November is the top of the hill for the holidays. Soon Thanksgiving will be come and gone, and the world will be in full Christmas mode…with or without additional decorations on our red coffee cups…and headed briskly for 2016.
2016 will bring lots of change. I’m fully expecting to have moments of tremendous joy and excitement, and also moments of despair and thoughts of “What are we DOING?!” Boldly, we go forward in faith!
I challenged the Highlands Team to stop and take a breath. Look yourself in the eye (use a mirror or you could hurt yourself) and prayerfully pause and get ready. As crazy as the holiday season can get, with the craziness comes a change in routine. In that, there is opportunity for reflection. We have many things to be thankful for! On the Highlands Team, we have seen God work many times. God has consistently lead us to the right people to meet big needs, he has consistently answered prayer to bring others to the mission of Highlands Bible Church, and consistently shown evidence that He is at work in the hearts of the people of Vernon.
BUT, unlike the boy in the photo giving himself a pep talk in the mirror – we are NOT superheroes. When the work comes, we will not be working from our own strength or for our own glory. 1 Peter reminds us – “whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11 ESV). May God be glorified through Highlands Bible Church!
Here are somethings you can be praying for:
- For God to provide a Worship Pastor to be over both campuses and develop strong worship teams.
- For God to supply our practical needs – things like a 12’ trailer for equipment, children ministry supplies, and more! (Stay tuned as we will make needs known).
- For more people to commit to the Highlands Team (Praise God we continue to see steady growth!)
- For funds to continue to come in.
- Most importantly – for God to establish His church in Vernon for His glory!
How do I stay informed?
- You can sign up for our blog online at: highlandsbible.wordpress.com
- Follow us on Twitter: @HighlandsBible.
- Make sure you are signed up for communications from the GPBC online community – CCB
How Do I Get Involved?
- Pray! (See above for prayer list)
- Give! Please consider giving to the Campus Expansion Fund. You can even give online.
- Attend a Highlands Team meeting – See Pastor Mike for upcoming schedule.
- Talk to Pastor Mike! Call/Text: 973-600-7497; mikeruel@greenpondbible.org; stop by the office! (with or without Starbucks…just sayin’)
