It’s with great gratitude that I greet you as we complete year nine from laboring in our Lord’s field.  Thank you for the energy, enthusiasm, and effort you exerted on behalf of God’s kingdom agenda.  The result is that we’re not only able to “Share the Fruits of Heaven in 2011”, but we have learned how to maintain and display this spiritual fruit year round.  May we be ever mindful that our service is motivated by our Love for God and people, that we display an unshakable Joy supported by a Peace we can take comfort and courage in.  As people witness our Patience in the midst of our trials while remaining Kind to others, they will no doubt continue to see the Goodness of the Lord at work in our lives.

When we remain Faithful to God’s word and work, the world certainly will want to know, how do we stay strong and in control with such a Gentle spirit?  We must continue to embrace the opportunity to tell them the truth, that to be both tough and tender is not by means of some earthly Self-control, but because of God’s grace and His hand we are determined to hold.  It is the attraction of the Spirit’s fruit that draws men to the cross of Christ.  Be thankful for what God has done to us and through us this past year so that we can say to others, with David, “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!”  May He keep sowing His seeds of blessings in your lives to produce the spiritual fruit He desires for us to share with others.

In His never-ending grace,

Pastor Mark A. Cain

Galatians 5:22-25