First, Greg Mickey has announced that he has been called by God to the ministry of the gospel. This has been weighing on Greg's heart for some time now and in a way he has "stuck his neck out" by telling everyone. This is a step of faith and I believe God will honor him and Beth because of it. One huge hurdle that is out of the way for Greg is his education; he holds a Master of Divinity degree and so his official training is complete, but he still has more to do. Sunday morning Calvary Baptist Church approved to move forward to ordain him. Ordination puts our personal stamp of approval on his life and call. More details to come...

Second, we had a wonderful day of family worship. It was fantastic to see the familiar faces, and some new ones, gathered to give thanks to an awesome God for raising His Son from the dead. The resurrection gives us hope for the future. The last great enemy we face is death. Paul wrote that "death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:54). In that context what "swallows" up the sting of death is the resurrection (cf. vv. 51-53).

Finally, the Building Fund Easter Offering...I know, you've probably already looked at the financial report if you get one, but if you just read this blog I want you to know. But really I just want to honor God and not us. Yes, the offering was off the hook for Sunday with $8,070 coming in just fore the building fund, and the general offering was one of the best also. But we must, and I mean must, keep in mind that we don't get any of the credit. I am thrilled that even though we are in a recession that God's people can, and will, give sacrificially beyond their means. This offering is huge for us, but it proves that when we look beyond our ability and see life in the heavenly realm where we are seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6) that nothing is impossible for God to accomplish! This brings our total giving for the Building Fund Easter Offering up to $18,261.28 which means we still have $1,738.74 to go to meet the goal.

Grace & Peace,

Scott