I just wanted to let you know what's been going on around Big Creek during this Christmas season! 

We've had several groups and churches who have adopted families in our area and helped provide Christmas to the children in these families.  Thank you for your willingness to give!   In addition, one church even had a huge clothing and toy giveaway in our gym a few weeks ago! 

Several groups have been volunteering at our mission center - helping us continue the renovations. 

Thank you for your continued support! 

Every month, the students from Eastanallee Baptist in Riceville offer a worship service called, "The Stand."  Last night, I was privileged to attend the service!  Their student led worship team provided good worship music, and their guest speaker communicated the word in an excellent way!   

Today, I was thrilled to travel to Kentucky with a few guys from Sharon Baptist in Powell.  Several members of their church have worked VERY hard to collect over FOUR HUNDRED pairs of jeans that we took to the God's Closet clothing pantry in Manchester.  

Greetings!   Just a word to let you know that ALL the groups have arrived safely, and all the students are safely tucked in bed!  We thank you in advance for praying for us this week.  It's going to be an exciting experience, and we know God's going to bless the efforts of ALL the ten churches represented this week.  This is our largest week of the summer, and we are confident of great things to come!   We have churches all the way from TEXAS, FLORIDA, SOUTH CAROLINA, NORTH CAROLINA, PENNSYLVANIA, TENNESSEE, and MISSOURI!   What an amazingly diverse group!  We're excited about the partnerships this week. 

 

Parents, please remember, no news is good news!  If your student doesn't call home, please realize, cell phone coverage is "spotty" to say the least, so they may not be able to call out. 

 

 

Yet again a wonderful day.  Thank you for all your prayers today.  After worship last night, we began to see a shift in the attitude of the students here at Big Creek.  Last night, the message was focused on the "flaming arrows" that satan throws our way - namely, temptations.   As Christians, we are often guilty of dumbing down the concept of "righteousness" and accepting mediocrity and sin as normal expectations for Christians.  As we read God's word, it was clearly shown to us that the expectations are high - and we fall short.   The students and adults were challenged with a message of living this NEW life in Christ according to HIS standards, not the worlds.  

 

We at Big Creek don't want to play on the students' emotions - rather, we want to truly see a permanent life change.  Tonight, as we studied God's word and discuss the helmet of salvation, we discovered that Christ himself is the one who protects our minds from the doubt, discouragement, and the delays that Satan constantly bombards us with.   May we understand the power of Christ's salvation in our lives!   As we understand the extent of that salvation, we will be forever changed.  It won't be a temporary feeling, nor will it be an emotional mind game.  It will be theTruth of Christ being made real in our lives. 

 

Thanks for your prayers.   A few things to pray for:  Weather!  We'd love another day of good weather!  Pray for safety of our missionaries, and open hearts for those who might hear the gospel message tomorrow. 

 

 

Once again this week, we are blessed with some tremendous groups.  Today, our groups were able to start an additional 5 construction projects.  In addition, our volunteers were able to reach out in 9 different locations throughout the community.   Some groups were visiting nursing homes and senior centers, while others were leading daycamps in areas where children hang out.  This week, for the first time, we are excited to partner with two ministries located in Hazard and Manchester.  We'll be working wiht the homeless shelter in Hazard with some extensive cleanup,and also working with the Manchester community church as they renovate their dental clinic.  It's exciting to see new doors opening as we continue to share the message of Hope in Christ here in Southeast Kentucky. 

 

Continue to pray for us today.   The weather's looking a little "iffy" - and that does affect our construction projects and our ability to lead daycamps.  However, we will press on no matter what!  Thank you for yoru love and support!  

 

Just to let you know, all churches and students have arrived at Big Creek Missions safely!   We've already begun preparing for the week.  This week, we have churches representing several states, the farthest being from Delaware!  Most of our volunteers this week are new to this ministry, and we are thankful they have chosen to serve with us in ministry. 

 

Sunday, we will be spending most of the day planning and preparing for ministry on site.  We'll be discussing evangelism techniques, preparing daycamps, sorting construction supplies, and spending time in prayer and worship.  Pray for us - it's going to be a long, yet productive, day! 

 

Pictures will be up as soon as possible!