Heritage Bible Church

Heritage Bible Church Newsletter ~ July 2011

From the Pastor:

July 9 marks the beginning for my forty-first year of ministry in Panama City. Looking back, I see things from a different perspective than I did when I stepped into the pulpit of the First Independent Methodist Church on that July Sunday in 1971.

In 1971, I thought that God guided me to Panama City. In 2011, I know He did. There were five young men invited to come to Panama City to be considered for the pastorate of the First Independent Methodist Church (later renamed Heritage Bible Church). After I candidated here, all the others declined to come. So, the church had a choice: me or start all over. They chose me.

In 1971, I believed God kept His promises. Since then I've seen Him do it. During a particularly challenging time I asked God to speak to me from His word. Should I stay in Panama City or move on. He answered through several scripture passages, one of which was Jeremiah 42:10, "If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up.... Be not afraid...." God's answer could not have been more clear. I was to stay. If I obeyed, He promised to build me and to plant me. I obeyed and these last 40 years prove that He has fulfilled His promise to me.

In 1971, I believed God answered prayer. Over the years He has proved it time and again. Our old church facility on the corner of 11th Street and Chestnut Avenue was not conducive to growth. There was limited seating, limited Sunday school classrooms, and limited parking. We also had limited finances. Although we had many years of wonderful ministry there, our attendance could never consistently get beyond the comfortable seating capacity of about 80 people. We prayed for several years that God would give us some land so we could grow. An encouraging passage came from 2 Chronicles 16:9, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." The truth of this passage indicated that if our heart was perfect toward Him, He would show Himself strong on our behalf.

We continued to pray. From 1978 through 1987 the Lord gave me promises that indicated we would one day get the land. One such promise was Exodus 23:20, "Behold, I send an angel before thee to keep thee in the way and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared." Through circumstances arranged by God, in June, 1987, we had an opportunity to buy 5 acres of land on State Avenue for $75,000. At that point, after saving money for 10 years, we had $46,767.37. We had less than two months to raise the remainder. God showed Himself strong and when we closed on the property on August 7, 1987, we had raised $75,595.18. (We needed the $595 to pay the property taxes for the first seven months of 1987.)

God has definitely guided us, kept His promises, and answered our prayers these past forty years. Although we have changed, He has not. We can expect Him to continue to guide us, give us promises and keep them, and answer faithful prayers as we begin walking the next forty together. To Him be the glory, praise, and honor. Amen.

The Napier’s, will be with us Sunday evening, July 3rd. They were with Alaska Village Missions preparing local peoples to take over as leaders in remote villages. Since their ministry there has been completed, they are now involved with Global Outreach and will be moving to East Africa to train pastors there! Don’t miss their exciting account of what the Lord is doing! We will have a finger-food fellowship @ 6 p.m. before they speak to us. Please bring enough for your family and to share.

Kingdom Kids - For July we will meet the 2^nd Sunday of the month, July 10th.

Board Meeting - Sunday, July 17th, after the morning service. Everyone is invited to attend!

Men’s Ministry Dinner

Our July meeting will be Tuesday July 19th @ 6:30 p.m. We will continue to examine holiness and how we can live holy lives in times of temptation. Let's all grow closer to God! Sign up on the sheet at church!

Young@ Heart" Luncheon -

For July we will once again meet @ the church for a pot-luck lunch on Thursday, July 28th! Please contact Fran or Katy to RSVP or for more info!

VBS: Mountaineers on a Mission - Following a Higher Call!

We're on a mission - not only to the top of the mountain, but also to get to know and please God. On July 24th-28th, there will be crafts, games, lessons, and songs that encourage kids age 3 - 5th grade graduates to grow and serve in the Lord! Join in on the mission and spread the word to neighbors, friends and coworkers so this message may be heard and applied by kids throughout our community. Together, we'll make it to the top!

Finances as of June

For June through June 28

General Operating Fund (GOF) Monthly Budget: $ 15,951.00

GOF Tithes & Offering Received (4 Sundays): $ 14,979.24

General Operating Fund Weekly Budget: $ 3,681.00

GOF Avg. Weekly Tithes & Offerings ( 4 Sundays): $ 3,744.81

For Year to Date (based on 6 months and 26 Sundays):

General Operating Funds (GOF)Year to Date Budget(monthly basis): $ 95,706.00

General Operating Funds (GOF)Year to Date Budget(weekly basis): $ 95,706.00

General Operating Funds Year to Date Tithes & Offering and other receipts: $ 97,078.47

GOF Year to Date Budgeted Disbursements and Transfers to Other Funds: $ (94,367.56)

Other GOF Non-Budgeted & Board Approved Projects: $ (0.00)

GOF Receipts vs GOF Disbursements and Transfers to Other Funds $ 2,710.91

GOF Balance as of Jun 28th (130% of monthly budget) $ 20,761.66

Average Weekly Tithes and Offerings Received: $ 3,731.47

YTD Avg Weekly GOF Budgeted Disbursements & Transfers: $ (3,629.52)

Missions Receipts and 24% of Tithes and Offerings: $ 28,667.38

Missions Disbursements: $ (27,252.89)

Mission Fund Balance $ 3,399.06

Building Fund Receipts $ 3,098.82

Building Fund Disbursements $ 6,473.82

Building Fund Balance