GOOD NEWS YOU CAN USE...

A Literary Arts Ministry Newsletter - Issue 8

From the Pew to the Pit

A young, vibrant family man enjoying his role as a church deacon, youth director, and choir advisor was about to experience a life-altering event.

An unbearable burden rested upon him in 1976, lingering and overwhelmingly intolerable. As he prayed for the release of this burden, a soul-stirring liberation went forth at once, and from his lips, he began to utter the words of life proclaiming the Word of God in a manner that would impact all who came in his presence. Yes, the Lord had rested upon him tongues of fire to go forth and proclaim the Gospel of the risen Savior to a lost people.

Little did he know that God was paving the way, not just to share the message with bystanders, but was in His divine plan to elevate him from serving from the pew to leading the people of God from the highest position from the pulpit.

In 1977, the existing Pastor unexpectedly submitted a resignation letter, and the congregation found themselves without a leader. Eight associate ministers were present, but it was unanimous that Reverend W. B. Armstrong would officiate the services until a pastor was elected. At this time, Reverend Armstrong was attending bible college, obtaining a more profound knowledge of scripture, but also developing an understanding of the accountability placed on a pastor outlined through scripture, and this understanding had helped him determine that this would not be a role of his choice. But there is no altering of God's plan.

In 1978, the congregation expressed a strong desire for Reverend Armstrong to serve as their leader, and through prayer and the guidance of a mentor, in 1979, he accepted the position. Passing the torch, his father in the ministry ordained him as Pastor.

He has pastored and preached the unadulterated Gospel for forty-four years, leading many souls to Christ. Throughout this journey, he has experienced many ups and downs, but God remains faithful to His promise of a higher calling.

Because of God’s faithfulness, Pastor Armstrong declares, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Romans1:16)."

Thank God for Pastor Armstrong's journey and steadfastness in carrying the torch as an ambassador of the Gospel!

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The Drive

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The Journey

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The Press

SPOTLIGHT!!!

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SHARE YOUR GIFTS & TALENTS... (James 1:17)

Sheril Wayne Perrin, aka Peter, was born and raised in North Nashville, TN, and graduated from Stratford High School. He is married to Deborah Perrin and the father to three sons, Joseph, Samuel, and Gabriel. He is a proud grandfather of seven: Gabriel Jr, Nolan, Sanhana, Nasir, Sienna, Da'Kari, and Da'mon.

Peter was a dedicated Metro Nashville Public Schools employee for 32 years and served as a Mail Delivery Driver. He is now enjoying a life of retirement, spending time with family and friends.

One of his accomplishments he prides himself on is being on time and doing his assigned jobs well. What inspires him the most is being a Child of the King, Jesus Christ, and striving to love his neighbor according to the scripture. Two of his favorite scriptures that keep him on the straight and narrow path are 1 Corinthians 13 and Psalms 23, for he knows that love is the greatest virtue and that the Lord shepherds him. His greatest desire is to walk in love with others, demonstrate a caring spirit, and become a guiding light for those who have lost their way.

Some of Peter's hobbies include playing basketball, riding his bicycle, walking, and socializing with others. He is passionate about lending a helping hand to those in need and helping with the upkeep of the neighborhood, but his greatest passion is to emulate Christ in LOVE! One thing on his bucket list is to travel.

Peter is a faithful member of the Saint Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, serving as Deacon Chairman and a member of the Brotherhood Ministry and Chorus. In past years, he served as the No. 2 Choir President, a Sunday School teacher, and a member of the Usher Board II. We are grateful for such a loyal worker to serve in our ministry.

Displayed below are some highlights of our spotlight champion.

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Keep Your Head Up!

by Kenise Sterling

Keeping yourself encouraged is tough sometimes. You may often find yourself stuck in a situation without knowing how to get out, which will cause you to have doubts and negative thoughts about yourself. It's important to remind yourself that God is always surrounding you. He already has the plan. As His children, we must let Him take the wheel and take control of these moments. Continue to pray and ask God to strengthen you through your troubles. "Worry about nothing. Pray about everything," Philippians 4:6.

by Mishael Armstrong

TIME

When I was in middle school, my father always told me, "Time waits for no one." We lived 20 minutes from the school but had to rise early to make it on time before the bell rang at 8:00 a.m.

At that young age, I was thinking only of not being late to school or class, but as I got older, I started realizing time is everything in life: time with Jesus, time with family, time to be at work, a time for death, and a time of birth. Time is so important when it comes to having a relationship with Jesus Christ and the plan God has for you, and it is necessary to use it wisely!

At age 23, I'm recognizing how time flies. I remember riding to church with my dad and brothers when I was a young kid at Saint Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, and now I'm driving and picking up some other bright young people. Time flies. I have begun to understand that spending time with family is essential and that, in time, God will send new people on your path of righteousness. The Devil will send people who will try to bring you down, but through Jesus Christ and His Word, God will give you the map to righteousness, and this map won't lead you Astray!

Always stay encouraged through the storms; even in the good times, you must keep excelling and lift others when possible. We must be lights of the world and let our light shine so people will see and want to live the righteous life too, with their time on earth as well in Heaven; only through Jesus is the way to Heaven!

I want you to know that time is essential and that TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE! Stay encouraged, and thanks for reading. I hope you can apply this to your life!"

Submitted by Dorothy McClain

by Douglas Rumford

"If there is anything we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could be better changed in ourselves."

INSPIRATIONS FOR THE SOUL

by Davina Dean

God is Good even When Life Doesn’t Feel Good.

The Bible gives us hope, whether dealing with illness, financial issues, depression, anxiety, or family issues. Everyone I know seems to be going through something or several things. It becomes overwhelming, and you want to be a witness for Jesus, who displays His joy and

peace, but you feel burdened by life.

I have good news! We can focus on what is true of God’s character, His love for us, and His promises in the Bible. That’s the only way I can make it. Dealing with Lupus and recently being diagnosed with many other health issues, I am in pain, and I deal with anger, discouragement, depression, anxiety, and guilt. I have tried to figure out why I have not fully recovered or if I ever will.

None of these thoughts are from God, but recalling what the Word of God says gives me peace and joy, also by being intentional about believing the truth in the Word of God about the character of God. I may never get those answers in this life. However, God is still good. Philippians 4:8 tells us where to put our thoughts.

Psalm 31:19 (KJV) states, “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” The NIV version puts it this way, “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” We have decided to put our trust in Jesus.

Troubles will happen in this fallen world. Sometimes, just being alive and surviving is a miracle. I go to the Word to maintain joy and peace and witness that Jesus is real and God is good. There are different ways that I feed myself with the Word. Here are some suggestions: Write a scripture about His character on an index card or put it on your phone. Listen to a Christian podcast or radio station. Listen to an audio bible. Minister to and pray for others to take your focus off your problems and share what God has done for you. Get in a small group or Bible study where you can ask questions and have Saints and prayer warriors around you. Listen to gospel music. Ask people to pray for you. Write in a prayer journal and track how often God has answered your prayers.

The main point is to be intentional and remember that God is good; Jesus died for you, loves you, and will never leave you.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT...

* * * * * * * *

by Unknown Author

PRESCRIPTION FOR THE BLUES

"If you wake in the morning and feel a bit blue,

And wonder whatever's the matter with you,

Don't go on a grouch the rest of the day,

And make other people your penalty pay.

Just try to suppress it and put on a grin,

And no one will know what has happened within;

Just speak a kind word and do a good deed,

And others, your action will certainly heed.

It was said long ago, and today, it's still true,

As you measure to others, it's given to you."

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by Unknow Author

PRESCRIPTION FOR WORRY

"Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry during the day and too sleepy to worry at night."

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by Unknow Author

WORTHLESS RELIGION

"A religion:

That does nothing,

That gives nothing,

That costs nothing,

That suffers nothing,

is worth nothing."

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ABC’s Of SALVATION

A Samaritan woman conversed with a Jewish man who asked this woman for a drink of water from the well. It was uncommon for Jews to associate themselves with Samaritans. Because of this, the woman questions the man as to why He had engaged in conversation with her, and this man responds with a series of questions, which she reacts truthfully, and then tells her all about her life. He offers her living water and acknowledges He is the awaited Messiah. She believed and ran to tell others.

There are three focal points in this passage:

(1) Jesus accepts you for who you are because He knows all about you.

(2) It's your responsibility to acknowledge your truth and yield to Him.

(3) Jesus is readily available to take you in and award you the inheritance of

eternal life (living water) as your Redeemer and Lord.

* ADMIT, BELIEVE, CONFESS *