Dear Soldiers of the Cross,
On May 15th the Lord gave us the wonderful opportunity to preach at our home church (Hoopers Creek Baptist Church) and the great privilege to dedicate our great-granddaughter, Ms. Kenley Elizabeth Billingsley, to the Lord. Our hearts were overwhelmed with gratitude and joy as we gave this precious gift back to the Lord. Words cannot describe our thankfulness to the Lord for allowing us to receive this wonderful blessing. We are looking forward to spending eternity in heaven with her.
May 18th God answered a 30-year prayer request of mine. I’ve been a member of Hoopers Creek Baptist Church for 30 years. During that time, I’ve prayed that the church would become a “Faith Promise Missions” giving church. This is where you support your missionaries out of a faith supported mission fund. We ended our Faith Promise Missions Meeting with our pledge to give $72,072 to support missionaries. Glory to God! God met with us in a mighty way and touched the hearts of His people. Since then, there has been a noticeable increase of God’s presence in the hearts of the people. The church has always been a mission-minded church and supported missionaries, but now we are more committed to faithfully supporting God’s mission work. Thank God for allowing me to be a part of the up-building of His kingdom through missions.
May 29th the Lord gave us the wonderful opportunity to preach at Community Baptist Church at Aquinnah, on the Wampanoag Reservation in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. This is the oldest continually operating Native American church in the nation. It was established in 1693. The Lord met with us in a special way and also gave us a good number in the service. The Wampanoag People are the ones that Missionary John Eliot worked with and translated and printed the first Bible in America in 1663. God has put a deep love in my heart for these dear folks. We are looking forward to being back with them in a few months. This church has no indoor plumbing or restrooms, and they are in need of a new roof. Please help us to pray that God will be pleased to send in funds to upgrade this church building and preserve this historical landmark. I know that God is not pleased with us to allow this spiritual treasure to fall in ruins. If you would like to be a part of restoring this awesome Gospel landmark you can send your support to the Native American Mission Fund Ministries or (NAMFM), 3232 Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 and mark it “Gospel Landmark.” Please put this request on your prayer list.
We are getting ready to start our Bible schools. Please keep them in your prayers that God will save as many as He wills.
As We Labor for Christ,
Gerry and Sheril Locklear
Missionaries to the Native Americans