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"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1
Over the past several months Raven Ministries has taken on many different appearances and initiatives to support, encourage and under gird pastors in their calling to equip the Body for the work of the Ministry. One of the more indirect ways was to come alongside the Building Bridges of Friendship (B.B.F.) Steering Team and help facilitate this year's outreach. B.B.F. is an interdenominational team with a desire to see the Church of Jesus Christ in Oroville come together with local businesses and community members to serve the City in tangible ways. On September 13th, 240 people from 16 churches came together to beautify the City, assist low income home owners, and help local schools. The churches donated nearly $6,000 and 23 local businesses gave over $10,000 in materials and services to support this effort. We are trusting that this effort will not only bring unity to the Body, but will also be a vehicle to develop a bond of friendship among the pastors and a commitment to pray together.
Painting a house for low-income family |
Painting a house for low-income family |
Priming & painting light poles for City |
Cleaning up alleyway for County |
Repairing bridge in City Park |
Our love for pastors was demonstrated in a variety of other ways as well; attending a book introduction and signing for a pastor, visiting a pastor and his wife to see their new baby, sitting with the wife and family of a pastor having surgery for colon cancer, attending an installation service of a pastor and the farewell luncheon of another, and "filling the pulpit" for a pastor who needed a short reprieve due to stress. In addition to special moments like these, we were blessed with opportunity to continue building relationships with pastors as couples and individuals through more than 25 one-on-one meetings. We also held our second mini-prayer summit with pastors in Oroville. With eleven pastors and wives in attendance, we had a tremendous time of worship followed by prayer for our City officials. It was quite an honor to have the Mayor, City Administrator, City Works Director and Chief of Police (all believers in Jesus) there in person to receive our prayers. Another great privilege for us was to share the precious Word of God with His Bride. Ron preached in ten churches and Luan spoke in one. Ron also spoke to a Men's group in Sutter California at their monthly meeting.
On a sadder note, we learned of yet another pastor couple who have separated. It truly breaks our hearts when we see the enemy of our souls take our brothers and sisters hostage to their own weaknesses. And, we are humbled that our Lord would allow us opportunity to "bind up the brokenhearted and to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of prison doors to them that are bound" (Isaiah 61:1). We thank you for your heart for servants of the Most High and your support of the work the LORD has called us to do.
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