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Dear Shiloh Family,

A few years ago, a bashful, introverted, broken young man entered my office searching for answers and peace of mind.  The teen could barely finish sentences, was extremely anxious, and found it difficult to make eye contact.

After sharing stories of shattered dreams, broken hearts, and deflated confidence, we prayed together and he left my office a new creation and a new brother in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17-18: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  NKJV

Last Wednesday, 8 years later, I proudly listened as he gave one of the most compelling devotions I’ve heard in a long time to a local football team.  In fact, it was so compelling 4 young men prayed to receive Jesus as their Savior, two of which were in our youth group Wednesday evening.

In addition, because of the discipleship of Pastor David Brown, and others in your church, that once backward young man is now a vibrant Christian worker in Shiloh.  At any given time, you can find Baylee directing our usher’s ministry, greeting folks at the door, working with the youth, or helping David or me with visitation.

This is only one incident of Spiritual growth and discipleship in our body of believers.  Many of you have grasped and embraced the Biblical role of the church.  Every believer is called to “go and preach the gospel.”  However, the actual empowerment of the moving, living, functioning body of Christ is to equip the Saints of God to evangelize, mentor and teach others to do the work of ministry.  
Ephesians 4:11-12:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, NKJV

I am ecstatic that we are baptizing regularly.  Consequently, I’m equally as proud of the fact that new birth is emerging from several ministries.  The life and breath of the Holy Spirit is breezing through Shiloh Baptist Church, and the blood of Jesus is bringing new life almost daily.  In fact, we are baptizing at least two more this Sunday.  Praise the Lord!  
     
A healthy church turns new birth into mature saints.                          

God bless you all, 
Pastor Derrell