Calvin Fritchey from Bible Truth Chapel in Miami will be visiting and sharing the Sunday message on May 29. This is Memorial Day weekend. Calvin has been a faithful supporter of the work in Key West for 27 years. Calvin's heart for the Lord and love for God's people, coupled with a passion to reach lost souls with the Gospel message will make for a great weekend at the chapel.
Tim Stafford will join us June 5 from Boulevard Bible Chapel in Hollywood, FL. Tim and his wife have been laboring in their local church for years. Lord willing, they will be heading overseas to full time missionary work. Come meet Tim and hear what the Lord has impressed upon his heart to share with the saints in Key West.
Mark Cowperthwaite will continue his series on 1 Peter May 8th ,15th ,and 22nd, in the will of the Lord. The previous messages are available, along with all our recent Sunday messages, at www.sermon.net/kwgc
Friday, May 6, 2011
Kids club- new location, more activities...Join us!!
Kids club is moving to Bernstein Park on Stock Island. Join us from 3-4:30pm this and every Saturday as we reach our community with the Gospel. Plenty of room for your family to join in, help out, and be part of our community outreach. Please join us, and keep us in prayer!
Saturday, May 7- Schedule
"Minute to win it" style games to include "Face the cookie"(check the link if you don't know what this is) songs, snacks, prizes, and the story of God creating the world. Come learn the days of creation with Sara's famous motions! We have revamped the kids club and changed our location to reach more kids where they live.
Christian families- join us! Bring your friends, especially those who don't know the Lord or get out to church. I know it can be busy raising children, but this time of fellowship and learning together is a testimony to the community of unity in Christ
Saturday, May 7- Schedule
"Minute to win it" style games to include "Face the cookie"(check the link if you don't know what this is) songs, snacks, prizes, and the story of God creating the world. Come learn the days of creation with Sara's famous motions! We have revamped the kids club and changed our location to reach more kids where they live.
Christian families- join us! Bring your friends, especially those who don't know the Lord or get out to church. I know it can be busy raising children, but this time of fellowship and learning together is a testimony to the community of unity in Christ
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Jesse Gentile- "Doing things God's way"
Here is the audio message from the Gospel Chapel this past Sunday. Our visiting teacher, Jesse Gentile, discusses why we ought to live our lives, run our local church, and seek in all things to please God by following His example of worship and service.
For God's glory,
Mark Cowperthwaite for the saints in Key West.
For God's glory,
Mark Cowperthwaite for the saints in Key West.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Ministry by Jesse Gentile April 30-May 2
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
Jesse Gentile is a gifted Bible teacher from Carrollwood Bible Chapel (www.biblechapel.com) in Tampa, Florida. Jesse works with Assembly Care Ministries and Team Workers Abroad, along with teaching and working with youth in his home assembly. We are excited to have Jesse come to encourage and challenge the Christians here in Key West in the preaching and teaching of God's Word. We hope you can join us for some or all of the events while Jesse is with us.
Tentative itinerary April 29-May2,2011 (includes our regular weekly schedule for those visiting)
Saturday 9am Men's prayer meeting followed by Bible study
Saturday 6pm Ministry of God's Word- Jesse Gentile (Q and A to follow as time permits)
Sunday 930am Lord's Supper
Sunday 11am Ministry- Jesse Gentile
Sunday 1230pm Fellowship Dinner
Sunday 3pm Ladies Bible Study
Sunday 5pm- Ministry- Jesse Gentile
Monday 7pm- Ministry (Q and A to follow as time permits)
Family Bible School is cancelled for this weekend
All meetings will be held at:
Key West Gospel Chapel
720 Southard Street
Key West, FL 33040
Please contact Mark Cowperthwaite for more information
Email: kwgc@live.com
Phone: (305)-767-3888
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Gospel literature in Spanish and much more
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us and rose again to life everlasting!
We are excited to now have the Gospel tract written by Justin Humes now available in Spanish! I was equally excited when a brother joyfully took a handful of the English and Spanish tracts, along with a handful of our sunset postcards. This brother has asked how he could have the same Gospel literature in Spanish for his church body to pass out. What a blessing it is to know that God's Word and the Gospel message are going forth from this tiny little chapel on the tip end of the continental United States.
Brother Andre Walker came this past week and shared from God's Word concerning his family's continuing work of evangelism and Bible teaching. A message regarding the church at Sardis from Revelation was the text, and the challenge was to never allow our local church to become dead. This fate of the church at Sardis seemed to be correlated with their lack of persecution. Now one may say it is not persecution that keeps a church alive, but I would agree that a church with no persecution whatsoever must prayerfully consider if the reason for that lack is that they are not standing firmly for Christ. Peter warns us that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus WILL suffer persecution. None of us desire such things, but we do recognize that in order for revival to come to Key West, we must recognize our weaknesses and failures, to turn and give our lives afresh and completely for the glory of Him who loved us and washed us from sin. Unto Him be the glory forever, Amen!
We were blessed this past week to have a need for more hymn books. I was especially pleased when I opened the box of "Worship and Remembrance" hymnals to find the invoice was already paid on our account. We thank the Lord for the faithful work of Christians everywhere who make these resources available and especially to our humble little flock in Key West. We thank the Lord for providing in all things, as He is faithful to do at all times. What a wonderful, gracious, and providential God we serve!
We have had a few visitors this past month at the chapel, and it has been a blessing to see faithful attendance by a few families to the Family Bible School and other meetings. Still, the most important meeting of the church, in my opinion, is that of the Lord's Supper. Concerning this meeting, I want to share a quote from David Dunlap's book "His Dying Request" from H.A. Ironside. Ironside saw the great solemn yet joyous purpose of this meeting, as Christians gather together led by the Holy Spirit, to remember the Lord Jesus Christ in what was truly His dying request. Below is an excerpt:
We are excited to now have the Gospel tract written by Justin Humes now available in Spanish! I was equally excited when a brother joyfully took a handful of the English and Spanish tracts, along with a handful of our sunset postcards. This brother has asked how he could have the same Gospel literature in Spanish for his church body to pass out. What a blessing it is to know that God's Word and the Gospel message are going forth from this tiny little chapel on the tip end of the continental United States.
Brother Andre Walker came this past week and shared from God's Word concerning his family's continuing work of evangelism and Bible teaching. A message regarding the church at Sardis from Revelation was the text, and the challenge was to never allow our local church to become dead. This fate of the church at Sardis seemed to be correlated with their lack of persecution. Now one may say it is not persecution that keeps a church alive, but I would agree that a church with no persecution whatsoever must prayerfully consider if the reason for that lack is that they are not standing firmly for Christ. Peter warns us that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus WILL suffer persecution. None of us desire such things, but we do recognize that in order for revival to come to Key West, we must recognize our weaknesses and failures, to turn and give our lives afresh and completely for the glory of Him who loved us and washed us from sin. Unto Him be the glory forever, Amen!
We were blessed this past week to have a need for more hymn books. I was especially pleased when I opened the box of "Worship and Remembrance" hymnals to find the invoice was already paid on our account. We thank the Lord for the faithful work of Christians everywhere who make these resources available and especially to our humble little flock in Key West. We thank the Lord for providing in all things, as He is faithful to do at all times. What a wonderful, gracious, and providential God we serve!
We have had a few visitors this past month at the chapel, and it has been a blessing to see faithful attendance by a few families to the Family Bible School and other meetings. Still, the most important meeting of the church, in my opinion, is that of the Lord's Supper. Concerning this meeting, I want to share a quote from David Dunlap's book "His Dying Request" from H.A. Ironside. Ironside saw the great solemn yet joyous purpose of this meeting, as Christians gather together led by the Holy Spirit, to remember the Lord Jesus Christ in what was truly His dying request. Below is an excerpt:
Christ the Central Focus of The Lord’s Supper
“Why is there no previously-arranged program as to the order of service, the hymns to be sung, prayers to be offered, and the words of heart-felt worship? Is not time wasted in silence which might be used in teaching the Scriptures?” It is important, first of all, to understand that we do not come together to pray, nor yet to preach, nor to sing or listen to teaching, nor to enjoy Christian fellowship. We come together to meet the Lord Himself, to be solely occupied with Him, to offer Him the worship of our hearts, and to remember what He passed through for us. Let me put it this way: Suppose that on a given Lord’s Day morning it were known definitely that our Savior, in person, would be present in our church building. How do you think real Christians would act on such an occasion? Would we not enter the room with a deep sense of awe pervading our spirits? Surely there would be no lightness of behavior, no frivolity, no worldly jesting as we came together. Nor would we be coming to listen to one preaching or teaching the Word of God. Our one desire would be to see Him, to fix our adoring eyes upon His blessed Face; if we spoke at all, it would be to tell something of His sufferings for us, and the gratitude and worship that would fill our hearts as we recalled the agony He endured on the cross. At such a time one can well understand how all might join in a burst of melody, singing together some hymn of praise, in which His holy person, His past sufferings, and His present glory were celebrated! But surely anything like mere fleshly formalism would be altogether out of place. If one spoke audibly, it would be simply to praise His Name, or to bring to the mind of saints some portion of the Word that would give a better understanding and apprehension of His Person or work. No one would dare to push Christ aside, and take His place as the teacher of others, unless requested by the Lord.
What a challenge this is! Never should it be said that our worship is merely a tradition or formalistic religion. We must come to the Lord's table, humbled and broken, yet renewed in life and light because of what Christ has done. Even so, come Lord Jesus! We are waiting for you, may we all be about your business when you come.
Mark Cowperthwaite for the saints in Key West
Monday, February 21, 2011
Google has found the Gospel Chapel
A friend called the other day to let us know something rather funny. It seems that if you go to www.google.com and search "gospel literature" you will see that out of about 300,000 results, the Key West Gospel Chapel blog (the site you are on) has the #3 and #5 spots. If you don't want to bother, just check out the picture below for the results. Guess we had better keep talking about sharing the Gospel and the literature we use, as the world is watching. Not sure if being on Google's top results is a good things though....
Mark
Friday, February 18, 2011
Another venue for sharing!
Here at the Gospel Chapel, we have many venues to share the Gospel, from jail ministry to discipleship to door to door Gospel outreach, God has opened the doors for many opportunities to proclaim His name and be a unifying force in the body of Christ. None of this is possible in the flesh, but only as we humbly submit ourselves to the influence of the Holy Spirit, who will guide us into all truth.
One of the new ideas (borrowed from a few friends) is a monthly newsletter. This newsletter will introduce ministries of the church body in Key West, offering encouragement and fellowship, and keep folks informed of what is going on around here. We will have a listing of upcoming events and speakers for our Sunday services, along with much more. Thank you for your interest in the work of the Lord in Key West at the chapel. It is such a blessing to see the Lord at work, to God be the glory for the things He has done!
From our first monthly newsletter:
Our first newsletter
This is our first monthly newsletter from the Key West
Gospel Chapel. In an effort to keep our friends and neighbors up to
date with what is going on here at the Gospel Chapel, we would
like to offer these monthly updates and information.
You will find that there is a lot going on not just on
Sundays at the chapel, but throughout the week we find
encouragement and challenge as we study God's Word together and
reach out to our community with the message of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ladies
Our ladies Bible study will hold its first meeting February
27th at 3:00pm and will meet every Sunday, Lord willing. The goal
of this time is fellowship and encouragement from God's Word in
the specific realm of Christian womanhood. While this time is
designed to best help Christian women, those interested in learning
more about the message of the Bible and Christianity are welcome
to come and learn with us.
Sara Cowperthwaite will be hosting this time, but all are
encouraged to share from their experience and knowledge of God's
Word and the special place of women in God's plan. We hope you
can join us as we seek to grow more in Christ together.
Gentlemen
The men of the Gospel Chapel have recently started a
weekly Bible study on Friday mornings at 10:00am. This study
time is open to discussion from God's Word of the pressing needs
of Christian men. While this time is designed for Christian men,
those interested in learning more about the message of the Bible
and Christianity are welcome to come and learn with us. It is our
desire to help and encourage, and challenge one another to be the
men God wants us to be. Join us as we grow together. Mark
Cowperthwaite will be leading group discussions.
There is also an open prayer meeting on Saturday mornings
at 8:00am. This time is focused on praying for the churches of Key
West and the Gospel outreach in our city. We believe that setting
aside time each week to focus our hearts, united in prayer, is
crucial to the effectiveness of the Lord's work.
Download the newsletter
Paper copies of the chapel newsletter are available at the chapel, and will be distributed in our door to door Gospel outreach also. We thank the Lord for any chance we get to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ and edify all those who are called by His name.
Mark on behalf of the Christians of the Gospel Chapel
One of the new ideas (borrowed from a few friends) is a monthly newsletter. This newsletter will introduce ministries of the church body in Key West, offering encouragement and fellowship, and keep folks informed of what is going on around here. We will have a listing of upcoming events and speakers for our Sunday services, along with much more. Thank you for your interest in the work of the Lord in Key West at the chapel. It is such a blessing to see the Lord at work, to God be the glory for the things He has done!
From our first monthly newsletter:
Our first newsletter
This is our first monthly newsletter from the Key West
Gospel Chapel. In an effort to keep our friends and neighbors up to
date with what is going on here at the Gospel Chapel, we would
like to offer these monthly updates and information.
You will find that there is a lot going on not just on
Sundays at the chapel, but throughout the week we find
encouragement and challenge as we study God's Word together and
reach out to our community with the message of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ladies
Our ladies Bible study will hold its first meeting February
27th at 3:00pm and will meet every Sunday, Lord willing. The goal
of this time is fellowship and encouragement from God's Word in
the specific realm of Christian womanhood. While this time is
designed to best help Christian women, those interested in learning
more about the message of the Bible and Christianity are welcome
to come and learn with us.
Sara Cowperthwaite will be hosting this time, but all are
encouraged to share from their experience and knowledge of God's
Word and the special place of women in God's plan. We hope you
can join us as we seek to grow more in Christ together.
Gentlemen
The men of the Gospel Chapel have recently started a
weekly Bible study on Friday mornings at 10:00am. This study
time is open to discussion from God's Word of the pressing needs
of Christian men. While this time is designed for Christian men,
those interested in learning more about the message of the Bible
and Christianity are welcome to come and learn with us. It is our
desire to help and encourage, and challenge one another to be the
men God wants us to be. Join us as we grow together. Mark
Cowperthwaite will be leading group discussions.
There is also an open prayer meeting on Saturday mornings
at 8:00am. This time is focused on praying for the churches of Key
West and the Gospel outreach in our city. We believe that setting
aside time each week to focus our hearts, united in prayer, is
crucial to the effectiveness of the Lord's work.
Download the newsletter
Paper copies of the chapel newsletter are available at the chapel, and will be distributed in our door to door Gospel outreach also. We thank the Lord for any chance we get to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ and edify all those who are called by His name.
Mark on behalf of the Christians of the Gospel Chapel
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Kids clubs at Bernstein Park February 10,11,12
This week, we plan to have kids clubs at Bernstein Park on Stock Island on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:30-530pm. Our regular Saturday Family Bible School will instead meet at the park. If you need directions or more information, please call Mark or Sara at (305)-767-3888 or the chapel at (305)-294-4351.
Tim Hood and family will be helping us in Gospel outreach, along with David Bosworth from Boulevard Bible Chapel in Hollywood, Florida. We have a full schedule of prayer and Bible study, door to door Gospel outreach, kids clubs, and much more. We thank God for those who come and minister in our community alongside the saints at the Gospel Chapel.
We are also planning a Ladies Bible Study to start in the next few weeks, which is tentatively scheduled for Sunday afternoons. We will make a formal announcement once we nail down a time that is good for everyone. Please pray for all the ministries of the Gospel Chapel as we seek to preserve unity in the body of Christ and reach those who have never heard the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. If you have any questions regarding the chapel, you can also email us at onehumanfamily@live.com
On behalf of the saints in Key West,
Mark Cowperthwaite
Tim Hood and family will be helping us in Gospel outreach, along with David Bosworth from Boulevard Bible Chapel in Hollywood, Florida. We have a full schedule of prayer and Bible study, door to door Gospel outreach, kids clubs, and much more. We thank God for those who come and minister in our community alongside the saints at the Gospel Chapel.
We are also planning a Ladies Bible Study to start in the next few weeks, which is tentatively scheduled for Sunday afternoons. We will make a formal announcement once we nail down a time that is good for everyone. Please pray for all the ministries of the Gospel Chapel as we seek to preserve unity in the body of Christ and reach those who have never heard the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. If you have any questions regarding the chapel, you can also email us at onehumanfamily@live.com
On behalf of the saints in Key West,
Mark Cowperthwaite
Friday, February 4, 2011
New arrivals in Gospel literature
The new Gospel tracts have arrived. This design looked great on the computer screen, but is even better in my hand. We received 2,000 of these tracts today in the mail, and have already put them to good use. We thank God for giving us the message, and we thank the hard working servants of the Lord for using their time and talents for His glory.
We have begun our door to door evangelism here in Key West, but are awaiting permission for certain housing units before we continue in some neighborhoods. We have noted that in one of our largest target areas, most folks are not home during the early afternoon. Due to our heavy schedule in the late afternoon and evening, we will have to move some things around in our personal schedules so that we can be more effective in reaching people when they are home.
The laws here, to the best of our knowledge, do not allow us to leave literature at people's homes or on cars. Our greater desire is not just to leave literature, but to speak the message of Jesus Christ to them in person and then leave literature to read and consider after the conversation is over. We find that we are most effective when we can learn what folks believe and let them know that we are interested in more than numbers or canvassing an area, but truly getting to know our neighbors, to love them in truth and show them God's truth. The message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is the message of eternal life, of reconciliation with a holy and just God that we have offended by our sin. It is the greatest message in the history of the world and we thank the Lord for the privilege to share it with others.
We continue to add to our weekly scheduled meetings at the chapel, and we thank God for bringing in new friends and family in Christ to share with. If you have never attended any of these meetings and have the chance, we would love to greet you and get to know you. Our desire is to minister to those who do not know Christ as Savior and to encourage Christians to love Him more and serve Him better.
Please check our Service Times page for updated scheduled meetings. A "Bible basics" course is in the works, as is a meeting time for ladies to grow together in the Lord. Timing is the issue we are currently working on, but we trust the Lord will make openings for those things He desires us to do for His glory.
We will be updating our personal blog with our family's weekly schedule. We have some tentative plans for other study times and ministry, but if you have a need we might be able to help you with, please let us know.
Mark for the Cowperthwaite family and and the saints at Key West Gospel Chapel
We have begun our door to door evangelism here in Key West, but are awaiting permission for certain housing units before we continue in some neighborhoods. We have noted that in one of our largest target areas, most folks are not home during the early afternoon. Due to our heavy schedule in the late afternoon and evening, we will have to move some things around in our personal schedules so that we can be more effective in reaching people when they are home.
The laws here, to the best of our knowledge, do not allow us to leave literature at people's homes or on cars. Our greater desire is not just to leave literature, but to speak the message of Jesus Christ to them in person and then leave literature to read and consider after the conversation is over. We find that we are most effective when we can learn what folks believe and let them know that we are interested in more than numbers or canvassing an area, but truly getting to know our neighbors, to love them in truth and show them God's truth. The message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is the message of eternal life, of reconciliation with a holy and just God that we have offended by our sin. It is the greatest message in the history of the world and we thank the Lord for the privilege to share it with others.
We continue to add to our weekly scheduled meetings at the chapel, and we thank God for bringing in new friends and family in Christ to share with. If you have never attended any of these meetings and have the chance, we would love to greet you and get to know you. Our desire is to minister to those who do not know Christ as Savior and to encourage Christians to love Him more and serve Him better.
Please check our Service Times page for updated scheduled meetings. A "Bible basics" course is in the works, as is a meeting time for ladies to grow together in the Lord. Timing is the issue we are currently working on, but we trust the Lord will make openings for those things He desires us to do for His glory.
We will be updating our personal blog with our family's weekly schedule. We have some tentative plans for other study times and ministry, but if you have a need we might be able to help you with, please let us know.
Mark for the Cowperthwaite family and and the saints at Key West Gospel Chapel
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
New Gospel Tract for Key West Gospel Chapel
We have been working with a few friends from all over the country to get a Gospel tract (one that we have used for a while) redesigned for use in Key West. Justin Humes did the original design and writing, and Jesharelah Pena added a little Key West flair to it. Both are faithful servants of the Lord and ambassadors for Christ. We are privileged to have such dear friends who are so helpful in the work of the Lord, and we thank God for giving the talents and abilities for all those that have helped design Gospel materials for us.
Soon we will have these tri-fold Gospel tracts to go along with our other recently developed materials. With the Hood family, and a group coming from Boulevard Bible Chapel in a few weeks, we hope that these new tracts arrive in time for that outreach. We are pleased to see the Lord at work, to see the Christians here helping and supporting the Gospel effort. We continue to pray that we will see unity in the body of Christ in Key West, including other area churches. We also continue to pray that the Lord will be glorified in all we do and say, for He is worthy of our praise and adoration!
Download the new tract
Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will hear,
Mark Cowperthwaite for Key West Gospel Chapel
Soon we will have these tri-fold Gospel tracts to go along with our other recently developed materials. With the Hood family, and a group coming from Boulevard Bible Chapel in a few weeks, we hope that these new tracts arrive in time for that outreach. We are pleased to see the Lord at work, to see the Christians here helping and supporting the Gospel effort. We continue to pray that we will see unity in the body of Christ in Key West, including other area churches. We also continue to pray that the Lord will be glorified in all we do and say, for He is worthy of our praise and adoration!
Download the new tract
Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will hear,
Mark Cowperthwaite for Key West Gospel Chapel
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven."~Matthew 5:16
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Laws regarding religious literature in Key West
Here at the Gospel Chapel, we want to tell the world about salvation from eternal death in Hell. We want to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ our Lord to any who will listen. We take seriously the command of Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel, baptize converts, teach them of God's Word, and make true disciples of Jesus Christ. We strive to make sure that Jesus Christ is recognized as the functioning Head of His church here in Key West. We have been blessed to meet and labor with brothers and sisters in Christ from many area churches, working together as one family in Christ to share the love of Christ and eternal life with all who will accept this gift of God by grace through faith in Jesus.
With this in mind, you can see our passion for the Lord. Mark and Caleb Caeton were out this morning near Mallory Square with our postcards (See link here for more information) to give out to any who would receive them. We were told by a friend a while back that you could pass out religious literature anywhere on public property under the protection of the Constitution. Not being a legally minded man, I thanked my friend for the information, but didn't think much about it.... until last week.
Last Tuesday, I went down to the boat docks to pass out our literature. I was there for an hour, talking to folks and handing out our postcards. Everyone was happy to have the beautiful sunset picture, and some were gracious about the message. Others didn't care for it, but any way it was received I was sure to welcome our tourist friends to Key West and bid them "Good Day" with a smile. After that first hour, I was approached by a man who said he works for the Westin resort. Evidently, the resort owns the major boat docks in town and I was on private property. If you know Key West, you would understand my mistake. Either way, I apologized for my wrong and walked away, but not before asking where the line was between Westin property and public property. I was directed to stay off Front, Duval, Greene, Kirkpatrick, and a few other streets. Now, if you know Key West at all, you will know that is pretty much where everyone is, thus limiting our literature distribution greatly. This seemed a bit extreme, but rather than continue and get in trouble, I went home and wrote to the Code Enforcement Officer, Jim Young.
My lengthy letter to Mr. Young included copies of all literature we would hand out, a story of my trouble at the Westin dock, and questions regarding free speech and literature. I just wanted to know what I could and could not do. I want to obey the law and be a good testimony for the Lord in so doing. I never got an email back, and left a phone message also for Mr. Young. That was a week ago today. I thought that a week without a response would be sufficient to say that I was trying my best, so this morning Caleb and I went together to pass out Gospel literature again. Again, many folks took the postcards while we were carefully staying on the public sidewalk and away from private property, including doorways to stores. We don't want angry shopkeepers, but people who see a lifestyle of obedience and love for our fellow man.
Caleb came and found me a short while later after being warned not to get caught. He asked what he was doing wrong and was informed that one could incur heavy fines for crossing the line between public and private property. We talked for a bit and soon we saw a truck going by that seemed to be a city truck and said, "CODE" on the side. I flagged down the driver, who told me the same story as the man at the dock. She said we were limited under the "OPC" rule, which stands for Off Premises Canvassing. This law is targeting those selling a product or other such thing, not giving away religious literature. Still, we decided we ought to go home and get it straight before we tried again.
When we arrived at the chapel, I called Jim Young's office again and left a message. 3 hours later, I tried again and Mr. Young picked up the call. I asked very respectfully what the laws were and what I could do to obey the law. His first response was "I will not give you legal advice, you need to talk to a lawyer." I was confused as to why the code enforcement officer would refuse to tell me what streets or places were covered under the law. I am sure that if he saw me breaking the law he would have quickly told me what the limits were and handed me a ticket. I was just trying to be preventive and submit to the laws.
I hung up the phone and wrote an email to a local pastor to ask if he knew more, or had experience with such issues. Then I prayed. I asked God to show me what was best to do. Should I continue to seek Mr. Young's advice, call a lawyer? Should I fight City Hall? Should I demand my rights to free speech and literature (I studied the case law on this last week) or would it be best to pray and wait? Maybe some would say I should continue to do what I was doing until I got a ticket, or arrested. I considered if God might be closing a door for this type of ministry. I prayed about the Great Commission, and thought about whether preaching the Gospel to every creature was better accomplished one-on-one by word of mouth. This is the best way to share the Gospel for sure, but most of these tourists will not stop to talk, but may take our postcard and read it later. I prayed, and prayed.
Then the phone rang. It was Mr. Young, and this time he sounded different. He seemed friendly and humble. He said his investigation into the laws proved that he was wrong before, and so were his officers and the man on the dock. Religious literature is covered in the law, in fact it is written in recent law as a protected form of free speech that stands as the only exception to the "Pamphleteering" or "OPC" law. Mr. Young informed me that we do not need a permit, and that he would issue a memo to all his officers to let them know that people handing out or speaking of God's Word and the Gospel in public have every right to do so.
I just wanted to share with you all how God is working in Key West, in our lives, to show Himself strong. While I prayed, I felt that God would intervene, that He would give peace even though in the flesh I was angry. I want to share God's love to others, but I wont' break the law to do so. We praise God for the answer to prayer. We still seek God's will in how to share the Gospel. We use many venues and methods to get the message out, and we thank the Lord for every chance we get to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for taking the time to read, we hope you join us in our joy for the Lord. May God be praised and glorified in all we do and say.
Mark Cowperthwaite for the saints in Key West
Last Tuesday, I went down to the boat docks to pass out our literature. I was there for an hour, talking to folks and handing out our postcards. Everyone was happy to have the beautiful sunset picture, and some were gracious about the message. Others didn't care for it, but any way it was received I was sure to welcome our tourist friends to Key West and bid them "Good Day" with a smile. After that first hour, I was approached by a man who said he works for the Westin resort. Evidently, the resort owns the major boat docks in town and I was on private property. If you know Key West, you would understand my mistake. Either way, I apologized for my wrong and walked away, but not before asking where the line was between Westin property and public property. I was directed to stay off Front, Duval, Greene, Kirkpatrick, and a few other streets. Now, if you know Key West at all, you will know that is pretty much where everyone is, thus limiting our literature distribution greatly. This seemed a bit extreme, but rather than continue and get in trouble, I went home and wrote to the Code Enforcement Officer, Jim Young.
Caleb came and found me a short while later after being warned not to get caught. He asked what he was doing wrong and was informed that one could incur heavy fines for crossing the line between public and private property. We talked for a bit and soon we saw a truck going by that seemed to be a city truck and said, "CODE" on the side. I flagged down the driver, who told me the same story as the man at the dock. She said we were limited under the "OPC" rule, which stands for Off Premises Canvassing. This law is targeting those selling a product or other such thing, not giving away religious literature. Still, we decided we ought to go home and get it straight before we tried again.
When we arrived at the chapel, I called Jim Young's office again and left a message. 3 hours later, I tried again and Mr. Young picked up the call. I asked very respectfully what the laws were and what I could do to obey the law. His first response was "I will not give you legal advice, you need to talk to a lawyer." I was confused as to why the code enforcement officer would refuse to tell me what streets or places were covered under the law. I am sure that if he saw me breaking the law he would have quickly told me what the limits were and handed me a ticket. I was just trying to be preventive and submit to the laws.
Then the phone rang. It was Mr. Young, and this time he sounded different. He seemed friendly and humble. He said his investigation into the laws proved that he was wrong before, and so were his officers and the man on the dock. Religious literature is covered in the law, in fact it is written in recent law as a protected form of free speech that stands as the only exception to the "Pamphleteering" or "OPC" law. Mr. Young informed me that we do not need a permit, and that he would issue a memo to all his officers to let them know that people handing out or speaking of God's Word and the Gospel in public have every right to do so.
I just wanted to share with you all how God is working in Key West, in our lives, to show Himself strong. While I prayed, I felt that God would intervene, that He would give peace even though in the flesh I was angry. I want to share God's love to others, but I wont' break the law to do so. We praise God for the answer to prayer. We still seek God's will in how to share the Gospel. We use many venues and methods to get the message out, and we thank the Lord for every chance we get to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for taking the time to read, we hope you join us in our joy for the Lord. May God be praised and glorified in all we do and say.
Mark Cowperthwaite for the saints in Key West
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Gospel Chapel is on the map... in a whole new way!
After walking and searching around Key West a few days, we found a few caches and thought that it would be good to hide one on the chapel property. We found a container that would withstand wind, rain, and such and filled it with a few items to share, some glass beads, a small shell, and a crocheted snowflake. We then put in a log book and a pencil, and created an entry at www.geocaching.com . On with the hunt!
So today, the cache was found by 4 people over the day, and the related clues indicate that folks are welcome to come in to the chapel, pray, sit and rest, or come say "Hello" if they like. One couple has already stopped to visit and ask about the chapel's unique history. We intend in the near future to write a document with the history of the chapel building and also a Gospel message to share. We have Gospel literature here for folks to take, and are usually around to talk to anyone who wants to stop by.
Mark for the saints at the Gospel Chapel of Key West.
Link to instructions for this cache>> "Are you ready?"
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Lessons in reaching people in love and truth
We are seeing the Gospel go forth in Key West on the streets, in homes, at the library, parks, and many more locations. I think that what is important is that we "go" and tell, not stay inside the building and hope people show up. We have found that one of our greatest assets is just being out on the steps to greet passersby. We say "Hello" and many will stop to talk. We all wave to the trolleys and tour trains as they pass. We ask where folks are from, and many stop to ask about the church that gathers here. This is a good chance to share why we moved here, and the desire of this church to see souls saved and receive eternal life in Jesus Christ.
I met a man last week at the library who just arrived from Michigan, a philosophical type who was quite friendly and has spent much time trying to find the truth about God, our reason for living, and is serious about living what he believes. This man was not like many proud folks seeking to have God bend to their demands, but really seeking to know what God wanted and honestly seeking. Some folks we meet seem to love to argue and point out how often man perverts God's Word for his own gain, but we are happy to be able to show them that not all calling themselves by the name of Jesus Christ are like that. It is sad that we even have to defend the Christian name, and we recognize that there are far too many attempting to use "godliness as means of gain" and leading many to doubt God's Word. We just want simply to be Jesus to them, to show His love and mercy, to proclaim Jesus as the only way, the truth, and the life. We must humble ourselves daily before the Lord and realize that we are His ambassadors.
One of the local brothers and myself talked to this man outside the library for nearly an hour, finding out what influenced his thoughts about spiritual things, and were able to point him to the authority of God's Word, the eternally holy Father God that will judge sin, but desires repentance and salvation for all. He had a hard time comprehending a God that would send people to Hell, but believes in a God that takes people to eternal life in Heaven. This is pretty common to human nature, and I find that many religious folks do the same, wanting to see what God will do for us, but neglecting our responsibility to Him. This is basic human nature, but this man seemed quite honest about his attempts to find truth and understand it.
He agreed to listen to the Bible's take on these things, as he brought the Bible into the discussion. So now, he is trying to figure out where to go from here. He believes the good parts of the Bible, but not the parts that condemn sinners. He feels that Hell may be real, but could only be temporary, a refining fire that burns off the bad and leaves only the good. We talked about this and other points from Scripture, and he listened. I enjoyed finding out more about my new friend, where he came from and what shaped his opinions on spiritual things.
I think we often spend too much time talking and not enough time listening. We need to ask more questions and be willing to listen to the answers, as my dear brother Justin has been trying to tell me for years. I am often so excited to tell the good news to someone that I don't have a clue where they are coming from. I am learning, day by day, by God's grace to submit my will to the Lord and really learn more about those I meet in order to reach them, and God is blessing that desire even though I often fail.
If we have the truth (and we do) and we lean on the Holy Spirit to guide our speech, we need not have some cleverly crafted speech that gets in the way of what God wants to do, we have to submit to the Lord's leading in every conversation. We must know God's Word and use it properly, in context, to reach out to precious souls that God created and Jesus died for. This can never be just an exercise in intellectual debate, and I have found that the more I really try to see where someone is coming from, that I need to have an intimate knowledge of Scripture to answer honest questions about God's character and His revealed plan for mankind. This keeps me in God's Word often, ravenously seeking to know more of the mind of God in how we can present the message in truth, not letting human wisdom and debate trump God's.
I believe this man we met is hungry for the truth, and I have been keeping up these last few days via text message. The last message I got yesterday said that he "won't promise to attend religiously, but I want to come tomorrow". We invited him to stay for lunch and he said he would most likely stay. We also have "Open Casa Monday" where we invite any contacts in the community out for supper. Others from this week have said they would come to that, though in reality most never show up. This man seems to be different, and I hope to get to know him better and truly love him like Jesus does.
Olatunde ,a local brother here, was with me when I met this man, and will be speaking this morning during our teaching time. We look forward to getting to know this man better, and sharing more of God's Word with him. Please pray for conviction of sin toward God and his eternal salvation. I see his hunger and desire to find truth, I pray that he opens his heart to the beckoning of the Holy Spirit and submits to the Lord in humility and repentance.
This is just one of dozens of such conversations we have each week. Some have hardened their hearts to the Gospel, some have been hurt by "religion" and those calling themselves by the name of Jesus Christ. Still others are brothers and sisters in Christ that we can encourage and fellowship with, and we hope to be a source of unity in the body of Christ, true unity in the Spirit that is far too uncommon in this day. Pray with us that the hard hearts and the broken hearts will see God's love and justice in truth and come to Christ today for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Pray for us all as we go through our daily lives, each with unique struggles, but every one reminding us of our desperate need for the Holy Spirit's guidance as we seek to do His will and make Jesus known in all the earth, which for us starts in Key West.
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love
I met a man last week at the library who just arrived from Michigan, a philosophical type who was quite friendly and has spent much time trying to find the truth about God, our reason for living, and is serious about living what he believes. This man was not like many proud folks seeking to have God bend to their demands, but really seeking to know what God wanted and honestly seeking. Some folks we meet seem to love to argue and point out how often man perverts God's Word for his own gain, but we are happy to be able to show them that not all calling themselves by the name of Jesus Christ are like that. It is sad that we even have to defend the Christian name, and we recognize that there are far too many attempting to use "godliness as means of gain" and leading many to doubt God's Word. We just want simply to be Jesus to them, to show His love and mercy, to proclaim Jesus as the only way, the truth, and the life. We must humble ourselves daily before the Lord and realize that we are His ambassadors.
One of the local brothers and myself talked to this man outside the library for nearly an hour, finding out what influenced his thoughts about spiritual things, and were able to point him to the authority of God's Word, the eternally holy Father God that will judge sin, but desires repentance and salvation for all. He had a hard time comprehending a God that would send people to Hell, but believes in a God that takes people to eternal life in Heaven. This is pretty common to human nature, and I find that many religious folks do the same, wanting to see what God will do for us, but neglecting our responsibility to Him. This is basic human nature, but this man seemed quite honest about his attempts to find truth and understand it.
He agreed to listen to the Bible's take on these things, as he brought the Bible into the discussion. So now, he is trying to figure out where to go from here. He believes the good parts of the Bible, but not the parts that condemn sinners. He feels that Hell may be real, but could only be temporary, a refining fire that burns off the bad and leaves only the good. We talked about this and other points from Scripture, and he listened. I enjoyed finding out more about my new friend, where he came from and what shaped his opinions on spiritual things.
I think we often spend too much time talking and not enough time listening. We need to ask more questions and be willing to listen to the answers, as my dear brother Justin has been trying to tell me for years. I am often so excited to tell the good news to someone that I don't have a clue where they are coming from. I am learning, day by day, by God's grace to submit my will to the Lord and really learn more about those I meet in order to reach them, and God is blessing that desire even though I often fail.
If we have the truth (and we do) and we lean on the Holy Spirit to guide our speech, we need not have some cleverly crafted speech that gets in the way of what God wants to do, we have to submit to the Lord's leading in every conversation. We must know God's Word and use it properly, in context, to reach out to precious souls that God created and Jesus died for. This can never be just an exercise in intellectual debate, and I have found that the more I really try to see where someone is coming from, that I need to have an intimate knowledge of Scripture to answer honest questions about God's character and His revealed plan for mankind. This keeps me in God's Word often, ravenously seeking to know more of the mind of God in how we can present the message in truth, not letting human wisdom and debate trump God's.
I believe this man we met is hungry for the truth, and I have been keeping up these last few days via text message. The last message I got yesterday said that he "won't promise to attend religiously, but I want to come tomorrow". We invited him to stay for lunch and he said he would most likely stay. We also have "Open Casa Monday" where we invite any contacts in the community out for supper. Others from this week have said they would come to that, though in reality most never show up. This man seems to be different, and I hope to get to know him better and truly love him like Jesus does.
Olatunde ,a local brother here, was with me when I met this man, and will be speaking this morning during our teaching time. We look forward to getting to know this man better, and sharing more of God's Word with him. Please pray for conviction of sin toward God and his eternal salvation. I see his hunger and desire to find truth, I pray that he opens his heart to the beckoning of the Holy Spirit and submits to the Lord in humility and repentance.
This is just one of dozens of such conversations we have each week. Some have hardened their hearts to the Gospel, some have been hurt by "religion" and those calling themselves by the name of Jesus Christ. Still others are brothers and sisters in Christ that we can encourage and fellowship with, and we hope to be a source of unity in the body of Christ, true unity in the Spirit that is far too uncommon in this day. Pray with us that the hard hearts and the broken hearts will see God's love and justice in truth and come to Christ today for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Pray for us all as we go through our daily lives, each with unique struggles, but every one reminding us of our desperate need for the Holy Spirit's guidance as we seek to do His will and make Jesus known in all the earth, which for us starts in Key West.
" Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love
remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way." Psalm 25:4-9 ESV
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Family Bible School- Day 2
We had a great time today looking into Matthew chapter 2, with the Magi coming with gifts for the newborn King of the Jews, Jesus, the Messiah. We talked and sang about the gift of eternal life that came to mankind, the fulfilled prophecies, and how each one of us should offer our best for Christ.
We memorized Romans 6:23, and discussed the message of the Gospel more today. We discussed what sin is, why the payment we deserve (wages of sin) is death, and how merciful God is to offer His Son to die in our place. God has given His most favorite thing to us, His Son Jesus. We reinforced the truth that a gift doesn't do you any good unless you receive it for yourself. Gifts by their very nature are free, another blessed truth of salvation by grace through faith. We cannot earn this gift, but only humbly accept God's offer to us.
The Howards shared in the teaching and also had a great idea for reinforcing the lesson. The children each got a picture to fill in and color, each one instructed to think of what they could give to the Lord. Some said they would give their time, others their favorite toys, and some said they would give their hearts and lives to God. I pray that in the years to come, these children do choose to give all of themselves to the Lord for His service.
As we labor together to train our children in God's Word, I am reminded that this knowledge is just part of the bigger picture. We must also live according to the truths that God has given us, to model a life given completely to Christ, and to be an example that these young ones can follow. It is a great reponsibility, and a blessed privilege.
Mark Cowperthwaite for the saints of Key West Gospel Chapel
The Howards shared in the teaching and also had a great idea for reinforcing the lesson. The children each got a picture to fill in and color, each one instructed to think of what they could give to the Lord. Some said they would give their time, others their favorite toys, and some said they would give their hearts and lives to God. I pray that in the years to come, these children do choose to give all of themselves to the Lord for His service.As we labor together to train our children in God's Word, I am reminded that this knowledge is just part of the bigger picture. We must also live according to the truths that God has given us, to model a life given completely to Christ, and to be an example that these young ones can follow. It is a great reponsibility, and a blessed privilege.
Mark Cowperthwaite for the saints of Key West Gospel Chapel
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Family Bible School- Day 1
This New Years Day we made a resolution to help families teach their kids about the Lord. We had a time of singing, memorized a passage of God's Word, learned more about the culture and conditions in Bible times, and what all that means to us today.
We had 18 in attendance, including 13 children, 3 mothers, 1 grandmother, and 1 father. We need to get more fathers involved here, but it is a good start, right? Right! We hope to use this meeting time to encourage families and share the Gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
After the Family Bible School time, almost everyone stayed and we visited for 1/2 hour or so, then all headed to Bayview park. The playground there and bike paths made it a bit easier on the kids (and parents) as they had a bit of energy that needed to be relieved. So, we spent another hour or more talking, kids playing, edifying and encouraging one another. This is how church should be! Praise the Lord for the good turnout and the chance to work together in training our children about God's Word.
Mark Cowperthwaite
for the saints at
Key West Gospel Chapel
We had 18 in attendance, including 13 children, 3 mothers, 1 grandmother, and 1 father. We need to get more fathers involved here, but it is a good start, right? Right! We hope to use this meeting time to encourage families and share the Gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Mark Cowperthwaite
for the saints at
Key West Gospel Chapel
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