We are a family filled with the Good News of Jesus.  The Gospel has changed us by the work of the Holy Spirit through our confession that Jesus is the Son of God.  We came to believe through our calling from God and the testimony of others which was given to us with the passion and conviction of Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of sins which reconciles us to God.  Therefore we know and are declared friends of God.
(John 15:14-17).

God has called us to do his work in a place that is resistant to making disciples.  We suffer an inward persecution unlike our brothers and sisters in the early church.  They literally suffered willingly for the glory of Christ.  This outward suffering intensified their convictions to spread the Gospel.  Like a relentless virus, convicted Christians spoke the Word of God to a reluctant people.

We are under inward persecutions from a resistant world.  It makes assumptions and has skewed perceptions about the church and we are coupled with this false identity.  It is our choice to be publicly persecuted or retreat to a safe place of despair.  The enemy would have us privately retreat, because that would close the lid on God’s truth.

As disciples, we must be bold and proclaim what God whispers in the dark by shouting it during the daytime from our rooftops, doing this from an eternal inner light, not fearing the one who can kill only the body.  Our fear is of the one who can kill both body and soul.  Let us boldly go from here today acknowledging Christ.

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
- Matt. 10:26-33

Mike Bailey

Congratulations to Jim and Cara Hill on the birth of a grandson, Tristan Slate, born to Crystal Hill by C-section Thursday afternoon at Abilene Regional.  He was 5lb.7oz. and 19 1/2 inches.

John McCowan went to Dallas yesterday, and on Nov. 1 will move into his new apartment in a 24-hour care unit located about two blocks from Michael.  We don’t have his apartment number yet, but the address is: The Arbors on Wintergreen, 400 E. Wintergreen Road, DeSoto, TX 75115.

Information on several upcoming November events in Abilene is posted on the bulletin board across from the office.

Women for Christian Homes
The Women for Christian Homes organization will be making crafts (rather than baked goods) for this year’s fund-raiser, "Christmas in November."  As you gave in past years to provide baking ingredients, they are needing donations this year to purchase the craft materials needed for what they will sell.  Boots Jarrett, Joy Nunnally or Mary Middleton will be glad to receive your financial donations.

The actual sale which will benefit clients at Christian Homes of Abilene will be Nov. 12, 13 & 14 at the Civic Center.  Watch for details which will be advertised in the Abilene Reporter News.

STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER 24, 2004