“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain.”      I Corinthians 9:24

     The January picture on my calendar has a rainbow on it.  What a magnificent way to start the new year - with a promise.  In my many years of celebrating the “new year” I have come to the truth that God’s promises are far better than man’s resolutions.

     January was full of guest cooks, visitors and life with the residents.  All of our regular guest cooks were faithful as they came and filled us with belly filling cuisine.  One Saturday we had a group of Angelina College students come for a tour.  We finished just in time for the students to serve the evening meal.  They have decided to make GODTEL the third Saturday night place to be.  Welcome aboard!  Leadership Tomorrow also came for a tour of GODTEL.  Leadership Tomorrow is a select group of high school students from all over the county.  Each year they learn about the business opportunities, health and social services available and other points of interest in their east Texas area.  We are glad that GODTEL is on the tour list.  It is important for our future leaders to be aware of all kinds of situations as they prepare to take the reins of spiritual, moral and political decisions in their lives.  Pray that these young people will seek God’s will for their futures.

     Throughout our years at GODTEL we have had many people pass through our doors.  And some of these have come from countries outside the United States.  In the last several months we have had a united nations parade.  Cambodia was represented by Michael and Raven.  They first stayed at the Livingston GODTEL.  They came up to Lufkin for more job opportunities.  Michael and Raven did not stay long.  They went back to Livingston where Raven got a job.  Jamie is from Scotland.  He, too, has been in the states awhile.  He landed on our doorstep in December.  He got a job at E-Tech.  He was able to save his money and move out in January.  We have seen him a few times since his departure.  China and Russia were represented earlier this year.  We have even been blessed by people from Chile, Peru, Mexico, Korea and a few other foreign lands that have slipped my mind.

     Christmas break ended and the new year began.  Students returned to school.  Some residents moved out and some moved in.  Brenda and her son moved out.  We see Randall on his bike from time to time.  Rachel and Ryan and their folks are still here.  Families need more time to move out.  Most families choose to move into a house and, therefore, it takes more time to save up deposits and first andf last months rent.  Even though Michael works in Huntington, they have found a house they hope to rent in the Central area.  We are praying that God’s will be done.  (Resident) Joseph celebrated his 15th birthday this month.  After Bible Study that night we ate cake and ice cream.  We even sang “Happy Birthday” to him.  When the weather cooperates, Rachel, Ryan and Joseph ride their bikes all around the neighborhood.  What am I saying?!  They ride their bikes in all kinds of weather…that’s what children do.  It has been a blessing to see these young ones enjoy the bicycles they received Christmas day.

     Yolanda and Jackie came up from Houston the end of January.  The day after they checked in they were gone bright and early (after  Bible Study and breakfast).  That evening they came in with notes on the message board.  They were already getting call backs from applications they had put in that day!  A day or two later they both got jobs.  But, alas, the hours conflicted with our evening Bible Study requirement.  With help from another agency they found a place to live and are now gainfully employed.  One afternoon two police cars drove into our parking lot.  They inquired the whereabouts of one of our residents.  After an extended question and answer session he was handcuffed and arrested.  Disappointment, hurt, and anger are my reactions.  The worst part is that he was doing this illegal action while staying at GODTEL.  He has multiple health problems and we had extended him some leniency on the rules.  He said he was a Christian.  Christians do make bad choices.  But he has hurt God and GODTEL and most of all himself.  Please pray for Nelson and God’s will in his life.

     Jazzmine arrived December 1st.  Her family worked hard and finally was able to get her a bus ticket home to Alabama.  As usual, some stayed one night and some didn’t stay at all.  No matter how long people stay or don’t stay we praise God that we are here when needed.

     You know, just because it may be a good thing to do it doesn’t mean it is the God thing to do.  Months ago, friends in Athens (Texas) e-mailed us about a heartbreaking story.  They, with some other brothers and sisters in Christ, are seeking God’s will and direction about starting a shelter in Athens.  We’ve had several e-mail conversations during these months.  Well, a group, including our friends, came the last Saturday in January.  Even though it was a cold day the fellowship was warm.  We talked and answered questions and gave a tour of GODTEL.  This visit was different than the ones just coming to see the local mission.  Gathering facts, exploring possibilities, seeking God’s will are all important steps in the yes or no of this “good thing”.  So, I ask you to join us and our Athens branch of God’s family in prayer concerning this.

     This is Texas and spring is not far off.  I see signs of garden activity.  Remember Valentine’s Day and President’s Day.

     Thank you for your support which makes it possible to serve our Lord at GODTEL.

                                      In Christ’s Service,

                                      Martin and Mary

First I would like to appologize for not having any pictures to add.  My camera still works but for some reason I cannot download them to my computer.  So you will have to use your imagination.  The rye grass is coming up and giving the ground a nice green tint.  We have been clearing brush and trying to leave enough trees and bushes to have a landscaped look.  We have located the corners on the Jordan street side of the property and we have begun to build fence.  The fence is treated rough cut corral boards with treated 4×4 posts.  We have completed the entrance area on Jordan street.  We are now proceeding with 6 ft horse wire fence and tying in to the chainlink fence around the housing authority property.  We have also bought and installed two carports.  One of these is being closed in to house the tractor that Brother June  brought from Livingston.  June has been mowing and his indentured  servant (me) has been picking up trash.  We have built a blockade on the Ritchie St. side to try and reduce the traffic across our property.  The cross traffic is where the trash comes from.  To sum up we have been digging, picking, hacking, chopping, planting, mowing, bagging, nailing, sawing, hammering, dragging, racking, building, and worst of all sweating.  It is really looking good.

Well here it is 2010 and we need to get the building project finished.  I would like to challenge each of you that visit this website to consider helping.  Like I mentioned in my last post  just 100 people with $5,000.00 that they can spare would build the next building.  I know that is a lot of money.  However it is not astronomical.  Maybe you know someone that you could join with to help us reach our goal.  We really need to get the next building built before 2011.  We have determined to take the next step in the construction as the money becomes available.  So when we have the money the dirt work will be done .  Then the forms and slab will be done and we will continue to build until it is complete.  Then we will start on the next building.

Here is what the Lord has done so far;

Tucker Foundation                                                50,685.00

Danny P0wel and associates                            117,500.00

Taylor & Ass.                                                             16,759.00

Dr. Pokala                                                                    50,000.00

Bethlehim Mission                                                      2,500.00

Fredonia Hill                                                                 2,500.00

First Baptist                                                                  25,000.00

First Lakeview Ch                                                          1,000.00

GODTEL Lufkin                                                                1,000.00

Lee Danis                                                                         10,000.00

Misc. Sales                                                                       11,440.00

Anon.                                                                                 12,593.00

Pledged from sale of old building                        341,254.00

TOTAL                                                                             647,509.00

The total project will cost approximately $1,650,000.00.  To date we have paid for the land, the surveying, the plans, the engineering, the land clearing, the staff building , and the driveway.  We still need $1,000,000.00 to finish, furnish, and move in.

The ribbon cutting went great.  We had a good crowd from the Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors, and even Brother Dotson (the pastor of Fredonia Hill Baptist Church when we were young).  I had a nice little visit with him before the ceremony and it was great.  The speeches were nice and short.  The snacks and drinks were fresh and hot.  I am sure that we will be on the Ktre news this evening and we will be in the Daily Sentinel tomorrow.

Royce and I had a conversation yesterday and with a couple of our guests today.  The jist of the conversation was that all we need is for 100 individuals to donate $5,000.00 and we could finish the next building or for 200 people to donate the same amount and the project would be complete.  You all know that as a missionary I do not make very much money but I could probably come up with $5,000.00 if push came to shove.  It is something for us to think about.

This is an update on the ribbon cutting so if you are planning to attend make note of the new time 9:00am instead of 9:30am.

We have persevered and finished the staff house for the new mission location.  We will be celebrating this milestone with a Ribbon Cutting on Thursday December the 17th at 9:00 am.  Many of the people that have contributed and sacrificed to accomplish this will be there.  So each of our supporters are invited to join us at the new property to acknowledge GOD’S grace and providence in our lives and in this work.

Directions to the new property:

The property is located inside the loop in Nacogdoches off the Douglas Highway(Highway 21 west) turn north on Jordan street right behind New Way Food convenience store which is next door to Family Bail Bonds.  If you are going west from downtown you will be turning right onto Jordan street and then you will turn right onto the property.  If you are coming off the loop going east towards downtown you will be turning left onto Jordan street and then turning right onto the property.   You will see the new house as you turn.  I will try and have a sign at the Jordan street entrance. 

If you need help finding the place  you can call my cell phone. 

936-676-5647