A Week of Rain Showers
/Immanuel Lutheran Church, Fairview, Texas
The last week (and a half) has swept past us. On April 12, I had the privilege of preaching and teaching at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Fairview, Texas.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Fairview, Texas
Looking back on the past reveals how the dots connected to form the picture of the present. In the journey toward becoming the missionary I (and my family) have become, Immanuel Lutheran Church is the first big dot. My parents, siblings, and I helped to start the congregation, beginning with stacking and unstacking chairs at the library, to folding and unfolding chairs in a school gym, and culminating in the building they now use. All the while, whether in the library, the gym, or a beautifully renovated sanctuary, God continued to deliver His gifts in Word and Sacrament. And He sustained the church through thick and thin, and He continues to strengthen and sustain them even now.
At Immanuel Lutheran Church
Victory in Christ, Newark, Texas
Next, we headed to Victory in Christ, Newark Texas. Not only did we get to spend some time with some wonderful friends, Pr. Ogrodowicz and his family, but we also enjoyed a delightful meal with the congregation he serves, Victory in Christ, Newark, Texas.
Victory in Christ Lutheran Church, Newark, Texas
During the presentation, we discussed the many ways in which Christ is sending His gospel to the four corners of the world. His Word and Grace, the refreshing, passing rainshower that now showers us, encouraged and delighted the wonderful people of Victory in Christ who desire to continue sharing this Word and Grace with the world.
Teaching at Victory in Christ
Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy
Then, on Wednesday April 15th, I preached and presented for the students of Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy. What a well-catechized academy. Not only did they recite the Third Article of the Creed in Latin during worship, but they knew the explanations to the Creed and often finished from memory the Bible passages I started.
Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy
The fifth through eigthth graders and I had a great discussion after chapel. We talked about how to use the Creed to speak about what we believe, and they also got to see how life in Hong Kong can be different from life in the United States.
Messiah Lutheran Church and Classical Academy
The Edge Coffeehouse
Later on that Wednesday, after a delightful supper at Firehouse Subs, my family and I were hosted by the Edge Coffeehouse in Lake Worth, Texas.
The Edge Coffeehouse, Lake Worth, Texas
Not only did we receive some wonderful coffee (which I spent most of the presentation attempting to clean out of my mustache and beard because I enjoyed it so much), but they also graciously hearkened to the work of the LCMS in Asia and beyond.
Finally, they helped us wrangle wayward children who found it more fun to run around the coffeehouse, both inside and out, than to stick around and listen to adults talk.
Our Family at The Edge
Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, Haslet, Texas
The week closed with an opportunity to preach and teach on Sunday, April 19th, at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church in Haslet Texas.
Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, Haslet, Texas
A well-catechized congregation, they listened as I discussed the First, Second, and Third Article gifts of Jesus, and how the LCMS uses the First Article gifts it receives to deliver the Second Article gifts through Third Article means. (If that’s a confusing sentence, you should invite me to come present at your church!)
In the sermon, they heard how our Lord’s direction to go and proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins in all the world finds its fulfillment in the work of Christ through His church, in both witness and mercy.
Don't miss VBS if you're in or near Haslet, Texas
Thank You
Thank you to all the churches and schools that hosted us over the last week. We appreciate it and look forward to staying in contact with you more over the weeks, months, and years ahead. God’s richest blessings to you as you receive His gifts and share His gifts with others.
Looking Ahead
If you’re interested in catching us (or maybe just me), here is where we will be over the next week.
On Thursday, April 22, I will present at a Bible Class of Hope Lutheran Church in Friendswood, Texas. The presentation is a 9:00 AM, and the address is below. Also check out their website for more information.
Address:
1804 S Friendswood
Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546
Website: hope-lutheran.org
Finally, Sunday, April 26, you will be able to find the whole family at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Westfield, Texas. I will present during the Bible class that starts at 8:30 AM.
Address:
21434 East Hardy Rd.
Houston, Texas 77073
Website: stmatthewlcms.com
Come on over and join us at any time!
Partner With Us
If you would like to partner with us in the work of sharing Christ in Asia, click here. If you'd like to learn more about our work, send an email (roy.askins@lcmsintl.org) or click here.