It’s getting Closer!
Good morning PCF family, let’s catch up with some Godly thoughts and information. Let’s start with this good news: Psalm 34:15 “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.”
Who are the righteous being referred to in this Psalm? When this was written it was the old covenant but today, the righteous are all those who accept Jesus as their Lord and savior. Isn’t it good to know that when we cry out to God His ears are open to our cry? Your prayers are being heard!
Reminder: this Sunday is the last time we are taking reservations for the planned October 11th Lasagna dinner. You can let Nelleke know Sunday or you can call her with your reservation at 618-954-4155.
Our prayer list:
- Jessica Schoenleber Baird is going through treatment for cancer. Her sister Anna who has attended our church has asked for her to be put on our prayer list.
- Harold Bloomberg, Jennifer Rinkel’s grandpa who is in late stages of cancer.
- Debbie Creamer who has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
- Update on Sally McLauchlan, I spoke with Sally yesterday and she was in good spirits and said she is feeling good. It will be little longer before she returns to us but it is getting closer.
- Update on Mary Knapp, I spoke with Mary this past week and she is still in physical therapy since her fall which cracked some ribs, fractured her wrist and fractured her hip. She is feeling better health wise. Let’s continue our prayers for Lee and Mary and please lift Mary’s spirit as she has much on her mind and just needs God’s direction and peace.
- Landon, I have new update information below. Let’s start with some praise : Landon was able to come home Yesterday! Obviously is mom and family are celebrating this huge victory and milestone in his recovery! As Krista, Landon’s mom said in her post, “What a miracle. What a testimony. And what a faithful God we serve!” All the glory to Him alone! She also wanted to thank everyone who has been praying with her in this journey.
Now I want to share with all of you a very special letter sent to me from landon’s mom, Krista:
“Dear Pastor Schuette and the Praise Community Fellowship Congregation, From the bottom of our hearts, we want to say, THANK YOU. Though we have never met face-to-face, you have impacted our family’s life in a way we will never forget.
When our son Landon was rushed to the hospital earlier this year with heart failure, our world was turned upside down. That crisis began the long and difficult road that led to his heart transplant, and it became one of the hardest seasons we have ever faced as a family. Yet even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, you were walking with us… faithfully praying, sharing our story, and lifting us up before the Lord.
To know that a church family who didn’t even know us was carrying us to God’s throne week after week leaves us in awe. Then, to receive your letter filled with encouragement and accompanied by such an incredible gift brought us to tears. Your generosity lifted a heavy burden in this season. But even more than that, it lifted our spirits and reminded us that God’s people are alive and active.
We want to share something personal with you. For a long time, our hearts have longed for a church home. Yet because of our son Elijah’s autism and his sensitivity to loud environments, attending church has been difficult. ( I don’t think she knows that I too have a special needs child.) And now, with Landon’s recovery, his doctors have asked us to avoid large crowds for at least the first year to protect his fragile immune system.
We have prayed and prayed for God to lead us to the right church, one where we could be truly at home when the time is right. Through you, we believe God is answering that prayer. We are deeply impressed by the way your church lives out the Gospel… a volunteer body, fully devoted to Christ, giving, praying, serving, loving. We don’t take that lightly. We see Christ in you.
And when the time comes that Landon is strong enough, we believe God may be calling us to join you, to serve alongside you, and to be part of what He is doing through your church. As Paul wrote in Philippians 1:3–5 (NLT), “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ.”
That is how we feel about you. Though we have not yet met, you are our partners in the Gospel, and we thank God for you. With overflowing gratitude in Christ, Krista, Bryan, and the kids.”
To our amazing PCF family, if that doesn’t warm your heart I don’t know what will. Pastor Kent
I’m looking forward to another amazing Holy Spirit filled worship service with all of you Sunday. See you soon. love, pastor kent