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Dear Shiloh Family,
 

     The frog kicked frantically towards the shoreline.  It was as if he anticipated and drastically feared what lurked beneath the surface.  He was only feet from the safety of the thick boughs of an overhanging Willow when he saw my silhouette.  The little fellow stopped abruptly to assess the situation.  He disappeared for a moment to check out the underwater dangers, reappeared and changed to a course that ran parallel with the lakeshore.  Little did he know, had he continued his original path, I would have assisted him to cover.  I didn’t stay around for the final scene, but I have an idea of the outcome. 
 

Psalm 46.2 Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas;
 

     Often, while struggling to keep our head above water, and dodging the eminent dangers that surround us, we become confused and fearful of the thing that could help us the most.  Sadly, that looming figure is the always ready, ever extended, highly capable hand of the Lord. Instead of running to Him, we keep Him in sight just out of arm’s length making us vulnerable to the attacks of Satan and his demons.
   

     Your church staff is working diligently to provide ministry opportunities to assist you and your family, ministries that will inevitably help avoid and stave off the attacks of the evil one.  Don’t be fearful of new methods and means.  
 

Hebrews 13.6 So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?  

 

This Sunday is our Chest of Joash Day.  We will receive an offering dedicated to the principle of our existing building loan.  I firmly believe paying off the debt is paramount to our progress and will be instrumental in allowing our church to provide many future ministries for the sake of the Gospel.  This is always a special time for our church. 

  

        There will be two opportunities for giving.  First, the chest will be placed at the front of the auditorium, and I would like for each family to come as a family unit and deposit their offering while using it as a time of prayer as well.  What a wonderful teaching moment for our children.  Allow them to experience the joy and reverence in giving to the Lord.  

  

     If you intend to give online, you can designate your love gift to the special day.  However, please write the amount on a slip of paper and come by with your family to deposit it in the chest. 

  

     Secondly, an annual pledge sheet will be presented for monthly love gifts.   Some have indicated that though they couldn’t give a large one-time gift, it would be easier for them to give on a long-term basis.  The pledge sheet will present a chart that will give a picture of the effectiveness of a one-year systematic program.  It will reflect gifts from $1000 to $5 per month.  
 

     Please remember, we are not fleecing for money, the church is not hurting for money, and God is not bankrupt.  We are simply providing an opportunity for you to connect and help your church move forward in ministry.  
 

     I encourage you to ask the Father how he would have you participate, monetarily or physically, in the work of the body of Christ.  
 

Fear is only as strong as the belief in the one who can calm that fear.     
        

God bless you all, 

Pastor Derrell