The Fields Are White

In anticipation of the people of a Samaritan town coming out to Him, he told his disciples, ...vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest. (Jn. 4:35)  This is the way I feel right now about what is happening here.  The Lord is sending a load of visitors.  I know of a couple of studies beginning this week with the potential for more on the near horizon.  The last three weeks, especially, we have be blessed with several guests.  Coffee Connection is booming again and people are excited.  I'm having trouble getting around to all our visitors (not complaining), which is why each one of you are important.  Thanks to so many who make a effort to meet and greet our guests.  Keep inviting others to attend.  Bring them to Coffee Connection.  Introduce them to others.  Pray God would continue to bless us in this way.

Last night we officially began our 2:42 Group studies.  My group actually consists of two groups (parents and the teens).  We had 51 people pile into the Wild's house.  24 adults, 24 teens, and 4 kids.  The adults met in the living room, the teens in their bonus room, and the kids outside.  One adult commented to me, "I got to know people more in one night than I do in weeks of just coming to church." That is the intent.  If these numbers continue or increase we will have to talk about splitting into a third or fourth group.  I'm anxious to hear how other groups made out.  The study of David, a man after God's own heart, should be a beneficial study to all.

Tomorrow, Willie Teague will be having serious surgery.  Some of you already signed up to pray for him.  As we do with any major surgeries, we are looking to have every time slot filled while Willie is under.  We want to bring his name before the throne of God the entire time.  This goes back to the sermon yesterday morning about being a part of a community of people who love one another, encourage one another, and pray for one another in times like this. A'Lana will be sending an email out shortly with time slots still needing to be filled.  Just reply with your preferred time.  As always, the Fireside Room will be open for your use.

Also, Christin Paladin has been readmitted to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked again.  She is still preeclamptic and they want her observed until she is stable.  I know the family would appreciate your prayers.

Let me give you another reminder of our Missions Sunday coming up in a couple of weeks.  Please be praying about what you can give.  This one contribution is for our foreign mission works for the entire year.  Our goal is $65,000.  We can do this!

Don't forget to check on others who were unable to be with us yesterday, as well as our sick.  Give one of our shut-ins a call or send a card.  Let us be that community the Lord intended for us to have when He established His church.