Pastor's Post 8/10/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

     Football camps are hot, smelly, and tiring.  However, this past weekend, camp produced more than mere football improvements.  As of Tuesday evening, eight (8) young men have come forward professing a decision to follow Jesus.  It makes the long days and sleepless nights fade away like distant memories.  Please, pray for Jack, Baylee, Coach Groce, and me as we disciple the new converts.  

     Pastor David is building eternal relationships in the Walker County system, specifically at Ridgeland, as well.  Please, lift him up as he ministers to our kids.  

     Thank you so much for allowing us to connect with our communities through the schools.  

     The youth and staff will also be ministering in the new Gateway community across from Ridgeland on Saturday, August 19th.  They will appreciate your prayers, and I’m sure they can use all the help they can get.  If you are interested, see Pastor David, Juan, Craig, or Bradley.      

     This Sunday, Andy Childs, Pastoral health coordinator for the GA Baptist will be with us.  He will speak on the importance of balancing spiritual and physical health.  I’m sure he will be both entertaining and encouraging.  

     It is of utmost importance to invite folks to Sunday School, small groups, Bible study, church socials, dinner events and various get togethers.  We have all these in place at Shiloh, but do we care enough to bring our friends, loved ones, and strangers?  

     I also remind everyone of our Right Now Media resource.  It is the Netflix of Christian resources, and is packed full of video driven studies, devotions, commentaries, entertainment and more.  There is material for individuals as well.  I have also begun a Shiloh church video library to assist with some of the more popular studies.  If you are not signed up, please, let us know and we can send you an invitation to join.  

     I left the two previous paragraphs (From last week) in with intention.  As we enter a new school year, we would like to boost existing ministries and birth new ones.  Consequently, we can only accomplish this with your continued spiritual, physical, and financial support.

     I seldom mention finances at Shiloh because you are so generous and faithful in giving tithes and offerings.  However, I wouldn’t be a Pastor if I didn’t remind you occasionally.  I understand how difficult balancing budgets can be during vacation time, so I only ask you to pray about systematic weekly giving and additional love gifts as God blesses you. As I have already stated, you are a loving, giving family of believers.  

     I firmly believe your generosity is one of the reasons God continues to give blessings and souls for your labor.  Thank you from the depths of my being.   

2 Corinthians 9:6-9

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  NKJV

     Also, in the up-and-coming weeks, our Associational office is providing training in prayer ministry, evangelism, children’s ministry, and youth leader collective.  Anyone interested in any of these ministries is welcome to attend.  Please, contact the church office for details.   

The blessings of obedience far outweigh the toils of sacrifice.       

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell