Pastor's Post 6/30/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

      It was an exceptional East Coast Florida day…bright sun, warm temps, and perfect riding waves.  The seven-year-old was having the time of her life.  

     Her Mom and Dad had given specific instructions; “Keep your life vest on, don’t go to far out, and stay close to us.”  However, Lilly was oblivious to the fact that each wave ride was pushing her further up the beach.  It was the longest ride yet, and she needed to receive some recognition.  So, she stood up, arms held high, triumphant grin, only to find no familiar faces.  Thinking she was still south of the family; she ran north up the beach…no luck.  Correcting her error, she turned down the shoreline for a distance, but still no parents.  Frantically, the lass began wandering among the hundreds of sunbathers.

     Meanwhile, from the deck of the motel pool, we could hear panic on the beachfront.  Finally, a young man approached the pool and breathlessly blurted out, “She has a red life jacket (it was actually black), she is 7-yrs-old, and her name is Lilly. Please, help.”

     We were all immediately nauseated.  It was every parent’s nightmare.  We all began asking questions, running to and frow, and racking our brains about where a little lost girl might be.  Eventually, the lifeguards, beach patrol, and local authorities were involved as well.  

     I’ll save you some anguish and let you know the story has a happy ending.  After an hour or so, we saw Dad raise his hands in victory and thanksgiving.  It seems two teenagers, strangers to the family, saved the day.  They had found Lilly almost a mile up the beach.  When asked how they had found a girl they had never seen, the teens simply replied, “We just kept walking and calling her name.”  Wow!  Isn’t that great?  

Galations 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

     I remember when the waves were driving me away from church, family, and God.  Mom and Dad kept calling my name… to me and to the Savior.  Other friends, and church staff relentlessly called me to come back to Jesus.  Most importantly, the Holy Spirit called me by name.

John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

Keep calling, keep listening.   

Prayer for Sunday:  Brother Dan Hyde, our Associational Director of Missions will be preaching in both services.  

Also, pray for our youth as they leave Monday for their Summer Retreat.           

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell