It is that time of year again, and if you are like me you have been looking forward to September as the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel of summer! September is very much a time of transition. It marks the beginning of the end of summer, the temperature begins to cool (albeit slightly), trees begin the transition from summer to fall, kids are back in school and in their routines, it is football season (Go Hogs!), and hunting season is right around the corner. Some of you are already trying to figure out just how early you can get away with breaking out the pumpkin spice and the fall decorations!
This has also been a major time of transition in our lives as well. A year ago we had no idea that this summer we would be selling our house and moving our family nearly 1,000 miles away. Kelly and I are both in the process of transitioning into our new jobs and life in a new community, and our family as a whole is adjusting to homeschooling for the first time as well. Through it all we want to thank everyone at OGBC for the warm welcome we received. We were overwhelmed and so appreciative of the work done on the parsonage and the food waiting for us in the kitchen, the help unloading the POD and the meals brought to us that first week. We are so blessed to be welcomed into a church family that is so gracious and generous.
Not only us, but these last several months have been a major time of transition for OGBC. From embracing the biblical model of elders leading the church, to Bro. Corey’s move to Hawaii, and the search for a new lead elder, on top of the lingering effects of Covid OGBC has been through a lot. Times of transition and change are inevitable parts of this life but though our circumstances may change, our God never does! When times get tough, we do well to remember the encouragement of Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
Proverbs 3:5-8
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
Our God is in control and completely trustworthy and we are so blessed to be a part of what God is doing here at OGBC! On Sunday mornings we have the privilege of studying Paul’s letter to the Galatians and being reminded that our salvation is not dependent on our performance or our past but on God’s grace alone! On Wednesday nights then, we are looking at the ten commandments and how we are to relate to God’s law today in light of this gift of grace.
We look forward to worshipping, serving, and growing with you and we pray that this time of transition for all of us will both glorify God and advance his kingdom here in Ashdown, AR for years to come. May the grace and peace of Christ be with you!
Bro. Adam
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