Pastors’ Update 09-27-2024

Hi Everyone and Happy Sabbath,

Once again the Middle East conflict is heating up again after the IDF began a bombing campaign in Lebanon against the imbedded Hezbollah fighters. Hundreds have been killed and thousands wounded. Now, thousands of refugees are fleeing into Syria to escape as the IDF threatens a major ground offensive. This follows the attack by the IDF last week after they infiltrated the supply line of pagers and walkie-talkies for Hezbollah, installing explosives that were detonated on two separate days. The explosives were small and effective in killing dozens and injuring thousands of Hezbollah leaders and soldiers. Mostly causing the loss of sight, eyes, and fingers, and injuring nearby bystanders. It seems the attacks were a precursor to the Israeli’s plans for a full scale offensive against Hezbollah. Hezbollah has threatened retaliation and this escalation has dampened the peace talks for a cease fire and hostage release in Gaza that were under way.

Prophetically, we know that the Middle East conflict will eventually escalate and bring in the military forces of the coming beast power to promise “peace” for the region. We should continue to watch and pray about this escalation of tensions between the nation of Israel and its neighbors.   

Also, this morning, Hurricane Helene came ashore as the strongest hurricane (CAT 4) in the past 100 years to strike the Big Bend region of Florida. So far, only 4 people have been reported dead, and 1.2 million are without power. Linda and I have been in contact with members in the area and so far, no reports of major damage or injury to members of God’s church. But, it is still early and the after effects of the hurricane (now downgraded to a tropical storm that is now traveling through Georgia and the Carolinas), will take time to evaluate.

Please pray for those suffering from this devastating storm.

Following the Feast of Tabernacles, on November 9th, (Daylight Savings Time ends Nov. 3rd) we will once again be meeting for Sabbath services at 12:30 pm, in Lodi and Red Bluff. This will allow those who travel great distances for Sabbath services to drive home from services before it gets dark. We began this last year and it seemed to work well, especially for our older members who prefer to not drive long distances after dark. Reno will continue to meet at 2:30 pm because of our meeting hall arrangements (other groups meet earlier in the day in our meeting space).

Feast of Tabernacles registration for all sites in well underway. Please register through the COGWA portal, if you have not already done so – even if you do not plan to attend this year. Registering is very helpful in planning each of our Feast sites. Our assigned site is Redmond, OR. For those who wish to transfer to another site, transfer registration is now open. If you have any questions, you may contact our Festival Advisors – Bob Besore` (Stockton), John Cornelison (Redding), and Mark Fike (Reno). Members can register at the COGWA member portal (portal.cogwa.org) 

We will have Sabbath services tomorrow for the Redding, Stockton and Reno congregations. Linda and I plan to be in Lodi, and Mr. Lindenberg will be in Red Bluff this Sabbath.