September Newsletter - Nacogdoches/Livingston

Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Feast of Trumpets, will be celebrated this year beginning at 6:00 p.m. on September 18th and ending at 6:00 p.m. on September 20th. Though it may not be this year, we believe when Jesus does come back, it will be at some point during this two-day feast. If you wonder why we believe this, call and we can talk about it.

The purpose for which GODTEL exists is to prepare people for the return of Christ. We house, feed, and clothe the poor and homeless so we can have the opportunity to tell them of the One Who created all we see and put us in this amazing creation to give us the choice of where we will spend eternity. At our three homeless shelters we demonstrate God’s love in a practical way while conducting twice-daily studies in God’s Word, the Holy Bible. We also send out this monthly newsletter to inform, challenge, inspire, and encourage those of you who read it.

Our hope and prayer is that you have already accepted the gift of salvation, received spiritual birth into God’s family, and you are ready to face the final judgment. If so, Rosh Hashanah will be a glorious time for you when Jesus fulfills this feast and returns for His own.
 
So Thankful
 
Though our guest cooks have been hindered from their normal activities due to the restrictions of the pandemic, many of them have become very creative as they continue to provide delicious meals giving our residents a special treat and furnish our cooks with a much-appreciated break from their duties.

In Livingston, two men from the Rotary Club have been purchasing Sunday lunches from the Deli at Brookshire Brothers. They even delivered until we found out how far they had to drive. We are now gladly making the pickup ourselves right after our church service at the Mission On The Hill where Bro. June preaches each Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. (Visitors are welcome as we continue to obey Scripture to “Not forsake the assembling of ourselves together,” Hebrews 10:25.)

​Also at the Livingston mission, Grace Bible Fellowship from Fred, TX dropped off delicious Subway sandwiches, chips, tea, and a mouth-watering homemade lemon cake (Roselyn’s grandmother’s recipe). (See below.)

Our Thursday night Bible study teacher, Bo Richardson, and his wife Roxanne, brought dessert one evening: ice cream with bananas, a variety of toppings, and whipped cream. What a delight!

​The Nacogdoches shelter has been blessed in similar ways as well and we are thankful for every remembrance.
 
A Follow Up
 
Following last month’s memorial tribute to Bro. George Dodson, we received a note from a former resident of GODTEL (who sends regular support and receives our newsletter). He said, “Sorry to hear the passing of Rev. Dodson. During my two months stay at GODTEL Hotel, Reverend Dodson baptized me... October 19, 1980.

Bro. George baptized several of GODTEL’s residents—after they made professions of faith in Jesus. One of them became the first black member of Fredonia Hill Baptist Church back about 1978 or 1979.
 
And Then There was Laura ...
 
Hurricane Laura, that is. Our Nacogdoches shelter’s population grew from around 24 to 52 in one day. (See photo below.) We are very thankful we were spared the fury of the storm but pray for those who were severely impacted.

Just a Reminder
 
Bro. June’s sermons and music are available for viewing on YouTube. His music CDs and helpful Christian literature are also available directly from GODTEL. Check it out.

​~Nancy Gentry