The Big Day

Here's a few pictures from Amanda's big day. It was a big day for everyone, daddy included. Enjoy! God bless,

Bro. Royce

Church

I just completed a "chapter a day" reading in the Book of Acts. What a joy it was for the last several chapters to read about the "adventures of Paul" and his mission trips. The Book of Acts closes with Paul under house arrest in Rome. He lived this way for two years, awaiting his trial. Eugene Peterson has an interesting comment on Acts 28:30-31.

"Paul lived for two years in a rented house in Rome, with a soldier to guard him as he awaited trial. During this time Paul did three things: 1) He welcomed all who came to see him (he was permitted visitors); 2) He preached the Kingdom of God; and 3) He taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Welcomed, preached, taught. Paul turned his house into a church by doing those three things--welcoming, preaching, teaching. But the moment a church ceases doing these things, it ceases being a church.... And that's it. We don't know how many came to see Paul. We don't know where the house church was located. We simply know that those things took place, simply and naturally, as an overflow of Paul's heart." --Eugene Peterson, Conversations.

Prayer:

"Lord, thank You for the great influential life of the Apostle Paul. I cannot do all Paul could do. But I can invite people and welcome people to my church where the Gospel is preached passionately and the Word of God is taught faithfully. Help me to use my gifts to build up the Kingdom, one soul at a time. Thank you Jesus, in Your Name I pray, Amen."

Final June Update

Above are some pictures from the June Higher Call Mission Trip at Island Creek Baptist Church in Pikeville, Kentucky. June closed out as one of the best mission months ever. The trip to Kentucky was one of the best "Higher Call" trips we've ever been on. Then, as you know, we shattered all records in VBS. Then two weeks ago our youth grew by leaps and bounds on the Super Wow Trip, and the GA camp was a great success. And last week, we fed the World Changers as they did their mission work right here in Savannah, GA. Truly, lives have been touched, and God has been glorified. I want to thank everyone who took part whether it was through prayer support, financial support, giving, serving, and/or going, you are truly blessed for your part.

In Christ,

Bro. Royce

June Update #2

Vacation Bible School closed last night with Family Night and ended as the greatest VBS we've ever experienced here at Sand Hill. For the week we had 252 enrolled and averaged 194 each night, breaking 200 on two of the nights. But the greatest number of all was the 7 decisions for Christ. A big "thank you" to all who participated, served and worked in every capacity. And above all, all the glory goes to God!

Now pray for our Youth and GA girls. Our youth will be in Super WOW next week (June 22-26) and our GA girls will be in GA camp. So lift these up in your prayers this week as the mission month of June continues. God bless you all,

Bro. Royce

June Update

In the midst of a flurry of activities I wanted to pause, take a breath, and give you an update on our mission efforts thus far. Our Kentucky Mission Trip was an amazing success for God's glory. God gave us strength, safety, and good weather to frame up and dry in an over 6000 square feet sanctuary and Sunday School rooms. Both the Island Creek Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Pikeville were some of the most gracious, loving folks we've ever met. God is doing some mighty things in the mountains of Kentucky.

Today, we are entering our third day of Vacation Bible School. We have had record crowds thus far. We had 173 Sunday night and 192 on Monday night. The challenge is if we hit 200 I get a pie in the face and if the youth class consistently has 25 each night, Shawn, our Youth Pastor, also gets a pie in the face.

Continue to pray that all of our efforts to minister the Gospel will not return void and that God gets all the glory. And if you are in the local area, we invite you to join us for supper at 5:30 pm and VBS at 6:00 each night through Thursday of this week.

May God richly bless,

Bro. Royce

June

June will be a busy month. 15 of our folks will be going to Kentucky with the Higher Call Builders to help the FBC of Pikeville build a mission church. For those of you who don't know, the Higher Call Builders was the same group that came here six years ago and helped us build our new church.

Then our Vacation Bible School kicks off June 14 and runs through June 18 with family night June 19. (See www.sandhillbaptist.com for details). Then, June 22-26 our Youth will be heading to Jekyll Island for Super Wow. And the last week of June we will be feeding the World Changers.

Lots going on this month. We covet your prayers. Pray for all that are involved and pray that lives will be changed. And pray that God gets the glory. God bless,

In Christ,

Bro. Royce

What 'cha Reading?

As someone who reads a lot, I'm often asked, "Bro. Royce, what are you currently reading?" Right now I'm reading "11 Indispensable Relationships You Can't Be Without", by Leonard Sweet. With characteristic style and wit, Len digs down into Scripture and pulls up 11 relationships that we need in this life's journey. For example, we need a Jonathan, a true friend. We need a Jethro, someone who'll kick us in the butt when we need it. We need a Barnabas, an encourager. There's more. And Len gives you a bonus at the end, a 12th relationship we all need. Good read. Hope you enjoy. God bless,

Bro. Royce