May Newsletter - Nacogdoches and Livingston

What blessedness to have the assurance that our loving Creator is faithful through the storms of our lives. Though we may not always understand why He does what He does, we can know that the purpose is always for the good of His kingdom and ultimately for our good. This truth was reinforced to me recently when we sang the song “Through It All” by Andraé Crouch. The last verse says, “I thank God for the mountains and I thank Him for the valleys, I thank Him for the storms He brought me through. For if I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know God could solve them, I'd never know what faith in God could do.”

Most of the people we minister to at GODTEL are coming out of some “storm” (often of their own making) and are very low in spirit—which reminds me of another song we like to sing that begins, “When I’m low in spirit, I cry, Lord, lift me up … but He tells me there’s strength in my sorrow and victory in trials for me.”

Our twice daily Bible studies give answers to life’s questions and those who pay attention and ask questions can find comfort, strength, and purpose for their lives. It brings us great joy when we see despair turn to hope when the message of God’s love and forgiveness sinks in and a new life begins. That is why we do what we do—to obediently tell others about Jesus so they can share in the hope and joy of the wonderful future awaiting God’s adopted children—even in the middle of the storms life brings our way. God is not dead. He is very much alive and active.

Thanks From
 
Last month I wrote about some chairs we gave to a mission church in Mexico. The very next week, the aunt of the man who received the chairs expressed her gratitude by bringing us a gift of appreciation: some Mexican honey, a large box of assorted Mexican cookies, and some delicious homemade tamales. How pleasant it is when people express their thanks—especially in such a delicious way!
 
CWJC and CMJC
 
For quite some time we have been encouraging our residents who need training in order to get a job to attend classes at the Christian Men’s Job Corp or the Christian Woman’s Job Corp. We recently decided to do more than encourage them and are now requiring those who have been here for weeks and still have no job to participate. When we offered to let classes be held at GODTEL, we were delighted that our offer was accepted. The following is an excerpt from their recent literature:
 
Where to begin. It has been a tough month not only for CWJC/CMJC, but also for the people we are serving. We have recently partnered with GODTEL to try and help their residents find work. It is hard to do under normal circumstances. In a pandemic-weary community struggling to keep business going it is even harder. The people we are working with have no means of transportation, lack proper attire, and many do not have the proper documentation they need to work. One homeless person we had recently helped had his social security card and birth certificate stolen while he was on the street. Often when trying to assist the homeless we find ourselves starting with scratch. They require mentors, advocates, and lots of hands-on acts of service. We have decided not to be overwhelmed by the need, but to keep on helping as many as we can, one person at a time. Currently we are serving at least a dozen homeless people in total (not all are in GODTEL). Our goal is to help them not only get the documents they need to get work, but assist them in job training, business clothing and interview skills. Most of all we want to communicate the truth that Jesus loves them and cares about them. We believe that this truth can set them free from what is holding them down.
 
We have been impressed with the amount of help given by CWJC in the past and are very hopeful that this will help our residents be successful spiritually and economically.
 
 Boat for Sale
 
The Celebrity boat and trailer pictured below is parked at the Nacogdoches location. The man who donated it to GODTEL told us it is in good shape except it needs a water pump. Proceeds from the sale will be used to house and feed the homeless and hungry. Make an offer.

Livingston Blessings

Pictured in the photograph below is a food donation we recently received. 

In addition to what is shown, we also received 23 gallons of milk, 45 dozen eggs, and 72 1-lb. blocks of butter.   In other food donations, we received potatoes, onions, carrots, #10 cans of green beans, corn, chile, and baked beans, large box of oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, disposable cutlery, cups and plates, water, Pop Tarts, spaghetti sauce, pasta, toilet paper, and a new freezer which gave us a place to save the butter and other perishable items that could be successfully frozen and thawed.

Brother June and I made a trip to Woodville to speak about GODTEL to the W.O.M. of Calvary Baptist Church, where Bro. Edwin Findley (one of our faithful weekly Bible study teachers) is the pastor. We enjoyed sweet fellowship and came away with gifts of brand new pillows, sheet sets, towels, and wash cloths.
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Members of this church travel to Livingston once a month to feed us delicious meals and encourage our hearts. Thanks to you all for giving to the Lord.
 
For Your Information
 
Bro. June’s sermons and music are available for viewing and listening to on YouTube. His music CDs and helpful Christian literature, including the series on Faith by Manley Beasley are also available directly from GODTEL (Contact information is at the bottom of this page). Call, email, or write us.

~Nancy Gentry