Dr. David from Tampa UBF in Florida invited me (Jacob from Washington) to deliver the Sunday message and baptize their growing disciple, Billy, on November 10th.
It was a great honor to support the house church ministry of Dr. David and Praise. As you know, Tampa was hit twice by Hurricanes Helen and Milton. I was initially concerned about the devastation, but I found that they are filled with the Holy Spirit and have strong, uplifting faith in God. Although Dr. David was busy working as a professor and allergy doctor, he was faithfully bearing multiple crosses—preparing and delivering messages, helping students, and serving his patients. Dr. Praise was serving her Bible students with compassion and love, acting as a mother-like shepherdess to the students in Tampa.
After the summer Bible conference, several students left, but God blessed them with two new Bible students: Billy and Paul. Billy wanted to be baptized to commit his life to God, so he was baptized following the Sunday worship and communion service.
I see great potential for the house church ministry at Tampa UBF, especially if supported by many servants of God. Florida is called the Sunshine State because of its beautiful weather and numerous beaches where people can enjoy a quality life. Many great cities and campuses, including Tampa, are located on the west coast of Florida. If you are interested in pioneering a new place, Dr. David welcomes you to join him in pioneering the great state of Florida.
Our eyes are the gateway through which we process all information that enters our hearts. Therefore, I have decided to fix my eyes on Jesus, not on anything else.
* See the Sunday worship service message delivered by Jacob (Hebrews 12): https://ubf.org/files/articles/2024/1733162573.pdf
