What does it mean when the Bible says that Jesus is able to “empathize” or “sympathize” with our weaknesses? Years ago, a man put up a sign in his yard that read: “Puppies for Sale.”  Among those who came to inquire was a young boy. “Please, Mister,” he said, “I’d like to buy one of your puppies if they don’t cost too much.” “Well, son, they’re $25.”

The boy looked crushed. “I’ve only got two dollars and five cents. Could I see them anyway?” “Of course. Maybe we can work something out,” said the man. The boy’s eyes danced at the sight of those five little balls of fur.“I heard that one has a bad leg,” he said.“Yes,” said the salesman,“I’m afraid she’ll be crippled for life.” “Well, that’s the puppy I want. Could I pay for her a little at a time?”

The man responded, “But she’ll always have a limp.” Smiling bravely, the boy pulled up one pant leg, revealing a brace. “I don’t walk too good either.”     Then, looking at the puppy sympathetically, he continued, “I guess she’ll need a lot of love and help. I sure did.  It’s not so easy being crippled.” “Here, take her,” said the man. “I know you’ll give her a good home. And just forget about the money.”

Hebrews 4:15 tells us that, like the boy with that puppy, our Lord Jesus can empathize and sympathize with us because He experienced every kind of difficulty which we oursleves experience, yet He never sinned! He experienced every kind of tempation and tribulation, every kind of hardship and heartache, every kind of sadness and sorrow, yet He never sinned! What a wonderful and compassionate Savior we have!

      October has been a good month with 349 in Bible Study. Hope Night to benefit the ministry of Little Children of the World was an inspirational night for us all.  Our kick-off for Operation Christmas Child gave us much to look forward to as we prepare for National Collection Week. We took 150 backpacks for children in South Georgia to the Fall Meeting of Centennial Baptist Association. The first gathering of The Summit was a great event with lots of help from lots of people, and Hutch Matteson did a great job as our speaker. We ended the month of September with a total of $788,084 given toward our GENERATIONS FOLLOWING campaign!

November has some very special emphases:

November is going to be a great month!  COME EXPECTANTLY!

   November 2019 Witness                                                             

Persecution is always Satan’s attempt to silence the truth. That great American hero, editor, schoolteacher, and Presbyterian minister Elijah Lovejoy left the pulpit in Alton, Illinois, and returned to the press in order to be sure his words reached more people. The Civil War might have been averted and a peaceful emancipation of slaves achieved had there been more people like him. After observing one lynching, Lovejoy was committed forever to fighting uncompromisingly the sin of slavery.

Mob action was brought against him time after time; neither this nor many threats and attempts on his life deterred him. Repeated destruction of his presses did not stop him. “If by compromise is meant that I should cease from my duty, I cannot make it. I fear God more that I fear man. Crush me if you will, but I shall die at my post…”

 And die he did, four days later, at the hands of another mob. Not one of the ruffians was prosecuted or indicted or punished in any way for his murder. Some of Lovejoy’s defenders were prosecuted! One of the mob assassins was later elected mayor of Alton!  

However, note this: Lovejoy’s convictions about slavery were never silenced, for one young man was around who was deeply moved by Lovejoy’s martyrdom. He had just been elected to the Illinois legislature. His name was Abraham Lincoln, and as our sixteenth President he would one day set the slaves free through The Emancipation Proclamation. The truth cannot be silenced! Therefore, do not fear those who would attempt to silence you!

September has been a good month with 359 in Bible Study. Speaking’ with My Deacon was well attended once again this year, and the ordination of Mark Smith to Deacon Ministry was an especially meaningful part of it. Our Preacher Swappin’, People Hoppin’ Revival with Antioch Baptist Church and FBC Thomaston was a great event this year. Both the physical food and the spiritual food that we enjoyed was wonderful! Our Buggy Days Homecoming Lunch was delicious, thanks to Tom Speziale and crew, and thanks to all those that served in the Photo Booth at Buggy Days! And our Student/Young Adult Building Fund ended the month of August at  $757,000!

October has some very special emphases:

HOPE NIGHT to benefit the ministry of Little Children of the World takes place on Saturday evening, September 28^th at the Lamar Fine Arts Building. The Silent Auction begins at 5:30 with the concert following. Tickets are on sale for $15 and will be available at the door.

THE HOPE TREE MINISTRY CHICKEN Q that was postponed from Buggy Days weekend will take place on Saturday, October 5^th, at the corner of Elm and Warsaw streets beginning at 1:00 P.M.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD KICK-OFF will be on Sunday evening, October 13^th, beginning at 6:30 in our gym. Remember that CHRISTMAS BACKPACKS for lower income families in South Georgia are due back by October 20^th.

THE SUMMIT is our new men’s ministry worship event that launches on Tuesday evening, October 15^th. Tailgate begins at 6:00, with doors opening at 6:30 and, worship beginning at 7:00.

Our FALL FESTIVAL will take place on Sunday evening, October 27^th, from 6:00 to 8:00 on our west side parking lot.

October is going to be a great month!   COME EXPECTANTLY!

I Love You, Garth