May 13, 2021

Dear Pine Glen Church Family,

I am writing this on a beautiful spring morning. It is very green and there is abundance of life all around us. I trust you are enjoying the beauty and freshness of God’s creation.

This past Sunday we were blessed to host Bruce and Stephanie Beers at our church. The Beers are International Workers to Uruguay and have been on the mission field for 33 years now (10 in Uruguay and 23 in Ecuador). One of the things we learned from Stephanie’s presentation is that Uruguay is the most secular country in South America. Just like most missionary work in the 21^st century, the Beers are having to be exceptionally creative in their approach to reaching those around them with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

During the presentation, I was struck by how much the United States sounds like Uruguay. Yes, there are vast differences (Uruguay has 3.5 million people, America has over 330 million), but the challenges we face in reaching lost people are very similar. Twenty or Thirty years ago, one would have hesitated to call America a “secular” country. But now in 2021, there is no hesitancy at all. It is undeniable.

As we move forward as a church, it is critically important for us to find those “bridges” to the gospel. Ask yourself, how can I reach out to those around me? It could be as simple as inviting a neighbor to church, or it could involve inviting them over for coffee and cookies. There are thousands of people in Mifflin County who need the Lord. God wants to use you to reach out to them with the love of Jesus! Be in prayer for them and be thinking about how you can be a “bridge” to someone finding the joy and hope of salvation.

Indeed, it was a blessing to host Bruce and Stephanie, but I must apologize for not having a love offering at the end of the service. It completely slipped my mind. If you would like to give to them and their ministry, it is not too late. Just indicate on your giving slip this Sunday or in an upcoming Sunday the amount you would like designated for them. And of course, let’s be in prayer for them as they prepare to head south (way south!) back to Uruguay later on this summer.

Colossians 4 captures some of what I have been talking about. It reads this way: ^“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. ⁵ Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

This has been another season of loss for our church family. Willie Byer’s funeral was on Tuesday and I would continue to ask you to pray for Joann and her family during this time of grieving. There are many others who either continue the process of mourning the loss of a loved one, or they are dealing with some form of physical sickness. The Body of Christ is so special and powerful because we can bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and pray for one another. Whether it is a card, phone call, text, a bible verse being shared, or offering a helping hand, let’s show the love of Christ through our actions.

Lastly, you will have already received the email regarding VBS. I will simply echo the call to a renewed focus on prayer and some form of involvement if you are able.

Pine Glen Alliance Church family, I want you to know that you are loved. First and foremost, by our God and Savior (Romans 1:7) and by myself and our elders. Don’t hesitate to call us if you have a need. And let me exhort you to cling ever tighter to the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-30). Truly, He is a wonderful, merciful Savior and He is coming back soon! (Titus 2:13).

Pastor Dan