Rev. Dr. Richard L. Shaw, Pastor

The Church has many needs – (when church is spelled with capital “C,” it usually designates the universal Church; with a small “c,” a local church) – it is far below its potential, living beneath its promised power and effectiveness. A study of the history of the Church reveals times of worldwide influence, when the moral lives of entire nations are transformed. Pray for the worldwide Church, that God will bless it with a refreshing out-pouring of his Spirit. As for the church – our own church at Calvary Chapel of Monmouth County – we have many spiritual needs, a new outpouring of his Spirit heading the list. We also have a long list of physical needs that will strengthen our ministry, as we see them fulfilled. One at or near the top is the repairing of our parking lot. The weather has left its mark (many of them!) on our lot – these are not only a nuisance, but they are a danger to our people walking across the lot. On a much larger scale, we need to drain and pave the adjoining lot for parking. The back fellowship “gathering room” has suffered damage from rain and snow, and will be helpful in our tending the “flock” and reaching others. As we pray and trust God for financial resources, remember that God works through his people. Consider Paul’s joy in telling the church in Corinthians of the generosity of the Macedonians: “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us” (2 Corinthians 8:3-5 NIV). When we trust God and follow this example, we will see these and other projects completed. It is a big, almost overwhelming, undertaking. But God has brought us through even greater obstacles. We praise him for one of the most recent needs fulfilled – the lights on the building! How good it is to see our parking lot well lighted during evening events! Thank you for your generosity in meeting that need! Pray – give – praise – for the remaining ones. Thanks!