A message from Don Brueske, Chairman

Recently, I have been reading about one of the most exciting and encouraging times in the lives of the Children of Israel. It is found in the first chapter of the book of Joshua. The Lord Himself told Joshua to "Arise, go over the Jordan, you and all these people, to the land which I am giving to them…"

God had special words, personally for Joshua. "…As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." In 1:6, he is told, "Be strong and of good courage…." In verse 7, "only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses, My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go." And again, "have not I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

What words for Joshua and the young nation as they stood poised, ready to cross the Jordan at flood stage! No reasonable person would attempt to cross at that time of year!

Gone were the ten spies, each a leader of his tribe who "died in a plague before the Lord!" Gone were three subsequent rebellions, which claimed many lives! Gone were several nations and their Kings who refused to allow Israel to pass beside their borders! Gone was Miriam, who died earlier! Gone were the older generation whom God would not allow to enter the land, right down to the person, save for Joshua and Caleb! Gone was Aaron, who was replaced by his son Eleazar! And now just recently, gone was Moses, as well! God had allowed him to view the land from Pisgah, but no more than that, and then buried him in a fresh, unknown grave on Mt. Nebo.

And there stood Joshua with over a million of the young generation needing leadership. What a time to panic! What a time for one's heart to fail! What great fear and dismay stood ready to engulf him!

Whom to believe, and what one chooses to believe, have a direct relationship to one's emotions and daily living. Joshua chose to believe in the promises of the greatest companion one could ever have. God's prophet, Isaiah, in later years, chose the same Companion as his guide! Let's know God's promises to us and choose them and Him. "Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will uphold you with my righteous hand!" Isa. 41:10 (NKJ).

Worship Commission & Church Council

We are pleased to announce that Mr. Roger Olson has agreed to be our Minister of Worship. He will be interim and part-time for one year. He will begin on Wednesday, September 6^th with choir rehearsal, and on September 10^th he will be present for his first Sunday service with us.

Roger, Denise and their two-year-old daughter live in Grant, Minnesota, near Stillwater. Roger is an experienced choir director and worship leader. He has served eleven years with First EFC, Moline, Illinois. More recently, he has served with two Evangelical Free churches in the Northeast suburban metro area. We are greatly looking forward to their coming to be a part of our ministry here at First Evangelical Free church.

-Don Brueske

A new directory is on its way!

There have been many changes to the directory within the last year. A new directory will be completed and distributed in September 2000.

In August there will be an opportunity to confirm and update your address, phone number(s), and family information. Additionally, we encourage you to provide your email address if you have obtained one within the last year. A new feature this year will be an electronic version of the directory, available for your home PCs.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Michelle Casper in the church office. Until September, keep those pencils and erasers handy.