Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

     What a month.
     September was a difficult month - for all of us.  We've seen a national tragedy.  We saw images of events that shocked us, angered us, and changed us.  We were saddened by the meaningless loss of life.  And as a nation, we were overcome with grief.
     But have you noticed?  Have you seen how people have come together?  Have you watched how thousands of volunteers have banded together for relief and recovery?  Rather than running scared, Americans have met the new challenge given to us.  Rather than be terrified, Americans are picking up the pieces and moving on.
     Yes, we still grieve.  Yes, our lives are forever changed.  But we do go on.  We now focus on the on-going work with victims and their families.  We focus on the countless hours of back-breaking work done by countless numbers of volunteers.  We focus on meeting new needs and reaching out in new ways.
     And we shall succeed.  With the power of God flowing through us, we will be able to meet those needs and keep that focus.
     I see God at work in those volunteers.  I see God at work in Arlington, Virginia in the counselors working with children who lost a parent.  I see God at work in the people passing out cups of water and hot meals to the workers in New York City who are still sifting through the rubble.  I see God at work in us, as we reach out in prayer and support.
     While the news media have changed their focus to other topics, we should not lose our focus.  Even the new Church was faced with several challenges.  Yet they flourished and grew close to God.  The same can be said about any time in the Church's history.  Even today.
     We have seen how tragedy has drawn people closer to God.  We have seen our nation come to rely more fully on God.  But this new found relationship must grow, lest it atrophy.  Those who have seen the light of God must be nurtured and cared for in spirit.  Or they will fall way very easily and quickly.
     I ask you to think about your friends and family who have turned toward God in this past time of crisis.  Pray for them.  Ask God how you might intervene in their spiritual growth.  Search God's mercy for how you may be able to present the gospel to them.  Remember:  this is one way that God provides us with grace and opportunity, even in times of great difficulty.
     God has given us this time.  Let's be bold - not timid.  Let's be courageous - not scared.  Let's seize this opportunity for ministry - and not let it pass us by.  Amen!

Your fellow servant,

Pastor Jon West