“Giant steps forward: Praising God from whom all blessings flow!”

“Giant steps forward: Praising God from whom all blessings flow!”

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts …” This hymn was going through all of our heads one Sunday a few weeks back as we reflected how in God's timing the Lubin city council voted unanimously for our church plant to receive at 1% of its value a large portion of land close to our current location. Our friend (not a believer) who sits on the council gave testimony that everything our church does is for people -- not for money or making a name for itself. It was encouraging to hear that our church is known as an active outward-focused group of people.

It is a blessing knowing that we will have a place that we can call our own and do so much more in this community reaching out to those that are lost and searching for meaning in life. The place that we are currently renting is seemingly getting smaller and smaller.

Another two songs that came forth two weeks ago were “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” and “Amazing Grace”. A number of months ago a lady who had been visiting the church for some time made the decision to give her life to Christ. In the process of being discipled, she wanted to be baptized. It just so happened that our mother church was also planning a baptism so we decided to join them for baptismal classes. Our son, Andrew, also wanted to be baptized. So Andrew, Dorota and I went to the prep classes. We then set a date for the baptism. Andrew and Dorota wanted the baptism to happen here in Lubin so as to be an example to those around of the decision they had made. On September 4th we had our first baptism. We borrowed a swimming pool and filled it up in our church parking lot. The whole service was wonderful as Andrew and Dorota reflected on their desire to follow Christ, not only accepting Him as their Savior, but following Him in baptism. The sermon the pastor gave was a very good sermon on baptism and what it is. As each person came up out of the water we sang, “I Have Decided”. At the end we had communion and closed the service singing, “Amazing Grace”.

We are also praising God for allowing us to have our first Bible camp. The team that came from McCoy Memorial Baptist Church was well prepared and full of love for the kids and expectation for how God would work in their lives. We had about 20 kids who came, heard the gospel and learned more about creation.

These three steps forward are gigantic. God is at work! Even if it is slower than we would like, it is true that precious lives are being changed and God is providing a place for this local body to be able to even have more opportunities to share their faith and to be a blessing to others.

We thank you for your encouragement through prayers and monetary giving. We ask you to praise God for these three giant steps forward. Also please pray for Dorota and Andrew that they would grow to become more like Christ. We also need prayer and wisdom in building a physical building. Pray that more people would see their need for a Savior.

Blessings,
Paul, Carlene
Andrew, Aaron and Alaina

Prayer Update
Praise

• Language school
Praise God for our students (children and adults) and parents of our students. God has given us many possibilities for sharing our faith through the building of relationships.
• Baptism / Salvation
We are praising God for the first baptism that we had. It was encouraging seeing Andrew and Dorota desire and follow Christ in baptism.
• Land
It is a real blessing and encouragement receiving land. Praise God for His provision.
• Bible Camp
Praise God for the Bible camp this summer. The 20 young people who attended heard the Gospel clearly. We are thankful for McCoy Baptist group who came to help us.
• Gospel Jam
Our II Gospel Jam Session went really well. We believe that it led people closer to God. Most that attended do not have real faith.

Prayer:

• Marriage Conference
On the 24th of September we are hosting a marriage conference. Please pray for all the organizational aspects but most importantly for people’s souls. As the Gospel is shared during the conference, please pray for a clear working in people’s hearts and minds.
• Gospel Jam
On the 5th of November we will be having our third Gospel Jam. We pray that the time we spend singing Gospel will be more than just a good time singing Gospel but it will be a time also reflecting on the powerful words that are being sung. We want this to be a time that would draw people closer to God. Pray that participants would see their need for Him.
• Film Night
On the 7th of October we are beginning a film discussion evening. Our first film will be Apollo 13. We will watch and then discuss the film from a Christian perspective
• Language School
“Logos” Language Center started last week. Please pray for the teachers – wisdom in teaching good English, boldness in clearly presenting the Gospel through their teaching. Pray for the 110 students and their parents (some are adults) that their eyes would be open and they would see the emptiness of religion. May they find an everlasting relationship!
• Kids
Please pray for Andrew, Aaron and Alaina that they would be strong in their faith and hold to the truth. Pray that they would have opportunities to share about the relationship they have in Christ.
• Unbelievers
Some of those who come to the fellowship still have not publically made a decision for Him. Pray for their salvation. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.
• Small Groups
We are looking at forming small groups that would meet during the week. We already have one group and a ladies group starting soon.
• Building a building
Prayer for wisdom and the resources to build a church building that would serve the community in the best way possible. It could be really easy to build a building and forget the people.