“He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!” is the song of this morning! The only reason we celebrate “Good Friday” is because we know that “Easter is on its way!” We are looking forward to the Sunrise Service, 7:00 a.m., front beach, this coming Sunday morning. We trust that all will participate in this special event! Following this special time together, we will gather at the Chapel at 10:00 a.m. for our continued study from the Book of Acts. The Super Church kids will be having an Easter Egg Hunt during the morning activities with over 30 dozen eggs and prizes. It will be a great Easter celebration and all are invited.

The Reverend Joane McDonough is our special pulpit guest beginning this past Sunday (April 17). She is an ordained minister and is using the material God has been giving her concerning “Bridging the Gap”. She has taught this material on many levels, including for the county court systems, schools, Child Protective Services, ladies retreats and individual churches. One day, we believe, Joane will be a published author with this material. Each Sunday, for at least eight weeks, Joane will be preaching using this material in the 11:00 a.m. service at the Chapel. Everyone is invited.

Fisherman’s Bible Institute classes are almost over, and we are beginning a new teaching time for the ladies of this area. Joane will be teaching “Search for Significance” each Thursday. Books have been ordered, but additional materials may be obtained for interested learners. The classes will begin May 5. For further information, please call Joane at 983-4240.

The Chapel will be hosting another Sea Academy with classes beginning on April 29. These classes help qualify students to serve as boat captains. Interested persons should call the Sea Academy at 361/758-6184 or the instructor, Captain Robert at 361/816-3010.

Friday Night Youth is going strong with a host of kids from our community meeting here for “good, safe fun and food” each Friday beginning at 7:00 p.m., except the first Friday of each month. There are always a lot of things to do and kids enjoy “hanging out” at the Chapel.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Several of the ladies have already begun preparations for special gifts for each mother present at the Chapel that morning, May 8. Joane will be the guest speaker, and every mom will be treated as royalty, for they truly are! We invite all moms to come and enjoy your special day with us at the Chapel.

Papaw, Joane and I were honored to host the annual Royal Ranger’s District Pow Wow at our place in Smiley this past weekend (April 15-17). The event brought boys together from Beaumont to San Antonio, and from the Valley to the Hill Country. Unofficially, there were about 850 boys and men present for this special event and the boys were treated to many activities, including Paint Ball, Zip Lines, and many other fun activities. Of special interest was the “cardboard box boat races”. Boys were to “boats” from old boxes and placed a two “man” team in them to race a prescribed course on the pond. It was fun to see the boats come apart, capsize, and a few actually made the distance. Most of the “cardboard oars” did not finish the race and the boys were forced to use their hands for paddles. But, far more than just the fun and myriad of activities was the fact that almost 175 boys and men accepted Jesus as their personal Savior during the weekend of events! We were honored that we were chosen to host such a special event. Eternity alone will tally the benefits!

Fisherman’s Chapel is an interdenominational congregation who wants to minister to everyone in this community. We offer bilingual events and have Hermano Jessie and Hemana Angie Alderete helping us reach the Spanish speaking residents. You will always find a warm welcome at the Chapel, and all are urged to, “Come, grow with us!”

House for Rent:

Upper or lower level. By the day, month, or longer. Waterfront. Newly remodeled and updated. Very nice. Call 402-841-1942.                             6/10

2 Bedroom/2 Bath for Lease in Port O’Connor. Furnished or unfurnished. Water/sewer, trash pick up, DirecTV, included. Great for weekend fishermen. or permanent residence. 361-983-2043 or 983-4667.

Relax while overlooking Matagorda Bay and enjoying the bay breeze in a fully furnished, newly remodeled home located on the front beach only steps away from the bay. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, sleeps 12. Available Daily and weekly. Call 361-782-8099 or 361-782-7131

Some folks have said that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere in your belief. When I was a young child, I was told that if you stand in a red ant bed and hold your breath, they won’t sting you. Would it matter if I sincerely believed that statement? I have been told that rattlesnakes are poisonous and I have seen the results of someone bitten by one. Would it matter if I sincerely believed they were not poisonous? Well, I can say that I didn’t believe that holding my breath would prevent red ants from stinging me and I do believe that rattlesnakes are poisonous. As a result, I don’t stand in red ant beds and I try to avoid a rattlesnake bite and it did and does matter what I believe about red ants and rattlesnakes.

We are looking forward to Easter Sunday, the special day designated to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, from the tomb. While every Sunday is a celebration of His resurrection, Easter Sunday is the special day. Does it matter what we believe about the birth, life and death and resurrection of Jesus? What are your beliefs about the Biblical account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus? What are beliefs? Beliefs could be called doctrines and doctrines are teachings. Biblical doctrines are teachings or beliefs that a great many Christians hold in common and pass on from generation to generation. At first, the disciples of Jesus didn’t need to be concerned about writing down these teachings – they had Jesus – the One who gave the teachings. The disciples learned directly from His teachings day by day as they walked with Jesus. After Jesus returned to heaven the next most reliable source of the teachings was that of the Apostles. However, eventually all the Apostles died. Then there needed to be some way for Christians to guard against errors in their beliefs and teachings since they were surrounded by so many false doctrines or teachings. The best way to keep these teachings correct was to write them down. It was important to write down what Jesus had taught, so that future generations could know the truth. We have those writings today! Those writings are called the Holy Bible. That’s why we look to the Bible as our source for doctrine, beliefs, and teachings.

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired by God and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. Whether you realize it or not, believe it or not, if the world’s people would live by the Bible’s instruction there would be no problems in the world. 2 Timothy 3:16 says: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. We have the responsibility of preaching and teaching Christian doctrine and teaching it correctly. 2 Timothy 2:15 says: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. How can we know that doctrinal beliefs are correct? We must go back to the source, the Bible.

Can you realize what our beliefs do to us or for us? What if you believed that the earth was flat? What if you believed that you could fly (without mechanical help)? It does matter what we believe. Our beliefs determine what we are. They determine our character. What you believe about God determines how you will live. We believe that God is a God of love. He loves all people the same and offers heaven to all who will accept Jesus as Savior. God is a God of justice. He will punish sin, but remember that Jesus has already been punished for your and my sin. God is a God of promise. He promises to be with us throughout our lives if we are His and promises heaven for all who trust in His Son. What you believe about life determines how you will treat others. Do you believe that life is sacred? Then you will live to protect life – yours and others’. Do you believe that life is redeemable? Then you will encourage others to let God redeem them from their life of sin. What you believe determines your destiny. If you believe there is a heaven and a hell, then you will make preparation to miss hell and gain heaven. What you believe molds your actions. If you believe the Bible teaches us to love, those around you will be affected by your kind expressions of love.

Our thoughts and actions are controlled by what we believe. I believe in the reality of Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son, Who came to earth to die for the sins of the people of the world. I believe that He was crucified, buried in a borrowed tomb and on the third day came forth from the tomb alive, resurrected. I believe that He is at the right hand of the Father in heaven at this very moment. I have accepted Jesus as my Savior and BELIEVE that I will go to heaven when I die. Do you have this belief? Please be reminded that ALL of us will be “Somewhere Forever” when we leave this world in death. It does matter whether or not you believe the resurrection really happened.

FOR SALE OR LEASE

Port O’s most unique property. Three complete living units; great for a family compound; excellent investment opportunity. Almost 4,000’ under A/C on high double corner lot. Upstairs – 2 complete 2/1 living quarters with kitchens, central A/C, each bigger – AND A LOT NICER – than most weekend bay houses you’ve seen. Downstairs – a complete efficiency apartment/bunk room, plus a bonus bunk room/bath. Air conditioned tackle room, carport, 2 utility rooms, covered patios, large yard, plenty of boat parking.

Will rent/lease individual units, or lease/sell the whole property – season or long term. Priced over $25,000 below appraisal – make offer. Rents very reasonable – $475-875 mo, including sat TV, HS Internet, water/sewer.

Call 361-550-3845 or email terry@tk52.com for more info, or to make an appointment. Realtor consideration on sale contract.

Great fishing cabin on Matagorda Peninsula. Located on a protected inlet. Private dock, water well, generator, propane appliances, sleeps 8, storage building. Completely furnished. Serious inquiries only. $64,500. 361-655-7055

4/22

Best Deal in Town

4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Trailer.  Owner bought trailer new in ‘97.  Has new stove, dishwasher, and central a/c unit. Trailer sits on a concrete runner with deck around side and front; is hooked to MUD water, but has water well to water grass. Very good location on Maple, close to Fishing Center and Clarks.

Corner lot and owner wants to sell to be able to finance another property.

Priced to sell at $82,500.  Get you a partner, and that’s only $41,000 apiece.

Call Don at 979-966-3077.

For Sale by Owner: Alamo Beach/Port Lavaca Bay Front Brick Home 1994 sq. ft. living, gazebo, fishing pier, 1/2+ acre, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, propane fireplace, water filter, disability access. $220,000. Additional 1/2 acre lot with detached garage available for additional fee. Phone 361-552-4709.    6/10

1-1/2 Acres Highway Frontage in Port O’Connor. 281-433-9989.

POC MUD water/sewer. Cleared and ready to build.

For Sale by Owner: 2 Lots, 2 blocks from front beach.  Hwy 185 (Adams St.) $75,000.  983-4240.

1101 Swan Point Rd.

Enjoy bay breezes and coastal living in this waterfront Stucco home with 300’ private pier and covered deck with outdoor kitchen overlooking San Antonio Bay.   3 Bedroom 2 Bath split floor plan.  Open concept kitchen living area. Totally remodeled in 2007.   Hardwood floors.  Fireplace in master bedroom.   30 X 50  garage, plenty of storage located on roadside of property for seclusion and privacy.  Step through to a tropical oasis with custom waterfall, flagstone walkway and landscaping  Beautiful unobstructed view of San Antonio Bay from Master Bedroom and living areas.    This is a must see.

Owner is a licensed Broker in the State of Texas.

Offered at $349,000.00                                Call: 361-785-3424

Fish Camp for Sale, Lane Rd. near Charlie’s Bait Camp. 40 ft. trailer, 10X12 addition; 14X20 covered patio; 8X8 storage shed. Completely furnished; sleeps 8. Trailer and improvements for sale. Property is leased. Priced reduced to $18,000. obo. 281-392-6597; 713-385-7776.                    5/22

2 bedroom, 2 bath Mobile Home. 105 Madison, POC. Includes furniture, fridge (2) freezer, storage shed. $15,000. Must see. 713-598-7805.

4/22

For Sale By Owner:

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath on 4 1/2 lots with trees.  Water & sewer available on all.  3-car Carport, 1 Garage, Central A/H. Seadrift 201 Grape St. Call 361-785-2416; leave a message or 361-746-0526. By appointment only.

Pirates Cove

Unit #4

2 Bedroom,

2 1/2 Baths

Many Extras:

New AC Unit

Storm Shutters

Custom Cabinets

Brand New Appliances

6-Man Hot Tub

Your very own boat slip!

Fully Furnished and

Ready to Move In!

$269,500.

Owner Will Finance 361-935-1562

Please send any information you’d like to see in our Memorial Day issue to us by the deadline of Monday, May 23.

We would be pleased to print tributes to those who served our country, particularly those who have since passed away.

Your input is most welcome.