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Dear Shiloh Family,

It was a real scorcher, and I really wanted to be under the pavilion in the shade. However, a little voice (not in my head) kept echoing, “Mr. O’Neal, would you come help me on the monkey bars?” My common sense told me to stay right where I was, but my Poppy sense spoke overwhelmingly louder. So, I ventured into the jungle of the land of little people.

“Mr. O’Neal, I can climb up, but I can’t get down. Would you hold me, so I won’t fall?”
“Ok, I will help you one time, but you need to try it yourself the next time.”

The kindergartner completed the task without error, and in doing so, discovered it wasn’t as far a drop as once feared. I had fulfilled my promise and could return to the adult world into the shadows. However, a slight tug on my shirt tail prompted me that my task might be extended, when a small squeaky voice emitted from beneath blond hair and blue eyes. “Can I do it too?”

As I turned toward the pleading munchkin, I realized we weren’t alone, and the line was growing rapidly. Before we could get back to the bars, it appeared that most of the kindergarten class was excitedly waiting for assistance from the grey-haired gullible teacher. What a great day! And what better way for Mr. O’Neal to introduce himself to a group of insecure students?

Spiritually, someone helped you on the monkey bars the first time. It was scary and untraveled terrain, but there were helping hands to catch you if you fell and encouraging words to guide your hands to the next rung. And wasn’t it such a comfort when you realized it was God’s hands and his marvelous grace that were supporting every move you made.

The main reason the doors are lined with new guests and faithful members, is because folks are holding up one another and teaching faith in the Cross of Jesus Christ, and how His grace is sufficient in every situation. The baptismal pool is full because God’s people are coming out of the shadows and stepping into the light of ministry…and often into the heat of the battle.

Our church will continue to grow when we continue to love God, love people, and lift up the name of Jesus. Find a way to lift up someone this week. 

Acts 2:44-47: 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. NKJV

On a side note, we will only have one service the next two weeks. We have a guest speaker and seminar this Sunday. The following Sunday is homecoming. I apologize to the faithful few attendees of our early service. We are not canceling the 8:30 worship time. We just feel it is necessary to meet collectively in one service during these special times. Unfortunately, they fall in back-to-back weeks. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. 
 
A hand extended breeds love intended. 

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell