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Pastor's Points - December

Dear Church Family,

I am really looking forward to the Christmas season this year.  We will be considering a series of messages entitled “Unto Us” based out of Isaiah 9:6 which sates… “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

This is the greatest birth announcement that has ever been! In fact, most birth announcements are sent out after a baby is born but this announcement is different. Isaiah shared this announcement some 700 years before the birth of Christ.  Steven Witmer shares in an article entitled, To Us a Child is Born…

“The prophet Isaiah delivered it to the people of Israel while they were facing a threat from the growing superpower of Assyria (which would eventually destroy the northern kingdom of Israel and lead many Jews into captivity). Isaiah addressed this situation by promising the coming of a future King.  The seven-hundred-year delay was not because God was unable to fulfill his promise sooner, but because he wanted to give his people the hope of a future King to sustain them through dark times. The long period between  promise and fulfillment was, in fact, a gift from God to his people.”

I am praying that God would use this four-week series of messages as a gift of hope to us as well.  Not in the fact that we are waiting for a messiah to come one day, but in the fact that He has come, and He is coming again!  But until He returns, we need to rest in the truths that our Savior is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.  Make plans to be here each week as we consider this series of hopeful messages during the Christmas season.

Also, I want to share with you briefly about the status of our new property!  Our elders and a representative group of our deacon body met with Cornerstone Collaborative as they led us through a time of considering the best use of our current facilities and the new piece of property that we have purchased.  Our leadership that met with Cornerstone was unanimous in going forward and presenting this plan to our church family! God has used Cornerstone to lead us to an exciting, reasoned, faith-requiring plan that will help us to stay on our mission to make disciples for years to come!  This plan leads us to the best use of what God has given us, and helps us continue to move with God as He is moving among us!  I could not be more excited for our future!  We will share all the details that we have beginning in the new year!  Let’s enjoy this Christmas season as we consider the hope that Jesus has brought us, and the hope that we have looking into 2020 as God leads us into a new chapter in the life of Oakhill Baptist Church!!

I love you and I love being your pastor!

Spare Change - December 2019

                   4 Reasons Everyone Should Go On a Mission Trip
(This is a reprint of an article I wrote in. I hope it encourages you that mission trips are possible for everyone!)

Have you ever thought about going on a mission trip? Many people have but, for one reason or another, they just don't go. Maybe you're too busy with work, family, church ministries, or social activities; maybe all of the above. Maybe you don't think it's financially within your grasp. Maybe you don't feel in shape enough or you have physical limitations. There are a lot of reasons why people don't go, but here are three reasons why you should go:

1. You Can Make a Difference!
There are so many people that need help; so many people that need to hear the gospel. I have been all over this country helping churches, church plants, ministries, disaster victims, inner city kids, homeless persons, etc. The common theme that runs through all the trips I have been on is that we make a difference. I may seem small, but often those small, seemingly insignificant, things are what matters most to people. I have seen people cry over drywall being put in their home. I sat and listened to a homeless man's story. I have been able to make a difference in these people's lives, all while sharing with them the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. You can make a difference. Don't make excuses for why you can't go, trust that God will use you in spike of your deficiencies. I will say it again, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

2. It Will Change Your Life!
Inevitably, when people come back from a mission trip there is a marked change in their life. It happens every time! People go, see the needs, minister to others, and come home different. From time to time we need a drastic change in our lives. We get bogged down in the day-to-day doldrums and stresses of life. When we go on a mission trip, our perspective on life is reset. Our priorities are reoriented to the way God wants them to be. So, if you need a refresher in your spiritual life, or just need a break, go on a mission trip, it will change your life.

3. Jesus Commands You to Go!
The bottom line is that we are commanded to go to the ends of the earth to share the gospel and make disciples. Christians must go!  The great thing is you don’t have to be a full-time missionary to make a difference.  Our long-term partnerships create an ongoing relationship that benefits those on the mission field.  We cannot sit on the sidelines, Jesus commands us to get in the game and go!  Will you obey the command to go? (Bonus Reason, newly added!)

4. God Will Display His Faithfulness
Think you can’t go because you don’t have the money.  The scriptures tell us that God owns everything (Haggai 2:8)!  It also says that we are to ask God for what we desire according to his will (James 4:2-3; Matthew 7:7-11).  Raising money for a mission trip can seem daunting, however it provides an opportunity for God to show his faithfulness to you.  God will provide if you just trust him.  There are so many ways to raise funds for a mission trip, don’t let the financial burden hold you back.  Watch what God will do if you just ask and believe.

Upcoming Trips:
Adult & Student Mission Trip to Jamaica - July 25th - August 1st This trip will be a mix of construction and ministry.  We will be installing a playground at a rural school and doing a basketball camp with elements of VBS. For adults and high school age students. Approx. cost $1,800 (cost based on previous trip; subject to change) Contact Pastor Bryan at for more info.