RECENT TRAGEDY:
Words cannot express the sorrow
and anger we feel at the senseless shootings of 20 children and 8 adults last
Friday. Our prayers are offered on
behalf of all the families suffering from the loss of a loved one. The normal joyous nature of Christmas is
muted by this horrific demonstration of the evil that can prevail in the human
heart. At the same time Christmas is a
dramatic reminder that “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light,
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isaiah
9:2. The God of Hope has provided a
remedy for the sin nature and the devastating eternal consequences of sin
through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“Thanks be to God for his
indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15.
RECENT CONNECTIONS:
November 11th Loretta
and I attended the memorial service for Pastor Wally Hickey at Orchard Road
Christian Center. His influence as a
godly man and minister of the gospel was evident in the large attendance and
heart-felt love expressed. It reminded
me how important and valuable it is to faithfully carry out the call of God on
one’s life.
November 13 and 14 our district
department leaders gathered together with me and Randy Popineau to plan the
district calendars for 2013 and 2014. We
have fine, dedicated leaders who are intent on serving the ministers and
churches of our district.
On November 16th I
attended the open house at Sox Place in Denver.
This is a very effective ministry led by Doyle Robinson reaching street
kids in downtown Denver. God bless you
Doyle and Karen as you continue this strategic work.
November 18th I was
honored to speak at Mosaic Church (formerly called Englewood First Assembly of
God) for Pastor T. J. Harris. The church
now has two Sunday morning services as it continues to grow. Compassion ministry is a dynamic feature of
this church as it reaches out to a needy community. They recently provided a Kid’s Fest for the
community providing free food and entertainment. About 1,000 people attended. One elderly congregant led a family to the
Lord at this event. Afterward she told Pastor Harris, “Now I remember why we
are here.” God bless you T. J. and
Robin.
November 29th –
December 9th Loretta and I traveled to Maui, Hawaii for a CEP (Church
Extension Plan) board meeting followed by the annual AG Executives Conference
followed by a few days of R & R. I
know; tough duty. FYI - CEP pays for the
airfare to these meetings for both Loretta and me.
December 14th Loretta
and I, and Randy and Joan Popineau attended the Urban Outreach open house in
Denver, CO. The facility is perfectly
located and beautifully renovated to provide a base of ministry to inner city
Denver. Several outreach events have
already impacted the community and relationships are being formed. God bless you Isaac Olivarez as you lead this
needed church plant, and thanks to so many of you for supporting this ministry
with funds and work teams.
Sunday morning, December 16th,
it was my privilege to minister at CrossPoint Church in Grand Junction, CO and
officially recognize CrossPoint as a General Council Church. Congratulations Pastor Greg and Darla Farmer
on the establishment of this church and may God use this ministry in a powerful
way in the Grand Valley of CO.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and
Cheering you on.
