May O9

It is so easy to focus on what the news media tells us is happening in our country but consider this. The unemployment rate in the US is only 3% higher than it was before we entered what the news media calls “the worst recession since the great depression.” Unemployment in the US is at 8.5 % currently. In 1982, unemployment was at 10% and home mortgage interest was at 17%. Today’s interest rates are at or near an all time low at just 4 3/8%. (Dave Ramsey) This is not a time to be fearful and afraid. One of the greatest weapons the Devil has always used against God’s people has been fear. How many times did God say “Fear not” to the nation of Israel? There are over 365 fear not references in the bible. That’s one for every day. You can count on the Devil to blow things out of proportion and try to make you fearful. The opposite of faith is not doubt, it is fear! Fear will cause you to do things that you would never do walking in faith. Perfect love casts out fear! The trump card over fear is the love of God. His love is too much for fear to handle!


So, if you want to make a statement in the face of fear, continue doing something for someone else out of the love of God that abides in you. I guarantee that you will feel faith rising up within you as you do, and you will soon overcome the trap that the enemy has set for you. It sounds to me like the Devil is up to his same old tricks, Fear tactics. Don’t believe it! Even if this was the worst time since the great depression, does that change God or his promise? A thousand times no! “Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and He is revealing through us the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2Co 2:14


I was blessed to baptize 3 new converts this month in Tuscaloosa. We not only get to work out of the country, but are also privileged to bring the good news to people right here in Alabama. Everywhere we go we find people in need of the love of God. We are sowing seeds into many different nations. We have ministered to people from Mexico, Guatemala, Columbia, Cuba, Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador, Honduras, and even the U.S. What a small world it has become. We are endeavoring to make a global footprint.


These two little guys pictured here are bowing their heads as we say the blessing over the food about to be received. This is the highly coveted “private table” at the Omega feeding center. The children race to be the first ones to arrive and by doing so, get to be one of the two special ones who sit here. I was touched by their sincerity as the blessing was being offered for the food. Are you still grateful enough for the blessings in your life that you take time to bow your head and offer thanks for the food he has provided you?

The change boxes are still doing a marvelous job of collecting change for the children. Pam and I still go once a week and collect the money. It is long days spent on the road right here in Tuscaloosa, and then still more time counting the change but we are happy to do it to see the smiling faces on children who would otherwise not have a hot meal. If you are interested in helping us, we have a great plan to help your church or group raise money. Please contact me to learn more.
God bless you as you continue to give out of the love in your heart for the work we are doing. We value every partner and pray for you daily. May the God of peace keep you and bless you,

Your Friends,
Jim and Pam Stockdale