, there was a very loud electronic feedback. This statement was followed by a tense series of questions, answers, accusations, and denials as these two, rather frustrated, men sought to resolve the problem. Though neither of them felt he was to “blame,” the fact remained that something, or someone, had been wrong. As hard as this “process” was, I was glad they did not just refuse to speak to one another because it was difficult—nothing would have been solved that way. Finally, though, an understanding was reached, apologies were made, and we were able to peacefully continue our rehearsal for the next Sunday’s music.

In the following explanation, the words position and setting are significantly different. (Ah-h-h, the “joys” of semantics.) You see, what Bro. June meant when he said “set the lowest knob at nine, the middle knob at ten, and the top knob at nineteen” was: the position of 9:00 o’clock, 10:00 o’clock, and nineteen (the literal number 19). As the markings around the knobs go from zero to ten, the settings of nine and ten were possible. The 9:00 o’clock position was actually a setting of two-and-a-half and the 10:00 o’clock position was a setting of three. Once we all understood the truth of the settings/positions of the knobs and of the miscommunication, we could have easily said to June, “Oh, that’s what you meant.”

Actually, I knew what he meant but did not realize they did not understand. June had even demonstrated the settings to Pegi showing her where the knobs went, but she did not have her glasses on and could not see that the “settings” and the “positions” were not the same. Then, when she read off to Jeremiah where to set the knobs–the positions, he turned to the actual settings. No wonder he had feedback! The volume was all the way up. I am sure, well, I certainly hope that, this is a lesson none of us will forget.

Sometimes, no matter how clearly we think we have communicated or how careful we have been to convey a message, there is a breakdown in the reception and successful understanding of the information. God’s Word tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to show yourselves  approved unto God, workmen (communicators) who do not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing (handling accurately) the word of truth.

May we all be faithful and effective communicators of the love of our Lord, Savior, and Creator—Jesus Christ.

Nancy Gentry

“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses …” Acts 1:8

Well, this year’s celebration of the Jewish Feast of Trumpets has come and gone and, much to my disappointment, we are still here. I will continue to rest in God’s perfect love, knowing His timing is perfect; Jesus will come when the time is exactly right-not a micro-second early and not a micro-second late. So, still waiting with anticipation for His return, I will get back to work, “redeeming the time” until His return.

I say, “get back to work,” meaning writing this newsletter, because I have been working on other tasks since, as I rationalized in my great hope that we Christians would not be here on earth after Rosh Hashanah, we would not be in need of another newsletter. And, of course, Hurricane Ike created a lot of extra work for us this month.

I am sure there have been many sermons preached comparing hurricanes and other natural disasters to the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual “storms” that human beings face regularly in this life. During this most recent hurricane and shortly afterward, God showed me many parallels, assuring me of His love and ability to keep me protected, provided for, and comforted as the storm raged around me.

In many of the sermons and Bible study lessons Bro. June presents, he quotes Ephesians 5:20 about always giving thanks to God for all things. If we are walking by faith: believing God, believing that He knows best, and choosing to do what He, in Scripture tells us to-including making the choice to be thankful for everything, things may not change dramatically, but our focus changes. Though we may not be able to physically see God working in our circumstance, we are enabled to face hardships with patience, endurance, and hope. That allows others to see Jesus in us and draws them to Him.

On Saturday morning, during this most recent hurricane, we lost electric power. (We were in Livingston at the time.) Mayor Evans came by on Sunday afternoon, as he made rounds of hospitals, nursing homes, etc., to see if we were okay and to see if we had any special needs the city might be able to help with. At that time, his information was that the power lines between Livingston and the source of Livingston’s power in Beaumont were so devastated that it might be three weeks before those could be repaired and able to transmit power once again. We were very thankful that we had a couple of generators (purchased after Hurricane Rita three years ago) and that we had bought a third generator for the Nacogdoches mission just three weeks prior to “Ike.” (All three of our missions lost power but in Nacogdoches and Lufkin the power was off less than 24 hours. Even so, the generators there were utilized to keep the refrigerators and freezers running so no food was lost.) Prior to Ike’s landfall, we had sent Jeremiah (our son who works mostly at the Livingston mission) to the Nacogdoches mission to help Royce with whatever might arise during the storm. When he returned to Livingston late Monday, he brought the Nacogdoches generator here and we used it at our office to operate our computers. Another of our sons, Josiah, and his wife Michelle, live near the Livingston mission. (If you recall, she works here in the office with Pegi-June’s sister, and me.) Anyway, Josiah and Michelle have a small freezer which they put on a dolly, wheeled over to our house, and plugged into “our” generator.

In all, we were without power 4-1/2 days. (Our daughter in Houston was without power for 11 days.) We had fences blown down, limbs  twisted out of trees and whole trees broken in half and/or uprooted, a gas line cracked by the swaying of the tree growing over it (the gas line was entangled in the tree’s roots and as they were being torn “out of socket” the gas line could not withstand the pressure), the unsecured awning of the RV (we occasionally use for overflow housing) flew off and the window it was supposed to protect was broken, and there was much debris everywhere. Our flashlights really got a good workout during the power outage. Early each morning (we get up at 5:30 a.m.) as I read my Bible in the beam of the flashlight, I would hear the trucks of the linemen rumble by, going to and coming from breakfast served for them at Camp Cho-Yeh, down the road from us, and I would thank God for them and pray for their safety and strength for the task.

When our power was restored I immediately felt the urge to give a big hug to the first lineman I could find. How I thank God that these men, (including our Livingston Thursday-night Bible study teacher, Bo Richardson) who tirelessly work long hours, going without proper rest, away from their families, and facing danger, are willing to endure and do the job required of them.

As Christians, we possess the immense power of God in these earthen vessels. If we lose faith and do not obey the commands of God’s Word during the “storms” of life, we block the flow of that power and fail to be the reflected light of Jesus Christ, the light of this world. Those who do not know Christ are in darkness and because they generally do not know they are lost and in the dark, their darkness is great indeed. We must be faithful to the job we are called to do, as those linemen have been faithful to their job of doing whatever was necessary to restore power and light to storm victims. The time is short and the fields are ready to be harvested but the laborers are few. Let’s not “sit at home” enjoying the “power” and “light” we have, not caring about those still in the darkness.

I cannot imagine standing before the One Who “loved us while we were yet sinners” and Who laid down His life to rescue us from darkness and death, trying to explain why we did not love Him enough to obey His instruction to “go” and tell.

Bro. June & Nancy

I am generally a very healthy person. I work at eating right and getting regular exercise and plenty of sleep. (I wash my hands often, especially during winter.) I am blessed to have been born with a healthy “constitution” and I thank God for that.

On Friday afternoon, March 7, however, I began to realize that I was under the influence of a rather “unfriendly” “bug.” By Monday I knew the “germ” that had invaded my body was not just unfriendly, it was downright malevolent. As soon as June was finished with his Nacogdoches work that afternoon, he bundled me into the car and we drove straight to Livingston where he had to work on Tuesday. (That meant he asked Martin to teach his Monday night Bible study at the Lufkin mission.) When we arrived in Livingston, I called a doctor. (He and his wife made a house call!) After he checked me over, he said he thought it was a virus (to be sure he would have to run some tests) and prescribed some medications to alleviate my symptoms and to help me get some sleep.

I missed an entire week of work, unable to get out of bed. The following week I had very little strength and could hardly think. I got some work done but had to rest often. Periodically, I would have a violent coughing spell.

On Tuesday, March 25, I realized that I felt good for the first time since “falling prey” to disease. I was able to work all day and I loved it. As I have thought about this experience, God has taught me something.

Being physically in the power of this illness is comparable to being spiritually in the power of sin. Both are formidable taskmasters and not to be “played” with. Each needs a cure. Just as it took only a very tiny virus to devastate my physical health, it only takes one “small” sin to destroy our spiritual health. James 2:10 tells us if we break one of the commandments, we are guilty of breaking all. Then in James 4:17 we read, “If we know the right thing to do and do not do it, it is sin.” In Psalm 66:18 we learn that if we are holding onto sin in our hearts, God will not hear our prayers.

Of course, there is one big difference between physical and spiritual sickness. While disease is unpleasant, and most intelligent people do not choose to become ill, sin can be pleasurable-at least for a season-and many people are so short-sighted they live for the immediate gratification of the moment rather than for eternal purposes and peace with God. Perhaps they have a “healthier” fear of disease than they do of the almighty Creator and Judge Who has called us to be as holy and perfect as He is. I suppose we lose sight of the fact that “The wages of sin is death.”

The power of sin to rule and to drive us and keep us in bondage is great. Without Jesus Christ and His resurrection power, we are helpless to free ourselves from its grip. Of course, we often lie to ourselves, saying that we really don’t want to be free (change, quit something).

The insert in last month’s newsletter, “Out of Control,” is very thought-provoking. (I hope you took the time to read it.) The premise is that we are never really in control. We are being controlled either by sin or by God. If there is any control on our part, it is in the choices we make as to who will control us.

To stay spiritually healthy, it is important for Christians to “eat right” by reading and “digesting” God’s Word daily, to “rest” by trusting Jesus (spending time with Him in prayer), to confess our sins and allow the blood of Christ to wash us (and restore a clean heart in us), and to “take the medicine” prescribed by the Great Physician (obeying His Word and His will). Establishing good habits can be a big help in maintaining spiritual vigor.

Romans 8:28-29 assures us that all things are working to conform us to the image of Christ and are, therefore, working for the good of God’s children (those who are truly saved from the power of sin-the called according to His purpose-and who are choosing to be obedient to our Heavenly Father-obedience being the criteria set forth in John 14:15 that proves we love God). Only if we have an active, living relationship with God, however, do we have the desire and the power to obey Him.

GODTEL residents hear this message proclaimed twice daily at each of our missions in our “formal” Bible studies and much more often than that as we have opportunity for one-on-one counseling sessions. Many are unconcerned, but, praise God, there are those who listen and are seeking to learn. Please keep them in your prayers regularly.
Nancy Gentry