Dear Church Family,
If you were in service this past Sunday, you may recall how we saw mankind's response to God during the bowl judgments of Revelation 16. Rather than turn to God in repentance, men continued in rebellion against God. The Bible says:
"Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory" (Rev. 16:9 NASB).
"Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds" (Rev. 16:10-11 NASB).
I couldn't help but think what a contrast this is to the reports we are hearing coming out of Haiti. As we know, that nation suffered a national tragedy with the huge earthquake that took so many lives and destroyed so much of the infrastructure. Yet, in the midst of such pain and suffering, people are turning to the Lord. During the middle of February, a national call went out for three days of prayer and fasting. Thousands responded and reports are coming in of hundreds receiving Christ. One of our elders, David Scheiman, works with World Vision. This Sunday, he will share a video clip and give us a report on this amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the people of Haiti. Please continue to pray for this nation and also the nations of Chile and Taiwan which have also suffered earthquakes recently. As we hear these reports of the increase of earthquake activity, I'm reminded of the words of our Lord Jesus when He said:
"And Jesus answered and said to them, 'See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name saying 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs'" (Matthew 24:4-8 NASB).
Also, this Sunday, we will introduce the members of our Prayer Room Ministry to the congregation. These faithful prayer warriors are available each Sunday to pray for needs that people bring to the Prayer Room. We consider this ministry a vital part of our Sunday Service. The Bible encourages us to "ask, seek and knock" (Matthew 7:7-11) and, at times, we need a brother or sister in the Lord to help us carry the burden to the throne of grace. If you would like to join the Prayer Room Ministry, please contact Gail Mondoux who would be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Before the service this Sunday, at 9:00a.m., there will be a meeting in the Small Auditorium of those who serve in the Hospitality & Greeter's Ministry. Our desire is that everyone, whether a member or a visitor, feel welcome when they come to SHCC. Our host, hostesses and greeters accomplish this with their smiling faces and their warm welcomes. If you would like to consider becoming a part of this ministry or have questions regarding it, you are invited to the meeting. Be sure to seek out Jerry and Nancy Sameshima who lead this ministry.
God bless you! See you Sunday!
Pastor Mike Laramie
