Pastor’s

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  Optimism is a choice.  The same is true for pessimism.  You will enter 2010 choosing one or the other.

       As I look at our world, I can’t help but see it pessimistically.  Planet Earth is prophesied in scriptures to be decaying at every level and will eventually cease to exist as we know it.  However, I must personally decide to respond to our world optimistically.   I do this by determining how I will shine in a darkening environment.

       I commend our church for giving in excess of $5,700 to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.  Our generosity illustrates an optimistic response to a needy world.

       I want to exhort those who have purchased a One-Year Bible and have committed to read through God’s Word in 2010. (As of this writing, nearly 90 copies have been purchased.)  This is an optimistic approach to the New Year.  You cannot be a projector of light until you have been a recipient of light.

       January 3rd is an opportunity to begin the New Year in a positive way – attend Sunday School and Morning Worship.  The only way to excel on the tests of life is to be committed to the classroom of God – His House.  Begin the first Sunday of 2010 by deciding to be a disciplined follower of Jesus Christ.

       On Sunday, January 24th, Evangelist Jack Daniels will be with us for both services to lead in what he calls a “Harvest Day”.  This is your opportunity to reach out to wanderers who are lost in the darkness of sin and bring them before the exposing light of the Lord Jesus Christ.  To read more on Bro. Jack go to www.jackdaviddaniels.com/testimony.

       A good year begins with a good month.  I want to challenge you to commit your all to Jesus in January.

For the Savior,
Bro. Steve    

Bobby’s Copy

Dear Church Family,
       As you go through your journey with the Lord, there are times in your life that you "place a stone" as Joshua and the Israelites did as they crossed into the Promise Land, to remind you of the event that has taken place.  I have placed several stones during the year 2009.  The first stone that I remember is Bro. Charles retiring.  I knew that one day it would happen.  I just never realized it would have as much impact on me as it did.  I served under him for over 14 years and he definitely had a positive influence on my life.  The next stone was serving under Bert Langley.  I have known and loved Bro. Bert for years, but during his interim at our church, I really got to know and love him.  His leadership and love for the Lord truly blessed my heart and as I look back, I know he was a Godsend.  He also had an impact on my life.  In August, we called Bro. Steve as our new pastor.  I would not be telling the truth if I did not say that this brought me to my knees before the Lord many times.  His arriving was another time of placing a stone.  I fell in love with him and his family as soon as they got here.  God is doing an awesome work in his life and he is allowing God to do an awesome work in our church. 
       As I look upon 2010 I know I will be placing more stones, but it sure is a blessing to look over my shoulder and see all the stones that God gave me reason to place.  Matthew will be leaving in a few months and Mark and Cari are growing up faster than I could have ever imagined.  Janet, which is derived from "John", means "God's Gift" and she is surely my gift from God. 
       Thank you BVBC for loving me and my family.  I am looking forward to God giving us more reasons to place a stone this next year.
            In Christ,   
            Bobby