MESSAGE. Over the last few years I have experienced an evolution of the Mom concept. My mother who had been enjoying her independent life is now in our home. She is not able to take care of her physical needs, but every time I walk into her room she lights up and asks me if maybe she could fix a meal for me. She loved feeding her family, and even now she has a hard time agreeing with her physical limitations. Thank you, God, for my Mother.
I married a young lady. She became my closest friend and a caring co-worker in ministry. But soon I realized that she is also a wonderful mother. Day and night for the last 34 years she has been lovingly teaching our four daughters how to cook exquisite meals, how to plant a garden, to be a gracious wife, to love God, and to accept people the way they are. She knew the most successful teaching technique – teaching by her own example. Thank you, God for the sweet mother of my children!
Life is a fast paced journey. It didn’t take long to see how two of my oldest daughters metamorphosed into graceful and loving mothers. Stacey has quickly learned how to live on 3-4 hours of sleep, how to creatively feed her son Pierce with only vegan products, how to teach him to pray before every meal, and of course how to be an expecting mother again with a 14 month old toddler. Dasha is still enjoying her last few weeks of carrying her future baby in her womb. Like a caring mommy-bird she moved her family into a new apartment, assembled a crib, neatly filled all drawers with onesies, bodysuits and blankets. Her apartment is already glowing with a mother’s love. Thank you, God, for my daughters!
This weekend is just another opportunity to hug your grandma, mom, wife, daughter, and to let them know that they are special, that we love and appreciate them. From what I have witnessed so far it is not an easy job.
MINISTRY.
Last Sabbath was a busy one for our church and for our home. Two worship services, lunch at home with Richard and Sherry Gerber, Doctor Barry Tryon, his wife Lilly and Lilly’s mother Karen. It was during lunch that I learned that Dr Tryon is not only a bible scholar but a master of a vineyard. His passionate stories about growing grapes inspired me to start my own vineyard 🙂 . Right after lunch our house was filled with church elders and their families. It was at that elders’ meeting, listening to the joyful hum of mingling leaders that I praised God for blessing me with the most awesome church in this conference.
That same night SALT training took place at 6 pm and “Singspiration” @ 7pm.
On Wednesday night the church gathered for the business meeting. After a thorough discussion and good questions the church unanimously voted on the OAKS roof and AC units renovation project. For the last 12 months we have been raising funds for the “Building Hope” project. Here is one important detailed which made me really proud of our church. The total cost of the project is $190,000 (with the increased amount for contingencies). We are $29,000 short, but the church agreed to move forward by faith. Let the Lord’s name be glorified in our midst as we raise the additional $29,000 by July 15. We all can be a part of this miracle. Please pray about making a contribution to the “Building Hope” fund.
Here is what Tui Silafau, SALT Outreach Coordinator, shared with me this morning:
“Our SALT staff and mentors have been very blessed by how welcoming you all at the Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is our prayer this summer that we continue to build a stronger bond together and with the community. One of the blessings that we received in getting to know you all is when our SALT Outreach Coordinator and one of our former students attended the Seasons of Change luncheon. It was a blessing to meet the 40+ ladies that attended this luncheon. We are looking forward to participating more in the events that church has and we are more than happy to help in any we can!”
THE PRINCIPLE OF ACCOUNTABILITY – A steward is one who manages the possessions of another. We are all stewards of the resources, abilities, and opportunities that God has entrusted to our care, and one day each one of us will be called to give an account for how we have managed what the Master has given us. ~ Stewardship.
PRAYERS.
Janel Jensen had surgery on Wednesday. Praying for her full recovery.
Janet Goss needs full recovery after a bad fall.
Darlene Turner – health concerns.
Pastor Matthew and his family. This is pastor Mathew’s vacation week and they are traveling all the way to the West Coast.
Happy Sabbath! I’m planning on seeing y’all tomorrow morning.
Pastor Peter
ANNOUNCEMENTS HIGHLIGHTS:
On Saturday evening, May 18, 2019, beginning at 7:30 pm the Chattanooga First Seventh-day Adventist Church invites you to hear internationally acclaimed Gospel recording artist, Steve Darmody share a free Gospel Concert entitled, “Road to Calvary”. Come enjoy some of the greatest Gospel songs and Hymns on Calvary and the Cross. Hear songs like, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”, “Were You There?”, The Old Rugged Cross”, “At the Cross” and more! Invite your family and friends to this free concert.
Ooltewah Vacation Bible School is just a few weeks away. Please sign up to help. Also invite your family and friends to register their children online. Here is the online registration link: https://www.ooltewahchurch.org/vbs-registration
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 
My understanding was that the proposal was for a budget of $175,112.00, but the business meeting voted to add another $15,000.00 for contingency factors, making $190,112.00. Since we had already raised about $153,000.00, we would be left with about $37,000.00 to raise. However, Rita said she had already paid out about $2500.00, and Shelly said that the school had raised another $5000.00. So in actually, it appears, we have to raise about $29,500.00. If I’m mistaken, I would be happy to be corrected.
Edwin
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Edwin, you are correct. I’ll adjust the numbers in the blog. Thank you.
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