FEBRUARY 2024

God is blessing our work in Romania! In February Elian Chiciugian was asked to create and host a conference for Roma Chrisitan leaders that was the first of its kind. When he asked some of the leaders what they wanted him to discuss, without prompting them, they asked him to teach on John 15, the Abiding Parable. This assured him the God was up to something unique. The Lord truly blessed the retreat as leaders from all parts of the country attended. In preparation for the retreat the leaders were sent daily devotionals from the new book, Abiding Grace. Keep praying for God to give us influence with the Roma community and the Baptist Convention as God seems to be moving there.

FORTY-DAY DEVOTIONAL

This forty-day devotional was designed to follow-up a Synergos Retreat, but we invite everyone to dig in. If you are like me, you will be surprised how a better understanding of God’s grace will change you whole perspective on the Christian life!

Don and Pudge Whatley

Proverbs 3:5-6

Don and Pudge Whatley served the Lord faithfully in missions and education. Bro. Don was a teacher, coach, and assistant principal at Rayne High School in Rayne, Louisiana and upon retirement from public education, started First Baptist Christian School in Lafayette, Louisiana. He also pastored numerous mission churches in Louisiana and Tennessee. He was an advocate of abiding in Christ every moment of every day.

Pudge started a private Christian preschool and daycare called, “The Little Red Schoolhouse” and used that venue to share the gospel and prepare hundreds of children for elementary school prior to public schools in the U.S.A. offering that opportunity. “Miss Pudge” was loved by everyone in the little town of Rayne and was able to stay connected to local students through the years and keep up with their growth. Pudge also served the members of their mission churches with special love and care.

In honor of Don and Pudge and their service in missions and education, their family has pledged continued support for the staff at Whatley Point of Hope Center.

WEEKLY PODCAST

https://aaronslayterjr.podbean.com/

Aaron Slayter is one of the founding elders of The Gathering Place of Pineville and has helped to plant three churches in Central Louisiana. In addition, he is one of the founding board members of The Gathering Place Network. He has played a vital role in our ministry and with good reason, he abides in Christ.

Over 20 years ago, Aaron had a change in the focus of his religious life. He moved from empty and dead religion into a vibrant life-giving relationship with God. Aaron began to realize that he could know God by experience if he would learn to hear his voice and live according to his will. As a successful businessman that meant allowing God to guide business decisions. It meant trusting the Holy Spirit to lead him as the CEO to make the types of decisions that would bring about the Father’s will. Consequently, Aaron’s journey has provided an extensive array of incredble God stories from which we can gain insight.

Click the link below and join Aaron on the adventure of a lifetime of abiding in Christ. These stories are simple and true to life and Aaron shares them himself. Enjoy!