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Dear Shiloh Family,

Day after day she watched people come and go.  Night after night the lights came on and the air was filled with life.  From a distance she cautiously observed as young and old enjoyed food, fun, and fellowship.  Sometimes there were a few, and often the grounds were packed with family and friends.

I saw her, as did others, but watched with looks of disdain and arrogance that dared intrusion into my coveted space. However, I noticed her inching closer and closer with each passing encounter, until chance brought us face-to-face.  “Well, hello.  What do you think you’re doing?”  I mustered. The decisional moment lingered only briefly, and she slowly walked away. 

Luke 14:22-24: 23 Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.  24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.'" NKJV

Time passed and on one particular act of weakness, I offered the young female a portion of my lunch.  I placed it outside on a plate and she reluctantly accepted.  The next day, she sat with pleading eyes as I enjoyed a wonderful Taco Bell chalupa.  I complied, but with a stipulation.  “If you want this one, you’re gonna have to take it from my hand.”  The grey and white feline approached as though stalking prey and took the chunk of marinaded beef from my fingers.

Yes, I gotcha!  I’ve been referring to the neighborhood stray cat.  I’m not a cat lover, but this American Curl mix is the best kind.  It doesn’t come into the house, leave hair on my furniture or cough up furballs on my carpet. It doesn’t need a smelly litterbox, and seldom leaves muddy paw prints on my vehicles.  After the hand feeding episode, she timidly placed her nose in my hand, and the dam of suppressed love exploded.  She wound around my arm as if to say, “Pat my head, scratch behind my ears, pet me on the back. Love me! Love me! Love me!

I know, I know.  I pulled you into that one.  But what if it had actually been a real person, with human skin?  How many hurting people are watching from the shadows?  How many lonely hearts are longing for a meal, a pat on the back, and a kind word?  Without question, many broken souls are screaming, “Love me! Love me! Love me!

Shiloh, more than one person this week informed me of how your church, or someone from our body of believers has shown love to them or someone from their families.  Thank you for loving our Lord and reaching out to hurting people. Let’s continue to seek out those in need of a Savior, and love them to Jesus.

Sunday, August 25th is Homecoming at Shiloh.  We would like every family to invite one lost or unchurched person to attend.  If you plan to attend, please sign up so we can have a tentative number.  Also, please, prepare enough food for your family and one more.  We will provide the meat for the dinner. 

Matthew 25:37-40: 37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?  38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'  40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' NKJV
The oceans and seas are but a drop of dew compared to the love of our Heavenly Father.             

God bless you all, 
Pastor Derrell