August 19, 2011 – Recap

Supporters and Friends of From the Dust: Thanks so much for the continued support of our ministry. As we catch our breath, cool off, and replenish our spirits and minds for the second half of our schedule for 2011, we hope that all is well with you and your families. We apologize for falling behind on our diaries during these busy times. Our communication approach has changed a bit. As…

March 19-20, 2011 – Hamilton – Bryan, TX

There are times when church “happens.” Worship is anointed and corporately the body unites and participates with a humble spirit. The result is encouragement, strengthening of relationships, accountability, call to action and increased faithfulness. The gathering and participation together in worship keeps us plugged in to His family and protects our personal fellowship with God. Our time together with the church that meets at the Hamilton Unit was anointed, uplifting,…

February 12, 2011 – Michael – Tennessee Colony, TX

We had the pleasure of conducting two services at the Michael Unit this weekend. Weather was great. Turnout was good. Witnessed 10 responses to the message. We would like to thank the correctional staff and volunteer chaplain for help with the transition in and out of the unit. Our lesson focuses on the story of Naaman from 2 Kings chapter 5. Here we find a man of position, popularity and…

January 29, 2011 – Coffield – Tennessee Colony, TX

The 2011 tour is off and running! I thought it might be fun to name this tour (we’ve never actually done this before) like the major touring artists do when they tour. A few names come to mind…”The Reason We Breathe Tour” or “Without Walls Tour” or “Salvation is Calling Tour” or “Presenting the Martindale’s Tour”…this is an inside joke!!! Anyway, if you are reading this and you have suggestions,…

November 21, 2010 – Polunsky – Livingston, TX

Posted 21 Nov 2010 in News

Back at Polunsky! It was good to be back and see everyone at the Polunsky Unit. We had 220 in attendance and 19 decisions.  As a ministry, we can’t begin to know the hearts of these individuals, their struggles, their needs as a church, and the direction they are headed. However, we can encourage them to make an impact for God on the unit and make their church a place where anyone can be comfortable and welcome.

I recently heard an analogy of how the church resembles a pack of zebras. A pack or herd of zebras is also called a “dazzle”.  A zebra has lots of stripes. Many zebras have many stripes and when they are all in a herd together their stripes actually create a chaotic and confusing image called a dazzle. This dazzle actually works as a protective force against predators such as lions and hyenas. The predators cannot focus their attention on a single zebra in order to isolate and attack it. The dazzle is so powerful that even other animals like water buffalo will stay close to the dazzle for protection.  Similarly, the church as a whole creates a dazzle, a sort of protective force against the evil that so often breaks churches apart and causes dissension among the members. Of course, the members that make up the body of the church must work together and be in the word to “dazzle” for the Lord and be productive for Christ. His word provides the wisdom that unlocks the keys to life. It guides the church and gives it the strength to witness, persevere, and finish the race together.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a crowd witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

As chapter 12 continues, we learn more about the discipline of God and the renewing of the spirit that all churches and believers need. Our commitments must outlast our emotions when it comes to serving and pleasing our Lord and Savior. In summary, we must be able to say and live out the following:

  • I Am Wrong
  • I Am Sorry
  • Please Forgive Me
  • I Love You

All Christians are one in the Spirit. It is our duty to keep or observe that unity, recognize it as real and act upon it without a sectarian spirit, endeavoring and making every effort to work hard at maintaining the unity of the spirit. Please pray that all churches will unite and dazzle for Christ by building up its members so that they can do good works.

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