With the lead taken from the elders and staff members, we as a church were encouraged to fast and pray. Specifically, we were asked to fast and pray about the purchase of land. Following are some “Fasting Facts”. You can also listen to Pastor Del’s sermon below.

Fasting has a long history in the Bible

• Moses - 40 days (Exodus 34:28)
• David - 7 days (II Samuel 12:16-23)
• Esther - 3 days (Esther 4:16)
• Nehemiah - certain days (Nehemiah 1:4-11)
• Daniel - 21 days (Daniel 10:2-3)

Fasting has definite purposes

• To seek God
• To help in repentance and humility
• To deepen concern
• To sharpen us spiritually, mentally and physically

There are various kinds of fasts

• All solid food (Luke 4:2)
• All food and water (Esther 4:16)
• Partial food (Daniel 10:3)
• Private (Matthew 6:16-18)
• Corporate (Joel 1:13-14; Acts 13:1-3)

There are practical aspects to fasting

• Motives need to be right, not to impress people (Matthew 6:16-18)
• Health issues should be considered
• Family dynamics are a factor
• An extended fast should be planned with God’s direction
• An extended fast should be ended carefully, not quickly

 

 Fasting Along Our Journey [26:22m]: Play Now | Download

John put this travel log slideshow together to let everyone know what happened each day.

 

 Thailand Travel Log [2:35m]: Play Now | Download

Ever heard of “Destination World”? Sounds like a cool travel show, huh! This fall the Global Outreach Team is kicking off a new program. Each month we’ll be focusing on a different country or region of the world. You’ll get great updates on what God is doing throughout the world and how you can be involved. Get ready to explore!

Are you ready, willing, and able? The Global Outreach Team needs people like you to build missions at Warner. Contact the church office for more info.

While recently at a friend’s party, I was able to meet several of his friends that are not affiliated with Warner. People I would not have necessarily crossed paths with in my daily route.

The next day I heard of a significant conversation that took place after the birthday party with my friend (who is a part of the L.I.F.E. group that I lead), four other people from our group and a non-Christian couple, who also attended the birthday party. The non-Christian couple was getting ready to relocate to the East Coast soon and after several hours of hanging out they entered into a discussion about God. The husband made the comment that he wished he had met this group of friends earlier.

I have realized that since much of my time is spent with believers, that unless I purposely make efforts to connect with non-Christians, I would live life in a Christian bubble. Sometimes we segregate ourselves from non-Christians, for fear that we may be “influenced”.

Don’t forget that “greater is He who is in me, than he that is in the world”. It is the world that should try to stay away from the Spirit-filled Christians because it is they who carry the greatest Influencer.

May God richly bless you as you continue to say, “Yes” to Him.

On August 26th I announced, via the Warner web-cam, than an opportunity has arisen for Warner Alliance to buy much needed land.

As I stated, the land is the 12 acres at the corner of Thain and Powers. In my estimation this is the best land that is still available in the city. The city developer called it a “ready to build site”. The property already has utilities and the land is fairly level which will keep our costs down for when we are ready to build.

As noted, the purchase price is $475,000, which for some may seem like a lot, but after investigation, it is a clear, fair and good asking price for such a quality parcel of land. Things to consider: The original asking price was $980,500. Recently, 2.5 acres of commercial land in the Lewiston Orchards just sold for $545,000. Yes! 2.5 acres.

But all of the above factors are not the bottom line when it comes to why a church should purchase property. It is very clear that God has given Warner Church a vision; a vision of 1000 people! A vision of a church that grows while it continues to live out Biblical community in a way that shows the Valley its tremendous value. Warner Church has a vision of seeing people who never thought God was relevant or had given up on church all together, finding a church where they feel loved and can experience God.

This is our vision, this is why we exist. We know the Lord holds our future in his hands, and from those same hands come unfathomable blessings.

Grace and Peace, I miss you all!

P.S. Make sure you carefully read The Connector for all the important dates regarding this event.

If you missed yesterday’s service, or if you’d like to hear it again, here’s the audio portion of the service. Click the play button to listen.

 

 Thailand 2007 Report [29:40m]: Play Now | Download

Here are the photos that were used in Melissa’s slideshow. She sung Adonai with these photos in the background.

 

 Thailand 2007 Photos [4:10m]: Play Now | Download

Here’s a glimpse of what the Thailand Team will be sharing in service tomorrow morning.

 

 Thailand Highlights 2007 [1:56m]: Play Now | Download

This video demonstrates what local Thai people are saying in response to the Christians that have continued to help after the Tsunami. The impact of small groups going to Thailand (like the one Warner just sent) has been a powerful catalyst in the growing Christian church.Although a lot of the resorts have been rebuilt, many still live in temporary houses. It’s through short term trips that the local church has been able to help the needy in their villages.

 

 Buddhists Didnt Help [0:28m]: Play Now | Download

Through your prayers, financial donations, and other support you were able to impact the people of Thailand. One piece of evidence is that there were at least three people who heard the Gospel for the first time.

This Sunday, August 26, the 2007 Thailand Team will be sharing more about how your partnership made a global impact. Please be in service this Sunday to support them and learn more.

They promised not to bombard us with their 3000 photos. (Yes, they have that many!)