I feel either stupid or negligent, or maybe both. I have preached and taught
and always known that after every great victory among God's people, Satan
attacks.
   When we pause for a minute to catch our breath, or take a step back to
'relax' for even a second following a long campaign (like raising the money
necessary for a new roof), the enemy strikes. Hard.
   We, including me, are celebrating the wonderful victory won by the Grace
of our incredible God, when the enemy shows up to steal our joy and our victory,
to attack our faith, and to tarnish God's Glory.
   We still have a roof, and it's a good thing after all this rain, but we are not
out of the woods yet. I have focused on the roof to the detriment of the other
needs of the Church. The 'other needs' aren't as glamorous or as obvious as a
new roof, but they are just as essential. The 'other needs' are utilities, insurance,
office supplies, kitchen supplies, taxes, and yes, staff salaries. We print our own
bulletins (copy machines & computers & paper & stamps) and stream our services
(sound equipment, cameras, & internet service). And it all adds up. The needs
add up and they out-pace our resources (which never seem to go down).
   We started October with 52,909.50. Our total weekly budget needs are
estimated at 52,795. ln a four Sunday month that's $1,1180.00. According to our
Budget deposits for October we received $7648.81. Let me help you with the
math, we were $3,531.19 short for October. And November is another five
Sunday month. To aggravate, and worsen the situation, attendance is down and
Daylight Savings Time either starts or ends this week-end (l can never keep it
straight).
   BUT GOD lS STILL GOD-ALL THE TIME. With God's help and by God's Grace
we will weather the storm and survive the battle, but it will take all of us, all of us
trusting God, all of us following God, all of us praying to God, all of us serving God,
and all of us standing together before God and with God.
Remember these words: EMC EMS EMG EMP. BLESSINGS & PRAYERS,
                                             Blessings Prayers and Love,
                                                        Bro Tom