What a blessing it is to be a part of the Palm Beach Lakes congregation! The heart of this church and the heart of this eldership is such a tremendous encouragement! The announcements made this past Sunday were thrilling to hear, as we continue to see great vision from our elders!
Even in the midst of a difficult 2020, our elders were still vigilant in seeking ways to fulfill the Great Commission. Did you hear their hearts this past Sunday when they said, “Last year, the elders spent a lot of time discussing how we could increase the mission work of Palm Beach Lakes. How can we do more? What can Palm Beach Lakes do to reach more lost souls?” What vision! What motivation! That is when they introduced to the congregation a new initiative to evangelize America and the world that they are calling, “Palm Beach Lakes World Missions.” The elders’ design for this effort is to: (1) reach out to and work with congregations in Florida and around the United States, (2) assist mission works on foreign soils, and (3) plant congregations in due course. The intent is to start small and to let the work gradually and naturally develop and expand.
I am excited to see how Josh Blackmer and Dan Jenkins will work with the elders to achieve these goals. These two men are diligent and vigilant workers in the kingdom, with a keen awareness and concern for lost souls around the world. They will be working together to assist smaller congregations and then looking for ways to take the gospel into fields yearning for truth and redemption. As the work progresses, you will hear of various efforts in which they are engaged, and you will hear of opportunities where you can get involved. (Be sure to read Josh’s article for more details about this new program.)
Equally as exciting was the second part of the elders’ announcement on Sunday about the future of our Family/Youth Work. Again, the elders are looking at the needs of this church and looking down the road at how to best meet those needs. How wonderful to know that the elders have been in discussions with our own Robert Lupo, and to hear that Robert will be attending the Southeast Institute of Biblical Studies in Knoxville, Tennessee this August and, upon completion of their two-year program, will return to work at PBL in Summer 2023. This church loves Robert! Our young people love him! He will do a tremendous work for the Lord and His church here, in his home congregation!
Great things are in store for Palm Beach Lakes! Thank God for our elders! Pray for our elders, for Josh, for Dan and for Robert! May the Lord keep us humble! May He use us for His cause! May the Lord be glorified in all that we do!