From the Pastor's Desk

It’s Monday morning, and I am looking at our Sunday School report as I always do on Mondays.  I am so encouraged by what I see.  For the last twelve weeks, we have had great attendance.  We have the potential of running 150 easily.  Thank you for being faithful to small group Bible study.  When I first came, we did not have very many children or youth, but I can tell you we have them now.  We are looking at adding classes.  That tells me that we have more young couples coming.  God is truly blessing us at Oakland. To God be the glory!
However, with growth comes growing pains. That means we will need new teachers.  Please don’t think someone else will do it. You pray and ask God if you are the one to teach children God’s Word.
Also, with growth comes the need for money to do what we do.  More people means we have to buy more resources.  We have a new building which adds cost.  We have added staff.  We are not meeting our budget needs.  Our budget needs are $27,870.00 per month.  We currently are averaging $19,284.00.  As you can see, we are well short.  I don’t talk a lot about finances, but when we have a need and God is blessing us, you must know.  People who are uninformed can’t help.  Pray about how you can help.  Let’s shake our fist in the devil’s face, because he surely doesn’t want to see us move forward.
Thank God with me for how He is blessing us, and ask Him to meet the needs we have.  With growth every church faces these kinds of issues, so don’t panic.  Believe and be faithful. God bless you, church.

Serving the Savior,
Pastor Mike