Treasure Chest - a voice of New Life Church in West Linn, Oregon

His Mercies are New Every... Monday?

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:44:34 PST

Yep. That's a phrase we use in our family when we think about getting a new start on Monday. It could be a new start to eating right after a weekend filled with junk food, a new start to exercising after a lazy weekend, a new start to family devotions after a busy weekend where they were inconsistent, etc. Just the like the New Year provides us an opportunity to make resolutions, the new week provides us an opportunity to start over.

Obviously there is nothing special about Monday. Our phrase is an embellishment of two verses in the book of Lamentations. In the midst of great affliction the prophet calls these words to mind and has hope:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lam 3:22-23 ESV)

Whatever you are going through today, remember that God's great love and mercy never ceases. He loves you today. Each morning is a chance to remember that He is merciful. He has withheld his wrath and instead poured out amazing grace through the work of Christ in gospel. What a faithful God!

It is with these "mercies" clearly in view that we offer all of ourselves to God in service and worship (Romans 12:1). So how about it, will you get a fresh start in walking with God today? It is after all... Monday!

Join Pastor Nathan here each Monday morning for word of encouragement.

The Emperor's New Clothes

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:53:32 PST

Last week I rediscovered this satirical children's fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson. " The Emperor's New Clothes" is about a king who has an unhealthy fascination with new clothes, so much so that he has a different change of clothes for every hour of the day. One day a couple of charlatan weavers appear before the emperor claiming that they are able to manufacture clothes of exquisite beauty and uncommon character. These clothes that they create have a special quality that makes the clothes invisible to anyone who is either corrupt in his character or unfit for his office. The emperor commissions these men to make him a set of these clothes at once, paying them large sums of money to do the work.

As the clothes are being created several servants are sent to check on the clothes to see how the progress is coming. Though none of the officials could see anything on the loom, they feigned as if the clothes were very beautiful and told the king so. Finally the day comes for the emperor to try on his new clothes that are to be worn in a big procession around his capital city. Though the king sees nothing, he is quite embarrassed to think that he may be corrupt in character or unworthy of his office. Thus, he too claims that the clothes are simply marvelous, and all of his attendants agree. The king sets off on his procession around the city with much fanfare to display his new clothes to the citizens of his kingdom. No one can see the clothes, of course, but everyone is too scared to admit the fact.

Finally a small boy in the crowd cries out, "Why the King has nothing on!" And the boy's father said simply, "The voice of innocence has spoken." The emperor, knowing what the boy said was true, decided to continue on with the procession. It was too late to turn back now!

This simple fairy tale teaches us an important lesson about fear and pride. In our own Christian lives we are often blind to our own shortcomings. And... our so called "friends" are often afraid to point them out to us. Even if we do get a hint that not all is well in our lives, our pride often keeps us from taking action to change.

As many of us talked about on Sunday at New Life Church, the call of the gospel is to "put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature" and to "cloth ourselves" with the character of Christ (Colossians 3:5&12). Would you be willing to look at yourself with soberness (Romans 12:3) confess your sin to God (1 John 1:8-9) and put on some new clothes (Colossians 3:12)? Would you be willing to help a friend do the same (Proverbs 27:6)?

What Jesus Demands from the World

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:05:48 PST

"What does God really want from me?" That is the question that born-again believers ask after they have trusted in Jesus. "What am I supposed to do with my life now?" Jesus doesn't leave that a mystery. In fact, Jesus is very clear about He expects from the whole world.

In the Great Commission Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." A disciple of Jesus is someone who is seeking to obey everything that Jesus has commanded us.

Today I want to commend to you John Piper's book, What Jesus Demands from the World*. In the book, Piper takes 50 commands of Jesus and talks about what it looks like to obey those commands. The chapters are very short (usually 3-5 pages). In 5-10 minutes you can really think deeply about the words of Jesus and find answers to that question, "What does Jesus want from me now?"

Several of the Men at New Life Robinwood are meeting together in pairs to discuss and pray about what they are reading in this book. The women's Thursday Morning Bible Study has worked through this book and really enjoyed it. How about you? Would you be willing to meet with one other person or a small group to read through this book, discuss, and grow as a disciple of Jesus?

*I have several copies of this book in my office that can be purchased from the church for $10. Reply to this post or call the church office if you would like a copy.

Prayer Focus for the Week of Jan. 15, 2012

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:00:02 PST

New Life Church has a prayer focus each week. Our prayer focus is broken down into three categories of ministry: 1. We pray for another local church that is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2. We pray for a Global Outreach Partner who is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. 3. We pray for a ministry of New Life Church that is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ locally.

Area Church: Logan Community Church – Oregon City, OR

Global Partner: Calvin & Ruth Kim – World Venture, Beirut, Lebanon

Pray for the Kim family's health during the winter.
Pray for their personal study, lectures, and Islam forum.
Pray for peace in Lebanon and Syria.
Pray for more financial supporters to partner with them this year.

NLC Ministry: Coffee Cart

Pray for the continuation and deepening of the relationships which are being built.
Pray that opportunities would arise to talk more about Jesus!
Praise God that things are going so well. There is a group of "regulars" that come and stay all morning until school starts!

Worship Services Cancelled 1/15/2012

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:41:58 PST

We are cancelling worship services today, January 15, 2012, at all locations of New Life Church. Please be safe. Enjoy the slower day. And, treasure God today!

New Life Church Wilsonville Grand Opening

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:25:36 PST

New Life Church Wilsonville held their grand opening last Sunday, January 8, 2012. It was a great morning. One member wrote, "Sunday was an exciting day! It seemed like a long time coming, but God had His hand in every step of our preparations leading up to the grand opening."

We celebrated the new life that Jesus gives and the importance of remaining connected to him. Any new start, for a church or for a person comes from our connection to Jesus.
Afterwards we celebrated with a meal from Buster's BBQ. Everyone enjoyed it and ReGeneration got a little extra that evening, too.

We will be meeting there every Sunday at 10:00am. Please continue to pray for us.

Anyone is welcome. Please bring or send your friends!

Nine different churches contacted me and told me they were praying for us. Thank you all!

Senior's Bible Study

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:46:04 PST

"Pastor Scott. You need to come. The Bible Study downstairs is full to over-flowing. They're rehearsing a song. And, they want to be on the blog!"

Of course, the last phrase got to me. I rushed downstairs and snapped this picture. To my everlasting enjoyment they were singing "Jesus Loves Me" to perform at the next SAM Luncheon. As I was taking the picture I felt like a proud dad at a school program!

Regularly over twenty seniors gather every Tuesday morning at 10:30 for Bible Study in the "map room" at the Riverfalls Campus. There are people there from all three campuses. They have the best time as George Nelson leads them to study God's word. Hardly a week goes by when someone doesn't tell me what a good job George is doing.

Some of you may just want to admit your age and come to the next potluck to hear the special music...I'll be there!

Mission Connexion 2012

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:13:44 PST

On Friday and Saturday January 20-21 you have an opportunity to attend a conference that will inspire you and equip you to be involved in fulfilling God's call on your life to take the good news about Jesus Christ to the nations.

Mission ConneXion Northwest 2012 will be held right here in the Portland area at Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver. There will be powerful times of worship, compelling speakers, and lots of informative breakout workshops to equip you for your role in God's Great Commission.

The conference schedule and other conference details are available at missionconnexion.com. If you would like to carpool to the event on Friday night or Saturday evening, please contact the church office at 503-656-8600.

To watch a promotional video about the conference, click below:

New Life Church Wilsonville is in the News!

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:00:08 PST

New Life Church Wilsonville will celebrate their Grand Opening on Sunday, January 8, 2012. Check out this brief article in the Oregonian:
http://www.oregonlive.com/west-linn/index.ssf/2011/12/west_linn_church_adds_wilsonvi.html

New Books and CDs Added to the Library

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:03:21 PST

You'll find these new books and CD's in our library:

CD's Small Town Poet
Steven Curtis Chapman - Declaration
Nikki Leonti - Shelter Me
Damaris carbaugh -Giving My Life Away
Crystal Lewis -Beauty for Ashes
First Call -Sacred Journey
Deeper Still-A Day Like Today
Amy Grant - House of Love
Wayne Watson -How Time Flies
Courtney Spears-Redeemed
10 years -Africa Children's Choir
Michelle Tumes - Listen
Jaci Velasquez-Heavenly Place
Avalon-In a Different Light
Shannon Wexelberg-Faithful God
Damaris-Heart,Mind and Soul
Above the Noise-17 songs from Todays Top Christian Artists
All-4-One - and the music speaks

BOOKS
Shelly Beach-Precious Lord Take My Hand (Meditations for caregivers)-242B
Chapman, Gary-The Five Languages of Apology (How to experience healing in all your relationships)-158.2C
Chan,Francis-Forgotten God (Reversing our tragic neglect of the Holy Spirit)-231C
Chapman, Gary-ANGER(Handling a powerful emotion in a healthy way)-241.3C
Cloud,Dr. Henry-Boundaries with Kids (When to say yes, when to say no, to help your children gain control of their lives)-649C
Demint,Jim -Saving Freedom (We can stop America's slide into socialism) -323D
Dormon,Sara PH.D.-So you want to ADOPT...now what? -362.7
Eckman, David PH>D- Healthy Relationships (or singles & couples) - 248.4E
Englizian,Crosby H.-PACING the Shadows (When anxiety and faith collide) - 285E
Fischer, John -12 Steps for the Recovering Pharisee (like me) (finding grace to live unmasked) - 248.4F
Greig, Doris W.-We Didn't Know They Where Angels (Discovering the gift of Christian hospitality)- 241G
Harris, Alex & Brett -Do Hard Things (a teenage rebellion against low expectations)-248.8H
Harris, Alex & Brett -Start Here (Doing hard things right where you are) -248.8H
Hingson, Michael-Thunder Dog (True story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust at ground zero) 974.7H
Jeremiah, Dr. David-What in the World Is Going On? (10 prophetic clues you cannot afford to ignore) - 236.9J
Leman, Dr. Kevin-Have a NEW Teenager by Friday (From mouthy and moody to respectful and responsible in 5 days) -306.8L
Martin,Jonathan-Giving Wisely(Killing with kindness or empowering lasting transformation?)254.8M
Metaxas,Eric - BONHOEFFER (Pastor, martyrdom prophet, spy)284.1M
Piper, John-Don't Waste Your Life (you are not your own for you were bought with a price, so glorify God in your body) - 248.4P
Piper, John - What JESUS demands from the world (All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, Jesus) - 241.5P
Piper, John-BLOODLINES (Race,cross, and the Christian) - 270.08P
Platt, David -Radical (Taking back your faith from the American dream) - 261.1P
Rosenberg,Joel C. -Inside the Revolution (How the followers of Jihad,Jefferson & Jesus are battling to dominate the middle east and transform the world) 956.05R
Tada,. Joni Eareckson- HEAVEN (your real home) -236.24T

FICTION
LaHaye,Tim
The Mark (the beast rules the world)
Left Behind(a novel of the earth's last days)
Kingdom Come (the final victory)
Morris, Lynn (Cheney Duvall,MD series)
The Stars For a Light #1
Shadow of the Mountain #2
Toward the sunrising #4
Secret Place of thunder #5
In the Twilight, In the Evening #6
Island of the Innocent #7
Driven With the Wind #8
Rivers, Francine
Her Daughter's Dream
Her Mother's Hope
Sawyer, Kim Vogel
My Heart Remembers

Thank you to all who participated in Project Angel Tree

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:36:04 PST

Thanks to everyone who participated in Project Angel Tree this year. Through your generosity we were able to share Christ’s love with 23 children of incarcerated parents. Thanks to each one of you who purchased gifts and to the drivers that took the gifts to the families. Your efforts mean so much to these families. Most inmates do not live near their children, making visits extremely rare. To receive a Christmas gift from an incarcerated parent helps strengthen the bond between parent and child and can lessen the hurt of not being together. Thanks to you, these families had a much merrier Christmas.

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 09:00:05 PST

New Life Church has a prayer focus each week. Our prayer focus is broken down into three categories of ministry: 1. We pray for another local church that is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2. We pray for a Global Outreach Partner who is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. 3. We pray for a ministry of New Life Church that is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ locally.

Area Church: Lake Bible Church – Lake Oswego, OR, Pastor Jim Andrews

Global Partner: Western Seminary

Please pray that the Lord would raise up donors to the school and that they would give generously at the end of the year.

NLC Ministry: Men's Discipleship Ministry

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 09:00:05 PST

Area Church: Happy Valley Baptist Church – Happy Valley, OR, Pastor Robert Vandiver
Global Partner: Stephanie Rogers – Josiah Venture

Praise: Our Thanksgiving Feast last weekend was a special time as 21 of us came around the table to share a meal together and all the things we are thankful for. There were also 3 new students! Many kids later mentioned how it was a great night for them and that they realized they have a lot to be thankful for.
Prayer: Pray that I can continue to have spiritual conversations with my girls and for the Holy Spirit to be revealing Himself to them. Two have been asking questions but their hearts don't seem fully engaged.

NLC Ministry: Transition Ministry

Lifetime Achievement Awards

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:45:57 PST

Sunday, November 20, at our annual meeting for Budget and Elections, we recognized several individuals and couples who have served God at New Life Church for years. They have enable and brought about changes that we are enjoying. They have laid a foundation that we are still building from. Several are still actively engaged in ministry now. I do want to again say “Thank You!” to this group.

This group has served a long time at New Life, some of them for decades and they are at least 75 years of age. I hope they have many more years of fruitful and faithful service. Here they are in no particular order:

Bob & Bonnie Bruechert
Bill & Alma Coston
Ralph & Shirley Hanson
Al & Elsa Sutherland
Harold & Donna Wilson
George & Betty Nelson
Bob & Barbara Montgomery
Bill & Jeannette Kramer
George Milliken
Agnes Spidal
Colleen Mickelson
Phyllis Cooper
Pat Meyerdierk
Anita Austen
Joan Meyers
Eleanora Larson
Nancy Ross
Louise Holladay

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:01:09 PST

Area Church: First Baptist Church – Gladstone, OR, Pastor Brian Early
Global Partner: Michele and Anna Gandolfo – Italian Ministries, USA
NLC Ministry: Coffee Creek Prison Ministry

Please pray for the inmates during the holiday times.
Pray for a new ministry that is in the works, we need Department of Corrections to approve it and assign a room and other obstacles that are involved in a new ministry.
Pray for their sock drive (they are doing a sock drive for the homeless, many give their month salary $36 to $100).
Pray for Graduation coming up 11/30.
Pray for a Chapel for services

Happy Thanksgiving

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:29:46 PST

Here is one of the most fundamental things i am thankful for about New Life Church:

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

Have a wonderful and thankful day!

Women's Holiday Gathering

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:35:35 PST

With our busy schedules, it is difficult for the women of New Life Church to connect. That is why the Women's Holiday Gathering was put on the calendar. This event provides an opportunity for the ladies of the church to simply visit with one another in a relaxed, holiday setting. This is especially important in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. Please join us on Thursday, December 1st at 7 p.m at New Life Riverfalls. Friends are welcome!

This Should Be Thanksgiving...But it is Black Friday!

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:59:04 PST

If you are going to shop at Amazon for Black Friday, please do it here: Shop Amazon's Black Friday Week. The church benefits when you use our link. Thank you.

Why Do We Sing Hallelujah?

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:40:20 PST

One of my favorite words to sing is "hallelujah." Often though, it's easy to sing words as tradition without knowing what they mean. John Piper recently wrote a brief blog post explaining the meaning of the word "hallelujah." I hope and trust this will come to your mind as we sing, and will help you fix your mind and affections on God.

"The English word “hallelujah” is a transliteration of two Hebrew words, hallelu and jah. The first word, hallelu, is the second person imperative of “praise.” The second word, “jah,” is the short form of Jahweh (or Yahweh).
So when we say, “Hallelujah!” we are exhorting others (people and angels) to join us in praising Yahweh.

What gives a punch to my singing, “Hallelujah,” is that Jah (=Yahweh) is not a generic word for God, but the personal name of the God of Israel.
To shout, “Hallelu Jah!” — “Praise Jah!” — is like standing in the council of the gods and boldly saying, “Not to you, Molech!” “Not to you, Baal!” “Not to you, Dagon!” “Not to you, Artemis!” “Not to you, Zeus!” But to Jah, and Jah alone, I give praise. And I call you to join me! Praise Jah!

And not only is Jah God’s personal name, but it is the one he gave himself to distinguish himself from all the gods. And it is thrilling in meaning.
When Moses asked God what name he should use to identify God in Egypt, God said, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:14).

The name Yahweh is built on the words “I AM”. So God put his absolute, transcendent, self-sufficient being at the center of his identity. “All the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but Yahweh made the heavens” (Psalm 96:5).

So, the next time you sing “Hallelujah” pause for a split second between “hallelu” and “Jah” and say it like a name. We praise you . . . Jah! You are above all gods . . . Jah! Join me, all you heavenly hosts, and praise . . . Jah! He is! He simply, eternally, absolutely, independently, gloriously IS! Hallelu . . . Jah!

From Taylor Reavely

Missions Minute

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:13:51 PDT

At New Life Church, we are privileged to support missionaries all around the world both prayerfully and financially, in an effort to see the good news of the gospel spread through the nations. The Global Outreach Team (G.O. Team) here at New Life has a mission of its own:

The Global Outreach (G.O.) committee will aim to personally involve every person in New Life Church for God's cause world‐wide, and challenge them to spread the news of Christ's excellence at home and around the world. (Matt. 28:19‐20)

Here are the missionaries New Life Church is currently partnered with:

Carmen Bryant – Campus Ambassadors, Missions Door

Brian and LaVonne Buhler – Humanitarian Development, South Asia

Michele and Anna Gandolfo – Ostia, Italy

Dan and Alice Simmons – WorldVenture Rome, Italy

Rick and Mary Beth Holladay – The Art Factory, Kandern, Germany

Calvin and Ruth Kim – WorldVenture, Beruit, Lebanon

Paul and Diana Mayhugh – WorldVenture, Macau, China

Paul and Beryl Metko – Americas West, Scappoose, Oregon

Stephanie Rogers – Josiah Venture, Slovenia

Skip and Ruth Sorensen – WorldVenture, Uganda

Rich and Cheri Strahm – Kiev, Ukraine

Bruce Tissell – WorldVenture, Teresina and Piaui, Brazil

The Missions Minute will spotlight a different missionary every month – highlighting the work God is doing through them and sharing their immediate prayer requests. If you would like to receive email updates from any of New Life's global partners, please send an email to office@newlifenw.com.

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:00:04 PDT

New Life Church has a prayer focus each week. Our prayer focus is broken down into three categories of ministry: 1. We pray for another local church that is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2. We pray for a Global Outreach Partner who is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. 3. We pray for a ministry of New Life Church that is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ locally.

Area Church: Barton Community Baptist Church – Boring, OR, Pastor Thom Turner

Global Partner: Carmen Bryant – Missions Door

Please pray for staffing needs for Missions Door.
Please pray for new financial partners to come alongside Missions Door.

NLC Ministry: Middle School

Praise the Lord for Brandon joining the MS leadership team.
Praise the Lord for students who are all excited and committed to living lives sold out for the Lord.
Please pray for friends and visitors to come to salvation.

Prayer Focus for the week of October 16th

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 09:00:01 PDT

New Life Church has a prayer focus each week. Our prayer focus is broken down into three categories of ministry: 1. We pray for another local church that is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2. We pray for a Global Outreach Partner who is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. 3. We pray for a ministry of New Life Church that is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ locally.

Area Church: Grace Church of Molalla – Molalla, OR. Pastor John Baker

Global Outreach Partner: Skip and Ruth Sorensen – World Venture, Kabale, Uganda

NLC Ministry: H2O

Pray for wisdom as this ministry seeks God's plan for the future and the leadership of H2O.
Pray that panhandlers and homeless people would get a sense of God's love for them through even the short contact of an H2O bag.

Books Added to the Library

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:04:02 PDT

The following books have been donated to the library:

Teen:
Why I Left the Contemporary Christian Music Movement by Lucarini, Dan.

Non-fiction:
Zondervan Handbook to the BIBLE
Nobody Don't Love Nobody by Bess, Stacey 371.96
Run with the Horses by Peterson Eugene H. 242.5
He Still Moves Stones by Lucado, Max 226
Eerdman's Handbook to The History of Christianity by Dowley, Dr. Tim 270
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by P:eterson Eugene H. 223
Mastering Worship by Hayford, Jack 264
Relational Christianity by Meeks, Steve231.7
How to have GREAT small-group Meetings by McBride, Neal E. 253
Too Busy NOT to Pray by Hybels, Bill 248.3

Fiction:
A Gathering of Finches by Kiorkpatrick
Assassins by LaHaye, Tim
Babylon Rising by LaHaye, Tim
The Price by Mills-Macias,Kathi
The Ransom by Mills-Macias, Kathi
Apollyon by LaHaye, Tim
The Indwelling by LaHaye, Tim
PAUL : A Novel by Wangerin, Walter Jr.
The Sacrifice by Whitlow, Robert

Child and Youth Worker Training and Appreciation Luncheon was a success!

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:08:16 PDT

At New Life Church, we prioritize the safety of our children and youth, which is why child safety training is mandatory for all workers. Thank you to all the workers who serve our children and youth and attended the annual child safety training on Sunday, October 9th. This year the event also included an appreciation luncheon to acknowledge the dedication of our workers. Cupcakes, like the one pictured above, were prepared by Dustin Hannifan. Several gentlemen, including members of our Elder team, served lunch to the guests at their tables. Childcare was provided by the pastoral staff, pictured above.

Darcey Philpot and Kristen Van Tuyl led the training sessions and two guest speakers from The Children's Center addressed the group. Twice as many workers attended the training this year than attended last year. A make-up session is scheduled for October 23rd.

(Thank you, Elaine Hochstettler and Rose Miller, for providing the photos.)

A Letter from Mike Polley

RevReav@newlifenw.com (R. Scott Reavely) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:19:47 PDT

Mike Polley, who is serving in Afghanistan, sent us this update to share with the church:

Dear family and
friends,
We have reached the 10 month mark since we left Oregon. The weather
has cooled down to 60-70s for high and 40-50s for low. At 7,300 feet, we
could get snow before the end of the month. We are shipping some
nonessential items home. This has brightened everyone’s spirits knowing
the end is not too much further away. We should all be home before
Christmas (knock on wood).

One of our priorities has been to develop partnerships with the
Afghans. We are trying to come along side of them, work with and teach
them, so they can adequately take over for us when the US forces leave by
2014. Our interactions have been new, different, and at times, downright
uncomfortable. For example, most of our interactions are through
interpreters since none of us speak their language and only a very few of them
speak (broken) English. Sometimes you wonder if the intent of the message
is being translated correctly. Their customs and courtesies are different
from ours and they enjoy social events (you best not be in a hurry to accomplish
your agenda).
One common social event is eating. Yes, eating their food, prepared their way. There are no USDA regulatory agencies over here or food preparation inspections. While their food is filling and tastes good, you sometimes wonder how it was prepared. Some Soldiers have felt queasy after eating, some have thrown up, some have had diarrhea and some unlucky Soldiers have had all of the above. They don’t have dishwashers to sterilize the dishes. In most villages, there is no running
water to wash your hands prior to eating. So, it is uncomfortable to meet
and greet each other and then sit down to eat. Who knows where those hands
have been. Without furniture, you normally sit on the floor and eat with
your fingers because there are no eating utensils; plus you serve yourself from
community dipping bowls. The Afghans remove their shoes inside buildings
and sit cross-legged with their feet inches from the food. When they serve
their tea, you wonder where the water came from. Did I mention
flies? They are all over the place and on the food. I think you’re
getting the picture. Only the strong survive. The higher your rank,
the more likely you are to find yourself in this situation. That is where
the battalion commander (BC) and I come in. We often participate in these
events as it would be rude not to. I can say that the BC and I have pretty
good diets, exercise regularly, take vitamins and have decent immune
systems. So far, we have not gotten sick, but we are the exception (again,
knock on wood).
I’ve had 15 days off so far this year. That was my
required leave that I talked about in my last letter. Working 12 hours a
day is calling it an early day. Most days are 14-16 hours per day, while
some are longer. Yes, we do take breaks, eat, exercise and try to get in a
nap about once or twice a month. I must admit that I’m really tired on
some days, but persevere through. A 5-15 minute power nap can save the
day. Most Soldiers don’t put in these many hours, but it is tough and
demanding at the top of the pyramid. So you can believe me when I say I
looking forward to coming home.
Operationally we are amazing. We are involved with engineer missions (including horizontal, vertical and route clearance), Civil-Military operations, Afghanistan National Army (ANA) partnerships and much more. Unfortunately you’ll have to wait until I get back to hear and see some of the things we have accomplished, plus stories from behind the scenes. I have attached a couple of pictures of some projects
we done. The horizontal construction company had to level the area and the
vertical construction company built the structures. As you can see from
the pictures, we do quality work. And of course, any living conditions at
any location that we can improve are liked by all. The orders just keep
coming in.
We are already thinking and planning for winterization as winter
for us is just around the corner. The locals say we had a mild winter last
year and could get several feet of snow this year. Some years they say
have snowed as much as six feet. Well, if that happens, we hope to be on a
plane by then. Many, many other stories to tell, but will have to wait
until I get back.
I took my physical fitness test on 26 SEP 2011, and while my score of 353 was impressive (88 push-ups in 2 minutes, 80 sit-ups in 2 minutes and 13:53 in the 2 mile run – all in less than one hour – all at 7,300 feet elevation) a few young bucks did beat my score. The Bible says that “iron sharpens iron” and this competition has been fun. Some of these Soldiers are in the best shape of their lives. Numbers are still coming in so you’ll have to wait until next time to hear how I’ll be rewarding them.
I also ran the Lincoln (Nebraska) ½ marathon in 2:02 last month as well as the
Army 10-mile at 1:30. The Portland satellite marathon is next
weekend.
Alex had a good time in Italy. He met a girl named Maria
through one of the Soldiers here (her sister) and it was their first get
together. Even though they had talked on the phone, Skype and emailed, it
was the blind date of blind dates. Could have been bad for one or both of
them, but they both really enjoyed it. He said they have a lot in common
and enjoyed each other’s company. She is planning to move to Oregon…
I am happy to report that there are a few less bad guys here and that we have made
a positive difference with the missions and interactions we’ve been involved
with. Please keep us in your prayers. I am looking forward to seeing and
talking with all of you when I get back.
Proudly serving my country and missing you,
Mike