Minister's Blog

Thanks!                                                                                                                                                                                                        Thanksgiving is not simply a holiday for believers.  We are commanded to give thanks in all circumstances.  Often, we encourage one another with those words when things are very difficult or we see trials on the horizon.  This is good and proper, because giving thanks is a great help in times of discouragement, but “all circumstances” should be taken to mean all circumstances.  My family and I have been blessed to enjoy three years of joyous service here at Emmanuel and we thank God for this church.  We hope to enjoy many more!  This past month as I read cards and received words of encouragement from our members, I was reminded of the love the Lord has poured out on us since we have arrived here at Emmanuel and I thank God for you!  I thank the Lord for the spirit of unity and love that is so tangible among us, the stirring in the hearts of our people to make disciples, and the willingness to hear and respond to the Word of God.  

Reaching in and Reaching out…                                                                                                                                                                We have begun to do some in-reach on Monday nights.  Groups have been meeting at the church and making phone calls to members that we have not seen in some time.  We have had our church membership reconciliation plan on the shelf for a time due to COVID concerns, but we have begun to move forward again.  The task force will begin to work in earnest after the first of the year, but throughout November and December we are going to continue to meet on Monday nights at 6 for in-reach, making calls and send letters to those that have become lost sheep.  They are often distracted, isolated, and unknowingly vulnerable to the work of the enemy in their lives.  Jesus stated in Luke 15:6-6 in His parable of the lost sheep:  and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’ 7 I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance.  Let’s pray the angels will have cause for rejoicing as the wandering come home.

Randy and Kittie Trail                                                                                                                                                                              

Randy and Kittie Trail have been such a blessing to our church for the past several years,  serving on staff for a time and steadfastly as faithful members.  Randy and Kittie were faithful in their time on the International Mission Field, faithful to care for Kittie’s dad, James Colvin until his passing, and faithful to pray, serve and disciple.  They will be moving to Knoxville, Tennessee in December.  Please pray for them and speak a word of encouragement to them this month.  Randy will be preaching for me on November 28 to kick off our week of prayer for international missions.