Reach Texas’ presents exciting prospects

The “Faces & Places: Reach Texas 2010-2011” missions emphasis has me excited. We have an unprecedented opportunity to present the gospel in our state. Now is the time we must work together to accomplish the Great Commission. Let me mention a couple of ways your church can have a significant impact by going and giving.

First on my heart is Laredo. June and I went to Laredo earlier this year. We participated in a prayer walk, door-to-door visiting and a block party. It was our joy to see a number of people accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Recently, I returned to Laredo to visit with a leading pastor, George Levant, and SBTC-NAMB church planting missionary Chuy Avila. Chuy has been used of God to win many people to Jesus in Laredo over the last 12 months. Bible studies are being held in various places. New churches are poised to be launched. It is because you and others like you have invested in his efforts through the Cooperative Program and the Reach Texas Offering (see Reach Texas story, page 1).

God loves Laredo. This wonderful city on the border needs our love. Over a quarter of a million people and less than a thousand Baptists in worship on any given Sunday tell the story of the great need for the gospel. The Reach Texas Offering will help touch lives in Laredo. You can join in the effort by praying and going. Plan a youth mission trip next summer. Do a Vacation Bible School, neighborhood block parties or some other outreach effort. You can be a part of a new church being birthed. Let us know how we can help connect you with this incredible open door of serving Jesus.

While I was in the Borderland area I stopped by First Baptist Church of Rio Grande City. Pastor Bob Alderman and the faithful church have been consistently witnessing in the area. They host groups from Texas and other states that come to work along the border. My visit was during a time of clean up from a recent tropical storm that produced flooding. Disaster Relief workers were gathered at the church building. SBTC has a premier Disaster Relief ministry. Jim Richardson has provided excellent leadership. When people are in need, SBTC DR is equipped and trained to help them through the crisis. Your Reach Texas Offering supplies funds for the SBTC DR operation. You can also be trained as a DR worker. Giving and going is the Jesus model.

These are just two of the ways your church can be involved in reaching Texas with the love of Jesus. Your participation is vital. Join me in giving to the Reach Texas Offering. Join me in going to the mission field here in Texas. Join me in Laredo. I am going back. Join me in sharing the Good News of Jesus with precious people who don’t know Him. Will you join me?

The Reach Texas material is available at sbtexas.com/reachtexas.

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