01
Oct '22

For the Journey – October 2022

Posted on Oct 1, 2022 in General, John |

01
Oct '22
As I write this article I am also watching and hearing about the devastating Hurricane Ian that has reached landfall and produced a state of emergency for five states, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. We remain prayerful for the safety of loved ones and the rebuilding that will need to take place as a result of the high winds and water. In times like these it brings some comfort to know that neighboring states are ready to assist with the needs. Hurricanes and natural disasters put us all in the position of appreciating assistance from fellow human beings. Join me as we continue to pray how God will reveal Himself though these circumstances. I have heard from our Texas Baptist Men teams that they are on standby and may be called to go at any time. What do we do when what we consider to be basic needs are gone? Several of you have experienced storms both natural and physical. There is a silence and awing of events that follow such times. When Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, Trinity Baptist sent teams of church members along with the Texas Baptist Men groups to assist in any way needed. I am grateful for the spirit of a church that is willing to go and get dirty, to walk alongside people who have needs of shelter as well as comfort. As followers of Jesus we are always called to be on standby whenever there is a need. Closer to home I am counting the blessings of a community and her leadership that stands consistent with Biblical standards. Both in our schools and our public library, there are those who give leadership to books that are appropriate for ages and community standards. We are blessed to have our City Officials and our School Board to give proper direction. Let us find ourselves supportive of those who are helping to lead us in the right directions. As we continue to think about blessings, we are getting closer and closer to a date for our grand opening of our new ministry space. Another blessing that overflows everyday is the faithfulness of Trinity Baptist Church to our godly assignment together. It is exciting to see the building taking shape and ceiling and floors being put in place. All of this because of our agreed upon direction and faithful support. Thank you Trinity for all you are doing. A Blessed Community is our new sermon series. We will be looking at the beatitudes in Matthew 5. I hope you will journey with us from Sunday to Sunday as we see the blessings of God and the faithfulness of God’s people. Please remain in prayer for our Minister of Worship Search Committee as they work though the process of discovering our next Minister of Worship. Remember we have been blessed so that we might bless others in return.
 
In Christ,

Pastor John

 

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01
Sep '22

For the Journey – September 2022

Posted on Sep 1, 2022 in General, John |

01
Sep '22
The world has never been boring. Everyone who has ever lived, lived in interesting times. We most certainly see interesting things around us today. We can notice the evil that is so prevalent around us or we can focus on our response and provide an escape. As I shared recently in a sermon, I have never lived in a time when the church is so opposed as it is today. There have been worse days in our history, but our post-modern culture presents challenging assignments for the church.
 
I am not depressed. I have read the end of the book. Nonetheless, these truly are interesting days. How we respond to everything going on in our world today speaks volumes about our faith and trust in God’s plan and solutions. It is time for us to hold strong to our biblical upbringing. It is time for us to stand on the truth of God’s Word. It is time for us to refute heresy with gentleness and respect allowing others to see the validity of our message. Sin carries consequences and a life lived in the Spirit produces fruit.
 
I recently read some great advice regarding our response to our current situations. We are challenged to walk with God today in what we know while waiting for tomorrow to come. We ought to be preparing ourselves for what is coming our way while at the same time living productive and fruitful lives. We desire for others to see the good things we do and glorify our Father in heaven. Our faithfulness is a powerful witness to those around us.
 
So how do we spend our time? We should consider evaluating what is most important and give our highest cause our greatest service. We are moving closer to a grand opening to a new opportunity. A new gathering place and teaching space. I am already anticipating greeting you in our new entrance. It will be joyful to look down from our walkways to see the fellowship taking place.
 
Faith family, you have been faithful to the task and faithful to your commitment. We are experiencing God’s blessing because we are sharing the blessing God has given in order to bless those we know as well as those we don’t know yet. Thank you for your faithfulness.
 
I want to also express my thanks to Carrie Overby who has served faithfully as our Worship Ministry Assistant. Carrie will be stepping down at the end of this month. Carrie is greatly involved in our worship ministry as a participant, but has also provided great leadership. Stephanie Clarke will be coming on staff this month to work alongside Carrie. We are grateful for all of God’s provision and are blessed by such a great group of ministers and assistants. Thank you, Carrie. Welcome, Stephanie.
 
Stay tuned to the announcements coming your way. We hope very soon to let you know when we will celebrate a grand opening to our new building. Who knows, we might even bring back donuts.
 
In Christ,

Pastor John

 

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01
Aug '22

For the Journey – August 2022

Posted on Aug 1, 2022 in General, John |

01
Aug '22
Anniversaries are great reminders of God’s provisions. God has plans and He always provides for His plans. Melinda and I want to thank you, Trinity Baptist Church, for the past ten years. We have walked together through great times and times of struggle. I remember the weekend we came in view of the call to serve as Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church. Trinity graciously put us up at the Inn of the Hills and when we arrived, there were flowers and a snack basket for our room. We were eating breakfast at the hotel when Jimmie and Ruth Spradling came over and introduced themselves and asked if we were the Wheats. That began a wonderful day of meeting precious people who called themselves Trinity Baptist Church. Jimmie has since gone to be with the LORD.
 
It wasn’t very long after I came that we began our Forward by Faith remodel. The church had already voted to move in this direction and, shortly after coming, we moved our worship services to the Family Life Center. It was quite different but provided for a great way to meet new people. I got to see the beautiful response of the Trinity members as they were displaced for worship but so joyfully moved together.
Ten years later, we are in search of our next Minister of Worship as well as counting down the days till we open our new building through our Blessed to Bless campaign. God is sure faithful to provide for the work He is calling us toward. We are receiving new members as God provides and celebrating the baptisms of those who are coming to receive salvation in Christ. We set up the flag in the Worship Center from Sunday to Sunday of the state or country Trinity members are heading for mission opportunities. The American flag is always out reminding us of our mission responsibility here at home.
 
We have been blessed this summer through the incredible potential of Vacation Bible School, Horizon Student Camp, and Alto Frio Pre-teen Camp. God is moving among our students and their leadership. Our adult discipleship includes specific Bible studies for everyone. On Sunday mornings and during the week, groups gather to connect with each other and study God’s Word. We are blessed to be a blessing for such a time as this.
Our community and world need to see strong and committed followers of Jesus. I am grateful for the journey with you as we travel these days and paths together. I prayerfully anticipate that next month’s Trinity Life will carry the information about the Grand Opening of our new gathering and education space.
 
Anniversaries are great reminders of God’s provisions as we remember all that God has done while also anticipating all that God is planning to do
.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD and not to men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the LORD Christ.” Colossians 3:23
 
We love you Trinity,

Pastor John

 

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01
Jun '22

For the Journey – June 2022

Posted on Jun 1, 2022 in General, John |

01
Jun '22

We all have a heavy heart. Prayers, presence and words are often the response to tragedy. We have all grieved with Uvalde, Texas this past week. Anyone who is a parent or grandparent begins to groan with the families and the loss of life of these precious children and teachers. After the initial shock of what took place, we begin to ask, “What can we do?” We cannot believe any individual could do such a horrendous act, but we are reminded that evil is evil.

There are no words that can be offered that help to explain or console. However, we can offer prayers. Prayers to God who hurts alongside all the grieving families and the community that will forever be changed. I do not have the words to share or encourage us except that God will work through all that has happened. God redeems all He allows and He is very near to the broken hearted. We also can be near to those in Uvalde through our prayers for them.

There are many who need our prayers. First and most definitely, those whose family members were killed. We also need to remember to pray for all of the first responders who both ended the conflict and began to offer help. Remember the hospital workers who received the injured and deceased. Pray for all of the school children who will remember these events and those who walked alongside them in the halls of their school. Lift up the faculty and administration as they mourn the loss of students, but also their peers. God help us all as we consider how to pray for those in need.

In the midst of all the chaos of the world, God is still moving forward. We should never let evil stop us or silence us. The answer to all of our struggles is still an authentic relationship with Jesus that transforms us and our world. In the presence of all the ugly, there is hope. Our world does not have the answer. Therefore, we must continue to do our part in declaring in our brokenness that God pursues us and desires to have a relationship with us. He has made it all possible through Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior.

There are many opportunities to share hope this summer. Find your place and plug in. Vacation Bible School and summer camps are scheduled and many children and youth have already signed up. They have signed up for an opportunity to take a first step in Jesus for salvation or a next step in Christ in discipleship. Let us be in the position for God to use us in great ways this summer and every day.

This month we will say goodbye to Larry Danks. I am forever thankful for the time Larry has served as our Minister of Worship. He and Mary Pat have faithfully served the LORD in life as well as Trinity Baptist Church. We will be hosting a Retirement Celebration for Larry on Sunday, June 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. We will have a brief presentation at 3:30 for Larry and Mary Pat. Church members are encouraged to bring a card expressing their love and appreciation to the Danks for their faithful and outstanding ministry among us.

The summer will be full of opportunities to be involved both in prayer support and active engagement. Let’s join together as we see God working among us to declare His goodness and purpose.

 

In Christ,

 
 

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30
Apr '22

For the Journey – May 2022

Posted on Apr 30, 2022 in General, John |

30
Apr '22

What a wonderful blessing and honor it was to celebrate our Risen LORD on Resurrection Sunday. We are still meeting those who came to experience the Victor and are returning to worship with us. God is blessing as we continue to visit with others and make plans for baptisms. On Easter Sunday morning we had 710 worship with us on campus and another 210 worship with us online. Praise the LORD!

There are holes in our building, but that is a good thing. The builders have penetrated the exterior walls and have now joined our established building to our new building. It looks amazing. We are beginning to get a glimpse of what our new facility will bring our way. We have begun our third year of our pledges and Trinity Baptist Church has gone above and beyond. We are so fortunate to serve the God who meets our needs and provides for our direction together. I am anticipating a day, in just a few more months, when we will be gathering to dedicate new opportunities for ministry through TBC because of God’s provision of gathering space and discipleship. These are exciting days.

The month of May will bring great ministry opportunities our way. The Encore Senior Adult Days, highlighting our Prime Time Ministry, begins the month. We will recognize our graduating seniors on May 15th and welcome our two summer interns later in the month. Our Women’s Bible study and our Men’s Bible study have concluded for a brief break before the summer studies start. I am simply amazed at all the meaningful ministry taking place at Trinity.

Please be praying for both Larry and Mary Pat Danks as they draw closer and closer to Larry’s date of retirement. We will surely take advantage of appreciating the Danks for their tenured ministry of over 15 years at TBC. You will get more information next month, but be sure to put the date of Larry’s retirement reception on your calendar – Sunday, June 26th.

Also, be in prayer for our Worship Minister Search Committee as they begin the process of discovering who our next Worship minister will be. I appreciate this committee’s dedication to pray and I know they would cherish your prayers for them as well.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

In Christ,
 
 

 


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01
Apr '22

For the Journey – April 2022

Posted on Apr 1, 2022 in General, John |

01
Apr '22
“So go to the street corners and invite anyone you find.” Matthew 22:9
 
God is so faithful to put people in our path to invite to The Victor. I have heard from so many of our church members of how they have taken the opportunity to invite our community to experience the gospel story presented at Trinity Baptist Church this Easter. For those who have been attending our Midweek services, this is a “Come and See” opportunity. That is exactly how Jesus discipled Andrew and John. Of course, Jesus did not stop with come and see, but called them to follow Him and be taught by Him. The final result of Jesus’ discipling produced men and women who were making disciples of Jesus also. I hope you will take advantage of the first steps of discipling others by inviting them to come and see.
 
There are many opportunities of prayer this month, one of which is praying during Ramadan that Muslims will have dreams and God will place His witnesses before them as they open themselves up for spiritual insight. There will be prayer guides that can be picked up and also prayer reminders sent out to our Prayer Warriors who have agreed to be on our Prayer Blasts. The Holy Spirit is always convicting of sin and calling us all to truth, even those who do not believe. As Muslims focus on Allah, may the true God make Himself known.
 
Another prayer emphasis for our church is praying for our Minister of Worship Search Team. From a ballot of 21 well respected church members 7 were elected to serve. They are: Mike Cook, Lanie Ebelt, Donna Hinton, Lew King, Melissa Morris, Dan Petty, and Wiley Wilkerson. The team will be meeting soon to determine a chair and begin our process of discovering who the LORD has in store for us. You will also be hearing more about our reception for Larry Danks to take place upon his retirement. Larry has faithfully served both the LORD and Trinity Baptist Church.
 
Easter Sunday will be April 17 and we anticipate a great crowd to celebrate the resurrection of our LORD Jesus Christ on that day. There will be a special Midweek on April 13 surrounding the LORD’s supper. I hope you are making plans to be with us and inviting others to come.
 
We are truly Blessed to Bless. God has proven Himself faithful through the faithfulness of our Trinity Baptist Family. Two years of our pledges are complete and we are beginning our final year. It is exciting to see the progress from week to week of our new opportunity of ministry through our new building and space. Thank you, Trinity Baptist Church, for your faithfulness and your obedience to God’s assignment through us.
 
In Christ,
 
 
 

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01
Mar '22

For the Journey – March 2022

Posted on Mar 1, 2022 in General, John |

01
Mar '22
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7
 
God is always at work around the world. The world is paying attention to what is taking place in Ukraine as Russia aggressively has invaded. For a week we have heard from leaders and politicians and seen pictures coming over the internet. My heart goes out to the people defending their home country. So far away, I feel helpless and want to know more and do more. I have been reminded by the LORD that we are never helpless. One of the greatest things we can do at a distance and up close is to pray. I was so encouraged by those in our worship services this past Sunday who answered the call to pray together for the Ukrainian people. Thank you, Trinity Baptist Church, for responding as a church to the needs in our world.
 
On March 6th, we will be taking up a special offering to go toward the relief efforts through Texas Baptists Men. There are many ways individuals can send support through other organizations like Samaritans Purse and Ceri International, but we have an ongoing channel to support many relief efforts through TBM. The offering given on March 6th will go directly to the international relief. I want to invite you to also join me at noon every day to pray wherever you are for this conflict and watch and see how God will use this for His glory.
 
We will also begin the selection process for our Minister of Worship Search Team on Sunday, March 6th. Nomination ballots will be available and each church member can make up to three nominations only. Nominations may also be submitted on March 13th. Ballots will be received in our offering boxes. From the names nominated, a final ballot of 21 church members will be voted on in a special called Member Meeting on March 27th in all three worship services. We have been blessed beyond measure with the ministry and leadership of Larry Danks. We will continue to be blessed until his retirement at the end of June. Let us be in prayer for this new search team that will be formed this month as they seek our next Minister of Worship.
 
I am being asked around town about our building progress. Many have told me they have been watching the work being completed. Several have commented that they noticed when the three crosses were secured to the outside wall. These are folks from our community and not church members. We are in a great position to respond to God’s faithfulness in our Faith Family as God has continued to make His assignment known to us. We are truly blessed to be a blessing.
 
In Christ,
 

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01
Feb '22

For the Journey – February 2022

Posted on Feb 1, 2022 in General, John |

01
Feb '22
“Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.” Psalm 103:2-5
 
No matter what time in any year, we should exclaim with David our praise for all the benefits of God. We were blessed in 2021 with the faithfulness of God because we were in the position to receive His blessing. God is always faithful. We anticipate God’s continued faithfulness in 2022, hopefully remaining in the position to receive it. Today is the day to take the first step in faith or the next step in faith.
 
We are moving in a direction of getting ready for what the LORD is sending our way. At Midweek we are looking at the ways Jesus did discipleship. If we take to heart Jesus’ message, method, model and mission, then we too may see discipleship take on a new dimension for us. We hope to see many taking a first step in faith while many more take their next step of discipleship.
 
Every year brings change. Some we long for and others we simply receive. One change that is taking place as you read these words is the transition in the Pastor’s office. Mary Pat Danks has been my ministry assistant for over nine years. She has been such a blessing and will be missed. God blessed me with her assistance and has blessed the church as well, through all she has done to help put Trinity Baptist Church in the best place. By now you should have heard that Larry Danks will be retiring at the end of June. We have been blessed for over 15 years with Larry’s ministry and leadership and there is still much more to say in the months to come. For now, Sue Owens will be taking over as the Pastor’s Ministry Assistant. She and her husband, Tommy, have been members of Trinity Baptist Church for more than four years. She and Tommy have both been very involved and engaged in the ministries and mission of our church. We continue to be blessed by the LORD giving us a good team.
 
Good things are coming. God is faithful. Yes, God has blessed us with an incredible team and will continue to place His team here as we listen to His direction and follow. To God be the glory, great things He has done, is doing, and will do. We are always Blessed to Bless.
 
In Christ,
 
 
 

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01
Jan '22

For the Journey – January 2022

Posted on Jan 1, 2022 in General, John |

01
Jan '22

Happy New year Trinity! I am reminded today, as I write this article, that God is moving forward. His promise in the past is His promise for the  future. God has plans for us. His plans include prospering us and not harm us. His plans include giving us hope and a future. I view the timing of hope in a present perfect tense; a past event that carries present benefits. God is faithful in bringing about His design and plan of reconciling the world to Himself.

I so enjoyed our Christmas series, “At Just the Right Time”. To submit our timing to God’s timing is not always easy. However, when we do submit to God’s timing, and look in both directions, we see God’s faithfulness in the past, coupled with God’s empowered assignment for the future. We have a story to tell because People Must Know.

God has blessed Trinity with next step relationships and decisions for future growth and health. We are moving closer to putting our Blessed to Bless commitments in action as we will use a new facility and gathering space for God’s glory. God is honored and we are continually blessed by the faithfulness of Trinity members who have joined the LORD in the ministry ahead of us. It is so rewarding to stop and consider the faithful offerings of Trinity members who have faithfully given to our cooperating effort of reaching others for Christ.

The year, 2021, brought many opportunities for ministry and next steps as it comes to following the LORD. I anticipate that 2022 will be no different as we combine our spiritual giftings and blessings to serve God in our community. To God be the glory, great things HE is bringing our way.

I am excited about our assignment together as a family of faith. God has plans for us that will not only prosper us but will provide the hope and future we desire and that God has planned.

In Christ,
 
 

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