I felt called specifically to write to all the neighbors on Christmas Eve and make a gospel presentation. The attached letter was put together with a candy cane for 100 or our closest neighbors. I am confident that God's word will not return void. You can pray with us that door will open for continued ministry in our neighborhood. I pray that God will use you in yours.
_________________________________________
Merry Christmas from the Bennetts at 3537 Valley High Ln,
This note is composed with great Joy on Christmas Eve with a simple goal in mind to share love. Our neighborhood is large enough that I am sure there are some who do not know the reason for the season. I ask that my brothers and sisters in Christ please pray that this note has a positive, eternal, life-changing effect on our neighbors around us. Others please read on…
A vast majority of you will read this as an introduction to me and my family. My name is Philip Bennett. I welcome the opportunity to personally greet any of you who would seek me out at the address listed above. It is not said often enough even at Christmas but know that I love each of you. The truth in these words may be shared whenever you open your mail box this season. You may also gladly share with family who are visiting from elsewhere around the world. I bring the message of Hope in Jesus Christ my savior.
My family and I are in service to the King. You too can know the saving grace of God this Christmas and have the only gift that has ever lasted forever. We know from the Bible that all have sinned. This means even one lie or stealing something. Sin separates us from the love God has. The love is so great that on Christmas Christ left heaven and appeared to man as a child. Jesus Christ died on the cross was buried and rose from the grave to provide a way for us to come boldly to the throne of grace.
The Bible tells that if we confess with our heart that “Jesus is Lord” and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. (Romans 10:9-10) Like the gifts received at Christmas, salvation is free to the recipient while costly to the giver. God so loved you that he gave his son to die (costly) and make everlasting life available (free).
Finally, each neighbor should know that you are prayed for by me and my family. Many times we have walked the streets of our neighborhood lifting up the families inside each home. It has been the desire of my wife and me to reach out personally. We are thankful for what is celebrated at Christmas and the special opportunity to share that it has provided. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. (Proverbs 3:5)
Thank you for the opportunity to share. We welcome a visit if this note has been an encouragement or you have any questions. God bless you. Merry Christmas
26.12.07
Honduras
The Bennett family parted ways for an opportunity to join the Lords work in Honduras. Although the girls stayed behind in Tennessee, Lisa holds a reward in heaven for her participation in the mission. Thanks are to God for providing me with a loving partner in my bride Lisa. The trip, detailed below, was a great success. Not only did Lisa bring my name to the throne room of heaven through prayer but she ministered to our daughter Grace by continually providing love and care while pop was far away from home.
I left with Woodland Park Baptist Church on a two part mission to Honduras. The church has worked since Hurricane Rita struck in 1998 to found and support Forgotten Children Ministries. Part one of my services required a willingness to be available for whatever the Lord revealed was needed in this third world country where he is at work. Part two was more long term. Lisa and I know that God has an exciting plan for our futures serving him. This trip was to provide confirmation to our call.
The trip introduced me to a new concept/phrase coined by WP Mission Pastor Larry Frick, “a divine appointment”. Focusing on availability as a goal provided countless opportunities to participate in divine appointments where it is clear that the Holy Spirit has been at work to bring about His good pleasure through a child like me. The team stayed at Noah’s Ark shelter in downtown Tegucigalpa. Armed guards were present on the street corners and razor wire adorned the top of every home. Plenty of good food was always available here as 15 former street boys were housed inside. As a guest, I felt a bond with the wonderful ladies who fixed our food and with the boys who were depleted on the necessary level of hugs and love each one needed.
Meeting Jeremy, Vilma, and Magi, which I can fully appreciated as divine appointments, allowed me to present the gospel clearly in the cultures native language of Spanish. These two ladies love the Lord deeply and have a heart for evangelism. Jeremy too is a kindred spirit whose work ethic and love combined to make him an instrumental part of the group. We were able to deliver food and love gifts made possible by WPBC and FCM. Others made a home more livable from the shelter that existed on site. Each home visited allowed the gospel to be presented and many were saved.
Listening to the voice of our leader, God Almighty, allowed Vilma and Magi to provide guidance to different houses for ministry. There was also an opportunity to share in a corner store where one young lady was assisting residents with child care while managing the facility for pool playing and refreshments. I was able to take on four children single handedly and allow the ladies to speak with Beverly. She confessed of her sin and recognized her need for our savior. Together we rejoiced over the salvation of this precious young woman. Together Vilma, Drew, and I returned the following day to pray a hedge of protection around the building. It was an incredible time of praying in the Spirit and knowing the Lord was pleased with our supplication.
The afternoons spent at Grace Farm 30 minutes outside the city were a relaxing time of encouragement for the team. It is here that the boys are able to live once they reach the age of 12-15. Young men are further removed from the city life that they have left and are given the opportunity to learn more about our creator God. The men are taught in school; they are trained in English, and have opportunities for work ethic development. The facility is remarkable and improvements are steadily underway. Each time we were able to visit I came to know my Father better by seeing that He is at work even in the smallest things like provision of fresh water.
In Monte Redondo it was evident that Christ indwelled the town. There was prosperity in the community. I was again blessed to be giving as residents and town people waited patiently for a bag of gifts with clothing, food, and toys. Only after spending time with individual pastors did it become evident where the real leadership came from. This community is one with Christ at its center. Never have I been as encouraged as I was upon learning about the monthly prayer and fasting that the entire Christian family takes part in. Seven different denominations meet monthly to not only prepare for what the Lord will do next but also get out the good news to their friends and neighbors.
The week wrapped up quickly with plans to return to Noah’s Ark and spend time with these once forgotten children. The most influential result of the trip to me is two fold just like I felt the original call to be. First, as I have shared with many of you personally, I know my God better now than when I boarded a plane in Atlanta, GA on 12/2/07. He is working world wide and has invited me to join Him in a winning challenge. Second, I can see God work through the birth of a vision. What began as a need to provide the necessities to boys that had survived a hurricane in a part of the world where needs are hard to come by has flourished under the careful eyes of God. Soon, there will be high school graduations for the boys. They will one day be able to have mechanic certifications at the farm. Many are accepting Christ as their savior and expressing an interest in working with FCM on staff. I confess that I am willing to be a part of the Lords work.
My God is bigger than I know. He will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalm 138:8
I left with Woodland Park Baptist Church on a two part mission to Honduras. The church has worked since Hurricane Rita struck in 1998 to found and support Forgotten Children Ministries. Part one of my services required a willingness to be available for whatever the Lord revealed was needed in this third world country where he is at work. Part two was more long term. Lisa and I know that God has an exciting plan for our futures serving him. This trip was to provide confirmation to our call.
The trip introduced me to a new concept/phrase coined by WP Mission Pastor Larry Frick, “a divine appointment”. Focusing on availability as a goal provided countless opportunities to participate in divine appointments where it is clear that the Holy Spirit has been at work to bring about His good pleasure through a child like me. The team stayed at Noah’s Ark shelter in downtown Tegucigalpa. Armed guards were present on the street corners and razor wire adorned the top of every home. Plenty of good food was always available here as 15 former street boys were housed inside. As a guest, I felt a bond with the wonderful ladies who fixed our food and with the boys who were depleted on the necessary level of hugs and love each one needed.
Meeting Jeremy, Vilma, and Magi, which I can fully appreciated as divine appointments, allowed me to present the gospel clearly in the cultures native language of Spanish. These two ladies love the Lord deeply and have a heart for evangelism. Jeremy too is a kindred spirit whose work ethic and love combined to make him an instrumental part of the group. We were able to deliver food and love gifts made possible by WPBC and FCM. Others made a home more livable from the shelter that existed on site. Each home visited allowed the gospel to be presented and many were saved.
Listening to the voice of our leader, God Almighty, allowed Vilma and Magi to provide guidance to different houses for ministry. There was also an opportunity to share in a corner store where one young lady was assisting residents with child care while managing the facility for pool playing and refreshments. I was able to take on four children single handedly and allow the ladies to speak with Beverly. She confessed of her sin and recognized her need for our savior. Together we rejoiced over the salvation of this precious young woman. Together Vilma, Drew, and I returned the following day to pray a hedge of protection around the building. It was an incredible time of praying in the Spirit and knowing the Lord was pleased with our supplication.
The afternoons spent at Grace Farm 30 minutes outside the city were a relaxing time of encouragement for the team. It is here that the boys are able to live once they reach the age of 12-15. Young men are further removed from the city life that they have left and are given the opportunity to learn more about our creator God. The men are taught in school; they are trained in English, and have opportunities for work ethic development. The facility is remarkable and improvements are steadily underway. Each time we were able to visit I came to know my Father better by seeing that He is at work even in the smallest things like provision of fresh water.
In Monte Redondo it was evident that Christ indwelled the town. There was prosperity in the community. I was again blessed to be giving as residents and town people waited patiently for a bag of gifts with clothing, food, and toys. Only after spending time with individual pastors did it become evident where the real leadership came from. This community is one with Christ at its center. Never have I been as encouraged as I was upon learning about the monthly prayer and fasting that the entire Christian family takes part in. Seven different denominations meet monthly to not only prepare for what the Lord will do next but also get out the good news to their friends and neighbors.
The week wrapped up quickly with plans to return to Noah’s Ark and spend time with these once forgotten children. The most influential result of the trip to me is two fold just like I felt the original call to be. First, as I have shared with many of you personally, I know my God better now than when I boarded a plane in Atlanta, GA on 12/2/07. He is working world wide and has invited me to join Him in a winning challenge. Second, I can see God work through the birth of a vision. What began as a need to provide the necessities to boys that had survived a hurricane in a part of the world where needs are hard to come by has flourished under the careful eyes of God. Soon, there will be high school graduations for the boys. They will one day be able to have mechanic certifications at the farm. Many are accepting Christ as their savior and expressing an interest in working with FCM on staff. I confess that I am willing to be a part of the Lords work.
My God is bigger than I know. He will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalm 138:8
1.12.07
Back in TN!
Well, we are finally back in TN for the holidays! We asked many of you for prayer for Grace's very early plane ride with Mom. Your prayers were definitely heard and answered as Grace did wonderfully on both legs of the trip as well as during the 2-hour layover. Some sleeping on both planes and minimal screaming :) We spent a wonderful 9 days in Memphis visiting family over Thanksgiving before coming home. Again, Grace did so well in Memphis and on the 5-hour drive home. Grace is still adjusting to being home and not having at least 3 pairs of eyes adoring her at all times ;) We've been breaking her in slowly as her enamored aunt spent the first day home with us - mostly helping us unpack and decorate for Christmas, but also playing with Grace. Many thanks to everyone who has prayed for our extended travel time over the last couple of weeks. We look forward to spending time with as many of our TN friends as possible this month!
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