Staying Cool!

Many have said to me in the last few days, "We knew it was coming --- but that doesn't make it any easier." Of course we are talking about the summer months of 100 degrees and more that are now with us. Those of us who grew up in the Arizona desert can tell about the days when we only had "swamp" coolers to give us any relief from the scorching temperatures. At least now we have refrigeration for our cars and buildings. Okay, enough whining!

Let's look at what's really "cool." First Baptist continues to operate regardless of the time of the year. We have folks just returning from a mission trip (Ev Hardee worked in Wyoming with a Valley Rim Association team) and a team will soon be leaving for Ireland. Then in September and October, we will have teams going to Thailand and Chile. All of this is in addition to the South American Summit that will be hosted by our church November 21-22. We are doing this in partnership with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. It will be a strategic event that will impact churches and missions in South America for years to come. There will be pastors and church leaders from the Western United States coming together to meet and engage about twenty missionaries from the varies areas of South America. The purpose is to enable churches to form partnerships with missionaries and people groups in South America. Dr. Jerry Rankin, President of the IMB will be the speaker at the Friday rally and then present a Bible study on Saturday morning on "Spiritual Warfare." Everyone can be a vital part of this meeting by beginning now to pray for the Summit and all the missionaries who will be traveling from South America as well as pastors and church leader coming to the meeting.

The summer months are also a time for planning for the new Bible Study year, budget planning and men's Fraternity of Men and women's Women Of the Word. There will be another Classic Car Show November 8Th. There is so much more that could be mentioned. All of this is scheduled between vacations for staff and church leadership. We must keep our focus on Him if we are to complete all that the Father has given us to do over the next several months. This will require personal discipline and devotion to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. There is no room for spectators, but there is a great need for those who will give themselves in prayer and service.

Now you can see how we at First Baptist stay cool during the summer months!

In His Grace,
Pastor Bill