Back to School, Back to Church
Download the October issue of Woods on a Mission.
On September 25, 2016, the Church of God (Holiness) in Cayman Brac celebrated a "Back to School, Back to Church" Sunday. The people were challenged to invite family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, enemies … anyone … to come back to church.
A joint service was held at our Watering Place location. The choirs from both congregations sang beautifully. A two-month old baby girl, a great-granddaughter of one of our church ladies, was dedicated to God.
Pastor Woods then preached a message from Luke 15 about the humiliation of the two prodigal sons' father - and the humiliation God has willingly suffered in order to bring us back to Himself. In the evening, our two congregations again worshiped together in our end-of-the-month joint singspiration service. We thank God for His continued blessings!
Unity
When you begin reading Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, you would think that this was the greatest church ever!
He wrote, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you … for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now" (Philippians 1:3-5).
Near the end of the letter, however, Paul entreated two godly women, who had worked with him from the very beginning to start this church, to put aside their differences and find reconciliation. Taking a closer look at Philippians, you find that unity is a theme running throughout the whole book! Truly, finding unity in the midst of differing opinions and preferences and history can be a challenge. But Christ's prayer for His Church today is that we might be one, as a testimony to the world (John 17:20-23).
Unity has been the theme Pastor Woods has been emphasizing in our midweek services. Just as in a song there may be four parts - four difference voices and notes, when those voices are united, the result is a beautiful harmony.
Pray for the Church of God (Holiness) in Cayman Brac, that our church might sound forth beautiful harmony as "one heart and one soul" (Acts 4:32).
Ministry Team
Without Zenia, the Woods’ ministry would be severely curtailed. Zenia often takes a background role, homeschooling the boys, running the church office, pitching in as last-minute back-up Sunday school teacher, inviting people to the mission home for meals or taking food to people, giving valuable counsel to David, etc. Yet her contribution in our work as missionary pastors is vital! Truly she is a blessing from God.
Sound Doctrine
In Titus 1:9 Paul instructs Titus concerning the pastor's teaching responsibility: "Holding fast the faithful word…, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."
Over time, the idea that spiritual heritage, church attendance, Bible knowledge, past experiences, or even volunteer ministry give us eternal life can creep into our mindset. Confusion over holiness can also lead people to think they have "arrived" spiritually when indeed they are lacking (1 Corinthians 1-3).
To this end, Pastor Woods has been leading our church in a study of Romans during our Sunday services. We most recently reveled in the glorious truth that grace is greater than sin (Romans 5). Now we are ready to study those crucial chapters, Romans 6-8.
Please pray for Pastor Woods as he preaches about the power of sin and the victory that can be ours through Christ!
Building Relationships
Ministry opportunities on a small island are everywhere. Even simple get-togethers can be a great opportunity to connect with people. The gathering in this picture was mostly unplanned but it was a great time of fellowship with several young ladies. What were we celebrating? Nothing except friendship!
Pray for God’s continued help in building relationships for Christ.
Praises • We thank God for His help in making structural changes in the church that will enable us to work together better. • The Woods are homeschooling Joseph and Noah. Last year, internet issues caused much frustration. This year we are using DVDs, and this change has helped tremendously. Both boys are excelling in school!
Requests • Pray for our church to make a positive impact during Remembrance Day on November 14. • Pray for our plans for revival services. Pray for a real revival of repentance and life change.
