The Elders of OBC met for their regular monthly meeting at 6:30 a.m. on December 13, 2017. Pastor Pat began the meeting by leading the elders in a time of prayer. As elders, we are very encouraged by our redeeming God who has given us the gospel through His Son, Jesus Christ.

By faith, we are saved by His person and work. Not only that, He has given us all, as the body of Christ, the ministry of the gospel to share with all peoples. We are very thankful to have the freedom in this country to fully exercise our faith without government interference. We continually pray for that privilege now and into the future.

In just a short time from now, we as elders will by united with Vineet Sasane when we all attend the Bible conference at Westminster Seminary in Escondido, California. Vineet is a missionary and fellow pastor from Pune, India. It was a year ago that Pastor Chris and Pastor Mike Grimes traveled to India to serve alongside Vineet in Pune.

After the conference at Westminster, Vineet will be teaching at our Men’s Retreat at Platte River State Park and visiting the different ministries that take place at OBC on Wednesday nights. It will be a busy time, but be praying for Vineet for strength and great fruit and blessings as Christ is preached and held in high honor.

Home groups continue to be a great encouragement to the entire body as we love and serve each other with Christ’s love and build gospel-centered relationships. If you are not attending a Home Group, now is the perfect time to consider joining one near you.

Pastor Mike Holloway discussed the Giving & Attendance Report from November. The monthly general offerings so far for the year are down $18,000 according to budget. Please pray for this shortfall. We are praising the Lord that our needs are being met and continue to pray for strong giving as we strive to reach our budget for the year. Please pray as this presents a tremendous opportunity for the Lord to deliver what is needed.

Finally, the elders are very encouraged by the continued progress of our church membership and the faithfulness of the body in this regard. Nothing is more praiseworthy to the Lord than to see the body of Christ respond to church leadership. Church membership is a vital tool for everyone to grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church.

The meeting closed at 7:28 a.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is planned for January 17, 2018.