Greece

Hey TFAB! Thanks for your prayers. Aside from almost being killed by my lead-footed taxi driver and some really bad meatballs aboard my last flight from Frankfurt (RRRRRRR Franfkurt – not a fan of that airport, seeing as how I think I wasted 8 hrs of my life there), I have arrived safely in Thessolinikki.  Over the next few weeks, I will be posting to the blog as long as I have internet access.  If the post seems rather short, it’s not because of lack of inspiration but rather a lack of patience with typing on my little ipod touch (which by the way, is really cool that I can pick up internet on, seeing as how my phone doesn’t work and I don’t have my laptop – thank you Mac!)  So you can click the side blog postings or if you would like to see all of my posts you can check the drop down menu under the about us area of the website. 

Also if you have comments or questions for me or the tour guides, please leave them for me.  I will try to answer everyone to the best of my ability.  See you Soon!

Wednesday Night Change

Last night was the first night of a new season at TFAB.  Ryan (Elder and Worship Pastor) at the Fellowship taught Joshua Chapter 2.  The big deal is that I was able to sit down with my wife and take in of the teaching of the Word.  It was great to be reminded of Rahab’s faith and our redemption.  It was comforting to be reminded of the grace that God had upon her including her in the family tree of Jesus.  I am so thankful that God has been so gracious to call us His adopted sons, but also His bride.  

Ryan started a new season at the fellowship where the body here will be learning the book of Joshua from several different elders/pastors here at TFAB.  

We did this for several reasons:

1. For this season, we as a group of leaders wanted to see the Sunday morning group receive the entire message/content of a book.  In the past we taught the same book Sunday and Wednesday but realized that Sunday morning was really missing out on some good things.

2.  TFAB is not a 1 man ministry.  TFAB is a body, and as a body we all serve in different ways.  I know that some of these men have an ability to communicate the word, and equip the body as well as, if not better than myself.  It would be a shame to hide their gifts.  That means that I will be spending time with these men to help stir up the gift as Paul told Timothy.  I want to help disciple these guys and assist in training them and other men to be good teachers and communicators of the Word.  Now be patient with these guys!  As I have said before when someone starts teaching sometimes its like learning to drive a STICK– REMEMBER being 15 and experiencing that.  That was one of the worst days of my life. It took me like 30 starts and 20 minutes to drive 1/2 mile….. The stoplight on Crater Lake Avenue/Delta waters about KILLED ME!!!!  If you have someone starting to teach it can be like that— SO be patient!

3.  This allows for TFAB to get to know their Elder/Leadership team.

4.  I get to teach the 2-K’s which is something my daughter MJ is very thrilled about.  I also plan to pop in on Middle School and H-school…  This will allow me to better pastor and minister to this church for a multiple number of reasons.

I could go on but I won’t!  Enjoy this season TFAB– It is just that– Like everything things Change- Love God, Love the People, and continue to teach His word!

GRACE,
Loren

TFAB Family Directory

Sundays Teaching and Hobbies

Just so we are all totally clear on this,  I am all for people having hobbies in the body of Christ.  What I was combating in Sunday’s teaching was the pastor of a church who thinks his goal in life is being a great golfer, fisherman, sportsman, etc.   His focus should instead be on doing what he is called to do which is pastor the church that he was called to.  There are too many lazy pastors (ministers) and Paul’s call to work is an important one in the ministry today.  I was not saying you can’t be an athlete or ever do something like go camping if you want to serve the Lord faithfully.  Hope this clarifies things for some of you and I will further clarify this next Sunday.

Loren

Thanksgiving

I am gonna make this short because the Turkey Bowl is about to happen…( You are invited to watch or play 10:00 a.m.)   Today I am so thankful for knowing that I am secure in the hands of my great God and King Jesus Christ!  I am thankful for a amazing wife who supports me fully in all that God has called me to do as a man in leading my family and TFAB….  I am thankful for 2 amazing kids that I know that God is going to do great things with.  I am Thankful for  Sharon who has been a great help and support since we have moved to Bend in more areas than many of you know.  For My bro what can I say our youth and people are better off with Him here.  Laura, she serves she sings, she uses her shears wisely =)  My parents who resemble Aquilla and Priscilla who disciple, love, and teach this body we are so blessed.  I am thankful for the staff at TFAB, for Ryan we are blessed by your heart of worship, Tasha who is a joy to be around, and Janae who is continually faithful!  Thank you guys for your dedication to serving His people.  I am thankful for the men whom God has placed in leadership!  I am thankful for the unity that exist in the Spirit between us.  I am Thankful for all of you at TFAB!  For your prayers, for your passion for Jesus and the Word, for you desire to serve.  thank you thank you thank you.

What are you thankful for????

Loren