Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matt. 1:23
God With Us!
In the 25 years of our pastorate at Calvary Bible Baptist, Bob used the above text for at least 20 of his
Christmas messages. Twenty sermons and he didn’t even touch the depth of the meaning of that verse. Ever
wonder why a little Baby causes so much controversy? Who minds camels, donkeys, sheep or even Shepherds – but put a baby in a manger and people freak out! That’s because that Baby was God! God’s infinite plan for salvation required that God take on human flesh and become like us to save us. That God/Man became the perfect Lamb of God to become the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. The result? The offer of eternal life to anyone who would confess their sin and receive the gift of eternal life. We will never truly understand “God with Us”
until we are with Him.
News, News and More News!
These have been very busy days since our last newsletter. Joy’s book is now available in audio form!
This is the culmination of over four years of work! It is available at Amazon. Just do a search for My Shadows
of Death by Joy Forgan Burney and her site will pop up with a choice for “formats”. Choose “audio”. There is
a “trial” you can choose and it will be free. We are already receiving positive reviews. Listen and be blessed!
Outside The Walls continues to develop as we seek God’s guidance. We have had some very positive
meetings concerning the possibility of partnership with other ministries already involved in Ohio’s prisons. This
partnership is still in its infancy but it is very promising. Our new website www.outsidewalls.us continue to
grow in content. God has made it possible to purchase audio equipment to begin a podcast. Regular podcasts should begin shortly after the New Year. We believe we will have some exciting news soon about some projects for next Spring and summer. Continue to pray for God’s direction and provision. So many have shared with us that you are praying for this new ministry and for our son. You have no idea what this means to us!
We have had some absolutely wonderful CrossPower meetings since we last communicated. We were
busy with speaking engagements that God certainly blessed. The highlight was probably a full weekend at a
wonderful church in Indiana! Bob was able to speak to the men, Joy shared with the ladies and we were able to
present the message of the Cross three additional times. Busy but blessed weekend!
As many of you know, we drive a LOT! A reliable car is essential for us. We estimate that we have
driven somewhere around 500,000 miles in the last 25 years. Our vehicle had gotten very tired and we began to
pray that God would provide another. He answered. We now have a wonderful 2017 to replace our 2011. We
certainly not getting any younger. We are both now 76. We are older but it doesn’t seem that we are slowing
down. Who begins a brand new ministry in their mid 70’s that is in addition to an already busy ministry. This
has to be a God thing. We mention that to encourage you to pray that God will continue to give us good health
and meet our financial needs.
Here is more big news!! We are so thankful for each one of you! We cannot continue without God’s
strength and your prayers and support. We wish you all a Blessed Christmas!! Thank you for loving us.