Blog Archives
Happy Resurrection Day! (VIDEO)
We serve a risen Savior! Thanks for keeping up with us as we take the Gospel message to Colombia.
[If the above video doesn’t show up click here]
Committed To My Trust
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;” 1 Timothy 1:12
My heart is full today.
I feel blessed far beyond what I deserve.
Last night, at our home church, 18 men gathered around me for several hours to encourage me, bless me, lay their hands on me, and ordain me into the Gospel ministry. These men have had, collectively, hundreds of years in the ministry. I was so humbled to be surrounded by these giants of the faith, and to hear of their recognition of God’s hand in my life.
I would like to thank the following men for not only having a part in my ordination, but for investing in my life. God has used you!
- Charles Blackstock — My pastor and close mentor and friend. (over 30 years of ministry)
- Carl Braswell — Church planter for years and now missionary with Macedonia World Baptist Missions. (over 50 years of ministry)
- Jeff Bush — Missionary to Argentina and now Director of Vision Baptist Missions. (over 10 years of ministry)
- Robert Canfield — Assistant pastor at Vision Baptist Church. (about 5 years of ministry)
- Trent Cornwell — Assistant pastor at Vision Baptist Church. (about 7 years of ministry)
- Mark Coffey — Missionary to South Africa with Vision Baptist Missions. (about 10 years of ministry)
- Austin Gardner — Close mentor and friend. Pastor of Vision Baptist Church and missionary to Peru for many years. (almost 40 years of ministry)
- David Gates — Close friend and missionary to Egypt with Macedonia World Baptist Missions. (about 5 years of ministry)
- Alfonso Gonzalez — My assistant while I pastored the Spanish church in GA, now pastor of Iglesia Bautista El Faro. (about 3 years of ministry)
- Kevin Hall — Missionary to South Africa with Vision Baptist Missions. (about 10 years of ministry)
- Brandon Mayes — Missionary to China and now Deputation Director for Macedonia World Baptist Missions. (about 15 years of ministry)
- Rex McPherson — Missionary in Wales and now Pastor of Galilean Baptist Church. (about 30 years of ministry)
- Larry Monroe — Pastored for many years now assistant pastor at my home church. (about 20 years of ministry)
- Cory Sexton — Friend for years and now pastor of The Church at Hoschton. (about 10 years of ministry)
- Donald Swaim — My grandfather and missionary to Mexico and US hispanics with BIMI. (about 30 years of ministry)
- Richard Vance — My dad and missionary printer with Macedonia World Baptist Missions. (about 18 years of ministry)
- Thurman Wade — Pastor for several years, now Director of Macedonia World Baptist Missions. (about 50 years of ministry)
- Frank Whitmire — Pastor for several years, now assistant pastor at my home church. (about 30 years of ministry)
For years, I have seen God do great things over and over again in my life, and I’m constantly reminded that it’s not about me… it’s all about HIM! I’m just an earthen vessel, he’s the real treasure. Knowing this humbles me. It is an honor to serve the King of Kings. It is a privilege that God would see it fit to put me in ministry. It is a joy to be his voice in this world.
I want to also express my love and gratitude for the one that is by my side — that is, my wife, Aubrie. There’s no one else that has loved me more, encouraged me more, inspired me more, helped me more and will ever be with me more than her. Ministry can come and go, but she will be with me until the end. I tell you, God has been super good to this ol’ boy!
January – February 2013 Prayer Letter Update
January / February 2013
Dear Praying Friends,
What a joy it is to greet you once again and share the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Deputation & Family Update
Since our last letter, we have added several new monthly financial partners and quite a few others that have expressed interest in joining us. I’m always amazed how God opens doors and crosses our paths with people and churches that desire to have an impact in Colombia. If you haven’t done so yet, I want to encourage you to jump on board with us. Each little bit really does help us get closer to reaching people in Colombia with the Gospel.
Also, if you know of a church that would be interested in supporting us or having us in to present our work, please let me know. You can contact me by clicking here.
From The Mouth Of Babes
Amira, who will be turning 3 in March, has made a habit of singing songs about people she meets. Her last song was about her new friend Kylee and went something like this, “I love my friend Kylee… She likes to color… She likes green, purple, blue and red… She’s my best friend ever… And she loves God too… We like to play… LaLaLaLa….” Maybe someday Amira will write a song about you! 🙂
Colombian Culture Corner
When you visit a home in Colombia (a common occurrence, since they are very relationship oriented), it is customary to bring a gift for the hostess, such as fruit, quality chocolates, a potted plant, or flowers. But DON’T take marigolds or lilies, as they are used in funerals!
An Event To Consider
The Our Generation Student Leadership Camp, May 27-31, is actually 2 camps in one. There is a track for youth groups (Middle/High schoolers) and another for College Students/Singles that are already interested in missions. With all the things you’d expect at a summer camp (Yes, there is a BLOB!), what sets this apart is its focus and theme on missions. Missionaries come from all over the world (including us, Lord willing) to challenge and train young people to live for God and be a WITNESS in our generation. Bring a group, bring a friend, and plan to be there. For more info check out: visionbaptistmissions.com. {{Also, keep an eye on our family’s website, as I’ll be giving away a free sponsorship soon!}}
Prayer Requests
- For growth in the new life of recent converts
- For others to trust Christ, here and far away
- For our support to continue to increase
- For Colombian hearts to be prepared
- For God to raise up more laborers.
Serving The King of Kings,
Aaron, Aubrie, Amira & Anabel Vance
Click on the icon to see the print version of our prayer letter (with pictures)
Grow in Your Leadership
Recently a good friend and one of my mentors, Austin Gardner, began a podcast on leadership. It has quickly become one of the things I look forward to most each week! I encourage you, if you are in any type of Christian leadership role or desire to be some day, check it out! It will be a great investment of your time. Each week for 10-20 minutes you will hear loads of practical & biblical advice. This is one of those things that will be invaluable in ministry.
You can check the website above for updates each week or subscribe for free in iTunes by clicking here.
The Spanish podcast, which is also helpful and sometimes deals with different issues, can be found here.
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December 2012 Prayer Letter & Christmas Update
Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Aubrie and I pray that you have a wonderful, Christ-filled year, and that God would do even greater things through you than ever before.
Deputation & Family Update
This year, we have travelled over 40,000 miles, been in 156 churches, and seen our support grow to nearly 60% (almost all of which has come in since January!). We welcomed Anabel into our family back in May, and have welcomed many into our spiritual family that have been saved along the way. Praise Jesus!
It is always humbling to me as we travel that anybody would let me preach and share our ministry to Colombia. Then to think that many give so sacrificially so that we can go, it is amazing. Thank you, to all of you that have given, prayed, kept in touch and helped us along our way. You have blessed this family! I think of Paul’s words to the church at Philippi in the Bible:
“Ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account…But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:16-19
Amira and Anabel are both healthy and growing. Anabel just had her dosage reduced to twice a day for the tumor they started treating back in August. It has all but vanished, and her doctors are impressed at her progress. Just a few months of treatments left. Thanks to those that have prayed for her.
From The Mouth Of Babes
Speaking of Anabel, she is babbling a lot, and occasionally says “mama” but so far has refused to say “dada.” I’d be dishonest to say I’m not at least a little jealous. 🙂
Colombian Culture Corner
In Spanish, to wish somebody a Merry Christmas, say “Feliz Navidad” (fell-EECE nah-bee-DAHD). If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could add “y prospero año nuevo” (EE pro-SPEHR-o AHN-yo nu-EH-bo) — “and have a prosperous new year.”
Think On These Things
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:16, 36).
Have you believed on Jesus? Have you been saved? That is the whole reason we celebrate Christmas. Please contact us if you have questions about salvation. It’s the most important decision you can ever make. Please don’t put it off!
I’ve included our Christmas card. Once again, thank you for staying up to date with us, for the prayers and faithful support. God bless!
Serving The King of Kings,
Aaron, Aubrie, Amira & Anabel Vance
Click Here to see the print version of our prayer letter.
The Vance Family 