CRH/BSPM/BSPOPP AND CoyRH/SEATC Clerical 2024 Fall Holy Days NewsletterMAIN STUDY–AT THE END OF THE TRAILShalom alechem from the Hub City (or as I’ve recently grown to call it–my new Rome!!)!!! Here’s trusting that you and yours are found blessed, well, and whole in EVERY area of your life today as the seasons both outside as well as in our lives once again change and our thoughts once again turns homebound bound towards His holy throne and eternal Kingdom that shall never end and that will be the future home of those who truly love and trust Him.I still gawk in disbelief that it’s already been around six months already since I took the leap of faith by my chinny-chin-chin to formally move from the Malta of two years that I lived at south of Floydada to Lubbock to serve as my new official home city and international headquarters. It hasn’t been easy by any means–and there’s still plenty of struggles I face that are still present as challenges that must be overcome (marginal homelessness and transportation challenges and problems being among them). But considering where I was at this same time last year, I now overall find myself in a similar position to another spiritual traveler that the physician Luke describes this way in the last 20 or so verses of the Book of Acts:Paul Arrives at Rome11 It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods[a] as its figurehead. 12 Our first stop was Syracuse,[b] where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed across to Rhegium.[c] A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers,[d] who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier.Paul Preaches at Rome under Guard17 Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. 18 The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. 19 But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. 20 I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”21 They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. 22 But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.”23 So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. 24 Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. 25 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,26 ‘Go and say to this people:When you hear what I say, you will not understand.When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.27 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand,and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’[h]28 So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”[i]30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense.[j] He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.It had been definitely a long journey for the Apostle Paul/Rav Shaul to finally get to the city gates of Rome–and not just in miles neither from his initial starting point in Jerusalem. Of course, his whole life up to that point from when he got struck blind on the road to Damascus and even the years right before that had basically been preparation for what now lied ahead for him in this new city. All you have to do is check out what he himself wrote to the church at Phillippi:Philippians 3:1-10 New Living TranslationThe Priceless Value of Knowing Christ 3 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters,[a] rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God[b] are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.[c] For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,…and also to the Believers at Corinth in his second epistle to them to get the full effect of how Paul/Shaul generally approached life up to that point in time…2 Corinthians 11 New Living TranslationPaul’s Many Trials 16 Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. 17 Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. 18 And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too. 19 After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! 20 You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. 21 I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that!But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.[c] 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?30 If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 31 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, who is worthy of eternal praise, knows I am not lying. 32 When I was in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas kept guards at the city gates to catch me. 33 I had to be lowered in a basket through a window in the city wall to escape from him.NOW this rockstar rabbi who was a disciple of the great Jewish sage Gamaliel and who would eventually become his Meshiach’s personal emissary to the Gentiles–THIS rabbi who went through so much as he approaches the Rome city limit sign finds THIS sight awaiting him at the city outskirts:Acts 28:11-15 New Living TranslationPaul Arrives at Rome 11 It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods[a] as its figurehead. 12 Our first stop was Syracuse,[b] where we stayed three days. 13 From there we sailed across to Rhegium.[c] A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers,[d] who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.ESPECIALLY make sure that you note verse here:Acts 28:11-15 New Living Translation Paul Arrives at Rome 15 The brothers and sisters[e] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[f] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[g] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.Those of us who have been on long journeys away from home usually find a sense of excitement, relief, and pleasure in either getting to the final destination we planned to go to and/or seeing the most familiar landmarks of our hometown after being gone from home for a long time. Paul by the longings of the Holy Spirit/Ruach Ha’Kodesh had been anticipating getting to Rome. Now here he was to a place he had never been before. How now would his thoughts and reactions be after so long a journey? And what does that have to do with this year’s Fall Biblical Festivals?If there’s one thing that’s self-evident about this time of years, it is what this same Apostle wrote to the church at Thessalonica:1 Thessalonians 4 New Living TranslationAgain, the Apostle admonished us–The Hope of the Resurrection 13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.Again, the Apostle admonished us–18 So encourage each other with these words. BUT WHAT, pray tell, MIGHT THOSE WORDS BE? And how might he after getting this far to the end of this particular trail be thinking and wanting to write about to the rest of his brethren throughout the known world at that time? In my humble opinion and analysis, here’s a quick short list of things he probably had on his mind upon seeing the city lights of Rome for himself for the first time in his life:(1.) He probably didn’t have it too far from his mind about what all it took just to get here in the first place. All those times he had to constantly run for his life and leave trusted friends and brethren behind suddenly without notice…Oh–he sure didn’t forget those people who whipped his back real good with a cat-of-nine-tails those 40 lashes save one. Times in prison, times he went cold and hungry; persecuted constantly by just about everyone and everything he knew because he dared to believe that Jesus/Y’shua was the Messiah and unashamedly proclaimed Him without compromise to the entire world. I’m sure those things were still pretty fresh on his mind as he looked out in the distance to the dominating Rome city water tower and skyline ahead of him.(2.) He remembered all the people and places he had encountered along the way. You probably wouldn’t blame him if he were still a bit steamed and soreheaded and desperata\ely desiring to give certain people a piece of his mind. BUTINSTEAD you’d probably be just as amazed to find out how easily he probably forgave all of those people who in the past did him wrong, left the judgment and results to his God, and hopefully entreated his God to open their eyes to these wrongs, come to repentance, and be reconciled to God.(3.) But even as he thought about those who did him wrong, his thoughts also probably turned towards all the saints and believers he met and got to know in all the places he was blessed to travel to through the years. He probably thought of brethren he remembered such as that Lydia in Thyrtira who took him into her home and graciously spent times of sweet fellowship with him and his traveling colleagues or those Berean brethren who received what he preached, took the time to give him a fair hearing, and examine the Scriptures themselves to see if the things Paul/Shaul told them were truly so.He also most likely thought of his compatriots such as Apollos and maybe even Peter himself that were also doing the exact same things he was doing (and whom Paul even dared to call on the carpet a time or two when Peter got a little offbase theologically on something). He kept in mind other standup folks he knew such as Priscilla and Aquila and also thst guy Epiphroditus who bent over backwards for him to see that Paul while he was in prison got all that he needed thanks in part to the supplies the Believers in Phillippi arranged to send him. Coming to the end of this particular trail was probably for Paul/Shaul not just for his own sake, but also for the sake of his most valued friends and partners who make the necessary sacrifices to help Paul get to his eventual destination. (4.) He would probably remind us of a similar time coming down the road for all of us that he wrote the Thessalonians about13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.He might also like to remind us that this life is not all there is. Just like Paul finally getting to Rome, he’ll probably tell you that there will be a time where we’ll also soon be going to a place that we all have never been before–but that will very much also feel like our final true home and destination. And when we finally get to THAT place, we’ll never have the desire ever again to leave, stray, or wander away …because at that time for us, there will NEVER truly be ANY place like THAT Home.(5.) Then Paul/Shaul would recommend that in the meantime while we wait for that opportunity to go to that final place, we first consider the advice he would have given to these same believers in Rome that he wrote to before he got here:Romans 12 New Living TranslationA Living Sacrifice to God 12 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[b] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.3 Because of the privilege and authority[c] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[d] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[e] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[f] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,”[g] says the Lord.20 Instead,“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”[h]21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.And then with a wistful smile and twinkle in his eye, he’d probably tell us–”And if you do these things, you will do well in pleasing the Master and in doing all the things He said and commanded us to do before He left us.”(6.) It would be at this juncture that Paul’s traveling companion and official physician Luke might jump in and remind us of something interesting about the way he specifically ended his account of the book of the Acts of the Apostles. “Have you noticed something about the way the Lord had me to END that book?” He’d especially try to point out with his finger the LAST two verses of Chapter 28:0 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense.[j] He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.We’d then clearly see for ourselves one big thing about the particular story about Paul/Shaul and the other Apostles. The book of Acts is written in such a way where there is NO CLEAR-CUT DEFINITIVE ENDING! IN FACT–the story STILL continues WITH ALL OF US…i.e.--the story hasn’t quite finished for us yet. After all of this, I think Paul/Shaul once he met the Roman brethren and entered the city gates for himself wouldn’t say that it was actually the END of his current journey–but only the BEGINNING! Then he’d probably turn around and say to us as he now officially starts his “contending in Rome” era–”Thank you, Lord, that You FINALLY got me here to this place. It’s definitely been worth every mile of the trip. Now, it’s showtime–time for me to get busy and get down to business and to work!”Just like it wasn’t the end of Paul’s story getting to Rome, so it is with our story pertaining to us. While we all await His final Glorious Appearing, let’s all remember during this Fall Feast season that His final overall redemption story for all mankind wil not for now en WITHOUT US involved in some way within it. Let us do our part while we still have time and opportunity to do so to make His Name famous in everything we do. That way, we’ll have no regrets when He finally lets us arrive in that place we’ve never been before…but that will serve as our final Ultimate Home and destination for the most ultimate of wedding suppertimes.Then as Paul gives us one last look before we part ways with him for now so that he can finally get settled here in Rome, he’d one more time reemphasize the following final reminder from our state department of highways:The Hope of the Resurrection13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[g] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died[h] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.May THAT day AND place come speedily–even in our own days…Wishing you all the best to you and yours during this special Fall Festival season in THAT Matchless Name of Him who is now helping me contend in my new Rome….Coy RHSPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1.) I’d especially like to ask those led to do so to join me in appropriate intercession and prayer not only for Israel and its people in its current state of war against both Hamas and Hesbollah, but also in particular those in East TN/western NC affected by the foods that were the result of Hurricane Helena. One of my cousins just happens to live in the Asheville area in a town that’s about seven miles north of Asheville proper. When I texted him immediately upon hearing about those floods, he told me that he himself was fine personally save for losing some of the back treeline around his property–but that there were a number of his neighbors and people trapped in their homes and still waiting for water, power, and cell service to come back on. He told me that overall the scene out that way was sheer devastation. I urge people that wish to help in the disaster relief efforts due to road closures still prevalent right now to consider monetary contributions to such organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Blessing, and Kenneth copeland Ministries who are usually very active in various relief efforts as these as you might be led to do so.(2,) Here's a friendly reminder from your state department of highways that you can still get your copies of all four of our current releases available through BSPOPP such as “Walking From Lockney to Jerusalem”, “A Message from Siberia”, “sowing In Tears”, and “A’Wise and A’Foolish In Canaan’s Land”. Keep in mind that a portion of the proceeds of the sales of all BSPOPP books after basic expenses are paid goes to help various restorative justice ministries stay financially strong and prepared for futrure ministry. You can get more detailed information on all of our current BSPOP releases at https://coyrhseatcbspm.wixsite.com/walking and also access our Amazon pages through our good friends at texashighplainswriters.com through their “member Books page tab. On the member books page, just simply click on to the picture there of “Walking From Lockney To Jerusalem” to jump immediately to all of our BSPOP book Amazon pages. (And please don’t dforget to consider patronizing some of our distinguished West Texas author colleagues while you’re there on the Texas High Plains Writers site…)(3.) We leave for you two different special Sukkot gifts this time…the first is actually a new song the Lord just happened to get me to write just now about our featured topic of today’s MAIN STUDY. The second is our latest photo just for you courtesy of the good folks at Circle J photography here in lubbock who we happened to recently encounter at the West Texas Small Business Summit that was held here in Lubbock just a few weeks ago. Enjoy and have a great Fall Holy Day season!!!AT THE END OF THE TRAIL Lyrics(Music:) Think Southern Gospel–along the lines of the the style of Jason Crabb and the Crabb Family) (Start the song a cappella on the first verse, then add instrumentation as you go along…)(Verse 1:) It’s been a long hard journey From Jerusalem to here I can’t believe I finally made it After all these many years The Lord so many years ago Said to me loud and clear This was the place I needed to go to To finish my race of years…(Chorus 1:) At the end of the trail In a place they once called Rome Is now where I find myself No longer wanting to roam As the city lights are calling me And summon me towards His throne To a place that I’ve never been But they say is just like home…(Verse 2:) To all the ones who caused me trouble And persecutions galore I say, “Father, please forgive them– They know not what they’ve done…” And for all my friends and partners Who helped me along the way It’s for their sake I got here And by his grace one thing seems clear…(Chorus 2:) At the end of the trail In a place they once called Rome The trials and tests I suffered Are now just memories It’s only by His grace that I survived And by His love He saw me through As I come closer finally Towards a place I might call home…(Bridge:) The city limits sign And the city lights all beckon me I throw down all my burdens And hug my loved ones so dear…(Chorus 3:) At the end of the trail In a place I’ve never been The shooting wars all are over I’m finally safely in His den It’s a feeling I’ve never had Since I don’t know when Here at the end of my trail In a place I now call home.{Final Ending:] It’s here I will finish my course And at this point I’ll stay At what is now the end of my trail At this place I now call home.(Repeat last two lines–then end by singing lines–”Lord, I’m home…I’m finally home…I’m home….I’m finally home…”)© October 3, 2024; music and lyrics originally written by Coy Reece Holley and property of Broken and Shattered Promises Online Publishing and Productions. All rights reserved.
BROKEN AND SHATTERED PROMISES MINISTRIES PROPOSED MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT, CORE BELIEFS STATEMENT, AND POTENTIAL PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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PROPOSED BSPM MISSION STATEMENT:
Years ago, my God in various ways has pointed out that above all else that I shall have three primary “life missions”--(A.) “...to be a voice for those who cannot speak at all, for those who are humble in heart and would prefer that I (that being the Almighty Father Himself) speak for them, and for those who cannot speak for one reason or another...”
(B.) That I am to be a bridge between different denominations, churches, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds and provide opportunities for all possible diverse groups to come together in Jesus/Yeshua’s name to participate in common causes and endeavors;
(C.) That I am to be a sort of “kinsman redeemer” of broken and shattered lives that have been damaged in some way by the devastating aftermath and consequences of violent crime
The main purposes of BSPM will HIGHLY reflect the above personal life purposes described above by promoting the common good of all of the communities that BSPM might serve and in the process ensure that His Holy Name is more adequately published and known to all and cause all men, women, and children that do not know Him and who have never truly heard His Voice to make the quality choice to make our God’s Son THEIR choice so that they can be reconciled spiritually and in all other possible ways to the Heavenly Father above who loves them so much through such things as: (1.) the creation of a ministry framework that will fully enable both Messianic Jewish and other Christian Sabbatarian-based groups to comfortably work SIDE-BY-SIDE and HAND-IN-HAND alongside other more orthodox evangelical Christian groups in common ministry endeavors to more effectively reach others for the Gospel/Good News of Jesus/Yeshua as the Savior/Meshiach of ALL;
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That the above would be primarily done via service to those affected in some fashion by the criminal justice system through what is called “restorative justice ministry” to all of the following groups in all places and areas where BSPM may serve--
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Prisoners and ex-offenders
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Families of prisoners
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Correctional officers and law enforcement officials
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Victims of violent crime (in particular, those affected by either domestic violence and/or sexual assault);
(3.) That all ministry efforts would be PRIMARILY focused evangelisticwise more on implementing fully the words of St. Francis of Assisi: “...Preach the Gospel at all times--and if necessary, use words.” [i.e.--the emphasis more on the “ministry of presence” and on evangelism via practical ACTIONS and efforts RATHER than on “hell, fire, and brimstone” sermons and “sawdust trail” altar calls]; focusing on making and developing LONG-TERM DISCIPLES of Jesus/Y’shua instead of just converts; and by making the yardsticks of measurement of the success/failure of all ministry efforts more on HOW any new disciple of Jesus/Yeshua grows and develops not only spiritually, BUT ALSO in ALL OTHER necessary life areas and THEN (more importantly) how they from there can pass on and teach the same things to others they have learned to others they know who are also in need of them) RATHER than on numbers of people who come down for altar calls for salvations and rededications
(4.) That the PRIMARY roles and purposes of the ministry of BSPM would be as follows--
(a.) To be a voice to the Church and Universal Body of Christ/Yeshua as well of the communities BSPM serves of the needs of those affected in some way by the criminal justice system;
(b.) To be a bridge between different denominations, churches, racial, ethnic, and other socioeconomic groups through the common causes and purposes of Christ/Yeshua and His Church in all communities and areas that BSPM may serve;
(c.) To assist in being an arm of the local Church that can serve as a “kinsman redeemer” of broken and shattered lives that have been damaged in some way by the devastating aftermath and consequences of violent crime
(II.) MINISTRY CORE BELIEFS STATEMENT
BSPM will operate as a faith-based ministry believing that the very God and Savior that we serve will be the SOLE provider for ALL of its needs WITHOUT any other government or other assistance, but instead believing Him for His divine provision for all financial and other resources through the generous offerings of His people in accordance to Mark 11:22 & 23. We plan to be a duly-incorporated 501(c)(3) evangelical Christian/Messianic/Sabbatarian ministry organization that will be Texas-based and properly operating in accordance to all necessary local, state, and federal laws and also appropriately accountable to a duly-established Board of Directors.
We believe that the concept of the Biblical “tithe” as established in Scripture reveals that the first and foremost financial obligation of any true believer in Jesus/Y’shua should be to their primary local congregation(s) and denominations that they may be active in and in which provide appropriate spiritual and other types of “feeding” to them and their families. Therefore, all contributions of any kind to BSPM will be received as offerings that we believe are sown out of the abundance of the believer above and beyond their primary obligations to their local congregations/study groups/etc. they may be a member of and are given primarily for the purpose to further assist the local church in ministering to the needs of those affected by the criminal justice system.
We also believe that in order for all who may wish to serve as an “active volunteer” with BSPM that some sort of basic framework within such operations of the ministry is necessary to insure comfortable coordination and collaboration amongst all fellow “active volunteers” (regardless of denomination and/or whether that particular volunteer may be lay or clergy) and also to see that the maximum amount possible of uniformity of service and quality of ministry efforts given by BSPM volunteers to those that we may minister to is appropriately provided to all regardless of race, marital status, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or other factors. We feel that this is necessary due to the fact that the specific nature of this ministry requires that any efforts that BSPM may pursue will usually happen in the midst of very dramatic crisis situations when potential strife and denominational conflicts amongst ministry volunteers will render such ministry efforts as completely ineffective and totally impossible.
We at BSPM insure such uniformity through the following policies and organizational structure:
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InJewish tradition, a prayer and/or congregational meeting cannot legally take place in accordance to what is called “halachah” unless a MINIMUM quorum of ten men are in attendance to said meeting. BSPM may not necessarily go that strictly with that halachic definition--but does plan to use that precedent as a basis for the governance of its affairs as a ministry organization through the requirement that its Board of Directors have NO LESS than 10 people (men and/or women that otherwise meet appropriate legal definitions and qualifications of being a Director may serve as will be defined by BSPM by-laws and articles of incorporation) at a time. Officers of said Board (as required by appropriate state and federal laws) upon initial incorporation will include a President/Executive Director, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer. Other offices may be later designated by the BSPM Board as might be necessary.
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BSPM will formally deliniate the formal definition of an active “ministry volunteer” as a believer in Jesus/Y’shua that has stated their formal agreement with the primary “core beliefs statement” as defined by the BSPM Board of Directors (to be defined later in this document) and who after all necessary initial training has been completed participates in at least ONE major ministry activity in ANY area IN PERSON in ANY ministry area per year.
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All ministry volunteers will be required before their formal participation in the ministry starts to sign a statement of their formal agreement with the core theological beliefs and principles of BSPM. This theological statement of Christian statement will include their willingness to conform and perform their assigned ministry duties under the direction of duly-designated ministry officials and also in line with the following statements of theological beliefs:
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13 Principles of Jewish Faith by the Jewish sage Maimonides
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The Nicene Creed
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An additional statement stating that the volunteer acknowledges the diversity of denominational, congregational, and church backgrounds of other BSPM ministry volunteers and that they will NOT be exclusivistic [i.e.--stating, implying, or acting in any shape or form that their church/congregation/etc. is the “ONLY True Church” established by Jesus/Y’shua and that all other churches that are NOT them are invalid representatives of Christ/Yeshua] in their conduct and practices towards other ministry volunteers and clients they may serve and that their beliefs and actions during their participation in any BSPM ministry activity will not otherwise conflict with the basic principles of the evangelical Christian/Messianic faith
(III.) POSSIBLE BSPM MINISTRY THRUSTS AND PROGRAMS
As our God may lead this ministry to do so, BSPM will attempt to fulfill its call and ministry on behalf of the Body of Christ/Yeshua to those affected by the criminal justice system through the creation and implementation of five primary major ministry programs and platforms:
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“PRISONERS OF HOPE” (BSPM PRISONERS/EX-OFFENDERS/PRISONER FAMILIES PROGRAM)
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SOLEMN ASSEMBLIES (BSPM version of weekend prison crusades/revivals)
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IN-PRISON WEEKEND SPECIAL SEMINARS in the style similar to that of “A Walk To Emmaus” and Kairos including (but not limited to) these potential topics):
(a.) “Walking From Lockney To Jerusalem” (initial seminar focused on learning how to live a life of faith that would be pleasing to our Savior)
(b.) “A Message From Siberia” (a seminar primarily focused on recovery from past traumatic situations and finding the true freedom that only our Messiah can provide)
(c.) “Servant Dating” (a seminar primarily focused on how to pursue dating and courtship relationships “after the storm” and after you have recovered from the past situations that have haunted you)
(d.) “A’Wise And A’Foolish In Canaan’s Land” (a seminar for more established believers in Jesus/Y’shua that want to go deeper into the Word of God and be more effective witnesses and disciples for Him)
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FRESH START PROGRAM--BSPM version of the “Welcome Back” program conducted by 1st Baptist Church in Huntsville in which volunteers meet offenders that are about to be released from our area prison units at the bus station before they go home on the Greyhound bus (in Plainview’s case--the Fast Stop convienence store at I-27 and US 70) and help them celebrate their release from prison and their fresh start in life as they journey back home by blessing them with special gifts before their departure and offering to pray over them about any concerns they may have before going back home and providing any referrals to appropriate ministries we are aware of to contact that might assist them upon their arrival back home
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BSPM will also sow to other prison ministries we are aware of that may be doing their own crusade/revival efforts in the Plainview/Tulia area as we are able to do so through financial and/or other assistance in paying for their crusade/revival expenses [(Ex.) Food, lodging, gas, transportation, other urgent needs] as our way of extending Christian hospitality to those coming in from out-of-town and helping reduce the overall expenses of both individual volunteers as well as ministry officials of conducting such crusades while allowing ministry volunteers and especially those offenders inside those units to know that there are people within the Body of Christ/Y’shua in the Plainview/Tulia area that are supporting their efforts from start to finish and give ownership to the members and clergy of our churches of the mission efforts going on in our area prison units.
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“CENTERIONS” (BSPM CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS PROGRAM)
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CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS--(a.) Coordination with the Plainview Training Academy in the implementation of programs to help new COs currently in training
(b.) (in conjunction with the in-prison SOLEMN ASSEMBLIES) Special in-prison activities in which ministry volunteers serve the COs in some fashion as appreciation for their valuable role within the criminal justice system as may be allowed by the Unit Warden and his/her administration [(Ex.) Special cookouts, water/beverage distribution for on-duty COs, etc.]
(c.) Peer-To-Peer Support Groups--Opportunities for former COs and/or law enforcement officials to minister to their brethren and help support them and make them more effective employees of TDCJ and/or other law enforcement entity they may serve
(2.) POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT--Creation of a coordinated local ministry program for all law enforcement entities [(Ex.) City police, county sheriffs, DPS, etc.] in which lay and clergy alike would be available at a moment’s notice as needed to ride along and/or assist law enforcement officials in serving those on their beat in crisis situations (especially in helping those in distress with practical needs that other entities and/or law enforcement cannot do on their own) and would through the “ministry of presence” as needed also be available to minister as needed to any needs that the employees/officers of such law enforcement entities may require that members and/or clergy of area churches can adequately assist in meeting
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“COMING HOME” (BSPM CRIME VICTIMS PROGRAM)
(1.) SPECIAL WEEKEND SEMINARS similar to those offered in prison to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault who are still in the safe house in the style similar to that of “A Walk To Emmaus” and Kairos including (but not limited to) these potential topics):
(a.) “Walking From Lockney To Jerusalem” (initial seminar focused on learning how to live a life of faith that would be pleasing to our Savior)
(b.) “A Message From Siberia” (a seminar primarily focused on recovery from past traumatic situations and finding the true freedom that only our Messiah can provide)
(c.) “Servant Dating” (a seminar primarily focused on how to pursue dating and courtship relationships “after the storm” and after you have recovered from the past situations that have haunted you)
(d.) “A’Wise And A’Foolish In Canaan’s Land” (a seminar for more established believers in Jesus/Y’shua that want to go deeper into the Word of God and be more effective witnesses and disciples for Him)
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Appropriate collaboration and cooperation with the Crisis Center of the Plains and other appropriate entities in regards to any needs their clients might have through mobilization of the resources of all local area churches available to help meet those needs
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Crisis program in conjunction with local law enforcement to assist crime victims deal with their immediate situation and assist thevvictim practically and spiritually in their recovery from the violation of their personal rights and property
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“BRIDGEBUILDERS” (BSPM VICTIM/OFFENDER MEDIATION/DIALOGUE PROGRAM) (a victim-initiated program in conjunction with TDCJ Victim Services that aims to reconcile the relationship between the victim and offender, help the offender take responsibility for his/her actions, and assist the victim in the process of extending Biblically-mandated forgiveness to the offender and subsequently in their personal recovery from the actions of the one who offended them)
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“WATCHMAN ON THE WALL” (BSPM PUBLIC AND MEDIA AWARENESS PROGRAM)
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Periodic BSPM Ministry E-Newsletters (usually around the times of Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread, Rosh HaShanah/Yom Kippur/Sukkot, and Hanukkah)
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Broken and Shattered Promises Online Publishing (both literary and music) [3 different books currently out now on Amazon--”Walking From Lockney To Jerusalem”, “A Message From Siberia”, and “A’Wise And A’Foolish In Canaan’s Land”; other potential titles to be made available as they come out]
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“Long Walk Home” (an effort to raise media and public awareness and attention of the needs of prisoners, ex-offenders, families, correctional officers, law enforcement officials, and crime/domestic violence/sexual assault victims via a special walk home from either Huntsville, Austin, and/or other suitable location)
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"Days of Awe Rally” (a special weekend event held either at Bulldog Stadium and/or Hutcherson Center around the time between Rosh HaShanah/Yom Kippur that would gather all area churches together for the purpose of calling attention to the needs of those affected by the criminal justice system and empowering and mobilizing believers and churches to help make a difference in ministering in the area of “restorative justice ministry” to all affected groups)
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“Maccabean Miracles”--BSPM’s version of the “Angel Tree” program centered around the Jewish festival of Hanakkuh to minister to the needs of children and families of all directly affected by the criminal justice system in some fashion
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“Captives Of Zion” (Ps. 126)--International restorative justice ministry designed primarily to attempt to be a blessing to the nation of Israel by assisting them in ministering to the needs of those affected by the Israeli criminal justice system in non-offensive and appropriate ways to the Israeli people