Yesterday, the pastors and missions leaders arrived home from the Central African Republic. Check that - Dave Guiles went on to Argentina. Busy month!
Anyhow, thanks to those of you who have been praying for our church in Delaware.
Not only have we been called to encourage a hurting widow and family and face the shock of a young man's suicide... we have also discovered that this friend, brother, husband, and son was not who we all thought he was.
Today's Marion Star gives more detail about the twisted deception of Joe Russell. Please read this link.
I ask you to pray for Megan Russell and her daughters and her family. I ask you to pray for our church, our community, and our law enforcement leaders here in Delaware and Marion. I appreciate your prayers for our church staff, and for our entire community. Thanks to many of you for your words of encouragement and empathy during a rough week.
I also ask your prayers for God to continue the work He's doing in our hearts, and that we would be open to any and all of the lessons and spiritual work He wants to do in our hearts through difficult times. On Sunday, I am grateful God gave me some direction on how to address our congregation - here is a link to Sunday's sermon.
I look forward to giving you updates on the Africa trip, even though I didn't quite make it.
To that end, please pray for God's wisdom and timing about a "second attempt" to visit Africa. I have already learned of an opportunity in November, but am praying about schedule, timing, and details...
Obviously, God's comfort and leadership has been clear to me and to our church family in some very turbulent days. Thanks for your partnership and love in Christ Jesus!
Sincerely,
Gary Underwood
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Love the blog my seminary roommate.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more updates at breakfast at the end of the month.
Blessings.
Saw you on TV too!
About a guy in the Delaware community.
You look good on TV.