May Newsletter for Nacogdoches/Livingston

God Provides, just as He Promised

What a blessing to experience how God is providing our financial needs during this difficult time. On several occasions people we don’t remember ever having met have dropped off generous checks. Our regular donors have been faithful to the best of their ability, and some have even increased their giving. Not only that, but quite a few  individuals have brought toilet paper, cleaning supplies, food, disinfectants, and other needed supplies. How this has touched our hearts and given us welcomed encouragement.
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In essence, God knows our needs and His hand is not shortened in this plague. We are thankful to Him and to all who have been obedient to His leading to help the poor through this difficulty.
 
“...No Good Thing…”
 
One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 84:11, “Our God is a sun and shield. He will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” How thankful I am that God gives us understanding and protection along with His unearned favor and peace and joy in the middle of a “storm” (whatever form that may take). I endeavor daily to trust and obey my Savior and walk uprightly, so I know that whatever He sends my way is good and I am thankful.

Another Scripture that comes to mind is, Philippians 4:19 “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory.”
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The temptation to worry about illness sweeping through our three missions and financial difficulties loomed up briefly, but God’s promises are sure—when we meet His conditions. Believing His Word: having faith in/trusting God brings peace. When we focus on Jesus, He gives us His complete peace, Isaiah 26:3

COVID-19 Provides an Opportunity for Service
 
One of our regular Bible study teachers, Tom Owen, pastor of First Baptist Church Goodrich, told us of a woman, Mary Burnette, who was sewing masks for health-care workers. He asked if we had anyone at the mission willing to cut out masks for her.

Our mission manager, Ms. Benita, quickly assured him we would be glad to help. He soon showed up with material and patterns and the ladies staying with us went to work. They completed the job that day and were given another batch of material the next day which was also quickly turned into the necessary shapes for Mary to sew into masks. We were delighted to be of service. Below is a photo of some of our lady residents busily turning material into ready-to-sew masks for Mary.

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A Former Resident Writes
 
We greatly enjoy hearing good reports from our former residents. I recently received a letter from a former resident who had sent a Christmas card with a cash donation in it. In response, I wrote her a thank-you note to which she responded:
 
March 21, 2020

Dear Mrs. Nancy,

You truly made my day when I received your note! I received my first newsletter last week! Just wanted you to know I am staying in the Word! I have the King James Bible app on my phone which gives me a morning and evening prayer and devotional. I do so miss the rotation of visiting ministers at GODTEL though.

A recent prayer was … “Help us to appreciate those who minister the Word to us and to submit to the Word. Help us to discern between true and false teaching and teachers and to respond in faith and obedience to all genuine Biblical teaching.”
GODTEL was greatly appreciated and will remain so all of my days!

Sincerely,
B.H.
 
Time on Your Hands?
 
One thing, for sure, social distancing cannot stop the internet. Bro. June’s sermons and music are available for viewing on YouTube. His music CDs and helpful Christian literature are directly available from GODTEL. We also have books and CDs by Bro. Manley Beasley (who is enjoying his reward in Heaven). Bro. Manley taught on faith, a most important subject. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “without faith, it is impossible to please God” and Romans 10:17 informs us that “faith comes by hearing … the Word of God.” Read the Bible.

​~Nancy Gentry