Good New Year's Eve to one and all!
Hard to believe another year is almost behind us. Still can't quite wrap my head around the idea of it being 2011! God has been so good to us, as He always is. 2010 has been a year to remember that is for sure.
Before I get into a quick recap of our year, I want to let you know New Beginnings is having a New Year's Watchnight Party tonight. It begins at 7 pm and lasts till it is over. If you don't have plans, we'd love to have you, no matter where you go to church! You don't have to stay till Midnight by any means, stay as long as you like. We are all just bringing what we like, mostly finger food, snacks, sweets, or something to drink. We'll fellowship, play games, dominoes, whatever. We'd love to see you come out and join us if you don't have plans. I'll put a link to a map to our church at the bottom of this email.
As for 2010, it has been a year of contrasts. We started the year off really strong with a great deal of momentum. One of the highlights was our 1st Annual Block Party and Anniversary in June. It was a great success. Satan of course couldn't let all the good things go unchallenged and tried his fair share of attacks on many of our sweet and faithful people. I for one was brutalized this summer during that never ending heat wave. It was the worst physical setback I've had in a long time. Extended absences then really hurt the church's attendance and momentum. As we came into the fall season, we began to see small but steady increases in both attendance and new visitors. It never ceases to amaze me how God knows exactly what you need and when you need it! The end of this year has seen me alive with renewed physical health and vigor, steadily increasing attendance, and financial giving on the rise as well. We look forward to baptizing two in the coming weeks. God is good, all the time.
One note of praise, our financial giving hit a slump the same time our attendance seem to, late summer to early fall. Lest we get discouraged, we received an unsolicited gift of $7,000.00 to close out this year's budget. Isn't God so very, very good? I certainly stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene!!! He is forever faithful!
As for me and my family, we have nothing but praise for the One who rules our heart and lives. I am blessed with an unbelievable wife, mother to our children, and partner in the ministry. She is so much more than my right hand. She is my heart, my conscience, and my faithful partner in life. There aren't enough words in the universe to tell of what my sweet Carrie means to me. Our oldest son Zachary continues his sprint into manhood. He will be 16 in just a few short weeks. His maturity, intelligence, thougthfullness, and support are a never ending blessing to us both. He will graduate two years early this May. He is amazing. That leaves our little Texas Tornado, Samuel. So rotten, so bad, and so wonderful all in one. He is such a joy in all of our lives. I never would have dreamed God would answer those prayers for another child, prayers we'd almost forgotten we made. Yet God gave us our little late in life surprise just when we needed him and what a blessing he is. Again, God is good all the time.
Then there is our church family. Again I am at a loss for words to describe their faithfulness, commitment, love, support, hard work, and grace they demonstrate in their love for God, their church, and their pastor. It is such a joy to serve among such people. I have seen a move of God in these last few weeks in our church. A deepening in our study, a moving in our hearts in our services, and a conviction that God is in New Beginnings Baptist Church, with a purpose. I see God growing our faith and deepening our trust. He has great things in store for us!
Lest I forget so many of you, our faithful prayer warriors, encouragers, friends, even financial supporters, we could not do what we do without all that you do for us. I know that seems like a lot of do's but that is what the ministry is, doing, doing, and doing. You help make all that possible. We love you and we thank you!
Hope to see many of you friends at our church tonight. If you don't have plans already, make plans to join us. It is nothing fancy, just a good time, fellowship, food, and games. My kind of new years! Here is a map to the church:
http://www.google.com/search?q=2200+lowll+street%2C+texarkana%2C+ar&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
We love you all. Thank you for you love, faithfulness, and support. May God richly bless each of you in the coming year. May God bless the New Beginnings Baptist Church for His glory and His glory alone.
In His Service,
Micah
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Pastor Micah J. Mauldin
New Beginnings Baptist Church
Texarkana, USA
www.nbbctexarkana.blogspot.com
