Sunday, February 27, 2011.

On Saturday the 26th we travelled the 4+ hours to Humble, Texas, a community on the north edge of the city of Houston, TX.  Houston is counted as the fourth largest city in the USA.  We were kindly received by Pastor Tim Reynolds, his wife and daughter, and all the members of Heritage Baptist Church.  We had a blessed time with them as we fellowshipped with them in the truth.  The closer two are in doctrine, and the love of Christ, the closer and sweeter the fellowship.  Both the churches we visited on this day were very sweet visits, as have all of our visits.  I have worked hard to find churches of like faith and practice, but understand, it is still a pleasure to get to the church and find out that one's doctrinal statement and their practice match.

At Heritage Baptist Church we were able to present the minisrty in the Sunday School.  I was able to answer many good questions from folks that were genuinely interested.  In the morning worship service Sandy, Adam, and Natalie ministered in music and I had the privilege of preaching.  I preached on The Gospel, the Power of God unto Salvation (Romans 1:16).  We endeavour to give ourselves to the Lord so that we can be a blessing to each pastor and church we visit, and I hope we are; but, we certainly come away with blessings.  We were blessed to meat the pastor and people of Heritage Baptist and also blessed when Pastor Reynolds told us that they were going to take us on for monthly support.

Tiers of highway in Houston.  When you cannot expand out you must go up.



Sunday afternoon we left the city of Houston and headed south for Freeport, Texas, which is located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.  What a thrill to see the ocean again, and to hear the surf! 

Sunday evening we arrived at Faith Baptist Church in Freeport and were kindly greeted by Pastor James McEntire and the members of the church.  We presented the ministry, ministered in music and preached.  I preached from Acts 13:1-5 on the Lord Jesus' method of missions and how every member can, and needs, have an integral part in church planting.  The folks had many questions about Canada and the spiritual climate, as well as the envrinomental climate.  It was approximately 70 degree F on February 27, so folks are interested to hear about our temperatures, which are definately not that pleasant.  But, folks are surprised to hear how moderate Nova Scotia is, when compared to the rest of Canada.  We made friends at both these churches.

On Monday morning we took an hour and looked around Freeport.

A white sand beach on the Gulf coast.

Plenty of palms.

Sport fishing in the Gulf is very popular.

Gull.

Storm serge protection--stilts.

Hurricanes are a serious threat on the Gulf coast.  The are certain highways marked "Huricane Evacuation Route," which people are to use when an evacuation order has been issued.