We had another great day in the Lord, Sunday! Sunday was a twofer! After a wonderful hour of discipleship equipping we had our first opportunity to worship! Steve H. and Sherry J. led us in Spirit led worship singing, Larry B. and Jerry B. received our offering as Jean C. played, and then after a time of prayer we asked Rick Evans, our visitor from Joplin, MO to give his testimony!
Rick cited Proverbs 22:6 as the foundation for his testimony. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Interestingly, the Hebrew word the NIV translates ‘train’ can also mean to dedicate or consecrate. To train is (in the broadest sense) to instruct in accordance with proper rules of conduct and behavior.
Certainly, Rick had been trained the proper rules of conduct and behavior as a child! And, even though his testimony provided evidence he had gone astray at times, the promise God made in Proverbs 22:6 was proved true over and over! Weaved throughout his entire testimony we find a loving a gracious God providing miraculous encounters of redemption, healing, and direction. I found at least 4 lessons in Rick’s testimony. First, all parents (and grandparents) need to be deeply involved in “training their children in the ways they should go.”Having a foundation of faith proved valuable time and time again in Rick’s journey. It gave him the foundation of faith to return to after many painful periods of life.
Second, even Godliest children are vulnerable to the wily Devil and need prayer. As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. we need to keep our young ones in our prayers. Rick had many people praying for him and never gave up on him! We ought to never give up on our kids! Likewise, like Jesus, we need to welcome them home with open arms of love and forgiveness.
Third, hard times happen to even the most devout and sanctified Christians. Rick faced many complications with his children and his own health including early deliveries of babies, cerebral palsy, and desert storm disease. But throughout his ordeal, God remained faithful to Rick and wife Joan and to all of these children! Rick went through the fire and came through beautifully!
Finally, Rick’s testimony pointed to Divine encounters. From Chic Shaver, Jesse Middendorf, to a well-placed pastor or layman, God put just the right people in Rick’s way to guide, love, and direct him! God loved him that much! God loves you that much, too! But, God also loves people we’ve never met, too! Are you looking for those Divine encounters? God may just be sending someone needing His guidance, love, and direction your way! Are you ready? I hope so! (To hear his testimony again, email Deb and she will forward the link.)
The second service of our twofer was our Missionary Gathering! Sherry J. led us in another wonderful lesson on missions where we learned more about World Mission Broadcast! What a joy to serve a church that doesn’t keep up on hard to reach folks! Through the use of radio, TV, and the internet, we can reach beyond border barriers with the good news of Jesus! Bless all of you who gave $274 to WMB today! Your $274 will provide 66 minutes of programming! PTL! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
A series of membership classes will be starting in June. If you are interested in learning more about the Church of the Nazarene, or becoming a member of our church, please let Pastor Dan know by contacting him at: 616-204-1153 or hathdan@me.com.
ONE CHILDREN’S CHURCH TEACHER IS STILL NEEDED!
Pray about becoming a children’s church teacher this September. You only need prepare a lesson once a month. Also, a helper will be there alongside you.
A NEW BIBLE STUDY IS COMING SOON!
Beginning in September, Mary W. will begin a study titled, “Remembering the Forgotten God”. This will be held Tuesdays at 10 AM for 7 weeks, beginning Sept. 5th. Sign up on the sheet in the church annex so she knows how many books to order.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY is at the church – 6:30 PM
We are now meeting at the church for Bible Study and fellowship. We hope to see you there!
SOUND BOOTH PERSON NEEDED:
The church is looking for someone who is interested in being a sound booth technician. You will need to be able to attend music practices Sunday morning at 9 AM. Let Janie know if you are interested at 616-204-2499 or hathjan@icloud.com.
SUMMER CAMP @ INDIAN LAKE
Indian Lake Nazarene Camp has a wonderful summer camp for students of all ages. At
camp kids learn to feel good about themselves, gain self-confidence, self-esteem, learn leadership skills, make friends, and learn about God’s love for them! You can learn more by going to this link: http://www.nazcamp.org/summer-camp
Discovery Camp Completed K – 2nd grade Jul. 05-07
Adventure Camp Completed 2nd – 4th grade Jul. 24-28
Voyager Camp Completed 4th – 6th grade Jul. 31-Aug. 04
Mid. School Camp Completed 6th – 8th grade Jul. 10-14
High School Camp Completed 9th – 12th grade Jun. 26-30
Note: All camps are $ 285 (except for Discovery Camp which is $ 135)
OTHER INDIAN LAKE EVENTS:
Family Camp – July 16 to July 23 with speakers Dr. Daniels, Rev. Hancock, and Rev. Seaman; District Assembly – July 16 & July 17 with speakers Dr. Cocker, Dr. Gardner, and Dr. Bowling; NMI/SDMI/NYI Conventions – July 22 with Missionary Dany Gomis from Africa’s West Field speaking.
GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. or Sherry J.
CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE!
Is there someone missing or would like to invite to church? Why not grab a few church postcards and send them out? A simple hand written note blesses everyone! You will find them on the table under the missionary bulletin board in the Annex.
DAILY DEVOTIONS – “REFLECTING GOD” IS AVAILABLE! FREE!!
“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available free to anyone interested. The devotions provide a brief truth from the Bible every day. Reflecting God also has a section for reading the Bible in a year and praying for our missionaries! Feel free to take one! You’ll find them located on the table outside the sanctuary!
GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER REQUESTS:
Remember, to keep our prayer lists current, we only place requests in the newsletter and bulletin for 3 weeks without an update. If you want to keep your prayer request in the bulletin or newsletter, just keep filling out the tear off tabs and keep us informed!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
June 28 Wednesday Service @ 6:30 PMat the church
June 26 Indian Lake Camps begin
July 16 & 17 District Assembly
July 16-23 Family Camp
July 20 Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM
July 22 NMI/SDMI/NYI Convention
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