It's All Happening HERE at SBM
Dear SBM friend,
February. The month of love! When I think of February, I think of Valentine's Day. For many, it is a day, or month, in which a couple can express their love for one another, reflect on the commitments previously made, and strive to rededicate themselves to loving one another for one more year! However, there is a greater love than that which is shared between spouses. The love of God reaches farther than any other form of love which could ever be expressed by man.
For the past week, John 3:16 has consumed my thoughts as I am looking toward the future for our ministry. The scripture says: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." We all know this familiar passage of Scripture, but I want you to look very carefully with me at the first portion of the scripture, "For God so loved the world that He gave...". God loved the world, including you and me, to the extent of giving us something. Now He did not simply present us with a toy, a useless item, or something physical, yet disposable, in nature. God gave us two things: First, He gave us His son Jesus Christ. The most precious thing to a parent's heart is their children. He gave up His Son to provide us with the second gift, which is eternal life. Now, as with any gift, it must be received. The scripture says that if we would believe in Him, we have the opportunity to receive this gift.
Now it is not my desire to exhaustively outline this passage of scripture in this newsletter, however I do want to raise a question for you to ponder: "Do you love someone enough to give?" The Bible says that we are to give cheerfully, which, when translated, means "hilarious". God loves a hilarious giver. Do you give because you love God, or do you give out of obligation? When you place your tithe in the plate, or present an offering in addition to your tithe, do you give it cheerfully? Dear friend, there is great joy in giving cheerfully! But the cheer is found in whom you love. Do you love the one you're giving to? It is my prayer that February would be a month where we express our love to our Heavenly Father, reflect on the commitment which we made to Him, and rededicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the plan He has laid for your life. Remember, it is more blessed to give than to receive! That is this month's simple "Point to Ponder".
My preaching schedule began to look up in January, as I had a pretty full schedule. That was until COVID decided to reappear... and it shut down my schedule with 4 cancellations. However, I am thankful for the invitation of these churches, and I hope to see these dates rescheduled in the days to come. For February, well, it's also looking slim. I am finding that many pastors are fearful of placing a date on the calendar. Between sickness and pitiful attendance, it is very difficult for the pastor to plan any sort of special event. If you would, continue to lift your pastor up in prayer and encourage him during this difficult season. COVID has been difficult for all pastors, but its aftermath has proven to be discouraging. Also, pray for more opportunities to open up for our ministry as we seek to spread the Gospel in several ways. You can check my preaching schedule out on my website under the tab "Preaching Schedule". I attempt to keep this as updated as possible.
However, our ministry is not halted due to cancellations!
At the beginning of this month, our Spencer Bell Ministries Board of Directors met in our scheduled meeting on Thursday, February 3rd. I was greatly encouraged by our meeting, and it was wonderful to pitch fresh ideas regarding future ministry to a room of godly men! Today, we approved the addition of Mr. R.E. Tapscott as a member of our board of directors. I'm looking forward to partnering with Mr. Tapscott and our existing board members in the advancement of the Gospel! Our budget has been approved with minor adjustments. However, we are slightly behind on our finances for the year. I am believing that these will level out during the Summer and Fall months, and we will adjust accordingly. Continue to pray for our ministry to remain fully funded as we strive to remain faithful to the calling of God.
In regard to new ministry, it was approved in our board meeting that we will begin a TikTok ministry entitled "Moments with the Master". These will be 2 to 3-minute videos of encouragement from God's Word, targeted toward those under the age of 30. TikTok is a social media platform which sees over 1 billion users each day. For our ministry, that is a HUGE opportunity to influence a secular culture with the Gospel. Don't have TikTok? Don't worry! We will be posting these on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and hope to send them out in an e-mail campaign much like our newsletters!
It was also discussed in today's meeting that, in the coming years, we hope to launch several pastor's conferences in various parts of the country. I am hindering myself in releasing too much information, as I would like to keep much of the workings confidential for the time-being. I believe these conferences will serve as a great encouragement to many, but it is imperative that we build relationships with the pastors before launching any form of conference. Be praying for us as we seek wisdom to move forward with these in the future.
As always, I am continuing to labor on my two books, one of which I hope to release...sometime! More to come on these later...
I continue to receive financial contributions, and no words can express how grateful I am for your support in this area! If it were not for you, we would find it difficult to maintain our ministry during the winter months! If you are not currently a contributor, would you pray about partnering with us? 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! It is always a blessing to have those around us who serve as a continual source of encouragement. Laboring for the sake of the Gospel is sometimes just that...LABOR! However, what a joy it is to fulfill the calling bestowed upon us by almighty God. It is an honor to serve in the area of evangelism, and I pray that the accomplishments executed by our ministry would be glorifying to God. We have an audience of one. It is my hope that we please Him.
Until He comes with clouds in great power and glory!
Sincerely Yours,
Spencer Bell
President & Evangelist, SBM
