Government Funding Not Accepted
Last month Bro. June heard of several people who did not support GODTEL financially because they figured we received plenty of money from the government. Well, they figured wrong. In fact, it has been our policy since we received our charter in 1975 to neither seek nor accept funding from government sources. We firmly believe this is God’s will for this ministry, so we are diligent to obey Him, no matter how tempting and available some of those government grants may be.
God has been faithful to supply our needs through all these years and we know that He will continue to supply all we need to complete the assignment He has given us. Since God made all we see, and all belongs to Him (“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,” Psalm 24:1), He has more resources than all the governments and all the entrepreneurs of the world put together, and then some.
This information came to us too late to include in last month’s newsletter. However, it did get posted as part of the April newsletter on GODTEL’s web site www.godtel.org (hosted by juxtapose in Nederland). I decided to include it again in this month’s post because it bears repeating.
Livingston Roof Report
We are praising God that plans are underway to replace the leaky roof on the Livingston mission. The roof has been carefully measured, the necessary materials have been purchased, and the actual work should begin sometime this month (May). Funding came from what we had been saving for this project and special designated gifts from GODTEL supporters. We know God will provide all we need to pay the laborers and to complete this project. (Did I mention that God is faithful?!)
May God abundantly bless those of you who gave an extra donation to help meet this need. We do appreciate your concern and the fact that you have allowed God to work through you. We are humbled and blessed by your gifts and sincerely thank you for your generosity.
Royce Oliver
Royce Oliver is the manager of GODTEL’s Nacogdoches shelter and doing a great job. We appreciate his “no nonsense” attitude which is mixed with a heart-longing to see people set free from the bondages of sin and receive the abundant life available in Jesus Christ. He provided the following testimony for me to share with you:
I came to GODTEL in July 2004 after being released from jail. Though this was my third drug felony (the others had been in Arkansas and Missouri), I again received probation. Most three-time losers serve some prison time, especially after jumping bond and skipping prosecution for seven years. Since I couldn’t leave the state and the only Texans I knew were deep into the drug scene, GODTEL was my best option. During the check-in procedure, I decided that if this ministry was to help me, then I had to do my part, at least by obeying the rules. Did the Lord bring me here? (No doubt about it.)
I had gone to church nearly every Sunday from the age of 6 until about 15. I knew the Gospel message and many of the stories of the Old Testament but thought I needed to live life before making the choice to accept Jesus into my heart. I can’t explain it but I knew that I would one day make that choice. (How many have waited until it’s too late?) All of a sudden I was attending 13 Bible studies a week and the memories of my earlier church life returned. Soon I became friends with Bro. June’s son, Jeremiah, and I decided that I wanted to stay here and get involved with the ministry. In January 2005 I became a Christian and started working weekends in the kitchen. During the week I would work for Bobby Boudria and Ms. Louise Simmons and they became dear Christian friends.
Before long, I was asked to be the weekend mission manager so Jeremiah could spend more time with his family. Then, when Jeremiah moved to Livingston, a close relationship developed between me and Bro. June’s oldest son, Michael, and his entire family. After years of being away from my family, I was treated as part of theirs. I realized I was now a part of Christ’s family.
In 2010 I began to go to Eden Community Baptist Church where my best friend, Jack Lee, is pastor. Jack has done the Friday night service at GODTEL since before I arrived. The congregation at Eden has provided more Christian friends. The preaching of Bro. June and Jack, plus the friendship and mentoring of Sis. Nancy, has helped me continue to grow as a Christian. God’s Open Door To Eternal Life opened a door for a new life for me, and I daily thank God for those who donate to keep our physical doors open. GODTEL may not be for everyone but some days I feel that it was created just for me. I pray that others will feel the same.
Now, almost eight years after arriving, I can say I love the Lord, the entire Gentry/Silva family and have a passion for my job that most employees never experience. I try to tell people with addictions how much the Lord has changed me and can change them, but since they didn’t know me before, it often falls on deaf ears. My past has helped me understand the problems of many of our clients and I pray that it is in my future to help solve some of those same problems in the lives of others. I still have numerous flaws but as the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:11, “… for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Contentment is so much more valuable than the rollercoaster emotions of the world.
The people I have mentioned are only a few of the many who have influenced my Christian walk. The Lord knows the others and my love for each of them. I pray that God will bless each and every one.
All praise to God.
—Royce Oliver
For Sale
1952 Dodge Power-Wagon
(M-37 from Korean Conflict)
(It runs but needs brakes.)
Asking price—$7,000
2001 Royal-Deluxe Coachman
5th Wheel with 3 slides. In very good
condition—new tires.
Parked at Livingston GODTEL and owned by missionaries.
Sacrificial selling price—$15,500
For more information call: 713-907-7950