What is it about Friendship that seems so “friendly”? We have had countless visitors who say after having visited our church “You people really live up to your name.” While this pastor is always gratified to receive such reports, we are not at all surprised, to the contrary, that is our expectation. Proverbs 18:24 tells us “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Let’s unpack that statement. Lonely people need friends who will stick close, listen, care, and offer help when it is needed, in good times and bad. What is not helpful are superficial acquaintances. This pastor believes that the source of our friendliness is people with the “Joy of Jesus.” Let me explain, St. Paul tells us in Romans 5:11: “…but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” All people are sinful, and sin deserves punishment. Instead of punishing us with the death we deserve, however, Christ took our sins upon Himself and paid the price for us with His own death. Now we can “Joy in God.” Through faith in His work, we become His friends rather than being enemies. And you know that any friend of God is a friend of ours. The essence of “Joy in Jesus” is manifested in caring, concern and loving. Thank you, Friendship for being who you are, children of the most high God.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Dear Ones,

Please allow me to make one more observation concerning the Jubilee Gala. I think you will agree with me that the planning and the execution of the event was impeccable, Having said that, there was part of that plan that I will liken to Jesus making provisions for the care of His mother (John 19:26, 27) or Mordecai with Hadassah, that is Esther. (Esther: 2:7 ) In each of these instances, something very personal was done to accommodate a need. As most of you know, Sister Jones has some mobility issues. With that in mind, this wonderful committee included in their plans provisions to address her lack of mobility. How caring, how loving, and how thoughtful.  From this pastor’s heart to each of the committee members, thank you for caring enough to do your very best. (What you do for the pastor’s wife, you have done it for the pastor.)

 Just a footnote: “The opportunities we have are more important than the ones we wish we had.”  The wise man tells us to “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Eccl. 11:1) To God be the glory! Again, thank you for loving and caring.

Let us continue.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Question: How do you describe the indescribable?  What words can you use that will adequately describe the Jubilee Gala that was held at the Quail Valley City Centre on Saturday, August 12, 2023? For this pastor to response to the enormity of the Gala does indeed place him on the horns of a dilemma.  Having said that, let’s try.  First of all, the Gala reflected a love of pastor and his family. Colossians 3:14: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”  Christians should live in perfect harmony (“perfectness”).  Such love is not a feeling, but a decision to be a blessing. (Know this, dear ones, that love is reciprocated.)  It was obvious that  great thought  and a lot of hard work went into bringing this Gala to fruition.  This effort had to be Holy Spirit inspired.  To God be the glory.  Secondly, the Gala reflected “Christian Class” i.e. The ability to be Godly in a  social setting.  There were over two hundred people in attendance and not a hint of trouble. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) The Gala made the church a positive example to the world.  “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)  The venue was a great choice, and the ambiance was perfect.  Again, we want to thank the loving, caring members of the Pastor’s Aide Committee for your outpouring of love as you put together an outstanding anniversary program and culminating in the marvelous Jubilee Gala.  In a summary statement. “Friendship you really blessed your pastor.

The Lord bless all of you.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

In fifty years of pastoring, one can only be amazed at the faithfulness of God.  When He said: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:20c) How comforting it has been to this pastor to know that he has the perpetual presence of the Lord.  We know that in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  There are those that characterize the ministry of Jesus Christ as a “field of suffering:” Our Heavenly Father does not exempt pastors, or any believer, from the day-to-day circumstances of life.  Believers, including pastors and unbelievers alike experience pain, trouble, and failure at times.  That said, His presence has always provided a sense of security.  (That’s why this pastor can say “Thank you Holy Ghost.”)

David said in Psalm 16:8 “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” (There is a lesson there for all of us.) “I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.” (Psalm 40:10) Therein is the testimony of this pastor.  God called and he answered His call.  For fifty years this pastor has adhered to the leadership principle of “Lead and feed.” (1Peter 5:2) and God has been faithful.  During these fifty years, we have had many faithful members, and praise God for therm.  God’s faithfulness is like human faithfulness, only perfect.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

For fifty years, evangelism has been at the forefront of the ministry at this church. Our Lord’s mission statement can be found in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” It was obvious where our focus should be. The “Great Commandment” given by Jesus to His disciples of all ages solidifies our mission. We are to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthews 28: 19, 20) In these fifty years, God has been faithful. It is easy to confess “Fifty years of God’s grace.” Whatever we have been able to accomplish during this period, it is all because of the Grace of God, and to God be the glory. 

In the Great Commandment, there are four directives commanded by the Lord: 

 (1) Go         

(2) Make discipleS

(3) Disciple the disciples

(4) Know that you have the perpetual presence of the Lord

It has always been the desire of this pastor to adhere to these directives. Again, God has been faithful.

For three nights last week, during Vacation Bible School, we had the opportunity to “disciple the disciples.” We thank God for the many avenues He has given us to carry out His mandate.  A big “God bless you” goes out to Sister Lynne Bryant, and to the many volunteers who made this VBS session the blessing that it was.  Let us continue.

Pastor J. Amos Jones