Almost Over

Summer 2016 is almost over, at least for the church calendar. Already this summer we have had Carpenter's For Christ, Vacation Bible School (VBS), middle school camp, high school mission trip, and this week helping another church with their VBS! We still have Children's Camp and End of Summer Revival.
While it has been very busy, God has been moving. Several children and youth saved this summer, many rededications, new church members, and a stronger fellowship. During all this, our world has seen evil run rampant. Last Sunday we recognized and encouraged all our public servants (Fire and Police) in all our services then fed them dinner. It was a time of showing our appreciation for all they do twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
The greatest movement in our church has been prayer! We have a growing prayer ministry that covers all services and events as well as all requests. It is an amazing thing to have people pouring out their hearts before God as you preach! And the preaching... we are traveling through the book of Acts as the church is born and grows. Growing pains for sure, even persecution! It is a very challenging series. I believe God shows us the pictures of the early church to encourage and correct the church of today. While no church is perfect, we can be better.
I'm looking forward to the fall when we will ramp up our efforts towards Vision implementation. God has given the Church an incredible look into the future. It is challenging and exciting, sometimes misunderstood, and often humbling. While some may think that growing big is the vision, they have totally missed it! Growing deeper is our call which leads us to reaching more for the cause of Christ and their salvation. To be a part of a church that seeks to fully follow Christ and then help others follow Him is what the Bible is all about. Surely the circumstances of this world shows us the importance of our mission.
I am looking forward to a deeper walk with Christ! How about you?

From the Heart,
Pastor BR