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From the January, 1998 edition of The Doulos monthly newsletter

by Tim Abel

1997 was an exciting year for The Chapel. We've seen great blessings and some hard times too. Many of you members faced death, sickness, loss of job, stress, and family problems last year. Our hope is that if you are one of those members, you were able to share your burdens with friends here.

Maybe you were surprised by a home cooked meal, a note of encouragement, a warm hug. For some kind words. The Chapel family has pulled together in many circumstances and we've learned that as a family we can make it through almost anything.

We also saw great blessing in 1997. Babies were born, souls were saved, lives were changed. Weekly ABFs and Home Groups report praises and thanks to God for answered prayers and marked growth.

Now - as we look ahead to the New Year, we see big things in The Chapel's future. God has shown His faithfulness in so many ways. It seems that every time I pick up a church bulletin, read The Doulos, or even when I speak with people in the halls, I learn about new ministries or new dimensions of already existing ones. We are truly blessed!

The danger here is that we could dwell so long on our blessings that we let 1998 and its many opportunities slip away. James 1:4 says, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Perseverance! The Chapel has learned to persevere. From the beginnings in the Y.M.C.A. building to where we are now facing an expansion project. We've seen changes and additions to our staff leading to our present "Terrific Trio." Now, however, is not the time to sit back and wait for our pastors to do all the work. As the church grows in numbers, we need to work all the more to find a time and a place to devote ourselves to ministry. In the coming year there will be more and more opportunities to serve.

You see, perseverance doesn't mean sitting quietly and waiting for someone else to do it. The dictionary defines it as: "The ACTION or condition of persisting in an undertaking in spite of counter influences, opposition, or discouragement."

We must persist - against all opposition - to allow God to work through each one of us to see our own lives and our church become more mature and c6mplete in the coming year.

Do you look back at 1997 and think, "I wish I'd done more?" Don't miss out on the opportunity to make 1998 a year of blessing and satisfaction as you serve God and others in the ministry of your choice. Just imagine where God could lead us by this time next year.

In Christ,

Tim Abel

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