t he
FEBRUARY 2021 |VOLUME 47| ISSUE NO.2
EVANGEL
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF FIRST EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
Like a Little Bamboo Shoot WR I T T E N BY KE VI N LABBY
If you've ever attended a leadership conference or heard a motivational speaker, you might have listened to what some affectionately call "The Bamboo Story." It goes something like this: Bamboo doesn't grow right away. During the first four years of its development, it's small and weak. It doesn't even break the surface of the ground. However, in the fifth year, it not only breaks through the earth; it does so powerfully, growing upwards of 80 feet tall! The moral of the story for leadership and motivation is
Lead Pastor Installation We are excited to welcome Pastor Kevin, Molly and his family to our First Free Family. During our February 14 Sunday service, we will have a formal installation time for Kevin Labby as our new Lead Pastor.
obvious: Don't give up. Persevere. Keep watering the seeds of greatness you've planted. You might not see immediate results, but they'll eventually grow into something extraordinary - if you don't quit.
If you haven't, make sure to grab a card in the lobby and write a note to welcome him and his family! Please return the notes before service on February 14.
Like a Little Bamboo Shoot, ctd. Honestly, I don't know the first thing about
but instead, decided to give Mark another
bamboo. What I do know is that there's a lot of
chance. For whatever reason, it paid off. Like a
wisdom in that story.
little bamboo shoot, Mark eventually matured and grew into a faithful and fruitful minister of
True greatness usually develops over time,
the gospel.
sometimes a lot more time than we'd like. Our world, addicted to instant gratification, often
Even the Apostle Paul eventually testified to
demands immediate success. Anything less
Mark's remarkable growth. He learned to trust
seems like a failure. When our efforts aren't
Mark again and restored him as a ministry
immediately successful, we feel pressure to cut
companion (Philemon 1:24). Later, as Paul
our losses and move on. Thankfully, God takes
approached death, he sent for another young
a longer, more patient view of things.
ministry partner, Timothy, and told him, "Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is
One person in the Bible who gives me a lot of
helpful to me in my ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11).
hope is Mark (also known as John Mark). Do you remember him? We only know a little bit
Child of God: It's tempting to give up on
about him.
people, especially when their immaturity hinders or even hurts us. Sometimes, people
We know that he wrote the Gospel of Mark. We
don't mature when we want, the way we want.
also know that he was probably the young man
It can be so frustrating, even infuriating!
who abandoned Jesus and fled half-naked from the Garden of Gethsemane during our Lord's
Even so, that doesn't mean God isn't at work.
arrest, which was - let's be honest - not exactly
Just as he does with you, he might be doing
a quality move (Mark 14:51-52). We know that
more beneath the surface than you realize.
he was definitely the one who abandoned the
Don't be afraid to take a longer, more patient
Apostle Paul and Barnabas during a missionary
view of things. Barnabas did, and it made all
journey, prompting such a sharp dispute
the difference.
between them that the two split up and went in separate directions to minister the gospel (Acts
This month, we'll explore God's power to
15:39). Paul and Silas went one way; Barnabas
change anyone and anything, anytime and
and Mark another. Nice one, Mark.
anywhere, in our four-part sermon series, Jesus Changes Everything. I hope you'll join us! Molly,
Here's another interesting tidbit about this
the kids, and I can't wait to meet you.
immature disciple: Mark and Barnabas were cousins. Maybe that's one reason why Barnabas didn't cut his losses and move on,
You're loved. Don't forget it!
Slow and Steady for Jesus WR I T T E N BY T E R R Y R UC C I O WI T H SONSH I NE C OMMUNI T Y MI NI ST R I E S
We are almost at a one year point with this
We were glad we could do something for our
pandemic. We have had our ups and downs
families during this month. Many hands made
over these months as so many other people
this event possible. It was definitely a highlight.
and ministries. It has caused us to evaluate, rethink, adjust and stand faithful; all very good
Looking Ahead in 2021
things. We will continue with our regular meetings at I am so grateful that we, at Sonshine have
Sonshine : Monday chapel and meals, Hang 5
remained open almost the whole time. We have
after school group, 12 step recovery meeting
continued to make the necessary changes, and
and Bible study, as well as our monthly mom
have served with less volunteers and to a
support meetings. Starting In February we will
smaller amount of people.
be able to offer a Thursday night Bible study that is open to the community and our families.
But we are here, we are being a light and
We will partner with the Dream Center to help
continue to be faithful in these months.
people grow in their walk with Jesus. We are hoping to once again do a week at Pine Valley in June as well as our Summer Fun nights with the neighborhood children throughout the summer. Keep us in prayer as we serve in these uncertain times. Our Lord is never uncertain; He can be trusted.
The holidays were a time to help our families by way of Holiday Food Boxes as well as helping with over 150 + Christmas presents. On December 6, we hosted an “ outdoor nativity “ in our Sonshine lot to share the true meaning of Christmas to our families and our neighborhood. Inside, each family was able to take a family photo, which we printed and delivered for Christmas in a frame, and receive a gift of baked homemade cookies.
Family News
International Partner Spotlight
Anniversaries
WR I T T E N BY KI R K ALBR E C H T
CONGRATULATIONS TO... Harold & Rhoda West for 69 years of marriage on Feb. 9. Robert & Beverly Conley for 45 years of marriage on Feb. 14. George & Antoinette Burdell for 63 years of marriage on Feb. 15. John & Glenda Roberts for 57 years of marriage on Feb. 22.
Birth
It is hard to reach people from other cultures with the Gospel. Many countries restrict access to foreign Christian workers. There are
Congratulations to Nathaniel & Abigail Buck on the birth of a son,
geographic, cultural, and
George Lawrence Buck, January 14, 2021. George joins big sister,
language barriers to
Jane Louise. Proud grandparents are JanConard & George & Roxie Buck.
overcome.
Passings
What if those people from
OUR CHRISTIAN LOVE AND SYMPATHY...
other countries came here,
To Vickie McKay & family at the passing of her father, Ronald McKay To Dan & Terry Ruccio & family at the passing of Dan’s mother, Stella Ruccio To Kevin & Dona Timlin & family at the passing of Kevin’s father, Robert Timlin To Pam Eisele & family at the passing of husband and father, John Eisele
That is what PRISM – Pittsburgh Region International Student our hometown! Scott Boyd is
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED MEMORIAL GIFTS FOR THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE. For Paul Bezeck:
For John Eisele:
Dave & Barb Badstibner
Ruth Bowers
Anonymous
door to reach out to them?
Ministry – does right here in
Memorial Gifts
For Stella Ruccio:
and there was a wide open
the Director of PRISM, and his wife, Lisa, helps coordinate ministry with local churches.
Jim & Ginni Cottrell
PRISM does weekly Bible
Vilma Pavuk
studies, outreach events,
Mark Your Calendars
special trips, and their staff
Please visit www.myfefc.org for our full and updated calendar.
international students at Pitt
Lead Pastor Installation | Feb. 14 (during service)
& CMU have a chance to
Student Ministry Game Night |Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.
understand the Gospel and
Student Ministry Dad's Breakfast n' Bible | Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. Student Ministry Home Group | Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. General Assembly Meeting | Feb. 28 at 12:30 p.m.
build relationships to see
put their faith in Jesus. When they do come to faith, then they often return to their homeland as Gospel witnesses.
Copyright © 2021 | First Evangelical Free Church. All rights reserved.