September 30, 2024

Coincidentally (?)...  our younger girls asked to watch an episode of Gilligan's Island the other day.  I asked them, "Do you know when that TV show began?"  I knew it had been before I was their age but still had to confirm.   I say, "coincidentally," because the first episode aired September 26, 1964. . .  exactly 60 years prior to Hurricane Helene striking the Florida coast.   The Minnow's "three-hour tour" was one where they encountered a storm that stranded them on an "uncharted desert isle."  Note: 5 years ago on 9/26 was Susan Nylin's passing.  A stormy day indeed!  

Now, as far north as western North Carolina, some folks are trapped on their own islands of sorts as Helene has isolated many in areas that did not expect much of a repercussion.  The rains have wiped out roads, etc.   Our own Jimmy and Alice Barnes have been separated, Alice in a location without necessary meds.  She's thankfully got medicine now but they are still apart from one another.  Jimmy assured me this morning that he is shopping Amazon for a helicopter - be in prayer for them!  Others are still lost in those areas.  Over 100 have died, many in locations that were not expecting anything more than a little rain.

We also note that this Sunday, October 7, will mark one year since Israel was attacked.  Over the weekend, Israel bombed and killed the leader of Hezbollah.  While this does not end the conflict, it is a win for Israel (and, frankly, the world in her struggle against terrorism).  

May we be reminded in the natural disasters and evil regimes that "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19).   As much as we are less impacted by nature today (than say a hundred years ago) and as much as we occasionally strike back in victory against an evil military group, we will not win the world!  This doesn't mean we give up but may we remember what we are fighting for.   "We know that we are from God"!    The world is destined to burn.   We need to be about living an obedient, godly life and helping to snatch others from the fire, teaching them to know God (1 John 5:20; Jude 1:23).  Time is short.   Jesus already won our victory!  

Standing Stone's 2024 Mission's Conference begins October 16!   Details are below.  

SSB annually has a fall missions conference where we highlight a missionary that we support.   Why is this important?   This allows you to hear of other cultures, learn of God's mighty movement around the world, and better pray/support missions.  As Christians we should be mindful and supportive of those who are witnesses "in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).   Join us at this year's conference Wedn, October 16 through the 18th!