December 2007
Dear Church Family and Friends,
It is hard to imagine that we are writing the Christmas letter again. Our life is indeed a “vapor” and we need to “redeem the time”. It is precious to know that we are heading to an eternal home provided by our Savior, whose birth we celebrate. We trust as you reflect, in this letter, on His goodness to us that you will pause and thank Him for being “Emmanuel-God with us”.
As we opened 2007 we had no idea the things God had in store for us. Shortly after the year started we began looking for property and God was gracious in giving us nine acres of land that we paid for in cash. We then put our building up for sale and are waiting on God’s timing for the sale of the property.
As we sprung into this time of year, our ladies banquet “Her Price Is Far Above Rubies” was excellent. The Master Club children again did well at Regionals, many of the preacher boys placed first, and we won the spirit stick for our attitude and encouragement. The Sigma year closed with the Awards Banquet because that is “Tradition.”
The summer began with an old favorite – the Merrill Team was back for VBS and we had a wonderful “Farm Week”. Our July 4th service added a new aspect – the children’s festival. Many community people visited during the afternoon. Our family camp was again a blessing as Pastor Egbert came for a third year. His challenge of preparing our family for eternity is still ringing in our hearts. The young people enjoyed a wonderful week at the Wilds with some great decisions made.
As the fall season began we had an extra special treat for Missions Conference: all the missionaries were from Emmanuel and three of the families were home after time on the field. God gave us a great faith promise commitment. God was gracious to us in sparing our Pastor and his wife in separate instances during October. Our cantata was amazing! The quality and details were over-whelming and we believe that we had over 75 visitors for the weekend.
We rejoiced in sending several of our missionaries to the field: the Rovirosas, Amy Blackburn, the Borrmanns, and Jodie Clark. The Youngs will be going soon. We also have partnered with the Moores, the Adams, the Quinlans, and the Kohrs as they embark on deputation. Several of our young people spent time ministering in camps and mission fields this summer. Pastor Ogle, Mrs. Ogle and Paul Chapin spent 22 days in Japan preaching and encouraging missionaries there.
Our God has shown Himself strong in our behalf all year. We have lost some dear friends, others have been sick and we have faced some disappointment but through all of it we can “consider Him who endured such contradiction…lest you be wearied” and press forward. Have a wonderful Christmas and a victorious New Year. It is our privilege to serve you and we do not take that lightly. Thank you for being a wonderful flock and may God give us the courage to press on.
Pastor and Mrs. Surrett
Pastor and Mrs. Brubaker
Pastor and Mrs. Ogle