“Prayer is not designed to inform God, but… to humble man’s heart, to excite his desire, to inflame his faith, to animate his hope, and to raise his soul from earth to heaven.” – Adam Clarke (British theologian and Bible scholar, 1760-1832)

Remembering: There’s no tougher news than this: “The biopsy has come back and I am sorry to say you have aggressive cancer.” I’ve heard those words myself and it’s hard to describe your feelings as the news sinks in. And then begins dozens of consultations and tests and procedures that wipe you out, knock you down, but don’t necessarily knock you out. It’s a battle but I am grateful to say I’m now five years cancer free following treatment. God was good to extend my life. But I will say I have noticed more cancer cases than ever lately and it greatly concerns me. Several in Little Church are fighting cancer and thankfully prevailing.

Along this line, I want to share with you a couple of letters I received recently. They are letters of hope and encouragement as well as praise of God…

From Debbie DeSimone: “Thank you for continued prayers. I feel I am already healed.  From the very first day when I came to Upper Room, I felt a presence of God with me that I have never sensed so strongly. People that prayed over me said things that I had told no one. ( The lure of death, fear, pain)  God has truly been with me every step. I must say Jesus and angels are with me. That is what I feel most of all.  I am so grateful for my deepening faith that has come with this journey. My Bible is not far away at all times, and I have started a faith journal  Many have encouraged me to journal, but all I am drawn to write is Scriptures, words from you, from others, and prayers. I have been focused on Psalms. I love Psalm 103 – Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits –  who forgives all your sins, and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with love and compassion.”

From Joyce Norris: “I don’t know if you would remember us by name, but Gary and I attended your church a few years ago and were involved in the Friendship Shelter through Little Church. Even though we were no longer there, we learned that the church had included my husband in your prayers for his fight against cancer. We saw that you had even included him in your bulletins. It warmed our hearts beyond description to hear this. I wanted to let you know how well he is doing and to thank you with much gratitude for the kindness you have shown us. We don’t know his future, (he continues with chemo and frequent MRI’s), but we do know that prayer plays a part in this. Thank you Jay, Jeff and your church.

Prayer Needs This Week (thanks for taking a moment to lift these to the Lord)

• Three familieswho need our prayers for the loss of loved ones.
• Angie Anderson’snephew Gunnar, only six months old, died suddenly last week; heartbreaking
• Jack Whitaker, former worship leader here at Little Church, passed last week
• Long-time Laguna local Gary Brauerdied Friday evening; Gary came to our church several times
• Four year-old Landis needs prayer for a weak immune system
• BarbaraCornelius – eye surgery on Thursday
• Josh Sourwine’s dadstill needs healing

One of so many astonishing sunsets of recent weeks, this one from last Monday, October 24, as seen from the church – photo: Greg Sowle

Great photo by Mary Hurlbut of Alana Thompson and Mike Hunter

Scripture For This Week: “As the Father loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep my commandments you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that your joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you”  John 15:9 -12

 Don’t forget to turn your clock BACK one hour Saturday night.

Much love to you all,

Pastor Jay