An Update

Specific prayers for our mission team (Casey, Danny, Jeffrey, Alan and Linda Grizbowski, and PD: 

We pray for fruitful labor, protection and traveling mercies, and grace to be a strength and blessing to the Camenisches, Moises and Kate with their parents, and for Ari Camacho. 

We also pray for skill (Ex 36:1-3) in painting especially for the mural Casey will draw on Elena’s school, and for us as we lead and teach on worship. 

We pray according to Eph 6 that we who travel and to whom we minister, along with all our families and congregation at home to be clothed with the armor of God,  and we all be kept in the peace and unity and love of God (Eph 4:I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.) 

Pastoral needs while PD is out of country: please relate needs and concerns to Pastor Richard during the next two weeks since PD will have little access to the internet and no ability to take or make phone calls. 

We continue to pray for God’s will as we await the response from the Church of Pentecost. We will not go to court against brothers so we offered terms that would allow us to partner together for up to a year while we consider other options, like trying to partner with the Hispanic congregation in a new location. A signed contract with Whiz Kids will ensure perpetuity without any hindering change. And we asked for continued use of the building for as long as needed, up to a year, for the Trail Life and American Heritage Girls. We have the peace of Christ in going forward and again have place all in God’s hands.

We thank God for the offerings of both supplies and money which we will be able to take to the Camenich and Diaz families, as a pleasing offering to God. God bless you for your giving.

CLC finances and giving: Since we have experienced a large shortfall this year we pray for God to continue to move our hearts in freewill giving and tithes. In Exodus 36 Moses had to restrain the people from giving for the new thing that God was going to do in their midst. Ex 36:5-7 The craftsmen said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” 6 So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, 7 for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.

In the passage below from an intertestamental book we find words from Moses which are echoed by Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (give from heart for God loves a cheerful giver) and the writer of Hebrews 13:16 (do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God).

Ecclesisticus 35:1 One who keeps the Law multiplies offerings; one who follows the commandments offers communion sacrifices. 2 Proof of gratitude is an offering of fine flour, almsgiving a sacrifice of praise. 3 To abandon wickedness is what pleases the Lord, to give up wrong-doing is an expiatory sacrifice.4 Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord's presence; for all these things are due under the commandment.5 The offering of the upright graces the altar, and its savour rises before the Most High.6 The sacrifice of the upright is acceptable, its memorial will not be forgotten.7 Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring. 8 Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes.9 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, as generously as your means can afford; 10 for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over.11 Do not try to bribe him with presents, he will not accept them, do not put your faith in wrongly motivated sacrifices;12 for the Lord is a judge who is utterly impartial.