Dear friends and family,
Do you remember what it was like at Christmas time when you were a child to have a gift in front of you, all wrapped up? Do you remember the excitement of diving in and popping ribbons and tearing paper as soon as the word “go” was given? Recently I got to see such an event, but it was one of even greater excitement! I had been asked to come to Oneida Baptist Institute to lead music at the beginning of two special services for the students. It was opening night. The pastor had just finished his sermon and had asked me to play while he gave an invitation. As soon as he gave the word “go,” I was amazed to see kids literally running to the front! I had been very expectant of what the Lord would do that night, but it was more than I had expected! There were more students at the front of the chapel than left in the seats! Some had come to say they wanted a closer walk with the Lord. Others had come to accept the Lord as their Savior! At least twenty students said they had accepted the Lord that night! The second night, at least twelve students said they accepted the Lord! I loved seeing their eagerness to accept the gift of Jesus! Please pray for their growth in the Lord!
The Lord continues to bless the work at New Prospect Baptist Church where I serve as Associate Pastor along with David Price who serves as Senior Pastor. Our youth group is very excited about a trip to an upcoming Christmas concert which is a gift from the church to them. It is a season of Christmas program practices and services. Carols are in the air. On Wednesday nights, I continue to have the opportunity to lead the music for the Bear Track Bible Church youth group. I am enjoying getting to know the new members and treasure time with the veterans!
By the grace of God, I am continuing to make good progress on the follow up material that I have been writing for campers who have made decisions to follow Christ. I would greatly appreciate your prayers for this process. I am very excited about it and am eager to see it completed. As I work on this project, I can’t help but be grateful for the various author friends the Lord has brought into my life throughout the years. Knowing them, seeing their process, and hearing their testimonies on the process have all been tremendous gifts.
Life on the road has been good. In September, Daniel McIntosh and I visited Boyce College and Southern Seminary to recruit workers for Youth Haven Bible Camp. Jonathan Saylor, a student there, has worked at camp for years and was a tremendous help to us during our visit. In October, I had the privilege of speaking and singing at Trinity Baptist Church in Harriman, Tennessee. Later that week I was at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee to recruit counselors for camp. I loved seeing the faculty and students’ love for the Lord! I had a fantastic time there and had the opportunity to reconnect with Dr. George Guthrie who I had met years before when I was traveling with our mutual friend, Michael Card. Dr. Guthrie is the author of “Read The Bible For Life” as well as the “Life Application Commentary” on Hebrews, which I am currently reading for my devotions. In November, I had the opportunity to travel with family to meet up with my brother Ben in Texas. Some other dear friends of ours were able to make it as well. Then it was on to Oneida which I mentioned at the beginning. Earlier this December, I was at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee to recruit counselors for camp and had a good time talking with students and staff alike.
As I drove back to Beattyville, I enjoyed passing through small towns on the way and seeing their Christmas lights. All of this, of course, reminds us of Jesus, the Light of the World, who is the greatest gift of all. To all of you who pray and give to make this ministry possible, I say, “thank you so very, very much!” You are all much on my mind and in my prayers! I am very thankful for the gift of your partnership in ministry!
In Christ,
Sam Judd
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