Lufkin - January 2017

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”   John 1:1
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”   Luke 2:8-11So You'll Know:
December 2016
1st-20 people
31st–22 people
Total helped-49 people
Praise the Lord!
EMPLOYMENT REPORT:
New jobs-3
Still working-4
Praise the Lord!
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
Revelation 22:13
     Phones were ringing not bells. The callers were inquiring the number of folks at GODTEL and did we have any children residing here. The response was so amazing and generous. Canned goods came in from Mustang CAT. The boxes filled with cans kept coming through the door-maybe they should have used one of their big CATS for the delivery. They are a small church with precious older saints and yet they brought a box of canned goods to GODTEL each month this past year. And December was no different. Thank you Hillcrest Baptist Church for your faithful giving. The Lone Star 4-H gathered a variety of suggested items for the gift bags that would be distributed at Christmas. Abeldt’s Pharmacy added to the gift items. The Pioneer Club of Believers Bible Church decorated the grocery sacks that were filled with the gifts that came in from all directions. Young Kyra told her mother that she did not want people to be cold this winter. She had a blanket drive and brought many quilts and blankets to GODTEL to use and hand out to those in need. Another young girl brought toys to share with any little ones who were here. Thank you, Lord, for young thoughtful and giving hearts. The holiday tradition continues. The two guest cook groups from the First United Methodist Church, once again, joined forces and presented us with a Christmas dinner. Our hosts sent their heavenly coach to pick us up. It only took two trips for all of our folks to be a part of the Jesus celebration. We were welcomed and invited to sit at one of the festive tables. A short devotional was presented. And then a blessing was said. And the rest is history... Delicious brisket and sides were served and eaten with delightful anticipation. Pumpkin pie was for dessert. That is a favorite of mine. No one was disappointed and if any one left hungry it was of their own doing. Christmas dinner can only be complete with Christmas songs. This year we were entertained by four women from the church. Several lovely songs filled the air before we all added our voices in singing Christmas carols. One of the songs we heard was Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah-Christmas words. It wasn’t long before Martin had the words and music to this song. He was touched by the words and message of the song. And now, at different times of the day, we hear the sound of music coming from Martin and his guitar. The fellowship continued with the passing out of gifts. We enjoyed watching the two school girls open gifts especially bought and wrapped for them. The evening came to an end. We boarded the heavenly coach, once again, for the drive home. It was a wonderful night. Thank you, dear brothers and sisters in the Lord. While we were out for the evening “poor Joseph” stayed home. No, he was not sick nor in “time out”. When we arrived home we saw the Christmas tree. The MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers) ladies came in like Santa’s helpful elves and put the tree up and decorated it. The lights and ornaments and tinsel brightened up the big room. Could the evening get any more blessed?! Thank you to the Willing Workers and Victory Sunday School Classes at Calvary Baptist Church for providing the ingredients for our Christmas breakfast. Eggs were provided by our own hens. The menu included biscuits, eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, hash browns (smashed tater tots), fresh fruit, milk, orange juice, jelly and cinnamon bread sticks. Preparation began at 8:00 am. We had volunteers from all over the county. The work began. Eggs were fried. The bacon, ham and sausage were close behind. Apples, oranges and bananas were cut and put together in a fruit salad. The biscuits were placed on a big tray and heated up. It all came together at 10:00 am. Time to ring the bell. Martin shared a Bible study with us. He gave the blessing. The total of all who had a part in the day is 54: 30 residents, 12 guests and 12 volunteers. Teresa from the Texas Veterans Commission came early Christmas day bearing gift bags full of all sorts of goodies. She has a big heart for our veterans and others who are in need. Our son drove up from Nederland to spend the day. A blessing, indeed. We set out sandwich fixing's for any who were hungry later in the day. No complaining was heard. Well, maybe a groan or two because we fell into the sin of gluttony. Later that evening I was called to the women’s dorm. Our pregnant girl went into labor. An ambulance came and got the poor laboring girl. And off to the hospital they went. Tamesha’s baby girl was born. Both are healthy and doing fine. The decision was made that it would be better for Tamesha and her daughter to live with her grandma. She will get more attention and care there which she needs at this time. Randy and his family bought and brought Bibles to GODTEL. His desire is to see that any resident who desires to learn more about the Lord and walk closer to Him will be armed with the Truth from His word. Thank you, Randy. We, at GODTEL, also desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who come through our doors this new year. This is not a new resolution-it is the faithfulness of God towards this ministry for over 40 years and we will be here at the spiritual front line as long as He wants us here.
We thank you for 2016 and look forward to 2017.
PRAISE HIM FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW. PRAISE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST.
Because of Him we serve,
Martin and Mary Baker