Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow.
-Theodore Epp
When Fresno First Baptist Church was established Fresno City was 4 years old. One of the first things that we did was plant the Chinese Baptist Church. At a business meeting awhile back I met a man who attends the Chinese Baptist Church and he not only knew that FFBC planted his church over 100 years ago - he knew the name of the pastor’s wife who spearheaded the plant. (A lot more than I knew!) What a privilege it is to be associated with a church whose roots are sunk deep into the soil of our community and whose history is a beautiful tapestry of service to God and outreach to our neighbors. I am excited to know that when I join God in His purpose for FFBC through the VF21 campaign, I am building on the foundation established by those who have gone before to build a bridge to future generations. Please pray for Father’s guidance for the VF21 campaign and that through us, He will work a miracle.
I went to visit Judi Wright last week. She is feeling a lot better, and her therapy is going well.
I saw Matthew & Daniel Johnson in last Sonday’s services. The neck braces, arm splints and other addition medical hardware were all gone. We praise You, Father, for Your great mercy on these two young men, and for Your healing touch upon them.
Biana Grogg is requesting prayer for her son’s sister-in-law, Denise. Denise is experiencing life-threatening problems with her lungs filling with fluid. She is in critical condition. If you want additional information and updates on Denise’s condition you can visit the website at http://pullingfordenise.blogspot.com/
We continue to pray for the following: Erica Henson’s brother’s legal problems, Denise Cox & recovery from surgery, Sandy Hall’s son’s brother-in-law with head injuries, Ted & lung problems, Logan and complications following his birth, Sherline & the pathology report, Danette’s ex father in law with the growth in his throat and Danette’s mom employment situation, Bryan & Joni Johnson, The team in China, Tyler Fahrmeyer at Valley Children’s, Joe with an unspecified need, Nancy Pippin & a brain tumor, Merle Rush and recovery from his stroke, Andrea Spees & recovery from post-operative infection, Bev Borjas’ son, Khamla & her arm, Ashley & the infection in her heart lining, Jane Irwin & ovarian cancer, George & Margie Martin and his cancer, Michael Ferris, Emmy Lou Graves, Laura in Ohio, John Rogers & cancer, new employment opportunities for Dan Hansen, Stan Reed & cancer, Kassel Coon in Afghanistan, Ray Rahn & his wife. Please send me any updates you might have!
Pray for our missionaries - The Reaching Hand Society in India, Dr. George Pe Myat & the hospital in the Congo, Bounkham & Khamla’s mission to Laos, Gospel For Asia, The Faith Alive Clinic in Jos, Nigeria, Laurie Bethall in Prague, Judy, Faye & Miisaw at the New Life Center in Thailand, Jan & Larry Martin in Thailand, and all the missionaries worldwide.
Please keep our two church plants in prayer. Please pray for Karl & Shellie Roth with Flipside. Please pray for Horacio & Cheryl Aleman at the LIFEhouse in Reedley.
Pray for our pastors, our leadership, our ministries, and Father’s provision for His Church. Pray that we recognize opportunities to share our faith with others. Pray for the Church that in these troubled times that she stands strong.
Pray for our country, her leadership and our military.
Mighty and Awesome God,
You are our rock and fortress. You are our Deliverer. Who or what can prevail against us? Not even the gates of hell! You are our only God and the source of our strength. In You we place our trust today, tomorrow and forever - because You do not fail.
LORD God, we are humbled by the history of FFBC and we are amazed at the many and mighty works that You have done through her. Show us how You would have us join with those of the past to influence the future of our service to You for the generations to come. Through us create a miracle in the VF21 campaign.
Eternal God, we thank You for the great news on Judi and on Matthew & Daniel Johnson. We ask that You continue to work in these lives.
We pray, Beloved Father, that You touch Denise and heal her lungs. Restore her life and bring her back to her family.
Triune God, we continue to lift up those who are on our prayer chain and ask that You bless each person and situation with Your peace and Your strength.
God of Eternity, bless those who serve You in countries around the world. Bless their efforts, comfort their spirits and keep them safe. We pray for those brothers and sisters around the world whose belief in You and faith in You may come at the price of their physical lives. Be with them, LORD, and protect them. We praise You for the victory of their lives.
We thank You, God, for the powerful work that You are doing at the LIFEhouse and Flipside churches. Continue to bless both of these churches with Your vision for their communities. Bless the pastors, their families and the congregations who serve You.
Holy One of Israel and the World, we pray for Your Church that in these troubled times she stands strong in You. Help us to never compromise Your glory for the cheapness of what the world offers. Remind us that just because it is “politically correct” doesn’t mean that it is God-correct.
We pray for our pastors, LORD God, that they will stand on Your firm foundation as they lead us. Help us to love and support them in all that they do. Bless the leadership of our churches, bless all the ministries that we work through to bring You glory and to reach the world.
God bless America, those who lead her and those who serve freedom’s cause throughout the world. Pour Your mercy on us.
You are the Vine of Life and we are Your branches. We draw our life, our power, our substance though You. Without You, we are nothing. We love You, LORD, and we get to love You, praise You and worship You forever.
Posted by Valerie at August 3, 2005 02:29 PM