January '06

“Happy New Year”

  Happy New what? Did I not just write the January newsletter a month ago? I have never seen the years pass by so fast since I have been traveling the nation, reaching the lost. It reminds me every day that we have so little time to complete Christ's "Great Commission", to go into all the world for him. What an awesome assignment.

  Every New Year, I review my life's assignments. One is being healthier. I start eating better and working on shedding a few pounds. I figure I carry enough luggage across the country, so I try to eliminate part of me. God wants me to decrease so he can increase.

  As we begin our seventh year of evangelistic ministry the more I realize that less of me becomes more of Christ. A scripture I have always based my ministry on is found in Matt 6:33; "But seek first his kingdom, and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you." I learned along time ago that the more I seek of him, the less I think of me, and everything I thought was such a big deal really was nothing compared to what he is and wants to be in me.

  We have really been trying lately to instill in our children, the importance of prayer and how it works in and through our lives. Recently our church spent a week to set aside space and time for everyone to embrace prayer and all it is about. Each day the church was open early in the morning until late at night and everyone was encouraged to come and focus on several different prayer stations. One station had a large cross and next to it was some nails, a hammer, and some note cards. After spending some time in prayer we were to write on the paper anything that was a hindrance in our lives or anything that kept you from fully being what God has called us to be. Then nail the paper to the cross. Our youngest son, who occasionally sports an attitude, took a pen and was scribbling on one of the note cards. When I asked him to stop, he held up the note card and said, "But Mommy, see, I wrote grumpy on here because I feel bad about being grumpy sometimes." Then he almost smashed his Daddy's thumb trying to nail it to the cross. It was a quick reminder of how God is with us, the minute we ask for forgiveness he is quick to give it.

  We received so many cards and letters , this past Christmas, with so many kind words of love and encouragement. It was such a great honor to know that we have an army of believers who support us in prayer. One particular note came from a long time friend that basically sums up the reason we keep doing what we do. The words read, " Christ became like us, so we could become like him. He loves each one of us like there was only one of us to love." Wow! I will never forget that statement of love and affection. That is the driving force to keep me doing the assignment that God has given to me. This is going to be the best year of outreach to youth and families. Thanks for what you have done in your faithful prayers and support. Please come along with us for another year and increase your desire to help us reach this generation. We need you. Please support this ministry with your prayers and financial giving. We depend on your help in monthly support to help us reach the youth of our nation. The need is great, but I know that as we seek him first, he will take care of us. I pray that God richly bless and take care of you and your family this New Year.

Yours For Youth, Jaroy and Kim Carpenter