Happy Thanksgiving

It's that wonderful time of year when we pause as a nation and give thanks to our God for all His blessings in our lives. Throughout the month of November, we've been hearing testimonies of God's goodness, and hopefully they have reminded us of some reasons to give thanks.

After all, the Bible does remind us:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

and

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... (Ephesians 5:20)

and yet again

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)


As we gather with family and friends this week, let us remember to thank our wonderful Creator Savior God for all His blessings. They are numberless, aren't they?

Remember that neither the discipleship classes nor the midweek prayer meeting will meet this week - enjoy the time with your family and friends.

We Can't Leave Out The Champion!

And here he is - the champion of the 2009 Pastor's Masters - Charlie Egli

2009 Pastor's Masters Banquet

Well, the 2009 Pastor's Masters is in the history books now, and we recently held our awards banquet at the Acapulco Restaurant. Although everybody who participates in this annual golf tournament is a winner, and although there were several who joined us throughout the summer for one or two rounds, the champions are shown here in all their glory. Overall champion - Charlie Egli, Best Average - Mike Boyle, Best Drive - Ethan Boyle, Best Putt - Bud Egli, and Best Round - amazingly, Bill Johnson.

Weekend Activities

We have another big weekend coming up at FBC. There's a little something for everyone:

Saturday morning is Haven of Rest service day - join us at the Haven at 10:00.

Saturday evening is the Pastor's Masters banquet at the Acapulco Restaurant in Rootstown - 6:00 for all who participated in the Pastor's Masters this year.

Sunday immediately following the worship service, the Secret Sisters will host their annual luncheon. Ladies you won't want to miss this.

And then Sunday evening, those practicing for the Christmas Cantata will meet at 6:00 for practice.

PASTOR'S MASTERS BANQUET

Just a reminder to those who participated in the Pastor's Masters this year - the banquet will be held at the Acapulco Restaurant on Saturday evening at 6:00. Fabulous awards and gifts to be distributed to all in attendance, as is the usual custom! Wonderful food... great fellowship... as can only happen with the Pastor's Masters.

If you participated this year, even once, you are encouraged to join us for this fun evening.

Sisters in Iran

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (1 John 5:4 NKJV)

I received the following via the Voice of the Martyrs this morning.

Maryam Rustampoor, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, were arrested and sent to Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran. The two women did not rob a bank, kill a man or beat up someone.

Their crime? Loving Jesus. And it is for this reason alone they arestill imprisoned.

In August during a court hearing, the two were questioned repeatedly about their faith. They were told to return to Islam.

"We love Jesus," was their reply. Prosecutors asked the women, who had already spent five months in prison, if they regretted being Christians.

"We have no regrets," they said. "We will not deny our faith."

The judge sent them back to Evin Prison - notorious for its brutality - to "think about" their decision.

"We have already done our thinking," they told him.

Maryam and Marzieh are among dozens of Iranian Christians arrested, detained or interrogated in Iran in recent months. The harassment is the radical Islamic government's response to an Iranian revival that has thousands of Iranians coming to Christ each month.

What a wonderful reminder! In the midst of all the bad news about Iran, let us remember to pray for the Christians who are there... and the revival that is occurring. What a reminder! In spite of the evil of its leadership and the animosity of its culture to the gospel of Jesus Christ, nonetheless Christianity survives... thrives... even flourishes. What a reminder! We need to be busily sharing the love of Jesus Christ everywhere we go... here in America. It survives... thrives... even flourishes here, no matter what you might read in the news.

Pray for Muslims Today

I read the following in the Associated Press today:

More than 50,000 Muslims are expected to take part in the event (a large prayer gathering on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol) Friday on Capitol Hill. Pat Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, says it is sad that some Christians have been hostile to the Muslims planning to gather Friday.

Mahoney says while some Christians may be uncomfortable at the prospect of the prayer event, he believes it shows the greatness of America.

"It is important to send a clear message that the Christian community loves the Muslim community. That we do not hate Muslims, that our heart is not set against Muslims, and that with the heart and compassion of Christ, we are to reach out and build bridges," he adds.

Agreed - we who name then name of Jesus Christ DO love muslim people. But that love is not demonstrated by accepting their faith, but by doing everything in our power to win them to Christ. For there is no salvation in Allah. Salvation is in the Lord Jesus Christ, and Him alone - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Today is a day of prayer for muslims, and a great muslim prayer meeting is planned in Washington D.C. today. Let us join our muslim friends and pray... but let us pray properly - that they might be delivered from the false doctrine they are enslaved to, and find the peace and salvation that only comes in knowing Jesus Christ. Let us pray for muslims to be saved today!