I’m sorry that I missed my blog assignment last week, but I was deep into the Alaskan wilderness and frankly glad to be there. I had the opportunity to spend 9 days in the Fairbanks area, preaching in churches and doing some camping/hunting. I had the privilege of preaching seven times in two churches. The first Sunday I preached at Hamilton Acres Baptist Church, where one of our recent graduates, Dan Glass, is serving along with his family. They are doing very well. The second Sunday I preached at Pioneer Baptist Church in Moose Creek, started by another of our graduates and built with the help of one of our missions teams. Just before getting on the plane to come home, I was able to preach at a Sportsman’s Banquet in Fairbanks. The opportunity to preach the gospel and see some come to Christ was sweet and refreshing.

The week was physically challenging, but mentally and spiritually refreshing. We got to camp, canoe, and hunt in the warm sun, the cold rain, and even the blowing snow. It was great to go and great to come home. For those who care about such things…I did connect on a bull moose. I’m looking forward to our fellowship this Sunday Morning as we observe the Lord’s Supper together. I am expecting God to do a real work in all of our hearts. See you there, Lord willing.

In Him,

Pastor Tim

Well, it’s Friday morning, I’m a couple of days late on my normal “blog” schedule. I’m sitting in the Philadelphia airport, waiting to take a flight from here to Atlanta (and there’s a delay), then on to Seattle, then ultimately Fairbanks, Alaska…very late tonight. Apart from being home with my family, home with my church family, or up in the mountains of Pennsylvania, Alaska is my favorite place on earth. So, I’m looking forward to the next week of preaching, teaching, counseling, and of course some hunting. I will be spending time with one of our recent graduates and his family, Dan Glass. We share a passion for ministry and the great outdoors.

In getting ready to get out of town this week, I needed to get some assignments finished in connection with our annual report. The basic idea that came to mind in writing my report was thinking about some of the big surprises in the past year. Some were good, some weren’t. The biggest “weren’t” surprise was the dramatic economic crisis. It has been hard. It is affecting individual families in our church, and then obviously the church ministry itself. However, like all surprises, none of them surprise God. He knows, He is engaged, and He’s accomplishing His purposes in our lives and ministries, not in spite of the consequences and because of them. Clearly God does some of His “best work” in our trying circumstances. What a great blessing to see the kind, compassionate, and generous outpouring of love, concern, and support for our families in need.

Another big surprise for me was certainly on the “good” list. By God’s grace and His design, this past year turned out to be the best year in my life for seeing people come to Christ in my life and personal relationships. It has been an indescribably joy and powerful encouragement. There is nothing like seeing what God is the heart and lives of those He brings to Himself.

So, Lord willing, I will return safe, sound, and refreshed on the 28^th and see you all back in church! Have a great day, a great week, walking with our Savior.

In Him,

P. Tim

September is almost always an encouraging month for me. Yes, there are always plenty of challenges, problems, and obstacles to address, but as the real beginning of the ministry year it always brings hope. There is always great excitement with the beginning of school. Seeing both the old and many new students buzzing around the building is actually quite pleasant, particularly when some of them are our grandchildren! Seminary begins in earnest and I love the opportunity to teach and interact with our students who are eager to learn, grow, and more effectively serve Christ. Our public worship is refreshed by the return of the choir and orchestra. The start of Awana excites our children. Our teens are reenergized by seeing all their friends in school and the restart of Teen Youth Chapel. It’s profoundly encouraging to slip into TYC and watch and listen to our teens fellowship around Christ, His service, and His worship. You should do it sometime! And of course, September brings the beginning of the opportunity to enjoy my most favorite outdoor activities! So, it’s September again, and I just want to praise the Lord for it.

In Him,

P. Tim

Isaiah 40:28-31
^“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. ²⁹ He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. ³⁰ Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; ³¹ but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

So, this morning I get up early and set off to a men’s group around 5:45. I’m focused on my schedule and the first item is getting to the bible study on time, but then I step outside. It’s the first light of sunrise. It’s crystal clear and cool, even crisp…like the first taste of the Fall for me. Literally my mind floods with Fall memories and Fall plans…and I’ve got to tell you…It was GREAT! What a glorious morning! After Bible study I got back to the office just after 7 and got back into my study of Hebrews 7, preparing for Sunday. A couple of hours in and things got real noisy…real distracting. So, off I went to find solitude and a good cup of coffee. So, sitting outside, studying God’s Word with a good cup of coffee (and even a blueberry muffin) on a clear, cool, sunny, breezy, Fall-like day, well…it was great! Really great! I don’t know what the rest of the day will be like, but as I said, the first part was great!

Psalm 34:8 “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”

In Him,

P. Tim