Celebrate Easter

As Easter approaches, I can't help but think what it would be like if we gave this day the recognition that we give to Christmas. Rest assured that Christmas gets the attention it does, not because of the birth of Christ, but because of the money that is spent upon the holiday. That amount of money is not spent on Easter gifts, so any attention Easter gets beyond bunnies and eggs must come from you and I as followers of Christ.

I Corinthians 15:13-14 says, "But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain".

Based upon these two verses we must realize that the very foundation of our Christian faith is the resurrection. As miraculous and important as the virgin birth of Jesus was, that was only the beginning to God's plan to redeem fallen man. The death, burial, and resurrection completed the plan as Jesus himself paid the price for our sin and conquered death so that we might live forever.

Now, you tell me. Isn't that something to celebrate? I think so too, so let's let the world see and hear the celebration.

Donations Being Distributed

I wanted to share a few pictures with you that Don Cayton sent from the Philippines. There is one of Don sorting through your donations of rice, canned goods, toys, & toiletries in preparation for distribution and one of some of the children awaiting their turn to receive a goodie bag.

Many of the children in the picture live in trash dumps where they scavenge for food. Others live under bridges and other awful places where they face danger and hardship every day of their lives.

Much of our shipment went to children in the mountain region where life is quite primitive. Most of them had never seen a piece of candy.

Thanks again to everyone who donated.

A Very Critical Need

I'm sure I don't have to tell any of you how tough things are economically speaking. Many ministries are in great financial need right now. Unfortunately, ours is no exception. As you might expect, donations fell far short of our hopes as we entered the Christmas season last year. Consequently, we were not able to help as many people as we would have liked, and of course our funds have now been more than depleted. We did as much as possible, though, with what the Lord supplied.

As we begin 2009, we find more folks hurting and in greater need than ever before. While we remain determined to help, it has simply become impossible to do so right now. Therefore, we are humbly asking you to prayerfully consider making a financial donation to this ministry. I know that some cannot, but I also know that some can. All I ask is that you act as God leads you. He knows the need and my trust is in Him to meet the need. If you feel led to help, your check can be mailed to:

Encouraging Word Ministries
PO Box 3418
Shallotte, NC 28459

Most importantly, I ask for your prayer support because indeed prayer changes things. Please pray that God would not only supply the financial need, but also that He would give us the wisdom to know how to best show the love of Jesus to hurting people and that we would walk through the appropriate doors of ministry opportunities. Thank you all for your prayerful consideration.

Gratefully,
Preacher Don

Let It Shine In 2009

Believe it or not, another new year is upon us. As we reflect upon the events of 2008, be sure to give glory to God for his blessings, for truly no matter what the economic outlook, we are blessed above what we deserve and God is still on His throne!

Looking ahead to 2009, let us be faithful to pray for our leaders, and for our new president in particular. This is a critical time in our country, but we must be guided by faith, not fear. There has never been a more important time to let your light shine as a child of God. Sherry and I would like to wish each of you a happy, healthy, prosperous, Christ filled New Year. Please accept our challenge to "Let it shine in 2009".

Prayerfully awaiting His return,
Preacher Don

Where Are We Ministering?

Easter Sunday April 12th Living Waters Ash, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday April 19th Sweet Water of Life Church Shallotte, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday April 26th Living Waters Ash, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday May 10th Living Waters Ash, NC 11:00 AM No evening service due to Mother's Day

Wednesday May 20th United Vision Shallotte, NC 7:30 PM

Sunday May 24th Living Waters Ash, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday June 7th Sweet Water of Life Shallotte, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday June 14th Living Waters Ash, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday June 21st Living Waters Ash, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday June 28th Emmanuel Outreach Longwood, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday July 12th Emmanuel Outreach Longwood, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday July 19th Living Waters Ash, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday August 2nd Living Waters Ash, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday August 9th Emmanuel Outreach Longwood, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday August 16th Emmanuel Outreach Longwood, NC 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday August 23rd Emmanuel Outreach Longwood, NC 11: AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday Sept. 6th Emmanuel Outreach 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday Sept. 13 Emmanuel Outreach 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

Sunday Sept. 27 Emmanuel Outreach 11:00AM & 6:00PM

Sunday Oct. 4 Union Chapel Supply, NC 11:00 AM & 6:30 PM

Sunday Oct. 11 Emmanuel Outreach 11:00 AM

Sunday Oct. 11 Haywood Bible Church Moncure, NC 7:00 PM

Sunday Oct. 18 Emmanuel Outreach 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM

I will be preaching at Emmanuel Outreach going forward unless otherwise posted.

You are always welcome to come and worship the Lord with us any time or all the time!
If you can't join us, please keep these services in your prayers.

For directions or other information please call 910-274-6821.

Are You Ready?

Prayer Requests

At Encouraging Word Ministries, we believe strongly in the power of prayer. If you have a prayer request that you would like to share, please post it here. We would be glad to pray for any requests that you may have. Private or confidential prayer requests may be emailed to encouragingword@atmc.net . For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37