Dear Friends, 

On Christmas morning, while families around the world opened presents, my mother, Martha Rogers, went home to be with the Lord.  Without a doubt, she received the best present of all.  Yesterday, Mom spent her first full day in Heaven, enjoying Christ, the Lord.  I am sure she is visiting with my Uncle Tell (her brother) who as a pastor on earth encouraged me greatly in the ministry.  She has probably given Grandpa and Grandma (her parents) a hug as well as spending some precious time in worship at the throne!

Mom lived an honest and pure Christian life – nothing about it was artificial or pretend.  She had a Doctorate in the Bible, but she was able to share biblical truth in simple and usable terms.  She led me to the Lord when I was five using John 3:16.  Before marrying my dad, she served as a missionary in the hills of Kentucky.  She became famous there during an emergency situation and was known as the only woman to drive a vehicle up Stinking Creek, Kentucky!  I had such a privilege of growing up in a home with a mom and dad that loved the Lord.  I was encouraged at a young age to study the Bible which ultimately led to me recognizing God’s call to missions in my life.  I will never forget what Mom wrote me on my first short-term mission trip to Utah.  Her words were, “Your dad and I are so happy that you are serving the Lord, but it doesn’t surprise us.  You were given to the Lord before you were born.”

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I will be flying down to Tucson on Friday (tomorrow).  Tickets for this short of notice at this time of the year were unbelievably expensive.  Our finances are currently tight, but by God’s guidance, I was able to put together a ticket using my air-miles and Beabea’s air-miles for about $200.  This certainly was of God.  We can see God’s hand in the many details of Mom’s home going to Heaven.  One thing stands out to me.  My wife, our children, and grandkids were able to make a trip this month (December) to Arizona.  They were able to see my parents at that time.  I am so thankful they had such a precious opportunity.  I am looking forward to spending time with my dad when I arrive for the funeral.  Please, continue to be in prayer for him.  I know he is missing mom a lot.  (For those who might be wondering, I had an opportunity last summer to spend time with my mom and dad.  It was very special, and I am thankful for those moments.)

The family has decided (and at mom’s request) to ask anyone wanting to honor my mother to donate to our ministry in her name.  Barnabas Enrichment Ministries is prepared to receive these funds for us.  If you choose to do this, send the funds to B.E.M. (address below) and designate them for the Martha Rogers Memorial Fund.  These funds will be available to us for our ministry.

Thank you for your prayers.  We have a busy 2013 ahead of us.  It is such a privilege to serve the Lord.  All this and Heaven too!

John

jtrbem@gmail.com

Commissioning Church:  Shepherd Road Baptist Church
                                          P.O. Box 1054
                                          Mulberry, FL  33860

Please send all financial gifts to Barnabas Enrichment Ministries with a note designating the gift for the ministry of John & Beabea Rogers.