Blessings of Easter

Hey Everyone,

Sorry I have not blogged of late. I have been a bit overwhelmed these days. I am kind of getting my feet back on the ground. We had such a wonderful Easter season. Faith did another great job with the Easter Drama. Thousands of folks heard and saw the Gospel presented in a marvelous way. Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to produce such an awesome picture of who Jesus was and is. The Point set a church record with over 1100 on Easter. The service was wonderful. The River had their largest crowd ever and baptized nine. The Rock had a great day with a little girl named Hannah that was baptized at the 7:30am service. She was such trooper and wanted so much to obey God. We as a church really celebrated the Gospel of Jesus.

Most of you know we are in the midst of a situation that we are trying to deal with in a Godly way. Please be careful not to believe everything you see or hear in the media. Sometimes things are not exactly accurate. I also wanted to remind you not to get distracted and serve your God. As your shepherd I am trying very hard to do right and will continue to, with the best of my ability.

If you have not heard the news, my second son Caleb and his wife Sierra, will give Carole and I our fourth grand-baby in October. That is really exciting to us.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Winter Storms

Hey Church,

You ever wonder why Sunday's seem to be the day for bad weather lately. Now, I am not questioning God, just wondering. This Sunday it was ice, if you missed church on Sunday you did not know that I got up close and personal with the ice. It is hard, trust me. My shoulder is a bit different these days. We did have a great weekend in spite of the weather. I did miss many of our seniors that love on me, with such encouragement. What is crazy though, is we are still in February! That means we have a bunch of winter left, ain't I just the blessing today. Though we are making our way through the cold of winter we are also making our way as the "son" shines on our ministry. The Point is busting and will baptize fifteen new believers this week. The Rock in spite of the weather had a great day, some say one of the bests Sunday's ever. The River is exploding on Saturdays in their Upward program and Faith had three born again at the 11:30 service. Maybe there is something to these bad weather days on Sunday, no way, couldn't be.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Coming Home Early

Hey Everyone,

Been an interesting week for me. Carole and I flew to Hawaii on Monday. I played some golf and enjoyed some time with my wife. Played one of the finest golf courses in the world and loved it. There is not much to compare to 85 degrees and an ocean breeze on the golf course. Carole took me on a 27mile bike ride (peddle bike) and an eight mile walk, not sure thats how you describe vacation. We got to watch some whales, that was pretty neat. Well, things did not work out like we planned, but God is in charge. Had to come home early. In fact, I had to catch a plane to Las Vegas and then home. I am sitting in Las Vegas, never been here before. They should call it lost wages instead of Las Vegas. Slot machines in the airport, seems weird to me. I get in at 5:30 Sunday morning. I hope to see everyone at church. The reason I had to come home is, my very good friend Al died and I will be doing his funeral on Sunday afternoon. Pray for me if you would, I really want to be a blessing to those that will be there. I am going to try and make all the services, the staff was suppose to speak, not sure how that was all going to sort out. I heard the weather was great while I was gone, wow, is Michigan tough or what.

Your Friend, Pastor JIm
II Cor 4:1

This Past Week

Hey Everybody,

Had a very hectic week and am sitting here waiting for the big snow we are suppose to get. I kind of look forward to those as long as they do not show up on Sunday. I am hoping to hang out with Luke and Angel tomorrow. I know they need school, but I need them. I might even talk my son Josh into bringing my grand babies over. That will make a great snow day. We just finished an awesome weekend at the church's. Faith was terrific, the Point had a baptismal service and baptized eleven, the River was great, with lots of new people and the Rock well, they had a service that you had to have been there to believe it. They had new members, baptisms, and baby dedication all at a night church, that is not suppose to work. Pray for our teens, they are off to snow camp this weekend, wish I could go, I might. Taught three Bible studies this week and l love when people want to learn the Word. I am discipling a couple of friends on Friday. Wow, just another great week in His plan.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim
II Cor 4:1

Young guns were Terrific

I returned from a rest in Alabama the first of the week. Did some hunting and fishing and was asked to speak in a church in Selma. The church I was in was a little more traditional than me, but God really allowed me freedom and they asked me to stay after and answer questions. I had a great time. Got back to a load of work and am still trying to dig my way out. By the middle of next week I ought to be caught up, maybe. I heard the guys who spoke while I was away were terrific. That blesses me. Tuesday we had an incredible A&W, I was so challenged by what I heard. Those nine young guns were better than anyone expected. From the first to the last it was unbelievably challenging. It was such a testimony of what God is doing here in our ministry. He is preparing young men for the ministry and watching God in their lives is such a joy. I am looking forward to tomorrow morning to see you and sharing the love of God.

Your Friend , Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Goals for 2008 at Faith

1. Grow our young couples ministry
2. A&W - Spiritual growth of our men
3. WOW - Spiritual growth of our ladies
4. Clear directions from God regarding our Christian School
5. Refocused children's ministry - New Children's Pastor (Caleb Combs)
6. New Life Camp growth (buildings)
7. Build two buildings used for ministry somewhere in the world
8. Greater stewardship efforts
9. One month of focusing on prayer as a church body
10. Where do we go from here or What does God have for us now?

Pastor Jim

Family Picture

Hello everyone! I thought it might be nice to share our family picture with everyone from the holidays! Happy New Year!