The more I am involved in ministry, especially Single Adult ministry, the more I realize the value of healthy and effective relationships.  I believe that God has a purpose for every life.  I have expressed in recent weeks, through our Thursday Night Bible Studies, what that purpose is: that you and I would make much of Christ, that you and I would become like Christ, and that you and I would influence other people to trust Christ.

Now, how does that involved relationships? I also believe that God brings certain people into our lives to help accomplish that purpose. There are people in my life, in other words, who help me to make much of Christ, to help me become like Christ, and to help me influence others to trust Christ.

We need people in our lives - God never intended for us to walk through life alone. He intended for us to be in relationship with other people, to give and to receive love.

I believe that so much that I am devoting our summer Bible study to talk about the people we need in our lives. Last Thursday, I began this series and spoke toward the need for encouragers - and an encourager is someone who puts the courage into your heart so that you will live for Christ today. It is not difficult for us to be encouragers. We found that out on Thursday - just a smile will change the environment you are in.

This Thursday, I am speaking about the need to have an editor. You know, sometimes our thoughts and the way we do life can get pretty strange and off the beaten path (the path being the one God wants us on). We need people in our lives to check where we are headed and what we are doing. Some people call that accountability - I prefer the term "editability," when we allow someone to "edit" the way we think about life. I believe that when we mess up the most, it's because we've tuned people out and have refused to listen to their advice.

I hope you will come to this very important series. We start off at 6:15pm with an informal barbecue (this week is hamburgers). The cost is only $3. Then we will start our program at 7pm with some worship through song and our Bible study. Afterwards, we will have an ice cream social ($1 donation please).

It will be a great night!

One more thing, As of this writing, we have 8 tickets left for this Friday's Bison's game, BPO, and fireworks event. If you want to get involved, you may want to think about calling us (Pastor Deone - 631.2636, ext. 1-206, Jonathan - ext. 1-267). Not sure if there will be any left by Thursday.

Have a blessed week!

Pastor Deone