“So then, while we have opportunity,, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” – Galatians 6:10
Stephanie and I just want to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU! You guys have made October to be one of our favorite months of the year. All the encouragement, prayers, and gifts have once again overwhelmed us and reminded us of how blessed we are to be here with you.
It is truly an honor and joy to be your pastor and everyday I am reminded of how blessed we are to serve Ramsey. You have made Ramsey home for us and we feel as if we are one of you. Even through the difficulties and joys of the past several months, there is no other place we could imagine being than here.
I also feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to serve side by side with Pastor Matt. His enthusiasm and joyful spirit energize me each day. I am excited for you all to really be able to see what I see everyday in this upcoming month while I am out. I completely trust his wisdom and ability to serve you with the same leadership and passion which he does with our kids and youth each week.
He, Jenn, Olivia, Owen, and Oakley have been a huge benefit to our church family and we look forward to what the Lord has in store for us in the future. Thank you for accepting them so easily and praying for them regularly.
For those who do not know, I will be unavailable for the month of November because of surgery on my ankle. While the surgery is not real serious, the recovery will be long. Stephanie and I would definitely appreciate your prayers doing this time. (She will probably need them more than me.)
I look forward to being able to return (hopefully in December) and celebrate with the incredible arrival of our Lord through the Christmas season.
Following Him,
Pastor Jeff
Luke 14:11 says, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” As Jesus sat in the house of a Pharisee, He noticed the pride and arrogance of the people. He calls for humility as the created towards both the Creator and other created humans. Followers of Jesus should always be living in humility for what God has done and will continue to do.
In October, the Youth Group enjoyed good discussions on Wednesday nights and a good time at several events. Youth Encounter in Marion with around 600 people was a wonderful time of games, illusions, worship, and God’s Word. Field of Faith in Vandalia with around 50 students was also a wonderful time of games, fellowship, and God’s Word. Lighthouse was a blast as we laughed, played games, and enjoyed talking about faith.
Mission Kids in October has been learning about serving the Lord and others. Mission Kids, along with the Youth Group, packed boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Continued prayers for our volunteers, students, and for the Miller’s as they enjoy their new daughter, Jordan.
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, the calendar is getting full of various activities. For the Youth Group, in November the girls are going to the Awsom Girls Conference in Decatur on the 3rd and 4th and Lighthouse will take place on the 10th. Both Mission Kids and the Youth Group will meet every Wednesday night except the week of the 22nd at 6:00pm. Mission Kids will be discussing faith and mission, and the Youth Group will be discussing being thankful.
Please continue to prayer for all the students in Ramsey, that they would know Jesus personally and grow in an active relationship with Him!