I AM BACK AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY YOUR PRAYERS

Thank you all for understanding when Caroline and I had to suddenly leave Oregon earlier this month to care for my parents.  My father passed away July 19 at the age of 93, just two days short of their 72nd wedding anniversary.  We will be returning to California to lead my family in a graveside memorial service August 6th, and to further assist my 89-year-old mother.  I have appreciated the prayers of those of you who knew what my family was going through.  Those of you who have been through similar circumstances may understand both the heaviness of heart and the sense that we have been held firmly in the hands of God through it all.  Please continue to pray for my family, and especially for my mother who has loved my father since they were teenagers.

WITNESSING SEMINAR COMING THIS SATURDAY

When I returned to Oregon this past weekend, Pastor Steven Boyle called to remind me that Columbia Community Bible Church is hosting a seminar July 31 on witnessing to neighbors in your community.  You are all invited to the presentation by speaker Mark Schaufler, Saturday 10 AM-1 PM at the church, 420 NE Marine Drive,  Portland.

NEW PASTOR AT GARFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH

Garfield Community Church has been blessed this month to call Michael Olivares to serve as their pastor.  Michael is a graduate of Western Seminary and has previously served at Mulino Grace Church before planting and leading Prairie Bible Church in Molalla for about five years.  I hope to provide you with a better introduction to Pastor Michael soon.  I am sure you join me in thanking the Lord for His provision of a new shepherd for the faithful flock at Garfield.

PRAYER TIME IN PORTLAND

I am so much looking forward to prayer time with fellow pastors this Thursday, July 29th , 10 AM at Woodland Park Chapel (1914 NE 102nd Avenue, Portland). We all have much to be thankful for, and much to share with the Lord as we fulfill His great commission in the communities of Northwest Oregon.  Please join us.  Thank you to Pastors Brad Gentry (WPC) and Steven Boyle (CCBC) for continuing their leadership of this important ministry of intercession.

DODGE COMMUNITY CHURCH MOVES TOWARD RECONSTRUCTION

Please pray that neighbors of Dodge Community Church support their effort to rebuild their sanctuary which burned down in the wildfire of 2020.  Apparently, Clackamas County zoning is such that rebuilding the church in its former location requires a survey of nearby neighbors…which is underway right now.  (Zoning laws may not have existed when the original building was erected in the late 1940’s.) The church has developed plans for a new facility; the Lord has provided a great start on the funding; now they are seeking an experienced builder who will work alongside them in the process.  But the country approval process is crucial to any forward movement.  So keep praying!

 SUMMER MINISTRIES ARE BRINGING KIDS TO JESUS

This is the second summer since I became area missionary that Caroline and I have NOT served at summer camp.  That’s weird!  Last year camps struggled with COVID.  This year we were called away a couple times to help my parents.  But I hear reports that many kids are making commitments to Jesus in the camps and vacation Bible schools in this area.  I would love to help tell your stories…drop me a couple lines and or a picture or two, and share the joy with others who are serving Jesus in our area.

May God richly bless all of you as you seek His will and serve His purposes in your communities.

 Tom Hiscox, NW Oregon Area Missionary
thiscox@infaith.org