Count Your Blessings

Six months. That's how long Karen, the kids, and I have been on the field in New Mexico. Not long ago one of my Regional Advisory Team members (we call them RATS, but they're really quite nice) said, "Jim, make sure to take some down time. Don't try to get everything done at once." And he's right. Most of our challenges have been brewing for a while, and it will take time to properly address them.

Still, in six months God has done some remarkable things. So in praise to Him, let me share just a few of them.

• Reserve Baptist Church recently called a new pastor. Not long thereafter, in partnership with the State Convention and Mountain Association, they held a concert / evangelistic outreach. It was a way to tell the community that the church was alive and engaged. Well, so far, one family has returned to the church and three others trusted Christ for salvation last week!
  
• First Indian Baptist, Gallup called Mark Chandler as pastor. In six months they have gone from being nearly bankrupt to being self-sufficient. Soon a couple will move from Georgia to Gallup to serve as community missionaries. The vision is for the church to become a 7 day a week ministry center.
  
• Old Fort Wingate is soon to become a youth ranch / retreat center, reaching the Navajo for Christ!
  
• Two men in First Baptist Grants have approached me about God's call to ministry. One in particular, the son of missionaries to the Navajo, believes God is calling him to serve Native Americans!
  
• Four new ministry partnerships are confirmed, with another working! And this does not count the teams recruited through Durk Lynch (WBA Missions Development Dir.), Jack Foster, or First Indian / Church Rock.
  
• God has opened a door for a new ministry serving the Crownpoint area.

Again, this is not a complete list. To whatever extend God has used Karen and me as catalysts for these and other things, I am grateful. Most of all, I stand in awe of our wonderful Lord who is always at work redeeming a lost world unto Himself.

Join us in praising Him for these things! Keep us in your prayers as we seek to follow Christ further in our new mission field. If He's done all this in a few months, I can't wait to see what he has in store for the coming years.

To His Glory!

Bro. Jim

The Fields Are Ripe for Harvest

Last week I was given a tour of the Crownpoint area by Daniel Clymer and his father, Richard. Daniel pastors at Jemez Pueblo and serves as the Native American Consultant for the Baptist Convention of New Mexico. Thirty years ago Richard served as pastor at Crownpoint. They wished to familiarize me with the area, in the hope of soon beginning a new church there.

Back when Bro. Richard served there, the Crownpoint church was at least as strong as other Native American churches in Western Association. But as often happens among God's people, a series of unfortunate events led to the collapse of the ministry. Today I pray for a new start. Given Crownpoint's size (appx. 3000 population) and role (home to offices for the Eastern Agency of the Navajo Nation), this community is a priority site for new work.

Church planters will tell you that starting a new church anyplace is tough. My observation is that starting one in a Native American community where our previous work has died is even more so. As Henry Blackaby says, it's a God sized task.

But on this visit I saw how God was already at work, making a way for our new church. Bro. Richard introduced me to two sisters whom he baptized three decades before. Still remembering his ministry with them, they welcomed him as if he had never left. More pertinent to my purpose there, they welcomed me. And I learned they they would welcome a Bible study for their community, even hosting it in one of their homes.

There is a long way to go before we have a new church at Crownpoint. God must raise up a church planter who can serve there long-term. And there is more prospect discovery to be done and resources to be found. But God has given us some persons of peace. There is an open door to open hearts. This leaves me with little doubt that, as Jesus said, the fields are ripe for harvest (John 4:35).

Pray for Crownpoint... that God would raise up a church planter... that we would see His provision... and that a new church would emerge there faithfully calling people to faith in our risen Lord.

To His Glory!

Bro. Jim

Congratulations Bro. Garland Moore

Western Association's Garland Moore was elected 1st Vice President of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico at the Convention's annual meeting, Oct. 28-29. Working as closely as I do with Garland, I can see in him what others do. He exemplifies my favorite Bible verse, Hebrews 13:7, "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

I didn't have the opportunity to nominate Bro. Garland; but, had I done so, this is what I would have said:

"Mr. President. I wish to nominate for 1st Vice President Bro. Garland Moore. It has been said that one cannot lead others where he himself has not yet gone. Effective leaders have done and are doing what they call others to do. If this is true, than Garland Moore is definitely an effective leader, faithfully performing the most crucial tasks of a pastor.

"Garland is a pastor, faithfully serving the Immanuel Baptist Church. He is an evangelist. I've seen him linger at an intersection to witness with a highway worker. He is a missionary, having traveled oversees and across our nation to bring Christ to others. He is a church planter, leading his church in sponsoring two church-type missions as well as the Community Outreach Center in Grants. And he is a proven disciplemaker. Two men discipled under his ministry pastor those two church plants, while another serves in the local Truck Stop ministry, and many serve the Outreach Center. Most of all, he is a prayer warrior. I love to pray with Garland. It's obvious that, even as the prayer begins, this isn't the first time he's met with God today.

"When I consider all that any pastor need be, I see these qualities. And the fact that Garland so humbly displays them suggests to me that he is an appropriate role model and leader for our Convention. Thank you."

I certainly do not want to embarrass my brother; but, we can all learn from his testimony. So, to my friend and partner in ministry I say "Congratulations!" To the rest of us, let's consider the outcome of the way of life shown and imitate the faith propelling it, that our Lord would be glorified in all we do.

To His Glory!
Bro. Jim

Faithful for the Long Haul

Last Sunday Karen, the kids, and I worshipped at Tohatchi -- in the heart of the Navajo Nation. Pastor Jim Bostic has served this church for eleven plus years, and it shows. Though the crowd wasn't especially large, the impact of Jim's ministry was clear in the depth of several of his people.

Two in particular touched me. One was Alvin, who had recently lost his wife to Cancer. Honest in his grief, you could tell his struggle. And yet he was firm in his trust of the Lord. The reality of Romans 8:28 was all about him. His faith in the midst of loss is a testimony we all could learn from.

Another was Aaron. Aaron has surrendered to preach. In fact, with a word from God, he was off to preach at a nearby church that evening. He reminds me of Paul's words in 2 Timothy 2:2, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."

The growth seen in these men didn't happen overnight. It happened, at least in part, because a man of God (bivocational, by the way) did not simply pop in, pop off, and pop out; rather, he stayed for the long haul. Looking beyond Tohatchi you can see the same thing. The three strongest Native American works in Western Baptist Association share this experience: a long tenured pastor.

Whether you are a pastor or not, making disciples is not a quick and easy task. True life transformation happens because godly men and women invest their lives.

May we all be faithful for the long haul.

To His Glory!

Bro. Jim

Grace, In Any Language

Last Saturday my daughter Lydia and I spent the evening with the Grace Chinese Fellowship, a mission of First Baptist Socorro, New Mexico. It was the sixth anniversary for the ministry, and for Anna Tai, MSC Missionary who started the work. In addition to praise and worship, I preached, Pastor Bob Farmer of FBC recognized Anna for her faithful service, and two of the members shared their testimony. All in all, I believe the Savior was pleased.

For me the high point of the evening was the song service. Despite a few glitches with the technology, we joined together in authentic worship. Since most of the songs were original Chinese hymns, I listened with joy as my brothers and sisters loved God in their heart language. But we opened with Amazing Grace. With a polyglot slide on the screen, they sang out in Chinese while Lydia and I did so in English. Different language... different culture... but the same song to the same Lord, praising Him for His wonderful grace. And do you know what? Grace is amazing, no matter what language you speak.

Please pray for the Grace Chinese Fellowship. Chinese students comprise the largest group of international students attending the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro. God has raised up a core group to serve as the hub of a new church that will reach and disciple students for Christ before sending them back home in service to Him. Pray that this leadership base would continue to grow. Pray also for Anna, that a health concern would be quickly resolved. Most of all, pray that God's wonderful grace would continue to flow from this beautiful fellowship.

"to the praise of His glorious grace"

Bro. Jim

Joyful Simplicity

Last Sunday was a treat. Karen, the kids, and I shared worship with the Laguna-Acoma mission, just outside of Grants, New Mexico. What a joyful celebration of Christ it was! We even witnessed a young mother follow the Lord in Baptism.

While there, I was stuck by the simplicity of it all. Back where I come from, if your church doesn't have all the bells and whistles, then you can't reach anybody (at least that's what everyone says). Don't have a first class worship team singing the latest choruses? Forget it. No video projector and PowerPoint? How do you expect anyone to receive Christ without those? I can't tell you how many churches I've visited (and served as pastor) where this was the mindset.

Now, don't misunderstand. I believe in using all the tools available. It's just that sometimes we rely too much on the tools and miss how God really works.

So it was refreshing to see a people gathering together in a simple church, giving their best to the Lord in song, with a simple God-fearing pastor sharing the Word. It reminded me how God doesn't need all the gimmicks and gadgets; he simply needs a faithful people following Him in simple faith. What a joy it was.

To His Glory!

Bro. Jim

Remember the Alamo

I'm a Texan. And for us Texans, "Remember the Alamo" is a significant phrase. It calls to mind those great men who held fast for thirteen days before succumbing to Santa Anna's army in the defining battle for Texas' independence. After this week, however, the phrase has taken on for me a new meaning.

I write this after only recently returning from the Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation, about 30 miles north of Magdalena, New Mexico. It is an isolated place -- about 60 miles from the nearest Walmart and 260 miles from the main Navajo Reservation. Described in some sources as America's most impoverished reservation, its people are, for the most part, a gentle people. And simple. Things many cannot live without, the Alamo Navajo have never known. Yet despite the isolation and poverty, as a community they work hard to assure a better life for those coming behind them.

Well last week I spent five days among them, in support of a mission team from Oakshade Baptist Church, Cleveland, Texas. While the team led VBS and performed community service projects, I worked to foster relationships with the members of Alamo Baptist Church. I discovered a pastor, Jonathan Vicente, who truly has a heart for Jesus, and many wonderful church members continuing a work that has been in place since President Teddy Roosevelt gave the land for the church in 1913.

The heroes of the Alamo fought for 13 days to assure Texas' freedom. But the heroes of the Alamo Navajo have served faithfully for 95 years in order for their people to know freedom from sin. Pray for them. Pray for pastor Jonathan as he leads the church past a series of recent issues. Pray that God would raise up partners to help them become all that He wants them to be. And pray for me: that God would grant me wisdom to help this church as they continue to represent Christ. Remember the Alamo!

To His Glory!
Bro. Jim

Unsung Heroes

We love our heroes... in sports... in movies... and even in ministry. I can remember how, back at preacher school, we preacher boys would dash to hear the latest mega-church pastor who came to town. We'd read his books as if they were classics. We'd pattern our ministries after him. Some would even preach his sermons (though never me, right?), replicating our hero's style right down to the slightest mannerism.

Now I praise God for those men called to the great churches and growing mission fields within our convention. I myself have learned much from them. The effect of their leadership cannot be ignored.

But...

This week God opened my eyes to a wonderful reality. For every high-profile, mega-church pastor across the SBC, there are hundreds of unsung heroes. These heroes are the men who serve faithfully in the remote, hard, and slow to grow mission fields. I have the privilege of serving some as their associational missionary. They don't reach thousands, and no one outside of our corner of the world knows their names. But they serve faithfully, building the Kingdom of God one soul at a time. They are, therefore, worthy of our honor, our love, and our prayers.

Heb. 13:7 (ESV) says, "Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." Ponder this for a few moments, then ask yourself whether the heroes you follow are really worth your attention.

Praise the Lord for His unsung heroes.

To His Glory!
Bro. Jim

Off to a great start!

It has been a month since our family packed up and moved to New Mexico, leaving not only a familiar place but a familiar ministry. As far as the place goes, we love our new home. The people are great, and there are so many cool places to visit.

In terms of ministry, it's incredible. Our churches have been so receptive. Relationships form the basis for my work. I know that genuine relationships grow over time, and I will need to let that happen. But so far, it's as if we've been here all of our lives.

Case in point: Last week Karen, James, and I helped the Laguna-Acoma Mission with Vacation Bible School. We just loved the church, and they loved us back. I know the encouragement meant a lot to Bro. Richard, but they were the real blessing to us. At least 7 people came to Christ -- five of them in the class Karen led.

There is so much more to share. God has been so good to us. It's still hard to imagine: we are North American Mission Board missionaries -- serving in line with all the "Home Missionaries" I heard so much about since I was saved. That God would give me this privilege is truly a wonderful gift of grace.

Please pray for us as we continue to get aquainted with the field God has called us to. Pray that God would grant me insight into the needs of the churches I serve. Most of all, please pray that all I do as Regional Associational Missionary -- and all we do as a family -- would bring a smile to our savior's face.

To His Glory!
Bro. Jim