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From the Heart of our Pastor
By Paul | March 1, 2007
In World War II, my father piloted a B-17, sometimes also known as “the flying fortress.” In the stories he told me of his experiences and from looking at pictures of how they were made, even though all ten of the men on board were flying in the same plane, by the nature of their positions they sometimes had some very unique viewpoints. The tail gunner could only see what was behind, the lower gunner what was below, the upper gunner and bombardier what was above, etc. So it can be in our church. Each of us only has a limited window of the totality of what is happening around us, even the senior pastor! So, from my “gunning bubble”, traveling with a group of folks piloted by the LORD, here are a few of my observations:
1. The LORD is honoring Bethel’s “Our community” emphasis. I get to hear stories of how, long after we’ve done something for others, the ripples are still moving though the pond. One specific: the children at Rowena Chess, where we were privileged to have one of our harvest parties, are still talking about it (four months later!). It makes me think ahead to the possibility of next year, when, if we have a party there again, those children will tell their friends and we’ll have even more that come. With this specific and others, the momentum is building. Another specific is Elijah’s Pit-stop. Since I’m a part of the work crew there, I can say first-hand that the effects have been God-honoring (not
just with these two, but with other efforts we’re making in the our community.)
2. The LORD continues to bring new people into our midst. As one who gets to attend newcomers’ classes, GroupFinder, and as a reader of the welcome cards, I can see that He is still trusting us to reach more for whom He cares. One specific: two women from Joy in the Morning, from different small groups, each shared with me that their group had three or four ladies who weren’t yet Christians, but who were in their groups.
3. Some of us are good at practical love (and I hope the rest of us are learning from you.). I hear stories of helping others in time of need: thoughtfulness, kindness, meals, moving, and messages of encouragement. One specific from this last week: Ron Hall sent a note that over 100 of us had sent birthday cards to Denver. Ron said Denver had never felt so loved in all of his life! Thank you for serving in the same part of His body with each other and me!
Since I was asked to also list a few prayer requests, here they are:
1. That we would “finish well” with the NOW campaign. It’s been a great beginning year, and I know the LORD would be honored if we kept running hard at it.
2. That we would prove ourselves trustworthy with those the LORD has brought to us. Of high priority is that He would continue to protect and grow those who have stepped into small group leadership, and that He would call more to be leaders for His family.
3. That we would continue to learn how to practically love others, and do so.
4. For me personally: most of you know that planning, organizing, administrating is not my “long suit.” Lately, I’ve been doing more than my abilities warrant and am asking the LORD to replenish my emotional cup.
And for my family. No specifics to share, but I would be grateful for any prayers you would bring before Him on our behalf.
May the LORD keep you full and flying with Him!
Pastor Dave
Topics: Inspire |
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:54 am
Dave,thank you for sharing your prayer requests with us. We will continue to pray for you and your family, and will be sure to include your other requests as we pray in the future.
Isn’t it great to see what our body has been able to accomplish NOW that we are really making a focus outward along with taking care of our own body’s needs?
In Christ,
Don Paddock
March 2nd, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Thanks Dave, we appreciate hearing your heart in the Sower and each Sunday! And yes we are praying for your too…of course
Blessings,