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Dear Shiloh Family,

The days were dark and dreary, and nights held no repose. Worldwide chaos spread like wildfire through a dry forest on a windy day. Households were upended and many reverted to drastic measures. In fact, hearts became so fragile that many took their own lives.

No, I'm not referring to the rapture, nor am I speaking of a natural disaster or world war. I'm recalling a few events brought on by the recession and great depression of the 20's and 30's - the impact of an economic crash. I'm amazed at how economic and monetary situations determine how we live our lives, raise our families, and plan our futures.

However, a more in-depth study reveals that, from 1929-1940, life expectance actually increased, while mortality rates slightly decreased, especially in the South. Some studies show the family unit as the stalwart of the community. Families were forced to work together, depend on one another, and be creative in ways to become frugal. More than anything, it seems that folks increased in faith, returned to the church, and realized that they must depend on God and the mighty name of Jesus, rather than the government.

Psalm 20:7-8: 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. 8 They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. NKJV

Isaiah 31:1: Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the Lord! NKJV

Don't judge me; I know it is on a much smaller scale, but we have experienced a hint of the same here at Shiloh. In the past few weeks, right in the middle of all the tariffs, trade wars, and economic downturn, God is still alive, and the Holy Spirit is continuing to work mightily in your church body. Weekly, almost daily, Pastor David and I are meeting with people who are seeking rest, love, and church membership. Folks are searching for truth, belonging, and acceptance. We are baptizing regularly, and our small groups are bent on discipleship. In fact, Jensen and I led a sweet young lady to Jesus in my office Wednesday night.

Shiloh, my brothers and sisters, keep your eyes on Jesus. Just because it is popular, doesn’t mean it's right. And even if it is right, it doesn't supersede God's word. The darker the world system becomes, the brighter the light of Jesus should shine in and around our church. Governments and world systems will fail, but the truth of God will stand.

The Lord is in His high place and He is in control.

Psalm 121: I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.KJV

FROM OUR HEARTS: Our prayers and condolences are extended to Tammy Gibson in the death of her husband and our spiritual brother, Tony. Please, keep her and the family in your thoughts and prayers the next few days.

Don't let a system God allows, control a life God created.

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell