THE REPORTER August 2017 [email protected]. www.mtzionwesleyanchurch.com “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 Volume 14 . Issue 8 Continued on page 2 . . . It was a cold winter’s morning as the two boys left for school. Roads were icy, and they were surprised that there had not been a school delay. The older boy had his license for only a short time, but he was a careful, conscientious young man, and he promised his Mom that he would be extra cautious. His 14 year old brother was glad that they no longer had to ride the school bus, but could get an extra 15 minutes of sleep each morning. As their car approached a sharp curve, they saw a large truck skidding across the road into their lane. As they swerved out of the way of the truck, the icy patch sent them careening over a steep embankment and the car rolled over. The driver was stunned and covered in cuts, but he escaped serious injury. 14 year old Danny was not moving. A nightmare began for that family on that icy morning. Danny had sustained a spinal cord injury, and they were told that he would never walk again. If he survived, he would also have considerable brain damage. Members of their small rural church surrounded the family with love and prayers. What could they do to help? When doctors took Danny off of the critical list, the church leaders began to consider the long-term needs that this family would face. They lived in a mobile home on a small farm. In a wheelchair, Danny would not be able to maneuver through the narrow hallway. His parents could not get him into the bathroom for a shower. The church leaders came up with an ambitious plan of building an addition to the mobile home that would have an entrance ramp, a handicap-accessible bathroom, and a large room for Danny and any rehab equipment he would need. The plan was coming together nicely when the pastor requested a meeting with the elders. “We need to spend time in earnest prayer about this,” he told them, “I just don’t have peace of mind about what we are planning.” A couple of the elders expressed the same concerns. You see, God had placed it on their hearts that what they were doing “wasn’t enough”! What they had initially planned was a big project for a small congregation with limited resources. But God was clearly challenging this pastor and church leaders to do more — they were to build a house for Danny! There was already a well and septic system on the property. This family needed an open concept home where Danny could join the family around the kitchen table, go to the fridge for something to drink, watch TV, and feel like he was part of their every day activities. He could not do that confined to an addition. God was asking this small church to do something amazing in response to this terrible accident. One of the church members was a retired construction supervisor. He volunteered to be the project manager. As soon as news spread throughout the neighboring communities, donations started rolling in. One company provided the windows, another paid for the roofing, someone else bought the cabinets. One by one the supplies needed for the house were checked off the list. A volunteer crew was on site every day, with the pastor swinging [email protected]. www.mtzionwesleyanchurch.com Is It Enough?
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
Volume 14 . Issue 8
Continued on page 2 . . .
It was a cold winter’s morning as the two boys left for school. Roads were icy, and they were surprised that there had not been a school delay. The older boy had his license for only a short time, but he was a careful, conscientious young man, and he promised his Mom that he would be extra cautious. His 14 year old brother was glad that they no longer had to ride the school bus, but could get an extra 15 minutes of sleep each morning. As their car approached a sharp curve, they saw a large truck skidding across the road into their lane. As they swerved out of the way of the truck, the icy patch sent them careening over a steep embankment and the car rolled over. The driver was stunned and covered in cuts, but he escaped serious injury. 14 year old Danny was not moving.
A nightmare began for that family on that icy morning. Danny had sustained a spinal cord injury, and they were told that he would never walk again. If he survived, he would also have considerable brain damage. Members of their small rural church surrounded the family with love and prayers. What could they do to help?
When doctors took Danny off of the critical list, the church leaders began to consider the long-term needs that this family would face. They lived in a mobile home on a small farm. In a wheelchair, Danny would not be able to maneuver through the narrow hallway. His parents could not get him into the bathroom for a shower. The church leaders came up
with an ambitious plan of building an addition to the mobile home that would have an entrance ramp, a handicap-accessible bathroom, and a large room for Danny and any rehab equipment he would need.
The plan was coming together nicely when the pastor requested a meeting with the elders. “We need to spend time in earnest prayer about this,” he told them, “I just don’t have peace of mind about what we are planning.”
A couple of the elders expressed the same concerns. You see, God had placed it on their hearts that what they were doing “wasn’t enough”! What they had initially planned was a big project for a small congregation with limited resources. But God was clearly challenging this pastor and church leaders to do more — they were to build a house for Danny!
There was already a well and septic system on the property. This family needed an open concept home where Danny could join the family around the kitchen table, go to the fridge for something to drink, watch TV, and feel like he was part of their every day activities. He could not do that confined to an addition. God was asking this small church to do something amazing in response to this terrible accident.
One of the church members was a retired construction supervisor. He volunteered to be the project manager. As soon as news spread throughout the neighboring communities, donations started rolling in. One company provided the windows, another paid for the roofing, someone else bought the cabinets. One by one the supplies needed for the house were checked off the list. A volunteer crew was on site every day, with the pastor swinging
THIS MONTHPrayer BreakfastMeet at Stack’s Restaurant on Thursday, August 3rd, at 8a for a time of prayer and fellowship.
Ladies Book ClubThe July/August book selection is “Death of a Garage Sale Newbie” by Sharon Dunn. We will meet in Van Cise Hall at 6p on Monday, August 21st, to discuss this book. A light supper will be served. Sign up on the bulletin board.
Blue HippoAll kids/teens (kindergarten-12th grade) interested in this drama group are invited to be a part of “The House of Hippo Meets the House of Mouse” — a dramatic musical review of some of Disney’s best moments. Starting Monday, August 7th, Blue Hippo will meet at 5:30p.
his hammer along with all the rest. Some came for a few hours in the evening after work. An electrician and a plumber volunteered their services. Teenagers came to carry materials and to just be part of this project that was unlike anything they had ever seen. Women of the church kept a constant supply of sandwiches, cookies, and iced tea flowing. What started as a “church project” became a community working together for good — and for God.
The family has been in their comfortable home for several years now. I wish that I could tell you that Danny was miraculously healed, but that is not the case. He continues to struggle with health challenges, but their home is a place of love and joy. So many people who participated in this work say that it was the most unique experience of their lives. They could see and feel God at work, bringing people together to accomplish a goal that was clearly beyond their perceived capabilities. The pastor reminded them daily that only God can decide when what we are doing is “enough”.
We cannot earn our way to heaven by the deeds we do. Salvation is a gracious gift from God. However, God has given each of us specific talents and gifts that are to be used to glorify Him. We have the opportunity every day to choose to be obedient servants of God. Have you ever sensed God telling you that what you are doing, or what you are giving, “isn’t enough”? Has He challenged you to step out in faith and tackle a job that you don’t feel adequately prepared for? We need to remember what the Lord told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Our human weakness and insufficiency provides the ideal opportunity for God to display His divine power and provision - often in unexpected ways.
When God nudges you to think about the ways you are serving Him, don’t be surprised if you start asking yourself, “Is this enough?” He may have some exciting challenges planned for you. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
- Gay Sabo
Wednesday groupsOffice Hours
“Is It Enough” continued . . .
office hours . . . . . . . . Starting Wednesday, August 2nd, Chari will be in the church office in the afternoons (instead of mornings) from 1-3:30p. Unless it is an emergency please refrain from calling/texting Chari’s cell phone after 5:30p for church-related things. Send an email and she will respond promptly the next day. Thank you!
Tuesdays and Saturdays are Pastor Steve’s days off.
Missi ns News“We must be global Christians with a global vision
because our God is a global God.” ~John Stott
GIVINGJuly Missions Giving
Global Partners Faith Promise . $833.35
JESUS Film (support) . $100Wes. Native Ministries . $100
Hephzibah Ministry . $100
Shunem Ministries . $100
World Hope (support) . $120
Mt. Zion Care Ministry . $166.67
Henry Cty Community Foundation Match DayWestminster Center . $100Christian Love Center . $100
Safe TripTom & Lydia Hines arrived safely in the United States. They arrived in time to participate in the ordination of their 2 sons as ministers in the Wesleyan Church.
Tom & Lydia will be involved in Hispanic Ministry in the U.S. Pray for this new venture.
Hephzibah Children’s HomeThe special offering we took up on Sunday, July 30th, for Hephzibah Children’s Home totaled $894.60! Thank you for your giving!
If you did not give but would like to, please make checks payable to Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church and give to Julie Rogers on Sunday, August 6th.
TeensMt. Zion
Lake LemonThe Annual Teen Lake Lemon Trip will be Saturday, August 5th. We will leave the church at 8a and return at 8p. Drinks, hot dogs, and hamburgers will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share, a towel, swimsuit (no bikinis or speedos!) and sunscreen. Sign up on the youth bulletin board so we know how many to plan for.
Water Night LiveJoin us Wednesday, August 9th, at 6:30p for Water Night Live. Come prepared to get wet (and maybe a little messy) with some water games outside. Swimsuits aren’t required, but if you do wear one, please no bikinis . .. that includes you too boys! The evening will end at 8p. If it is raining, we’ll still meet with some fun things inside.
August 2ndNo youth . . . have a great first day of school!
August 9thWater Night Live . 6:30p
August 16, 23rd, 30thYouth at 7p.
WEDNESDAYS
Coming soon . . .
Teen Bash 4, Mystery Gamenight,
& The Four Challenge. Stay tuned!
Mt. Zion
ClubhouseWe will begin meeting again on Wednesday, August 9th, at 7p. Join us as we begin to take a cinematic look at the life of Joseph.
Children’s ChurchIn August we will be learning that miracles can still happen today.
Armor Up Camp!We took 6 boys and 6 girls to Fairmount Camp in July where we learned that God is our strength. The kids were taught the importance of putting on the full armor of God, not just a portion, to stand up against the enemy, satan.
PARENTSCORNER
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full
armor of God so that you can take your stand against
the devil’s schemes.”Ephesians 6:10-11
As we head back to school I can’t help but think of how important it is for all of our Mt. Zion kids to put on the full armor of God each day. We learned at camp that satan is our true enemy, not the people around us. Unfortunately, he uses those people around us to try and crush us, to defeat us.
The Sunday before school starts we will spend some time during Children’s Church talking about what it means to put on the full armor of God and how it can help us in our lives, our homes and especially as we start a new school year. We will write down our fears and prayers for the upcoming year. Then at the end of the school year we can look back and see how God helped us in those areas.
I encourage you to also take the time to discuss Ephesians 6:10-18 as a family. As parents, pay special attention to verse 18. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Praying for our kids each day as they go off to school is one of the most important things we can do. Pray for them to have God’s truth, His righteousness, His peace and His word so they have the faith in their salvation that they need to face every enemy.
