Fall 2008 Newsletter

GREETINGS IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST

Hello Saints,
The heat and humidity has left us and the cooler days and nights are upon us already. This year seems to be going by so fast. Maybe it's just me, but the older I get, the faster the years seem to go by.
I've met a lot of people here in Florida and have already connected with three different Jail & Prison Ministries. Most of these ministries minister on a one on one basis and are trying to get permission for me to hold a weekly service with as many inmates as possible present. I'm really looking forward to this especially with the Holidays quickly approaching us.

I've already been ministering with a Homeless Ministry here providing meals, clothing and housing, and a weekly church service Sunday afternoon. Many of the homeless come to Florida because of the warmer climate. It's sad to see so many women with children living out on the streets. This ministry also helps the elderly living on limited incomes by making repairs on their homes and providing food on a weekly basis. It has kept me very busy so far, and I'm blessed to be able to help those in need.
I found a church home and they even have a motorcycle ministry. The Pastor himself, has a motorcycle and joins us for our rides after the men's breakfast that is held once a month on a Saturday morning. We have breakfast, a short Bible study, fellowship and then a 2 to 3 hour ride on our motorcycles out in the country.

The weather here is perfect for motorcycling 12 months a year. I have made many friends at this church and am blessed to be a part of it. It is very much like the church I attended when I lived in Georgia, so that is very comforting.
The last few months have not all been filled with ministry and having fun. Two people very close to me went home to be with the Lord. Gloria Flynn was my "spiritual" Mother since 1984 when I first surrendered my heart to Jesus at Landmark Church in Norcross, Georgia. She was loved by so many people that the Funeral Home did not have room to hold them all. I will miss her phone calls and her lovely voice encouraging me when things got rough. Next was Marianne Wilkerson, the wife of one of my oldest friends and supporters, Bob Wilkerson. Bob was one of the original people on my Board of Directors when God first called me into ministry. Bob has stood beside me every step of the way encouraging me not to give up for so many years. There are 2 precious angels in Heaven now looking over me. I will miss them both, but will see them again someday. How lovely it must be to see Jesus face to face.
The last few months also have been a financial struggle. With our economy the way it is, it is no surprise people have to pull their belts in tight. With so many foreclosures, businesses shutting down, and people being laid off from their jobs, it has hurt us tremendously. We too, had to cut back on a lot of our giving to those in need. It is so difficult to explain to people that you can no longer help them the way we were for so many years. Please do your best to help us financially. Thank you.

We will have a new President in office come January 2009, and I firmly believe we need to pray for this country like never before.
I have been preaching on Second Chronicles 7-14 for the last eight years and I believe we all need to pay close attention to that Scripture verse: "If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn away from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sins and heal their land."

America kills more babies than any other country under the name "abortion." And Gods Word says He hates the shedding of innocent blood. We have legalized abortion, allow pornography on our TV's and computers, and promote same sex marriages.
We want "In God We Trust" taken off our currency, and "One Nation Under God" removed from our Pledge of Allegiance.

In essence a majority of non-Christian Americans want God out of America. They think their technology and wealth can carry them through the toughest of storms. They need to read the "Book" and find out who really wins!!!
God's Word says He will always have a remnant. I believe in my heart that you and I are part of that "remnant." We need to unite in prayer and put all our denominational differences aside once and for all.

Please pray for my health and strength and the ministry finances if you will, please. I'm going to be 65 this coming May and have no health insurance and my body is wearing out slowly but surely. I need your support more than ever before. I'm trusting in God to keep me going in every area of my life until He decides its time for me to come home to Him.

Happy Holidays, to all of you, and Lord Bless you all.

A fellow bondservant,
Tom Papania