Conference President's Update for September 14

Family Retreat ---- September 23-24
Bro. Daniel Hobbs will be sharing "My Passion for My Family" in the Friday evening rally. Afterwards will be a time of happy fellowship in the dining hall (Hillbilly Dress-up). Saturday will begin with family devotions (Sam Lindahl) and then family games. The closing challenge by Bro. Joel Byer will finish up the weekend.


Muskegon/Sparta
Saundy and I were privileged to share the last Sunday morning service in the Muskegon Bible Methodist Church. I endeavoured to remind the dear folk that our hope in not in a Place but a Person; not in Property but a Presence; not in a Program but the Power of Christ. There were 55 present in the service. It was a gracious time of worship and "hope for the future". Following lunch on the lawn, we went up the street to some neighbours for a baptismal service. Six individuals demostrated their faith in Jesus through baptism. Afterward, we visited the new property on Apple Avenue about midway between Sparta and Muskegon. A beautiful cape cod home on about 10 acres has been purchased for the new church with great highway frontage across from a lovely golf course. The home has a beautiful "great room" above the lower level garage. The congregation will be meeting in this windowed, cathedral ceilinged, bright room for their services until a new building is erected.

After visiting the new property, Saundy and I, Kenny and Derek, drove to Greenville for the closing revival service with Bro. Mark Cravens.
Tomorrow, we will go to Lansing to help Daron and Amber get a little better settled. Please pray for them as they make the adjustments to a new home, veterinary college, Amber's new job and community college classes.
By the way, Rock Lake is making plans for another day of prayer on Sunday, September 25. We will return to the sanctuary early in the afternoon for prayer and praise. This service will merge into the evening service.
God bless each of you!

Blake and Saundy Jones

Hurricane Report from Bro. Hedstrom

Dear Great Lakes Conference Churches,
Thank you for your concern for the Alabama Churches. Here is a note from Bro. Hedstrom reporting the effects of the storm
Blake Jones


Dear Rev. Clair Sams and Rev. Blake Jones:

Thank you for the many phone calls from your conferences and your
prayers. Feel free to forward this letter and information to your
churches-Bro. Hedstrom


Dear Bible Methodist family:

We are grateful to report that the Alabama Bible Methodist Conference churches did not suffer any serious structural damage. In Mobil, Alabama a few shingles blew off the roofs, no electricity but no injuries or serious damage to the church structures and laymen's homes. We Praise the Lord for God's protection. I understand that Pastor Ray Cragun's church and parsonage in La. is ok as well. Just down the road a couple of miles homes were devastated. Our senior citizen community at Florala did not suffer any damage as well in the last storm. To God be the Glory!

Help at your local Red Cross- You can put together CARE PACKAGES in zip bag with the following items: Check with your local Red Cross...they are suppose to ship these zip bags to the survivors of the hurricane.

bar soap
tooth brushes
shampoo
razors
hand sanitizer
toothpaste
shaving cream
combs
brushes

Focus on the family recommends- www.family.org

!. The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 4857
Jackson, Miss. 39296-4857
phone 1-800-SAL-ARMY

CHECK AT YOUR LOCAL Wal-Mart or Sams

2. North American Mission Board
Alabama Disaster Relief Fund
Ala. Baptist State Board of Missions
2001 East South Blvd
Montgomery, Ala. 36116
phone 888-571-5895

3. American Red Cross
950 22nd St. North Suite 750
Birmingham, Ala. 35203-5300
205-458-8282
1-800-435-7669

In His Service,

Rev. Walter Hedstrom
Conference President