In a world filled with busyness, technology, and ever-mounting distractions, the quiet call to minister often goes unnoticed. Yet, within scripture and the gentle whispers of the Spirit, we find a profound reminder: “Consider the works of thy hands.” This phrase, both simple and stirring, urges us to pause and reflect on the impact of our actions—on what we are building, shaping, and offering to others.
A Divine Invitation
To consider means more than to glance or to briefly think—it invites deep reflection. What are the works of thy hands? They are the meals you prepare for a neighbor in need. The text messages you send to someone going through a hard time. The prayers you offer in secret. The late-night listening ear. The service that no one else may notice, but heaven does.
This is not just about physical acts. It’s also about emotional and spiritual investments. Have your hands reached out to lift someone up? Have they written words of comfort, opened scriptures with a struggling soul, or gently embraced a grieving friend? Ministering isn’t reserved for formal visits or church assignments. It’s the daily devotion to love, serve, and connect.
Remember the Example of the Savior
The Savior Jesus Christ ministered constantly. He used His hands to heal the blind, bless the children, wash the feet of His disciples, and break bread with the outcast. Every act of His ministry was deliberate, filled with compassion and purpose. When we “consider the works of [His] hands,” we see nail prints—eternal symbols of sacrifice, mercy, and perfect love.
When we follow His example, our hands, though imperfect, can become instruments of holiness. Our daily labors become sacred when consecrated in service to others. Ministering becomes less about obligation and more about transformation—both ours and theirs.
A Personal Inventory
As you reflect on the phrase “consider the works of thy hands,” ask yourself:
• Who have I lifted recently?
• Are my efforts focused on what truly matters?
• Do my actions reflect the love of Christ?
Ministering doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes, the most powerful impact comes from the quiet consistency of showing up, listening, and loving without condition.
A Call to Action
Let this phrase be a gentle prompt from heaven to act. Reach out. Create something good. Heal, help, hold, and bless. Let your hands be extensions of God’s love to a world aching for kindness and connection. The invitation to minister is not just for Sunday—it is for every moment we choose to live with intention and charity.
As we go about our lives, may we regularly pause and “consider the works of [our] hands”—not with guilt, but with a resolve to do a little better, love a little deeper, and serve a little more.
Tim R. Barker
South Texas Ministry Network
Superintendent
Have you ever heard the phrase “That’s above my pay grade”? It’s probably a reference to military rank and pay, which I interpret to mean that a particular situation is simply too difficult for me to handle, don’t have the knowledge to know what to do, or maybe it's just something that I don’t want to deal with.
The other choice we have is to dive in and begin to learn, growing, maturing, and developing the skills to succeed. I’ve had many jobs and tasks that were too difficult; working at a grocery store, being an electrician's helper, trying to play music that was too difficult, dating, marriage, family, becoming a band director, ministry, learning a sport or even lacking the wisdom to accomplish a particular task.
If we are honest, every job or assignment is too hard and all of life’s issues are above our pay grade! Life is tough, challenging and complicated. We desperately need a coach, a teacher or a mentor to teach us and to learn from. There are so many problems just too complicated to solve, but with God nothing is impossible if we are willing to ask, willing to learn and be disciplined.
One of my favorite verses:
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
1. Be willing to ask (humility) / Lay down our pride (pray)
2. Be willing to learn.
3. Be willing to be told NO.
4. Be willing to be corrected.
5. Be willing to give time to learn the subject matter.
6. Be willing to apply what we’ve learned.
7. Be willing to teach others
When we ask of the Lord, He answers and when we combine knowledge and wisdom our life becomes something very special and useful.
Wisdom defined:
“The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise”
Book of Proverbs - covers well over 100 different topics
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
God is willing to teach us, mold us, give us knowledge and wisdom. But are we willing to learn? Are we willing to humble ourselves and ask?
The word wisdom is found 219 times in the Bible, 169 times in the OT and 50 in the NT. 55 times in the book of proverbs.
Wisdom defined is knowing what to do when and applying knowledge at the right time. Godly wisdom is knowing what to do when in a way that pleases the Lord and is beneficial to man. If you please the Lord you will do things the right way. It will bless you, bless others and bless the heart of our Heavenly Father. Someone once said that knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit and wisdom is knowing to not put that tomato in a fruit salad. Knowledge is knowing about marriage, wisdom is learning to honor your spouse and to be married God’s way. Knowledge is knowing about money, how to make money and wisdom is knowing how to manage money God’s way - because the scripture says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Parenting is knowing how to have kids and wisdom is knowing how to raise and love them. Knowledge is knowing how to grow food and how to eat, but wisdom is knowing how much to eat, when. Knowledge is knowing about the body and wisdom is learning what is beneficial to the body. Knowledge is knowing about God. Wisdom is developing a relationship with Him and learning how to love your neighbor as yourself. Knowledge is knowing what to say and wisdom is knowing when to say and how many words to use. Just because you have knowledge and many possessions it doesn’t mean you wise or prosperous. It just makes you a smarter unwise person.
Discipline 64 times in OT & NT / 23 times in the Book of Proverbs
Proverbs 10:17 NLT
People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.
Learn / Learning 13 times in the Book of Proverbs
Proverbs 4:1
My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment,
Proverbs 5:2
Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned.
Proverbs 6:6
Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!
Proverbs 9:6
Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.”
Correct / Correction 8 times in the Book of Proverbs
Proverbs 12:1 NLT
To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.
The choice is clear; to humble ourselves before the Lord and receive His life, wisdom and instruction or allow our pride to rebel against the Lord and be destroyed. You’re never too old, too young, too uneducated, too anything to learn and grow!!! No excuses. Let’s go to God and grow, learn and be productive. Let’s be a blessing to God, to man and to yourself!
Proverbs 16:18 NLT
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
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Bethel Family Worship Center Celebrates Grand Opening of New 12-acre Location
Easter Sunday marked a new chapter for Bethel Family Worship Center as over 250 people gathered to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the church’s new home at 805 CR 331 in Cleveland. The joyous event signaled not just a change in location, but the beginning of a new era of growth and outreach for the congregation.
Previously located at 301 Hickory Avenue, the church had outgrown its original sanctuary, which often had only standing room available. With the blessing of a growing congregation, it became clear a larger space was necessary.
“We were packed in our old church for quite some time,” said Pastor Charles Burton, who has faithfully led the church for the past six years, following the legacy of former pastor A.V. Walters.
“We bought some property on Highway 59 with plans to build a new church, but it never worked out, and now I know why. We were meant to be on this new property.”
The new 12-acre campus, previously home to Cowboy Christian Fellowship Church, provides ample space for current worship needs and future expansion. With open land and a growing nearby community, Pastor Burton and church leaders are already planning new ministries and outreach efforts to make the most of the opportunity.
“There is a growing community out here, and we’ve already talked to some of them about coming to our church,” Burton shared. “We have places on the property where we want to expand and grow. We’ve already begun discussing the types of ministries we hope to offer.”
Participating in the grand opening celebration were church board members David Matlock, Ed Vandver, Roy Corley, David Chaney, and David Harte; church secretary Beth Godkin; Pastor Don Weihe, secretary-treasurer for the South Texas District Assemblies of God; Norman Kanoodle, state director of MAPPS for the Home Missions Department of the South Texas District Assemblies of God; and Rev. Charles Pierce, a former pastor and current member of the church.
While the new facility brings fresh energy, the legacy of the old church is not forgotten. Pastor Burton said there are no final decisions regarding the former sanctuary, but options such as converting it into a mission center or food bank are on the table. The church also owns property along US 59, which may be sold to support future initiatives.
Weekly services continue at the new location every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., welcoming new and returning members to experience the vibrant community and worship.
For more information about Bethel Family Worship Center, visit www.bethelfamilyworshipcenter.org
Seniors With Purpose Pot Luck Fish Fry
Special Singing with our Network Pastor, Tim and Jill Barker May 26th, 2025 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Come Join us for a great day of Fun, Fellowship and Food at the Houston Wilderness Park
• This is a Pot Luck- Fish Fry. Seniors With Purpose will provide the Fish, drinks, paper goods and eating utensils.
• We are asking each person or couple who comes to bring dishes to share with others.
o If your last name initial starts with A-M, please bring a Veggie and Dessert
o If your last name initial starts with N-Z, please bring a Salad and Dessert
*Note- We are expecting 75 Seniors at this event. Please make extra for others!
• Special time of remembering those who gave their all for our freedom.
• Special Guest singers- Network Pastors Tim and Jill Barker
• There will be games to play, some competitions with prizes!
• A time of singing and worship
• Weather permitting a walk through the Park
• A drawing for a free registration to the 2026 Senior Summit next year, March 16-18
There is a $10 registration cost for each person attending. This will be payable the day of the event, collected at the park.
Pastors- What a great opportunity to enjoy a day with your Seniors. Please come with them!
Directions- The Park is Located north of Houston, just south of Toll 99. Address- 25840 FM 1485, New Caney, TX 77357
For further information call, text or email Wayne 210-326-8130 or Judy Clark, 210-273-7268 email- rwcpc47@gmail.com
*This is a great opportunity to bring family and friends who do not know the Lord. Invite them!
“No Coasting to the Finish Line!”
SENIORS WITH PURPOSE PRESENTS
♦ Motorcoach
♦ Admission to the Stunning
Admission to the Famous
Day 1: Depart your group's location in a spacious, video and restroom equipped Motorcoach and set off on your exciting trip! Tonight, settle into a comfortable en route hotel for a good night's rest.
Day 2: After enjoying a Continental Breakfast, you will depart for the Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange. Later in the day, enjoy Dinner and check into your en route hotel.
Day 3: Today after a Continental Breakfast, you'll arrive in your destination. Later that day, enjoy a relaxing Dinner and check into your accommodations in the Cincinnati area for a three-night stay.
Day 4: Start the day with a Continental Breakfast before the big event you've been waiting for: THE ARK ENCOUNTER! Bigger than imagination, this life-sized Noah's Ark Experience will amaze you. The Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah's Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old. From the moment you turn the corner and the towering Ark comes into view, to the friendly animals in the zoo, or the jaw-dropping exhibits inside the Ark, you'll experience the pages of the Bible like never before. This evening, enjoy Dinner before heading back to your hotel.
Day 5: Start the day with a Continental Breakfast before you head to The Ark Encounter's sister attraction: THE CREATION MUSEUM. Prepare to believe as you explore 75,000 square feet of state-of-the-art exhibits, full-size Allosaurus skeleton, stunning botanical gardens, petting zoo, and more. The state-of-the-art Creation Museum allows you to venture through biblical history. This evening, enjoy Dinner before heading back to your hotel.
Day 6: Enjoy a Continental Breakfast before leaving for the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, KY. Later that day, after a relaxing Dinner, you'll check into your en route hotel.
Day 7: Today you will have Continental Breakfast and then go to the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, TN. Tonight, relax in your en route hotel.
Day 8: Today, after enjoying a Continental Breakfast, you depart for home... a perfect time to chat with your friends about all the fun things you've done, the great sights you've seen and where your next group trip will take you!
ADD SOME PEACE OF MIND TO YOUR TRIP…
WHAT IS “MISSIONS GIVING CREDIT” ANYWAY?
When you give to missions, you are affecting the lives of people all around the world, giving them the hope of eternal life and helping them to live a life of hope here on earth! In short, your generosity can be the key to reaching the world with the gospel!
So, if we have such a high call to give to missions, why bother with things like filling out Missions Giving Credit forms and what does it mean for the local church? When your church gives to missionaries and various missions ministries, each dollar given is totaled and credited to your church and to the District/Network you are a part of. But sometimes there are other mission-focused outreaches and ministries that your church may do, which the National Office has no idea. These Missions Giving Credit forms are just for that: a place to give you credit for what you are doing in all areas of missions.
Do we do this as a competition with other churches? Not at all! We give certificates and Top Giver awards to say “thank you” for all you do for missions! It also can be used as a “marker” or challenge for your congregation to continue advancing in missions giving each year. The size of your congregation makes no difference! Every church can give to missions, no matter how big or small. We also give an annual award for the Top 3 “Per Capita” Missions Givers, which shows how much those churches give to missions annually per person in the congregation. Everyone can reach the nations!
How do I do this? Go to stxagmissions.org & under “resources,” you will find the Missions Giving Credit Form and the National Guidelines. These reports can be sent to the STXMN Missions Office either quarterly or annually. The deadline for the end of the year report is January 10th, to allow us to get it to the National Office by their due date! Let your administrator or accountant know so they can help you put this all together! If you have any questions, please call or email the STXMN Missions Department. We’ll be glad to help you in any way we can!
STXMN To The Nations!
Roger & Debbi Audorff
STXMN Missions Directors
raudorff.stxag@gmail.com
Here is a sneak peek at our new STMN Logo. You can find it on the stxagmissions.org website and in missions communications!
ANOTHER REAL-LIFE
STORY FROM ONE OF OUR STXMN MISSIONARIES
“And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2 ESV
Just before the pandemic, we received word of a church in great need. They knew they had a community who needed Jesus but lacked direction. As they began to seek the Lord for clear vision and purpose, they suddenly found themselves in a season of transition. Finding themselves vulnerable and caught off guard, the thought of the next steps was lost, and hope was fading. BUT GOD! Even though they couldn’t see or understand, God had a plan. Today, this church is full of hope, love, and vision to seeing their community come to Jesus!
We believe that every community needs a strong and healthy church. Where there are strong and healthy churches, there are strong families, schools, businesses... communities.
How can this be accomplished? Through Trainings, Transitions and Mentorships.
We consider it a joy and privilege to sit with pastors and their leadership teams as they seek the Lord for vision and purpose in how they can serve their communities through one of our training sessions, “Vision Casting.” We also walk alongside churches in a transition season and gather with pastors seeking to take their church to the next level through our mentorship initiative, “Revite Pastors Connect.”
A note of encouragement to all our STXMN pastors and churches: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. STMN Church Health believes the Lord has great plans for you and the communities you serve. We stand ready to serve you as you need.
Jim & Melissa Kautz are AGUSM Missionaries working with STMN Church Health.
