Churches Reaching Out

One of the advantages of itineration is being able to see in person what churches in the US are doing.  We have heard about several Open Bible Churches reaching out to their communities in practical ways, but now we are actually observing what they are doing.

Our son Paul is the pastor of the Living Bible Church in Austin, Minnesota.  He and his family were on vacation last week and over the weekend, so he invited us to visit and to share what God is doing in Eastern Europe.  We were happy to say yes, especially since we were pastors of the church in Austin for ten years before we left to serve in Hungary.

Jan announcing Saturday's Backpack Block Party.

Sunday morning was wonderful.  The presence of the Lord was in the worship, people were attentive to hear what we had to say, and we were able to catch up with many of our friends in the congregation before and after the service. 

During the announcements, Jan encouraged everyone to participate in this coming Saturday's Backpack Block Party.  For the second year in a row, the church is inviting the neighborhood children and their families to an afternoon of fun, food and games.  They will also give away a free backpack filled with school supplies for the first 75 elementary school children who come to the party.  What a way to minister to the needs of the community!  The Living Bible Church has many neighbors who struggle financially and a free backpack with school supplies is a welcome help.  Not only is the Living Bible Church a faithful supporter of international missions including ours, they are missionaries themselves to their own neighborhood.

May the Lord bless the Living Bible Church with good weather, plenty of happy volunteers, and another successful Backpack Block Party.  May many, many needs be met, not only physical and material, but also eternal as a result of this coming weekend.