Luke 24:31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?
Those who attended the January 4th Day presentation were blessed with an excellent illustration of the battle which rages within a person who sins against his fellow man and God while being tugged by the Holy Spirit to draw closer to God’s Word. We heard how the remedy from the pick-pick-picking of Satan may be found in retreating to our car for an hour and reading the Bible during lunch. May all of us recognize the efforts of Satan and also find our remedy through the nudging of the Holy Spirit.
In December 2017, members of the Community went to the 4-H Center, in response to their request, and removed all of our property. We quickly found a storage area, in Winchester, and secured the Community’s property. This action was necessary because of needed maintenance.
At our Board Meeting on January 20, 2018, the Board discussed the cascading consequences which we face on two fronts. First, since we do not know when the renovations will be complete, several Board Members have been exploring alternative sites with all deliberate speed. Second, teams will have to travel to the site and pick-up the gear for the weekend and the team also has to tear-down following the weekend and return gear to the storage area.
I am pleased to report that we are advancing on site selection and have been assured by Board and Community Members that we will have many volunteers to transport gear at both ends of the weekend.
Members of the Community have provided suggested sites and several have been fully explored. We hope to be very close to determining the next site at the February Board Meeting and the community will be notified at the Gathering following the decision and also in the Newsletter.
I hope this explains why the dates listed on the January Newsletter were “tentative.”
God provides! God has this problem while we endeavor to find His solution and; we do not yet have enough applications to justify setting a date.
Finally, the Community was introduced to three “Emmaus” Pastors now serving in our region that articulated how they are anxious to get back into teaming as Spiritual Directors and, with Prayer, they may initiate sponsorship for some Pilgrims attending their churches.
I invite everyone to come to the February Gathering at Macedonia UMC, near White Post/Stephens City and to consider inviting someone – even if they’ve never walked – if you’ve been in prayer for them or if you’ve been led by the Spirit of Holiness.
DeColores,
Phil Hannum LV #5