FAITHFUL & TRUE of JACKSONVILLE
Newsletter
Our mission Statement:
Equipping churches, volunteers and donors in the ministry of restoring sexually broken men and their families to a sacred place in their home and community.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15
If our Bible remains closed, even though all the benefits are there, you do not have access to them. However, if you become more familiar with the Bible and seek to apply it to your life, you will be astounded at the growth and Spiritual maturity in your walk. This will never become a reality until you start to dig into it consistently for yourself. It will be a habit you’ll be glad you started! We often hear that the Bible most people ever read is our daily lives.
Maybe, if we feel ignored, it is because we’re being observed and not making an impression into the lives of the lost.
“Words fitly spoken are powerful but they are nothing compared to the power of the life fitly lived.” Charles Swindoll.
Recently, eleven new people were introduced to our support group meetings. Our ministry awards sobriety with tokens (called chips). Last month, three of our men got one year chips, one received a three year chip and one of our men got a seven year chip. Five men and one of the wives took the flight to Minnesota to spend three days with Dr. Mark Laaser and his team of counselors.
Over the past few months, Susan and I visited the following churches:
Southpoint Baptist Church (Easter Service, (Dr. Terry Collins, Pastor)) +
Crosswater Community Ch(Seminar: Protecting kids from Porn (Jack Milwood, Pastor))
Lakeshore Methodist Church (Greg Freeze, pastor)
Old Plank Rd Baptist Church (Larry McGinley, Pastor)
Switzerland Community Church (Wes Slough, Pastor) +
San Jose Church of Christ (Mike Johnson, Lead Shepherding Elder) *
Southside Assembly of God (Mens Retreat (Milton E. Dykes, Sr. Pastor))
Hibernia Baptist Church (3 Day Missions Conference (Scott Yirka, Pastor)) +
Ft. Caroline Baptist Church (Ricky Powell, Pastor)
Glynlea United Methodist Church (Dr. Stephen R. Herbert, Pastor) *
Swiss Cove Christian Church (Tim Teddrick, Pastor) +
CrossCreek Church – PCA (Dr. Paul Kafla, Pastor)
Southside Baptist Church (Gary Weber, Pastor)
Lakewood Methodist Church (Scott Farman, Pastor)
North Jacksonville Baptist Church (Attended a Mens Event (Dr. Herb Reavis, Pastor)) +
FBC of Callahan (Chad spoke on behalf of the ministry (Lynn Hyatt, Pastor)) *
First Coast Baptist Church (Russell Edwards, Pastor)
Mandarin Methodist Church (Deborah A. McLeod, Pastor)
*First-Time visit
+Currently providing financial support
Our ministry contributions have had an increase of activity. This is due to the on going efforts of personal contact with donors and introducing a challenging fundraising concept called Major Gifts Ramp Up. I am excited to say that the idea has been well received by all and we want to inform all of our readers about it. I have attached an outline of the concept for your review. If you have not received this in the mail,please look it over. After you have read the outline, please contact me if you would like to contribute to the project or know more or be a part of the ”Host Committee”. You can call the hotline 443 0246 & leave a message or drop me an e-mail. If you wish to mail a donation to us, please send your gift to: 2931 Loran Drive East Jacksonville, FL 32216-7811 and you can always use PayPal.
Our prayer needs – On Tuesday, May 5th, we will be hosting a preview of a major (Christian) motion picture. We expect over 150 ministry leaders in attendance. We need your prayers for the theater staff that all goes well with no (negative) surprises…Please pray for our extended family that lives in much of the state of Florida. Nothing specific, …We just need prayer right now…Our ministry finances have been good, but we are facing the summer months which is always daunting. But we know God will provide and His people will prevail…Please pray for the churches and Pastors of Northeast Florida. There is a huge need and desire to help us, but churches are struggling financially. The “want to” is greater than the funds available…We have enjoyed the presence of our intern, Chad Barker. He brings a lot of talent to the ministry and we pray that his involvement can increase as we position ourselves to fund a salary for him.
Final Word – Christlike modeling must accompany our message. The best part of this principle is that it is so simple.If we live by the Golden Rule, there’s little need for other rules. It’s the best way to impact our family, our church, and our community in a positive way.
- If we want to be forgiven… Forgive.
- If we want to have a friend… Be a friend.
- If we want to be understood… Be a listener.
- If we need encouragement… Give encouragement.
- If we want compassion… Be gentle and show compassion.
The list goes on and on, but by doing these, Jesus says we are fulfilling the law and the prophets. We often hear of people taking a “Selfie” with their Smartphone, but when was the last time we did a“Selfie” of your spiritual life? The next time you open your Bible, SMILE…you’re on camera! From a Newsletter by Dale Flynn, Regional VP of Word of Life Fellowship
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalm 51: 11-12
Thanks for reading.
God bless…
Jerry Sinclair, President
Faithful & True of Jacksonville, FL
www.linkedin.com/in/jrrysinclair
Donations can be made through PayPal
Our mission Statement: Equipping churches, volunteers and donors in the ministry of restoring sexually broken men and their families to a sacred place in their home and community.
March 2015 E-newsletter
(aka UPDATE)
From the desk of
Jerry and Susan Sinclair
Faithful and True of Jacksonville, FL
Our mission Statement:
Equipping churches, volunteers and donors in the ministry of restoring sexually broken men and their families to a sacred place in their home and community.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalm 51: 11-12
Normally, I open with an uplifting story or book excerpt. However, this month I wanted to start with a wonderful financial report. February is a short month with a lot of high profile ministries hosting banquets and dinners. Thus, I humbly admit to a little fear and concern that our donations may not come in at a timely fashion. Fortunately, our income exceeded payables and we finished with a “$450 surplus”; Thus, this is an uplifting story! Susan and I appreciate the expressions of love and support by those of you who gave last month. You gift sends a statement of love from your heart to the broken heart of others. Thank you from the bottom of our heart.
We still have work to do as men are in need of intensive counseling and their employment status has not enabled them to pursue any serious counseling. We need your help in providing scholarship funds and frequent flier miles. Would you consider sending us a gift so that a man and his family can get the help they need? The mailing address is on the sidebar or you can use PayPal.
We had seven new attendees to our meetings last month.
We were able to visit a lot of churches last month and I was invited to attend a Mens Conference in St. Marys, GA and a Mens Monthly Bible study on the Southside:
Beach United Methodist Church (Jerry Sweat, Pastor)
Ponte Vedra Presbyterian (Richad Cooper, Sr. Pastor)
Coquina Community Church ( Gardner Gordon, Pastor) *
Inverse Ministries (Clint and Penny Bragg, Principal’s) * +
Trinity Baptist Church (Tom Messer, Pastor)+
Promise Land Baptist Church ( Steve Whitcomb, Pastor)*
Englewood Christian Church, Mens Fellowship Dinner (Ken Gemeinhart, Pastor)+
Epoch Church, JBA quarterly meeting (Scott Swanstrom, pastor)
FBC of Ponte Vedra (Bob Loy, Pastor)
Ponte Vedra Methodist (Jeff Bennett, Lead Pastor)*
FBC of St. Marys, GA (Mens Event (Steven W. Kegley, Sr. Pastor))*
* Frist Time Visit
+Financial Support
Our Self Care – We spent had lunch with our daughter and our two teenage grandkids. My health (sinuses) is not good. I’ve been to the doctor and he has me on Rx…After finishing two books after Christmas, I am now into the biography of Fanny J. Crosby (The blind poetress & hymn writer); it is a fascinating story. I got the book for Susan as a Valentine’s present. Now that she has finished it, I get to read it…As I mentioned earlier, I went to a mens conference at FBC of St. Marys, GA. It was refreshing and uplifting in every way.
Prayer needs – Please pray that my sinusitis will subside, hopefully before you read this!…I have become aware of a certain restlessness among the men I serve. Many of them are becoming disenchanted with their employer thus feeling a lot of stress…Continue to pray for churches and pastors as Satan uses a two prong approach in trying defeat men; 1] sexual sin and 2] financial discouragement.
Final Word – Zig Ziglar tells the story about an elderly man playing an organ in a cathedral in Europe. He was playing sad and melancholy music. It was sad because this was his last day as organist of the cathedral. He was being replaced by a younger musician. At dusk, somebody stepped into the cathedral. Seeing the younger man, the organist stopped playing, locked the organ and slipped the key into his pocket. He was approached by the young man, who simply said, “Please… the key?”
On receiving the key, the young organist went to the organ and began to play. While the old man had played beautifully and skillfully, the young man played with sheer genius. Music such as the world had never heard came rolling out of that beautiful old organ. This was the world’s introduction to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The old man, with tears in his eyes, said, “Suppose-just suppose-I had not given the master the key!”
Have you given the Master the key-the key to your heart and to your life? Have you given Him complete control? Does He hold the key? You’ll be amazed at the beautiful music that can be played by your surrendered life!
Happy Valentines Day!
2015
from the desk of
Jerry and Susan Sinclair
Faithful and True of Jacksonville, FL
Our mission Statement:
Equipping churches, volunteers and donors in the ministry of restoring sexually broken men and their families to a sacred place in their home and community.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Psalm 51:11-12
—
In his sermon, “The Turning Point,” Richard Fairchild tells how, at the Olympic Games in Paris in 1924, Bill Havens, a member of the four-man U.S. canoe rowing team, made the very difficult decision to withdraw from the games in order to be with his wife for the birth of their first child. The U.S. team won the gold medal and it turned out that the birth of the baby was so late Bill could have stayed on the team and arrived home in plenty of time for the baby’s birth. However, Bill said he had no regrets because his first commitment was to his wife.
There is a fascinating sequel to this story. “The child eventually born to Bill and his wife was a boy whom they named Frank. Twenty-eight years later, in 1952, Bill received a cablegram from Frank. It was sent from Helsinki, Finland, where the 1952 Olympics were being held. The cablegram read: ‘Dad, I won. I’m bringing home the gold medal you lost while waiting for me to be born.’
“Frank Havens had just won the gold medal for the United States in the canoe-racing event, a medal his father had dreamed of winning but never did.” It is true for all of us in that whenever we honor our commitments-no matter what the immediate losses may seem-in the long run it always pays to do the right thing. Always.
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. I Thessalonians 4:9
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Over the past sixty days we have had 13 new members join our Faithful & True meetings. Also, we had two men attend a 3 day intensive session with Dr. Laaser. We handed out a four year sobriety chip, two men received three year chips, one man got a two year chip and two of our men got their one year chip. We are most grateful for these triumphs in recovery.
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Financially, we finished the calendar year with a modest surplus. December is always a good month for the ministry and January is also a good month as people start their year off with first fruits gifts. The ministry is looking towards the financial future as I attended a National Development Institute seminar. We do anticipate a need for some funds directed toward our scholarship account. Several men have shown a desire to attend an intensive workshop but have no significant financial means to attend. We trust funds will be there for them. If you would like to participate in helping a deserving man, you can mail your gift to the address at the top of the sidebar. Or, you may wish to use the convenience of our PayPal system of giving.
—
We visited the following churches over the past sixty days:
Faith First Community Church (Terry Muntain, Pastor)*
Pinewood Presbyterian Churc , (JD Funyack, Pastor)
FBC Oceanway (Micah Strickland, Pastor)
Oasis Church (Jeremy Higdon, Pastor)
Mandarin Baptist Church (Dr. Mark Seagle, Pastor)
Christian Family Chapel (Doug Rutt, Teaching-Pastor)
Beach UMC (Jerry Sweat, Pastor)
Epoch Church (Scott Swantstrom, Pastor)
Beaches Chapel (Howard McMinn, Pastor)
Hope Community Church (Piano Concert)*
Englewood Christian Church (Missions Conference (Ken Gemeinhart))
Gardenview Baptist Church (Word of Life Drama (Rodney Keith, Pastor))
Shindler Drive Baptist Church (Dr. John Green, Pastor)
Riverstone Community Church (Rick Baldwin, Pastor)
Freedom Fellowship (Stephen Powers, Pastor)+
Englewood Baptist Church (Billy Jones, Pastor)
Southpoint Baptist (Dr. Terry Collins, Pastor) This is our ‘sending church’+
Victory Baptist Church (Marty Masitto, Pastor)
Lakewood Presbyterian Church (Terry Lucareli, Pastor)
The Church @ Argyle (Rick Painter, Pastor)+
Paradise Church (Randy Bryan, Pastor)
*Denotes our First visit at this Church +Denotes this Church Supports us Financially
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Our self-care – We spent some quality time with extended family over the holidays. We make these trips in less than a day and then back home before the evening traffic gets to heavy. …The doctor has me on a new medicine that has reduced my blood sugar to near normal levels. There are good miracle drugs out there, many with few after effects. PTL! …I got to finish two books over the holiday season. Unbroken which is the incredible story of Louis Zamperini and a book by Al & Lisa Robinson, A New Season – a Love Story of Brokenness and Redemption. I highly recommend both books whether you are in recovery and for those who may not be on a recovery journey. …Susan is reading a series of Amish Novels by a Christian author.
—
Our prayer needs and Praises – Please pray for several of our men and their employment status. There is a sense of restlessness, disharmony and unmet promises by their employers…Also, pray for the wives of our men as each woman faces a series of challenges in the home, in her own heart and mind…Also, please pray for pastors of our various community churches. Several leaders are facing enormous financial burdens and a few have had to make the difficult decision to leave their congregation. No matter the style of leadership or baggage a pastor may carry, he needs our prayers…We are most thankful for another year of good health in our household. PTL!
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Final Thought – Last year, I shared that [brilliant] people have often been wrong about what will happen in the future. Here are some others:
–
Everyone acquainted with the subject will recognize it as a conspicuous failure.”Henry Morton, president of the Stevens Institute of Technology, on Edison’s light bulb, 1880
–
“X-rays will prove to be a hoax.” Lord Kelvin, President of the Royal Society, 1883.
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“We are probably nearing the limit of all we can know about astronomy.” Simon Newcomb, Canadian-born American astronomer, 1888.
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“I’m sorry, Mr Kipling, but you just don’t know how to use the English language.”
The San Francisco Examiner, rejecting a submission by Rudyard Kipling in 1889.
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“It doesn’t matter what he does, he will never amount to anything.” Albert Einstein’s teacher addressing his father about Albert, 1895
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“Radio has no future.” Lord Kelvin, Scottish mathematician and physicist, former president of the Royal Society, 1897
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“The horse is here to stay but the automobile is only a novelty a fad.” The pres of the Michigan Bank advising Henry Ford’s lawyer not to invest in the Ford Motor Co., 1903
—
~ Happy New Year ~
from
Jerry and Susan Sinclair
Faithful & True Mission Statement:
‘…ministering to sexually broken men and their families…’
“How much of what you think about Christ’s birth is from the Bible and how much is from the world? Could you pass the following quiz on this topic? Test your knowledge. There are no trick questions, but you might be surprised by some of the answers. The answers are at the end of the quiz.
1. The day Jesus was born probably actually occurred on: a. December 25th b. March 29th c. April 1st d. We do not know.
2. A manger is: a. a feeding trough b. a barn c. a stable d. a room behind the Inn.
3. How were the shepherds to recognize the Lord? a. by following a star b. by asking at the Inn c. looking for a babe in a manger d. by looking for the Magi.
4. How many wise men came to see baby Jesus? a. two b. the Bible doesn’t say c. three d. none.
5. How did Joseph and Mary get to Bethlehem? a. walked b. by cart c. Joseph walked/Mary rode a donkey d. The Bible doesn’t say.
6. Where did the wise men find Jesus? a. In the manger b. on a donkey with Mary c. in the field d. in a house.
7. The Innkeeper told Joseph: a. there is no room b. we don’t allow children c. You can use the stable out back d. none of the above.
8. Who told Joseph to go to Bethlehem? a. an angel b. Herod c. the tax collector d. Caesar.
9. What did the heavenly host sing? a. “Away in a Manger” b. “Joy to the World” c. “Glory to God in the Highest” d. They didn’t sing.
10. What animals were present at the birth of Jesus? a. cows & sheep b. cows, sheep and donkeys c. cows, sheep and camels d. unknown.
ANSWERS TO QUIZ: 1. d … 2. a … 3. c … 4. b (The Bible says they saw the child in the house. They were not present at the manger and no mention is made as to how many Magi there were. We assume there were three because there were three gifts that were presented, but there were probably many, many more.) … 5. d … 6. d … 7. d (No mention of the Inn Keeper is made) … 8. d (See Luke 2:1-3) … 9. d (We are told “a heavenly host saying”) … 10. d (The Bible does not say what animals were present).”
Now that you’ve taken the quiz, you might wonder, what’s the point? The point is that you are a little more informed of the events surrounding Christ’s birth apart from what Christmas tradition and songs tell you. Does that mean that we should throw the traditions out? We don’t believe so, at all. We just don’t look at them as truth. We look at them as we would any fictional story or movie. It’s entertaining, but we keep it in its proper perspective. And some of the traditions may be true —we just aren’t told in the Bible whether they are or not. From: www.marriagemissions.com
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F&T Meetings – We had 4 new people attend their first meeting last month. One of our men attended an intensive workshop last month.
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Testimonial: Thanks for the prayers Jerry, I wasn’t prepared for how emotionally drained I’d feel after just the first day of the workshop. But, I am really glad that I came. I can feel that this is gonna help transform my life. Thank you [name withheld]
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Here are some of the Churches we visited recently –
St. Paul’s UMC (Michael Shockley, Pastor)
Harvest Baptist Church (Dr. Bob Parker, Pastor)
Simply Church (Kevin Hale, Pastor)
Hillcrest Baptist Church (Phillip Crump, Associate Pastor)
Lakeside Church of Christ (Joe Wells, Pastor)
Faithbridge Church (Dr. Paul White, Pastor)
Good News Baptist Church (Steve Baily, Pastor)
Evangel Temple (Garry Wiggins, Pastor)
FBC West Jacksonville (Church’s 5th anniversary (Dr. Gene Hodges, Pastor))
Holiday Hill Baptist Church (Albert Byrd, Pastor)
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Ministry Finances – Our donors responded enough to cover the November expenses with some withdrawals from savings. However, it has become evident that our year-end operating expenses have increased in such a way that the decreased cash flow has become a burden. Also, the cost to maintain a scholarship fund continues to rise and the ministry administration expenses continue to increase. Our constituents & the participants are devoted to us and share in the costs of operation by giving generously each week…But, we need help from our ministry friends and donors to prevent a deficit now and in the future. Our ‘savings account had to be accessed to pay some operating costs, which leaves us exposed to unexpected expenses and future opportunities. Would you please take the time to review your giving and consider sending a special end-of-the-year gift to us? We have installed PayPal on the 904true.org donation page. This is for the convenience of individual donors who have a history of transactions through the Web or you can mail your donation to:
Faithful & True
2931 Loran Dr. E.
Jacksonville, FL 32216-7811.
Any Check dated on or before December 31 will get credit for the gift in 2014 provided the envelope is post marked in 2014.
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Prayer & praises –
This exciting announcement will give you a sense of our progress and our desire to see perpetuity in the ministry of Faithful & True:
We are announcing the appointment of an intern for our ministry. Chad Barker will be assuming some additional ministerial duties in the hope that we can retain him as a ministry professional in the not-too-distant future. Chad is a graduate from a local Bible college. He and his wife, Roxy, have a daughter named Avah. Please pray for Chad who has been an active member of Faithful and True for 6 years and has grown in strength and purity each and every day.
Finally, I had the opportunity to meet Gov. Scott. I took 30 seconds to share our ministry concept and he seemed very pleased. Here is a photo link of the event:
http://helpyourteennow.com/how-pornography-addiction-affects-the-teenage-brain-infographic/
Reg # CH27238 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION & FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE
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OCTOBER UPDATE
Fear is a small darkroom in the back of our head where negatives are developed. But, you can make the choice to turn ON the light, expose the negative for what it is & Fear not!
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jrrysinclair
We Christians need to “preach the gospel” into our hearts and lives every day. We don’t get to graduate from the gospel. Pastor and teacher, Jack Miller.
April Update
From Jerry and Susan Sinclair
Faithful & True Mission Statement:
‘…ministering to sexually broken men and their families…’
http://www.momsnightoutmovie.com/
Faithful and True of Jacksonville, Inc (along with other churches) will be hosting the movie, MOMS’ NIGHT OUT on Saturday, May 10th (just before Mother’s Day). We plan to make this a major event. If you would like to attend, participate or help in some way, please call our ministry hotline 443 0246. More information will be forthcoming on our website – www.904true.org . Our goal is to minister to the ladies, wives and moms who have a connection with F&T through this Christian movie about why mom needs a ‘night out’!
Her children arise up, and call [their mom] blessed; her husband also [praises his wife]. Proverbs 31:28
F&T Meetings – Last month, 6 new arrivals attended their first meeting. We were able to give 2 ‘one year chips’ for men who celebrated their sobriety over the past 12 months!
The Churches we visited last month –
Neptune Baptist Church (Tom Bary, Pastor)
Holiday Hill Baptist Church (Albert Byrd, Pastor)
Westside Baptist (LoveLoud Event (Pastor Keith Russell))
Deermeadows Baptist Church (Dr. Michael Riley, Pastor)
Chets Creek (Spike Hogan, Pastor)
Eastpointe Church (Fitu Tafaoa, Pastor)
Southside Methodist Church (Bruce Jones, Pastor)
Southside Baptist Church (Gary L. Webber, Pastor)
Ortega Methodist (Dan Casselberry, Pastor)
The Point @ St. Johns (Jeff Stockdale, Pastor)
Ministry Finances – We closed out the month with a surplus which occurred when one church made a large semi-annual donation and one of our annual contributors came through last month. Our constituents and ministry participants continue to help with the expense of operating the ministry. If you would like to donate during this Lenten and Easter season, please send your donation to:
Faithful & True 2931 Loran Dr. E. Jacksonville, FL 32216
Our own self-care – We “hosted” a wonderful preview of the movie, Mom’s Night Out! A big “Thank you” goes out to Sony pictures for the opportunity to host this preview…Susan and I need prayer and wisdom concerning our cars. There has been some provision which can help with the purchase of a new(er) automobile, but we still seek God’s favor in the matter…we got to visit our grandkids last month, because we had not seen them since Christmas (we grandparents understand such things).
Prayer & praises – Susan and I are very thankful for the financial response last month. I continue to seek out and pray for additional donors to help defray the cost of our expanding ministry in an unsettled world…As a couple, we face the reality that death comes often. My brother in Louisville passed away in mid March and one of my mentors went home to be with the Lord Feb. 28th…It seems that every time one of our men gets back on a career track, another man falls into unemployment. Please continue to pray for the men who are out-of-work in Faithful and True. An unfortunate trend in our economic climate is that it takes many months, often more than a year for a man to restart his career. It is also evident that many of our men are over qualified for positions they seek, which can be discouraging.
Final Thought from Matthew 27:64, which can get us ready for Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday:
Command therefore that the [tomb] be made [secure] until the third day, lest his disciples come by night…and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead...
…And God’s people said, “He is risen indeed”!
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation…Then will I teach transgressors thy ways and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalm 51: 12-13
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March 2014 UPDATE
From Jerry and Susan Sinclair
Faithful & True Mission Statement:
‘…ministering to sexually broken men and their families…’
“When God Is Silent” published by the WILDS:
Ministry Finances – A combination of a 28 day month and higher-than-usual expenses put us in a deficit for the month. We have helped fund scholarships for men and wives who need weekly or intensive (3 day) counseling. Our constituents did help a little more with the expenses this month by providing 31% of the total month’s deposit. Please send your donation to: Faithful & True 2931 Loran Dr. E. Jacksonville, FL 32216
February 2014 UPDATE
Faithful & True Mission Statement:
‘ministering to sexually broken men and their families’
Rory Vaden tells this story: I once had the honor of watching the late Charlie “Tremendous” Jones be awarded a lifetime achievement award for how much money he had donated. During his acceptance speech he told a story of a young boy who was watching his mother pay bills. The little boy asked “Mom, what are you doing?” She replied “Well honey, I am paying bills- which means I am writing checks to pay money for the work that other people have done for me.” Suddenly the little boy had an idea! That day he worked extra hard around the house and slipped a note under his mom’s bedroom door at night. When she woke up the next morning she saw this piece of paper, which said “BILL” at the top. Underneath it said “Taking out the trash – $5. Doing the Dishes – $10. Cleaning up my room – $20. Total Amount Due – $35.” That day the mom paid the young boy $35 in cash.
However, the next morning the little boy woke up and saw a piece of paper under his door. At the top it was marked “BILL.” Underneath it said, “Cooking for you every day that you’ve been alive – $5000. All the clothes you’ve ever worn – $10,000. Changing all of your diapers and cleaning up after you your entire childhood – $20,000.” The only difference was at the very bottom it said “Total Amount Due – $0. Paid in full by the love that you give me each and every day.”
After the story, Charlie said something I’ll never forget that changed my life and my outlook on giving forever. He addressed this room of 3000 people and said “You see friends, if there is one thing I’ve learned in this life it’s that I never really give anything. Every once in a while I simply get a chance to pay back a little bit of all that I owe.”
Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
People who give abundantly, don’t give out of exceptional excess. They don’t give out of a hope of receiving something in return. And they don’t give out of obligation. The most generous givers simply give out of thankfulness for all that’s been given to them! (from a blog by Rory Vaden)
F&T Meetings – Last month, 7 men and 8 wives came to their first meeting last month. Also, we gave out a two year chip for one man who celebrated his sobriety!
The Churches we visited in January –
Evangel Temple (Pastor Garry Wiggins)
FBC of West Jacksonville (Dr. Gene Hodges, Pastor)
Epoch Church (Pastor Scott Swanstrom) 5 year anniversary
Rivertown Church (Pastor Dan Adams)
Ft. Caroline Baptist Church (Pastor Ricky Powell)
Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (John Herbert, Pastor)
Switzerland Community Church (Wes Slough, Pastor)
Reach Jacksonville Calvary Chapel (Eric Souza, Pastor)
Ministry Finances – I can report to you that we finished the month with a substantial surplus. This will help us with scholarship funding for men and wives who need weekly or intensive (3 day) counseling. The surplus was a result of several generous people who wanted to see our ministry provide scholarships for those in need. We also witnessed a response to a ministry mailing that went out in December and January. This being Valentines month, you may wish to start your giving with a “love” gift to the ministry. Please send your donation to: Faithful & True 2931 Loran Dr. E. Jacksonville, FL 32216
Our own self-care – We have started reading some books we received as gifts from the holidays…I had a check-up with my Endocrinologist. He was pleased with my test results…We stayed warm during the cold winter days, drank a lot of fluids and ate healthy.
Prayer & praises –Please pray for the unemployed men in Faithful and True. It seems that every time one man gets back on his career track, another falls off…Susan and I need prayer and wisdom concerning my car. It is a 2000 Saturn with 170,000 miles and has a very loose timing chain. Do we fix it at 400% more than it is worth; Operate with one car (Susan’s car) or, would God allow us to have a second vehicle.
Final Thought- I’ve learned that it’s easy to mask moral compromises with rationalizations and that my character is revealed not by my words or intentions but by my willingness to do the right thing even when it costs more than I want to pay. [From: Michael Josephson] Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. I Samuel 2:3
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation…Then will I teach transgressors thy ways and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalm 51: 12-13
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