The month of November was like a shooting star; it was spectacular and blazing fast. We, like you, can hardly believe that the Advent season is already upon us. But before we make the transition in celebration of the season, we would like to draw your attention to a few of God's evidences of grace which were noticeable in November. 

The month of November started on a high note as the Taylors, Grays, and Campbells spent a week with friends in Orlando at the Sovereign Grace Pastors Conference. This was remarkably refreshing and faith building. Once again, we would like to thank you, Living Hope, for your faith and support to send us to the conference.

One of the highlights of our time in Orlando was hearing about God's activity in the spread of the gospel among the nations. Our friend, Dave Taylor, gave an excellent update on the status of Sovereign Grace Churches globally and we have provided the video update below. 

In addition, Mark Prater, our Executive Director in Sovereign Grace, asked Matt to share a short testimonial update of Living Hope at the conference. Once again, we were deeply encouraged to witness the support from brothers and sisters around the country. The video of Matt's testimony has been posted below, as well. 

Another area of encouragement in the church has been witnessing the care and compassion present within the body of Christ. During this past month, the Lord has answered several of our prayers and we are doing our best to keep up! 

To begin, we have been praying for the Lord to lead us into our role in the advance of the gospel among the nations. And by God's leading, this month, we started having more intentional conversations with our friends Mario and Jen Vucenovic, who are serving as missionaries in Croatia. 

They have been in Croatia for 5 years and have been laboring faithfully in a place where the gospel is not known. In fact, there are only 0.38% Evangelical Christians in the country. While we do not yet know the entirety of God's calling for us in support of the mission there, Barbara Root and Lynda Hicklin have been organizing a way in which we can bless their family with a Christmas gift. Thank you for doing this, friends! 

In addition to this example, the Lord has answered another of our prayers. As you know, we have been asking for the Lord to use us locally in the advance of the gospel and the care for our community. Well, this month, we were introduced to our friend, Chris Harrell. 

If you have not met Chris, he is from Memphis and shortly after relocating here found himself homeless. He quickly acquired a job but did not have the finances for housing, yet. Over the past two weeks, we have come together as a church in creative ways to care for Chris.

It has been remarkably encouraging to see the members of Living Hope serve with selflessness. For example, Chick Yatsko, is overseeing the care and facilitation of resources; Peter and Jenn Mular hosted Chris for Thanksgiving; Caleb and Alyssa Washburn donated a bike to Chris;  Tim Campbell provided him with groceries; and Galen is helping Chris to open his very first checking account, just to name a few. Our desire is to meet his immediate needs while crying out to God to open his eyes for his greatest need; repenting of his sin and trusting in Jesus as his Savior. May the Lord do it! 

Friends, witnessing the church's care and compassion in both of these examples has been one of the most encouraging evidences of grace that I have seen. These situations and Living Hope's response are dripping with God's delight. 

So once again, I say, as for the saints in the land, they are the ones in whom is all my delight. Thank you, Living Hope, for your Christ-like example and your love for the Savior. 

Lastly, we are excited as we begin to turn our attention to the Advent season. Over the next four Sundays, we will be preaching from passages in Isaiah. We deeply desire these times to be means of God's grace to stir fresh affections for the Savior who was long predicted! 

Isn't the Lord wonderful? Each day and season is so exciting as we follow Him together. We are so grateful that He is using our church. 

We love you and thank God for you,

Matt, Zach, and Tim