God’s Work in Dulce, NM
Our team visit to Dulce to help lead Vacation Bible School at Dulce Baptist Church reminded me that our mission field begins where we live, and right here in our state there are so many people who don’t know who Jesus is, nor what He has done for them. The spiritual and visible needs are evident here, but God is working here through His people.
We taught the children truths from the gospel that can change their lives, and they responded. Ten children prayed to receive Jesus this week in Vacation Bible School. Some of the parents also came to the church for supper and worship, and God planted seeds of truth and hope through the sharing of His Word and the testimonies. Dulce has had some difficult times and things are changing, but we are very hopeful for the church there because we can see God’s hand of grace on them.
There are even bigger plans for next summer, and we hope to return to help the new pastor and the people to carry on the work. Prayer is key, because only God can bring the change and life that is needed. There is little to support His kingdom work here in the way of material or people, but God’s people have great big hearts and it was evident in the openness and the blessing of this special week for children. Thanks for supporting the work with your prayers, your baking, and your going with us.
-Pastor Charles Lord
Memorize Scripture
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)
Reaching the Nations at the Grand Canyon
On our mission trip, we achieved many goals as a youth ministry. One of our goals was teaching students how to share their faith with confidence. Even those that did not go to the Grand Canyon but attended the 2-day training learned how to share the hope that they have in Christ.
Many of our students, though having come from great Christian homes, did not know how to share their testimonies. We went over that and for some it was the first time they actually got their story of salvation ordered out.
For some students, the trip was eye opening to the fact that God has gifted them with an ability to share the Good News. They discovered a newfound fervor to make Jesus known among all nations. The sweetest part for me was seeing the students be obedient even when they were terrified initially. They stepped out in faith and started conversations with complete strangers, even starting conversations with people who spoke very little English.
We have much to be proud about when it comes to the VGCYM. Knowing they now have some tools to clearly articulate the Gospel is one of the many things I am thankful for the opportunity to teach them.
-Michael Harding
Showing God’s Love in Peru
I spent a week in Peru with the sweetest, kindest, toughest kids. I went on this trip last year as well, but this time I think I observed and learned more than before. I am so grateful to this church for supporting me; without you I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go.
I had the pleasure of working with the “Pukklay Niñas” – the youngest group of girls there, whom I worked with last year as well. These girls ranged from ages 3 to 5. We taught them about the Good Samaritan story and since they are so young, we mostly did crafts, snacks and free play. We brought them blocks, puzzles, play-dough, water colors, and coloring books. We had them memorize a bible verse that was along with the theme of the week, “Woven.” We watched a Peru vs. US soccer game (we always lose), had a fiesta, and taught them how to take care of each other (hence the Band-Aids all over their faces).
I learned so much about patience, how it doesn’t matter if you speak Spanish or not, and I realized how much we complain! These girls have a hard life ahead of them, and I am incredibly lucky to have seen them twice in a year. It made my heart so happy to see these girls remember my name and the love I showed them a year ago.
-Madison McCoy
August Calendar Event Details
· August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30— Men’s Study, 7pm-8:30pm @ VGC, led by Pastor Charles
· August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31— Worship Practice, 6pm-7pm @ VGC
· August 5— Men’s Breakfast, 8am-10am @ VGC, please RSVP with Tom Meluso (vista880m@gmail.com)
· August 6, 13, 20, 27— 8:30am Service @ VGC, coffee fellowship @ 8am
· August 6, 13, 20, 27— 10:30am Service @ VGC, coffee fellowship @ 10am
· August 6, 13, 20, 27— Youth Service, 5pm-7pm @ VGC
· August 13— Back-to-School Block Party, 2pm-5pm @ VGC, FREE school supplies, food, drinks, kids jumper and lots of fun!, school supplies donations needed, please drop off @ church, volunteers to work block party needed, please contact Gayle DeRose if interested in volunteering (deyellowrose@hotmail.com)
· August 19— Engage Women’s Conference, 9am-12:30pm @ Albuquerque First Baptist Church (4101 Paseo Del Norte NW, Albuquerque), FREE event sponsored by CBA Women’s Networking Group, registration begins @ 8:30am, topics include helping women learn life skills to live independently, freedom from human trafficking, prison ministry, Biblical counseling, how to promote your activities with all generations, and others, please contact Sheryl Stewart if interested in attending and carpooling (sheryl@barryhess.com)
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