Isaiah 40:28-31 (New International Version)
28Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
During the past days and weeks, our country has encountered the severe challenges brought about by the repercussions of Hurricane Harvey and violent encounters emanating from the Charlottesville-related protests. Many private citizens and agency personnel have risked their lives on the behalf of others. We give thanks for those who sought to rescue and save - even at the risk of losing their own lives.
Let us continue to support those in need of prayer, donations, and presence. As we strive to provide spiritual, physical, and financial support in the face of these often reoccurring and debilitating events, some may have become fatigued and weary. Remember: we are encouraged not to place our hope solely in our human abilities lest we forget to place our hope in the Lord who promises to renew our strength, and to increase our power to keep on walking, to keep on running!
We give thanks to the members of the Pacific Southwest Regional Personnel Committee and Regional Board for granting to our Co-Regional Ministers, Don and Susan, a much-needed Sabbatical leave. Susan’s leave began on August 1 and will conclude on September 15.
Don’s leave began on August 14 and will conclude on September 30. Many of us have viewed Facebook photo postings of their visits to Croatia and Italy. We pray for their safe journey home.
Hopefully, you and your family have shared a fun-filled summer. As another school year begins, our thoughts and prayers are with new and returning students, parents and school personnel throughout the PSWR near and far.
To all adult/youth leadership and other volunteers who participated in the recent Youth Leadership Retreat which was held at Loch Leven, September 1-4 - Thank you!
Excitement abounds throughout the PSWR as we rapidly approach these upcoming events!
The 2nd Annual Don Shelton Mini Golf Memorial Classic, Sunday, September 17
The 13th Annual Don Shelton Memorial Classic Golf Tournament, Monday, September 18
The Regional Gathering, Saturday, October 21 at First Christian Church of Pomona
Our region is grateful for the relentless planning, preparation, dedication and hard work of leadership teams and others who afford us these outstanding opportunities. Please be sure to register for your events of choice soon!
It has been a unique pleasure to serve as your Sabbatical Regional Minister. I have always appreciated the endeavors of Don and Susan in fulfilling their assignments as Co-Regional Ministers. However, since serving in this capacity, I have acquired an even deeper and broader understanding, scope, and insight into the multiplicity of extraordinary skills, abilities, and spiritual acuity required in their positions of responsibility. Let us - persistently and consistently - pray for them as they strive to provide valued leadership, oversight and care for all of us in our Pacific Southwest Region.
To an outstanding Regional Staff and others in our Region who have so willingly, faithfully and respectfully supported my endeavors to serve efficiently in this capacity - Thank you!
Embracing an Ever-Evolving Future and Hope
for Wholeness and Unity in the Midst of Our Diversity
Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Bynum
Sabbatical Regional Minister