January - February 2006
1Ti 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,
who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the
ministry;
I praise God for allowing us to be on the mission field. I remember when it was only a vision, a heart felt desire and burden to be in Northern Ireland preaching the Gospel. Now it is reality, and has been for the past five years. I have recently thought about the magnitude of the ministry here. Not that it is a super big mega ministry, but that it has been directed by God and lead by the Holy Spirit. We have seen the Lord do much during the time we have been here and are assured He is not finished with the task He called us to do. There is still much to do for the Lord as He has given us great opportunity to see the Gospel spread in this area.
We have been blessed to receive two families
into our fellowship this month. Miss Monica Hain, a missionary from
Pennsylvania, and the Evans Family from Dungiven. Monica Hain has been a
missionary of helps for around twenty years. She was led to assist our work here
in Limavady last year. What a blessing she has been to the church, as well as to
our family. Andrew Evans has a wonderful Christian family consisting of his
wife, Sandra, and three small children, Adam, Daniel, and Rhoda. What a blessing
it was to welcome these people into our church with the right hand of
fellowship.
We have been busy with visitation, passing
out tracts, and street preaching during the past month. It is a blessing to have
men that want to participate in the work of the church. Men that God has moved
into our church for this purpose. Along with the blessings and the good Spirit
comes the attack of Satan. You are not unaware or ignorant of his devices. He
has plowed into the congregation using many tactics. He has tried to bring
oppression and doubt into my mind concerning the work. He has used other men,
supposedly good men, to cause confusion in the work here in Limavady, but guess
what? 1John 4:4 ensures us, Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome
them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
When you remember us, please pray for the attacks of Satan to be obvious, to be
cast in the care of our Saviour, and to be brought to naught by the power of
God.
We are still in search of a piece of land or
a pre-existing building to purchase for a permanent church building. We are
presently in a rented building and the facilities are not the greatest. However,
I am in no position to complain. At least we have a building to use at our
convenience.
I know God will open the door at the right time and in the right location.
Several churches have given toward this cause and it has been well received with
much thankfulness. Above this, the membership of Roe Valley Baptist church have
been saving for a down payment and are prepared to invest in a mortgage if
necessary.
When we looked to see souls saved we didn't ask for money, we asked for prayer.
When we were facing attacks from Satan we didn't ask for money, we asked for
prayer. When sickness came we didn't ask for money, we asked for prayer. So why
should this need be any different. We need a church building, so we need your
prayers. God will bring the money in as needed. Pray for the right property in
the right place at the right time and at the right price. May God receive all
the glory and praise!
We praise God for your faithful financial support, your consistent prayer
support, and your friendship.
Ronnie Smith and Family in Northern Ireland.