Awesome Belpre Church

June 29, 2017

Oh, what a beautiful morning!  A wonderful light breeze coming in my window (that was open all night), 71 degrees and low humidity , going up to 84 today and sunshine, wow!  I have had a wonderful, up-lifting visit and fellowship with God's family.  My hosts have been awesome, they have made me feel a part of their family.  We have been talking and talking, Sis. Wentzel and I went to the pool yesterday, so refreshing!  It was a salt water pool, I had never been in one before, very nice.  Pastor was studying all day for the Bible Study. They are from South Africa and are amazing!  It is so interesting to hear their stories, their culture and about their former Country.  I will share a little: 

They were operating their thriving graduation cap and gown business (renting and selling) in South Africa.  They were saved, and a part of another Church. One day, were delivering graduation supplies to the FTHCM church in Johannesburg, South Africa for an event where Episcopal Pastor was teaching.  They listened, were struck by the teaching. They eventually joined the FTHCM Church, and as years went by, became a Pastor of a branch FTHCM Church in Pretoria.  Then, God called them to Pastor a Church in America!  After much resistance from the adversary, they suffered through and came to the USA with their suitcases and zeal to follow the Lord's instructions.

After receiving their training at the Parent Church for two years, they were assigned as the Pastor, to the FTHCM Church in Belpre, Ohio, right across the river from West Virginia. A Caucasian Pastor and wife, who experienced apartheid in South Africa, with a heart for God's people, Pastor of a predominantly African-American membership in the America!  Wow! What a God we serve!  This could change the world and the Church!

The FTHCM of Belpre, is such a loving Church and it is also being perfected for the next move of God.  I attended Bible Study last night where Pastor Wentzel taught on "Returning to our First Love." Rev.2

When I have returned to my first love: I have confidence in Jesus!

First, love God FIRST! Before anything or anyone!

Remember how we used to love God, when we were first saved and filled with God's spirit.

Repent when our heart condition is not what it ought to be.

Do the First works:

          1.  Return to our first love of God.

          2.  Return to our first love of Righteousness.

          3. Return to our first love of seeking and saving the lost.

          4. Return to our first love of togetherness.

          5. Return to our first love of spreading the gospel.

When those 5 things are in us, we will have JOY!

1.  Have we allowed neglect to get in because our purpose was elsewhere?

          Example, when we purchase a new car, we wash & clean it every day/week, then, after awhile we settle for once a month and then after years , it is no longer our first love and it goes to neglect.

2.  Are we excellent in our service to the Lord, but neglecting giving ourself to the Lord?

3.  Are we outstanding in our work, but have lost our intimate fellowship with God?

          Not just devotional, but is our aim to hear from God? Do we do what          He has told us to do?

WE CAN BE RIGHTEOUS BECAUSE WE HAE TO,  BUT WE DON'T HAVE PEACE UNTIL WE WANT TO!

When was the last time that we did on Monday what we heard to do on Sunday?

4.  What is the state of our intimate fellowship with God?

5.  Are we just satisfied with having a righteous doctrine and satisfied with our service?

Rom 6:17

WE ARE FROM THE HEART!

What makes us who we are,  is not our Worship experience on Sunday and mid week, IT IS OUR LOVE FOR GOD THAT CAUSES US TO SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST!

After Bible Study and a tour of the Church building, we went to the back of the church, walked across the parking lot and a grassy area to a garden plot.  They had a small box garden with lettuce, carrots, beets, tomatoes and onions.  We picked some to take home, then drove back across the river to West Virginia, where they live, and talked and fellowshipped some more.

I heard from my Grandson Tyrone in Maryland, HE IS FLYING TO CHICAGO AND DRIVING WITH ME TO OREGON!  YEAAAA!!!!

He doesn't have a lot of leave so it will be a quick turn-a-round, then he will fly back from either Oregon or Chicago.  I am not able to see my Grandson, (with the wife and baby) that's in Muncie, Indiana on my way, but maybe on the way back.  God is working things out, and I will let you know.