Pastor Commentary

We continue to rejoice in what God is doing among us!
This weekend the entire team had a "field trip" to Concord, NH
where we visited a thriving, growing congregation of Christians
which has seen excellent growth since they instituted small
groups as the major emphasis of how they exist. In the last two
years they have grown from less than 200 to more than 700.
And this is in the "rocky soil" of New England, and not on the
more cosmopolitan coastline. We were encouraged to see how
our Lord is working. We were blessed by an upbeat worship
time and a relevant, well-presented, engaging, biblical message.
That was followed by a very instructive sit-down time with
one of their "zone" leaders of the small group network. We came
away encouraged and more confident that this direction is
workable and pleasing to the Lord. We learned about how to
train small group leaders, using small groups for discipleship
and outreach, and literature germane to the endeavor.

On a personal note, Carol's brother is entering Yale-New Haven
this Friday for intensive treatment for amyloidosis, a very
rare disease which generates a great surplus of protein
molecules which then clog and inhibit proper function of
organ after organ. His was diagnosed early. The treatment
will include harvest of millions of stemcells from Bob himself,
then intensive chemo, then reintroduction of the healthy
stemcells into his system. More than a week in hospital.
Yup, hairloss expected. Yup, nausea normal. But the prognosis
is positive. Bob and his wife Linda are trusting the Lord for
strength, stamina, a positive outcome, and a testimony for
our Lord among hospital staff and doctors. Please pray with
us and them.

Also, Carol leaves Tuesday for Salt Lake City to visit Becki and
family. Please pray that she will not only have flights which
are safe and profitable(for the Kingdom), but that she will be
a blessing while she visits our daughter and her family.

Thank you for caring so much.

Love,

Russ and Carol