Making a Difference

Incase the other one didn't work! Underwood Family Portrait 2!

2010-04-19T21:29:00.001-04:00

Underwood Family Portrait

2010-04-19T21:04:00.001-04:00

Stephen 26, Ashlee 25, and Peyton 17m

Big Three This Week!

2010-04-17T21:52:00.001-04:00

Seeking the Applause of Men

2010-04-17T09:23:00.001-04:00

I can be so guilty of seeking the acceptance and applause of men, that I often forget that my life is to please and glorify God!

Every fruit, and every good work I can do, is solely due to the work Christ has and is doing through me.

Are you guilty of having more fear of men than you have for the Lord?

Do you stand in awe, and reverence of men? Or do you fear, stand in awe of, and reverence the God of Heaven?

Who do you exalt in your life?

Why do you do, what you do?

True discipleship of the Lord revolves around seeking God's kingdom.

It is not seeking respect, reverence, or acceptance of man.

On the same note; are you one to push others to be more concerned with pleasing you? Your endeavors? Your goals? Or do you push, encourage, and challenge others to please the Lord? It is not something that we knowingly, or consciously do; but we can be so consumed with being "the man" or the one in charge, that we forget that our influence on others can almost over power our desire to see others grow toward Christ and not us.

Does Christ take up a slot on a list of things within our lives? Or is Christ the center of your life? Does your life revolve around Christ? or does He make up a small percentage of your daily life?

Stephen Underwood

Big Three This Week!

2010-04-10T21:41:00.001-04:00

What Oprah says about our Savior!

2010-04-05T22:38:00.001-04:00

</object>

So many Americans exalt her as a heroine, and so many are blinded by Satan's lies! Psalm 12:8 says it best . . . "The wicked walk on every side when the vilest men are exalted."

Stephen Underwood

Peyton's Second Easter!

2010-04-04T23:29:00.001-04:00

Wonderful Resurrection Weekend!

2010-04-04T21:48:00.001-04:00

I want to start by thanking my Savior, Jesus Christ for His wonderful grace! I am so unworthy of it, but He gives it so freely, and willingly! It's so good to know, that I know the Lord!

I was very excited to visit, and have lunch with my parents in Dalton yesterday afternoon. I was much more excited to have an opportunity to visit with my brother, and hear him testify of his salvation! I cannot tell you how long I have worried and wondered about his eternal state.

We sat, and talked for a while about the things of God, our security in the Lord, and our eternal destiny! I was able to explain to him that salvation has nothing to do with our works, but the finished work of Christ. He agreed as he shared with me his experience accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior!

Later, we (Ashlee, Peyton, and I) visited with Ashlee's family in Chattanooga, TN for a couple of hours. They enjoyed the time with Peyton much more than the time with us, but we got to tag along anyway! Always good to visit the in-laws. . .

On our way home, we stopped briefly at Ashlee's mom's to visit her before it got too late. It's so encouraging to hear the testimony of her family, and how the Lord is working in the lives of each of them. I believe that the Lord will continue to use our desire to serve the Lord on the mission field, to work in the hearts of our families!

My prayer is that Jesus' name will be exalted among the unreached, but also among our friends and family here in the United States.

Stephen Underwood

Big Three Easter Week!

2010-04-04T20:51:00.001-04:00

Our Heart Our Desire

2010-04-03T20:18:00.001-04:00

Posted via web from stephenunderwood's posterous

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord!

2010-04-03T20:01:00.001-04:00

Begin forwarded message:

From: Stephen Underwood <underwood@bcwe.org>
Date: April 3, 2010 7:58:03 PM EDT
To: bigdon88@earthlink.net
Subject: one more

Stephen Underwood
http://stephenunderwood.posterous.com/
underwood@bcwe.org

Blessed Be The Name by Vision Baptist Church
Download now or listen on posterous

Blessed Be The Name.mp3 (5786 KB)

Stephen Underwood

Excited about the Lord working!

2010-03-28T20:56:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to give praise to God for how He is working in our family! It's so amazing to see the Lord bless us, and continue to show Himself mightier than the "economic declination." As most of you have been faithful to pray for us and Ashlee's employment; you know that she has been offered a job! She is very excited to be starting tomorrow as a manager of a Sally's Beauty Supply! She has retail management experience, and she is confident that she will enjoy her new job.

Also, I have a friend that the Lord has placed me with through my employment, that I have had several opportunities to present the gospel to. After many weeks of asking, and scheduling, and inviting to church; we are meeting tomorrow for lunch, with the intensions of talking about his eternal destiny. God is using me at my job, and I am excited to see Him working in and through me!

Please pray for the Underwood family, that the Lord will continue to work, and that we would continue to grow and be conformed to the image of Christ! It is so encouraging to see opportunities that the Lord is placing in front of us unfold before our very eyes! There is truly no better place, than in the very center of God's perfect will!

Your companion in labor,

Stephen Underwood

Big Three This Week!

2010-03-27T23:34:00.001-04:00

A NURSE'S HEART ATTACK EXPERIENCE (PLEASE READ)

2010-03-24T23:41:00.001-04:00

This was sent to me via email from my wife's aunt, a neo-natal nurse at Erlanger East! She is very good at what she does, and if she tells me it is important, I trust that it is...

Pass it on when you're done!

Did you know that women rarely experience the "classic" symptoms that men have with heart attacks? Every women needs to read this to be informed and aware of how different your symptoms could be. It could save your life or you could help save someone else's life.

This has been passed on from an ER nurse and is the best description of this event that she had ever heard. Please read, pay attention, and send it on!

FEMALE HEART ATTACKS

I was aware that female heart attacks are different, but this is the best description I've ever read.

Women and heart attacks (Myocardial Infarction). Did you know that women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have when experiencing heart attack.... you know, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest and dropping to the
floor that we see in the movies. Here is the story of one woman's experience with a heart attack..

I had a heart attack at about 10:30 p.m. with NO prior exertion, NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might've brought it on. I was sitting all snugly & warm on a cold evening, with my purring cat in my lap, reading an interesting story my friend had sent me, and
actually thinking, 'A-A-h, this is the life, all cozy and warm in my soft, cushy Lazy Boy with my feet propped up.

A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you've been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel like you've swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion
and it is most uncomfortable.. You realize you shouldn't have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly and this time drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. This was my initial sensation---the only trouble was that I hadn't
taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m.

After it seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up my SPINE (hind-sight, it was probably my aorta spasming), gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR).

This fascinating process continued on into my throat and branched out into both jaws. 'AHA!! NOW I stopped puzzling about what was happening -- we all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of an MI happening, haven't we? I said aloud
to myself and the cat, 'Dear God, I think I'm having a heart attack!' I lowered the footrest dumping the cat from my lap, started to take a step and fell on the floor instead. I thought to myself, if this is a heart attack, I shouldn't be walking into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else ... but, on the other hand, if I don't, nobody will know that I need help, and if I wait any longer I may not be able to get up in moment.

I pulled myself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the next room and dialed 911 (the Paramedics). I told her I thought I was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into my jaws. I didn't feel hysterical or afraid, just stating the facts. She said she was sending the Paramedics over immediately, asked if the front door was near to me, and if so, to unbolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in. I unlocked the door and then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness, as I don't remember the medics coming in, their examination, lifting me onto a gurney or getting me into their ambulance, or hearing the call they made to St. Jude ER on the way, but I did briefly awaken when we arrived and saw that the Cardiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull my stretcher out of the ambulance. He was bending over me asking questions (probably something like 'Have you taken any medications?'') but I couldn't make my mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer, and nodded off again, not waking up until the Cardiologist and partner had already threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery into the aorta and into my heart where they installed 2 side by side stents to hold open my right coronary artery.

I know it sounds like all my thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the Paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call, and both the fire station and St. Jude are only minutes away from my home, and my
Cardiologist was already to go to the OR in his scrubs and get going on restarting my heart (which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and the procedure) and installing the stents.

Why have I written all of this to you with so much detail? Because I want all of you to know what I learned first hand.

1. Be aware that something very different is happening in your body.

Not the usual men's symptoms but inexplicable things happening (until my sternum and jaws got into the act). It is said that many more women than men die of their first (and last) MI because they didn't know they were having one and commonly mistake it as indigestion, take
some Maalox or other anti-heartburn preparation and go to bed, hoping they'll feel better in the morning when they wake up... which doesn't happen. My female friends, your symptoms might not be exactly alike mine, so I advise you to call the Paramedics if ANYTHING
is unpleasantly happening that you've not felt before. It is better to have a 'false alarm' visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be!

2. Note that I said ''Call the Paramedics.'' And if you can, take an aspirin. Ladies, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!

Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER you are a hazard to others on the road.

Do NOT have your panicked husband who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what's happening with you instead of the road.
Do NOT call your doctor -- he doesn't know where you live and if it's at night you won't reach him anyway, and if it's daytime, his assistants (or answering service) will tell you to call the
Paramedics. He doesn't carry the equipment in his car that you need to be saved! The paramedics do, principally OXYGEN that you need ASAP. Your Dr. will be notified later.

3. Don't assume it couldn't be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count. Research has discovered that a cholesterol elevated reading is rarely the cause of an MI (unless it's unbelievably high and/or accompanied by high blood pressure). MI's are
usually caused by long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts of deadly hormones into your system to sludge things up in there. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we
could survive.

Stephen Underwood

Rotting Words!

2010-03-23T10:23:00.002-04:00

2 Tim. 2:14-18

“14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”

In this passage, we see Paul warning Timothy of those that would pervert the word of God and the doctrine of the resurrection. He states in verse 17, that their word will eat as doth a canker, and in verse 18 that their words will overthrow the faith of some.

I would like to draw attention to the statement “that their word will eat as doth a canker.” A canker, as defined by Dictionary.com is something that corrodes, corrupts, destroys, and irritates. Now you may say that you are not teaching a false or erred doctrine, but let me ask you this: Are the things that you talk about considered to be profane and vain babblings? Do the words you speak increase unto more ungodliness? The Apostle Paul says that these words will increase unto more ungodliness, eat as a canker (rotting disease), and will overthrow the faith of some.

What do you spend your time talking about? Does it edify, and encourage the believer to Godliness? Or are your words considered profane and vain babblings? I have been told, and have also learned to agree with, that what you talk about the most, will show where your passion lies. I know when someone is excited about what God is doing in their life; because that is all they will talk about. You can also tell when someone has not spent enough time in the word of God and in prayer; because their conversation will be that of complaining, gripping, and even condescending toward others.

Another statement that we hear, and I often fall guilty of is, “I was just kidding…” There is a saying in spanish; “De broma en broma se dice la verdad.” Meaning, joke by joke tells the truth. If I can leave you with this word of encouragement; Phil. 1:27 “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:” Understand that this word conversation means manner of life. But if our manner of life is the gospel of Christ, then our words will be that of the gospel of Christ. Let’s talk to someone today about the Lord!

Stephen Underwood

Big Three for Anniversary Week!

2010-03-20T22:24:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder!

2010-03-18T21:57:00.001-04:00

I'm attending Celebration Sunday -- http://celebrationsunday.eventbrite.com

Stephen Underwood

Prayer Letter 3/16/10

2010-03-16T21:19:00.001-04:00

Dear praying friends and family,

I would like to start by thanking each of you for the continued prayers and intercession on our behalf. The Underwood’s are truly blessed to be a part of what the God of Heaven is doing at Vision Baptist Church. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve at such a wonderful church, and be a part of a family who desires to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

At the present, we are currently preparing for Celebration Sunday at Vision, the church’s four year anniversary! I am pulling out the secret Underwood family chili recipe for our Ultimate Chili Throwdown. Ashlee is working on her very special dessert for the Ladies Bakeoff!

Also, I and several others, have been working diligently on our new bus that was given for our “Friends that need a ride” ministry. Today, we spent most of the day sanding the old paint, and will continue to sand tomorrow. Our goal is to be running the bus by Sunday! Pray with us about this. We pray that many children and families will get saved through this new ministry!

Finally, I wish that you would continue to pray for the media ministry that is going on here at Vision Baptist Church! Pastor Gardner and Missionary to Indonesia Josh Ewing are recording many messages that are being translated into Indonesian and posted on a website targeted at reaching Indonesia with the gospel of Christ! I have had the privilege to ensure that the recordings are edited and posted at the specific time allotted. My hearts desire is to see God work and use (as He already has) the media ministry and that many thousands would accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Pray with me, that the Lord would raise up more laborers for this ministry.

I want to finish by thanking each of you again, and challenging you to get involved with world evangelism. The Lord has done such a work in the Underwood family in just a short amount of time, that I would like to see Him work in your hearts as He has in ours! Please do not miss an opportunity to do your part in world evangelism, and to get involved in the work of God!

Your Companion in Labor,

Stephen Underwood

Upcoming Events at Vision!

2010-03-13T22:21:00.001-05:00

The Big Three for this week!

2010-03-13T22:16:00.001-05:00

Mark it down!

2010-03-11T17:29:00.001-05:00

Stephen Underwood

Does Your Authority Exceed Your Command?

2010-03-09T22:42:00.001-05:00

Does your authority exceed your command?

I remember becoming a young, high speed, driven NCO, (Non Commissioned Officer); and standing there as three men I highly respected pinned upon me the rank of Corporal. I remember them telling me that I had authority now, and with that authority came greater responsibility.

It wasn’t long however, that I began to lose sight of my responsibility to lead and train my subordinates; but rather, I began to look for infractions that would give opportunity to display my authority with corrective action. I often think about what 1SG Jason York, then Staff Sergeant, said to me in private after such an occasion. He said, “CPL Underwood, NCO’s do not get pleasure and enjoyment from ‘smoking’ soldiers! Good NCO’s train them to become better soldiers, because they will one day be in your foxhole.”

Let’s bring it to training disciples:

Do you look for more opportunities to “rip someone’s face” more than to encourage? Is reproving and rebuking more important, and bring you more pleasure than exhorting others? We are first and foremost Christians. We are to be like Christ! In Luke 4:18, Jesus made very clear when beginning His earthly ministry that He would “heal the brokenhearted, preach deliverance to the captives, the recovering of sight to the blind, and set at liberty them that are bruised!”

Do others see you and wonder what infraction you will find with them? Do they cringe and worry that they haven’t lived up to your expectation? Or are you one that encourages others to grow toward “Christlikeness”? Is your attitude that of, “they should already be ...”? Or do you show others you genuinely care and want them to succeed?

There may come a day that you will be in need of someone you had an impact on! Will it be an impact of encouragement and correctiveness? I recall hearing more than once, that you can learn as much on “what not to do,” as you can on what to do! Will people learn “what not to do” from how you treat others? Or will you love, care for, and encourage someone to be more like Jesus? We are all just servants of a mighty God! Our authority is not our own! What will you do with what the Lord has placed in you? How will you be a steward of you position? My prayer is that people will have a greater desire to please the Lord, and not so much a desire to NOT get rebuked by me.

Stephen Underwood

No Chastening...Seemeth to be Joyous!

2010-03-08T12:09:00.001-05:00

Hebrews 12:11

"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."

I remember very distinctly the times throughout Army Basic training, that I (or everyone) would get punished for seemingly insignificant details. I remember one incident in particular, where the entire platoon was down in the breezeway shining their boots. (Back when they were still black and had to be spit-shinned.) We were told specifically to always bring both set of boots down to be polished. I however, had taken it upon myself to bring only one set down because I thought that my other set was “shinned” well enough! That was a mistake I remember to this day for the consequence of disobedience was more “grievous” than the task of shinning both sets of boots.

How often are we as Christians guilty of doing “God’s will” with our own will in mind? We can do all the right tasks, say all the right things, but have our own end, or agenda in mind. Recently, I was reminded of the important task of training disciples. I was going to the classes; learning how to do it, knowing the right things to say, and all the while excusing the fact that I was not doing it! When faced with the reality that there was no one that I was personally training, I became defensive, and even angry! However, as I meditated, prayed, and sought guidance from the Lord; that chastening became motivation in finding someone to befriend.

Since being forced to look at the man in the mirror, I have taken opportunities I wouldn’t have before. Before, I was talking to many people; people at work, at church, the gas station I frequent for my morning Mountain Dew, but the truth is that I was not having an impact on them for the cause of Christ. I would speak to them about spiritual things, but after leaving the conversation and place, there was no outside relationship. Talking to people about spiritual things is good, but it is not discipleship.

I hope that you, the reader, would pray with me about being a discipler and a friend, and not just one who talks! If we have any hope for reaching the world with the gospel of Christ, we must all be training leaders, that will train leaders. Discipleship starts with being a friend. We must show ourselves friendly if we are to have disciples. People know when you are genuine, and they see when you are real. I pray that I will be transparent, and that people will know that I care for them. This is the only way we can have a Godly impact on someone for Christ’s sake. Get involved today with training men and discipling others!

Stephen Underwood

Celebration Sunday Bakeoff!

2010-03-07T16:31:00.001-05:00

Celebration Sunday Chili Cookoff!

2010-03-07T16:29:00.001-05:00

Big Three for this Week!

2010-03-06T21:44:00.001-05:00

Goer Sender Coalition Tonight!

2010-03-04T17:26:00.001-05:00

Join the staff of Vision Baptist Church and missionaries from around the world, who are currently on furlough or deputation, for an exciting night of missions oriented fellowship at Vision Baptist Church from 7 pm - 9pm on the first Thursday of every month

Stephen Underwood

Pray with me for Chile!

2010-03-04T13:07:00.001-05:00

Some of you may be aware of the planned trip to Santiago, Chile in July with Pastor Gardner. I am excited to report into you all that the Lord has allowed me to raise $900 of the total cost of $1600 required to go. I would also like to publicly thank my wife's family for the sacrificial giving that has made this possible.

I know that this is a great opportunity to minister to Veteran Missionary Jason Holt, and encourage him. It will also be a great opportunity to learn, as I will be alongside a great Missionary/Leader trainer, Pastor Austin Gardner.

Please pray with me that the Lord will supply the remaining funds needed in order to go, and that He will use this time to mature and teach me what I need in order to be effective on the mission field someday. The goal of the trip is not to see another country, but to be used of God in the way that would bring Him honor and glory! I would also like to remind each of you to visit Jason Holt's page and get involved there!

Thank you for your continued prayers, and may God bless each of you!

Stephen Underwood

http://biblicalmissions.com/blog/2010/03/02/chile-relief-help-us-serve-the-suffering-people-of-chile/

Get Involved! Concepcion needs You!

2010-03-02T20:39:00.001-05:00

I would encourage each of you to get involved with the relief efforts for Concepcion, Chile. If you are not yet aware; a massive 8.8 earthquake destroyed thousands of homes, buildings, and has injured/killed many people. The link below is Missionary Jason Holt's blog, and will allow you to get involved right now! Don't miss an opportunity to be a blessing to the man of God, and the people of Concepcion!

Quote of the Day! (lol)

2010-03-02T18:41:00.001-05:00

"Sometimes I'll start a sentence and I don't know where it's going. I just hope to find it somewhere along the way. Like an improv conversation. An improversation."

- Michael Scott

Stephen Underwood

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2748.htm

Country on my Heart...

2010-03-02T10:42:00.001-05:00

Please pray for the country of Indonesia! There are Millions and Millions of souls dying and going to Hell in this country. 86% of Indonesia's population is muslim. What are we doing to get the gospel to Indonesia? For facts, history and information on Indonesia, check out the link below!

The Big Three for this week!

2010-03-02T10:14:00.001-05:00

Don't Forget! March 6th Business and Ministry...The Right Balance

2010-03-01T18:50:00.001-05:00

Businessmen Seminar: Priorities, Decisions and Balance?

Do you desire to serve the Lord but find that many distractions in your life shift your focus away from Him? Do you have a difficult time wanting to know God better but find that there's not much time to do so? When you're with family and friends who don't know Christ, do you find yourself distracted by their priorities?

Join us at Vision Baptist Church on Saturday, March 6th from 9AM to 1PM as we discuss the answers to some of the following questions:

How can pastors believe that my life should revolve around God when I do not have the luxury of time that a pastor has?
How do you keep focused on God when your life is consumed with business and worldly distractions?
How do I keep from focusing on my needs, concerns, ambitions, and allow God to use me?
How do I balance my time between family, friends, God, and business?
How can I increase my ability to draw close to God and remain close to Him when I am consumed by business and work?
How do you love God when your life is filled with unsaved family, friends, coworkers, etc?

Come hear from the personal experience of John Pearson, a businessman from our church, on how he has focused on Christ and avoided distractions. Hear what God's word says about balance from Austin Gardner our pastor. Come with questions.

Who: Businessmen, Professionals, Career People and all others who are interested.

What: Businessmen Seminar: Priorities, Decisions & Balance Seminar with John Pearson and Austin Gardner

When: Saturday, March 6th, 2010, 9 AM to 1 PM (Lunch to be served at noon.)

Where: Vision Baptist Church, 1125 Alpha Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 | P: | E:

info@visionbaptist.com

| W:

www.visionbaptist.com

Why: To learn what would be a biblical answer to your questions!

We look forward to spending some time together discussing how we can keep our focus on Christ and avoid distractions in our lives. Please RSVP by Monday, March 2nd to help us adequately prepare for lunch.

Stephen Underwood

Prayer Letter March 1, 2010

2010-03-01T11:11:00.002-05:00

Dear praying friends and family,

I am excited to share with you what the Lord has been doing in the lives of the Underwood family! Ashlee and I just celebrated our second anniversary, and Peyton is growing more and more everyday. I am beginning to have more hours at work, and Ashlee is still on the job hunt. We would ask that you continue praying for her employment situation.

I want to give God all the praise for what He is doing at Vision Baptist Church! I have been driving and working the "Friends that Need a Ride" ministry, and the Lord has been blessing in that. We currently have two families that come very faithfully, and are growing in the Lord under the Spanish Ministry at Vision. We are praying that we can have our bus running very soon, so that we may work and that the Lord will grow this ministry. There are several things in action, and many people diligently working for us to have a bus very soon.

A quick update on class; I am excited to be training in the field of missions under Pastor Austin Gardner. Classes are continuing to be challenging and motivating to study the Word of God more intimately. We are about half way through the semester, and will be having mid terms within the coming weeks. Please be in prayer with me about this.

Lastly, I want to thank each of you for your continued prayers and intercession on behalf of the Underwood's. I believe that with each trail, and victory; God is using this time to mold us into the servants He can use in foreign missions. It's so exciting to see the milestones in our life being written down as victories in our Christian walk. May God bless each of you, and please feel free to write me anytime.

Your Servant for Christ,

Stephen Underwood

Here is a link to more information

Please Pray for the Holt family!

2010-02-27T08:15:00.001-05:00

Jason and Lori Holt are missionaries to Santiago, Chile. This morning, Chile experienced an 8.8 earthquake that lasted for approximately two minutes. Please read below for more information:

From Chris Gardner's Blog:

Please be praying for the Holt family. Chile just experienced an 8.8 earthquake. I just read on facebook that everyone is ok at the Holt household but they have to wait till they can see how much damage was done. Pray for the country of Chile during this time. The phone lines are down and there is no electricity. Keep everyone in your prayers during this time. We will let you know as soon as we know anything else.

Then I saw a post on facebook by Jason’s mom:

Barbara Howard Holt Jason just called me to tell me that there was a 8.5 Earthquake in Chile. He said it lasted for about 2 minutes and that he is feeling tremors. He has talked the Kenney’s and McBrayers and they are all okay. The phones are done but he has a cell phone he bought for emergencies and that is what he called me from.

Barbara Howard Holt Please pray for them. I will let you know as soon as I talk to him again. He will try to call me as soon as it gets light and he can see how much damage there is.

Please pray for all the missionaries and the many believers there.

Two "already 's" that should concern us most!

2010-02-24T22:18:00.001-05:00

Look on the Fields...

John 3:18 says, "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is CONDEMNED ALREADY, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

And John 4:35 says, "...Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white ALREADY TO HARVEST."

There are two "Already 's" that should determine how we live our lives on a daily basis!

1) There is a world that is CONDEMNED ALREADY!

Indonesia is a country made up of 17,508 islands. With a population of around 230 million people, it is the world's fourth most populous country, and has the world's largest population of muslims! Indonesia has eight major cities ranging from 5 million to 30 million in population, that have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

There is a world beyond our little town, our little home, and our little lives, that has never heard and that the Bible says is CONDEMNED ALREADY!

2) There are fields white ALREADY TO HARVEST!

Jesus looked on the multitudes and was moved with compassion! He said the there is a world that is dying and going to a devil's Hell because they are condemned already! But Jesus told the disciples, and us to "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."

What are you doing to get the gospel message to the world? They are ready to hear! There is no better time to reap the harvest fields! It is our command, our Great Commission, and Christ said that the fields are ready to harvest. Let us be laborers in the fields! Pray for countries like Indonesia, where people are dying everyday, lost and going to Hell. Pray for China, where great servants of the Lord Jesus, like the Tolson's are going to reach them with the gospel. Pray for India, where no missionaries to going, that the Lord would send forth laborers! And pray that the Lord would speak to you about serving Him in the field of missions!

Ashlee and Stephen's 2nd Anniversary!

2010-02-21T22:04:00.001-05:00

I want to start by saying publicly that I love my wife dearly and I am truly blessed to have her as my help meet! I thank God daily that He made Ashlee especially for me, and had me in mind as He created her! Today, we celebrate two wonderful years as husband and wife. Though there have been trails and tough times, the Lord has shown Himself faithful to supply our need, Himself!
Ashlee and I were married February 22, 2008 while I was recruiting in Canton, GA. Our story is quite humorous, as I was going to fill out the required papers to get a concealed carry permit for my gun. We did have a date set for June 6th (D-Day) to be married, but as I finished up the papers for my gun, I turned it in and I had filled out the required papers for a marriage license!
Needless to say, I am so very grateful that I can be so absent minded, and that even the Lord has a sense of humor. Since we have been married, we have also been blessed to have a son, Peyton Joshua Underwood and he is such an amazing creation of God! So, after two wonderful years of marriage (I know, breaking the surface) and a beautiful baby boy, the Lord has given me more than I deserve! After salvation, my family is most precious to my heart and I thank God for His goodness.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ASHLEE UNDERWOOD!!!

The Big Three February 21, 2010

2010-02-20T22:07:00.001-05:00

Please Pray for Our Baby and Family

PRAY FOR THE TOLSON'S (True Servants of the Lord Jesus Christ)

2010-02-16T21:05:00.001-05:00

This is one of the hardest posts for me to write. Today, we went to the Doctor to find out about our baby that we are expecting in 19 weeks. Because this pregnancy hasn't gone as smoothly as our first one, we were a little worried going into the appointment, especially since we had been given no new information at our last appointment. Well, we finally received some answers today.

We were able to hear the baby's heart beat and see it's profile (got a picture). We were excited! Then the ultrasound technician had to get the doctor and the doctor came in to look at the rest of the baby's body. After she was done, she took us into a different room and explained the condition of our little baby.

Our baby has what is known as "Body Stalk Anomaly." Basically, all the organs from the mid-chest down have developed outside the body and have attached themselves to the wall of the placenta. This condition makes the baby incapable of living outside the womb. The baby has a 5% percent chance of living. If the baby does make it full term it will only live for a minute or two.

With that being said, please be in prayer for the baby, my wife, and our family. The baby is currently living, and Natasha will continue to carry the baby as long as it lives. We know the Lord is in control, and we will continue as normal to see what the Lord does. If the baby passes away before it is full term then Natasha will be induced and give labor to the baby. This could happen at anytime, so we will be going to the doctor at least every other week to check up on it.

We will love this baby as long as it lives. We will tell it of it's Creator and the love He has for us. We will tell it how it could soon be meeting Him.

We are thankful that the Lord has given us this child. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away; blessed be the name of the LORD. As the baby lives we will praise the Lord for everyday He has allowed us to have it, and once it passes on, we will continue to praise the Lord!

Thank your for your prayers and concern!

Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24

The Big Three for This Week

2010-02-13T21:46:00.001-05:00

Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24

Snow,snow,snow!

2010-02-13T13:54:00.001-05:00

It's amazing to think that just a little over a year ago, Peyton was born! He is now 15 months old, and such a smart boy! Yes, I am a little biased, but if you knew him, you'd agree! I hope you enjoy the pictures, and go try out the snow before it's gone!

Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24

Stewardship: God's Principles of Investment

2010-02-11T14:02:00.002-05:00

Stewardship: God's Principles of Investment

Text: Matthew 6:19-24

 A Principle is a comprehensive and fundamental law or rule.
 We cannot be obedient nor can we be blessed if we refuse to obey God's Principles.

I. The Decision Principle of Investment
    A. Decide to obey ALL God's Principles
    B. Decide to obey God's Kingdom Principle of Riches (Matthew 6:19-24)
    C. Your decision is all important

II. The Giving Principle of Investment
    A. Giving and receiving can be a never ending cycle
    B. God is looking for a giving channel he can use to bless others

III. The Guaranteed Return Principle
    A. God guarantees a high yield on our investment
    B. God's guaranteed returns are measured, not by what we give, but by what we have left over.
    C. God guarantees a return on our investment according to the principle of Sowing and Reaping.

 God's investment principles run contrary to the world.
 The real joys of the Christian life are found in giving.

Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24

http://prioritiesdecisionsandbalance.eventbrite.com

Business and Ministry, the Right Balance

2010-02-10T10:25:00.001-05:00

Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24

Prayer Letter 2/9/10

2010-02-09T19:53:00.001-05:00

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

God has been so good to the Underwood family these past few days! As we continue training and preparing for the field, the Lord continues to increase our faith day by day. It's so exciting to see Him work in our lives on a daily basis. I would like to share with each of you some areas to pray with us about:

Ashlee had a wonderful job interview today! We thank the Lord that she is having opportunities to interview. Pray with us that she will get this one, as it would allow her to continue spending time with Peyton, but also working as we prepare at the Training Center.
As some may already know from past prayer letters; my car has had a few issues. Saturday, as I was on bus visitation with a young man from the church, my clutch went out in my car. Thanks to Trent Cornwell, I was able to get it towed to the mechanic. It was repaired and we are now driving it again, but it cost $365 to get it fixed. Pray with us about this unexpected expense this month!
Continue also to pray for the Lord to reveal and confirm in our lives, His will. There are so many ministries, and opportunities to get involved that one might get caught up in so much that he loses focus of what the Lord has called him to do! My focus right now is training and learning, and I need to remain diligent it that, and not try to move too quickly!

Thank you all for your persistent prayers and continued intercession for the Underwood's. I thank God daily for my family, health, and most of all Salvation! Please feel free to email me anytime at underwood@bcwe.org I am reminded even through trying times that the Lord is faithful! I just want to give Him all the glory!

Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=d2875c97162a1c34dce0

Your Life is But a Vapor!

2010-02-07T23:43:00.001-05:00

Posted via web from stephenunderwood's posterous

Idol Worship

2010-02-06T21:20:00.001-05:00

Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24

Irresistible and Undeniable

2010-02-06T19:37:00.001-05:00

In Acts 6, we see the ordination of the first deacons. This was done so that the Apostles could be given wholly to the ministry. (Act 6:4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Out of the chosen deacons; one stands out among the rest, Stephen. Even when the opposition arose, the Bible says that they could not resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spoke! In order for them to attempt to stop him from teaching and preaching, and seeing people saved, they had to make false accusations toward the godly deacon. Yet, while on trial, and being falsely accused, Stephen's face was noted as being that of an angel! I pray that I will be so full of wisdom, and that the Holy Spirit will be so evident in my life that even the opposition cannot resist or deny the power of God on my life!

Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24

Good Habits for Young Preachers

2010-02-05T12:01:00.001-05:00

After having the opportunity to preach and hear other young men preach at Vision Baptist Church last night; I was able to see some important habits to keep in mind for young preachers:

Learn to keep within your time! Most pastors give you a certain amount of time, respect it!
Iron your clothes! If the pulpit is not a place of high respect, then get a job that you don't have to look like a preacher!
Polish your shoes! Wear the right socks!
Have a point to your message! What are you trying to get across to the people? What is the aim?
Be a voice for the text! Preach the text not find a text to say what you want to say.
In a five minute message:

Have One point!
There are 300 seconds in 5 minutes!
Adapt what you are going to preach to that time, and keep your Bible reading minimal.
Cause them to understand your text!(Neh 8:2) And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
Tell them why the text spoke to you!

When you walk to the pulpit, leave your problems behind!

This is not a game you can play! This is a high calling of God. You are expounding on the very word of God. People's lives and souls are at stake! Treat it as such!

The spake the word of God with Boldness!

2010-02-04T09:34:00.001-05:00

In Acts chapter 4, we see Peter and John preaching and teaching to the people in Jerusalem and many believing and being saved! There were some however, the priests and the Sadducees, that were not happy about how God was working in the lives of the Jews. We then see that the Sadducees took Peter and John prisoner and brought them to trail for preaching Jesus Christ.

When we come to verse 13 however, one thing stood out in this passage. The Bible says, "they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Even though they were against Peter and John, and they were persecuting them, the Sadducees could not deny the work that the Lord had done in Jerusalem through Peter and John.

As we continue reading, we come to verse 31, and the Bible says, "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." I would like to point out a few things in this verse:

1) They prayed! They prayed for the power of God on their lives, they prayed that they would have boldness to speak the word of God. Vs 29

2) They Spoke! Even in this midst of persecution and threatening, Peter and John were not silent, but bold to preach and teach salvation through Jesus Christ!

3) They Spoke the Word of God! It's not important what we have to say, but it's the preaching of the Bible that is our responsibility. It's the word of God that draws people to salvation!

4) They Spoke the Word of God with Boldness! Peter and John had ever excuse to be quiet and go home. But they knew the importance of preaching the word of God! They knew that without the power of God on their lives, that it wouldn't matter! And because of this, when they had prayed, the had the boldness to preach, and people believed!

As we live day to day, can people take knowledge of you, that you have been with Jesus? Let us have boldness as we witness, by our lives, but also by our mouths! It's not enough to just be the silent testimony, but we are commanded to tell others, they saving power of Jesus Christ! Have you been with Jesus today?!

Prayer Letter 2/3/2010

2010-02-03T21:04:00.001-05:00

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

I want to start by thanking each of you each of you for your continued prayers for the Underwood's! It has been very evident in our lives, that there are many people making mention of us in prayer to the Lord! We are very excited to see the Lord working in our lives, and His mighty hand leading us daily.

It has been one month since we made the move from Dalton to Cumming/Alpharetta in order to attend the Our Generation Training Center. Classes are going strong, services at Vision are being blessed, and our new church is growing! It is encouraging to see the Lord working right before our eyes.

If I can ask each of you to continue lifting us up in your prayers, I would ask that you remember the following:

1) We need to find an inexpensive/gas saving car for Ashlee. We sold hers yesterday, due to some increasing problems that would have cost us much more than the car was worth.

2) Although the Lord has blessed me with the Pizza Delivery job; pray that I can have more hours during the evenings other than just Friday and Saturday nights. I would like to deliver on Tuesday and Wednesday evening as well.

3) Continue praying with us about Ashlee's job. She has not started yet, and we are still praying for an opportunity a little closer to home. If she doesn't find one by next week, she will be working about 45 minutes away from the house. And gas is not cheap as you all are well aware!

Finally, I would like to share with you how the Lord is leading in our lives. As we train and learn under Pastor Austin Gardner, my personal walk with the Lord is increasing daily. For that, I want to give God all the praise! It is so easy sometimes, to be in Bible classes, working at the church, and doing the work of the ministry, that one can easily begin to neglect their own personal life with the Lord. I pray that this will not be the case for me. In part, I hope that you will read my blogs, and that it will have an accountability driven purpose! Thank you again for your steadfast, and continuous prayer on our behalf!

Stephen, Ashlee, and Peyton

Acts 20:24

Business and Ministry: The Right Balance

2010-02-02T20:42:00.001-05:00

Businessmen Seminar: Priorities, Decisions and Balance?

Do you desire to serve the Lord but find that many distractions in your life shift your focus away from Him? Do you have a difficult time wanting to know God better but find that there's not much time to do so? When you're with family and friends who don't know Christ, do you find yourself distracted by their priorities?

Join us at Vision Baptist Church on Saturday, March 6th from 9AM to 1PM as we discuss the answers to some of the following questions:

How can pastors believe that my life should revolve around God when I do not have the luxury of time that a pastor has?
How do you keep focused on God when your life is consumed with business and worldly distractions?
How do I keep from focusing on my needs, concerns, ambitions, and allow God to use me?
How do I balance my time between family, friends, God, and business?
How can I increase my ability to draw close to God and remain close to Him when I am consumed by business and work?
How do you love God when your life is filled with unsaved family, friends, coworkers, etc?

Come hear from the personal experience of John Pearson, a businessman from our church, on how he has focused on Christ and avoided distractions. Hear what God's word says about balance from Austin Gardner our pastor. Come with questions.

Who: Businessmen, Professionals, Career People and all others who are interested.

What: Businessmen Seminar: Priorities, Decisions & Balance Seminar with John Pearson and Austin Gardner

When: Saturday, March 6th, 2010, 9 AM to 1 PM (Lunch to be served at noon.)

Where: Vision Baptist Church, 1125 Alpha Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 | P: | E: info@visionbaptist.com | W: www.visionbaptist.com

Why: To learn what would be a biblical answer to your questions!

We look forward to spending some time together discussing how we can keep our focus on Christ and avoid distractions in our lives. Please RSVP by Monday, March 2nd to help us adequately prepare for lunch

Get Involved Today!

2010-02-02T15:46:00.001-05:00

If you've ever missed an opportunity to help, Make it up NOW!

All Things Common...

2010-02-02T15:37:00.001-05:00

In Acts 2:42-47, we see the characteristics of the early New Testament church. In verse 42, the Bible says, that they "continued steadfastly" in the doctrine and fellowship that the Apostles have taught them! It is much to our shame that we have left this idea of continuing in the foundation laid for the early New Testament church. How often are we guilty of adding to or taking from doctrine by our traditions and what seems to be the "popular" practice of our time?

The early church was also one of fellowship! The Bible says that they continued steadfastly in fellowship, breaking of bread, and in prayer! They new that in order to have the power of God in their lives, that they must be a people of prayer! They fellowshipped together, they ate together, and the prayed together! We have a hard time being around each other for two hours on Sunday morning, that we neglect to come back Sunday evening! The early Christians believed together, "and had all things common."

What happens to a church when we are all on the same page? All have the same heartbeat? And all have the same mind?! Here we see the example of the early church; they sold everything they had, and parted them to all men that had as they had need! They were genuinely concerned for one another! They also had "gladness and singleness of heart!" There is a joy in serving our Lord together, and because of their bond, and single heartbeat, "the Lord added to the church daily!" Souls were being saved and lives were being changed!

I want to challenge each of us to continue steadfastly in sound doctrine, and fellowship one with another! Instead of striving and fighting with our brother or sister in Christ, let's share one heartbeat! A heartbeat to reach the world with the Gospel, and the Lord will bless and grow our church, and we can know real JOY!

South Africa...

2010-02-01T23:30:00.001-05:00

South Africa consists of 62 different people groups that make up a total population of 50,110,000 people. Of this total population almost 10% have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ! There still remain five of the 62 people groups that have never heard the Gospel message in a seemingly predominantly "Christian" country!

I would like to challenge each of you to pray this week for the country of South Africa. Pray that God would raise up laborers for the field and that there might be some that would give their lives to Go and take the Gospel to South Africa! If you are interested in learning more, or you would like to get involved in reaching South Africa; please feel free to email me at underwood@bcwe.org or Veteran Missionary Kevin Hall at kevin@hallsinafrica.com

We are dedicated to serving the Lord Jesus Christ with our lives, and reaching the entire world in Our Generation with the Gospel of Christ! Please, if nothing else, pray for those that are willing to go! And support those that are willing to stay!

Sayings from Great Men of God...

2010-01-30T21:38:00.002-05:00

Here are just a few quotes that I found to be very inspirational to me personally. I pray they will be the same to each reader, and that someone might surrender to do their part to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus today!

“When godliness goes, faithfulness inevitably follows; without fear of God, men have no love of truth.” - C.H. Spurgeon

"Someone asked Will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved? It is more a question with me whether we -- who have the Gospel and fail to give it to those who have not -- can be saved." -- Charles Spurgeon

"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply" -- Hudson Taylor

"The Great Commission¹ is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed" -- Hudson Taylor

"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God" -- William Carey

"To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map." -- William Carey

"In the vast plain to the north I have sometimes seen, in the morning sun, the smoke of a thousand villages where no missionary has ever been" -- Robert Moffat

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?" -- David Livingstone

"Some wish to live within the sound of a chapel bell; I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell." -- C.T. Studd

"No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once." -- Oswald J. Smith

"Any church that is not seriously involved in helping fulfill the Great Commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist." -- Oswald J. Smith

"We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first." -- Oswald J. Smith

"There is nothing in the world or the Church -- except the church's disobedience -- to render the evangelization of the world in this generation an impossibility." -- Robert Speer

Posted via web from stephenunderwood's posterous

Prayer Letter 1/28/10

2010-01-28T22:34:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I am very excited to tell you that the Lord truly is continuing to bless the Underwood family. Classes are going well, and I am learning so much that to tell you about it would be a separate letter in itself. Prayers are being answered! Ashlee has been offered a job at a daycare; however, the details are still in the works. We are not sure if the distance and the hourly wage would be sufficient to make the decision to take it just now. She also has a couple of other opportunities before her that include another daycare and/or keeping a few children out of our home. Please continue to pray with us that we would have wisdom to make the decision that would be best for our needs.

Also, I have been given another estimate on my car to replace the O2 sensor that is much less expensive. My first quote was $200 including installation. My second, from another mechanic is $125 including installation. Please pray with us that the Lord would supply the funds to have my car pass emissions and allow it to be driven. I want to give praise to the Lord for opening a door for me to serve here at Vision Baptist Church. I have recently become the Bus Captain that will have many responsibilities that involve:

1) Organizing Bus visitation

2) Planning of promotional ideas to attract bus visitors

3) Cleaning and maintenance of the bus

4) Acquiring a CDL (please pray for this as well)

Finally, I want to invite all of you to be a part of the ministry that is taking place at Vision Baptist Church! There are many opportunities to get involved with some type of ministry, and there are many others that share my heart for reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please check us out on the web at

http://visionbaptist.com or simply click the map to the left and you will be redirected. Find a place to get involved with reaching the world!

Your companion in labor!

Stephen Underwood

Acts 20:24

Spiritual Discipline

2010-01-27T20:41:00.004-05:00

(Rom 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
(Rom 8:29) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
(Rom 8:30) Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Although God will grant Christ-likeness to us when CHRIST returns, until then, He intends us to grow toward Christ-likeness.
(1Ti 4:7) But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
What does the word "exorcise" in the verse above mean? To discipline yourself, or train yourself to refuse profane or empty things that do not make you more like Christ. The Spiritual Disciplines are the God-given means we are to use in the Spirit filled pursuit of godliness. The three catalysts for changing us to Christ-likeness are:

1) People: (Prov 27:17) Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. The friends that you have, and the people in your life will influence you! If they are the right, Godly type of people, then it will be unto Godliness. If they are not, then the influence you bring yourself subject yourself to will be one of ungodliness and undiscipline.

2) Circumstances: (Rom. 8;28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. We cannot control our circumstances; that is the Lord's to control. However, we can control how we react to circumstances! Do your reactions reflect Spiritual Maturity or immaturity?

3) Spiritual Disciplines: (1 Tim 4:7) But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. It is ultimately up to you whether or not you will discipline yourself to become more like Christ. If you do not refuse profane or vain things in your life, and exercise yourself in your daily walk with the Lord, then you cannot expect to be more like Christ. God has given us these disciplines as a means of receiving His Grace and growing in Godliness.
"I must take care above all that I cultivate communion with Christ, for though that can never be the basis of my peace-mark that- yet it will be the channel of it." - C.H Spurgeon