At that time with this writing, Wednesday, 7-12-2023, we are hours away from the beginning of Revival and Soul Saving Campaign 2023. It is with eager anticipation this Pastor is looking forward to a mighty move of God. We have done the necessary preparatory work and the results are in God’s hand. We thank God for his faithfulness in everything and we are a people of faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We know that it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance. (Romans 2:4) We all can attest to the fact that God is good and that His mercies are everlasting. Hear the Apostle Peter: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to Him. Hear this Pastor: Friendship will not sit idly and wait for Him. We recognize that there is important work to do. We are ambassadors for Christ here in the earth’s realm, God’s work is truly our own. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)

Why is it important to lead people to God? Because it keeps us in touch with God while it offers others eternal life. Thank you, Friendship family, for all you have done in support of this evangelical effort.

To God be the glory!

Pastor J. Amos Jones

The month of July is certainly a time of appreciation. First of all, we appreciate our saved and sanctified status in this chaotic world. God is a refuge, a shelter when we are afraid. Our faith in God as protector will carry us through all the dangers and fears of life. (Psalm 91:1-6) Moreover, we appreciate the Almighty God allowing us to be His instrumentality here in the earth realm. We partner with Him in the Revival and Soul Saving Campaign. We are called upon to pray, pay and witness. When we have done our part, we appreciate the faithfulness of God. “If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chr. 7:14) Again, we thank God for, and we appreciate His faithfulness. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Also in July, we show in a demonstrative way, our appreciation to God for the Pastor He has given to the church. “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15) Hear Paul’s instructions to the church at Thessalonica: “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.” (1Thess. 5:12, 13a)

Lastly, but certainly not least, collectively, how we appreciate Deacon Leon Moore and the great work he does in the garden. Thank you, Deacon Moore, for the delicious vegetables. They are great!

Be blessed as we walk in Him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

“We praise thee, O God, for the Son of thy love, for Jesus who died and is now gone above. Hallelujah, thine the glory! Hallelujah, Amen! Hallelujah, thine the glory! Revive us again.” With the words of William P MacKay’s “Revive Us Again” as a precursor, let us prayerfully prepare for our Revival and Soul Saving Campaign. First of all, let this Pastor remind you that Revivals are “prayed down” from the Father. In Psalm 85:6-7, the sons of Korah are asking God to revive their people, bringing them back to spiritual life. God is capable of reviving both churches and individuals. In Psalm 138:7, we are reminded that irrespective of our situation, how low we may feel, how much trouble we may find ourselves in, God will revive us and save us. In this meeting, there is revival and soul saving. Evangelism is the core function of the Lord’s church. It is a command of the Lord to be an active soul winner. Hear the Lord: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30) Child of God, you are a model of a meaningful life. Your life reflects the concern you have for the lost. Christ only, is the hope of glory.

We are 11 days away from the beginning of the Revival and Soul Saving meeting. As always there are three things that this Pastor asked of everyone:
(1) Pray for a move of God in the meeting, this includes praying for the evangelist. Pre-revival prayer is July 10th and 11th.
(2) Support the Revival financially. (We support our efforts.)
(3) Support the Revival with your presence. Be in attendance for the three nights and bring someone with you.

May God bless this Revival and Soul Saving Campaign.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.”  (Neh. 4:6). This passage always reminds this Pastor of the men and women of Friendship. The work of rebuilding the wall progressed well because the people had set their hearts and minds on accomplishing the task. They did not lose heart or give up, but they persevered in the work.  In spite of opposition and/or discouragement, the work of the Kingdom goes on. The exiles faced a daunting task in the rebuilding of the wall, however, Nehemiah constantly combined prayer with preparation. On today we, the church, celebrate and honor our men. Men who have seen the vision and accepted the challenge. Men who know that here in the earth realm, God’s work must truly be our own. Men, like the exiles who are aware that they are God’s instrumentality. Nehemiah’s challenge to the people: “…Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach” (Neh. 2:17), is really in essence the challenge that the men of Friendship have accepted. The call is for Kingdom building. We can expect opposition because “our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter5:8) Men, thank you for your labor, it is not in vain. (But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.)  God bless you men, as you continue in him.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

After this manner therefore pray you: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9) The phrase “Our Father which art in heaven” indicates that God is not only majestic and holy, but also personal and loving. Our Heavenly Father is the consummate father, and our earthly fathers have a perfect example of fatherhood. On today as we honor and celebrate our fathers, we praise God for those divine virtues He has placed in them . How inclusive are the duties of a father. The first duty of a father is to love his children. In Genesis 37:4, we see a love that has been tainted with partiality: “And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” Contrast that love with the love in 1 John 4:16: “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” When the matter of love is settled, the manifestation of fatherly duties is apparent. Duties like command, instruct, guide and warn, train, rebuke, restrain, punish, chasten, nourish, supply needs, and provoke not. In a summary fashion, good fathers bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  We thank God for, and we celebrate the good fathers of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

Happy Father’s Day 

Pastor J. Amos Jones