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December 21, 2022

The weather forecast says that we are not just going to have a white Christmas, we are going to be buried in it. Which makes me say, “JOYCE!!!” That is because Joyce Siler always prays for a white Christmas. I’ve seen it too many times. It will not snow, not snow, not snow (which I am fine with, by the way), and then it gets close to Christmas and BAM! we get slammed. And I will find Joyce and ask, “Did you pray for that?” Knowing full well that she was. Joyce may not be able to get out like she used to, but she is clearly not forgotten.

So, if we get a lot of snow, will still have church? Yes! There was only one time we cancelled a Sunday morning service for snow and that was because it snowed about 26” the night and day before and the snow plow got stuck in the church driveway. Even then I didn’t want to cancel, but…so, for this Sunday, absolutely, we are gathering!

On behalf of Scott and Christina Price, thank-you for loving them and Timmy so well. I so wish that they, nor us were called to this, but we are and there is part of me that is grateful that families like theirs can be cared for by a church like you. You love, pray, support, give, and serve so very well. There are many, many times when I just can hardly believe that I get to be your pastor, and this past week was another example of that.

Thank-you for loving my family as well. For over 30 years my mother-in-law, June Wilson, has been a treasured part of this church. Monday night the Lord came for her and she was very ready to go. Cathi and I have had her mom and dad living with us for over 5 years and we consider it a blessing to be able to care for these servants of the Lord.

Yes, Christmas is coming and New Years and…. The new year will be here with new gospel opportunities. The Lord has providentially opened up a great opportunity for us in Bangladesh and to Bengali people here in the area and across the river in Canada. On Wednesday evening, January 4, we are gathering to hear about some of the absolutely incredible ways the gospel is having an impact through our brother Shakil Khondoker. We are going to hear from him and pray for him. You are so faithful to support our church and our missionaries and ministries financially, I so want you to hear and PRAY that more and more gospel fruit will come.

One last thing, we recently sent a gift of $3,000 to Refuge Church in Detroit, where Drew Ansley is the pastor. Several of you know Drew and you know what a faithful brother he is and is doing such a commendable job. Refuge Church serves a very needy area with limited resources, so our help to them is good for us to do and very helpful to them. I’ve included a link here so you get another view of some of our partners in the gospel. You and I not only need the church, but our church seeks to serve with other gospel-driven churches.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: John 1.14