Missionary Update: JAARS and Hurricane Helene

Glenn Blauser helps load supplies for Hurricane Helene disaster relief.

Recently we watched a video from Glenn and Leah Ruth Blauser, who are serving with JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service), an arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators, in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Not long after, Hurricane Helene tore its way through their area. By God’s grace, JAARS did not experience any damage to its facilities (just some fallen trees and power outages), but they found that He had already prepared them in a unique way to minister to their neighbors to the west, who fared much worse.

JAARS has a training center in the mountains of western North Carolina to teach pilots how to land on jungle runways. This meant that their team is very familiar with the area and the people who live there. Partnering with Samaritan’s Purse, JAARS staff took donated supplies by truck to their airport, where JAARS planes and helicopters took the items to people who were trapped by the storm. As Leah Ruth said, “That's kind of ironic because we usually work with unreached people groups, but that usually means that they have been unreached with the gospel of Jesus and God's Word. Now it was people who couldn't be reached to get them supplies that they couldn't get out to get.”

We praise God for the Blausers and how He is using them to serve others in ways that are both expected and unexpected. Please continue to pray for them, for JAARS, and for the people in North Carolina still recovering from Hurricane Helene.

Reaching Our Judea

Map data ©2024 Google

On my first visit to Faith Bible Fellowship Church, I remember being struck by the fact that the building isn’t on a main road, like so many other churches are, but is instead tucked back into a residential neighborhood. I remember driving up Woodland View past the houses and then reaching the clearing, where the steeple sprang into view. On other occasions, I have had to drive through the neighborhood surrounding the church. Since it is unfamiliar to me, I needed to keep on eye on the steeple to keep from getting lost. The church—and the steeple—are physical focal points for the people in our neighborhood. This thought brings another question to mind: are we a spiritual focal point for our neighborhood as well?

Many of us are familiar with what Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1:8b: “[Y]ou will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Putting this verse into the context of Faith Bible Fellowship, I like to think of Jerusalem as representing our church itself, Judea representing our neighborhood (York), Samaria representing the rest of the United States, and the end of the earth representing other countries. I am so thankful that the gospel is faithfully preached in our church (our Jerusalem) each and every Sunday, clearly directing unbelievers in attendance to the only One who can bring them salvation. I am also thankful that our church devotes a large part of its budget to supporting gospel work here in our Samaria, the United States (the Rauches and Blausers, Love Life, Church Extension Ministries), and “to the end of the earth” (the Chmils, the Bells, the Riddells, Live Global). Perhaps, with a new steeple going up this fall, it is time for us to think about ways we can better reach our Judea—the area surrounding the church.

The first and most important thing we can all do is pray. Pray for the people who live around the church. Pray that the Holy Spirit will be working in their hearts and orchestrating events in their lives so that they will be open to the gospel. Pray that He will open their eyes so that, as they drive past the building or come to vote in November, they will actually notice the church, wonder about it, and think about visiting. Pray that those of us who live in the community will look for opportunities to reach out to our neighbors and build relationships that will lead to sharing the gospel.

So what can those of us who live around the church do to reach out to our neighbors, especially when everyone leads such busy lives? Ask God to show you! Some of the opportunities will arise naturally, such as when you’re already attending a community event, taking your kids to the local playground, or watching a local sports team. You might also think about creating opportunities to interact with your neighbors, such as hosting a ladies’ tea or a cookout for other families. If you notice a new family moving in, offer to help or take over some home-baked goodies. Keep your eyes open and your heart tuned to the Spirit, and He will show you where and how He wants you to reach out.

What if we don’t live near the church—what can we do to reach out to the community? One obvious answer is to participate in and support the outreach activities of the church: the voting in November, the Egg Hunt, VBS. Another not-so-obvious one is to support the outreach efforts of those who do live in the community. If they’re hosting a cookout for their neighbors, offer to provide food, man the grill, or watch the kids so they can interact more effectively with their guests. Offer to provide a meal for a neighbor who’s had a new baby or help a new neighbor move in. Pray for their neighbors by name. Be another friendly face and helping hand reaching out to point the way to the Savior.

I firmly believe it is no accident that Faith Bible Fellowship Church is located right in the heart of a residential neighborhood. Please join with me in prayer that we can grow in our efforts and be more effective at being, not just a physical focal point for our community, but a spiritual one as well.

— Jean Soyke

Recap: Church Picnic, Chili Cookoff, and 50th Building Anniversary

On Sunday, September 22, we held our annual church picnic and also celebrated 50 years of being in our current church building. We were blessed and honored to have several special guests with historical ties to the church, including some whose parents and grandparents were founding members in 1914.

Highlights of the afternoon included:

1) Our annual chili cookoff. The winners included Eddie Bintavihok (fifth place), Hanna Kocman (fourth place), Emily Updegraff (third place), and Helen Weber (second place). Helen had to surrender the first-place trophy from last year to this year’s winner, Amy Fuhrman.

2) The Sharon Shoff cake walk. Sharon was the “keeper of the cakes,” which many tried desperately to win. (Notice how closely Grant Weber is keeping to the pole!)

3) A time of reflection on our 50th anniversary. Eleanor Bosserman coordinated a lovely memorabilia table, and she, Helen Gemmill, and Ken Good shared memories of their time in the building.

We are so grateful for this time of fellowship and celebration. We look forward to what God is going to do in and through this church in the days ahead.

From the Elders: Celebrating 50 Years

Our church picnic is scheduled for September 22. On that day, we will also be celebrating the 50th anniversary of worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at our current location.

In light of this special occasion, I wanted to share a nugget of history with you all. This is what was published in Bible Fellowship News in March 1975 concerning our newly built church:

“Faith Church, located at 675 Woodland View Drive, in the Hayshire area, dedicated their new edifice, December 28. Pastor James G. Koch, a former pastor from 1956 to 1962, delivered the dedication sermon. Also, participating in the service were Pastors Robert W. Smock, John Dunn, R.C. Reichenbach, Terris Byrd, William A Heffner, and W.W. Hartman. The service was under the direction of the pastor of the church, John Henry Riggall.

“The new church and new parsonage stand on five acres of land previously owned by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd E. Rishel, members of the congregation, who donated this portion of the land to the church.

“The sanctuary, with overflow area, will seat 600 people, and the Sunday school facilities will accommodate 500 people.

“The building of the Church and parsonage was constructed at a cost of $353,000.00. The land is valued at $30,000.00. The Abram Horst Co. of New Holland, Pa., was the builder.

“Faith Church will celebrate their 60th anniversary this summer. The first building of worship was located on East Princess Street until 1955, when the church relocated to the building at Sixth and Duke Streets in North York. They moved into their new facilities on November 15.

“Dedication Services continued on the following day, December 29, with former pastor Rev. Russell T. Allen as the speaker in the morning worship and Pastor William A. Heffner, a former pastor’s son, as the speaker in the evening. “

I can’t help but think, as I read that, how wonderful and faithful our God truly is. Therefore, I want to lovingly encourage you all to join us after the service on September 22 for our church picnic, during which we will celebrate our 50th anniversary of worshiping our faithful God at 675 Woodland View Drive.

- Pastor Wes Bunting

Child Dedication 2024

On Sunday, September 1, we brought our Family Worship Summer to a close with a Child Dedication service. The Bible Fellowship Church’s Biblical Principles for Living explains this practice as follows:

Article 151 – Dedication of Children

151-1 Child dedication is a voluntary act in which believing parents publicly present their child to the Lord as an outward expression of their gratitude to Him for the child and as a formal appeal to God for divine assistance in the bringing up of the child. It is not to be confused with baptism, or to be considered as imparting salvation, or viewed as an ordinance of the church.

151-2 The child is a gift from God and therefore the parents promise, as God’s stewards, to bring up the child in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

151-3 In dedicating their child in the presence of fellow believers, parents are publicly dedicating themselves to the faithful fulfillment of their parental responsibilities and are acknowledging their need of the prayerful support and encouragement of those fellow believers.

151-4 Child dedication becomes meaningful as the parents explain to the child the meaning of this act and consistently carry out the promises made before God and the church at the time of dedication.

Four of our families came forward for this service: the Kocmans, the Lathams, the Browns, and the Coolmans. Please continue to pray for these families in their daily efforts to fulfill their promises and explain this act as their children grow older, as well as for the children themselves. We thank God for these families and the work He is doing and will do in their lives!

Missionary Update: The Struggle Is Real

Photo by Christian Erfurt on Unsplash

We regularly receive updates from the missionaries we support and are often encouraged to hear how God is moving and touching people’s lives. Sometimes, though, the updates are of a different nature, as is this one that we recently received:

Last week was a difficult week for us. I find it hard to even begin to explain to you all why. It was just one of those weeks where we felt like our presence here, our witness, our pouring out of ourselves, sacrifice after sacrifice just didn’t amount to anything. Our employees had nothing but complaints and grumpy attitudes and nothing we did (no matter how much it cost us physically or financially) seemed to be enough. It was a week of remembering why we actually came to this place. I found myself screaming in my heart at these people we have come to serve… “Don’t you know what it has cost our family to be here? Do you really think I appreciate being the center of your jokes? Do you think I enjoy studying every day, slaving at learning this God-forsaken people’s language? Don’t they know what we have sacrificed for them? They are the most ungrateful people! They don’t deserve…” And it is ALWAYS when I come to this place… “They don’t even deserve the Good News!” that I am stopped mid-sentence. No, they don’t deserve it. But neither did I. And no, they will never know what it cost our family, nor will they understand and maybe never appreciate what our family has given. But that doesn’t matter when we are living out in obedience to God. It doesn’t matter when our sacrifice is for Him. The ways we are spent are for Him…For His glory… and my good works will not save anyone. He will. Praise be to God! He does the saving! What a burden lifter. Thank you, Jesus, for reminding us of why we have come to this place. It is all for YOU! And with that perspective, we can encounter all sorts of unkindness, ungratefulness and mistreatment; because it is for Him. And there is nothing we will ever suffer that is greater than the suffering He did on our behalf. 

Many missionaries have felt (or are feeling) this way, but perhaps you are going through a similar experience. Perhaps you are equally frustrated with family members, colleagues at work, or even people at your church. As you ponder this missionary’s experience, please continue to pray for all those who may be wrestling with similar thoughts and feelings. The struggle is real, but His grace is greater!

“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Missionary Update: Thank You from Myanmar

photo by claudio schwarz on unsplash

Live Global is one of the mission organizations we support on a regular basis. In particular, we have contributed to a program that focuses on unreached people groups in Myanmar. Indigenous missionaries make inroads into these people groups by teaching a particular skill, such as motorcycle repair, barbering, or sewing, and then presenting the gospel within this context. These missionaries are reaching people who have never met a Christian, never heard the name of Jesus, and most likely have no Bible in their language. The sewing school that we support is particularly important because, in addition to providing opportunities for young women to hear the gospel, it provides training that helps them avoid the lure of human trafficking. It is encouraging to know that God is using our financial support to transform the lives of young women in Myanmar.

Since 2018, two hundred completely unreached villages have been visited by motorcycle teams with another 100 villages being reached by the summer of 2024. Nearly 1000 believers have been baptized (including some from the sewing school), and ten churches have been planted. In addition, audio gospel recordings are now available in eight languages for those who cannot read. Please continue to pray for safety and the ability for the missionaries to continue reaching unreached villages in spite of the hostilities in the country. We praise God for the work He is doing through Live Global in the country of Myanmar!

From the Elders: The Peace of Letting Go

Photo by Samuel Martins on Unsplash

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

— Matthew 11:28

As humans, we tend to be possessive of all that we have. We pride ourselves in taking ownership of something in our lives. Most times it’s to a fault. We want ownership and control over every circumstance and situation. In the same breath we also want freedom from the same said circumstances and situations.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus starts off by saying, “Come to Me”. In this profound invitation to all who labor and are weary and heavy laden, we can find rest, comfort, and freedom— a willingness to satisfy our weary souls. There is indeed a peace in letting go and giving all to God. Instead of taking matters into our own hands, Jesus simply calls us to come to Him.

We have no need to search elsewhere for the next new ideology or philosophy. What we have obtained as believers in Christ is the God of all wisdom and humility— the One Who loves and cares about every detail of our being, the one who selflessly gave Himself up and died on the cross because of our sins, the one who was resurrected, defeating sin and death! This is Who we can find rest in!

Remembering these truths is where we begin to understand that we need to let go and surrender all in order to be free from anxieties, discouragement, and worry. Until you forsake your own power, your own strength, and your own capabilities, you won’t fully be free and experience the peace of God that surpasses ALL understanding. The peace when you let go of controlling your own destiny can only come from humbling yourself and understanding that it’s God’s hand that can save you and uphold you, as He has since the beginning. We must come to the end of ourselves and now rely fully on the power, might, and refuge of the one true King!

Glorify God and ENJOY HIM!

You can only enjoy Him when you truly know Him and began to experience Him for who He truly is. That can only happen by truly staying in His Word and seeking His face.

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” — Psalm 105:4

“Come to Me…” — Jesus

God bless!

– Joshua Vann, Elder

Steeple Fundraising Project

As we approach a significant milestone—our church building’s 50th anniversary—I am thrilled to share an exciting project that will enhance our place of worship and stand as a testament to God’s faithfulness. We are embarking on a steeple replacement project, a meaningful endeavor to commemorate our past and prepare for the future.

The steeple is more than an architectural feature; it’s a theological statement. It symbolizes our church’s aspiration to reach heavenward, reflecting the glory of God and standing as a beacon of faith in our community. Architecture in worship spaces matters deeply, as it conveys the beauty and transcendence of our Creator. Just as Gothic cathedrals were designed to inspire awe and point worshippers to God, our new steeple will stand as a testimony to His greatness and our dedication to His work in York.

Project Overview: Our current steeple, a symbol of our church’s presence in the community, is being replaced with a new, 48-foot steeple. This project not only maintains the iconic silhouette of our building but also symbolizes our unwavering faith and commitment to God’s work in York.

Key Details:

• Cost: The total cost is approximately $50,000, which includes the steeple, shipping, and installation.

• Funding: We have opened a designated Steeple Fund in our online giving portal. Contributions can also be made via check with “Steeple Fund” in the memo line.

• Timeline: The steeple has been ordered and is expected to be installed between late October and early November.

How You Can Help: Your support is crucial to the success of this project. Here are ways you can contribute:

1. Pray: Join us in prayer for the smooth execution of the project and for God’s continued blessing on our church.

2. Give: Consider making a financial contribution to the Steeple Fund. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us reach our goal.

3. Spread the Word: Share this exciting news with others in our community, encouraging them to be part of this significant milestone.

This project is not just a structural upgrade; it’s a celebration of our history and a commitment to future generations. Your participation ensures that our church remains a beacon of faith in York, visible from afar and standing tall in our community.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and support. Together, we are building a legacy that glorifies God and blesses our community for years to come.

Church Extension Ministries: Summer 20

Most believers are familiar with the Great Commission, presented by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20a: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” We at Faith Bible Fellowship Church take this Commission seriously as we seek to support those who are taking the gospel to the lost.

For this reason, we support efforts such as Summer 20, the summer giving program of Church Extension Ministries. Each year, CEM attempts to raise $30,000 for Bible Fellowship Church planters and staff who are undersupported. The idea is that, if each BFC member gives just $20, the goal will be met.

“Who are these church planters?” you may ask. Some of these are men with whom we already have a connection. Carlos Rodriguez, the new Hispanic Ministries Director, is the father of our own Paulina Herb. Steve DelDuco, who was a significant help to our church during a time of transition, is planting a church in Mechanicsburg, right in our own backyard. Jason Filbert, whom we already support, is the pastor of Covenant Bible Fellowship in Naples, Florida. Los Morales of Christ Alone Fellowship in Lancaster has blessed us with his preaching several times. You can learn more about all our church planters by visiting the Missions and Church Planting page on our website.

So far BFC church members have given $14,954 to Summer 20, or about half of the goal. Please consider giving to Summer 20, and continue to pray regularly for our church planters and missionaries. With your help, they will be able to continue sharing the gospel in their communities and see people come to salvation, be baptized, and grow in their faith.

Love Life Adoption Week

Photo by Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash

During the week of July 21—27, we will be supporting Love Life Ministries in their efforts to create a culture of life that will end abortion and the orphan crisis. Love Life does not focus on political action or protest but instead works with local churches, who are uniquely equipped to share the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. Love Life supports churches as they care for both men and women through crisis pregnancies and post-abortive healing and restoration.

Here at Faith, the week will begin with a presentation in the Sunday service that describes Love Life’s ministry and presents ways that the church can be involved. Throughout the week, we will focus on prayer for the preborn and their families, with a special day of prayer and fasting on Wednesday. On Saturday, July 27, at 9:00 A. M., we will meet at the Planned Parenthood at 728 S. Beaver Street in York for a prayer walk. While this technically is the end of the adoption week, Love Life offers additional opportunities to continue supporting the ministry:

• Prayer Walk Championship: Help the Church run to the scene in prayer as a Committed Walker, Volunteer, or Prayer Intercessor.

• Life Discipleship Mentorship: Befriend, equip, and do life with families choosing LIFE.

• Financial Partnership: Invest monthly to help bring HOPE and HELP to families across the nation and beyond.

• Sidewalk Outreach: Offer HOPE and HELP to families as they arrive at the abortion center.

• Orphan Care: Advocate for children in need of a family to be placed in godly homes.

Please join us during this week (and beyond) in affirming God’s precious gift of life.

From the Elders: Singing the Psalms

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If you've been around Faith Bible Fellowship Church of York for a while, or if you're new, you may have noticed our practice of not only reading and praying the psalms but also singing them. However, let's be honest—it's not always easy. We don't repeat the psalms very often, and many of the words and phrases can feel archaic or hard to relate to. So, why do we prioritize this practice?

You Are What You Sing

An old saying within Christian tradition goes, "The law of prayer is the law of faith." To adapt this to our circumstances, we could also say that what you sing is what you really believe. We cannot deny the formative effect of music on our souls and our walk with the Lord. In terms of music, we are what we listen to and sing.

Many people in recent years have rightfully critiqued the state of contemporary worship music—its banality, repetition, emotionalism, and so forth. Since there is already a body of writing on this theme, I need not expound upon these criticisms here. The real question is not what's wrong with modern worship, but what is the alternative?

In the book of Jeremiah, we are exhorted to look to and return to the old paths (Jeremiah 6:16). Fortunately, God has not left us without guidance. He has provided us with His inspired and infallible Word to instruct us not only on why we worship but also on how and what we might sing to Him. Since God has inspired 150 psalms for us, why would we not avail ourselves of them?

In terms of physical diet, you are what you eat. If you have a nonstop diet of fats and sugars, you will inevitably be lethargic and unhealthy. Similarly, what we consume musically and theologically will shape our spiritual makeup. Are we lacking a theology of resistance? Do we lack the vocabulary to lament? Are we unable to prayerfully call down judgment on the wicked, even while laboring for their evangelization? Perhaps we are missing essential nutrients in our diet. The psalms provide these very nutrients.

Consider the effect on your discipleship of singing texts like Psalms 58:6, 109:8–15, and 137:9 (imprecatory psalms), or Psalms 22, 42, and 88 (psalms of lament). They give us the words to call on God in battle and express both our deepest pains and highest praises—words that we would simply not have come up with on our own. God intends for us to make these words ours in prayer and song.

Songs for the Negative World

We are living in what Aaron Renn calls the negative world, where Christian values are increasingly marginalized. (For more on this, see Renn’s article in First Things.) In such a context, we need the psalms to help us live in pursuit of the crown rights of the Lord Jesus Christ in all things.

The battle belongs to those who sing. The story goes that at the Battle of Thermopylae, the Persian slave-soldiers groaned in chains while the Spartans joyfully sang. Though the Spartans lost at Thermopylae, an analysis of history shows that they won the greater moral victory. So too, throughout history, victory goes to those who most fervently believe in their cause. Worship is warfare, and thus we too cannot expect victory if we have not embraced the victorious promises of God in song.

Next time we sing a psalm together in church, thank God that He has given us His Word to sing!

Recommended Resources:

Albums:

• Brian Sauvé, Even Dragons Shall Him Praise

• Shane and Shane, Psalms, Vol. 1 and 2

Apps:

• The 1650 Scottish Metrical Psalter (Apple)

• Psalms for Worship (Android)

• Trinity Psalter Hymnal (Android)

– Alex Kocman, Elder

Church Extension Ministries Update: Jason Filbert

One of the Bible Fellowship church planters that we support is Jason Filbert, pastor of Covenant Bible Fellowship in Naples, Florida. Recently he shared their family’s personal story and how God called them to this challenging but exciting ministry.

I came to understand salvation at the age of seven, which seems a common thing in the American South, where I grew up. Seven is a very young age, and while I do think that the Lord saved me then, I also think I did not fully understand what that meant. I prayed the prayer and was baptized. My faith really was not deeply understood until my teenage years. It was then that I started to experience a call to ministry. 

My wife Anna was raised in Kansas City, Missouri. She also came to faith as a young child of seven and was baptized on the same day as her older brother. While she struggled with her faith for a time in college, by her early 20s Anna recognized that the Lord had likewise saved her and that her faith was real.

I think I've always somehow known I would plant a church. I used to say (and still think often) I'm supposed to be in the trenches with the Gospel. Church planting appeared, in my mind, to be the front lines. That was where my heart longed to be, and it is where the Lord graciously allowed me to serve and continues to allow. As to planting in Naples, God opened the opportunity with the BFC, and Naples seemed to be the right place, since my wife and I both have family ties to the area. As we talked and prayed about where we would plant, Naples just seemed to be the right place. We couldn't imagine being anywhere else. 

Please pray that the Lord would grow the attendance here at CBF Naples. We need to see internal growth in the hopes of reaching a critical mass for graduation as a particular church. Additionally, pray that the Lord would provide financially for us. Naples is a difficult town to plant a church in because it has a high wealth population, and many churches in our community outspend us in every way. That is not to say that, if we could, we would want to "compete" in that sort of race. It is to say, however, where we long to be grounded biblically in the Word, there are many in Naples who do not and use their money and position to lead many astray. 

Please continue to pray for the Filberts as they reach out to the people of Naples, Florida. Please also pray particularly that the Lord will lead them to find a new home closer to the church that can house all seven of them (Jason, his wife and three children, and Jason’s parents). Church planting is hard work, but God is faithful!

Meet Spencer Zeigler

Hello, church family!

My name is Spencer Zeigler, and I’ve been attending Faith Bible Fellowship Church regularly since January of this year. The church and the people in it have made a large impact on my life in a very short amount of time.

I am a lifelong York County resident and honestly can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather live!

I grew up in the church and have wonderful parents who always made faith a key part of my life growing up. Through life’s ups and downs, the only constant has been Jesus Christ and His faithfulness to me, despite my shortcomings. Being baptized in 2022 was a real turning point in my life and my faith, and the Lord has given me a renewed fervor to serve Him and learn more about Him.

Some more about me:

• I work in IT Support and Systems Administration for Reach Cyber Charter School.

• I live with my two adopted cats, Shaii and Risu.

• I love working on cars.

• I am currently reading Grace Defined and Defended by Kevin DeYoung and The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes.

If you see me at church, please come say, “Hi!”

Meet Victor Leitzel

Hello, Faith Bible Fellowship Church! My name is Victor Leitzel. I am new to the congregation at Faith Bible Fellowship Church. Here is a little about me and where I am from.

I grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and attended Cumberland Valley High School. Out of high school, I went to Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, Maryland, to play baseball. I spent two years there and then transferred to East Stroudsburg University to pursue Exercise Science. After graduating from ESU with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science in the fall of 2021, I decided to stay there and pursue a Masters in Exercise Science. It would be during this Masters program that the Lord would save me.

Growing up, I professed to know God but was far from Him. My eyes had never been opened, and my heart was calcified. The entirety of the gospel was presented to me in the fall of 2021. The Lord gave me a new heart and reconciled me to Himself in February, 2022.

Following my conversion, I immediately got plugged into Berean Bible Fellowship Church in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. I remained in East Stroudsburg until May, 2023. After being laid off, I moved back to Mechanicsburg and got plugged into Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Harrisburg. The Lord gave me a job as an Exercise Physiologist at WellSpan York Hospital in October, 2023. I followed my job and moved out to York in January, 2024. Now, I am slowly getting plugged into Faith Bible Fellowship Church.

I look forward to getting to know this congregation and to growing in Christ together.

– Victor

VBS and the Problem of Isolation

Photo by Jesus Loves Austin on Unsplash

Research shows that around 60% of adults (both churched and unchurched) attended a VBS at some time while growing up. Therefore, it’s likely that you already know that VBS (Vacation Bible School) is a block of time during the summer that presents the gospel to children in fun, age-appropriate activities. It’s also likely that you have positive memories of your own VBS experiences. As an adult, however, you now know that preparing a VBS requires a lot of time, effort, and resources. Also, the world today isn’t the same as when you were a kid. Is VBS still relevant in 2024? Is it still worth the effort?

Most of us would agree that VBS provides an important opportunity to expose unbelieving children to the gospel and encourage believing children in their faith. At a time where 48% of believers are not inviting people to church and 61% have never shared how to become a Christian, VBS helps us step out of our comfort zones to build relationships with our neighbors. However, I would argue that VBS is even more needed today than it ever was before, for one important reason: isolation.

Think about what life is like in 2024. Children and adults alike spend hours on screens, working and playing with little real contact with people. As Jana Magruder, Director of Lifeway Kids, puts it:

 “They are photographing their food, their friends, themselves (hello selfies), and posting everything going on in their lives without actually living real-life experiences. They are more concerned about followers and likes than true relationships. They text or Snapchat more than they call on the phone or see each other in person. They watch Netflix or YouTube videos more than they participate in events and experiences, with real people and social relationships.”

And what is the result of the electronic life Magruder describes? Isolation. For children, this is even more heightened during the summer, when they are away from their school friends. This is not what God intends for us, however. He created people to be in relationships, first with Himself and then with others. VBS gives children an opportunity to develop relationships with their peers, with interested and caring adults, and, most importantly, with the Lord Himself.

Children aren’t the only ones that benefit from VBS, though. Adults can step out of their own isolation and band together to provide a meaningful experience for the children who attend. They don’t necessarily have to be “good with kids” to make a difference; they can decorate, prepare snacks and crafts, publicize the event, send follow-up cards, and, most importantly, pray. They might even offer to teach, lead singing, assist with crafts or snacks, or buddy up with a child who needs special attention during the VBS. As adults spend time together serving at VBS, they develop their own relationships within the church family, building a vibrant community that reaches out to all who are isolated with the good news of a mighty Savior.

What about you? Won’t you consider being a part of our VBS this  year? It could make a big difference in the life of a child—or in your own.

 – Jean Soyke

Sources:

Holmes, Landry. VBS: It’s Worth It. 6 Dec 2018. https://vbs.lifeway.com/2018/12/06/vbs-its-worth-it/

Parham, Betsy. Why Is VBS Important? 2024. https://www.cokesbury.com/why-is-vbs-important#:~:text=VBS%20provides%20an%20opportunity%20to,(Luke%202%3A52).

Understanding the Holy Spirit

There is a great lack of understanding and a great abundance of misunderstanding concerning the Holy Spirit. I hope this short article will help.

Our God is triune—One God, three Persons. Each divine person shares equally in the same substance, power, and glory. Thus, the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or power. The Bible describes Him in personal terms.

Among the many ministries of the Spirit is His work in salvation. It is He who convicts us of our sin and our need for salvation. Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus said this to His disciples: “But now I am going to him who sent me… Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me…” (John 16:5a, 7–9)

Every Sunday, without fail, the gospel is preached at Faith Bible Fellowship Church, and an invitation offered to the unsaved to turn to Jesus. One of the greatest impacts we can have is to pray that the hearts of the lost would be reached, softened, and turned to Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. Will you join me each Sunday morning in Rishel Hall (the church basement) from 9:45 to 10:15 to pray for the Holy Spirit’s moving in our worship service?

– Ken Good, Elder

Celebrating Church Growth

Over the past several weeks, we have been seeing in the book of Acts how God built His church by adding souls to the original core of believers. Acts chapter 2 seemed particularly relevant to our church body on May 26, as we had the joy of seeing the Lord increase our number through baptism and through membership.

“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit... So those who received his word were baptized...”

— Acts 2:38 & 41a

After an introductory time of confession and worship, nine candidates presented themselves for water baptism. Ranging in age from 7 to adult, they shared their testimonies and encouraged us all with the stories of how God brought them to faith in the Lord Jesus.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers... And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”

— Acts 2:42 & 44

Next we were blessed to receive 26 new adult members (along with a total of 18 children) into fellowship.

We are excited to see what God will do in and through those who were baptized and those were received as members. We also look forward to working together to advance the Kingdom of God in our little corner of York County and beyond.

Cultivating a Heart of Worship at Home

A Guide to Family Devotions

As you’ve attended church over the past few weeks, you probably have noticed an insert in the bulletin—a Family Worship Guide. This may have surprised you or even been discarded. What exactly is family worship, anyway, and why is it important? Why do we provide a weekly guide, and what is its purpose?

We believe that worship is more than music and the activities of Sunday mornings. Worship is a lifestyle, where we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices to God, as stated in Romans 12:1. However, this does not diminish the significance of worship’s visible expressions. Additionally, the importance of personal devotions—time spent in prayer, Bible reading, and engaging with the other means of grace—is recognized.

Beyond individual and corporate worship, however, there is a vital role for worship within our households and family units, especially among married couples and families with children. God did not design us as isolated individuals but part of a complex social fabric made up of households and families (Genesis 2:18, Psalm 68:6)—foundational units of society. It’s crucial to engage with God not only individually but together as families, aligning our household dynamics to Biblical teachings. In doing so, we model the gospel and the relationship between Christ and His church. 

The Joy of Leading Family Worship

For those uncertain about initiating family worship, consider these encouragements:

• Start with what you have. An idealistic concept of perfection can often be the enemy of progress in our spiritual lives—but it need not be. If an hour-long Bible study five nights a week isn’t feasible, remember that something is better than nothing. Use whatever time you have, even if it’s only five minutes a week.

• Set an example. Actions often speak louder than words. Your children may not recall every detail shared, but they will remember seeing consistent spiritual practices at home, especially as they watch Dad take the lead.

• Guard your tone. Ensure that worship times are characterized by joy rather than frustration or anger. If the evening’s mood is tumultuous, don’t carry that energy into Bible reading. Worship should be a joyful and peaceful time, in harmony with your family’s dynamics.

• Recognize and savor all the varied means of grace. I recall once hearing a quote (I cannot locate the source) that was something to this effect: “the family that reads Scripture together does well; the family that prays together does better still; the family that does these and also sings does best.” Consider that, as you engage in family worship, you are engaging not only the mind but also the heart. Choose activities that are most likely to stir the affections of your household members toward the Lord.

• Consider your children. Tailor your worship practices to suit the developmental stages of your children. Young children, for example, excel in memorization—a perfect opportunity for catechism. Use tools like the New City Catechism to facilitate this.

• Worship is for every household. Family worship isn’t just for families with children. Couples must also pray together, share spiritual insights throughout the day, and make spiritual discussions a regular part of their relationship. Single-person households are under no less obligation to be ordered according to the ways of Christ.

• Make it memorable. For families with young children, consider acting out Bible stories or using memorable phrases as mnemonic devices. Engaging with Scripture in a fun, interactive way can leave a lasting impression.

• Trust in God’s work. Remember, God can use even our feeblest efforts for His glory. Trust Him to bless your endeavors in family worship.

• Embrace organic conversations. While it’s helpful to plan, don’t be afraid to follow the rabbit trails, as they often lead to the most memorable and impactful discussions. Organic, spontaneous conversations with your children are invaluable, better than adhering to a set curriculum or agenda. Don’t hesitate to diverge from the text; remember, this is family time, not a sermon. Be open to the Spirit’s leading, allowing for natural, Spirit-led discussions to flourish.

If you’re convicted concerning family worship, rest assured that you are not left alone to wander. Each Sunday at Faith Bible Fellowship Church of York, we include our Family Worship Guide in the bulletin to assist you. In it, you’ll find the week’s catechism questions for memorization, a memory verse, a brief prayer designed to encapsulate the lesson, and a short hymn to sing together. You can use as much or as little of the guide as needed; what’s important is that you are taking steps to lead your home biblically.

As fathers and mothers, we are commanded to raise up our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This endeavor, like anything else, will not be fulfilled automatically without intentional time and attention. Family worship is an opportunity to deepen our relationships with God and with each other. By incorporating these practices into our homes, we can foster a spiritual environment that nurtures faith, love, and devotion, binding our families closer to each other and to Christ.

Recommended Reading:

• Baucham, Voddie Jr. Family Shepherds: Calling and Equipping Men to Lead Their Homes. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011.

– Alex Kocman

From the Elders: The Blessing of Membership Interviews

Since February, following the Sunday morning service at Faith Bible Fellowship Church of York, I have had the privilege of meeting with individuals interested in becoming members (26 in total, to be exact). These meetings take place in my office after most congregants have departed. During these interviews, I am honored to hear how each prospective member came to faith in Jesus Christ. Honestly, listening to these personal conversion stories is one of the greatest joys of my pastoral ministry.

Now, in these interviews, I engage with prospective members by asking them to articulate the gospel, respond to a few affirmation and denial questions, describe how the Holy Spirit has gifted them, and to share their insights on our church community. However, it's their stories of conversion that never cease to amaze me. It is a profound honor to be trusted with such personal accounts of who individuals were before coming to faith in Jesus Christ, how they came to faith in Jesus Christ, and who they are now as followers of Jesus Christ.

So, to all of our new members joining us this May, and to everyone else who has shared their testimony with me previously during this process, I just wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks. Hearing your stories is truly a highlight of my ministry, as it reminds me anew of the wonderful and powerful ways in which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ saves sinners from their sins.

So, thank you, church family, for sharing with me and trusting me with your conversion stories. It truly is an encouragement to me as your pastor.

Press on,
Pastor Wesley