This past week was a busy one. We were able to take part in the college devo class on Tuesday. We got into a great discussion regarding the doctrines of the Jehovah’s Witness. There were lots of questions, and it was good to be able to assist in that matter. I taught my first Wednesday Bible study class and gave the invitation again. I was able to take part in a one on one study with Max and one of the young men in the congregation. We will be doing that study again this Tuesday. Friday we had a new couple that recently moved here from Alabama over at our place for dinner and games. We played Phase 10 and to my surprise I didn’t win. I usually dominate at Phase 10 (even though I’ve only played it a total of 3 times)!!! Nikki actually won which means I will be hearing about this forever. Saturday, one of the couples from Dowlen Road had a big BBQ at their house in the country. We spent about 4 hours out there playing horse shoes, eating, talking, and singing praises to God. We were all outside in a big tent, but eventually moved inside due to the rain.
Sunday I was able to preach in a couple of congregations. In the morning we went to West Orange and worshipped with the saints. We were able to meet Heath McCain’s parents. The congregation there has about 60 people. In the evening we preached in Buna. It was a great experience. God willing we will be going back out to West Orange this Sunday. After evening service we made it back to Beaumont for the last few minutes of worship. After worship we then attended the young couples get together. All of the young couples get together on Sunday evenings. Each week they all meet up at a different home. Last night there were at least 10 or 11 couples.
In the three weeks that we have been here, there have been several baptisms. A young man who is friends with one of the sisters was baptized last night. After having regular studies with the sister and her dad (who is a deacon) he became a Christian. PRAISE THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS! Another one of our deacons just recently baptized a friend of his after doing some studying with him. PRAISE THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS! What a joy it is to know that the gospel still has the power to SAVE. It is encouraging to see the studies that are taking place on a daily basis, and souls being added to the Kingdom of Christ.
Since we have been in Texas believe it or not I have actually lost some weight. Despite all of the meals, dinners, and snacks during devotions, I am fitting into some shorts that I couldn’t fit into in Columbia. With the heat down here my appetite is not as big as it usually is. I am hoping and praying that this will continue. The high school students have given me the nickname of M&M, because they found out how much I like them. They give all of the PIT’s (preacher in training) nicknames while they are here. I’m glad they don’t know how much I love cookies; otherwise they would be calling me cookie monster.
This week will be another busy week for me. I am preparing to begin reading my second book. The book is by Ed Harrell and is called The Churches of Christ in the 20th Century. I have to finalize my sermon for this Sunday (Who do men say that I AM), Bible study this Tuesday, teach class on Wednesday, and a variety of other daily studies.
I hope and pray that everyone is doing well. Thanks so much for the support and prayers
Brotherly,
Benjamin Lee
July 20, 2009