Loomis Evangelical Free Church

The Road Is Not Easy

2012-01-19T13:06:00.001-06:00

While in Haiti last week we had the privilege of worshipping at a church in Picot. One of the songs they sang is titled “The Road Is Not Easy” It explains their faith and contentment in Christ in spite of difficult circumstances. Are we who have so much content in Christ?

Chemen an pa fasil – The road is not easy
Jouk nou rive Genyen nan siel la – Until we arrive in Heaven
Li genyen pikan e piej anpil, – It has prickly problems and many obstacles
Chemin an pa fasil – The road is not easy
Men Jezi mache ak nou – But Jesus walks with us
Li rann ke nou tout a fe trankil – He makes our hearts full of peace

Ke: – Chorus
Non, non, chemen an pa fasil (bis) – No, No, the road is not easy (2x)
Men Jezi mache ak nou – But Jesus walks with us
Li pote fado nou – He carries our burdens
Gras Li fe ke nou rejuoi anpil – His Grace makes our hearts rejoice

Homes For Haiti

2011-12-28T15:26:00.001-06:00

Thank you to all who have prayed for us and provided financially for our trip to Haiti. We leave Thursday, January 4, 2012. During our time in Haiti we hope to build four homes. Four families will move into a new home in the next two weeks. Praise God!

Homes for Haiti from Reciprocal Ministries INTL on Vimeo.

Good News Of Great Joy!

2011-12-13T12:15:00.001-06:00

Yea, for it was removal of punishment,
and remission of sins,
and “righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption,”
and adoption, and an inheritance of Heaven,
and a relationship unto the Son of God,
which he came declaring unto all;
to enemies, to the perverse,
to them that were sitting in darkness.

What then could ever be equal to these good tidings?

God on earth, man in Heaven;
and all became mingled together,
angels joined the choirs of men,
men had fellowship with the angels, and with the other powers above:
and one might see the long war brought to an end,
and reconciliation made between God and our nature,
the devil brought to shame, demons in flight,
death destroyed, Paradise opened,
the curse blotted out, sin put out of the way,
error driven off, truth returning,
the word of godliness everywhere sown, and flourishing in its growth,
the polity of those above planted on the earth,
those powers in secure intercourse with us,
and on earth angels continually haunting,
and hope abundant touching things to come.

Therefore he hath called the history good tidings,
forasmuch as all other things surely are words only without substance;
as, for instance, plenty of wealth, greatness of power, kingdoms,
and glories, and honors, and whatever other things among men are accounted to be good:
but those which are published by the fishermen would be legitimately and properly called good tidings:
not only as being sure and immoveable blessings, and beyond our deserts,
but also as being given to us with all facility.

For not by laboring and sweating,
not by fatigue and suffering,
but merely as being beloved of God,
we received what we have received.

- Chrysostom, from his homilies on Matthew

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-08T10:27:00.001-05:00

9/11 Ten Years Later from Sujo John Ministries on Vimeo.

RODRIGUES NEWSLETTER

2011-08-25T20:44:00.001-05:00

Novo Demini, Brazil
August 6th, 2011

Dear Friends,

This time we send our greetings from our little corner of the world, the Novo Demini Village. There are 330 Novo Demini Theli (inhabitants) plus two missionary families and the health workers. That’s quite small if it was compared to a little town but when you are all squished into an area of less than a half of a square mile it can get to be quite overwhelming. Everyone knows everyone else’s businesses and our house seems to be on the main highway. I usually don’t even have to leave my front porch to hear the latest gossip and that’s when the two parties are not actually having their powwows right in front of our house. We are so grateful for all God did and supplied for us last year when we were on furlough and now we are just glad to be settled in again here at Novo Demini. Like I mentioned above sometimes it can get quite overwhelming but this is where God’s will has brought us and we are happy to be in the center of His will.

In our last Newsletter we asked you all to pray for our trip from
Anápolis to Manaus. We are glad to report that our trip was uneventful and we made it fine to Manaus. Our car also arrived safely and Praise Be to our God that everything we put in it was there when we picked it up. Only God could do such a perfect job of taking care of everything. We also had a very good trip up to Boa Vista. We had heard terrible stories about the conditions of the roads, but it was one of the best trips we have ever had from Manaus to Boa Vista. We’ve been back o Novo Demini ever since the 10th of May. It took us a while to get our house back in order but we finally did. João is very allergic so it’s not just get back and put everything back in its place. Most everything had to be washed first. There is no such thing as spring cleaning here, we have to do that almost every week or we just won’t survive. We had had most of our luggage that we brought back with us, sent up the river. We finally received them around a month after we got here, so then we had some more to organize and find a place for. Our house is quite small so it’s an art to keep everything organized. Everything has to have its place and everything has to stay in its place. That can get to be quite challenging when you have a six and a three year old. We all went through an adapting period when we got back but I think it
was the hardest for Nathan, our oldest. He still can’t quite understand why there are so many people watching his every move, why they laugh when he gets hurt and so many things that are just so different in this culture. I think it made it a lot easier on him though as our co-worker has a son just about his age and they get along really well. Ryan just tags along and tries to imitate everything his older brother does. Nathan also has started kindergarten so that keeps him busy part of the day. João has been out a lot with the people and working at getting back to where he was in the language. Relationship is very important in this culture and a must if you plan to somehow teach or influence them. As I write this letter he is on a boat trip down river to a small town called Barcelos. He went to help the Novo Demini people in the process of registering the Novo Demini School. He left on the 28th of July and hopes to be back by the 9th of this month. It was a 4 day trip down river and he hopes to make it back up in six. The boys and I are here praying for God’s protection for him and the 4 Yanomami men who are with him. There is another missionary couple with us so we are not alone.
God has taken care of the boys and me and we are happy this time of
separation is coming to an end. I don’t know how many of you already know it but I’m expecting our third child. We still do not know if it will be another boy or a girl. My due date is the 4th of October. Due to this fact I’ve been a little slower than normal. I’ve had my high energy days and no energy days (Ha!!!), but Praise the Lord I have been well so far. As the weeks go by I get a little slower but I’m sure it’s all to be expected and within the normal. Plans are for us to fly out to Boa Vista on the 20th of September, so we
will have a few days to get everything ready for the baby’s arrival
sometime around the beginning of October. We are so glad that João’s mother will be flying up from central Brazil to be with us during the time we are out. She will be a big help with the baby, the boys and just a blessing to have her with us.

Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support of our
ministry! God bless each of you! You are each a very important part of
our ministry!

Because of Jesus,

João, Hope, Nathan, Ryan & Baby

(UPDATE)

João Rodrigues [mailto:joao_rodrigues@ntm.org]
Enviada em: Monday, August 22, 2011 7:28 PM
Para: Grace Fread
Assunto: Rodrigues Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As you can see it's been a few days since I wrote this Newsletter. Sorry /it'staken me so long to get it out. I hope there is still a bit of
extra news maybe you hadn't heard of earlier. João made it back safely from Barcelos one day earlier than expected. It was a pleasant surprise!! We have a little less than a month to go to Boa Vista to get ready for the baby's arrival.

Hope you are all well!!

If any of you would like to send us an e-mail please be sure and send it less than 20 kbites and please erase our message and only send yours so the e-mail will be smaller.

Update From Hope Rodrigues

2011-08-04T18:32:00.001-05:00

Novo Demini
August 4th, 2011

Dear Members of the Loomis E-Free Church,

By now I imagine you've already received the update I asked mom to send out for me. João left last Thursday on a trip down river to Barcelos. He arrived around 10 o'clock Sunday morning. Hopefully he will be starting his journey back today. He's done this trip 2 other times and one time it took him 9 days back up river and the second time he was able to make it back in 6 days. He is planning on making it in 6 days if all goes well this time.

The boys and I are fine PTL!!! We sure miss him though. With the boys there is never a dull moment and hardly a minute goes by without them chattering away. I know it would be a lot harder for me if I was alone, even though they are a lot of work I love them for it. There is also one other missionary couple here with us.

Nathan is in Kindergarten and it has been fun teaching him. He is all excited to learn. Ryan has those days he wants to study and those he just wants to play so I just let him decide. He is only 3.

The work here is going well. We have a group of around 50 that confess their faith in Christ. We do know though that they still need a lot of teaching. Unfortunately our co-worker that was at a level for teaching moved down river to Barcelos. João has felt a big burden as it is now up to him to get to a level in the language to be able to teach. He is already at a good level but still lacks a little to be able to teach. The other missionary couple with us is responsible for maintenance and doesn't have to study the language. Pray that God will continue to encourage João's heart.

Please pray also for our Yanomami school here. The reason for João's trip to Barcelos was to talk to one of the government organizations that is responsible for the schools in our area. From a quick e-mail I received from him, after he arrived in Barcelos, I'm not sure how it all worked out.

Plans are for us to stay in the tribe until the 20th of September. Then we will be flying out to Boa Vista to get everything ready for the baby. My due date is the 4th of October.

Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support of our ministry!

Because of Jesus, João, Hope, Nathan, Ryan & Baby

Prayer request from Hope Rodrigues in the Amazon

2011-08-02T16:52:00.001-05:00

Novo Demini, July 28th, 2011

Dear Friends,

This is Hope, hope you are all fine! Just wanted to send you all a quick update and ask you to be praying for João.

He left this morning around 9:30 our time. He is headed down river in a boat with 4 Yanomami Indians from Novo Demini. They are going to a small town called Barcelos. The purpose of this trip is to help the Yanomami people from Novo Demini resgister the school here. He took all the documents we think are necessary but pray they don't ask for something he doesn't have. One of the four going with him is a teacher and another is a leader of our community.

They left today Thursday the 28th and he hopes to get to Barcelos on
Sunday the 31st. He will be spending three days in Barcelos and head
back on the 4th. He hopes to make it back on the 9th or 10th if all goes as planned.

Pray for His safety and for the safety of the 4 Yanomami that went with him. Pray for the boat to run perfectly and that we will continue to get lots of rain for the river to continue high. It makes for a lot smoother sailing.

Pray for the boys and I as we await his return. We have one other
missionary couple here with us, who also has 2 children, so we are not
alone. Pray nothing will happen out of the ordinary while he is gone.
Pray for our safety also!! Pray no weird critters like snakes, bats,
rats, or tarantulas will appear while he is gone. I'm still a whimp and
João is always our hero when it comes to killing the above.

Praise the Lord so far all is well with my pregnancy. We have a flight
set for the 20th of September to go to town for the baby to be born. The baby is due on the 4th of October.

I hope to send a more complete update out in the next few weeks, but just wanted you all to be praying for our family in these next few days!!

Please pray for our e-mail system as twice we have had problems with it since we have been in the tribe this time. Last time was even more serious and so pray it works until we go to town for our baby to be born.

Because of Jesus, Hope4us5

(A Second Request and Update)

Hello again, this one will be real quick.

Just wanted to let you know I got an e-mail from Joao saying he is safe in Barcelos,

Pray for the school situation as he didn't give details but he sounded
like it might not work out or be hard don't know any details. Pray God
will be giving him wisdom as he speaks with the secretaria lady today.

Hope

PS pray as I left a trantula un-killed last night. He was up high in the
office last night so when I tried to get him down to burn him he escaped up above the plastic. I'm hoping he will come down again and I can kill him. so far I had slept like a baby but I think because of that last night I kept waking up afraid he was going to go in the boys room. We are all fine though. Ryan is crabby and needing a nap so will try and get an early dinner so he can take a nap and still sleep at night. I need to do laundry and then try and get started on thanking my vouchers and still get a newsletter ready to go for the 10th before Joao gets back.

The Church at Thyatira

2011-07-24T20:51:00.002-05:00

This week we are looking at the Letter of Jesus to Thyatira from Revelation 2:18-29. This is a stinging letter written to a Church that did many things right yet tolerated the rampant immorality of the day. In the letter, Jesus speaks of the coming judgment because of this tolerated immoraility. In this short video Ed Stetzer http://www.edstetzer.com/ introduces us to the message of Jesus for this church and for us. Ed is speaking from a makeshift podium in the city of Thyatira.

Jet Set 7 Churches: Thyatira from Upstream on Vimeo.

Idol Factory

2011-07-21T16:15:00.001-05:00

From this we may gather that Man’s nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of Idols. John Calvin; Institutes of Christian religion, 108

Is it true that our hearts are Idol Factories? As we study scripture we see that time and again, God’s people were led astray by the Idolatry of the people around them. Beginning in the garden with the Serpent’s deception of Adam and Eve through the letters to the 7 Churches in Revelation the temptation to worship the created order seemed to overwhelm many who claimed to be the people of God. Of course we are above that now. None of us would set up an image in our living rooms and fall prostrate before it. We know of course that objects are simply wood or metal and have no power. Yet, we are no different than those who have come before us. Our hearts, as theirs were, continue to be an idol factory. The question for us in applying the scriptures is to properly define what an idol is. Ken Sande, director of Peacemaker Ministries has defined Idolatry this way:

“An idol is not simply a statue of wood, stone, or metal; it is anything we love and pursue in place of God, and can also be referred to as a ‘false god’ or a ‘functional god.’ In biblical terms, an idol is something other than God that we set our hearts on ( Luke 12:29;1 Cor. 10:6), that motivates us (1 Cor. 4:5), that masters or rules us (Ps. 119:133), or that we serve (Matt. 6:24).”

As we consider the Church at Pergamum this week, we will necessarily have to examine our hearts. If my heart is an Idol factory, what are the Idols I have created? Current day idols don’t carry the names of old like Baal or Zeus. But they are no different. Our idols may be pleasure, wealth, comfort, power, prestige, control etc. Paul said it this way in Colossians 3:5:

Therefore, put to death what belongs to your worldly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.

The Gospel message is that we are forgiven and set free from the power of sin by the death of Christ. Let us not enslave ourselves again to idols which fall short of the glory of God and can never satisfy our hearts as God does. To God alone be the Glory!

Google Calendar

2011-07-20T12:31:00.005-05:00

Are you using Google Calendar? It is the best Calendar on the web. You can use our Calendar to keep up with all events.

Our King Is Coming

2011-06-06T13:06:00.001-05:00

#1 June 5, 2011

Revelation 1:1-20

Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. Revelation 1:7

1. The Purpose of the Revelation of Jesus Christ 1:1-3

To show what must soon/quickly take place
Blessed are those who hear and obey

2. The Certainty Of The Revelation 1:7-8

The Triune God Is, Was and Is To Come
We Are Freed Once and For All By His Blood
He Is Coming Again
Α Ω

3. The Person Of The Revelation 1:9-20

Son Of Man Daniel 7:13
Robe & Golden Sash Isaiah 6:1
White Hair Daniel 7:9
Blazing Eyes Daniel 10:6
Glowing Bronze Feet Daniel 10:6
Powerful Voice Daniel 10:6
Sharp Double Edged Sword Isaiah 11:4
Radiant Face Psalm 84:11

4. The Recipients Of The Revelation 1:19-20

John—Suffering, Kingdom, Endurance 1:9
Seven Stars- Angels/Messengers of the Churches
Seven Lampstands/Churches- Lights To The World

Our king is coming! When he comes he brings joy to those who are freed by his blood and judgment to the people of the earth—Those who have rejected salvation by Grace through Faith alone. We as the church are to share His light with the world until He comes.

VBS 2011

2011-05-27T17:27:00.001-05:00

Inside Out, Upside Down on Main Street

2011-05-25T14:06:00.001-05:00

Where Jesus transforms our hearts everyday.

Is The End Near?

2011-05-17T16:14:00.001-05:00

Dr. Harold Camping, the founder of Family Radio Worldwide has stated with absolute certainty the the world as we know it will end this Saturday, May 21. On his website Camping states the following:

On May 21, 2011 two events will occur. These events could not be more opposite in nature, the one more wonderful than can be imagined; the other more horrific than can be imagined.

A great earthquake will occur the Bible describes it as "such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great." This earthquake will be so powerful it will throw open all graves. The remains of the all the believers who have ever lived will be instantly transformed into glorified spiritual bodies to be forever with God.

On the other hand the bodies of all unsaved people will be thrown out upon the ground to be shamed.

The inhabitants who survive this terrible earthquake will exist in a world of horror and chaos beyond description. Each day people will die until October 21, 2011 when God will completely destroy this earth and its surviving inhabitants.

All across our country Family Radio has placed billboards warning Americans of impending doom. Camping sees himself as a modern day Noah, warning his neighbors to be ready for disaster.

Dr Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has written an excellent Biblical Response to Camping’s claims. The Bible clearly tells us that we can not know the times or the date of Christ’s return (Acts 1:7) A proper response to the question of Christ’s return is to be ready and watching for the glorious return of our Lord at any moment. We don’t know the exact date but we do know that Christ is coming. Many in our culture are wondering if the time is near. I will never pretend to know the answer but I do believe that Christ’s return is imminent and we must be ready at any moment.

This Sunday (unless Christ returns first) we will look at Christ’s words in Luke 17:20-37 about the coming of the kingdom in preparation for a new series in the book of Revelation.

Missional Living for the Glory of God

2011-05-04T12:37:00.001-05:00

Jesus was sent by the Father into this world to save sinners like us (1 Timothy 1:15) In spite of our many failures, God is sending us to be salt and light in our world. The beauty of the Gospel is that Jesus who knew no sin became sin so that we would become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21) Our role as individual believers and together as the church, the Body of Christ, is to extend Christ’s mission to the world. We are called to bring glory to God by living this mission everyday. A group of evangelical leaders has written a document detailing what we mean when we say that we are to live a missional life. I encourage you to read it HERE

Haiti 2012

2011-04-10T21:58:00.001-05:00

We are planning to go to Haiti in January of next year. We will be building homes for Haitians who remain displaced after the devastating earthquake of January 2010. We will also be exploring the opportunities for ongoing ministry in Haiti. There are still a few spots available for January so please let us know if you would like to go to Haiti.

Update on Pam Kaylor (From Pastor ED)

2011-02-16T09:19:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone

We have been through a tough couple of weeks but we now have our plan of action. There seems to be no solution other than a bilateral mastectomy for Pam. The only possible good news is that if no other indications of cancer show up when they do the pathological testing after her surgery then she will not have take the oral chemo for the next 3-5 years. Please pray that she will be spared from that.

The process starts with the mastectomy. Her surgery will take place Monday Feb. 21. It is a very painful recovery time apparently and she will be out of work for 5-6 weeks (and then go back on limited duty). Then there will be several weeks of procedures getting her ready for the reconstruction surgery. The reconstruction surgery will probably take place in late May.

Pam is handling this as well as possible and leaning hard on the Lord. I am so proud of her! But it is an emotional roller coaster (for both of us). Please pray for us as we do all we can to be prepared for the next weeks. It looks like Pam will be in the hospital Monday and Tuesday nights (and I will be staying there with her) and hopefully coming home. So I will be available by email a lot but not doing meetings, etc. for all next week which means I will have to miss my first District Conference in years. But I am grateful for the flexibility of my jobs and the great people I work with.

Moses is walking through this well also but parenting a 16 year old playing baseball and running track who has a girlfriend and no drivers license is a continuing challenge:).

Thanks to so many for prayers, support, and special ways you have shown your love. I will keep you informed.

Blessings in Christ

Ed Kaylor
Associate Superintendent - Pastoral Care - EFCA Southeast
Associate Pastor - Shades Valley Community Church
Cell - (205) 903-6607

One Year Bible reading

2011-02-01T11:05:00.001-06:00

Are you reading the Bible through in 2011?

The following is the February schedule from the One Year Bible. You can find the One Year Bible Online by Clicking Here. Another great tool can be found HERE.

01 Exodus 13:17-15:18

Matthew 21:23-46

Psalm 26:1-12

Proverbs 6:16-19

02 Exodus 15:19-17:7

Matthew 22:1-33

Psalm 27:1-6

Proverbs 6:20-26

03 Exodus 17:8-19:15

Matthew 22:34-23:12

Psalm 27:7-14

Proverbs 6:27-35

04 Exodus 19:16-21:21

Matthew 23:13-39

Psalm 28:1-9

Proverbs 7:1-5

05 Exodus 21:22-23:13

Matthew 24:1-28

Psalm 29:1-11

Proverbs 7:6-23

06 Exodus 23:14-25:40

Matthew 24:29-51

Psalm 30:1-12

Proverbs 7:24-27

07 Exodus 26:1-27:21

Matthew 25:1-30

Psalm 31:1-8

Proverbs 8:1-11

08 Exodus 28:1-43

Matthew 25:31-26:13

Psalm 31:9-18

Proverbs 8:12-13

09 Exodus 29:1-30:10

Matthew 26:14-46

Psalm 31:19-24

Proverbs 8:14-26

10 Exodus 30:11-31:18

Matthew 26:47-68

Psalm 32:1-11

Proverbs 8:27-32

11 Exodus 32:1-33:23

Matthew 26:69-27:14

Psalm 33:1-11

Proverbs 8:33-36

12 Exodus 34:1-35:9

Matthew 27:15-31

Psalm 33:12-22

Proverbs 9:1-6

13 Exodus 35:10-36:38

Matthew 27:32-66

Psalm 34:1-10

Proverbs 9:7-8

14 Exodus 37:1-38:31

Matthew 28:1-20

Psalm 34:11-22

Proverbs 9:9-10

01 Exodus 13:17-15:18

Matthew 21:23-46

Psalm 26:1-12

Proverbs 6:16-19

02 Exodus 15:19-17:7

Matthew 22:1-33

Psalm 27:1-6

Proverbs 6:20-26

03 Exodus 17:8-19:15

Matthew 22:34-23:12

Psalm 27:7-14

Proverbs 6:27-35

04 Exodus 19:16-21:21

Matthew 23:13-39

Psalm 28:1-9

Proverbs 7:1-5

05 Exodus 21:22-23:13

Matthew 24:1-28

Psalm 29:1-11

Proverbs 7:6-23

06 Exodus 23:14-25:40

Matthew 24:29-51

Psalm 30:1-12

Proverbs 7:24-27

07 Exodus 26:1-27:21

Matthew 25:1-30

Psalm 31:1-8

Proverbs 8:1-11

08 Exodus 28:1-43

Matthew 25:31-26:13

Psalm 31:9-18

Proverbs 8:12-13

09 Exodus 29:1-30:10

Matthew 26:14-46

Psalm 31:19-24

Proverbs 8:14-26

10 Exodus 30:11-31:18

Matthew 26:47-68

Psalm 32:1-11

Proverbs 8:27-32

11 Exodus 32:1-33:23

Matthew 26:69-27:14

Psalm 33:1-11

Proverbs 8:33-36

12 Exodus 34:1-35:9

Matthew 27:15-31

Psalm 33:12-22

Proverbs 9:1-6

13 Exodus 35:10-36:38

Matthew 27:32-66

Psalm 34:1-10

Proverbs 9:7-8

14 Exodus 37:1-38:31

Matthew 28:1-20

Psalm 34:11-22

Proverbs 9:9-10

15 Exodus 39:1-40:38

Mark 1:1-28

Psalm 35:1-16

Proverbs 9:11-12

16 Leviticus 1:1-3:17

Mark 1:29-2:12

Psalm 35:17-28

Proverbs 9:13-18

17 Leviticus 4:1-5:19

Mark 2:13-3:6

Psalm 36:1-12

Proverbs 10:1-2

18 Leviticus 6:1-7:27

Mark 3:7-30

Psalm 37:1-11

Proverbs 10:3-4

19 Leviticus 7:28-9:6

Mark 3:31-4:25

Psalm 37:12-29

Proverbs 10:5

20 Leviticus 9:7-10:20

Mark 4:26-5:20

Psalm 37:30-40

Proverbs 10:6-7

21 Leviticus 11:1-12:8

Mark 5:21-43

Psalm 38:1-22

Proverbs 10:8-9

22 Leviticus 13:1-59

Mark 6:1-29

Psalm 39:1-13

Proverbs 10:10

23 Leviticus 14:1-57

Mark 6:30-56

Psalm 40:1-10

Proverbs 10:11-12

24 Leviticus 15:1-16:28

Mark 7:1-23

Psalm 40:11-17

Proverbs 10:13-14

25 Leviticus 16:29-18:30

Mark 7:24-8:10

Psalm 41:1-13

Proverbs 10:15-16

26 Leviticus 19:1-20:21

Mark 8:11-38

Psalm 42:1-11

Proverbs 10:17

27 Leviticus 20:22-22:16

Mark 9:1-29

Psalm 43:1-5

Proverbs 10:18

28 Leviticus 22:17-23:44

Mark 9:30-10:12

Psalm 44:1-8

Proverbs 10:19

15 Exodus 39:1-40:38

Mark 1:1-28

Psalm 35:1-16

Proverbs 9:11-12

16 Leviticus 1:1-3:17

Mark 1:29-2:12

Psalm 35:17-28

Proverbs 9:13-18

17 Leviticus 4:1-5:19

Mark 2:13-3:6

Psalm 36:1-12

Proverbs 10:1-2

18 Leviticus 6:1-7:27

Mark 3:7-30

Psalm 37:1-11

Proverbs 10:3-4

19 Leviticus 7:28-9:6

Mark 3:31-4:25

Psalm 37:12-29

Proverbs 10:5

20 Leviticus 9:7-10:20

Mark 4:26-5:20

Psalm 37:30-40

Proverbs 10:6-7

21 Leviticus 11:1-12:8

Mark 5:21-43

Psalm 38:1-22

Proverbs 10:8-9

22 Leviticus 13:1-59

Mark 6:1-29

Psalm 39:1-13

Proverbs 10:10

23 Leviticus 14:1-57

Mark 6:30-56

Psalm 40:1-10

Proverbs 10:11-12

24 Leviticus 15:1-16:28

Mark 7:1-23

Psalm 40:11-17

Proverbs 10:13-14

25 Leviticus 16:29-18:30

Mark 7:24-8:10

Psalm 41:1-13

Proverbs 10:15-16

26 Leviticus 19:1-20:21

Mark 8:11-38

Psalm 42:1-11

Proverbs 10:17

27 Leviticus 20:22-22:16

Mark 9:1-29

Psalm 43:1-5

Proverbs 10:18

28 Leviticus 22:17-23:44

Mark 9:30-10:12

Psalm 44:1-8

Proverbs 10:19

Prayer request from Pastor Ed Kaylor

2011-01-29T10:06:00.001-06:00

(Pastor Ed served Loomis EFC as Pastor beginning in 1983)

Hi everyone

Some of you may know about this and others I haven't been able to keep in the loop. Pam had a suspicious mammogram and had a tissue biopsy on Thursday. We heard yesterday late afternoon about her situation. Her actual diagnosis is high grade DCIS (breast ductal carcinoma in situ) containing comedo-type necrosis (for all my medical friends:). The good news is that it is actually a "pre-cancerous" condition that would soon become cancerous if not treated. The fact that it is a high grade DCIS means that we have to aggressively treat it surgically. This will require a mastectomy (possibly bilateral) but Pam should be able to avoid both radiation and chemotherapy - PTL. All the surgeries will take quite a while (2-3 months we have heard) but we don't have know specifics yet. We meet with the surgeon Monday afternoon and will then meet with a plastic surgeon sometime after that.

We are trying to process this and I don't know yet about my travel to some of the district events and RPM's until we get her medical schedule. Thanks for praying. We are doing pretty well but certainly are not looking forward to her coming challenges.

Blessings in Christ

Ed Kaylor
Associate Superintendent - Pastoral Care - EFCA Southeast
Associate Pastor - Shades Valley Community Church
Cell - (205) 903-6607

Jesus now defines us.

2011-01-16T08:32:00.001-06:00

Sunday, January 16

I read this on another BLOG and thought it was worthy or sharing. I am praying that we would live a Jesus Shaped, Gospel Centered Life.

Jesus now defines us

One of the most important things to remember in the Christian life is that we must always live in light of who God is, what Jesus has done, and what has happened to us as a result. Usually we tend to define ourselves by our successes or failures, our reputation, our sin, our intelligence, beauty, and abilities (or lack of them). Moreover, we often define other people by their weaknesses, failures, and sins. Hence we are quick to gossip and condemn others. The good news calls us to view ourselves and other Christians very differently. Jesus now defines who we are. Through Jesus’ work on the cross we have been declared perfect, blameless, and without fault. We have been forgiven and made right with God. We have become the dearly loved children of the living God, and nothing can separate us from his love.

— Neil H. Williams
Living in Light of the Gospel Story
(Jenkintown, Pa.: World Harvest Mission, 2004), 25

Update from Joao & Hope Rodrigues

2011-01-11T15:47:00.001-06:00

January 11, 2011

Dear Friends,
Hello, this will just be a quick e-mail. Thanks to all of you who have
been remembering us in your prayers. We are in Brazil. We got back from
the US the end of November and still have 2 and a half months of
furlough before we have to be back in Manaus.
Yesterday afternoon we got back to my parent's place in Anápolis Brazil.
We had been traveling and had the privilege of spending Christmas with
my family and then spending New Year's with João's family.
João left early this morning to do some things in town and around 8:20
he had a really bad accident. Another man was driving at high speed and
rammed in to João on the passanger's side. Praise the Lord João's life
was spared. He came out with only a broken nail and a little scratch on
his finger. I don't even want to think of what could have happened to
him or what would have happened if I or the boys had been in the car.
All I can do is thank God for sparing my husband's life.
The car was totaled! Praise the Lord the other man payed the market
price for a car of that year. Please pray we can find another car as we
still have traveling to do and it will be hard to find another car like
ours for the price we got on it and all we had put into it already. Our
car was in good conditions as we had had the motor re-done the beginning
of last year and also it had air-conditioning. Air conditioning is a
luxury in Brazil but a necessity for the hot humid weather in Manaus.
God had supplied this car when Nathan was a little over a year old and
we got it for a very good price. It was hard to see them take it away!!!!
We appreciate your prayers and please praise God along with us for
sparing João's life.
Because of Jesus, João, Hope, Nathan & Ryan
I'm attaching a few pictures of the accident for you to see. If you have
facebook I've put more on our facebook. My facebook name is Hope Fread
Rodrigues.

Hearing the Word

2010-12-28T15:05:00.001-06:00

In Philippians 1, the Apostle Paul prays for his readers in Philippi and subsequently for all who would read this letter down through the ages. That includes you and me. Paul reminds them and us that the same God who had begun the work of transforming them into the image of Christ would carry that work on to completion. In other words, it is God’s mission and stated purpose to transform our hearts and minds to be like Jesus. Paul goes on to say “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Phil 1:9-11) The more knowledge and insight we gain into the character and holiness of God the more we will love Him and others and be filled with the fruit of righteousness. But how do we gain this knowledge and insight? We gain it through the reading, studying, applying, and memorizing of His word. In an effort to know the God of the Bible better we are going to read the Bible together this year. We will be utilizing the tools provided by the You Version online Bible. This is an awesome resource that can be accessed on you computer or through an APP on your Blackberry, Iphone, Ipod Touch, or Android phone. Once you have gone to the You Version site you can click on the tab for reading plans. I will be using the “One Year Bible” plan. I will also provide a printed monthly reading list. My prayer is that 2011 will be a year in which our hearts and minds are transformed by the power of God at work within us.

Prayer for Haiti

2010-11-09T13:24:00.001-06:00

Outback report to come soon

Becky Thompson shared this update this morning:

“Pray for Rob Thompson, Gary McLaughlin, Benjamin Altema, and Wilfred today as they travel by motorcycle to Les Irois to view hurricane damage at the church there. They are planning on stopping at many of our sister churches along the way (too many towns to list.) They left at 5:30 a.m. and hope to be back probably after 7 p.m..... It's going to be a long, hard day on the motorcycle.”

Les Irois is at the very far western tip of the island. We’ve always said that it’s not the end of the world, but you can see it from there! Though not far in miles, distances aren’t measured in miles or even kilometers in Haiti. It’s measured in “how long does it take to get there?”. They will have to go across the peninsula, up and over the mountains and then around the coast.

Look for a more complete report of the Sister Churches that they’ll be visiting, as well as photos, soon!

Posted by Dan and Debbie Shoemaker at 1:23 PM

What is The Bible Basically About?

2010-09-16T16:09:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday, I was able to take four students to our annual Fellowship Of Christian Athletes training in Lexington. We saw this video by Timothy Keller.

“Jesus is the real Rock of Moses, the real Passover Lamb, innocent, perfect, helpless, slain so the angel of death will pass over us. He’s the true temple, the true prophet, the true priest, the true king, the true sacrifice, the true lamb, the true light, the true bread.

The Bible’s really not about you (or me)—it’s about him.”

Homes For Haiti

2010-08-26T11:47:00.001-05:00

Homes for Haiti from Luminescent Images on Vimeo.

The Good-o-Meter

2010-07-27T11:52:00.001-05:00

Thanks, Pastor Mike for sharing this.

Prayer For Martha Hendrickson

2010-07-11T12:36:00.001-05:00

Mark & Martha are EFCA Missionaries in Costa Rica. The following is from Mark.

Dear praying warriors,

As you know the biggest burden of our lives have fallen on our family; it is a difficult to bear. Martha’s cancer it is more serious than we originally thought and the days ahead will test our faith. We do know that although the initial tumor was small that the cancer is aggressive and invasive has spread to most of the lymph nodes that were tested. Last night Mark felt prompted by the Lord to mobilize as much prayer support for Martha today and especially tomorrow at 11:50am when we meet with the surgeon and review the final pathology report. Melinda and Michelle will be with us at that time.

We would greatly appreciate it if you would remember to pray for us and do what you can to mobilize others to pray in church services today and, particularly 11:50am Monday Mountain Daylight Savings time which is also Costa Rica Time. If you could just take 10 minutes out of your schedule and pray from 11:50-12:00 noon that would mean a lot to us.

Although we live in a fallen world where Christians and non Christians alike are susceptible to illness and disease, we de believe that we also have an enemy who seeks to knock us out of commission and destroy us. However we know the greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. To fight the enemy we must not be passive but active. May the body of Christ be exercised to lift us up and help us do battle as only he can do. Frankly, we need you right now and cannot fight this battle alone.

At this time we would like as many people as possible that God would raise through this email to pray for Martha today and….

11:50 AM MONDAY JULY 12

We would be so grateful if you would pray:

1. For complete healing

2. That the cancer would not spread to other parts of the body (a cat scan will be done later)

3. That any strategy of the enemy set against us would be utterly destroyed through the prayers offered up for Martha during these next two days.

4. That God would be glorified and the 4ms would become a testimony and a trophy of God’s saving and preserving grace. That that God would give our family many more years of effective service in his kingdom.

We will be launching a website on caring bridge later this week, and from there will be giving future updates.

Thank you so much! May God’s kingdom come and may his will be done in OUR FAMILY as it is in heaven.

Mark for Martha, Melinda and Michelle

Challenge 2010 Music

2010-07-07T11:28:00.001-05:00

Challenge 2010 Pictures

2010-07-04T22:17:00.001-05:00

Challenge Videos

2010-07-04T16:56:00.001-05:00

Challenge 2010 Rewind 5 from Carl Larsen on Vimeo.

The final day is here!

2010-07-02T11:30:00.001-05:00

God is at work powerfully in our lives. This morning Geoff Safford challenged us to pursue righteousness in light of the Gospel. Jesus is our righteousness and he has won the victory over sin and death. we are declared to be innocent/righteous in the eyes of God through the blood of Christ shed for us.

Last night we spent significant time in prayer and then celebrated communion. After the last Supper, Jesus led his disciples to Gethsemane. There Jesus faced the agony of his decision to become sin for us. We however don’t go to Gethsemane. We go to the throne completely forgiven by the matchless grace of Jesus. And for that, we celebrated last night. When I can I will show you the video of 5000 teens celebrating before the throne.

We are all very tired and ready to get home. We leave about 9:30pm and plan to be in Holdrege about 3 pm tomorrow. Please pray for our bus drivers and for safety on the roads. Pray also for each of us. We have made significant decisions this week. Our collective desire is to change our school, community and the world. Over 100 students from Phelps County are here. Imagine what this army can do for Jesus in our Schools.

Geoff Safford’s Message can be heard HERE

Challenge 2010 Rewind 4 from Carl Larsen on Vimeo.

Challenge Day 3

2010-07-01T16:01:00.001-05:00

Day 3 was amazing. We began the morning hearing from DA Horton. DA pastors a church in urban Kansas City and teaches theology through the medium of Hip Hop. Our kids found DA to be very challenging. His style is vastly different from anyone they had ever heard. He challenged us to be pure in heart. The word of God is the lens through which we can see the impurity in our hearts and lives. On Wednesday afternoon we traveled to a local Baptist church. We spent a few hours cleaning, painting and washing the church and several vehicles. Some even built a covered wagon for a VBS prop. Then we had the opportunity to play with about 120 kids who attend a day care center at the church. Last night we heard from Geoff Safford again. He challenged us to be meek. Meekness is defined as strength and power of the control of God. He said it is like the power of a race horse under the direction of the Jockey. He showed us meekness through the examples of David, Moses and Daniel. Finally he spoke of the meekness of our savior who could have destroyed all the guards and come down from the cross but who for our sakes became the lamb who was slain. He challenged us to serve God with all that we are and to never ever give up using the talents and abilities God has given us to change our world. We are called to live everyday on this earth on Mission for Christ. We are all getting a bit tired but know that God has more to teach us. Thanks for praying for us. You can hear all the messages HERE

Challenge 2010 Rewind 3 from Carl Larsen on Vimeo.

Challenge Day 2

2010-06-30T11:26:00.001-05:00

WOW!!!!, Last night was amazing. Geoff Safford brought God’s word from Mt 5. We learned that “Blessed are they that mourn (over our sin)” We saw that only when we give all our sin to Jesus can we be forgiven and find hope, grace and mercy. After the main session Starfield gave an incredible concert. The kids stood on the front row and jumped up and down for an hour. When I can, I will upload some pictures from the concert. For now check out these pictures from Day 2. Everybody is doing well. Please continue to pray. God is moving and changing our hearts and there are new brand new Christians in our group who gave their lives to Jesus last night!

Challenge 2010 Speakers

2010-06-29T14:34:00.001-05:00

Geoff Safford and Nick Hall have challenged us to live out the Kingdom. Their messages can be heard HERE

As of right now the highlight videos are on facebook only. I will try to share them on my facebook or you could search for Challenge 2010.

Challenge Day 1

2010-06-29T11:47:00.001-05:00

After 18 hours on the bus we arrived at the Challenge 2010 Conference in Columbus, Oh at about 1:30pm on Monday. Yes, we were all very tired but all seemed to be in good spirits. We were excited about the week ahead. I will not be able to upload any video this week but by going to Challenge Conference you should find daily rewinds. Look at the front row from day one and may see someone you know.

Last might we learned that those who are poor in spirit are blessed by God. That means that those who recopgnize that they have absolutely nothing to offer and simply fall upon the grace of God will find mercy. This morning we learned that we are called to be merciful even as God has shown us Mercy.

Here We Go!!

2010-06-27T13:30:00.001-05:00

The day has come. The clothes have been packed. (Well, most of them anyway) We leave tonight at 5:15pm. I believe this is going to be an amazing week. God is going to change our lives forever as we learn to Undo. Tomorrow evening we will join 5500 students in Columbus, Oh for Challenge 2010 You can follow along with us each day. I will try to upload pictures and video each day along with links for podcasts of the main speakers. We would love to have you praying with and for us throughout the week.

Challenge 10 is almost here!

2010-06-17T16:59:00.001-05:00

On Sunday June 27, Twenty of us will join 6000 students in Columbus, OH for Challenge 10. Here is a video from Challenge 08 to give you a glimpse of what we will be doing. Please pray for us.

Gospel Journey

2010-06-16T15:32:00.001-05:00

Free Youth Ministry Resources

Prayer Request from Mark & Martha Hendrickson

2010-06-13T09:00:00.001-05:00

As many of you know, Mark & Martha, known as the M & M Family are missionaries in Costa Rica. They are serving with the Latin America Training Network training pastors all over Latin America. The following is an urgent prayer request we received yesterday. May Mark & Martha be lifted up in God’s hands.

Dear Support Team,
We have been writing prayer letters to you for 26 years but have never
had to write a letter like this one before. Yesterday we were told the
news that Martha has breast cancer and needs immediate surgery. We
have decided to have the surgery in Colorado which will enable us to be
close to our girls, parents and family. We really need them right now. This
has come as a shock to us but God has been one step ahead of us and has
prepared the way. In December Martha’s spirit was restless and felt that
we should sell our house (yes the house with the river in back) and get
into a smaller condo where we can be more mobile. We put our house up
for sale in January and the second person who looked at it bought on
the condition we would sell it completely furnished including our 1995
Ford van! We agreed and the deal went through. We closed last week.
The realtors were surprised that it sold so quickly and that it was a cash
deal...quite unusual in these economic times. Little did we know that the
following week we would be packing up.
Mark has been serving as acting director while Keith Anderson is on a
sabbatical. So we are already short handed. Please pray for our team
during this difficult time.
Martha is recovering from the biopsy and we hope to have her in surgery
next week. But a lot has to happen between now and then. So please
pray for us as we . . .
1. Pack up and move out of our house (no small task!) with only six days
notice. We fly out on Friday June 18. Pray for strength. Both of us are
very tired and we’re just getting started.
2. Locate a surgeon in Colorado this week and an oncologist.
3. Try to relay the medical information and biopsy we have here in Spanish
to doctors in Colorado. We want to avoid a second biopsy if at all
possible.
Pray for healing and that God would be glorified. Pray for our girls and
parents. It is hard news for them to hear.
Our dear friends Jim & Leta Van Meter sent us this hymn today. It really
expresses our desire to place our hope on the Firm Foundation of Jesus
Christ our Lord.
We love you all,
Mark & Martha

What Do You See

2010-06-11T10:03:00.001-05:00

What do you see in this picture. First of course, you may see the students and workers at our 2010 VBS, “Soul Survivors on Danger Island” But if you look again you might see something else. What I see are students who will change their communities and families as they take the good news of the Gospel to their world. As these students grow up they will become farmers, doctors, lawyers, carpenters, nurses, teachers, pastors and missionaries. God is at work in their lives molding them and shaping them to be like him. God is calling each of them to serve him as a missionary in their world. What incredible things will they do for the Kingdom of God? How many will lives will they impact not just in the future but even this summer? My prayer is that they would know the savior and serve him throughout their lives.

VBS Is Coming!

2010-05-28T11:49:00.001-05:00

VBS 2010 Promotional Video from Bogard Press on Vimeo.

Tuesday –Thursday June 1-3

9:00 am-12:00pm

Friday June 4 9:00am-2:00pm

All children age 4 through going into 7th grade.

Loomis EFC, 102 Saxon St Loomis

308-876-2221

What are we living for?

2010-04-09T10:22:00.001-05:00

But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

Easter Worship

2010-03-29T11:26:00.001-05:00

You are invited to join us for worship this Easter.

Thursday April 1

Maundy Thursday Communion Service

6:30 PM

Sunday April 4

Sunrise Service

7:00 AM

3 Miles South of Loomis School

Free Pancake Breakfast

8:00 AM

Easter Worship

9:00 AM

Loomis Evangelical Free Church

876-2221

Where is our Security?

2010-03-23T09:09:00.001-05:00

Psalm 115

1 Not to us, O Lord , not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
2 Why let the nations say,
"Where is their God?"
3 Our God is in the heavens,
and he does as he wishes.
4 Their idols are merely things of silver and gold,
shaped by human hands.
5 They have mouths but cannot speak,
and eyes but cannot see.
6 They have ears but cannot hear,
and noses but cannot smell.
7 They have hands but cannot feel,
and feet but cannot walk,
and throats but cannot make a sound.
8 And those who make idols are just like them,
as are all who trust in them.
9 O Israel, trust the Lord !
He is your helper and your shield.
10 O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord !
He is your helper and your shield.
11 All you who fear the Lord , trust the Lord !
He is your helper and your shield.
12 The Lord remembers us and will bless us.
He will bless the people of Israel
and bless the priests, the descendants of Aaron.
13 He will bless those who fear the Lord ,
both great and lowly.
14 May the Lord richly bless
both you and your children.
15 May you be blessed by the Lord ,
who made heaven and earth.
16 The heavens belong to the Lord ,
but he has given the earth to all humanity.
17 The dead cannot sing praises to the Lord ,
for they have gone into the silence of the grave.
18 But we can praise the Lord
both now and forever!
Praise the Lord !

Spring Ahead

2010-03-12T11:41:00.001-06:00

Have you ever been an hour late for church. It could happen this weekend if you forget to set your clocks ahead Saturday night. Daylight Savings time begins at 2 AM Sunday morning. That means more Sun to enjoy in the evenings. I think the Sun may return to Nebraska sometime. Join us this Sunday at 9:45 AM CDT for Sunday School and 10:45 AM CDT for Worship.

Rodrigues Update

2010-03-08T10:46:00.001-06:00

March 4th,

Anapolis, Goiás

Dear Family & Friends,

Hello, sorry it's been so long since we sent you any news. We left the tribe on the 7th of January. We went to our missions annual conference while we were in Manaus. We got here to Anapolis on the 3rd of February.

We spent 9 days with Joao's family in Uberlandia, which is about a 6 hours drive from here. We are currently in Anapolis again with my parents.

We have been running after getting João's visa to be able to return to the US. Please be praying as he has an interview set for this coming Monday, the 8th, at 7:35 Brasilia time (5:35 Eastern Standard time). I will not be allowed to go into to the American embassy with him for the interview. Every other time I have been allowed to, but I guess for security reasons they are not allowing it anymore. Please be praying they will give him another tourist visa. He is the only one that has to go through this process as Nathan and Ryan and I are all American citizens.

I plan on getting another newsletter out soon, but just wanted to be sure and let you all know we are well and ask for prayer for this coming Monday.

Any of you that would like to write to us you can feel free to do so through our e-mail at joao_rodrigues@ntm.org

Thanks for Your Prayers,

Hope4the4Rodrigues

The Journey

2010-02-25T13:51:00.001-06:00

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Journey of Life. Some refer to it as the dash. As in the dash in the middle between those two all important dates listed on our tomb stone. In God’s word we read that God has a purpose for our lives. We are not here simply taking up space and polluting the world with carbon dioxide. Paul, tells us in Philippians 1:6 that He (God) who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. That completion is when we stand before God as his child and hear the words "well done good and faithful servant”. God is at work changing us to reflect His image. So, we continue each day on the journey to Christ-likeness. Over the next few weeks we are going to take a break from the book of Luke. We are going to explore this journey that we find ourselves on. Some are well along the way and some may have gotten stuck in traffic. God is faithful and he will carry His work on to completion. This week we will see God as he is-seated on a throne, high and lifted up. While he is holy, holy, holy he has called us to join him on his mission to reach the lost and serve the hurting. Enjoy the journey. It is a wild ride.

The Missional Church

2010-02-03T12:54:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Ed Stetzer for publishing this video on his blog.

Haiti Relief

2010-01-29T11:10:00.001-06:00

As a church we are directing our donations for Haiti through Reciprocal Ministries International. You can learn more about what is happening right now in Haiti by Clicking Here. Please continue to pray for the great people of Haiti and for the many relief organizations working in Haiti right now. Other information on relief can be found at Samaritan's Purse and EFCA Touch Global.

Compassion as a Precursor to Teaching Truth

2010-01-27T12:20:00.001-06:00

We often believe that if we could just convince our friends and co-workers that Jesus really is the Son of God, they would then turn to him and be saved. After all, we have come to believe that the Bible is true and that Jesus died for us. We have accepted the gospel of grace as truth and have staked our lives on the forgiveness of Jesus offered to us in the cross. So, if we could just convince them of the truth, all would be well in the world. This week as I am working on Luke 6:17-26. In this passage Jesus describes both the person who is blessed and the one is under God’s judgment. The difference between the tow is a humble response to the grace of God. However, I was struck as much by what Jesus did before he preached his sermon as I was about what he actually preached. In Luke 6:17-19 we are told that Jesus met multitudes of people who came to hear him and to be healed. We are even told that many in the crowd tried to touch him since “power was coming out from him and healing them all” Simply being in the presence of Jesus caused many to be healed. Jesus wanted to speak truth to them. But before he offered a sermon, he offered compassion. In meeting their needs, he prepared their hearts to hear the truth of the gospel. As a church we preach truth. We are committed to the scriptures as the inerrant word of God. I pray that we are just as committed to meeting the needs of those around us.

Helping The Haitian People

2010-01-14T12:25:00.001-06:00

Some have been asking me how they can help the people of Haiti. There are lots of organizations asking for donations right now. Unfortunately not all are worthy of our support. There will be ongoing opportunities in the months and even years ahead. I had already been praying about and considering a trip to Haiti in 2011. However there are overwhelming immediate needs. One of the best organizations I know of is in Haiti right now. This is Franklin Graham’s organization, Samaritan’s Purse. You probably know of Samaritan’s Purse through the Operation Christmas Child campaign. You can read all about their ministry HERE. Franklin Graham explains what they are doing right now in Haiti to provide Shelter, medicine and clean drinking water HERE. The earthquake has provided us an opportunity to reach out to the hurting with the Love of Jesus Christ.

Prayers for Haiti

2010-01-13T10:44:00.001-06:00

As you have heard, Haiti has experienced a devastating earthquake centered just off the coast of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Thousands of buildings including the U.N., the Presidential palace and hospitals have collapsed. Even before this event, there were only two fully functioning fire and rescue departments in the country. The loss of life will be significant. I have spoken to my brother Rob who is planning to move to Haiti in March. You can find information on his ministry HERE and HERE. Rob, my dad, and my uncle were planning to travel to Haiti tomorrow. That trip has now been canceled. At this point, he has very little information other than what we are seeing on the news. The area where he will be serving is about 90 miles from the epicenter and suffered only minor damage. As soon as he gets more info, I will pass it along. There will be significant ongoing needs. For those who would like to help, we will be setting up a relief fund. Donations can be given now for Haiti relief through our church. As we get word of more specific needs I will pass the information along. Until then please pray that God’s hand of mercy would lift up the suffering and that God would be glorified as many turn to him in faith through this horrible tragedy.

Free From Blood

2010-01-06T13:53:00.001-06:00

The following is from J.D. Greear at The Summit Church in Raleigh, NC. I thought it was worth sharing. You can find the original post on J.D.'s Blog

Free from Blood of Raleigh-Durham

Recently, the staff and I have been reading a good bit about John Paton, the missionary to the New Hebrides a century ago.

The primary problem was that the New Hebrides islands were inhabited by cannibals who had a history of eating any foreigner who came on shore. The other problem was that no one knew their language. What exactly do you do to start a church in a place like that? You can't pass out pamphlets that say "Easter sunrise service this Sunday: come and bring a friend."

Many tried to discourage him from going. In one of my favorite episodes from his life, Paton recounts this:

“I was besieged with the strongest opposition on all sides. One of my divinity school professors told me that I was leaving certainty for uncertainty. I was leaving work in which God had made me greatly useful for work which I might fail to be useful and only throw my life away for the cannibals. One dear old Christian deacon said to me: ‘The cannibals! You will be eaten by cannibals!’”

I replied, “Mr. Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms. I confess to you that if I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms. And in the great day, my resurrection body will arise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer.”

“Indeed the opposition was so strong from nearly all, and many of them warm Christian friends, that I was sorely tempted to question whether I was carrying out the divine will or only some headstrong wish of my own. This caused me much anxiety and drove me close to God in prayer. But, again, every doubt would vanish when I clearly saw that all at home had free access to the Bible and the means of grace with gospel light shining all around them while the poor heathen were perishing without even the chance of knowing all God’s love and mercy to me.”

Paton's ministry there was both brutal and exhilarating. The only thing he really loved in his life was his wife, and she died bearing their first child on that island. He had to sleep on their graves for 3-4 nights to keep the cannibals from digging them up and eating them. He was under constant siege day and night, always on the lookout for his life.

Eventually, he saw a breakthrough. One of the chiefs who came to Christ asked him, "When you first got here, who was that army that guarded your hut each night?" Apparently the angels of God surrounded his family each night to preserve this Gospel witness.

When Paton died 35 years later on that island, he recounted that he did not know a single islander who had not professed faith in Jesus Christ.

It's been interesting to think about him in light of some devotional reading that I've been doing in Ephesians and Acts. Paul said to the Ephesian elders at the new church he had established there, as he was preparing to leave and never see them again, "I am free from your blood" (Acts 20:17-38). Getting that church started had cost Paul a great deal of trouble, almost his life. But he knew that he had fulfilled his call. He had not withheld from them anything God wanted to say to them.

Here's a good reflection question: what group of people, or what people, has God called you to? Neighbors? Friends? Family members? Maybe a particularly country or people group or city in America God has placed on your heart? Will you be able to say that you are "free from their blood?"

I want to be "free from the blood of the Summit Church" and RDU in 50 years when I'm done in this place.

No Christmas Eve Service

2009-12-24T13:06:00.001-06:00

We have cancelled the Christmas Eve Candle Light service due to the weather. We will celebrate the birth of the Savior on Sunday Morning with a Candle Light service at 10:45 AM. Be Safe and have a merry Christmas!

Celebrating The Birth

2009-12-23T11:35:00.001-06:00

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

It is looking like we may have to cancel our Christmas Eve Service. We will make a decision tomorrow (12/24) morning and put the word out. Either way, I trust that you will take time to worship the baby born to save all who trust in him. He is Christ The Lord!

Good News Of Great Joy!

2009-12-10T15:26:00.001-06:00

On that special night in the pastures outside Bethlehem, the Angels sang of good news of great joy that would be for all people. They proclaimed that this “Good News” would bring peace on earth. In Romans 5:1-11 we read of the effects of this peace on earth through the death of Jesus. Simply put, through the cross, we who were formerly enemies of God, are made to be God’s friends totally at peace with Him because Jesus endured God’s wrath in our place. The biblical term for this is justification. This is God’s act of declaring us not guilty and bringing us into a relationship with himself by the blood of Jesus. We were and are absolutely powerless to anything about our sin. Yet, God demonstrated his incredible love for us by offering up his son for us even while we were his enemies. Praise God on high, we have hope in the shed blood of Jesus

Merry Christmas!

A Cross Centered Life

2009-12-09T11:02:00.001-06:00

“Because of God’s amazingly gracious heart toward those who thoroughly deserve only his wrath, He both planned for and provided this mediator who, through His blood, would accomplish a unique assignment utterly unlike any other work of mediation. In the mystery of His mercy, God—the innocent, offended party—offers up to death His own Son, to satisfy His righteous wrath and save the guilty party from it”

( Quoted from Living the Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney

White As Snow

2009-12-08T11:37:00.001-06:00

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Isaiah 1:18

Video from Matt Chandler--The Village Church Dallas

2009-12-06T22:05:00.000-06:00

Video from Matt

Video from Matt Chandler--The Village Church Dallas

2009-12-06T22:02:00.000-06:00

Video from Matt

December has arrived!

2009-12-01T16:41:00.001-06:00

Haitian School

2009-11-17T14:38:00.001-06:00

Here is the video I referenced on Sunday. My brother, Rob shot this video while on a trip into the Haitian countryside to explore the needs for this particular mission and school. More info can be found HERE on Rob’s blog. Rob, His wife Becky and their three children plan to move to Haiti next spring after raising financial support.

RODRIGUES NEWSLETTER

2009-11-17T14:33:00.001-06:00

Novo Demini

November 2nd, 2009

Dear Friends,

Greetings to all! Christmas season is coming right up on us and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas! I know it’s still quite early, but by the time you receive this it won’t be so far away after all.

Last time we wrote we still hadn’t had our time out in Boa Vista. We Praise the Lord for the refreshing time we had. We have been back ever since the 20th of August. After we arrived we had a little less than a month with our co-workers, Wellington and Águida and their 5 year old son, Abraão. On the 17th of September they left for Boa Vista, as Águida was expecting their second child. Our team is made up of 4 couples, but two of them were already on home assignment (furlough) and when Wellington and Águida left that left us alone. After their baby is born they will also be leaving on home assignment.

On the 19th of October our language consultant along with another couple from our mission’s leadership arrived to spend some time with us. We praise the Lord for Joao’s progress in the language. He still isn’t at a level were he can start teaching, but we were very encouraged to see how far he has come since last year. On the 22nd our language consultant left, but the couple stayed to spend a few more days with us and the Yanomami Christians. We praise the Lord for their time here and the blessing they have been. Unfortunately they will be leaving on the 5th.

We are so thankful for the time they were able to stay.

In the last two months we have had a lot of cases of malaria, mostly falciparum and a few vivax. It is finally getting under control again, but for a while there, it was pretty scary. We Praise the Lord that through it all God has spared our family from getting malaria.

Our plans are to stay here until the beginning of January and then fly out to Boa Vista. From there we will have less than a week to get our things ready to travel to Manaus. The trip from Boa Vista to Manaus is around a 12 hour drive on really bad roads. From the 16th to the 22nd we will be attending our mission’s annual conference. The following week, João plans on taking a course that our language learning consultants will be giving in Manaus. Sometime the beginning of February we will be leaving on home assignment. After 5 years on the field we will be taking a year off to spend time with our family and friends and also with our supporters. We will be dividing our time between Brazil and the US. We still aren’t sure of the dates we will be in each place, but as soon as we know we will let you know. We look forward to getting reacquainted with many of you.

Once again we want to express our appreciation for your prayers and financial support of our ministry. Looking back over the past five years we can truly and honestly say, God has been good to us, and you have been a part of that channel through which God has shown us His goodness!

Because of Him,

João, Hope, Nathan & Ryan

Dear Members of the E-Free Church of Loomis,

2009-10-13T12:03:00.001-05:00

This time we will have to send our greetings from a very hot and dry Novo Demini. We have been having lots of really hot weather and we haven't seen a good rain in quite a while. I don't think I would know how to survive in cold weather any more. I've been only in hot weather for so long, I think my blood has already thinned out. Ha!!!
As we mentioned in our previous update we had been planning on spending some time in town. Well, that time has come and gone and we have been back in Novo Demini since the 20th of August. Our time out went really fast, but we were able to have a refreshing time and re-charge our batteries a little. The boys really enjoyed it. Nathan enjoyed going to the supermarket and being able to go around town seeing different things. We were able to buy
him a small bicycle which he really enjoys. In town he rode it a lot, but out here it has been a little harder for him to ride as he still needs training wheels and they don't work very well if you aren't on really level ground. Once in a while he gets his friends to push him around on the airstrip.
It's good to be home again. Our co-workers Wellington & Águida and their five year old son, Abraão, flew out to Boa Vista on the 17th of September. They are awaiting the arrival of their second child for some time this month. As soon as their baby is old enough to travel, they will be leaving on furlough. We are currently the only missionaries here at Novo Demini. Our other co-workers
are all on furlough. Please pray for us in the coming months being alone and all. Nathan really misses his little friend Abraão. It was the highlight of his day to every afternoon be able to play with his buddy. We are so glad for his brother Ryan. It helps him not feel so lonely.
Over the last month a lot of cases of malaria have shown up. Almost all of them being malaria falcipurum and a few vivax. We are very grateful that so far we have been kept safe. Please pray God will protect us from getting malaria, but that if we do, we won't have any greater complications. For quite a while after we arrived back, João's allergies had been really bad.
We had to do a thorough cleaning of our house to see if it would help him. Our house doesn't have windows; I mean glass or stuff like that. Our windows only have screen on them to keep the mosquitoes and other creatures out. All the dust comes right through. Clothes and things being put away for a while get a moldy smell. I had a lot of washing to do to get everything back into shape. We praise the Lord the last few weeks he has been better and his allergies are at least under control.
Sorry, time gets away from us and we take a while to write, but we sure appreciate each of you. Thanks so much for your financial support of our ministry. Hope you are all well. It looks like we will be going on furlough next year. We are planning on being back in the US during the next summer. We are looking forward to getting to see you all again!
Because of Jesus,
João, Hope, Nathan & Ryan

The Glory of God in Creation

2009-09-29T11:46:00.001-05:00

I thought this was really interesting and worth seeing. It comes from J.D. Greear. We serve an awesome God!

This is a 3 min video put out by Harvard on the incredible intricacies of the cell. (special thanks to our David Goodman for putting me onto it!)

One of the interesting things is that even as evolution has become more entrenched in our culture, belief that a God is still behind creation has stayed basically the same, much to the chagrin of neo-atheists like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris. That is because there is something in the human heart that knows that there is no way that nothing x nobody = everything. Psalm 19:1 says that the heavens declare to us the glory of God and Romans 1:20 says that the immensity of creation reveals to our hearts the massive size of the God behind it. (and not just in America...Two new books put out by the UN say that belief in God is making a massive comeback even in Europe.) What always amuses me is the way that guys like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, who so deplore the way that theologians will appeal to mystery as it relates to things like the problem of evil, will get this blankish look on their face when they are asked where matter and energy could have originated and say something about a mystery... Here is the video we used from Francis Chan.

And here is the sermon itself (if it's not there, check back in an hour or so). You can also watch by going to our website and clicking "sermon media" and "watch now."

God’s Faithfulness

2009-09-25T15:19:00.001-05:00

As the weather cools and the leaves begin to turn, the signs of fall are all around us. Our sovereign God controls all things. His faithfulness to us is displayed in the changing of the seasons as the heat of summer gives way to the cool nights of early fall. Soon, the snow will fly only to be followed by the daffodils of spring. As sure as the seasons is God’s grace offered to us in the horror of the cross. One day we will be with him. Until then, we enjoy the beauty of his creation and dream of the day when all will be made perfect as it was intended to be before Adam allowed pride to enter his heart.

As we spent our first afternoon in a tree stand, we were filled with anticipation for the deer that might pass within range. On this day, that was not to be. As so often happens, each deer passed by safely beyond the range of my arrow. There will be more days to dream about the big one that didn’t get away. Today was a day to spend some time with my boys and recognize that I am blessed by the God of All.

SYATP

2009-09-22T11:43:00.001-05:00

See You At The Pole

Wednesday, September 23 7:45 AM

Loomis Public School

“Go and pray to God for me and for the people . . .“ —2 KINGS 22:13a (The Message)

The Loomis Fellowship Of Christian Athletes is sponsoring the annual prayer rally, “See You At The Pole”, tomorrow. Everyone is invited to join the students as they gather around the flag pole to pray for their school and their friends.

A Heartbreaking Loss

2009-09-19T21:14:00.001-05:00

“Did you honor the Lord Jesus Christ?”

“Rather than mope around after a loss…Get God’s perspective”

“It’s what He (God) thinks is what counts”

The Terrible Consequences of Sin

2009-09-15T11:01:00.001-05:00

Click Here for a great article from J.D. Greear on the results of sin in our lives. This is a must read for all believers and especially for church leaders.

An Impossible Message

2009-09-11T15:25:00.001-05:00

When Paul and his companions, including Luke, travelled throughout the Roman empire sharing the gospel they brought a message that must have sounded like utter nonsense. They travelled from city to city proclaiming that an executed Jewish peasant was the savior of the world. Not only that, but most Jews had rejected the claims of Jesus and were seeking to eradicate this new teaching from the Synagogues. As Paul turned to Gentiles he was asking them to forsake every religious idea they had ever learned. He was asking them to turn their backs on the culture of the day and give their lives to this Jewish Rabbi whom he claimed had risen from the dead. Only by the power of God could Paul expect Greeks and Romans to follow after Jesus. And of course that is exactly what happened. In the book of Acts we see the miraculous growth of the church as many placed their faith in Jesus. Luke, a first century Greek doctor wrote the book of Acts. He was one of Paul’s closest friends and a fellow missionary. In Acts 27, we read that Luke travelled with Paul to Rome when their ship broke up in a storm. Before writing the Book of Acts, Luke wrote a history of Jesus “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” The Gospel of Luke was written then to teach a wealthy Roman leader and others that Jesus is the hope for all nations. Luke’s desire was that they would see that while religion fails, Jesus is the answer to all of our needs. This Sunday we start a journey to discover the real Jesus. Religion fails but Jesus is the Savior for all people.

Matt May on God's Goal

2009-09-08T13:52:00.001-05:00

Tracing the Steps of Jesus

2009-09-07T10:57:00.001-05:00

Luke 1:1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eye-witnesses and servants of the word. 3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Like , Dr. Luke, we are embarking on a journey to investigate the real Jesus. Our series in the Gospel of Luke begins Sunday September 13 at 10:45 AM

Nebraska Football begins tomorrow!

2009-09-04T16:25:00.001-05:00

You Will Be My Witnesses

2009-09-02T11:59:00.001-05:00

This week we are concluding our series in the the book of Philippians. We have seen that Paul found joy in every circumstance as he lived his life in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul closes this letter, he thanks the Philippian church for their financial gifts which enabled him to share the good news of Jesus across the region. He is quick to point out that he is not demanding their gifts. He is content with a little or a lot. However, they could expect God’s blessing because of their sacrificial act of sending him to all the world. The following video shows us the necessity of going, sending and praying.

Victory Express

2009-08-28T17:54:00.001-05:00

Can you hear the whistle? Victory Express is coming. We are very excited about a new year of kids ministry. We will be introducing Victory Express at a Barbeque this Wednesday, September 6 at 6:30. There will be plenty of hamburgers and hotdogs. Please join us for a fun evening together as we prepare to board the Victory Express.

Rodrigues Update

2009-08-19T15:29:00.001-05:00

Boa Vista, August 11th 2009

Dear Friends,

We praise the Lord we are all well! Unfortunately our time in town is coming to an end but we have enjoyed ourselves. We are now starting preparations to return to Novo Demini. Our flight had been scheduled for this coming Thursday the 13th, but we felt like we needed a few more days so we re-scheduled for the 20th.

This will be just a real quick note. We want to thank all of you who have been praying for us! We especially want to thank those of you who were praying for us to find the two lost solar panels. Once again God was good and took care of everything. We were finally able to find out where they were being stored in Manaus and had someone pick them up. Joao had to make a quick trip to Manaus so was able to bring them back with him. They were both fine and no damage was done to them.

Our time in town as been refreshing and we have enjoyed our time as a family. We were able to buy a small bicycle for Nathan so he has really enjoyed riding that around the yard here. He has been getting better at it everyday, but of course still has to count on the training wheels or I think he would have broken an arm or leg by now. Once in a while Ryan gets brave enough and gets up on the little back seat of Nathan's bike, but usually he just tries to push his brother's bicycle around or stay out of the way so he doesn't get run over.

We hope you are all well and really appreciate your prayers and support! Thanks so much! Because of Jesus, João, Hope, Nathan and Ryan

Celebrating Grace

2009-08-03T18:36:00.001-05:00

Last night three young believers followed our Lord’s example in Baptism. Each proclaimed that they had received Jesus as their Lord and Savior and understood that by Grace alone they were forgiven. Because of their faith in the Lord they know that they have been saved. We celebrate God’s grace with Cale Abramson, Teagon Edwards, and Mattie Thompson.

Baptism

2009-07-29T11:21:00.001-05:00

We are looking forward to great night of fellowship this Sunday. We will meet at the Park in Bertrand for a potluck supper at 5:30. Then we will be baptizing several students. Following the Baptism, the pool will be open for all to swim. Come show us your best Michael Phelps impression. Please let me know if you are interested in Baptism.

Promoted to Glory

2009-07-28T13:15:00.001-05:00

Around 7:00 Am this morning Darrell Thorell went home with Jesus. While this brings us sorrow, God’s grace is sufficient. I had the awesome privilege of spending time with Darrell’s family this morning and witnessing the Joy of the Lord in action. This past Sunday we focused on Philippians 1:12-26. We learned in that passage that the Joy of the Lord fills our hearts when we understand that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Darrell spent many years living for Christ. He was saved by grace alone through faith alone. Because that is true we can be filled with joy even while we hurt. It is difficult to say goodbye and yet we know its not forever. For to me, to live is Christ. Darrell has finished the race and gone before us. One day there will be a grand reunion. Until then, we trust Jesus and walk in light of His grace. This Friday, July 31, we will celebrate Darrell’s promotion at 2:00 here at Loomis EFC.

Our Best Life Now

2009-07-24T16:55:00.001-05:00

Peruse almost any Christian bookstore or flip through religious TV and you will very quickly find that by faith we can have our best life now. This line of teaching proclaims that in Christ we have won victory over sin and death. Therefore we should live a victorious life. By faith I can claim God’s prosperity in my life. By faith, I can leave poverty, illness, discouragement, loss, and any other trouble behind. The problem arises when this teaching simply doesn’t work. Now, maybe I lack faith and that’s why I still face troubles. However, we all know people who have displayed an amazing faith and yet faced hardship throughout their lives. In fact, I wonder about the Apostle Paul. Apparently, his faith was lacking when he found himself in prison, shipwrecked, stoned, beaten, left for dead, and many other countless trials. Then there is Jesus himself. He certainly displayed a faith we can all seek to emulate. Yet, throughout his ministry he faced great persecution and trials culminating in his death. Without that death, you and I would have no hope. Suppose, Jesus subscribed to the view that God wanted him to have his best life now. And that meant that he should never face poverty, persecution, illness, or relationship problems. The Bible teaches that we will discover our best life now when we put God above all that this world has to offer. When the gospel becomes our focus we experience true joy. As long as we continue to believe that joy comes in a happy family, a successful career, friends, wealth, and status we will only find discouragement and pain. When we live for Christ, knowing that to live is Christ (Phil 1:21), then and only then will we find the joy we desperately seek. Sunday, we will study Philippians 1:12-26. Paul will show us how to face all kinds of struggles and still be filled with joy. The secret is the Gospel!

Prayers

2009-07-21T13:52:00.001-05:00

As many of you know, three teens were in an auto accident on Saturday a few miles east of Loomis. Ronnie Bray, who graduated from Loomis in May, died. Talon Williamson of Oxford and Danielle Araujo of Loomis were injured. Talon was released from the hospital Saturday night. Danielle remains in the ICU at Good Samaritan. She is doing better but has a long way to go. Please continue to pray for her and her family. Ronnie’s funeral will be held at 2:30 on Wednesday at Holcomb EFC. Please pray for his family and the many students who will be attending the funeral. This is a very difficult time. However, we know that our God is gracious and almighty. All things are in his hands and he will bring glory out of this situation.

Also, we have been praying for Karen Larsen as she has undergone cancer treatments. We are rejoicing with her after a recent MRI shows that she is now cancer free. Continue to pray for her and her family and praise God for this awesome report.

Finally, Darrel Thorell will be having Gall Bladder surgery on Wednesday morning. After recovering at Phelps Memorial he will be moving to Christian Homes.

Our God is Good all the time!

How Not To Start A New Church

2009-07-16T14:40:00.001-05:00

In Jesus’ day there was a very common prayer uttered daily by many or perhaps even most Jewish men. The Apostle Paul as a Pharisee would certainly have been aware of the prayer and most likely prayed it himself. It went something like this: "Blessed art thou, O God, for not making me a Gentile, slave, or woman." This prayer was uttered in worship of the living God. Jewish men were truly thankful for their standing in culture. However, after meeting Jesus on the Damascus road, everything changed for Paul. The gospel convinced him that nothing within him made him worthy of God’s favor or salvation. He came to understand that God had saved him by grace alone apart from anything that he had done and that God was working in his life to conform him into the image of Christ. On his second missionary journey, Paul and his team went to Philippi. Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia along a major trade route, the Via Ignatia. Acts 16 tells us the story of the beginning of the Church. Paul’s first convert was a business woman from Thyatira. His next convert was a demon oppressed slave girl. Next, He led a Roman jailer to Christ. That’s right, the Philippian church charter membership consisted of a gentile, a slave and a woman. After only several days in Philippi, Paul was forced to leave the city and this fledgling church. A few years later he wrote the book of Philippians to encourage the church to unite together around the gospel and find joy in every circumstance because of God’s great grace that had saved them. Over the next several weeks we will be studying this great letter. The key to understanding the book comes from Philippians 1:21—“To Me to live is Christ”. When this is true we will experience great joy in any and every circumstance.

RODRIGUES NEWSLETTER

2009-07-15T15:49:00.001-05:00

Novo Demin

June 25th, 2009

Dear Friends,

Greetings from wet Novo Demini! We are in the rainy season again. Life gets a bit more interesting and trying to keep two energetic boys entertained for so long indoors can be a little tricky. Usually we have a few sunny days in between to help dry clothes. Rain or no rain we always have to get out for a walk, around the village, to let the boys run a little or play in the mud with their friends or to just simply sit with the Yanomami. Sitting or visiting, (the same word in the Yanomami language) is a very important part of their culture. It shows friendship.

On the 2^nd of July we are planning on flying out to Boa Vista as a family. There is still a little over a week but since at the last minute things get pretty rushed I decided to start writing a few days early. We will be spending 6 weeks out. We have been here almost 9 months so are really looking forward to some time in town. Ryan is still too young to understand, but Nathan is already making plans for his time in town. One of the boy’s favorite things to play these days is to carry luggage around and pretend like they are in a plane going somewhere.

There is so much I could write, but don’t want this to turn into a newspaper so will just try and tell you a few things that have happened. The beginning of this month our co-worker, Wellington, made a trip downriver to the little town of Barcelos. At the time he went, the river was still a little low. We were worried as there are a lot of rapids and when the river is low they are more dangerous. God was good and made it pour just a few days before he was to come up the worst ones. He took 4 Yanomami along also. They were gone for two weeks. We were all relieved to see them back safely. João usually makes this trip, but thankfully this year he decided not to.

We had someone send a few things up river from Manaus to Barcelos. A Christian man, in Barcelos, was to pick our things up when they arrived. From there, Wellington would bring them to us. Unfortunately, when Wellington went to pick up the boxes with the Christian man, one of the boxes was missing. It was the box that had 2 used solar panels we had bought from another missionary. When we got the news we were really worried and figured they might have been stolen. We later heard that the owner of the boat puts things of higher value in a safer place than the normal boxes. The man who was to pick up the boxes from the boat never asked for the box since he didn’t know they weren’t all in the same place. It looks like the box returned to Manaus on the boat, since no one picked it up. It is stored somewhere, but we are still in the process of finding out where and praying they are really there. Please pray we can soon have them in hands!

On the tenth of this month Nathan had his fourth Birthday. We just had a simple birthday party for him. He had sure been looking forward to His Special Day. Ryan, who is a year and seven months old, enjoyed singing Happy Birthday and helping his brother blow out the candles.

Sorry it’s been so long since we last wrote you! Our flights have been few and far between, so sometimes it takes awhile to get all our correspondence out. We want to once again express our gratitude to each one of you who supports us financially and through prayer. May God Bless You!!

Because of Him,

João, Hope, Nathan & Ryan

Light Of The World

2009-07-01T10:02:00.001-05:00

This light house in Cape May, NJ was built in 1859. It is the third such light house to be built in Cape May. The first two would be under water today due to erosion of Cape May point. At night, ship captains can see the powerful light up to 19 miles out

in the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Originally, the light had to be cared for and operated by the light house keeper. However, since 1946, the light has been automated. Currently, over one hundred thousand tourists climb the 217 steps to the top to gain a magnificent view of Cape May and the surrounding waters.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. Our responsibility is to point our world to safe harbor. We are to lead people into a saving relationship with the captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ. After all these years, the Cape May Light House continues to light the way to safety. There are however, many lighthouses across the country that stand tall as a monument but no longer light the way. Are we a light house pointing the way to safety or a monument to an earlier time? Lets be sure that our light is shining brightly for all to see.

Hope For kids--Haiti

2009-06-21T09:16:00.001-05:00

This comes from my brother, Rob, in Florida. This is during their VBS closing at McGregor Baptist Church . As you can see, we have something in common. We both like pies shoved in our face. The really cool part is that 13 kids in Haiti will have hope this year. Anyone want to help give a kid hope?

I got a pie in my face. Becky and I (actually, not us, but 13 HFK kids) were the recipients of McGregor’s (our church) VBS offering this past week. There was a “Pie in the Face” contest between the girls and boys. Everyone told me all week that every year the girls win. They were right.

The cool part is that the $3433 that was donated will give 13 kids in Haiti an education this coming school year! That is awesome. Our kids here giving an education to the kids down there.

Each of the 13 kids will be provided with their school tuition, school entrance fee, school books, school uniform, pair of shoes, development of a Hot Lunch Program, a Christian education, and best of all…Hope! How cool.

To our readers, if you would like to sponsor a child for $250 for this coming school year, let us know. I have many more children you can choose from.

For more information on HFK, visit www.rminet.org/hfk

Here is the video of the pie…

Camp Joy

2009-06-18T16:27:00.001-05:00

I had a great time spending a few evenings at Camp Joy this week. I spoke to the kids three times. The theme this year is “He Is The King Of The Jungle” The first night we looked at the garden of Eden. God is our king because he created all things including me. Adam & Eve chose to be their own king however and plunged the world into sin. God, in his great grace chose to cover their sin. In Genesis 3 God promises to send a redeemer. We know that Jesus is the redeemer who offers us everything we do not deserve, namely salvation. The second night we saw David trust God to be his king who was powerful enough to defeat the giant, Goliath. When we trust God to be our King there is nothing to fear. The final night we saw an 8 year old boy become king of Judah. In spite of his father’s and grandfather’s extreme sin, Josiah chose to follow God. While fixing up the temple, the priest found the book of the law. It seems very odd that a priest could be serving in the temple without ever having read the law of God. When they found the book of the Law, it was read to the nation and Josiah continued to reform the nation from idol worship to worship of the one living God. Josiah was able to change the patterns of behavior but not the heart of the people. After his death, Judah once again was lead astray by idolatry and soon found themselves overcome by the Babylonians. We must read, study and apply God’s word not is simply to modify our behavior. If faith is simply about a list of things we don’t do, faith will quickly evaporate. We read God’s word in order that we might know the king of kings and the Lord of Lords.

Each night we considered the following question. What would your answer be? He is the King of the Jungle, Is he the King Of me?

Treasure

2009-06-12T11:06:00.001-05:00

Don’t Waste You Life—John Piper

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1852_2_dwyl_videos/

Yard Sale

2009-06-11T14:39:00.001-05:00

Don’t miss the yard sale! This Saturday, the youth group is sponsoring a yard sale here at the Church in Loomis. There will be lots of great treasures. I have seen a few nice Lazy boy recliners, desks, clothes, books, toys, a foosball table, sink, and lots more. These treasures will go on sale, Saturday at 8:00 AM.

Its Meeting Time

2009-06-10T10:42:00.001-05:00

Sunday after church we are having a potluck. Bring the family and some food to share and join us right after morning worship. Then at about 1:00 we will gather for a spring congregational meeting. It won’t take long so plan on staying to hear what God is doing here at Loomis EFC

Camino De Vida

2009-06-08T17:56:00.001-05:00

For a while now, our church has had the opportunity to support a church plant in Lexington. God is using Camino De Vida (Path of Life) church and Pastor Juan Santos in a mighty way to share the good news of God’s grace to the Hispanic population in Lexington. This past Saturday, Stephanie and I had the privilege to attend Juan’s wedding to Maria Morales. Juan and Maria have been a great team serving the Lord together in Lexington. Our prayers are with them as they now serve together as husband and wife. Here are a few pictures from the reception which was help at Holcomb EFC. Yes, that is Juan flying through the air.

(Sorry, these pics were taken with a cell phone)

On The Calendar

2009-06-05T11:28:00.001-05:00

Next Sunday, June 14, we will host a potluck dinner right after the morning worship service. Around 1:00Pm we will hold our Spring congregational meeting. The meeting will be short so plan to attend and be a part of ministry here at Loomis.

On Sunday June 21 the Loomis Community Club is holding the Annual Loomis Fun Days. The first event of the day is a worship service in the park. Pastor Mike from the Lighthouse Baptist Church will be preaching and I will lead the service. There will not be any services here in our building. Bring a lawn chair and join us as we worship God together with our community.

Go Serve!

2009-05-29T15:41:00.001-05:00

Prayer for the “City”

2009-05-28T16:22:00.001-05:00

I don’t live in a city or anywhere near a city but I believe with all my heart that God loves and wants to save this community. I believe that God has placed each of is in our particular places to be a light. We are put here to make a difference. How can I make a difference? Join us this week as we look at Abraham’s audacious request for the city of Sodom.

The men turned away and went towards Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Genesis 18:22-25

HINT: There is one who is righteous

VBS Day2 Queen Esther takes a big risk for God

2009-05-27T14:07:00.001-05:00

VBS Day 1

2009-05-26T15:34:00.001-05:00

State Track 2009

2009-05-22T23:14:00.000-05:00

Bible Instruction Class Graduation

2009-05-19T21:24:00.001-05:00

^{Front L-R Shane Sundquist, Dalton Refior, Teak Edwards, Sam Thompson, Elaine Christensen,}

^{Back L-R Wes Aubol, Kristi Freed, Riley Hahn, Andrew Abramson, Kelly Thorell, Josh Earsom, Pastor Tom}

²⁴Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Prayer

2009-05-15T10:42:00.001-05:00

Please be in prayer for Grant & Irene Hazlett. Irene fell last night and suffered a broken hip. As of right now, it looks like she will be having surgery in Holdrege sometime today. (Friday)

Gail Dieter had Hip replacement surgery on Tuesday in Kearney. The surgery went well and she is beginning the long road to recovery.

Ron Urbom’s grandson, Levi Urbom is on his way to Iraq with the National Guard. Devin Carmichael, Tyler Lindstrom, and Chris Limbach (Grant & Irene’s Grandson) are currently in Iraq. Levi Titus is on a carrier headed towards the Persian gulf. Please keep these young men and others you may know in your prayers.

A Debt Of Gratitude

2009-05-12T14:08:00.001-05:00

This is Police Memorial Week. Each year the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund sets aside the week of May 15 to remember those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty and to honor those continuing to serve. Tomorrow the Phelps County Police Chaplain Corps will hold our annual Police Memorial with a service at North Park Assembly Church in Holdrege. Everyone is welcome to join us as we remember the officers from surrounding states who gave their lives and also honor our local officers. The memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM. There are many dedicated officers serving us each and every day. Please join me in praying for them and their families.

A slight exaggeration?

2009-05-08T09:34:00.001-05:00

Often I wonder about James. He was our Lord’s brother. That means he grew up with the perfect brother. That may not have been the easiest thing in the world. In his book, James tells us to “consider it all joy when we face trials”. Surely, he didn’t really mean that. All JOY—that seems a bit over the top doesn’t it? There are some really bad things that we have to face. Surely, James doesn’t mean we can be joyful in the worst times. Or does he? Ya, I think he really does believe that you and I can be joyful in the worst circumstances. This Sunday, we are going to explore the means to finding joy in each and every situation.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4