“I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:1 NLT
A Message From Our Senior Pastor
August 2017
While we are on a hiatus from Bible Study, Sunday School, FFI classes, etc. during the month of August, don’t take a break from praying, meditating, and daily reading of God’s Word. I encourage you to reflect on God’s Majesty (Psalm 8:1) and how God has helped you overcome obstacles, provided financial support, comforted you during your time of need, and the overall goodness of God. I’ve recently taken time myself to reflect on the blessings of Eastern Star Church and its ministries; we have accomplished several great things in the community, nationally, and globally during 2017! Below are a few highlights: Haiti Mission Trips (July 8 – 22) – Eastern Star Church along with Heartland Church, joined on a mission trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Over the course of two weeks, members of each congregation worked side by side to build a foundation for the kitchen at the school in Turpin Village (just outside of Port-au-Prince). The kitchen will enable the women in the village to prepare meals for the children each day during the school year. The groups also painted the latrine, laid the foundation for the orphan children’s home, and assisted in Vacation Bible School for more than 400 children and youth. Arlington Woods Elementary – The congregation has raised more than $72,000 of our $200,000 goal to support more than 500 students at Arlington Woods Elementary IPS School 99; and Raytheon employees donated 20 laptops. Thank you to all those who have supported this campaign thus far! Through the month of August, please continue to give to the technology campaign by using the ‘IPS99’ code via the GIVE tab on our website or app. Let’s make sure that School 99 has the same resources as other schools in the state of Indiana. feedONE - Last year, we committed to feeding children in Haiti for three years in partnership with the Convoy of Hope feedONE program. We’ve reached $132,000 of our total goal of $360,000 feeding more than 1,000 children each day. Visit our website or mobile app to help change the lives of those in need by pledging an electronic, recurring monthly gift of only $10. ESC Scholarship – Due to the generous tithes and offerings of our members, we were able to award 38 scholarships totaling $76,000. Each scholarship recipient received a check for $2,000 that will help with tuition, housing, books, and school supplies as they attend colleges and universities across the nation. Center for Leadership Development (CLD) – ESC has partnered with CLD for many years; and this year, we are a $10,000 sponsor of the CLD College Pre Conference and College Fair on August 26. The conference will provide resources to help more than 1,500 students and parents prepare for and succeed in college. The above touches on a few accomplishments since the beginning of the year because of your faithful support to building God’s Kingdom. As the church continues our mission of evangelism and discipleship, we’ve successfully launched The ROCK (Renewing Our Community for the Kingdom) Initiative. To learn more about The ROCK Initiative, turn to page 2. You can also get updates, view videos and photos on the initiative by visiting escrockintiative.org. Praise God! None of this would be possible without Him! We thank God for all the blessings and continuing to take this ministry from faith to faith and glory to glory. As we welcome in September’s “Back to Church Month,” it is a good time to ask God to give you guidance on where you should connect in ministry. Get involved in Bible Study, Sunday School, Financial Freedom Institute classes, or volunteer in ministry - ask Him to show you how you can become a better disciple to help further the kingdom. Blessings,
Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. Senior Pastor
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