Man what a great day...it is my 56th birthday and I just feel ... I feel my legs ... my feet ... as opposed to not being able to feel. But hey, I have joined a whole host of well-wishers on "my day" which include my wonderful wife ... Sarah, my magnificent daughters ... Alana and Alisha, a wide range of friends and other loved ones ... those in prison and those now out ...ain't life grand!?
And as the hits keep coming I spend some time with each persons' face flashing before me and I remember something we enjoyed or endured together. Where has the time gone and man didn't we have a fine time. What I wouldn't give to hear Bobby Martin make fun of my "golf" game again, not to mention just watching Eric Barron and Bret McKee drive around the golf coarse in a cart... together--and to laugh until it hurt with Terry White over the second and only time we would get up at 5:00 o'clock in the morning to run ...what were we thinking? I will never forget setting up the "gospel tent" with Steven Berry in Conrad, Montana to only be attacked by an official plague of killer mosquitoes, then of course, traveling to Brainard, Minnesota with that criminally insane youth group from Nederland, Texas to see once again Larry O'Conner get a speeding ticket, Craig Miller order and eat two full steak dinners at Bonanza and the look on the faces of that angelic group of teens as they saw the dirt-floored "cabins" we were to stay in all week long ... those were the days! Then, who wouldn't want to hear once again Ben Mc Connell and Curtis Petty have a highly intellectual discussion about anything--multitudes would often be dumb-founded at the depth of their insights. Could I ever forget the blizzard Sarah, Alana and I got caught in between Billings and Great Falls ... Alana was cutting teeth and we were snowed in with the screaming little darling for four longs days in a motel in Livingston. I will never forget the absolute joy I had watching my daughter Alisha and her prom date as the long white stretch limo pulled up in front of the house to take then for a night of unexpected luxury ... the best $600 dollars I had spent in a long time. And, finally, the endless times Sarah and I packed up ... set up ... packed up and set up ... in order share the gospel one more time ...wait, that's still happening!
Ok, I'm through with memory lane, but today's birthday is much more than one more year ... it's a lifetime of years and great memories. Little did mom and dad realize the indescribable gift of life they bestowed upon me ... and I'm not finished yet.
Then, if the day was not a blessing already, my heavenly Father woke me up early and gave me a brand new gospel message to share with people somewhere down the road. Thanks for the look back today heavenly Father, but thank You also for the look ahead ... it is a New Day! By the way, thanks Pepe... man's best friend, for your birthday wishes as well.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Friends Really Are Friends Forever!
As the miles add up and the towns appear in our rear view mirror we have come to realize the ever growing value of friendships that stand the test of time. Yes, there are some drawbacks to the constant call of the traveling evangelist but certainly equal to the constant motion are the hugs and smiles from those friends that await our much expected visit.
God has blessed Sarah and I with friends that are literally family to us as we have traveled through these past years of ministry. They have become to us our forever family of friends that we have laughed with...cried with...dined with and most important of all joined together with in doing Kingdom work by taking the Good News of Jesus Christ to one more person, one more church and one more town. Why just this past week I called and heard the voices of Dennis and Rita Teske. You would have thought we were still at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Havre, Montana planning the next VBS! We can't wait to drive up in there drive this summer in Montana and renew one of those forever friendships. Whether we are visiting with Steve Collier or Terry White in Austin, Texas or the Petty's in Willis, Texas or NaNa in Mobile, Alabama or the Emert clan in Springdale, Arkansas or the Bells out at Crossroads, Arkansas or Wayne and Reggie in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee or Dan and Kathy, Tom and Vickie just outside of Wichita, Kansas or Craig and Vickie in Briggs, Texas or Don and Jackie in Temple, Texas...and the list just goes on and on...well, it is just amazing how much each of these friends bring to our lives.
Thank you friends and if time down here allows us another visit I am sure we will pick up right where we left off...if not well then, what a time we will have forever with our Lord!
God has blessed Sarah and I with friends that are literally family to us as we have traveled through these past years of ministry. They have become to us our forever family of friends that we have laughed with...cried with...dined with and most important of all joined together with in doing Kingdom work by taking the Good News of Jesus Christ to one more person, one more church and one more town. Why just this past week I called and heard the voices of Dennis and Rita Teske. You would have thought we were still at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Havre, Montana planning the next VBS! We can't wait to drive up in there drive this summer in Montana and renew one of those forever friendships. Whether we are visiting with Steve Collier or Terry White in Austin, Texas or the Petty's in Willis, Texas or NaNa in Mobile, Alabama or the Emert clan in Springdale, Arkansas or the Bells out at Crossroads, Arkansas or Wayne and Reggie in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee or Dan and Kathy, Tom and Vickie just outside of Wichita, Kansas or Craig and Vickie in Briggs, Texas or Don and Jackie in Temple, Texas...and the list just goes on and on...well, it is just amazing how much each of these friends bring to our lives.
Thank you friends and if time down here allows us another visit I am sure we will pick up right where we left off...if not well then, what a time we will have forever with our Lord!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
New Day Network Ministry Update
March 21.2009
Dear Friends, Family, and Support Team,
The New Day Network Ministry (NDN) continues to lay a foundation for the future and we want to update you on the progress. It is imperative you know from our hearts that a combined prayer effort is not just “preacher talk” with us, but a very vital and powerful part of the process. We are learning daily that God is inviting us to lay each and every aspect of this new endeavor under His watchful eye. So, let me begin first of all to invite you to agree with us in prayer in order that those who would casually or intentionally catch a glimpse of this work might clearly see God’s provision in it. Below is an outline sketch of our dream.
New Day Network (NDN) is a non-profit, evangelistic ministry led by Alan and Sarah Damron. The core values of this ministry are to evangelize, enrich and expand God’s kingdom work in the United States. While the focus of this ministry will be the state of Montana and other pioneer areas, Alan and Sarah will be available for any area within the coordination of their schedule.
NDN’s major emphasis will be three-fold:
1. Evangelism… will come in the form of personal evangelism, personal evangelism training, evangelistic rallies, festivals, and preaching services.
2. Enrichment… will be to encourage the local pastors, staff and churches through conferences, retreats, revivals, or to just come along side and offer prayer and practical support in the demands of their daily ministry.
3. Expansion … will adopt the understanding that additional churches must be planted in Pioneer Areas to expand the kingdom of God.
PIONEER PARTNERSHIPS
NDN’s developing program of Pioneer Partnerships will work in harmony with state, associational, and local efforts to plant new churches and strengthen existing ones. NDN will also work to enhance the outreach and effectiveness of each local church within its own scope of ministry. Please note and understand that we do not consider ourselves the “answer” for these areas, but our hearts have been drawn there since the day we left in 1983. It is our desire to come along side and assist in the work God is
already doing in these Pioneer states. For an insightful explanation of some of these works, go to the Montana State Baptist website (www.MTSBC.org) and click on the Montana Baptist which is the latest edition of their state newspaper.
Hopefully this will give you some indication of the overall direction in which we are moving. Before we leave, it is very important that we address the financial requirements for us to undertake this ministry. We are presently engaged in recruiting financial support in four major areas:
• Start Up Budget -This budget will provide necessary items such as new tires for the truck and trailer, CB radio, extra diesel fuel tank, a generator for the 5th wheel, incorporation and non-profit fees, promotional materials with postage, a small sound system, for example. Projected cost for this initial budget is $5,000 to $10,000.
• Personal Budget—This budget will cover auto, health and life insurance, food, truck & trailer payments, utilities, medications. Projected cost for this monthly budget is $4,500 to $5,000. At present we have approximately 25% of this amount pledged.
• Travel Budget—This budget will include costs for fuel for the truck and trailer, truck maintenance, and RV space rentals. This projected cost for this monthly budget is $2,000.
• Ministry Budget—This budget will cover items such as cell phones, internet card, computer, office supplies, postage, printed materials, and assistance for local church programs. The estimated cost for this monthly budget is $1,000 to $1,500.
At first glance this is a good deal of funding, but it represents a definite effort on our part to stream line all costs in order that we might go to any size church in any location without being hindered from lack of resources. The majority of the Pioneer churches are not able to support a full time pastor, much less bring in a guest for revivals and evangelism. So, our partnership with individuals, churches, and associations will enable us to serve without financial limitations.
So, how are we going to raise this money? We are inviting associations, churches, and people like you to join our financial support team on a monthly basis at whatever level is possible. Please understand that all gifts are significant and will be a direct investment in God’s eternal work in the Pioneer states. With the soon established board for NDN, all gifts will be carefully administered, directed, and reported regularly. Until we are able to get the incorporation and non-profit status for NDN, your gifts can be sent to: New Hope Fellowship, PO Box 6100, Springdale, AR 72766. It is important that you mark “DAMRONS” in the memo line of your check.
As these budgets are definitely needed now, we will be praying with you about God’s direction and your partnership with us. With that in mind, not only do we need a growing support team, we also have an ever-growing prayer support team. So, let us hear from you. What can we pray with you about? We are constantly encouraged by your notes, letters, and phone calls. We have just started a new blog at http://newdaynet.blogspot.com. And if you haven’t joined our Facebook page, we invite you to do so today. If you have any questions, please contact us at 512.669.6832 or alandamron@mac.com. Meanwhile, we anticipate your response to our invitation for prayer and financial support.
Of all the things the world needs today, it desperately needs Jesus. May we all be missionaries taking the Good News of His Gospel to the world where we live.
It’s A New Day,
Alan & Sarah Damron
PO Box 6100 Springdale AR 72766 512.669.6832
Dear Friends, Family, and Support Team,
The New Day Network Ministry (NDN) continues to lay a foundation for the future and we want to update you on the progress. It is imperative you know from our hearts that a combined prayer effort is not just “preacher talk” with us, but a very vital and powerful part of the process. We are learning daily that God is inviting us to lay each and every aspect of this new endeavor under His watchful eye. So, let me begin first of all to invite you to agree with us in prayer in order that those who would casually or intentionally catch a glimpse of this work might clearly see God’s provision in it. Below is an outline sketch of our dream.
New Day Network (NDN) is a non-profit, evangelistic ministry led by Alan and Sarah Damron. The core values of this ministry are to evangelize, enrich and expand God’s kingdom work in the United States. While the focus of this ministry will be the state of Montana and other pioneer areas, Alan and Sarah will be available for any area within the coordination of their schedule.
NDN’s major emphasis will be three-fold:
1. Evangelism… will come in the form of personal evangelism, personal evangelism training, evangelistic rallies, festivals, and preaching services.
2. Enrichment… will be to encourage the local pastors, staff and churches through conferences, retreats, revivals, or to just come along side and offer prayer and practical support in the demands of their daily ministry.
3. Expansion … will adopt the understanding that additional churches must be planted in Pioneer Areas to expand the kingdom of God.
PIONEER PARTNERSHIPS
NDN’s developing program of Pioneer Partnerships will work in harmony with state, associational, and local efforts to plant new churches and strengthen existing ones. NDN will also work to enhance the outreach and effectiveness of each local church within its own scope of ministry. Please note and understand that we do not consider ourselves the “answer” for these areas, but our hearts have been drawn there since the day we left in 1983. It is our desire to come along side and assist in the work God is
already doing in these Pioneer states. For an insightful explanation of some of these works, go to the Montana State Baptist website (www.MTSBC.org) and click on the Montana Baptist which is the latest edition of their state newspaper.
Hopefully this will give you some indication of the overall direction in which we are moving. Before we leave, it is very important that we address the financial requirements for us to undertake this ministry. We are presently engaged in recruiting financial support in four major areas:
• Start Up Budget -This budget will provide necessary items such as new tires for the truck and trailer, CB radio, extra diesel fuel tank, a generator for the 5th wheel, incorporation and non-profit fees, promotional materials with postage, a small sound system, for example. Projected cost for this initial budget is $5,000 to $10,000.
• Personal Budget—This budget will cover auto, health and life insurance, food, truck & trailer payments, utilities, medications. Projected cost for this monthly budget is $4,500 to $5,000. At present we have approximately 25% of this amount pledged.
• Travel Budget—This budget will include costs for fuel for the truck and trailer, truck maintenance, and RV space rentals. This projected cost for this monthly budget is $2,000.
• Ministry Budget—This budget will cover items such as cell phones, internet card, computer, office supplies, postage, printed materials, and assistance for local church programs. The estimated cost for this monthly budget is $1,000 to $1,500.
At first glance this is a good deal of funding, but it represents a definite effort on our part to stream line all costs in order that we might go to any size church in any location without being hindered from lack of resources. The majority of the Pioneer churches are not able to support a full time pastor, much less bring in a guest for revivals and evangelism. So, our partnership with individuals, churches, and associations will enable us to serve without financial limitations.
So, how are we going to raise this money? We are inviting associations, churches, and people like you to join our financial support team on a monthly basis at whatever level is possible. Please understand that all gifts are significant and will be a direct investment in God’s eternal work in the Pioneer states. With the soon established board for NDN, all gifts will be carefully administered, directed, and reported regularly. Until we are able to get the incorporation and non-profit status for NDN, your gifts can be sent to: New Hope Fellowship, PO Box 6100, Springdale, AR 72766. It is important that you mark “DAMRONS” in the memo line of your check.
As these budgets are definitely needed now, we will be praying with you about God’s direction and your partnership with us. With that in mind, not only do we need a growing support team, we also have an ever-growing prayer support team. So, let us hear from you. What can we pray with you about? We are constantly encouraged by your notes, letters, and phone calls. We have just started a new blog at http://newdaynet.blogspot.com. And if you haven’t joined our Facebook page, we invite you to do so today. If you have any questions, please contact us at 512.669.6832 or alandamron@mac.com. Meanwhile, we anticipate your response to our invitation for prayer and financial support.
Of all the things the world needs today, it desperately needs Jesus. May we all be missionaries taking the Good News of His Gospel to the world where we live.
It’s A New Day,
Alan & Sarah Damron
PO Box 6100 Springdale AR 72766 512.669.6832
Friday, March 20, 2009
"Good Morning Lord!" or "Good Lord, It's Morning!"
So a new day has dawned and with it the opportunity to trust God for every step you take or try to take those same steps in your own strength. Unfortunately, we have short memories to such a degree that we cannot remember even to the previous day's disasters simply because our pride prevented us from calling out to God for His mercy and direction.
Henry and Richard Blackaby state in their "Experiencing God Day By Day" the following: "Pride will tempt you to think that you do not need God's assistance. Self-regard will seek to convince you that you can handle your dilemma through your own wisdom, resources, and hard work. Pride will rob glory from God and seek to give it to you!"
You don't have to wait for a train wreck to call upon God. Why not just begin the day today acknowledging your utter dependence upon Him alone for the direction and provision you will need for the day? Just think, the world needs to see God's provision in and through your life to be reminded that He exists and wants to become their all in all as well.
I really like this reference from His Word: "Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the Good News of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples." (Psalm 96:1-3)
"Good Morning Lord...I am singing!" After all..."It's A New Day!"
Henry and Richard Blackaby state in their "Experiencing God Day By Day" the following: "Pride will tempt you to think that you do not need God's assistance. Self-regard will seek to convince you that you can handle your dilemma through your own wisdom, resources, and hard work. Pride will rob glory from God and seek to give it to you!"
You don't have to wait for a train wreck to call upon God. Why not just begin the day today acknowledging your utter dependence upon Him alone for the direction and provision you will need for the day? Just think, the world needs to see God's provision in and through your life to be reminded that He exists and wants to become their all in all as well.
I really like this reference from His Word: "Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the Good News of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples." (Psalm 96:1-3)
"Good Morning Lord...I am singing!" After all..."It's A New Day!"
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
It's A New Day For The Damrons!
Dear Friends, Family and Support Team,
Anyone who knows us well understands that the landscape for our ministry has changed from time to time. Once again we are facing a new direction for our ministry.
Due to our forced departure from Sudan, Thirst No More has been compelled to return to a skeletal staff which does not include me. Honestly, for the past three months the Lord has been dealing specifically with me in regard to my call to preach the Gospel. The strong exhortation from 2 Timothy 4:5 to “do the work of the evangelist, fulfill your ministry”, plus the departure of TNM have given me clear confirmation to return to my calling and first love of evangelism. Please let me assure you that Craig Miller and Thirst No More remain close to my heart. As a matter of fact, Sarah will continue as Business Administrator for TNM.
Sarah and I have concluded that among many other blessings, TNM has enabled us to make the transition from a typical church structure back to a travelling itinerate ministry. We are reminded of the time in May 1980 when we began this “on the road” ministry and how this is in our blood.
So, what does all this mean? It will mean a new non-profit organization for us to be established as soon as possible. It will mean the need for opportunities to preach. It will be our intention to potentially return to Montana for a good part of each year. It will mean the necessity for continued prayer support for literally every facet of our ministry (no change here!) And of course, it will also mean building a financial support team which will enable us to take the Gospel to the fields white unto harvest.
Our prayerful request to you at this time is that you remain on our financial support team as partners with us in taking the Gospel to our nation, in order that our nation might continue to take the Gospel to the world. Also, if you are able and feel led of the Lord to give a gift toward our transition costs, this would be a great help.
All donations beginning today should be sent to New Hope Fellowship, PO Box 6100, Springdale AR 72766 until we are able to establish our own non-profit organization. Please continue to mark “Damrons” in the memo. Pastor Cliff Jenkins who has been a close friend for many years and is now our home Pastor, has set up a designated account for us. So your donations are still tax deductible.
Since we are pursuing this course without delay, we ask that you respond to us by email if you are able to remain on our support team or if you wish to join it. Please understand that any gift regardless of the amount is a significant contribution to this ministry.
As we look forward to a New Day of ministry, please accept our deepest thanks and appreciation for your prayers and support over the years.
It’s a New Day,
Alan & Sarah Damron
alandamron@mac.com
sarahd@thirstnomore.org
P.S. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 512.567.3800.
Anyone who knows us well understands that the landscape for our ministry has changed from time to time. Once again we are facing a new direction for our ministry.
Due to our forced departure from Sudan, Thirst No More has been compelled to return to a skeletal staff which does not include me. Honestly, for the past three months the Lord has been dealing specifically with me in regard to my call to preach the Gospel. The strong exhortation from 2 Timothy 4:5 to “do the work of the evangelist, fulfill your ministry”, plus the departure of TNM have given me clear confirmation to return to my calling and first love of evangelism. Please let me assure you that Craig Miller and Thirst No More remain close to my heart. As a matter of fact, Sarah will continue as Business Administrator for TNM.
Sarah and I have concluded that among many other blessings, TNM has enabled us to make the transition from a typical church structure back to a travelling itinerate ministry. We are reminded of the time in May 1980 when we began this “on the road” ministry and how this is in our blood.
So, what does all this mean? It will mean a new non-profit organization for us to be established as soon as possible. It will mean the need for opportunities to preach. It will be our intention to potentially return to Montana for a good part of each year. It will mean the necessity for continued prayer support for literally every facet of our ministry (no change here!) And of course, it will also mean building a financial support team which will enable us to take the Gospel to the fields white unto harvest.
Our prayerful request to you at this time is that you remain on our financial support team as partners with us in taking the Gospel to our nation, in order that our nation might continue to take the Gospel to the world. Also, if you are able and feel led of the Lord to give a gift toward our transition costs, this would be a great help.
All donations beginning today should be sent to New Hope Fellowship, PO Box 6100, Springdale AR 72766 until we are able to establish our own non-profit organization. Please continue to mark “Damrons” in the memo. Pastor Cliff Jenkins who has been a close friend for many years and is now our home Pastor, has set up a designated account for us. So your donations are still tax deductible.
Since we are pursuing this course without delay, we ask that you respond to us by email if you are able to remain on our support team or if you wish to join it. Please understand that any gift regardless of the amount is a significant contribution to this ministry.
As we look forward to a New Day of ministry, please accept our deepest thanks and appreciation for your prayers and support over the years.
It’s a New Day,
Alan & Sarah Damron
alandamron@mac.com
sarahd@thirstnomore.org
P.S. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 512.567.3800.
You've Got To Start Somewhere!
Just how many times do we start something new in our life time? Of course, it will vary per individual, but everyone of us can chart our lives by the "Starts" in them. There was the day you escape the warmth of the womb and started life on planet earth for "starters". Then without warning the host of first's just seemed to fall rapidly in line: first time to crawl, first time to rub spaghetti all in your hair, first steps, first black eye, first day of school, first F on your homework, first crush...kiss, first car...wreck, and on and on...you get the idea!
Sarah and I have just started something new...it is really a first in many ways. As of March 15, 2009 we launched "New Day Network Ministry". It is a non profit evangelistic ministry which seeks to evangelize, enrich and expand the Kingdom work of Jesus Christ especially in the pioneer areas of the United States, beginning in the state of Montana. In some ways this is a return to our early days of "on the road" evangelism, but it is new due to the expanded approach that we are going to take in trying to create partnerships between churches from the southern states with new and already established churches in pioneer areas.
There is a great deal to do when you "start something new" and right now as we lay down the foundational structure to this new ministry we will need to recruit people who will come along side as partners. We have always been blessed by a host of people who join our vision for taking the Good News of Jesus Christ to our lost world. In addition to people, we will need to raise funds to cover personal expenses, travel expenses, ministry expenses and all of this with an additional "start up" fund to cover the beginning expenses. And if you are interested in joining our financial support team please send your gifts to: New Hope Fellowship PO Box 6100 Springdale, Ar 72766. Make your checks out to New Hope Fellowship and then mark the memo line: The Damrons. This will change once we have our own non profit set up.
"The Harvest truly is plenteous" and God is calling us to "the fields that are already white unto harvest"... let's go together and see what great thing God will do through us for His glory. You've got to start somewhere... so let's start together! It really is a New Day!
Sarah and I have just started something new...it is really a first in many ways. As of March 15, 2009 we launched "New Day Network Ministry". It is a non profit evangelistic ministry which seeks to evangelize, enrich and expand the Kingdom work of Jesus Christ especially in the pioneer areas of the United States, beginning in the state of Montana. In some ways this is a return to our early days of "on the road" evangelism, but it is new due to the expanded approach that we are going to take in trying to create partnerships between churches from the southern states with new and already established churches in pioneer areas.
There is a great deal to do when you "start something new" and right now as we lay down the foundational structure to this new ministry we will need to recruit people who will come along side as partners. We have always been blessed by a host of people who join our vision for taking the Good News of Jesus Christ to our lost world. In addition to people, we will need to raise funds to cover personal expenses, travel expenses, ministry expenses and all of this with an additional "start up" fund to cover the beginning expenses. And if you are interested in joining our financial support team please send your gifts to: New Hope Fellowship PO Box 6100 Springdale, Ar 72766. Make your checks out to New Hope Fellowship and then mark the memo line: The Damrons. This will change once we have our own non profit set up.
"The Harvest truly is plenteous" and God is calling us to "the fields that are already white unto harvest"... let's go together and see what great thing God will do through us for His glory. You've got to start somewhere... so let's start together! It really is a New Day!
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