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Dear Pastor:
A summer of renewal and revival!
DAYS OF SUMMER
The days are longer and warmer, school will soon be out and
the summer crops will be ripe and ready for harvest. After a
long, cold winter, summer brings with it the abundance of
the earth. Trees and plants that have lain dormant for
months, burst forth with the blossoms and fruit of life. It
is after the weeks and months of waiting that the earth is
alive at last.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that we too experience renewal after
a period of waiting.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run,
and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
When our lives are filled with the cold of sadness and
disappointment, we can look forward with anticipation to the
warmth and abundance of summer, as His glory bursts forth
and once again renews our minds and revives our spirits.
We must recognize that summer and winter are BOTH vital
parts of the renewal process.
It is during the dark, dormant days that the earth is being
prepared for the next harvest. Likewise, it is in the
waiting seasons that our lives are being prepared for a
season of ministry and great blessing.
In the coming months, we will all be busy with the many
activities that we enjoy during the warm weather. But I
encourage you to make spiritual renewal a priority this
summer like never before.
CAMP MEETING
Our Southern Ohio State Camp Meeting will be a time of
worship, prayer, ministry and miracles. Please be in prayer
for our Pastors and laity that will be in attendance. My
desire is for an atmosphere of freedom, an increase of faith
and a baptism of fire like none we have ever known.
YOUTH CAMP
Youth Camp is a pivotal time in the lives of our young
people. Join me in praying that God will “pour out His
Spirit on our sons and our daughters” as they come together
for camp this summer. I believe that every camper and worker
will leave changed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
International GENERAL ASSEMBLY
In August, thousands of Church of God delegates will
converge on the city of San Antonio, Texas. Some of the many
activities include Worship Services, Teen Talent and
Business Meetings. Please join me in prayer that the Spirit
of God will saturate all that we do and that His will is
done in our church.
I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and may
God bless you this summer and may you be renewed and revived
by His spirit.
“I have you in my heart,” (Philippians 1:7)
Alton C. Bristow |
