MESSAGE. The Lord sent prophet Jeremiah to the potter’s workshop to teach him a valuable lesson of success. When your life is broken or looks like a pile of dirt do not try fixing it using your own tools or expertise. Our methods will fail us, our formulas of success will confuse us, our logic will fool us… (1 Cor. 3:19). The Master works in mysterious ways. We may not like it or understand it, but when we crush our pride and surrender to His masterful craft, out of His hands comes a beautiful vessel “shaped it as seemed best to Him”. (Jer. 18:4). This is what I call success.
MINISTRY.
Last Sunday the Ooltewah Health Ministry team presented a five star Cooking Class. Every details was thought through. Christine Martins prepared a great plant-based meal for all 50 plus participants. There were many helpers and I will not be mentioning every name here as I am afraid I may miss one. A huge Thank You to the whole Health Ministry team.
Check out the Health Ministry updated page to learn more about upcoming events: www.ooltewahchurch.org/healthministry
Here is a video report nicely produced by pastor Matthew and his wife Emmalee:
Prayer Ministry. Over thirty members of our church attended the GCC Prayer conference last week. They came back charged with the power of the Holy Spirit. Many of them passionately shared with me how this seminar helped them to see new opportunities for their spiritual growth.
This week I have been praying in a special way for those of our many church members who work behind the scenes. We may not see them on the platform, we do not hear them preach, but they are faithfully serving the Lord and His church. God has a big army of His warriors in this church. Often I feel compelled to cry to the Lord saying ““Open [our] eyes, Lord, so that [we] may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:17). God sees them, equips them for the ministry and blesses many others through them. I see them in church on weekdays, late nights, weekends. Their reward is in heaven. They are serving God, not seeking recognition. Thank you, God’s angels of the Ooltewah Adventist Church!
The Church Board invites you to be a part of the Day of Prayer and fasting this Sabbath, February 22. We all want to see what God’s plan is for the future of our church. Fasting is not necessarily about abstaining from food. Keep your heart humbled before God, keep your eyes open to see His path, keep your ears open to hear the gentle whisper of His voice.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Town hall (open board) meeting tomorrow, February 22, starting at 6:30. We’ll meet the architect and will discuss the draft of the building proposal. Ice cream social will follow the meeting.
Men’s Ministry. “The men’s breakfast is this Sunday, 2/24/2. Invite a friend, brother or neighbor and plan to join us for a stick to your ribs breakfast and devotion. In addition to the powerful testimonies, we are going to spend a little time discussing the ministries budget for 2020. God blessed us so much last year, I can wait to share all the HE did and is still doing.
Music & Marinara is this Sunday, February 23, from 5-7pm. Concert band will be performing as well as selections from individuals and ensembles. Donations will be accepted. Please pick up your complimentary tickets today!
Evangelism training event. On Sabbath, Feb. 29 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., there will be training for all who are interested in learning more tools that can be used to become more effective in giving Bible studies, and leading souls to Christ and our wonderful message of truth. Our presenter will be my daughter Michelle Doucoumes, who is a Business Professor at SAU, and who helped start the SALT program several years ago and was the program coordinator for the first three years of SALT’s existence. Michelle has always had a love for souIs, and she is passionate about outreach. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to grow in this vital area of outreach that can positively affect the people you work with for time and eternity.
Health Ministry. Healthy & Happy ~ one choice at a time! You are invited to come to our next COOKING DEMO & TASTING on March 8 at 3:00 pm in our Fellowship Hall. If you want to make a whole food, plant-based lifestyle doable and therefore sustainable, then you’ll love Chef Julie’s simple food prep ideas and delicious recipes! You may be inspired to take a fresh look at the amazing foods God created for us… foods that bring healing and strength to our Body, Mind and Soul. Looking forward to seeing you there! Invite your friends and neighbors. Only $5 per person, PAYABLE AT THE EVENT, includes food samples and all recipes.
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 