First Presbyterian Church of Fresno

Dear First Pres,

   What a joy it was to launch a refreshed partnership with World Vision on Sunday! Seriously, I am thrilled with your response. We heard from Chad Erlenborn, World Vision Senior Church Advisor, and had the privilege of coming alongside World Vision’s work in Bena Tsemay, Ethiopia. As I said on Sunday, there are about 3500 children that need sponsorship in that relatively new World Vision community. But now, because of your prayerful generosity, there are 102 less. That’s right! On Sunday we sponsored 102 children! Praise be to God! 

Dear First Pres,

Dear First Pres,

   FPC’s Vision is to see God’s Kingdom come, more and more, in Fresno as it is in heaven. It might seem far fetched, and in one sense it is. Our city, with all of our issues, is a far cry from everything being just the way King Jesus wants them to be. However, His Kingdom is here, and God is always at work for His eternal purposes. Still, the question is asked, “What could we do that would really make a difference?”

   “It’s a crazy, mixed up world.” That’s what my best friend used to say on a regular basis. When he’d see something in the news that was disturbing, when we’d talk about people we couldn’t understand, or when we’d witness one of our friends or family members struggling with the messiness of life, he’d say, “It’s a crazy, mixed up world.”

Dear First Pres,

   Throughout this summer, I had the opportunity to teach Sean how to drive. Being an international student, he didn’t see the purpose of driving originally. He thought it would be a waste of time and effort to start doing it. However, COVID is extending his time in the US, so he thought, “I should learn how to drive.”

Dear First Pres,

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1.

Dear First Pres,

Dear First Pres,

   Often the beginning of the school year is a time of adjustment and change in our lives. I know that is happening in my own family, and it’s also happening on our great FPC staff. We’ve had several changes over the last few weeks, and I want to bring you up to speed.

Dear First Pres,

Dear First Pres,

   And just like that summer vacation is coming to a close. Yes, for most of the families in our congregation, school is starting within the next two weeks. Of course, it’s not just students returning. It’s teachers, administrators, staff, and many volunteers who make schools function. These past two school years have been nothing short of dramatic and difficult. And, as COVID cases spike again, I can only imagine the angst it is causing all those connected with our local school districts.