Bethany Baptist Church finished up Vacation Bible School with a short program Sunday evening. Each class teacher reported on the lessons of the week and students recited memory verses learned. Some of the workers and teachers put on a skit depicting the “Race of Life” and the obstacles that can come up to prevent a young person from finishing well with the Lord.
The guest missionaries, Jonathan and Sarah Williams, were involved in the Vacation Bible School all week and gave their personal testimonies Sunday morning.
Jonathan is a third generation missionary. His grandparents moved to Mexico back in the sixties when his dad was only six years old. Jonathan’s parents are currently missionaries to Mexico. Jonathan was born in Mexico so that the Spanish language is natural for him. He came to states when he was seventeen years old to go to college. He has a burden for lost souls where ever they are, but sees the need for missionaries to Central America.
Sarah was a pastor’s daughter in Arkansas. When she graduated from High School she did not have a clear calling. She had gone on a mission trip to Mexico and the Williams Family had visited her church in Arkansas, but things did not fall into place until Jonathan asked her father if he could court Sarah.
Jonathan sang a song, “God is my refuge,” in Spanish and English before he brought a message, Sunday morning. Jonathan said that he believes that when Jesus was on the cross, we were on his mind. He preached on the different words that Jesus spoke while he was on the cross.
When Jesus said, “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?” We are reminded that Jesus was carrying our sins. We could not ever come up with a sacrifice great enough to pay for those sins.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” This probably does not apply only to those who gathered around the cross to mock and gambling for his garments, but for all of us. We really do not know what we do when we sin. We have a sin nature and are born into a sin cursed world. Jesus offered forgiveness. What sends us to hell? It is when we do not accept the offer of forgiveness and salvation.
One of the thieves that was crucified next to Jesus, admitted his sin. He called Jesus, “Lord” and asked him “to remember me when thou comest into they kingdom.” Jesus’ answer to him is a comfort to all believers, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
