To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
God is at work in the lives of His people at CBC, and through their lives. It is encouraging to hear all that He has done in our world. Our AGM was a blessing, showing how God has been at work, as we rejoice in our new building, our financial situation, and the passion we have to "ponder the path of our feet; then all our ways will be sure" (Proverbs 4:26). It is worth praising God for what is happening.
As your pastor one of my privileges is that I get to hear your stories as God works in you and through you. Five that stood out for me last week.
1. A funeral where God was at work through the life and death of a young man, who through recording was able to give a Gospel invitation at his own service. Was powerful for those there, and those of us who hear of it. It was a life well lived and a reminder for me, to live out Philippians 1:21.
2. A lady of our church visited a non-believer who is anti-God, and the non-believers comment was, this lady is a powerful ambassador for your church. The lady visited has not come to know Jesus yet, and you can pray for her, but what a joy to hear of our people loving in the name of Jesus, and the reputation we are gaining through that!
3. A lady talked to me after our AGM, and shared that this week she again had an opportunity to share the Gospel with someone who came to her, and heard the challenge to take advantage of every opportunity to share the Gospel ringing in her ears, and SHARED FAITHFULLY! PRAISE GOD. May these stories be an encouragement for all of us. Share your stories, and your life, and as we represent God as Ambassadors with our lives and lips our world will be changed through the POWER of God!
4. One of my staff members sharing with me about how much he loves our church and then saying, "my great joy would be to pastor at CBC for my whole life, I love our church!" AMEN, what a joy to serve with men who love those God has entrusted to them, and thank you for making it a joy for us to serve you! Not all pastors feel this way about their flock so says something about Thomas, and you...
5. A relatively new person to our church said to me, "This is the first time in my life that I have sought to plan out my holidays around not missing a Sunday, I just don't want to miss a Sunday"....he went on to say that he loves meditating on how best to shine for Jesus and share the Gospel with others every chance that he gets!
BONUS STORY: So many at New Members class rejoicing in what God is doing in our church, and one said to me how much they love our church and how they appreciate so much that they have found a balanced home in our church! Praise God, and keep on loving those you come across on Sunday and beyond.
Praise God, He is at work in this place, and although the stories pour into me every week, perhaps you don't always get to hear them...so...there you go :)
Don't Forget:
Men's Breakfast & KING'S MEN: Saturday 8:30
All Sunday School classes are still going. Note to those in Jeff's that were doing, How To Study The Bible, there will be a class for you.
Sunday Is Coming:
We have the amazing privilege of having my friend, Dr. John Neufeld preach this Sunday (maybe better known here as Jonathan's dad, or as he likes to be known, Korinna's father-in-law). John is a man of God, a leader in seeking renewal in the church in Canada, and if not the best preacher in Canada, certainly in the top 5. When we meet, John pushes me forward in my personal walk with God, and pursuing excellence in the ministry role God has called me to, so encourage you to come and rejoice in hearing a great message on communion, and continue to listen to him on Back to the Bible Canada.
Please prepare your hearts for God's Word to fill your mind, and heart and change your life!
Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-33
Why is it important that we take the time to remember what Jesus has done for us?
How can you best prepare your heart for communion?
Praising God for the privilege of being your pastor!
I am enjoying a quiet week off, so covet your prayers, and if you try to get ahold of me, please be patient, will be back to the study next week, and seek to respond to everything then :)
Praising God for the privilege of being your pastor,
Rob