Monthly Newsletter from SBMApril 2022 Issue |
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Point to Ponder Dear SBM Friend, This month, I have found comfort in the powerful words of Christ recorded in Matthew 19:26: “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” In our present world of despair and destruction, I have never seen such a multitude of discouraged Christians. In each church I am privileged to be with in evangelistic meetings, it never fails that someone approaches me and begins to share of their deep discouragement. Along with such discouragement comes an overwhelming sense of doubt, which leads us to develop a mainline point of view that everything is virtually impossible and innately hopeless. I read of a gentleman one time by the name of Spencer West. An ordinary man from Toronto, Canada, he possessed a dream which most claimed to be impossible: To climb atop Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Some of the fittest athletes and skilled mountain climbers have plunged to their death in an attempt to reach the top of this mountain, striving to earn bragging rights and a sense of self-achievement as they extend their hands, one in front of the other, to approach their goal with great passion. Some made it, yet many haven’t. For Spencer West, he had something which most would view as a hinderance to his dream. It wasn't the fact that many discouraged him, it wasn't the actual climb, nor was it the unsuccessful attempts of many which ended in despair and death. It was the fact that he had no legs. When Spencer West was just five years old, his legs were amputated below the pelvis due to a genetic disorder called sacral agenesis. Yet, despite the condition and circumstances he faced, they did not pose themself as a real threat to his dream. At 35 years of age, using only his hands, he began his journey with two friends and a team of guides to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, ultimately conquering his goal. Through his effort, he raised over $500,000 dollars to create clean water programs in Kenya, and presently serves as a public speaker of Free the Children. Stories like Spencer West's are “uncommonly common”. Each story touches our heart, inspires us to reach our goals, and ultimately encourages us to exhaust every effort in our power to accomplish those goals and reach the top rung of what we deem to be success. But there is something that hinders many from reaching their goals of success, and that is none other than the feeling of discouragement. Too often, Christians become discouraged. Whether it be a “drought” during our prayer life, our desires being left unfulfilled, or the sense of wondering when difficult circumstances arise, often asking God "why" as if "bad things are not supposed to happen to good people." Not only is it unfortunate circumstances, but Christians can become discouraged by simple, yet untruthful, phrases such as, "God helps those who help themselves" or "God will never put more on you than you can bear." I can firmly tell you today that those phrases are not included in all the Bible, nor are they even accurate descriptions or synopses of any passage in the Scriptures. We must remember that God does help us because we cannot help ourselves. We must not simply request help from God in what we are presently doing, but instead request our God to assist us His way, in His timing, accomplishing His desires, and ultimately for His glory. God does not help us with OUR plan, but rather he helps us accomplish HIS will. God's desire for your life is much greater than any desire or plan which you’ve concocted for your life. And, when accomplishing His desire, He reveals to us that all things are impossible on our own, but everything is possible with the help of God. That’s this month’s point to ponder. |
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News This coming summer, I will be journeying to the U.K., Guatemala, and possibly the Philippines, Lord willing. I’m looking forward to these trips as we seek to share the Gospel. From March 19th- 26th, I spent a week in Fort Worth, Texas. How thankful I am for all God revealed to me during this week away from my home in Alabama. I have often found that, if I remove myself from the comfort and distractions of my own surroundings, it is easier to hear from the Lord. As I spent the week seeking Him while ministering in Fort Worth, an overwhelming sense of peace flooded my heart as I deciphered God’s will for my future. After much discussion with various men on our board, pastors, and the president and professors of Southwestern Seminary, we felt God was leading me to remain in Alabama to pursue my Master of Divinity in Evangelism & Pastoral Ministry online, and likely continuing my theological education with a doctorate degree. Let me specify that online education is NOT an easier way to pursue education. In fact, it proves to be much more difficult, requiring the student to be dedicated to his studies, respective of deadlines, and academically self-driven. Although I may be remaining in the Hartselle area, my education will require much time and energy as I continue to intensely study in preparation for a hopeful 40+ years of ministry. Education has dramatically changed over the past 2-3 years, and we are discovering that most of it can be pursued in an online format. I will still be travelling to Texas 2-3 times per year for week-long intensive courses. This face-to-face interaction will allow me to maintain my relationships in Texas while continuing to minister through my established ministry here in Alabama. Pray for the Lord’s continued wisdom regarding this. I have a few preaching dates for April. Most pastors prefer being in their pulpit for the month of April due to Palm Sunday and Easter festivities. April is a slow month for evangelism, but the month of May looks brighter. Our “God’s Minute” daily video devotional ministry continues to reach many. So far, we have reached approximately 13,000 people with the Gospel between the months of February and March! These daily devotionals can be found on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and through our website at www.spencerbellministries.org. Things to pray for: - Continue to pray for our ministry to remain fully funded as we strive to remain faithful to the calling of God. The worst thing to worry about is money, and I find it to be one of the worst things to talk about! Most of the churches I travel to preach in give me $50 dollars, regardless of whether I travel 20 minutes or 3 hours. I find humor in it, though. Whether I receive nothing, $50, or a generous donation, God somehow provides for all my needs. I count it as a wondrous joy in seeing how God provides when we feel that it is “impossible”. I am pressing on because God is faithful!!
- Pray for these upcoming international trips as we seek to share the Gospel.
- Continue to pray that God would open doors for our ministry in the future.
- Continue to pray that God might use our little daily devotionals to reach the lost for Christ.
- Continue to pray for those in Ukraine. If this isn’t on your prayer list, it ought to be! Also pray for those in Russia… I am positive that not all Russian citizens are in favor of what is taking place.
I continue to receive financial contributions, and no words can express how grateful I am for your continued financial support. Because of you, I am granted the ability to continue in this ministry. I am considered full time, and this is my only source of income. He continues to provide through many of you. If you are not currently a contributor, would you pray about partnering with us? Whether it be one time, occasionally, or monthly, your donation is a great blessing to our ministry. Please note that we are a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Charitable Organization, therefore any contribution made to our ministry is entirely tax-deductible! Finally, as always, I am thankful for you! And I am asking that the Lord greatly bless you in this season as you seek to serve Him in all things, in all times, in all places, and in all ways! God is faithful! Serving Jesus with you, Spencer Bell
President & Evangelist, SBM |
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“The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord.” Proverbs 16:1-3 |
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“If you look to others, you will be distracted; if you look to yourselves, you will be discouraged; but if you look to Christ, you will be delighted.” -Warren W. Wiersbe |
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If you are not already a subscriber to our monthly newsletter, make sure to subscribe through our website by submitting your email address in the "Subscribe Form" box located at the bottom of each page. |
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Meet Our Board of Directors Officers for 2022 Rev. Spencer Bell, President Dr. Michael Mason, Vice-President Rev. Joe Bailey, Secretary Mr. Charles Howse, Treasurer Rev. Walter Blackman, Acting Treasurer Directors Dr. Edwin Hayes, Director Rev. Randy Berry, Director Rev. Ken Blackwood, Director Mr. Eddie Turrentine, Director Mr. R.E. Tapscott, Director |
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Upcoming Dates April 17th – Easter Sunday Community Sunrise Service, New Center Baptist Church, 7:00 a.m. April 26th - Bethel Baptist Association Men's Quarterly Fellowship, Providence Baptist Church, Gallion, AL, 6:30 p.m. May 9th-20th - International Trip to U.K. May 29th - Harvest Day, East Highland Baptist Church, Hartselle, AL, 10:30 a.m. |
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Ministry Information Physical Address 1410 State Street NW
Hartselle, AL 35640 Office Hours Monday-Thursday 8:30-3:30 Ministry Line +1 (256) 466-1854 Office +1 (256) 773-5243 Website www.spencerbellministries.org E-mail spencerbellministries@yahoo.com |
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Interested in having Spencer speak at your church or event?
Contact us! |
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