introduction and update

Greetings Brethren,

Thanks for taking a few moments to let me tell you about a new Blog which is designed to serve the purpose of assisting churches while serving the cause of missions and international ministries to the glory of God. Often, it seems that genuine churchmen who diligently serve the local church with great passion for the glory of God are somewhat befuddled when it comes to missions, or international ministries.  On the other hand, and perhaps even worse, because of a lack of training or exposure to international ministries, are happy to let someone else in the church lead what should be a vital concern to the pastor.  And of course, sometimes there has been just too much history in the mission’s ministry of the church that it is simply “safer” to let things be.

Whatever the reason, I am convinced that there is a profound and pervasive need for pastoral participation and leadership in international ministries. On the other hand, it may be that some mission leaders and international workers who are energized by the great commission are not churchmen.  The love Christ and are deeply committed to His cause, but somehow or for some reason, they do not have the same passion for the local church as both the means and the end of the work of taking the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth. Admittedly, these are provocative words.  But many, many, pastors and international workers of my acquaintance agree that the need to carefully and objectively evaluate and adjust our missiology is essential, even critical, in light of the greatness of our Lord’s commission and the opportunities and challenges of today’s world.  Moreover, my understanding of Scripture, my experience in pastoral and international ministries, and participation in seminary education, all lead me to the conviction that the Lord Jesus Christ mandates the need for greater synergy between the local church and the preaching of the gospel to the uttermost (last, most distant, or extreme) part of the earth.  (Acts 1:

Please use this blog to ask questions, request resources, raise topics for discussion, and even express frustrations—but all for the purpose of growing in our proactive embrace of the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to His church! So, please save the address:  http://missionsblogspot.blogspot.com/ Note that there is a transition underway to http://missioncrossroads.wordpress.com/.

Participate often, and do pass the address along to anyone who might be interested! If I may be of any service to you, or your church or ministry, please contact me at missioncrossroads@earthlink.net, or call at 501.776.3211.  (For those who may be interested, some personal information is included below in a PS)

Thanks so much for your time!

Warmly in Christ,

Pat  Howell

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A Family Update:

The Howell’s are spread out these days with Pat and Cathy in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Becca is pursuing a Master’s degree in Literature at Clemson University in South Carolina, and Elizabeth is finishing her senior year at the Master’s College in southern California.  Lord willing, she will graduate in May with a degree in Communications and Music.  She is the student producer of the college’s Christmas Concerts this year.  We are very proud of both our girls!  And we are eagerly looking forward to the Christmas season when we will rendezvous here in Little Rock and enjoy some time together!

We have been in Little Rock for just over a month and beginning to adapt to our new surroundings.  We have been encouraged by the slower pace and general friendliness of the people. Pat continues working with Biblical Ministries Worldwide and IFCA International.  But, his work has expanded to include The Bible Church of Little Rock and The Expositors Seminary. We are just beginning to become acquainted with the folks of The Bible Church of Little Rock.  BCLR is a church of about 800 folks and we are pleased to be here.  We are especially happy to reunite in ministry with Lance and Beth Quinn, with whom we served at Grace Community Church in the 1990’s.  Our primary responsibilities include strengthening the international ministries focus of BCLR, a church that has a long-standing and deep devotion to missions.

The development of The Expositors Seminary is underway and Lord willing, we anticipate beginning classes in September of 2007.  Pat is working closely with Dr. George Zemek, serving as Assistant to the Academic Dean.  They are preparing for the launch of the seminary in the fall of 2007.  (Dr. Zemek was Pat’s favorite professor when he was a student at The Masters Seminary in the 1990’s).  Pat will also be teaching at The Expositors Seminary. Finally, would you please pray that our house in California would sell?  We left for Little Rock with the understanding that the house was sold, all the papers signed, etc., only to learn two days later that a problem arose with our buyer’s buyer.  At any rate, we are still homeowners in southern California and we really do need that house to sell in order to secure our living arrangements here!  So, your prayers for the soon and certain sale of our house are greatly appreciated!  Thanks very much.

Very Warm Regards in Christ, 

Pat Howell