Imperial Beach, California

 

Dear Praying Friends,

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15).

Linda and I confess to being consummate homebodies.  We have lived a somewhat nomadic life throughout our almost 45 years of marriage, first as a Navy family, and now in the itinerant revival ministry.  We have often pined for a “certain dwelling place,” but rejoice in God’s calling upon our lives as we serve Him in revival work. It is not a burden or a sacrifice to leave home and hearth to labor in God’s vineyard wherever He sends us as we count it all joy. Even though it is good to spend some time at home, yet I find myself itching to get back on the road as we have the privilege of ministering in churches wherever God is pleased to send and use us. 

Since the end of October our ministry endeavors have kept us busy in our home state of California with meetings in central and southern California.  Though December is routinely a slow month for us, yet I was able to fill in my schedule with predominantly one day preaching opportunities.  I have been greatly encouraged as we have returned to a couple of recent church plants as they have put down roots and grown since we were last with them.  Praise the Lord, there is a fresh spirit of church planting here in California, and several new works have been established in the past couple of years.  Brother Rick Owens, my fellow evangelist from our Central Baptist Church days, is on deputation as I write this newsletter, and will be planting Victory Baptist Church in southeast Fresno.  Metro Baptist Church had its inaugural service in the Point Loma area of San Diego last Sunday with a robust attendance.  We continue to pray for more church planting on the west coast, especially within the inner cities of California. 

Our pastor is in the Philippines for the entire month of February, so he asked me to block out the month so I could fill the pulpit for him in his absence.  I have enjoyed ministering in our home church these past few weeks, and count it an honor to be entrusted with this great responsibility.  We truly love our church, and I count it a joy to minister to our people.

Pastor Del asked me to assist him in establishing a Bible institute for our church family.  We organized this new ministry and had our first classes right after the first of the year.  Praise the Lord for the 24 students enrolled in the classes!  Linda has been such a help and blessing with her organizational skills.  She has taken care of all the administrative duties for us, and done a great job.  When I am not on the road I have the privilege of teaching the Baptist doctrine (systematic theology) classes.  When we are out in revival meetings Pastor Del will do the teaching, or we will have a guest pastor from our area come in and teach for us.  We are excited about this endeavor as our folks desire to expand their knowledge of the Word of God.  I am a strong and convinced advocate for training our own people within the local New Testament church of which they are a part.

When we are here at home I have also been asked to teach a Friday evening Bible study for our folks.  This has been a special joy for me. 

Some of the ladies in our RV park gather every Thursday afternoon to do crafts together.  Linda joined them and inevitably asked them if they would be interested in having a Bible study.  Some of the ladies expressed a genuine interest, so she began the study with them a few weeks ago.  She has had five ladies coming and has found this a very fruitful ministry.  When we are out on the road the ladies will just have their craft time, and the studies will resume when we are at home.  This little ministry may well open the doors for a greater witness in the park, and maybe lead to open doors that are yet to be seen. 

We have meetings coming up in Utah, Idaho, and Canada.  I have also been asked to serve as one of the commencement speakers for Pacific Baptist College this year, an honor that I do not take lightly.  We continue to have dates open for 2010 and ask that you pray with us that we will be able to fill those dates as the Lord leads and directs. 

We love you all, and want you to know how very much we appreciate your faithful prayer-support of our ministry.  My heart is burdened more than ever for revival.  I continue to have a deep sense of urgency.  As I approach my 64^th year upon this earth, I want to do more, not less for the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

May God continue to richly bless you is our prayer.  Keep that upward look of expectation.  Jesus IS coming soon!  “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

Your Servants for Revival,

Paul and Linda Mershon