It’s been an amazing summer so far and I wanted to update the church on various things that have happened. The Lord is doing so much in our midst that it’s hard to keep track of it all! May the Lord continue His work in our midst by the power of the Holy Spirit. I also want to thank the many faithful leaders at Redeemer who continue to pursue, set up, and lead various ministry and mission activities! Nothing happens apart from faithful and earnest leadership.
Thank you to Eric and Heather Wright for their leadership in taking another crew of students to Snowbird this year! Each year the Lord uses this time of retreat, outdoor fun, and spiritual challenge to strengthen the faith of our teens. It’s only possible to send nearly 50 high schoolers to this camp through your generous giving which supports the youth ministry and the additional adult volunteers willing to go and keep everything on track.
Thank you to Sherry Morgan and Betty Sue for hosting another joyful Vacation Bible School! Once again the church was filled with joyful children learning about Jesus, His salvation by grace alone, and singing His praises. I came to salvation at Vacation Bible School many years ago and it will always hold a tender place in my heart. Again, this wonderful ministry is only possible through the many joyful volunteers that each play their own role to bring together a joyful and safe week. Thank you all!!
Thank you to deacons David Libbon and Ernie Booth for putting together the first of two Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief build projects. We love to partner with this Christ-centered disaster relief organization to do our part to help in Jesus’ name. This year we are working to help rebuild homes in western North Carolina destroyed last year by hurricane Helene. It’s a joy to see our people working together to help those in need. Thank you!
Thank you to Mark Alexander for organizing a second Samaritan’s Purse trip including a good group of our youth. This group worked in the same western North Carolina region to continue our contribution to help rebuild homes of people who lost everything, but had no flood insurance. It’s great to see our young people using their summer to serve in this way.
Yet to come this year are two trips to SuRefugio orphanages in South America. SuRefugio specializes in rescuing sexually abused young girls out of trafficking and other abusive situations. We also expect to send another group of our men back to northeastern Nigeria to encourage and pray for Pastor Timothy, and the brothers and sisters we support in the midst of deadly Christian persecution.
A few things in closing. Please continue in prayer for our mission trips! Pray for people to say “Yes!” to the call of sacrificial service. Pray for the safety and effectiveness of our efforts to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and do good in Jesus’ name. Thank you to elder Rodney Swann for a strong vision and leadership to grow our mission efforts from zero to the major effort it is now!
Lastly, I want to thank you again for your constant and sacrificial giving. We are able to send so many people on mission because it’s a major part of our budget. The church covers at least 60% of every person’s mission trip cost. As an elder group, we believe in investing in church members going on mission!
May the Lord strengthen each one of us to pray, give, and go on mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
Pastor Vic