Did any of you hear that storm hit around 2:00 a.m. this morning? The wind was huffing and puffing like it could be a tornado. Then all of a sudden everything fell silent. I thought, “Uh oh, we’re in for it now!” But, nothing happened, except that it began to rain a little. When I checked outside this morning to see if their were any tree limbs down or things blown out of place, all I found was a blanket of leaves covering our yard and a few puddles of water in our lane. We need more rain yet, but none is forecast for the rest of this week. Pray for rain. God can change that forecast.
Happy birthday to Miranda and Elise Hallmark. Their birthdays are just a few days apart in October. They celebrated their special days by spending a day on the lake and attending a special music concert that was held at the High Street Baptist Church one evening last week. I asked Miranda who the music artists were that she enjoyed the most at the concert. She said that she got to see and hear Matthew West, Jonny Diaz and Josh Wilson. She also commented that she saw some friends from school and that she had a great time with her mom. I didn’t get to talk with Elise, but I’m guessing that spending a day at the lake was her birthday choice. As a bit of Bradleyville school news, Miranda let me know that their musical called, “Into the Woods” is scheduled for November fifth and sixth. Miranda is a member of the Bradleyville choir that will be performing the musical. She is very passionate about her music.
Pat Gates also had a birthday last week. We sang, “Happy Birthday” to him as he gave a birthday offering that will be used for the Pakistan mission fund. Our church family likes to give birthday offerings for relatives and friends too. We find that it’s a fun way to give a little extra to missions.
Special music for the Sunday service at Red Bank was presented by Eloise Hallmark, Jerry Huff, and a quartet made up of Jake Hampton, Jeane Huff, Alice Lirley and Gary Lirley.
Our pastor was ill this Sunday. Eloise reported that he had some chest congestion and cold symptoms. Anyway, he wasn’t able to fill the pulpit so Gary Lirley filled in for him. He spoke from Matthew 18. This chapter begins with Jesus answering the disciples question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,” by sitting a little child in the midst of them. “And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Vs. 1-4) Humbling ourselves and trusting as a little child when we come to Jesus for forgiveness and Salvation is the only way our heart’s door can be flung wide open for him to come into our lives and truly become our Lord and Master.
It was good to see that Willene Adams was able to be in church Sunday. She always enjoys taking part in the Sunday school Scripture reading and discussion.
Pam Shell was busy this week entertaining her sister-in-law, Karen, who came to visit. According to Pam, they spent quite a bit of time touring Branson. She indicated that the tourism at Branson hadn’t slowed down yet and that there was a lot of traffic to drive through. Pam is an experienced driver so that probably didn’t bother her too much.
Gary and Alice Lirley attended the annual Fall Festival held at the Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center last Friday evening. They were the guests of Maxine Lirley. They report that the affair was well attended and the food and entertainment was great.
Next Sunday evening, October 31, the Red Bank Church will host the Fifth Sunday Singing. Come and enjoy praising the Lord with wonderful singing. This special event begins at 6:00 p.m.
The Old-Fashioned Camp Meeting and Revival will begin November first at the following churches: Pleasant Ridge = Nov. 1-2; Goodhope Nazarene = Nov. 3-4; Breeden = Nov. 5-6; Red Bank = Nov. 8-9; Goodhope General Baptist = Nov. 10-11; and Dogwood = Nov. 12-13. Prayer meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. Music will begin at 6:30 p.m. Revival service will begin at 7:00 p.m. each night. A special prayer breakfast will be held at Dogwood Church, October 30 at9:00 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend these special prayer meetings and revival meetings.
Don’t forget to vote on November 2. That is one right that each of us, as American citizens, need to take advantage of. That is how our voices can be heard loud and clear. God has blessed America because we are a Christian nation. Let’s keep it that way. He has blessed us and protected us all these years. It all depends on our choice. Our way or God’s way. Our way leads to sure defeat. God’s way leads to sure Victory. It’s like an unknown author once wrote: “Know Jesus, know peace: No Jesus, no peace.”
Take care and have a blessed week.
