Let it Snow!
Let it Snow! Another New Start in Service to Jesus
The white fluffy stuff is falling again today at our home in Aims, Oregon. An overnight rainstorm washed away most of last week’s accumulation, but frozen flakes started falling again about 5:30 this morning! I am so thankful that God created this cold, crystalline way of storing water for our use later in the year. He knows how much we need it. And it reminds me often of the prophetic promise: “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow!” - Isaiah 1:18
As we start 2022, here are a few InFaith: Northwest Oregon activities to encourage you in your service to Him:
January 13, 10 AM – Portland Area Pastors’ Prayer, Woodland Park Chapel
January 19, 9 AM – Sandy Area Pastors’ Breakfast, Tollgate Inn, Sandy
January 21-23 – ADVANCE 2022 at Twin Rocks Conference Center, Rockaway Beach. (See below for more details.)
Advance 2022 is a chance for pastors, missionaries and their spouses to encourage one another as we all move forward into each new day with Jesus. Our speaker, pastor Ron McMullen will be sharing from the scriptures as we explore how the Lord leads us safely through the storms of life and ministry. In answer to recent questions: Yes! Advance is still on. Yes! We will be asked to wear masks as we meet inside. And Yes! We will do our best to take breaks so that folks can get outside and breathe the fresh, sea air. As of today, 41 people have registered (and some of you are waiting until the last minute, I guess 😊). We have two deluxe lodge rooms still available, and plenty of comfy cabins! So there is room for you. Click here or call 971-645-2777 to register today or to learn more about this wonderful getaway to the coast. For churches who don’t have pastors: please consider sending another person or two who are helping shepherd your fellowship. Every leader needs a time to refresh and recharge now and again.
The fresh coat on the hills also reminds of the fresh start of the New Year and the daily fresh start we have with the Lord. “The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
Personal Prayer Requests
Please remember to pray for our four-month-old granddaughter Autumn Grace as she has open-heart surgery January 19 at Randall Children’s Hospital, and also for a 2-year-old named Violet who is having a similar surgery on the 18th at Doernbecher Children’s Hospit .al, as well as a third baby (younger than Autumn), whose parents are just now learning the extent of the baby’s medical needs. Thank you for helping us bring the needs of each of these new lives before the Lord.
Thank you to associate pastor Abner Naanyane, whose message Sunday at Columbia Community Bible Church (Portland) reminded us that Christmas is not simply celebrating a one-day event, but a world-changing experience that is lived out every day in the life of the believer!
Tom Hiscox, NW Oregon Area Missionary thiscox@infaith.org