DECEMBER 2010
The
Livingston Ministry Report
The Payes family from left to right:
Cindy, Makayla, Jovan, and Jacob.
THE PAYES FAMILY HISTORY
Jovan and Cindy Payes have been married
since March 3, 2001. They are very proud of
their two children, Makayla who is in the 4th
grade, and Jacob who has just started
kindergarten.
Jovan did not grow up in the Lord’s church,
but obeyed the gospel in 1996. He was born
and raised in San Francisco, and lived the life
of a gang member before obeying the gospel.
As a member of the Civic Center church of
Christ, in San Francisco, Jovan received his
training from Donald W. Hinds and David
Hinds. Desiring to preach, Jovan began
preaching by appointment in 1998 in the San
Francisco Bay Area. He attended the Golden
Gate Bible Institute hosted by the Airport
church of Christ. In 2004, Jovan earned a B.A.
in Bible from Freed-Hardeman University,
and is continuing his education in biblical
studies.
Cindy grew up in the Lord’s church. Her
father James Tuggle preached for several
years, and has served as a deacon. On her
mother’s side, she has two uncles who are
gospel preachers. She has work side by side
Jovan in hosting Bible classes in their home,
helping the sick, and teaching Bible classes in
the education program of the church.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
SUNDAY
Bible Class 10 AM
Morning Worship 11 AM
Evening Worship 6 PM
Ministry & the Holiday Season| Jovan Payes
If you are like the Payes family during this time of the year,
you have recently survived a turkey feast and an assortment of
pie selections, together with fellowship with family and friends.
Also, many are rushing around for presents as the season
transitions towards another holiday time. This time of the year
can be maddening.
What this reminds me of is the danger of over emphasis of
the self and on what plenty can do to our spiritual lives. Paul
would speak of how even plenty and abundance can be issues in
which he had to learn how to maneuver through spiritually
(Phil. 4.12-13). The Lord affirmed that a pile of things is not the
true measure of a good life (Luke 12.15).
It was therefore delightful when various ones in the
congregation began to formulate ideas, or join together to reach
out during this time to minister to others during this holiday
season. One sister, provided all the accoutrements of a
Thanksgiving dinner for a family that would be lacking one this
year (Gal. 2.10). I had the privilege of delivering these items
and experiencing the joy of filling empty food baskets.
Another group of the brethren organized care packages for
six soldiers far from their families, while they serve their
country in Afghanistan during this season (Acts 20.35). Along
with treats and travel size supplies, we added tracts and Think
magazines to give them spiritual support. Like an assembly line,
the boxes were filled beyond capacity.
On the first Friday of December, we had another
opportunity to reach out to the community during the Winter
Lights Parade Street Fair. We had a booth for the congregation,
offering information and literature about the church and the
gospel. We also offered free hot chocolate to warm the people
up. I was able to speak with the people, and study with a man
for a good 20 minutes.
Ministry must not be placed to a crawl, we must always
point people to “the true light” Jesus in any season (John 1.9).
4th SUNDAY WEDNESDAY
Bible Class 10 AM Bible Class 7 PM
Morning Worship 11 AM
Birthday Fellowship Meal 12 PM
Afternoon Service 1:30 PM
DECEMBER 2010
The
Livingston Ministry Report

So What’s Going On? | Jovan Payes THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

Time has flown. We feel that we just arrived, and in some “We spend four years getting a degree,
sense this is true, however, we have been serving here in or otherwise go through a training
Livingston for about six months. And we are so honored to be period to prepare ourselves to make a
here, and there is much to do. living. Anyone who would spend one
I teach classes to the youth group on Wednesdays and fourth as much time in conscientiously
Sundays. On Wednesdays, we are currently working through
and diligently preparing to teach
Real Life Issues that youth must work through. On Sundays, we
others about Christ could be well
are studying The Parables of Jesus.
prepared. Is preparing to make a living
Moreover, on Sunday morning I am preaching through the
Letter to the Ephesians. In our second service we just finished a of so much greater importance than
series on The Bible and Its Place in our Lives, and have begun a obeying the Lord? Soul-winning is the
series on The Church in the Bible. I am emphasizing studies that most important thing you can do."
will lay a proper foundation in order to branch out in – Paul Sherrod, Successful Soul
ministering to the community of Livingston. Winning (2d ed.; Lubbock, Tex.:
I am completing another semester of graduate study with Sherrod, 1974), 2.
Freed-Hardeman University, as I improve my ministerial
capacity. Likewise, I am conducting studies in the community
weekly, and reaching out to people as opportunities arise. WANT TO BE A FELLOW WORKER
WITH THE LIVINGSTON CHURCH
Cindy is teaching various Bible stories to the younger ones OF CHRIST?
on Sunday morning. She is also working hard, homeschooling
our children: Jacob, our kindergartener, and Makayla, our 4th If you or your congregation would
grader. Not an easy task, but she is performing admirably. like to be a fellow worker with us to
Over the last few months, I have joined with a couple other
spread the gospel, here is what you
valley preachers to create the RECHARGE: Excellence in
can do:
Ministry conference (March 31 to April 2). It is an event geared
towards preachers, teachers, and church workers, particularly in (1) Pray for our work.
California in order to provide a closer opportunity to retool, and (2) Come visit & worship with us.
“recharge” their ministry batteries. For more information, see (3) Contribute a onetime gift.
our website www.RechargeMe.org. (4) Tell others about our work.
Finally, allow me to invite you to consider including our (5) Ask for our Packet! We will
work in your personal or church budget. We are still in need of
email it, or snail mail it to you
financial support for our ministry. We do have fellow-workers,
so you can consider working
but we still need you. Call us, ask for our packet. We do not
plan for this support to be permanent. Nevertheless, pray for us, with us on a yearly basis.
join our Facebook page, and come by for a worship visit.

LIVINGSTON CHURCH OF CHRIST

639 2nd Street
Livingston, California 95334
209.394.3511 office
info.livingstoncoc@gmail.com email
www.livingstoncoc.wordpress.com website