Dear Friends,
There are moments in an individual’s life that they can never forget. Where were you when you heard the terrible news of the loss of a loved one? Where were you when you heard the incredible news about getting the job of your dreams? And then, there are key moments in the life of a nation that become deeply impressed in the minds and hearts of every member of that nation and people. Some will never forget where they were when Kennedy got shot, or when man landed on the moon, or when the Challenger blew up. And I know you remember where you were and how you felt on September 11th, 2001. Life in America changed on that day, resulting with the loss of 2,977 people, and those losses have continued to be felt deeply to this very day. I remember the 10th anniversary of 9/11 when we hosted a Service of Remembrance. Organizations and people from across our community gathered in our Worship Center to honor, reflect, and remember that day.
Our remembrance must lead us to pray. To pray for the families who lost loved ones that day. For those who were affected by all the damage and pollution created by that attack, and the thousands who have died as a result. We must pray for our government, that we stand firm in our commitment to fight terrorism as well as provide security for our nation. We must pray for the peace of God to flow into every nation of this world to touch the hearts of the rebellious, the defiant, those who call us the enemy, and to touch the heart of every man, woman, and child, that they may know that Jesus came and died for them.
Let us remember that our God is bigger than any terrorist organization; bigger than any natural disaster; bigger than any crisis that we face. Let us remember that Jesus came to die that we may live. Jesus arose from the dead that we would be empowered to be His witnesses to a world that needs hope, His love, and His peace. That’s why we meet every Sunday, the first day of the week, to refuel our spiritual tanks and reaffirm our partnership with Him so that we can go out into our world as His Kingdom building people.
Thank you for giving of His tithes and your offerings. You continue to make it possible for us to meet the financial obligations to the ministries of this church, missions, local and abroad, and to our mortgage.
I look forward to seeing you this Lord’s Day!
Following the Son,
Pastor Mark
