Wow, Really Cool, Awesome and I could go on with the adjectives. God has done it again. What I mean is, just like the very first stop in Lynch, KY; God brought me to this town and in a week I’ve met many dear brothers and sisters that love the Lord Jesus so much that it’s hard to say goodbye. Well let me make mention of a few ways I’ve been blessed this week in Beckley:
Last Sunday morning (Resurrection Sunday), I arrived and stopped for the morning service at Bible Baptist Church and it was incredible, the support for missions, sharing the Gospel, the preaching of The Word and the Love that was extended to me will long be in my memory.
Then off to find a place to park and what a better place to meet people and to fly the banner of The Lord Jesus Christ, than the Walmart in Beckley. Here again God’s favor was extended to me as management gave me permission to park there all week and even to unhook the trailer from the truck. In case you don’t know parking is usually limited to 1 night and unhooking trailer from the vehicle is uncommon. Those of you that know me will not be surprised to hear that I made the most of this by parking in the most visable location. This location in Beckley proved to be very fruitful in sharing the gospel, encouraging and being encouraged by the brethren. Thank you God and Walmart of Beckley.
Sunday evening I was invited to go to Appalachian Bible College to hear about the students recent missions trip to NY City, to share with them about street ministry and to encourage them in being unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Well here God blessed me again in that I was so encouraged by the passion of these young men and women, to hear their testimony’s and how God worked through them in ways they did’nt expect and despite their differences they moved as a a team in one accord. I’m excited about what God is going to do in them in the days and years ahead. Please lift these brothers and sisters up in prayer. Another way God blessed me is that He sent some of these students to labor along side of me in the days ahead and that was really awesome.
Moving forward to Thursday evening in the Walmart parking lot I met a man that stopped and chatted for a few minutes, then He said I don’t know why but I want to show you something just up the road a mile or two and it won’t take very long. With a little uncertainty I followed Him and we pulled up to a baseball stadium and the first thing I noticed was an inscription in granite on the wall which reads; “To God Be The Glory” further down “LET US RISE UP AND BUILD” Neh. 2:18, then “WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE” Matt.19:26, next “WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE”, further down “IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE SHALL DIRECT YOUR PATHS” Prov. 3:6, and last “AND IF ANYONE SAYS TO YOU, WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? SAY, THE LORD HAS NEED OF IT”. Mark 11:3. So after got over the excitement of this part The guy that led me here Danny Flores assistant coach, trainer, marketing director told me about this place built by the Epling’s a Christian family and dedicated to bring glory to God. I had the pleasure of meeting most of the Epling’s and what joy to see them working side by side for the Lord. The Stadium is called; The Linda K. Epling Stadium, Home of the West Virginia Minors and is about three years old, with no grass or clay just astroturf.
Danny took me on a full tour, box seats, media room and all. Think about area little leagues playing in a facility like this and during the summer months college players from around the country come here to sharpen their skills and to compete. Some of these players go on to be drafted to play major league ball. This a great alternative to roaming the streets during summer break. Training and conditioning go on throughout the year. Later I was informed of 2 games scheduled for Friday and 6 games for Saturday. Then I was invited to be their guest, truck trailer and all. It gets even better. I could set up right at the entrance to do ministry and was encouraged to play Christian music and all. How sweet was that? Oh, check this out; after 5 nights in a public parking lot with low temps in the twenties, no lights or heat this was really big. What I mean is; a quite place and electricity. I relocated Friday and set up (see the pictures). Pretty cool yeah? Friday night Danny and I went out to fellowship, eat and then to a Dirt Track Race. Dust and all this was so much fun. Yes, I had fun and I’m not backsliding ~Tony NY (my best friend in The Lord). I was so blessed to meet many more beautiful people Saturday. This week it was incredible to see many of the ways God is at work here in Beckley.
In closing; I’m taken by God’s providing such an inspiring and memorable week in this the first stop along “The Journey 2012”. With the sincerest of gratitude I’m thankful for everyone that has blessed and encouraged me in Beckley, West Virginia. I leave better prepared to; “Fly The Banner of Our Lord Jesus Christ”.
So off to Charleston, WV and God willing about this time next week I write to you again. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
With the greatest Love of Christ, I appeal to you all; Walk away from the distractions of the world so you may fall all the more in Love with Jesus! You can know what it is to live the meaningful and fulfilled life that Jesus came to give You
Now and Eternally!
Agape, david
Contact: Facebook~ David Banton