Ministry Highlights – Special People

May 29, 2019 | John and Anna Bazemore

Dear Friends and Family,

Oftentimes it is easy for ministers to get sidetracked in their ministry. The administration of the Church, the needs of the people, and the “politics” of church can shift focus away from the gospel—Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). The ministry of the Apostle Paul can help us keep our focus. The focus of the Apostle Paul’s ministry was proclaiming the gospel. In fact, he says in 1 Corinthians 2:2 that “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”  Paul’s words show his determination and focus were specific. He kept his sights on preaching the gospel for he knew “it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

Since we arrived in Italy, we have tried to imitate the Apostle Paul by keeping our focus on preaching the gospel. To do so, we teach verse-by-verse through the Bible for we know that transforming power is in God’s Word, not man’s knowledge, wisdom or might. Over the last four years we have focused on the gospel and helping believers know, embrace and live out biblical principles so they are also equipped to preach Christ crucified. Many of those we have ministered to have moved on to other bases around the world. Thus, we begin again with a new group of people keeping our focus on preaching Christ crucified and the power of the cross to effect change in the lives of people. Please pray that we will “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

While there are many newcomers to our Christian community, we wanted to highlight a few that are leaving for new assignments. Thus, our newsletter below focuses on Josh Smith and the Gruenes family. We pray that their stories will be uplifting to you as their lives have been to us.  Also, a note about our son’s wedding.

Serving Together in Christ,
John and Anna

Bazemore-News-for-May-2019.pdf

Daniel and Ashley Wedding Ceremony