It is hard to believe that we are here embarking on another year. To be honest, I never imagined we would still be on earth in 2020. However, it serves as a reminder that God is beyond time and though we see the signs all around us; His coming is in His timetable and not ours. As we wait for the soon return of our Lord, we must remember His command found in 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Also, in Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
2019 was a typical year with ups and downs. There were many burdens shared and rocky roads. Several encountered the death of a loved one and many more dealt with the pain of physical sufferings. Spiritual attacks were also common in 2019. Many families had their own share of difficulties and stress. Satan attacked in many ways to hinder our spiritual growth and to keep us away from where we needed to be in order to grow spiritually and enjoy God’s blessings on our families. However, in the midst of the struggles there is joy. We saw 5 individuals follow the Lord in believer’s baptism this year along with several others who came to know Christ as their Savior. We also welcomed 12 new members into our church this year. Our outreach to the community was also expanded as we adopted another local school and now have two Good News Clubs bringing the love of Jesus to both Decherd and Broadview Schools. For all of this, we give God all glory and praise.
2020, I am sure, will bring its own share of struggles and joys. Along with continuing our purpose in bringing the Gospel to this community and discipling believers, we have several goals that we hope to see accomplished this year. One of those goals is to seek the Lord in the development of church staff. Please help us pray that God will bring the man whom He has chosen to serve as our next Minister of Students. We are also seeking to launch a remodeling project of our sanctuary. This is a project that is much needed in order to make our worship space more efficient and inviting. Please consider giving a designated gift to the sanctuary project and pray that God will give our trustees wisdom in the decisions surrounding this project. In addition to our regular summer ministries of VBS and Camp, we are also planning a mission trip to Calgary, Canada. Please pray for those going on this trip and consider giving to the mission trip to help with the cost of this mission endeavor.
Our theme for 2020 is: ENGAGE. May we all consider ways in which we can be more ENGAGED spiritually. May we also consider how we can be more ENGAGED in the life and ministry of the church. I encourage you to make a commitment to connect with other believers in Sunday School. I also encourage you to ENGAGE in the work of the church by volunteering to serve in various ministry opportunities. Don’t just sit on the sidelines. Get connected and be ENGAGED in prayer, Bible study, church attendance, giving, ministry, and in the life of your family. 2020 will be what you make it to be. There is a storehouse of blessings that God has reserved for you and your family. However, blessings only come with obedience. Experience God’s best for you in 2020 by obeying His Word and ENGAGE.