Whew!

It has been busy. I'm sorry I don't have any photos to post, but there has been a lot going on. (I will hopefully, Lord willingly, get some new pics soon.) Anyway, since we moved into the new Auditorium for Easter Sunday we have been a little busy. On Saturday, April 25th we had a open house for the church. We wanted to "open" the church to the public. Come see what was done and meet the new pastor. This has been something I have been planning since day one. We put a big ad in the newspaper, we advertised all over town, we rented a sno-cone machine, popcorn machine and had helium balloons. We put together packets to hand out about the church, upcoming events and even some candy inside. Well the day was great! I can't say we had a huge number of visitors, but folks were aware that something new was happening. We waved at every car that came by for about 3 hours solid. We held up signs inviting them to come. Like I said a few stopped by. It was a big boost for our people. They really enjoyed the idea of making us so "Public". We have met some folks on visitation since then that have said, "Yes, you are the church that had the open house and has a new pastor. We want to get by and visit." Who knows what will become of all of it. Also, we must have let 100 balloons go that day with tracts inside. Good day. I believe the Lord did bless and will continue to bless.

Also, we were able to have a week long revival with Daniel Hawtree, May 3-8. What a great meeting we had. The Lord was so good. Sunday started with a big day in attendance and I was so excited to see one of our teenage van riders get saved. He had no doubt Jesus had come into his heart. I ask him if died right now where would he go, he said "I know I am going to heaven when I die because I just got saved Pastor Scott." Amen. The rest of the week was just as great. I have been preaching on being prepared for revival for several weeks and I believe our folks were truly ready for and expecting revival. The messages all week were very effective. Several of the members have told me that have moved closer to God because of the revival. Praise The Lord.

On the personal side, Becky and I are doing great. We are longing more and more to get moved into Kilgore. It is very difficult trying to minister from out of town. We just want to be closer to the church and the people. God is good. He will provide for us. We are just anxious I guess. Otherwise, we are fine. Like I said we have been busy. I am excited about the warmer weather and longer days. I can get in some evening visits. Becky is enjoying the warm weather and the beautiful colors of spring and early summer.

I will go. Lord willingly, some pics to come soon. God bless and I will leave you with a thought from Bro. Daniel's message on prayer:

Ask--Seek--Knock.

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV)

We Made It!!

We made it!! We got back into the new remodeled auditorium for Easter Sunday. We worked hard and long for several days, but we made it. It was so exciting to be finished (Well, with this project anyway). What a great day we had! We had another record day--84 and we got to use the new van to pick up kids. Amen!

Anyway, I have some photos of the final product, but I must say the pictures don't do it justice. You need to come see it for yourself (Hint-Hint). It looks great! Thanks for all the prayers and support from all. We couldn't have made it with out you.

Hope everyone had a great Easter.

We love and miss you all! God Bless.

And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Luke 24:5-7 (KJV)

Praise The Lord!!

We have much to Praise The Lord about.

The Lord has done so much for us in the last couple of weeks:

1

We are almost finished (I use that term loosely, this is only phase 1 of at least 4) with the remodel of the auditorium. After many, many hours of work, (including about 12 hours on Saturday for most of the men) we are almost there and holding while they install the carpet. We will make a mad dash this weekend to finish all the details before Sunday. We are all looking forward to having Easter in the new sanctuary. Praise The Lord!

2
We were able to buy a "new" van for the Church. It is a 2002 Chevy Express. It is in great condition. We are thrilled to be able to get it. The old van is....well,...old and wore out. We can still use it around town, but not for any trip. This is such a blessing. We have been praying about a van since we arrived. However, with all the remodel that was needed, the funds just weren't going to be there for awhile. Anyway, a foundation in town distributes grants to local non-profit organizations. To make a long story short, we petitioned for a grant and after much prayer and "worry" we received a check in the mail for $5,000.00! Praise The Lord!! The funny part of the story is that after about 10 days from presenting our need and proposal to the board. I told Becky while driving to church one day, "I sure would like to get a response from the foundation." It wasn't an hour later when I was in the Church discussing the remodel with my deacon when Becky tapped me on the shoulder and handed me an envelope. When I saw who it was from I was scared to open it. Needless to say I was thrilled when I opened it and saw the check. God Is Good. He uses many things to supply our needs. Well, from the grant and some other money that was given we were able to pick up the van at a good price.

3

Becky and I and our other nature lovers Paul & Betsy were able to steal away last Friday for a couple hours to see the beautiful azaelas. Tyler, a town near by, has an "Azaela Trail" that you can follow in your car and also walk through some beautiful gardens. We were a tad late in the season, due to our busy schedules, but they were still just as beautiful. Praise The Lord for His Beauty and good friends to share it with!

God has been so good. May I close with these good verses:

Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 150:1-6 (KJV)

Hangin Rock

We got started on hanging drywall this past week. It is going well. We should have it all up by the end of the week. The men are working so hard. We are having another work day this Saturday. We still have lots to do. The time of fellowship while working has been so sweet. The folks are all thrilled about getting it all "New" again. Becky & I are thrilled too. It is fun to serve the Lord.

Anyway, here are a few new shots to show the progress:

This past Sunday was a exciting day also. We had our highest attendance since I have been pastor. We had 76 in attendance and on Sunday Night we had 58. The Spirit was good and folks have been seeing some prayers answered. This coming Sunday we will have to put out a few more chairs in our temporary auditorium and move the wall back a little. Amen!

Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies;

make thy way straight before my face.

Psalm 5:8 (KJV)

Construction Begins

Construction or should I say "Destruction" begins. We started this past week on the remodel project. Saturday we had a big work day. Most of the guys started working in the auditorium and the ladies got our "new" temporary auditorium ready. We have worked a few nights also this week on demolition. There is no turning back now!!

How Fun!

Before

During

The Temporary Auditorium (In the School Building)

We had our first service in the school on Sunday 3/8. It was really exciting. I have been preaching on our themes of Building Faith, Family and Future. I finished up last week talking about the family and was able to begin this week with Building our Future. I preached a sermon from Joshua 3:5. It was called The Future Is Bright. We had a great day. The service went great, the spirit was good and we had a family visit. God Is Good!

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves:

for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.

Joshua 3:5 (KJV)

Our Chairs Are Here!!

Yesterday our chairs arrived!

We ordered 150 new sanctuary chairs. They are a beautiful burgundy color. We will have our last service in the "old" auditorium this Sunday-3/1. While we are remodeling the auditorium we will be meeting in the school building. There is lots to be done. There will be many more pictures to follow to show all the work being done. But this is phase one--comfortable chairs to use while in the temporary auditorium and then transfered into the new beautiful auditorium for lots of versatile comfortable seating. Praise the Lord!

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:1818 (KJV)

Flags, Friends & Flowers

The city puts flags up on certain propertys for a few selected holidays. So, in honor of Presidents' Day, they put up a couple on the church property. Very nice.

We got a few flowers planted in the planter box.

We had a great time at our Sweetheart Banquet on Valentine's Day.

Here are a couple shots of a few of the games.

Not too bad looking of a couple. (She's cute anyway!)

On Monday, Paul and Betsy Robertson (a sweet couple from our church) took Becky and I to the most incredible place. It is called Ms. Lea's Garden. It is gorgeous!!! The family owns about 1000 acres and several years ago they planted a train box car load of daffodils on the property. They are everywhere. I must have taken 75 photos or so. Like I said it is beautiful, but these pictures don't do it justice.

May I leave you with these words:

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.--Psalm 104:24 (KJV)