The Florida Plant +++ 2021 A Year In Review

 

The Florida Plant 2021 A Year In Review

 

January 4, 2022

 

 

In the year of our Lord 2021, the Florida plant continues to move upward and onward for our Lord Jesus Christ. Once again, the theme of the book of Nehemiah could easily be the theme of the Lord's Church at Brooksville in 2021. "Building and battling" are words that describe the last year. Maybe it should be rebuilding because with each new passing CV-19 variant we see the affects on the Lord's people. Many just stop attending and others take extended time away from worship services. Either way it's difficult to establish a new testament Church under normal conditions much less in a heightened atmosphere of fear of sickness. We thank God we have an anchor who is steadfast and true and sustains us through the challenges we face. We simply choose to focus on the author and finisher of our faith and know that we will be glad we stayed the course. Its been said that "Faith untested is faith unknown". We pray above all things we will continue to bring Him honor and glory and when the tale of our life is told we will be good stewards. In perilous times like these lets remember the words of Jesus, John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

22 Professions of Faith

 

In spite of tough spiritual conditions, we saw twenty two youth and adults make professions of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ during 2021. While discipleship is the long term life's blood of the Church we know that without evangelism efforts we will not have any new converts to disciple. We work hard at both and we thank God that He gives the increase. To God be the glory!

 

Youth Ministry

 

The van Ministry continues to be the vehicle we choose to use to reach kids for Christ. We have established a group of kids that are faithful to attend each week. We are watching some of them grow up before our very eyes. It does our hearts good to see where they were several years ago and now to see where they are after being saved, baptized and grounded in the word of God. My Teen class (above) has grown leaps and bounds in their walk with the Lord. Sis. Terry continues to carry the banner of teaching the Juniors. (right) It may take years, but we see the future Church in the lives of all of these youth.

 

Reaching our community for Christ involves being in the community each and every week. We send out as as many as three visitation teams each week who make dozens of visits. As we visit our van routes we always look for new doors to knock. We learned from Africa that Being in Kenyan villages on a regular basis makes you more of resident than a guest and we are more readily received by being known. Pray for us as we endeavor to make one thousand personal visits during 2022.

 

 

The prison ministry took another hit during 2021 as we had a flood that put the entire facility six feet under water. They are rebuilding the chapel at Cross City Correctional Institute and we hope to be back preaching by this coming summer.

 

 

 

Building Update: We closed on our building purchase on December 30th, 2021. Thank you to all who gave towards the down payment. ($100K). It has been a great faith builder in our lives and ministry. Php 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Thank you for Holding the Rope!

 

Php. 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,Once again we want to take this opportunity to thank our God for the Churches of the American Baptist Association as well as individual friends, family and brethren who partner with Sis. Terry and I in East African and Florida. Please keep us and the Lord's Churches in Prayer as we push towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus.   In His Service,   Bro. Chuck & Sis. Terry Fernandez AKA: Missionary Loboduk & Mama Terry Your Missionaries   Sending Church: 1st Baptist Church East Bay 10102 Old Big Bend Rd. Riverview, Florida 33578   Co-Sponsoring Church Dean Springs MBC 2106 Dean Springs Rd. Alma, Ark.