Closing out 2014 and Looking Forward

Hello Everyone,

It’s hard to believe that we are about to close out 2014. It’s been quite a year of transition for us! Looking back on transition seems to always be easier than pushing forward through it. We’re thankful to look back and see the many ways God has worked throughout this year. Most of you have held close with us and experienced the journey with us. We want to give thanks for a few things and also tell you how things are going as we look to 2015.

Our 2014 Our Praise and Thanks to God

Upon entering 2014, our year of transition

We found ourselves serving through the most difficult time of all our 40 years in the ministry. To God’s glory, we only served in two churches during these 40 years and never had we experienced a great divide in fellowship as 2014 brought. We have learned in a deeper way the truth that our God is able to accomplish His will/purposes at all times and through all circumstances. Sometimes we need to experience challenging times in order to renew and experience fresh faith in this wonderful promise. 2014 gave us this opportunity and while it was painful, we are grateful.

““Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed; yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”

— Isaiah 54:10 NIV

Making the decision for Ray to retire in March from Great Bridge Baptist Church

While our desire was to remain another year, this was not the path we could follow. Through it all, we found even in our sadness, our God is able to meet every need and we have no reason not to trust Him.

““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.””

— Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Upon launching Heavenly Helpers in March and seeking a new church home where God would have us serve

These were transitions that called us to lean more heavily upon our Lord and trust in what at that time was unseen. The Lord is good and He knows how to lead. This is why He is called, The Good Shepherd.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

— Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

While making the choice to hold fast in ministry during times of silence and drought

There was a process of grief after leaving GBBC. During this time we experienced a loss of friends once held dear, as well as closed doors of opportunity. Yet, the Lord taught us, strengthened us, and led us to trust that He was not finished with us. Even now, the enemy will at times, seek to convince us that evil wins, but we know the battle finishes victoriously for those who are the Lord’s. The Lord is worthy of praise in seasons of abundance as well as seasons of drought. We are so thankful for the host of friends that held us close.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

— James 1:12 NIV

Rejoicing over new opportunities to minister and serve with new friends

We praise the Lord for fresh new opportunities among loving Christ followers.

“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”

— Acts 2:28 NIV

Thanking God for individuals who sustained us and our ministry over this last year

Because there were closed doors for ministry we once had, the year held times of seeking how we might be a blessing in new ways. Prayers, encouraging words and sacrificial gifts given with no expectation of return were God’s arms around us. These examples have enabled us to forgive, to go out to serve, and love others.

“As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

— Colossians 3:12-14 NIV

We praise God for bringing fruit to our work. In October, Pat led in a women’s retreat for our new church, Coastal Community Church in VA Beach and she also preached in their morning services in October. Because of new opportunities with new friends, 150 copies of Faith like Fire have been sold in the final quarter of 2014. Also, 70 copies of the Bible Study LIVE – A New and Living Way, both written by Pat, have been sold. Ray has begun a men’s ministry group at Cedar Manor Assisted Living in Chesapeake. They discuss the Bible and how it relates to their daily life. He also had the opportunity to deliver the Wed. evening message for a church in The Bridge Network of churches. We are praying about upcoming opportunities in 2015. They include possible open doors of ministry with under resourced churches. They also include women’s conferences Pat will be leading at two separate churches in the spring.

We praise God for the harvest that we have been able to sow into Laban Ministries International in the Dominican Republic of Congo in Africa. With the help of many of you, we were able to send jewelry gifts (See attached photo) to the female graduates of the Women’s Literacy Center were women have learned to read and write using the Bible. Many of these women now know, love and serve Jesus Christ. Our donations go also to train men who go out to evangelize in their bush tribes. It also supports Radio Glory with a tower that enables the truth of God’s word to go out all over the bush of Congo. We close out this year, having in our Faith Steps bank account today, $4.14.This is our desire, to have given up all that God has made available so that others will know Him. Praise be to God for his unspeakable gifts!

“Brother, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

May God bless each of you and enable you to be strong in the power of His might, believe that He is able to accomplish all that He has planned for you, and to make this coming year a time of your greatest service to He who gave His life for you to know real love, true peace and abundant life. Thank you for traveling the journey with us!

God bless each of you.

Pat and Ray Owens

Comment

Pat Owens

Pat is the author of Faith Like Fire. It is a story of the journey God has walked with her and the mighty acts he has done on her behalf. It is the story of how God heard and answered her prayer when she held His word up to Him and meekly stated, “I want to know you like they knew you.” Be careful what you pray for! God hears and He will respond! Pat began the full-time, faith-based ministry of Faith Steps in the summer of 2002. She continues to speak at women’s events, retreats, and Christian comedy engagements. Her passion is equipping women and empowering them in their walk with God.

Summer Update

Hello Friends, Family and Prayer Partners,

This summer is certainly going by fast. Before August slips in, I wanted to send out some updates to the ministries Ray and I have been doing. First, let me thank each of you who have prayed for us and asked God to bless our new path of service to Him.  I’ll give you an update on us, our new way of life, and some of the blessings in our family.

We enjoyed the wedding of our nephew in Greensboro, having lots of time with all three of our children. Sydney was the flower girl and melted our heart. Ray and I enjoyed a week in the Outer Banks with our daughter, Kimberly and her family. Sharing the fun and adventure was made so sweet with her 4 year old son, Clayton. In his words, “I wish we could live here!” This last weekend we celebrated with Tim and his family as their daughter, Sydney turned four. She wanted a dress-up party and asked everybody to come in costume. Oh my, she’s a girl after my heart!  

We are truly enjoying our new church, Coastal Community Church in VA Beach. We have taken time to worship and simply be members. That’s so new to us after being on staff in churches for more than 40 years. While it’s felt strange at times, it has been such a time of renewal for us. We are beginning now to connect with some of the members, make new friends, and seek out how God would have us serve there. I (Pat) had the blessing of being invited to a meeting of ladies who were planning a retreat for October. What a joy to see women of all ages, some married, some divorced, some young and some as old as I am. J We met, planned, laughed and prayed together. I drove home feeling like I had found my old self. I praised and thanked God all the way home. On that note, I will be attending the retreat and leading the closing session on Sunday morning. Here’ the information about the retreat. It is not a closed event only for Coastal members. Anyone can attend, so if you are looking for a time to get away, be nourished and renewed, I invite you to message me for details.

“Let It Go” ~ Women’s Retreat to be held October 10,11, & 12 (Friday dinner – Sunday lunch)

Watermarks camp in Scottsville, VA (Outside of Charlottesville)
Along with breakout sessions of fun, crafts, learning, the campground has lots of activities to choose from.
Lodging is cabin-style with bunk beds. They are all air-conditioned with bathrooms.
We have the entire facility and the beautiful fall grounds are completely ours for the weekend.

Cost: $125 – Payable by check to: Coastal Community Church

Let me know if you are interested in attending.

Faith Steps News

I am still enjoying the memories of the ladies conference held at Holy Neck Christian Church. I have recently been contacted by another Christian church in Suffolk and will be meeting with someone on Wednesday, August 6th, to discuss a potential conference there. Please pray with me regarding this meeting.

BIG NEWS ~ The Bible study I have been writing for the last two years is finally being offered for sale!!! I’m praising God for seeing me through not only the process of prayer and writing this, but also the unexpected experiences of the last year. Through it all, God has taught me so much and stretched my faith in ways that have been for my good and for His glory. There is an attached flyer giving you full information about this study.

L I V E ~ A New and Living Way

Love
Integrity
Vision
Excellence

Individual or Small Group Study ~ Total of 8 Lessons (2 per Topic)

Cost: $12 Payable by check to:  Faith Steps
Mail to: Pat Owens
708 Tapestry Park Loop Apt. 517
Chesapeake, VA  23320
Information:  757-729-0118

Heavenly Helpers

Ray and I are so thankful for those of you who have chosen to bless us with financial support for this ministry. You have no idea how much you have helped us to get the word out about our offer to minister and bless churches in need of help. In in addition to that, we have been able to have the needed supplies for the ministry.  We have found that our purpose throughout these summer months has been mainly to follow-up with our contacts, both those from the ministry fair, and also new ones that God is bringing into our path. While working at Lifeway, I (Pat) had the wonderful blessing of meeting a pastor who is serving full-time with a Pilipino congregation in VA Beach. Please pray about how we can bless them. He was so thankful for the encouragement and even brought his wife back to meet me the next day. Because the summer is typically a “down time” for church activities, we have not yet been asked to come and lead in the churches. Pray for God to open and expand this ministry. It’s such a new concept that many seem confused by it. We know our Lord is not a God of confusion, so pray that our desire to help and serve them will be evident, and not seen as a threat to current leadership. We both maintain and pray, that we know fully, God will open the door He has for us to be His servants in churches that are literally dying on the vine. We are meeting tonight with a dear pastor and his wife, whom we haven’t met yet. May God do as He wills!

We pray blessings, good health, and open doors of ministry for each of you. Please let us know how we can continue to pray for you. It’s an honor and a privilege that we truly thank God for allowing us to do. Please keep in touch. We treasure the years of friendship.

Pat & Ray Owens

Comment

Pat Owens

Pat is the author of Faith Like Fire. It is a story of the journey God has walked with her and the mighty acts he has done on her behalf. It is the story of how God heard and answered her prayer when she held His word up to Him and meekly stated, “I want to know you like they knew you.” Be careful what you pray for! God hears and He will respond! Pat began the full-time, faith-based ministry of Faith Steps in the summer of 2002. She continues to speak at women’s events, retreats, and Christian comedy engagements. Her passion is equipping women and empowering them in their walk with God.

March News

snowdrop-95886_1280

Good Morning Friends and Prayer Partners, What a busy time this is for Faith Steps! Because we, (Ray and I), will soon end our ministry at Great Bridge Baptist Church, and begin to follow our new path of ministry, I wanted to send you an update. There are so many good things happening and I pray your hearts will be blessed by hearing about it all.

Heavenly Helpers ~ This is the new division of Faith Steps. Our last Sunday at Great Bridge Baptist will be March 23rd, and with Ray’s retirement, he has joined up with the work of Faith Steps. Together we will be ministering as Heavenly Helpers in churches that have limited resources and staff. As many of you know, we hosted a Ministry Launch in February. This was an exciting time of sharing how God is leading us in this endeavor. It’s something we had always dreamed of doing in our retirement. I asked for prayer for The Bridge Network of Churches Ministry Fair. What a great day that was for us! We met so many pastor’s in need of our ministry. We had 10 pastor’s signing up for future contact and ministry. We also had two who believed so much in what we were doing, that while they didn’t personally need our help, they signed on to be volunteers! Just this week, Ray met with a pastor on the peninsula who wants us to come to his church and help them know how to establish a senior adult ministry. God is amazing us with opportunities! We thank Him and praise Him for the gifts given to Faith Steps to support the launching of this new endeavor. Everything we have needed, God is providing!

Faith Steps ~ I am so pleased to let you know that a wonderful door of ministry has opened in an area where I have not ever been invited to speak, lead, and minister. I will be leading a Women’s Rally on Sunday, April 27th in the western branch of Suffolk. There will be 10 churches invited to this event with prayers that 200-250 will attend. How I praise God for this open door and the possibility of getting into other churches in the future. Please pray with me for this event and ask God to give us a full house.

LIVE ~ I am nearing completion of this Bible study. I am looking forward to soon promoting it. LIVE is an acrostic for Love, Integrity, Vision, and Excellence. I am so thankful for your prayers as I complete this work and allow God to send it out.

Laban Ministries International ~ We continue to collect new and gently used jewelry items: pierced earrings, necklaces, bracelets. We will receive these through March 31st. They will be given to the ladies graduating from the Laban Women’s Literacy School. I have wonderful news to share with you about their new churches. “Nine months ago, we planted a new church in the village of Nkara, about 3 miles away, and this past Sunday, the attendance was over 900. The political agenda offered by the other church in this village had left its attenders weary and hungry for the Word of God now preach and taught by the Pastors Isaac and Mupia in the new palm-frond structure. The Nkara church along with our own campus church, a new church at Longo, as well as the one at Ntshiangobo are drawing the young and the older to services worth attending.” How we praise God for the Holy Spirit drawing these people to the truth! Please continue to pray as we know with certainty, this is not an easy area for the gospel to spread.

Raised Hands for Africa Ministries ~ We are currently raising money to complete the playground project for the children of Rwanda. We will need nearly $800 for a slide and a see-saw. What a joy it is for me to look at the Raised Hands for Africa Facebook page and see the pictures of these children playing on the playground we have been a part of establishing! Take the time to view their page and let yourself be blessed as well.

So much has been shared here and I thank you for taking the time to read it all. I ask even now as I write, for God to pour out his love and grace over your life and families. I ask Him to empower us to do even more than we have spoken about in these words written. Let’s together, give Him all the glory! Please continue to keep in touch with us. We will remain living in Chesapeake and look forward to continuing to be a part of your lives. Always share your need for prayer as well.

Servants together, Pat & Ray Owens

Pat Owens

Pat is the author of Faith Like Fire. It is a story of the journey God has walked with her and the mighty acts he has done on her behalf. It is the story of how God heard and answered her prayer when she held His word up to Him and meekly stated, “I want to know you like they knew you.” Be careful what you pray for! God hears and He will respond! Pat began the full-time, faith-based ministry of Faith Steps in the summer of 2002. She continues to speak at women’s events, retreats, and Christian comedy engagements. Her passion is equipping women and empowering them in their walk with God.

February Newsletter

ocean-198133_1280

Hello Everyone, Hope this finds you staying warm wherever you are. We've been snowed under, just as many of you have been where you are. We're looking to the heavens and praying for spring! Speaking of the heavens, I'm reminding everyone about our Heavenly Helpers Ministry Launch next Saturday. This is an opportunity for Ray and I to share how God is leading us as we transition into retirement. It's not a fundraiser, it's an opportunity for us to share our vision for reaching out to churches with limited staff and resources, while continuing to allow God to use our lives for His glory. Please Come!

Pat & Ray are Heavenly Helpers They're Offering Ministry to Churches with Limited Staff and Resources You're invited to attend a Ministry Presentation/Volunteer Enlistment Saturday, February 8th, 2-4 PM Great Bridge Baptist Church Multi-Purpose Room If Attending, RSVP ~ 757-547-3901

IMPORTANT MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY

The ladies of the Laban Ministries Women's Literacy School will be graduating. They are given both a Bible and other gifts upon their graduation. I'm sending out a call for PIERCED Earrings, Necklaces and/or Bracelets. These are treasured gifts for these women. Also, if you wish to donate for this cause, the money will help to pay the cot of cargo airline weight carrying them to the Congo. Let's join together and bless these women! Bring donations to Ray's office at church, or call me to arrange pick-up.

BECAUSE MANY HAVE ASKED

I want everyone to know, I am continuing to minister to women, in many of the same ways that Faith Steps has done over these last 10 years. I'm praying for God to lead me in His path He has not yet opened the venue for the Women's Evenings of Fellowship. Cost makes it prohibitive in many places. It's all in God's time and His way.

Blessings Everyone,

Pat Owens

Pat Owens

Pat is the author of Faith Like Fire. It is a story of the journey God has walked with her and the mighty acts he has done on her behalf. It is the story of how God heard and answered her prayer when she held His word up to Him and meekly stated, “I want to know you like they knew you.” Be careful what you pray for! God hears and He will respond! Pat began the full-time, faith-based ministry of Faith Steps in the summer of 2002. She continues to speak at women’s events, retreats, and Christian comedy engagements. Her passion is equipping women and empowering them in their walk with God.

A New Year

new-years-day-234805_1280

2014 opens with a lot of excitement for opening doors of ministry for both Ray and I. Ray will be retiring in three months from his ministry at Great Bridge Baptist Church. What wonderful memories we have of the 20 plus years of fellowship and service. God has certainly carried us through many life events, some expected and some God’s amazing way of redirecting us to His will for our lives. We are currently in such a time as this. We will be launching our new endeavor of ministry together We give thanks to God for having served two large churches in our 40 plus years of ministry together. We saw in our years of ministry that we were blessed in ways other pastors of small churches don’t experience . We’ve had churches with multiple staff, large buildings, and great resources. We always said that in retirement we would like to give back service and ministry to those of smaller congregations or church plants just beginning to grow. We are excited to launch Heavenly Helpers, a ministry that will operate under Faith Steps and will offer our service, as well as those who would like to be a part of ministry teams. We will host a ministry launch on Saturday, Feb. 8th, 2-4 PM at Great Bridge Baptist Church—Multi Purpose Room

Faith Steps News

Faith Steps Women’s Evening of Fun: So many have asked if I will continue doing women’s events as I have done in the past. It is definitely my plan to continue and I am working to finalize an upcoming event. MORE TO CXOME!

Ministries that Faith Steps Supports

Laban Ministries International — Please continue to visit their website at: labanministries.org You will be so blessed by the tremendous harvest God is bringing about before our Lord returns.

Raised Hands for Africa— New ventures of a shelter ministry are occurring so visit their site too.

HopeMadeReal.org — sponsors the children’s orphanage in Rwanda

Blessings Everyone! We pray a new year that holds blessings and opportunities as well!

Join Pat and Ray Owens as they launch a new ministry. Come and see how you can be involved in ministering to churches with limited resources. Saturday, Feb. 8th, 2-4PM GBBC MPR RSVP—Prior to Jan. 25th at 547-3901

Heavenly Helpers

886515_10202884567141211_494878192_o

Pat Owens

Pat is the author of Faith Like Fire. It is a story of the journey God has walked with her and the mighty acts he has done on her behalf. It is the story of how God heard and answered her prayer when she held His word up to Him and meekly stated, “I want to know you like they knew you.” Be careful what you pray for! God hears and He will respond! Pat began the full-time, faith-based ministry of Faith Steps in the summer of 2002. She continues to speak at women’s events, retreats, and Christian comedy engagements. Her passion is equipping women and empowering them in their walk with God.