I ended our last newsletter by reminding all of us that there are a lot of hurting people out there and “these people are looking for answers and hope, and Jesus meets both of those needs.” I had no idea how prophetic those words would be today because of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in our area. I also had no idea when I made the statement of doing “More in ‘24”, how much more we would be doing in 2024.  Morven Baptist Church, you have answered the call to do “more” and to bring the hope of Jesus to people hurting, not just from the hurricane, but life in general. The psalmist wrote these words in Psalm 9:9, “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” You met the need as “a shelter and a refuge” from the storm and in times of trouble. You provided meals and needed supplies. You gave hope to those wandering, wondering, and wanting. You brought encouragement and joy through your service to our neighbors, our community, and our county. God has answered a prayer I have prayed many times for our church, “Lord, use our church to be a beacon of light in our community and beyond.” I will continue to pray this prayer because there is still more to do in 2024. Thank you all for all you have done, but we ain’t done yet. We’ve still got more to do in ’24. Now before you start asking “how can we do more?” look at this verse. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9) As you read through this newsletter, you will find several more opportunities to share the love of God and to invite others. Let me point out a couple. First, Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes offer a great way to share the Gospel with children and families in places we may never go. We have a church goal of 50 shoeboxes. Another way to help spread the Gospel is through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missionaries. Our church goal is $2,500.00. Every penny goes to support Southern Baptist International Mission Board missionaries across the globe. On Sunday, November 24 we will have an IMB missionary as our guest during the morning service to help us kick-off our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering campaign. During the month of December there are numerous opportunities and events to invite family and friends where they can hear the Christmas story, to minister to needs, and to fellowship with our church family. I am excited about the opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus these last few weeks of 2024.
“Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” (William Carey)