Special Message for Michael or Lou

Have been unable to reach either of you. Here is contact info for Don Cayton.

13-13 A Sarita St., Corner Marlim Ave.
Diamond Subdivision, Balibago
Angeles City 2009, Philippines
Phone 63-45-892-4258

You can reach me at 910-232-9647

Please accept my apology for the delay.

Special Thanks

I really wanted to post a word of thanks to the folks at Living Waters Holiness Church. You have become very special people to me and in spite of changes that are taking place I have every confidence that we have made some lasting friendships. You have been so kind and generous to me that, as I've told you before, it is truly overwhelming to me. Please know that you are in my prayers and I humbly ask that you keep me in yours. God bless you all!

Great Quote

I don't know where this quote originated. I got it from my friend, Dr. Dwarka Ramphal and thought it was worth sharing.

"For those who believe, no proof is necessary; for those who do not believe, no proof is sufficient."

How true!

Happy Reunion

This past weekend I had the opportunity to renew some old friendships and catch up a little bit with what was happening in the lives of some people I had not seen in many years. The occasion was my high school 30th year reunion.

As I watched old friends embrace, smile & laugh, I couldn't help but think of the reunion that is to come one day for all the children of God. We can only imagine what it will be like as we greet loved ones who have gone on so many years before. We'll see people we read about in the Bible and heard about in history lessons; folks that shaped the world in which we now live. Best of all we'll get to see Jesus face to face.

What really sets our heavenly reunion apart from earthly ones, is that we will never have to leave. While it was fun to see old friends at my reunion over the weekend, it was not much fun to say goodbye, wondering if and when we would see each other again. That is an emotion that will be absent in heaven.

Our reunion was only for members of our graduating class. The reunion in heaven is only for the children of God. That means only those who have accepted Jesus Christ as personal savior will attend. It will be like nothing we have ever experienced, and I am so looking forward to it. So, if I never see you on this earth again, I hope to see you there.

Preacher Don

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