During this past week I preached from the book of Job, the book of Jude and did all I could to exalt Jesus! It was fun! I love preaching! I am just finishing up a great week in New England preaching in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. A week ago on Monday I flew in from Guatemala, stopped one night at home and then flew to Providence, RI. Pastor Mike Sokoll and his wife Patti were my super hosts as I enjoyed helping them celebrate the 20th anniversary of Providence Baptist Church. Frances, Victoria and I moved to Rhode Island to plant this church in 1989. Ransom came along the next year. Our years in Providence were wonderful! With the good help of Mike and Patti (who were with us from the beginning) we not only planted PBC in the inner city but we led a church planting movement in the northeast. Over our seven plus years in Providence we worked through our Baptist Evangelism ministry to plant many other churches throughout New England, the northeast and even as far away as Arizona and Utah. Had it not been for the faithfulness of the Sokolls we could not have carried this work on. I like to think that I taught Brother Mike a few things while we worked together. He was always my faithful right hand. Now, even after 20 years he and his wife are still there. The work is still going, growing and being used of God to win souls. Several were saved during this anniversary meeting under the big tent on the church property.
During my time in New England I was also invited to preach for New Hope Baptist in Pascoag, RI and Hillside Baptist in Spencer, MA. Both of these churches are pastored by good friends of mine. The pastor of NHBC is Pastor George Warren. Recently he helped us with a seminary module in Haiti. This pastor and his church are a real blessing. Hillside’s pastor is Ralph DiChiara. They are nearing 20 years in Spencer. I had the opportunity to help him when he was first starting Hillside. We recalled going door to door to find some of the first contacts for the church. They now have an absolutely awesome building and I believe God will bless them as they continue to serve him. What a joy it is to serve the Lord.
