Greater Than Zero

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Here is the new set of teachers for the school at the Santo Church of Christ. The school has been reorganized this year with new staff, a new director, and a new school board. Classes range from kindergarten through high school, and courses include French, Spanish, algebra, biology, chemistry, and Bible. Most of the children sponsored in our Nutrition Center also attend this school.

 

The photo above shows some very hard-working, dedicated educators. When you sponsor a child through the Estes Education Program in Haiti, some of that money is used to pay these teachers’ salaries. Sponsorship touches many different lives, and it creates many ripples that will have positive effects long into the future!

You don’t have to be a mathematician to understand that any positive number is greater than zero. Many times when people explain why they don’t give to a cause or sponsor a child they say, “I can’t afford to give very much, and the little I could give won’t make a difference.” This is just not true. Giving nothing is the thing that won’t make a difference, but giving something, even a small amount, can be used by God. A quote from author and blogger Sarah Mackenzie helps illustrate this point further. She writes, “God is not asking me to feed the five thousand. He just wants me to bring my basket of loaves and fish and lay them at His feet.”

What small gift can you bring to lay at His feet today? Can you commit to $20 a month? $10? Imagine if three people who were previously giving $0/month each decided to give $10/month. Together they have given what amounts to a full Nutrition Center sponsorship to feed a child for a month.  That’s 2 hot meals a day for a child who might not otherwise be fed all because some people decided that a small amount was better than zero! Can one of those people be you?

Come partner with Estes to be a part of this work. We are so much better when we work together. There is a great need right now to help support several programs in Haiti. We want all the children who are currently in the Nutrition and Education program to be able to continue. You can be a part of making sure that happens.

You can start right now. Just click the link below and enter any amount you choose. You can select to make it a recurring monthly gift so that you don’t have to worry about writing a check each month. These funds go to Estes and will be used for the program in Haiti that has the greatest need. Don’t let hesitation about having a small gift stop you from offering it today.







If we can help in any way or answer questions you may have, please email haitimissions@esteschurch.com

 

Estes Echo

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The Limpet and the Rock

There is a little sea creature called Noto acmaea testudinalis. It is a little gastropod animal having arched, non-spiraling shells with broad ventral openings. These little things are all over the world. They cling tenaciously to rocks and submerged timber. They are better known as Limpets.

The BBC recently reported that scientists have measured the strength of the teeth of the ubiquitous limpet. These persistent creatures use their “teeth” to cling to rocks. High-tech measurements indicated that these small creatures’ teeth are stronger than all but the very strongest of man-made substances–tougher than Kevlar and many high performance carbon fiber materials. Imagine a piece of spaghetti holding 3,000 two-pound bags of sugar; that’s an equivalent strength.

The lives of these small creatures revolves around clinging to the sides of a rock and clinging tenaciously to it. They face their biggest danger when they leave the rock where they have made their home–a small scraped out place in the rock’s surface.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon made use of the limpet in the following illustration.

Our little friend the limpet does not know much, but he clings. He cannot tell us much about what he is clinging to, is not acquainted with the geological formation of the rock, but he clings! He has found something to cling to; and with his little bit of knowledge, he uses it to cling to the rock of his salvation; it is the limpet’s life to cling. Thousands of God’s people have no more faith than this; they know to cling to Jesus with all their heart and soul and this suffices. Jesus Christ is to them a Savior strong and mighty.and they cleave to him as to a rock unmoveable and immutable.

“In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God” (Psa. 62:7).

I cannot comprehend the nature of God, but I believe (Job. 9:10). God is beyond my comprehension. Where my feeble understanding fails, faith takes over. I need no deep and complicated explanation of my God in heaven in order to have a faith that keeps me in the cleft of the Rock of Ages. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psa. 61:2).

O Rock in the desert, I fly unto thee,
When tempest and storms sweep the sky.
I hide in the cleft that was riven for me,
For safety on Thee I rely.

–Submitted

Estes Echo

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Baptism in First Century Jerusalem

Many people today have questions about baptism. Is it really necessary? And if so, by what method? With a great deal of confusion in our religious world concerning baptism, it is helpful to see how it was performed in the first century.

As indicated by the New Testament, baptism was first administered by immersion – this is what the term baptize means. This was not a radical invention; Jews had engaged in ritual immersion long before Christ’s birth. They used mikva’ot (singular mikveh), or ritual bathing pools. They were square in shape and equipped with a set of steps by which a person could access the water. Some mikva’ot were small. Others were much larger, more than capable of accommodating an adult.

The Greek word baptizo means to plunge, dip, or submerge. There would be little question about this fact if English translators had chosen to translate the term rather than transliterate it. This decision permitted the continuation of methods already in use that had developed over time, such as sprinkling and pouring.

In the first century, baptism was considered indispensable. This is reflected in the writings of some of the early church fathers. For example, Tertullian called Christians were “little fish” because they were “born in water” (De Baptismo, 17). In time, other methods began to be used. This may have begun in order to accommodate those who did not have adequate availability to the proper facilities. Today, sprinkling and pouring remain as popular methods. Some, recognizing the need for water but exercising greater flexibility, go even farther. I once knew a Presbyterian minister during my time in seminary who “baptized” a man by dipping his thumb into a cup of water and then placing it on the man’s forehead.

The question inevitably arises, “If baptism was by immersion only, how were 3000 people baptized on Pentecost?” To put it simply, mikva’ot were everywhere in Jerusalem. Archaeologists have discovered well over one hundred of them in Jerusalem, with nearly forty within a stone’s throw of the Temple Mount. We have to remember that these pools were for both inhabitants of Jerusalem and pilgrims. This is in addition to the mikva’ot that were part of every synagogue. Additionally, the mikva’ot at the Temple Mount were fed by nearby cisterns which, in turn, were fed by aqueducts so that the pools would have plenty of water.

Jewish believers took ritual purity very seriously. In pictures of mikva’ot, we might notice that there is often a stone dividing line going down the middle of the pool’s staircase. This was to ensure that the ceremonially unclean person did not ascend the same way in which he had entered the mikveh. The distinction between clear and unclean was crystal clear – a person descended down one side of the steps and ascended the other.

Some today may be tempted to think that people make too much of baptism. They disagree that baptism is necessary, citing passages stating that salvation does not consist of works (Eph. 2:9). Here they equate baptism with some kind of meritorious work. Scripture does not define it this way. Instead, it is merely the final act of faith in which one demonstrates his or her commitment to Christ. And its importance is emphasized by Luke, who was careful to record baptism as a part of every conversion experience in the book of Acts.

We might look at another example. If the man born blind had never washed his eyes at the pool of Siloam per Jesus’ instructions, would his eyesight have been restored? Personally, I don’t think so. What if he had washed in some other body of water? Jesus didn’t command him to do that. Jesus gave him specific instructions. If the man had not obeyed, then we have no reason to think that he would have been able to see again.

The offer of sight was a free gift, as long as a specified conditions was met: the man was to wash his eyes in the pool of Siloam. Does this mean the man earned his sight? Of course not. Similarly, salvation in the New Testament has its own conditions. Everyone–excepting the universalists–agrees that faith is a requirement; this is beyond dispute. For those who insist that baptism is necessary, this is merely part of the requirement of faith, as the Bible makes abundantly clear.

–Dewayne Bryant, reprinted from his blog, Looking at all Things Spiritually,
https://dewaynebryant.wordpress.com/2015/04/23/baptism-in-first-century-jerusalem/

Estes Echo

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Biblical Interpretation in Perspective

One extreme of biblical analysis is to deny any supernatural component and to view scripture merely as the words of men. The other extreme is to focus solely on the Bible’s divine perspective as the word of God and to discount the most basic reality that it has been transmitted in the words of men. A more balanced approach is to appreciate that the books of the Bible were inspired by God’s Spirit as they were written by real people in real places in real-life situations, dealing with real issues in actual historical and cultural contexts. Accordingly, to deal fairly and adequately with this collection of sacred writings (2 Timothy 2:15), one must respect its divine origin and supervision, while acknowledging the human contribution and the relevance of foundational matters such as text, language, transmission, authorship, provenance, date, audience, occasion, purpose, and historical-cultural settings.

–Kevin L. Moore

Estes Echo

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Remorse or Repentance?

What is remorse? What is repentance to you? When you talk to God, do you confess your sins to Him? We often do and conclude the prayer by saying something like, “God help me to do better…” Though we always need God’s help and God wants to help us, God won’t take over our lives and make our decisions for us. From the very beginning of time, God gave mankind freewill to choose right from wrong, and we will live with the consequences from those decisions. When we sin, either publicly or privately, do we confess our sins to the person we offended or only to God? “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

What gets in our way from doing such a thing? I’d argue that it’s pride. If we could humble ourselves to the point where we can go to someone and ask for help, we will have taken a dramatic step in the right direction to becoming better children of God. Confessing that we have a problem is the first step, but the second step is harder. “Actually turning away from that sin? You’re joking, right?” How often do we “repent” of our sins and the next day find ourselves doing that exact thing that we repented of the day earlier? True repentance involves transformation. Doing the 180. Not living on the Devil’s doorstep. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

It’s so easy in our lives to fall into a rut and get lazy or want something new, but we must be careful. When we look to other places instead of The Book, we will find ourselves so far out there in the world that no one will recognize us. However, if we can change our hearts and minds from thinking evil things to good things, then when life throws us curveballs we can rely on the strength that God offers to us and together we can come out on top with His help. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). How often do we still try and cling to the wrong thing? Paul charges us to develop a discomfort with evil and a craving for being good and right. There is a difference between remorse and repentance. Feeling sorry or guilty for the bad thing we’ve done is good. I believe that God put that feeling in us for a reason, but true repentance takes action and, yes, work. So the next time we mess up, will we confess our sin and going right back to that lifestyle? Or will we see the bigger picture and fervently try to turn away from the sin in our lives?

–Alex Blackwelder

Get to know Michemana Blaise!

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Tomorrow hundreds of new students will be arriving on campus at Freed-Hardeman University. Among them will be FHU’s newest Haitian student, Michemana Blaise.

Michemana has lived for the past ten years with Roberta Edwards at the Sonlight Children’s Home in Haiti. She is Roberta’s foster child, but she refers to Roberta as “mom.” While at Freed, Michemana plans to major in biochemistry, and her long-term goal is to continue her education after graduation to become a physician assistant.

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Michemana with Roberta

At just 20 years old, Michemana is mature, intelligent, and seems wise beyond her years. Her goal is to focus very hard on her studies, and one of her main worries about the upcoming school year is fast-talking professors. When asked a question, she replies thoughtfully and quietly, but is very firm and clear in what she says. She is someone that is easy to be around and you immediately want to be her friend. Although she says she is very friendly, she admits that she won’t always take the first step to reach out her hand to someone new because she is shy.

As of now, she is waiting to decide on joining any groups or social clubs until she sees how well she can keep up with her classes. Some people have encouraged her to join a singing group because she loves to sing. Another activity she enjoys is teaching children. Michemana often helped teach the younger children at Sonlight Children’s Home, and she also taught the young children’s Bible class at church as well. Teaching is something she really enjoys because she loves how little children have such excitement about learning.

One reason that Michemana is confident in her desire to go into the medical field is that she has translated for many years for the medical mission teams that travel to Haiti. She has learned so much from that process, and she says that she loves when those teams come. Another reason for her interest in medicine is that many people come to Roberta’s home when they need medical help, and Michemana has learned that she has a natural gift for helping in that way. She enjoys attending to people and has learned a lot from those experiences.  Her goal is return to Haiti as a PA to put her skills to use where they are very much needed.

Michemana seems to be adjusting to life in Henderson pretty well. She says that Henderson is not as busy and does not have as many people in the streets as she is used to and that is a big change. She also struggles with . . . air conditioning! When I went to visit, she was wrapped up in a fleece blanket like those of us in Tennessee might use at an outdoor sporting event in December. She says she is just not used to the cold air, and she is a bit worried about the upcoming winter.

If you have the opportunity, take the time to get to know this very brave, smart, and beautiful young woman from Haiti. She would appreciate encouragement, friendship, and maybe a jacket. 🙂  While Michemana may be shy, if you take the first step and reach out to her, you’ll be so glad you did!

Estes Echo

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Special Servants
(but not the only servants)

The word “deacon” comes from “diakonos” which is translated “servant.” Deacons are appointed because there is a service to be rendered. They are not appointed just so we can say that we have deacons at Estes. Authority is given to the deacons by the elders to perform a specific work that needs to be done, but we cannot expect the deacons to do all of the work. Every member at Estes has work he or she can do to further the cause of Christ.

We are blessed at Estes with a great group of hard working deacons. In I Timothy 3:8-13 we find the qualifications of deacons. If you haven’t read that passage recently, may we suggest you do so. The elders at Estes wish to put forward the names of twelve men we think meet these qualifications and have proven themselves worthy of the office of a deacon. These men are listed here along with the areas of work they will be involved in:

  • Jonathan Estes College Age Class and Activities
  • Jonathan Harrison Incite/Benevolence
  • Ryan Hysmith Haiti Missions
  • Jim Jones Member Support Services
  • Nathan Kitchen Sound Booth
  • Greg Massey Benevolence/Haiti Missions
  • Kevin Moore Local Outreach
  • Jeremy Northrop Member Support Services
  • Davis Parten Move In Service
  • Brent Rudder Lads to Leaders
  • Mark Scott Education Director (Adult Classes)
  • Trent Scott Website/Advertising/Incite

As is our custom at Estes, the congregation will be given a period of about two weeks to carefully consider these men in light of I Timothy 3:8-13. If anyone has a scriptural reason why any one of these men should not be appointed as a deacon, please put that in a signed statement and give it to one of the elders by August 21. If these men are found to be worthy of the office of deacon, they will be installed as such on August 23.

Don’t forget to include these men in your prayers, and let them know you are praying for them as they anticipate serving as deacons of the Lord’s church at Estes.

–The Estes elders

Estes Echo

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Scriptures to Ponder for the Back to School Season

It’s that time of year again. Summer has come and gone for those of us who attend or work in public school. As the new school year begins, anxiety brews on each side of the teacher’s desk. Here are just a few reminders to help get your school year off to a great start.

These reminders can aid both student and teacher alike from kindergarten through the collegiate level.

S – “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”- Isiah 41:10

C – “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”- Psalm 27:14

H – “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”- Psalm 33:20

O – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”- John 1:14

O – “Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!” –Psalm 106:3

L – “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:8

Take some time this week to encourage both the young people and the educators who are returning to the classroom. Encourage them to be emboldened as Godly people and to continue to be a light in a world of darkness.

-Steven Marise

Estes Echo

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Wow, What a Week!

Vacation Bible School 2015 at Estes was a tremendous week! VBS experienced record crowds every night, averaging over 460.

Have you ever wanted to look inside a beehive to see all the activity but were afraid to? With a stroll down the hall of the preschool area and a peep though the door, you would have witnessed many, many busy little “bees”, eager little boys and girls, and lots and lots of dedicated adults. Think about managing 9 in the nursery, 20 two year olds, and 27 three and four year olds every night!

10 registrars, 28 tribe leaders, 139 tribe members, multiple song leaders, 76 creative learning center workers, 28 preschool teachers, 8 cookie ladies, many cookie bakers, 6000 cookies, 3 coke men, 60 gallons of coke, 11 gallons of milk, 3 crafters, 4 auditorium teachers, 1 bell ringer (and one wannabe), 1 education director and 6 assistants, an adult class averaging 64, and 56 folks wandering around, all working for the same cause. Yes, it’s a long and tiring week, but a fun filled week that many, young and old alike, will remember as we saw the Giants of Genesis come to life.

A huge congratulations is due to all who participated in every way and a big thank you to Jason for his fearless leadership!

It is amazing that 1852 souls came through our doors throughout the four nights, all learning more about God and His creation. If you weren’t involved, we missed you; if you were involved, we thank you!

It is not too early to get your name on the list for Vacation Bible School 2016. The spots will go quickly, so don’t get left out. Be a Booster!

–the elders

Estes Echo

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