Twelve years ago, it was not certain that the Grace Brethren Church of Sherman's Valley would continue to gather for worship. Numbers had dwindled to less than a dozen, and God was being sought in prayer for a shepherd. Would Christ remove His lampstand from that place (Revelation 2:5)?
The answer of our Lord appears to be no, the lampstand will remain in Blain, PA. This smaller church in the hills of central Pennsylvania, west of Harrisburg, is growing. Attendance has been in the 70s for Sunday morning worship, and there was a typical third of that number for Wednesday evening prayer meeting earlier this week.
Jim Link, the shepherd which answered the call to Sherman's Valley GBC, explained to me of God's faithfulness exhibited through the faithfulness of the folks meeting in Blain. Attentive listening to God's Word and fervent prayer did as well. A Berean spirit (Acts 17:11) came to mind as a young adult listener carefully asked insightful questions afterwards.
God is doing a work in the Grace Brethren Church of Sherman's Valley; Christ is builing His church. Pray for the Grace Brethren Church in Blain, PA, led by Jim Link.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
NEW YORK, NEW YORK!
There is more to New York than New York City, but I'll get back to that in a moment.
My wife, Rachel, and I had the thrill to be with Steve and Melanie Galegor last weekend in "the big apple." Saturday evening we joined them in Brooklyn with one of their several works with Albanians. Steve's ministry involved both evangelism and discipleship as he taught from Isaiah, challenging them to believe God for a great ministry impact in their borough.
As the center of the "Megalopolis" of the northeast, I praise God that we have a great work going on here. But there is much more to be done in New York City!
Once again, there is more to New York than New York City. I think the rest of the state of New York is often refered to as "upstate." Well, the city of Syracuse is defintely upstate. Josh Shearer, with Paul and Abigail Roark,are in the initial stage of beginning a work in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
This is a mission team sent out by New Beginnings GBC in Myerstown, PA. God is beginning to supply them with both employment and good contacts. One is a young family, also from our Fellowship of churches, who is proving to be an encouragement to the new team in town.
As one of the most populous and influential states in the United States, I praise God that we have a work beginning in the very center of the state. But there is much more to be done throughout the state of New York!
Pray for the Syracuse Grace Brethren Church, led by Josh Shearer.
Pray as well for the evangelism and discipleship leading to churches, going on among Albanians and others in New York City, led by Steve Galegor, Jr.
My wife, Rachel, and I had the thrill to be with Steve and Melanie Galegor last weekend in "the big apple." Saturday evening we joined them in Brooklyn with one of their several works with Albanians. Steve's ministry involved both evangelism and discipleship as he taught from Isaiah, challenging them to believe God for a great ministry impact in their borough.
As the center of the "Megalopolis" of the northeast, I praise God that we have a great work going on here. But there is much more to be done in New York City!
Once again, there is more to New York than New York City. I think the rest of the state of New York is often refered to as "upstate." Well, the city of Syracuse is defintely upstate. Josh Shearer, with Paul and Abigail Roark,are in the initial stage of beginning a work in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
This is a mission team sent out by New Beginnings GBC in Myerstown, PA. God is beginning to supply them with both employment and good contacts. One is a young family, also from our Fellowship of churches, who is proving to be an encouragement to the new team in town.
As one of the most populous and influential states in the United States, I praise God that we have a work beginning in the very center of the state. But there is much more to be done throughout the state of New York!
Pray for the Syracuse Grace Brethren Church, led by Josh Shearer.
Pray as well for the evangelism and discipleship leading to churches, going on among Albanians and others in New York City, led by Steve Galegor, Jr.
Friday, September 21, 2007
HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THE BODY OF CHRIST!
Last Friday evening I had the joy of seeing members of the body of Christ doing ministry together, and it was beautiful. Community Cornerstone Church, originally meeting in Loganville, PA, now gathers and serves in the Early Learning Center in York. Not only do they gather on Sunday mornings for worship, but also once a month on a Friday evening for outreach!
Comfortable music was playing as the young people entered, with food and drink being served by leaders and their families from Community Cornerstone. A young adult soon welcomed everyone to the event. Usually local bands play, which explains the 75 and more people in attendance-this night it is a film.
The members of Community Cornerstone Church are everywhere, serving food and drink, welcoming people, and engaging young people in evangelistic conversations in the hallway and in the meeting room. I joined them with the three young people at my table, using "The Intelligence Test" to move us from the natural to the spiritual. I hope they will welcome me some day into the "eternal dwellings"(Luke 17:9).
This, too, is certainly the heart and mindset of this church.
Pray for Community Cornerstone Church in York, PA, led by Ross Dunk.
Comfortable music was playing as the young people entered, with food and drink being served by leaders and their families from Community Cornerstone. A young adult soon welcomed everyone to the event. Usually local bands play, which explains the 75 and more people in attendance-this night it is a film.
The members of Community Cornerstone Church are everywhere, serving food and drink, welcoming people, and engaging young people in evangelistic conversations in the hallway and in the meeting room. I joined them with the three young people at my table, using "The Intelligence Test" to move us from the natural to the spiritual. I hope they will welcome me some day into the "eternal dwellings"(Luke 17:9).
This, too, is certainly the heart and mindset of this church.
Pray for Community Cornerstone Church in York, PA, led by Ross Dunk.
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