Can you imagine a grafted branch looking down at the root and deeming it worthless? That would be a ridiculous error. The branch and its fruit should thank the root, for without it, neither would live. How much more should we as believers look thankfully to the Jewish people through whom our Savior came and acknowledge their importance in God’s plan?

In order to help us gain a better understanding of our place in God’s plan and our relation to the nation of Israel, Romans 11 uses an illustration of an olive tree. In this passage, the root of the tree is Abraham because through him came all the promises to Israel and to us. The trunk of the olive tree is God’s divine blessing. The natural branches are the Jewish people; while the grafted branches represent the Gentiles, primarily the Church.

Since we, as the fruit and grafted branches, are nothing without the root, Abraham, we should be thankful to the nation of Israel. Salvation is of the Jewish people because through the family line of Abraham, Judah, David, and then Mary, our Savior came into the world. As a result, we have the ability to be saved.

May we always be a fruit that thanks the root and seek to be a people that support the Jews in any way we can.

Article by Pastor Jim Scudder, Jr.

Only one person cared enough to share the gospel with Jim before he trusted Christ as his Savior. When he realized Heaven is a gift, it changed his life forever. Now he can’t tell enough people about Jesus.

Before serving as a phone operator for Victory In Grace, Jim Rende was involved with teaching, and he ran his own business. As he grew older, his schedule changed, freeing up more of his time. When the need arose for phone operators at VIG, Jim seized it and immediately knew he was doing God’s will. From the very beginning, Jim saw a great harvest of souls.

Jim’s experience in the phone ministry at VIG has enabled him to win souls to Christ, to encourage other believers, and to build a relationship between VIG and the people who call the ministry. With each call Jim answers, he makes a concerted effort to show the person he really cares about them. He explains, “People have to know that they’re loved and that God loves them…. I want people to go to Heaven; but even more than that, I don’t want them to go to Hell.” With the Holy Spirit’s help, Jim has kept many from the flames over the five years he has served at VIG, and he rejoices at the prospect of being with new believers in Heaven. Nevertheless, his heart is burdened for those who have yet to hear the good news of Christ.

For Jim Rende, every day is another day to win souls. How about you? Will anyone be in Heaven because of you?

From sailing on the beautiful Sea of Galilee to journeying through the lush oasis of Ein Gedi, I cannot even put into words how priceless it was to have had another opportunity to visit the Holy Land. After recently returning from our Israel Tour, I am spiritually refreshed. I never tire of experiencing the place where my Savior walked and ministered.

One of the things I love most about going to Israel is the way it brings the Scriptures to life. As we walked through Caesarea, Cana, Nazareth, and Jerusalem, I could not help but feel that visiting these cities was like seeing glimpses of God’s Word painted before my very eyes.

As we neared the end of our travels, we visited the Upper Room, a place similar to the room of the Last Supper, followed by one of the most special sites of all, the Garden Tomb. We had a moving time of dedication and prayer in the place where our Lord rose again.

Friend, I encourage you to support Israel in whatever way you can. God will bless those who bless His people. If you have never been to Israel, you should consider coming along with us next year as we take the journey of a lifetime. Through this trip, you will not only support God’s chosen people, but you will also create memories you will never forget!

Grateful to be blessed beyond measure,

Dr. James A. Scudder

Friends from the very beginning, Rob and Nikki grew up together at Quentin Road. After dating through high school and college, the couple married in 2009 and is now expecting a new blessing — a baby boy due May 19th.

During their time at Dayspring, Nikki helped in the Christian preschool and Junior Church, while Rob served in the Victory In Grace phone ministry and mail room. Together they also made a huge impact through a program which helps children whose parents struggle with addictions.

The couple shares, “Going to Dayspring taught us the importance of the clear gospel and we had hands-on opportunities to share our faith through several different ministries. We learned to be dedicated and put forth our best effort to see souls come to Christ.”

In August of 2012, Rob became the assistant pastor and Addictions Program Director at Belmont Bible Church. Together Pastor Rob and Nikki run Awana and the high school youth group. On Sunday mornings, the couple works with Junior Church and the teen Sunday School class. Belmont has grown so much they now conduct two Sunday morning services and plan on beginning a Christian school in the fall.

Pastor Rob and Nikki share, “It amazes us that God chose us to help at Belmont. God is definitely working and blessing in our church. We can’t wait to see how the Lord is going to work in our future at Belmont.” Please keep them and their growing family in your prayers as they seek to make an impact for the Lord.

Article by Stephanie Scialabba

After a year filled with changes, Pastor Rodney Holler and his wife, Kim, are excited to see the Lord working in their lives. From moving to their new home in Cape Coral, Florida, to joining Rodney’s father at Cape Baptist Church, the couple is so thankful for God’s guidance and blessing.

With each step, the Lord has prepared them for His service, especially through their training at Dayspring Bible College. Together, they served faithfully at Quentin Road before taking this step in the ministry God had for them. After recently moving to Florida, Rodney, Kim, and their four-year-old son, Chase, are enjoying their new home.

Now an integral part of Cape Baptist, the couple shares,

We have had the privilege to have a part in many children and adults coming to know Christ as Savior through this church, and have also been privileged to be part of some milestones in this new ministry.

We are very excited to have recently started AWANA Youth Clubs for ages 3 years old through 6th grade and Youth Ranch, a new youth program for 7–12th graders.

Please pray for Rodney, Kim, and Chase as they look forward to what God has in store for their future at Cape Baptist Church.

Article by Stephanie Scialabba