As a pastor I have the privilege of visiting Mike,according to the guidelines set out by the Lee County Jail.
I had a great visit with Mike,just after Christmas, he looks good and is doing well.
I hope you will continue to pray for Mike and his family.
May God bless you all as you remember Mike, Lori, Lindsay, Hannah, Matthew and Mike's mom: Brenda.
Andy Goode
Monday, January 11, 2010
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Greatly Encouraged
I appreciate everyone being patient and Mike and I have had a hard time coordinating our schedules to get together. We were able to see one another yesterday when Daniel Van Cleave and I spent about an hour with Mike.
This is week seven for the Bible Study that Mike started which is now bearing fruit. Mike is encouraged that people want to be a part of the Bible study and that one young man recently gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Mike had been discouraged that the message of salvation was not penetrating the hearts of the guys and now God has encouraged Mike through this one young man's salvation.
Maybe this will not mean as much to anyone as it meant to Daniel and myself but when we asked to see Mike, we heard the deputy say to another deputy: "They are here to see Pastor Mike."
It seems that the guys around there, on either side of the bars, refer to Mike as: "Pastor Mike". I think this says a great deal about Mike's character and that he is representing Christ well on the mission field.
Another thing that God dis for us yesterday is allowed us to see Mike outside of the glass. My car wouldn't start when we were ready to leave the LCJ. So , who came out on a golf cart with jumper cables? Mike Littleton and did all he could to help but the starter could not be helped.
Keep praying for Mike and the work he is doing there. God is blessing him and he is making the most of a less than desirable situation. To God be the glory.
Pray for Lori, Lindsay,Hannah, and Matthew.
Be back soon with another update.
This is week seven for the Bible Study that Mike started which is now bearing fruit. Mike is encouraged that people want to be a part of the Bible study and that one young man recently gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Mike had been discouraged that the message of salvation was not penetrating the hearts of the guys and now God has encouraged Mike through this one young man's salvation.
Maybe this will not mean as much to anyone as it meant to Daniel and myself but when we asked to see Mike, we heard the deputy say to another deputy: "They are here to see Pastor Mike."
It seems that the guys around there, on either side of the bars, refer to Mike as: "Pastor Mike". I think this says a great deal about Mike's character and that he is representing Christ well on the mission field.
Another thing that God dis for us yesterday is allowed us to see Mike outside of the glass. My car wouldn't start when we were ready to leave the LCJ. So , who came out on a golf cart with jumper cables? Mike Littleton and did all he could to help but the starter could not be helped.
Keep praying for Mike and the work he is doing there. God is blessing him and he is making the most of a less than desirable situation. To God be the glory.
Pray for Lori, Lindsay,Hannah, and Matthew.
Be back soon with another update.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
A New Phase
Mike is grateful to all of you who show concern and pray for him, so don't stop. Mike is allowed now to conduct Bible study with even more people on an even greater frequency. Mike gets a chance to help alot of people from his position of ministry. There is no way to measure what God has done and will do through Mike because of these circumstances.
Being a trustee has been a blessing as he gets a change of scenery each day. Mike is Mike and he remains encouraged trying to make the best of this situation. Those of you who know him know he loves to be outside and right now he gets to be outside alot. You also know that Mike is a hard worker and he is getting to work hard also. He still has that sense of humor, but you know he has low times too.
I provided Mike with some books he wanted which made me feel better but the truth is none of use will feel better until Mike comes home from this assignment. We have to remember that no matter how long he is away it will not be forever.
Please pray for Mike, Lori, Lindsay (she graduates this year) Hannah and Matthew. Mike would have me add that never forget who changed Mike. It was Jesus, not a church, not Mike, not Lori, not a preacher, just surrendering to Jesus. (Sorry Russ that has to be in there).
Thanks to everyone on behalf of Mike and Lori for all of your concern and support. God Bless!
Being a trustee has been a blessing as he gets a change of scenery each day. Mike is Mike and he remains encouraged trying to make the best of this situation. Those of you who know him know he loves to be outside and right now he gets to be outside alot. You also know that Mike is a hard worker and he is getting to work hard also. He still has that sense of humor, but you know he has low times too.
I provided Mike with some books he wanted which made me feel better but the truth is none of use will feel better until Mike comes home from this assignment. We have to remember that no matter how long he is away it will not be forever.
Please pray for Mike, Lori, Lindsay (she graduates this year) Hannah and Matthew. Mike would have me add that never forget who changed Mike. It was Jesus, not a church, not Mike, not Lori, not a preacher, just surrendering to Jesus. (Sorry Russ that has to be in there).
Thanks to everyone on behalf of Mike and Lori for all of your concern and support. God Bless!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Coming Soon a New Report
Dear Friends of Mike,
Mike is working outside of the facility each day. This restricts my ability to see him. I have been away in Mexico on a Mission Team all last week and did not get to see Mike before I left. I will see Mike this week and bring a new report to all of you very soon.
You can pray for Lori right now. Also pray that Matthew will continue to do bettter and better in school. Pray for Lindsay and Hannah as well.
Some things were worked out for Mike that I can't go into that have made things a little better since the last report. So keep praying for Mike and we will try to keep you better informed.
Mike is working outside of the facility each day. This restricts my ability to see him. I have been away in Mexico on a Mission Team all last week and did not get to see Mike before I left. I will see Mike this week and bring a new report to all of you very soon.
You can pray for Lori right now. Also pray that Matthew will continue to do bettter and better in school. Pray for Lindsay and Hannah as well.
Some things were worked out for Mike that I can't go into that have made things a little better since the last report. So keep praying for Mike and we will try to keep you better informed.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Call To Prayer
Well, I have to ask for forgiveness for those who are following the blog. I got busy with being a pastor and haven't updated and truthfully haven't been to see Mike until yesterday.
Mike continues to see God's provision in his life. For those who pray for Mike I need to ask you to set aside a serious moment of intercession fro my brother Mike, Lori, Lindsay, Hannah and Matthew (Butterbean).
There will many phases of this trial in which the Littleton family must endure. Imagine how it must feel to have a new lease on life for two years and then have it taken away. I know Mike must pay a penalty for causing the death of three others and TRUST me the separation all the Littletons suffer with, is no different from the separation the others feel.
For everything there is a reason and God is in control of this situation. We have seen God handle some otherwise difficult situations fro Mike on the inside. All joking aside we have seen the hand of God deliver Mike from some trying situations.
I am asking you to plead before God on behalf of Mike. The enemy wages war in the mind as well as through other people. Pray for God's peace within Mike's mind and that Mike can focus on the things in which he needs to focus.
Many people ask me each week, how is Mike, what can I do? Mike is in jail... how would you be doing? What can I do? Pitch in to help encourage Belle and the kids, AND please if you are a Christian PRAY!
Good Night
ATG
Mike continues to see God's provision in his life. For those who pray for Mike I need to ask you to set aside a serious moment of intercession fro my brother Mike, Lori, Lindsay, Hannah and Matthew (Butterbean).
There will many phases of this trial in which the Littleton family must endure. Imagine how it must feel to have a new lease on life for two years and then have it taken away. I know Mike must pay a penalty for causing the death of three others and TRUST me the separation all the Littletons suffer with, is no different from the separation the others feel.
For everything there is a reason and God is in control of this situation. We have seen God handle some otherwise difficult situations fro Mike on the inside. All joking aside we have seen the hand of God deliver Mike from some trying situations.
I am asking you to plead before God on behalf of Mike. The enemy wages war in the mind as well as through other people. Pray for God's peace within Mike's mind and that Mike can focus on the things in which he needs to focus.
Many people ask me each week, how is Mike, what can I do? Mike is in jail... how would you be doing? What can I do? Pitch in to help encourage Belle and the kids, AND please if you are a Christian PRAY!
Good Night
ATG
Friday, January 23, 2009
Standing Firm in the Faith of Christ
Today Mike is strong, but concerned about all of you. Mike heard some encouraging news regarding where he will be and for now he is going to be right there at the Lee County facility.
Mike sends his love to all and I have told him the messages of all the different people who continue to give me messages to Mike.
Mike is doing laundry and keeping occupied in this way, while his ministry has become limited to just a few other guys because he is now assigned to a different area. The questions still come from the guys and Mike 's teaching ministry continues. Having shared the gospel with all those who will listen , Mike is now in a place of discipling the believers and praying for the heart change of those who are not believers.
Pray for Mike, Lori, Lindsay, Hannah and Matthew. Pray that Mike continue to have favor to accomplish what God palaced him there to accomplish. Send your messages of encouragement via email to my address: pastor@albanycentralbaptist.net and I will get them to Mike.
It was a good visit today with Missionary Mike desires that each of you Stand Firm!
Mike sends his love to all and I have told him the messages of all the different people who continue to give me messages to Mike.
Mike is doing laundry and keeping occupied in this way, while his ministry has become limited to just a few other guys because he is now assigned to a different area. The questions still come from the guys and Mike 's teaching ministry continues. Having shared the gospel with all those who will listen , Mike is now in a place of discipling the believers and praying for the heart change of those who are not believers.
Pray for Mike, Lori, Lindsay, Hannah and Matthew. Pray that Mike continue to have favor to accomplish what God palaced him there to accomplish. Send your messages of encouragement via email to my address: pastor@albanycentralbaptist.net and I will get them to Mike.
It was a good visit today with Missionary Mike desires that each of you Stand Firm!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Mike wants everyone to know that he is doing well, not without challenges and opportunities but by God's grace doing quite well. Four men have repented and given their lives to Christ since Mike entered the mission field.
Mike conducts Bible study several times a week and wants to share with you these verses from the Bible:
Jeremiah 24:1-10 (MSG) 1 God showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the Temple of God. This was after Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem into exile in Babylon, along with the leaders of Judah, the craftsmen, and the skilled laborers. 2 In one basket the figs were of the finest quality, ripe and ready to eat. In the other basket the figs were rotten, so rotten they couldn't be eaten. 3 God said to me, "Jeremiah, what do you see?" "Figs," I said. "Excellent figs of the finest quality, and also rotten figs, so rotten they can't be eaten." 4 Then God told me, 5 "This is the Message from the God of Israel: The exiles from here that I've sent off to the land of the Babylonians are like the good figs, and I'll make sure they get good treatment. 6 I'll keep my eye on them so that their lives are good, and I'll bring them back to this land. I'll build them up, not tear them down; I'll plant them, not uproot them. 7 "And I'll give them a heart to know me, God. They'll be my people and I'll be their God, for they'll have returned to me with all their hearts. 8 "But like the rotten figs, so rotten they can't be eaten, is Zedekiah king of Judah. Rotten figs—that's how I'll treat him and his leaders, along with the survivors here and those down in Egypt. 9 I'll make them something that the whole world will look on as disgusting—repugnant outcasts, their names used as curse words wherever in the world I drive them. 10 And I'll make sure they die like flies—from war, starvation, disease, whatever—until the land I once gave to them and their ancestors is completely rid of them."
This is from Mike's personal Bible study and it makes a point to us. Wouldn't you prefer God see you as an excellent fig rather than a rotten fig. There is only one thing that makes you pleasant in the sight of God and that is a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Rotten figs are not in Christ and for all that give their life to Christ as Mike did, they are not rotten but excellent in the sight of God.
For the Bible study last night, Mike taught the verses Ephesians 2: 7-10 which say this:Ephesians 2:7-10 (MSG) 7 Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. 8 Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! 9 We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! 10 No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
Mike says the guys have tons of questions and they are eager to learn. Mike asks that you pray for a guy by the street name of "T-Time" and another guy by the name of "Weaver". Also pray for a guy named Woods and a guy named Mark.
It is a tough ministry but Mike is willing to serve His Lord and savior. Most of all don't forget to pray for Mike, Lori, Lindsey, Hannah and Matthew.
May God richly bless you and thanks for caring about Mike.
Mike conducts Bible study several times a week and wants to share with you these verses from the Bible:
Jeremiah 24:1-10 (MSG) 1 God showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the Temple of God. This was after Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem into exile in Babylon, along with the leaders of Judah, the craftsmen, and the skilled laborers. 2 In one basket the figs were of the finest quality, ripe and ready to eat. In the other basket the figs were rotten, so rotten they couldn't be eaten. 3 God said to me, "Jeremiah, what do you see?" "Figs," I said. "Excellent figs of the finest quality, and also rotten figs, so rotten they can't be eaten." 4 Then God told me, 5 "This is the Message from the God of Israel: The exiles from here that I've sent off to the land of the Babylonians are like the good figs, and I'll make sure they get good treatment. 6 I'll keep my eye on them so that their lives are good, and I'll bring them back to this land. I'll build them up, not tear them down; I'll plant them, not uproot them. 7 "And I'll give them a heart to know me, God. They'll be my people and I'll be their God, for they'll have returned to me with all their hearts. 8 "But like the rotten figs, so rotten they can't be eaten, is Zedekiah king of Judah. Rotten figs—that's how I'll treat him and his leaders, along with the survivors here and those down in Egypt. 9 I'll make them something that the whole world will look on as disgusting—repugnant outcasts, their names used as curse words wherever in the world I drive them. 10 And I'll make sure they die like flies—from war, starvation, disease, whatever—until the land I once gave to them and their ancestors is completely rid of them."
This is from Mike's personal Bible study and it makes a point to us. Wouldn't you prefer God see you as an excellent fig rather than a rotten fig. There is only one thing that makes you pleasant in the sight of God and that is a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Rotten figs are not in Christ and for all that give their life to Christ as Mike did, they are not rotten but excellent in the sight of God.
For the Bible study last night, Mike taught the verses Ephesians 2: 7-10 which say this:Ephesians 2:7-10 (MSG) 7 Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. 8 Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! 9 We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! 10 No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
Mike says the guys have tons of questions and they are eager to learn. Mike asks that you pray for a guy by the street name of "T-Time" and another guy by the name of "Weaver". Also pray for a guy named Woods and a guy named Mark.
It is a tough ministry but Mike is willing to serve His Lord and savior. Most of all don't forget to pray for Mike, Lori, Lindsey, Hannah and Matthew.
May God richly bless you and thanks for caring about Mike.
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