Dear Church Family,
I can't believe it has taken so long for me to get to you
, since our return from a glorious mission trip in Cuba.
Rest assured that you have been in our hearts and in our prayers. I love each and every one of you.
Coming back to an almost "
ghost town" of an airport stunned our team. God's hand was on us in a big way
though, throughout
the journey. We had no idea how significantly our world would change
while we were in a remote area. Our flights were scheduled many weeks ago
, when only God knew
our flight home would be the last afternoon you could fly out of Cuba! Talk about God's guiding hand!
Unfortunately, I am slow with technology, and with
another flare up
of my life-long allergic cough
, and taking medicine that slows me down, - - (not to mention
our quarantine),
- - well, I just finally got set up at home with
my church computer, etc....
How I thank God for the initiative and great work of our
Staff
, so that we could begin to have a viable on-line presence
, and to develop new ways for us to fellowship together on
-line.
And many thanks to our volunteers who also are fostering on-line fellowship and prayer gatherings. It sure doesn't feel the same as "social closeness", but we will learn some new things
, and God will see us through.
It's great to be back. All 14 team members came back healthy and strong
. (See Havana airport photo above). We look forward to the day
when we can share with you directly. I do have to admit that the last few months I have had to
struggle with my allergies
and other health issues for the longest season ever. I have not
really been able to be full strength since
around Thanksgiving. I hate to say what
some of you also have experienced - "getting older is not for sissies
"! LOL!
Young or old though, the
Corona virus does not change the fact that we Christians have the call of God upon our lives
, and Christ living in us.
Galatians 2:20 says, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Let's keep loving Him most of all
! Let's keep looking out for one another the best we can
. Let's keep actively caring for those in need
, while we journey together toward victory over this crisis, and beyond, in the Name of Jesus! In Luke 10:27 He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Check out
www.Fantasticfirst.org to watch sermon videos, and for links to Zoom for live video chat for prayer and group meetings, and for login information and a link to Right Now Media, where you can watch Bible based movies, lessons and studies on every topic.
If you need help with the technology, the staff stands ready to help you. You can reply to this e-mail to reach Vicki Apple, or contact any of the other staff, directly.
I have asked for a printed list of our church directory to go to our
members and constituents
soon. Please call and check on each other, and encourage others to participate with FANTASTIC FIRST ONLINE.
Still Serving Christ With You In These Difficult Times,
Pastor Rick
