August 4, 2007
" It is to no purpose to boast of Christ, if we have not an evidence of His graces in our hearts and lives. But unto whom He is the hope of future glory, unto them He is the life of present grace." —John Owen
Answers to Prayer
What a blessing is ours to participate as witnesses of the new life Jesus Christ has given through the baptism of other brothers and sisters this last Sunday morning! Remember to pray for Sergio Martinez, Elizabeth Rivero, Jackie Rivero, and the Diaz family (Juan, mom Olivia, and daughter Olivia).
We had a nice visit with Sherry Cosgrove. Now she has returned home to Oregon. Praise the Lord for the enjoyable fellowship. Pray as Sherry soon begins another school year.
Requests for Prayer
If all goes according to plan, Jonathan Kirkwood will be discharged from the Marines August 31st. Along with Jonathan we do pray for these who are also serving our country.
We add to our list of US soldiers today, Jeremy Thomas, who has just begun basic training. This Jeremy (not Jeremy Mullens or Jeremy Peters) is Peggy Mann's grandson.
- Marvin Funkhouser—leaving for Iraq between April 6 and 10
- Coleen—a friend of Woody and Barbara Blalock
- Bryan Miller (Cosgroves)
- Jonathan Kirkwood (Ken and Jean's son)—home (Pendleton) from a tour in Iraq
- Chris Shelton (Cosgroves)
- Jeremy Mullens (Cosgroves)
- Sam Im (Korean congregation)
- Ryan Davey (Stella Rogers' grandson)
- Russell Perry (Cosgrove)
- Steven Henning (Cosgrove)
- Sara Parmenter—has returned from Iraq
- Tony Loving
- James Farmer
- Kevin Nicholas
- Jorge Avalos
- Ryan Bareng
- Kenneth Miller
- Jeremy Peters
- Jeremy Thomas
Francine (and Garrett) Covington's father, Pete, died last Monday. A graveside service is scheduled for Monday, August 6. You may remember that earlier this year, Francine's brother drowned. As you pray for the family, please especially remember Francine's mom, Sylvia.
Michael Peters let us know that his step-dad, Hoppy Hales, died last week. It was not long ago that Michael's dad, Roy, died and his mother, DeLois, was hospitalized. Remember this family in prayer.
Ray and Donna Banks ask prayer for these who are hurting. Ray works with a young mother of two young children who has been suspended from work (bus driver) because of seeing black spots in her eyes and other stressful events in her life. Their friend, Ray, has a stepson, Patrick, who had heart surgery. Donna has a friend whose mother's health has wosened because she exhausted every financial means to purchase the necessary medications, nor does she yet qualify for Medicare.
Fred and Fran Klingsporn's nephew, Ryan Theiebault is still in intensive care. He now has pneumonia, which has prevented the removal of the ventilator. The doctors are confident Ryan will survive. Options for therapy and rehab are being considered, since, at this time, there is paralysis from the chest down. Please continue to pray for Ryan, his parents, and their family.
Pam Holmberg asks for prayer. She soon has a hearing that will determine her eligibility Disability.
Pastor Yoon is in Korea conducting an intensive Bible conference. Pray that many will be saved (some have an open ear due to the recent executions by the group claiming to be part of the Taliban).
Beverly Covington, Sonny and Alice's sister-in-law, began chemo treatments last week to destroy cancer cells. Pray this treatment will be effective and that Beverly will regain her health and strength.
From last week…
Alba Wong, a member of the Spanish congregation will be in Guatemala August 1 through 8. Ask God for His richest blessings and protection. She is especially visiting a son who has cancer.
Friday, Ken, Jean and Molly Kirkwood flew to Washington. Now they are on their way back home, having collected Molly's possessions. Once home, they will pack Molly and drive to Texas Christian in Fort Worth, where she will be attending school this year. Ken also hopes to visit his uncle (who recently had a leg amputated).
Joe Vaughn was driving when another car smashed into him. Joe was not hurt, the car is, at this time, not drivable.
Fred and Fran Klingsporn's nephew, Ryan Theiebault is still in the hospital. Earlier in the week there was an unsuccessful attempt to remove the ventilator. While Ryan is still on the ventilator, he is holding his own. The doctors believe Ryan will be paralyzed from his chest down. He is moving his arms, responding to people and shaking his head. Would you continue to pray that the ventilator can be removed? Also remember the family in prayer, too. Fred and Fran went to Henderson earlier last week to offer assistance and comfort.
May we rejoice or pray with you? Others will intercede with you on your behalf before the throne of grace.
Happy Birthday!
August 3, Alana Kiser
August 3, Carol Mead
August 4, John McKinley
August 4, Jerry Guerrero
August 6, Pam Holmberg
August 7, Joyce Holeman
August 7, Eric Oldenburg
August 11, Woody Blalock
August 16, Jeannie Leonard
August 17, George Cowan
August 18, Bob Nicholas
Happy Anniversary!
August 4, Art and Carol Mead
August 5, Don and Coeeta Prettyman
August 6, John and Susan Cool
August 6, Pete and Joy Palmer
August 15, Richard and Ellen Hayes
August 17, Chris and Laura Palmer
Study the Scriptures Systematically
Zechairah 9-14, "Joy" stresses rejoicing in the Lord's salvation. Open these notes here.
Hear God's Word Expositionally
Browse the audio sermons preached by Pastor Rigsby (or download for later listening):
Rightly Dividing Salvation and Reward | Romans 6:23.
What is the difference between something you earn and something you are given? If so, how? Listen now.
Jude's Problem and Ours | Jude 5-10.
What happens when you all pretenders to become leaders in the church? Listen now.
Read the Bible Carefully
In our Bible reading this month, we will pass through both books of Chronicles and finish the Psalms. From the Gospels, Luke continues to hold our attention. Paul's three letters to the Colossians and the Thessalonians will round out reading. Stay faithful in reading God's Word!
Download the suggested Bible reading guide (each are 2 pages):
July and August 2007.
May and June 2007.
March and April 2007.
January and February 2007.
Use the Internet Constructively
The Abiding Life
"The abiding life is the true Christian life. John 15 gives us the pattern for spiritual growth and effectiveness as believers. In the passage, we are called branches, Christ is the vine, and the Father is the vinedresser. What are the characteristics of authentic branches?" [Finish this article].
"Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will."
