I wish I had written this newsletter article yesterday morning. If I had written this yesterday morning, I could have started by sharing my excitement about our upcoming VBS, the growth in our church, the depth of our worship and the joy of our fellowship. Instead, today, I have started with great sadness.
Yesterday afternoon, May 24, 2022, 19 children and two adults were murdered at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
And I really don’t have words…
Sadness
Sorrow
Pain
Anxiety
Fear
Empty
All of those words fall very short of what I am feeling right now. I don’t even know how to pray.
And that’s Ok…
Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; (Romans 8:26)
Yes, I am looking forward to a successful VBS in June. There are 109 precious souls registered to attend. I want every single one of these children to know that they are loved, they have value, they have purpose and that they are safe! I want us to help them develop a relationship with the Savior who will never leave them nor forsake them. I want them to learn about the Good Shepherd who will both provide for them and protect them.
Today, I appreciate a little more our responsibility to these kids and to our community. The church uniquely has the answer for the cancer of sin in our nation. There is only one thing that can change the hearts of evil men and the heart of a nation: The Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our privilege and our responsibility to share the Good News!
Hug your kids.
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
God bless,
Pastor Rob