Persecution is always Satan’s attempt to silence the truth. That great American hero, editor, schoolteacher, and Presbyterian minister Elijah Lovejoy left the pulpit in Alton, Illinois, and returned to the press in order to be sure his words reached more people. The Civil War might have been averted and a peaceful emancipation of slaves achieved had there been more people like him. After observing one lynching, Lovejoy was committed forever to fighting uncompromisingly the sin of slavery.

Mob action was brought against him time after time; neither this nor many threats and attempts on his life deterred him. Repeated destruction of his presses did not stop him. “If by compromise is meant that I should cease from my duty, I cannot make it. I fear God more that I fear man. Crush me if you will, but I shall die at my post…”

 And die he did, four days later, at the hands of another mob. Not one of the ruffians was prosecuted or indicted or punished in any way for his murder. Some of Lovejoy’s defenders were prosecuted! One of the mob assassins was later elected mayor of Alton!  

However, note this: Lovejoy’s convictions about slavery were never silenced, for one young man was around who was deeply moved by Lovejoy’s martyrdom. He had just been elected to the Illinois legislature. His name was Abraham Lincoln, and as our sixteenth President he would one day set the slaves free through The Emancipation Proclamation. The truth cannot be silenced! Therefore, do not fear those who would attempt to silence you!

September has been a good month with 359 in Bible Study. Speaking’ with My Deacon was well attended once again this year, and the ordination of Mark Smith to Deacon Ministry was an especially meaningful part of it. Our Preacher Swappin’, People Hoppin’ Revival with Antioch Baptist Church and FBC Thomaston was a great event this year. Both the physical food and the spiritual food that we enjoyed was wonderful! Our Buggy Days Homecoming Lunch was delicious, thanks to Tom Speziale and crew, and thanks to all those that served in the Photo Booth at Buggy Days! And our Student/Young Adult Building Fund ended the month of August at  $757,000!

October has some very special emphases:

HOPE NIGHT to benefit the ministry of Little Children of the World takes place on Saturday evening, September 28^th at the Lamar Fine Arts Building. The Silent Auction begins at 5:30 with the concert following. Tickets are on sale for $15 and will be available at the door.

THE HOPE TREE MINISTRY CHICKEN Q that was postponed from Buggy Days weekend will take place on Saturday, October 5^th, at the corner of Elm and Warsaw streets beginning at 1:00 P.M.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD KICK-OFF will be on Sunday evening, October 13^th, beginning at 6:30 in our gym. Remember that CHRISTMAS BACKPACKS for lower income families in South Georgia are due back by October 20^th.

THE SUMMIT is our new men’s ministry worship event that launches on Tuesday evening, October 15^th. Tailgate begins at 6:00, with doors opening at 6:30 and, worship beginning at 7:00.

Our FALL FESTIVAL will take place on Sunday evening, October 27^th, from 6:00 to 8:00 on our west side parking lot.

October is going to be a great month!   COME EXPECTANTLY!

I Love You, Garth

During a Monday Night Football game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants, one of the commentators observed that Walter Payton, the Bear’s running back and the NFL’s leading rusher at the time, had accumulated over nine miles – almost 16,000 yards – in career rushing yardage.   The other announcer remarked, “Yeah, and that’s with someone knocking him down every 4.6 yards!” We all get knocked down in life.  We all have our losses.   We all have our disappointments.  The key to success in both life and football is getting up again after you have been knocked down by the opposition. A story is told that Andrew Jackson’s boyhood friends just couldn’t understand how he became a famous general and then the President of the United States.   They knew of others who had greater talent but who never succeeded.   One of Jackson’s friends commented, “Why, Jim Brown, who lived right down the pike from Jackson, was not only smarter but he could throw Andy three times out of four in a wrestling match. But look where Andy is now.” Another friend responded, “How did there happen to be a fourth time? Didn’t they usually say three times and out?”   “Sure, they were supposed to, but not Andy. He would never admit he was beat — he would never stay ‘throwed.’ Jim Brown would get tired, and on the fourth try Andy Jackson would throw him and be the winner.” When life knocks you down, will you stay “throwed” or will you rise again asking God to give you the endurance to win the fight?   James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who endures under the load of trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” August  has been a good month with 360 in Bible Study.  Our Back to School Splash on August 4^th was a great time for Pre-K through fifth grade.    That night we also had a good crowd for the Lamar County Schools Prayer Walk.     Our  Missions Fest has become an annual celebration that encourages a missions mindset.     The Canopy, our community women’s worship event, takes place this coming Thursday.    And our Student/Young Adult Building Fund  ended the month of July at  $688,653.41! September has some very special emphases: