Wheeling, WV 2012
The week I spent in Wheeling went by so fast. Upon arrival and through the first person I met in Wheeling, God provided a place to park. This happened in the Wal-Mart parking lot when I stopped because there was a 10 foot high obstacle preventing me from exiting. I got out considering what I needed to do when a truck stopped a man got out and offered to help me. I told him I had this, but what I really needed was a place to park for a week. He said if you will follow me it’s about three miles from here, you can park at our church. So Dallas Pike Baptist Church welcomed me and that without a background check. (Ha, Ha) The second person I met was John Warnick. John shared how God was using him as the regional representative of the Free Wheelchair Mission. Get this, while doing so he said there’s about a 3,000 member church in Colonial Heights, VA that I’m looking forward to going. I said “that has to be my home church Colonial Heights Baptist Church”. John said, “no way” took out his legal pad and asked do you know Angela Toney and of course I do. That’s a God thing in which we rejoiced. From this starting point John took on the role as public events coordinator, church liaison and my personal assistant. Remember; I did not approach these two men but rather God sent them to me because of The Cross! What a way to start the week. I did not have to go church to church hoping to find a place to park for the week. Nor did I have to spy out the land with the hope of finding good venues to engage in ministry. God provided!
Meet John Warnick Free Wheelchair Mission
Tuesday I spent the day with John who introduced me to many church leaders and some town officials. Tuesday evening I received a phone call from a lady who wanted to meet the driver of the Jesus Truck. So I met Shelia Whitmire at Free Wheelchair Missions office and told her about the Journey I was on. Shelia spoke of her love for Jesus, her pursuit of Holiness and desire that the world would see Jesus through her. Wow, what a desire and what’s more Sheila and her dad have constructed a 12 foot wooden Cross just like the one Arthur Blessed carried around the world for forty years. This dear sister is walking through Wheeling, carrying the Cross and talking about Jesus! Being humbled and full of Joy, I praise God for Sheila and all the saints past present and future for not being ashamed of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen.
On Wednesday it was once again show time. The setting was downtown Wheeling along the Ohio River and the draw was a free outdoor concert. Brother John had secured approval for me to set up to do ministry including audio and video. This was on a corner lot at the entryway of the event! Wow, this was the best. After I set up I looked and saw something that I won’t soon forget. Sheila was in the parking lot assembling the Cross and she was by herself! I don’t know what if anything has humbled me more. Talk about Courage and Love for others! Check out the photo and tell me what you think.
Meet, Sheila Whitmire Wheeling, WV 2012
Thursday, I had to slow down, catch my breath and get ready for the weekend. John did it again, that is he secured approval for me to setup Friday through Sunday during the 7th Annual Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta. This event features vintage speed boat racing on the Ohio River and draws thousands of spectators. So it was time to get ready, check all systems and pray.
Friday through Sunday I was parked in front of The WesBanco Arena. Through graphic display, audio, video and one on one witnessing hundreds were impacted by the message of the Lord Jesus Christ and His work on Calvary’s Cross.
The 7th Annual Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta. 2012 HisCall888
Sunday I attended worship service at First Baptist Church of Wheeling. What an exclamation point to an incredible week in Wheeling, WV!
Thanks for the honor and pleasure; Adam Mick C3, Chris Figaretti The Vineyard, Sam Gibbs, all the Presbyterian Pastors, First Baptist Church Wheeling, CUMC, Ohio Valley Christian Center, Sheila Whitmire, David & Cathy Hoffman, Channel 7 news, Wheeling News-Register, Dr. & Debbie Joseph, Tim Birch and the loving, giving, residents of this Great place called the Friendly City!
While making mention of a few, there are others that have no less been appreciated and all of them are a Joy to me even now as I continue The Journey 50 States One True Story Jesus!
In closing the week in Wheeling has been incredible.
Once again God has provided everything I had need of and having been encouraged I am confident as I move on in answering His Call. Your prayers, support and encouragement are highly regarded. Until next week, God willing I hope to write to you again.
Agape, David