August Newsletter - Lufkin

Oh my! Do I see school buses on the horizon? And do I hear school bells ringing announcing the summer is over? July has gone into the sunset and August is on the horizon.

EMPLOYMENT REPORT:

• New jobs-12
• Still working-10

Praise the Lord!

We Texans know that summer is not gone. But school teachers are gearing up to welcome students once again. One granddaughter will graduate this year. Another granddaughter will enter kindergarten.

Martin and I were invited to celebrate our nation’s birthday with dear friends. The dinner bell rang. We gathered around. Next a prayer was said. Then we had to sing for our meal. We began with patriotic songs. Hands covered hearts as we sang the National Anthem. There were not many dry eyes in the crowd.

The food was delicious. The fellowship was amazing. We caught up with old friends and met new friends. We praise God for His many blessings He generously pours out on us. We see His love and mercy all around us. What a day we had. Thank you, Lord.

Even though it was mid summer with hot days and muggy nights our guest cooks showed us their commitment to GODTEL. We enjoyed shepherd’s pie, yummy nachos, finger lickin’ barbequed chicken, beef brisket sandwiches, and lasagna. All these meals were topped off with very delicious and tempting desserts. We appreciate the time and love that is put into these meals. Thank you.

Summer days in Lufkin are filled with activities for local children. No child will be able to say “Mom, I’m bored”. Most of our churches have Vacation Bible School. Our home church, Calvary Baptist Church, has moved to another location and changed its name to LifePoint Church. Even with these changes we did not miss the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with children in our new neighborhood.

The volunteer workers came from as far as Hillsboro, Texas. The average daily attendance was 50 children. From many reports that I heard the children had a roaring good time. The theme was “Life is wild. God is good.” During the week we saw elephants, bison, lions, gorillas, a yak and giraffe or two roaming  our hallways.

Martin and I visited the first day of VBS. The closing assembly was full of hot but excited kids. They still had energy to dance and sing just before parents came to collect their children. GODTEL Ministries is blessed to receive the Vacation Bible School offering. Life is wild. God is good.

Not only are the bells ringing at the public schools so are The Fieldhouse and The Mosaic Center  preparing for their next sessions. These are the Christian Men’s/Women’s Job Corps ministries.

The Mosaic Center, for women, will start August 26. Monday through Friday from 8:30 am-2:00 pm for 12 weeks women will learn computer skills, job skills and life skills through daily Bible study. Our Christi will, once again, be a mentor on Thursdays. If you know anybody who could benefit from this opportunity please have them contact The Mosaic Center.

The Fieldhouse, for men, will start August 26. The men’s classes are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 pm-8:30 pm. For 12 weeks the men will meet and have a meal, provided by different churches in Lufkin, then Bible study.  Jobs For Life is the curriculum. For the next two hours the men will learn computer skills, job skills and life skills. The goal is to equip men and strengthen families in our community.

I met Judy at my Wednesday morning Bible study. She attended St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church. She was friends with the church representative, Deanna, to GODTEL. She and Judy worked on several projects for GODTEL and its residents. Judy had a heart for children. Her ministries at her church were always about the children. St. Cyprian’s has provided our Easter day meal for many years. Judy joined in that project. She not only helped prepare the meal, she and her husband and daughter came and served the meal. They ate with us and we fellowshipped quite awhile after the meal. We will miss Judy, her encouraging spirit and contagious smile.

Meet Beth. Beth went to work on Monday. She decided she was not going to go back the next day. Martin talked with her and encouraged her. She did go back the next day and she is still on the job. She comes home tired, but she is up and ready to go to work the next morning. I was walking about and asked one of the guys if Beth had gone to work that day. They said yes and that she was a hard worker. I was so encouraged to hear that. Way to go , Beth!

David S. is another person who has been here several times. He is a likeable guy. He is gifted with many talents. He is a carpenter. He is a small motor repair man. He volunteered for chores. He would earn money and then one night he would spend it drinking. And then he would have to move out. Pray for David to break out of his bondage.

Birthdays this month include Tom, Bro. June, Doug, Paula and Paul. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A big thank you to all who support us. We were able to help Beth, Steven and others with your help this past month. Praise the Lord!

“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”  2  Thessalonians 3:10

​Because we serve a Living God,
Martin and Mary Baker