review of music by Greg Howlett

Just wanted to let you, our friends, know of a wonderful source for good Christian music.  Greg Howlett has produced several piano recordings, one of my personal favorites being "Reflections on a Journey".  If you are looking for great arrangements of hymns and spiritual songs in appropriate settings, you will thoroughly enjoy this music.  Containing live piano with orchestra and choir, these selections will be a blessing to you, bringing to your mind the lyrics of these beloved hymns.  You can find "Reflections on a Journey" and other titles at www.greghowlett.com or at www.evangelisttimthompson.com.

November 2011Hello, Friends!

Hello, Friends!

I'm writing from Paducah, KY, this week and wanted to update you briefly on recent meetings and let you know the needs for this week. First of all, it has been very busy since returning from Alaska. We arrived back to TN on a Wednesday and participated in the Ladies Retreat at the Bill Rice Ranch that Thursday-Saturday. Immediately after the retreat, we left for Petersburg, IN, where we held a Sunday-Wednesday revival meeting for Pastor Vince Stover. As always, 4-day meetings fly by so quickly, but we were very thankful for lots of guests in attendance and for the Lord's working in the services. We left immediately after the Wednesday evening service to begin our trek towards WV. Tim and I (Brittany) were scheduled to fly out of Pittsburgh on Thursday evening for Denver, CO, to participate in the West Branch Men on the Move Conference (Ft. Collins, CO), so we had many miles to go before we slept. After a brief sleep and a delicious breakfast at Cracker Barrel, we got back on the road and made it to Victory Baptist Church (Fairmont, WV) by early afternoon. We got our trailer settled for the upcoming week, packed a few things and left Seth and Christina Gibbs (who travelled with us for September/October) to head for the Pittsburgh airport. All flights went well, and the Men's conference was really excellent. We were thrilled that one gentleman trusted Christ as His Saviour in Bro. Troy Carlson's session regarding giving the gospel clearly. We arrived back to WV by 9:30 p.m. Saturday evening and began a Sunday-Friday campaign at Victory BC the next day. The people of Victory BC were very tender to the preaching, and once again, we could sense God's working in a special way in individual's hearts.

We left the next morning for Boswell, PA, accomanied by SNOW! Thankfully, the snow did not hinder our travels, and we made it safely to Laurel Hill Gospel Tabernacle for a youth meeting that Saturday evening and all day preaching and ministering in music the next day. We really enjoyed the ministry there and look forward to possibly being there again in the near future. We left early Monday morning for home (Bill Rice Ranch) and made it late that night. Christina headed back to her home, and we (the Thompson clan) spent a few days at home, visiting with friends and getting things accomplished before leaving for Walls, MS, (Goodman Road BC) on Saturday.

We were so excited to return to Goodman Road BC and Pastor and Mrs. Jim Gatlin. The Gatlins are always such a blessing, and the people of the church were eager for the Lord to work. We met many visitors during the week and averaged @ 90 people in attendance each night, which was just excellent for this congregation. Many people seemed to be helped by the services, and one friend from the church reported many praises from members on the following Sunday as a result of the week.

We travelled this past Saturday from Walls, MS, to Paducah, KY, and are now conducting a Sunday-Friday meeting here as well. The church has recently gone through discouraging times, and the needs are great in the services. Right from the beginning of this meeting, very "unchurched" folks have been in attendance, and God is obviously working in their hearts. In some cases, it would appear that individuals are not even aware of their need for salvation; in others, they are very young in the faith and have begun to make life-changing decisions. Please pray for two young men whom the Lord is dealing with about surrendering their lives for service that they would get that settled this week and see victories in strongholds that they are facing. We also have at least a dozen bus kids each night in attendance. Please pray (1) for us to be a blessing and encouragement to Pastor Kelley, (2) for wisdom for Tim as he preaches and makes decisions regarding the meeting and (3) for me as I conduct kids club each night. It seems to be necessary to be very simple in our explanation of Bible truths, and we do not want to take anything for granted.

Of course, we are so thankful for each of you, knowing that you are concerned for souls and that you will join us in prayer for this week. If you have a moment to let us know that you will be praying with us, we would greatly appreciate hearing from you.

For the Glory of God,
Tim and Brittany Thompson - Ps. 18:1

October 2011

Since the end of the camp season, we have had a wonderful time traveling the country and ministering in churches in Ohio, Kentucky and Alaska.  As I write now from Sterling,Alaska, on the Kenai peninsula, we are enjoying a beautiful Alaskan fall with its snow-capped mountain peaks, breathtaking evergreens and brilliant gold birch tree leaves on a palet of deep blue skies.  I think we've fallen in love with the people and beauty of Alaska. 

We have held two separate weeks of revival meetings, one at Sterling BC and the other at Lighthouse BC (Kodiak, AK), and both weeks seemed to be very profitable.  The people of Sterling BC went out of their way to invite their friends, family and co-workers throughout the week of meetings.  People seemed to be encouraged and challenged each night, and we especially thank the Lord for the friendship of Pastor Tim Weekley and his family.  We look forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to use Pastor Weekley in this community. 

We had a wonderful time with Pastor and Mrs. Jim Cratty and the people of Lighthouse BC of Kodiak.  For starters, the island is absolutely beautiful, and we enjoyed several outings with Pastor Cratty and other church members who are part of the Coast Guard.  We especially enjoyed a tour of the helicopter hanger at the Coast Guard base and an 18 mile ride on ATVs to a beautiful scenic bay.  However, nothing compares to how the Lord worked in hearts throughout the week.  The church consists of several young military families; thus, some would be new "baby" Christians who are desperatly searching and some even more seasoned Christians who are seeking to serve the Lord and raise godly families.  In every situation, God seemed actively at work in these individuals situations, and we went away from Kodiak both rejoicing in God's goodness during the week and sad that we were leaving such dear, sweet friends.  The Lord definitely knit our hearts with the people of Lighthouse BC for which we are truly grateful.

For the last week, we have enjoyed a wonderful stay with Tim's sister and brother-in-law, Jon and Becky Craven, and our eight nieces and nephews.  Honestly, I don't believe our team is ready to leave this Tuesday, but I know that at the end of our time here, we will all be able to say that our trip to AK has been extraordinary!  Praise the Lord for these wonderful things.

final update from Youth Week 4

Dear Praying Friends,

Just wanted to give you the final update from the youth week that Tim preached last week. He ended up preaching twice on Thursday and Friday due to Dr. Goetsch not being physically able to preach those days. We definitely missed having Dr. Goetsch on these days, but the Lord gave Tim strength and wisdom for the time.

As far as "numbers" of decisions, we were told that 12 teenagers trusted Christ, 5 received assurance of their salvation with 350 other decisions for various things (i.e.-surrender, submission, etc.), A total of 37 campers trusted Christ last week in the youth, junior and deaf week programs. Praise the Lord for these things!

Thank you again for praying for us, and we would appreciate your continued prayers as we come to the end of the camp season. Our last week is next week with a family camp/deaf adult conference/sign language school and interpreters seminar all taking place on the property. Exciting times...God Bless!

Youth week update

Dear praying friends, 

Just wanted to quickly update you on the week's progress. The Lord has definitely used Dr. Goetsch, Dr. Bill Rice III and Tim to bring powerful, practical messages each service.  Several campers have trusted Christ or received assurance of their salvation, but many more have yet to surrender to the Lord.  Please be praying for these individuals who seem to be resisting the Holy Spirit's work in their lives.  They have been reminded countless times in the preaching this week that God's way for their life is GOOD!

Please be specifically praying for Tim today as he will actually be preaching twice today (9:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.). That is a change of schedule, so we would greatly appreciate "extra" prayer throughout the day!  His last preaching service is tomorrow's men's split session (9:15 a.m.)

God bless and thanks for praying!

Brittany Thompson

Midsummer 2011

It is difficult to believe that we are nearly to the end of our summer camps, and yet, this is my first update for the summer! We have kept quite the busy pace, but we praise the Lord for the privilege to serve at the Bill Rice Ranch.  What a blessing it has been!

So far this summer, many in the youth, junior and deaf weeks have trusted Christ as their Saviour, received assurance of their salvation and/or made life-changing decisions (i.e. Surrender, service, etc.) that have helped draw them closer in their walk with the Lord.  We all know that only through Him and Him alone can we find true peace and contentment.

Please pray for Tim and Dr. John Goetsch as they preach to the youth beginning tomorrow (Sunday) night.  We are expecting young people from states such as CA, VA, LA and others.  Of course, our desire is to see the Lord work in an unusual way, convincing young people of their need of Him for now and for eternity. 

We would appreciate knowing if you're praying with us for this week.  It would be an encouragement to us and allow us to keep you better informed for specific praying.  May the Lord bless you for partnering with us, and we look forward to reporting "great things HE hath done."

For His Glory, 
Brittany Thompson

End of spring travels 2011

We are traveling home from LaSalle, IL, today and are eager to return for preparation for summer camps at BRR.  In one sense, it seems that our "spring" travels have gone so quickly, and we are thankful for the God-given opportunities to serve in various churches throughout FL, NC, PA, ME and IL.

To briefly give an update from East Hebron Baptist Church (Turner, ME), we really had a good week with the people of this church.  We were especially thrilled to see new faces in the congregation.  One particular lady surrendered her life to the Lord after living in much sin and misery.  We were thrilled to counsel with her after services and witness her making decisions that will strengthen her Christian walk.  As always, we enjoyed sweet fellowship with dear friends from the church.

We travelled on Saturday after the meeting to Wilton, NY, where a college friend, Steve Harness, pastors Wilton Baptist Church.  We enjoyed Sunday services with them and stayed until Tuesday morning when we embarked on a 650 mile trip to Shipshewanna, IN, which was along our route for the next meeting.  We were glad for a week of rest in one of our favorite places in America where the pace of life slows down drastically.  While visiting in the area, Pastor and Mrs. Jeff Farnham of Lagrange Baptist Church were so kind to let us park at the church, and our families quickly became friends.  They and their church family treated us very kindly, and we look forward to being with them in revival services in a few years.

We made our way to First Baptist Church of LaSalle, IL, on Saturday (Pastor Wesley Waddle).  Services on Sunday and each night thru Friday were well attended and several services were very monumental for the congregation regarding living by faith and reaching out with the gospel.  Tim also preached high school chapel daily with several elementary chapels sprinkled into the week.  Needless to say, we had a very busy, but very profitable week with the people of First Baptist of LaSalle.

update from Lisbon, ME

Our week of services at Faith Baptist Church of Auburn, ME, ended well.  The church family was so kind and tender to the preaching, and many visitors came out for the services.  We were aware of one person invited for "Friend Night" who had not trusted Christ as their Saviour, but no decision was made that night.  It seemed obvious that the Holy Spirit was convincing that person of truth, though.  I (Brittany) have resumed children's meetings Monday thru Friday and greatly enjoyed the 8-12 children, ages 3 to third grade, I was privileged to teach Monday-Friday during the preaching.  The children learned Proverbs 3:5 and several new songs while enjoying a missionary story and a lesson each night from The Salvation Series.   Saturday morning, the ladies hosted a gathering themed "How Does Your Garden Grow?" with brunch items, sweet fellowship and thoughtful congregational singing.  I had the privilege of speaking to the ladies from Colossians chapter 3, and I believe we were all helped by the brief study.

We arrived at Open Door Bible Baptist Church of Lisbon around 2pm on Saturday and set up for the week.  Tim preached Sunday School for the teen thru adult ages, then the Sunday AM and PM services.  We especially sensed the Lord working in last night's service, and at least 22 people raised their hands indicating that they felt the Lord was calling them to fervently pray for the week.  We look forward to seeing how the Lord will respond to the prayers of His people here.  Prayer meeting is scheduled each day at 10 AM, and each night has a different emphasis (i.e.-"Sunday School/Bus Night", "Couples Night", etc.), providing opportunities for church members to invite for the week.

Catching up!

The last couple of weeks have been filled with lots of miles and very little Internet access, so I've decided to just write this entry from my IPhone-not as convenient, but it gets the job done while we're driving along thru NH.

We left Ramola BC (Howard, PA)two Saturdays ago and made our way to Faith BC(Fairless Hills, PA) where we joined Pastor David Cashman and his Sunday school class for a nice dinner, then Tim preached all day for the church. We had a great time meeting the Cashman family and enjoyed good fellowship with the entire clan.

We left early Monday morning in a rental car for our home on the Bill Rice Ranch. Being an almost 900 mile trip and having a 3 yr. old, we chose to stop in Knoxville, TN, and enjoy some family time before jumping into the busy prep for the first annual Day of Champions youth outreach hosted by BRR. Tim led the music and refereed basketball for the event which turned out to be a super day of preaching and activities. At least two teenagers trusted Christ, and many others made decisions for the Lord. It was great to touch base with friends and church family while at home for one week.

We left on Monday to head back to Fairless Hills, PA, to pick up our truck and trailer and make our way on to ME for three separate week-long meetings. We stopped at an RV park in Sturbridge, MA, for three nights in order to catch up on rest and get our thoughts collected for the next three weeks. News spread quickly in the campground that a preacher was in residence, so the camp program director asked Tim to join the camping family for a potluck on Friday night in order to ask the Lord's blessing on the food and on the year's activities at the campground. This obviously seemed to be an opportunity from the Lord, and we attended. Usually, one would have some connection at a gathering like this, but we had NONE! However, we soon made friends at our table, and we pray that our time with them was not in vain for the Lord. We left the RV park this morning, and I am now writing from the passenger seat of our beloved F-350. She's hit a many a pothole today (I think of the jolting and jerking our pioneering friends must have experienced in their covered wagons). Anyway, we are seeing beautiful blue skies and 60 degrees in the state of ME, and we'll take it!!! Looking forward to reporting great things in the upcoming weeks.

post from Howard, PA

Our revival services at Victory Baptist Church in Elizabeth City, NC, ended well, but we are sorry to report that the White family never trusted Christ during the week; at least, they did not indicate it to anyone.  We are expecting that they will continue to be faithful to the services, and we look forward to receiving a call in the near future that they got this matter settled.  It would seem that they are obviously searching for answers; else, they would not attend services so faithfully.  In conclusion, we had a wonderful week of good decisions and several salvations with our friends at VBC.

We arrived safely to Howard, PA, around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and enjoyed fellowship with Pastor and Mrs. Bob Maurer.  They are such dear friends and faithful servants, so that it is always a privilege to spend time with them.  They have done a tremendous amount of work in preparation for this week.  Services were scheduled as normal on Sunday with one older lady raising her hand that she needed to trust Christ.  She did not come forward or ask for counsel, but Pastor Maurer indicated that this matter has been a struggle for this lady for whatever reason.  Monday proved to be an exciting and busy day, as Pastor Maurer and Ramola Bible Church hosted their church fellowship monthly Bible Conference.  Services were scheduled for 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. with a meal in between the last two services.  With approximately 6-8 churches represented in each service, the auditorium was packed and extra seating in the back and front of the auditorium was needed.  Tim preached the first and last services with Pastor John Leatherman of Dry Run, PA, preaching the second.  The Lord seemed to work in a very special way in the last service as Tim preached “God’s Message on Revival” from Hosea 5-6.   Hosea, chapter 6 begins with a plea from Hosea to the children of Israel to “come, and let us return to the Lord…” and that was exactly what we experienced.  Many left their pews and sought the Lord for their spiritual needs.  It was a privilege to be a part of such a special service as one could definitely sense the Holy Spirit’s presence and working.  Tuesday and Thursday nights are “Friend Night” in which church members have been encouraged to invite unsaved friends, co-workers, etc., and Friday night will begin with 40-45 minutes of congregational singing.  We look forward to posting more about the services at Ramola Bible Church in Howard, PA, later on in the week.

update on Elizabeth City meeting

We are thrilled that the people of Victory Baptist Church have really been bringing out guests.  Just last night, Tim asked those who were guests (not members) to indicate that by raised hands, and I believe I estimated around 15-20 raised hands!  Really, every night has had a number of guests-with that, means a great likelihood of unsaved.  We already mentioned one family (the White's) who still need to trust Christ, so please continue to pray for them as we have one more night of services which we hope they will attend.  We praise the Lord for 2 individuals who trusted Christ on Wednesday night; one teenage boy and one older lady received Christ!  As I have already mentioned, tonight (Friday) is our last night of meetings.  We have also had daily chapel services for the Christian elementary/high school.  Please pray for today's split high school chapel where Tim will be speaking to the boys and I to the girls separately and also continue to pray for those who need to trust Christ that possibly tonight will be the night of their salvation.  We will be leaving immediately after the service to begin our almost 500 mile journey to Howard, PA, for meetings beginning this Sunday thru Friday.

Elizabeth City, NC

Since I (Brittany) had surgery this past Wednesday, this week of meetings at Victory Baptist Ministries has seemed a little different since I've not been able to witness the services first-hand, but we are thrilled to report of one man who trusted Christ on Sunday morning, has been at every service since and has already expressed interest in being baptized as soon as possible and becoming a member of the church.  What a refreshing sense of urgency this man has about his newfound relationship with Christ!  Another family who needs to trust Christ has been faithfully attending the meeting, and we would be thrilled to see them trust Christ this week.  Please be in prayer for that family; we do not know their names at this time, unfortunately, but will be sure to become acquainted before the week is over.  We will keep you posted as the week progresses.  Tim has felt confident that the Spirit has been working in the services.  Praise the Lord!

Fostoria BC evangelistic dinner update

Tim's report on Fostoria BC's evangelistic dinner: "Went well. Not sure of the number [of salvation decisions], had close to 15 hands raised. We actually have salvation cards on 83...I think the Spirit was working in hearts." Praise the Lord! Continue to pray for those who may not have received Christ tonight but i...n whose hearts the Holy Spirit is still convicting.

wild game dinner specifics

Just a few corrections/additions on today's wild game dinner evangelistic outreach:  It is quite the event with doorprizes, food, etc.  It is a ticketed event opened to both men and women (this is MI we're talking about :)).  Things get underway at 4:30 EST.  Thank you for your prayers!

urgent prayer request

Hello, Praying Friends!

 

We would like to ask all of you to be in prayer tomorrow evening (March 5) as Tim will be preaching a Wild Game Evangelistic Dinner for Fostoria Baptist Church (Fostoria, MI).  So far, the church is expecting upwards to 450 men for the meal; the number of unsaved, obviously, would be unknown.  Would you please join us in praying for those men who are unsaved that 1.) they would not be hindered from attending, 2.)they would be open to the message of the gospel, 3.) the Holy Spirit would convince them of their desperate need to trust Christ and 4.) they would trust Christ as their personal Saviour.

 

We are thankful for this wonderful opportunity to spread the good news and greatly desire to see the Lord work in a marvelous way!  Will you join with us in prayer...

 

 

For the Glory of God,
Tim Thompson - Ps. 18:1

February travels

The month began with a week-long meeting at Faith Baptist of Silver Springs.  I mentioned in an earlier post how the meeting began.  The meeting ended in refreshment and encouragement of our senior friends, and though we've been at the church many times, the Lord seemed to give us a special bond with the people of FBC.  We look forward to being with them again (Lord-willing) in a couple of years.

We rejoined the Bill Rice Evangelistic Team the following Sunday for services at Memorial BC in Ocala (a.m.) and Community BC in Bradenton (p.m.). Both service were especially encouraging, and we thank the Lord for one saved that morning in Ocala.  We had services both Wednesday (Colony BC, Palmetto) and Thursday (Westgate BC, Tampa) evenings, and we enjoyed meeting these pastors whom we had not met before.  We are thankful to have been a part of these meetings where pastors and their congregations became more burdened with the need of reaching the deaf community with the gospel.  We look forward to hearing how the Lord will use these churches to reach the deaf around them.

Tim, Seth and I visited Pastor David Kravitz and the people of Bethel BC of New Port Richey for yesterday's Sunday morning services.  We were refreshed to sit under Pastor Kravitz's preaching and thankful for the opportunity to minister in music.  We enjoyed a wonderful meal with members Greg and Summer Livingston and family after the service.

Finally, we were with Pastor Brent Stancil and the people of Community Bible Baptist Church Sunday evening.  The auditorium was nearly full, and the people seemed very receptive to the music, preaching and promotion of the Bill Rice Ranch deaf ministry.  This church is eager to reach the deaf in their community.

We are traveling on this Monday afternoon up to Thomasville, GA, to drop off our trailer for the week and to prepare for a trip to Panama Beach to visit with Tim's family for a couple of days.  Seth is so eager to see Grandpa and Grandma Thompson and to play in the sand.

Our last service with the Bill Rice Evangelistic Team takes place this Sunday at Faith BC (Thomasville, GA).  Tim will fly out the next day for Milwaukee, WI, in order to attend the Holiness Conference hosted by Falls BC (Menominee Falls, WI) through Friday and will then catch a ride with Dr. Rick Flanders to Fostoria BC in order to preach a Men's Wild Game Dinner evangelistic outreach and to preach all day Sunday in the church.  We would appreciate your prayers for these upcoming events.

Revival week at Faith Baptist Church in Silver Springs, FL

We are so thankful to a great start at Faith Baptist!  The auditorium was full on Sunday morning with an attendance of 122!  Tim preached yesterday morning from I John 5 a message that, if he were to title his messages, he would have called "You Haven't Experienced Life Until..."  It was a message for both believers (assurance of salvation) and those who've yet to accept Christ ("This life is in His Son.")  No one indicated that they needed to trust Christ but at least 5 or 6 people indicated by raised hands that the issue of assurance had been one of struggle for them.  We are thankful that these friends received help from God's Word. 

Sunday night's attendance was only down slightly, and Tim preached from Matthew 22 on "The One Main Thing", that is, loving God and loving others (v.35-40).  Many prayed at their seats about needs the Holy Spirit pointed out to them.

We look forward tonight to a continuation of great attendance and God's working in all of our hearts.  Of course, if you're in the Silver Springs area, please make plans to visit one night.

end of January post

Things have been calming down...finally, from the holidays.  Since the end of December, sickness has attempted to prevail in the Thompson household, but thankfully, we seem to be bidding "adieu" to the pesky germs.  As a result, Tim has missed a couple of church services, but everyone picked up the slack and the Lord carried us through.  We have so enjoyed serving with the Rices, Rebekah Burtt and Christina Gibbs, but unfortunately, Christina will be leaving us after this Sunday in order to travel with our West Branch on the Move team.  So, in short, praise the Lord for a wonderful January, and we look forward to the upcoming meetings in February, beginning with a week-long revival at Faith Baptist Church of Silver Springs, FL, with Pastor Roger Walton.

NYC update-January 2011

Tim made it safely to NYC on Monday evening and is finishing the second day of efforts in the subway system today.  As soon as I know results of the outreach, I will post later.  Thank the Lord for the rest and relaxation Seth and I have caught up on during our time with my parents in GA.  We needed it after the holiday season!  Please keep us all in your prayers, as all three of us are getting over head colds; however, only two of us have to be better by this Sunday in order to sing in services:) (Seth seems to plug along with a head cold better than we do. :))