Fallon, NV September 25-29, 2016

​Partly because I am cold-blooded (no comments from my family, please), I love to get warm.  Anything will do: blankets, hot water, wool clothing, or especially a fire.  I was thinking about this as I huddled around the fire in Paul and Tammy Slaton’s yard in Fallon, NV on this visit.  We had gathered there for a Sunday night service outside in the yard, and had food and fellowship together, including smores around the fire.  

As I sat near that fire, warming myself, I looked around and noticed the people around me.  I was struck by the warmth of the fellowship and the unity of this church.  As I have perhaps mentioned before from earlier visits, I am not sure I have been around a body more single-minded and unified in their love for Jesus Christ and for one another.  There is a core group that often hangs around together long after the evening service has concluded.  If I remember correctly, we did not leave the church until two hours after the service had concluded on Monday evening.  While I think people got tired and those times shortened a little as the week went on, the spirit of it persisted.  There were lots of hugs and warm support between one another and 

Around the fire Sunday night in Fallon, NV

toward those who are being drawn into the fellowship.  This is indeed happening in a special way in the church in Fallon, but I have come to believe it is not to be unique.  This is how the body of Christ is to operate.  People are inviting others to church, while other people are being continually drawn to check out what is happening in this church because of their ministry to the community through the food pantry and such.  I go to Fallon twice per year, and the last time was in April.  Yet, I did not know at least 25% (conservative estimate) of the people present on Sunday morning.  People keep coming, and seeds continue to be sown and watered.  The stories of what God is doing is almost unbelievable at times, but real.  But the people in the church would tell you it is not some plan or program --- it is just Jesus.  It is just the way He works and it is His normal.  This happens to be a lot of what I preached about from Jude this time, and the response was better than ever.  What an encouragement that was, and Jesus really worked in my life as well through the Word in these times together.   ​Of course, I also got to preach again on Thursday morning at the food pantry to a group of people that consider that their church.  Nearly 400 families were served that day at the food pantry, and it was a joy to take up my regular post of helping people load food into their vehicles outside.

Food pantry in full operation on Thursday morning in Fallon

I missed my partner, Carey, who stayed home to participate in his first week of practices on the local swim team.  But I trust he will be back in the spring.  I have to be honest in saying that I am physically tired from taking part in the ministry of the week along with my regular online teaching and such, but it is one of those deeply warming and rewarding things to be on the front lines of the kingdom.  What a blessing to get to be a part of that with these beloved ones in Fallon, NV, and with you as we continue,
 
Running together in Christ,
 
John