theamenministry

     Thank you for your prayers for the mission to Poland.  God was gracious and He answered all of our prayers for the trip.  We expected between 60-70 in attendance for the Conference on Revival.  Instead, we had 120 pastors and church leaders!  All of them said that they were blessed, encouraged, and refreshed by our time together.  These pastors came from four different nations and from various denominations, but God gave us a unity of heart, spirit, and purpose.  He blessed us with His presence and He worked in many hearts.  It was a privilege to serve the men and women who attended.  Because of your prayers and gifts, you were also a major part of that blessing.

     Even though our primary purpose for this trip was encouragement for the pastors and a conference on revival, our team also had the joy of witnessing several people pray to receive Christ.  We preached in several churches, two prisons, and two of us were able to distribute many gospel tracts.  We were also able to leave about 200 tracts for the churches to share.

     In one of the evening services, the Lord led me to preach from the Gospel of Luke.  It was the fourth chapter where Jesus read from the book of Isaiah.  The message was entitled, “There is Hope!”  A homeless man walked into the service.  He is only twenty-seven years old, but he looks about thirty years older than his actual age.  When I announced the text, I noticed that it got his attention.  You see, this young man’s name is Luke.  He listened intently to the message.  After the service, he shared his story with us.  His is a story of much sorrow and loss.  He told us that he walked in that night with a broken heart, but he heard that Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted.  I am glad to tell you that Luke prayed to receive Christ that night.  Please pray that he will now grow in the Lord.

     Believe it or not, only one-tenth of one percent of the people of Poland claim to be born-again, evangelical Christians.  The need for revival and spiritual awakening in that nation is almost overwhelming.  I ask you to pray for the pastors and churches of Poland.  Pray that God will do a mighty work in that nation.  I ask you to especially remember Pastor Kamil.  We believe that God has raised up this young man for such a time as this in his country.  It is Pastor Kamil that had the burden and vision for the revival conference.  Pray that God’s hand will be upon him and that the Lord will continue to use him in a mighty way.

     Thank you for your love, prayers, encouragement and your gifts.  Please pray that God will open doors for ministry in 2014 and that the funds will be provided to continue this ministry to which He has called us.  Pray that we will be faithful and trust Him completely in all things.  We love you all and we thank God for you.

In Christ’s service,

Allen & Lisa

Psalm 72:19

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Dear Friends & Partners,

We pray that you are doing well.  God is good and He is Faithful.  He keeps all His promises.

The week of September 11, I led another Prophecy Conference at Carrolls Creek Baptist Church in Northport.  From the beginning, I prayed that the prophecy conferences would be more than just a study of prophecy, but that God would use them for salvation, for revival, and for God’s people to get a renewed urgency for evangelism.  God has answered those prayers every time.  In one church, the people were so hungry for God’s Word, they asked if I could come back for another night.  In another church, the pastor told me that for a few  weeks after the conference, people were still coming forward making decisions for Christ.  At Carrolls Creek, we had a Sunday morning worship crowd for the Sunday School hour and for every session, the people came and responded to the Word of God.  I thank the Lord for these pastors and churches who are hungry to know more of God and His Word.

So many people today think that we are too busy for Bible conferences and revival meetings and that meetings like these are old-fashioned and out of date.  I want to ask, “If the children of Israel could set aside several times a year to seek the Lord, focus on Him, and make Him their priority for an extended time, then why can’t we, who are under grace, do the same once or twice a year?”  I know firsthand that God still blesses and works and meets with us when we make it a priority to meet with Him.  I pray that more pastors and churches will see this need and have this burden.

Please pray for the team of pastors, myself included, who will travel to Poland in a few weeks to teach pastors and preach in revival meetings.  As of yesterday, we have pastors coming from Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. What an awesome opportunity to teach, encourage, and evangelize!  As in all things with the AMEN Ministry, only the grace of God and your generous gifts can make this possible.  Thank you for your prayers and your gifts.  Please keep us in mind in the next few weeks that we may be able to finish the year strong in every way.

Let me close this update with the words of the Apostle Paul from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14…”Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.”  We love you and thank God for you.

In Christ’s service,

Allen & Lisa

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Dear Friends & Ministry Partners,

We pray that you are doing well.  God is good and He has blessed us in many ways.  During the month of July I have been preaching at SweetWater Baptist Church and also had the privilege of preaching a revival meeting at Shiloh Baptist Church here in Marengo County.  God blessed the time at Shiloh as many hearts were stirred for Him.  In the months ahead, I will be preaching at SweetWater on the Sundays that were not already scheduled for the AMEN Ministry.  The week of September 8 I will be leading a Prophecy Conference at Carrolls Creek Baptist Church in Northport, Alabama.  I would love our friends in the Tuscaloosa/Northport area to join us that week.

God has provided graciously through the gifts of His people for several ministry projects.  We were able to send funds to Pastor Manuel in Nicaragua for an outreach to children in a new village.  Just yesterday, Pastor Manuel sent us an e-mail that let us know how well this went.  Only last week, a couple in our area surprised me with the funds needed to help with the pastors’ expenses for the conference in Poland which is coming up in October.  Also, through the efforts of Lisa, Faith, Judy Barnes, and Bonnie Faile, many ladies gave for the needs that the children at the House of Hope have for the upcoming school year.  This was mainly for school uniforms, supplies, and shoes.  Over $3600 was given!

Two of the main ministry needs we have between now and the rest of the year are the funds for Mission Pastor support in Romania and for my travel expenses for the Poland Outreach.  We need $1200 for Mission Pastor support and about $2000 for expenses for the Poland Pastors Conference and Outreach.  All gifts of any amount are greatly appreciated and needed, especially in the weeks ahead.  Your gifts enable us to continue this ministry full-time.  God continues to meet our salary needs, but again, it is only through friends and partners like you who so graciously and lovingly give.  Again, your gifts are especially vital in the next few weeks.  Pray and ask the Lord how He would have you give.  Above all, your prayers and encouragement are what we are most thankful for.

Our desire is to be used of God for His glory for revival, missions, evangelism, and encouragement for those who serve the Lord.  As you pray for us, please pray that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, and that we may approve the things that are excellent, that we may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, and be filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:9-11)  We love you and we thank God for each one of you.

In Christ’s service,

Allen & Lisa

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Dear Friends & Partners,

We pray that all of you are doing well.  We have been very busy the past three months preparing for Lauren’s wedding.  The wedding was wonderful and God answered every prayer for the weekend.  Matt and Lauren are now living in Dothan where Matt is the student pastor at Heritage Baptist Church.  Daniel, Kristy,and the girls are well.  The Lord continues to bless the church where Daniel serves as pastor.  Faith is home for the summer.  Lisa and I are thankful that we can spend the next few weeks with her.

I have a few preaching opportunities at various churches here in West Alabama this month.  We are thankful for those.  In the next few weeks we will schedule the 2014 Romania mission trip.  As of now, it is set for the last week of March 2014.  The next overseas ministry that is scheduled is a trip to Poland in October.  I have been asked to join with two other ministries to teach pastors at the Warsaw Theological Seminary.  Pastors from across Poland will attend a three day conference on revival.  Then we will spend a few days preaching in revival meetings in various cities in Poland.

The next five months are critical for the support of the AMEN Ministry.  We are thankful for those who send us support every month.  This ministry would be impossible apart from the grace of God and the prayers and generosity of God’s people.  Over the next few weeks we need to be able to send the support for Pastor Dani and his family in Romania.  We also need the funds to provide for the radio program that airs every Monday morning on the four Moody Radio South stations.  Also, in addition to the support that provides for our own salary, $3,000 is needed for the mission trip to Poland.  Two thousand dollars covers my expenses and we have been asked to send $1,000 as soon as possible to help with the expenses for the pastors who will attend.  Between 100-200 pastors will be attending the conference.  We hope to be able to help with their travel, lodging, and meals.

Over the next few weeks, every gift will be much appreciated for the ongoing work of this ministry to which God has called us.  Seek the Lord’s leading in how He would have you invest in the work of His Kingdom through the AMEN Ministry.  There are other opportunities to teach pastors in several different nations, but it will only be possible if the needed resources are provided.  God is good and we are trusting Him to provide through His people.

Let me close with these exciting reports:  Pastor Mihai has told me that they have had the first baptism service in the new church at Halmeu.  Three new believers were baptized and he has more that are now attending a new believers class.  There are now seventeen children living at the House of Hope Children’s Home.  Special thanks goes to the VBS at Fairhaven.  They raised over $900 this past week for new shoes and school uniforms for the children at the House of Hope.  All praise and glory go to God!  God bless you all and keep us in your prayers.

In Christ’s service,

Allen & Lisa

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We are excited and thankful to announce a new door of ministry God has just opened.  Beginning Monday April 8, I will have a three minute segment every Monday morning on the four stations of Moody Radio South.  The new program will be called, “The AMEN Corner.”  The main focus of the program will be encouragement for those who serve the Lord.  As of now, the segment is scheduled to air between 7a.m.-8a.m. (CST).  Also, you can listen to it on the Moody Radio South website.

I appreciate station manager Rob Moore for giving us this opportunity.  Please pray for wisdom as I write the scripts for each program.     My prayer, as always, is that God will use this for His glory.  Also, we need businesses and churches to underwrite the program.  Pray that God will move on hearts and the needed funds will be provided.

We love you all and we thank God for your love, encouragement, and support.

In Christ’s service,

Allen

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Dear Friends and Partners,

Thank you for your your prayers during our recent mission to Romania.  We knew you were praying for us throughout the entire trip and that continually encouraged us.  Almost everyday God reminded us He is in charge and we are not.  Most of the plans we had made ahead of time did not happen due to weather or other circumstances, but the Lord amazed us with how He worked out His plan.

We had hoped to do mostly street evangelism in Halmeu (location of the newest church) and then have the week culminate in the first baptism service in the new church.  Rain, sleet, and later four inches of snow hindered most of our street evangelism.  Then we were disappointed to hear that the baptism would not take place because the man who was scheduled to be baptized had to be in another country due to his work.  Then God stepped in and began to weave a tapestry of provision, open doors, and ministry that was more beautiful than anything we could have done.

The first extra provision God made was in the number of Bibles we had.  We had sent enough money to purchase 300 Bibles, but the Lord provided 450 Bibles and 100 of them were Hungarian!  Through some of Pastor Mihai’s contacts in Halmeu, we were able to speak in two of the government schools.  One of the classes was a group of Hungarian speaking children.  We were able to give them Bibles and gospel tracts in their own language.  I don’t think we have ever had a trip where our team had to be more flexible and had to be able to improvise more than on this trip.  Everyone had a great attitude, accepted all the last-minute changes in stride, took what God gave us and made the most of it.

The next morning we awoke to a cold, rainy day.  Pastor Mihai contacted the government orphanage in Satu Mare to see if we could visit some of the classes there.  He told us that normally, the director liked to have a two or three week notice.  This was at 7:45 a.m.  The director said he would be glad for us to visit.  Mihai told us it is always good to take gifts of candy, food, or other supplies when we visit.  I asked Mihai how much he thought it would take for the purchase.  He told us it would take two hundred dollars.  Just before we left Demopolis, a lady handed us one hundred dollars for anything that might come up last minute on our trip.  Also, someone gave Leslie Spiller some money before we left and jokingly told him, “Use it to buy some candy for children.”  Before we left we had no idea that we would be able to visit the orphanage or that we would need two hundred dollars, but God did!  He truly is Jehovah-Jireh!

There are other examples I could share with you of how God surprised daily with His plan and His provision.  One other example is what we were able to do instead of the baptism service in Halmeu.  Mihai’s church instead organized a one-night evangelistic rally at Bethel Baptist in Satu Mare.  The buses and vans we used all week went out to the four villages where we had held services all week and brought the people to Bethel.  It was a wonderful night of celebration where several prayed to receive Christ.  Also, we were able to surprise the people with the final gift needed to finish the work at Halmeu.  Those gifts were given to me literally just a few minutes before we boarded the bus in Demopolis to drive to the Atlanta airport.  God is so good and faithful!

We know of 84 people who prayed to receive Christ during the week.  Several hundred tracts were given away and the gospel was shared with many.  Everyone on the team played a vital role and God blessed their obedience.  Again, let me thank you for your prayers and financial support.  It all makes this ministry possible.  To God be the glory, great things He has done!

In Christ’s service,

Allen Atkins

Psalm 72:19

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January 2013

We pray that you are having a great new year.  Thank you for your prayers as we enter this new year of ministry.

One of the ministry opportunities the Lord has given us in this new year is our Prophecy Conference Weekend.  We ask you to pray that God will open more doors for this very timely teaching on “God’s Plan for the Ages.”  One of the most difficult aspects of this conference will be taking what took me about three months to teach at Fairhaven and condensing it into five sessions!  Well, His Word does say, “ALL things are possible.”

In just a few weeks I will be leading a group of eighteen people to Romania for what we pray will be a great time of evangelism and encouragement for the believers there.  Twelve of the group will be going to Romania for the first time!  We will be there for the first baptism in the new church at Halmeu.  Many of the Romanians in Halmeu will see their very first baptismal service.  Pray that God will use that service to open many eyes and many hearts.  We also hope to go into the school in Halmeu and share the Gospel.

Again, thank you so much for your love, prayers, encouragement, and financial support.  You truly are partners with us in the AMEN ministry.  May the Lord bless each and every one of you in every way.

In Christ’s love,

Allen & Lisa

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Dear Friends & Partners,

We thank God for each and every one of you.  Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support in 2012.  This ministry is only possible by the grace of God and because you have joined with us.

As we prepare to begin a new year, we ask that you pray for us daily.  Pray that the Lord will continue to open doors to minister in churches here in the U.S. and for more ministry opportunities overseas.  We also hope to begin posting podcasts, devotionals, and other resources soon.  We ask you to help us spread the word about the AMEN ministry and to pray that others will join in the financial support of the ministry.  You can now follow Allen on twitter, @allenatkinsamen.

Please begin to pray now for the March mission trip to Romania.  We have  a team of eighteen who will be going to minister primarily in the city of Halmeu.  We also hope to minister in the public school there and to be able to give Bibles to the students.  If you would like to help with the Bible project, send your gifts to the address given on the website.

May the Lord bless you all and may you have a Blessed and Merry Christmas.

In Christ’s service,

Allen & Lisa

Psalm 72:19

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Oct. 30,2012,

God is so good.  We thank Him for all His blessings.  He has truly blessed in the past few ministry opportunities.  We have seen several people pray to receive Christ and quite a few believers have been stirred to a deeper walk with God.  Even though a great deal of our work is overseas, my great burden for our own nation is for spiritual awakening.  Yes, we have millions of lost people in America, but our churches are in desperate need of true revival.  I am thankful that so many believers are realizing this and that they see the need for this ministry.  Please read this recent note that encouraged us so much…

“We are thankful for your ministry and know that God will bless your obedience to Him.  We have such a desire for God to reveal Himself to believers and wake them up, and to open the eyes of some who think they are Christians but really are not.  May God give you the boldness and the words to speak the truth clearly when you are preaching at different places.”

I thank God that this couple understands the need of the hour and they are giving generously to support this ministry.  As we come toward the end of the year, please remember that this ministry is not possible apart from the grace of God and the generosity of His people.  More than anything else, keep us in your prayers.  Pray that God will speak to pastors and open many doors for ministry in 2013.  We love you and we thank God for you.  May the Lord bless each of you in every way.

In Christ’s service,

Allen & Lisa        Psalm 72:19

Oct. 9, 2012

Thank you for your continued prayers and gifts.  Recently, I have had the privilege of preaching in three different churches here in Alabama.  In each opportunity, I could tell that you were praying for us.  There is a growing desire and desperation among many of God’s people for true revival.  In the last two revival meetings, the attendance has actually increased after Sunday.

God did a deep work of repentance and reconciliation in one of the churches.  I was not aware of the previous problems this particular church had been through.  During the Tuesday and Wednesday evening services, the pastor told me, “The dam has broken.”  He was referring to a dam of unconfessed sin, wrong attitudes, anger, etc., that had built up over the past few years.  We rejoiced as many got right with the Lord and with one another.  I believe God is going to do great things in this church in the days ahead.

I also had the privilege of being with my good friend, Albert Lyles, and his wonderful church family at Piney Grove Baptist in Tuscaloosa.  They were such an encouragement and a joy to be with.  Bro. Albert also received an invitation for me to speak to the Tuscaloosa Baptist Pastors Conference.  It is always a privilege to encourage those who serve the Lord.  It was a joy to see many of my old pastor-friends and to meet new friends in the Lord.  It is very humbling to preach to preachers!  Nevertheless, I thank God for that great honor.

Several churches are now considering including the AMEN ministry in their missions budget.  Please pray that God will continue to open doors and open hearts for this ministry.  We love you all and we thank God for you.  May the Lord bless in every way.

In Christ’s service,

Allen & Lisa-Psalm 72:19

Sept. 29, 2012

It is amazing to see how God continues to meet the needs of our family, the AMEN ministry, and the House of Hope Children’s Home in Romania.  One night after the worship service in Halmeu, a farmer asked us to come by his house.  When we arrived, he went into his barn and began to load six 40 pound bags of potatoes into Pastor Mihai’s car.  When you are feeding fourteen people everyday as they are at the House of Hope, this is a huge answer to prayer.  A couple of mornings later, we woke up and looked out the front window of Pastor Mihai’s house to see several large boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables.  It reminded me of the stories I have read of how farmers would come by George Mueller’s orphanages in the middle of the night and deliver much needed milk and food.  God never changes.  He is so awesome!  He never fails.

One evening in Halmeu, as we were waiting for the worship service to begin, I was standing in the back of the new church alone, looking around at this beautiful new place of worship.  As I was praying, I was thinking of how quite a few of our family and friends think we have not been wise to leave the security of a great church and step out in faith to serve in this new ministry.  But, as I looked at the new tiles on the floor of the church, and every board, every light, and every window, I thought of all of you who have prayed for us, encouraged us, and have given so generously to further the Gospel and the work of God’s Kingdom.  When I looked at the faces of those who trusted Christ and the faces of those children who now live at the House of Hope, I remembered why we do this.  And, when I looked at the Cross in that beautiful new baptistry, I remembered for Whom we now do this.

We know that God has called us to this new ministry.  We thank God for each of you who pray, encourage, and give.  The need for revival and spiritual awakening in our nation is perhaps greater than ever before.  Also, there are still millions around the world who have never heard the Gospel.  Thank you for partnering with us in this Kingdom ministry.  Pray that God will continue to open doors of opportunity and open the hearts of individuals, churches, and pastors to include us in their missions giving.  May the Lord bless you all in every way.

In Christ’s service,

Allen & Lisa – Psalm 72:19

Sept. 25, 2012

Thank you for your prayers for our most recent ministry trip.  God blessed in many ways.  In Halmeu, over 300 people gathered to celebrate the dedication of the new church building.  There were around 250 crowded inside with another 50-80 standing outside during the two hour service.  I preached a message from John chapter one entitled, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”.  Nearly 30 people indicated that they prayed to receive Christ.  Most of these were from the Orthodox church.

We were also able to meet all of the children at the House of Hope Children’s Home in Satu Mare.  All who have know the children for the past year or so cannot believe the changes they are seeing in them.  That is the power of God’s love!  Please pray for the many needs of this new ministry.

In the next few weeks, please prayerfully consider a gift to the AMEN ministry.  Remember, this is a total faith-based ministry that depends on the gifts of God’s people for it to continue.  Most of all, brothers and sisters, pray for us.  We know that God has called us to this ministry as there is such a need for revival and spiritual awakening in our nation and for the Gospel to be heard by those who have yet to know Jesus.

Thanks to all of you for your love, prayers, encouragement, and gifts.

By His Grace and For His Glory,

Allen & Lisa

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