MAY MINISTRY UPDATE: THE JOURNEY IS GROWINGMay was filled with new opportunities, new partnerships, evangelism trainings, mission preparation, and countless Gospel conversations. It’s been exciting watching God continue opening doors through GoodNews Journey as we move forward with the vision of seeing 50K trained, 7K sent, and 100K saved. We’re incredibly thankful for everyone praying, giving, encouraging, and serving alongside us.
🎓 FBC CANTON BACCALAUREATE
One of the unique opportunities this month was speaking at a large Baccalaureate service hosted by First Baptist Church in Canton, Texas. The room was packed with graduates, family members, and friends as we challenged seniors to let their futures be driven by Jesus and His Cause. We talked about investing their lives in knowing Jesus and making Him known. It was an honor to be trusted with that moment, and we’re excited that the event also opened doors for conversations with that church about future mission partnerships with GoodNews Journey.
⛪ NEW HOPE BAPTIST – MUSKOGEE
This month we led an evangelism at New Hope Baptist Church in Muskogee. We walked through our CORE, GROW, and DEFEND trainings focused on Gospel strategy, discipleship multiplication, and responding confidently to tough questions about Christianity. Pastor Don Blankenship has been a longtime friend, and it was encouraging seeing the church so engaged and encouraged throughout the training. I also began a new coaching relationship with their youth pastor to help their ministry in the area of Gospel Advancing Ministry.
🌎 7TH & MAIN BAPTIST – BONHAM, TX
We also had the opportunity to equip around 50 mission trip participants at 7th & Main Baptist Church before they head to Honduras this summer. We focused on the Missionary Task and practical Gospel conversations through our GOODNEWS Training. One of the exciting parts of the trip was connecting with another church in that area that is interested in GoodNews Journey and future mission opportunities. It continues to be amazing watching how one connection often leads to another.
🔥 FBC LONE GROVE
We wrapped up the month with another evangelism training at FBC Lone Grove. We focused on practical Gospel strategy and Gospel confidence while helping people think through how to naturally engage people in spiritual conversations. It’s always encouraging hearing stories from churches that are actively trying to build a culture of evangelism.
🍽️ JUVENILE CENTER MINISTRY
Every week we continue spending time at the Juvenile Center teaching Scripture, answering questions, and sharing the Gospel with students. This month several teenage boys made decisions to place their faith in Christ. Many of these students are incredibly sincere, grateful, and hungry for truth. It’s powerful watching students realize they are not forgotten by God and that Jesus can completely change their future.
🤝 YOUTH MINISTRY NETWORKS + CONNECTIONS
This month also included participating in a Youth Ministry Network gathering with leaders in the Eastern Oklahoma Country area. These meetings are always encouraging because they allow us to collaborate on ministry events while also building relationships that create future opportunities for Gospel Advancing partnerships and training.
🎤 PREACHING + HOME CHURCH MINISTRY
This month included opportunities to preach three times at The Road @ Choctaw and once at The Road @ McLoud. Ministry at Choctaw Road continues to move forward in exciting ways as preparations are underway for Falls Creek, Camp Edge, Senior Trip, and a busy summer of student ministry. One of the most encouraging things right now is consistently seeing students place their faith in Christ on Wednesday nights. This part of the OKC metro area continues to be incredibly fertile ground for the Gospel.
🌍 MISSIONS + SUMMER PREPARATION
Summer mission preparation is officially in full swing. This month included multiple Zoom calls, conference calls, planning meetings, and logistics conversations with missionaries, ministry leaders, and GoodNews Journey coordinators as we prepare for teams to launch.
Candace continues doing an amazing job serving as our Ministry Support Coordinator. She has been busy handling flights, transportation logistics, communication, registrations, mission trip shirts, and so many of the behind-the-scenes details that help keep everything moving forward smoothly. Her hard work and organization are a huge blessing to GoodNews Journey, and we are incredibly thankful for all she does. She’s also been helping design and coordinate shirts for our mission teams and ministry events, so if you’d like one, let us know!
We also hosted a Gospel Advancing coaching call this month where we unpacked key lessons from the Energize Conference while also stopping to pray together for God to move powerfully through ministries this summer.
✈️ SUMMER MISSION TEAMS
• Alaska 1 (June 9-16) – 17 team members
• Denver (June 20-27) – 15 team members
• Portugal 1 (July 10-20) – 16 team members
• Portugal 2 (July 21-28) – 13 team members
• Kenya, Africa (July 27-August 7) – 12 team members
• Alaska 2 (July 28-August 4) – 13 team members
• Guatemala (September 3-8) – TBD (probably 5-10 team members)
We’re also actively planning future projects in Mexico and Santa Cruz, California, one of the most spiritually lost cities in America. We truly believe God is just getting started, and we are excited to continue building and expanding these mission opportunities in the years ahead.
If you or your church would be interested in serving on a future mission trip, visit goodnewsjourney.org/missions and reach out to us!
🙏 PERSONAL + FAMILY MOMENTS
One especially meaningful opportunity this month was speaking at Aunt Helga’s funeral. It was a privilege to honor her life, encourage family members, and clearly share the hope of the Gospel with many relatives and friends.
🏕️ LOOKING AHEAD
As we move into June, we would especially appreciate prayer for two youth camps where Brian will be preaching this summer. The first is
Summit Camp at Kiamichi Baptist Association in Talihina, Oklahoma (June 1-5), followed by
Grand Lake Assembly in Grove, Oklahoma (June 22-26). Please pray for students to be saved, believers to be strengthened, and for long-term Gospel impact in the lives of students and leaders.
❤️ JOIN THE MISSION
Thank you for praying, encouraging, giving, and believing in what God is doing through GoodNews Journey. Your partnership helps equip believers, strengthen churches, mobilize mission teams, and create opportunities for people to hear the Gospel both locally and around the world.
GIVE HERE 👉 https://goodnewsjourney.org/give/
Thank you again for being part of this mission!
-Brian and Candace
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