Dear Shiloh Family,
Do you ever wonder if you are doing the right thing, or if your efforts are worthless and unnecessary? As a Pastor, I struggle with it almost daily, certainly weekly. I love many of our old traditions, but I don't want to waste our church bodys valuable time, and I certainly don't want to be a bad steward of the time God has allotted us. Three good indicators of effectiveness are numbers, spiritual effectiveness, and new additions to our church.
The Lord confirmed that our annual Trunk-or-Treat is definitely a valuable, useful, and exciting ministry of Shiloh. Last Sunday, there were an estimated 1000 men, women, and children on campus enjoying the food, fun, fellowship, and festivities. The parking lot was filled to capacity, the vehicle candy line circled the entire upper section, and the grass area around the playground was teeming with young and old. All the while, hotdogs and chili were being served in the FLC.
The Bible speaks of how the early church experienced a new fellowship like the world had never seen. Comradery was paramount to the growth and movement of the body of Christ. Likewise, we saw smiles and love that transcended race, creed, age, and gender. The spirit of Jesus promoted laughter and acceptance. It wasn't about what anyone was wearing because obviously, there were was a plethora of outfits that ranged from beautiful to wild and crazy. It wasn't about origins or the neighborhood from where one came because no one knew another's past. No, rather it was just people loving people. Actually, it was more like God loving people through people.
Acts 2:42-45: 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, NKJV
More than once, I heard statements like, "I had no idea yall did this. It is so much fun." One person beamed, "This is my first time to participate in Trunk-or-Treat and it is incredible." One particular family, who are not members of Shiloh, help us every year. When I expressed my appreciation, they simply replied, "It is our pleasure, we always receive much more that we give." In fact, the overflow of this outreach event usually brings at least one new family into our membership. Consequently, while Anita and I were sitting at our booth giving out candy and Chick-Fil-A coupons, a prospective member tapped me on the shoulder and commented, "I didn't see you after service this morning, so here is our application for membership." Now, Im a bit slow at times and very hard headed, but I didn't miss that one. God sent confirmation in physical form and hard copy.
First, I want to thank the AWANA ministry leaders and all staff for sponsoring this event. Secondly, my heart can't effectively express gratitude for each and every one of you who participated in any way. I won't attempt to list all participants for fear of missing someone, but the body of Christ was living, breathing, loving, and serving last Sunday at Shiloh Baptist Church. I am already hearing promises from folks who will be attending our Sunday worship because of conversations with you.
BTW, we will be baptizing again next Sunday. Ain't God good!
Acts 2:46-47:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. NKJV
Many ingredients are placed into the batter that rises to become a beautiful cake.
God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell