Emmanuel Christian Fellowship – McGregor, TX

Pics HERE!!!

“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.” Ps. 33:11

Well, it’s almost time!! … I’m counting down the days until I’m off to Swaziland!  Things have definitely sped up for me over the last few weeks concerning this awesome opportunity that the Lord has completely orchestrated since before the foundation of the earth…and so I take the time to thank Him first and foremost!

Aside from packing, unpacking, repacking, and unpacking all over again, giving up and quitting and going back at it, trying to make up my mind in what stays and what goes…in the middle of all of this, you, my family, have been on my mind and heart as well. My biggest question concerning you all has been, ‘How could I possibly thank you in a worthy enough manner for your support-whether it was and is financially or through your prayers for me (and my parents and two younger brothers), for your encouragement in this incredible endeavor, and for your love?’ The only answer I could come up with is that I can’t, and so the only other option that I see fit in this situation is to ask the Father to pour out His blessings in ways unimaginable over you and your families. And I trust that He will! I trust that He will because this is exactly what He has done and is doing even now for me!

So far, the Lord has given me all kinds of crazy favor in everything that involves me going to Swaziland.  When these amazing things happen, I want to say that I can’t believe the things He has done, but since He has, in fact, done them, all I can do IS believe. The Lord has shown Himself faithful. He has shown Himself as One who can make things happen when in reality, according to what I see (i.e., natural circumstances) and according to the “RULES,” they should not.

This is what I know, world-wide traveling has been a lifelong dream of mine. As a child, I just wanted to go anywhere in the world, but I do remember that Africa was a hot-spot in my heart. As far as why I wanted to travel…I just did…there was no focus except to see the world and the different peoples of the world. Growing up, as I have surrendered my life to the Lord, the Lord has molded and focused my desire for this world-wide traveling to His desires and His plans that He set for me even before the foundation of the earth. Now at this what the Lord told me in December, on Tuesday night at The Pool…I asked the Lord, “Lord, since You are sending me to Swaziland, what do You want me to do when I get there?” He immediately responded, “I want you to love My people.” That was it…nothing more. And so this is what I will do. I don’t know exactly how long I’ll be there, but I’m sure it will be as long as the Lord has purposed for me.

I can’t remember if Mike or Ronnie said this, but it was said something like: the Lord wants to connect us with people who will help us to get in the groove of fulfilling the calling that the Lord has given each of us. My confession…in the past, I’ve taken the reigns away from the Lord, thinking I could get me there faster. Ha! Didn’t quite work out–at all!! And I am so glad it didn’t. But the Lord has placed me in the company of you all at ECF and under the care of the God-ordained elders that oversee this flock. My thanks goes to them for lifting me up before the Lord, hearing His response concerning my going to Swaziland and then acting upon the Word of the Lord. I thank everyone, whether you’re stationed at ECF or not, who has bought or given me anything for this trip. I thank everyone who has but even whispered my name to the Lord in prayer for me. My deepest love goes out to you all!!! Blessings and Hugs!!!
~~Traday~~

Jimmy and Paul are heading up a Men’s Group for new believers and those wanting to deepen their spiritual walk.  The purpose is not only to build relationships, but to help establish necessary disciplines such as:  Bible reading, journaling, prayer, devotions, etc.  This group will meet at Paul’s house beginning THIS Wednesday, Jan 9th, at 9:15 p.m.   Expect the group to continue about 3 months.  It should be a fun ride!  Guys, consider yo’self invited!

 Patti and I can’t remember a year packed so full of good stuff! Yes, you, ECF Family are the major ingredient in our slice of joy! We have been blessed from day one in our union. Thank you so much for the Xmas gift. We are blown away by your love and generous spirit. We forsee and expect a great 2008! Hold tight!

Love you always…Mike