Divine Appointment (Letter from a sister in Christ at Hamilton Baptist)

Dear First Baptist of Eagle Butte,

God has the most wonderful way of setting events in motion so that the salvation of Jesus can be received and spread. The Lord is full of surprises, and divine appointments must be one of His favorites. Here’s what happened: Marjorie Waggy and I were on our way back to Virginia after visiting FBC of Eagle Butte and receiving so many blessings at the Native American Women’s Conference in the Black Hills in May. Just before we got on the plane, Randy Slides Off handed us several copies of his testimony, which had been published in the West River Eagle newspaper in Eagle Butte, SD.* In the articles Randy clearly explains how God saved him from depression, suicide, alcohol, and gambling, all testifying to the reality of evil in the world.

Marjorie and I settled into our seats to read Randy’s testimony, when the third person in our row arrived for his seat. He was a young African man named Haili, and he asked where we had been and where we were going. With a loaded question like that, how could I not witness to him of God’s goodness?! He knew so little about Jesus that I gave him all the basic information the Holy Spirit led me to give. But, there in Randy’s testimony were the steps leading to receiving Jesus as Savior, including the sinner’s prayer.

After explaining what it would be like to have his sins forgiven by the price Jesus paid, and how he could reap the results of peace and joy and eternal life, I asked Haili if he would like to pray that prayer in Randy’s article. He said yes! Praise the Lord! We were flying high in the sky in more ways than one.

Marjorie was praying in the seat next to me as I talked to Haili, another step in God’s plan. I gave him the copy of Randy’s testimony to take to his home land. We found out the he was from East Africa, probably Ethiopia, and we both prayed that God would use Haili mightily there with his new found relationship with Jesus Christ. Will you pray for him also?

Kay Tisdale
Hamilton Baptist Church, Hamilton, VA.

*Randy's article is copied below:

I AM A SINNER
(Editorial published in the West River Eagle)

For God so loved the world that He gave His begotten Son (Jesus) that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life, says John 3:16.

As it is written, "There is non righteous, no, not one," says Romans 3:10. "We all sin and fall short of the glory of God," says Romans 3:23. "There is no fear of God before their eyes," says Romans 3:18.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," says Romans 6:23. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with me," says Revelation 3:20.

Today if you hear Him calling, do not harden your hearts. Now is the time of salvation. We are not gauranteed tomorrow! To begin a relationship with Jesus Christ, pray this out loud: Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I have sinned against you. I believe you died for my sins and your blood pays for my sins. Jesus, forgive me, come into my heart and into my life. Save me and thank you for your gift of salvation in Jesus' name. Amen.

Now let me guide you: Tell a believer what happened to you. Pray every day, start with the Lord's Prayer. Go to church. You are welcome to any Christian church. Read your Bible. Start with the book of John.

God bless you!

Sincerely,
Randy Slides Off

From the Pastor's Desk

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Today is a very beautiful, cool day. After living in the Dakotas for many years, I would have to agree with the fellow who said, "The Dakotas have but only two seasons: winter and road construction."

Even though I'm not fond of the long months of cold, snow and ice, I am very excited about the climate among our church folks at First Baptist Church of Eagle Butte, SD. In the past nine months as interim pastor we have seen at least 13 adults join our church. Two weeks ago the congregation asked me to be their full-time pastor and I accepted.

There is much work to be done in and through our church. Some of our people have stepped up and accepted leadership positions. We are trusting the Lord for many more leaders in order for us to be more effective in every area of ministry.

I am reminded of the words found in 2 Corinthians 5:14, "For the love of Christ constrains us." In all that we are, and in all that we do for Christ's sake, may it be motivated by our love for Christ, knowing that He first loved us and paid the supreme sacrifice for our sins, offering eternal life to all who will trust and obey Him.

Have a great week and always remember this: God loves you very much and so do we!

Phil Lawrence
Pastor of FBC, Eagle Butte

(Psalm 16:11)