Harvest Baptist Church

Steven S. Ragland, Pastor/Evangelist September 5, 2002

Phone: 806-249-6040

Dear Pastor and prayer friends,

We are all reminded of the crisis, which occurred last year during the month of September (911) leaving a sense of vulnerability looming over us.   However, there is a much greater threat to us in America, the threat of becoming destitute of Christianity.

In the small town where we live the ecumenical spirit thrives and plans have been made for prayer vigils at their churches, then on to the football field, they will come together in a spirit of ecumenism lifting their voices to God.   All for "911."

Would to God we would take prayer as serious for the need of revival.   Prayer is definitely neglected, as is a desire for revival.   Therefore we are saddened not by the prayers that will be made in lieu of "911" but by the fact we are not nearly as concerned about the false religions, which take preference over Christ and threaten to bring us to the demise that Europe and Great Britain fell to hundreds of years ago.

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Today as I was walking in the prison yard with Chaplain Brown many men approached us wanting to know when the administration was going to let me start a Bible class back up.   This really put the Chaplain on the spot!   All day men were asking me to call them out for a visit and to provide them with more Bible studies.   Many had questions in regard to the Scriptures and I spent time with them listening and answering.   Two men made a profession of faith and I left them with something to read.   This scenario is becoming the norm as men in prison feel the threat of false religions taking over.

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We are ten weeks into the Mission work in Clayton, New Mexico and the Lord is continuing to bless with visitors.   Sunday we had 12 in the A.M. service and 12 in the P.M. service.   The spirit in the services is wonderful and there is much liberty in preaching as we lay the groundwork for a stable church.

Then too, we have been praying that God would provide us with property for a future sight, and praise the Lord we have been given prime property for this purpose.   "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him," Matthew 6:8.

We are looking forward to some of the Pastors in our area coming to assist us as we go forth preaching the gospel.   I would ask that you pray for the Holy Spirit's convicting power to fall on this town that we might see fruit for our labor.

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"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."   Isa. 57:15

All for Jesus!

Steven S. Ragland

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Steve, Margaret & Scott Liberty Baptist Church P.O. Box 1272 Dalhart, TX 79022 Johnny D. Widener, Pastor Phone #'s Ch. 806-249-5344 Hm. 806-365-4793 E-mail: ragland@mfire.com or bpm@xit.net

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