Letter from the Chairman

We are approaching a new year of Council of Elders meetings beginning August 19 and continuing through August 22. As usual there are several important items on the agenda including several ordination requests from pastors. We are asking that everyone dedicate some time in their prayers for God’s wisdom and direction in all of our deliberations. We know that all of you are deeply concerned over the state of affairs in our nation.

In my view, we are living in some of the darkest days in my lifetime. Even during the trying times of war, terrorist attacks and natural catastrophes, we have been able to come together with united purpose and resolve. But now we see a nation that is torn apart over many issues in which both sides seem to be bent on making the other side look out of touch with reality—a nation that has turned on itself.

Even a cursory examination of the rhetoric that streams from the mouths of those who profess to be leaders, and those who want to be leaders, is filled with words that are void of common sense and sound logic. The words of the prophet Isaiah are ringing loud and clear: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:20-21, King James Version throughout)!

God of course is watching and listening to each one of us at this time. Even though we see a world that is losing its ability to make and render sound judgments, we must hold fast to the Word of God. In all of the words that have been spoken regarding the tragic mass shootings that shocked the nation in recent days, there is almost never a word about God and our spiritual moorings. United States Vice President, Mike Pence, in a speech about the recent shootings, stated that the nation needs to get on their knees. His comment was turned into a crude vulgar joke. You know that when a call to prayer is mocked we have reached a sad state of mind in our nation.

It is indeed a time for us to renew our spiritual zeal and commitment as never before. As noted above, God is aware of the spiritual state of affairs in the nation and in our lives. When God sees the evil described by Isaiah it makes Him angry, because He has nurtured and nourished Israel from her calling and infancy as described in Ezekiel 16. All the peoples of the world can be thankful that God is longsuffering and plenteous in mercy. But, eventually, He is going to bring everyone into judgment. Isaiah writes: “Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcass were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still” (Isaiah 5:25).

Even in God’s anger and judgment, He still beckons us to come to Him and find rest and peace. Here we are reminded of the words of Jesus: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). And all of us should be reminded of the words of the apostle Peter, “Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Now is the time to heed the words of the prophet Ezekiel and sigh and cry for the abominations that are corrupting and polluting the minds of the peoples of the world. “And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof” (Ezekiel 9:4).

We need to be aware, as never before, that God is watching us and listening to us. It is a time as never before to gird up our loins and put on the whole armor of God that we might be able to stand against all the forces that Satan may bring against us. Each one of us that professes to be a member of the body of Christ needs to fulfill our roles as soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).

Our hearts and minds need to be in God’s work as never before. As we have heard, we must have our spiritual house in order before we can do a work. We now need all hands on deck and we need your fervent prayers beseeching God to open doors so the gospel can go forth with great convicting power as never before. We need to fill the spiritual vacuum in the hearts and minds of the peoples of this world with the precious Word of God.

Please pray for the administration, the Council of Elders, the elders and for one another, as we move forward in our quest to hear the words, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).