Merry Christmas from Jerry and Susan
Please visit our new website www.904true.org
‘…ministering to sexually broken men and their families…’ Faithful & True Mission Statement
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… Isaiah 9:6
Less is More – There is a saying I often use that helps addicted men focus on one simple assertion. That is, “Less said is heard more”. Nothing is more evident than the simple – unadorned message of Christmas. Yet, with each Christmas season we see more distracting noise, lights, decorations and gifts. Several years ago, our church choir was introduced to a song by our choir leader, Ed Varnes. The simple lyric & harmony is soothing to the ear. I have included the lyrics and a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skQJvQhlntc
Isn’t It Amazing (How He Came) By Mark Harris
Just to think such royalty would come the way He came in a dusty little town.
Born in such humility, upon a bed of hay, willingly He lay his glory down.
Who would think this little child would be the promised one?
Would the Messiah really come this way? Certainly this was no birthplace for the Son of God.
(Chorus)
Isn’t it amazing how He came? Isn’t it amazing the way He came?
Can’t believe that I would be the reason why He came. Can’t believe he left His mighty throne.
He became a pauper so that I could be a king.
He denied himself to make my heart His home. Isn’t it amazing?
The way He came? No crown, no throne, no big parade.
There were no fanfares played, no jubilant display. Isn’t it amazing how He came?
F&T Meetings – Last month, 6 newcomers came to their first meeting. Two men flew up north to a 3 day intensive workshop.
The Churches we visited last month –Hibernia Baptist Church (Scott Yirka, Pastor), Hillcrest Baptist Church (Tim Patterson, Pastor), The Church at Argyle (Rick Painter, Pastor), Paramount Church (Jon Fonville, Pastor), Destiny Church (Chris Tomlinson, Pastor), Lakewood Methodist Church (Scott Farman, Senior Pastor), Church of the Redeemer (Rev. Bill Driscoll, Rector), Christ’s Church Flemming Island (Shane Hargrave – Teaching Pastor)
Ministry Finances – We finished the month with a $500 deficit. This was due to the expense of launching our new website www.904true.org . Our November contributions did not keep pace, thus we used some of our savings. Because of the nature of our efforts, it may come as a surprise to some that we are an isolated ministry trying to restore ‘at risk’ marriages. We are hearing that some churches do not feel comfortable supporting us as the shaky economy continues to plague our ministry partners. We do not take this as a defeat but an opportunity to sharpen our focus on the task before us which is searching for new donors and encouraging others to give. Therefore, this Christmas season would be a wonderful time for you to send a donation to our ministry. Please send your donation to: Faithful & True 2931 Loran Dr. E. Jacksonville, FL 32216
Our own self-care – We went to see 2 movies last month. One we might suggest is The Christmas Candle taken from Max Lucado’s novel of the same name…We enjoyed Thanksgiving with our grandchildren & their parents. Susan’s brother & family joined us that evening…we celebrated with my brother, John, his 80th birthday. He still teaches school, plays the piano at a local restaurant 3 nights a week and attends church every Sunday. He is amazing!
Prayer & praises – For the past ten months, we have asked for prayer for our son-in-law to find employment. Well, God answered with him serving in a church near their current home, (PTL!)…Pray that God will continue to give me wisdom in locating new potential donors. It is vital for the sustainability of the ministry that we keep up with our expenses while having a constant flow of new contributors and maintaining current relationships. We do praise God for our ministry finances thus far…It is very sad when we discover that three of our men our unemployed. This is tough during the holidays. Please pray for them.
Final Thought – One of the first things a sponsor will ask a newcomer to Faithful and True to do is to make a list of 100 blessings or things he is grateful or thankful for. Actually, that is something we can all do for our own well being.
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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