January/February 2021
Dear Friends and Supporting Churches,

II Timothy 3:1-5, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

It is astonishing to see these signs of the last days, just as the Bible describes them. We see them unfolding before our very eyes, especially in recent days. The Bible goes on to say in verse eight, "...so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith." Truth certainly has "fallen in the street," but I am reminded the church is the "pillar and ground of the truth." The structural integrity of a building must be sound to support its purpose. God has given us great promises from His Word to strengthen us, so we can be that "pillar and ground of the truth." May we continue to be upright and strong, speaking the truth in these last days. The faith of Christians in Rome during the first century was, "spoken of throughout the whole world." We must use that example to keep us energized until "...the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly."

At Freestate Baptist Church, we are determined to keep pushing forward and upward for God's sake in these perilous times.

In our last letter, we asked for prayer for the salvation of Sheree Dempsey. God gave Mary a specific burden for her salvation. He provided several opportunities for them to spend time together. Because of this time invested in cultivating a friendship with her, Mary was able to lead Sheree to the Lord. She is now saved, in the family of God, and on her way to Heaven! We also praise the Lord for Donovan and Luis, two teenage boys, who were saved recently through our bus ministry. Please pray for these new Christians to grow in the Lord and continue developing their relationship with Him.

Please pray for: our nation, the protection and perseverance of God's churches, my nephew Armand Raley, and my brother-in-law Wes Simpkins. Armand is two years old. A mass was found on his adrenal gland and it is more than likely cancerous. Wes Simpkins is Armand's grandfather. He recently was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This is a great amount of grief for one family to bear. They need God's mercy at this time.

Thank you again for all of your prayers and support. It is a blessing to be co-laborers together with you!