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Dear Shiloh Family,

She was a simple little lady, but she must have been very beautiful because the king loved her. In fact, he chose her over many candidates in the land. However, her people were in trouble.

Esther's family was being persecuted by an evil man, and she was the only person who could sway her husband’s heart. Vashti, the previous Queen had been dethroned because she refused to obey the king. Mordecai, Esther’s adoptive father, a Godly man, instructed her to trust the Lord and intervene on behalf of the Jews. Jeopardizing her own life, the faithful servant of Jehovah pleaded for her family, and the nation was saved.
 
Esther 4:14:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?

Against all odds and contrary to public opinion, this vulnerable, yet willing little lady stepped out on faith. Because of her efforts, her entire nation was saved. If she hadn't followed the advice of wise council, salvation would not have come. God had surely placed her in a specific situation for a specific time for his specific purpose. 

Two weeks ago, we were given an ominous forecast of snow and freezing rain, which forced many churches to cancel services. However, your body of deacons monitored conditions, sought heavenly instruction, and agreed to continue with our Sunday worship. Because of the decision, a precious soul came to know our Savior. 

Last week, a similar prognostication coupled with extreme cold flooded the airwaves and prompted several institutions to close for the day. Again, the choice was made to keep Shiloh open and gather for worship. As most of you know, the spirit moved, several folks were in the altar, and two more souls were saved. 

I am so grateful for a serving, seeking, solid body of wise and Godly deacons. They are determined to keep us connected to one another and to the Lord.

I am just as proud of our church family. Many of you braved the elements to fill positions of leadership and spiritual bodily functions. In fact, everyone in attendance had a part in new birth and old relationships. For those who were unable to attend, your prayers were felt and appreciated. If we had not been at church, the possibility is great that lives would not have been eternally changed.
 
When God places you in a position to serve - serve. If you are given the ability to lead - lead on. When God asks for your presence - be there. Because you have a connection with the Father, through His son - pray on. God has divinely orchestrated your seat in the heavenly symphony and enlisted you in the army of the Lord. Even when it isn't politically correct or popular on social media, you have been put where you are for "such a time as this."

Romans 8:28: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell