Peter tells us in the book that bears his name: “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (2 Peter 1:10 ESV). On a hot summer’s night in 1965, with my dad by my side, I knelt at the altar of Fairview Bible Baptist Church in Morristown, TN and repented of my sins and made the Lord Jesus the Lord of my life. I am sure that I have truly been born again! On the afternoon of April 24, 1992, I got down on my knees and surrendered to my Lord’s call on my life to do the work of the New Testament evangelist. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that my Lord called me, and I responded in faith! Why? He does not want anybody to die and live forever in hell! The Lord Jesus states in Matthew 18:14 (ESV) “So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
One of the greatest joys of my life is to be able to serve alongside Pastor John Rogers and the laity of Beulah Baptist Church in Mohawk, TN as they take the gospel into the public schools via the First Priority Bible Clubs! Over the past 19 years, we have personally witnessed several thousand students repent of their sins and make Jesus the Lord of their young lives! Thanks to your gifts to this work of evangelism, we have provided excellent follow-up materials and new Bibles to each student who has a need. They have all that they need to get started in their new walk with their Lord.
This past month Pastor John took me to Glenwood School in Greeneville, TN. This is an alternative school for boys and girls who have experienced unfortunate things in the public school. A special thank you to Principal Garland and Teacher Beth for hosting us. This is a new chapter of First Priority. Mrs. Polly Michalenko, a member of Beulah Baptist Church, works here and she received a clear call from her Lord to start this new work for her Lord! This happens when Christian people sit under a Bible believing and preaching pastor like Pastor John Rogers.
I gave each student the book Touchpoints for Students which addresses the topics that young people today are grappling with. It voices questions that they ask, and it answers them Biblically! Six students hung on my every word as we discussed suicide and their body. It was very clear to me that these precious boys and girls desperately needed the TRUTH! I closed out our discussion with the plan of salvation using the More Life tract. One young lady checked on her decision card that she prayed with me to be born again! We gave each student a new Bible and a New Believer’s New Testament. Teacher Beth took several Touchpoints for Students with her to her room to give to students who she knows are in desperate need of guidance. This is where God’s people need to be with His message of everlasting hope and love!
I was also blessed this past month to serve alongside Pastor Charles Brewer of Lebanon Baptist Church in Talbott, TN. It has been a joy to be able to assist him for many years in other places. Pastor Charles deeply desires to be a balanced Bible believing pastor! He had me to do a soul winning clinic here two years ago and he is still seeing “spiritual fruit” from it! The Sunday morning message was Spiritual Maturity: The Abundant Life Is A Mature Life (2 Peter 3:18). A dear lady came forward during the public invitation and stated: “I have been in this church all of my life. The message this morning moved me. Today, I am rededicating my life to my Lord.” On Sunday night, my Lord had me to deliver the message Our Adversary the Devil (1 Peter 5:8-9). One dear lady came to the altar and stayed there for a long time! The chairman of deacons asked if anyone had anything to say before the church dismisses. One dear Christian man said: “Every church in America should hear the two messages we heard in our church today.” Another committed Christian man stated: “When Brother Jeff is here, you can just feel the love of the Lord coming through him.”
Please pray passionately as I will be assisting Pastor John Rogers this Friday morning at the First Priority Bible Club of Westview Middle School in Morristown, TN. This is the fourth week of the new year and Pastor John said that they need to hear a clear presentation of the gospel! Next Sunday I will be assisting Pastor Geren Street of First Baptist Church in Roane Mountain, TN. Then, I will be back there on Thursday night, Oct. 24. I assisted Pastor Geren several months ago by divine appointment, and we really heard from the living God! He not only wants me to share the gospel, but to begin equipping the people that he shepherds in sharing their faith.
JESUS is coming soon, and I want to be in the HARVEST fields winning spiritually lost people to Him! Thank you, with all of my heart, for standing with this soul winner! I love you!
For Souls Forever In Heaven,
Jeffrey L. Harvel
Revelation 20:15
Jeff Harvel 