From the pastor

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morning traditional Worship-11 AM II sun. night Celebrate Recovery-7pm

February Fussing

The pages of the calendar turn faster than we can look up. The holidays have come and gone, and here we are in February with spring coming around the corner. That's ok, we can deal with the changes in how fast time moves. The question is do we have the tools to adequately live with change? 

Some of us were young adults and now middle-aged, some of us were middle-aged and now seniors, and so on. Change is hard but it can be a joyful experience if we are prepared for it. What does that mean,  what does God want me to do with all of it and how can I know God wants me in this place I am in? 

Loving God will help us love others. We can feel valued when we have a relationship with Christ. What does that mean? How can I have a relationship with a being I can't see? Proverbs 3:5 says talks about not falling for worldly healing or what the heart wants. Instead, Psalm 56:3-4 reminds us to be comfortable in the fog that life provides. I suggest that you look these up and see what God says. Then connect with your church very soon. If you don't have one, Bright Light is here for you, or we can point you to one after prayer and discussion. Live with the belief in our One true Savior, trusting in our Father, and faith of a warrior. 

Go ahead and click on the bottom below with any questions on life, the Bible, God, your purpose, or whatever. 

Blessings! 

Pastor Gabe Montez

pastorgabeblc@gmail.com

Handle the Heat

I have to tell you that I have not experienced a hotter summer than the summer of 2023. I can see the earth crack around our property and the A/C begins to push harder than it's ever before. We crack jokes about how hot it is and how we desperately wait for a change in the weather-the slightest will be accepted. 

I was thinking about how we look at the present situation and look forward to what we hope it to be or how it might change for the better. We are struggling with the fatigue brought on by the sun and waiting for the cool air from the indoors or even a breeze. In most situations, it is what we are hoping for rather than what it is. 

Even when we are happily such as newlyweds experiencing the romantic early days of their marriage look forward to wondering where they might be in five years. Or when a newborn comes into their lives and how that child might grow up. 

Is it human nature or is it something that pulls us as if it is a need to be filled? Today I ask you to look at today and enjoy the experience whether it be a challenging one or a joyous one. Today, no matter the circumstance, ask what might be learned from it and glorify God through it. 

Also, in regard to our future- I believe that the hope or need for hope in our future is God himself. We were created with a purpose to glorify Him. That gap we may be feeling in all that we do is His....let Him take that place so that peace comes in all of it.

  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

Allergies!

June

Does anyone else know of the destruction of sanity that will bring me to my sneeze called ALLERGIES? I have tried everything but go to a doctor's visit. My eyes itch, my head hurts, and I have brain fog and weak and achy bones. 

Good times huh? It's been just another challenge being in a new environment. That's ok because while it is a challenge, it is necessary for my body to adjust (or get allergy shots). 

What do allergies have to do with Christianity? Not much, I just wanted to vent my frustrations. 

But since I got you, I want to encourage you this spring and summer. Accept the challenges as a part of life but also know that challenges are painful. Suffering and wondering how to get through it doesn't mean you failed. 

Instead, hope comes from crawling back up and standing firm. You will become those people look to as the pillar, the rock of their faith because you saw tomorrow through faith in Him. 

Romans 5:3-4

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope..."

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We Celebrate Him!

December

As I sit and think of all my experiences since coming to Texas and serving at "Bright Light", I can see that it is no easy task. God puts us in places that require dedication, tough skin, and faith. 

Yet, as I say that, I have come to further appreciate, have empathy for, and love dearly those in the community. This comes while grieving those we lost, enjoying the growth of children, and watching a slow but steady impact on the small world around us. 

We hope to see Bright Light continue to make relationships while wiser and with steady footing. We also hope to discover new methods for raising funds for the projects that need completing.

Bright Light is changing while remembering our roots and who we serve. Furthermore, we are so blessed to have met new people as we stretch out our arms and become more aware of how to serve them. 

As your pastor and servant, I pray that I am leading well, making disciples, and encouraging you. This hope comes so that we allow the Holy Spirit to stretch our souls to be mighty ambassadors for Christ.

"But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." Isaiah 64:8

 -Pastor Gabe


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"Fishers of men"

October

In Mark 1:17, Jesus explained what it meant for His disciples to be used in growing the Kingdom. God's glory shines when we are a part of the mission to share the Good News. 

Bright Light has launched ministries that have already made an impact on the community. Some ministries seemed to have trouble lifting off the ground.

That's ok, God wants us to evaluate what we plan to do, do it, asses it, step back, then reassess again. 

Our church is one that plans to be in the trenches with God's people. What that means is that it will be exhausting while exhilarating, heartbreaking though spirit-filled, and with blessings along with criticisms and resentment. 

Yet, in the short time that my wife and I have served here in Central Texas, we have found it a privilege to be a part of Bright Light and those whom we serve. We have received loving support from a multitude of people rooting for us. 

We keep going, pushing forward, and loving every minute of this wild rollercoaster God has us on. 

"Come follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men."


Time for deep prayer

September

After the launch of multiple ministries in September, it is time for deep prayer. Bright Light is seeking to serve the Lord as He wants and so we must be aware of His instruction, 

The Bright Light Christian Learning Center (BLCLC) is now in its third week and it is running smoothly. Though the first week of school includes some sniffles and upset tummies, we see progress already in the new students. 

"Family Night" has received a welcomed response from the community. The turnout has been smaller than the chatter on social media, however, we are prayerful and assessing the needs and if it is one in how we serve Thursdays. 

"Celebrate Recovery @ Bright Light" will meet for its third time this coming Sunday. So far, we have had a well-received group attend. Bright Light agrees with its recovery community that it is needed and so it will be the main stay. 

All of these ministries will need your support through prayer. The intent of these ministries is not to grow the church, but to glorify God. In that, we hope to see wounded and hungry souls filled with the Holy Spirit. If God tells us to maneuver, pivot or abandon a particular ministry, we will be obedient and seek His guidance. 

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the Elaboration Phase

August 2022

Bright Light has come to a point where we know what we need for the plans for our future. We are ready to get it done with the equipment and schedule for those plans. 

One example is the start of Bright Light Christian Learning Center (BLCLC) which kicks off on September 6th. Among other plans and items, we have a new swing set donated, a curriculum to use, and as of today, sixteen students are enrolled. The "Meet the Teacher" dinner will be set for August 11th. 

Our Thursday Service will begin September 8th which will include a 6:00p meal and a 7:00p service. This will include a "kid's club" and a study with Pastor Gabe.

September 11th will be the start of Celebrate Recovery @ Bright Light.  Come address your hurts, habits, and hangups with others through a Biblical perspective. 

These are just a few of what God has planned for our ministerial impact on our community.

Do you feel led to take part in these events or others we have planned? If so, contact us and let us get to know you and work together serving our King. 

-Pastor Gabe


The organization Phase

June 2022

Bright Light is now in its organization phase as the congregation works toward bringing new ministries to the community.
Honestly, it is hard work to bring the gospel to a community and although Bright Light is smaller than it has been in the past, we pray that God builds us in proportion to what He has planned for us.

So, we hope and pray that we receive new folks who are or who will become committed to Christ and decide to become part of the Bright Light family.

We need those who are willing to pick up a plunger as well as the Bible. We need faithful people who can help mow, clean, and organize as well as read, teach and help with Saturday evangelism. 

Christianity is a constant movement that encourages, as well as corrects, and it is a faith bound by Jesus and directed by Him. Someone this important isn't just followed, but when a person sees His truth, it is true freedom. 

-Pastor Gabe


We Are Off and Running



The latest at Bright Light Free Will Baptist Church - April of 2022

Our church has kicked off our first event with a bang. Our Good Friday event led the Easter weekend off with a somber but hopeful recollection of what our Savior endured for us, We then had a wonderful Saturday morning despite the humidity with our egg hunt. We took in more than two hundred people to enjoy popcorn, balloons, nachos, and other treats while enjoying crafts.

Sunday morning, we enjoyed our glorious recollection of how He has risen! He is risen indeed. I hope you were able to enjoy the glorious knowledge of His gift to all of us this weekend however you chose to do so. 

This weekend will be one of both longing and joy for my family. My wife will return to California one last time to complete the school year as a teacher at our previous church. I am grateful for her passion and commitment to those in that community. Though I will miss her for the weeks to come, I will continue to plan and serve the community here around Bright Light. There is so much more on the table to prepare for; we will keep you posted on all of it. 

We would like to invite those who seek a church with an ambitious heart for Christ who are ready to serve the community. We hope we can work together with you as we grow in learning who we are, discovering our scars, and celebrating our strengths in Christ Jesus. How does that look, what does God have in store for us and who am I to even take part in it? Well, let's find out together. 

-Pastor Gabe

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