Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

     Joyce and I recently had the privilege of taking a few days of vacation to attend a conference that was provide to us, all expenses paid, by a church in Houston, Texas. I am not sure that vacation and conference should be in the same sentence. We had the privilege of studying God's Word, relating it to our lives in a very deep and personal way and sharing in the lives of nine other couples that had joined us at the Danbury Lodge just outside of Houston, Texas. We were greeted with Texan-style hospitality, southern fried foods, and a Texan accent that was just a lot of fun. I did not take advantage of the trophy bass fishing available, but those who did fish spoke of throwing back the large mouth bass that weighed between three and six pounds. They said that they were just too small. It was exciting to be with brothers and sisters in Christ from all over the world, including Israel, Germany, Indonesia, Washington State, New York State, Ohio, Texas, and Florida.

      While at the conference we experienced very little rest, great food, intense classroom instruction, small group dynamics and private instruction. We were literally on the go from 8 AM to well past 10 PM every day. Physically, we came home feeling exhausted, like we had just spent a week at youth camp. Spiritually, we came home rejoicing in how the Lord had worked in our lives as well as those who attended along side of us. We made new relationships, bonded together like family and shared in one another's lives in a very personal and deep way. Scriptures were applied, prayers were offered up to the Lord, and we witnessed God working in a marvelous way.

      The purpose of the conference was to help us deal with the unique stress that is placed on a pastor or missionary and their family. One statistic that we heard concerning a specific denomination was that 1000 pastors are leaving the ministry every year. Our purpose in getting together was to put tools into our hands so that we do not become part of that statistical trend. This was the 83rd conference of it's kind that a local church had funded over many years. Joyce and I praise the Lord for the opportunity to attend these meetings. Our lives have been greatly impacted. We have learned much and hopefully allowed the Holy Spirit to do a continuing work in our life. We so appreciate your prayers and support for us as we were away. We also look forward to sharing with you the many things that God has been doing in our lives and the many tools that have been made available to us.

      Thank you for your continuing love and prayers.

      Paul and Joyce

Memorial Day Picnic

May 27

Following the morning service plan to meet at Sam Brannon Park, on Clark Avenue, for a special time of fellowship and fun. Gospel Bluegrass music provided by: The Johnson Family.

(Look for more information to come!)

G.R.A.C.E. QUEST UPDATE

Our midweek program for grades K-6 is back in full swing. We meet Wednesday nights in the gym from 7-8 PM. Thanks to all of the dedicated staff, we are able to continue this very important ministry. Although there have been some changes, we saw on April 18 that God is ever present. As the evening came to a close, one child came up and accepted the Lord as their personal Savior. Praise the Lord!

Support Our Team!!!

Support Our Team!!!

Come out and support the Grace Baptist Church Men’s Softball Team. Come and cheer for a hit, pray for a win and enjoy a cool evening out with friends.

(Schedule will be posted as soon as it is available.)

Missionary News April 2007

HAVE YOU HEARD?

• These missionaries need additional financial support:
• Rich and JoAnn Davis, Peru
• Kevin and Kenyata Maki, Fremont deaf church plant
• Matt and Barb Douglas, Australia
• Kelsey and Janet Pietsch, Paso Robles church plant

DID YOU KNOW?

1. The Farleys have purchased a Toyota Land Cruiser; they need an additional $3,000 for maintenance and extra equipment.
2. Church planters in Chile, James and Coletta Morsey, ask for their evangelistic outreach to mothers of their youth group kids to be held on Mother’s Day, May 13.
3. At least two of our missionaries, Erica McLain and Neva Bardon, persevere in their missionary work with chronic health problems.
4. A lady, Em, was recently converted from Islam to Christianity in the Douglas family’s work in Australia.
5. Chris and Laurie Finchum’s son and Steve and Susan Gledhill’s grandson, five-year old Austin, trusted Christ as his Savior.
6. Son of Ken and Julie Vaughan, Andy, married Aimee’s sister-in-law, Grace, on March 24.
7. Prayer letters from our missionaries are in the vertical file on the wall by the church office door.

Youth Hiking Trip

FEATHER FALLS ABOVE OROVILLE

Saturday, May 5

For more information pick up a flyer and consent form in the church foyer. Consent forms must be turned into Steve Gasperoni, Terry Sloan or the church office no later than May 1st. This is a moderate hiking trail and could take up to 8 hours to complete. We need drivers. Parents that are interested in driving, please see Steve Gasperoni or Terry Sloan as soon as possible.

Word Of Life West Coast Camp

Kids summer camp is coming!!!

More information and special offers will be posted in the church bulletin soon.

Calendar of Events

Click on the highlighted dates - the events are shown on the right.