Seeing His Star...

"For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." This was said by the wise men who came from the east to seek the Christ child in Matthew 2:2. These men were learned men who studied the stars and were looking for the coming Messiah. We do not know whether they were Jewish or not, however we do know that there was a remnant of Jews who stayed in Persia and Babylon area after the captivity. They may have known this from godly men like Daniel who stayed after the captivity and was given great wisdom and boldness from God. Men of God proclaimed his message boldly and this taught others the truth about God and caused them to look up and watch for his coming.

What has God revealed to you through his Holy Scriptures that he would have you to proclaim so others would be drawn to look for his coming? God uses faithful men and women to proclaim his love and his judgment. God is counting on you today to bring the light of the gospel where ever you go so others may come to know him also.

Here are some great quotes from a book called "The Calling" by Brother Andrew.

"The Bible is full of ordinary people who went to impossible places and did wondrous things simply because they decided to obey God."

"God is waiting for us to walk forward in obedience so he can open the door for us to serve him."

It is interesting how the Lord teaches us what he expects of us. In my reading this morning I have been studying Hosea and how God is telling them (Israel) that because of their iniquity and continual rejecting of him as God that he will show no mercy on them. Their rejection of him has caused him to say "you are not my people." Now we know that Israel is God's chosen people but they have rejected him as Lord and Savior and therefore he has rejected them.

In chapter 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge". God expects us the know who he is and what he expects of us. Chapter 10:12 he says "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord..." One of God's main principles is that we will reap what we sow. If we so in righteousness then we will reap in righteousness. If we sow in wickedness we will reap iniquity. They were reaping iniquity because they were not looking to the LORD as their God but they were looking to their flocks and herds (their wealth) as their security.

How much are we like them. We look to our bank accounts, our houses, cars and stuff as our security and not really rely on God.

Please take a close look as what it is You are relying on this season. Is it what God has given you or is it He who has given you all things.

This then led me to Romans 11:29 which says "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." The way I see it is God has called and equipped us to do a work that would fulfill his will. We are not to turn away from our calling of God and we are not to ignore our gifts. Since God changes not he expects us to use these gifts and fulfill our purpose as his people.

This commission and equipping is "irrevocable" meaning that we will be judged by what we do with what God has given us. Let us not be destroyed for lack of knowledge of what God has given us and what he expects of us.

Consider today who God is, what he has called and equipped you to do, for his honor and glory.

Remember I Corinthians 2:9 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

Southern tour update

I want to update everyone from our trip to Mississippi and praise the Lord for such a wonderful time. Even though it was not smooth and easy the Bible tells us in Romans 5: 3 that we should "glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope."

We did have some van troubles as soon as we left Rochester and they continued to get worse as were traveled. When a vehicle sits for long

periods of time mice like to nest in the engine compartment and feed on whatever they can find ie; wires. The Lord brought us to Colombus, OH, to stay with our long time friends the Burts. What a blessing it was to fellowship with them again.

We then made it to Decatur, Alabama, where the DBC family loved on us and took care of us and our car troubles. Praise the Lord for such faithful servants.

While in Mississippi we visited twelve churches and presented the ministry that God has called us to in Zambia. The Lord is always faithful and saw that we were taken care of where ever we went. The Word of God was preached, the Lord

was magnified and the people of God were challenged to do more for the Great Commission of our Lord.

We were able to spend almost two wee

ks with Kevin and Savannah Pestke while we stayed at BEAMS in Gulfport, Ms. What a blessing to catch up on all the lost time and encourage each other in the Lord and pray for the future work in Chipata.

One Particularly Beautiful Evening at BEAMS

While at BEAMS the boys and Savannah did school in the morning and in the afternoon we worked packing Bibles for those in need to the Philippines as well as Honduras. We also helped around the complex fixing and cleaning anything that stood still. What a blessing is was to be able to stay there and help them in the ministry. Thank you Dr. Freret, Tommy and staff.

Our return trip brought us to Knoxville, Tennessee to stay with some dear friends. The Lord moves people away from Rochester but to be used of God in a different "state."

We then headed to Pennsylvania to stay with the Swinks. While there were able to meet with two pastors in that part of Pa. to schedule meetings for next year. Praise the Lord.

We arrived home safely and are looking forward to what the Lord would have for us next.

Since there are many things that go into a trip like this we'd like to thank all those who helped in some way, whether it was by prayer, financially or using your gifts and talents.

A special thanks to Ms. Vicky for all the work in phone calls and encouragement. What a blessing you are.

Let me leave you with something from my reading this morning. 1John 1:3-4 "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full."

God has called everyone to a ministry, be strong and of good courage. As Paul said in the book of Colossians in 4:17 "take heed to the ministry which thou hast received of the Lord, that thou fulfil it."

Two weeks...

We have been away from home for two weeks now, and the Lord is showing us amazing things!

We are learning if we can figure something out, it isn't the way it will happen.

We are learning (afresh and even more) we have been blessed with amazing children. They are always ready to _______ ... the blank has been filled in endlessly with a variety of things. They have met each challenge and task with a sweet spirit, and a wonderful work ethic. Thank You Lord for our children!

We are learning people all around this great land are willing to sacrifice for the Lord, and in turn be a direct blessing to us. What a great God we serve! (Luke 6:38)

We are learning what it means to be loved by friends from a distance. We have received countless texts and e-mails, facebook messages and notes from our home church family letting us know they are praying, and we cannot tell you how much they have meant. There have been situations that in retrospect should have sent us over the edge... or certainly would have without the prayers of others! THANK YOU!!!

We are learning what it means when we read "my God shall supply all your needs", and "take not thought for the morrow"... for truly sufficient unto the day is the evil (read car troubles!)... and the blessing thereof! We would be more than overwhelmed if the Lord was not so gracious and patient!

We are learning it is a sweet and glorious thing to be the clay in the hands of the great God and Creator of the universe. We know our affliction which is but for a moment, worketh a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory... IF WE LET IT! The Lord is doing a work, and we must be willing to roll with Him! If he chooses to press, we must not resist. If he chooses to stretch, we must not break. Only by his grace and through the truth of his Word strengthening us will this be the result!

All in all it has been an amazing two weeks! We are enjoying our time with the Pestkes, and loving this Mississippi weather. We are nearly fully booked each week until November 1st- to God be the glory!

Please continue to pray for us to be holy in all manner of conversation. Pray we make lasting bonds with fellow servants of Christ, and that they will be moved to pray for us. Lord willing some will partner with us financially. We give all the Glory to God.

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Psalm 29:2

Village Baptist Church, Mt Morris, NY

There is nothing like fall in Upstate, New York, and we enjoyed it to the fullest as we drove to Village Baptist Church on Sunday. This was our first experience on deputation, and what a wonderful time we had!

Pastor David Ritz and his wife Louise were gracious and wonderful hosts! Their church is nestled in the heart of Mt. Morris, NY, and is comprised of some of the sweetest people on God's planet Earth. We were greeted as strangers and said "Good-Bye" as friends with hugs and email exchanges. What a blessing to be part of the body of Christ, where truly one can feel at home anywhere the Spirit brings unity!

Jalowiec Ministry Video

Here is the preview- there is still some changes

and will post a final version when we have it.

But for now, let us know what you think!

"Holding Forth the Word of Life"

Phil. 2:13-16 Tells us that it is God working in our lives to accomplish his will and his good pleasure. We are to shine as lights in this dark world as we are "Holding forth the Word of life."

This past weekend we had the pleasure of bringing our oldest daughter to the Word of Life Bible Institute at Schroon Lake, NY. What an amazing place. A heaven of rest tucked away in the Adirondack Mountains. There were students from all around the world that came to learn the Word of God. The work is great, much greater than I ever realized. Through Word of Life International (which is established in many other different countries) the amount of people that accepted Christ as their personal Savior this past year would fill Yankee Stadium three times. Glory to God!

This year there were students from as far away as Korea at the NY campus. Last year a student came from Papua New Guinea to study the Word of God. These young people are willing to sacrifice all that they own to be able to come and learn the Word of God.

I was moved when I heard the story of the student from Papua New Guinea that got to talk to his mother over Christmas break. How he thought that was such a big deal and that's all he wanted to talk about. When finally asked when was the last time he talked to his mother he said it was a year and a half ago when he left home to come to Word of Life. Some are willing to give up all so they can "hold forth the word of life" to a dark and dying world.

Just think of the impact that each of these students can have as they go back to their homes and countries and begin ministering to those around them. It made me think "what am I willing to give up?" How about you? What are you willing to give up today to spend more time in the Word of God so you can "hold forth the word of life" to be a shining light to those around you?

The investor/teacher

As I was recently reminded of the fragile and uncertain life we possess at the home going of our friend Garry Thornton, it caused me to think of what is really important in this life. Ecc. 7 speaks of having a "good name" which is better than precious ointment. A good name must be worked on day in and day out and protected against the attacks and temptations this world and the devil throw in our path. A good name is a life long investment, but one that pays dividends one hundred fold. A good name is what is required of everyone who calls Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. A good name reads, hears and accepts the commandments of our Lord and obeys them. Garry Thornton is a "Good Name". He lived as an example to all of us to give ourselves as servants for the honor and glory of our Lord and King.
In my reading this morning in Luke chapter 19 the Lord gives a parable of the nobleman who gave his servants talents (or pounds) to invest while he goes and receives his kingdom. Upon his return he calls his servants to him to see how they have invested their portion. The first used his and gained for the Master ten pounds, the second earned five and the last didn't invest but kept his and hid it. The first was rewarded with ten cities to rule and the second five cities but the third lost what he was given because he didn't use what his Lord had given him. In God's economy his gifts must be used and invested to gain worth. Simply keeping for yourself what you have been given by the Lord is just like saying "I just want to keep it for myself and don't care about anyone else." The gifts, talents and lives we have been given by The Master are to be invested in other people because "The Master is worthy." It is interesting that the Lord uses this parable just before he makes his triumphal entry into Jereusalem to be hailed as "Hosanna in the highest." Garry was a man who invested the gifts that the Lord gave to him. He invested in people and always caused the name of Christ to be glorified. We have had one of the best examples of how to invest in people for the glory of the Lord in our friend Garry Thornton. Thank you for teaching me how to live for Christ.

The evening and the morning were the first day

I was blessed to spend some time with a few good friends last Friday night and Saturday morning in prayer and fellowship. It was quite humbling and yet encouraging to hear several charges from the word of God. We were drawn closer to the Lord as we opened our mouths and hearts in prayer. Who knows how someones life may be changed because of the time and energy spent in prayer. God moves in mighty ways and the power he has given us to pray is nothing short of miraculous and should never be taken lightly.

The Bible tells us in Luke 18:1 that men ought always to pray and not to faint. It was great to be able to laugh, cry, pray, encourage and be encouraged all in the same evening. It was sort of a kick off, if you will, of our ministry.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please him. So we must pray believing that God will answer our prayers according to his will. Have you ever prayed and then said to your self, "I wonder how and when God is going to answer that one?" or "I wonder when it will happen?" Then why are we sometimes shocked when God does answer our prayers, as if to say "I can't believe it really happened. "

James 5:16 says "...the effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much." Since we have the righteousness of Jesus Christ according to II Cor. 5:21, we should pray with the fervency and passion to move mountains.

Take time to pray today, I mean really pray so you can make a difference for eternity for someone. II Chron. 16:9 tells us that "the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."

Is God waiting for you?

Dan's Testimony

I was raised in very religious home but had no idea that someone could actually have a personal relationship with God. In 1987 the Lord opened my eyes and heart and I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I soon began to hunger for the word of God and was discipled by one of our pastors. As I learned the word of God and grew as a Christian I began teaching the Bible to others. The Lord granted my desire to have a successful secular career as the store manager of a large optical chain. We soon began to enjoy the higher salary and the lifestyle that it brings. Because of the demands of my job I stepped away from most of my teaching ministries. It wasn't long before I realized that I was not fulfilled with the new lifestyle and began seeking the Lord for his direction. To regain my walk with the Lord I knew I must surrender my management position and its benefits to become an hourly associate. I knew the Lord could provide for us if he was directing me to step down from my position, but was I willing to make the move. After stepping down at work and resuming my ministries the Lord once again proved his faithfulness by supplying all our needs. In 2005 I was asked to consider going to Kafulafuta Mission in Zambia, Africa to preach at their Resurrection Conference. When I was asked this, the immediate response in my mind was to say "I'm sorry I can not go because we can't afford this". Of course God not only supplied for the trip but he was also preparing my heart for the need in Zambia for the teaching and preaching of the word of God. As I prayed about the need it became evident that God was again preparing me to trust him by faith and not by sight. During a mission's conference at our church that fall, the question was asked "how much can YOU give to the Lord?" At that moment I knew my answer echoed what Isaiah when he said "here am I; send me." I have returned to Zambia two other times to teach and preach the gospel. The Lord allowed me to graduate from North Star Bible Institute with a Bachelor of Divinity degree in May, 2009. In Zambia, I plan to teach the word of God, preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost and help to build stronger Christians for the glory of God. My desire is to see many come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior so they too can fulfill the Great Commission.

Janice's Testimony

I am the third of four children, and around my fourth birthday a man from First Bible Baptist Church came to my parent's home asking if the children could ride the bus to church on Sunday mornings. We did, and after only a few weeks my mom began attending with us. Our family fell in love with church, the Bible and Jesus. When I was 7 years old, I went to the altar after a Wednesday night service and by faith asked the Lord to forgive my sins and save my soul. I thoroughly enjoyed church and attended every service possible. I excelled in AWANA clubs and any activity or ministry the church offered. I attended public school, and the Lord was so good in keeping me out of so much of what the world had to offer.

And then I got a job my senior year of high school.

I fell to the temptation of earning money in lieu of attending church and that habit was a shaky foundation for going to an out-of-town college. Spiritually and socially there were some bad decisions made on my part, but the Lord is so faithful to keep his own and would not let me continue on that path. After graduation I returned to Rochester, NY, and again began attending FBBC regularly. That first summer after college was life changing. I had a dating relationship with an unsaved man from college who also moved to Rochester. His change came after many discussions, meetings with older friends in the faith, and not a few tears. He got saved! Prior to salvation he was very dedicated to his religion, and that dedication translated into a sincere desire to learn all he could of God and the Bible. His faith grew quickly and deep. My life change was when I realized that this was the man I would marry. It was his new passion for the Word that brought revival to me, and after we were married we looked for any opportunity to serve the Lord as a couple.

We served in the choir, as counselors in the teen ministry, hosted home Bible studies, and worked in the nurseries and athletic ministries. It was also early in our marriage we began prayerfully and financially supporting missionaries.

After years of marriage and 5 children, the Lord changed the direction of our family. While we were fully on board with supporting missions, I had never thought about the Lord asking us to go. When my husband was on a trip to Zambia, Africa, in 2005, the Lord gave me a desire and a true peace about serving as foreign field missionaries, and shortly after his return our church had its annual missions conference. I vividly remember during one service as the offering plate was handed to me, the Lord made it so clear it was not only my prayers and pennies he wanted; it was my person. By faith I placed myself in the plate as it was passed. It was a pivotal moment in my walk with the Lord.

Since then, the Lord has continued to lead us to the field of Zambia, Africa. We are encouraged by what the Lord has already done in our lives, and excited to follow where he will lead us in the future.