Dianne

This has been an extremely busy, yet exciting time of ministry. As you have seen, by reading this newsletter, Ed and I have been involved in many different outreaches. Since September, I have had the opportunity to teach God’s Word in two Women’s conferences. Crosspoint Bap-tist Church in Baton Rouge, held it’s first Bible Conference for women. Our theme for the weekend was “The Value of Discipleship”. The women were very open and attentive, as I taught from the book of Ruth, focusing on the life of Naomi. Several women shared with me that the Lord used His Word to encourage and exhort them to purposefully seek out opportunities to invest their lives in others. One woman shared how the Lord convicted her of being selfish with her time. She had been unwilling to be available and consistent in this area of her life. The Lord has graciously given her a new attitude to reach out to others and build relationships with them. One young, college woman from New York was in town visiting one of her relatives. There was no doubt that the Lord had orchestrated the timing of her visit. She had been raised in an idolatrous, religious background. But she had never sat under the teaching of the Word of God. As I taught through the scriptures, I noticed that she appeared to be hanging on every word. This young lady was so excited about what she was hearing, that she called New York to tell her loved ones about what was happening in the conference. But sadly, instead of being excited about what was taking place, these religious people warned her to stay away from the conference. Upon arriving Sunday morning to conclude the conference, I was sad-dened to see that she had listened to the enemy and neglected to attend. She returned home to New York on Sunday evening. However, I am absolutely convinced, that the Word of God IS quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword! We are trusting that she will not be able to forget the Word of God that was planted into her. I continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal the Lord Jesus Christ to her.

Also, I spoke at a Women’s Conference here in the Mobile area. The ladies at First Baptist Snow Road had prayed and prepared for months for this weekend. Our theme was “Rekindling First Love”. The Lord was gracious to us, as we asked Him to stir the embers of our hearts, and to revive us to be aflame for Him. Several churches from the Mobile area were represented in the conference. Once again, the ladies in atten-dance were intimately involved throughout each session. We were amazed and appreciative to the Lord, for blessing us with a oneness of heart, both in the music and the message. Several women shared of the reality that the Lord was truly renewing them. Some testified that they had been experiencing a lethargy and coldness in their love for the Lord. But the Lord was now stirring their hearts in a wonderful way. His Word was coming alive to them, afresh and anew.

 MONTHLY OUTREACH AT THE HOME OF GRACE

For the last 10 years, I have had the privilege to teach on a monthly basis at the Home of Grace. This is a drug & alcohol rehabilitation center for women in the Mobile area. I am thankful for the sisters in Christ who go with me, to plant the gospel into the lives of these ladies. The last few months of outreach have been especially favored by God. The women of the Home of Grace have been very responsive to the teaching of the Word of God. Just as on the day of Pentecost, these women have been openly asking questions; even while I was teaching the Word. Many have received our gospel tracts and have been examining their lives. Every time I stand before these women, my heart goes out to them. The consequences of their sins have inflicted so much agony on them and their loved ones. It is always shocking to see and hear the life stories of these women. Many were raised in churches; some from affluent families; and others off the streets. But some of them are profes-sional women, who were caught up with the momentary deceitfulness of pleasures. But one thing always stands out in my mind. The vast majority of those in the Home of Grace can tell you about a ‘so-called’ profession of faith, as a child or a youth. But they were never new crea-tions in Christ. Their lives have never been changed by the gospel. The Holy Spirit has never come to live in them. They have never been deliv-ered from the tyranny of sin. Many of them were raised in a religious background, but have never known about the godly sorrow that pro-duces repentance. But we thank God for the privilege of bringing the only message that can set the captives free. Only eternity will reveal all the Lord accomplishes, as we plant His gospel seed in their eternal souls.