Pastor's Column

     In August 1979, I enrolled at Palm Beach Atlantic College as a Freshman Transfer student. I went with four other friends from my church youth group. Although we were all different in our personalities, we shared several commonalities. We all wanted to go to school, but had no true resources for higher education (we were poor) highly idealistic for the future, and a calling from God to be involved in some kind of vocational ministry. Our Minister of Music and Youth reminded us if God was in this to pray for guidance and some how, some way, God would provide!

     My first week, I was summoned by mail to go to the Financial Aid office, as there was a problem. In fact, all five of us received notices. I was told by the Financial Aid Director (Hayes Elliot) that according to my Financial Aid record, my parents owed the school $2,850.00. I didn't know what to say, so I mumbled "well I think they can give you $100 next month...I guess I cant go to school!" Hayes Elliot said "sit down" and he gave me form after form to fill out...Thirty minutes later I walked out with $5,000 in grants, scholarships, loans etc. I was shocked! God had Provided through the Financial Aid office! In fact, my four friends had the same exact type of meeting with the Financial Aid Director. Thank God for Hayes Elliot!

     Every semester, all five of us prayed that our funding would come through...some semesters were tougher than others, but we made it...some how and some way...It happened! As I look back, I see my first encounter with the Financial Aid office was 31 years ago! I see that my life has been a picture to what God can do when we ask Him to Provide!

     During the month of September, our church will enter into Thirty days of Prayer and Fasting to determine our course and direction for 2011. Our Theme is "Not mine, but God's." This is also a time for Spiritual renewal and Revival. Its a time for personal confession and repentance and to get right with God. Its a time to ask God for guidance in reference to the financial burden of the church, the upkeep of the buildings and a future budget. Lastly, its a time to ask God to give Miami Springs Baptist Church a vision for reaching the community for Jesus Christ. Join us as we seek God's answers and Lets see what God says!

"Call to Me and I will Answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3)

 Thanks again,

 Marty