You never know when surprise blessings will show up! Like getting to speak to a
young Hispanic druggie about the Lord in Mississippi while out soul winning
with my son in law, Jason Knabb’s church; and having Marcos listen to me; or
getting to attend a concert at the end of a 4-day Music camp, and hear five of
my grandchildren perform.
And then, there are the ones we pray for: like “Father, help me to be a blessing
to the ladies where I will be speaking.” This is the prayer I pray everywhere I am
invited to speak. Tradition, mainly helps me to look forward to the Spanish
Family Conference in Bartlett, IL, near Chicago, where Pastor Elmer Fernández
has invited me for the past eleven years. I believe the Lord answered my prayer
during the 8 different times I spoke, including a Sunday school class of single
Moms. But really, I am the one who is always challenged and blessed. The
special thing about this conference, was getting to spend those days with my
brother, Tommy Ashcraft. It is so rare that our paths cross during our travels,
so this was a special surprise blessing.
Our monthly Prayer Breakfasts continue to be well attended, mainly by lost
ladies, but also by nearby pastors’ and missionaries’ wives, and ladies from our
church. On July 25, when I gave the invitation, a nurse who was invited by one
of the ladies in our church, was saved.
If you have ever heard of Bro. Jimmy Adams, I’m sure you will agree with me
that he has a passion for lost souls. He was a blessing to our church here July 6-
7, as he conducted a weekend Personal Evangelism Conference. Having lived on
the mission field in México, and traveling to many Hispanic countries, he is
fluent in Spanish. I, for one, was challenged to be more faithful in witnessing.
Two days after our conference was one of the highlights of the year in my
ministry: our Vacation Bible School. I certainly do not do half the work that is
required; but I do get to lead the opening exercise, sing with the children while
playing my accordion; and then teach a lesson, and give the invitation. After
crafts and games, the children get another opportunity to be saved since we
always end each day with a Gospel message preached by the Pastor, or one of
the men in the church. This year I am delighted to report that we had 12
children over the age of 7 to come forward for Salvation, and twenty-six little
ones who didn’t quite understand. However the teachers spoke with them,
also.
At our last monthly visit to the Nursing Home, two elderly people, and a nurse
on the staff were saved. Another surprise blessing!
A blessing? As a mother, not entirely. But for my children, Ulises and Elizabeth
Martínez, and their 3 children, definitely! A dream came true for them on July
25, as they landed in Tel Aviv, Israel to serve the Lord as His Ambassadors. I
miss those surprise visits from their little village, just an hour away from here.
But I’m surprisingly being blessed by knowing that “I have no greater joy than
to hear that my children walk in truth,” and that they are fulfilling God’s will.
I hope God has many surprise blessings in store for you these next two months.
Your friend,
Billie Sloan
Nahum 1:7
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