October 12, 2022

Pastors Letter, October 12, 2022

Dear Pine Glen Church Family,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I trust you are well, and that you are setting your minds on things above day by day (Colossians 3:2). It has been much too long since my last letter, so there is plenty to update you on.

It was a great summer for my family and I. As you know, I was finally able to visit my parents in Canada for the first time in years, which was a real treat. Then last month, while we were on vacation, we met up with my sister and her three kids. Believe it or not, it had been 8 years since Steph and the kids had seen them! We met up at a Cracker Barrel in southern Virginia, and had a wonderful time. They have just moved down to the Raleigh, NC area and are settling into life in the States.

Over the last couple months, we have been deeply concerned about Deloris Deimer. Back in August, after suffering a stroke, Deloris was pronounced dead. But miraculously, she slowly recovered and is now back home in York. Glory to God! I had the opportunity to talk with Alan last week, and he told me the story of their journey since her initial stroke. It is a story of one miracle after another which God worked in her body.

I don’t know how many texts I had with their daughter Carolyn (as she updated me on Deloris) that included the words, “Hallelujah! Glory to God!, Praise Jesus!” It is a wonderful testimony to the power of God to heal. Alan really wants our church family to know how grateful they are for our prayers during this trial of faith. Let’s continue to pray for Deloris as she regains her strength and vitality.

One event that we have been promoting is our bus trip to the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC. It is set for October 24^th and there are still 3 seats open if you haven’t signed up yet. Personally, I can’t wait for this! I know we will have a blast and learn much about the history of the Bible. I also pray that we will have even greater confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21).

Another event that I know the ladies are excited about is the Heart and Hands conference, which is set for this Friday. Let’s pray that God uses this event in powerful ways, and that it proves to be a blessing to all who attend. We are also looking forward to having another “Missions Sunday” on November 6^th, with Ross and Elaine Moore. Let’s continue to hold them up in prayer as there is much uncertainty about their return to the mission field, particularly when it comes to the unrest in Mali. We will be surrounding the Moore’s with prayer on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. You can sign up at our Welcome Center desk for a time slot to pray for Ross and Elaine between 6am to midnight in half hour increments. In addition, the church doors will be open that day for anyone who would like to join in prayer from 6pm to 8pm.

Election Day is now less than a month away, November 8^th. We know that all elections are consequential, but right or wrong, it feels like each election becomes even more important. I only say that because of the rampant immorality that we see around us, and the evil policies that are being increasingly legislated. Let’s be in prayer for our governing authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and remember that God is sovereign over the kingdoms of man (Daniel 4:17, Proverbs 21:1). As Christians, we don’t have to fear the future. The Bible says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Philippians 3:20). Amen!

Our annual meeting is set for November 9^th at 7pm. If you are a member, we are asking you to be there. Even if you are not a member, we would welcome your attendance. Along with the business side of things, we will be talking about important matters that pertain to the future of our church. The Church occupies a critical place in God’s plan of redemption. The Bible says, ^“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Let’s remember to pray for our church and for this upcoming meeting.

As you know, Andrea Kauffman and Cari Haubrick are battling cancer at this time. Unless you or a loved one has journeyed through cancer before, it is hard to fathom how difficult it is. I want to encourage you to continue to pray for their healing and endurance and for their families. Let’s also pray for others in our church family who are sick and plagued by illness. Finally, let’s remember our widows and widowers and the challenges they face. God has placed us together, and we have the privilege and responsibility of ministering to one another in Jesus name.

Pine Glen Alliance Church family, never stop being amazed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the unfathomable grace of God. Never serving one another in love (Galatians 5:13). And never stop proclaiming the excellencies of Jesus! (1 Peter 2:9). He alone can save and He alone is worthy of our praise!

Until next time,

Pastor Dan