Journal of Faith


WrittenBy: MaryStevenson,intheyear1936
WrittenBy: MaryStevenson,intheyear1936
Figure:MaryStevenson
WriterofFOOTPRINTS INTHESAND
According to Gail Giorgio's 1995 biography Footprints in the Sand: The Life Story of Mary Stevenson, Author of the Immortal Poem, Stevenson was inspired by a cat's footprints in the snow and scrawled out twenty lines, as if the "pencil had a life of its own" She was so pleased with her work that she handed out the poem heedlessly, jotting it down for anyone she met without thinking to sign her name
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me "
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you. "
From the Junction of Sister’s Road Hardbargain, near to the Upper Room Pentecostal Church, the church is located along the Guaracara Tabaquite Road the first building on the right.
In preparation for the IBMU Upcoming crusade, the Union will be hosting a 3 day prayer and fast at St. Ann #1, St. Ann #2 and Bethany IBMU Church from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th August 2024, from 6:00am to 6:00pm, AT THE SAME TIME. Members are asked to attend the church that is closest to you, let us support as we continue to uplift this event in prayer
““God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1.
I would like to thank all of our hardworking members and dedicated members and our church planning committee for ensuring that our Pastor can now fully utilize his office As much as these months was fun and challenging but we also experience a great loss. It is with a heavy heart that we at Zion extend our condolences to Sis Karen Ganga, on the passing of her beloved daughter, Sis Giselle Crystal Peters.
We pray that God strengthen her family as they navigate through this storm. We pray that the love of God continue to surround her daughters during this difficult time Sis Giselle was a past youth member at Zion and also served in the administration department. She was diligent and purpose driven in both goals and accomplishments professionally. Her family continues to remain in our thoughts and prayers. May her soul rest in peace
Marlene Joachim Editor in Chief
The Lord Himself shall go before you and will be with you; He will never leave nor forsake you. Deu 31:8
By:Rev.W.Simon
"It is an awesome privilege to lead a faith community such as Mt Zion Independent Baptist Missionary Union Church, whose foundations are deeply rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ
The ministries of our church do not have the ability to change anyone ' s life, but we know someone who does- It is our Lord Jesus Christ, and we would love to talk more about him with you
Figure:RevWarrenandSis SusanSimon
Our desire is to be a God centered and caring community of individuals, who are excited to extend to you the same love that we have received from Jesus Christ As a church family, we encourage deeper relationships and accountability with each other.
Our intent is to be a living expression of God’s love and reflect God’s purposes in our community. The Bible says in Colossians 1:28 “We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so that all of Christ’s followers will grow and become mature.”
We who are, the lost and the found, the wise and simple, the leaders and the learners- together strive to become the people of God.
We hope everyone will feel welcomed as we grow together to know Jesus and experience his closeness through our worship services.
Under the mentorship of Reverend
to be an effective leader in Ministry, RevWarrenSimon,theSonofthe previousIBMUSuperintendentRev. WilliamSimon.
OurHeadofAdministration, Mrs SusanSimon Mrs Simonwas taughtunderbothPastorsWarren andKesterSimon,todaysheisnot onlytheHeadofAdministrationfor ZionbutshealsorunstheBible ClassesandCandidateclass.
However, if you have not already come to know the saving grace of Lord Jesus, we pray that you will come to know him here in our faith community
If you are looking for a church home that would provide biblical teachings, an atmosphere of worship, and an openness to the Holy Spirit, and friendship for you and your family, I warmly welcome you God bless you,
Reverend Warren Simon Servant in Christ Jesus.
Done By: Rev. W. Simon
Baptism symbolizes an outward expression of an inward change. BAPTISM is for the saved people; it symbolizes the end of a person ’ s service of sin and the beginning of his committed service to God (Rom 6:17,18)
Baptism is so important that Jesus began His ministry by being baptized by John and he concluded his ministry by commanding baptism (Matt 28:18)
Christ came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the Jordan a distance 60 miles. The Ethiopian Eunuch came to Jerusalem a distance of approx. 700 miles while salvation comes by grace Baptism fulfills all righteousness by Christ as he identifies himself with sinners(2 Cor 5:21)
Baptism requires much water, John did not sprinkle Jesus with water, as a result we the IBMU baptize by emersion: to dip, to go under, to sub-merge.
Baptism pictures the saving work of Jesus Christ (Rom 6:4, 15) (Rom 6:3)
Therefore we are buried with him by Baptism unto death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father , even so we also show walk in the newness of life. It is a burial, baptism pictures the gospel (1 Cor 15:3.4) When you go under the water you die, your death in pictured in baptism follow salvation (Acts 2:41)
Acts 16:30-31 - Sirs what must I do to be saved? And they said believed on the Lord Jesus and thou shall be saved It pictures, the resurrection, we raised in the newness of life, it is no longer I that liveth but Christ in me.
Baptism pictures calvary, - we died with him Easter - we rose with him
His second coming - because one day we are going to raise out of our grave and live with the Lord Jesus Christ.
If anyone in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
5:17
When those of us as believers enter into baptism, we are making a public confession of our faith in Jesus, our union with him, at the same time declaring our unity with our brothers and sisters in the Lord since all believers are members of Christ body.
Baptism is not required for salvation, we are saved by God’s grace, through faith in his son baptism follows redemption Baptism is the only way we probably declare that the Lord Jesus is our Saviour
NOTE: BAPTISM IS AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE IT’S NOT A PRE-REQUSITE FOR SALVATION. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART. IT IS OBEYING THE COMMANDMENT OF JESUS; IT IS A SIGN THAT YOU PUT YOUR FAITH IN HIM. WHEN YOU GET BAPTIZE YOU ARE SAYING LORD I AM OBEDIENT TO WHAT YOU HAVE COMMANDED (ROM 6:3)
Why do we baptize? first of all; there is a master to confess, we baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are now married to Jesus. There is a message to convey, the gospel my baptism just convey the gospel - death, burial and resurrection
It is a mandate to complete, Jesus said to go ye therefore and Preach, teach, baptize If you hear his voice harden not your heart today, could be your last. AUGUST11,2024 Sermon
Romans 6:4 - Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so also, we may live a new way of life.
On Sunday 9th June 2024, four new candidates joined the body of Christ FROM THE MEMBERS OF MT ZION, we would like to congratulate: Basso Ragoonath - Basdeo, Malachi Akhil Maynard, Amiah Alexis Abi Bunting and Avery Abi Adele Mc Carthy, God’s richest blessings on your lives
JEREMIAH 29:12-13
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Heavenly Father,
I come before you oh God thanking you for life, health, strength and your tender mercies. Great is thy faithfullness, morning by morning new mercies we see.
Blessed lord I humbly ask for you watch over our country Trinidad and Tobago
Give us your Holy Spirit and let it teach us in all we do Let compassion and understanding triumph over hatred and violence. I pray that you will bless our leaders that they will serve the people with genuine care and compassion. May them be your instruments of bringing peace, harmony, and justice to our society.
By faith we ' re trusting and believing that these things will happen
In Jesus name Amen
For vision Guidance
Protection
To shun from all appearance of evil
To enlarge their territories
Grant them strength and courage to stand firm in their faith during challenging times. Bestow Your peace upon them, and may they remain in Your love
Rev Errol Stoute
Sis Gladys Paul
Sis Lucinda Forbes
Jacqueline Lezama and Nadia Lezama
Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants and give your power of healing to those and minister to them, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen
Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3.
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AUGUST11,2024 Sermonoutlined
By:ReverendWarrenSimon
Taken from Matthew 26:26-28.
The Lord’s supper is a sacrament that is “SET APART.” When you partake in the Lord’s Supper you download blessings in your system because it was blessed. In 1 Corinthians 5:7, we read that in order to take the Lord’s Supper we ought to be purged out, as the bible correctly says to “ present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1-2) THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. If you eat and drink unworthily, you eat and drink damnation to yourself Once you know the seriousness you will examine yourself as God is a God of order. We are to leave our gifts at the altar and reconcile with those who has something against you ~ Matthew 5:23.
Psalm 133 - It is a pleasant thing when brethren can dwell together in unity, it was on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, when the disciples were in one accord that the Holy Spirit came as a Mighty rushing wind.
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Taken from 2 Kings 20:1-2
SET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER
HOW DO WE SET OUR HOUSES IN ORDER?
1st We ought to wait on God
The Church strengthen to prepare them (Acts 14:21-22) | James 1:2-3
Paul writing to Timothy that he don’t cease praying for him night and day (2 Timothy 1:3)
Walk with God and remain connected and committed (Genesis 5:24)
Waiting by sitting and meditating Trust in God in the midst of situation (Hebrews 12:1-2)
QUESTION: WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPENED TO GOOD PEOPLE? So, we can experience God’s strength, in the misdt of Paul adversity, God says “MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE....” 2 Cor 12:9-10.
The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving towards all He hath made.
Psalm 145:13
On Saturday 29th June 2024, St. Mary’s hosted their Church Thanksgiving service. Rev. W. Simon chaired and bought the day's sermon. He emphasized on Acts 20:24 and said that Paul, on his way to Damascus, met the Head of the Church. He (Paul) became blind and experienced RESTORATION when his sight was restored. The same zeal that he had persecuting the church, he had it with Christ In Romans 1:16 it says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes....”We have to be in tune with Christ, the Word of God says in Romans 8:35“ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? shall separate ”
THEME: RESTORATION (TAKEN FROM ACTS 20:24)
Pic of Pastor Vern Dieffentaller. He was one of the Pastors who bought greetings Pastor Vern was one of the ministers who once pastored St Mary’s Church 20 years ago
I can do everything through Christ, who give me strength. Philippians 4 :13
This year for Mother’s Day, the mothers and ladies of Mt. Zion enjoyed dinner at Golden Palace Restaurant. It was a night to sit back, relax and be served. (Friday 10th May, 2024)
The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress and my deliverer, my God is my Rock, in whom I take refuge. Psalm 18:2
On Sunday 14th July 2024 the members of Mt. Zion supported the Ascension Anglican Church Praise Worship and Healing Service Themed: "HEALED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT." The days scripture was taken from Jeremiah 30:17 "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord." Powerful Prayers was then offered by Reverend Fr. Dr. Ayobami Ayorinde of Nigeria. it was truly a blessed service as the congregation came forward to be anointed
Figure: Pic of Rev. Fr. Dr. Ayobami Ayorinde delivering the days sermon.
Figure: Pic of the congregation lining up for anointing.
From Wednesday 24th - Friday 26th July 2024, 4th Company Baptist Church hosted their 3 night crusade themed: GOD’S ACCEPTABLE STANDARD FOR CHURCH LIVING AS AN INDIVIDUAL OR AS A CHURCH. Our Pastor preached the first night as his scripture reading came from Matthew 16:18“...Upon this Rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old had gone, the new has come. 2 Cor 5:17
On Friday 26th July, 2024. The members of Mt. Zion had a church outing to Harry’s Waterpark in Tabaquite Road, Rio Claro. This event was not only about relaxation, but also about 'bridging the gap ' . The Members enjoyed Kayaking, waterslides, Go Carts and the Zoo.
Pic of some of the youths enjoying a stroll around the park
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
Just in time for the re-opening of the School term. Mt. Zion presents their annual book drive, spearheaded by Sis Marlene Joachim. We would like to appreciate our hardworking members for donating school items to ensure that students have their necessities for the new school term
8 Hampers (One not featured) were distributed, Places such as Barrackpore, Golconda, Williamsville received and three was donated to the Community of Indian Walk.
On Saturday 10th August 2024, Mt Zion supported Bethany Wellness Forum. Health lectures were given, giveaways were given and the congregation were encouraged by guest speakers Revs. Edward and Karlene Warrick
For the past few months, the Administration Team along with the Planning Committee made it their top priority to work on the Pastor’s office.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR: Sis Susan Simon
INTERVIEWER: MARLENE JOACHIM
INTERVIEWEE: SUSAN SIMON
Yield: One 12-inch Pizza
Prep Time: 2 hr 15 min
Total Time: 2 hr 30 min
As the individual that spearheaded this project, we wanted to get an insight of the thoughts of Sis Simon about this project; which was supposed to take about 5 months, she accomplish in 2 months
1) Can you name one advantage and one disadvantage of being a pastor’s wife?
The ADVANTAGE is having the opportunity to be with the international pastor’s wife association, meeting all the wives internationally and encouraging some of our pastors' wives in our organization to join.
DISADVANTAGE: People’s expectations are too high, but we have to please God not man.
I enjoy the challenges as I am called to function in every department
3) Give us an example of how you deal with criticism that may come your way? Healthy criticism I can work with.
4) How do you encourage yourself during trying times?
2) Because of your position, do you think that unrealistic expectations are placed upon you?
Yes sometimes it feels like the world is on my shoulders but nevertheless
During trying times, I learn to encourage myself with the Word of God 1 Chronicles 28:20 being my motto.
5) Which project past or present do you hold close to your heart and why?
Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God though Our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 5:1
Our church’s rededication, the reason being that we set a time frame and without much finance we the church experienced the hand of God in an awesome way. Every door that was shut, God opened and made a way for us. True to our theme 1 Samuel 7:12 - God helped us
Figure: Pic of Sis Erica Williams painting the Pastor’s refurbished office.
ON SUNDAY 19TH MAY 2024, PASTOR WARREN SIMON’S OFFICE WAS OFFICIALLY REOPENED, AFTER WEEKS OF WORK
Figure: Pic of Sis Susan cutting the ribbon.
Figure: Some of the members of Zion (some not present) waiting to enter.
You will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you... Jer 29:12
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1
DRom 12:12
Rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation and continue in instant prayer; this verse shows us how to respond to the various situation we face in life
To rejoice in hope, is to have that unfettering assurance in God’s Word Our hope in built on nothing less than trusting God at His word. To be patient in tribulation is to know that we will face tribulation in our Christian walk We are to be of good cheer knowing that his grace is sufficient to see us through every difficulty.
To be constant in prayer is to recognize that prayer is one of the chief weapons of the spiritual warfare in which all Christians are engaged. As saints of God we should be constant in prayer lifting our hearts and voice to the Lord in prayers of thanks, praise, intercession and request, laying them before the throne of God in the name of Jesus Let us exercise these instruction of Godly living
AUGUST11,2024
We would like to tale to take the time to recognize our members on their special day
FOR THE STARS
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED
Proverbs 9:9 ~ “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
As the deer pantheth for the waters so my soul longeth after thee. Psalm 42:1
We would like to take this time to recognize all those that have left us. In 2 Corinthians 5:8 it says “...to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” We are confident knowing that one day we will meet again at Jesus’ feet.
Brother Joseph Jackson
Sister Giselle Crystal Peters
As the deer pantheth for the waters so my soul longeth after thee. Psalm 42:1
AUGUST11,2024 AdvertisementPage
As the deer pantheth for the waters so my soul longeth after thee. Psalm 42:1