This Is My Story

TRUETT POOL, JR.

Hello, my name is Truett Pool, Jr. I grew up in San Antonio and accepted Jesus at ten years old in Vacation Bible School. I still remember that next Sunday walking to the front at Eisenhower Road Baptist Church to make my profession of faith. I was nervous and excited at the same time. That was the best decision I ever made.

I have wonderful parents who are great role models. We were always in church, and my parents led by example. They served the church in many ways. Dad was a Deacon and taught Sunday School. Mom led the women’s ministry and also taught Sunday School. They placed an importance on not only attending church but serving as well. They are still very involved to this day. I am very blessed and grateful to grow up with a wonderful family.

In 1996 I began my career in law enforcement. This career led me to the Houston area. In 2005 God called me to lead in men’s ministry at a church in Spring, Texas.. I led and grew at that little church. I changed to another church a few years later and began attending Memorial Baptist Church. God once again called me to lead in men’s ministry. We started with one Bible study and five men. God grew the ministry to over 50 men attending our weekly studies and hundreds of men engaging in our other activities. I eventually was put on staff part time as Director of Men’s Ministries. God blessed this ministry in a mighty way. God also blessed me and provided opportunities for me to speak at churches and other men’s events.

in 2018 I moved back to San Antonio to be closer to my parents who were in need of more help. I immediately began looking for a church. I visited many churches, including Bulverde Baptist Church. Even though I was visiting other churches, I was always drawn back to Bulverde Baptist. I was immediately blessed with kindness and love by the church. God made it very clear that Bulverde Baptist was where I should be. I have been a greeter for a short while and I’m on the men’s leadership team. I have made many friends at Bulverde Baptist that will be friends for life.

I have continued to speak at men’s events and began a neighborhood men’s Bible study. I have also been blessed to write a chapter in a book titled “How To Disciple Men”. God has used these opportunities to bless, correct, educate and grow me closer to Him in numerous ways. I’ve always thought that I get more out of these opportunities God put in front of me than the men I am serving. Serving has truly been one of the biggest blessings in my life.

There are many opportunities for change in my future. I am currently single and waiting on God’s direction in that area. I will soon be retiring from over 29 years in State and Federal law enforcement. I am waiting on Gods timing for another opportunity. While I don’t know what that will entail yet, I do know God will bless me, and no matter how I make an income, my true calling and passion will be ministering to men and helping them in their walk with Christ. God has truly blessed me!!

DAVID BONNETTE

We grew up in East Texas and are Texans to the core. One day God said we should move to Florida. You know that awkward internal conversation that comes next. “Was that God?” “Did I just speak for Him?”

We prayed that He make it clear because I really didn’t want to go, but I was willing. He very quickly made it clear in multiple ways. We spent a season in Florida and though we enjoyed our time there, felt like transplants. After five years, God said “Com-on back” and we ended up in San Antonio. It took us a while to find where God wanted us to plug back in. We visited Bulverde once and it felt like home, so we knew this was the place for us during this season of our lives.

We have been blessed with wonderful churches to serve in the past, but I have never been a part of a church that was focused on and was as active building disciples as Bulverde. Serving here was a pleasure from day one. We now teach 7th & 8th grade. I began serving as a deacon, and building relationships with more and more people who serve and worship here. It keeps us eager to stay engaged.

This church is our second home. We are blessed to say Christ is our savior. We are constantly motivated to become better disciples at Bulverde Baptist, and we join a team of disciple makers in growing the kingdom of God through relationships.

There are so many ways to get involved and to serve here that there is a place for anyone and everyone to join in. It’s great to be a part of the body of Christ. We can’t wait to see what God does next.

ASHLEY BUSCH LORANCE

Jesus saved those in the Bible that felt like they were too far gone, the ones that society had frowned upon, the ones that were far from deserving. Some nonbelievers tend to think that all of those saved and those miracles worked were just back in biblical times- but I can tell you that that is not the truth as He has worked miracles in my life.

September 2022, I was in a dark place, using alcohol to cope with years of abuse and struggling with other disorders and addiction. I had been in and out of church for a long time. Being raised at a Lutheran church and having bad experience after bad experience, I truly believed that church was a place of judgment and one where only the righteous could go. I didn’t truly feel like God loved me, or Jesus truly died for me- He must have died for everyone else after all, how could I be worthy? September 4, 2022 that all changed.

The first Sunday of September, I sprang out of bed, feeling like I was late for an appointment. After weeks of trying to cut ties with an abuser and trying to cope with things on my own I knew this appointment was with God. I looked up times for BBC- as I had fond memories of visiting as a teenager and got ready to go for the 11:00AM service. I KNEW I had to be there that day. I can’t remember what was preached, but I know God spoke directly to me. It was like He was calling me home, and I still didn’t really know if a church could be home… but I went back the next Sunday and the next… I became a member that October.

That October I officially shut my last abuser out of my life, labeling him my Egypt. I started drinking less and praying on the addictions and health issues I was facing, leading me to attend the Wednesday night women’s group. I knew no one at this time, but already felt like I was accepted and felt this church really loved people.

Fast forward a little over a year, with many life events and ever changing circumstances, I can say I have done nothing but grow closer with other members of BBC. I attend two Bible studies throughout the week, volunteer in the nursery monthly, and attend church weekly. I have grown close with a lot of amazing people who use their own stories and struggles to encourage one another. Also, after having my baptism put off due to some life events, I was baptized October 1, 2023. I can say I do belong to a church family, I can say that I have had some people step into my life and walk with me through dark times.

I highly encourage anyone struggling with addiction, with divorce, with domestic violence- anything that makes you feel like there is no hope, anything that you fear judgment for, to attend even just one sermon. I promise God speaks through this place and that He wants a relationship. You will have tough days, change is hard, growth is painful, but there is peace, there is hope, there is joy. God worked miracles then, and He is working them now.

OLIVER JOHNSON

1. Why I love my church: I love my church because of the beautiful people there. My wife and I were searching for a church home about 12 years ago and we went from church to church, (mostly in Beorne), but what sold us on Bulverde Baptist was the loving hearts of all the members. From the small group class to the general congregation people great you with a smile, hug or a hearty handshake. Since God is love, that love is transformed through believers and Bulverde Baptist is the epitome of that love.

2. Another reason we love our church is because of the children’s program. My daughter has been able to be plugged into bible study with her peers and she is a better daughter for God through the teachings of His Word that will carry her throughout her lifetime.

3. Lastly, why I love my church is, I’ve been able to use the talents God gave me in teaching Sunday School and this is where God gave me the courage to find my voice through singing to not only the small group class, but the community at large.

4. May God bless all of His children as we live our lives until the day of His coming—Amen!

RICK SCOTT

Recently I had the privilege of going to the Child Legacy Mission in Malawi, Africa. Oliver Johnson and Jules Roy invited me to join them on the mission trip. I knew I would like to go but I wondered what I could contribute there. They reminded me that God will use me if I go.

I was 76 and had never been overseas before. I prayed for guidance and I knew that I was going. After 2 days of airplanes and airports I knew the Lord was with me because Oliver and Jules were still speaking to me.

We were met at the airport in Malawi by a driver and van from the mission. I have always enjoyed thrill rides at amusement parks, but none of those were as scary as our ride to the mission. After 10 days of riding on Malawi dirt roads I wondered if my inside body parts would ever find their way back to their proper positions? (They did).

It was very humbling to meet the hospital staff at the Child Legacy hospital. They provide maternity care for the women of the area who would otherwise get their care from the village witch doctors and midwives. Getting to pray with them and for them as well as some of the women patients was amazing. The women walk to the hospital for their care. Some of them walk many miles to get there. They receive medical services free of charge from Child Legacy because they have very little money. The hospital receives no assistance from the government. What an incredible ministry in the name of Jesus!

We spent some days following the well pump repair team that Child Legacy offers to villages who are fortunate enough to have a clean water well. When a well pump breaks, it stays broken. Villagers have no way to pay for the parts and labor. The village women would come out to greet us with singing and dancing. What a joy it was to experience! Pastor Yohan, a wonderful, Godly man, was our driver and interpreter. Oliver preached while I pretended to help with the well repair. Jules produced a big bag of candy which disappeared quickly. One little piece of candy was a big deal to children who have nothing.

God gave me a message to give to the mothers and children. I told them how much Jesus loves each one of those beautiful little ones and what a blessing it is to be their parent. 25% of the children under 5 die in Malawi. Each child needs to know how important they are to our loving savior.

The villagers wanted to pay the pump repair team with a meal. That's all they could give. Child Legacy tries to give an audio bible to as many villages as they can. The player in solar powered and the bible is in the local language. What a blessing for many villagers who are illiterate and can't afford a bible if they can read.

We attended a home church in a nearby town one evening. It was attended by mostly women, children, and chickens. The women sang and danced to the Lord and Oliver preached. Jules and I prayed for the people there and I was very humbled to see God working in the middle of such poverty.

Sunday we attended the mission church, and what an experience that was. The music, (and dancing), are amazing to be a part of. Oliver preached, and he was on fire! Only problem was having to slow down to allow for interpretation. Not Oliver's style, but he worked through it.

I didn't know what I could do on a mission trip, but God showed me that even an old guy with no missions skills can experience the mighty hand of God if I just go when I'm sent.

He did make me even more thankful that He has allowed me to live in this country my whole life. God has blessed me and humbled me so much because I obeyed His call to go to Malawi with Oliver and Jules.

LISA CRAMER

I have always loved teaching. I have always loved kids. On February 19, 2019, I was teaching my 21st year at Indian Springs Elementary and after getting my class down to the cafeteria, I had a seizure. After paramedics came and loaded me up in the ambulance and took me to the hospital, they discovered a "baseball " size tumor on my frontal lobe in my head. I had to have brain surgery and fast. On February 13, 2019, I had full brain surgery to remove not the once thought baseball size but SOFTBALL size! Once they got in they realized it was MUCH bigger than they thought. I had ZERO symptoms, aside from being really tired BUT as a teacher, that's s normal thing. My doctor was able to get all of the tumor out but still wanted me to go through chemo and radiation bc they soon found out it WAS malignant. I had the most deadly form of glioblastoma and a grade 4, at that. There is only a 1% chance for survival.( of course, they didn't tell me that then) I prayed, and was told to be as positive as I could bc my body would listen to my brain. When I was being wheeled in to be prepped for surgery, the first people I saw were my husband and Pastor Paul. He had driven EARLY that morning to be there to pray over me before I went back. I called him "pointing Paul" for awhile and (he’s still in my phone as such) because he was pointing his finger at me and told me, "If you've EVER doubted how much you're cared for in this community-don't" He had said that Tanya had written a prayer for me (per my husband's request)and the CISD community had read it out loud. I am proud to say I'm still here with my amazing husband ( the BEST support system I could have EVER had) and my precious, precious son. When I first heard my diagnosis, of course my thoughts went to horrible images of me not being there with them in the future. I began negotiating with God and he listened. I asked him to let me be here long enough to watch my son get his drivers license ( that's s big deal in a boys life) and to let me see him graduate high school bc that's a big deal in ALL kids lives. It's coming up on 4 years, and I'm here and healthy. My son received his driver's license and I got the cheesy picture we all take once they get it and we are now touring colleges. Once cleared, my husband told me he had asked my surgeon if my skull had broken his saw (🙄Ha! Ha!) I'm going to close with THIS is my story and He answer ALL of my requests and I'm still here today. My story is for His glory. ( I'm going to include the prayer Tanya wrote for me bc she knows me so well after our teaching together and she nailed the prayer. It just seems fitting to let you see how we can help one another. Below is the prayer:

Dear Jesus, I come before you on behalf of my dear friend, Lisa. God she faces a life changing surgery today. While You are not at all surprised, God, we are. We trust in your absolute Sovereignty in this and every situation. Thank you God for Lisa and the friend that she is, not only to me, but to so many in our community. We know her as strong, a force for good in this world. We also know that You made her that way and know absolutely every inch of her body. I pray that You would guide the hands of the surgeons to absolute precision. I pray that they would have all wisdom and knowledge, not only of their craft, but also of Lisa’s body and brain. God we know there are risks to any surgery, but we thank you that we live in this time where modern medicine is advanced and can take care of these types of things. Thank you God for all the nurses and doctors caring for Lisa. I pray they would be caring and kind and help Steven and Lisa to understand all that is going on. I pray that the tumor would not present any surprises to the doctors. That it would come out easily and without incident. I pray that there would not be any long term affects on Lisa’s body...on her mind or muscles, personality, motor skills or speech. I pray the same old Lisa would wake up from surgery minus a tumor. Thank you God for who You are. Thank you for friendship and kindred spirits. Thank you for Your sovereignty over this situation. God above all else, we want Your will to be done. We want You to be in control. We know that might mean us giving up something in sacrifice, but You are the God of the universe. You are the One who holds Lisa’s life in Your hands. Thank You for all the events and people that led to the finding of this tumor, God. You orchestrated that in order to bring us to this point. We are trusting you to carry us in to the next phase and through this surgery. Thank you for all the people in Lisa’s life who love and care for her. I pray that she would feel those prayers in a tangible way bringing comfort and peace to her soul. I pray that Steven and Cody and Lisa’s mom would also feel the prayers of those around them. Bring peace and comfort to their souls as Lisa goes into surgery today. God we give you all the glory and honor and praise. You are Almighty and we trust in you today.

In Jesus' name. Amen

JOHNNY & DEANNA THORTON

Johnny and I came to Bulverde Baptist Church 14 years ago when we had moved from the Houston area and retired here.

We visited several churches in the area but when we came to Bulverde Baptist, we knew we had found our Church Home.

That Sunday, a Deacon from the church called us to say how happy they were that we had visited. He answered all our questions and spent time talking with mus over the phone. That call meant a lot and told us that the church cared about others who were seeking.

Being new to the community and not knowing anyone at all, our choice of churches was so vital to our well being. Jan Dodd invited me into the Women's Ministry program, where I have served for 13 years. It has been a wonderful way to meet people and make new friends, while having a lot of fun with other women.

Johnny and I are in the Owl's class and enjoy our 3 Sunday School teachers so much. We have bonded with others and made such wonderful, lasting friendships.

Having a church home where you feel loved and accepted is so important, especially with all of the health challenges that Johnny has endured over the past several years. Our brothers and sisters in Christ have been there for us at every turn on this journey.

We are fortunate to have our children and grandchildren live in this general area and our great grandsons have been involved in the Upwards Basketball Program which has been so good for them, & fun for our entire family.

Also they have been in the Vacation Bible School for the past 8 years and have enjoyed that a lot too. I have served in VBS for 11 years, while at BBC.

We feel so blessed to call this our church home, and especially blessed to know Christ as our personal Savior. It has been so wonderful to see the church grow and flourish, and to see this beautiful building which God has allowed us to be a part of. It sure is a lot better than meeting in the gym like we did when we 1st came here!

IRA & PAULA LYNN

I found Bulverde Baptist Church in 2015 through my sister (Margie Pipkin) when she invited me to a Wednesday Woman's Bible study. Then started attending Sunday church w the family. At that time I was single and a little lost and the church gave me the strength to carry on with life by myself. I met Ira Lynn (now husband) in 2016 and moved later from San Antonio to St. Hedwig. At that time lost touch with church and carried on with life. Ira and I always talked about going to a church by us for he was brought up going to church and baptized as a young man. Fast forward to 2022 I went with the BBC youth camp as chaperone just out of the blue. I thought to myself I felt that I needed to be there. My feeling accurate. I always had this conversation with my sister & brother in law when am I going to have this connection with God I long far? Well on July 20, 2022 that evening w the youth group at worship I accepted God as my savior. I had a powerful emotional acceptance a feeling I never felt before. At our small group that evening I stood among the youth and my peers and gave my testimony. I even shocked myself standing there and talking about what I had experienced. I shared with my husband when we came back from camp and told him no matter the distance we needed to be back at BBC. Ira very supportive without a hesitation say definitely. Now we are in small group and members of the church. We are moving to Bulverde this year and I fully believe we are where we are supposed to be. Looking forward to what God has instore for us at BBC.

JERRY & LASCHEL FOX

We pulled up to BBC 21 years ago and began to meet for worship in the little rock building which is now our BBC Youth Building. The warmth of this church family kept us coming back and has been a second home to us in many ways. We have been blessed to see our three children loved and encouraged spiritually by Sunday School Teachers like Mrs. Phyllis, Karl Vaught, Becky Oliver, Karen Flournoy and so many more. BBC Students was a safe and strong spiritual community for our kids in middle school and high school. BBC has truly been a home away from home for all of us.

Jerry began singing in the choir right away. The tunes, volume, and people on stage have changed some over the years, but he has thoroughly loved singing for Jesus here at BBC. Laschel enjoyed planning activities for the kids early on. After five years or so she was brought on as the Children’s Director, which she fully believes to be The DREAM job! Not only does she get to do what she loves, but the BBC Staff is a joy to work with! We enjoy serving alongside the amazing people at BBC.

As our kids have grown our church family has supported and loved them well, through graduations, college, weddings, and our first grandbaby. We are humbled and blessed by the support and love of our church family. Recently, one of our children has gone through a difficult season. Our church family has come alongside once again, loving, listening, checking in, and encouraging all of us with the love of Jesus.

Bulverde Baptist has been one of God’s greatest gifts in our lives and continues to be.

GREG & TONJA JESTER

Our family came to BBC around 2009 looking for a better church experience for our boys who were 14 and four at the time. We found a thriving youth group when Pastor Paul was the Youth Pastor that assured us we were in the right place. We fell in love with the people of the church who were warm and inviting. We made lasting friendships. We sat under sound Bible teaching in the Sunday School hour and good direction from the pulpit which at that time was in the gymnasium! We were part of the Saturday night set up crew for church in the gym and had the opportunity to get involved in ministry through the Audio/Visual team, teaching, Men’s ministry and other venues. We got to see God work through the building of the Auditorium building including it being completely paid for this year.

In short, we found where we could freely worship with other likeminded believers and serve the Lord through ministry. Why are we still here? Because these same things are still true at BBC!

We both get to serve in different ministries of the church and are amazed at the opportunities around us now and looking forward into the future what God is doing, and will do with the people of BBC in our community. We love this church body. We love the church staff and leadership. We are confident that we are where God wants us to be for a time such as this and can’t wait to see what He does next at BBC!

JOE & JOANCELLE WRIGHT

We were married in 1967 upon Joe's return from Viet Nam. Two years later Joe began a 32 year career with Celanese Corp. in Bishop, Texas. We raised our two children and lived in South Texas till retirement. We enjoyed retirement while caring for our elderly parents in Pleasanton, Texas for 17 years and were very active at First Baptist Church there.

The grandkids began begging us to move to the Hill Country nearer them so we did. The owners of the house we bought were BBC members and encouraged us to visit their church so we did. We were welcomed and received by so many friendly people that we joined BBC the following week. We knew this was where we wanted to serve the Lord.

The sense of community, belonging and strong bible teaching is unlike any church we have ever attended. We are so blessed to worship, serve and call BBC our home.

TREY & BETTY CUMMINS

Hi there! We're Tres and Betty Cummins. We both come from small towns in Texas (Tres from Sinton, Betty from Rotan) so we're comfortable being in churches where we get to know people better than in "mega-churches". For about 40 years, we were very involved members of another Baptist church in San Antonio and late 2019, we decided to make a change and visited BBC. After attending worship services and several Sunday Schools classes (all of them were super), we decided to join BBC and after attending Bulverde Basics class with Pastor Paul, we officially joined in 2020.

Of course, COVID hit right after that so getting to know people became more challenging. But through that experience, God worked throughout BBC to help us remain engaged with our Sunday School class and bonding with people.

We have experienced tons of bonding opportunities at BBC from Wednesday night activities, Sunday School, Sunday morning worship and other scheduled events. Betty is the church Treasurer and I'm a member of the Security Team.

We're excited for what God has in store for BBC as He has equipped our church with a staff that loves God and loves this congregation!

BOB & SUSIE GUILBAULT

Bob and I finally made it to Texas in 2013! Soon after, we started our search to find our home church. The first church we visited, we attended a few months and it just was not a good fit for us. After a good amount of time, we were still pretty unrecognized by anyone we ran into at church. The next church we tried, we attended for eight months. Although we liked the church, we really never felt like we belonged to the community. One of our neighbors, who we like to call our church recruiter, invited us to her church, Bulverde Baptist. From the first time we attended, we were greeted by a group in the foyer who made us feel extremely welcome. We decided to give it a second try and were shocked when we walked in and they called us by name. Eight years have passed and we love our church, we are strongly committed to our church body, and love learning about our Savior Jesus Christ. We thank God for our church and our church family.

RANDY & BECKY OLIVER

Becky and I joined Bulverde Baptist Church way back in 1994 and Becky’s sister was the director of the GA’s (Girl’s in Action) and had asked her to volunteer. We felt that this was the place God wanted us to join and raise our kids (2 met their spouse at BBC and all are believers and amazing adults). We immediately got connected and BBC became family.

Through the years we have had the opportunity to serve with many Godly people in many different capacities from leading choirs, coaching Upwards, serving numerous committees, teaching adults, youth and children and to go as sponsors on youth retreats, youth and children’s camp and mission trips. We have seen many changes through the years, have been blessed and stretched, but the one thing that doesn’t change is God’s faithfulness.

Bulverde Baptist has been a great place to raise a family and develop long lasting friendships as we continue to enjoy meeting new friends and serving alongside members of our BBC family.

AARON & ERIN FIELDEN

We are a military family that moved approximately 5 times over a 10-year span prior to returning to San Antonio. As per our typical routine, we started attending the surrounding community churches; including a large church we attended the last time we were stationed here. We enjoyed all the churches we visited, but never felt a true connection to the church community.

After a few weeks, our neighbors invited our kids to attend His Kids and I decided to attend the Wednesday night classes as well. I was impressed by the sense of community at the church and the commitment to building a Christ-centered foundation for the children. My wife and I started attending Sunday services shortly afterward, and both of us felt a calling to become more involved in our new church community. I was able to volunteer with the church safety team. My wife had the opportunity to work in the nursery and eventually within the weekly Mother’s Day Out program.

By becoming involved in the church community, we have been able to develop a circle of influence that continues to positively shape our lives and our walk with Christ. We have developed long-lasting friendships that we lean on for advice and comfort during life’s struggles. Most importantly, our children have found a circle of influence that has supported their decisions to follow Christ.

After may years of traveling, it has truly been a blessing to find a church where we feel like we belong, have the ability to grow, and the opportunity to invest in others as we continue this journey.

ARCHIE & PHYLLIS SUMMERLIN

Phyllis and I were visiting area churches in the summer of 2019 to find a place we thought we could fit-in with the congregation, a place that we felt we could contribute by serving with what abilities we had and where we understood what the church based its doctrine on.

On one of our earliest visits to BBC, a church member approached Phyllis and said she had overheard her talk of one of our children’s strained relationship with his family and our inability to see our grandchildren. The lady was bold enough to share with Phyllis her own familial relationship burden and an immediate bond was developed and offers of prayers for healing of our emotional problems were offered.

Needless to say, this was an impactful occurrence that helped us to continue visiting and believing that this was the Church God was leading us to. Someone’s boldness to share and comfort was the gift that keeps on giving.

That was 3 years ago. But, more recently God has put us in what we think is one of the most friendly, caring and spiritually tuned small groups that we’ve ever been in. The talented teachers in this group provide us with lessons that guide and encourage us to seek God in everything we do. And of course, In our class/small group we share concerns which usually revolve around health challenges, family relations and keeping one another informed on what help is needed in the Church and elsewhere. The tools we utilize to help resolve these concerns are the abilities and resources God has blessed each of us with, but our most effective tool is prayer!

Over the past month we have seen God’s gracious and miraculous response to our prayers. It is encouraging to see families who trust in God and who support one another in the trials of life. It is also exciting to feel so assured of God’s presence and power in this place.

We are so thankful that we were led to BBC and look forward to serving God through our participation in our Church.

PHIL & JERRI COLLINS

Jerri and I moved to Spring Branch in January 2004. At the time we were long time members of a Baptist Church inside of 1604. Even though we had to travel an hour each Sunday to and from Church, we did not want to leave our great friends. We were also involved in many committees, missions, and the music ministry for many years and hated to give all of that up.

In 2019 we finally decided to make a change and started looking for a Southern Baptist Church closer to our home in Spring Branch. In early 2020, after visiting Bulverde Baptist Church, we invited Pastor Paul to our home to discuss the beliefs of Bulverde Baptist. We were very excited to hear that this Church believed what we believed! We joined BBC in early 2020 and went through the new member class taught by Pastor Paul. The class solidified our belief that this was truly a Southern Baptist Church.

The Church made it through Covid and is coming back. God is working in our lives and we could not be more excited about what is happening at BBC. The entire staff seems to be genuinely interested in being God-centered. Pastor Paul and his wife are great Christians and serve God together through this church. The people we have met at BBC are caring people that always jump in to help in any situation. Our Sunday School class is the best! Jerri is currently on the Decorating Committee and works as a Greeter on Sunday mornings. I was on the Search Committee for our new Associate Pastor and also am a member of the Security Team.

We both love BBC and know that we all live in a mission field. There are unchurched people all around us. We could not be more excited about the future of BBC in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ!

COOP & COOPETTE

In Genesis chapter 18, we read about the GREAT Mercies of God, but in Psalm 145:9 we read about the Tender Mercies of God - “Truly, the Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works”.

Tender Mercies? those little acts of kindness received by other believers. Well Sharon and I have truly experienced so many tender mercies this past year as members of BBC. The tender mercies we receive from those in our Anchor Sunday School, as they lift us up in Sharon’s walk with cancer. Oh, how we love our church, as it provides to us not only the opportunities to serve our Savior but provides us with sound and doctrinal preaching and gifted teachers that help us grow in the Lord. Praise His Name

BRAD WADDELL

God has my 6 from the bottom of the valley; now along my way back up the mountain top. The Lord has been with me the entire trip. My provider and protector when I needed him the most. And now I'm blessed with the opportunity to protect and serve for The Lord and his Flock at Bulverde Baptist Church.

A year ago today, on August 31st 2021 I found myself in the deepest part of the valley when my wife Tina Waddell passed away after battling Covid over a month. Covid swept through and devastated our household and almost took me as well. Tina was my everything, my life, truly a gift from God, the perfect wife. On days when I worked double shifts and Monroe State Penitentiary in Monroe, Washington, and was too tired to go to church.......Tina made sure I got up and went. And I was glad I did.

After Tina's passing, my entire world was broken. I never lost faith in The Lord through this challenging year, but it's been hard. By far the hardest thing I have ever experienced in my life. During this time, I was not yet plugged in with a church in San Antonio. I tried out another one, but it just wasn't the same. Recently I felt it was time to get up and try again, to find a place that welcomed me, a place where I could serve and be part of Fellowship.

Thinking back, shortly before Tina's battle with Covid, when we moved to Texas, Tina found Bulverde Baptist Church and we attended to check it out. I thought this would be a great place to start. After coming back a few weeks ago, I felt this was the place. I love the people and feel The Lord has led me on this journey to Bulverde Baptist Church. I have a 30 year background in the Military and Corrections. I feel led, and am looking forward to being a part of the Safety Team here at Bulverde Baptist Church.

From the low of the valley, back on my way up to the mountaintop; The Lord has led me the entire way. The Lord has led me to Bulverde Baptist Church. I am blessed and looking forward to serving the church in any way I can.

VERONICA BROVERMAN

For a time, I had slacked off from posting the daily scripture. Since joining BBC, I restarted the daily posting. I frequently use my own pics or those I find. Because my husband and I have a lot of non-believing friends (including him), I pray some scripture impacts just one of them. Occasionally, I see a “like” or “amen” from some of them. Then, I received this message from a colleague from my old job in Mass:

”Hi my friend!! I’m in NC until Sept 23. I was going thru a depression bc I’m in search for a job bc I took early retirement to move closer to my brother. My moms last wish in her chapter of life was to move here. My brother took me to a service - I asked him to help me understand the Bible and become closer to The Lord. I want to thank you for all your posts on FB on verses from the Bible. You are helping my spirit. I love you.”

To quote a friend, ““I love what God does!”