Let me begin by sharing a verse that the Lord gave my wife the other night.
2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (NKJV)
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, .that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us. 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, .that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us. 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
On Sunday night it appeared that a death sentence had been given to our precious brother in the Lord, Stephen and his daughter Hannah. But thanks be to God who is able to grant a full pardon from any death sentence. Laurie and I are astonished at what God can do when the Body comes together in unity. Your love for the Smiths is amazing, but we know that comes out of your passionate love for God. May we continue to trust in God and not in ourselves to accomplish all that He has for the Smiths and this body. And may we pray together, as one Body, believing God for the miraculous healing of Stephen and Hannah. We trust that He is still able to deliver.
We give praise to God for this wonderful church and the great things He has done... is going... and will continue to do. We thank God for the many people who have helped and believe that God has given back to us the gifts of Stephen and Hannah.
Also, allow me to thank you for all your concern for the Smiths. We are aware that many want to help and we are still formulating the best way to help the Smiths and keep things as organized as possible. Therefore, we're asking that everything continue to go through the church office so we have a central headquarters for all information. In the days ahead, we know that the Smiths will need lots of help and there will be ample opportunities for everyone to help lift this burden.
On behalf of Loriann and Steve and his extended family, they wanted to express their appreciation for your outpouring of love, prayers and concern.
On behalf of Laurie and myself, we are so incredibly proud of this church. You are a shining example to many and we are proud to call you our family.
In Christ Alone,
Pastor Dave and Laurie
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