Friends,
After leaving the theater, I had a thought. These days, most of the time when we go to see a movie, we have to check our value system at the door. After seeing this film, both Sandy and I were checking our value system when we were leaving the theater!
The film is called “The End of the Spear.” Though I do not often recommend movies, I would encourage you to try to find an opportunity in your schedule to see it.
One of the reviews about this movie summarizes it as follows. “In 1956, five missionaries were brutally murdered in the Ecuadorian jungle by members of the Waodani tribe they went to serve. And then something amazing happened; the killers became Christians. The martyr's names—Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, and Roger Youderian—and their sacrifice galvanized a whole generation of missionaries who headed to foreign fields with the slain Elliot's words on their lips, ‘He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.’”
At the core of this story is the great commitment of five young men to bring the love of Christ to the violent, vengeful Woudani tribe in the Ecuador jungles. They were willing to risk everything for the Woudani to find the “Jesus Path.” When they were attacked violently, they refused to use their weapons to defend themselves. Their rationale was that they could not take the lives of the Woudani because “they were not ready for Heaven yet.” The story within the story is one of reconciliation between one of the missionary’s sons and a member of the tribe who was responsible for the death of his father. It is a profoundly moving account of God’s grace.
After the five missionaries were killed, their wives and children went to the Woudani, lived among them, and nursed them through a polio epidemic. The influence of those five families has meant the conversion of a whole tribe of people. As a result of the faithfulness of those disciples, the Woudani will sing the song of the redeemed in Heaven.
The Apostle John writes about it. In Revelation 7:9-10 we read the following words about a worship service in Heaven. When you read it, note who will be present.
After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
It would be extraordinary if all of the brilliant abilities of the movie industry could be used to produce works that were as inspiring as “End of the Spear.”
The end result for me of seeing this film was to inflame a renewed passion for evangelism. It is our task here in Hinesville and Liberty County to share the Good News. Our efforts can add voices to the choirs of Heaven who offer praise to God for the gift of salvation. Regardless of the cost, let’s get busy witnessing to our faith, inviting our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to worship, and filling up both our sanctuary and the choirs of Heaven!
Come join us for worship this Sunday. There are services at 8:30 and 11:00. Excellent faith-building classes are available for all ages at 9:45. See you in church!
Blessings!
ARM
Rev. Alan R Miller +
Our church will be celebrating United Methodist Women’s Sunday on February 26 at the 8:30 and 11:00 services. All Hinesville United Methodist Women are encouraged to be present that day to share in the celebration of ministry carried out by Methodist women here in Hinesville and across the world. Come be a part of that celebration!
Team Members Needed
It is that time of year to get ready for the “Relay for Life” walk. I would like to challenge the church to get two teams of 15 together this year. My goal is to intermingle people from the different services in our church so that we can get to know each other. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact me, Cindy Chandler at 884-9135 or 572-9189 and I will get you the information that you need. The relay for life walk will be held Friday night April 28 and Saturday morning April 29. The time will be from 7 p.m. Friday – 7 a.m. Saturday. Each team member will only have to walk one hour. This is a great time for the church to join together and work as a team in the fight against cancer.
Sunday Night Live
All children (and parents) are reminded that Sunday Night Live meets every Sunday night from 5:00-6:30 for ages 3 thru 5th grade. This is a fun time spent learning about Jesus. Also, remember that you earn some fish every time you come and when you memorize your Bible verse. The verse for this week is “Case all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7
Sunday School Perfect Attendance
Congratulations to the following who had perfect attendance in Sunday School during the month of January:
Susan Chipple, Pete & Ginger Clark, Billie Floyd, Shirley Giddens, Carol Corwin, Nancy Stafford, Tina Thompson, Alicia Kirk, Mary Varnedoe, Emily Spangler, Beverly Childs, Beverly Faircloth, Craig Stafford, Bessie Bailey, Willa Brown, Linda Dunivin, Johnnie Gassaway, Sis Matthews, Mary Payne, Doris Phillips, Peggy Southwell, Carolyn Strickland, Edwen Valentine, Jean Johnson, Ann Bean, Ed Edwards, Charles Strickland, Elbert Byrd, Gerald DeLoach,
In Sympathy
Christian love and sympathy to Jim Neal in the loss of his sister, Jean Simons. Funeral services were held in Ricelake, WI.
I will support First United Methodist Church by…
MY PRAYERS
Elizabeth Hutton, Ann Powers, Dorothy Stagmeier, Davis Darsey, Faye Darsey, Chris Varmecky, Ethelda Lee, Lynn Sikes, Johnnie May, Irene Martin Our soldiers and their families. John Folker, Scot Sikes.
MY PRESENCE
Sunday School:................................................................................177
Worship 8:30:.................................................................................121
.............11:00..................................................................................170
Total Worship:................................................................................291
MY GIFTS
Received Last Week:................................................................ 8,146.00
Received to Date:...................................................................57,682.00
MY SERVICE
Ushers:........................................................................ Jeff Arnold, Capt.
Allen Brown, Danny Norman, Tom Ratcliffe, Craig Stafford,
Hal Stafford, Durand Standard, George Stagmeier
Security Steward: ............................................................... Hal Stafford
Acolytes: .......................................Brooke Standard & Bailey Kitchings
Crucifer: ...............................................................................Taylor Reese
Altar Steward: ....................................................................Judy Shippey
Sound Room: (8:30)...................................................... Billy Strickland
....................... (11:00)........................................................... Bob Dasher
Children’s Church:................................ Angela West & Terrie Rowan
Children’s Sermon:.............................................................. Joey Brown
Vacation Bible School
We’re gonna have a Fiesta! That is this year’s theme for Vacation Bible School. It’s kind of early to be talking about VBS but be thinking about volunteering your time the week of June 19-23. We will need lots of folks who can help out as crew leaders. This year the ages for VBS will be 3 thru 5th grade. Children (youth) who have completed 6th grade will be able to volunteer. If you are interested in helping out, please contact the church office and we will add your name to our list. Thanks
Jack Kirkwood, Clifford Johnson, Joe Matthews, Joe Thompson, Jack Shuman, Hugh Southwell, Harold Cross, Hal Stafford, Alan Darsey, Richard Goff, Lauren Faircloth, Brandon Schreihofer, Rachel Yacavone, Eddie Chipple, Adam Corwin, Jeremy Corwin, Donna Rowan, Kirsten Schreihofer, Aaron Konicki, Martha Kitchings, Laura Smiley, Dayle McCallar, Jonathan Konicki, Darlene Goff, Robert Martin, Anna Konicki, Genesis Lutsky, Cade Swain.
