Sunday, August 28th, 2005
The Baptist Bulletin, the national magazine of the GARBC, has posted a testimony from Pastor Frank Russo concerning the burning of their church building. God has used a physical fire to spark a spiritual one! Here is a snippit from Pastor Russo:
Then something startling happened on August 2. A fifteen-year-old boy was out having fun with his friends and set the church on fire. The fire consumed our entire church. I arrived on the scene at 5:30 a.m. As I was being interviewed by the media, I constantly reminded them that it was “just a building.” I explained that the church is the people who love Christ and one another. The media wanted to portray it as a tragedy, a loss of memories and of a church home. Not to sound super spiritual, but I stood there and thought to myself, “Wow, God, the church prayed that You would move so we could speak of Christ and the wonderful works of God. Wow!” That day was not like anything I had ever experienced. As our church members began to arrive, we consoled and encouraged one another. Reminiscing over the past, many tears were shed; there was one common thought among all of us: God had answered our prayers, not the in way we thought, but in a way that would bring Him the most glory and exposure.
The media coverage portrayed our church family as one of having hope in God’s promises.
The only item that survived the fire in the sanctuary was the cross. The fire chief was amazed by it, and the media in their own way made it the centerpiece of the story. One reporter called me at home and asked if I was going to bring the cross to the next church service, which was going to be held at the fire station’s training room. Chief Miller had graciously offered it to us when I arrived at the scene. I said, “I had not planned on it.” But he replied, “It is all about the cross.” There is no truer statement than that. It is all about the Cross. In interviews different reporters would ask me, “What does the cross mean to you?” I would answer, “The cross is my hope, it is where my Savior died for my sins, and it is my hope of eternal life.”
Be sure to check out the article with included pictures. Continue to remember this church in your prayers.
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2005
- Pray for Pastor Frank and Barb Russo and the church family of Cornerstone Community Baptist Church, North Aurora, IL. The church building was destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning, August 2nd. Some of the insurance issues are still “up in the air,” although it looks as though the coverage will be less than the replacement costs. Any financial gifts can be sent to Old 2nd National Bank, 200 W. John Street, North Aurora, IL 60542, Attention: Rebuild Account. The prayer of the church at this time is for God to continue to help them use this tragedy to evangelize the area. If you want to send a note of encouragement or call…
Frank A. Russo (Barb)
1484 Golden Oaks Pkwy
Aurora, IL 60506
1-630-966-8560
frankarusso@aol.com
- Missionary John Leonard has not been able to continue rehabilitation, because of a persistent fever caused by infection in his body. Last night (August 16th) the doctors think they have located the source of the infection. This has been the first apparent set-back after more than one month of constant advances in John’s recovery. But we rest assured that God is still in control.
Joshua, John’s son who was hospitalized in Brazil, has arrived in Des Moines. He was admitted to the same hospital where his father is for a medical evaluation of his present condition. Please pray for Joshua’s healing and for God’s leading in his life. For current updates on John and Joshua Leonard, please visit www.prayforjohn.com.
- Pray for Carol Longstreth (wife of Pastor Jerry Longstreth, Henry, IL) who is recovering from recent shoulder surgery.
- Pray for Camp Manitoumi. There are some committee meetings this week in conjunction with Men’s Retreat. The Executive Committee meets on September 9th and there is a Husband & Wife Board Retreat scheduled for October 14th & 15th to commemorate the opening of the new Retreat Center (remodeled Staff Building basement).
- Pray for our churches as they kick-off their Fall Ministries in the next few weeks.
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2005
John Kealen and I met with our Lanier salesman (same as where we got our printer) last week and discovered that we can enter into a 5 year lease for a new Lanier digital copier for $252.00 the first year. The lease will increase at a rate of 10% each year. The lease agreement would include parts and materials (toner). Our present machine was costing us between $90 – $180 each year for toner alone. Unless we hear from one of our Pastors or churches about a reliable machine that could be donated to the Camp/IL-MO, we will probably go with the 5 year lease for a new Lanier. Please let us know if you can help.
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Tuesday, August 23rd, 2005
If you or any men from your church have made last minute plans to attend the Men’s Retreat this Friday & Saturday, August 26th & 27th, it would help us be adequately prepared for meals and other materials if you would call Bob Fields and register over the telephone. The cost will still be $45.00 for those registering late. Supper is served from 5:30 – 6:45 on Friday and the service begins at 7:00 pm. We have a great Retreat planned for you and your men. The same is true for the late Friday morning early Friday afternoon Golf Tournament. Cost is $28.00. You can call me at 309-367-9404 (Office), 3090367-4844 (Home) or email .
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2005
The GARBC national youth website has some of their own photos from TLC. Check it out! (Some of these photos might be duplicates of what we have in the youth gallery but there are some new ones). Here’s a snippit from our own gallery:
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