Newsletter Dec 21st GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

CONGRADULATIONS
Ellis Gray Barbee——Born–December 6, 2025
Parents— Luke and Keely Barbee
Big Brother— Ruxley Barbee
Grandparents— Phillip and Heather Barbee —-Dennis and Carmen Salmon
May the Lord bless you and your new family addition
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The Children and Youth Christmas Program on Sunday night was wonderful. It was a blessing to members and a host of visitors alike. Thank you, Children, Youth, and Leaders who worked so hard to make it happen.  Thanks to those who brought food for our sweet time of fellowship. Thanks also, to Jeff K. For spending the afternoon making sure we had heat in the building.
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WHY IS GOD STILL LEAVING ME HERE?
I’m elderly, my body is wearing out, I can’t do much for the Lord anymore. I am longing for Heaven. I just can’t understand why the Lord is leaving me here.

I have heard that comment and been asked that question countless times over the years of my ministry. One of God’s Saints is longing for their eternal home, yet God continues to let them live. My standard answer is this: “God has a purpose for your life. He still has a ministry for you. He has someone He wants you to reach for Him.

This week, I would like to share a beautiful example of that truth. I have a dear, dear friend, who is in her mid to late 80s. She has had multiple health issues over the course of her life. None of those issues stopped her for long. Until a few weeks ago, she was living alone, pursuing the three C’s of her life. Her passions were: Cooking food to share with other families, Canning vegetables to share with other families, and Crocheting blankets to give away. Those three things have been her ministry for years.

Recently, a health issue put her in the hospital. She improved and was sent to a Rehab Facility so that she could regain her strength and return home. Instead, she contracted infections, was sent back to the hospital, and came close to entering Heaven. Thankfully, she did recover and is back at the Rehab Facility.

One day this week, a group of Nursing Students were brought to the Facility and some stopped in my Friend’s room. One of those Nursing Students [old enough to have 2 children] stayed behind after the others left. She told my Friend, “As part of this assignment I have to interview a patient. Can I talk with you?” My Friend agreed. Questions were asked and answered. Then the Student Nurse asked this question, “What is the greatest thing that has happened to you during the course of your life?” My Friend quickly answered “Accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior”. 
The student was totally surprised. My Friend then asked, “Are you a Christian?” The answer was “No, I am not a Christian”. My Friend talked to her about Jesus and about the need for her to be saved and for her and those children to be in a good Bible believing church. The Student Nurse left saying, “I need to come back and talk with you some more.”

Jesus told His followers to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel” [Matthew 28:18-20—Mark 16:15-20—Acts 1:8]. There are times in our life when we go. Times when we give so others can go. There may come a time when we are shut-in at home or in some type of facility. But, if a love for Jesus shines brightly in our hearts, we can still be His witness. God leaves us here for a purpose. Like my Friend, we can always find opportunities to share Jesus. The greatest gift you can give someone this Christmas is to introduce them to Jesus.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available in the Parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. NO BIBLE STUDY ON CHRISTMAS EVE—EXCEPT YOUR PERSONAL STUDY
4. $ 970—Lottie Moon Foreign Mission Offering to date
5. December 28—Called Church Conference

Watch for opportunities to share Jesus 

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church