Hello to all of you who have obtained many years of wisdom, 

I wanted to touch base with all in our ministry and inform you of some events that will be coming up quickly. The first is the Spring Jubilee in Branson, Mo. This years Jubilee is April 20-22 with speakers Jerry Vines & Johnny Hunt. The Jubilee also features Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Hoppers, Karen Peck & New River, Aaron Wilburn and Larnelle Harris. (Also, please remember to pray for Pastor Johnny Hunt as he goes through the steps of fighting prostate cancer.)

The sign up sheet will be in the Pastor reception area starting this sunday and we need you to sign up as soon as possible. There will be a $50.00 non-refundable deposit due when you sign up as Jubilee will not refund the entire amount. Please see your bulletin for more details.

The second event is our kick off pot luck. It will be coming up more than likely the last of January or the first of February. I will post more information in the bulletin as it comes available. 

I look forward to a great year in the Lord Jesus with you all, and if you do not have a sunday school class, i'd love to have you in mine, it is located in building C, side entrance, first door on the right. Hope to see you there.

I love you guys,

Kenny

I can remember as a young boy and into my 20's at how easy it was for people to say "Merry Christmas", but now I hardly ever have anyone to wish me a merry Christmas. 

Saturday evening as we were exiting Wal-Mart, I told the young cashier "Merry Christmas". She looked at me for about five seconds and replied back very hesitantly "you too" as if she had no idea what I meant by wishing her a merry Christmas. I asked how the day before went for her (friday after Thanksgiving) and she told me she would never work another friday after Thanksgiving. There is more than meets the eye as to why they call it "Black Friday". This day shows how dark and sinful the hearts of many people are. I hear of stories of people getting trampled and cursed out just because another person was too slow or got the last item on the shelf. The issues of I, me, and mine have overtaken the central theme of why we celebrate Christmas. Christmas is about giving, caring, sharing, and most of all it is about the love of Creator God for humanity. God gave us the greatest gift that is far above anything that man could ever offer. He sent His Son to save us. Jesus came to the earth, lived a sinless life and then died on a cross for our sins, giving hope to every single human being alive.

To know Jesus is to repent of your sins, believing that He died on a cross placing those sins on Himself and then raising from the dead gaining victory over death, the grave and hell. One must know the Truth of why Jesus came. He came to redeem mankind, to restore the relationship between God and man because of man's sins against God. He came so that we would not have to go to Hell and be permanently separated from God when this life on earth is over. Yes, Hell is a real place that real people go without trusting in Jesus as Savior. The Bible tells us this clearly. The Bible has changed entire cultures and millions of lives throughout history because it is the living Word of God by which the Holy Spirit directs and guides His people.

The message of Christmas should be shouted from every Christian alive. When you get an opportunity to wish someone a merry Christmas, remember that in our culture they may not have a clue to who Jesus is or why you would say it but, there is no better time to explain the Grace of God than during the time that we celebrate the birth of Christ. May you have the opportunity to explain what you mean by saying the words "Merry Christmas."

We love you guys,
Kenny & Sonda

Oh, I almost forgot, "MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE"

As I pondered this morning in my quiet time about the wonderful grace of God, the question came to mind, will I "share Jesus" with anyone today, will I take the time "as I go" to tell someone of His saving power and His willingness to forgive anyone of their sins,  I immediately stopped and ask God to give me the boldness to stand for Him and for His Spirit of love to overtake any internal battle that begins as the opportunity to witness arises.

My prayer for you is that God will give you not only the willingness, but the boldness to stand and present the Gospel of Christ to someone "as you go" today.

May the Lord Jesus bless your day,

Kenny

There was about 110 of our senior adults along with a few visitors at our ice cream fellowship held last thursday night. It was great evening of fun and fellowship as our Lighthouse Clowns brought many smiles and laughs throughout the evening. There were over 15 different flavors of home made ice cream and several desserts. Thank you to those who came out and supported our ministry and also a thank you to our staff for their support.

Here are some pictures of the evening

As we traveled out through the western states and into the Northwest, I realized for the first time how amazingly big America really is. I knew our states and where they were on the map, but had never traveled through them until this mission trip. We were able to see the vast amount of wheat fields in Kansas and they truly do look like "amber waves" of grain. We were able to see the snow covered peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. I understand now why they call Montana "Big Sky Country". The rolling hills and the mountains seem to go on for ever with no sign of civilization and the sky is amazingly blue. 

As Mac Green drove our van most of the way out I was able to look at all that God had created and had to just thank Him for placing us in such a beautiful nation.

The mission trip was an awesome experience as we were able to minister to the needs of the native Americans of Montana. We were able to speak to many people about God's love for them through Jesus Christ. Many of the people have a belief in Indian Spiritualism and some believe in Jesus as well, but our message was believe in Christ and Christ alone for there is no other way and nothing can be added. I know that some of our team did talk to those who knew Jesus as Lord and Savior, but for the most part that area is in need of Jesus. So please remember to pray for Bruce Plummer as he and his wife minister to that area. 

One individual that Pastor Danny and myself happened upon as he drank his beer reminded me of what Paul must have dealt with in his travels as he tried his best to spread the Gospel of Christ. We were just inviting people to the clown presentation that was taking place in that town and as we came upon this place that was right on main street, Pastor Danny told them about the presentation and before he could get any type of invite out, the guy interrupted him and told us to enjoy our show, then Pastor went on to invite him and the guy then told Pastor and myself again to enjoy the show and to move on and leave them alone, Let me tell you that this guy was evil and he looked like he wanted to tear me and Pastor Danny apart. That's when I slammed him against the wall and shoved my knee into his throat !!!! Just kiddin" :)  That is really when I wondered if I could outrun Pastor, Just kiddin' again, but in all seriousness, I wonder if God will ever give this man another opportunity to know Christ as Lord, my prayer is that he will.  

Pastor Danny made the comment that he knew God was up to something that night as there were too many distractions taking place. After the clowns presented the gospel as only they can, Pastor Danny gave the invitation and there were 5 people saved that night. Praise His Holy Name !!!!  

To the Clowns, I say a big thank you for allowing me to be a part of your ministry during this week. 

For those of you who have never watched the "The Gospel Clowns", I suggest you do. These ladies worked tirelessly every day presenting the Gospel and making kids and myself laugh. Through the week I know of 7 hands that went up as the invitation was given of those who had accepted Christ as Lord after the clowns had finished their presentation.  Thank God for people who are willing to step out!!

There are so many other stories that could be told, but for sake of time I'll have to wait for those. But one other thing that needs to be stated is a Big Thank You to Chris and Paige and Jack and Fru and all the others who helped plan this mission trip, may God bless your efforts to spread His Gospel message.