Pastor's Corner
January 2005
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” - Ephesians 3:20-21
I have always loved the above verses from God’s Word as they speak so eloquently of God’s amazing grace in blessing us beyond measure as His children! As I look back over 2004 at Ustick Baptist Church I feel that those words of Paul written so long ago are extremely appropriate to the year we have had in this wonderful church! God has done “exceeding abundantly” in so many areas of our ministry; from the numbers of people coming to worship, Sunday School, AWANA etc. to the depth we’ve seen in people’s commitment to Christ and each other in this community of believers. It has been an incredible and awesome year!
On a personal level our family has continued to be blessed by this church family in so many ways! For example there is the wonderful “love offering” given to us at the Christmas Eve service. Jeanelle and I were “blown away” by your generosity and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Another example of your love and support is the number of people who tell us that they are praying for us daily. What an honor to know that we are lifted-up to the Lord by so many! We are humbled by these and many other examples of your love, care and concern for us. You are and have been a church family beyond what we ever asked for or thought possible! Thank you for each and every way you have blessed us in 2004!
As we look ahead to 2005 I find myself so excited to see what God will do. As you join me in praying for our ministry there are a few things I’d like you to pray for specifically:
Please pray for our selection of an Associate Pastor. We continue to talk with candidates and while we have not yet found whom the Lord has for us we are trusting that it will be sooner rather than later!
Please pray for me as I begin preaching through the book of Colossians on January 23rd.
Please pray for our elders as they help lead us through all the issues that come with a growing, dynamic church.
God has blessed us and we do give Him the glory! His power is at work in us by His grace. May each and every day of the New Year remind us of just how wonderful He is! As the Reformers said, “Sola Deo Gloria!” (To God alone be the glory!).
Serving with you,
