Thank you for the opportunity you gave to us to have the month of September together. Yes, we worked hard. No, we did not get to travel like we had planned. But, we were together in our special place in Tennessee and we enjoyed every minute of what God gave us to do. We learned that you do not have to do something extravagant to have fun. We learned that you do not have to travel or see new and different things to be fulfilled. We learned that you can work hard, and at the same time, find rest. I think we found the joy of just staying close together and letting God lead us each day to rejoice in the simplicity and goodness of His provision. What we discovered during our month in Tennessee was a new and refreshing peace that comes when you are at home with one another and with the Lord. The Bible calls it the Peace that Passes Understanding, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Thank you Grace church family for giving Robbie and me this opportunity to make a fresh connection with God’s glorious peace.
I also thank Earl Pirkle, Trent Campbell, Edward Grant and Terry Wetherford for while I was away. I have heard nothing but compliments and gratitude for your timely messages and faithful proclamation of God’s word. I have been thrilled to hear that one Sunday we were visited by Ezekiel in the Valley of Dry Bones through brother Earl Pirkle. It is a great blessing to receive word that our church contributed $403.00 to ministry of Gideons International for the purpose of providing Bibles to lost people throughout the world when Terry Wetherford preached. I am always encouraged by the youth and enthusiasm of Trent Campbell while at the same time strengthened through the experience and wisdom of Edward Grant. I give thanks for these godly men who have been sent to us by the Lord to lead and provide their ongoing ministries for our good.
I come back to you today after being away with a renewed commitment to teaching and preaching the word of God. My heart has been refreshed by the meditation and prayer afforded me through being away and recharging my energies. There is much to do in our going forward to complete the renovations to the lower building. There is an open door of opportunity before us in reaching the unchurched population in our community. We have a great future of growth and ministry ahead.
I LOOK FORWARD TO DISCOVERING ALL THAT GOD HAS FOR US!