Enough Said

2021 1st Quarterly Newsletter

What a year 2020 has been. I pray that you and your family are safe and well. Looking back over the year, what can we learn from the events of 2020? I’m certain we could list many lessons. However, as I’ve reflected over the past year, there is one lesson that gives me confidence and assurance. The lesson is this: When I don’t know the ‘what’ or the ‘why’ things happen, there is a personal, caring, creator God Who superintends over ALL THINGS. If the Bible teaches one thing, it teaches us this: God is in control.

When the people of God were experiencing desperate times, the prophet Isaiah shared these words from God: “Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (41:10).

Through Jesus, believers, both collectively and individually need not be dismayed by events. Our Father is in complete control with a plan that will ultimately bring about His righteousness. Our role is not to fear, not be paralyzed by dismay, and trust that God will strengthen us to continue to obey His Word. Let us pray for one another that we may glorify our Father in heaven.

COVID 19 restrictions cancelled many speaking engagements, but not all. One fun opportunity was to join Pastor Josh Frazier at Woodland Baptist Church in Waynesville, NC, for some training time with key leaders as well as preach their Homecoming Service. (The 50- gallon barrel as a pulpit was a tribute to the first service held at the church where the pulpit was a 50-gallon barrel.) Other ministry opportunities were mostly conducted over the phone and the Internet, although I have also had the privilege of preaching at some churches mask and all! Encouraging pastors and church leaders continues to be a key role of this ministry, especially during these times.

Catch - The Game Everyone Can play

Want a practical way to share ‘other-centeredness’ on the job? Read my newest book, CATCH. It is a story that teaches how a Christ-centered life can influence others in the workplace. One business owner told me that the principles presented were the exact values and principles he would like to see implemented in his business. CATCH is available on Amazon. It would make a great New Year gift for someone!  

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Family Update

I’m grateful to report that so far this year our family has been healthy and blessed. Lyndsay and Lowrey are doing well. Lyndsay is currently working as a choreographer for a show at one of the Atlanta Theaters. Lowrey has continued to audition and has had several appearances in feature films. They also added a little dachshund puppy, Mr. Darcy to our family.

Rush and Claire are doing great and announced that we can expect our first grandchild in March. To say that we are excited would be a major understatement. Please continue to pray for them as they prepare for this little one.

Sharon is busier than ever with her new business venture as an advocate for a toxin free makeup company. She is enjoying introducing folks to a totally toxin free lifestyle. My hiking adventures continue, and I’m very happy to share that I have completed the Appalachian Trail through the state of Pennsylvania. Those rocks almost killed me, but I’m ready to move on up the trail in 2021.

Another new ministry opportunity has been to sing with the Georgia Baptist men’s singing group, The Son’s of Jubal. Hope you will be able join me at a concert in 2021. Our prayer is that this Christmas will be the best one ever for you and your family. May the New Year bring blessings and opportunities beyond your wildest dreams.

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Rusty and Sharon