Word from Sierra Leone!

We got this email from Peter Conteh in Sierra Leone and wanted to share it with you. You’ll notice a few language differences, but we think you’ll be touched by the obvious impact that each team member had and Peter’s vision for the future of Bethel’s partnership with the students, farmers and belivers of Sierra Leone, Africa.

Hi beloved,

Have you landed home? Praise God that all goes well.

It was really a tremendous blessing to have all six in our beloved country. Your visit is short but has left an indelible mark in the lives of all those who come in contact with you. Your teaching, games, service and sharing life testimonies has strengthen the faith of many. Having the photos of members of Bethel Bible Church is like having Bethel Bible Church everyday in our homes and community. You have gone but we always see you with us.

Tom and Beth – your passion to give touches the lives of many. We saw that your desire is for all to receive. One of your greatest service was when you always  pick up the trash from the ground. May God bless you.

Amber – everybody loves you. We admire your push to reach everybody. Your teaching and sharing was great and the youth were greatly challenge. We really taste your God given menu for young people. Sister, you are blessed. Keep it.

Mark – we love and admire you testimony about your business life. We were able to identify the strong values of family unity, diligence, and commitment. Above all we really admire when you talk about putting God first in your business. You have gone back but we will always live with your words.

Andrew, – you are a personality that is gifted to study situation. We love your smile and reception to all. We learn from the way you presented your teachings the children learn  a lot from you. For the teachers they were grateful to have doing their assignment. We love you.

Jim – you are a great leader with a vision. Pastors and church leaders are grateful for that two days teachings. They are requesting for more of that every year and it should last for four to five days. They see you as someone who is loader by God with things they need. We are calling you to come and off-load them for us.

Beloved, your service, fellowship, and teachings we will never forget. We love and we say thanks for coming.

Peter

Message from Jim Smithies

Our Sierra Leone WORLDReach team returned on Monday from a trip to support and encourage the farmers, students and churches that we’ve partnered with. We asked Pastor Jim Smithies to recap the trip for us and give us an idea of what our friends in Africa are experiencing.

We're so proud of our ministry team!

This was Bethel’s third trip to the West African country of Sierra Leone.  This relationship began when the Putmans went there on a 4-year medical mission with Mercy Ships.  Their ministry spread into the nearby Molombay community bringing the gospel and micro-finance opportunities through peanut seed and poultry.  Now 450 seeking Muslims gather every Saturday for Bible study…including 265 children.  Three hundred people meet every Sunday in three churches started by Rev. Peter Conteh.

We had the honor of celebrating the first ever communion for these new believers! We saw 21 former Muslims baptized as Christians in the midst of a Muslim community.  Tom McDonald and Mark Brookshire spoke at a business conference.  Andrew Green and Beth McDonald told CEF Bible stories in the villages.  Amber Morris spoke to 100 youth about educational opportunties.  We led games with 265 children.  We shared our testimonies about serving.  We led break-out discussion groups at a Pastors/Leaders conference.  We visited elementary schools in two tiny villages. Each of us was amazed at the depth, breadth, love and commitment of Peter Conteh’s holistic approach to ministry.  We were also overwhelmed at the magnitude of needs that remain.

The farmers and students that Bethel folks support were overjoyed almost beyond words with the picture-prayer cards you sent.

As you speak with Andrew, Amber, Tom, Beth and Mark, you will quickly sense the impact this trip has made in their lives, their hearts and their thoughts.  You will hear the compelling love that the Sierra Leoneans generate in all who meet them.  You will also hear that God allowed us to have significant impact in their lives.  Thank you, Bethel, for your support and prayers.

This Sunday (Nov. 1) people from the trip will be in the church foyer to share stories, answer questions and give us a glimpse of what life is like in Sierra Leone. Stop by and see them!

WE DREAM BIG @ BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH

We’re pretty sure almost everybody knows about the big time change on Sunday, November 1. Most of you know, most of you have a plan and most of you are ready for it.

But what about the staff? What do they think about the time change? Is there excitment? Trepidation? Fear and panic?

A Soft Place To Land – Sarina Hager

Even though Sarina Hager has technically lived in Tyler for a few months now, you might not know her yet. Sarina’s husband, Fritz, is our new Executive Pastor and they’ve had quite a summer as they’ve transitioned into life at Bethel. We asked Sarina to take part in our “stories” series and what follows is an honest, touching account of a wife and Mom who’s holding to God through a very stressful time. We think you’ll be blessed by what Sarina shares…

When I think of our family’s “launch” from Dallas to Tyler this summer, I think of Jim Lovell’s historic space flight on Apollo 13.  He and his crew were as prepared as possible for the expedition to the moon, excited about making their dream a reality, anxious about the risks involved, but eager to begin the journey.  Everything began as expected and then, somewhere during the mission, things began to go terribly wrong and the infamous call was made announcing, “Houston, we have a problem.”

For those of you who don’t know me, I am married to Fritz Hager, Bethel’s Executive Pastor, who was scheduled to begin his new career in ministry on July 1.

His decision to leave the business world, enroll in Dallas Theological Seminary and finally to answer the Lord’s call to ministry and accept a staff position at Bethel made for an interesting and challenging winter in 2008.  I often tell people that it’s as if God answered every prayer I had ever prayed for my husband in 30 days!  I had been studying the bible for 6 or 7 years and God was gently wooing me into a deeper relationship with Him.  He worked mightily in my life and helped Fritz and me survive a near fatal marriage crisis.  He called us out of the big city of Dallas and the materialistic lifestyle we had lived and began asking me to let go of a series of worldly things—later revealing them to me as idols—and to trust Him to be my provider, my sufficiency, my security, my all in all.  God certainly began challenging me as He called me, but He gave me a big, comfy Studebaker to ride in along the way.  He gave Fritz a rocket…and asked me to hold on!

Just weeks after we decided to change careers and interview for the position at Bethel, we conceived twins.  With 5 children in the house already, we were overwhelmed by the news, but  considered it confirmation that the Lord was pleased with our decision.  In June, we moved to Tyler and were welcomed by the Bethel family in droves.  We had help unpacking, organizing, moving furniture, babysitting, cooking, running errands—you name it.  It was difficult for me to accept all the help– in part because I had never experienced such an outpouring of love from a group of virtual strangers and in part because of a prideful heart.

However, I knew I needed to be careful since I was just entering the second trimester of a high-risk pregnancy and I also knew that the Lord was surely teaching me something about His provision through the Body of Christ, so I accepted Bethel’s help and am still humbled by it.  A week later, we traveled to Florida for a vacation with my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews.  The day before we were to come back home, I awoke at 2 a.m. to the realization that my water had broken.  I was only 18 weeks along.  “Houston, we have a problem” was an understatement.  After a trip to the emergency room in Destin, we were told that one of our twins had died and that there was a 95% chance that I would go into labor that night and lose them both.  The first miracle of this journey was that I didn’t go into labor until after I was transferred to Pensacola and after Joshua was delivered, the doctors there (and subsequently in Tyler and Dallas) were able to stop my labor for 56 days.  (To read more about Joshua’s delivery and our experience in Florida, please see my blog on carepages.com)

So where was “Bethel” during all this?  Bethel was at my bedside—literally.  By the grace of God, the Anderson and Strader families were vacationing just 40 minutes away from Pensacola.  I still get emotional when I think of these dear friends holding my hand, crying with us, praying for us, running errands and even washing our dirty clothes during the time they should have been relaxing and playing on the beach.  Bethel was also on the other end of the phone with me praying for me, our remaining twin and our entire family.  Bethel was in the hands of the hospital mailman, who brought me flowers and cards with words of encouragement and scripture which most assuredly accomplished the purposes for which God sent it to me.  Peace, comfort and strength befell me as the arrows flew from every direction.  Bethel was also on the tarmac at the airport the day I returned to Tyler!

Over the next 12 weeks, Bethel was in my home, in the hospital in Tyler and the hospital in Dallas—shadowing me in every moment of need.  You’ve heard it takes more faith to believe in the theory of evolution than it does creationism?  It’s sort of like that for me.  The Bethel family has been so incredible in its provision of love, encouragement, practical support and prayer–orchestrated perfectly for my specific moments of need that it would take more faith to believe that it happened “coincidentally” than by God’s hand.

So where is the Hager family now in this mission?  Well, with a 26 week old twin, Samuel, who has been in the hospital in Dallas now for 9 weeks, we are still in a time of great testing and circumstances which threaten to consume me on any given day.  Honestly, I can’t tell you if we’re still in space encountering problem after problem or if we’re on our way home with victory in sight.  What I can tell you is that Bethel is still with us daily—praying for us, giving me hugs, holding my hand, sending me cards, offering meals, company and comforts of every kind.  No matter what our journey still holds for us, I know that God will continue to provide for us through the Body of Christ at Bethel, and that because of His love we’ll have a soft place to land.

The Hager family continues to inspire us with their trust and passion for following God. They still need prayer – multiple times a day, every single day. Pray for them as often as you can. We know they would appreciate it.

Baptism Celebration!!!!

Here’s a brief video recap of our Baptism service last Sunday!

Gmail Chat!

Hey, gang…this is Todd. Wednesday night around 7pm, I logged in to check my email and saw that our very own Jim Smithies was online! We didn’t have very long to chat, but I was able to get some updates! Here’s our chat!

6:53 PM me: are you online? for real? from sierra leone?

6:56 PM Jim: Hi Todd – Peter loaned me his aircard. The phone thing wasn’t working…

me: dude!

dude!

dude!

are you on your computer?

6:57 PM Jim: I have some photos but I don’t think the vids can make it over this slow modem

yes. On my computer in my room

7:01 PM Jim: Exhausted and exhilirated. The time in the villages today really blew people away. Seeing what peter is doing for the gospel and for community development. Stunning and humbling.

7:02 PM me: how’s the cultural adjustment been?Jim: Huge and good. My computer battery is about to die. May lose you.

7:03 PM me: no prob…any words for the folks at home? i’ll be happy to share!

7:04 PM Jim: They would be very proud of the character, love and perseverance of this team. They have immersed themself with the people. Shared the gospel. Taught bible stories. Led discussion groups. Amazing.

me: how’s the food?

7:06 PM Jim: We did the hotel food differently this time so it has been better. Ate at a nice restaurant tonight. Haven’t eaten food fixed in the villages…though offered.

7:07 PM me: flight okay?

Jim: Way long. flight from London to Freetown was hot, smelly, crowded, bad food and exhausted at that point. But doable.

7:18 PM Jim: I was in two African elementary schools today. Sure is different than how we do school. Very poor. Very few books. Teachers don’t get paid.

Well, there ya’ go! A quick update from our team. Their internet coverage is scattered at best, so we’re grateful for the chance to hear what they have to say!

We’re in Sierra Leone!

Our team has made it to Sierra Leone! Wanted to post some pics for y’all that we’ve received! Also check out our facebook as we’ll be posting updates all week long!

This Is the Spot for Sierra Leone Info!

Hey, gang! Hopefully, we’ll be getting lots of updates this week from Jim and the team. And thanks to the wonders of Jim’s Blackberry, maybe even some video footage while they are there!

Jim sent us this video as the team prepared to board the flight to Sierra Leone. Watch it and see if you can’t find your people in the shot!

Story: Amber Morris

Amber Morris recently participated in a WORLDReach event to Jamaica. Amber did a great job of recounting her experience with missions here at Bethel.

Some of you may know that over the summer, I went on my first mission trip. For those of who do not, allow me to tell you a little bit about my trip to Jamaica. Many of you may think of Jamaica as a vacation resort or a place for honeymooners, but in all actuality, it is quite an impoverished land. The Jamaican people, however, are some of the happiest, friendliest, good-spirited people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

As it was my first mission trip and first time out of the country, I did not know what to expect, except that everyone told me “it will change your life.” Although I wanted to believe this statement, I did not. I was wrong not to, though.

I can now honestly say it did change my life. My Jamacia experience got me out of my comfort zone; out of my town and away from the people I most love and care about. God opened my eyes in Jamaica to a world of not only beauty and peace, but of contentment and trust. These people have so much less than I do, yet they are okay. They still smile, laugh and work. I went with a mindset to help the people of Jamaica. I know that I did help, but I think they helped me more than I helped them. God’s provision on the trip to Jamaica was incredible and different than I was used to seeing. As much as I like to worry about things, God gave me such a peace during the trip. I felt His spirit at work in me and in our group.

My heart changed in Jamaica – more willing to remaing open to God’s desires for my life. I never thought the “mission field” was for me…well, they say God works in mysterious ways, and I could not agree more! If we are willing, the ways He can use us are endless.

As if you needed more proof that Amber’s heart has been ignited for missions…she’s headed to Sierra Leone, Africa on October 17th with another WORLDReach event.

Story: Lisa Morgan

Over the next few months, we’ll be using every Monday on the Bethel Blog to share our stories. These will include articles, interviews and testimonies that give us a glance at what God’s doing in the individual lives of the folks here at our church. Got a story? Tell us!

This week, we’re hearing from Lisa Morgan. In addition to being a wife and mother, Lisa is a gifted writer who maintains a very popular blog that offer tons of tips and encouragements for women. God is moving Lisa and her family out into a new adventure and we wanted her to share it!

The whole family!

It was about seven years ago, when we first attended Bethel Bible Church. The first Sunday we visited, we knew…. this was home! We had been in and out of church for several years, not seeking the Lord and putting God first in our marriage. Needless to say, when we arrived to Bethel, we were weary with a broken marriage and wounded hearts.

We eventually became involved with the Kingdom Seekers Class, on Sunday mornings, enjoying the teaching of Dan Bolin and the fellowship of Christian friends. Chris and I jumped at the chance to join the Collier Life Group. We have been members of that Life Group for about five years now.

With prayer, fellowship with Christian friends, renewed commitment to God and refocusing our marriage on a heavenly path, everything changed. Our marriage was restored and we felt God blessing us in so many ways. The support and love we have received from our friends at Bethel and from our Life Group have been irreplaceable.

I am so glad the church put an emphasis on Life Groups over the last two years. We already enjoyed the sweet fellowship that comes from a Life Group. I am thankful the remainder of the church congregation can now participate in the same fellowship. If you are not involved in a Life Group or small fellowship group find one! Get involved! The relationships you make are priceless. They become family – much more than just friends.

Many life events have happened over the last seven years, while attending Bethel. We have seen success in business and job layoffs. We have had deaths in our family and severe illness. We have great joys with our friends and in our own marriage. After thirteen years of marriage, God blessed us with our daughter, Grace, two years ago. She is our joy! Also, Chris and I just celebrated our fifteenth wedding anniversary. I feel strong our marriage would have not survived had we not come to Bethel when we did. Praise God for answered prayer of family, friends, as well as encouragement and support from church members.

So where are we now? What’s the latest?

Chris was laid off in May. He has had some off and on consulting work, since that time, for which we thank God. Now there is a new job, for Chris, and a possible move to Chicago. There are still some issues related to the new job and it might not be permanent. We are waiting to see what God does. For now, Chris is traveling weekly to Chicago and home on the weekends. With the possibility of a move, I have been doing a lot of praying and thinking.

As I sat in church, this past week, with Todd leading us in worship, I thought,

“What will we do without Bethel? If we move to Chicago, we leave Bethel.”

I then lost it. The tears flowed. Don’t get me wrong. I am excited to see what the Lord will do next. He has been with us, all the way! Through 15 years of marriage- when we were not seeking Him, even when we were not honoring him with our lives…. He never left us. He brought us to Bethel – He will lead us to a new church home, if that time comes.

I want to end this post with a verse, which I think describes the church body at Bethel. Doug McSwane preached on this passage one Sunday, several years ago. It has become a favorite passage, and I read it often. I think it describes our church and how every church body should act:

Colossians 3:12-15
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Well, I am thankful. I am thankful for a church body that exemplifies these characteristics. I feel that love, that gentleness, that kindness, that compassion every time I enter the doors at Bethel. Since that first Sunday, over seven years ago, and even now, those characteristics remain. I thank God for bringing Chris and I to Bethel, for our church family, and for the grace He continues to pour out on us, even as unworthy as we are.

Chris and I would appreciate your prayers regarding his job and the possible move to Chicago. We are seeking the Lord for direction, wisdom, and guidance. We would appreciate your prayers as well.

Thank you for the opportunity to share with you today.
-Lisa Morgan, wife of Chris, mother of Grace, and follower of Christ.

If you’d like to stay up to date with this new adventure in Lisa’s life, you can follow her:

twitter.com/blessedwGrace
www.blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com
facebook.com/blessedwithgrace