Buff Bay Bulletin

SPRING
2011
The Anzardo’s

Grow Up!
“But grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and
This main pillar of our ministry was
Savior Jesus Christ. To him
be the glory both now and
In our time we have been discussing
to the day of eternity.
Amen. ”
The goal of every Christian ought to
be to grow in the grace and knowledge of
our Lord, Jesus Christ. A key aspect of this
growth is to mature as followers of Christ, to
become disciples of our Lord. This is one of
our goals and main pursuits. For indeed, the
Great Commission of Christ is not simply to
see cards signed for Jesus, or aisles walked,
but disciples made to the glory of God! The
goal is that these disciples may be equipped
to live in light of God’s grace and share it
with others so that more would be made
disciples of Jesus Christ.
from 50-60 people coming out on a Sunday
greatly enhanced in February by teams from
New York and South Carolina. The groups
coordinated their efforts and, over two weeks,
met every night with church members for the
sole purpose of building up the saints that
they may grow in grace and knowledge of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This effort,
by God’s grace, stands as a watershed
moment for the church in Buff Bay!
Since the teams have left, we have
continued to meet once a week for a lesson
and then discussion in small groups. I have
assumed the responsibility of writing the
curriculum, which has been a great learning
experience and a challenge even in my own
walk with the Lord. The church folks often
comment about the value of our Sunday night
time together. Not only are their comments
evidencing deeper understanding of the
Word, but the fact that we have anywhere
night says it all! Just as a reference, before
the discipleship groups began, a Sunday night
would average 15-20 people.
and thinking about what it means to be a
“Disciplined Disciple.” Although the best
format for the evening is still being thought
through for the groups, we have been greatly
encouraged. The fellowship alone has been
sweet and refreshing as people are
connecting with each other, sharing their
lives, and encouraging one another in their
walks with Christ. Moreover, the excitement
that we have as a church as we are learning
the Scriptures together is invigorating.
We are growing up; are you?

If you are willing to support this ministry, please complete this form to send with your gift.

Support the Name: ________________________ Church: ________________________

ministry in Buff
Please add me to an email list for Jamaica ministry updates. Email: ________________________
Yes, I would like to make a tax deductible financial donation
One-time gift
Bay, Jamaica Continuing gift (per month/per year)
*All gifts are payable to The Great Commission Fellowship for Jamaica ministry
at Ocean City Baptist Church 603 10th Street Ocean City, NJ 08226

“And so, from the day
we heard, we have not
ceased to pray for
you…”
Pray with us for:
1. Vision and Renewed Strength
Please pray that God continues to give
us a clear vision for the various
ministries as our time here progresses.
Also pray that God supplies a renewed
strength to pursue these goals with
wisdom, passion, and enthusiasm.

2. Upcoming Time in the States

Pray that the weeks in the States will be
refreshing spiritually as well as
Life is about to change forever, again. When Kirsten and I got married a colleague of
relationally as we spend quality time
with family, friends, and visit supporting
churches.
On or around July 13th we are expecting our lives to be changed forever with the arrival
3. Parenting and Life Transitioning
Thus far, Kirsten and the baby are
growing well. Please pray for
continued strength and health for both.
Also pray that God prepares our hearts
and minds to raise this child in the
We will be heading up to New Jersey in just a few weeks and will be there until the baby is
nurture and admonition of the Lord.
4. Youth Fellowship
Several structural and ministerial
adjustments have been put in place and
are benefiting the youth fellowship as a
whole. Please continue to pray that
God grows these young believers more
into the image of Christ and that God
draws the unbelievers to Himself in
saving faith.
For weekly updates,
pictures, and more visit
our blog at
www.theanzardoblog.blogspot.com
Fundamental Change
mine told me that marriage brings about a “fundamental” change in life. In other words, from
the bottom to the top life looks different. This is not to say this is bad, for it is a great change and
a change we whole-heartedly endorse! However, there are more changes just around the bend.
of our first child. The last report we gave to you, Kirsten looked normal, and the idea of having
a child was still very theoretical. However, time for theories are over! As Kirsten gets bigger and
bigger, in her cute pregnant way, the reality of being parents is bearing down on us. We are
gearing up for this next phase while trying to enjoy the process. We spend time feeling little
kicks and movements, talking to Kirsten’s belly, and daydreaming over ultrasound pictures.
born. Then, after the paperwork, check-ups, and recovery we will return to Buff Bay. We are
excited to have a new addition to our family. We are also excited about how God will show
himself to us in new ways as parents and how He will use us in this role in the ministry.
Ministry Minutes
As previously mentioned, one of the greatest encouragements in the ministry is the
discipleship program on Sunday evenings. Church members who have greeted each other for
years are beginning to build deep, meaningful relationships with one another as we seek to live
out the Gospel as one body. Similarly, Jon’s What is a Healthy Church Member? class is
growing into service in the church. Several of these new members are now active participants in
various ministries of the church. They remain hungry for God’s Word and are seeking to live out
their faith in practical ways, building up the local body as well as reaching out in the community
of Buff Bay. Please continue to pray that God strengthens and gives understanding to the
church members and guides Jon and Pastor Allen as they teach and guide the groups each
week.
Youth Fellowship remains one of our main focuses in ministry, and we have begun to
challenge the leaders to increase their involvement. Recently, Damion taught the night’s lesson
on what it means to be committed to God’s Word; he did a great job. God clearly has been
working in his life and enabling him to share his faith clearly with others. Be in prayer for the
leaders and for us as we share the Gospel with the young people of Buff Bay and strive to
guide young believers deeper in their understanding of who God is.
The students in Kirsten’s reading class in Mount Vernon are progressing in their ability to
read and comprehend material, but there is still much work that needs to continue. Pray that
God softens the hearts and opens the minds of these children to their need for the Savior. Also,
continue praying for her Bible study with high school girls. The two faithful girls demonstrate
changed lives and a passion for God’s Word. They are a blessing and encouragement to us!
From February until now, teams from various churches have come to serve the community
here and have blessed us and many others with their passion for Christ and others. From
outdoor evangelism to discipleship classes to VBS to soccer tournaments, these visiting teams
have faithfully and enthusiastically share the love of God with the Jamaican people. We are
grateful for what God has taught us in the process and trust that God will continue to move in the
hearts of those who have been exposed to the Gospel.