From the Pastor…
It is that time again! Vacation Bible School is the largest evangelistic effort of the year for the Christian church that takes seriously the command to make disciples. For just a few days, we have time to reach the children of our church and community for Christ. Children are receptive to the gospel and parents are willing to allow them to participate in VBS. Many of these children have no other positive Christian influences in their lives. Every church member should be excited about VBS because every member can be an active participant in reaching these precious souls for the Lord.
If you can teach, serve food, lead a group from room to room, toss a ball, or hold a child, then your talents are needed! Even if you can’t be there every night, your efforts can be used when you are available. If you are unable to attend, you can still actively participate by praying for our leaders and the children who will attend, as well as their families. If you would like to contribute to help offset the costs of food, materials and supplies, you can also help in that way. Another way you can play an important role is by inviting children in your family or neighborhood. You may also volunteer to provide transportation (with the parents’ permission, of course).
Please note the dates and put them on your calendar and your prayer list – July 16-20 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
We often get caught up in the activities of Independence Day without recognizing just how blessed we are to live in a nation that allows us to be free. Yes, we are in a spiritual battle and the church of Jesus Christ seems to be less important in the lives of those who profess Christ than it was a generation ago. However, we still live in the most free and blessed nation on earth. We have many people to thank for these freedoms, but above all, we should thank the Lord above for the freedoms He has allowed us to enjoy.
Sadly, it seems we see many of those freedoms slipping away. I am convinced that Satan’s attacks on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ have been so successful because we, the church, have become careless with our freedoms. We need to return to our knees in thanksgiving for all that God has done, and we need to boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ while we still have the freedom to do so in this country.
I pray that you enjoy family and friends for Independence Day. Just remember that the greatest liberty we have is to worship the Lord and share His love with others. May we as a church recommit ourselves to doing just that, as we reject the traps that Satan lays before us. We are in a spiritual battle – join us at 7pm on Wednesdays as we learn what Christ would have us do in response to Satan’s attacks.
In Christian Love,
Pastor Billy