Date: 11/3/2009
<br>Author: Devin
<br>Title: Wow!
<br><br>Webster's Online Dictionary identifies the word “wow” as  an interjection, a noun, or a transition verb.  The definition given is “used to express strong feelings (as pleasure or surprise)”.  As I look back on the events of this past Sunday, “wow” seems to be the only word I can get to come out of my mouth.  James 5:16 reads, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”.  There is no doubt that literally hundreds of prayers were offered up to God during the weeks building up to the  Fairfield Church of Christ's 60th Anniversary Homecoming.  And, as was obvious to the 622 who gathered on this special day, those prayers uttered by many righteous people were answered in abundant fashion.  The greatest Hollywood director could not have scripted a better day ..... the weather was perfect ..... the two lessons delivered by former pulpit minster Mike Kelley were encouraging and uplifting ..... the endless rows of tables in the new fellowship hall were full to overflowing with food ..... the contribution of over $7300 was beyond generous.  Let's just suffice it to say, the spirit of the day was one of unmatched love, friendship, and happiness.  I am satisfied that many of us echoed on Sunday the very thing that  King David said in Psalm 122:1 ..... “I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord' “.   <br><br>Though I know she will not take the credit, it seems that most fingers point to Sheila Brady as being the instrumental point person in helping Sunday to be the success that it was.  There is no doubt that she had a great deal of assistance in all of the planning and preparation for the Homecoming events from a big number of people.  So, to those of you who are unnamed, you know who you are, and we also want to say a huge “Thank You” to you as well.  It must also be mentioned here that we should never underestimate the importance of a simple invitation to the Lord's worship services.  Statistics tell us that many of those who are “unchurched” say they would strongly consider attending worship somewhere if someone would just invite them.  Apparently, many of you said to your friends, family, and neighbors ...... “Let us go into the house of the Lord”.  The result in this good invitation was not only a huge attendance, but also an opportunity to “rejoice with them”.  <br><br>We will never completely know the good that was accomplished on this record setting day.  During the day, 3 precious souls responded publicly to the Lord's invitation for prayers of encouragement and assistance.  There can be no way to know how many relationships were also rekindled with the Lord in a private way.  Only God has the exact figures of the blessings of the day.  It is now our duty to begin the 61st year of this congregation with more zeal and determination than ever.  The fields in this community remain “white unto harvest”.  I believe with all of my heart that there are many lost souls yet to find.  I also believe that many of those souls desire to be found, they are just not exactly sure by who.  It is up to us to take the Gospel, or better yet, the Good News to all who we come in contact with.  On Sunday, Mike mentioned the “Fruits of the Spirit”, found in Galatians 5:22-23.  If we will allow those “fruits” to grow and become evident in our lives, in many cases we won't have to search for those lost souls ..... they will find us.  Like a moth to a flame, so it will be for those searching for Jesus ..... you just be the flame.<br><br>                           <br><br>   Go the extra mile - Devin<br>