It's still a perfect 72 degrees in my office as I look through the window.  But, now the sun has been hidden behind the thick, gray clouds.  Becasuse my window is tinted, the day appears to be even gloomier and both the cars and the driveway appear to be wet.  The rain has begun to fall and cover all upon which it lands.  Some might think it's going to be a dreary, depressing day, but instead, some of us are elated!  The grass is now receiving the nourishment it has missed for most of the summer.  The ponds and lakes appear fuller and, without a doubt, the fish are rejoicing (do fish rejoice or just smile?).  The trees and bushes will have one final attempt of showing their real colors before dropping their leaves and preparing for the cold, harsh winter ahead.  But enough about the weather.  These gloomy days turn our thoughts to realities not often considered. 

I'm both encouraged and discouraged as I visit our churches.  The good news is that we have congregations of people who love each other and express that love to visitors, such as Donna and myself, who walk into their midst, announced or not.  There seems to be an honest desire to worship, to grow, to serve others, and to see souls saved.  The ministries and passion for ministry at many of our churches is exciting!  And the food is good!  At a recent church visit complete with an after service luncheon, one of the deacons reminded me that the BFC either stands for 'bring food to church' or 'bring fried chicken!'  Both are possible!  It seems to me that we've got the 'Bible and Fellowship' parts of the BFC down pretty good!

But now the bad news.  Some of our churches are really struggling.  Some of the facilities could use updating, others could use replacing, and a few don't even exist!  The funds to fix up the facilities are lacking, and the congregations don't have the ability to do it by themselves.  Some of our churches don't have pastors, and some couldn't afford to pay for them if one were available.  There has to be enough critcial mass within a congregation to provide the sustainence for a pastor and his family.  Unfortunately, that's the situation in at least half a dozen of our churches.   All of our departments have seen a decrease in financial support this summer, either in offerings being down or a smaller number of people being involved in the ministry.  So that's the gloomy side of things. 

So what to do?  Look out the window and see the gloom, or remember that behind the thick clouds is a sun (Son) that is shining bright and warm?  Life is easy when it's easy.  But life isn't always easy.  It seems to me that when we can help out our brothers and sisters in situations that are difiicult, it behooves us to do so.  This is where the BFC helps the sun (Son) to break through the gloom!  Whether that help comes in the form of a financial gift, assistance by sharing your spiritual gifts at one of these churches or departments, or encouraging others to do so with your support behind them, your help is needed.  If you can't do something actively, you can do something spiritually, and that is pray.  If you can't do anything else, you can always pray!  We, the BFC, need harvesters, and we need harvests.  You, as a member of the BFC, can pray along those lines, and if the Lord of the harvest would have you get involved in one of these struggling works, don't wait for an engraved invitation.  Pick your spot, or contact us and we'll help you identify a place you can help.

It's still a perfect 72 degrees in my office.  Outside it's either hot or cold.  Sometimes being in a perfect place is not the best place to be!  Anyone wish to join me outside?

David T Allen