The elders met Tuesday, January 10th at 7:00pm for their regular monthly meeting. Pastor Pat opened in prayer praising God our Father for the salvation we have in Jesus Christ and for the goodness and love our Heavenly Father shows His children in their daily provision.

The elders have been working through the London Baptist Confession and this month we reached the final chapter - The Last Judgment. A day has been appointed where all will be judged by Jesus Christ. In that day God’s glory will be manifested in both His mercy towards those who have trusted Christ for salvation and in His judgment towards those who have continued in unbelief. The time of that day is unknown to man, encouraging us to always be ready. It is a consoling yet sobering reminder that we should be about the ministry of loving and encouraging our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and we should be about the ministry of repentance, proclaiming the gospel to those who do not know God.

Frank Barber then presented the December financials. Though average attendance was down, we had much reason to give thanks as the month of December occasioned the highest monthly giving in the history of OBC, $104,502. We were overwhelmed with God's provision through the body, giving thanks for the Lord's work in hearts to go beyond what we expected in providing for the budget needs of OBC. We pray that the church also would be greatly encouraged, that we would continue to be good stewards of God's grace to OBC and that through your generosity many would be blessed through the ministry of God's word.

Next, Ron and Kathleen Hayner were approved for membership and joined Kate James, Michael Peterson, Andy Sommer, and Ted and Katie Swanson for induction to OBC on Sunday, January 15th. It is always a joy and an exhortation to read together the church membership covenant. May the Lord give grace and strength through His Spirit to live out our commitment.

Part of the ministry of the church is supporting missionaries in other countries where there is gospel opportunity. We are excited for the upcoming opportunity to support Kwacha Simwaka, a graduate of Masters Seminary, as he teaches and ministers to pastors in training at the Central African Preaching Academy in Lilongwe, Malawi in southern Africa. Kwacha and his wife Amanda were introduced to the body during the Sunday school hour and Worship Service on January 22nd. They plan to be in Africa to begin their ministry in March of this year.