The Pastor’s ‘ Oa

1. 40 Days Praying For Rain Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! I pray that this letter finds you in great health and in joyful spirit. February is here and as we begin to settle down a little, we are bombarded by the issue of drought and too much ice. How ironic? Tulare Association of Churches started last Sunday (January 26th.) a “forty days praying for rain.” On Sunday February the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and March the 2nd, you are all invited to join hearts and voices with other Christians in fellowshipping and praying for rain. These Sunday services will be held at the new Multi-Purpose Building on Cross Avenue next to the Baptist Church at 5 o’clock in the evening. The Final Service will be held at the Tulare First Baptist (corner of Cross and Cherry Ave) at 6:30 PM in the evening of March 6th. Hope you will make an effort to attend any of those services. I think its very ironic that while we need rain in most part of the country, other areas are stuck with too much ice. There is no doubt that we do need the rain and so we must pray for rain. But in this Pastor’s ‘Oa, I would like to approach “drought” from a spiritual side and therefore talk about the kind of benefit we get from struggling through our drought season of life so to speak. I read a story about Neil Orchard who was talking with a farmer about his soy bean and corn crops. Rain had been abundant, and the results were evident. So the farmer’s comment surprised him: "My crops are especially vulnerable. Even a short drought could have a devastating effect.” "Why?" Orchard asked. The farmer explained that while we see the frequent rains as a benefit, during that time the plants are not required to push roots deeper in search of water. The roots remain near the surface. A drought would find the plants unprepared and quickly kill them. And so I got t0 thinking that sometimes we receive abundant "rains" of blessing, promotion, worship, fellowship, and teaching. Yet when stress, worry, and dis-appointments enter our lives, many suddenly abandon God or think Him unfaithful. Their roots have never pushed much below the surface. Only roots grown deep into Jesus help us endure times of drought in our lives. So I wouold like to leave you with these words of Paul to the people in Colosse: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthen-edin the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Col. 2:6-7) Until the Next Time, God Bless Pastor Latu & Family. The Pastor’s ‘Oa