Dear Praying Friends,
“The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand” (Deuteronomy 28:12). August here in southern Texas was hot—very hot—and with little or no rain; September was also hot and dry. Yesterday a system loaded with moisture moved into our area that broke the summer drought and heat. We are looking forward to cooler weather during the fall months. We are also looking to the Lord for showers of blessing on His work here at Good News Baptist Church. Thank you for your prayers and support for us and for our ministry!
Fall Ministries
Fall ministries have begun. Marla is teaching a bi-weekly ladies’ Bible study that has been well attended and well received. Our monthly men’s breakfast and Bible study is also resuming. Marla continues to organize and help teach the children’s church program on Sunday morning as well. Pray for her as she studies, prepares, and teaches.
I (Matt) continue to preach weekly. We took a break for a few weeks from our studies in the Sermon on the Mount to look at related topics; now we are back into it. Currently we are examining Jesus’ teaching about prayer.
My home Bible study with “H” continues weekly. Recently, a change in his work schedule will allow him to attend Sunday worship services more consistently. Please continue to pray for his growth.
Other church ministries in which we do not have direct responsibilities are also taking place. Sunday evenings there is a children’s Explorer’s Club and once a month there is a teen activity. We are also beginning to plan and prepare for Christmas outreach ministries and activities in December. Please pray for all these opportunities.
The building fund continues to grow with significant gifts coming in both from within and without the congregation. We have about half of the needed 1.4 million dollars. Please pray that the ongoing preparations and processes of our building program will maintain momentum.
I continue to prepare for a trip overseas to teach a Mandarin language Bible course to church leaders. While en route I will stop in for a visit with Cornerstone BC in Taiwan, where we ministered for so many years. Thank you to several individuals who have contributed a significant portion of my travel expenses! My travel dates are from October 27-November 9. Please pray for physical stamina and health; but most importantly pray for effectiveness in ministry.
In Christ,
Matt and Marla Hanna
