Pastor's Post 10/8/2022

Dear Shiloh Family,

    What a gorgeous fall day for a train ride through the Hiawassee gorge, and the experience would yield both enjoyment and enlightenment.  Pleasant temperatures, falling leaves and iridescent hues hinted of inevitable seasonal change.  As we paralleled the winding Hiawassee River, the sun danced and sparkled off the surface of the water and initiated a silent reverence to a great creator. 

     The coach of the L&N was comfortable, and the ride was smooth. Amenities included restrooms, soft seats, snack bar, and souvenir shop.  Two locomotive engines barely hummed as 4000 horsepower towed us up the 3% grade toward the power station. The passengers were attentive (as attentive as 100 5th graders can be) as our knowledgeable guide relayed railroad info, Hiawassee history, and local folk lore along the journey.  

     However, my perspective changed on the return trip because the engineer, who is also my good friend and Christian brother, invited me to sit in the cab with him.   There was no turn-around at the halfway point, so the towing engines became pushing engines. I became an awestruck child is I absorbed the ensuing communication between the engineer and forward conductor.  

Since the two engines were now pushing, the engineer was driving blind.  Over the radio speaker I could hear phrases like, “All clear through the strait-away and into the next curve.”  At which time, the driver would repeat the phrase exactly the way he heard it…every time.  It was incredible.  We navigated double-s curves, bridges, and crossings with precision and without incident.  So precise was the communication, the skillful team brought a 7-car train to a point of disembarkation on a three-foot off-ramp.  They had harnessed power capable of running 70 mph and pulling a city into a leisurely half-day field trip for a group of 5th graders, teachers, and a fortunate pastor.  

Matthew 28:18:  18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. KJV

John 1:12: 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: KJV

Think about it.  Through Jesus Christ, we have been given power to both change our lives and influence the world.  Sometimes that power pulls us along while other times we need a little shove.  Often, we are allowed to ride along and enjoy the wonders of our great creator.  Other times we are commissioned to serve others in various ways.  However, the power of God is best harnessed when his people realize their function in the body of Christ and work together for His purpose.  When we communicate with the Engineer and designer of all things, and relay His word to the world, it translates into “joy unspeakable and full of glory’ days along the journey.    

Romans 15:13

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. NIV

 Enjoyment of the journey often depends upon understanding the map.       

 God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell

2022 NEW MEMBERS:  Dustin Afman;  Rob, Lori, Bowden, and Garrett Gass, Jake and Kristen Brown, Patricia Fleming, Jimmy Farrow, Joella Morehead, Bill and Rita Willett, Moe, Sharon and Pat Gass, Becky and Doug Trew; Paul, Laura, and Jacob Donahoe

PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS:  If you would like to meet to discuss membership at Shiloh, I would love to meet with you between the two morning services from 10:00 – 10:30 AM.  Please schedule the appointment through the church office.

We will continue to stream the 11:00 service as usual.  Once again, if you are sick, please stay home.  We don’t want anyone to feel pressured into coming if he/she is not comfortable.

If you choose to meet at the church during the week, PLEASE!  Let Melissa know the time and location (room) for your ministries.  It is imperative that we coordinate all gatherings at the church. If you have questions about Shiloh ministries, contact us at secretary@shilohbaptistministry.com.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT:  October 30th

SUNDAY WITH THE BOOTH BROTHERS:  November 6th, 11:00 AM.

THANK YOU:  Thanks to all of you for your attendance and participation in You Can Share It Day last Sunday.  Dr. Moyer was very impressed by your genuine outpouring of love for others and interest in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was so appreciative of your $1700 love gift as well.  Please put what we have learned into practice.  May God richly bless you all