Our Bible Conference, this week, has been amazing. In prayer, I’ve asked The Lord to show me more of what I need that I may be more like Jesus. God has answered my prayer this week, through the preachers in our Bible Conference. God has dealt with me about joy, repentance and encouraging others. And it’s not over yet. We have one more night to go!
The Lord has reminded me that there is great strength and powerful healing in His joy. He has begun, and continues, to search my heart and speak to me, almost daily, about repentance in different areas of my life. He has prompted me to become an encourager and to be grateful for those who build me up in this journey toward heaven.
So, to brother Doug, your family, your pastoral staff and support staff, “Thank You!!!”. May God continue to bless your ministries and the work of your hands. Know that everyone of you has helped to grow me closer to The Lord. Every person that I know at DBC has had a positive impact on my life, my husband and my children and for that I am deeply grateful. I praise God for this amazing church!!!
I am so grateful for the Choir Ministry and the Spanish Ministry and the men who lead them. Both leaders are men of great integrity who are ready to serve God anywhere, anytime. I’ve been blessed to find brother Rex in the church kitchen washing dishes and have spent time with brother Isidro and his wife in a park winning souls for The Lord on more than one occasion.
I love and treasure every person at DBC. Keep up the great work for our Lord!
Blessings,
Carmen Ward
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Saturday, December 09, 2006
God Showed Me The Rest Of The Puzzle
I had been moving around so much as an adult that I was beginning to feel frustrated and felt that I would never feel at home anywhere. But thanks to two people who never gave up on me, even when I gave them many opportunies to do so, here I am in Decatur, Alabama attending DBC. Larry and Cherie Waye have known me well for 3 1/2 years. When they moved from NY to Decatur, I was eager to visit them. I came here their first weekend in AL. On February 5, 2005, I attended DBC for the first time. Pastor Doug preached a sermon that really hit me hard. It was exactly what I needed to hear, so much in fact that I was embarrassed to be sitting next to Cherie and later that day Larry made a point to say that he had not told Pastor Doug that I was attending church that morning and had not told him what to preach on. Due to that sermon and three discipleship lessons that Cherie and I completed that weekend, I recommitted my life to Christ during the halftime show of the Superbowl. My next Sunday morning at DBC was on May 22, 2005 when Pastor Doug preached on Finding Your Passion for Missions. He also spoke about finding your passion for a career. He said that if you hate your job, you wont act like a Christian in the workplace. During the altar call he also said "Some of you may quit your jobs due to this sermon." Cherie elbowed me and Larry was on stage staring and smiling right at me. Although I did not go to the altar that day, I really wanted to. That evening before I flew back to FL, I told Larry and Cherie I was moving to Decatur and while in the airport, I called my boss and told her I would be quitting.
At the time when I decided to move to Decatur, I thought I had a job opportunity here but that ended up falling through. Still, the signs that God was calling me to this church were overwhelming and I made the comittment to move here with no job opportunities in sight. I do not know where it came from but that move was totally done through faith alone. As it turns out, two weeks after I moved here I had a job interview and accepted a job in Tennessee with a Christian boss. I never cease to thank God for that job knowing that it was all totally Him for how things worked out. The faith that it took to move here has been a huge building block of faith for the future.
Right now I want to thank everyone from DBC for all their prayers, support, and friendship that they have offered me over the past year while I have been here. I have never been at a church that has been more welcoming or loving. During the first few months here people whom I didnt even know would approach me and ask me how my job search was going or how I was transitioning to AL life. People would always tell me that they were praying for me. Finally in January of this year I started going to a new caregroup. From the first day that I visited Daphana Dekoker's table, I could tell the love that Daphana had for all her members and all the love that the women had for each other and for Daphana. I wanted to be part of that so bad but never thought I would fit in. I was constantly in and out of that group and if it weren't for a six month comittment to that group that I made with someone, I never would have stuck it out. But those girls are the most loving people I have met. They have ended up being true friends to me. We have been able to socialize together, they have held me accountable when I have needed it, they have been encouraging and supporting. So, to Daphana's table, I really do want to say thanks for all you have done to pull me into the group. You are an amazing group of women and I am glad I am part of your group. And thanks again to Larry and Cherie. You could have found a great church in another state and told me that is where I should go to find a home church. But you didnt. You supported me in coming to DBC and allowed God to show me the rest of the puzzle. I have never been happier in my life than I am right now. You guys really have changed my life and for you two and everyone else at DBC...you know who you are...I love you guys.
Bethaney Tessitore
At the time when I decided to move to Decatur, I thought I had a job opportunity here but that ended up falling through. Still, the signs that God was calling me to this church were overwhelming and I made the comittment to move here with no job opportunities in sight. I do not know where it came from but that move was totally done through faith alone. As it turns out, two weeks after I moved here I had a job interview and accepted a job in Tennessee with a Christian boss. I never cease to thank God for that job knowing that it was all totally Him for how things worked out. The faith that it took to move here has been a huge building block of faith for the future.
Right now I want to thank everyone from DBC for all their prayers, support, and friendship that they have offered me over the past year while I have been here. I have never been at a church that has been more welcoming or loving. During the first few months here people whom I didnt even know would approach me and ask me how my job search was going or how I was transitioning to AL life. People would always tell me that they were praying for me. Finally in January of this year I started going to a new caregroup. From the first day that I visited Daphana Dekoker's table, I could tell the love that Daphana had for all her members and all the love that the women had for each other and for Daphana. I wanted to be part of that so bad but never thought I would fit in. I was constantly in and out of that group and if it weren't for a six month comittment to that group that I made with someone, I never would have stuck it out. But those girls are the most loving people I have met. They have ended up being true friends to me. We have been able to socialize together, they have held me accountable when I have needed it, they have been encouraging and supporting. So, to Daphana's table, I really do want to say thanks for all you have done to pull me into the group. You are an amazing group of women and I am glad I am part of your group. And thanks again to Larry and Cherie. You could have found a great church in another state and told me that is where I should go to find a home church. But you didnt. You supported me in coming to DBC and allowed God to show me the rest of the puzzle. I have never been happier in my life than I am right now. You guys really have changed my life and for you two and everyone else at DBC...you know who you are...I love you guys.
Bethaney Tessitore
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Two Praises
Praise One
Katy had two major tests run this week. Both test turned out great. We praise the Lord for answered prayer.
Praise Two
We had over thirty couples attend the resent marriage retreat in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Reports, of how so many marriages were helped, healed, and blessed, have been wonderful. The testimony of our daughter and son-in-law Sunday Night was such a blessing to our hearts. The devil fights so hard to try to destroy the families of pastors that it blesses me and I hope blesses you, to hear of how God is working to bless families.
Doug Ripley
Katy had two major tests run this week. Both test turned out great. We praise the Lord for answered prayer.
Praise Two
We had over thirty couples attend the resent marriage retreat in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Reports, of how so many marriages were helped, healed, and blessed, have been wonderful. The testimony of our daughter and son-in-law Sunday Night was such a blessing to our hearts. The devil fights so hard to try to destroy the families of pastors that it blesses me and I hope blesses you, to hear of how God is working to bless families.
Doug Ripley
Early Christmas
I am a single mom who depends on monthly child support. I have not received any money for the past seven weeks due to my children's father losing his job. I have been patient and have trusted God to provide, which He has. My children's father started a new job recently and I was expecting my support to start in plenty of time to buy Christmas presents for my kids. However, the court system informed me last Thursday that it would be another four or five weeks until I would start seeing income.
I went to my children's father hoping he would give me the support freely so I could buy some presents. He stated that he didn’t have any extra to give and that he might be getting laid off from his new job soon. Yes, I was anxious and feeling nervous, but from somewhere deep inside I decided to not worry about it, that God was bigger than this issue and that He would provide so that my kids wouldn’t be disappointed Christmas morning.
All along I have been telling my kids that it would be a small Christmas this year. We have been discussing the real meaning of Christmas, and they definitely know that presents are second to Christ, family and friends. The next day at work, one of my co-workers handed me an envelope with $220 in it. Several people had heard that I had received the bad news from the courts and went together to raise some money for us. At first I felt embarrassed and even ashamed. I’m usually on the giving end of the equation, and I’m not used to be on the receiving end. I had to swallow my pride and accepted the gift. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of money to provide for my children’s needs; but the wants are sometimes unheard of!!
I am thankful to God for providing for us in this way. God works in many ways, one of which is through other Christians and their generous hearts. I feel like I’ve already had Christmas this year, my gift was in receiving love and support from God through His people.
Rachel Wylie
I went to my children's father hoping he would give me the support freely so I could buy some presents. He stated that he didn’t have any extra to give and that he might be getting laid off from his new job soon. Yes, I was anxious and feeling nervous, but from somewhere deep inside I decided to not worry about it, that God was bigger than this issue and that He would provide so that my kids wouldn’t be disappointed Christmas morning.
All along I have been telling my kids that it would be a small Christmas this year. We have been discussing the real meaning of Christmas, and they definitely know that presents are second to Christ, family and friends. The next day at work, one of my co-workers handed me an envelope with $220 in it. Several people had heard that I had received the bad news from the courts and went together to raise some money for us. At first I felt embarrassed and even ashamed. I’m usually on the giving end of the equation, and I’m not used to be on the receiving end. I had to swallow my pride and accepted the gift. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of money to provide for my children’s needs; but the wants are sometimes unheard of!!
I am thankful to God for providing for us in this way. God works in many ways, one of which is through other Christians and their generous hearts. I feel like I’ve already had Christmas this year, my gift was in receiving love and support from God through His people.
Rachel Wylie
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Salvation
Five years ago, the Lord answered a prayer that has changed my life completely. After 12 years of marriage and much prayer, I saw my husband, Kenneth, accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. The changes in him are amazing. He tried several ways but only God could strengthen him to quit smoking after more than 15 years. Little by little I saw God pruning away habits, attitudes, and behaviors. When he was invited to the Sons of Faith meetings, he was so excited and diligently studied and prepared to speak what God would have him share. Later came, Men’s Fraternity, which God has used to grant him a greater level of spiritual maturity.
Today, Kenneth serves our Lord as an usher at DBC. God has given him favor with his Sunday School teacher, Larry Marks, who often allows Kenneth the opportunity to teach. God has also granted him favor with brother Hank Smith who has asked Kenneth to teach in his place several times. Kenneth also preaches at a nursing home to fill in for Josh Turner and at the Spanish Ministry for brother Isidro Garza. I am a witness that God answers prayers and can change lives completely around for His glory and honor. God answered my prayer above and beyond what I expected. I would have never known to ask for all that He has done.
My praises are for God, our Father, and Jesus Christ, our redeemer. If you are praying for someone’s salvation, don’t give up!!!!
Love & Blessings,
Carmen Ward
Today, Kenneth serves our Lord as an usher at DBC. God has given him favor with his Sunday School teacher, Larry Marks, who often allows Kenneth the opportunity to teach. God has also granted him favor with brother Hank Smith who has asked Kenneth to teach in his place several times. Kenneth also preaches at a nursing home to fill in for Josh Turner and at the Spanish Ministry for brother Isidro Garza. I am a witness that God answers prayers and can change lives completely around for His glory and honor. God answered my prayer above and beyond what I expected. I would have never known to ask for all that He has done.
My praises are for God, our Father, and Jesus Christ, our redeemer. If you are praying for someone’s salvation, don’t give up!!!!
Love & Blessings,
Carmen Ward
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
A Childs Heart
A few hours after our daughter, Sidney, was born doctors discovered she had a large hole in her heart. They told us they couldn't guarantee she would live and that she would require open heart surgery. David and I never had a peace in our hearts about her undergoing surgery and we immediately put all our faith in the Lord that He would heal her little heart without surgery.
We became members at DBC when Sidney was 7 months old. Bill Pensworth's Sunday school class rallied around us and Sidney as prayer warriors and constantly encouraged us that God could and would heal our baby.
We saw a pediatric cardiologist every week and each week there was no change in the size of the hole.
David and I prayed over her every day and we knew the faithful prayers of our "family" at DBC were going up as well.
When Sidney was one and a half, we went back to the cardiologist for a weekly visit. This time he did the sonogram and a physical exam, then he stopped. He said he needed to repeat the tests. Then he told us the hole in her heart had closed and it looked like someone had taken her defective heart out and put a perfectly healthy heart inside her little body.
We told the doctor that we knew God had given us our "little miracle" that we had prayed for and sought so diligently. He told us there was still a small gap at the bottom of her heart and he wasn't sure it would close without surgery.
We took Sidney back for a check-up on Oct. 27. The cardiologist found not only had the gap closed but the tissue had actually formed a little knot of tissue at that space. He said the hole not only closed it reinforced itself.
God is so good and is still in the miracle business. We thank our DBC family for their love, support and prayers.
David & Gretta Johns
We became members at DBC when Sidney was 7 months old. Bill Pensworth's Sunday school class rallied around us and Sidney as prayer warriors and constantly encouraged us that God could and would heal our baby.
We saw a pediatric cardiologist every week and each week there was no change in the size of the hole.
David and I prayed over her every day and we knew the faithful prayers of our "family" at DBC were going up as well.
When Sidney was one and a half, we went back to the cardiologist for a weekly visit. This time he did the sonogram and a physical exam, then he stopped. He said he needed to repeat the tests. Then he told us the hole in her heart had closed and it looked like someone had taken her defective heart out and put a perfectly healthy heart inside her little body.
We told the doctor that we knew God had given us our "little miracle" that we had prayed for and sought so diligently. He told us there was still a small gap at the bottom of her heart and he wasn't sure it would close without surgery.
We took Sidney back for a check-up on Oct. 27. The cardiologist found not only had the gap closed but the tissue had actually formed a little knot of tissue at that space. He said the hole not only closed it reinforced itself.
God is so good and is still in the miracle business. We thank our DBC family for their love, support and prayers.
David & Gretta Johns
Monday, November 13, 2006
God Is Faithful
I have not seen or heard from my dad since I was thirteen years old. I grew up without a father and that was very hard.
After going through a divorce myself, I moved to Decatur to get a fresh start. This was the lowest point in my life. Then my good looking neighbor asked me on a date....and it was to church, at Decatur Baptist. I fell in love with Decatur Baptist and I have attended every service since.
Our Pastor, Doug Ripley, preached on forgiving and honoring your fathers in January and I became convicted. My boyfriend had proposed to me and I wanted to start the new chapter in my life right. After much prayer, God made it clear that I should put forth effort to contact my father. I found out where my father was living and wrote him a letter. We exchanged emails and phone numbers and now we talk a few times a week.
My father attended my wedding on May 6, 2006 and came to visit this past weekend.
God is so good. My father and I now have the best relationship and are getting to know each other all over again.
I have the most wonderful Christian husband and now I have my daddy too! Praise God!
Jana Winchester
After going through a divorce myself, I moved to Decatur to get a fresh start. This was the lowest point in my life. Then my good looking neighbor asked me on a date....and it was to church, at Decatur Baptist. I fell in love with Decatur Baptist and I have attended every service since.
Our Pastor, Doug Ripley, preached on forgiving and honoring your fathers in January and I became convicted. My boyfriend had proposed to me and I wanted to start the new chapter in my life right. After much prayer, God made it clear that I should put forth effort to contact my father. I found out where my father was living and wrote him a letter. We exchanged emails and phone numbers and now we talk a few times a week.
My father attended my wedding on May 6, 2006 and came to visit this past weekend.
God is so good. My father and I now have the best relationship and are getting to know each other all over again.
I have the most wonderful Christian husband and now I have my daddy too! Praise God!
Jana Winchester
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Successful Kidney Transplant
Go to goggle.com and type in Corky Hill, you will find so many answered prayers. I was on life support 3 times in the year 2005, hit by a 18 wheeler going 70 mph in the door, had a stint placed in my heart, was on dialysis for 9 months and had a successful kidney transplant all in that stormy year. Many times I asked God to take me home but he has something here for me to do. Anyone who dosen't believe in the power of prayer just go to google and look me up..........I give all the credit to God, not me.............see you Sunday.
Corky Hill
Corky Hill
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