Last Weekend of July 2018
This last weekend was very eventful. On Saturday, the Saturday Bible Study (SBS) had its last study on July 28 for the summer of 2018. SBS will meet again in September after a break in August.
After studying Romans 6 and 7, we went out for lunch at very posh restaurant and had too much pizza, spaghetti, salad and iced coffee. In fact, we enjoyed ourselves and the food so much that no one remembered to take any pictures. This is sometimes the problem with people of my generation who prefer to preserve memories in their minds and not through digital cameras. Anyway, a good time was had by all.
On Sunday we had a great sermon from Pastor Donald. Analyzing the story of David and Bathsheba (II Samuel 11:1-21), Pastor Donald talks about the importance of having "good brakes for our hearts".
Also we had to say goodbye to one of our faithful members. David attended his last OEM service on July 29. He had been going to OEM for almost three years, and during that time he has really grown as a Christian allowing the Holy Spirit to work in him.
As Pastor Donald pointed out before the congregation prayed for David, he is a very faithful and humble man. David had operated the video camera for most of his time at OEM, and he also was a small group leader. Both of these position require diligence, and both of these positions require someone who is trustworthy and faithful.
(Here is David's last small group fellowship at OEM).
One of the realities of OEM is that many of our members will attend for a few years, or less, and move back to their home countries or onto another job assignment elsewhere. Although it is painful to see a brother or sister leave us, it is joyful to remember how much they have changed in the Lord and how much they have blessed us with their striving to know Jesus more. Just like a family they never stop being a brother or sister. Wherever they are and no matter the circumstances, they continue to be in our thoughts and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
David is off to the United Arab Emirates to teach, and he will continue to be in our prayers. Our brother will be missed, but we know he will always be a part of our family in Christ.
God bless you David!
