It has been some time since I have just taken a moment to write a few words as an update. So here we go.
Church has been going well. God has blessed our services this summer. It has however been a challenging summer. You all know how it is in your church as families travel to camp meetings and vacations. It always leaves an emptiness there. In our small church those empty seats are keenly noticed.
The activities of the summer have been eventful for sure. In June I flew to the Heartland Conference Camp for a great meeting with the conference extension committee and I appreciated the opportunity to share my heartbeat with the wonderful people of the conference family. It was an encouraging trip.
Eventful things have been happening in the lives of our church folks too. We have welcomed Andrew & Jenn Habecker as part of our local body. They arrived here to be stationed at Langley Air Force Base. In a direct answer to our prayers and theirs, they found us! And we are so glad they have joined us. Andrew has been helping us in our technical department and it is due to his hard work that you are able to enjoy the sermons I post on the blog.
We have also welcomed the Caldwell family this year. Daniel & Heidi and their two children have become a welcome regular part of our family. Daniel serves with the United States Army as the only "Army Sailor" I know! :-) They joined us earlier in the year and we have enjoyed getting to know them better through the summer.
We have two brothers who recently began attending on Sunday mornings from the local community. Please remember Chris and Kevin in your prayers. God wants to work in their lives.
Mrs. Valenzuela (mother of Jody Luck) was unexpectedly diagnosed with an aggressive cancer this summer and has faced the ordeal of major surgery and upcoming chemotherapy/radiation. Please keep her in your prayers. She is a valued member of our church community. Please also pray for Jody and her family as they care faithfully for "Mamma V." It is exhausting and draining no matter how willing they may be. Pray with me for God's strength and comfort to them during this tough time.
I have appreciated the continued support of Shane & Brenda Gardner and their family. I have also greatly appreciated Phil & Lisa Boardman's willing and humble ministry in music and so many other areas as well.
We have continued to search for a permanent church facility and have been turned down by three more real estate owners this summer. We have now been searching for a church home for over two years and it is discouraging I admit. However, we are not crestfallen or downtrodden. The God we serve is mighty and strong to save and deliver and provide for all we need. We trust His hand in all things. However, I do ask that you would intercede on our behalf in this matter. We feel we cannot minister long term in this way without the additional flexibility of facility options.
Finally, we have some folks who are thinking of joining us from this community and beyond. Pray that God will send those our way whom we need to best expand the Kingdom of God. Above all, pray that we will faithfully serve our Lord Jesus Christ without waivering, looking always for His soon appearing, living with an eye on the sky.
God bless you for your kindness and faithful support of all we do here.
By God's Grace & For His Glory,
Pastor Rick Alexander
