Many Blessings to Celebrate
and Rejoice In
By nature we tend to find the worst in everything. We complain when it rains too much or gripe about it when it gets too hot. We really see the reality of being “saint” and “sinner” at work in our lives on a daily basis. What a joy and privilege it is for us to return daily to our baptism, repenting of our sins and being assured that through that baptism we have received forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.
In April of this year each congregation received a mailing from the District Office in regards to our building project in Palanga, Lithuania. To date, 15 of the 48 projects have been adopted by congregations or individuals throughout Iowa District East. That is something which we do celebrate and rejoice!
In June our District met in convention. Two resolutions were passed in support of the project in Lithuania. The two resolves from the overtures which were adopted are: “That the saints of Iowa District East be encouraged to contribute toward the capital campaign with a minimum goal of $210,000 to help our brothers and sisters in Lithuania occupy the facilities in Palanga,” and “we encourage all congregations of Iowa District East in Christian love both small and large to consider adopting a needed project so the Lithuania ministry center will be completed to the point where it can be inspected and opened for use to the praise and honor of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.”
We rejoice in the passing of both of those resolutions! Please consider which project you or your congregation can complete. If you need additional information it is available on the District website.
Former District President, Rev. Dr. Gary Arp is willing to come and speak to your congregation about the project in Lithuania. This could serve as a “Mission Festival.” Please contact him to set up a date. We rejoice in Dr. Arp’s willingness to see this project through to its completion. We rejoice that monies continued to be given for this worthwhile project.
We rejoice in the forgiveness of sins which we have received from a merciful, loving, and gracious God. St. Paul states: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” II Cor. 8:9. We truly are rich in the forgiveness of our sins, and the life and salvation which is ours in Christ Jesus!
