Hello again'!  It is hard to believe I haven't posted anything here in over a month.  Time does fly when you're trying to prepare your home for another body to move in.  I am VERY happy to report that we have only about six weeks before baby Beckles #3 arrives.  My official due date is September 9th; but I am praying that he/she will come August 30th or 31st. 

So what topic shall we discuss today... Well, I would like to confess something else to you.  This confession may sound like the most wicked of all; but it is the truth.  Here goes...

Not everyone who enters the doors of our church will be the most loveable.  I am confessing to you today that sometimes I (simply stated) just don't like some people, even thought they are among our number in church.  Now, we have a small church body-so avoidance is not an option. 

What did the Lord have to say about my confession?  He reminded me about his "friend" Judas whom he knew would betray Him with a kiss after ministering with him for three years.  We never see in scripture anything about the Lord shunning, avoiding, or showing any type of ill feeling toward Judas.  His reply to me was that I may not like everyone who enters the doors of our church; but I do have to love them. 

Sometimes there may be personality conflicts, or there might even be liars, or gossipers among your number.  As the pastors wife I am to treat them as important and valuable people and pray for them and myself to overcome whatever the issue may be.  Not always an easy task...especially when the issue involves your children.  In every situation I am reminded that the Lord sees everything and He is Faithful, True, and Just.  I can trust Him in every situation to do right on behalf of my family.

^" He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him."
1 John 2:10

I finally gave up trying to get a "good" smile from Cassidy.

Until next time,

May - June Prayer Letter

Dear Pastor and Praying friends,

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of everyone of you all toward each other aboundeth;” – 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  As usual, our numbers have dipped for the summer.  We are still praising God.  This is an opportunity for us to get to know the “faithful few” a little better and for them to get to know us.

We have had two workdays since our last letter in which, among other things, the men have repaired our church sign which was damaged by termites and a severe storm; and the ladies finished some much needed cleaning in the church.

We also enjoyed our Mother’s and Father’s Day services.  I took that opportunity to teach and remind our folks about their roles as Christian parents.  Both holiday services brought visitors which we are always delighted to have.

I am excited about witnessing some spiritual growth in our church. One family who recently moved back to Newport has been visiting our services and even came and helped on our workday.  They display a teachable spirit, and have expressed that they enjoy our services.  Another blessing - a young lady (who has been with us for a while) recently gave a testimony about how the Word of God helped her overcome an obstacle in her life. A young man who was saved here at Lighthouse Baptist Church last summer has recently decided to trust the Lord with a tithe!

On a Personal Note - My wife is expecting our third child in about nine weeks!  Everything thus far looks good.  Also, the girls celebrated their fourth and second birthdays on the 17^th and 18^th of June.  Aaliyah is really taking the fact that she is four and is now a “big girl” to heart. Thank you all for your prayers and much needed financial support!  God Bless!!!

 

In His Service,

Pastor Raymond Beckles