Update from Hal and Jane Ward currently in Pamplona, Spain

Hal and Jane’s passion for Christ and their love for the Basque people inspires their missions efforts. Please, continue to pray for them as they “shelter-in-place” many miles from their children and extended family who are in the United States.

The vision of VNMinistry.com is to help people establish intimate relationships with Christ in Europe, to know the love of the Father God and the work of His Holy Spirit in them. How do they do that? They sow the gospel among the Basque in Spain and France using their languages and culture in ways that will reach this generation. They plant and strengthen national churches with ministry to all ages developing active communities of believers. They cultivate the growth of new believers and train leaders. And, they send believers to sow the Gospel in their city and other nations.

For more than 20 years, our congregation has partnered with Hal and Jane Ward and their ministry and outreach in northern Spain and southern France. Pictured below is our Valley team on a recent mission outreach with Hal and Jane. Part of time together involved Spain for street evangelism in Basque using a drama/musical that Jane authored.  On the way to Pamplona (the day before this picture was taken) we ate lunch in a Basque village. Our waiter there was very friendly. The next day, he was in Pamplona and saw us performing the Basque drama “Aita” in the main square. God is so amazing… the entire team greeted him. God wanted him to know he loves him and has a plan for his life!

Sometimes the storms don’t miss us.

by Pastor Greg Simon

Storms in our lives don’t mean our loving Heavenly Father has left us. God wants to be with us. We can abide with our Lord who offers to abide with us.

Years ago, R.C. Sproul (Presbyterian pastor who died in 2017) was asked, “What, in your opinion, is the greatest spiritual need in the lives of church people?” Sproul responded, “To discover the true identity of God. If believers really understood the character and the personality and the nature of God, it would revolutionize their lives.” God really loves His people. He really loves you – especially when you feel the stormy winds of trouble, isolation, or delay.

We may be shut-away from lots of people, but physically distance from other humans does not equate to distance from God. God is not confined to one place; He was God of all places. He is a God with a purpose for His people. He is God on the move. He wants to move at your house, right now!

We begin to understand God’s purpose for our lives by discovering what He wants us to do now! When we follow Holy Spirit’s leading, we know we are where God wants we, whether we’re moving or staying in one place. You and I are physically somewhere right now. Instead of praying, “God, what do you want me to do next?” ask, “God, what do you want me to do while I’m right here?”

God’s invitation to us in paraphrased in Hebrew 4:16 TPT, “So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness.”

Why not take a moment and worship God using the the powerful prayer of Psalm 46? “God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You’re a proven help in time of trouble — more than enough and always available whenever I need you. So we will never fear even if every structure of support were to crumble away. We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes, moving mountains and casting them into the sea. For the raging roar of stormy winds and crashing waves cannot erode our faith in you.” (Psalm 46:1-2 TPT)

The ideas behind the 2-min video you can watch below are drawn from the words of Psalm 46.

WHEN LIFE GETS DIFFICULT

by Andrew Isley

Andrew Isley of Valley Fellowship Church in Huntsville, Alabama encourages us from 1 Peter 4:12-13. When life gets difficult, remember: God is still in control; difficulties are about making you who you are supposed to be; glory and victory are just around the corner.

The B-I-B-L-E

Ruthie Baker, KidMin Pastor of Valley Fellowship Church, encourages kids to read and follow God’s Word.

SCHEDULE CHANGE:

For for the safety and health our community, Valley Fellowship Church and Christian Academy have temporarily suspended all office hours, on-campus events, small group meetings, and worship services.

“Faith For This Hour”

This encouraging message by Pastor Carol Simon will delivered on Sunday, March 15, 2020. The Bible reveals how to have courage, even in the face of difficulty. The Lord says,  “…don’t panic, I am with you …” (Isaiah 41:9 MSG). The psalmist praised, “You are the place of protection for me. I keep coming back to hide myself in you (Psalm 71:3 TPT)” and “His wrap-around presence will strengthen me.(Psalm 33:20 TPT).” We choose: Fear or Faith, Doubt or Trust, Anxiety or Peace. What do you want in your life? Click below to watch video from Sunday.

Valley Fellowship united in-person to pray on Sunday, 10AM, March 15, 2020.

God is good and He is near us. Our Lord is “an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). He will not abandon us even in the face of daunting anxiety or pandemic assault. We are people of the Word and we hold to His promises. We joined the Day of Prayer knowing the Lord hears the prayers of His people.

We encourage you to use wisdom during this time. We honor community while practicing common sense. Look for helpful links on our Resources page. When I was young, my dad regularly reminded, “This too shall pass.” Though this situation is concerning, it will come to an end. Stay connected. Continue to support and pray for each other.

Exercise wise precautions. Ordinary safeguards are helpful. Stay home if you aren’t feeling well. Hand-washing and hand-sanitizers are good things. Praying and encouraging ourselves with Scripture is essential. 

God isn’t pacing heaven’s throne room, wondering what to do now. Don’t allow fear to cripple you. The Lord is faithful and His promises are true. Read His Word and remind yourself of His goodness. Heavenly Father is too great and too good for us not to wait expectantly for Him (Psalm 42:5).

Patti and I are praying with you, believing that God’s wisdom will guide our decisions. We hope you worship. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to love neighbors and nations!

Pastor Greg Simon