America is celebrating Independence Day this weekend. Fireworks and cookouts will be abundant. It is great to be an American. Many have paid a great price for us to enjoy freedom. Make sure you take your responsibility of passing it on to the next generation.

On Wednesday evening I had the joy of visiting with Dr. Ohene Kumi on our church campus. He is the pastor from Ghana with whom our team worked on the Samaritan’s Purse project. I asked him to tell me the impact of the shoeboxes which are delivered each year. He smiled as he shared. His church used the gifts as a door to invite children and families to Vacation Bible School. And you know what happens at VBS. The Gospel was presented and people trusted Jesus as Savior! The boxes make a difference. When it is time to pack one this fall, I will be more diligent than ever. I encourage you to do the same.

The next six weeks marks the heart of summer. Vacation time will be a priority for many families. Enjoy the travel and leisure days. When you are traveling you can keep in touch with Olive on our website. Also remember to be faithful with summer giving. Thank you for your faithfulness.

Pastor Ted Traylor